Big & Tall

Liam Bailey has a favorite place to sit. He loves to sit on the back of my chair or the love seat. Both have their back to the kitchen. I guess he likes to be up there so he can see everything that is going on. I guess it makes him feel big and tall. If Andrew is in the kitchen cooking or doing whatever, you will find Liam on the back of my chair with his front legs up on the ledge of our half wall. It is kind of cute, but I know that we are just asking for trouble letting him do this.

Turns out I was right. We had home group last night. After we finished eating, we stacked our plates on the counter by the sink and moved into the living room for Bible study. While we weren't looking, Liam Bailey climbed all the way onto the ledge trying to get to those plates. :) I told Andrew to take his pic, spank him, and tell him to get down. Here are a few pics of him watching his Daddy cook last night. :)

Rejected

I took a chance. I invited a couple to church. They came. They enjoyed it. They emailed my pastor and talked to him. They worked to find out what we believe and if that lines up with their beliefs. They had reservations. Today, they informed me that their beliefs to do not line up with our and they won’t be returning.

I will say that I am proud of myself for not taking this too personally. I do not feel like they have rejected me. They haven’t. We don’t agree. That’s fine. I do feel down though. I feel myself letting myself slip back into the funk and I don’t want that. I guess I’m upset because it was just so exciting that someone was visiting Journey Church because of me. I guess I kind of feel like I’ve let Journey Church down because I haven’t been inviting people the way I should and when I do, it is a couple who doesn’t fit with Journey. Yes, I know this is ridiculous. But that’s me for you.

It made me think. This couple is not rejecting me in any way. But we reject Jesus all the time. Makes me glad I’m not Him. Until we say yes to him, we are rejecting him. I’ve heard a thousand times there are only two decisions you can make for Christ, either for him or against him. There is no middle ground. If you don’t choose him, you are against him. You can’t say you are unsure and you will decide later. That is still saying no to him. He is rejected so much right there. How many unbelievers are in this world? You know he is thinking, I love you unconditionally. Why won’t you just accept that?

Then once we finally do accept that and decide to say yes to Him, we still continue to reject him. How many times has he told us to do something and we ignore him. How many days have we gone without acknowledging his presence? I don’t know about you but I don’t like my answer to either of these questions. I have a personal relationship with my Lord and Savior, yet I still continue to reject him and ignore him. How that must hurt!

Just another reason why God is God. No one else would continue to love us over and over and over when treated so badly in return. Thank you God for being a god who loves me unconditionally, for loving me when I’m not lovable, and for loving me even when I don’t love you.

Have you told God you love him today? If not, now is the time to do it. He wants to hear it!!

This is why I teach...

I wanted share how great the past few days have been because I know I've begged for prayer on this issue. My eighth graders have been awesome first of all. For the past few week actually. They enjoy going outside to play football so we've been working a deal. When it is nice out, if we get our work done, they can spend a few minutes outside.

But the past few days have been so much fun. We started a unit yesterday on circuits. Yesterday we looked at a few scientists who worked with Thomas Edison on the light bulb or other electrical inventions. I informed them yesterday they would do a report on one of those scientists and report their findings to the class. They all moaned off coarse. Then we got started and they got so excited they completely forgot about the report. I spent all afternoon Sunday cutting apart Christmas lights and stripping wire. Yesterday they got to see how you can make a Christmas light light up with nothing but a battery. They were so amazed. You would have thought I was the most brilliant scientists EVER for coming up with this. :) It was so great to see them excited. This was just the introduction. We are going to do so much more with circuits. I can't wait. I know they are really going to love building the headlights and blinkers in a car. :)

Then today, I took them to the computer lab to research those scientists. They weren't real thrilled at first. I'll admit I didn't know anything about the scientists before today. The kids started researching and learned that one of the guys died of a drug overdose, one built a bomb, one was in a lawsuit with Edison, and several other things like that. To eighth grade students, these are the coolest things ever. They were so excited. They are planning skits and songs and all the cool ways to present the information. I can't wait. We are going to video them. I won't put the videos on here because I'm just not comfortable with that but I will definitely share about them with you. I know they are going to be great and hilarious. I have some real "actors" in my classes.

