I am thrilled beyond words that I lasted until today. I told all my little friends @ lunch today that it was Happy Friday, and it was. And is. We tried to make plans for tonight at the last minute, but it didn't work out. Which I'm kind of glad, because it feels so nice to be able to sit here and watch our new movie in our jammies! I bought Madagascar 2 today, and as soon as Todd finishes watching one little part of Dirty Jobs, we're going to start it up.
The weather was beautiful today, and is going to be even more beautiful tomorrow. The boys are all having friends over and we're just hanging out here until we go eat at Mom's and Bill's. Graham and Drew tried to have friends over tonight to spend the night, but that didn't work either. I guess I should start to plan a little better. I did for a while, but here lately, I can't seem to get it together. That and I'm always the planner, which gets old after a while.
Anyway, I just wanted to give a quick update...I'm gonna shut this thing off and hang out with my amazing family. Love to all and Happy Friday!!!
Friday, February 6, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
The Light At The End Of My Tunnel
Man, I am beat. It has been a week. Not a bad one, just a week. I'm exhausted, and feel like my internal battery is running low. I've been up at the boys school EVERY single morning and afternoon, everyday this week. Volunteering. I am NOT doing that next week. I kind of made myself this mess because I can't seem to say "no". Well, guess what? Next week I am going to say it, regardless of who or what it is. The only 2 things I still want to do are for Drew's teacher and Jonah's teacher. They don't take long, but they bring me sheer joy. I would help with Noah's class, but she never needs anything, the turkey!
I am so ready for this weekend. I don't think we're doing anything magnificent, I'm just looking forward to the time with family and the GORGEOUS weather we're supposed to have on Saturday. We're going to Nana's and Big Daddy's for dinner Sat. night, and with it being a nice day, I'm sure the boys will be riding their bikes out there, or making a fort, or digging in the endless dirt, topped off with making milk shakes and maybe even s'mores. Well, one or the other~they don't need all that sugar. We've not seen them in a few weeks, so we're all looking forward to it.
Another thing we're looking forward to is the SPRING! Every year at this time, I just start yearning for the warmer weather. I love hanging out outside with the boys while they play. We also love going on bike rides, and I'm hoping we can start doing that again once spring comes. We're almost ready to play ball again, too. I can't believe it's been almost a year since they last played.
What a year it's been. I look at Jonah and Noah and how amazing they read, and I'm blown away. This time last year, I was stressing because Jonah would cry just at the mention of school. I had a lot to be stressed about. I'm loving his teacher more and more everyday...Noah's too, for that matter. But I have this bond with Jonah's teacher that will forever link us together. The woman is amazing. I love her like crazy and am dreading the last days of kindergarten. I know I'm going to be a crying mess, but she assured me today that she would cry with me.
Speaking of my little Jonah, this kid amazes me. Ask him what the number one rule for his class is, and he will tell you this: "We are FAMILY and we love and take care of each other". Today I found out that they had this really complicated craft to do and it had six or seven steps to follow in order. Him and his sweet little friend, Ashleigh finished theirs first, then started helping all the other kids put theirs together. Mrs. Miles almost cried when she told me how much he's improved over the last few weeks. It's like this light bulb has gone off in his head, and all of a sudden, he just gets it. He is ready for first grade. I'm not, but at least someone in this house is.
And Noah has amazed me right from the beginning. He will tell you all about a quiet "e" and how when it's on the end of a word, it has to be quiet so he can sneak up and pinch the letter in front of him. Ask him about "a,e,i,o, and u" and he'll tell you proudly that those are the superheroes of every word in the dictionary. He can read. Not really huge words, but he can do it, and he picked up on it all at the very beginning.
This is the part where having twins was horrible, because when one progressed faster than the other, the other had a hard time with it. For instance this one night we were going over all of our sight words at the dinner table. Noah had done his first, and it was Jonah's turn. Well he had just found out that Noah never had to take i~station (a reading program designed to each individual child, taken during free time during the day). Anyway, Jonah started going over the words and we got to one word and he said, "I don't know that one, go ask Noah what it is, I'm sure he can tell you." And walked off. After I picked my mouth up off the floor and finished laughing, I called him back in and explained that even though Noah knew it, Jonah had to know it to be able to read like a big boy.
