Long Time, No Blog!

Hi everyone! I know you thought I must have been kidnapped. I assure you everytime something happens in my life I think, "that would blog", but I live in the land of "dial-up" and my computer has been on the fritz. Anyway, glad to be back girls!
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas holiday. Christmas is always a time when I sit back and marvel at the blessings that God has bestowed upon me with family and friends. Don't get me wrong, it was as frantic as always, but in those brief moments of sanity we are reminded of the "TRUE" reason for the season. As I wrapped the gifts so frantically preparing for that special day I was reminded of that dear and precious gift that was wrapped up for me and you on that special day so very long ago. Only that present wasn't wrapped in beautiful paper and sparkling bows, but in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. It is truly a humbling thought!
December was busy as usual, but I accomplished alot. I got to go on a shopping trip with my best friend Jill (we never get to do that), I lived through dropping my first born off at the band hall and watching her march in her first parade, I made fingerfoods by the multitude, I hosted a wedding shower, I made both of Baleigh's programs and managed to get both either videoed or pictured, I traveled to MSU with my GNO girls and supported our friend Marina in marrying off her daughter and the list goes on....
What is it about December and January that makes you think you can conquer the world. Do any of you experience this? I always begin these months determined to conquer the feats that I didn't in the years before. I have already begun the ritual of cleaning out and up! Of course I am thinking of how I am going to get those "many" extra pounds off! Ha! Ha!Etc. Etc. I just wish I could keep the determination throughout the year that I have when each year begins!
Okay, I am rambling and it is getting late! Another resolution, blog shorter, but more often! Ha! Ha! God's Blessings, Beth

Happy Birthday Sheila D!

Today is the big 40! for someone that I love. Today is my good friend Sheila's 40th birthday. Many get depressed on this day and simply don't want to talk about it. Many mope around at the very thought of growing older. Well I guess you could see it that way and then you could see it Sheila's way and be "grateful" and thankful for everyday, everything and everybody. There isn't hardly a time that you don't see her that she doesn't bring a smile to your face. This is a special gift, but what makes it even more special is that Sheila was diagnosed with cancer in this very month two years ago. God allowed me to be with her when she heard the news of the big"C". I have never seen a person with so much courage. Yes, she has had her down times, but is almost always "optimistic". She has been given "so" many reasons to gripe and complain (much like her friend Beth), but not her, she takes life in stride and tends to put self aside and do for others. She is an inspiration and helps me to keep life in perspective.

Happy Birthday Sheila D!

"Sisters" not by blood, but by "Heart"

The Lord blessed me many years ago with a brother that the world would later take away. I never intended being that "only child", but through circumstance ended up there. It would be circumstance later on that would help to fill this void when my path crossed with Jill and Christy. I call the both of them my friends, but in heart they are truly my sisters.

These two women mean the world to me and I love them dearly. We have cried together, laughed together, celebrated together, fussed together, raised children together, been wives together, been stressed together, went to church together, been through illness together, become Pampered Chef junkies together and the list just goes on and on and on....

It amazes me the plan that God lays before us that we aren't aware of. Just when we think that our puzzle is incomplete and none of the pieces left will fit in the empty spot, he provides us with that perfect piece that fits so divinely snug.

I attended a women's conference this weekend called "Extraordinary Women". It talked about seeing the beauty in ourselves and in others. These two people are both beautiful and "Extraordinary Women" to me. I don't have to look hard at all the see the beauty in either one of them. No matter what the circumstance, "I know their heart" and I love them for it.

Thank you Lord for the "blessings" that you have given me through these two women.

