Woke up with every intention of having a positive attitude today...
"I'm going to be in a good mood (after my coffee, of course!)"
"I am going to be productive (Lord knows there is a lot that needs producing around here!)"
"I will NOT cry today (I think I cried enough yesterday!)"
But then I log onto facebook to check messages and find out that a dear friend's child passed away early this morning...
Nothing like THAT kind of reality check. It really makes you put your own problems in perspective when you find out some tragic news. I feel SO guilty for sitting here crying over stuff that happened a year ago that I can't do anything about when a sweet, sweet person is REALLY grieving.
Dear Lord, this precious precious child. A wonderful family...loving mother and father. Sweet children. They JUST adopted this little girl barely two months ago. I know there are no answers to this question that we really aren't even supposed to ask but...
WHY?
I've been a believer long enough to have studied His Word and know that we will not have all the answers this side of Heaven. We simply have to trust that God is a loving Father and knows what's best. Maybe her sweet little body just couldn't handle all the pain and everything she was destined to have and so He in His infinite mercy spared her. We know she's with Him now...no pain, no sickness, no tears. And even though it should be, Lord forgive me, it's hardly comforting.
I cannot imagine what Cindy and George are feeling right now. I can't even let my mind go there when I try to empathize. All I can do is pray and try to dig deep and think of the blessings that are always there.
What a blessing it was for that child to have a forever family even if the majority of the forever will be in Heaven.
What a blessing it was for that child to get rescued from a situation in another country that the outcome was known. At least she got a chance here.
What a blessing it must have been for this wonderful family to be able to lavish love on her even if for such a short time.
What a blessing it is to know where this child's soul is and to know that they will see her again someday.
And I know there are more blessings that I in my limited human mind cannot verbalize.
It's so hard to comprehend the death of a child. I'm reminded of nearly two year ago when my friend, Mary lost her sweet Brandon suddenly to an accident. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about him still and wonder what he would be like now if he had lived.
I remember them playing this song at his funeral...
I can't really add any words to that except that I love you, Cindy and George and will keep you in my prayers!
Their blog is HERE
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Thankful Thursday
We have been busy this week getting ready for Fall!
Monday, we moved Dylan back to Tuscaloosa and into his new apartment. He loves it! I love it! His sisters love it! I am SO thankful for such an amazing son! He has worked all summer and has paid off his car, saved money, bought things for his new apartment...oh gravy how I wish I had his money management skills and discipline! He interviewed for a job Tuesday and even though it's "not official" yet, he's pretty sure he's got it. I'm also thankful that he has three AWESOME roommates! Two he went to high school with and one they were just blessed with by chance. They had such a good time last year and got along so well that they are continuing to be roommates this year. One less thing for a mama to worry about! I just love these three kids. They are my life!
Tuesday, the girls got their braces!
Brooke has been REALLY sore and Kayti has already popped a bracket off but I digress...I am thankful that we found an orthodontist willing to make payment arrangements. The girls are thankful for clear brackets and I am thankful, too, for my ex husband who is not only willing to pay for one of the girls braces (I pay for the other) but he even let me have the discount and made the initial payment for me since I'm still scraping by...here's praying God will help me figure something out!
Then we registered both girls for high school at Clay-Chakville. I don't have any pictures of that and honestly, there's not much to be thankful for there after spending THREE HOURS in line!! Okay, if I must, I will again say I'm thankful for Jeff because he covered all their fees. I agreed to pay for the yearbooks when it's time.
I am thankful we got to eat at Hungry Howies Monday--LOVE LOVE LOVE it! I am thankful I ONLY spent 90 minutes in line at the courthouse getting my address changed on my license. I am thankful we got to go to Gigi's cupcakes and I am VERY thankful for their Merry Margarita cupcakes!
So much thought...
I don't know why I haven't felt like writing much lately. I usually communicate my thoughts very well and it has always been my way of venting and analyzing myself even if no one else reads them. But since my divorce and subsequent abusive relationship, moving out on my own, going back to work full-time, etc., I guess I have either just been exhausted, wary of what I share now (since so much of what I shared has bitten me in the proverbial butt in the pas) or maybe there is just SO MUCH going through my head I don't even know where to begin anymore. Maybe it's a little of all of those (maybe it's a LOT of all of those).
