another perspective...

My Z runs a bible study group for middle school aged boys.

Last night they met at our house.... phew...middle school is a crazy hard age. But Z is good at working with them and speaking to them. I will admit to listening in some, I just wanted to hear how he interacted. ;o) Snoopy mom that I am.

I only listened for a couple of minutes then went about putting my boys to bed and getting ready to go out running.

The boys had all left so I went in to see Z quickly before going out. He had a troubled look on his face so I sat down next to him.

He said one of the boys in his group is having a really rough time of it, trouble at home, some depression and some self destructive behaviors and he's only 13yrs old. Z was very troubled, and recognized that this was over his head. We talked a bit about what his next steps will be. He's got a great head on his shoulders! ;o)

He then said to me "Man these kids really have it rough. I had it easy! Mom, thank you for loving me and for my life"

I wasn't sure what to say... he didn't have it easy...his dad and I divorced when he was 2 yrs old. We all went through some pretty tough situations.

He was always loved, he was always supported and he always knew he was wanted.

God is building my son to be an amazing young man, through all his bravado and sometimes colossal ego...he's got a huge good God loving heart.

Thank you Lord for my Z!

Ethiopia here we come!

I just mailed the first installment for our trip to Ethiopia! ;o)

We are really going baby!

SO very excited!!!

Please also continue to pray about the 'Vision' I asked about before... I have had some pretty amazing doors open and opportunities presented. I need His guidance, wisdom and discernment.

Have a better than good day!

Mom's Party

Apparently Flamingo-ing someone's yard isn't as common as I thought...lol But we did get mom's yard. I had forgotten until about 1145pm on Friday night...lol oops so at midnight I was out placing Flamingos in her yard. ;o)

My parents ;o)
See how big they are?!
Love these kids! ;o) Does S' head look exceptionally small here? ;o)
Part of the group that showed up... good turn out huh? ;o)

me, mom and my little brother
This is her surprised look...obviously this picture is out of sequence...lol

Vision?

I have been sharing a tiny bit about the leadership study that I have been doing at church...

It's been really good stuff.

One the things it challenged me with recently was being "quiet". I am a person that likes to have the TV on, I LOVE music, and just basically feel uncomfortable when it's quiet.

What I have found this week, is that God can speak to you when you are quiet.

hhhmmmm what a concept! ;o)

I have turned off my radio on the way too and from work. I don't listen as much while at work. And when I can turn off the TV I do.

What I have found is that God has alot to say. ;o)

I feel like He's given me a vision of something He wants me to do. It's big. Like I am not going to be able to do this by myself BIG... and what in the world am I thinking cause I already have a full time job, a full time family and a mission trip to plan... BIG.

This week I am going to continue my quiet time, do some fasting and praying.

I have started putting some feelers out about the process of what I think He wants me to do, and it's been coming back with good response.

I would ask that you pray with me... gosh I am asking that alot lately huh? I could really use them! ;o)

I would also ask you to let me know what I can pray for you about. During my quiet time, I find myself able to pray more intentionally...hhhmmm another weird concept. I pray for specific things that I know need them, like Silas, and friends adopting, and my kids and family... but I find myself able to be a little more intentional... a little more in tune. I am loving it.

So pray for me, and let me know how I can pray for you. I will let you know what the "BIG" thing is if God confirms it to me more than He has. ;o)

Blessings and happy Sunday to you!

Happy BIRTHDAY MOM!

Today is my momma's 60th Birthday!

Seriously does she look 60?!

My mom is the best! She's the one that always remembers to send a card, she stops by my house randomly to clean or cook for me, she will pick up my kids from school, take them to the Dr when my day is crammed...and EVEN have an Optimus Prime birthday party for me when I am 39! ;o)

She's been all over the world, yet keeps her feet on the ground.

She's got more creativity in her little pinky finger than I have in my whole body...lol And always amazes me with the great things she comes up with! She makes me want to be better and do better, not because she demands it but because she lives it.

I love you momma!