I love you both! A friend loves you all the time. Proverbs 17:17

"Fros" and "Banditos" a Trick or Treat Treasure

This Halloween was another one of those fleeting "Momma Moments" that you realize are just passing you by. It makes you want to put life in slow motion to take in every minute of it. As if I had been hit by a ton of bricks, the reality that this was my Baleigh's last time to go trick or treating was upon me. Next year she will be with the youth, my baby, youth! An even worse reality is that it is very likely that it will also be Thomas' last year because his "sissy" won't be doing it next year. Nevertheless, we had a "great" time! Baleigh has always lived for dressing up for Halloween. I mean we start planning on November 1st what our costume will be the next year. She went out with a bang this year. She was a 70's GoGo dancer. It was soooo Baleigh, fro and all. Thomas was a bandito this year, mustache, poncho, sideguns included. They were so cute! We went to a few houses that are our regulars and then went to the nursing home. That is my children's favorite stop! I think they know the joy it brings to the older residents and in return it brings joy to them, LOTS of candy too. We were then off to the church for games, hayrides and trunk or treating. It was a really good night with my babies! Another one of those "little things" that mean so much. :)

My "Baleigh Bug" is growing up!

Today is my Baleigh Bug's birthday! My baby girl is now 11 years old, where does the time go to? The day is gone for party hats and birthday horns, it is now all about "outings" and planned events! Baleigh wanted to go to Jackson for her birthday this year, so Friday I took her and two friends to Jackson. One of her friend's mom is also a friend and coworker of mine and she was brave enough to ride with me. I took them to the Bonsai steakhouse and then to see Beverly Hills Chiqu....(how do you spell that? Ha! Ha!) They had a blast! Baleigh had never been to Bonsai, I didn't realize it, her eyes were as big as saucers. After Sunday dinner she had a cake with the family and of all things recieved a pair of roller blades from her grandmother. Those that know my Baleigh Bug know that this means "medical procedure"! So far so good though!

I remember the day that she was laid in my husbands arms and he looked at me with tears in his eyes and said, "Look what we did baby!" And now, as I type I hear her in her room singing to her iPod getting ready for a soccer game. I used to be able to sit in a room and listen to her sing to Veggie Tales. It is truly bitter sweet, she has been nothing but a blessing to me, she marches to her own drum, she makes wise decisions, she is kind, she is talented, she is a Christian and she is my daughter and whether I like it or not, she is growing up!!

I love you my sweet baby girl!

"Joy" in the little things!

Well it has been Monday all day even though it's Tuesday. I teach and being off is nice, but it always throws a kink in things. I've once again spent the day with my mind racing and dwelling on things that I can't change. I even had several people come up to me and say, "What's up, your not your normal self." What is up with you Beth. I muttered through the rest of the day and headed home.

All the way home my babies were asking to carve their pumpkins. This great task began as soon as we hit the door. I started supper and stepped outside with my camera and there they were. My babies enjoying the age old tradition of pumpkin carving that I loved so well as a child. I couldn't help but smile and of course comment on how beautiful they were.

What a little thing, but what "Joy" it gave me today.

I'm go into the laundry room to start the wonderful task of washing clothes. While folding a load my husband appears in the doorway with a beautifully wrapped present that he bought for me today, just because. No way, I hear you Lord!

What a little thing, but what "Joy" it gave me today.

Back in the kitchen I go to finish supper and I hear a noise outside. My husband, without any nagging from me is trimming the bushes in the front of my house. Are you serious!

What a little thing, but what "Joy" it gave me today.

Thank you Lord for showing me all of the little things that bring me so much Joy and reminding me of my blessings!

"Life!"

Today started good, I got to take my "little man" to Brookhaven to get him some new tennis shoes and run a couple of errands. I don't get to spend much time just me and him, so it was nice.

The rest of the day was just melancholy! It was overcast and it was one of those days where you didn't just sit around, but you didn't get alot done either. Somehow nowdays it seems like if I don't get things accomplished I have wasted a day. I think God wants us to take time sometimes and simply be still. Maybe I will learn that one day.

Though my body hasn't been as busy as it should, my mind has raced all day. I catch myself and my thoughts running 90 miles an hour thinking about everything, trying to figure things out and why things happen, what I need to do and what I should have done. The truth is, sometimes there isn't an answer for how things are and why things happen.

There is a prayer that I love dearly that helps me to keep my life in perspective.

God grant me the serenity to accept the things that I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and wisdom to know the difference.

Just one of those days I guess, thankful for it! Hope your week is "blessed"!

It's Official, My Baby is Growing Up!

It's official, my baby boy is growing up. How do I know this? He now has a hair style!

