New Year's Eve

It's hard to believe that 2009 has come to an end, but the end of a new year only brings anticipation of things to come and a fresh start.   Most new year's resolutions fall by the wayside around February, so I challenge you to set goals that are attainable.  Many of us make the resolution to lose weight, but not me; not this year.  I am making the resolution to get moving more.  I even upgraded to the Wii Fit Plus to help me achieve that goal...maybe I should have splurged on the dance mat and the Dancing With The Stars game, fun + exercize = the best of both worlds.   Seriously, my major goal I have set for this new year is to make sure the boys make to Awanas & Youth on Wednesday nights.  I really slacked off on this especially after basketball season started and we ran to games 2 nights a week.  God should be a much more important part of our lives, and the kids need to grow in Christ. 

I'm working on a little review of the year, but don't have it quite ready, however, I have grown in my Photoshop skills and made a little collage of our family photo shoot.  You should see the 12x12 I had printed, it looks great, now to find a frame and get this rascal on wall!

Happy New Year's Eve, stay safe, and tell those close to you how much they mean to you in 2010.

Praise You in this Storm...

...that may be my theme song for tonight if the weather does what it looks like it's going to.  I don't like seeing all that red and pink on the radar...don't get me wrong, I do like red and pink, just not on radar. 

I am still trying to think of ways to follow the challenge issued by Bro. John.  We've had some sickies around the house this week, so satan is trying to stop me. (Get thee behind me satan!)  So far, I've not had much time to think of anything but the upcoming black & orange basketball game, which is the BIG fundraiser for the Junior class. (come watch it, Austin gets to play, and we need your money)

I think my brain cells are shutting down for the night....maybe I'm just turning into Dory, just keep swimming...just keeeeep swimming.....

So much for coming up with some world changing, profound thoughts to post, the wind just started blowing really hard and I heard thunder, so I'm shutting down....like my brain cells.   Oh, and Casey is in Jonesboro at the Jason Aldean concert tonight.  Pray they make it home without hitting serious weather.

Pay it forward...

This photo was taken early one morning on our way out to school.  The morning had been hectic, the boys were arguing, and I was NOT in a good mood.  Austin noticed the sun shining through the trees, so I stuck my camera out the truck window and snapped a picture.  When I uploaded it to my computer, I saw a cross in the sun, and a cross shadow on the ground.  I keep this photo as my constant reminder that God goes before me even when I don't take the time to acknowledge him. 

This morning our pastor began a new series entitled the "Gift Revolution".  He and his wife put 2 business cards with the Gift Revolution and an email address for the church along with a gift from them ($1.00) into 600 envelopes and issued a challenge to the church; change the world.  This comes on the heels of the series "Get Connected" which was a challenge to get connected with our family, friends, church, community, state, nation, and world.  Many new things are happening in the church because of this series and there is lots of excitement because of it.  This Gift Revolution (which I will refer to at GR) challenge has really stumped me.  What can I do to make a difference for Christ?  What can I do that will touch someone's heart?  What makes me special that someone would want to take the time to say, "hey, you made a difference?.  Certainly nothing I can do on my own, but I know through God all things are possible.  My hope is that God will use this blog and my fingers on a keyboard to touch lives all over the US....no, all over the world.  My blog hasn't gotten many hits in the past, but I'm praying that somehow, someone will read something that makes a difference in their lives and they will spread the word. 

I'm going to pray about this, and ask God what He wants me to do, and how He wants to use me to further His kingdom.  Please pray for me, and for our church as we begin this GR.  Pray, also, that I don't try to convince God that I can't do what He has in store for me.  I have to remember Jonah and what happened to him when he tried to convince God that he wasn't the right man for the job. (I do have a bridge spanning Lake Norfork to cross...)

I'm including a link to our church's website. (If I can get it posted on here properly so that it will work as a link and not just a bunch of letters strung together for no apparent reason)  While the GR button isn't quite up and running yet (should be by tomorrow night), when it is operational you will see a GR link which will take you to a map.  That map will have pins of places who have heard of our GR series and want to "Pay it Forward" and do something for Christ.  I hope you will join in this revolution, because we have all recieved the most precious gift: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life"  John 3:16

First Baptist Church, Salem, AR

He gave us a gift we didn't deserve, a gift of grace, what will you do with that gift?  My blog is a very small part of this revolution, and if you have a story you would like to share about God's grace in your life, please, please post it in the comments.  I want to hear from you and God wants you to share your story. Spread the word so we may hear from as many as possible, and please let me know your city and state so we can pin it on our map.   Will you do that?