Crazy momma with my friend E.
Nanny with her youngest...
Beautiful momma ;o)
Mom and Dad
3 Generations.... good stuff!

Mission meeting recap

It was a good meeting.

We truly have a fun group of people coming along! ;o) Great energy and lots of good natured teasing.

I was a bit bummed though! We were going to take a group picture so that we could include it in the letters we will be mailing for support, but the camera I packed and placed next the front door of the house.... stayed at house. ;o( woops....lol

We have our next fundraiser scheduled. It's a spaghetti dinner... you know the typical yummy church dinner kind...lol It's in November.

We are thinking about having a benefit concert at one of the other churches represented in the team. We know a couple of people that have bands that would be willing to come sing and donate all the proceeds towards our cause... we are very excited about that! ;o) Just have to get a date and location...lol

Two of our members work at local schools, one is an assistant principle and the other a teacher so they are going to work on getting some Children's Health packets together for us to hand our while we are there. They are both pretty excited about that.

We got to conference in Andrea from Washington to listen along. It was great to have her 'there', although we cut up quite a bit...lol hope we didn't scare her off ;o)

Over all I think they are all getting excited about the trip, it's only 6 months away now... yikes!

Shucks I was reminded this morning that Christmas is 3 months from today.... whos ready for that??!!!

Over all it feel like the team is committed to God's call on their lives to be on this Team. He is SO good!

Mission meeting

Tonight is our next mission meeting.

I am really looking forward to it! I don't know why it's not anything special, other than it means one more step in the right direction.

You know... one of the things I am struggling with is the need to share the heart of Ethiopia.

I sent the video in the previous post to the team. It was of Rwanda, but it could have been Ethiopia. The faces, the roads, the people the houses, the smiles.... those smiles of joy when they have so little. The friendships and sense of family they have when they have nothing else. Neighbors carrying their friends to the hospital. Strength and courage like we will never have to experience here. Also pain and despair....

It's a country of beauty and warmth. It's green and lush... dry and dusty.

Last night in our leadership training there was a quote about being 'super Christian'. I forget what it was exactly but it warned against this mentality. All I could think of was our team. Seeing us all flying into Ethiopia as "Super Christians" with our white capes trailing behind us.

While it's a funny visual ...it's NOT the mental picture I want us to have. We may be going to work and do some good but I plan to come away with, and learn so much more than what I went there with. I am not special or super good or better than anyone... I just hurt for those that are hurting. I want to make a relationship with the country that gave me my sons. I want to give back to her a tiny little piece of what she gave me. Heal a tiny little sliver of the hurt that she has endured.

I pray that those that come along are able to see the beauty that I see, not just the pain. I pray that like a stone makes ripples in the water, each person that comes back starts their own ripple effect....

Will you pray that with me?

God's heart

Perspective

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Eph 4:22-24

As God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, and humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other...Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Col 3:12 -14

I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Eph 4:1-2

The verses above were in my leadership lesson for yesterday.

These verses just kind shot little arrows of conviction into my heart.

I fail so often as a light, as a representative of Christ. I fail more often as a parent than in any other place.

I was reading a blog yesterday by a wonderful mom who spoke about control in parenting ...about how it doesn't work. Not in the literal sense. Controlling my children isn't my goal, although it seems to be the way I tend to go...not intentionally. But I think my unconscious thoughts have been "I have to control this behavior or it will get out of hand"

On some level ending behaviors is certainly the goal, but I obviously have to work out a different method. lol... I feel like I have tried everything. But I know there is something else that I can try.

Yesterday N made some bad choices at school. S called me to let me know after N came home. Right after her call I got a call from a customer. Some how we got to talking about kids and he was telling me about his 5 yr old and his behavior. It was refreshing to hear of a father having the same concerns as I have. Thank you God for that call.

Last night we talked about choices, how we can choose to make bad choices and we can choose to make good choices.

Afterwards I began to think of the verses above that I had read earlier in the day. I can choose to make good choices myself. I can choose to be grumpy and annoyed and frustrated or I can choose to live in the light and love of Christ.

