Just a few cell phone pics for your enjoyment

The boys first baseball practices:

 Carter's 2nd Birthday

 Doing a little homework:

 Go Predator's!  We had such AWESOME seats!

"Take a picture of my eye, Mama"

 "Now, I'm going to jump, so you have to take a picture of my feet in the air."

 My tired, thirsty third child...

 Rebekah's first birthday...

 Invasion of kids in yellow who think they know how to play cornhole...

A Little Catching Up and A Much Needed Break (LIVING thankful)

I haven't mentioned my word for 2012 lately. So, I have to say, this Saturday afternoon, I am LIVING thankful.

I am so very thankful it is Spring Break.

Finally.

We've finished up a crazy, busy week, plus probably the worst "teacher" day I've ever had. 

Last Sunday was the beginning of our revival.  What a blessing it was!  Steve and Becky Carver from One Way Ministries and their children led the music.  What a talented family they are!  Oh, and when Caris and Chloe sang Sanctuary.....my heart melted!  It is always a treat to spend time with that family! 

The sermons from Bro. Billy were awesome as well.  Carson just couldn't understand why we had to go to church when it wasn't even Sunday or Wednesday.  When we were in the services though he actually enjoyed them.  He loved the end of Bro. Billy's sermon Wednesday night.  He used Hershey's chocolate bars as an anology of the "goodness" of heaven.  Basically, the mini bar was how good our earthly life is and the mega, jumbo bar was what heaven is going to be like.  I asked Carson what he learned. His reply, "That heaven is going to be good, just like chocolate!"

Hey, whatever works!

I also spent the week with my boys while their daddy was in LA on business.  It is always fun getting everyone up and ready for school. Did you get that sarcasm?  Thursday was rough.  I had gotten a text late Wednesday about a coworker who has a brain tumor. She was admitted to the hospital and would be having surgery. I was asked to lead prayer for her in my classroom before school. What an honor to do!  I made it there super early to get Carson on the bus (which he was NOT happy about). As we were getting out of the car....no backpack. So I spent my planning period taking care of that little issue.  Luckily we live in such a small town it takes a matter of minutes to run home and get things and get back quickly.  I am thankful Jeff is home, well, back in town at least. Currently, he is at work.

As for my coworker, Tiffany, please be in prayer for her.  She has been having these odd symptons for a few months. A tumor was found just a week or so ago.  When she went back Wednesday for additional tests, they were able to see how big it was and the trouble it was actually causing, hence the need for emergency surgery.  She will be out the remainder of the school year.  I'm unsure if she will be having any chemo or radiation.  She and her fiance are supposed to be getting married at the end of the school year. I am thankful that her surgery went well.

As for my worst "teacher" day ever, I really can't comment on the details.  Let's just say I spent most of the day in tears or fighting tears due to some issues going on with one of my students. Sent up lots of prayers for this child. Feeling sick over my own helplessness in the situation. Angry at "the system."   At the end of the day, I was in shock over new revelations that came to light.  Found out late last night some other details that will hopefully help this child.  Just pray for him.  Although I can't discuss specifics, God knows the needs of this child.  I am thankful I work with people who genuinely care for children and will do what it takes to help them.

I have to say, that I am so thankful our pastor got us involved in the E100 Challenge.  Jeff says that I have cheated because I listened to some of the passages on CD while cleaning the kitchen.  I said it still counts. I still heard God speak.  I finished Day 92 today.  I am learning so much through this experience.  Many familiar verses have spoken to me in new light. 

I am thankful we have 30 days left of our school year!!!!

YES! 

30 DAYS!

Happy Saturday and Go Cats and Cards!  Sorry, I can't pick sides! 

Book Review: God Gave Us You

God Gave Us You is another delightful book by Lisa Tawn Bergren.  In this story, Little Cub asks the question of all questions: Where did I come from? 

Through their conversation, Mother tells Little Cub that Mother and Father were alone and wanted a baby, and she was a gift from God.  Mother told her of the happiness and anticipation of waiting and preparing for Little Cub, along with the wonder of her arrival.  And all because "God gave us you."

This is a darling little book for parents to read to their children. I highly recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book for the purpose of an honest review from Water Brook Press through the Blogging for Books program.

Getting Ready for the Boys of Summer

We spent a fun day at the Bowling Green Ballpark. The Hot Rods held their "open house." We exchanged my ticket vouchers from Valentine's Day in for our opening night tickets.

We enjoyed free hotdogs and lemonade....

 I finally got my picture with Rosco....

 The boys hung out with Axel....

We sat in the Hot Rods dugout.....

Went to the locker room....

Posed for a family photo....

And played in the outfield.....

What a great spring winter day!

Is there anything cuter....

....than a 5 year old who has lost his first tooth?

I think not!

Finally!

Jeff took his oath (again) a couple of weeks ago at church. Our friend Chaplain Roy Swisher led the swearing in. 

So, I think it is official. Jeff is now a chaplain.  His paperwork is on file and we are waiting to find out where he will be placed. 

Happy Birthday, Carter!

Last Sunday, we celebrated Carter's 2nd birthday with family and friends. Carter loved his Elmo birthday!

 Ahhh! There's nothing like sticking your finger in the frosting!

 Carter loved his gifts, especially the balls!

