11/30/08

These ornaments are quite special for today. These are the ornaments that were given to us by different people the year we were married. Hard to believe they are now fifteen years old. The kitties were a gift from my adopted grandmother and the other I received from my boss for where I was an Office Manager when Steve and I got married. Both are Hallmark.

My online blogger buddy, Wendy, asked me where I am going to put all of my ornaments I keep collecting. I will say that this year I didn't use any of the ball or "other" ornaments that come in groups of 4 or more. All of the ornaments this year are ones we have bought at places we visit, homemade from the kids, ones from students, or my major Hallmark collection. The theory is... when Wesley and Mikayla leave home they will have all of their ornaments to begin their tradition in their homes. That is... if I let them leave. lol

I've almost finished Christmas cards... another thing off the list.

Today our Youth Pastor preached since our Pastor is out of town with family. He spoke on the recession.... and how we can make sure we have "Recession Proof Christianity." The passage of scripture was from Proverbs 3:19-26 ~~ here it is in the version of the New American Standard Bible:

19The LORD by wisdom founded the earth,
By understanding He established the heavens.
20By His knowledge the deeps were broken up
And the skies drip with dew.
21My son, let them (God's wisdom and knowledge) not vanish from your sight;
Keep sound wisdom and discretion,
22So they will be life to your soul
And adornment to your neck.
23Then you will walk in your way securely
And your foot will not stumble.
24When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
25Do not be afraid of sudden fear
Nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes;
26For the LORD will be your confidence
And will keep your foot from being caught.

When we have fears over work, the economy, paying bills, etc... we are to put our thoughts on the Lord and fear not. I love verse 26... He is my confidence, my strength, my everything. It was good to hear this morning.

May this passage of Scripture give you something to think about!!

11/29/08

This year Hallmark had an ornament that brought back a major childhood memory for me. How many of you had the Fisher Price farm set?????? Kevin and I played with this thing for a LONG time.... we even still had the people, horse, cow and one chicken for Wesley and Mikayla to play with at Mom's. I don't know what happened to the farm itself.

The ornament has batteries and when you open one of the doors it moos. I don't remember if the real one did that or not... it truly could have. I just had to have this one to add to my childhood memory collection. I am beyond sentimental, you know. :)


We had Thanksgiving with Steve's Mom today. It has been a busy day getting the house cleaned and such before we left. I think I'm going to go make me some coffee and snuggle in for the night. It is cold and rainy.... perfect weather for cuddling... if I can get my son away from the Christmas train. lol

11/28/08

In keeping with my thankful week.... here is another thing for which I am thankful. :)

I am thankful that we are now celebrating the birth of Christ our Savior. We have begun the Christmas spirit at our house!!!

We went for our tree this morning. In the past few years we have been getting it from Home Depot or Lowe's, but this year Steve wanted to get one from a Christmas tree lot like we used to do. (Maybe one of these days we'll go cut down a real one in the mountains.) We found the one we wanted and, boy, is she big! Thankfully, I have ten million ornaments to put on a tree so it was definitely filled. The only thing I hate is that the back of the tree never gets seen because it is "shoved" into a corner.


As I began unpacking everything today I had a flood of memories. I lingered over the pictures of Wesley and Mikayla I have taken every Christmas. How can it be that they have changed so much. Again, I am so thankful they are healthy and growing... it is just sometimes as a mother (and a father, as Steve would say..) that we wish time would stop a bit. I couldn't keep from staring at those pictures as I put them up on the refrigerator or around the house. Maybe I'll scan a few in and let you all see what they used to look like...


What wonderful memories I also felt when opening our Christmas ornament boxes. We always start with the Hallmark collection... the ever-growing collection.

I bought 10 more the other day.

I can't resist... tradition.

I have photographed most of them and a few others and will share them as the season progresses. There are ornaments that the kids have made, ones students have given to me over the years, ones from my childhood, ones from when Steve and I got married and went to Eckerd Drug and bought ornaments because we had none. That was probably the tackiest Christmas tree we have ever had, but one of my favorites. I can still see the Moravian Star on top....

