It was very much regular morning. I woke up and did my First 5. Then got ready for school.
School was good, for the most part. Aunt A brought some of her jewelry and put it on display in the library for some of the teachers who would not be able to make it to the jewelry party tonight. She was there from lunch until after school. I got to go down and visit with her during my break, and then she was able to eat lunch with me.
After school, I came home and made my cheese dip for the party. Then I did a little laundry, and visited with Aunt A for a few minutes. The Youngest Princess was doing her best to get attention, and she was getting it, just not the kind she wanted. So she and I went upstairs and spent some one on one "mommy/daughter time". I think Aunt A got a in a quick nap. My Prince did a little studying.
Soon it was time to get ready for our party. So I changed my outfit, and got ready. We picked out a different outfit for the Youngest Princess and she got ready. The Oldest Princess helped me out by fixing her hair.
We left to get everything ready at the church. We were putting out and arranging the last pieces when the first people started to arrive. I don't think we stopped. We were pretty much busy non-stop! It was wonderful! Everyone that came seemed to really enjoy themselves. And we didn't count, so I am not sure how much money was made, but I believe it was a pretty good amount. I had a blast just seeing and fellowshipping with those that came. When there seemed to be a small lull in all the jewelry buying, Aunt A took a few minutes to explain her ministry, and how the jewelry making helps to change the lives of women in dire circumstances. It was a blessing to be a part of it, and to be able to help even if in a small way.
After the party, we cleaned up and I have to give a shout out here to all of the wonderful ladies who helped with the food tonight. Those who brought food, those who helped serve food, those who helped clean up! Y'all deserve a special place in heaven for your servant's hearts! You all were a HUGE blessing to me tonight, and I love you!
We told Aunt A goodbye in the parking lot, as she was off to another appointment tomorrow. We should get to see her briefly again in about a week.
The Oldest Princess and I came home. A friend had brought the Youngest Princess home a little bit earlier. We all gathered and did family devotions and prayed. Then the kids scattered in the wind, and I sat down to quickly blog about our day. Now I am off to read to the Youngest Princess, that is if she is not already asleep.
Until tomorrow...
Monday, February 29, 2016
Sunday, February 28, 2016
February 28,2016
I woke up extra early this morning, and of course that helped make the morning go more smoothly. We got ready and went to church.
In Sunday School, we studied more about Ruth. More of a Bible history lesson, than a life lesson, but I love learning about the Bible and Bible customs. We had a little fun filling in the gaps with the "whys" of some of the things that the Bible does not tell us. Of course after we "filled in the blanks", we know that some things are things that only God knows, and are things that we may never know.
In church, Aunt A had a couple of minutes to share her ministry with the congregation. Then My Prince preached from Matthew 6:21. Giving is a heart issue. We are to tithe, and and we are to give sacrificially. It was a good reminder to give and to give with the right attitude.
After church we went to the fellowship hall and ate lunch. We were feeding the family before the funeral. After we ate, the kids and Aunt A went home. My Prince went upstairs to do what he does before a funeral, and I stayed in the kitchen to help with the clean up. Our ladies are awesome! They always do a fantastic job setting up and cooking and cleaning and showing love through acts of service.
After we got everything cleaned up, we went upstairs to the funeral. It was a sweet service for a dear member who was faithful to the Lord for many years. After the service, we went to the graveside for a graveside service. We are sad to say goodbye to such a sweet, godly man, but we are glad that we have the hope of seeing him again in heaven one day.
We came home and spend the remainder of the afternoon studying and visiting with Aunt A. The kids left before we did, because they had drama practice. Then it was time for the rest of us to go to church.
Our Sunday evening class was good. We were down in members a little, due to several different reasons, but the content of the class was great, and the discussion was good as well.
We had a good time in Bible Drills learning 1Timothy 4:12. And then we worked on practicing an actual drill. The kids continue to get better each weak. That makes me excited.
After church we went out to eat with the youth and several other youth parents. Again, good food and good fellowship. It was nice for Aunt A to meet and get to spend time with some of our friends.
We came home and spent some time visiting a little more with Aunt A. The oldest kids did their best to get in some more study time.
We did family devotions from Colossians 2:11-15. We talked about it a little, and then we shared prayer requests and prayed. We visited a few more minutes, and then we went our separate ways to get some rest. And I am going to get some rest myself.
Until tomorrow...
In Sunday School, we studied more about Ruth. More of a Bible history lesson, than a life lesson, but I love learning about the Bible and Bible customs. We had a little fun filling in the gaps with the "whys" of some of the things that the Bible does not tell us. Of course after we "filled in the blanks", we know that some things are things that only God knows, and are things that we may never know.
In church, Aunt A had a couple of minutes to share her ministry with the congregation. Then My Prince preached from Matthew 6:21. Giving is a heart issue. We are to tithe, and and we are to give sacrificially. It was a good reminder to give and to give with the right attitude.
After church we went to the fellowship hall and ate lunch. We were feeding the family before the funeral. After we ate, the kids and Aunt A went home. My Prince went upstairs to do what he does before a funeral, and I stayed in the kitchen to help with the clean up. Our ladies are awesome! They always do a fantastic job setting up and cooking and cleaning and showing love through acts of service.