I went to Jonah's teacher the next day in tears, and she was able to give me some pointers for him. Bottom line was, he felt left out and he hated it. All is better now, though, and he no longer has to have that extra help at i~station. They totally switched personalities on me this year, and I'm still trying to recoup from it. They're both amazing little guys, though, and I'm blessed to be able to be there with them everyday and watch them on their journey.
I feel the same with Graham's and Drew's teachers...though we got off to a rocky start with Drew's teacher for the SECOND year in a row (Graham had her last year), we've overcome that and are now on the same page. Which thrills me beyond words, if you know me at all. And most of you do. Graham's teacher just needs to move up to 5th grade with Graham next year. Except for the fact that Drew wants her next year. Both these ladies are amazing, they're older and I love that. I feel like older teachers have so much more to offer them in everything they do. And again, I am blessed because I know all these teachers personally. Working there definitely has its advantages.
Well, I started writing this to express my excitement over the weekend, but once again, I took a different path. I guess if we want dinner tonight, I'd better get up and start it. Even though I really don't want to. This chair feels amazing to my aching self. I must have walked another three miles today, with all the running around I did. Okay, I'm finished. Happy cooking to you all!
I am so ready for this weekend. I don't think we're doing anything magnificent, I'm just looking forward to the time with family and the GORGEOUS weather we're supposed to have on Saturday. We're going to Nana's and Big Daddy's for dinner Sat. night, and with it being a nice day, I'm sure the boys will be riding their bikes out there, or making a fort, or digging in the endless dirt, topped off with making milk shakes and maybe even s'mores. Well, one or the other~they don't need all that sugar. We've not seen them in a few weeks, so we're all looking forward to it.
Another thing we're looking forward to is the SPRING! Every year at this time, I just start yearning for the warmer weather. I love hanging out outside with the boys while they play. We also love going on bike rides, and I'm hoping we can start doing that again once spring comes. We're almost ready to play ball again, too. I can't believe it's been almost a year since they last played.
What a year it's been. I look at Jonah and Noah and how amazing they read, and I'm blown away. This time last year, I was stressing because Jonah would cry just at the mention of school. I had a lot to be stressed about. I'm loving his teacher more and more everyday...Noah's too, for that matter. But I have this bond with Jonah's teacher that will forever link us together. The woman is amazing. I love her like crazy and am dreading the last days of kindergarten. I know I'm going to be a crying mess, but she assured me today that she would cry with me.
Speaking of my little Jonah, this kid amazes me. Ask him what the number one rule for his class is, and he will tell you this: "We are FAMILY and we love and take care of each other". Today I found out that they had this really complicated craft to do and it had six or seven steps to follow in order. Him and his sweet little friend, Ashleigh finished theirs first, then started helping all the other kids put theirs together. Mrs. Miles almost cried when she told me how much he's improved over the last few weeks. It's like this light bulb has gone off in his head, and all of a sudden, he just gets it. He is ready for first grade. I'm not, but at least someone in this house is.
And Noah has amazed me right from the beginning. He will tell you all about a quiet "e" and how when it's on the end of a word, it has to be quiet so he can sneak up and pinch the letter in front of him. Ask him about "a,e,i,o, and u" and he'll tell you proudly that those are the superheroes of every word in the dictionary. He can read. Not really huge words, but he can do it, and he picked up on it all at the very beginning.
This is the part where having twins was horrible, because when one progressed faster than the other, the other had a hard time with it. For instance this one night we were going over all of our sight words at the dinner table. Noah had done his first, and it was Jonah's turn. Well he had just found out that Noah never had to take i~station (a reading program designed to each individual child, taken during free time during the day). Anyway, Jonah started going over the words and we got to one word and he said, "I don't know that one, go ask Noah what it is, I'm sure he can tell you." And walked off. After I picked my mouth up off the floor and finished laughing, I called him back in and explained that even though Noah knew it, Jonah had to know it to be able to read like a big boy.
