Life Changes

Hello friends! I have loved reading your daily blogs and now it is time to start blogging. I realize there is so much to share and that I need to keep up on my blog or I will be writing novels each time. I need this as so many ideas and events have happened since our last Florida blog. Great to get it off my chest.
The first of the summer is a blur. We played hard and enjoyed our time with Lauren. A great thing happened which was a precious roommate for Lauren. Here is the story. I called Pine Cove(PC) to get our family into family camp. They told us the waiting list was 20 families long. I was discouraged, but went on. The very next day PC called and they had an opening for week 8. This week is a where several Bartians attend. The Doe family is whom I am referring to. Their son and Lauren were talking and he told her he had a good friend he went to PC with , a week 8 family, that needed a roommate. Wow! The girls were already signed up in the same dorm, loved the same colors(this is important to gals), graduated from a small christian school, mom's are teachers and dad's are accountants. We spent the entire week with her family and the weekend at their home. We couldn't have asked for a better situation.Our great God worked out the exact week we were to be at PC, the roommate and a wonderful time to visit with Lauren. God has swung the doors wide for A&M and we are embracing it all.
Lauren leaving was hard for us all. We hugged cried and tried to pretend that everything would be the same, but we all knew that it wouldn't. It was sweet to see my big boy, Chandler, have tears slide down his cheekds as he tried to remain tough for his wilting parents. She was ready to work at PC, but still loved having the summer in B'Ville. Ray and I cried alot the first weekend and then it has been easier. Of course, we saw her at PC three weeks later and we get to talk on Saturday and Sundays, but it's not the same. God has really shown me that He is there and will help fill the void. Having a little lady around is fun! The house is a bit like a Frat house with brats on the grill, dirty socks and baseball cups laying around, but I am going to make it. Really more than make it!
Chandler is so much fun! He is in the full throes of adolescence. My goal is to keep him busy, broke and tired. He plays hard, has many chores and loves his friends to pieces. He loves to talk and share all about baseball, therefore I am working hard at learning all the ins and outs. We had a special time at PC called Rite Night. I wrote him a letter and shared with him how proud I was of him. We also did a temperament study. I discovered that he doesn't like for me to stroke his hair and needs lots of encouragement while he learned that I need lots of hugs and encouragement. We are both trying to respect our boundaries. He is trying out for the B'Ville Bruin baseball team. We hope it works out. Tough group of kids at times, but we hope to make a difference.
I will be working at ACS this fall as a secretary. This is a great thing for me. I will be part time. I can go and visit Lauren and have a lot more flexibilty. I will miss the little ones, but an important change for all of my family.
One last note. I had a great Bible study this summer with a group of 10 ladies. We studied No Other Gods. This was a study that Beth Moore used with all of her fellow bloggers throughout the world. It was amazing. I realized how important staying in the Word is, again. I also know that I have many God's that take up a lot of places instead of God. We tackled so many issues, not your usual tv or entertainment god's, but deep issues of the heart. I am always amazed at the vastness of God's Word and teachings. I am really excited to start a new study called The Empty Nest. This is a study for those with total empty nests or partial empty nests. I am really excited to study with a group of ladies that are going through the same changes in life.
I promise not to be a stranger.

1. The rules of the game get posted at the beginning.
2. Each player answers the questions about themselves
3. At the end of the post, the player tags 5-6 people, posts their names, then leaves a comment in their respective blogs to let them know they've been tagged.
4. Let the person who tagged you know that you posted your answers.

Questions...
1. What were you doing 10 years ago?
I had just move to Houston, Tx. I was homeschooling Lauren and Chandler was in Kindergarten. We were on a temporary assignment with COP and had fun going to Astros games and Rockets.

2. What are 5 things on your to-do list today?
For tomorrow: 1. Exercise(I bet you thought I wouldn't do it)2. Clean garbage cans3.Work on Bible Study4. Paint5. Work in my garden

3. What are some snacks you enjoy?
I love sweets! Jared's kiddie concrete butterfinger ice cream. The Rolling Pin's Sugar Cookies and m&m's. See why I work-out.