After we got everything cleaned up, we went upstairs to the funeral. It was a sweet service for a dear member who was faithful to the Lord for many years. After the service, we went to the graveside for a graveside service. We are sad to say goodbye to such a sweet, godly man, but we are glad that we have the hope of seeing him again in heaven one day.
We came home and spend the remainder of the afternoon studying and visiting with Aunt A. The kids left before we did, because they had drama practice. Then it was time for the rest of us to go to church.
Our Sunday evening class was good. We were down in members a little, due to several different reasons, but the content of the class was great, and the discussion was good as well.
We had a good time in Bible Drills learning 1Timothy 4:12. And then we worked on practicing an actual drill. The kids continue to get better each weak. That makes me excited.
After church we went out to eat with the youth and several other youth parents. Again, good food and good fellowship. It was nice for Aunt A to meet and get to spend time with some of our friends.
We came home and spent some time visiting a little more with Aunt A. The oldest kids did their best to get in some more study time.
We did family devotions from Colossians 2:11-15. We talked about it a little, and then we shared prayer requests and prayed. We visited a few more minutes, and then we went our separate ways to get some rest. And I am going to get some rest myself.
Until tomorrow...
Saturday, February 27, 2016
February 27, 2016
We woke up early this morning. Today was the day! Aunt A was coming! My Prince, the Oldest Princess and the Young Prince left to go to the airport and pick her up. I stayed home to get a few more things done.
I listened to/watched the First 5 Weekend Wrap-up. It was very good. Even given only half of my attention. After I got ready, I did some things around the house to be ready for Aunt A's arrival, and got some Bible study time in while everyone was gone and the house was quiet.
My Prince text me to let me know that Aunt A had made it in, and that he had found out that two of our church members were in the hospital. He was going to stop in and visit them, while he was already in that area. The kids and Aunt A were going to go shopping for a few minutes and then they would be home.
I went to pick up the Youngest Princess from her friend's house.
When the Youngest Princess and I got home, the Oldest Princess, the Young Prince and Aunt A were already there. My Prince walked in shortly after us.
We fixed sandwiches and had lunch.
After lunch, My Prince and the Youngest Princess went to take a nap. The Oldest Princess, Aunt A and I all went to a couple of local boutiques to do a little shopping.
When we got home, Aunt A went to take a nap. The Young Prince, the Oldest Princess and I relaxed and watched a couple of shows.
My Prince got up from his nap, and he and I began to get ready to go to the funeral home. We worked together to fix a ham and a hash brown casserole to put in the oven so the kids and Aunt A would have something to eat. Then we went to the funeral home.
We stayed at the funeral home for a couple of hours. Our church member was such a sweet man! And I loved hearing stories about him that I had never known. I hated that I was just learning of some of them now. I wish I had known some of the things earlier, so I could have talked to him about them.
It was good to have unhurried time to talk to others who I feel like I barely get to talk to each week.
We left the funeral home and stopped by the store to grab a few things on our way home. We got home and ate some ham and hash brown casserole. Aunt A and Brooke had made dessert while the Oldest Princess cleaned up the kitchen from their dinner. They had made chocolate covered strawberries and pretzels. Yum! They were delicious!
Then the Oldest Princess, the Young Prince, the Youngest Princess and Aunt A all watched a movie. I started on my blog, and My Prince put the finishing touches on his sermon for tomorrow and prepared for the funeral he will preach tomorrow.
My Prince had to run to the church for something he needed. Uncle G called Aunt A on Face Time. My Prince just got back home, and as soon as Aunt A gets done with her call to Uncle G, we will have family devotions, and then this tired person is going to get some rest.
Until tomorrow...
I listened to/watched the First 5 Weekend Wrap-up. It was very good. Even given only half of my attention. After I got ready, I did some things around the house to be ready for Aunt A's arrival, and got some Bible study time in while everyone was gone and the house was quiet.
My Prince text me to let me know that Aunt A had made it in, and that he had found out that two of our church members were in the hospital. He was going to stop in and visit them, while he was already in that area. The kids and Aunt A were going to go shopping for a few minutes and then they would be home.
I went to pick up the Youngest Princess from her friend's house.
When the Youngest Princess and I got home, the Oldest Princess, the Young Prince and Aunt A were already there. My Prince walked in shortly after us.
We fixed sandwiches and had lunch.
After lunch, My Prince and the Youngest Princess went to take a nap. The Oldest Princess, Aunt A and I all went to a couple of local boutiques to do a little shopping.
When we got home, Aunt A went to take a nap. The Young Prince, the Oldest Princess and I relaxed and watched a couple of shows.
My Prince got up from his nap, and he and I began to get ready to go to the funeral home. We worked together to fix a ham and a hash brown casserole to put in the oven so the kids and Aunt A would have something to eat. Then we went to the funeral home.
We stayed at the funeral home for a couple of hours. Our church member was such a sweet man! And I loved hearing stories about him that I had never known. I hated that I was just learning of some of them now. I wish I had known some of the things earlier, so I could have talked to him about them.
It was good to have unhurried time to talk to others who I feel like I barely get to talk to each week.
We left the funeral home and stopped by the store to grab a few things on our way home. We got home and ate some ham and hash brown casserole. Aunt A and Brooke had made dessert while the Oldest Princess cleaned up the kitchen from their dinner. They had made chocolate covered strawberries and pretzels. Yum! They were delicious!