Anyways, I've just been so excited that they are loving class and we're having fun again. I've been telling everyone I know. This is why I teach. Watching these kids have fun again and enjoy class and learning - well it makes me forget those not so fun days.

Simple Life Day #7

Always Ready

Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise. Jeremiah 17:14

It was a sultry summer day, and Barbara's husband, Amos, was in the fields bailing hay. Barbara had been busy in the kitchen all morning, cleaning and baking. She glanced across the room, where her infant daughter lay sleeping in her cradle. Matthew and Benjamin, ages four and six, were outside playing on the porch. "So much to do here," she said with a sigh. "And I really should help Amos with the bailing."
For the next several hours, Barbara rushed from the fields to the house, helping her husband handle the bales of hay, mopping floors, and caring for the children. By evening, she was exhausted.
The following day, Barbara came down with a terrible headache. She took some aspirin, hoping she would feel better by the time they got to their friends' house, where they had been invited for supper. When they returned home, Barbara's headache was worse.
"I hope I feel better in the morning," she told Amos, as they prepared for bed. "I have berries and peas to pick, plus several loads of laundry to do."
During the night, Barbara's body heated with fever. She awoke the following morning, feeling worse and knowing she couldn't do any of her chores. Thankfully, her sister showed up to help, along with Amos's brother and parents.
When Barbara's fever went higher and she was unable to get out bed, Amos took her to the doctor. Although Barbara heard all that was being said, she could make no response or even move. She was sure any minute would be her last.
Am I ready to leave this world? she asked herself. Am I sure that if I died right now I would to heaven? She whispered a silent prayer. Lord, forgive me for any wrongs I have done. Thank You for sending Jesus to die for my sins. Later that day, after a shot and intravenous fluid, Barbara felt well enough to return home. The doctor said he wasn't sure of the cause of her mysterious malady, but Barbara was thankful to be alive and to have her health restored.
Although we have responsibilities that we have to take care of, the things of this world should never be our complete focus. We should always be thankful for our good health, but we need to remember that it could be taken from us at any time. More importantly, we must be ready to meet Jesus, for no one knows what the future holds. God has promised to forgive our sins. All we have to do is ask.
"And Jesus answering said unto them, they that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance" (Luke 5:31-32)

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: It should be our main interest in this world to secure an interest in the next.

FOOD FOR THE BODY: Crushed Pineapple Upside Down Cake
1 20-ounce can crushed pineapple
1/2 cup butter, unsalted
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
2 cups pastry flour, sifted
1 3/4 cups sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup shortening
1 egg
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x 9-inch pan. Combine undrained pineapple, butter, and brown sugar in a bowl. Spread on the bottom of the pan, Sift flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in another bowl. Add the shortening, egg, milk, and vanilla. Beat well. Pour over the fruit mixture in the pan and bake for 45-50 minutes. Turn the cake upside down and eat plain or serve with whipped topping.



Several things about this story really stood out to me tonight. Instead of trying to share all of my thoughts at once, this is going to be one of those where I spend a few days on it.

Tonight I will start with the very first thing that stood out to me and that was Barbara's attitude. She definitely has a great work ethic. She was taking care of the children and doing her chores. That in itself is a lot of work. But, while she was doing this she was thinking about things she could do to help her husband. She helped him bail hay. Now, I have never bailed hay, but I can't imagine that to be easy work.

A few weeks ago, Andrew cleaned our house. And I mean really cleaned it. Well at least the living room and kitchen. It is fairly simple to keep a clean house clean. It just takes a little bit of constant work. This is work for me. I'm a lazy bum, I'll confess. But I really enjoy my home when it is clean. I don't stress when I get a surprise visitor like I received this weekend. I have to make myself put things int he dishwasher when I'm finished eating. Sad, I know. But, my attitude toward my chores is slowly changing. These small things are becoming habits. I've really felt like I should do this the past few days because Andrew has been sick.

Anyways, sorry - I got a little off track. Barbara begins to get a headache. This would be enough to stop a lot of us, or at least it would be to stop me. But nope, not that Barbara. She keeps right on working and visiting with friends. I think that is awesome. What a great attitude. Can you tell her heart is focused on things it should be.