We watched "The Grinch that Stole Christmas" after supper while we were still decorating the tree. Everyone sing with me... "You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch..." hee hee... we love that movie.

The finished tree and mantle area. Closeups will come later.



The kittens are quite curious... they haven't tried to climb the tree yet, though. lol We have tortured them with the mini Santa hat. Oh, the things we do to them....



My sweet husband shocked me tonight. I came in to the computer to check email really quickly before starting on the next set of ornaments. He had sent me an e-card. Now, for Steve this was special simply because computers are not his area of comfort.... let alone that he sent me an e-card! Well, as I opened it up, I began reading at the bottom where he typed his message. It seems that my sweet man has planned a trip for us.... leaving December 19 right after school is out and coming back late Dec. 21. He has given me no details and will not until the 19th. I was speechless... it made me love him even more to know that he planned this for us. We haven't been away like this in an extremely long time. I am beyond excited but know a lot has to be done before this trip.... which is only three weeks away. I have no clue as to where we are going and I am LOVING that!!! :) I can't believe he pulled one over on me, but I love that he did. Just had to share....

Steve is still putting up the window lights and the kids are working on their Christmas tree/train area. I love this time of year. Lots of memories... and now that the kids are getting older the memories are becoming theirs. I am excited simply because they are excited.

More memories to come....

11/27/08

Thanksgiving Day.

Are you truly thankful?

Give praise to the Lord above for it is by Him we have all we need.

Psalm 103: 1,2
Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.

Think on this:

I asked for strength.
God gave me difficulties to make me strong.

I asked for wisdom.
God gave me problems to solve.

I asked for prosperity.
God gave me brawn and brain power to work.

I asked for courage.
God gave me dangers to overcome.

I asked for patience.
God placed me in situations where I was forced to wait.

I asked for love.
God gave me troubled people to help.

I asked for favors.
God gave me opportunites.

I received nothing I wanted. I received everything I needed. My prayer has been answered.

11/26/08

Psalm 95:1-7
O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.
For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.
In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also.
The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land.
O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker.
For he is our God: and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.
To day if ye will hear his voice.

10 more things for which I am thankful:

1. Medical technology

2. Two kittens that are running around acting crazy but bringing us joy daily

3. Having the means to shop for Christmas

4. The ability to teach

5. A hard working husband who is cherishing my family farm as much as I have and wants to preserve it.

6. Washer and dryer!

7. Photography

8. Laughter

9. Hard times that draw me closer to the Lord

10. Children doing what is asked of them

11/25/08

Last day of school till next Monday... Yay!!!

In continuing with my thought from yesterday, I am going in a bit of a different direction.

Today we had to run an errand after school. I parked pretty far from the store, but I don't mind doing that because it allows more exercise. Again... the perspective of how to see things arose in my daughter's mind. She began to complain "Great! Why do we have to be parked so far away from the store!" I began to immediately remind her to be thankful she has legs with which to walk that far. As the moments progressed the "ME" came out in my children in a large way. I began to see that their conversation was all about what was best for THEM. Then, when we were in the store, a voice came over the loud speaker and said "We are open long hours just for YOU, because it is all about YOU!"

Is it really?

Our society tells us that indeed it IS all about ME. I feel some days that we are like spoiled brats always demanding what WE want and what will make us happy.

Is that what God's Word says?

In speaking with my own two this afternoon I began to help them understand it is NOT about you and what makes you happy. Life isn't always easy or fair. Two times my lovely son said "But, I want it to be fair. Life SHOULD go my way."

To be honest, I have felt that way myself!! In trying to change my perspective on how I see things, it has caused me to see how many times I was about to complain!

Remember my verse from yesterday?