So at the risk of sounding rambled and disorganized, at the risk of pissing people off that don't appreciate my blunt honesty or care about what I feel, I'm gonna just vent/journal a little bit.
I don't remember if I posted about my recent spat with my mom but we are currently not speaking. I love her very much and always will but I'm so tired of 1) arguing, believe it or not. 2) being made to feel worthless. I know she doesn't mean to make me feel that way and maybe I am giving her to much credit. I have always tried to put up a very strong front and I AM a strong woman, don't get me wrong, but my thick skin is not so thick these days. I don't know too many people that could have handled everything I went through in the past two years as well as I did and yes, I could've done better but still. And yes, I know that I brought much of it on myself, but I totally didn't expect the consequences or I never would have made the choices I did. Maybe I was naive not to expect disaster but nonetheless, there isn't a lot of this that I actually wanted. But I've learned to go with the flow, accept what I have to, do the best that I can and keep going. After all, what choice do I have?
I am my own worst critic, believe me but my mom...I don't know. Sometimes it just feels like she tries to take that position from me. What started it this time was I had been into a huge argument with Jeff and I needed a friendly face and a listening ear. I know better than to ask her to be that for me but hey, like I've admitted time and time again, I'm sometimes stubborn and stupid!
So I went to her house but she had company that stayed and stayed and stayed and stayed and so we never really got to talk. While I was there, I was playing with the babies--my two nephews and niece and we were teasing Coop about his parents being Auburn fans. I mentioned to the company that his dad was a "douchebag" for rooting for the wrong team. Everyone laughed (or so I thought) and took it for the joke I meant it to be. I refer to most men as "douchebags" and I don't really mean anything by it, it's just become my pet name for men, even when they behave themselves! I've told many a friend that all men are "douchebags" it's just that some are douche-ier than others! lol Just as most men refer to women as temperamental bitches, some worse than others. They would be right in 99% of cases. I can live with that.
At any rate, we went on home without a word about anything but the next day I get this text scolding me for what I had said in front of a two year-old about his daddy. The poor man works so much and misses so much and I should really watch what I say.
What the heck? Are you kidding me? First of all, we haven't talked much in a week, I drop by unexpectedly, we don't get to say much and the next day you don't ask how I am or anything about MY life but your first thought is for the tongue-in-cheek comment I made about a 28 year old man?
Seriously? I was blown away. Of course my feelings were hurt but then I don't know why I was surprised. Since my divorce, I can do nothing right in her eyes. Why should this be any different?
Second, I was kidding and everyone knew that. I hardly think a two year-old would know what I was talking about anyway even if he DID repeat it. I didn't make such a big deal when other family members who shall remain nameless were teaching MY children to say "I wipe my own ass!" because they thought it was such a cute movie line (and it was, but still!)
Third, is it really my responsibility to be sensitive because he misses things? They picked their careers, I didn't. When he was born, I tried to tell them they would regret missing these days and they should try to stay home with the kids more. They made and continue to make the same choices Jeff and I made when our kids were little. They don't want to give up their lifestyle and that's their choice. But don't try to make ME feel guilty about that!
Third, even though I was kidding, and even though he's a good man and is good to my sister, a big part of me thinks he is a douchebag. No, not because he's an Auburn fan (though that doesn't help! lol) but for his attitude towards me since my divorce.
I'm SO SORRY your hunting buddy is no longer a part of the family, dude. I'm sorry that I was human and made the same mistake a lot of people have made (including him) but I was still family. I didn't deserve the reaction I got from him or anyone else and a big part of me STILL resents that. It's my problem to work through, I realize that and I will. I just haven't yet.
Nonetheless, I did NOT/do not appreciate my mom's attitude and I'm sure she has her issues with me, too. I can't fix things for everyone. No matter what I do, I can't ever make up for the wrong I did, the hurt I caused everyone, the damage that is irreparable. No one grieves more than I do. It may not always look like it because I HAVE to move on, I have to find a way to cope and survive. But I promise no matter what, I'm always dying a little on the inside. Every day. EVERY day.
And that brings me to the second point of this blog...
I thought I had made peace with everything. I did what I did, I can't undo it. I've been to counseling. We still do things as a family. Jeff and I work VERY HARD to put our kids first in everything just as we always did. He never complains when I tell him they need something I can't get for them at that exact moment and he's even still there for me a lot of the time. I get way better than I deserve and for that I am VERY thankful. But it always leads me down the same thought path....