Twenty-one years ago...

...a little (well, maybe not so little) 8 lb, 4 oz , 22 inch long baby girl entered the world with a very loud yell.   She was supposed to be here by September 15, 1988, but decided to "sleep" a little longer and made her appearance on September 29, 1988.  I think that was just the beginning of a pattern, she's still one that takes her time doing things!   

I can't believe she's 21, where has the time gone?  Happy Birthday, Casey, you aren't that little, skinny girl that Mrs. Pat said was all legs, eyes, and hair, you've grown into a beautiful young woman and I'm very proud of you.

I found a few "grown up" photos, but tomorrow I get to pull out all the baby photos; It's going to be fun to see just how she has changed in 21 years.

Take me out to the ballgame...

Yesterday we had the chance to see the Springfield Cardinals play ball (thanks, Mom!). Austin is our big baseball fan and this was part of his birthday present. It was a great day and I enjoyed spending time with Lance, Lindsay, Chris, and the boys. The weather was perfect for baseball, too! I don’t think Austin missed a play because he talked about it all the way home. He even knew the speed of the fastest fastball! (99 mph just in case you were wondering). Logan wasn’t as interested in the game as he was “Louie the Cardinal” and “Fetch the dog”. Around the 5th inning he looked up at me and said, “I wish I’d stayed with Nana and Landon, I’m ready to go home.” He was having problems sitting still; maybe it was all the cotton candy.  After a stroll around the concession area, and a trip to the gift shop for a giant foam finger, he was good for a few more innings.


I really hate that we didn’t make it back in time to hear Mom and my aunt and uncles sing; I know they did a great job. I love to hear them sing.

Family is so important, go do something with yours very soon, you won’t regret it.

One week behind us

Austin wasn't thrilled about the obligatory first-day-of-school picture.


My little Kindergarten man on his very first day of school.

We finished the first week, or half week, of school. Logan loves Kindergarten and was really proud that he didn't have to move a card "all week" and got to pick something from the treasure box. He has lots of new friends, and said his favorite class is the "one where we get to go outside and run around"...PE.

Austin has some pretty tough classes for the 8th grade. He has Algebra I, I don't think I took that until the 10th grade! He is playing basketball again this year, and really likes it. He enjoys school; I hope he keeps that attitude.

I'm having a good year, so far, too. I really like my classes. I have the biggest group of kids I've ever had, 23 in Art I, 22 in Speech, 18 in 8th grade Art, but then I do have a few small classes, too. Drama only has 4, Graphic Design has 8, and Advanced Art is down to 3.

Casey starts her classes next week. I hope she has a good semester, she needs one. Her classes are on Tuesday and Thursday, so she will still work Mon, Wed., and Friday. I think she likes working more than she likes going to school.

Please pray for our students, teachers, administration, and parents as we begin the new school year. I pray for my students everyday, that I will be an example of God's love, even though I can't say it in the classroom. Let's not forget to invite Him to school with us, He is desperately needed.

New beginnings

My crazy child riding a ride I'd call "Ring of Death" instead of "Ring of Fire"...maybe ring of junky metal thrown together and held in place by a paper clip?


L's daycare buddies.


Logan's table in his classroom.

Tomorrow (8/19) begins the new school year for both boys. Logan told me tonight that tomorrow he wouldn't be a preschooler anymore, he would be a big Kindergarten boy. I can't believe it! Last night was open house at school, so we took all his supplies, found his table and cubby, and met some new friends. He's so excited because one of his best friends is in the same class. They have been together since they were little babies in the same daycare. It's funny, there were 3 from the daycare going to our school, and all 3 of them got in the same class.

Austin will start 8th grade tomorrow. He has Algebra I this year! I think I remember having Algebra in 10th or 11th grade! Kids are just so much smarter these days. I had to include a little photo montage of one of the things he rode at the county fair. I don't think you could have paid me enough to get me on this ride, but he thought it was great!

I just realized this will be my 13th year of teaching, too. It doesn't seem that long, but I guess time flies when you are having fun. I'm looking forward to the new year, it will be a challenge, but I love a challenge. My classroom is 95% ready, just have to get a few more lesson plans figured out, but the first week we don't get much accomplished, anyway, so I'm not going to sweat it!

