Phil.4:13

I can tell that school is back in full force. Things at church are starting back with the kids. Homework is kicking my tail with Clayton. Let me clarify that- it's not what's in the work, it's the amount of work sent home at night. He hasn't reached the point where they are out-learning their parents-yet. The house isn't as clean as it was in summer time (not that it was that clean...). It is only Sept., and I feel like I am starting to spin my wheels-sponsoring this club, mentoring teachers, attending extra meeting for those. The kids are starting to get their colds. So Addi, especially, is fussy at night. It's all just a part of life. I would much rather have all these things and these people as a part of my life than not to have them at all. So, as I have been awake since 4 am with a fussy toddler who has yet another ear infection, one of my favorite Bible verses comes to mind: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. " Phil. 4:13

Back in the Swing

Well, we've all been getting back into the swing of things around our house- going to bed early, getting up much earlier than in the summer, packing lunch boxes the night before, just trying to get into a routine. I have been so tired-I think all I want to do when I get home from school is sleep. Fortunately, my students at school have been very respectful and my job has been very pleasant. I love coming to work and love being with the students. They seem to like learning, for the most part. No one is talking back. It is just wonderful. If things keep going the way they are, we will all keep smiles on our faces all year. I feel like I am in wonderland-maybe I can stay...

I'm baaacckk!

I must say I was embarrassed to see that the last time I logged onto my blogspot page was back in March! I guess I've spent a little too much time in Facebook. I enjoy the blogspot, because it allows me to share what God is doing in my life.
We went to Natchez this past weekend to be with our moms, let the men go to a car show, and celbrate Johnny's birthday. It was fun hanging out with females and shopping. We ate at Mammie's Cupboard, a landmark in Natchez. I'm ashamed to say that I lived in Natchez until I got married, and I'd only been there once. I didn't get to spend as much time with my mom as I would have liked. We've always been very close, but things are different since she remarried. I guess I need to realize how blessed I am that she's not lonely anymore.
Mother's Day was nice. Clayton helped me fold 3 loads of clothes and didn't gripe! He had a choice-fold clothes or clean his room. At least he helped me with my part of the housework. I have realized that I am so quick to gripe about things; especially when it comes to my children-two of the people I cherish the most. This past Mother's Day, my mother-in-law reminded me how blessed we are to have these two in our lives. Not only did I have two difficult pregnancies, Johnny was told early on that he may not be able to have kids. We had two really big strikes against us, but God saw fit for us to be parents- in His time. When they are really driving me bonkers, I think of the Bible verse from 1Sam. that I have painted on Addison's wall, "For this child I have prayed". I am so thankful for God, his blessings, and the lessons that He has been teaching me.

Spring Break

This week was such a beautiful one for spring break. I was beginning to think otherwise at first with all the rain. After that cleared out, God's beauty sparkled through the clouds with rays of sunshine. You can tell spring is definitely in the air with all the birds fluttering by, the little white and yellow wild flowers blowing freely in the wind. Lets not forget the bumble bees, wasp, and the lovely film of pollen that cakes on our vehicles. I really enjoyed the time that I was able to spend with my children. Usually it's still cold and rainy. We enjoyed things such as, going to the zoo, the park, playing in the neighborhood, and shopping. Only 9 more weeks of school-then my oldest will be getting ready for his first RA camp, then on to 4th grade. Time does fly...
I am so thankful I had this week with my children. It was much needed! Now it's not too much longer 'till summer! God bless!!

I started out on "The Biggest Loser" weight loss "thing" at work about 4 weeks ago-Jan.6, to be exact. I was all pumped and excited. My excitement has quickly turned to disappointment and despiration. You can hear all the others, "I lost 2.2, 4.6, 6.1". The most I've lost in one week is 2.6lbs. Give me a freakin' break!! The total weight loss MIGHT be 6 pounds. I know, I know,be glad I haven't gained. I've hit a plateau after losing the first 50 lbs. I guess you can tell by the mullygrubbing I'm having a hard time staying strong and focused. I've been counting carbs for almost 2 years-no bread, no pizza-I feel like Bugs Bunny. All my collegues are doing Weight Watchers. I think I might give that I try-maybe my body needs a switch. I know my attitude does!!
Have a blessed day!! God is good!
Stacy

Seeing an Old Friend

Over the last few weeks, my husband, Johnny, has reunited with some of his old high school friends through a website that one of their classmates created. It started out with about 30 members from South Natchez High School. Now I think that site has over 500 members.
Anyway, one of his old friends, Joel came into town last night. We ate supper with him-haven't seen him in 13 years!! It was great to meet up again and talk about "old times" and laugh about stupid things we used to do that we all thought were cool back in the 80's. They grew up in church together since they were babies-so their time together goes way back. It was really nice to get together again. It's ashamed to let time slip by like that without keeping in touch with those you were close to.
Thanks to "myspace" and someone I barely knew from school that shared Johnny's high school web site with me!!

Starting Fresh

Happy New Year to everyone! I hope that everyone had a blessed holiday and is starting out with a promising new year. I know this is the time of year where everyone makes new resolutions, changes, unkept promises, lifestyle choices; whatever you wanna call it. If any of you know me or have read many of my past blogs, you know that I mentor 2 teachers that are new to our district this year. We hired a first year sped. teacher this for sem. and I was selected to mentor her through the MDE, which is a lot more responsibility because money is involved (surprise, surprise). I'm very honored that someone thinks that highly in my ability and capability. But like children, I don't like that "R" word. On the positive side, I know it will look good on a resume.
Also, if you've read previous posts, you know that I've had trouble with my blood sugar. Long story short-still working on it. Dr. still wants more weight off and glucose levels down. 40 down,30 to go. It seems like the more I lose, the higher the glucose gets. Don't ask me. I joined "Biggest Loser" weight loss competition at my school. I'm not doing it to win-I just thought it would motivate me to get the last 30 lbs. off. I'd been at a stand still for about 4 months and needed a good motivator. Besides that and praying for God's help with will power and help controlling the sugar, I don't know what else to do about it, except cut my lips off. The doctor I have is skinny- sometimes I feel like telling her to eat a donut, drink a coke-then tell me about blood sugar!! If I wasn't trying, I could understand. It just seems like everytime I go-my levels just aren't right. It's only 120 after a fast-so it's not like I'm going to go into a coma. She wants the levels to be in the high 70's-which is crazy, but whatever. As long as I'm taking care of myself and feeling well, that's all I can ask for.
We started school back this last week-you could tell it was a full moon Fri. I think being a mentor is helping me "stay in check" with what I'm supposed to be doing as a teacher. I think it has helped make me a better teacher and professional.
I am praying for strength and self-control with my weight, because I know that the way that I eat is a lifestyle change. I have come to terms with that. I pray daily for wisdom with food choices because this is so hard for me.
I am also praying for God to strengthen me as a wife, a Christian, and a mom. I am so thankful that God allowed me to have Christian parents and examples. I want to take that and grow. I am thankful that my parents took me to church and Johnny's mom took him to church as children. I pray that we are what God wants us to be for our children, especially in a society such as today. I know many of you Christian wives/moms are praying the very same things for your children. God bless you as you bless others this week!