Our attitude is a direct reflection of our heart. When we focus on God and His kingdom, our attitude shows it. I know that when I spend time with God, I'm in a much better mood. Works every time. Don't believe me? Try it. Prove me wrong. I guarantee He'll work in your heart and you'll attitude will improve. That is my prayer for you and me this week. That we would stop our busy lives and spend time with God. Let him work in us. I think we will all be happy with the results.

Catching Up...

1. This week has been awesome. Sunday's message is still with me and oh what a difference it is making in my week. I have been in such an awesome mood all week. Home group last night was great!! I've been looking forward to it and the get together did not let me down. We had good conversation with friends and some good Bible study. Winburns - I love ya! School has been really good this week too.

2. If you didn't see the comments Andrew left on my last post - He has changed his appointment to April 17th. He didn't realize he scheduled it for Easter weekend and he doesn't want to risk missing Easter Sunday at church. Also, he is only have three wisdom teeth pulled instead of all four. His change of date presents me with a decision to make. I'm not out of school on the 17th like I am on the 10th. I definitely want to go with him even though there are other people who could drive him and not miss work. The doctor told him he would be on his way home by 10:30ish. So my decision is whether or not I will take off all day or just half a day. I figure he will be knocked out all afternoon and won't really need me. But, I worry about if he does need me. I know Jill and Joy can both be here pretty quickly. I have time before I have to decide.

3. It's official. Andrew bought our plane tickets for DC yesterday. I am not real pleased with how he paid for them, but oh well. Thanks Mom and Dad Weaver. :) Having plane tickets makes it real. It's like now we can't change our minds. I am so excited. It makes me nervous too though. I'm still not real keen on this whole flying thing. I'm praying now for me and for the pilot. :)

4. I feel like I haven't blogged about my furbabies in awhile. Just so you know Liberty & Liam are doing well. They've enjoyed this beautiful weather the past few days. Liberty did something pretty amazing on Valentine's Day. She went from sitting on the kitchen floor to being on the kitchen counter. I was sitting on the counter crying and she knew she needed to be with her mommy so up she came. :) She got everything but her back legs onto the counter. We were impressed but home she doesn't make a habit out of jumping on the kitchen counter.

That's about it. That is all I'm thinking at the moment. I'll let you know if any other thoughts pop into my head. :)

My Poor Hubby

Andrew went in for his consultation today with the oral surgeon. The big day is April 10. They are taking all four of his wisdom teeth. I'm already scared for him. I know that isn't a huge deal and people have this done all the time but between my fear of the distance and need to constantly worry I'm already going crazy. He was telling me the process of them putting him to sleep. He is going to need a driver that will stay there with him the whole time. I immediately knew no matter what I wasn't going to school this day. Does he need me there, probably not. I need me there though. I need to be there for him for me. :) Thankfully that is Good Friday and I'm out of school. So I will be there with him probably praying through the whole thing. I was amazed at how fast this will be. They told him they start the drugs at nine and he would be on his way home by 10:30. FAST!! The good news is - we don't have to pay as much out of pocket as we thought.

Simple Life Day #7

A Colorful Promise

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? Psalm 27:1

When Dorothy headed to her propane-operated refrigerator to get a carton of eggs, she noticed her seven-year-old son, David, standing at the window with his nose pressed up against the glass. "Guder mariye [good morning]," she said. "Did you sleep well last night?"
"Jah, I guess." He released a sigh. "I was hopin' I could play outside today, but I see it's still rainin'."
Dorothy set the eggs on the counter and joined her son at the window. "We do need the rain to help things grow."
"But it's been raining all week." David turned to face her, and tears gathered in the corners of his eyes. "I'm scared. What if the rain keeps up and our whole yard gets flooded?"
Dorothy gathered her son into her arms. "God doesn't want us to be fearful, Son. He wants us to trust Him for everything."
Just then the back door opened, and Dorothy's husband, John, entered the room. "Hey, you two. Come outside and see the pretty rainbow!"
Dorothy and David followed John out the back door.
The family stood on the lawn with their faces lifted toward the eastern sky. It had been dark and rainy the last time Dorothy looked out the kitchen window. Now the sky was a hazy blue, and a vivid rainbow made a perfect arc, twinkling radiant colors of blue, green, red, yellow, and purple.
"It's God's colorful promise that He will never again flood the whole earth," John announced.
Dorothy smiled and hugged David. "See! God takes care of us. Always. And we should remember to thank Him and not be afraid."
Everyone has some fear that's hard to release, but the Bible gives us God's answer to fear. In 2 Timothy 1:7 we are told, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." A simple thing such as a rainbow in the sky can remind us that God is there constantly, loving and protecting us. He will always keep His promises.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: There's a rainbow of hope that is shining above, reminding us of God's endless love.