I Thessalonias 5:18 - In EVERY THING give thanks:

Here is another one:

Ephesians 5:20 - Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I realize with my children it is a growing process, just like the Lord is continuing to teach me and help me grow. My responsibility as a parent is to help my children see what His Word says. Wesley and Mikayla are by far from perfect, and say and do things that make me wonder what in the world they are thinking, but it is the process of growing and maturing. They have to learn (and it is not always easy) that their way isn't always the best way. God's way is.

Be thankful for what you have.

Here are a few more things for which I am thankful:

1. God's Word that continually opens my eyes to things I need.

2. My presentation went very well today.

3. My parents who are committed and loving to each other for over 44 years now.

4. My brother that pushes me (oopss.. encourages me) to try new things... or to just bake/cook.

5. Friends who care.

6. Parents at school who are so encouraging.

7. This computer so that I may communicate with you!

8. Katie's excitement over her camera.

9. Sal, Morgan and Cassie are moving back home.

10. I'm going shopping with my best friend tomorrow.... and I'll love every minute of it.

11/24/08

This verse was in my devotion this morning and it fit well with what I am trying to do this week.

I Thessalonians 5:18 - In every thing give thanks:

Do I give thanks in EVERY thing?

I began to think on that today. How often do I look at the circumstances around me and have a "pitiful me" attitude when I could change it to a thankful attitude and see the blessings from the difficulty?

How often to do I thank the Lord for something that is minuscule in my life but I take for granted every day?

Am I portraying with my children a thankful spirit with my attitudes and actions, as well as what my words say ?

I honestly had to say "no" to some of these. I get so wrapped up in the busyness of life that I fail to see what God has blessed me with right in front of me.

I challenged my students today with thankfulness. I told them they were to go home, sit in their rooms, open their closets, drawers, etc... and stare at all with which they have been blessed. Then, they were to write down 10 specific things in their room for which they were thankful. We'll look at those lists tomorrow.

I took that challenge on myself.

Here are some little things I began to think on tonight as I was stuck in traffic... again.

I have a vehicle that is older but is in great condition.

Gas was much cheaper when I filled up the other night.

I was warm in the van.

My children (being crazy and ready to be home) are healthy and "normal."

Being able to use a cell phone and talk to the people I love to let them know where I was at the time.

Enjoying the comfort of my Birkenstocks as I had to walk/stand a lot after school today.

My husband was at home waiting for me... and then, coming home to that husband who had worked all day tearing down a barn.

I have memories of that barn.

My Powerpoint is ready to go for my presentation in the morning.
(I figured out what was wrong with it when I transferred it from my computer to the school.)

I am loved by a God Who knows me and my little problems and is willing to listen.... always.

I made my list.

How about you?

Want to comment and share anything?

11/23/08

In starting the week of Thanksgiving I wanted to begin with praise to the Lord. He is why I have what I have!! Here is a song we sang today at church that I felt was good with which to start the "thankful week."

Psalm 8:1 - O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.

When I consider the works of Thy hands,
The sun, moon and stars above,
What is man that Thou thinkest of him
Who is so unworthy of Thy love?

Heavens are telling the glory of God,
Each tree points to Christ on high.
Why would God, the Creator of all,
Take the form of lowly flesh to die?

Jesus, Creator and Ruler of all,
Left Heaven to die for me.
Came to earth, laid aside heavenly throne,
In exchange for death on Calvary.

O Lord, our Lord,
How majestic is Thy name.
Mountains, valleys,
All creation tells thy fame.
Heavens declare it,
All Thy wondrous works proclaim:
O Lord, our Lord,
How majestic is thy name.

11/22/08

Busy day. :) Been working on photos from the shoot... here are some. They are one year old cousins and were BUSY. I remember those days. Hard to photograph, though. ha!!


