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!

SO FULL OF LIFE

Ya'll (Can you tell I'm from Ms, or what?!?)--I just I to put this picture of my kids as the header of my blogspot, at least for just a little while. Every time I look at it, it makes me laugh. Those of you that have multiple children, can really understand this. Clayton is always giving Addison LOTS of grief. Well, on our snow day she "let him have it". If you look closely, you can see in one of her hands she has a chunk of ice aiming at him. She wasn't even making snowballs-just picked up ice and threw it at him. Then she started aiming at me-and we had to have some little lessons... Back to the picture, the look on his face is priceless. He's looking at her like, "Oh no, it can't be another block of ice!!" You know how it is--we keep telling our oldest ones that payback will catch up with them, but NOOO, of course they don't believe us. Yes, I was the same way with my younger brother. I know we all have stories. I just had to share a little backup with that picture. I love laughter-and this one sure does bring joy to my heart!! Hope you all had a very blessed Christmas!! May Jesus' love continue to fill you this holiday season. Share His love with someone!!

Christmas Blessings

Hey, Everybody. I hope all is going well with you all. My hubby is Christmas shopping and I actually have a few minutes to blog. Things have been crazy around our house- Clayton had a story board to complete for school. Our children's choir had to sing on a Sun. night-so that meant practices, even just for ONE song... The adult choir finished our program last week-which was very time consuming for me. Johnny had to do a lot of unwanted baby sitting. Last week was 9 wks test at school and also meant cooking for the different teams that I teach with, since I'm sped (work with sped, thank you). We also had to get ready for children's party's (food, teacher's gifts, etc). --Nevermind all the shopping and last minute things for Santa.
I love Christmas-love everything about it-can't wait for my own to get up on Christmas and see what Santa left for them--see the excitement in their eyes. I do, however, dread all the running and going to all the in-laws and step-parents, la-la-la, running the roads all day, listening to the kids whine that they want to get home to play with their new toys. But think back to Christmas morning when the kids run in the living room to see what Santa left. -How they peer into all the gifts that he left behind. As they visit family members throughout the day, they are sure not to leave out one detail about what they received.
As Christians, are we like that? Do we tell others about the Gift that we have received or do we keep it quiet? Do we just mention it occaisionally or live it? I'm guilty of that. Sometimes I'm ashamed of the way I behave-what I SAY isn't always the way I ACT. I'm sure we're all a little guilty of that from time to time. People need hope, especially now more than ever. My music minister reminded us recently that it is up to the people of God to spread the real Hope. Our world is looking for hope--what better gift to give to someone this Christmas than Jesus.
I hope you have a blessed Christmas season. I have people in my family that I know are lost. I am praying that they will receive hope and the Best gift this year!! Merry Christmas!