FOOD FOR THE BODY: BREAKFAST CASSEROLE
6 eggs, beaten
2 cups milk
2 cups bread crumbs
2 cups Velveeta cheese, cubed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon onion slat
1 pound bulk sausage, browned and chilled
Cheese slices

Combine first seven ingredients in a large bowl, then pour into a greased cake pan. Refrigerate overnight. Preheat oven to 350 degrees, then bake for 30 minutes or until down. Top with cheese slices and leave in the oven until it melts. Turn several times while baking.


Yippe for another yummy recipe, at least it sounds yummy. I absolutely love the song You Never Let Go by Matt Redman. Here are the lyrics

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won't turn back
I know you are near

And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?

Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We'll live to know You here on the earth

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You



It is so true. No matter what we are going through, God is always with us. He is always there for us. Isn't that the most comforting thought? Doesn't matter if it is something better than you could have ever imagined or something worse than you ever could have imagined - God loves us enough to be with us through it all. I don't feel like I have ever been through a real tragedy and for that I'm thankful. But I'm also thankful knowing that when that time comes because I know it will, I have a God who will not leave my side.

Help the Inept

Okay ladies, I need your help here. Jill I'm especially talking to you because I know you are good at this. :)

My m-i-l got me this cool centerpiece for my dining room table for Christmas. I have yet to use because I cannot decide what to put in there. Obviously I could some candles but BORING. I want to do something a little more colorful and creative. But it also has to be SUPER cheap. Any ideas???

My AJ

This is a different kind of post. Found it on myspace - it is a test of how well you know your hubby. I think I know him pretty darn well but we will see.

1.He's sitting in front of the TV, what is on the screen?
Fox News - that's an easy one

2.You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad?
Before it would have been ranch, but now that he is dieting it is Italian.

3.What's one food he doesn't like?
Mmm.. This one is a little tougher because he will eat just about anything. :) I guess I will have to say dumplings on Thanksgiving.

4. You go out to eat and have a drink. What does he order?
Drink is a water with extra lemon - food depends on where we are. If it is a Mexican restaurant, he orders chicken fajitas, other places - steak or burger

5.Where did he go to high school?
Heritage and then graduated from Baptist

6.What size shoe does he wear?
12.5

7.If he was to collect anything, what would it be?
LOL Lots of things pop into my head on this question, but I'm going to go with some sort of history memorabilia

8.What kind of sandwich does he like?
Turkey on wheat with mayo, spicy mustard, lettuce, tomato, black olives, light onion, salt & pepper

9.What would this person eat every day if he could?
His mom's roast

10.What is his favorite cereal?
Must say I don't know this one. He doesn't really eat breakfast.

11.What would he never wear?
High Heels. LOL

12.What is his favorite sports team?
Duke Basketball but he still loves him some hogs

13.Who did he vote for?
McCain

14.Who is his best friend?
Me, duh but after me (maybe even before me) it would be his brother Cary

15.What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn't do?
Play food service games. :)


16.What is his favorite color?
Blue

17.You bake him a cake for his birthday; what kind of cake?
This must be a trick question because first it wouldn't be cake it would be lemon bars. Second, Joy would make them, not me. Duh

18.Did he play sports in high school?
Are you kidding? My sweet hubby can relive every second of every basketball game he ever played for you. And trust me - there are lots of them!!!

