Don't worry if you don't see me on here for awhile. Everything is okay, at least I think it will be. The bible says not to worry so I'm trying not to even though I do have a lot to worry about right now. More drama with my sister, a death in the family and some personal drama have me totally drained and I'm learning even MORE what it's like to depend totally on God to just sustain me--heck with the strength! I would covet your prayers--TIA!
We did have a good Christmas and I hope you all did as well! I'll post some pictures soon.
Love ya,
Michelle
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
It's almost here...
are you ready? I so am not but I don't even care. I am just not stressing about it this year. We've cut WAY back on gifts and everything else. I'm not even making much Christmas candy this year. I've already made two batches of fudge and the only other thing I plan to do is our traditional Martha Washington candy--it's mine and Brooke's favorite.
We are doing some baking today but only cupcakes for the dance Christmas parties tonight and cookies because our elves surprised us with some cookie dough and new Christmas cookie cutters.
But back to being ready..I do have 2/3 of the kids done and everyone else on the list is taken care of except for our Dirty Santa gifts, cousins kids, my BIL, my dad and Jeff's dad.
I spent yesterday cleaning house again and I couldn't resist...I rearranged furniture in the living room AGAIN. Is there like a rehab for this or something? I think I need some serious help here! But I like it MUCH better. Much more space in here and I don't know why I didn't think of this configuration sooner.
Last night, we took our annual trip to the Alabama Theatre to see my all-time favorite movie It's a Wonderful Life. Yes, I cried at the end, I always do. I'm so thankful my kids look forward to that event as much as I do. I'm sure it's not their favorite movie but I'm glad they have an appreciation for historic buildings and even more--an appreciation for something their mom enjoys!
All my bloggy friends must be busy--no one has updated lately. Don't sweat that small stuff, people! Journal! Inquiring minds want to know what's up with you!
Tomorrow, I'm spending the morning with my mom and her daycare kids. Guess where we are going? Bass Pro! LOL They have a Christmas village with fun things for the kids to do and so I talked her into doing that instead of the freakin' Galleria! Afterward we'll have lunch and then it'll be time to teach dance.
Gotta run and get cupcakes out of the oven!
We are doing some baking today but only cupcakes for the dance Christmas parties tonight and cookies because our elves surprised us with some cookie dough and new Christmas cookie cutters.
But back to being ready..I do have 2/3 of the kids done and everyone else on the list is taken care of except for our Dirty Santa gifts, cousins kids, my BIL, my dad and Jeff's dad.
I spent yesterday cleaning house again and I couldn't resist...I rearranged furniture in the living room AGAIN. Is there like a rehab for this or something? I think I need some serious help here! But I like it MUCH better. Much more space in here and I don't know why I didn't think of this configuration sooner.
Last night, we took our annual trip to the Alabama Theatre to see my all-time favorite movie It's a Wonderful Life. Yes, I cried at the end, I always do. I'm so thankful my kids look forward to that event as much as I do. I'm sure it's not their favorite movie but I'm glad they have an appreciation for historic buildings and even more--an appreciation for something their mom enjoys!
All my bloggy friends must be busy--no one has updated lately. Don't sweat that small stuff, people! Journal! Inquiring minds want to know what's up with you!
Tomorrow, I'm spending the morning with my mom and her daycare kids. Guess where we are going? Bass Pro! LOL They have a Christmas village with fun things for the kids to do and so I talked her into doing that instead of the freakin' Galleria! Afterward we'll have lunch and then it'll be time to teach dance.
Gotta run and get cupcakes out of the oven!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Sharing some pictures...
In case you haven't heard, my digital camera died and I am using Brooke's until I can get a new one. Won't happen before Christmas. But I don't have the cord that goes with hers to upload pictures from the camera so I have to go to walmart, print them and then scan them back in. Here are a few from the last few weeks:
watching the Nutcracker that Lauren and Ashley were in
Telling Lauren and Ashley how well they did
Kayti going to her first "teenager" party
Sitting on Santa's lap at the homeschool Christmas party
All the kids at the homeschool Christmas Party
All the moms with Santa at the party
watching the Nutcracker that Lauren and Ashley were in
Telling Lauren and Ashley how well they did
Kayti going to her first "teenager" party
Sitting on Santa's lap at the homeschool Christmas party
All the kids at the homeschool Christmas Party
All the moms with Santa at the party
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Do you know me?
I'm still getting responses back but I wanted to go ahead and post the answers anyway! Some were SO hysterical! I'm glad I decided to participate in this one! And just so you know--I try to be selective about which of these type things I bother everyone with. But don't feel like you ever HAVE to do them. They are just for fun. If you have time and want to, great. If not, don't worry about it. You won't hurt my feelings at all. But like I said, this one I could not resist--I knew I would get some funny responses! But here are the correct answers:
Where did we meet?
Okay, this varied depending on the person. Most of us met through church or our children. I met some through jobs that I had and still others through family or friends of friends.
Take a stab at my middle name?
Michelle. Yep. I go by my middle name. My first name is Lori. I'm named after two songs. Lori--you probably have never heard of. It's about some guy that goes out with a ghost! And of course, Michelle, my bell by the Beattles, I think everyone has at least heard of that one. I always hated that I went by my middle name, it's sort of inconvenient at times and I swore I'd never do that to my kids. Wouldn't ya know--I did it to ALL THREE OF THEM! Never say never is the lesson there. But the older I get the more I am finding the good in all things and it does have it's advantages. For one thing, I can screen my phone calls and my mail by it. If someone calls for "Lori", I know it's most likely a bill collector or a telemarketer! If I get mail for Lori, it's generally a bill or junk. So I'm cool with it now.
Do I speak a second language?
I don't speak another language fluently (and someone PLEASE tell my kids I do NOT speak "whinese"!!!) The one I come closest to is Spanish. I've taken a few classes in it--one in college that kicked my butt and another little conversational course for people who work with the public. When I was working at Compass, they had a huge presence in Texas & Arizona and a very large Hispanic customer base and employee base so I needed to know a few phrases. I think I do okay until I get around Brooke's little Mexican friend and/or her mom and then I'm like "huh?" LOL I also know a few phrases of French and German thanks to a class I took in college about Switzerland. French and German are the two primary languages spoken there (no, it's not 'Swiss'! lol) But again, I'm no expert on any language, not even the English one!
Am I a cat lover or dog lover?
Both but my preference is for dogs since my husband and son both hate cats, I've kind of gotten detached from liking them somewhat. Dogs are definitely friendlier.
Do I smoke?
No. I did in High School or when I would drink alcohol but I don't drink much anymore and when I do, it's not to "get buzzed" or "hold a buzz" so no need to smoke. Plus it's too darned expensive. I can think of better things to spend my money on. And the residual smell is AWFUL!!! (hello, Melanie and Mia!)
Color of my eyes?
Green. They look like a dark midnight blue sometimes but when you look closely, they are more greenish than blue. They kind of remind me of a mood ring.
Do I have any siblings?
Yes. I have two of the best sisters in the world who I love dearly. Melanie is 32 and Mia is 24. We are kind of spread out in age but couldn't be closer if we were all triplets. I also have a half sister and a half brother by my dad but I've only laid eyes on them in person once in my whole life. Kind of sad but that's the way it goes sometimes.
What's one of my favorite things to do?
I have way too many interests--that's a big problem for me. I love to read, organize things, do crafts and artsy-fartsy things, sing loudly in the car to embarass my kids, bellydance (especially in Walmart to embarass my kids into behaving!), write, travel, hang out with friends, cook (and obviously eat!), get my toes done (when I have money which is almost never!), walk barefoot on the beach with freshly done toes, listen to good music, take pictures, scrapbook, plan fun things to do, watch Jon & Kate plus 8, The Duggar family, Cold Case, Judge Judy and King of the Hill.
What's my favorite type of music?
I don't have a favorite. I like it all and I generally go through phases of what I'm "hooked on". I'm trying to pare down some of my listening though to things that are more appropriate and pleasing to God (like no more Soldier Boy or any Ludacris! LOL) but I still can't resist a good Gretchen Wilson song, even though she says H-E-double hockey sticks and talks about doing some things I know God wouldn't approve of. Work with me here, baby steps, baby steps.
Am I taller than you?
I think I'm taller than most of you which isn't saying much--I'm only 5'4"! I never noticed I have a lot of short friends before. My sisters are both taller than me so I definitely got the short gene. Maybe a little Freudism going on here...(me picking friends shorter than me! lol) I'm just kidding...