Don't forget to pray for the kids as they go back to school, pray for the teachers and administration that we may examples of God's love; pray for protection and guidance. Tomorrow is an exciting day!

Farewell, summer.

I'm a little sad tonight, this is the official end to my summer break from school. Tomorrow I have mentor training and then the teachers head back to school. Even though I enjoy being home with the boys during the summer, beginning a new year is always exciting for me, too. I'm looking forward to seeing the kids...most of them, anyway, and see what kind of summers they've had.

I know God has a plan for all of us, just like Doc's testimony this morning. God's plan for him was the medical field, and I know I'm supposed to be a teacher. I love being in the classroom, I love seeing that lightbulb go off when a child finally "gets" it, or maybe I'm just addicted to the smell of brand new school supplies!

Now, I know how boring a blog post can be without pictures or a fun little slide show, so here is a little background about my photos for this post. Yesterday Chris was going out the back door, when he turned and said, "Come here! There are twins in the yard!" I grabbed my camera and slipped out through the garage and got a few great shots of these cute little twins who are just beginning to lose their spots. I was afraid the dogs might try to chase them away, but they were stretched out, snoozing on the garage floor. I love our lazy dogs!

Sometimes....

...you run across something that just sums it all up in a way you can never say it yourself!

I found this on the Jessica Sprague blog and had to share, it's the best thing I've seen in a long time. Oh yes, I will use this in my high school speech classes!

Typography from Ronnie Bruce on Vimeo.

Oh, Jessica, you rock!

Jessica Sprague, that is. Talk about some easy Photoshop tutorials and really fun projects. These are a couple I did this afternoon. Now what can I make....?

Photowalk

Have you heard of these? Thanks to a great bunch of girls on another site, I got wind of this neat little thing called a photowalk. Of course, I checked to see if there was one close enough to me to justify going, and SCORE, there was one in Eureka Springs. So, last Saturday, Casey, Carla, and I loaded up and went to Eureka with cameras in hand, batteries charged, and walking shoes on. I was really fun and we got some really neat shots. We were having a great day until...(yes, there's an until) Carla got a call from T (her eldest child), "Hi Mom, uhmm, Dad got bucked off his horse and he might be hurt but I'm not sure." Nothing like that to change the mood of the day. Brett was hurt, and we made a flying trip back from Eureka Springs. Thankfully, he was released from the hospital with a concussion, broken rib, and sprained shoulder. A week later he is still a little sore, but making progress to a full recovery.

So, here are a few of the shots I took from our little trip. Oh, and there are prizes involved. The photowalk is sponsored by Scott Kelby and it's a worldwide event. This year the date was July 18, and you can bet I'll be checking for next year's date!

Oh yeah, and good news on my computer, the Staples tech guy (God bless him) was able to retrieve the majority of my junk off the old hard drive. I finished up those wedding photos and have delivered them to the hands of the bride's mom. Whew, I can breath now....and back up everything lots more often.

Aaaaaahhhhhhh!

Oh, what a week! My laptop, the one I got for Christmas, crashed! Thank goodness it was still under warranty, so they sent me a new hard drive. As for the old one, it's at Staples where the techs are desperately trying to retrieve all my info from the old one. Cross your fingers and say a prayer, I need to the photos from that one!

Well, VBS starts tonight, so that's going to be a bright spot in the week. I always look forward to VBS.

Happy Birthday, Logan!

One more post for today, my baby is 5 years old today. He asked what his "official" birthday time was, well, as of 8:19 am, Logan has been with us 5 years! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LOGAN!

It's been a busy week!

I had the pleasure of taking the wedding photos for Casey's best friend, Makenzie. It was a gorgeous outdoor wedding, and the couple is young and so much fun. We took some fun shots. I'm really enjoying the photography and hope to do lots more.

Casey was the maid of honor, and her boyfriend came up from Texas, I just had to throw that picture in here, too, so the family could see Brandon. LOL

Decoration days and White River

Is decoration just a southern thing, or is it popular all over the US? It's a shame that decoration isn't like it used to be, when churches decorated graves of lost loved ones then had an all day singing and dinner on the ground. I like that tradition...probably more for the dinner thing than the actual decorating of graves, but I digress.