19.What could he spend hours doing?
Talking LOL


20.What is one unique talent he has?
Again trick question because I happen to believe my hubby is a very talented guy. He is funny. He can sing and play guitar. Oh and he plays a mean penny whistle. :) He can cook. He can build and fix things (though not in a timely manner). He can scrapbook with the best of them. But his best talent is probably putting up with a crazy wife like me. :)




So babe, how did I do? You are going to have to tell me the ones I didn't know the answer too. But I think there are a couple of those you couldn't answer about me. I'd like to see you do this on facebook.


Anyone else who wants to play go for it, consider yourself tagged.

A few thoughts

Just got home from parent teacher conferences. They actually went pretty well. I have a feeling I'm going to see a change in a few students come Tuesday. That is the other great!! I have a four day weekend. Woohoo. We always get the day after P/T conferences off since we are at school so late. And Monday is president's day so another day off.

I plan to be incredibly lazy tomorrow and just enjoy my day off. I have two movies that I want to watch: Mama Mia & The Express. I also hope to get some scrapbooking done. This would be much easier if my scrapbook room were back together. That's a hint to you babe if you are reading this.

Oh and J was back at school today! He seemed to be really happy. I did not get to talk to him alone to find out about his "vacation". I heard that things were rough while he was there. He did tell me that they are talking about sending him to a facility in Tennessee and if they do it will be long term, which according to J means a year. My 5th period class was awesome today. All the girls needed a hug from him and all the guys needed a high five. They were so excited to have him back. At the end of class, they all wanted me to take their picture with him. By the end of class he was sad because he doesn't want to leave us all for a year. I think the kids are going to make him a scrapbook. Aren't they just too sweet?! Great kids.

The Bads & The Goods

Yuck. That is just how I feel today. Not a sick yuck, just a funk kind of yuck. The state department came today to inspect our school just because it was time for another inspection. I worked all night last night and got up early this morning to work on things for that sole purpose. They came and we got good reports and now it is over. But I have parent teacher conferences tomorrow so I have a ton of grading to do to get ready for that. For the past three days - by the end of the day I have a tooth that is killing me. It causes me to have horrible headaches - I have one now. Andrew had a dentist appointment today. He has to have his wisdom teeth removed immediately. Not good - I feel bad for him because I've heard that hurts. I can't stay home and take care of him. We can't really afford for him to miss work. And I just don't want my hubby to have to endure that pain.

The goods for the day. I'm out Friday and Monday so I get a four day weekend. I had an awesome conversation with another teacher today about church and all sorts of things. I think she might visit Journey soon. We have movie night tonight at Journey and get to watch Fireproof which is a great movie.

TV Star

I had a workshop in Arkadelphia today which I was looking forward to. These workshops are always the best. We play, laugh, eat good food, and just have a fun time. And I always walk away with a ton of GOOD, cheap, and easy activities to do with my kids.

Anyways, I wore my student council t-shirt today - you know the one I wore for my tv debut for Breakfast with Tom. Well I had my jacket on most of the morning, but as soon as I took it off the lady sitting across from me says I knew I knew you. You were on Channell 11 with Tom weren't you? I said yes. She said she thought I looked familiar and as soon as she saw my shirt, she knew why. Our shirts are unmistakable. They say "We're Tight Like Spandex".

I'm just glad I'm not really a TV star that gets reconginzed all the time. :)

Simple Life day #6

No Need for Salt

God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and fin him, though he is not far from each one of us. Acts 17:27

"Can I borrow some of your salt?" eight-year-old Leroy asked his mother.
Elsie turned from her job of making potato salad and squinted at him. "Now why would you be needing any salt?"
"There's a bluebird sittin' on the porch rail, and I want to salt his talk."
"Why would you do such a thing, Leroy?"
He stared up at her with serious dark eyes. "He won't let me catch him, and my friend, Nelson, told me if you put salt on a bird's tail, it can't fly off."
Elsie clicked her tongue. "Would you really want to capture the poor thing that way?"
"I just want to make friends with the bird."
"Don't you think there's a better way than trying to keep it from flying away?"
He shrugged. "Got any idea how I might get the bluebird to stick around?"
She smiled. "Why don't you try feeding it, and see if you can its confidence that way?"
Leroy jumped up, pushing his chair away from the table.
"Where are you going?"
"Out to the barn to get some birdseed. I'm gonna make friends with that bird!" He paused and turned back around. "Guess I won't be needin' any of your salt after all."
It's a basic human nature to want others to do things our way. Some people may try to force others to do what they want by placing unrealistic demands on them or trying to trick them into submission. Yet God never forces us to do anything against our will. His love is unconditional. He wants everyone to come willingly to Him, and He will never force us or hold us captive.
Everyone feels happier when they are allowed to do something of their own free will rather than being forced to do it. Shouldn't we give others that freedom, too?