Am I shy or outgoing?
Generally, I'm pretty outgoing but I do have my shy moments. I also have my lack-of-prozac moments.
Am I a rebel or do I follow the rules?
I do have a rebellious streak meaning I would LOVE to actually BE a rebel but for the most part, I follow the rules. It really depends on what the rules are. Some rules are just stupid and I do believe in civil disobedience.
What is my birth month?
April
Do I want to see a woman or man as next president?
I don't care if it's a man or a woman or what color they are or what party they belong to. It depends on the person.
I am a member of which political party?
I'm not a member of any political party. I vote my values (which may or may not be the same as yours and that does NOT make mine LESS than yours!) and I vote for the person I think will do the best job. Sometimes it's a Republican, sometimes it's a Democrat. They're both flawed because they're both made up of human beings who are, well, flawed!
Am I Liberal? Moderate? or Conservative?
The answers to this were hysterical! But very demonstrative of the truth--that there is no such thing as either! My so-called conservative friends and family think I'm too liberal and my so-called liberal friends and family think I'm too conservative. Don't ya just hate labels? How about we all go back to using common sense?
Have you ever heard me sing?
Some of you probably have and I deeply apologize!!! I love to sing but I realize it's not my gift.
How many children do I have?
Most of you nailed this one. Three here, two in Heaven.
Have we taken photographs together?
Some of you, yes--some of you, no.
When is the last time you saw me?
Most of you I saw this morning and/or this evening at church. Some of you, it's been a while--we need to get together!
When will I see you again?
Hopefully soon!
Have we ever had a falling out?
I don't think I've ever had what I would call a "falling out" with any of you (and hope I never do). You are all precious to me!
If you and I were stranded on a desert island, what is one thing that I would bring?
I would bring a toothbrush. I should probably say something noble and godly like the Bible or a picture of my kids but I think I know enough Scripture to hopefully tie me over until I'm rescued and hopefully I wouldn't forget what my kids look like. But go without brushing my teeth...no, not gonna happen. Sorry for being practical.
Am I right handed or left handed?
Right
What type of work do I do?
Again, too many interests! I dabble in a little bit of everything. My calling right now is to homeschool my girls. I love that I get the chance to work with preschoolers, to dance and to write. One day I hope to be involved with missions in some way. I also wouldn't pass up the chance to have my own business if I could do something cool--like run a bookstore or a family pub/diner.
Thanks for playing along! I enjoyed reading your responses! Blessings!
Where did we meet?
Okay, this varied depending on the person. Most of us met through church or our children. I met some through jobs that I had and still others through family or friends of friends.
Take a stab at my middle name?
Michelle. Yep. I go by my middle name. My first name is Lori. I'm named after two songs. Lori--you probably have never heard of. It's about some guy that goes out with a ghost! And of course, Michelle, my bell by the Beattles, I think everyone has at least heard of that one. I always hated that I went by my middle name, it's sort of inconvenient at times and I swore I'd never do that to my kids. Wouldn't ya know--I did it to ALL THREE OF THEM! Never say never is the lesson there. But the older I get the more I am finding the good in all things and it does have it's advantages. For one thing, I can screen my phone calls and my mail by it. If someone calls for "Lori", I know it's most likely a bill collector or a telemarketer! If I get mail for Lori, it's generally a bill or junk. So I'm cool with it now.
Do I speak a second language?
I don't speak another language fluently (and someone PLEASE tell my kids I do NOT speak "whinese"!!!) The one I come closest to is Spanish. I've taken a few classes in it--one in college that kicked my butt and another little conversational course for people who work with the public. When I was working at Compass, they had a huge presence in Texas & Arizona and a very large Hispanic customer base and employee base so I needed to know a few phrases. I think I do okay until I get around Brooke's little Mexican friend and/or her mom and then I'm like "huh?" LOL I also know a few phrases of French and German thanks to a class I took in college about Switzerland. French and German are the two primary languages spoken there (no, it's not 'Swiss'! lol) But again, I'm no expert on any language, not even the English one!
Am I a cat lover or dog lover?
Both but my preference is for dogs since my husband and son both hate cats, I've kind of gotten detached from liking them somewhat. Dogs are definitely friendlier.
Do I smoke?
No. I did in High School or when I would drink alcohol but I don't drink much anymore and when I do, it's not to "get buzzed" or "hold a buzz" so no need to smoke. Plus it's too darned expensive. I can think of better things to spend my money on. And the residual smell is AWFUL!!! (hello, Melanie and Mia!)
Color of my eyes?
Green. They look like a dark midnight blue sometimes but when you look closely, they are more greenish than blue. They kind of remind me of a mood ring.
Do I have any siblings?
Yes. I have two of the best sisters in the world who I love dearly. Melanie is 32 and Mia is 24. We are kind of spread out in age but couldn't be closer if we were all triplets. I also have a half sister and a half brother by my dad but I've only laid eyes on them in person once in my whole life. Kind of sad but that's the way it goes sometimes.
What's one of my favorite things to do?
I have way too many interests--that's a big problem for me. I love to read, organize things, do crafts and artsy-fartsy things, sing loudly in the car to embarass my kids, bellydance (especially in Walmart to embarass my kids into behaving!), write, travel, hang out with friends, cook (and obviously eat!), get my toes done (when I have money which is almost never!), walk barefoot on the beach with freshly done toes, listen to good music, take pictures, scrapbook, plan fun things to do, watch Jon & Kate plus 8, The Duggar family, Cold Case, Judge Judy and King of the Hill.
What's my favorite type of music?
I don't have a favorite. I like it all and I generally go through phases of what I'm "hooked on". I'm trying to pare down some of my listening though to things that are more appropriate and pleasing to God (like no more Soldier Boy or any Ludacris! LOL) but I still can't resist a good Gretchen Wilson song, even though she says H-E-double hockey sticks and talks about doing some things I know God wouldn't approve of. Work with me here, baby steps, baby steps.
Am I taller than you?
I think I'm taller than most of you which isn't saying much--I'm only 5'4"! I never noticed I have a lot of short friends before. My sisters are both taller than me so I definitely got the short gene. Maybe a little Freudism going on here...(me picking friends shorter than me! lol) I'm just kidding...
Am I shy or outgoing?
Generally, I'm pretty outgoing but I do have my shy moments. I also have my lack-of-prozac moments.
Am I a rebel or do I follow the rules?
I do have a rebellious streak meaning I would LOVE to actually BE a rebel but for the most part, I follow the rules. It really depends on what the rules are. Some rules are just stupid and I do believe in civil disobedience.
What is my birth month?
April
Do I want to see a woman or man as next president?
I don't care if it's a man or a woman or what color they are or what party they belong to. It depends on the person.
I am a member of which political party?
I'm not a member of any political party. I vote my values (which may or may not be the same as yours and that does NOT make mine LESS than yours!) and I vote for the person I think will do the best job. Sometimes it's a Republican, sometimes it's a Democrat. They're both flawed because they're both made up of human beings who are, well, flawed!
Am I Liberal? Moderate? or Conservative?
The answers to this were hysterical! But very demonstrative of the truth--that there is no such thing as either! My so-called conservative friends and family think I'm too liberal and my so-called liberal friends and family think I'm too conservative. Don't ya just hate labels? How about we all go back to using common sense?
Have you ever heard me sing?
Some of you probably have and I deeply apologize!!! I love to sing but I realize it's not my gift.
How many children do I have?
Most of you nailed this one. Three here, two in Heaven.
Have we taken photographs together?
Some of you, yes--some of you, no.
When is the last time you saw me?
Most of you I saw this morning and/or this evening at church. Some of you, it's been a while--we need to get together!
When will I see you again?
Hopefully soon!
Have we ever had a falling out?
I don't think I've ever had what I would call a "falling out" with any of you (and hope I never do). You are all precious to me!
If you and I were stranded on a desert island, what is one thing that I would bring?
I would bring a toothbrush. I should probably say something noble and godly like the Bible or a picture of my kids but I think I know enough Scripture to hopefully tie me over until I'm rescued and hopefully I wouldn't forget what my kids look like. But go without brushing my teeth...no, not gonna happen. Sorry for being practical.
Am I right handed or left handed?
Right
What type of work do I do?
Again, too many interests! I dabble in a little bit of everything. My calling right now is to homeschool my girls. I love that I get the chance to work with preschoolers, to dance and to write. One day I hope to be involved with missions in some way. I also wouldn't pass up the chance to have my own business if I could do something cool--like run a bookstore or a family pub/diner.