It all started with a trip to Wal-Mart to get his hair cut. Up until now he always says, "Shave me bald just like my daddy." There have actually been times were he has cried because I wouldn't let him shave his head like his number one hero. Well this day was different! As he got ready to cut his hair he asked me could he get it styled. I stood their frozen in time asking myself if I had heard that correct. Well I told him sure and sat back as he went and got in the chair. Then to my horror the words came, "Take a little off of the sides please. Some off of the back and leave my bangs long so I can sling them over to the side." I sat there with all the years of little trims, booster seats and bribery to sit still flashing before my eyes. It was then I realized that those days were now behind me and my baby was becoming a young man.

Where does the time go? Am I making the most of it? How I love that beautiful little boy!

Just a Really Good Day!

Today has just been a really good day!
Sunday school was good this morning. We were talking about putting things off, like losing weight, witnessing, staying right with God, daily prayer and the list goes on. We talked about how we are not guaranteed even another minute on this Earth and how we should truly live each second like it was our last. This brought alot of things home for me about my daily walk, my weight and so on.

I left Sunday School and played hooky from church and took my mom, Baleigh and her friend Emily to Jackson for my mom's birthday. (I know, shame on me!) We ate a late breakfast at Cracker Barrel, browsed in a couple of places and then took my mom to see the movie "The Women", which is all she asked for for her birthday.

You would know the major plot to the movie is how we live and carry on in a way that we think is pleasing to others and how you don't truly live until you have happiness in yourself. These women thought they were holding it all together and everyone watching them could see different, the message was that you can't hold anything together if you have no joy or self acceptance yourself.

Again, I here you Lord! I really enjoyed my day with my mom and my daughter. We laughed, talked and simply enjoyed each other's company. We aren't guaranteed tomorrow, so I am glad that I had today!

By the way, I didn't eat all of the icecream!

"Moo-llenium Crunch", the next best thing to Heaven!

Well, I did it again! After being inspired by a friend, I cleaned out my closet last night. I have recently changed sizes and I finally got the nerve to get rid of my old pants and hopefully leave them behind. Except for the fact that I came home and rewarded myself this afternoon with a gallon of "Moo-llenium Crunch" icecream by Blue Bell. Maybe I need to keep a pair or two.

No I didn't eat the whole gallon, but that's not to say I won't before the weekend is over. Ha! Ha! You know how you look at someone and think, "What in the world were they thinking", well sometimes I look at myself and think, "What in the world were you thinking?".

Sure would be nice if I could seek comfort in a good walk or a salad. Better luck next time!

Have a "great" weekend everyone!

I Need My Mouth Stapled, Not My Ear! :-)

In my heart of hearts, I am a fit and energectic woman just screaming to get out! To bad this women hasn't let the rest of my body know. I have bought all of the exercise equipment, paid "hundreds" to Weight Watchers, taken a variety of diet gimicks, subscribed to healthy magazines and even went as far as to let someone put a staple in my ear and I am still overweight. I think in all my wisdom I'm finally beginning to figure out that you have to actually do something more than pay your money or read to get into better shape. Darn it!!

I know that our body should be our temple, but if that is the case, mine seems to take on the shape of Budha!! Ha! Ha! I had Bunko last night, which I enjoy. Good food, good friends and good fun. We were talking about how hard it is to lose weight. Why is that? It should simply be mind over matter, but my "mind" won't do what it should "no matter" what I want!

My children got a parent involvement sheet that wanted us to keep a weekly log of things that we do together day-to-day that count as exercise, HA! I got to thinking about it and unless you can count walking in the kitchen to cook or walking back and forth from the laundry room as exercise, I am truly sad! I believe they mean something in addition to those things, ya think. The closest thing I do to a leg lift is getting in the bathtub. I am 35 years old and I do nothing "intentionally" for exercise. I watch each birthday pass me by and always vow that I am going to get it together, but never do. My biggest fear is waking up one day and realizing that my children are grown and my youth is passing and I have just wasted it. That I wasted having the energy to not just watch my kids play, but play with them. That I spent the years that I should have been really enjoying life to the fullest, tired and worn out. One thing that is sticking out the most is watching my beautiful baby girl growing up and taking on my self image, as well as my attitude on being fit. She deserves more!