Food For Thought: The human heart, at whatever age, opens only to the heart that opens in return.

Food For The Body: Overnight Potato Salad
12 potatoes, medium, boiled
12 eggs, hard-boiled
1 1/2 cups finely chopped celery
1 onion, medium, chopped fine
Salad dressing

Grate potatoes and eggs. Mix together with onion and celery, then add dressing and let set overnight.

Salad Dressing:
3 cups mayonnaise or Miracle Whip salad dressing
1/8 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cups white sugar
6 tablespoons mustard
3 tablespoons salt

Combine all ingredients together in a bowl. Add desired amount to potato salad. Refrigerate any remaining dressing.


I don't feel like I'm bad about wanting things done my way. I am probably much worse than I realize. I just asked Andrew and he agrees with me that I am not bad about this. He is far worse than I am. :) I am sure there are times when I want things my way. I know I am much worse about this in my classroom than at home. At school, it absolutely drives me crazy when a kid moves something and doesn't put it back just like I had it. This is why I have the rule that no one is allowed to touch anything on my desk. They have their own stapler and everything because they will sit my down backwards or on my papers and it drives me crazy. And yes I realize that now I am sounding much worse about this. I've always been a little OCD about my school stuff. When I grade their binders, it is all I can do to keep from going crazy because of the messiness.

Anyways. I am glad that God is a God that gives us a choice. It is nice to love him simple for who He is not because He is forcing me to love him.

God is good!

What a great day!! It has been absolutely gorgeous outside all day. Andrew and I woke up, with me feeling much better, and got ready for church. Church was good this morning. The sermon was the second in our series and was called Turning Up the Heat in Your Marriage. Steamy right? I always enjoy talks on marriage because, I am not the perfect wife. Sshhh! Don't tell Andrew, he doesn't know yet. LOL!!! I want to be the best wife I possible can for him, so I'm always all ears to stuff like this.

After church, Andrew cooked us some yummy pork chops on our George Foreman grill. That thing has gotten more use in the past week than in the five years we've owned it. Because it was such a beautiful day, after lunch we sat outside on our patio and watched the dogs play. Drew played fetch with them for a little while. At least he tried, Liam Bailey doesn't understand the point of the game and Liberty Belle gets frustrated with him.






This of course wore all of us out so in we went for a nap. After a few good hours of sleep, we got ready to go to dinner with Cary, Sara, Jackson, Jill, & Alex. We went to Gusano's downtown for Chicago style pizza. I had never been there before and let me just tell you it was yummy. Now I must tell you now that when it comes to pizza I am a weirdo. I do not eat sauce on my pizza. I like nothing that is tomato based. So I get a Canadian bacon with no sauce - much like a big grilled ham & cheese. Doesn't it look yummy?


I had the pleasure of sitting next to Jackson Luke. That kid is such a little ham. If our kids are half as cute as him, we will be in good shape.







As for the title of this post - today as just been a big reminder of all the blessings that God has bestowed upon me. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful husband, two sweet puppies, and the best in-laws a girl could ever ask for. I absolutely love to spend time with all of them and am so thankful that I had the chance to do that today.

Not for me

I just made a couple of very sad attempts at a birthday card for my brother-in-law. I see all these beautiful cards people make and wish I could do that. It is just scrapbooking right? Well if it is then I'm not so great at scrapbooking either. After two attempts I gave up and said, Sorry Cary but not card. Mine all look like a little kid made them or they should go to a little kid. What is the secret? Why is this so complicated for me?