The kids continued their cleaning spree today... they worked on Mikayla's closet. That was a serious job, too. She had to get rid of some stuffed animals. She is quite sentimental and I understand that.... However, some needed to GO. Later today, Mikayla went with me to the photo shoot and Wesley was with Steve working on the barn. They both worked very hard today without complaint. They earned another dollar towards that Joy Toy for the underprivileged children. :)

My former student.... well, still kind of sort of my student... Katie, got her new camera today!!!!!! We were so excited. I was the first person she called. :) I asked her to see if she could come over tonight and show me. She and her Mom came and we had a glorious hour or so basking in the newness of her camera. She got the same kind as I have, but the newer version. I was teaching her a few things about it and she was getting that "oh no, I can't comprehend anymore" look. lol She'll have to learn just like I did... and am still doing. I can't wait to see her homework!!!

I am very sad tonight..... we are going to have to take down one side of the old barns in order to save the other side. Steve was hoping to fix that side, but it just will not work without a lot of money. I will have to photograph that tomorrow morning. They have to work on it this weekend while they have the equipment they rented. I have many memories of playing in the hay in that side. I cannot promise anyone that I won't shed a tear....

11/21/08

Today was much better in the going forth department. I definitely do not feel as behind as yesterday. :)

Friday.... blessed day that it is. I am thankful it is here. We actually had snow falling on the way to school again this morning. I had hoped to capture a bit with my camera, but when the sun rose it all melted so by the time I could get out there it had gone.

I saw this as I drove up the driveway late this afternoon. The sun set cast such a pretty orange against those clouds. I just needed to capture the moment.


I have a photo shoot tomorrow so I had to run and get a backdrop for it after school. I got to talk with my mentor on the phone while driving home and it was so good to talk to him. He is the best.

Speaking of photo shoots... here are a couple of pictures from the one I did this past Monday. What do you think?


Today at school we had an adventure.... we "rode" on the "Mayfowler"... my kids did an experience of being the Separatists on the Mayflower. It is so much fun and the kids really enjoyed it. I love watching their faces when history comes alive. It is my most favorite subject so I want them to love it, too.

When we got home I knew I had to work on a few things so I told the kids to start cleaning their bathroom. Well, I got involved in my work and finally asked the kids to please clean both bathrooms.... each child taking one of them. As I kept working, I noticed and heard more cleaning than what I had told them to do... on their own. Wesley was in there cleaning Mikayla's "disastrous" room, while Mikayla Girl was in the kitchen cleaning what looked like an explosion had taken place. Not only did they clean very well, but they did it willingly with the right heart attitude. I was blessed by their obedience and desire to help. (They will be earning extra money for the extra things they did to go towards their Joy Toy purchase for school.)

On a funny note, when we were getting ready for our "movie night" (watching Cars) the kids were getting their pajamas on. Mikayla couldn't find where Wesley had put her pajamas so she asked him. He showed her and as he was walking out of the room he said "And put them back in the morning where I had them .... and fold them neatly!" ha!!!!!!! What a hoot!

Let me share something I love and am thankful for....


Yes, you got it.... GARLIC Triscuits. Triscuits are something I used to detest and thought it was like eating wood chips. Well, when I began the journey of losing weight (can you believe that was almost 2 years ago???), I fell in love with them because they were healthier. The Garlic ones are my most favorite in all the universe. I eat them in the morning as snack at school. My poor kids.... hopefully the garlic isn't TOO bad. lol I just can't eat one, either. Goodness... love 'em.

My sweet man brought home some subs for supper, doughnuts for the kids (and us....), more coffee creamer because we accidentally left ours out the other night (2 kinds! look below....), and built a fire. There are no words to describe the wonderfulness of this moment. :) Being with my family, enjoying the memories and trying out a new creamer. Anyone ever had Tiramisu creamer? We normally do the fat free only, but we are splurging tonight. Steve has already tasted it and said it is beyond words. Can't wait to have mine in a minute. :)

It's a good thing I tried to be careful what I ate today.... look at those things!!!

Love these. I am so grown up now. hee hee

OK... I just HAVE to do this again... Mackenzie, you looked very pretty today at school. Mitchell, did you enjoy being a Separatist? hee hee (Love you, kiddos!!!!)