Thanks for playing along! I enjoyed reading your responses! Blessings!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Aha! I'm in LOVE!!!
I knew they were out there--other Christian women who love to bellydance and don't think it's "sleazy". I just had to find them! I have a new bff!!! LOL And I am SO inspired to keep dreaming my dream!
Zepporah Rose
Zepporah Rose
Friday, December 12, 2008
What The Holidays Mean to You |
 For you, the holidays are about emotional connections and bonds. You are happiest being around those you love. You celebrate the holidays in a minimalist style. You are likely to only give one great present and decorate your house with a few special items. During the holidays, you feel magical. You love all of the decorations and how happy people are. You like to sit back and take it all in. You think the holidays should be nostalgic and sweet. The holidays bring out your inner child. Your best holiday memories are of childhood foods and traditions. You secretly still wish you believed in Santa Claus. |
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
*yawn *stetch *sigh
I'm sitting here trying to think of ways to postpone the inevitable. I MUST get up and clean this house. Funny thing is, I just did that YESTERDAY!!! I do not know how five people who are all old enough to pick up after themselves can make SUCH a mess. Maybe if our house was larger and we could spread it out a little...but I digress.
I have grounded the girls AGAIN today. They are not allowed to watch TV or play on the computer and as soon as I am done playing on the computer, I'm going to make them help me with this house. I am SO sick of their seemingly endless squabbles and I feel like I am the only mom in the world whose children are constantly at each others' throats! I know that is not the case but I'm honestly at my wits end. I don't know what else to do with them. I keep threatening to send them back to school but I shouldn't do that because I know I'm not going to (and they probably know it, too) I love homeschooling. But maybe they are sick of being around each other all the time? And it's complicated by the fact that they share a room. I'd give ANYTHING to separate them for awhile.
We just got home from CBS and we all had our little parties and luncheons so we are kind of full and content for now. Yesterday was Kayti's last day of CORE until after the holidays (she is so glad! She enjoys it but it's very demanding!) and Brooke and I helped 75 preschoolers make no-bake spiced dough Christmas ornaments. I think I got some cinnamon stuck up my nose, I keep smelling it! But the kids had a good time.
Tonight is the party at Shalita's and tomorrow night is the party at work and I'm still trying to figure out all the logistics of who is taking who where and who is picking who up from what!
I'm hoping to get the check from Jeff's 401k this week so we can pay some things and knock a dent in our Christmas shopping. It's going to be another tight year but I'm not complaining. We have been blessed far beyond what we deserve.
Last night Mom and Mia came over and we went riding around looking at Christmas lights (there are a lot of homes that don't seem to have their stuff up yet) and I showed them the subdivision I want to move to (Lord willing and the creek don't rise!) and we got all caught up on family news.
I discovered I cannot upload pictures from Brooke's camera because my cord doesn't fit her camera (and hers was bought second hand without a cord!) so I will have to go to Walmart and get all my pictures printed and then scan them! What a pain. I miss my camera already.
Guess that's it...time to go clean!
bummer
I have grounded the girls AGAIN today. They are not allowed to watch TV or play on the computer and as soon as I am done playing on the computer, I'm going to make them help me with this house. I am SO sick of their seemingly endless squabbles and I feel like I am the only mom in the world whose children are constantly at each others' throats! I know that is not the case but I'm honestly at my wits end. I don't know what else to do with them. I keep threatening to send them back to school but I shouldn't do that because I know I'm not going to (and they probably know it, too) I love homeschooling. But maybe they are sick of being around each other all the time? And it's complicated by the fact that they share a room. I'd give ANYTHING to separate them for awhile.
We just got home from CBS and we all had our little parties and luncheons so we are kind of full and content for now. Yesterday was Kayti's last day of CORE until after the holidays (she is so glad! She enjoys it but it's very demanding!) and Brooke and I helped 75 preschoolers make no-bake spiced dough Christmas ornaments. I think I got some cinnamon stuck up my nose, I keep smelling it! But the kids had a good time.
Tonight is the party at Shalita's and tomorrow night is the party at work and I'm still trying to figure out all the logistics of who is taking who where and who is picking who up from what!
I'm hoping to get the check from Jeff's 401k this week so we can pay some things and knock a dent in our Christmas shopping. It's going to be another tight year but I'm not complaining. We have been blessed far beyond what we deserve.
Last night Mom and Mia came over and we went riding around looking at Christmas lights (there are a lot of homes that don't seem to have their stuff up yet) and I showed them the subdivision I want to move to (Lord willing and the creek don't rise!) and we got all caught up on family news.
I discovered I cannot upload pictures from Brooke's camera because my cord doesn't fit her camera (and hers was bought second hand without a cord!) so I will have to go to Walmart and get all my pictures printed and then scan them! What a pain. I miss my camera already.
Guess that's it...time to go clean!
bummer
Friday, December 5, 2008
Some peace and quiet!!!
Everyone is gone but me! LOL
Kayti had her first teenager party tonight with the teens from the homeschool group. Jeff took her and then he, Dylan and Brooke went to hang out at the Bass Pro Shop until time to pick her up. Beats driving back and forth and Bass Pro is awesome!! I'm so glad Alabama finally got one and I'm doubly glad that it's not far from us! I would be there but I'm exhausted. I'm coming down with the crud again and I may be headed into another funk. I'm out of prozac again but I'm hoping to get to the doc soon--before it throws me into the last funk I was in. I think I'll be able to make it a few days. I just have to remember not to start believing I can do without it forever.
I took advantage of the time alone in the house, though and got some sewing done! I made the girls two shirts each and cut out the fabric for some gifts. I only came to the computer to print something for another sewing project and figured I'd catch up while I'm here.
We went to see the Nutcracker today. Our homeschool group got cheap tickets and our dear friends, the Sizemore girls were in it so we had to go! It was awesome!!! I saw the Alabama Ballet's Nutcracker years ago and it wasn't nearly as good as this one. Birmingham Ballet rocks! Of course my favorite part was the little girl dressed like a bellydancer, even though she didn't technically bellydance. Her arm movements were pretty close! LOL
I will gladly post pictures....someday! My digital camera finally bit the dust and I'm commandeering Brooke's (hers is actually more megapixels than mine was) but until I figure out all the buttons and how to upload pictures, you will all have to wait.
While we were gone, Jeff took Dylan to take his driver's license test but he couldn't because he couldn't pass the vision test! I knew his eyesight had gotten worse since last year but I had NO IDEA it had gotten that bad. Please pray that we can come up with some money to get him to the eye doctor soon (no vision insurance). Kayti needs to be retested as well, I'm sure. She has glasses that she wears for reading. I don't know where my kids inherited this terrible eyesight from! Jeff and I have both always had 20/20. But I feel bad for my poor baby! He had been waiting patiently for weeks to go take that driving test and now he has to wait even longer! Oh well! I guess I should be praising the Lord that right now I don't have to worry about him being on the roads just yet! What's that Scripture--in all things be thankful!? Well, okay, I am!
After the Nutcracker, we went to the Trussville Christmas Village Express. What a waste of time (and $9!). Then we came home and chilled until time for dance class, which went great.
Wednesday at Community Bible Study, the girls did their little "Christmas program". Kayti recited Scripture and Brooke sang and danced. They did really good.
Tuesday, I had to work and we made angels with handprints and footprints. I painted approximately 80 feet and 160 little hands!! I was covered in paint when we left but they turned out really cute! I just love my job! I can't wait until Tuesday when we make no-bake spiced dough ornaments and then the next week after that we'll be doing Christmas shirts.
Then I had to go work for CORE which enabled me to get my Community Bible Study homework done. I am SO glad we decided to give CBS another try. I'm REALLY loving it this year. My core group is awesome and this study has helped me SO MUCH. God is really speaking to me about so many things. I'm not ready to share it all just yet but if you pray, please pray that He keeps moving in my life. I am not foolish enough to take for granted how blessed I am in so many ways. But I've been wanting to move to the next level spiritually for quite sometime. It's difficult for me to do this though for many reasons. I can't really explain it right now but just remember me in your prayers.
Please also pray for my sister, for Barbara (mom of a good friend) who is having some health issues and for Joyce (mother-in-law of a friend) who has cancer.
Have a blessed week!