Home Alone

I'm in for the night. I had decided to go to Winter Jam, but I am not feeling well so I will be staying home. :( Andrew is going to a high school basketball game so I will be home alone. I have a couple of chic flicks to watch - Made of Honor & Mama Mia. Hopefully I will get one or both of them watched tonight. I also want to look up some good restaurants in DC. Know any? We got a package today full of information about DC. I am so excited. I can't believe we are actually going. It started as just us dreaming, which we do often. We have even dreamed about DC before, but now we are actually going. Thanks Uncle Kevin for loaning us your condo. Without that, we probably, no I know we couldn't afford this trip. We are working on making reservations right now for the places that we need them. As these are confirmed Andrew is putting together our daily schedule. May sound silly, but it will ensure that we get to see everything we want to see and we don't wear ourselves out driving or walking all over the place. We will go in a logical order. :) That is my hubby for you. You should see his excel sheet for DC. It's absurdly large & detailed.

That's all for now. Time for some Subway. Yummmmm.

What to do, what to do?

Tomorrow night, I had plans to go to Winter Jam. Drew and I were going with a few people from church plus my brother & his fiance. For anyone who doesn't know, Winter Jam is a Christian concert with several artist. It is hosted by Newsong every year, so they are always there. This year there is also Toby Mac & Hawk Nelson plus a few new artists that I have never heard of. Winter Jam is where I discovered and learned to love the music of Britt Nicole.

Anyways, sent Drew an email about today and he realized that he is supposed to go to a basketball game at his high school alma mater. They are honoring his championship basketball team at 1/2 time and with a reception afterwards.

Now I don't know what I want to do. Part of me still wants to go to Winter Jam - just not without my hubby. In order to be with him, I want to go to the game, but I know that he will be catching up with buddies and I would probably be a little on the bored side.

So we'll see. I can't make up my mind right now. Although I haven't really thought on it a whole lot. I cam home early from work today and have been in bed asleep. I do not feel well @ all. I'm supposed to go see my nephews play tonight. I haven't seen them play all year, but I just don't know if I feel like it.

Update on J

I talked to J's counselor today and asked how he was. J is in a medical facility here local for anywhere from 7 to 14 days. Basically he is getting a vacation. He will spend his time there getting to play games and eat three meals a day. The counselor said before he left, J was okay and even a little excited about getting to stay there. I was so happy to hear this. It definitely makes me feel better. Thank all of you so much for your prayers for both J and for me. It means so much that you take the time to do that for us. I definitely miss having J in my class, but I know he is doing well. I can't wait to hear about his "vacation".

Simple LIfe Day #5

I know that I did not post a Simple Life last week. I could easily offer you a million excuses, I spent part of the week sick, I was busy with home improvement projects, blah blah blah. The truth is I fell down on it. I simply chose other things over this. That is part of the reason I'm sure that I was in a funk for several days last week. I want to say I'm sorry for falling down on the job. I also want to thank Kathie for calling me out on it. She mentioned that my Simple Life post was missing. I really appreciate that. I need more people like that. I'm sure we all do.

Now on with this week's Simple Life

A DOUBLE TREAT

A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly. Proverbs 14:29

"Heavenly Father," Irma prayed, staring out the window at the snow-covered schoolyard, "please give me the wisdom to know how to deal with my unruly students."
This was Irma's first year of teaching at the one-room schoolhouse, and the last few months had been difficult. Many of the children acted as if they wanted to be in control. Others seemed insecure and unwilling to do their assignments. Some pupils were rowdy, ignoring her instructions. Irma had lectured, punished, and threatened to tell the children's parents if things didn't change. So far, nothing had worked.
When Irma heard children's laughter in the schoolyard, she drew in a deep breath and opened the front door. She stepped onto the porch just in time to see a snowball speeding her way. She ducked, but not quickly enough. The icy sphere hit her arm with a splat.
Irma gritted her teeth. She was certain that Michael, the boy who'd thrown the snowball, had done it on purpose. He'd been the instigator of several things int he past.
I will not let my anger get the best of me. There must be a way to deal with this. She closed the door and went to the coatroom, where she had left the wicker basket she'd brought from home. She placed it on her desk, just as several noisy scholars tromped into the room.
Irma waited until the children had removed their wraps and taken their seats before she spoke. "Today we will begin class with hot chocolate and cookies," she said, removing a thermos and a plate of cookies from the basket.
Mary Alice's hand shot up, "How come?"
Irma's smiled. "Because it's cold outside, and I want to let you know how special you are to me."
The room became quiet, until another hand shop up.
"Yes, Michael?"
" I think you're special, Teacher, and I'm sorry for throwing that snowball."
"I forgive you." Tears welled up in Irma's eyes. If I had known what a little hot chocolate and some cookies could do, I would have brought them to school sooner.
Often, when we are frustrated because things don't go our way or someone does something to upset us, we respond in anger. Scripture reminds us, however, that the best antidote for anger is prayer. "He that is slow to anger is better than the might; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city" (Proverbs 16:32)
There is a time for correction, but it should never be done in anger. Many times the best lesson is learned from encouragement. Is there someone you might encourage today?