I am tired of being tired! I have blamed it for years on my being busy, but these days, EVERYONE is busy, that's just an excuse I use.

Simply put, I need to get up off of this big "tush" following me and make changes in my life. I've started some cut-backs on food, not a diet, simply cut backs. Today I walked a mile after school, mind you I counted every single minute until I was through, but I made it. Maybe my "mind" will realize that is does "matter". I need to do this not just for myself, but for my family!
Wish me luck, I assure you I will need it! :-)

Are you growing "Quince" or "Apples"?

Today was a good Sunday. Mainly because the Lord gave it to me. After all, he gives us the gift of another day and we are the ones who choose how our day is going to go, regardless of what happens in it. The devil's attack is inevitable, it's how we respond that counts.

Today's sermon was on "the fruit that we bear" and how people can tell alot about us by our fruits. My devotion this weekend was on being a "Godly Women". That was a double whammy wasn't it. As I sat through todays sermon I wondered how fruitful I was. I remember being tricked into eating a quince when I was little. It was a bitter bitter fruit, unlike the apple which is sweet. Hum! I wonder if the fruit I am bearing is "bitter" or "sweet"? I was also reminded of the verse in John,

I am the vine, you are the branches; He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:5

As I thought of this verse I wondered not only how I lack in being a "Godly women", but also how I lack being as fruitful as I should. My heart desires nothing more that to be a "God fearing" women, but I find myself letting life and the flesh rob me of this more than I should. When I am robbed so are the ones that I love, because my life affects their life. I allow circumstances to dictate my emotions and I allow the "hustle and bustle" of day to day to demand my thoughts. In the process of doing this, I don't think that we are as fruitful as we can be. Being fruitful is so much more than me reading a quick devotional or praying for someone, to be fruitful I need to never stop growing in Christ, not just in those instances, but at all times.

I love to grow flowers, though many don't make it. I think about the ferns that I love so much. They start out so beautiful and green. As I begin to neglect them they become dry and start to have noticeable signs of neglect. As I starve them completely of water, they simple start to break away piece by piece. I think I am alot like my ferns are at times. I know, that sounds crazy! Think about it, we get so fired up for God and we just glow in his spirit and then we slowly start slipping and not keeping ourselves fed on God's word. We too start to get dry and don't thrive like we should. We think we look okay, but others see. As we continue to neglect ourselves spiritually we simply start losing bits and pieces of ourselves much like the fern. What is so wonderful though, is that if I simply give that fern a little water, you start to slowly see the life creep right back in. God is offering us all we need to keep ourselves fed spiritually to bear fruit, beautiful fruit.

Lord help me feed on your words daily so that I might be fruitful for your kingdom. Lord help me to be the women that "YOU" would have me to be.

Going Through the "Big D" and Don't Mean "Dallas"!

Well girls, I didn't come back from revival fired up tonight! The sermon tonight was on divorce. This is a subject close to my heart because I have lived it with my mom, my family and my friends. I know that divorce is not what God may have intended, but I know many "wonderful" and "God fearing" people who have gone through it. I know women who gave it their all, to the point of losing themselves and it just didn't work. I think that you have to have walked a mile in the shoes of others before you can truly say what you would do. I am a simple women with a simple mind, but I do not think that God intends you to stay in a marriage that is not a Godly marriage. I don't think that God wants you and your children to stay in a situation that is abusive mentally, physically or spiritually just so you can say that you aren't divorced. I thank God that my mom had the courage to go through divorce. The effect that it has on children was really focused on tonight. I thank my momma for having the courage to realize that sometimes there are worse things than your child "NOT" having a daddy at home and that is daddy "COMING" home.

Hold your head high momma, I love you! Beth

As for the long term affects on your children. We all want to live those Cinderella stories and my mom just wasn't that lucky. Yes, while growing up, times were hard and tennis shoes and jeans were holey, but just as my "Best Friend" recently blogged about herself, we had praying mommas. Momma prayed for me to have the husband that she never had, God sent me "HER" Cinderella story. I am "blessed"!