Kayti had her first teenager party tonight with the teens from the homeschool group. Jeff took her and then he, Dylan and Brooke went to hang out at the Bass Pro Shop until time to pick her up. Beats driving back and forth and Bass Pro is awesome!! I'm so glad Alabama finally got one and I'm doubly glad that it's not far from us! I would be there but I'm exhausted. I'm coming down with the crud again and I may be headed into another funk. I'm out of prozac again but I'm hoping to get to the doc soon--before it throws me into the last funk I was in. I think I'll be able to make it a few days. I just have to remember not to start believing I can do without it forever.
I took advantage of the time alone in the house, though and got some sewing done! I made the girls two shirts each and cut out the fabric for some gifts. I only came to the computer to print something for another sewing project and figured I'd catch up while I'm here.
We went to see the Nutcracker today. Our homeschool group got cheap tickets and our dear friends, the Sizemore girls were in it so we had to go! It was awesome!!! I saw the Alabama Ballet's Nutcracker years ago and it wasn't nearly as good as this one. Birmingham Ballet rocks! Of course my favorite part was the little girl dressed like a bellydancer, even though she didn't technically bellydance. Her arm movements were pretty close! LOL
I will gladly post pictures....someday! My digital camera finally bit the dust and I'm commandeering Brooke's (hers is actually more megapixels than mine was) but until I figure out all the buttons and how to upload pictures, you will all have to wait.
While we were gone, Jeff took Dylan to take his driver's license test but he couldn't because he couldn't pass the vision test! I knew his eyesight had gotten worse since last year but I had NO IDEA it had gotten that bad. Please pray that we can come up with some money to get him to the eye doctor soon (no vision insurance). Kayti needs to be retested as well, I'm sure. She has glasses that she wears for reading. I don't know where my kids inherited this terrible eyesight from! Jeff and I have both always had 20/20. But I feel bad for my poor baby! He had been waiting patiently for weeks to go take that driving test and now he has to wait even longer! Oh well! I guess I should be praising the Lord that right now I don't have to worry about him being on the roads just yet! What's that Scripture--in all things be thankful!? Well, okay, I am!
After the Nutcracker, we went to the Trussville Christmas Village Express. What a waste of time (and $9!). Then we came home and chilled until time for dance class, which went great.
Wednesday at Community Bible Study, the girls did their little "Christmas program". Kayti recited Scripture and Brooke sang and danced. They did really good.
Tuesday, I had to work and we made angels with handprints and footprints. I painted approximately 80 feet and 160 little hands!! I was covered in paint when we left but they turned out really cute! I just love my job! I can't wait until Tuesday when we make no-bake spiced dough ornaments and then the next week after that we'll be doing Christmas shirts.
Then I had to go work for CORE which enabled me to get my Community Bible Study homework done. I am SO glad we decided to give CBS another try. I'm REALLY loving it this year. My core group is awesome and this study has helped me SO MUCH. God is really speaking to me about so many things. I'm not ready to share it all just yet but if you pray, please pray that He keeps moving in my life. I am not foolish enough to take for granted how blessed I am in so many ways. But I've been wanting to move to the next level spiritually for quite sometime. It's difficult for me to do this though for many reasons. I can't really explain it right now but just remember me in your prayers.
Please also pray for my sister, for Barbara (mom of a good friend) who is having some health issues and for Joyce (mother-in-law of a friend) who has cancer.
Have a blessed week!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
An update, finally! ha ha
I don't know why I want to keep a separate blog for their stuff when I can just include it on my regular blog...I'm just nerdy, I guess!
But Kayti is trucking right along with CORE. She has struggled some this quarter but still hanging in there and I'm proud of her efforts.
Brooke is currently taking a break from the workbooks and doing a unit study on Christmas. We are studying the symbols of Christmas, doing some in-depth Bible reading, Christmas-related math, spelling, reading and journaling and LOTS of crafts! I've even found some Christmas related Science! How cool is that?
This break in the curriculum gives me a chance to figure out which direction I want to go with her next semester. I'm thinking of taking a few different approaches and broadening our horizons a little bit more. Well, that's the theory anyway. You know the month of December will give me SO much time to figure all this out, right? Ha!
Co-op finished up the week before Thanksgiving (for us, anyway) and I have decided to do Felicity next semester and that's IT! I sort of feel guilty for not teaching a class for Kayti but God has really been dealing with me about cutting back some of our "stuff". I knew I would not be able to get away with not teaching another American Girl class. But I'm not offering to teach anymore than that. Pray for me--this not volunteering to do anything and everything is new territory for me!
Kayti is planning to audition for the Spring play and the Broadway revue so she has her little plate full, too. I almost didn't say anything to her about it but guilt got the better of me since Brooke did the play this year, I didn't want to deny her the opportunity. And there are so few FREE activities, I hate not to take advantage of the experience. Our homeschool group is awesome!
Tomorrow, we have a field trip! We are going to see the Nutcracker! Our dear friends, the Sizemore girls are performing and we are so excited for them. It's also been several years since Kayti and I have seen it and Brooke never has. Kayti was 3 when I took her and she sat there mesmerized. All she would say is "she's beautiful!" and that sealed her fate as an aspiring dancer! I can't wait for us to see it again!
I finally got the blog for the homeschool group updated and done the way I want it. I hope this improves communication for our sub-group! We had the best time at our "feast" and are looking forward to our Christmas party next week. Check it out HERE if you are so inclined!
Kayti has a party tomorrow night with the "teens" and surprisingly, she wanted to go! I can't believe my daughter is almost a teenager. God help me!
I probably won't update again before the New Year so have a blessed holiday!
Merry Christmas from the crazy Quick girls!
But Kayti is trucking right along with CORE. She has struggled some this quarter but still hanging in there and I'm proud of her efforts.
Brooke is currently taking a break from the workbooks and doing a unit study on Christmas. We are studying the symbols of Christmas, doing some in-depth Bible reading, Christmas-related math, spelling, reading and journaling and LOTS of crafts! I've even found some Christmas related Science! How cool is that?
This break in the curriculum gives me a chance to figure out which direction I want to go with her next semester. I'm thinking of taking a few different approaches and broadening our horizons a little bit more. Well, that's the theory anyway. You know the month of December will give me SO much time to figure all this out, right? Ha!
Co-op finished up the week before Thanksgiving (for us, anyway) and I have decided to do Felicity next semester and that's IT! I sort of feel guilty for not teaching a class for Kayti but God has really been dealing with me about cutting back some of our "stuff". I knew I would not be able to get away with not teaching another American Girl class. But I'm not offering to teach anymore than that. Pray for me--this not volunteering to do anything and everything is new territory for me!
Kayti is planning to audition for the Spring play and the Broadway revue so she has her little plate full, too. I almost didn't say anything to her about it but guilt got the better of me since Brooke did the play this year, I didn't want to deny her the opportunity. And there are so few FREE activities, I hate not to take advantage of the experience. Our homeschool group is awesome!
Tomorrow, we have a field trip! We are going to see the Nutcracker! Our dear friends, the Sizemore girls are performing and we are so excited for them. It's also been several years since Kayti and I have seen it and Brooke never has. Kayti was 3 when I took her and she sat there mesmerized. All she would say is "she's beautiful!" and that sealed her fate as an aspiring dancer! I can't wait for us to see it again!
I finally got the blog for the homeschool group updated and done the way I want it. I hope this improves communication for our sub-group! We had the best time at our "feast" and are looking forward to our Christmas party next week. Check it out HERE if you are so inclined!
Kayti has a party tomorrow night with the "teens" and surprisingly, she wanted to go! I can't believe my daughter is almost a teenager. God help me!
I probably won't update again before the New Year so have a blessed holiday!
Merry Christmas from the crazy Quick girls!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
More elfcapades!!
We really do love our elves! Night before last, they got into the underwear drawer and put all the panties on the tree! I guess they figured since they missed out on helping us put the tree up this year, they would just do some on their own! Sure wish they could have found some more appropriate ornaments! LOL
Yesterday, I had to sub and the girls came with me. They brought along Twinkle and Ember! While I took the kids to the gym for some playtime, the elves had big fun tumping all the chairs over on the floor, playing in the grocery cart and climbing up the flagpole!
This morning, they left a note apologizing for all the trouble explaining that they were only having a little fun and promised to make it up to us! Wonder how they'll do that.....
Yesterday, I had to sub and the girls came with me. They brought along Twinkle and Ember! While I took the kids to the gym for some playtime, the elves had big fun tumping all the chairs over on the floor, playing in the grocery cart and climbing up the flagpole!
