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.