Thursday (June 4), Mom, the boys, and I took Mama Hudson to the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery to decorate the graves of her family. I had forgotten what a beautiful little cemetery it was, and what made it even better was the great play structure beside the little church! Maybe I'm just strange, but I love to walk around and look at the headstones and wonder about the people. What kind of life did they lead, what stories could they tell about the area. Mama was a fountain of knowledge about some of the people buried there, too, so it was really interesting to hear her stories.

After leaving the cemetery, we stopped at the little restaurant in Yellville, the Front Porch, they had great food, and we treated Mama to a birthday lunch. She was 88 on Saturday, June 6. I think she was glad to get rid of us after we got her home, though. I know Logan can get a little rowdy, and she isn't used to that.

On our way home Mom and I decided to swing by the Fairview Cemetery and put some flowers on some old family graves there. Unfortunately they didn't have a play set, so we had to cut that trip a little short, but because the boys had been so good, and we were only 5 or 6 miles from Buffalo City on White River, we figured a quick trip to dip in our feet was in order. We had so much fun, and the boys weren't ready to leave, but Logan waded out a little farther that I asked and ended up riding home in his underwear because his shorts were wet up to the pockets. It was 90+ degrees, so all was well.

We have plans to go back to the river soon sans cemetery visits.

Relay for Life.

Relay is a bittersweet time for me, especially this year. I was so moved to see the survivors make their lap around the track. I think of all the family members I have lost to cancer, and rejoice for those who beat it. Last year Daddy walked the survivor lap, this year I bought a luminary in his memory. He lost his fight with cancer on March 30, 2009.

Our little, rural county raised over $26,000 for cancer research. The overall theme of Relay for Life is Hope...hope that some day cancer will be a distant memory, a terrible disease that lost its sting.

Our team (Viola Longhorns) won the team banner contest for best banner. I think next year I'll suggest a coffee bar instead of cookies, I know I really needed coffee around 2AM. Even though I'm exhausted, it was lots of fun and we walked all night. As the sun rose, we packed up our booth and headed home. I got in the bed around 7AM, 24 hours with no sleep, but that's what it's all about...Relay for Life, because cancer never sleeps.

For more info check out the American Cancer Society or Relay for Life websites.

Ahh, sweet freedom!

Yes, we cheered as the big, yellow buses rolled out of the parking lot today...is that wrong? I was as happy as the kids! So what did the boys and I do to celebrate? Wii played! Yes, that's a pun. Austin has wanted a Wii ever since they first came out, but I'm the mean mom who refused to let them have a video game because I didn't want them sitting on their rears playing games all day long. However, after much research, I finally gave in and told him if he would save his money he could have a Wii. With his good grade money, he finally had enough, so we went to town and bought the Wii. I had no idea how much fun the stinkin' thing would be! Chris even got in on the action. So far I'm the reigning bowling champion, but Chris kicked my tail in tennis. He's also the golf champ, but Austin holds the baseball record. Logan is really good at boxing, so it's anyone's guess. Now we're planning what games we will purchase next. We will definitely get the EA Sports games, and Casey and I want the Wii Fit with the balance board and mat.

I didn't get any pictures tonight, but keep watching the blog because I'm sure there will be some Wii shots on here soon. That's about it for tonight, I'm tired, who knew you could work up a sweat playing a video game! I'm sure we will play again tomorrow, but not too early because we're out of school now and I don't have to get up early, Yayyyy! (so don't call before 8:00 AM, I'm praying Logan sleeps that long)

8 to go!

Just 8 more actual days of school and I am so ready for the summer vacation. I know the kids are as tired of it as I am, we all deserve a break.

We (our Relay for Life team) is planning our booth at the Relay. The county theme is "rootin' for a cure" and is loosely based on sports and fans. I'm still at a creative wall trying to come up with some really neat idea to hang on our booth, but I'm sure something will come to me.

I'm tired, maybe when school is over I'll have more energy to blog.

Opinions welcome.

I've been doing a little photography and just love it. I've made a "business card" which isn't really a card, it's an 8x10 photomontage of some different things I've done. Tell me what you think. I'm thinking of switching out one of Lance & Lindsay's wedding photos with another from an outdoor wedding I shot last June. I have another outdoor wedding this coming June, it should be so much fun!

Let me have it, I'd love to have your opinions and suggestions.

