And so we come to the end

And so we come to the end of another school year. One more day of work for me 3 more school days for T. Randy, keep on working.

I have so many projects I want to do this summer. I can't wait to get started. T has had so many programs this year. Christmas Concert, Spring Concert, National Junior Honor Society, Band Banquet tonight and an awards program next Wed. I guess I shouldn't complain, she has been such a trooper. Straight A's all year again (oh, sorry 1 B) She still is first chair in the band. Doesn't get into any trouble, all she asks for is texting. I better get to work on that....I'm trying!!

She'll be in eighth grade next year, taking high school math, that she doesn't even get to count as a math credit, counts as an elective.....whatever! she can do it. She turned into a young lady when my back was turned. She has been able to handle peer pressure, done great in a school a lot of people have had trouble in.... Yay Tori!

I'm trying to talk Randy into getting a pool. I think it would go along way in keeping Tori wanting to hang around the house and not be running where ever with her friends.... I know it's a lot of work, which I will happily do....(at first) I know we won't get out what we put into it when we sell, if we can ever sell. We could take our vacation money for the next few years and put it towards the pool..yeah, that's it. And I wouldn't have to pay to tan.....it's good exercise....yeah, yeah, I think he'll be convinced. I told him I'd pick up some extra work this summer......baby sitting....I'm convinced.

Well, that's all for now.

New Attitude

Why is it that we always want, what we think others have? I see so many other people that I think are living the life I want. What makes me want what that? I don't think I'm unhappy in my life. From the outside we seem to have it all. From the inside, I am thankful for all we have.



I couldn't ask for a better husband, kids, family, friends, job....... I think when we want what others have, it comes from something that is missing from inside ourselves. Whether it's low self-esteem or something else we are missing. I don't even feel like I deserve better than what I have....I just seem to want it all. I have it all, and more than I deserve. Maybe instead of looking from the outside into others lives....I should look into my own heart...where does the envy of others come from?



So many times, we have gotten exactly what we deserve and so much LESS! I look around at things I think I want and realize that I need to be thanking God for the things I have. I don't need anything. I have every single thing that I need.

I find that when I get to feeling like I'm missing out on something, I usually am. When I start feeling sorry for myself, I'm usually tired, and bored or mad. I start the woe is me....I need to remember to check myself,,,what's missing is I have been overlooking my relationship with the Lord. I'm always just so busy, can't fit in my bible study and quiet time to prepare for the day. I decide to watch all the bad news on the Today show instead of just getting up and picking up my Bible and finding out what 'HE' has in store for me for the day.

Today, I decided, what better day than a Monday to try somethings a little differently. How about I listen to nothing but Christian music. Let me go into work being lifted up instead of humming the tune to a song that's going to get me nowhere. How about when I get home, I don't turn on Dr. Phil.....I spend some time outside, or shopping with Tori. I don't try to make myself feel better by listening to the poor people that have it so much worse than me on t.v. How about we eat at the kitchen table and talk, instead of in front of the tv immersed in someone else's life? (Yeah I said it. Didn't do it, but I said it)

The peptalk actually helped. On the way to work, I listened to Nicole Nordeman. When I got into work I told everyone I was staying positive...lasted about an hour or so. If you think about it, we are the ones in charge of our emotions...we decide how and what we are going to do to handle any given situation.

I find I have to surround myself with the kind of people I want to be like. Not the kind of people who are like me, or who just plain old like me. We all have the need of wanting to be liked, wanting to have friends that look up to you. I try to act in different ways to make different people like me, instead of being true to myself and my Lord and Savior. If I am true to myself and model myself after Christ...then I can expect not to be liked by everyone. And it shouldn't hurt my feelings if maybe everyone doesn't see things my way.