WHAT THE **** WAS I THINKING???? I try and joke it off a lot of the time--"I'm not into shoes but for the ladies that are, don't trade your Manolo Blahniks for a pair of thrift-store house shoes like I did!" And that's exactly what I did. No doubt about it.
Lately, if I don't keep busy EVERY moment of EVERY day, I can quickly become overwhelmed with grief and depression. I so want to take it all back and I can't. I now know that marriage isn't always all consuming passion, it takes work and even though I DID work at it for 21 years, when it needed me the most, I abandoned it. God had always protected and shielded me from temptation. There were other times that I thought it was inevitable that I would fail and God would always step in and block the path of destruction for me. Why not this time? Why did this time He choose to take a step back and let me fall on my butt?
I HAVE learned many valuable lessons that I couldn't have otherwise learned. I know now I can be alone. I'm even learning to enjoy it most of the time.
I know that I can make it on my own financially, even though it's a lot harder than I thought it would be.
I've learned that the grass is not always greener on the other side. In fact, it rarely is. It's only green where you water it. And yes, I was told that beforehand but it was just one of those things I had to find out for myself, God help me.
I've learned that there IS evil in the world and that it can cleverly disguise itself.
I've learned that the people you think will always be in your corner no matter what, aren't always.
I've learned that sometimes blessings come in peculiar packaging.
I've learned that when things get REALLY rough, you will find out who your friends are. Mr. Feenker (high school teacher) was right. When we get to the end of our lives (and I'm only in the middle!) we will find that we can count the number of TRUE friends on ONE hand and if we can use all the fingers on that hand, we are extremely lucky.
I've learned there are only two forms of truly unconditional love--God and my dog! Right now, I do feel like I love my kids unconditionally but I always thought I'd be able to say that about my mom's love for me, too. So who really knows. I'm praying on that one!
As for everything else...I'm still figuring it all out. I pray daily for discernment because it wasn't given to me as a natural gift and if I could have one thing in this world, that is what I'd want more than anything. I have faith. I know that God still loves me and I know that He has a plan for me. I want to believe that plan is bigger than even I ever imagined. I know that's what His Word says. I just don't know if I will see it anytime soon.
So at the risk of sounding rambled and disorganized, at the risk of pissing people off that don't appreciate my blunt honesty or care about what I feel, I'm gonna just vent/journal a little bit.
I don't remember if I posted about my recent spat with my mom but we are currently not speaking. I love her very much and always will but I'm so tired of 1) arguing, believe it or not. 2) being made to feel worthless. I know she doesn't mean to make me feel that way and maybe I am giving her to much credit. I have always tried to put up a very strong front and I AM a strong woman, don't get me wrong, but my thick skin is not so thick these days. I don't know too many people that could have handled everything I went through in the past two years as well as I did and yes, I could've done better but still. And yes, I know that I brought much of it on myself, but I totally didn't expect the consequences or I never would have made the choices I did. Maybe I was naive not to expect disaster but nonetheless, there isn't a lot of this that I actually wanted. But I've learned to go with the flow, accept what I have to, do the best that I can and keep going. After all, what choice do I have?
I am my own worst critic, believe me but my mom...I don't know. Sometimes it just feels like she tries to take that position from me. What started it this time was I had been into a huge argument with Jeff and I needed a friendly face and a listening ear. I know better than to ask her to be that for me but hey, like I've admitted time and time again, I'm sometimes stubborn and stupid!
So I went to her house but she had company that stayed and stayed and stayed and stayed and so we never really got to talk. While I was there, I was playing with the babies--my two nephews and niece and we were teasing Coop about his parents being Auburn fans. I mentioned to the company that his dad was a "douchebag" for rooting for the wrong team. Everyone laughed (or so I thought) and took it for the joke I meant it to be. I refer to most men as "douchebags" and I don't really mean anything by it, it's just become my pet name for men, even when they behave themselves! I've told many a friend that all men are "douchebags" it's just that some are douche-ier than others! lol Just as most men refer to women as temperamental bitches, some worse than others. They would be right in 99% of cases. I can live with that.
At any rate, we went on home without a word about anything but the next day I get this text scolding me for what I had said in front of a two year-old about his daddy. The poor man works so much and misses so much and I should really watch what I say.