The verse E is memorizing this week is I am fearfully and wonderfully made... Psalm 139:14 The boys and I worked on memorizing it last night. ( I so wish you could hear E say it. It's so stinkin cute!!!)

This morning we spoke about what that meant... I want my kids to hold this verse in their hearts... I need to hold it in mine.

N IS fearfully and wonderfully made... I know this... His beautiful smile... his gorgeous dimples... the eyes that light up...his creative mind...the drama king, the brother that takes care of his siblings...the defender of all things girl...the momma's boy... the child who can eat until his belly is full. He is an amazing gift of God. He is 5 and he doesn't always make good choices... well good grief!!! I am 39 and STILL make bad choices every single day. What's my excuse?

Today I choose to make it a better than good day! I am in prayer N's is as well.

The weekend that was...

So the weekend wasn't as crazy as I anticipated.. YAY ;o)

Friday night I some girlfriends over to watch Dirty Dancing. ;o) One even dressed up as Baby and carried a water melon. If you haven't seen the movie that wouldn't make sense, but I loved it. It was great fun just sit around with the girls munching popcorn and enjoying girl time.

Saturday was a quiet day actually didn't do a whole heck of a lot, and it was SO wonderful. We did take the boys up to the local park where they were having a Lumber Jack competition. They thought it was too cool!

"Dat Kewl" is E's new phrase, that and "What you sayin sucka" ... that one was daddy's. (roll of the eyes here) He was so cute though when we were leaving the park he said "tank you momma" I asked him why he was saying thank you and he said "for takin trasmore" (the name of the park is Mt Trashmore because it's a converted trash heap. It's a true trash to treasure ;o))

N is reverting to some acting out behaviors again. I had thought him being in his own school with his own space would be a good thing for him. But now that he's seen E's Pre-K, N has decided I think that E's space is better. He's not being over the top, just acting out more and doing all those things he knows he's not supposed to.... Any suggestions?

I went to Z's church to listen to a great speaker about being a world changer. He was fantastic! I had been feeling a bit down thinking about the fundraising we still have to do, and about the vision I have for the women's village/place... and wanting some answers from God. And while I didn't get a knock in the head answer, He did give me a bit of peace and a bit of fire. IT was good stuff.

I did have to rest from running over the weekend because I was feeling pain in my shins. I did have someone tell me that if I can do half the distance of the 10k I can do the whole thing. That's encouraging, although I am still working towards running the whole distance before the marathon...lol

This is another week of crazy appointments. It seems as though we have something every night. This weekend is a celebration down at the oceanfront, I think D and I will be working the K-Love tent for a couple of hours. I am looking forward to that. I think it will be great fun ;o) As long the weather is good.

This Thursday is also our next Mission Team meeting. I am really looking forward to meeting again. It feels like it's been forever since the last meeting.

Please continue to pray for Silas and his family! It's been such a roller coaster ride for them. God has performed some amazing miracles, but they are still struggling with his healing. He is a precious sweet boy.

Have a Better than Good Monday.

Faithful Friday

YAY it's Friday!

Over all I think it's been a good week.

N had his bad day, but has turned it around. YAY N! ;o)

E's had a great week in school. Usually daddy takes him in the morning, but today I got to take both boys. N was excited to see where E goes to school, he asked if he could teach there when he's 12. He must think 10 and 12 are really old huh? lol (on that note he asked me how old I was the other day and when I told him I was 39 his eyes bugged and his mouth dropped "Man! That's OLD!")

N was excited to get to do the Happy Friday Dance today at school. I am looking forward to him teaching it to me when I get home. ;o) Might have to institute that one. We had a Friday Dance at my old job... it was a riot! ;o)

I have been able to get outside running this week. It's been good. I feel really really good from the hips up when I run...it's the lower half that is still bugging me. ;o) Last night I did an Epsom salt bath though and I feel good this morning.