I went to Jonah's teacher the next day in tears, and she was able to give me some pointers for him. Bottom line was, he felt left out and he hated it. All is better now, though, and he no longer has to have that extra help at i~station. They totally switched personalities on me this year, and I'm still trying to recoup from it. They're both amazing little guys, though, and I'm blessed to be able to be there with them everyday and watch them on their journey.
I feel the same with Graham's and Drew's teachers...though we got off to a rocky start with Drew's teacher for the SECOND year in a row (Graham had her last year), we've overcome that and are now on the same page. Which thrills me beyond words, if you know me at all. And most of you do. Graham's teacher just needs to move up to 5th grade with Graham next year. Except for the fact that Drew wants her next year. Both these ladies are amazing, they're older and I love that. I feel like older teachers have so much more to offer them in everything they do. And again, I am blessed because I know all these teachers personally. Working there definitely has its advantages.
Well, I started writing this to express my excitement over the weekend, but once again, I took a different path. I guess if we want dinner tonight, I'd better get up and start it. Even though I really don't want to. This chair feels amazing to my aching self. I must have walked another three miles today, with all the running around I did. Okay, I'm finished. Happy cooking to you all!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Devotion From Proverbs 31 Ministries
I wanted to share this. I think it applies to a lot of us, especially those of us with kids in school right now. I have a friend who encourages me daily to step back and look at how I spend my time. She holds me accountable for spending uninterrupted time each day with my Jesus. Sharon, if you're reading this, thank you. Your friendship means more to me than you'll ever know. I have already prayed for you today, but will continue it through the day. If I can do anything, let me know. Love ya lots!
"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him." Psalm 62:5 (NIV)
Who knew that rest was something to seek after like one would pursue a virtuous quality? After all, aren't virtues supposed to be difficult and even require heroic action? I consider rest to be passive, a do-nothing kind of thing. What is the value of that in our daily lives, especially in the life of a busy woman?
Rest, like all things, is only good if it is taken in the right measure and at the right time. When I was a singer (in my former years), I learned that a properly placed rest is as effective as any note. By putting rest into practice in our lives, we reap the benefit and value it brings. As women, many of us have forgotten the importance of rest and how to employ the proper placing of the pause.
When people ask how things are going, more often than not the response is, "Busy as usual," or "There aren't enough hours in the day to get it all done."
Why are we so busy and why do many of us feel this way?
I think one reason may be that our society has sold women a false sense of self-worth by connecting our value to our level of busyness. We should ask ourselves the important question found in Galatians 1:10, "Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or God? Or am I still trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ."
Now please don't think I am suggesting all women go on permanent rest and take to our beds leaving our responsibilities and families to suffer. Heaven forbid! What I am suggesting is this. When faced with another opportunity to "do" one more thing, "go" to one more event or "host" one more party, resist the urge to immediately throw up your hand a nd volunteer. Pause and pray, asking the Lord's direction regarding each matter. Perhaps the Lord has someone else in mind to "fill" the position.
Some women have discovered the secret to living a full yet balanced life. Their busy life is punctuated with periods of rest, and that rest consists of a time of prayer. When I see women who rest in the midst of their busy lives I do not see them frantic and harried like myself. Their spiritual balance allows them to accomplish more with less stress.
Perhaps they have learned to employ the truths found in Matthew 11:29, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (NIV). Just like farmers hand-crafted a yoke for every work-animal to help and assist them in their work, these women have learned that the Lord's yoke is perfectly fitted to us in order to assist us in the work He has ordained. And resting is one component of that work. When we are obedie nt to do the work God has called us to we can experience the joy and benefit of a balanced spiritual life as we utilize the proper place of rest.
Dear Lord, Thank You for reminding me that rest is an important part of spiritual balance. Teach me to seek Your direction as I prioritize my life's busyness. I want to experience and enjoy the balance of work and rest. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Breathe: Creating Space for God in a Hectic Life by Keri Wyatt Kent
Do You Know Him?