What the heck? Are you kidding me? First of all, we haven't talked much in a week, I drop by unexpectedly, we don't get to say much and the next day you don't ask how I am or anything about MY life but your first thought is for the tongue-in-cheek comment I made about a 28 year old man?
Seriously? I was blown away. Of course my feelings were hurt but then I don't know why I was surprised. Since my divorce, I can do nothing right in her eyes. Why should this be any different?
Second, I was kidding and everyone knew that. I hardly think a two year-old would know what I was talking about anyway even if he DID repeat it. I didn't make such a big deal when other family members who shall remain nameless were teaching MY children to say "I wipe my own ass!" because they thought it was such a cute movie line (and it was, but still!)
Third, is it really my responsibility to be sensitive because he misses things? They picked their careers, I didn't. When he was born, I tried to tell them they would regret missing these days and they should try to stay home with the kids more. They made and continue to make the same choices Jeff and I made when our kids were little. They don't want to give up their lifestyle and that's their choice. But don't try to make ME feel guilty about that!
Third, even though I was kidding, and even though he's a good man and is good to my sister, a big part of me thinks he is a douchebag. No, not because he's an Auburn fan (though that doesn't help! lol) but for his attitude towards me since my divorce.
I'm SO SORRY your hunting buddy is no longer a part of the family, dude. I'm sorry that I was human and made the same mistake a lot of people have made (including him) but I was still family. I didn't deserve the reaction I got from him or anyone else and a big part of me STILL resents that. It's my problem to work through, I realize that and I will. I just haven't yet.
Nonetheless, I did NOT/do not appreciate my mom's attitude and I'm sure she has her issues with me, too. I can't fix things for everyone. No matter what I do, I can't ever make up for the wrong I did, the hurt I caused everyone, the damage that is irreparable. No one grieves more than I do. It may not always look like it because I HAVE to move on, I have to find a way to cope and survive. But I promise no matter what, I'm always dying a little on the inside. Every day. EVERY day.
And that brings me to the second point of this blog...
I thought I had made peace with everything. I did what I did, I can't undo it. I've been to counseling. We still do things as a family. Jeff and I work VERY HARD to put our kids first in everything just as we always did. He never complains when I tell him they need something I can't get for them at that exact moment and he's even still there for me a lot of the time. I get way better than I deserve and for that I am VERY thankful. But it always leads me down the same thought path....
WHAT THE **** WAS I THINKING???? I try and joke it off a lot of the time--"I'm not into shoes but for the ladies that are, don't trade your Manolo Blahniks for a pair of thrift-store house shoes like I did!" And that's exactly what I did. No doubt about it.
Lately, if I don't keep busy EVERY moment of EVERY day, I can quickly become overwhelmed with grief and depression. I so want to take it all back and I can't. I now know that marriage isn't always all consuming passion, it takes work and even though I DID work at it for 21 years, when it needed me the most, I abandoned it. God had always protected and shielded me from temptation. There were other times that I thought it was inevitable that I would fail and God would always step in and block the path of destruction for me. Why not this time? Why did this time He choose to take a step back and let me fall on my butt?
I HAVE learned many valuable lessons that I couldn't have otherwise learned. I know now I can be alone. I'm even learning to enjoy it most of the time.
I know that I can make it on my own financially, even though it's a lot harder than I thought it would be.
I've learned that the grass is not always greener on the other side. In fact, it rarely is. It's only green where you water it. And yes, I was told that beforehand but it was just one of those things I had to find out for myself, God help me.
I've learned that there IS evil in the world and that it can cleverly disguise itself.
I've learned that the people you think will always be in your corner no matter what, aren't always.
I've learned that sometimes blessings come in peculiar packaging.
I've learned that when things get REALLY rough, you will find out who your friends are. Mr. Feenker (high school teacher) was right. When we get to the end of our lives (and I'm only in the middle!) we will find that we can count the number of TRUE friends on ONE hand and if we can use all the fingers on that hand, we are extremely lucky.
I've learned there are only two forms of truly unconditional love--God and my dog! Right now, I do feel like I love my kids unconditionally but I always thought I'd be able to say that about my mom's love for me, too. So who really knows. I'm praying on that one!