Then the Oldest Princess, the Young Prince, the Youngest Princess and Aunt A all watched a movie. I started on my blog, and My Prince put the finishing touches on his sermon for tomorrow and prepared for the funeral he will preach tomorrow.
My Prince had to run to the church for something he needed. Uncle G called Aunt A on Face Time. My Prince just got back home, and as soon as Aunt A gets done with her call to Uncle G, we will have family devotions, and then this tired person is going to get some rest.
Until tomorrow...
Friday, February 26, 2016
February 26, 2016
*Woke up and did my First 5 devotion - talking about the Shekinah glory of God residing in the tabernacle, and how He now resides (the Holy Spirit) in believers today. Do we display the presence of God to others? Do our actions show the glory of God to those around us? My word: GLORIFY Let's do it! Let's glorify God together!
*When I got to school, one of our secretaries said, "Hey, I thought about you the other day!" She went on to tell me that she had seen my post asking for dominoes, and she was at a yard sale, and saw a set and bought them for me. How sweet was that! She said she thought there might be one missing, which was fine, because I am just going to use them for my Bible Drills class, and not for actually playing a game of dominoes, so they were perfect! Made my heart smile! I love the way God provides! And I love my great co-workers!
*Then, when I walked into my classroom, one of my students insisted that I sit down in my chair, close my eyes and prepare for awesomeness. Okaaay. I'm sitting and covering my eyes and wondering what "awesomeness" is about to come my way, because a 5th grade boy's idea of awesomeness and my idea of awesomeness are not always exactly the same. But I did as he said, reluctantly. The next thing I know, he is putting a box on my desk. Thankfully, there was nothing alive in the box! It was a timer, the hourglass kind, except instead of sand, this one has magnetic shavings in it. The shavings fall through the timer and the magnet in the base make them pile up all crazy in the bottom. The student who put the box on my desk had received one for Christmas, and had brought it. We had fun playing with it, and he knew I thought it was really cool. So, he went and spent his own money to buy one for me! Now, that selflessness, that is what I call "AWESOMENESS!" And yes, we played with it off and on all day. It is really cool. I told y'all I have great students!
*It was a long day, and we had a lot to get done. The students worked until the very end of the day. We did manage to read a few pages of Josiah, but not even a whole chapter, before it was time to go.
*Poppy made it in, and he and My Prince stopped by the school so that he could see the Youngest Princess before she went home with a friend. They were going to go watch a gymnastics meet tonight and then she was going to spend the night with her friend, so she would not be able to see Poppy before he flew out tomorrow. This way she did get to see him for a few minutes.
*We waited for the Oldest Princess and the Young Prince to get done with play practice so we could go out to eat. Poppy and My Prince chose Chinese buffet. The food was good, but the fellowship was better. The Young Prince had a little too much fun playing with his food. I'm pretty sure his mother taught him better than that!
*After we ate, Poppy stayed and visited with us for a while. I was glad he was able to visit with us before having to leave for his hotel near the airport.
*We prayed together and told Poppy goodbye, and then everyone went their own way to get some things done before Aunt A comes tomorrow.
*I, too, have things to get done - a Bible study, and some cleaning, so I will sign off for now.
*Until tomorrow...
*When I got to school, one of our secretaries said, "Hey, I thought about you the other day!" She went on to tell me that she had seen my post asking for dominoes, and she was at a yard sale, and saw a set and bought them for me. How sweet was that! She said she thought there might be one missing, which was fine, because I am just going to use them for my Bible Drills class, and not for actually playing a game of dominoes, so they were perfect! Made my heart smile! I love the way God provides! And I love my great co-workers!
*Then, when I walked into my classroom, one of my students insisted that I sit down in my chair, close my eyes and prepare for awesomeness. Okaaay. I'm sitting and covering my eyes and wondering what "awesomeness" is about to come my way, because a 5th grade boy's idea of awesomeness and my idea of awesomeness are not always exactly the same. But I did as he said, reluctantly. The next thing I know, he is putting a box on my desk. Thankfully, there was nothing alive in the box! It was a timer, the hourglass kind, except instead of sand, this one has magnetic shavings in it. The shavings fall through the timer and the magnet in the base make them pile up all crazy in the bottom. The student who put the box on my desk had received one for Christmas, and had brought it. We had fun playing with it, and he knew I thought it was really cool. So, he went and spent his own money to buy one for me! Now, that selflessness, that is what I call "AWESOMENESS!" And yes, we played with it off and on all day. It is really cool. I told y'all I have great students!
*It was a long day, and we had a lot to get done. The students worked until the very end of the day. We did manage to read a few pages of Josiah, but not even a whole chapter, before it was time to go.
*Poppy made it in, and he and My Prince stopped by the school so that he could see the Youngest Princess before she went home with a friend. They were going to go watch a gymnastics meet tonight and then she was going to spend the night with her friend, so she would not be able to see Poppy before he flew out tomorrow. This way she did get to see him for a few minutes.
*We waited for the Oldest Princess and the Young Prince to get done with play practice so we could go out to eat. Poppy and My Prince chose Chinese buffet. The food was good, but the fellowship was better. The Young Prince had a little too much fun playing with his food. I'm pretty sure his mother taught him better than that!
*After we ate, Poppy stayed and visited with us for a while. I was glad he was able to visit with us before having to leave for his hotel near the airport.
*We prayed together and told Poppy goodbye, and then everyone went their own way to get some things done before Aunt A comes tomorrow.