Sometimes I just need the dirt beat out of me!

What a crazy Monday back at school. We've been out for a week, I can't seem to get my lesson plans together and on top of everything I have duty! I am sooo tired. I came home today and managed to scrap out some supper (the joys of hamburger helper and green beans) and made it to revival. Boy could I have curled up and went to sleep! I know that is a crazy title for a blog, but that's one of the things that stands out most about what the pastor said at revival tonight.

He said, "Just as the women used to go to the river and beat their dirty laundry against a rock to get the dirt out of it, many times we also must take a beating before we give up and clean ourselves of sin". I think he knows me, Ha! Ha! Why is it that I find myself beating all around the bush not wanting to admit I am wrong, that I take a beating out of life before I give in.

Another thing that he said was, " The sin we cover, God will uncover. The sin we uncover God will cover". Those are "powerful" words to me. I find myself trying to make my way the right way! Why not, right! Well, newsflash to me, it's God's way. I have taught my own children and Sunday school children and school children that, "God sees everything". Why is it that I think that I can hide my heart? It doesn't matter what I do to camouflage it, God knows. After all, you can put perfume on a skunk, but it will still stink! Okay, I'm delirious, I know, but I thought that was cute. :-)

The words, however; that stepped on my toes the most tonight was about something that I find myself doing alot. Many times I don't voice it, but once again, GOD knows! It was, "Coming to worship with unconfessed sin will completely rob you of the joy of worship. It will allow you to notice everything that you think went wrong with the service, but nothing of God's message and worship you were intended to experience. Sin affects everything!". Wow! It is through these words that I realized why many times I am not worshiping to the fullest. It isn't because someone doesn't accommodate my taste or do things like I would have, it is because of ME.

What a powerful night in worship, what powerful words! Lord, I am sorry that I have to be beaten against a rock before I finally get clean. I am like a child that their father is constantly telling, "Don't get dirty" (the dirt being sin), and I still do what I want and think that my father will not see the dirt. Dirt is dirt and their is no way to hide it.

Okay, I know I have rambled tonight, but I have just been excited about the words that it seems that God has sent especially for me. I think HE knows me or something! Have a "great" week!

I Hear You Lord, Loud and Clear!

What a day, what a day! God showed up and showed out in my heart today. It was one of those Sundays where God convicted you about something from the time you walked in the door. It started out in Sunday school. Our lesson was on forgiveness. One of the key verses was:

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Collossians 3:12-14


I really needed this verse. I find myself not wanting to forgive others that I think have wronged me. I get mad at the fact that people count on me to forgive them. I get mad that when I forgive someone they don't seem to appreciate it and I get mad at them again. This morning I set and pondered, "Beth, just who in the world do you think you are?". With all that God has forgiven me for in my life and continues to forgive me for daily, who am I to walk around prideful wanting others to make me happy, comfortable and never wrong against me. I felt God telling me, "People make mistakes Beth and news flash, so do you". Walking a Christian walk isn't going to be a bed of roses and I know this in my heart, but I still find myself straying. Lord this morning you have convicted me strongly about being responsible for "my" actions. I have said a million times that I cannot control what others do, but I CAN control what I do and how I react. During the message today the visiting pastor made the statement, "The world has to see something diferent in us as Christians. If all we do is go to church, but the world doesn't see anything different in us then all we've done is simply go to church. You cannot walk with a Holy God and live an unholy life." What powerful words he spoke! I have failed lately to walk that Godly walk. Don't get me wrong, I turn to God daily, but do those closest to me see God in me. You see, for me it is really easy to let those who aren't close see God in us. Whether it be an encouraging word, praying for or with someone or whatever it may be. But the true me, is how I am with those closest to me. I fear lately that has been an ugly sight. The pastor made another statement that said, "Why are children living in sin and straying. Because their parents are!". That popped me right upside the head as well. I fuss at my children for raising their voices or tearing each other down with their words. Lord I fear they learned it from the best, me! Why do they lose their temper, because they see me doing it and not having patience. Why do they tear at each other with their words. Lord they have heard me tear others down with my words. I know what I am doing is wrong and I still let those words leave my mouth.

