J's Baptism

Sunday was an indescribable day. Words cannot even begin to describe what we feel, but I will try. It was very emotional as we, the entire congregation, stood holding hands, lights dimmed and choir turned toward our little man, we wept. Sweet J was overcome with emotion, too. He cried and smiled the happiest smile. My brother-in-law, who baptized his son, along with their Pastor, asked our little J if he believed that Jesus Christ, our Father, died and rose again for us-to save us all and give us new life in Him. His sweet little answer: "yes". I'll let the pictures say the rest...

My nephew, G, reached up at one point and tugged on my shirt sleeve, with the sweetest voice you've ever heard, he said: "Aunt C, I'm pwoud of my bwother" I am proud, too.

The Challenge...

Well, you can guess by the picture who lost...

This was after a LOT of "clean-up", too! The pie was everywhere, in my eyes, my nose, everywhere! One of my little girls got the honor of throwing. After she missed the first time (and I may have dodged a little), she picked up what was left from the ground and proceeded to smear it everywhere she could-mostly my legs and feet! The shower caps were very helpful! It was a fun day. Next Friday: Field Day! And guess who's going to be in the dunking booth...

Thoughts

So this post is about me, haha, thinking out loud, really. Debriefing. Venting. Talking it out... I do this often with my best friend Brandi, do you? You all need a "Brandi" in your lives....we literally "think" so alike, it's often mind-boggling. And we love to "debrief" after any encounter or event!

Today was special person/grandparent's day/book fair/art show at the school where I teach. Whew. What a crazy, busy day. We had people all over the place, probably 600 visitors. Not to mention spring fever is abound in every child-and teacher! Almost all my kids had someone special to visit. For those who didn't, I was honored to be their "someone special" and sit at a little lunch table and chat with them.

Through the in-and-out of my, literally, revolving classroom door, I had 3 special "visitors" myself. (Here's where the "me" part comes in) The first was him (see previous posts...). I was amazingly calm. I am proud of myself!! We chatted just briefly and he spoke to some of my kids. It was nice and not overwhelming. He looked nice. (ugh) Then, his dad and his dad's wife came later. I was so happy to see these two people. I love them dearly! I was greeted with great big bear hugs!! They are two of the most down to earth, kind, loving, generous and funny people that I know. And, I miss them. They miss me, too...their words exactly. Whoa-again. (bonus pts. for asking me if I'd lost weight and telling me I looked so pretty!) I was blown away and overcome with sadness that I don't get to see them really, ever. I am so thankful that they choose to love me, still, no matter the circumstances. They are family to me, period. I will do anything for the all the children in that family. I love them all - with all my heart. And, I want the best for his son-always. And, will continue to work hard to make sure he gets the best of everything as long as I can... That precious little soul deserves the world!

Then, they all left, and I, well, wiped away a few tears...hopefully for the last time...

I miss them.

Funny little people

A conversation with one of my 6 year-olds today...

C-Ummmm, can I borrow the computer?
Me- Sure, what do you want to do?
C-I need to find a costume for a birthday party.
Me-Oh, you're going to a dress-up birthday party?
C-Yeah, my mommy hasn't bought me a costume yet!
Me-Maybe she's really busy.
C-Yeah, I can't get to the mall, it's like a mile away! I gotta buy one!
Me-Well, how do we do that?
C- (giggles) You know....you google it!
Me-Oh yeah, then what?
C-Then the brown twuck man brings it to my house.
Me-Well, how do we pay for it?
C-(giggles) You don't pay silly! That's why we use the computer! Everything's free on the computer, my mommy shops there all the time!
Me-Well then, let's GOOGLE!!!!!

I live for these little conversations! I wonder what I'll learn tomorrow...

More...

During the past few weeks, it seems everything I'm involved in, be it family, work or otherwise is requiring more... more of me, my time, and my efforts. Don't get me wrong, busy is good, right? I just seem to have a more difficult time handling-juggling than others right now. It surprises me every time I feel overwhelmed because I juggle and handle about 300 things/people/surprises/jobs a day at my work-and I've always considered myself a "pro" at it!

I've been studying about finding and receiving more of His Spirit. This study was a good reminder for me at this very moment of craziness! It's not me who's the "pro" at all, ever! It's Him, our God who handles it all. As believers, He comes into our lives infinitly and personally. But as believers, it is also our duty to continually ask for His help. We are nothing on our own. I find myself often praying specifically for a problem or issue. And, of course, He wants to invade that part of our lives and take over-He wants the control and for us to hand it over! But, He is also telling us to ask for His Holy Spirit to flood our lives. He is how we understand God's will for our lives. So, if He is not just there in times of trouble or need, His impact elsewhere and everywhere else in our lives is immeasurable! All we have to do is ask. He is in the business of "handling". Thank you Lord! What a relief!

John 14:26 says: "The counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send you in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said to you."

Dear Lord Jesus, help me during my juggling acts, and let me remember: I need Your specific help! And, I ask you to fill me with more of Your Holy Spirit, that it may manifest itself in every part of my life!