*I, too, have things to get done - a Bible study, and some cleaning, so I will sign off for now.
*Until tomorrow...
Thursday, February 25, 2016
February 25, 2016
This morning, all went well. I woke up and did my First 5. It was about how the priests represented the people, and how we represent Jesus. We should as Colossians 3:12 says, be clothed with "compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."
We actually made it to school pretty early - yay! And the Young Princess came to my classroom and practiced her spelling words with me before the bell rang for her to go to class.
All went pretty well at school. I did get a text from My Prince letting me know that one of our oldest members (as in longest time being a member) of our church passed away. It made me sad. He was a precious man. But I know that he is rejoicing in heaven tonight.
Other than that, it was a pretty much really normal day. I like normal days. God knew that I would need a normal day, because He knew what kind of evening we would have.
When we all got home, the Oldest Princess had plans to go and babysit for one of our friends. The Young Prince wanted to go with her. The Youngest Princess had tumbling class. We were planning on taking the Youngest Princess to tumbling and then going to visit a family from our church who had a baby that we still have not been able to see. But they called and said that they had a family emergency, so they had to cancel our visit. So My Prince offered to take the Youngest Princess to tumbling, and let me have a quiet hour at home alone. I took him up on that offer fast. I enlisted the help of everyone before they all went their separate ways, and we folded laundry. We had all but one load done when they left.
I finished folding the last load of laundry in silence. blessed. silence. Then I sat down and did my Exodus study for the day, and then I did nothing. absolutely. nothing. It was nice. For the 15 minutes it lasted.
My Prince came home and dropped the Youngest Princess off before running to the store to get some things we needed in order to cook dinner. As he came back in the door with the stuff for dinner, I asked him if he had printed off some things the Youngest Princess needed for one of her school projects. He had not. So he handed me the bags and turned around and headed back out the door.
I started dinner, and got the Youngest Princess started on what she could do on her project. We ran into a little bit of a problem, and I was going to fix it in a way that I knew would work, and she was all worried that she would get in trouble for me changing something. I text her teacher, to ask if it would be okay for us to change something (I knew it would be, but I needed to prove it to the Youngest Princess, so she would not worry any more). My Prince called the Young Prince and asked him to bring him something that he needed, and the Young Prince took off to get that done for his dad. The Oldest Princess was emptying and refilling the dishwasher. I was cooking dinner, helping the Youngest Princess with her project, texting her teacher, and about that time one of the parents of one of my students was texting me, and I had a question to ask My Prince, so I was calling him, and I was giving verbal directions to the Youngest Princess who had stopped working on her project long enough to take the clothes out of the dryer and put the clothes from the washer into the dryer. Can anyone say CIRCUS? I think I could be one of those people that spins 10 china plates on sticks and keeps them going without letting any of them fall and break. At least for a few minutes. Ha! Then they would probably all fall and break!
My Prince got home about the time that dinner was ready. So we ate, and then the Youngest Princess got started back to work on her project. My sister-in-law text me and we were texting back and forth, when the washing machine decided to go berserk. The little chimes on it were going crazy, and it was flashing an error code. About that same time, my phone was ringing, it was a church member calling. I played with the washing machine and got it going again. I think it was having trouble draining, because it was trying to drain at the same time as the dishwasher, and that overloaded the drain. Somewhere in the middle of all that I got a group text with a schedule to remind me when I am scheduled to help feed a family in our church. Meanwhile the church member whose call I had missed text me with a question. I was texting her back when my sister-in-law called. She had to share a praise with me, and that was awesome, because I needed a praise right then. So we rejoiced together, and then when we got off of the phone, I finished texting our church member. I thought about another friend who I had been texting earlier and had kind of left hanging, so I text her back and we wrapped things up there too. My Prince was talking to his dad in the middle of all of that, and I think I picked up on him making dinner plans for tomorrow night, before Poppy flies back out of the country.
The Youngest Princess was waiting for the glue to dry on her project, so she went upstairs to take her shower. The Young Prince got out of the shower and I gave him the message to call his uncle back. I sat down to try to remember all this craziness I just told you all about. Now, as if on cue, the washing machine has completed it's cycle and is playing its little tune. We call it the happy song. I will take care of that and then I think I will see if we can all get together and have family devotions, and as quickly as possible get the Youngest Princess to finish her project and get us all in bed. Whew! It has been a night! How blessed we are to have a home full of life, love, laughter and activity!
Until tomorrow...
We actually made it to school pretty early - yay! And the Young Princess came to my classroom and practiced her spelling words with me before the bell rang for her to go to class.
All went pretty well at school. I did get a text from My Prince letting me know that one of our oldest members (as in longest time being a member) of our church passed away. It made me sad. He was a precious man. But I know that he is rejoicing in heaven tonight.
Other than that, it was a pretty much really normal day. I like normal days. God knew that I would need a normal day, because He knew what kind of evening we would have.
When we all got home, the Oldest Princess had plans to go and babysit for one of our friends. The Young Prince wanted to go with her. The Youngest Princess had tumbling class. We were planning on taking the Youngest Princess to tumbling and then going to visit a family from our church who had a baby that we still have not been able to see. But they called and said that they had a family emergency, so they had to cancel our visit. So My Prince offered to take the Youngest Princess to tumbling, and let me have a quiet hour at home alone. I took him up on that offer fast. I enlisted the help of everyone before they all went their separate ways, and we folded laundry. We had all but one load done when they left.