I have had a humbling day, but am fired up. God has revealed himself to me today in a mighty way and has forced me to look at myself. I am falling short. I must continue to forgive others, because I have been forgiven. It is as simple as that. I need to shut my mouth and let God lead. It doesn't matter how many times someone has hurt or wronged me, as a Christian I must take up the cross and press on and forgive. I am falling short outside of church. It is in the times when I let my guard down with those closest to me that the true me is seen. Lord I pray that I bind my tongue in my mouth and not speak words that tear others down. That I can be the same person to my family and friends, that I can so easily be to others. And Lord lastly, but definately not least. I pray that I can be a better example for my children. Lord I know that I won't be able to get back even the second that just past. If you took me home today, did I truly provide for my children. I feed them, cloth them and even take them places that are fun and spend time with them. But am I leading them in your truth? Am I living your truth as an example for them. How short I fall, but today "revival" has not just taken place at church, but in my heart. I was sooo full when I left church that I couldn't wait to get on this computer and share what He had done for me today. Anybody can talk the talk, but Lord help me to also walk the walk, YOUR WALK!

Take it easy Gustav!

Another Sunday morning has rolled around and I am thankful for another week. It has been a rough week for many reasons, but as I watch Louisiana tags rolling down the road, my problems seem so small. We started taking in dogs and cats at the vet clinic yesterday and have taken in many more today. The look of uncertainty on peoples faces is heart wrenching. I know pets are pets, but many left with not alot more with them than their pets. It is hard for them to part with them even though they know we will take care of them. God has a way of showing us through others that we should quit wollering in ourselves and our problems, by showing us people who truly have problems. I have to pause today and ask God to forgive me for getting so caught up in my "bad" week and pray for those who are leaving all of their possessions and homes behind and being separated from their families. I think of those who have no or limited funds in their pockets, but have wide eyed babies looking at them wondering where they will stay tonight and saying that they are hungry. It has been in the storms of my life that I have learned the most. Lord, thank you for humbling me on this Sunday afternoon, if you can use me in the midst of this storm, Lord use me!

Happy Birthday Brother...

Tomorrow is August 28th, I will go over this date on the calendar with my class tomorrow during math, we will write it many times on our schoolwork, I will date papers with it that I have to turn in, I will most likely write it on a check and I probably even have a bill due on this date, but this is more than another day, this was my brother Jason's birthday. Tomorrow would have been his 32nd birthday. It has been 14 years since I have heard his deep raspy voice, since I have touched his hand, since I have seen him in person and not just had to settle for a memory. It seems sometimes as if the world simply swallowed up the hole that was left the day he died. Even in my life, the pain got a little easier every day and life simply went on. At times I feel guilty for not, as I say, "shutting down" on his birthday and the day that he died, but I don't think that is what God wants me to do. I couldn't help tonight reading my devotional for tomorrow's date, August 28th. The title was "Rerouted Dreams", it spoke of life simply not going as we might have anticipated or fulfilled in the way that we would have seen fit. How well this applies to my situation. Fourteen years ago, in many ways, my dreams were rerouted. I never intended on losing my only sibling to suicide, but friends, even in our darkest hours God is in control and God has a plan. Though I lost a prize posession, my only brother, God gave me many gifts of life through his death. Because of these "rerouted dreams" my journey in life changed it's course forever and I knew that God's way was the only way. I rejoice that God gave him to me for as long as he did, I could have never known him. So I celebrate August 28th for the years I was allowed to know him. Happy Birthday Baby Brother, love your sister, Beth

Trusting in the Invisible

As I rush through another morning I pause to read my devotional and my verse is

Faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen
(Hebrews 11:1)

God impressed upon me that I should make sure that I read this verse this morning and it will be interesting to see how the day unfolds and God applies it to my life. You know, God is an everpresent peace in my life that I rely on daily. I turn to him with problems and situations that life throws my way and simply have to have faith that he will take care of me in his way and most importantly in his time. I don't know why my trust swaggers at times, in heart of hearts I know that there is nothing that he can't or doesn't want to handle for and with me. As I begin this day, I place it in his hands and pray that I follow his will. He's never let me down with anything I've handed him, truly handed him. Here's my day Lord, lead the way!