Oh, and one more thing, even though I don't have the photos off my camera and onto the computer, my baby registered for Kindergarten yesterday! I can't believe he will be in "big school" soon! He sailed through the Kindergarten readiness tests, thanks Mrs. Nikki, Mrs. Jamie, and Mrs. Kim, you've been great preschool teachers. Sigh, my baby is growing up.

Finding joy

"For his anger is but for a moment, his favor for life; Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5

After dark days, trying days, sometimes we have to search for joy. Sometimes joy finds us and we don't realize it, today joy found me. It may seem silly to some, but I love watching pretty songbirds, especially bluebirds. For about the last month there has been a male bluebird hanging around our deck. Austin had painted a little birdhouse, which is sitting on the deck, and it was very attractive to him. A couple of weeks ago I noticed a female bluebird with him checking things out, too. Last week they were here together and she had long stems of grass in her beak. I went out a little later and peeked inside the birdhouse to find a little bluebird nest. I was so excited, but I was afraid, since the bluebird house was so close to the back door, they would be frightened away. This afternoon I was delighted to find beautiful blue eggs in the little nest. Mr. & Mrs. Bluebird have set up housekeeping and are going to raise their family on our deck. I'm so excited about the bluebird family, I think that's God way of giving me a little bit of joy.

Something new

I tried something new today, a digital scrapbook page. Actually, this isn't really a complete digital page, but part of a "hybrid" page. Carla (my SIL) invited me to join in an online class that walks you through creating really cool things in Photoshop. It sounded like something that would be right up my alley, so I jumped in. I had to tweak it to my liking (because I never was good at following directions and just had to make it my own), but it was really fun and something I can use with my Art students. To see the really good one, Jessica Sprague's original, click on this link , to see my version just look up. Oh, and just so you know, this is an 8 1/2 x 11 inch sheet of paper that will be printed and trimmed to fit the photo boxes. The date will be cut out and placed in a bookplate, and the journaling will be cut into strips to be used on a page.

So there you have it, tell me what you think, and don't forget to count your blessings.

Today we said goodbye.

Daddy's funeral was today. I thought I'd cried all I could, but I was wrong. I know he's in a better place and he isn't suffering anymore, but I guess I'm just a little selfish because I want him back. I want him to know my boys, to take them fishing, to tell him the funny stories he told us; but I know that can't happen, and He's in Heaven now. I wonder if He's visiting with Mamma and Papa Hopper and Papa Tom? Is he talking to his brother, Bobby?

Chris and I took 2 beautiful, big arrangements of cut flowers by Hospice House on our way home. It takes a special kind of nurse to do end-of-life care, they are wonderful people. I think they enjoyed the flowers, too.

I'm so tired tonight and plan on going back to school tomorrow. Pray for me.

He's gone.

Daddy went to be with Jesus at 7:32 this morning. I was holding his hand.

A week long roller coaster ride.

I just realized it has been almost a week since I posted an update on things, but some things are just too hard to see in words. I've started typing a post numerous times, but ended up deleting it all because it was just not what I wanted to see in print.

I left the hospital Wednesday thinking everything was going really well, but Wednesday night Daddy started having heart problems, but he did, finally, respond to the meds for that. He was moved to Hospice House on Thursday, but has continued to improve. He is still having trouble swallowing and we were told that reflex may never come back. His doctor also told us that he is nearing the end. His body is wearing out. Daddy has not accepted the fact that he won't get better, and I'm afraid he will just give up if he does accept it. Twyla (step-mom) told me tonight that he (dr.) said it could be a month or less, we just don't know. I know that God has a time and no matter what we want, His timing is always right. I just hate to see Daddy have to go through this. He has reached the point that morphine is the only thing that controls the pain, but it's making him so forgetful. I hate cancer!

I'm just a big whiner tonight, this should be our week of spring break, but because of the ice earlier in the year, we are in school this week. To add insult to injury, we also have parent/teacher conferences Friday night! Such is life, at least we will be out of school on May 21st or 22nd, and not the first week of June like some of the schools around us who are taking a spring break, anyway.

A little bright spot, Gary, Alanna, and the twins were up Sunday and Lance & Lindsay brought sweet Landon over, and I got a really cute shot of the 5 youngest grand kids. Where was Casey, you ask, she met Brandon in Texarkana this weekend. I'm so happy she's found a nice guy, but why does he have to be in Texas? (I don't have a thing against Texas, but I do have a thing about my little girl moving 9 hours away....if it comes to that!)