11/20/08

Today was one of those days... from start to finish... where I seemed to be behind all day. I got behind more "slow pokes" on the road today than I have in a long time. I'll be honest, my first reaction was to get irritated and do a bit of rant and rave.... you know how you feel when those types of things happen. Instead, I continued to change my perspective. I began to think of how the Lord was having this happen for a reason and I needed to just sit back and "ride."

It happened again this afternoon and evening. I am thinking the Lord is continuing to teach me some patience! If so, I got a boat load of it this afternoon!!! I was coming home from the dentist and was dealing with the worst stop and go traffic I have dealt with in a long time. I did say a few words regarding the ordeal, but tried to keep them in a positive tone... especially since the kiddos were with me again. When it got to the point where I realized I was not going to get home in a "fashionable" time, I resigned myself to it. However, Mikayla cracked me up when she began to say "Patience is a virtue. Virtue is a grace. Grace is a little girl who didn't wash her face!" (I use to read that little "nursery rhyme" to the kids all of the time when they were little.... we know it well!) Then she said, "I know we need to be patient but I surely don't want to be!"

I must confess -- when she began that nursery rhyme I thought she was speaking to ME because of the way I felt inside at that moment. God was working on all of us, it seems...

Patience. I learned a whole bunch of it today.

11/19/08

If I have showed these already... please forgive. lol I honestly can't remember and don't have time to check my previous posts!



I need to send a "SHOUT OUT" to Mackenzie and Mitchell (they know who they are.....). They need to be famous, too. (Let Eddie know he's special, too!!!) :)

Another wonderful day in the play practice department. It actually went quite well!! I sang on key for at least two of the songs and was thankful to get through the toughest one. I appreciate all of the "support comments" regarding the lack of singing ability out there. That is a comfort to me. lol :)

Off to AWANA tonight. It is still boo chilly around here so I'm going to go fix some coffee for us to drink after church... while I grade papers. :)

11/18/09

A few more "visions of fall...."



It was quite cold and actually SNOWED here today in good ole NC!! We saw it snow three separate times. Maybe this is a sign that we'll actually get a little bit this year. We haven't had any substantial snow in many years. The Kindergartners at school were amazed to see actual snow because in their lifetime it hasn't done that much. lol

We began play practice today. Our second grade is doing "The Tale of the Three Trees." It is one of my all time favorite stories. Wesley is the tree that wants to live on the hillside and point people to God but is instead made into the cross. Mikayla wanted a singing part so she is a "special singer" for the trees that dream of what they want to be one day. This will be weird being in charge of the play of which Wesley and Mikayla are also a part. I hope it turns out well. It will be interesting trying to photograph them while directing the play, too! ha!!!

Our pianist for the play is one of my parents this year (HEY, Lynne!). She has been a great encouragement when it comes to me having to teach the songs.

For those of you that know me well.... YES, I TEACH THE SONGS.

Singing is not my gift.

NO.... not at all.

You see, in long ago times I was a soprano. You know....in those younger years where everyone takes chorus at school. Then came cheerleading for me and that was the end of soprano singing. I am a good alto... on a good day and those days do not come often!! I am literally an octave lower than everyone else, it seems. Does that mean I sing bass for women???? lol I try really hard to follow notes and such, but I am NOT musically inclined in that department. I love music, I just don't have the ability as others do. Every Sunday it seems I am all over the place when singing our hymns at church. I have improved over the years and can actually keep a tune better now. When I was downstairs teaching in my old room at school, my "neighbors" (two teachers next door) picked on me all of the time. That's OK.... they forced me to learn how to be a bit more "on key." LOL

No matter what, I try to make a "joyful noise" to the Lord. I pray our play will be a blessing to those who see it as well.

I really need to go glue some more tea set pieces together.... and sit by the fire.... and drink some coffee..... Contentment. :)

10/17/08

Another shot from Orton. This is looking from the bridge I showed the other day out into the water area.
Here is a shot I took yesterday on our walk through the woods. These leaves were so pretty and since most of the leaves are fading now, they were a nice contrast to the evergreen behind it.