This morning, they left a note apologizing for all the trouble explaining that they were only having a little fun and promised to make it up to us! Wonder how they'll do that.....
Monday, December 1, 2008
Rammer Jammer Woohoo!!!
Say whatever you want to say about me because I am posting something with a "curse word" in it. I no longer care what everyone else thinks! You cannot be a 'bama fan and NOT love the Rammer Jammer! How awesome it must have been to be there!
Hope we get to do it again this Saturday and again for the National Championship!
The last time we shut out Auburn, we also won the SEC and the NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP. Additionally, it was the same year I was blessed with my little man and became a mom! Things that make ya go "hmmmmm"......
Hope we get to do it again this Saturday and again for the National Championship!
The last time we shut out Auburn, we also won the SEC and the NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP. Additionally, it was the same year I was blessed with my little man and became a mom! Things that make ya go "hmmmmm"......
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving, ROLL TIDE and let the Elfcapades begin!!!!
Wow, other than my recent tag, I really haven't had time to do much posting. I was getting some extra hours at the daycare (not that it has seemed to have helped our finances any, though I'm sure it has some) and Dylan started wrestling again so it has just been go go go busy busy busy around here, especially with a holiday thrown in there!
But I DID get some time to reflect on what I'm thankful for, so let me share a few things, just briefly:
1) I'm thankful for my messy kitchen because that means we have most likely had something to eat and made a mess doing it!
2) I'm thankful for my tiny little house that is crammed full of stuff because we are safe, warm and dry and all the "stuff" are mostly treasures to us, even though it may look like junk to someone else.
3) I'm thankful for my bickering, arguing, complaining kids because it means they are healthy and spirited!
4) I'm thankful for the piles of laundry because it means that my family is clothed and has either had fun or worked hard dirtying up their clothes.
5) I'm thankful for the taxes I've paid because at least I'm employed and I just so happen to be employed doing something I LOVE!
6) I'm thankful for God's grace and that all I have to do is ask for it because He certainly knows I need it--daily!
7) I'm thankful for my hectic schedule because it means that we have things that we enjoy and people who want to spend time with us.
8) I'm thankful when I encounter rude and ugly people because it makes me ever so thankful for my wonderful friends and family and it reminds ME not to be that way.
9) I'm thankful for having to hear all the people gripe about politics, religion, football games, gas prices and the sorry state of some of our country's affairs because it means we have free speech.
10) I'm thankful for the wet wash cloths that are left in the shower, the empty hangers left in the closet, the keys and change left on the piano and the dirty clothes left on the floor because it means that God answered my prayer and I married the love of my life and he turned out to be a MUCH better husband than anyone ever thought--even me!
We went to the inlaws to have our Thanksgiving Dinner and then to my aunt's for dessert. Then we officially kicked off our Christmas season by putting up our tree!!! Oh was that ever and endeavor!
We decided not to put up our tree this year but instead, we borrowed one of Mom's that she decided not to put up. My tree is over 9 feet tall and while it is beautiful and I love it, this house is so tiny it literally takes up half the living room AND I can't put the topper on it because these ceilings are too low--I have to bend the branches to shape it to make it look right!!!
Even so, the tree we borrowed may be a few feet shorter, but it still sticks out pretty far. It took some doing trying to arrange everything so that it fit, especially since I moved the computer and bookshelf back into the living room. Oh and I repainted the kitchen and hallway last week. Nothing extravaggant--just a spackle job and a coat of paint. You'd be surprised what a simple coat of paint can do for your mood!
Everything finally got situated for the most part so the girls and I went shopping yesterday with Mom & Mia. We had a blast and Mom took us out for Mexican for lunch at Don Pepe in Greystone. Yum!!!
I didn't buy much, broke as usual but I did pick up some fabric for the girls' Christmas Eve outfits and some fabric for some other projects I'm working on. I make most of my Christmas gifts so I'm not worried about getting a whole lot of shopping done (and boy does that take the stress off trying to find the "perfect" gift for someone that fits within your budget! Just give from the heart. If the person doesn't appreciate it--pray for them!) But it adds some stress because I have got to get started on this stuff!
While we were gone, our elves arrived! Twinkle and Amber joined us last Christmas season--Santa was pretty much done with his work and gave them some much needed time off so they came to spend the holidays with us. They had to return to the North Pole immediately on Christmas Eve so we haven't seen them for awhile. They certainly didn't waste any time getting into mischief!
Best I can tell, they were trying to figure out how to make hot cocoa. But what they made was a big mess!!! Hopefully they'll settle down tonight because we are whooped after today. I just need to remember to hide the keys because last year they took Jeff's jeep for a spin and ran it into the ditch in front of the house!
This morning was spent doing some more cleaning and laundry that has been neglected lately and I rearranged the furniture in my bedroom and finished decorating for Christmas in there. Yes, I am one of those goofy people that decorates every room in the house, even the bathrooms. It used to be MUCH worse when we were in our old house but this house being so small, I have had to pare it down a bit. There simply isn't room for all that I had.
Then we went to my moms to watch the ball game! ROLL TIDE ROLL!!! I honestly wasn't as excited about this win as I'd hoped to be. I expected it to be MUCH closer. Oh well, we'll take it and now we get to be as obnoxious as Auburn fans have been for the last 6 years. I find it funny they keep telling us that WE are living in the past whenever we talk about our legacy but any mention of how terrible things have been for them this year and that's all you hear from them "we've beat ya'll for the last 6 years" Woohoo! Good for you. Quit living in the past, why don't ya! LOL
Tomorrow is church and church again as the girls have drama/choir practice. Sometime in between, I want to get Dylan's room rearranged, his closet cleaned out and get a nap. I'm not so sure that'll all happen. But that's the goal.
I'm subbing again on Monday and we have to get back to the books! Kayti is supposed to return to CORE on Tuesday but we haven't paid her tuition yet and I quite honestly don't know where we will get the money. We have a few ideas but I'm not crazy about either one of them. I'm trying not to worry--in the grand scheme of things, if she has to drop out, she just has to drop out. It's not a big deal. But she loves it and I would hate to have to do that. And we have a few other things we need to pay, too (like dance and wrestling) so we do need to figure out which of those "ideas" we'll do but all the bills-bills are paid so I'm thankful. Whatever God wants to work out for the rest of it will be just fine with me. We'll get there eventually and it'll be okay. I certainly can't complain when so many have it so much worse.
I'm posting a few pictures from our Thanksgiving Feast with the homeschool group. We had a great time and we're really looking forward to our Christmas party coming up next week. We have the best homeschool friends!
But I DID get some time to reflect on what I'm thankful for, so let me share a few things, just briefly:
1) I'm thankful for my messy kitchen because that means we have most likely had something to eat and made a mess doing it!
2) I'm thankful for my tiny little house that is crammed full of stuff because we are safe, warm and dry and all the "stuff" are mostly treasures to us, even though it may look like junk to someone else.
3) I'm thankful for my bickering, arguing, complaining kids because it means they are healthy and spirited!
4) I'm thankful for the piles of laundry because it means that my family is clothed and has either had fun or worked hard dirtying up their clothes.
5) I'm thankful for the taxes I've paid because at least I'm employed and I just so happen to be employed doing something I LOVE!
6) I'm thankful for God's grace and that all I have to do is ask for it because He certainly knows I need it--daily!
7) I'm thankful for my hectic schedule because it means that we have things that we enjoy and people who want to spend time with us.
8) I'm thankful when I encounter rude and ugly people because it makes me ever so thankful for my wonderful friends and family and it reminds ME not to be that way.
9) I'm thankful for having to hear all the people gripe about politics, religion, football games, gas prices and the sorry state of some of our country's affairs because it means we have free speech.
10) I'm thankful for the wet wash cloths that are left in the shower, the empty hangers left in the closet, the keys and change left on the piano and the dirty clothes left on the floor because it means that God answered my prayer and I married the love of my life and he turned out to be a MUCH better husband than anyone ever thought--even me!
We went to the inlaws to have our Thanksgiving Dinner and then to my aunt's for dessert. Then we officially kicked off our Christmas season by putting up our tree!!! Oh was that ever and endeavor!
We decided not to put up our tree this year but instead, we borrowed one of Mom's that she decided not to put up. My tree is over 9 feet tall and while it is beautiful and I love it, this house is so tiny it literally takes up half the living room AND I can't put the topper on it because these ceilings are too low--I have to bend the branches to shape it to make it look right!!!