I like to call myself 'tolerant' but so many times that just means wishy-washy. I have certain standards and beliefs and I should stand up for them, always. If I did, how many chances would I have to tell people about Jesus. Could that be what I'm afraid of?

okay enough for now.....going to sort some things out. :)

Teacher Appreciation Week

Well. I must admit. I have a new found respect for teachers. I have been 'teaching' for three years now at a Mother's Day Out program. I never really considered myself a teacher, I have no 'official' training, no college at all, and no certificate or degree. When someone would ask me, what I did. I always said " I work with two year olds at a mother's day out. I was afraid if I said I was a teacher...I'd have to explain that I wasn't a 'real' teacher.
I have come to realize that I do actually teach the children things. Like:

1. Why you have to sit in the same spot at the same table everyday. (not just because I said so.) By the end of the year, they are ready to fight someone who has 'mistakenly' sat in their seat. (kinda like us Baptists)
2. Why it is important to walk in a line. There are over 100 kids at our school, when classes pass, it is very possible a two year old may decide they like the way the other class looks and take off.
3. Sharing......it's hard for them to share, when they think everything is theirs.
4. Why you don't go up the slide. It hurts when you on your way up and a bigger kid is on their way down.
5. Why it is important to wash your hands a lot. Have you seen where two year olds put their hands.
6. Why it is important to keep your hands to yourself. (see #5) Not all children like you to pull their hair, or poke them in the eye.
7. Numbers 1-10 - colors - shapes

Anyway, Now that I am finally comfortable with teacher, it is amazing that their are some parents drop their kids off and never ask how they are doing, how they behave etc. Some do care but really use us as a babysitter. There are a few that really get it.

I received lots of nice gifts this week. Lot's of gift cards...several moms took the time to ask what we liked. One little girl gave me a pot with 3 little sprigs in it. She had planted them as seeds and 'loved' them into cherry tomatoes. She was so proud of her accomplishment. Her mom was a teacher and gave us something everyday. Flowers, cookies, cherry tomato plants and a target gift card. I got some cool funky rubber gloves for if I ever do the dishes again. A mom wanted to bring us lunch, but we eat with the kids..so she got us a gift card to Panera Bread, so we could go on our own time and enjoy it. I think the best gifts were those who gave us handwritten cards and notes telling us that their kids loved coming to school and talked about us a lot at home.

Moral of the Story

Unless you have worked in some capacity with 10-12 kids in a 16 x 16 room for over 5 hours a day, it's hard to understand the work that goes into it. All those cute little crafts and worksheets they bring home...who do you think gets them ready? Thinks of them? Unless you have tried to get and keep the attention of a roomful of kids.....when there are so many other interesting things to do all around, unless you have watched a child cry of embarrassment because they have had an accident in their pants, unless you've had a child throw up down your back because 'mommy' sent them to school sick, it's hard to understand. We don't do it because of the money.(no seriously, we don't no teacher gets rich teaching school) We do it because we love when a child remembers something 'we' taught them, when they get it, and are excited because they see how proud we are of them. Teaching isn't all fun and games. We don't just sit down and play with the kids all day. Even at two years old, we are getting them ready for 'real school'.

Gosh, I didn't say all this to pat myself on the back, Just remember when you go and pick your child up to ask their teacher how their day was. To make them feel appreciated. Some teachers see your kids more than you do during the week. Just say thanks. It really does make a difference.

This one is for me:

There's no such thing as perfect people, there's no such thing as a perfect life. So come as you are, broken and scarred. Lift up your heart, be amazed, be changed, by a Perfect God.

I smell Jerky!

Please remember to pray for Billy Campbell, Velnor's dad, still having bad days in the hospital. We're lifting your name up Mr. Billy.

Good Morning.

Hear that? That is the sound of...hubby at work, T at school and finally the dog not whining.

A cup of coffee, graduation cards and a list a mile long of chores. Here's my list for the day, please feel free to take any or all items.

1. Finish the jerky.


2. Usual 'day off' household chores....sweep and mop floors, fold laundry (lots), clean kitchen really good.


3. Extra stuff the guest room is full of junk that I keep throwing in there to make the rest of the house look clean. I brought down the summer clothes to switch out, now ALL the clothes is laying in my bedroom floor, has been for at least a week.