Just Another Manic Monday...

I am easily reminded of a song that I once danced around to in my "parachute pants" with the lyrics, "Just another manic Monday". Those of you around my age know what song I'm talking about. (You know about those parachute pants too, just admit it!) Well Mondays are just that, "Manic"! You would think that when you are coming off of a weekend that you would be refueled and energized, but somehow you can't seem to get yourself out of bed and your running on a half of a tank. After waking up late with only about 45 minutes to get dressed your son announces that he has a book that he was suppose to have read this weeked and that he was going to be tested on it today, you realize that you have nothing that is already ironed, so your off to the ironing board, your daughter announces at the last minute that you need to straighten her hair (mind you she's been watching cartoons for the last 20 minutes), then your son announces that you still had to put the pizza rolls for his lunch in the oven, so snatch and grab and away I go. It is amazing that God allows us moms to get 2 hours worth of work into a mear 45 minutes. As I sit here tonight with my family fast asleep, I must thank God for this "Manic Monday", for my children that keep me on my toes and busy, for the job that is demanding and tiresome, but fullfilling and for the friends that I am allowed to share it all with! Thank you Lord!

19 Years Together and He's Still Got It!

Do you ever just catch yourself looking at your husband and wondering, "What did I do to deserve you?". You catch a glimpse of him out of the corner of your eye or you simply watch him doing something that you see him do every day, but your heart still races like it did when you were in high school. Nineteen years we've been together and I still do. Lately I have found myself just staring at Pat and thanking God for sending him to me. You know, when we were younger "sexy" simply meant a nice hiny, good smelling cologne, a gentlemen etc. I just have to tell you there is nothing sexier to me than a man who will spend time with his children and my husband always has time for his children. He will load them up in a heart beat and take them off for the day, whether it be hunting, fishing etc. He always has time for our babies. Another thing that is sexy is a man who is there for his wife. Pat is my safe place to land. In those deep dark times when I am worried, scared or I feel like the world is closing in, it is in his arms that I find comfort. There is nothing that I can't turn to him with. He is my security. I find God bringing us closer daily through situations that life brings our way. Just this weekend I was upset over a situation and he was able to sit back and see it through my eyes. I find us trying to understand each other during times of disagreement, instead of standing off and letting stubborn pride come between us. We laugh together, cry together, budget money together, raise our babies together, pray together, grow together and the list goes on. The important word is that we do it all "TOGETHER". My best friend and I were talking recently about our husbands and how we enjoy spending time with them and how blessed we were to have the marriages that we have. I love the fact that we can get together and "giggle" and "laugh" with each other about them like we were still dating them and how we truly enjoy them. I believe God sent Pat specifically for me. He completes me! As for the hiny, cologne and gentlemen, well girls, in my eyes he's got that too! And the best part of it all is that he's mine and he loves me unconditionally! Have a "great" week girls!

Sticker Shock....

Oh dear me, it started out as my baby girl signing up to play in the band. Harmless, right? Well then there is the band meeting, the presentation, the price, the payment plan and my head starts spinning! Everything starts getting blurry and then it happens, I sign on the dotted line. It was a complete conspiracy! I shant even say how much one little silver flute cost me, but I am sure somewhere I had to sign over rights to my first grandchild. From the mouth of my best friend, "This is just the first of many". I remember her saying the same thing about a pageant dress not to long ago. However; you can't take it with you! The look of joy on my child's face when she got that little black case containing that shiny silver flute, no monthly payment can pay for. Lord thank you for giving me the means to not only provide necessities for my babies, but to allow them to do the not so necessary things that mean so much to them! :-)

Laughter is the Best Medicine!