4. What would you do if you were a billionaire?
Pay debt, pay for college, take all family on a big trip and give alot away to church and missions.

5. What are 3 of your bad habits?
being bossy, napping way too much and overeating

6. Where have you lived? Brownfield, Tx, Borger, Tx, Edmond, Ok. ,Borger, Tx., Houston, Tx and Bartlesville, OK

7. What are 5 jobs you've had?
1) Babysitting2) Shoe saleslady3)Credit Reporting Agency4)RA5)Travel Consultant6)Full Time Mom7)Home School Teacher8)ACS Kindergarten Teacher9)ACS Office Admin. Assistant

8.What is currently playing on your IPOD?
Rascal Flatts, Celine Dion, Garth Brooks, Josh Groban, Travis Cottrell

9. What are the last 5-6 books you've read?
1)Upward to Heaven Jon Krakauer2)When Fireflies Fly Charles Martin, Yada Yada Girls Neta Jackson, Leadership 101 by John MacArthur, Deep River Robert Whitlow

10. Who do you want to tag? Lauren, Laura and Shelley

Exercise Dilemna

Exercising is one of my least favorite activities. It ranks with cleaning up after a sick child, cleaning up after a sick dog and doing laundry. Don't get me wrong, I know how important it is and I know how great I feel after engaging in a great cardio session, yet I hate it. The thoughts of getting out there, on a walk or to the gym, is mental havoc. I want to, but I can't get my feet moving. I usually go and get a fitness magazine and maybe a new workout outfit, but that's as far as it goes.
Exciting news! I am really excited! I have exercised for two full days. I have so much energy and I haven't felt this good in a while. Now don't get too excited because I don't tend to stick to any kind of exercise for very long...therefore the topic of my blog...to have my friends and family read it and keep me accountable by asking, asking and more asking, "did you exercise today?" I may give you a guilty look or sometimes I may out right lie, but please keep at me. I am 45 and I need to look fit by 50. I can do this.
Which brings me the spiritual aspect of all of this. Our bodies are temples of the Lord. I believe this with all of my heart. I don't want to just look good, but I want to be around for my kids, grandkids, and my sweet husband. I want to really run the race well and honor the Lord not only physically but in all aspects. He sacrificed His all for me.
In conclusion, thanks for letting me share this struggle. It seems trivial, but it is real to me and might be my thorn in the flesh. Thanks for listening and remember if you see me out don't forget to ask me the question.

What A Whirlwind!

Five months is long time and there have been many happenings. I have a graduate. Since December, Lauren has visited Texas A&M several times, taken a college course, won 2nd in Debate,wrote and presented a Sr. thesis, made her first video for graduation, graduated and counseled at a special needs camp. Remember the younger days...we packed so much in and actually excelled at it. I must admit I will miss her terribly, but I am so excited for her life. She is a follower of God and a fun young lady to hang out with.

Chandler is a freshman. Wow...I still see him as a little guy. He is taller than me, but we are both hard headed and want our way. I love seeing how the kids mirror a few of our traits, good and bad ones. He is a leader at times, a mess at times and an intense athlete. He loves church and the social aspect that all of that brings. He studies his Bible each night...how could I ask for more.

Ray and I are empty nester this week. We are eating all the wrong things, watching movies and enjoying our time together. We will have good time together in 4 years. I love him and love being with him.

I have decided to work in the office at my school instead of teach. I will miss the students, but I am excited to work part time. I have missed Bible study. I also am more free to visit Lauren.

I must admit this season in my life has come quickly. I still see myself, at times, with a stroller or teaching the kids to swim. The independence that this new season brings is scary, freeing and another time to trust God with the future. God is good all the time.