I haven't even bothered with the scale... I think I will just see how it goes with the running, my true goal is to get healthier and I don't want to obsess over the weight thing. I think my legs are actually getting bigger, but sure are firmer!!! ;o) YAY

Tonight I am having a girls night at the house. We are going to watch Dirty Dancing and eat popcorn. Just a fun night enjoying a fun movie. I was sad to see Patrick Swayze pass. The thing that made me most sad though was a quote I read from an interview he had with Barbara Walters though. It said that when asked how he felt about dying he said he "didn't know what was on the other side". ;o(

You know I guess even as Christians with the assurance of Heaven we don't really know what's on the other side... it's the unknown... and that can be scary even if we are sure it's going to be a good thing! ;o) I pray that someone was able to share Jesus with him before he died.

The rest of this weekend is going to be pretty busy, but then I am not sure we know how to have quiet weekends. ;o)

I am working with my dad to plan a surprise 60th birthday party for my mom next weekend. That's a bit hard for a woman that will figure it out cause that's what she does...lol And my dad, God love him, isn't really a planner, so I am stuck in the hard spot of ready to do it...but not wanting to step on his toes ya know? ;o) It will be good either way ;o)

Please continue to pray for little Silas and his momma Tiffany. He's had a bit of a possible set back. I know how very hard that feels when you are stuck in the hospital with your child. Please send up a prayer of strength for her.

And for my friend K who's missing her sweet daughter on her way to Cameroon. My parents moved to Bahrain for a couple of years when I was in my late 20's and I remember how hard that was. Hang in there momma! See you tonight.

Praises for my BFF Erin who is going to pick up her baby tomorrow!!! It's a tough situation for the family that will be relinquishing him, so prayers for them as well. Baby Noah is a sweet beautiful little boy and Erin and the family are so very excited to bring him home.

I pray your weekend is full of family and blessings.

Til I am 10?

How long do we hold our mistakes?

N had a bad day yesterday. His first one this year... in week 2.

I spoke to his teacher and we discussed some options and I think we are on the same page. She isn't worried about N. He just needs time to adjust. I will admit to falling into that place I was last year when the issues started in school...those feelings of failure and judgement came washing back over me.

This morning a comment he made struck me. We were talking about the day and that it was a new day, a day for new beginnings. He asked about the red sticker (red is not good) in his notebook ...he asked if we could remove it. I told him no it had to stay for now. He then said "Will it stay til I am 10?!"

N's teacher and I spoke yesterday about N's need and desire to 'do his best work'. He likes to have things a certain way, he likes things lined up, put away properly, arranged just so, letter's written the right way.... he's a bit of a perfectionist.

This red sticker in his notebook is a reminder to him that he did not have his best day.

How many red stickers should I have in my notebook? man! Thank goodness my boss doesn't send me home with a notebook of stickers for how I handled my day... or my kids don't rate me daily. Ok maybe they do, but thank goodness I don't get mommy stickers... yikes

He had a bad day, we all have bad days... we repent, regroup, pray ...and start over.

Today is his new day. This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.

The red stickers in my life are reminders of the times I screwed up, but the joy is in the fact that I have a new day to make things right.

Thank you Jesus for the ability to repent and see a new beginning.

Randomness...

Heard yesterday morning...

N: Mommy when do I get to do homework? I want to do home work.

Heard last night...

E: I no wanna do home-erk!
Signs of things to come? ;o)


On another note... last night I ran 3 miles...outside even!!
I have found my new lungs!! YAY!
Now I need to find my new legs. ;o) Ouch

Please say a prayer for my friend K today. She is saying see you soon to her daughter who is going into the Peace Corps in Africa. It's tough on momma's to say see you for that long...and that far. Please also pray for her daughter K who will be the one serving. What an exciting time for her!!!

Have a wonderful and blessed Wednesday!

Thumps...

Got this from a friend this morning...wanted to share.
Blessings.