I finished folding the last load of laundry in silence. blessed. silence. Then I sat down and did my Exodus study for the day, and then I did nothing. absolutely. nothing. It was nice. For the 15 minutes it lasted.
My Prince came home and dropped the Youngest Princess off before running to the store to get some things we needed in order to cook dinner. As he came back in the door with the stuff for dinner, I asked him if he had printed off some things the Youngest Princess needed for one of her school projects. He had not. So he handed me the bags and turned around and headed back out the door.
I started dinner, and got the Youngest Princess started on what she could do on her project. We ran into a little bit of a problem, and I was going to fix it in a way that I knew would work, and she was all worried that she would get in trouble for me changing something. I text her teacher, to ask if it would be okay for us to change something (I knew it would be, but I needed to prove it to the Youngest Princess, so she would not worry any more). My Prince called the Young Prince and asked him to bring him something that he needed, and the Young Prince took off to get that done for his dad. The Oldest Princess was emptying and refilling the dishwasher. I was cooking dinner, helping the Youngest Princess with her project, texting her teacher, and about that time one of the parents of one of my students was texting me, and I had a question to ask My Prince, so I was calling him, and I was giving verbal directions to the Youngest Princess who had stopped working on her project long enough to take the clothes out of the dryer and put the clothes from the washer into the dryer. Can anyone say CIRCUS? I think I could be one of those people that spins 10 china plates on sticks and keeps them going without letting any of them fall and break. At least for a few minutes. Ha! Then they would probably all fall and break!
My Prince got home about the time that dinner was ready. So we ate, and then the Youngest Princess got started back to work on her project. My sister-in-law text me and we were texting back and forth, when the washing machine decided to go berserk. The little chimes on it were going crazy, and it was flashing an error code. About that same time, my phone was ringing, it was a church member calling. I played with the washing machine and got it going again. I think it was having trouble draining, because it was trying to drain at the same time as the dishwasher, and that overloaded the drain. Somewhere in the middle of all that I got a group text with a schedule to remind me when I am scheduled to help feed a family in our church. Meanwhile the church member whose call I had missed text me with a question. I was texting her back when my sister-in-law called. She had to share a praise with me, and that was awesome, because I needed a praise right then. So we rejoiced together, and then when we got off of the phone, I finished texting our church member. I thought about another friend who I had been texting earlier and had kind of left hanging, so I text her back and we wrapped things up there too. My Prince was talking to his dad in the middle of all of that, and I think I picked up on him making dinner plans for tomorrow night, before Poppy flies back out of the country.
The Youngest Princess was waiting for the glue to dry on her project, so she went upstairs to take her shower. The Young Prince got out of the shower and I gave him the message to call his uncle back. I sat down to try to remember all this craziness I just told you all about. Now, as if on cue, the washing machine has completed it's cycle and is playing its little tune. We call it the happy song. I will take care of that and then I think I will see if we can all get together and have family devotions, and as quickly as possible get the Youngest Princess to finish her project and get us all in bed. Whew! It has been a night! How blessed we are to have a home full of life, love, laughter and activity!
Until tomorrow...
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
February 24, 2016
After I finished my blog yesterday evening, I put on a load of laundry, and then I rested a little. I also watched a show with the Oldest Princess. Pretty soon everyone else got up and came in to watch the weather for a few minutes, and then we watched another show.
I put the clothes in the dryer, and then went to bed. My Prince had had a nap, so he said he would stay up and watch the weather so I could get some sleep. I woke up when he came to bed several hours later, and told me that he thought the worst was over and we were safe. I woke again at about 4:00, because the wind was blowing so hard, but I fell back asleep pretty quickly, and it felt like just seconds before the alarm was going off.
***************
I got up and did my First 5. Today it was about Jesus being the ultimate sacrifice. Because of Jesus's death on the cross, we do not have to go and make animal sacrifices any more. He died once and for all for the sin of all mankind, and just as there is one entrance into the tabernacle, there is only one way to heaven.
My Prince left before the kids and I, because he had a meeting. The Youngest Princess and I left for school and the Oldest Princess and the Young Prince came a few minutes later. Elementary had chapel today. We had special music. It was one of my students who is learning to play the guitar, and his guitar teacher. My student did a great job! I am proud of him for getting up there and playing. The chapel message was about being thankful for everything, in every situation. A lesson we could all take to heart a little more seriously.
After chapel, it was a pretty normal day. My kids are doing great on taking notes for their library research report. They may all be done early, so we can move on before I had planned.
When they went to choir, I had a few minutes of quiet time, so I used them to do my Exodus study. I am supposed to lead the group tonight, and this has been the hardest week for me so far. But, we had a special night planned, so I was still excited.
We finished our school work really early today, so I read a couple of chapters of Josiah. One of my students loves to draw and was drawing some of the characters from the story. About the time she got one finished...(spoiler alert!) that character died. The kids were all, "NO WAY!!!" but alas, it was so. So then my student who draws drew a grave for the character that died. Fun times in fifth grade!
The Youngest Princess and I came home after school. The Oldest Princess and My Prince were already at home. The Young Prince came in shortly after the rest of us.