Enough grouchiness for one night. Please continue to pray for Daddy, I know that prayer is what we have to rely on right now, if not for healing then for the strength to handle what is to come.

Another encouraging day

I sat with Daddy at the hospital today and we had a very encouraging day. He was able to get out of his bed under his own power, he took a couple of steps, and he sat in a chair for a while today. He is still having much difficulty swallowing, but I'm praying that this will begin to improve as quickly as the other things. He is also having some trouble with fine motor skills in his left hand, but considering where he was Monday night, this is an amazingly quick recovery.

I had to laugh this afternoon because we were talking about his physical therapy and I asked him if he wanted me to run to the store and get him some pajama pants. He said, "Yes, if they're gonna walk me down the hall I don't want my rear end shining!" His physical therapy was ordered today, but the therapists couldn't get to him, so it will begin tomorrow. He was very tired tonight, after being able to get up today, and I'm hoping he has a more restful night tonight.

I know your prayers are with us and they are working, I appreciate them all.

A day of good news

Whoever said prayers don't make a difference are WRONG! Prayers are working, so please keep praying. By the time I left the hospital tonight Daddy was able to squeeze your hand with his left hand, he was able to swallow some soft foods (Casey & Shelby...my DD and neice...went to Wendy's and got him a Frosty and he was able to get about 1/4 of it down. He is talking much better and you can understand most of what he is saying. He is, however, very stubborn and wants out of there! He keeps trying to get out of bed, and the nurse had to set the bed alarm. He isn't as strong as he thinks he is and got a little annoyed with us when we told him he had to wait on a physical therapist.

He is now on Morphine for pain, but the other pain med that was causing him hallucinations and nightmares is gone, we can handle Morphine for how ever long he has left. His heart rate has finally stablized and is in normal range, so he is out of danger of a heart attack, too. Tonight I rubbed his back because he is very tired of lying in bed, and tomorrow I'm taking the good muscle rub (Sombra) with me and will give him another back massage. He was resting when we left, the pain meds had kicked in and he had a warm blanket.

He will remian in the hospital for at least a couple more days, after that he will be moved to a transition hospice care at Hospice House of the Ozarks. Don't panic, his stay is only planned for 2-3 weeks where he will recieve 24/7 nursing care and my step-mom will be able to stay in the room with him; they will have a bed for her. When he leaves the hospice house and gets to come home, he will have a hospice care nurse to stay with him during the day. He has to have these nurses because he is on a controlled drug now and everything has to be carefully monitored. He did tell me this afternoon that some men from their church came to see him and had prayer time with him, which really made his day. I have a sub coming in for me tomorrow so I can stay with him while Tammy & Twyla (stepsister & step-mom) go home and get some much needed rest. I may stay with him tomorrow night, we will see.

Thank you for all your prayers, we are feeling them and know that is why he is making such remarkable strides in such a short time. I know God is on His throne and His way is the best way. I also know, that no matter what may lie ahead, He will take care of us if we remember to lean on Him.

**** On a side note, I will be taking my computer with me to the hospital, but I don't know if I can get a wireless service there, we will see. If not, I should be able to get lots of writing done.

Urgent Prayer Request

Last night my dad had a stroke. There is also the possibility that he may have had a mild heart attack, but we won't know anything until the doctors do an EEG this morning. He has lung cancer, and 2 weeks ago he had some excruciating pain; the cancer had eaten completely through his lung. Please pray for him as we deal with the latest health issues. He is in ICU and more tests will be done this morning. Last night, though, the CT Scan showed there was NO bleeding on his brain, which is a good sign. His left side was paralyzed last night, but he was alert, knew where he was, and what was going on, but he was very difficult to understand.

I know that God is good, and no matter what the outcome it will be His will and it will be okay. I will update as I get a chance, but it may be later tonight.

Spring forward!

It looks like spring has finally arrived. I'm so glad, I love the warm weather and sunshine, even if the wind is blowing really hard.

It's been a wild week around here. Our senior girls (Viola Lady Longhorns) made it to the semi finals of the state tournament. The first time in over 40 years that the girls' team has gone to state. I'm so proud of them. They lost the semifinal game last night to a team that is expected to win it all, and they only lost by 4 or 6. Austin rode the pep bus to the game the last 2 nights. I really wanted to go watch them, but it just didn't happen.