As for everything else...I'm still figuring it all out. I pray daily for discernment because it wasn't given to me as a natural gift and if I could have one thing in this world, that is what I'd want more than anything. I have faith. I know that God still loves me and I know that He has a plan for me. I want to believe that plan is bigger than even I ever imagined. I know that's what His Word says. I just don't know if I will see it anytime soon.
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Finally...the beach!!!!
Thanks to my wonderful co-worker, Lara, he girls and I were able to take a little mini-vacation and go to the beach last week!!! The girls got to go with their dad a few months ago but I think it's been six years since I've been to ANY beach and even longer since Panama City.
Panama City will always hold a special place in my heart. I grew up spending countless summer days there. No matter how little money my parents had or what else was going on, we ALWAYS managed to get away for at least one or two weekends during the summer. I had the entire Miracle Strip memorized. I knew each hotel/motel and whether or not it was a great place to stay, what kind of pool they had, etc. I even remember being four and standing on a huge rock next to a mailbox in front of one while my dad checked us in and feeling a huge stinging sensation on my legs only to look down and find my feet literally COVERED in fire ants! For years, I would check that rock and mailbox out whenever we would go back! Ha, the things that stick in a youngster's head!
I remember that same year the swimming pool being across the street from the beach and we have 8 mm old home movies of my dad standing on his head on the diving board and me running around in my itty bitty bikini!
And I remember Miracle Strip amusement park and Petticoat Junction!!! Petticoat Junction was torn down years ago to make room for a Walmart (big look of disgust on my face as I write this) but Miracle Strip was torn down just a few years ago and I just found out a few weeks ago before we went and I still cannot figure out why!!! The spot where it stood stands vacant, overgrown with weeds and it's so very sad.
The beach tower was claimed by one of many hurricanes to hit the coast in recent years and many of the beloved hotel/motels have also been replaced by high rise condiminiums that now block one's view of the ocean and that irritates me to no end. The construction of those places has driven the price of rental property up so high that most NORMAL income people can't afford to go to the beach like we used to when we were growing up. But that's another blog for another time.
I still saw little pockets here and there of old Panama City that made me nostalgic for my childhood and days past but overall, I can safely say I'm more of a Gulf Shores/Orange Beach girl now. The beaches there are MUCH more beautiful and everything seems a lot less congested and calmer.
Nonetheless, we still had a fabulous time. We went to Pier Park and walked around, drove up and down the strip, got together with Angela at Pineapple Willy's and just hung out relaxing on the beach or by the pool. It was nice to spend time with my girls just having fun.
Panama City will always hold a special place in my heart. I grew up spending countless summer days there. No matter how little money my parents had or what else was going on, we ALWAYS managed to get away for at least one or two weekends during the summer. I had the entire Miracle Strip memorized. I knew each hotel/motel and whether or not it was a great place to stay, what kind of pool they had, etc. I even remember being four and standing on a huge rock next to a mailbox in front of one while my dad checked us in and feeling a huge stinging sensation on my legs only to look down and find my feet literally COVERED in fire ants! For years, I would check that rock and mailbox out whenever we would go back! Ha, the things that stick in a youngster's head!
I remember that same year the swimming pool being across the street from the beach and we have 8 mm old home movies of my dad standing on his head on the diving board and me running around in my itty bitty bikini!
And I remember Miracle Strip amusement park and Petticoat Junction!!! Petticoat Junction was torn down years ago to make room for a Walmart (big look of disgust on my face as I write this) but Miracle Strip was torn down just a few years ago and I just found out a few weeks ago before we went and I still cannot figure out why!!! The spot where it stood stands vacant, overgrown with weeds and it's so very sad.
The beach tower was claimed by one of many hurricanes to hit the coast in recent years and many of the beloved hotel/motels have also been replaced by high rise condiminiums that now block one's view of the ocean and that irritates me to no end. The construction of those places has driven the price of rental property up so high that most NORMAL income people can't afford to go to the beach like we used to when we were growing up. But that's another blog for another time.
I still saw little pockets here and there of old Panama City that made me nostalgic for my childhood and days past but overall, I can safely say I'm more of a Gulf Shores/Orange Beach girl now. The beaches there are MUCH more beautiful and everything seems a lot less congested and calmer.
Nonetheless, we still had a fabulous time. We went to Pier Park and walked around, drove up and down the strip, got together with Angela at Pineapple Willy's and just hung out relaxing on the beach or by the pool. It was nice to spend time with my girls just having fun.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Wow, I've been lazy!