I did a load of laundry, and got ready for church. My D group planned to meet early and fellowship and eat before church. We had camp stew with cornbread, and two ingredient fudge. It was all very good! And of course the fellowship was as good as the food. We girls just need our girl time, you know? After food and fellowship, we got down to the nitty gritty of Exodus. My favorite thing that we talked about is how that we are no longer under the law, and how freeing that is, but at the same time, God calls us to live holy lives, because He is Holy. We are not bound by the law, because our righteousness is through Jesus's blood alone. Yet that does not in any way shape or form give us a free ticket to live as we wish. Rich stuff there. Stuff to chew on.
After church, the kids and I came home. My Prince had a meeting, so he stayed. I worked on my blog, the Oldest Princess watched television, the Youngest Princess studied her spelling words, and then turned about 400 flips (thank you Mrs M.)
When My Prince gets home, we will have family devotions, and then we will go to bed.
Before I go, I have to tell you all about a funny that I forgot to share, and then add a few pictures...
First, the funny: On the way to school the other morning (I can't remember if it was Monday or Tuesday), I was giving the Youngest Princess a pep talk. I told her to remember that God gave her one mouth and two ears, and that means that God wants her to listen twice as much as she talks (basically trying to get her to understand that I wanted her to be quiet at school). She instantly replied, "OH! THAT is a LOT of listening!!" To which her Daddy quietly said,"Well, that is one way to look at it..."
And now a few pictures...
The Youngest Princess and I came home after school. The Oldest Princess and My Prince were already at home. The Young Prince came in shortly after the rest of us.
I did a load of laundry, and got ready for church. My D group planned to meet early and fellowship and eat before church. We had camp stew with cornbread, and two ingredient fudge. It was all very good! And of course the fellowship was as good as the food. We girls just need our girl time, you know? After food and fellowship, we got down to the nitty gritty of Exodus. My favorite thing that we talked about is how that we are no longer under the law, and how freeing that is, but at the same time, God calls us to live holy lives, because He is Holy. We are not bound by the law, because our righteousness is through Jesus's blood alone. Yet that does not in any way shape or form give us a free ticket to live as we wish. Rich stuff there. Stuff to chew on.
After church, the kids and I came home. My Prince had a meeting, so he stayed. I worked on my blog, the Oldest Princess watched television, the Youngest Princess studied her spelling words, and then turned about 400 flips (thank you Mrs M.)
When My Prince gets home, we will have family devotions, and then we will go to bed.
Before I go, I have to tell you all about a funny that I forgot to share, and then add a few pictures...
First, the funny: On the way to school the other morning (I can't remember if it was Monday or Tuesday), I was giving the Youngest Princess a pep talk. I told her to remember that God gave her one mouth and two ears, and that means that God wants her to listen twice as much as she talks (basically trying to get her to understand that I wanted her to be quiet at school). She instantly replied, "OH! THAT is a LOT of listening!!" To which her Daddy quietly said,"Well, that is one way to look at it..."
And now a few pictures...
My girls and me
My Prince wearing glitter for his girls
The Young Prince and I
The Oldest Princess ready to cheer
The Youngest Princess doing what she loves to do: cheering
On the way to an early morning cheer competition
ready to cheer her big sister on
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
February 23, 2016
Woke up this morning, and did my First 5. It was about the furnishings in the tabernacle. God gave EXTENSIVE specifications on exactly how He wanted everything done. It shows us that He is a God of detail. I love that He is a God of detail. Sometimes I am a person of detail, and sometimes not, but I love others who are detail people and help me see things that I might have missed in the planning stage, and catch or plan ahead for mistakes before they happen. It gives me great comfort to know that God is a God of details. Nothing catches Him by surprise, and He has a plan for everything.
Weather reports say that we are in for possible bad weather tonight, so My Prince drove me to school today. School has gone well so far. Everyone is now caught up, and we can all move on to the next step in our library research reports together. I am doing the happy dance. Today we began to take notes! So exciting! Right now my kids are at band. Because of the threat of bad weather tonight, and not knowing for sure where we will be, I thought I would go ahead and get a jump start on my blog, while I can.
***************
My sister-in-law text to see if we were okay with the forcasted bad weather on our way. About the same time, my sweet friend text me to tell us we could come and hang out in their basement if it does get bad. She is always so very kind to allow us to come tough out the storms with them. We have a basement, but it is about the size of a small bathroom and has a dirt floor. It is really more like a crawl space than a basement. I let my sister-in-law know that we had a plan, and that we should be fine.
My Prince picked me up about an hour and a half early from school, because I had a dentist appointment to get my broken tooth fixed. We ran home for me to brush my teeth and then headed on to the dentist. They called me back and on the way told me that there was a possibility that I would have to have a crown. I told them I knew that, and that was fine. Then the lady at the desk said that our insurance did not have crown coverage...and that we would be looking at about a $700 out of pocket cost if I had to have a crown. I told her we would just pray I didn't have to have a crown then. When I got in the chair, I told my friend that works there that we could just pull that tooth (it is in the very back anyway) if a crown was needed. She chided me from going from positive to very negative so quickly. Then she put the numb it stuff in my mouth and told me she was going to give me a few minutes to pray that we didn't need a crown. And that my friends is exactly what I did. And three shots and a lot of drilling, grinding, picking, pulling, sucking, rinsing, and all kinds of other "dentist-y" things I have no idea what to call them going on, I walked out with a fixed tooth, a numb face and no crown! Praise the Lord! There is rejoicing in our home tonight!
