God Has A Plan

     Thinking back over the last school year, I'm proud of my two children and what they accomplished. My oldest, Clayton, walked out of the doors of his upper elementary school for the last time on May 22, 2012. He received honors this year and tried out for band (and made it). 
     On the other hand, my youngest child, Addison, explored a world exiting and new to her...KINDERGARTEN! I don't know who was more nervous and scared. Of course, with me having dyslexia, I was afraid that those tendencies would appear in her reading and writing (aside from the normal kindergartener). She excelled and did far above average in school. Needless to say, I was relieved...and proud.  
     Both children played ball, one just beginning, one played his final game last week. The six year old still claims her grossness for boys and admits that "all boys have cooties, except for Daddy." Clayton has recently become unshy about liking girls. He used to get mad if I asked if he liked anyone or thought girls were cute. Now he just says, "Maybe..." or, "Girls are hot". He's keeping his room clean, so that makes me happy. 

                                       ~ Addi and her Kindergarten teacher after graduation~

     More than anything, I can see them growing-growing, educationally, maturely, and spiritually. I was a little depressed because it was the "last" of everything. Instead of being sad, God made me realize I need to be happy my children grew enough to move to the next step in their lives.
    

He Gives Me What I Need

Over the last few weeks, I've been praying for a good friend/co-worker that just found out he has cancer. He is currently in Indiana receiving treatment and possibly going to have to need more surgery. He's not even 30 years old.
My little brother just learned that his 18 mos. old son has diabetes. It seems like every day(here recently), I learn that another one of my friends is faced with the harsh reality of losing a parent. Cancer and sickness seem to be on every corner. But I am thankful that I know the One true healer. Yes, this world has been depressing lately, but I'm glad I know that I have Someone I can go to for ultimate comfort. I know I fall short in living that way, but I hope others see that in me. I've been feeling kind of sorry for myself-thinking I had things "all bad". Then God shows me my problems are nothing compared to those around me. I really don't care for it when He puts me in my place, but sometimes I need that.

Ahh, I'm enjoying a peaceful night at home. The house is not spotless (rarely is these days) but is picked up. I have listened to the strumming sounds of Clayton's violin today as he's been practicing for his big concert at the Mayor's Prayer Breakfast next Friday and then next Sat. at Richland Day. I made a few parent phone calls that time in the school day does not allow. Drama has been dealt with at school, and I have played the roll of mom, nurse, counselor, friend,oh..and teacher. After school tutoring has been done. My job as chauffer for Thurs. has come to and end. Johnny and I visited with an old HS friend from Natchez that has moved to Richland-haven't seen him in about 15 years!! I had supper laid out-but after all of this today-I went to Bop's instead!
I have to remember to be thankful for all the "hecticness". I am thankful for the job that I have. It does stress me out, but I know I'm following God's plan. The co-workers that I work with are like family. My children and husband are such a tremendous blessing that I tend to take for granted. I look around and see the messes they make, and I'm glad they are mobile and able to make messes. I get tired of all the running around we have to do, but I'm glad to have transportation and glad I have kids that want to be involved. God has shown me that what we have can so very quickly be taken away.

1st Craft Show

This weekend, I had my first show at Old Towne Market in Clinton, MS. I did pretty good, I guess, except for the fact that is was so stinkin hot!! I was able to see some family and friends, so that was a good thing. I think I'm going to wait until fall to do it again. All in all, I had a good time, and it was good for the experience. My Aunt Kathy and Uncle Jimmy came from Brookhaven to help me. I could not have done it without them. Thanks guys!!

Thankful for My Man!

Just recently, I have a friend that has been going through a divorce. Now you know when you're married, you claim that the "better half" never does anything- or at least I do.She is now all alone and has no one to help her do those things things that "the man" usually does. She's often times had to call her dad, who lives out of town, to come help her with something. Then there's the financial aspect-going from two incomes to one. It makes me sick to think about having to live just on my income and having to support two children. We were talking last week, and she mentioned that she wished her dad had taught her more "manly things", so if she was ever alone, she could take care of herself.
No one ever wakes up and thinks that this is the day their world is going to change and they're going to be all alone. I think we take way to much for granted. I know I do. I did it to my poor parents. Now I find myself doing the same thing with my husband. He's so good to me: buys the groceries, puts them away, gets my gas, helps get the kids dressed, takes out the trash,helps with homework, plus all that other "manly stuff" like cutting the grass, and anything else that needs to be done.
He was changing my brakes on the car yesterday and I was sharing with him how I needed to learn to do some "manly" things for myself. He gave me the oil pan and told be to "get busy". Ha ha! I quickly told him he could teach me that some other time. He's so good to me. I'm proud of the man that God has molded him into for my children. He was raised by his mom and stepfather, who he called "Dad". They divorced when he was 21. My daddy was a big part of Johnny's live after that. I guess you could say my dad kind of stepped in. I know my dad's gone now, but I think he would be very proud of the man I married and the man that he's become. He's not perfect, but he's the perfect man for me!

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...