Even so, the tree we borrowed may be a few feet shorter, but it still sticks out pretty far. It took some doing trying to arrange everything so that it fit, especially since I moved the computer and bookshelf back into the living room. Oh and I repainted the kitchen and hallway last week. Nothing extravaggant--just a spackle job and a coat of paint. You'd be surprised what a simple coat of paint can do for your mood!
Everything finally got situated for the most part so the girls and I went shopping yesterday with Mom & Mia. We had a blast and Mom took us out for Mexican for lunch at Don Pepe in Greystone. Yum!!!
I didn't buy much, broke as usual but I did pick up some fabric for the girls' Christmas Eve outfits and some fabric for some other projects I'm working on. I make most of my Christmas gifts so I'm not worried about getting a whole lot of shopping done (and boy does that take the stress off trying to find the "perfect" gift for someone that fits within your budget! Just give from the heart. If the person doesn't appreciate it--pray for them!) But it adds some stress because I have got to get started on this stuff!
While we were gone, our elves arrived! Twinkle and Amber joined us last Christmas season--Santa was pretty much done with his work and gave them some much needed time off so they came to spend the holidays with us. They had to return to the North Pole immediately on Christmas Eve so we haven't seen them for awhile. They certainly didn't waste any time getting into mischief!
Best I can tell, they were trying to figure out how to make hot cocoa. But what they made was a big mess!!! Hopefully they'll settle down tonight because we are whooped after today. I just need to remember to hide the keys because last year they took Jeff's jeep for a spin and ran it into the ditch in front of the house!
This morning was spent doing some more cleaning and laundry that has been neglected lately and I rearranged the furniture in my bedroom and finished decorating for Christmas in there. Yes, I am one of those goofy people that decorates every room in the house, even the bathrooms. It used to be MUCH worse when we were in our old house but this house being so small, I have had to pare it down a bit. There simply isn't room for all that I had.
Then we went to my moms to watch the ball game! ROLL TIDE ROLL!!! I honestly wasn't as excited about this win as I'd hoped to be. I expected it to be MUCH closer. Oh well, we'll take it and now we get to be as obnoxious as Auburn fans have been for the last 6 years. I find it funny they keep telling us that WE are living in the past whenever we talk about our legacy but any mention of how terrible things have been for them this year and that's all you hear from them "we've beat ya'll for the last 6 years" Woohoo! Good for you. Quit living in the past, why don't ya! LOL
Tomorrow is church and church again as the girls have drama/choir practice. Sometime in between, I want to get Dylan's room rearranged, his closet cleaned out and get a nap. I'm not so sure that'll all happen. But that's the goal.
I'm subbing again on Monday and we have to get back to the books! Kayti is supposed to return to CORE on Tuesday but we haven't paid her tuition yet and I quite honestly don't know where we will get the money. We have a few ideas but I'm not crazy about either one of them. I'm trying not to worry--in the grand scheme of things, if she has to drop out, she just has to drop out. It's not a big deal. But she loves it and I would hate to have to do that. And we have a few other things we need to pay, too (like dance and wrestling) so we do need to figure out which of those "ideas" we'll do but all the bills-bills are paid so I'm thankful. Whatever God wants to work out for the rest of it will be just fine with me. We'll get there eventually and it'll be okay. I certainly can't complain when so many have it so much worse.
I'm posting a few pictures from our Thanksgiving Feast with the homeschool group. We had a great time and we're really looking forward to our Christmas party coming up next week. We have the best homeschool friends!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Christmas Tag
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? both, depending on what I am wrapping.
2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial Tree, though we did also have a real tree when we lived in Tarrant--that house was so big we had one in every room. I miss my old house. :( I just don't miss the gunshots I used to have to listen to in bed at night!
3. When do you put up the tree? Day after Thanksgiving
4. When do you take the tree down? sometime before New Year's Day
5. Favorite gift received as a child? my baby Alive
6. Hardest person to buy for? Jeff's dad
7. Easiest person to buy for? Brooke
8. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, several
9. Mail or email Christmas cards? mail
10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? A jogging suit
11. Favorite Christmas Movie? It's a Wonderful Life, hands down
12. When do you start shopping for Christmas? after Thanksgiving but I start thinking about it before then!
13. Have you ever recycled a Christmas Gift? only a Dirty Santa gift
14. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Marth Washington candy or my mom's homemade fudge or Maw Maw's potato candy (and Mia you better make some this year!)
15. Lights on the tree? Definitely, the more the better
16. Favorite Christmas song? anything by Clint Black or the Carpenters
17. Travel at Christmas or stay home? staying home
18. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder, Blitzen, Rudolph & Olive!
19. Angel on the tree top or a star? it varies year to year
20. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Both
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? irritable people and my MIL pestering me about a list (which she will not follow anyway!)
23. Favorite for Christmas dinner? anything my mom makes is awesome--Southern women are the best cooks!
24. What do you want for Christmas this year? the same thing I want every year--peace on earth, Alabama to be National Champions, a clean house, kids that mind and my debt paid off!
25. Who is most likely to respond to this? anyone else who is bored at the moment
2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial Tree, though we did also have a real tree when we lived in Tarrant--that house was so big we had one in every room. I miss my old house. :( I just don't miss the gunshots I used to have to listen to in bed at night!
3. When do you put up the tree? Day after Thanksgiving
4. When do you take the tree down? sometime before New Year's Day
5. Favorite gift received as a child? my baby Alive
6. Hardest person to buy for? Jeff's dad
7. Easiest person to buy for? Brooke
8. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, several
9. Mail or email Christmas cards? mail
10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? A jogging suit
11. Favorite Christmas Movie? It's a Wonderful Life, hands down
12. When do you start shopping for Christmas? after Thanksgiving but I start thinking about it before then!
13. Have you ever recycled a Christmas Gift? only a Dirty Santa gift
14. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Marth Washington candy or my mom's homemade fudge or Maw Maw's potato candy (and Mia you better make some this year!)
15. Lights on the tree? Definitely, the more the better
16. Favorite Christmas song? anything by Clint Black or the Carpenters
17. Travel at Christmas or stay home? staying home
18. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder, Blitzen, Rudolph & Olive!
19. Angel on the tree top or a star? it varies year to year
20. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Both
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? irritable people and my MIL pestering me about a list (which she will not follow anyway!)
23. Favorite for Christmas dinner? anything my mom makes is awesome--Southern women are the best cooks!
24. What do you want for Christmas this year? the same thing I want every year--peace on earth, Alabama to be National Champions, a clean house, kids that mind and my debt paid off!
25. Who is most likely to respond to this? anyone else who is bored at the moment
Monday, November 17, 2008
And even more pictures (and thoughts)
Where to begin...
Well, yesterday at church, the youth choir performed a song. I SO wish my oldest daughter had the same performing demeanor as my younger one! Don't get me wrong, I love both of them and I know they are different girls. But they BOTH love to perform. Only you can actually tell that Brooke loves it. Kayti seems so nervous and anxious she rarely smiles nor will she even make eye contact. She looks up at her forehead like she is so unbelievably bored! You would think after being on stage in one venue or another, she would be used to it by now. I guess some people are just like that. But the song was really beautiful and Michelle has done a great job with those kids.
We are still having a hard time (or so it seems) and I am trying to watch every penny. But then I hear about families who are having it so much harder and I feel ashamed that I worry like I do. We really do have everything we need. We don't have everything we want but God does give us a lot of what we want. We are definitely blessed, it just doesn't always feel like it when you know you owe people. I hope I never become ambivolent about that, though. I know so many people who take and take and take and never pay back and I just would not be able to sleep at night. It really bothers me to owe ANYBODY and I am very thankful for mercy when I receive it. Some people just approach it like it's owed to them or something and that makes me so mad!
I am so very thankful for these three kids, too. They are spoiled, for sure. But not spoiled in material things. I don't even worry about Christmas because my kids do not expect a lot. They know that money doesn't grow on trees and you can ask any one of them (okay, maybe not Brooke yet) and they will tell you their favorite part of Christmas is just being with family and eating all that good food! So maybe they're not focused on the Lord completely...but it's better than being focused on getting gifts! I love that my girls prefer me to make them clothes rather than buy them labels. Oh, I was SO not like that! And my grandmother was so much more talented at sewing than I can ever hope to be and she would make us the cutest things. But when I got to be the same age as my girls--oh my gravy! I would not have worn anything homemade for all the chocolate in Hershey, Pennsylvania! I HAD to have Calvin Klein, Gloria Vanderbilt, Guess and all those other labels. Thank you, God for being merciful to me and giving me children who are smarter and much more grateful than their mom!