Psalm 29:11 "The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace."

Disney!

Ok, I know I am so very late posting these! But since I have over 200 pictures from our trip, here a just a few of my favorites!



I'm organizing an online album with the rest and I'll post that soon!

Growing...

Our sweet baby Addie is growing. She has accomplished so much in 1 year. And we are so thankful. Her beautiful big sister A had some concerning muscle developmental delays very early. It was so hard to watch her want to do so many things that she couldn't. She wasn't able to crawl, pull up, raise-up in her crib or climb. God is so very faithful, though. We put all our fears in Him and He healed our little angel. With intensive therapy, she is a "normal" 3 year old who can do just about anything she sets her mind to.

Baby Addie is showing us something new every day! She is moving right along and getting anywhere she wants to go. We'll be running after her soon!

What I do for my kids...

At the school where I teach, we're having a fundraiser for the American Heart Association. The kids bring .50 to attend a faculty obstacle course challenge. Of course, knowing I can still compete with the best of 'em, I sign up quickly! I soon find out that I'll be competing in the "feather balance". What is this, you ask? Well, I didn't know either. Apparently, the children do this activity in p.e. I will be racing against a fellow teacher and friend, DeDe, while balancing a feather...on...my...nose. Yes, this will certainly be interesting. Being the competitor that I am, I've already wondered if double-sided, clear tape would be seen on my nose....

Anyway, the kids are already literally squealing with the excitement of seeing their teacher race, and it's a week away! They are so cute. What I didn't exactly "sign up" for is this: the loser of each competition (and there are many) is...a pie in the face! Oh what joy! The things I do for my kids....

Win or lose, I'll have pictures, I'm sure!

My girls...

Easter...a little late. I love my girls!

Oh, What a Glorious Day!

My nephew J, who is 9 years old, will be baptized Sunday, April 27! He accepted Jesus as his Savior last month and professed his faith to the church! We are overcome with joy and the tears are truly tears of joy! My little man has been such an incredible soldier for the Kingdom his whole little life. We are truly blessed!

God loves you and so do I, my little man, more than words can ever say!

Understanding

Like all lessons in life, we aren't necessarily meant to understand them. We show God our faithfulness through acknowledgement and obedience. I feel as though I'm facing some sort of test. I've asked friends before if they believe God tests us. The answer is unclear from most. I'm not sure this test is coming from anyone but myself.

I've posted before on a recent "breakup". It has been the most hurtful, almost unbearable experience of my life. He left, this man I knew I would spend my life with, with no real explanation. Well, he has resurfaced. He openly admits he's seeing someone-else. For about a month now, he'll call on my way to work, email throughout the day or text msg. me. Not really wanting anything, just to chat. It is hurtful, to say the very least. My friends here love to tell me "don't answer, don't open the email, change your number" etc. Easier said than done. You see, I WANT to know what he wants, will say. I'm not over him. How can you be when you truly love someone? I was at my breaking point in December when I told him he couldn't call, email me and such anymore. I was at my lowest of lows, picking myself up off the floor-literally. I was abandoned by him and couldn't bear a "friendly" relationship. It just hurt too, too much. He respected my wishes for about 3 1/2 months and now he's started all over. I believe that when you love someone, the world around you kind of fades away...you don't feel the need to talk to other men, especially past relationships, right??? So, I've thought, "well, this new relationship must not be great...if he's calling me...". I can't help but wonder if he's realizing the Godly woman he gave up. It's probably not right, but I'm only human to wonder, right?

So, to the blogger world, my question is this: What do I do? I love this man, I really do, still. But this is not healthy for me and I know it. Why is he doing this to me? I'm working hard on being still. Listening to God. Waiting expectantly on Him to tell me if this man deserves a place in my life and what that place is. I'm asking God what He wants me to do each day. But at the same time, am I showing him a "pushover" (for lack of a better word) side of me? Is this a test of my own will or is God waiting to see how I handle this? So, since I'm still just trying out this blogging thing and I believe only M reads this (I think), any Godly wisdom and advice you have would be great right now...

Am I fragile right now? Yes. Discouraged? No. I know God is walking along side me and He'll be the only one to bring me through this journey.

(By the way, A-Day was today, 80, 000+ in attendance...RTR!)

My Grandmother, The Matriarch

Do you remember as a child how a Grandmother's love was just about the best there is? Her home was more fun, her food was more delicious and her hugs couldn't be beat. My feelings as an adult remain when it comes to my precious Gran-Gran. She is a true southern belle in every sense of the word and I appreciate her Godly wisdom and ways more now than ever.

We almost lost her Friday night. After a routine surgery, she crashed after being given too much pain medication. She is now off the ventilator and is doing so much better. I have been forced to recall so many memories of her and have enjoyed reliving the best part of my childhood. She has shaped my life in so many ways. Does she know this? I sure hope so, but in case she doesn't, I will tell her today.

Give those you love a big hug and let them know what they mean to you. And, call your Grandmother.