Except for the girls' birthday blogs, I haven't written a lot this summer. It's not that there hasn't been a lot on my mind or that much hasn't happened. I've just been lazy. That old laptop of mine is a pain in the big toe and my time with Kayti's is limited! When I'm in the mood to write, I don't have it and when I do, I either have to hurry or just don't feel like it. Regardless, I don't want the summer to get away without updating or I will forget all the wonderful (and some not-so-wonderful) things that have happened.
Kayti's therapy seems to be going well. She had one little setback/meltdown around a month ago but all in all, she's doing good. She's trying to get a part-time job so she can save up for a car. She hasn't gotten her license yet. She and her dad and I feel she needs a little more experience to get her confidence up. She has been student teaching for Mrs. Shalita this summer and says she has enjoyed it. I think she will continue with dance in the coming year.
Brooke has been the social butterfly she always is. She's spent most of this summer back and forth with Tori and they seemed to have had a great time. Tori is a sweet girl. I hate that she is not as close to her other friends but that is not her fault...or theirs necessarily. Sometimes that happens in life.
Dylan has been busy working at the job he had last summer. I know it's hard work but it pays well and he is good at managing his money so he should have enough saved so that he doesnt have to work during the school year if he doesn't want to. He's looking forward to another year at BAMA and his new apartment.
The girls and I are headed to the beach next week. I can't wait. The girls went earlier this year with their dad but I haven't been in a few years at least. It's going to be a no-frills trip but at least I will get my toes in the sand!
I moved to the four year old room and I love my co-worker. We have a good time and a great group of kids. We'll be getting new ones soon when the new school year starts. I've taken a few classes with Childcare Resources but overall my inclination to get out of the field keeps being confirmed. I have applied to Wallace State and am waiting to hear about my acceptance and financial aid--please pray!
I've also applied for a part-time job. I'm making it okay but I would like to be able to put aside some money, get some new furniture, help Kayti with her car, take a few trips, work on a few projects...but there's hardly ever anything extra leftover from my glorious paychecks! Not that I am in any way ungrateful. I know how fortunate I am to have a job in this economy and I don't take it for granted.
We are hoping to do a Spring Valley Beach trip soon and also see the Braves play before their year is up since it is Chipper's last year. Hard to believe he was just a rookie 20 years ago when we first started watching him. He'll always be one of my favorite ball players and I'm glad I got the chance to see him play in person many times. I just want one more time!
I've been leading a small group at Highlands this summer and the blessings I've received have been absolutely amazing! It's so wonderful to me that when you set out to serve, YOU are the one who reaps most of the benefit. I have been blessed with an outstanding group of ladies from all different walks, different backgrounds and we have grown really close. We had the opportunity to serve as mentors to a group of adolescent inner-city girls this past Saturday and we really enjoyed it. I am not sure yet if I will lead another group in the Fall but I'm leaning towards it. Still praying.
I have my first meeting for Mexico mission trip next month and my deposit is due due due!!! Please pray about how I am going to fund the expense of my trip. The cost is $500 and I still need $490! I have been racking my brain trying to come up with fundraising ideas but I can't think of anything feasible. And I really don't want to beg for the money...I know if it's meant for me to go, God will provide.
That's pretty much it. No dating, no "relationships". A little bit of family drama but nothing new and it'll either blow over or it won't . I'm done trying to please anyone but my Lord.
Blessings to all!
Kayti's therapy seems to be going well. She had one little setback/meltdown around a month ago but all in all, she's doing good. She's trying to get a part-time job so she can save up for a car. She hasn't gotten her license yet. She and her dad and I feel she needs a little more experience to get her confidence up. She has been student teaching for Mrs. Shalita this summer and says she has enjoyed it. I think she will continue with dance in the coming year.
Brooke has been the social butterfly she always is. She's spent most of this summer back and forth with Tori and they seemed to have had a great time. Tori is a sweet girl. I hate that she is not as close to her other friends but that is not her fault...or theirs necessarily. Sometimes that happens in life.
Dylan has been busy working at the job he had last summer. I know it's hard work but it pays well and he is good at managing his money so he should have enough saved so that he doesnt have to work during the school year if he doesn't want to. He's looking forward to another year at BAMA and his new apartment.