Visit Zoe Elmore's blog
God's Purpose for Every Woman: A P31 Devotional Gen Editors. Lysa TerKeurst & Rachel Olsen
Application Steps:
The next time your life becomes frantic and harried, pause for a time of restful prayer.
Memorize the power verses below and learn the benefits of rest; it will help you achieve balance in your spiritual life.
Reflections:
What can you do to ensure proper rest is a part of your life?
What is the Lord calling you to "give up" as a way of making room for proper rest?
Power Verses:
Genesis 2:3, "And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done." (NIV)
Exodus 3 3:14 "The Lord replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.'" (NIV)
Hebrews 4:10, "For anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his." (NIV)
© 2008 by Zoe Elmore. All rights reserved.
Rest
4 Feb 2009
Zoe Elmore"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him." Psalm 62:5 (NIV)
Who knew that rest was something to seek after like one would pursue a virtuous quality? After all, aren't virtues supposed to be difficult and even require heroic action? I consider rest to be passive, a do-nothing kind of thing. What is the value of that in our daily lives, especially in the life of a busy woman?
Rest, like all things, is only good if it is taken in the right measure and at the right time. When I was a singer (in my former years), I learned that a properly placed rest is as effective as any note. By putting rest into practice in our lives, we reap the benefit and value it brings. As women, many of us have forgotten the importance of rest and how to employ the proper placing of the pause.
When people ask how things are going, more often than not the response is, "Busy as usual," or "There aren't enough hours in the day to get it all done."
Why are we so busy and why do many of us feel this way?
I think one reason may be that our society has sold women a false sense of self-worth by connecting our value to our level of busyness. We should ask ourselves the important question found in Galatians 1:10, "Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or God? Or am I still trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ."
Now please don't think I am suggesting all women go on permanent rest and take to our beds leaving our responsibilities and families to suffer. Heaven forbid! What I am suggesting is this. When faced with another opportunity to "do" one more thing, "go" to one more event or "host" one more party, resist the urge to immediately throw up your hand a nd volunteer. Pause and pray, asking the Lord's direction regarding each matter. Perhaps the Lord has someone else in mind to "fill" the position.
Some women have discovered the secret to living a full yet balanced life. Their busy life is punctuated with periods of rest, and that rest consists of a time of prayer. When I see women who rest in the midst of their busy lives I do not see them frantic and harried like myself. Their spiritual balance allows them to accomplish more with less stress.
Perhaps they have learned to employ the truths found in Matthew 11:29, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (NIV). Just like farmers hand-crafted a yoke for every work-animal to help and assist them in their work, these women have learned that the Lord's yoke is perfectly fitted to us in order to assist us in the work He has ordained. And resting is one component of that work. When we are obedie nt to do the work God has called us to we can experience the joy and benefit of a balanced spiritual life as we utilize the proper place of rest.
Dear Lord, Thank You for reminding me that rest is an important part of spiritual balance. Teach me to seek Your direction as I prioritize my life's busyness. I want to experience and enjoy the balance of work and rest. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Breathe: Creating Space for God in a Hectic Life by Keri Wyatt Kent
Do You Know Him?
Visit Zoe Elmore's blog
God's Purpose for Every Woman: A P31 Devotional Gen Editors. Lysa TerKeurst & Rachel Olsen
Application Steps:
The next time your life becomes frantic and harried, pause for a time of restful prayer.
Memorize the power verses below and learn the benefits of rest; it will help you achieve balance in your spiritual life.
Reflections:
What can you do to ensure proper rest is a part of your life?
What is the Lord calling you to "give up" as a way of making room for proper rest?