Thumps
Count it all joy...
James 1:2 NKJV
Max Lucado writes: "When a potter bakes a pot he checks its solidity by pulling it out of the [furnace] and thumping it. If it 'sings,' it's ready. If it 'thuds,' it's put back in. Character is also checked by thumping… Late night phone calls… grouchy teachers… burnt meals… flat tires… 'you've-got-to-be-kidding' deadlines. Thumps trigger the worst in us… They aren't big enough to be a crisis, but if you get enough of them, watch out. Traffic jams… long lines… empty mailboxes… dirty clothes on the floor… Thump. Thump. Thump. How do you respond? Do you sing or do you thud? Jesus said, "People speak the things that are in their hearts"(Luke 6:45 NCV), and there's nothing like a good thump to reveal the true nature of a heart… it's not in momentary heroics, but in the thump-packed humdrum of day-to-day living. If you've a tendency to 'thud' more than you 'sing,' take heart. There's hope for us 'thudders.' Begin by thanking God… not a half-hearted thank-you… but a rejoicing, jumping-for-joy, thank-you from the bottom of your heart. James says: 'Count it all joy when you fall into various trials… the testing of your faith produces patience.' God's doing the thumping… for your own good… You're going to be tested… you might as well learn from the thumps. See it as an opportunity to develop patience and persistence. Each thump helps or hurts you, depending on how you use it. Be aware of 'thump-slumps'… For all of us there are times during the week when we can anticipate an unusual amount of thumping. Handle them head on… bolster yourself with extra prayer… don't give up… and remember no thump is disastrous. All thumps work together for good when you love and obey God."

Weekend pics...

The weekend was beautiful and sunny which was a wonderful contrast to the week! So here are some pics... the first few are just me playing around with the camera trying to be all artsy fartsy.

Boys in action!
Ever the poser...



E loves this ball!!!

Better

'I'm not yet what God wants me to be, but thank God I'm better than I used to be.' David Turner, Upper Room Devotional.

I read this quote this morning and said, "AMEN"!

Do you look back at your life and see the changes you have made? Oh my goodness can I just tell you I am so very very glad I am better than I used to be. There are also still times I think... goodness, what is up with me?! Why am I so like Paul doing those things I know that I should not.

I was looking through the material that I am to read for the leadership class I start on Wednesday. It's called "Leadership from the Heart". I think it's going to be a great class!

It's funny that I have led so many different types of programs...yet have never had any training...what a concept to actually learn about leadership?! ;o) Think of what God and I could have done if only I had had some training sooner?! ;o)

The funny thing is that I was never one to lead. I was never a leader as a child or a teen. I hated the spotlight and speaking in front of others was so not in my realm of the idea of fun.

Look what God has done to me!!!

Never in my wildest dreams did I see myself here. Do you love how God works?! ok well, maybe you aren't as excited about my growth as I am but it's my blog right? ;o)

I am excited to see what He has planned for the future... leading the mission team, running the 10k, more kids??? I believe this study will not only help me with leading other's outside of the family but also inside the family. My hubby is beginning BSF tonight.... I pray we are both on the right path towards God's best for us.

Faithful Friday

I have decided to keep Fridays as 'Faithful Friday' Maybe I should call it FaithFULL ;o)

Melkam Addis Amet, Happy 2002 Ethiopia!!

It's been a good week over all.

I would first like to give God the most high praise.... go check out Tiffany's blog!!! Our God is still a God of miracles!! Praise His name indeed.

The kids have all had great weeks. The boys are enjoying school. E is no longer telling us he has had bad days...lol He's had stickers every day. Yesterday I got to get off work early so I picked him up. I walked in the room and he said "Why Daddy no take me?" lol I asked if he would like to stay until daddy came to get him. To which he said yes. I didn't leave him of course, but he sure is a daddy's boy!!!

N is so very proud of his green stickers every day. As well he should be! I knew he would do great. I am praising God that this year is shaping up to be so much better than last year at this time!!!

S is still excited to be back at her home high school. She too is doing so much better this year already. Last year she was so stressed about life in general she was getting sick pretty much every other day. We thought maybe she was getting an ulcer. She was certainly having anxiety issues. Praise God for healing there!