Seriously, my face was numb from my eyelid all the way down to my jawbone. On one side. It makes for some comical facial expressions. The numb side of my face felt cold, like it had been iced. The back of that side of my mouth and my tongue felt swollen, and it felt as though I could not breathe. Also that side of my nose was numb, so it felt like that side of my nose was stopped up, when really it was working just fine. I told My Prince, that I had to force myself to relax and not panic over the feeling that I could not breathe. My family had fun laughing at me. And, in case you all wondered, it is almost impossible to eat sunflower seeds like a real sunflower seed eater if half of your mouth is numb.
My Prince went to a local restaurant and got us sandwiches and burgers for dinner. We ate, and then My Prince and the Young Prince went outside to prepare a few things in case we do have high winds and bad weather. One of our church members text My Prince to let him know that we are welcome to join them in their basement in case of bad weather. He told him that we really appreciate the invite, but that we already had plans. It is wonderful to have such great friends! Now we are all studying, and resting a little, because it looks like it might be a long night. I am blogging and trying to help the Young Prince with his math. That is comical. And now I think I am going to try to get some laundry and some Bible study done before the storm hits.
Until tomorrow...
Weather reports say that we are in for possible bad weather tonight, so My Prince drove me to school today. School has gone well so far. Everyone is now caught up, and we can all move on to the next step in our library research reports together. I am doing the happy dance. Today we began to take notes! So exciting! Right now my kids are at band. Because of the threat of bad weather tonight, and not knowing for sure where we will be, I thought I would go ahead and get a jump start on my blog, while I can.
***************
My sister-in-law text to see if we were okay with the forcasted bad weather on our way. About the same time, my sweet friend text me to tell us we could come and hang out in their basement if it does get bad. She is always so very kind to allow us to come tough out the storms with them. We have a basement, but it is about the size of a small bathroom and has a dirt floor. It is really more like a crawl space than a basement. I let my sister-in-law know that we had a plan, and that we should be fine.
My Prince picked me up about an hour and a half early from school, because I had a dentist appointment to get my broken tooth fixed. We ran home for me to brush my teeth and then headed on to the dentist. They called me back and on the way told me that there was a possibility that I would have to have a crown. I told them I knew that, and that was fine. Then the lady at the desk said that our insurance did not have crown coverage...and that we would be looking at about a $700 out of pocket cost if I had to have a crown. I told her we would just pray I didn't have to have a crown then. When I got in the chair, I told my friend that works there that we could just pull that tooth (it is in the very back anyway) if a crown was needed. She chided me from going from positive to very negative so quickly. Then she put the numb it stuff in my mouth and told me she was going to give me a few minutes to pray that we didn't need a crown. And that my friends is exactly what I did. And three shots and a lot of drilling, grinding, picking, pulling, sucking, rinsing, and all kinds of other "dentist-y" things I have no idea what to call them going on, I walked out with a fixed tooth, a numb face and no crown! Praise the Lord! There is rejoicing in our home tonight!
Seriously, my face was numb from my eyelid all the way down to my jawbone. On one side. It makes for some comical facial expressions. The numb side of my face felt cold, like it had been iced. The back of that side of my mouth and my tongue felt swollen, and it felt as though I could not breathe. Also that side of my nose was numb, so it felt like that side of my nose was stopped up, when really it was working just fine. I told My Prince, that I had to force myself to relax and not panic over the feeling that I could not breathe. My family had fun laughing at me. And, in case you all wondered, it is almost impossible to eat sunflower seeds like a real sunflower seed eater if half of your mouth is numb.
My Prince went to a local restaurant and got us sandwiches and burgers for dinner. We ate, and then My Prince and the Young Prince went outside to prepare a few things in case we do have high winds and bad weather. One of our church members text My Prince to let him know that we are welcome to join them in their basement in case of bad weather. He told him that we really appreciate the invite, but that we already had plans. It is wonderful to have such great friends! Now we are all studying, and resting a little, because it looks like it might be a long night. I am blogging and trying to help the Young Prince with his math. That is comical. And now I think I am going to try to get some laundry and some Bible study done before the storm hits.
Until tomorrow...
Monday, February 22, 2016
February 22, 2016
I went upstairs and we had our family devotions. Philippians 4:10-13. We shared our prayer requests, and the Youngest Princess shed a few tears because a sweet elderly man in our church touched her heart, and she wanted to pray for him. We prayed and then the Youngest Princess and I read our chapter of Mandie. She left to go to her room, and I don't remember anything after that. I promptly fell fast asleep.
I forgot to share several "funnies" from several days. Sometimes it is hard to remember everything that happens. Anyway, the other day at the cheer competition, I was sitting beside the Young Prince. He leaned over and said, "Hey Mom, you know Tabernacle?" I replied in the affirmative. It is a school we play, and they had a squad at the competition. "Well," he continued, "They really should be called the Golden Lampstands, you know? It would make so much more sense. Tabernacle Torches, it just doesn't work. It should be Tabernacle Golden Lampstands."
Then, when we went to the mall, My Prince was ordering lunch, and the Young Prince was standing there with him when they asked My Prince for his name, the Young Prince leaned in a said, "Bart." Which is not My Princes's name. It was just some random name the Young Prince threw out there. They came back from ordering laughing like loons. When asked why "Bart", the Young Prince replied matter of factly, "Well, because Bartholomew is just too long."