I guess that's why I have such a hard time telling them "no" when it comes to activities and things. Fashions and toys are so fleeting but life experiences make fabulous memories. I want them to look back on their childhood and remember when they got to take dance or be in the play or go visit this place. I never think back to my childhood with fond memories of the clothing I wore and with just a few exceptions, even the toys and gadgets I had! I remember playing ball every year (not that I was any good at it) and the sacrifices my parents made so that I could take dance and baton and be a majorette in high school. I remember that every year, no matter what--whether our roof was leaking or our car needed brakes, we went on some kind of vacation even if it was to run to the beach for a few days. Priorities. Life is all about priorities and we all have to decide what our priorities are. That's what I struggle with daily--finding that balance between providing memories for my children and financial tranquility. Between worthwhile activities and the peace that comes with having down time to think and reflect. I just pray that what I am doing is what God wants me to do.
Yesterday afternoon, bio dad or Larry or whatever you want to call him came over for another visit. He brought his arrowhead collection. My mom had told me over the years that he was an avid artifact collector and historian and that's probably where I get my love of history and all things Native American. Go figure. Someone can have an influence over you even when they are no where around. Guess there is something to that scientific biological mumbo jumbo, huh?
But the kids got a big kick out of seeing the stuff and I was actually in the frame of mind yesterday to snap a few pictures so I could show the artifacts to my American Girl class. Here he is showing something to Dylan:
Here are some actual Indian bones! Yes, he was involved somehow in excavating a cave near Pinson:
I thought this was interesting and the one most likely to amaze my class--it's an actual shell that has a hole bore into it indicating it was used in jewelry:
And more arrowheads...
Thankfully, I was able to get a short nap yesterday after he left and before we had to go back to church last night. You know you're getting old when you WANT to sleep! But we had the most awesome service last night at church. Pastor Ernie did not preach on anything. We just had a time of sharing and prayer. Different people got up and shared favorite Scripture or Scripture that God had been placing on their hearts lately and then we all got in small groups and prayed. It was SO awesome. I am so honored and thankful to be a part of a church where people are humble and willing to pray for a president they didn't vote for. I am so unbelievably sick of hearing all the negative things about what's "going to happen" because Obama is our president. What a lack of faith! He is there because God placed him there--trust God and quit your whining!
We prayed not only for the leaders of our country, but the leaders of our church and for each other. For those suffering with physical pain and health issues, for those facing financial difficulties, for us parents trying to bring up godly children in an ungodly world. And just thanking and praising the Lord for all that He has done for us--we are SO undeserving.
I didn't get the chance to share my favorite Scripture--I'm not a gifted public speaker so you know if I ever speak out loud, it's because God has really prompted me to do it. It's not that I'm nervous or anything like Kayti but I know who I am--just a plain, honest, hillbilly woman who says what she thinks and because of that, I sometimes come off as offensive, too casual or insincere. Know that that's not my heart at all. My gift is writing. I am able to convey my thoughts and feelings (usually) more clearly with the written word than with the spoken word. But anyway...
My favorite Scripture is 1 Peter 5:6-7 "Humble yourselves, therefore, unto his mighty hand that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety upon him because he cares for you."
I first heard those words following a 1993 Alabama vs. Georgia game from then quarterback, Jay Barker. Down 28-0 at the half, Bama came back and scored 29 points to win the game! It was awesome. When ESPN interviewed Barker following the game, the first thing out of his mouth was thanking Jesus and giving the glory that had just been given to him--back to God!
Ever since then, those words have stuck with me and I believe I am only now starting to realize why and it's for many reasons. One of which is, I was raised to be independent and strong, which is a good thing. But none of us should forget that apart from God, we are NOTHING. It is through His strength and by His grace that we are able to do anything. Whenever I start to lean on my own understanding or think I can "do it myself", I have to remind myself to have a little humility. That doesn't come naturally to me so I think that is why God put those words in the forefront of my heart and mind.
The second part of the Scripture--"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you" is obvious. I have a lot of anxiety and it's not because of life circumstance or anything external. It's chemical and physical and though medication definitely helps, nothing is better than prayer.
So even though my days are full and busy and at times, overwhelming, I am so grateful for each day and even excited about it. I definitely want to do big things for God someday and I know that one day, it will be my "due time". For now, I'm not only content but thankful. My blessings are huge (though they may seem small to some) and my problems few and that is more than enough.
Blessings to you!
Well, yesterday at church, the youth choir performed a song. I SO wish my oldest daughter had the same performing demeanor as my younger one! Don't get me wrong, I love both of them and I know they are different girls. But they BOTH love to perform. Only you can actually tell that Brooke loves it. Kayti seems so nervous and anxious she rarely smiles nor will she even make eye contact. She looks up at her forehead like she is so unbelievably bored! You would think after being on stage in one venue or another, she would be used to it by now. I guess some people are just like that. But the song was really beautiful and Michelle has done a great job with those kids.
We are still having a hard time (or so it seems) and I am trying to watch every penny. But then I hear about families who are having it so much harder and I feel ashamed that I worry like I do. We really do have everything we need. We don't have everything we want but God does give us a lot of what we want. We are definitely blessed, it just doesn't always feel like it when you know you owe people. I hope I never become ambivolent about that, though. I know so many people who take and take and take and never pay back and I just would not be able to sleep at night. It really bothers me to owe ANYBODY and I am very thankful for mercy when I receive it. Some people just approach it like it's owed to them or something and that makes me so mad!
I am so very thankful for these three kids, too. They are spoiled, for sure. But not spoiled in material things. I don't even worry about Christmas because my kids do not expect a lot. They know that money doesn't grow on trees and you can ask any one of them (okay, maybe not Brooke yet) and they will tell you their favorite part of Christmas is just being with family and eating all that good food! So maybe they're not focused on the Lord completely...but it's better than being focused on getting gifts! I love that my girls prefer me to make them clothes rather than buy them labels. Oh, I was SO not like that! And my grandmother was so much more talented at sewing than I can ever hope to be and she would make us the cutest things. But when I got to be the same age as my girls--oh my gravy! I would not have worn anything homemade for all the chocolate in Hershey, Pennsylvania! I HAD to have Calvin Klein, Gloria Vanderbilt, Guess and all those other labels. Thank you, God for being merciful to me and giving me children who are smarter and much more grateful than their mom!
I guess that's why I have such a hard time telling them "no" when it comes to activities and things. Fashions and toys are so fleeting but life experiences make fabulous memories. I want them to look back on their childhood and remember when they got to take dance or be in the play or go visit this place. I never think back to my childhood with fond memories of the clothing I wore and with just a few exceptions, even the toys and gadgets I had! I remember playing ball every year (not that I was any good at it) and the sacrifices my parents made so that I could take dance and baton and be a majorette in high school. I remember that every year, no matter what--whether our roof was leaking or our car needed brakes, we went on some kind of vacation even if it was to run to the beach for a few days. Priorities. Life is all about priorities and we all have to decide what our priorities are. That's what I struggle with daily--finding that balance between providing memories for my children and financial tranquility. Between worthwhile activities and the peace that comes with having down time to think and reflect. I just pray that what I am doing is what God wants me to do.
Yesterday afternoon, bio dad or Larry or whatever you want to call him came over for another visit. He brought his arrowhead collection. My mom had told me over the years that he was an avid artifact collector and historian and that's probably where I get my love of history and all things Native American. Go figure. Someone can have an influence over you even when they are no where around. Guess there is something to that scientific biological mumbo jumbo, huh?
But the kids got a big kick out of seeing the stuff and I was actually in the frame of mind yesterday to snap a few pictures so I could show the artifacts to my American Girl class. Here he is showing something to Dylan:
Here are some actual Indian bones! Yes, he was involved somehow in excavating a cave near Pinson:
I thought this was interesting and the one most likely to amaze my class--it's an actual shell that has a hole bore into it indicating it was used in jewelry:
And more arrowheads...
Thankfully, I was able to get a short nap yesterday after he left and before we had to go back to church last night. You know you're getting old when you WANT to sleep! But we had the most awesome service last night at church. Pastor Ernie did not preach on anything. We just had a time of sharing and prayer. Different people got up and shared favorite Scripture or Scripture that God had been placing on their hearts lately and then we all got in small groups and prayed. It was SO awesome. I am so honored and thankful to be a part of a church where people are humble and willing to pray for a president they didn't vote for. I am so unbelievably sick of hearing all the negative things about what's "going to happen" because Obama is our president. What a lack of faith! He is there because God placed him there--trust God and quit your whining!