Wednesday night I didn't feel very well so we didn't make it to Awanas. Chris came in a little later and said he needed help. We had a new calf born and his mamma didn't act like she wanted him, so we had to lock them in a pen together. During all this process our blue heeler (Darrell) was trying to help us and the cow got him down. He limped around, but we thought he was just sore. Yesterday morning (Saturday) he still wasn't acting much better so I took him to the vet. Poor D had a dislocated hip. The knocked him out, put his hip back in place, and taped it so he is immobilized. We have to keep this dog as still as possible for a week!

Last night wasn't great, either. We lost a mamma cow and her calf, and had another mamma who can't get up very well. At lest she's still alive and so is her calf, but it looks like we may have a bottle calf because the cow can't stand up long enough for her calf to nurse. It's not been a great week around here!

At least I did notice the jonquils breaking through the weeds which really lifted my spririts. There's just something about seeing those bright yellow flowers that really helps my mood.

Please pray...

My grandmother called me this afternoon very upset. Today, shortly before noon, their pastor drowned in a boating accident. He and 3 other men from the church had taken advantage of a beautiful day and went fishing on the lake. I don't know exactly what happened, but there was an accident and Brother Russ was taken home to be with Jesus. One of the other men was air lifted to St. John's hospital, one was taken to a local hospital, and one of walked away.

Please pray for the Frist Christian Church in Flippin, AR, for all the church members, and for the Dunham family. Brother Russ Dunham leaves behind his wife, Lesa, and 3 young children. I know this family would be greatful for prayers as they come to grips with the accident and try to make sense of it all.

Spring?

Technically, it may still be winter, but our cows have decided it's spring and time to start having calves. I love this time of year! Last night Chris came in and said he had to have help, we had a 1st calf heifer trying to have her calf and it just wasn't coming, so Casey grabbed her boots and headed to the barn with him. I had to put on jeans because I'd already gotten comfy in the flannel pants, but I followed with camera in hand. I was absolutely no help, but I did get some great pictures. Chris pulled the calf and it wasn't long before the mamma was working him over trying to get him up. He was BIG! We had gotten spoiled, this is the first one he's had to pull in 2 years. We have 6 calves on the ground now, 2 from our bull and 4 that I call "free gifts with purchase". We bought 9 "open" heifers and 4 of them have had calves. Cute little surprises!

Spring, to me, is a time of rebirth and renewal, a new season. Spring always reminds me of the verses in Ecclesiastes 3

A Time for Everything
1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,

7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,

8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

I think, as Christians, we are like those new calves, we have new birth in Christ, He cleans us up, helps us stand on wobbly legs, nourishes us, and helps us grow while He stands beside us. How quickly we grow and how strong we become is totally up to us, and this spring, I'm choosing to grow by reading and studying His word. How about you? We have missed 3 weeks of church because of illness, but tomorrow we will get back into the groove. I love my church, it's a place of encouragement, strength, and comfort. To see my children grow and flourish in Lord just makes my heart soar. God is good, even in the storms, He is good!

Too tired to blog?

Why is it so difficult to get back into the groove after you've been sick? I'm so tired tonight I came in from school, stretched out on the bed (before I changed clothes) and fell asleep! I'm almost tempted to try one of those energy drinks the teenagers seem to be so fond of, but I'd rather not be awake for 3 days, so scratch that idea. Hey, maybe I'll go to bed early tonight, there's a novel idea!

Today I had a run-in with a couple of my 11th grade boys. I know why the day didn't go well; I didn't pray for these kids today before they came in my room. It resulted in him making some very rude comments, me ordering him out of my classroom and to the office, then my having to step outside the door to regain my composure. I was about to unload with both barrels on his little friends who were also making smart remarks. To make it worse, I got a new student today and he had to be there on the day that it all hit the fan. Pray for these boys, they need the Lord in the worst way. They seem to have no respect for women or the girls at school, they are vulgar, rude, and need to be under conviction! (Maybe that's just my wishful thinking, maybe I want to place them under conviction, but I can't even come close to what God can do.)

I'm making myself a note so I won't forget to pray for these kids, even the ones who just drive me nuts! So many of them have circumstances that would be difficult for adults to deal with it's no wonder they have attitude problems.

Lord, help me to hear Your still, small voice, and help me to pray for these kids, use me in for Your glory, and never let me forget that we are ALL made in Your image. Amen

Happy Valentine's Day!