I am up to 3 miles ...still only on the treadmill, but I think it's got to count for something doesn't it?! I ordered an arm holder for my ipod, and some of those over the ear clippy things so when I go out I have something to hold all my 'stuff' ;o) I think I am going to attempt the great out doors this weekend. yikes ;o) A friend here was talking to me about the 10k and then said she wanted me to train with her to do the Shamrock here in March... they have a 1/2 marathon... I think perhaps I will wait and see what I can do with the 10k first! ;o) But I love having a goal. Gives me something to look forward to. ;o)

This weekend isn't packed with anything!!!

I did just speak to my pastor this morning though and he wants me to be part of a leadership training they are doing within the church. It will involve a 5 week study course. I am praying about it. I guess technically I am alredy leading...lol but you know how it is when you start leading something you tend to get more stuff to lead. :o) One thing he did say was that he was going to be teaching the leaders how to say no. Hey that's a concept!! So will you pray with me about the class? And the opportunity? Thank you.

I pray God's blessings on each of you! May you all have a Better than Good Friday and weekend.

Bonus

E is going to a Baptist Church Preschool.

We aren't Baptist by profession, but we are not discriminatory either...lol He's got prayer and love and the word of God in school. Can't ask for more than that.

The bonus is that they are to memorize a scripture a week.

To be honest I wasn't sure how that would work for a 4 yr old still trying to learn English. I do believe however that tucking God's word away in your heart is a blessing, and starting at 4 yrs old is as good a time as any. Right?!

N is learning the scripture as well.

Love it!

A funny thing about E's school is that he has homework every night. Pre-K has homework nightly... crazy! It's not much, it's just funny that there is so much for one so little.

N's homework doesn't start until October 19th...not sure about the random date... but they will be able to do homework together.

I love seeing my boys be little sponges, seeing their confidence in learning and growing. Knowing that they have so much ahead of them.

God is Better than Good!

First Day of School!!!

What a day! ;o)

The kids all had good days...they all started new schools. Except for Z who's in his second year of college...and SO wouldn't have let me take a first day of school pic of him. ;o)

The morning went off without a hitch, they were all up and ready by 630am. phew! It was pouring out so Daddy drove S to her bus stop...couldn't get all that cuteness wet! lol Then took E to his preschool. E wasn't much pleased that he wasn't going to the room I had shown him, but went in fine after a bit of explanation.
I took N to his baby sitter's house and in he went no problem. The bus situation was a bit mussed, but I got is straight and loved that ride!!!
Here are some pics

lol should have cleaned up the stairs before taking the pics...lol

He LOVES this backpack, too bad it's too small for his folder. ;o(

Lookin cute for the first day of 10th grade

S called me first thing when she got home. Her response to the how was your day question was "It was the best first day of school that I can remember momma!!!" So that's good news. At dinner she even thanked us for letting her go back to her home high school. Now we just have to keep up that enthusiasm. ;o) We shall see how today goes, as they do block classes, with A days and B days... so they have different classes on opposite days.

N was next home. He was bushed! Getting up early and then having school in the afternoon takes alot out of a guy, even N! ;o) He had a great day as well. He stayed on green ALL day! He was so very proud of that. He enjoyed his class and says there are only 12 kids in his room. That's a great ratio. He brought his papers home to make sure we signed them. He loved the bus ride, but he sat by himself, I think he was ok with that. He really enjoyed the day and was ready to go back today.

E was picked up by daddy. There wasn't a teacher around that he could ask about his earlier day so we went by was E said. E told us that he hadn't had a good day. He said he got on red cause he didn't listen. ?? oh dear what a way to start. There were no notes though and no phone calls. So we asked him if today would be a better day and he assured us it would be.

When daddy dropped him off this morning he asked the teacher about E's day. She laughed and said he'd had a great day. Only one issue and it was a minor one. He didn't even make it to yellow and had been green all day.