4. Clean out the laundry room to get ready for the new washer/dryer woo hoo!


5. Finish my part of the end of the year gifts for our precious 2 year old graduates.

None of this would be insurmountable (did I spell it right Candace?) Except. I am lazy. Embarrassingly so. I guess I am so in love with myself, that I think all unstructured time should be me time...and me doesn't want to do chores. That is selfish I know. No one has to put that in print. I know. This selfishness/laziness has always been a problem for me, and it has actually caused problems in my 'adult' life at home. No one from church or work would ever guess but I am a really hard worker. And if put on a deadline at home, I can knock out some chores. I have had a 'light bulb' a ha! moment. I shouldn't be the boss of me!! Any way, I have no doubt, I will not complete this list. But I will finish the jerky and clean the laundry room.

My Hubby hunts and fishes...fishs..likes to fish. We have lots of venison in the freezer and family and friends love his jerky. He ran out of time last night, so he asked if I would finish it. All I have to do..is load the jerky shooter, (a big caulk gun looking thing) and squirt it on the tray for the dehydrator...which would be no problem, except, jerky is straight and the trays are round!! I'll figure it out. I make (ask) him not to 'cook' (dehydrate) it in the house...so he does it in the garage. My house, furniture and clothes don't smell like deer jerky, but our cars will for a few days. Just a small price to pay for him to be able to get out and do something he loves, to destress from a busy, busy job. So I will finish the jerky. If you see him, tell him how much his wife appreciates him.

This one is for Hubby. I will strive to be the wife of a Happy Husband!

It's getting late. The house should be quiet. The dryer is running because T forgot she needed some clean jeans for tomorrow. I have to stay up a little later to set the dryer back for 30 more minutes. For some reason, it won't dry in one cycle. It may be that the washer isn't spinning right...oh well whatever the reason..I'm getting a new washer and dryer on Wednesday!!



I think Hubby thinks this may motivate me into doing laundry more frequently. Let's let him think this....It's not that I don't do it frequent enough, he's probably just tired of picking thru the clean clothes pile to find clean 'drawers'.



While on the subject of Hubby, I think I should start a new section called : Hubby's funnys.

Now first you must understand my husband not only thinks he's a smart man, he really is. He got his masters degree, I think that is six years in college, and works a challening career, but the poor guy comes up with some of the stupi.....silliest things I've ever heard. And He's smart enough to make me think.....It was my fault he said them. I'll give you one example tonight, and as I remember them, I'll pass them on.





Hubby's Funnys

He had been making chili all day. We went to bed and I knew the chili was in the crock pot. I asked him "What did you put the crock pot on?" He said "the counter" Is that not hilarious. I laughed so hard I snorted. He couldn't understand what was so funny. What I should have said was..."what did you set the crock pot on "ie: warm, low, medium, hot. Now that's funny, I don't care who you are.



Okay. Maybe you haven't noticed, I always try to end my blog entry with an inspirational saying or Bible verse. Those who know me (really know me) know that I don't make them up. So here's a shout out to a wonderful Christian woman I work with, Judy, that just lifts me up every day.

She gave me a little book of Faith notes. They are sticky notes that have these great sayings on them. I look thru it and find the one that suits me, or someone I know and use it. Judy had to go out of her way to get it, and spent more than the limit on our 'pretend birthdays' at work (don't ask, that's a whole other blog) because she forgot it was my birthday. Well Ms. Judy, this book has blessed me already more than you know. Judy is the one I go to when I need some 'serious' counseling', or the answer to Bible trivia on the radio. She is the shining example of the strong christian woman I want to be. Nuff said. Love ya Judy. Everyone give her a call her # is....just kidding Judy, I'll put myself out there, not my mentors. haha

This one is for Judy:



You, are such a beautiful reflection of God's Love! :)

How does this blog thing work?

I want to be able to tell about my day, and keep family members posted. I want to put my thoughts and questions out there, but at the same time, not hurt any ones feelings, or endanger my family by putting to much 'personal' info on the web.

There has to be a happy medium, I'll find it sooner or later.



T spent the night out again. She's at sonic at 10:30 with her 16 year old boyfriend. (ha, just kidding, she's with her cousin) hopefully staying out of trouble. She's suppose to call her daddy when she goes to bed. I bet she forgets.