Happy New Year

Hi! I hope everyone had a great holiday. I had a great time with my family. We ate, slept and just spent sweet time together.
School started and the kids hit the road running. With basketball, debate tournaments and college preparation, time goes fast. Lauren and I ordered her graduation announcements and cap and gown. How surreal was that?!? She is so independent and I am so going to miss her. I am excited, too. She is going to flourish even more in life. We are still waiting to hear from TAMU. She has been accepted to Univ. of Arkansas. Her dream is TAMU so we are working hard to get her there.
The kids both had great grades this past semester. I am so proud of how hard they work and play. Chandler plays varsity basketball and has really excelled.
Ok, enough of bragging on the kids.
I will tell a few good stories. My dogs are a delight most of the time. Over Christmas the golden retriever had a major ear infection. Guess who got to stick her hand down his ear and clean it every few days? Me!! What a nasty job. Riley is such a sweet dog, but high maintenance. He got his toenail caught in the edging of the flowerbed and ripped his toenail off. No one noticed until he had bled all over the house. Gross! It took hours to get the blood up and get him patched up. Of course, my new verse for the year, is 1 Peter 5:7
"Cast all your care on him because he cares for you."
Little did I know I would need that verse for my dog. I thought it would be a great verse for Lauren going to college to get me through the tough days. Oh well, God is in the smallest details as well. Chandler received a selection of sick tricks, like dog poop and cat vomit, therefore I thought that he had tricked me with fake blood, not that lucky. Looking back it is hilarious. Riley's toe is really sore, but he's on the mend.
Lastly, acute story on my kindergarten class. They are so smart and pick up everything. Two of my students overheard their parents discussing the new Bush Israeli agreement and came into to class sharing that the Lord was coming soon. One of my students practically came out of his skin...so scared and another said, "I am not ready to go to heaven just yet...that scares me. With mouth dropped, I said, "Let's not worry about this because heaven is good and let's study the letter ' q'. Wow! Kids are smart and say the darndest things.
Till next time!

Focusing on The True Meaning of Christmas

Another rainy, icy and school canceled day. It is time for the structure of work and to finish 2007 strong. The kids have finals and need review. I have quite a bit of Christmas activities to do with my kindergartener's. God has a plan and I must learn to be still.

Speaking of being still, I spent the last few hours reading Preparing My Heart For Advent. God always speaks to my heart. "Let's be the fragrance of Christ and a light wherever we go, carrying with us the thought that one day we'll convene in the bright courts of heaven for a day that will never end." I pray the I can keep that true in my heart and I pray the same for all of you, my sweet friends.

Icy Day Off

Wow, this has been a long day, but a day of accomplishments. I had two extra teenagers in the house so I cooked all morning. I love having a houseful. The house seems alive and festive and alive. I am in a rude awakening when my Sr. daughter leaves for college.
I went to get the mail and was worried about the mail carrier taking out my mailbox due to the icy road. I went to retrieve the mail and fell right on my bottom. How embarrasing ....right in front of the carrier. I picked myself up, checked my wrist and sore bum and went in. Keeps me humble.
I worked out with an interval setting on my elliptical trainer. A great work out. Only 23 more pounds to go. I can do this!!!
I wrapped tons of gifts. I usually am working the night before Christmas Eve, therefore
I may be on schedule this year,
I even go a little nap in, too.
School is canceled tomorrow. Maybe I can get my holiday baking done as well.
I had to include this pic of Chandler. He is a bottle of energy...so much fun. He is good at most everything he tries. He is the most valuable speaker for his debate team and plays basketball with the varsity team at school. He is amazing. He is only fourteen.

Lauren's 18th

I am planning Lauren's 18th birthday. I cannot believe she is 18. It seems yesterday I brought her home form the hospital in a red stocking. The day was icy and I stopped at a stationery store for birth announcements. My sweet husband was nervous because she was in the backseat and all alone and she seemed like a stranger. A funny moment. Lauren is a beautiful young lady with the whole world waiting for her. The picture of her is so pretty. She is photogenic.

New Blog

Hello! I was inspired to blog by my sweet friend Vickie. Today is December 9. The weather is icy and school has been canceled for tomorrow. I am glad, but the structure of work is good for me. I am a kindergarten teacher. My students are precious.