The girls and I are headed to the beach next week. I can't wait. The girls went earlier this year with their dad but I haven't been in a few years at least. It's going to be a no-frills trip but at least I will get my toes in the sand!
I moved to the four year old room and I love my co-worker. We have a good time and a great group of kids. We'll be getting new ones soon when the new school year starts. I've taken a few classes with Childcare Resources but overall my inclination to get out of the field keeps being confirmed. I have applied to Wallace State and am waiting to hear about my acceptance and financial aid--please pray!
I've also applied for a part-time job. I'm making it okay but I would like to be able to put aside some money, get some new furniture, help Kayti with her car, take a few trips, work on a few projects...but there's hardly ever anything extra leftover from my glorious paychecks! Not that I am in any way ungrateful. I know how fortunate I am to have a job in this economy and I don't take it for granted.
We are hoping to do a Spring Valley Beach trip soon and also see the Braves play before their year is up since it is Chipper's last year. Hard to believe he was just a rookie 20 years ago when we first started watching him. He'll always be one of my favorite ball players and I'm glad I got the chance to see him play in person many times. I just want one more time!
I've been leading a small group at Highlands this summer and the blessings I've received have been absolutely amazing! It's so wonderful to me that when you set out to serve, YOU are the one who reaps most of the benefit. I have been blessed with an outstanding group of ladies from all different walks, different backgrounds and we have grown really close. We had the opportunity to serve as mentors to a group of adolescent inner-city girls this past Saturday and we really enjoyed it. I am not sure yet if I will lead another group in the Fall but I'm leaning towards it. Still praying.
I have my first meeting for Mexico mission trip next month and my deposit is due due due!!! Please pray about how I am going to fund the expense of my trip. The cost is $500 and I still need $490! I have been racking my brain trying to come up with fundraising ideas but I can't think of anything feasible. And I really don't want to beg for the money...I know if it's meant for me to go, God will provide.
That's pretty much it. No dating, no "relationships". A little bit of family drama but nothing new and it'll either blow over or it won't . I'm done trying to please anyone but my Lord.
Blessings to all!
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Guess who is 16?
I'll give you some hints:
She has the most beautiful red hair (yes, it's from a bottle but it looks really great on her!)
She has the cutest little figure (even if she doesn't think so)
She is one of the smartest people I know (and that includes a LOT of adults)
And she's far more responsible than a lot of adults, too!
She is a super talented writer! (the quality of her writing already surpasses mine! :-/)
She loves to read!
She loves the dog!
and I love HER--VERY MUCH!!!
Yep! It's Sara Kaytlan Quick! My first baby girl (read her birth story on the right)...
She is now 16 and ready to get her driver's license!
For her birthday, she got her belly button pierced, courtesy of Aunt Mia...
The next day, we went down to Brierfield to Limestone Park and tubed down the Cahaba...we love it. That's probably about the 4th or 5th time we've been. We came back and had cookie cake at Jeff's pool and everyone came over, Deb, Mel, Mia, the babies, Dede and her grandbabies. We had a great time!
She is doing very well in her recovery. Some days are harder than others. But I'm proud of her and excited about her future. I love her so much and cannot imagine my life without her!
Happy Birthday, Kaytibug!!!
She has the most beautiful red hair (yes, it's from a bottle but it looks really great on her!)
She has the cutest little figure (even if she doesn't think so)
She is one of the smartest people I know (and that includes a LOT of adults)
And she's far more responsible than a lot of adults, too!
She is a super talented writer! (the quality of her writing already surpasses mine! :-/)
She loves to read!
She loves the dog!
and I love HER--VERY MUCH!!!
Yep! It's Sara Kaytlan Quick! My first baby girl (read her birth story on the right)...
She is now 16 and ready to get her driver's license!
For her birthday, she got her belly button pierced, courtesy of Aunt Mia...
The next day, we went down to Brierfield to Limestone Park and tubed down the Cahaba...we love it. That's probably about the 4th or 5th time we've been. We came back and had cookie cake at Jeff's pool and everyone came over, Deb, Mel, Mia, the babies, Dede and her grandbabies. We had a great time!
She is doing very well in her recovery. Some days are harder than others. But I'm proud of her and excited about her future. I love her so much and cannot imagine my life without her!
Happy Birthday, Kaytibug!!!
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