11/14/09

Raindrops... you know how I love them. I would have liked these better if I had had my tripod, but handheld was all I had that day. I like how you can see the texture of the leaf in the second one through the raindrops even though it isn't as crisp as I like.


Wardrobe update.... went shopping with Mom today and found several things. (Mom laughed at my indecision, though. :) ) I got a lot of great deals so that made me feel better about letting some of those dollars loose.

On to that High School reunion tonight.... I have been told by Steve to NOT take my camera. lol

Here is a poem that Mom showed me today. It is precious.

Drinking From My Saucer

I've never made a fortune
And it's probably too late now.
But I don't worry about that much,
I'm happy anyhow.
And as I go along life's way,
I'm reaping better than I sowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.

I don't have a lot of riches,
And sometimes the going's tough.
But I've got loved ones around me,
And that makes me rich enough.
I thank God for his blessings,
And the mercies he's bestowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.

I remember times when things went wrong,
My faith wore somewhat thin.
But all at once the dark clouds broke,
And the sun peeped through again.
So God, help me not to gripe
About the tough rows that I've hoed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.

If God gives me strength and courage
When the way grows steep and rough,
I'll not ask for other blessings,
I'm already blessed enough.
And may I never be too busy
To help others bear their loads.
Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.

-John Paul Moore

11/13/09

I have forgotten about my Farmer's Market pictures lately so here is another shot of some pumpkins.
I loved these leaves... you can click on it to view the detail of that center leaf better.
Tomorrow night is my twentieth high school reunion.

I have a lot to wear..... but much of it is "school" clothes, if you understand my meaning.

Steve was in need of a few new work shirts and wanted me to meet him to help him pick some out. I decided this would be a great opportunity for me to get a new top or something to go with my "basics" in my wardrobe.

I am not one that goes out and buys things for myself very often. I realized why tonight.

I hate to shop.

I realize I am in the minority when it comes to this because *most* women I know love to shop.

I just do not fit into that category and I believe there are two reasons.

1. I do not like to spend money am very frugal.

2. When I finally do decide to spend some money shop I have no idea what looks good and decide it probably won't look good so why try it on and I walk away.

It drives Steve crazy to go shopping with me because I wander around aimlessly, look at price tags, turn my nose up at some of that stuff out there and talk myself out of purchases more times than I actually buy something.

My Momma always taught me to get the basics and then add to with some splashes every now and then. I just take that to the extreme sometimes.

I am not "fru-fru".... I would say my style is more tastefully simple.

I try to step it up a notch at times, and can surprise myself by actually buying something that is a bit more "not the usual me" but that is RARE.

SO.... tonight I walked out of the store with nothing.... AGAIN.

While I am realizing I am so blessed and have enough clothing to choose from there is something in the back of my mind that makes me want to look a little more spruced up tomorrow night.

Mom said she'd go with me tomorrow to see if I could find a little something/something to go with my basics. We'll see if that turns into a repeat of tonight.

Either way, I shall not complain for I am blessed beyond measure and I know I do not look like I did 20 years ago. THANK GOODNESS.

Well... except for being 105-110 pounds... I might could go for that again. lol

11/12/09

Reflections and fall beauty... I love that combination!


Here is a funny from today.

I was teaching the children about the Pilgrims on the Mayflower and shared with them some of the things they ate. The book I am reading was talking on one of the things that is called "hardtack" and it is a hard biscuit. I thought that was what it was, but before I told them incorrectly I wanted to check. While I was "researching" quickly one of my kids said:

"Oh, yeah, I know what that is! That is what killed Michael Jackson!"

Well, not quite, but you have the idea. I'm sure some of those Pilgrims eating it thought they might have one as hard as they were to eat! :)

In devotions in our teachers meeting this morning one of the teachers spoke on this verse::

II Corinthians 12:9
My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities that the power of Christ my rest upon me.

She challenged us to find ways where God's grace is sufficient for us, so here is mine.

God's grace is sufficient for me when....

I feel so inadequate to be all I need to be for my sweet husband, children and my students.

I make mistakes in life.

I realize I cannot do it all.

I forget my faith in the Lord because I'm too busy looking at the circumstance surrounding me.

I have a bad day.

I have to help someone who is hurting and I don't know what to say.

I am hurting.

I think I have figured out how to solve a problem with my children and they change it up on me!

I get upset with the kids and have to "step away" for a bit.

I find that my "routine" has been messed with and I have to "wing" it. (perfectionism at its finest)

These are only a handful of ways God's grace is sufficient for me, but I challenge you to do the same. If you have a blog consider yourself "tagged" to show how God's grace is sufficient for you. If not, write them out on a piece of paper. It's like counting your blessings with a twist. :)

11/11/09

On this Veteran's Day I am so thankful for those men and women who have given so much of themselves for our freedom. Some have given of themselves with their life, others by being away from family, friends and their own dreams and wishes. They give so much.... all so I can sit here tonight in a warm home surrounded by my family without the worries that so many others around the world are feeling at this moment.

Here is a poem I saw today at school for our Veteran's Day chapel. I loved it and searched online to find it. It gives you something to really think about...

The Soldier

It is the soldier, not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the soldier, not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the soldier, not the campus organizer,
who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.

It is the soldier, not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the soldier,
who salutes the flag,
who serves under the flag,
and whose coffin is draped by the flag,
who allows the protester to burn the flag.

By Father Dennis Edward O'Brien, USMC

11/10/09

Do you realize if you look at the date today you are counting backwards.... 11, 10, 9? Yeah, I like stuff like that. lol

Well, today was the day our Wes got his glasses.

What do ya think?

I think he looks adorable.

Steve took Wesley to get them and said Wes was smiling from ear to ear when he got them because he couldn't believe how much clearer everything looked!! (I remember that moment when I was his age.) When Mikayla and I came home from piano and I was able to see him for the first time. He was sitting there like studious little thing reading by the lamplight.

Here he is with his Momma.... his genetic cause for those glasses. :) What is so funny is the fact that I "tried" his glasses on and, well.... couldn't see a thing. I have coke bottles for glasses so that shouldn't surprise me. :)

11/09/09

It is around 7:15 tonight.

We just got home.

We left around 6:30 this morning.

Need I say more? :)

Oh yeah... one more word.

HOMEWORK.

11/08/09

Psalm 51: 10, 12

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free (generous) spirit.