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Correction does much, but encouragement does more.

FOOD FOR THE BODY: Double Treat Cookies
2 cups white sugar
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
2 cups shortening
2 cups peanut butter
4 eggs
3 cups flour
6 cups quick-cooking oats
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons baking soda
2 cups chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Blend by hand until ingredients are evenly and thoroughly mixed. Shape dough into balls. Place on a cookie sheet and flatten with a glass dipped in sugar. Bake ten minutes or until done.

WOW! Guess I better start baking. :) I immediately began laughing and smirking when I began to read this. First of all the first couple of paragraphs - so the way it's been going for me lately. I know exactly how Irma felt. And when that snowball hit her and she didn't say a word? I know that I would have immediately sent the kid to the principal. Irma didn't have that option though. I can't imagine being the only teacher. Scary.

As I read on, I went from smirking to being teary-eyed. I love the way she handled this. I posted a few days ago about how my eighth graders told another teacher I hate them. I know this is because of my words and my actions. I have not been very encouraging to them. I have had the attitude of they don't care so why should I? I can't believe I as a teacher slipped into this attitude. But I've noticed since posting that, that when I go into my classes (especially 8th grade) with a positive attitude and a determination to enjoy that 48 minutes, it goes so much better. I had been praying to have better days, but didn't really believe that I would. I got and do get what I expect - what I put into it.

Maybe this over the top, but this devotional really does make want to bake cookies for my classes. I'm already doing the math, thinking I have seven classes with approximately 20 kids per class. I need 2-3 dozen per class so that 14-21 dozen cookies. Wow that is a LOT of cookies. It would be so much easier to go to Wal-Mart and buy them. But I really do want to spend this weekend baking cookies and praying for my kids and me while baking. I figure I can bake a few Friday, a few Saturday, and a few Sunday. I just hope I still have this feeling come Friday. :)

Even if you are not a teacher, I think we can take something from this devotional. How many times have you been guilty of reacting to your spouse out of anger. I know I do this more often than I would care to admit. Andrew doesn't even have to be the source of my anger. A bad day at school or a trip to the dentist will cause me to take out my feelings on him. He has said before that we tend to do this more with family and friends that we truly love and trust. We feel we can say anything to them and they will still be there. Yes, we should be open with people, but that isn't a free pass to speak in anger.

My prayer this week is that I and you will act in patience and in prayer. My secret pal that gave me this Simple Life book gave me a gift Friday. In it was a morning devotional book. I opened it today and ready today's devotional. It talked about how we should always pray about temptations. We should never wait until we are tempted to pray. It's pretty much too late at that point. Always be preparing for the battle. That is so true of this. Don't wait until you are angry to pray that you won't speak. Continually pray that in this situation you will have the wisdom and the strength to just keep your mouth shut. :)

At church we began a new series Sunday called Turning Up the Heat. It is awesome already. It is about living passionately. I can so feel God working on me and relighting the fire so to speak. I have been feeling this way for several months now, but for whatever reason it is like I just won't let the fire really get going. I'm asking that you pray for me and I'll do the same for you. Let's get excited about God again. Isn't He worthy of that?


And by the way I must add -- Finally a recipe I want to try. :)