Okay, we all know I've fretted about Bunko at my house, being sick and getting prepared for it. Well tonight was the night and it was just what the doctor ordered. I laughed so much that I thought I would wet my pants. I am sooo thankful for every woman that was in the room with me tonight. Everyone brings something special to the room and I had an absolute "blast"! I prepared everyone for such horrible Bunko prizes, that the "cheesy" ones I bought was sure to thrill them. A homecooked meal, good friends and lots of laughter! Good food for the soul! Thank you Lord for bringing good and best friends to my life! People who love me for who I am!

PS I think I'm getting the hang of the 3rd grade and I'm loving it! :-) It's really late girls, have a blessed Tuesday.

His Grace Covers Me

Well, I got off to a rough start today. Felt rotten this morning and missed church. Pat did nursery without me, of course with a fill-in sidekick. Today was a special Sunday, a really good friend of mine's child got baptized this morning. I have watched this child grow over the years and am so proud to see her make the decision to accept Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Our babies are growing up right before our eyes, it was just yesterday that she was in the nursery with my Thomas every Sunday morning across from my Sunday School class and her mom was trying to get her potty trained. Where does the time go! It just makes you realize how important it is to live as examples before my own babies. I spent all day cleaning up at a "snails pace", but got a little accomplished. I found myself wishing all day that I had a substitute for the Sunday night Discipleship class that I teach. I literally drug myself to church and sat down to put in my time and then we sang a song with the words, "He covers me", referring to God's grace. That's when I realized that it was no mistake that I was there and I felt the warmth of God's love surround me. Lord thank you for pursuing me at all times! I know I've rambled tonight, but it's a "random thought" kinda' night! Have a "great" week girls!

Feel Like Death, but My Nails Look Good!

Went to some sort of "Extreme Impact" ministry with Pat and Thomas last night in Brookhaven, new I wasn't feeling well, but it was just one of those times as a momma and wife where you tell yourself, even though you want to crawl in the bed and go to sleep, go spend some time with your family. And then there was this morning! I woke up and thought I was having a near death experience. I feel like I am coming down with the flu, so I went and got me a shot, picked myself up by the boot straps and headed to Brookhaven to get Bunko gifts. Got everything accomplished with the gifts, not sure how good the gifts are and my house is going to be a wreck on Monday, but I'm sure my friends will love me through "cheesy" gifts and a dirty house. That's the good thing about true friends! Did I tell ya, on top of everything, I got trapped in a typhoon in Wal-Mart and decided to kill time by getting my nails done. They're always soooo pretty, but everytime I get them done I say that I will never do it again. Oh well, I feel like death, but my nails look good. Now I'm home in my "sloppy clothes" and going to self medicate myself with some tv, a bag of chips and a coke. God is good even in the stinky times! Thank you Lord for allowing me to have today!

Oh My Gosh! How easy was that!

I can't believe getting this started was soooo easy! I saw my best friends page and was so impressed that I thought I had to try it. I am such an "open book" for those who know me, that this will surely be pure therapy for my soul. This has been an action packed week in 3rd grade. (My first year teaching it for those who don't know me, I've been in Kindergarten for 10 yrs). I am going to absolutely love it, but I must admit that I am dragging my tail behind me! That's alot of dragging girls! Alot to do this weekend and not enough time to do it. My favorite verse is Psalms 46:10, "Be Still and Know that I am Lord". Lord help me to be still in the midst of all of life's hustle and bustle and turn to you for direction. Help me to not get so caught up in life that I don't notice the little "winks" and blessings that you give me daily. Life is so easily taken for granted!

On a mom's note, I am having a hard time excepting that my children are both officially out of the Lower Elementary. It is so hard to believe that my Thomas is in 3rd grade this year and that my Baleigh is in 5th. One more year until Junior High, I'm gonna start praying know. My babies are growing up and I don't know where the time has gone. As a mom you sit down and realize, "Oh my gosh! Did I really live yesterday to the fullest and enjoy my children like I should have. Was my temper too quick, was my voice to loud, did I put one of them off when they needed my attention, was I a Godly example and did they see God in any of my actions?" I guess we moms just do the best that we can and pray daily for guidance. See, I told you this would be therapy for me! Have a "great" weekend everyone and try and slow down and notice the small stuff. Beth