 I hope their expressions were caused by Kentucky losing the SEC tournament.

And a very special thank you to my BFF....

 You showed me how to put blocks together!

I didn't know you had to be a genius to figure it out.

Jeff's mom did a great job too. I felt so dumb because I couldn't figure them out!

Book Review: The Wedding Dress

A wedding dress is one of the most important things in a woman's life.  In Rachel Hauck's book The Wedding Dress, it is the most important thing in the lives of four bride's.

Charlotte is a bridal shop owner, contemplating her own engagement, wondering if she is actually ready.  After taking time to pray about her situation, she finds herself making a purchase at an auction, thanks to an odd gentlemen dressed in purple.  This purchase causes disharmony in her own relationship, yet guides her on an unforgetable, most amazing journey.

Throughout her journey, she searches for the brides who have worn the hundred year old wedding dress from the auction.  In this search, she makes new friends and finds out secrets about her past.  In the end, she finds out what family is about and that there is no perfect love other than the love of Christ. 

I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it. It is a lovely story of love, faith, and courage.

I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson for the purpose of an honest review.

Book Review: From Santa to Sexting

I have just finished reading From Santa to Sexting:Helping Your Child Safely Navigate Middle School and Shape the Choices that Last a Lifetime by Brenda Hunter and Kristen Blair, and I have to say that I am blown away by some of the things I learned and not surprised by other things.

The authors did an amazing job at describing many of the issues that middle schoolers face today, and how we as their parents can help them.  Topics such as bullying, cell phone usage, and social media were covered, along with being the parent, not a friend to our children. The authors stressed the importance of setting rules, being involved, and providing a spiritual background. 

We are reminded from this book that we are the parents. It is our job to set boundaries for our children. We have to be consistent. We have to be aware. We have to sacrifice ourselves for their sake. 

There were some things that I was shocked to learn from this book, the sexual things going on in middle school and the choking games that boys play.  I also learned about the signs of these as well as the signs of cutting and drug use.

This is an eye opening book that I think all parents should read even if their children aren't in middle school yet.  As a fourth grade teacher, I already see students that are involved in some of these behaviors or who are well on their way.  I also know all to well the parents who choose themselves over their children, setting them up for failure because they don't set rules and have consequences for inappropriate behavior. 

I am thankful to Leafwood Publishers for sending a free copy of this book for my honest review.

Catching Up

What's been happening in these parts:

1. March arrived. We've had severe storms and will have 70 degree weather all next week.  We never had winter. Wonder if it will show up for spring break?

2. I am reviewing a book right now that is blowing me away. I am almost finished and can't wait to share.  Got two more on the way.  If you are blogger and love to read, I highly recommend you get involved in a book program. 

3. Got a new student recently. He is a hoot.

4. One of my students moved today. He is heading to Louisiana. I will miss him deeply. I drove by his empty house this afternoon and had to hold back tears. 

5. Basketball is over. Baseball is starting. Carson moved up to Pee Wee and is on the Cubs. Colin moved up to Minor League. He is on....I'm not sure yet.  Both boys have practiced. Should be an interesting season!

6. Got a virus on our laptop and my school computer. I think we were targeted. I hope not.  That would be so sad.

7.  Considering sending Colin to space camp.

8. Looking forward to getting our income tax return.  Hoping to redo our floors (goodbye carpet, hello hardwood). Should help with allergies. A new couch would be nice too. Ours is 13 years old and starting to show it!

9. Preparing for an Elmo party on Sunday with family and friends.  Can't believe Carter is turning 2! 

10. Bought a new pair of black dress pants for work. Size 12! First time in years!  So proud of me! 

11. All 3 boys got haircuts this afternoon. I need one too. It will have to wait. 

12. Jeff retook (is that a word) his oath Wednesday night. Not sure how long it will be until he is placed with another unit. Hopefully it will be nearby.  We may get to go to Orlando for CAST this year. That would be awesome!

13. Planning Carson's 6th birthday party (yes, six years old in a matter of weeks!).

14. Praying for a co-worker who doesn't know my Jesus.  I really want her to.  I know He can make a difference in her life.

15. Thankful it is Friday.

16. Did you know this is post #501? 

Overcome

Today, that is what I am, overcome with emotion.

God is amazing. He answers prayers and is just so awesome.

This morning, I walked into a full Sunday school class.  It was so great to have the table full. Much to my surprise, there was a new couple.  When I saw her long, dark hair, I immediately knew who it was. 

Let me back up..

For some time now, we have had a handful of precious children coming to our church.  Either their parents would drop them off at the door, we would meet them in the parking lot, or someone from our church would go get them.  The children would come, but the parents never would.  We always invited them and welcomed them to stay.  Their reply was always the same, "We may come one day." 

Well, they came.

To make a long story short (because I don't know the whole story), they are joining our church through baptism. They had accepted Jesus as their Savior, and their souls were saved, their lives changed forever.

AMEN! 

Now that this is Friday (yes, it has taken me this long to finish this post), I am excited to say that Joseph and Ashley have been two both evening services we've had this week.  I got to chat with Ashley briefly Wednesday. I am so excited to see them grow in the Lord!

So many of us who have prayed for this family can say attest to the fact that God answers prayers. Sometimes He uses our children to open our hearts to Him.