Nothing much happened today. Started out strong. Not really, did a few chores, picked out a new washer and dryer. Everyone says theirs is the best and cheapest. I always fall back on mom. She worked in appliances at sears for years...still gets that retiree's discount. Friends and family night coming up. Should have it sometime this week. YAY me!



The old set will go to my sister. She just bought her first house. YAY her! A brand new one at that. It's so cute, and ....new. Good for her and Jules! Now instead of having to visit....30 places when we go 'back home' it's 31. I guess there are worse things than having lots of family to visit.



Went to eat at sister in laws house tonight. Spaghetti. Good and Free and I didn't have to cook. Then took Hubby to the grocery store. I left him in the cereal aisle to pick out his 'own' box. 20 minutes later we met back in the frozen food. All he has was one box of cereal. One little box of Kroger brand corn chex. I said "It took you 15 minutes to pick out a box of cereal?" He said"no" That's all just "no" Believe it or not, I left it at that. They only had one express lane and one other lane opened. The check it yourself lane was all express. I think all the weirdos were out tonight. He wanted to 'go get the truck' I told him that he wasn't leaving me in there by myself. He looked at me like I was an idiot, and said "well, you think I want to be in here" Thanks honey, save yourself! He did wait. He pushed our buggy out to the foyer and proceeded to start loading up about 6 or 7 bags to carry to the truck. I didn't correct him, or remind him we parked right next to a buggy cage...I just carried the bags he handed me. I guess we saved the bag boys a few steps in the rain. Why don't they ever carry the groceries out anyway? They don't even make eye contact, they just push the buggy towards you, then run away trying to look busy. But that's a whole other story for another day.



I saw an old neighbor,(okay, he's not old...he used to live next door until he moved up in the world) running in the rain. He's training for a marathon. He only has 8 more miles to go to have 40 in this week. He says it addicting. I told him, that's exactly why I didn't try it, or any other exercise...I'm afraid I might become addicted. Right now I have to many addictions, tv...sleep....crafts....facebook, now this blog. I'll try exercise when I kick one of my other bad habits. But good for you Jason. I know it takes time and dedication to do what you're doing.



Gotta run, Sunday School starts early in the morning.



This one is for you, Jason Hensley



And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Matthew 5:41

Saturday Morning. Home alone. This is not a bad thing. I have a million chores to do around the house. While I am NOT doing that I am painting names on 24 little flower pots, these will be part of our end of the year gifts for my MDO students.

Hubby out shopping for a new rod and reel. He really needs it. AND it's on Sale. Where I have I heard that before...wait, that's usually my line. Daughter spent the night out.

I just found out the my niece is having a little girl. Shout out to YOU. She just turned 19 yesterday. I hope she had a good birthday. Pray for her please, as she isn't getting along with some members of her family. I had a 'problem-ish' child for a while. There is no way on God's earth that I would have, or would now, make him feel like she does. Abandoned. Being a single mom isn't easy or always fun, but she can do it. So many others before her have.

Hubby's gonna make some chili later so supper is covered. T will be back in a little while to help with chores. Hopefully.

We had the craziest day at work yesterday. The rain held off long enough for us to have Fun in the Sun Day, lunch went great, but NO ONE thought they needed a nap. Except one sweet little girl. :) We had the 'baby room' teacher out, one of the one year old teachers husband got hurt, one was sick but came in anyway, one of the four year old teachers had a death in the family and our music teacher had to fill in for her.. She'll never be the same.

Soul Mate Live
We went to date night with a purpose at Bellevue last night. I think I have figured out that the 'purpose' is to cause a fight with your spouse! Not really, the topic was "Your expectations, on Sex and Intimacy in your marriage" We learned that.....we have different expectations. It was kind of weird being in church and having people talk to us about....you know. We came away from it with..."Well we had a nice dinner with friends at Texas Roadhouse, then lots of free coffe, water and softdrinks, not to mention fruit and desserts" and "Communication is key in any aspect of marriage." well...duh! It doesn't matter, we were by far the oldest at our table..and probably the oldest in the whole place. I didn't even get a free t-shirt and I whistled the loudest....Hubby can't take me anywhere!

This ones for my niece

May the Lord of peace himself, give you peace at all times and in every way. 2 Thes. 3:16