Power Verses:
Genesis 2:3, "And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done." (NIV)
Exodus 3 3:14 "The Lord replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.'" (NIV)
Hebrews 4:10, "For anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his." (NIV)
© 2008 by Zoe Elmore. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
My Life
Yesterday was a really good day. It was fairly uneventful in the cafeteria of Collierville Elementary. The kids were actually pretty quiet. Of course, go figure, the one day a principal comes in to observe, but hey it was still quiet, so I'm not going to complain! I woke up with a headache yesterday that finally went away somewhere around 7 or so. I'm thrilled it finally went away. Thank you, Memphis weather. It was 20 degrees cooler yesterday than it was Sunday. I think it was all sinus~related.
The boys are addicted to this game online on a really cool website. If you have kids around my kids' age, little ones included, it's called poptropica.com. They LOVE it. They came in yesterday afternoon and did that for a long time. It was kind of nice, because other than "Is it my turn yet, Mommy???", I didn't hear much from them. That and the typical, "MOM! What's for dinner, I'm STARRRRRRVING!" I did fix them a good dinner that they all loved, which is unusual. Someone ALWAYS complains about whatever I make. I was happy.
Do you guys watch Jon & Kate Plus 8? That is my new favorite tv show and the boys love it. I don't know if I could be friends with Kate, though. She seems kind of bossy and she's kind of rude to Jon. Todd never has to put up with that, since I'm so perfect. (Stand back in case that lightning strikes me!) I get so cracked up at the boys, though! All 4 of them sit glued to the screen whenever that show comes on! They've been known to watch it upstairs by themself when they're on their way to sleep at night!
I'm doing this new thing with the third graders in Drew's class~it's called Fluency. It's something designed to help them be more fluent in reading aloud. Way too many kids get left behind in reading, and sometimes it's never caught until it's too late. So this helps them get more comfortable with the whole reading aloud thing. I remember HATING to read out loud when I was in school, which is why I love doing this. Anyway, I go to Drew's class every morning and the kids are given a piece of paper with a long paragraph on it that they have to read to me. I time them and count their mistakes. In the three weeks I've been doing this, I've seen so much improvement! It's so exciting seeing this progress in these sweet kids! There are some who really struggled at first but are getting better and better! I kind of dreaded doing it at first because I didn't know she wanted me to come EVERY morning for the rest of the school year, but I've come to look forward to it so much. And the kids all get these huge smiles on their faces when they see me walk through the door. They love doing it as well. It's really cool.
There are days when I wished I didn't work. I kind of miss those long days of freedom (the few I had), and I miss going to lunch with friends. BUT then I remember how much I love seeing the kids during their day, and I stop that thinking process. For the most part, I still enjoy my job. Well, when the kids are nice, that is. Some days they're not, and I can't stand those days. Anyway, the boys enjoy me being there, and if they're so happy with it, then I am too. That's all that matters, after all.
Well, I have to run, it's time to get everyone dressed and out the door!!! I hope you all have a wonderful day!!!
The boys are addicted to this game online on a really cool website. If you have kids around my kids' age, little ones included, it's called poptropica.com. They LOVE it. They came in yesterday afternoon and did that for a long time. It was kind of nice, because other than "Is it my turn yet, Mommy???", I didn't hear much from them. That and the typical, "MOM! What's for dinner, I'm STARRRRRRVING!" I did fix them a good dinner that they all loved, which is unusual. Someone ALWAYS complains about whatever I make. I was happy.
Do you guys watch Jon & Kate Plus 8? That is my new favorite tv show and the boys love it. I don't know if I could be friends with Kate, though. She seems kind of bossy and she's kind of rude to Jon. Todd never has to put up with that, since I'm so perfect. (Stand back in case that lightning strikes me!) I get so cracked up at the boys, though! All 4 of them sit glued to the screen whenever that show comes on! They've been known to watch it upstairs by themself when they're on their way to sleep at night!
