Wow! Time Flies!

It's really been more than 2 weeks since I've posted! Unbelievable. I'm writing blogs in my head and having trouble getting to the computer. (Can someone please help me get pictures on this thing?) When I had the time, I couldn't figure it out. Now that I have much less time (school started) I'll never get it. It can't be that difficult. Can it? I'll blame it on living in the country and having dial-up!

I feel like I have been given a pardon from a life sentence in the pen! This job change has seriously rocked my world. I truly had no idea how bad things were for me until I'm no longer in the middle of it. It's funny how when you're on the mountain and look back over the valley you can see much more clearly the lessons and character God has been building. I'm thankful for the reprieve. For those who don't know, I left public school teaching in a VERY difficult district and went to private christian school. I teach my 11 year old son, I get to teach Bible, I can pray with my students, and feel free to share with them what the Bible says about any given topic we are studying! It is an unbelievable feeling! I'm slowly coming out of the "Funk" I survived in. My family cannot believe the difference in me and frankly, neither can I.

At times I wonder, "Did I miss you God? Was all this really your plan for me? Did my family really need to go through this?" And then I'm reminded of all the specific ways God met my and my family's needs throughout these last years. I'm reminded how often I tried to "do" in my own strength and ended up falling apart and falling on "His" strength. It reminds me of Chris Rice's song Untitled Hymn. There's a part where he talks about the road being rough and sometimes we fall...so, fall on Jesus. I have. Over and over again, and it's a sweet comfort. I'm relieved to have a reprieve, but I still say... if the storms bring me closer to God, "Bring it On" (Steven Curtis Chapman's Song...I know, I know. I can't help it!! Everything reminds me of a song!)

First Day of School

Well, we've never been in this situation before. The entire family will get in one vehicle and drive to the same place everday for work/school. I'm so excited! However, they say confession is good for the soul....so here goes. My teaching career has been in public school and had kept me hopping. My husband has had to pick up the slack for me many times. I've never had so much time to spend with my family. I'm wondering if we're really going to get along. What if I get tired of my husband being with (or at least in close proximity to) me 24/7? I'm chalking it up to uncharted waters and praying for smooth sailing. We've come through the storm many times and been in tact. No sweat.

Bragging Rights

As christians and ministers of the gospel of peace, we try to memorize scripture ("...hide your word in my heart so that I might not sin against you...") and have our kids memorize it as well. It has helped me with more than one discipline problem ("Honor your mother and father...that you may have a long life"). Back in May I was working with my son on scripture about encouragement (he tends to say regrettable things when he is frustrated with his little sister) and he had a "meltdown". He was frustrated and couldn't get it right. Anyone who knows how bright he is can testify that he is capable of getting it right quickly. Anyway, he reminded me that he goes to a christian school, sunday school, AWANA, children's choir, etc. and that he memorizes scripture for all of those things. Could I cut him a little slack if he was having trouble today? Sure, I said. I hadn't fully realized... Well, he is at Preteen camp this week (The last time he'll go, by the way, because he's going into the youth group) an he called this morning. I NEVER HEAR from him while he's at camp when I don't go. Anyway, after my heart settled down because his tone of voice didn't suggest trouble I had a little difficulty understanding him. He talks fast normally, but when he's excited, it's double time. ...he was excited! He is trying to be the person at camp who quotes the most scripture! He is leading the way right now. Incidentally...he'll win an ipod. We put him on speaker phone and heard all about it. Only after we hung up did I realize what that meant. I don't care if he's memorizing more scripture get an ipod or to be the winner...he's doing it...on his own. That makes my heart smile. I know down the road in his life, when he needs it most, and he will need it, the Lord will remind him about what's already in his heart.

Cloudy with a Chance of Rain

Well, we buried our 14 year old cat...after she died, that is. Only a pet lover can fully understand how hard that was. I was worried that my kids wouldn't be able to handle it, but they have surprised me. We didn't give them all the details. The vet told us last week she was 90+ and her kidneys were failing, she just had a matter of time. She had unlearned how to use the litter box...fun. Anyway, we decided the time had come and it wasn't any easier than just letting it happen. Both kids cried a few tears and immediately asked for another one. I've cried more than anyone. We were blessed with her. She was a good pet and lots of fun through the years. The King isn't ready for another cat...but as Prince D said...let's put it to a family vote. The King is probably overruled. Princess C can probably sway him. More on that later. :)

ADD Alert

I meant to add to the Upwards Soccer entry that the church set up a tent and had a fog machine blowing while they introduced each player and they came running onto the court. TOO Precious!!!

Also, Prince D got glasses today. He is such a handsome boy. Pictures to come.

School Supplies

Storm Activity

It's official! I'm a geek. I love to wander the aisles (sp?) at Walmart when school supplies are in abundance. I would buy one of everything if I thought I could possibly use them. It makes me think of "You've Got Mail" when Tom Hanks says to Meg Ryan that he'd love to send her a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils. See? I said I was a nerd. Actually, I think it's my dad's fault. When I was a girl, he and I would go shop for cool pens and things for letter writing. Believe it or not I still have some of the things he bought for me at a young age like rubber stamps with my initials. Sweet memories for me.

We've been on the hunt for school supplies and while most people hate it...I love it. Princess C starts Pre-K and we've made a big deal out of it for her. She's a big girl!