So... where did the red come from? Crazy boy...lol Tattling on himself when there wasn't a reason. Now that we know where to look for the info on how his day went, these things won't happen again.

The boys were SO happy to see each other again. D said when he drove up with E that N was at the door jumping up and down just grinning from ear to ear. They chased each other and played the rest of the night. ;o) SO cute!!!

This morning they were all still excited about school.

Please continue to pray for Tiffany, Dave and little Silas. She is updating her blog with news. We know our God is the great healer and physician.

Prayer Request

Hey ya'll!
Happy Tuesday!
The first day of school for 3 youngest. What a day!!!

I will post more about that later, but right now I am just asking for prayers for my friend Tiffany and her son Silas and the family.
Silas just turned 4 on Saturday...here is a link to Tiffany's blog.

He is currently in their Children's Hospital recovering from a collapssd lung due to severe pneumonia. He could have a long road to recovery.

Please pray for beautiful little Silas and the family!

Blessings

Faithful Friday

YAY Friday!

Well we made it through all the open houses and all the kids are excited! ;o)

Daddy is on his way home. YAY!

All of the open houses went well. I already told you about E's. He is still excited and as predicted he hasn't been able to keep up with the waking, eating, sleeping sequences to figure out when we start. ;o) But we are sure making good use of the calendar on the wall! ;o) Excellent teaching opportunity.

Going with S to the open house at my high school alma mater was rather strange. I haven't been there in the 20 yrs since I graduated. I remembered it all. Crazy how old smells and sites can bring back so many memories huh? I think she will do great. She is very excited about going there with all her friends and the new ones she will be making.

N was beside himself with excitement when I got home from work to take him to his open house. ;o) He wanted to look at everything in the classroom, but was very good to sit in his seat while the teacher spoke and he looked around. ;o) I really like what we have seen so far, and this is a teacher that has been there for 13 yrs. She knows what she is doing. ;o) She was the teacher that did his pre-testing to see if he needed extra help and seemed to be very taken with him. He flashed her his dimples and she was smitten.

I really do think this is going to be so great for both boys to have their own space, own schools and friends. They will have each other when they get home, but some apart time will be great.

I do have to say that N has really become such a great big brother. He's very bossy (he's a first child, I know how he feels), but just last night I observed him helping E with something. It was so calm and nurturing and sweet. I just scooped him up planted a big ole smooch on him and told him what a great big brother he is.

I can't wait to see how they both do!

Exercise update:
Got my new running shoes (Thank you mom and Boo). I have only had 1 chance to use them and can see it's going to be an adjustment. I am an over pronator. That means I roll to the inside when I run. So my new shoes have good inner support and arch support. It's definitely a difference. We will see how they do.

I haven't gotten on the scale again this week...water weight...yuck!

I did take some pictures of my progress. I will not be posting them here for the world to see but I can already see a big difference! YAY!!!

I did mail my registration for the 10k!!

I am so excited to actually get that done.

I pray you all have a wonderful and blessed long weekend!

Conversations at my house...

This morning:

N: Mom the bus is picking me up at what time?
Me: It will pick you from Grammie W's house about 10:50 and take you to school.
N: ok
Me: But you aren't going to school today. (Just in case there is confusion. See convo below)
N: What school?
Me: You aren't going to school today.
N: My school?
M: Right you aren't going to your school today.
N: oh

I think I missed a thought process somewhere.

About 30 minutes later:

E wakes up: School today?
Me: Nope you are going on Tuesday, remember the calendar? We will look at it when we go downstairs.
N: We are going tomorrow?
Me: No you are going on Tuesday. (I then count the says for them)
E: (shoulders slump) oh :o(
N: oh I thought we were going to be home 2 days then start.
Me: *sigh* Let's go look at the calendar again.

lol... school cannot start soon enough for these boys!!!! Or for mommy.

I pray our conversations stay excited about school.

Open house

This is a crazy busy week!

I have open houses for the kids because all 3 of the youngest are starting new schools. Z already started his second year of college.