I'm doing this new thing with the third graders in Drew's class~it's called Fluency. It's something designed to help them be more fluent in reading aloud. Way too many kids get left behind in reading, and sometimes it's never caught until it's too late. So this helps them get more comfortable with the whole reading aloud thing. I remember HATING to read out loud when I was in school, which is why I love doing this. Anyway, I go to Drew's class every morning and the kids are given a piece of paper with a long paragraph on it that they have to read to me. I time them and count their mistakes. In the three weeks I've been doing this, I've seen so much improvement! It's so exciting seeing this progress in these sweet kids! There are some who really struggled at first but are getting better and better! I kind of dreaded doing it at first because I didn't know she wanted me to come EVERY morning for the rest of the school year, but I've come to look forward to it so much. And the kids all get these huge smiles on their faces when they see me walk through the door. They love doing it as well. It's really cool.
There are days when I wished I didn't work. I kind of miss those long days of freedom (the few I had), and I miss going to lunch with friends. BUT then I remember how much I love seeing the kids during their day, and I stop that thinking process. For the most part, I still enjoy my job. Well, when the kids are nice, that is. Some days they're not, and I can't stand those days. Anyway, the boys enjoy me being there, and if they're so happy with it, then I am too. That's all that matters, after all.
Well, I have to run, it's time to get everyone dressed and out the door!!! I hope you all have a wonderful day!!!
Monday, February 2, 2009
A Song To Go With...
If you want lyrics, go to KLOVE.COM, click on Music, then lyrics and type in My Deliverer!
Challenge
Are you up for a challenge? The great thing about this internet thing is that you have unlimited access to all sorts of amazing things. I heard on the radio a couple weeks ago that someone is declaring February 1~15 online Missions week. So, starting today, that is what I'm going to do. May the Lord be glorified in everything I do, write, and say during this time.
Psalm 25:5 Lead me by Your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in You.
God is a jealous God, and He wants you to give your heart to Him. He wants to move in there and take up permanent residency. All you have to do is as simple as ABC.
A~Ask Him to forgive you of your sin, and then ask Him to come and live in your heart. He's right there, but He's not going to just barge right in. He's waiting on you to invite Him in!
B~Believe that He is the only way to Heaven!! For none of us will enter Heaven without Jesus, whom God the Father sent down to earth all those thousands of years ago! He is the way, the truth and the life!!!
C~Confess that you are a sinner, and that you want and need Him in your life. The prayer is easy, He's not looking for something complicated. How about something along the lines of, "Lord, I am sorry for the things I've done in my life. I know that I am a sinner, and I am asking that You forgive me. Thank You for Your mercy and Your grace. Lord, I ask that You come into my heart today. I know that You are my only into Heaven, and I ask that You help me to start living my life for You. Thank You, Lord. In Your name I pray, amen."
It won't be easy~His word says that, but He is there to get us through anything that we face. God has changed my life in so many ways, and someday I will sit and tell you all the things He has done in my life. It's amazing. I challenge you today to join with me in this endeavor~we can spread the Word just like missionaries abroad! But all right here in our home. People here need Him too!
Psalm 25:5 Lead me by Your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in You.
God is a jealous God, and He wants you to give your heart to Him. He wants to move in there and take up permanent residency. All you have to do is as simple as ABC.
A~Ask Him to forgive you of your sin, and then ask Him to come and live in your heart. He's right there, but He's not going to just barge right in. He's waiting on you to invite Him in!
B~Believe that He is the only way to Heaven!! For none of us will enter Heaven without Jesus, whom God the Father sent down to earth all those thousands of years ago! He is the way, the truth and the life!!!
C~Confess that you are a sinner, and that you want and need Him in your life. The prayer is easy, He's not looking for something complicated. How about something along the lines of, "Lord, I am sorry for the things I've done in my life. I know that I am a sinner, and I am asking that You forgive me. Thank You for Your mercy and Your grace. Lord, I ask that You come into my heart today. I know that You are my only into Heaven, and I ask that You help me to start living my life for You. Thank You, Lord. In Your name I pray, amen."
It won't be easy~His word says that, but He is there to get us through anything that we face. God has changed my life in so many ways, and someday I will sit and tell you all the things He has done in my life. It's amazing. I challenge you today to join with me in this endeavor~we can spread the Word just like missionaries abroad! But all right here in our home. People here need Him too!
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