I'm still gluing Mikayla's tea sets. Thankfully, they look alright considering what they have been through! I learned you have to have a lot of patience... it was quite tedious at times last night! It was also like putting a jigsaw puzzle together. I'm just thankful I could put them back together.

I was told today that someone described me this weekend as "determined." For those that know me, do you think that fits?????? lol I had to agree. When I set my mind to do something, it is going to get done. lol

I had something happen today that may seem insignificant to many, but I guess I try to teach my kids to be thankful even in the small things that it hit me a bit wrong. I was holding the door today for a lady and her child. I didn't have to hold the door... I actually had finished what I needed to do long before, but I saw them coming and decided to wait. I held the door open and in walks the child, then in walks the lady. Not one word of "thank you" was said to me. Not that I held the door only to get that "thank you" -- I did it because it was the right thing to do. I guess I am so used to saying "thank you" to someone when it is done for me that I was a bit taken back by it. Maybe I shouldn't take it so seriously. Maybe I should just chalk it up to it was a Monday.

I guess I can't do that.

I have learned that "thank you" goes a long way. If we do not model it for children, they will never do it themselves and the cycle of ungratefulness will continue. I feel that kids today get so much and so many times fail to really appreciate what they have. I see it every day in a classroom setting. Thankfulness is something I really work to teach my students as well as Wesley and Mikayla.

SO.... I ranted about this to say:

"Thank you" and "I love you" are some really important words. USE THEM A LOT. :)

::::stepping off my soap box now::::::

11/16/08

The picture above was taken at church last weekend. Those leaves were at their peak!


We went and had Thanksgiving with Steve's Dad today. It was a beautiful day (as you can see from the picture above) but COLD. I was able to take more pics....which was nice. We went for a walk in the woods with my nephews and I tried to take in all of the beauty. The leaves are really starting to fade now, but I was able to capture some more fall. I even got to help my nephew with his camera he just got for his birthday. I really enjoyed teaching him how to take a photograph and not just a picture. I realize he has lots to learn and all, but any new thing you can learn is always a plus.


We came home to find that our sweet little kitties had been into serious mischief. It caused us to realize that they are getting a little to full of themselves. What you see in the pictures below is what is left of Mikayla Girl's tea sets that Kevin has given her for Christmas the past few years.





These are quite special to her. I was SICK when I saw them all over her floor broken into pieces. She was crying and so upset. As a mother that broke my heart. The only thing I knew to do was to pick up the pieces and work on gluing them back together. I will work on them all night after she goes to bed just so she can have her sweet treasures from her Uncle Kevin. They may not be perfect anymore, but at least they will still be with her. She was so relieved when I told her I was going to glue them. Mikayla has always loved her tea sets... but I think this will cause her to love them more because they were able to be put back together.

As I was picking up the pieces I was reminded of our lives. Sometimes it takes something major to happen that breaks us into pieces for us to call to the Lord for help. Many times He allows those broken pieces to remind us that we always need Him. We have "scars" of past choices that are always with us, but the "glue" the Lord uses to bring us back to Him allow us to become whole again. It causes us to love and be thankful for what we have in a new light. And, truly, the Lord is the only "glue" that can put us back together when we have been broken.

I better go see what I can do to help my baby.....

11/15/08

I took this bridge picture at Orton Plantation. I thought the bridge was lovely.


Had a lot going on today so I am not writing much tonight.

11/14/08

A couple more pictures from Orton Plantation. This is of the actual plantation house. It is a private residence so you can't go in the house. We just looked from afar. :)

These are the grounds... aren't they beautiful?

CPR training... check! Learned some good things today that will hopefully continue with me when I go into panic mode. It is now down to 30 compressions/2 breaths. I think I can remember that.

Friday... glad its here. Still have a lot to accomplish this weekend. I'll have to take it step by step. Powerpoint... it's got to happen this weekend.