It's been another of "those" weeks, the ones that make you want to sing the old Kris Kristofferson song "Why Me, Lord?" After 15 days without electricity, we finally had power restored, that same afternoon I got sick, really, really sick. I ran a high temp for a couple of days, and couldn't even muster the strength to get out of bed. Chris was sick, Austin was sick, and Logan was just getting over being sick. We were a sad bunch. Today was better, though, I actually ate solid food after 4 or 5 days of liquids. Those liquid diets really work, but I don't recommend them unless you are intent on self-torture, add a fever of 103 and it will take the excess fluid off your body...but I digress. I felt even better when my brother called and said they were coming to Mom's. I love my brother, and I love my sister-in-law, but it was Landon I was wanting to see (sorry Lance & Lindsay, but it was bound to happen when you had that sweet baby).

This afternoon I spent a couple of happy hours just snuggling my baby nephew. I wouldn't give him up, he was mine today. If you had asked me if you could hold him I would have told you no...okay, I might have let you hold him for a couple of minutes...maybe 5, but no longer. I also took some really sweet photos of him. Oh, how I wish I didn't live an hour from them! Logan crawled up on my while I was holding him, patted his little hand, and said, "Mom, I think we need to babysit Baby Landon at our house. We can take him home with us and Lance and Lindsay can take a nap." I think he has listened to us talk about how many times Landon wakes up during the night. LOL You just can't beat the wisdom of a 4-year-old.

So that's it, that's how we spent Valentine's day. Our fancy dinner will be a pizza (if I can talk Chris into going to town and picking one up), and our entertainment will be whatever delights Dish has in store for us tonight; we do have several episodes of NCIS Dvr'd, so that's always an option.

Some cheese with my whine?

When I was a kid I wanted to be Laura Ingalls Wilder, complete with dark brown braids. I read the tales of her life and thought how much fun it would be to live that pioneer family life. I have since changed my mind. With the ice storm and loss of power, (we are on day 7); I have come to the realization that I quite enjoy being a modern woman who is completely reliant on modern transportation, technology, and electricity! Those frontier women were tough! Thankfully, we still have generator power, but we are dealing with some water issues and our generator kicking off at the well pump. I love living in rural Arkansas; I love being out on the farm away from all the traffic; I don’t love not having electricity.
I am trying to be cheerful about all this, but it’s getting increasingly difficult to remain upbeat about putting a 4-year-old who hates the dark to bed every night and listening to him cry. Last night was one of my insomniac nights. Normally on those nights I get up and quietly slip into the living room to read or write; last night I couldn’t do that. To help conserve diesel for the generator, Chris shuts it down at bedtime, which plunges the house into total quiet and darkness. Last night there was nothing I could do but lie there in the dark and think. Chris works so hard and the storm damage cleanup is adding to his list of things to do. He worries about making sure we have what we need, he worries about keeping the house and well on a generator; will it cause damage to the wiring or breakers? He’s tired; he’s cranky, and I’m losing the battle to remain cheerful and positive. For the first time since the ice storm I lay in the bed and cried. What will we do if we go back to school tomorrow? Chris doesn’t want to leave the generator going while no one is home; do I get coolers and unload the refrigerator contents into those? Do we let the house get cold again? What do we do when the kids and I get home before Chris and I don’t know how to start the big generator (and don’t want to learn).

I know I’m whining, and I really am thankful that we have the generators, and I know the crews from the Rural Electric Co-ops are working very hard to restore our power, but I just needed a minute for a pity party.
Okay, I’m better now, time to move on to more important topics. Please pray for my sister-in-law, Lindsay. She’s a new mom (see my post on my sweet new nephew), and she’s had an infection. Even though she’s been on antibiotics, the infection just wasn’t getting much better. Night before last she was very sick and Lance took her to the ER and the doctor admitted her. She has a staph infection and is being given large doses of IV antibiotics. Mom is at their house taking care of Landon for a few days, or until Lindsay can get back on her feet. She thought she may come home today, but the doctor has decided to keep her another night. I wish there was something I could do to help her, but I don’t know what that would be. We really don’t want to leave home and leave the generator running, so what to do, what to do? Pray! Please pray for Lindsay, and Lance, and Landon.

I had no intentions of turning this post into a novella, but it did, and I offer no apologies. Sometimes a girl just has to be a little long winded!