We prayed not only for the leaders of our country, but the leaders of our church and for each other. For those suffering with physical pain and health issues, for those facing financial difficulties, for us parents trying to bring up godly children in an ungodly world. And just thanking and praising the Lord for all that He has done for us--we are SO undeserving.
I didn't get the chance to share my favorite Scripture--I'm not a gifted public speaker so you know if I ever speak out loud, it's because God has really prompted me to do it. It's not that I'm nervous or anything like Kayti but I know who I am--just a plain, honest, hillbilly woman who says what she thinks and because of that, I sometimes come off as offensive, too casual or insincere. Know that that's not my heart at all. My gift is writing. I am able to convey my thoughts and feelings (usually) more clearly with the written word than with the spoken word. But anyway...
My favorite Scripture is 1 Peter 5:6-7 "Humble yourselves, therefore, unto his mighty hand that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety upon him because he cares for you."
I first heard those words following a 1993 Alabama vs. Georgia game from then quarterback, Jay Barker. Down 28-0 at the half, Bama came back and scored 29 points to win the game! It was awesome. When ESPN interviewed Barker following the game, the first thing out of his mouth was thanking Jesus and giving the glory that had just been given to him--back to God!
Ever since then, those words have stuck with me and I believe I am only now starting to realize why and it's for many reasons. One of which is, I was raised to be independent and strong, which is a good thing. But none of us should forget that apart from God, we are NOTHING. It is through His strength and by His grace that we are able to do anything. Whenever I start to lean on my own understanding or think I can "do it myself", I have to remind myself to have a little humility. That doesn't come naturally to me so I think that is why God put those words in the forefront of my heart and mind.
The second part of the Scripture--"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you" is obvious. I have a lot of anxiety and it's not because of life circumstance or anything external. It's chemical and physical and though medication definitely helps, nothing is better than prayer.
So even though my days are full and busy and at times, overwhelming, I am so grateful for each day and even excited about it. I definitely want to do big things for God someday and I know that one day, it will be my "due time". For now, I'm not only content but thankful. My blessings are huge (though they may seem small to some) and my problems few and that is more than enough.
Blessings to you!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
The play, tea party and Tomata Pie!
Thursday and Friday night, the homeschool group had their annual school play put on by the Elementary School age children. For the past three years, both my girls have had the honor and privelege to be a part of it. However, this year, Kayti has "moved up" into "middle school" and so only Brooke was in it this time.
When I first heard what the play was going to be based on, I admit, I wasn't too excited. We've read the books and they are cute but basing an entire play on them? But I must say that Susan did an outstanding job with the script. I didn't realize it until I actually saw the kids saying their lines and bringing it all to life but she really put a lot of work into it and it all came together beautifully. I think of all the plays, this one is definitely my favorite. And if you haven't read the books, you should definitely do so--"You Are Special" and "If Only I Had a Green Nose" both by Max Lucado.
Here is my little "wemmick":
Friday during co-op, my American Girls class had their tea party:
I have really enjoyed this class and the girls sure seemed to have enjoyed it also. By far, it's been the best class of co-op I've ever been involved in. I also chose this occasion to unveil the American Girl we will be studying next term--Felicity. They were excited and we watched a snipit of the Felicity movie.
Friday night after the play, we went to Tomata Pie for Dylan's birthday. That is his absolute most favorite place to eat. Go figure.
My men are camera shy--especially in public! You have to sneak those kinds of pictures!
Today, I had to take Dylan to his weigh-in in Fultondale for wrestling and the girls and I shopped a little to kill time while waiting on him but didn't buy anything. Jeff had to work. We came home, napped and then Kayti and I went to Kohl's--she needed black pants for choir. Now, we are eating dinner and watching Alabama whup up on Mississippi State! Tomorrow is church and Larry is coming over for a short visit--pray for me! LOL
When I first heard what the play was going to be based on, I admit, I wasn't too excited. We've read the books and they are cute but basing an entire play on them? But I must say that Susan did an outstanding job with the script. I didn't realize it until I actually saw the kids saying their lines and bringing it all to life but she really put a lot of work into it and it all came together beautifully. I think of all the plays, this one is definitely my favorite. And if you haven't read the books, you should definitely do so--"You Are Special" and "If Only I Had a Green Nose" both by Max Lucado.
Here is my little "wemmick":
Friday during co-op, my American Girls class had their tea party:
I have really enjoyed this class and the girls sure seemed to have enjoyed it also. By far, it's been the best class of co-op I've ever been involved in. I also chose this occasion to unveil the American Girl we will be studying next term--Felicity. They were excited and we watched a snipit of the Felicity movie.
Friday night after the play, we went to Tomata Pie for Dylan's birthday. That is his absolute most favorite place to eat. Go figure.
My men are camera shy--especially in public! You have to sneak those kinds of pictures!
Today, I had to take Dylan to his weigh-in in Fultondale for wrestling and the girls and I shopped a little to kill time while waiting on him but didn't buy anything. Jeff had to work. We came home, napped and then Kayti and I went to Kohl's--she needed black pants for choir. Now, we are eating dinner and watching Alabama whup up on Mississippi State! Tomorrow is church and Larry is coming over for a short visit--pray for me! LOL
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Happy Birthday, Little man!
Okay, maybe you're not so little anymore. But you'll always be my little man. It blows my mind that you are 16 today! I remember it like it was yesterday and at the same time it seems like a lifetime ago. Where is that chubby little boy with the long curls that waddled when he walked? I have SO enjoyed beying your mother. Every move you made, everything you did, we were so awestruck. Still are. I dont think I fully comprehended what real love was until you were laid on my belly. All I ever wanted to do was make sure you had the best of everything, including the best of me. I know I fell short many a time but when I look at the young man you are fast becoming, I am so proud and I know that through God's grace and strength, something good came through me.
Like the song says, "You've got so much going for you, going right" but I know it's hard to see that right now. Know that God has big plans for you and we can't wait to watch them unfold. I am so proud of you, how smart you are (book smart AND common sense, what a combination and rare in today's teenager!), how you are not afraid to be yourself and follow your own interests and are not so caught up in high school that it clouds your judgment. I love that you still want to spend time with us. I love that you are not spoiled at all, that you think of others, that you are sensitive, that your yes is a yes and your no is a no, that you follow through with the plans you make and that you aren't afraid to try new things. I also love that you will do things you're not very comfortable with when it means something to someone else (like dance with Deb & Mia or pray out loud) I love that when you commit to something, you give it your all and push yourself to not only achieve your goals but to surpass them.
There is so much that I wish for you, that I pray will come to pass for you. But I know whatever details the future holds for you, sweet 16, it's going to be awesome. Because YOU are awesome.
Love,
Mommy
Like the song says, "You've got so much going for you, going right" but I know it's hard to see that right now. Know that God has big plans for you and we can't wait to watch them unfold. I am so proud of you, how smart you are (book smart AND common sense, what a combination and rare in today's teenager!), how you are not afraid to be yourself and follow your own interests and are not so caught up in high school that it clouds your judgment. I love that you still want to spend time with us. I love that you are not spoiled at all, that you think of others, that you are sensitive, that your yes is a yes and your no is a no, that you follow through with the plans you make and that you aren't afraid to try new things. I also love that you will do things you're not very comfortable with when it means something to someone else (like dance with Deb & Mia or pray out loud) I love that when you commit to something, you give it your all and push yourself to not only achieve your goals but to surpass them.
There is so much that I wish for you, that I pray will come to pass for you. But I know whatever details the future holds for you, sweet 16, it's going to be awesome. Because YOU are awesome.
Love,
Mommy
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Family Pictures 2008
A few weeks ago, my cousin's bff, Jenny (and now my friend, too!) took some family pictures for us. Friday night, we got to see them and oh my gravy--she took a buttload of pictures! Of course, we knew that--we were there but we just didn't realize how many. Here are just a few of my favorites!
(I do not know why the one of me and Dylan is oriented that way--it isn't actually. I guess it's just too big to fit in the post or something...)
Thanks so much, Jenny!
(I do not know why the one of me and Dylan is oriented that way--it isn't actually. I guess it's just too big to fit in the post or something...)
Thanks so much, Jenny!
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