Thank goodness they are all scheduled for different nights since D is out of town!!!

Last night I took E to his open house. Bless his little heart he is still trying to grasp the concept of the school he will be attending.

It's a Preschool/Daycare in a church around the corner from our house. We walked into the sanctuary for the beginning orientation and he said "This no school! This Church!" He wasn't pleased...lol After the program we went up to see his classroom. It's wonderfully diverse and the classroom is bright and cheerful. One of the teachers that will be with him in the Daycare portion said she thought there was a woman from Ethiopia that worked there as well. How great would that be?! He wasn't pleased that we were leaving as quickly as we did, but we showed him on the big calendar at home when he will get to go there for long term.

He's still grasping the concept of time. Generally he bases things on eating and sleeping sequences...lol I am not sure he can count the amount sequences before he starts school.

S isn't going to the specialized school this year. She will be going back to her home high school. She is so very excited. Tonight is the new student walk through. It's the high school I graduated from so it will be interesting to see how things have changed. ;o)

Tomorrow night N gets to go to see his new Kindergarten class! He is so very excited to go to school. He asks me every morning to look at the calendar so he can see when it starts.

I believe that the upcoming change of schedule are what is setting his attitude off. That sense of change and things not being the "norm" seems to set him off. This time last year it was E coming home and all that that entailed. This year it's school... Big Boy school!!! That's alot of change for him, even if it's good.

I think both boys will do well. It will be a bigger adjustment for E, as he is attached to N. He doesn't like to go places without N, or have N do something he doesn't get to do.

N on the other hand I think will do so well in his new environment. In a place that is just his and where he can be N... not the brother or the self appointed interpreter. Bless his little heart. I anticipate some adjustment for them both, but pray for growth for them both as well.

S on the other hand will be great! She's got all her regular friends and the school she wants. Now she just needs to keep up the grades. ;o) Her school has a system in place that allows you to see when the kids are tardy or don't show, or need to do homework or have projects due. It's so great! SO glad they didn't have that when I was in high school...lol Even more glad that S does not take after me in that department!!!

On a completely off topic comment... I love running! I love having the treadmill! I am up to 3.5 miles and can run 2 of them!! And down another 1.5lbs!!!!

Today I go look at good running shoes! ;o) I can't wait until I can run outside. The weather is weirdly gorgeous for this time of year!! Come on Fall!!!

Hope ya'll have a better than good day!

Musings of a 39 yr old

lol... sounds all philosophical and stuff doesn't it? ;o)

Isn't it funny that 39 seems to be some kind of magic year. Like 39 is the last year you are young, or not 40, or ... I don't know. But people tend to stop aging at 39 for some reason.

Not me. I don't want to stop aging. I really like that I have learned so very much in these past 39 years.

I was thinking about the Break My Stride song. (yep I remember it from High School Laura...lol) When my mom used to think that song applied to me back then it was for such a different reason than now. ;o)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRNHy8IUOHA&feature=related Here is a link just in case you don't remember it. Just beware there is much BIG hair and BAD wardrobe. You will also be singing the song for the rest of the day. Don't say that I didn't warn you.

This year I want to be the person that doesn't break their stride... I want to accomplish those things I set out to. I want to make a difference, I want to make a change, I want to shine God in so many corners that He is glorifed on earth and in heaven!

This year I am co-leading my first mission team and running in my first marathon... granted it's only a 10k but hey, it's still my first. I have a child in college and a child in Preschool. What is THAT about?

Ain't nothin gonna break my stride means so many different things now than it did then.

Then I was self absorbed... nothing was going to stop me from partying and going out with friends.

Now it means nothing is going to stop me from doing what God wants from me.

The difference? Christ.

I love what He's done with my life. I love what He's doing with it.

John 10:10 Jesus said, "I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."
Romans 8:37 says "In all these things we are more than conquerors through God who loved us"

I look forward to my next 39 + years. I cannot wait to see what else Christ has in store for me. What abundance he wants to shower me with. What more can I conquer? Can't wait!