Have a great evening... off to enjoy some Friday night moments. :)

11/13/08

I thought I'd show pictures of the chapel at Orton Plantation tonight. I have gotten away from our trip pictures with all of my fall pics. This chapel is beautiful and I'm so glad we were able to go in it. Apparently a lot of TV shows and movies have had parts filmed here.





Speaking of fall... let's just say I experienced a major falling of leaves today. It was like it was raining leaves this morning when I opened the gate at school. I don't think I have ever quite experienced that before! Our peak of the leaves is gone. It surely has been beautiful.

I have no papers to grade tonight and I am rejoicing!!

I bathed two kittens when I got home... it seems we can't get rid of the fleas they brought with them when they were six weeks old. Because they were so small, we could not use the right kind of shampoo at that time. I think we're going to have to resort to getting them dipped and the house sprayed by an exterminator. It isn't that we have fleas hopping everywhere or anything, but I know in order to fully get rid of them and things not get worse and worse, we have to get to the root of the issue. I hate fleas... probably more so than ants.

They are some sweet kitties, though. They are going to be 16 weeks tomorrow. Right now Isabelle is up at the computer screen trying to chase the letters as I type them. She's a hoot. I guess she loves me again after that bath.

I have a Teacher Workday tomorrow... gonna get my CPR training re-certification. I understand that the rules have changed again from last year. I can't keep all of those things straight! Let's just say that if I were put in that kind of situation I would not handle myself very well. I forget every part I have been taught and go into panic/no think mode. lol I would not have made a very good nurse. I would know how to call 911. My best friend said her heart gets to pumpin' when she hears a trauma is coming or something major is happening in her Critical Care Unit... me, I pass out when someone just talks about a cut. Just ask Steve... nursing is just not my gift. The Lord definitely has me in the right place!

Steve is had to work late tonight and just got home. The kids are at Mom and Dad's so they wouldn't have to get up early in the morning. I do have clothes to wash and all, but I think I'm going to kick back and have a moment with Steve and my coffee. Have a wonderful evening.....

11/12/08

Took this picture of the old GMC that day with Katie. Poor thing... it has seen better days. :)


Feeling less weary today. Still have a lot going on but trying to change the perspective in the way I am looking at it. SO... for today I have chosen to count my blessings. They are in no particular order... just as I think of them. Here I go:

1. I got up this morning out of a warm bed and went and took a hot shower. Yes.... that is a blessing.

2. I got to put another "check in my box" today with some things that needed to be done. Boy, that felt good.

3. I read the chapter in the book last night that I was assigned to read for school. Now to take notes and do another Powerpoint.

4. I love Powerpoint. I am itching to create this new presentation. Sick, isn't it?

5. The leaves on the trees this year are beyond beautiful and I have enjoyed each and every day of them.

6. My Mom was able to pick up the kids from school at 2:30 today while I had an after school meeting.

7. We have two sweet children who do what is asked of them with little complaining.

8. I have a "beyond words awesome" husband who is always willing to fix supper at night or help me in any way he can.

9. The Lord is giving me more "photo shoot" opportunities.

10. I have friends who love me in spite of myself. :)

There are so many more things I could write, but I'll stop there. When you change your perspective, life is so much easier to handle.

Proverbs 16:3
Commit your works to the LORD
And your plans will be established.

11/11/08

I took this picture at that place where Katie and I went the other day. I changed the color and thought it looked neat.


I feel like this old front porch today. Worn out.

I found myself today not being able to think clearly to do what needed to be done simply because I had too much on my mind. I must admit I am weary. I feel the need for a quiet place to steady my busy mind. I don't see that the quiet place will come anytime soon, but it is what I am needing. Not meaning to whine... as I hate whining... just stating a fact. I need to keep reciting Philippians 4:13, don't I?

I wanted to write an eloquent and honoring post for our Veteran's today but it is not to be. My mind just will not cooperate. I will say this....with heartfelt thanks I am so appreciative of the sacrifices that were given, and are still being given, for me so that I may live in a free country. May God bless those who have served.... and are serving today.