That boy. There are days when he keep us in stitches.
***************
This morning I woke up feeling good. I did my First 5. It was really good today. It was about how God called and equipped those who worked on building His tabernacle. They only had to be willing to do the work. God has called us and equipped us. Are we willing to do what He has called us and equipped us to do?
It also pointed out that Bezalel, and Oholiab, were among the few workers who were actually listed by name. There were many others who were not recognized by name at all. That is something that God has been working on in my life in the past few days. Invisibility is a word that He brought to my mind several days before, and this spoke to me because of that. I am willing to do what He has called me to do, but am I willing to do it and be anonymous? Am I willing to do it even if it means absolutely no recognition on my part? Am I willing to do it for nothing but God's glory? I want to be an invisible servant. I want to be willing to serve for God's glory alone. Glorify. It is my word for the year. Growth. It is definitely a work in progress.
It was raining this morning, so My wonderful Prince volunteered to drive me to school so that I could get out under the awning, and not have to get wet going into the building. He is so good to me! It is the little things that make me happy.
We had a good day. I have one last student that is very close to being caught up. He is supposed to finish up tonight, and then tomorrow, we will all be back on the same step in the process, and we will continue on from here on out together. I am doing a happy dance. And in a couple of weeks, we will have our Library Research Reports completed. Whoo hoo! Then we will all be doing a happy dance.
My Prince came and picked me up. I got home and worked on my Exodus study and my Sunday night study. The Young Prince came home from school IN A MOOD. He was absolutely nuts. He was cracking us all up. We may have even plotted against him at one point and got him back by doing something to him that he had been doing to all of us, just to bug us.
After we had all been doing some studying, we got to work on dinner. My Prince grilled Mojo chicken. It was fantastic. I fixed shells and cheese, green beans, corn on the cob, and rolls to go with it. Some of us also had salad. It was all very good. A nice change to eating out.
We ate dinner and the Youngest Princess went to get her shower. The Oldest Princess, My Prince and the Young Prince were watching television, and I started work on my blog.
Poppy called and shared a prayer request. A young man he knows named Andy from Ecuador. The young man has a kidney disease and has been waiting for a kidney transplant. He has been called in to the hospital because they have a possible kidney available for him. Please join us in praying that it is a match and that everything will go smoothly.
After talking to Poppy, we went ahead and had our family devotions. Philippians 4:14-23. After that, we spent time in prayer for Andy and others we know are in need of prayer. Then everyone went their separate ways, and I am finishing my blog. Now I am off to help the Youngest Princess study for an English quiz, and then read a chapter of Mandie. Then I might even get to sleep before 9:00 tonight! I'm excited!
Until tomorrow...
I forgot to share several "funnies" from several days. Sometimes it is hard to remember everything that happens. Anyway, the other day at the cheer competition, I was sitting beside the Young Prince. He leaned over and said, "Hey Mom, you know Tabernacle?" I replied in the affirmative. It is a school we play, and they had a squad at the competition. "Well," he continued, "They really should be called the Golden Lampstands, you know? It would make so much more sense. Tabernacle Torches, it just doesn't work. It should be Tabernacle Golden Lampstands."
Then, when we went to the mall, My Prince was ordering lunch, and the Young Prince was standing there with him when they asked My Prince for his name, the Young Prince leaned in a said, "Bart." Which is not My Princes's name. It was just some random name the Young Prince threw out there. They came back from ordering laughing like loons. When asked why "Bart", the Young Prince replied matter of factly, "Well, because Bartholomew is just too long."
That boy. There are days when he keep us in stitches.
***************
This morning I woke up feeling good. I did my First 5. It was really good today. It was about how God called and equipped those who worked on building His tabernacle. They only had to be willing to do the work. God has called us and equipped us. Are we willing to do what He has called us and equipped us to do?
It also pointed out that Bezalel, and Oholiab, were among the few workers who were actually listed by name. There were many others who were not recognized by name at all. That is something that God has been working on in my life in the past few days. Invisibility is a word that He brought to my mind several days before, and this spoke to me because of that. I am willing to do what He has called me to do, but am I willing to do it and be anonymous? Am I willing to do it even if it means absolutely no recognition on my part? Am I willing to do it for nothing but God's glory? I want to be an invisible servant. I want to be willing to serve for God's glory alone. Glorify. It is my word for the year. Growth. It is definitely a work in progress.
It was raining this morning, so My wonderful Prince volunteered to drive me to school so that I could get out under the awning, and not have to get wet going into the building. He is so good to me! It is the little things that make me happy.
We had a good day. I have one last student that is very close to being caught up. He is supposed to finish up tonight, and then tomorrow, we will all be back on the same step in the process, and we will continue on from here on out together. I am doing a happy dance. And in a couple of weeks, we will have our Library Research Reports completed. Whoo hoo! Then we will all be doing a happy dance.
My Prince came and picked me up. I got home and worked on my Exodus study and my Sunday night study. The Young Prince came home from school IN A MOOD. He was absolutely nuts. He was cracking us all up. We may have even plotted against him at one point and got him back by doing something to him that he had been doing to all of us, just to bug us.
After we had all been doing some studying, we got to work on dinner. My Prince grilled Mojo chicken. It was fantastic. I fixed shells and cheese, green beans, corn on the cob, and rolls to go with it. Some of us also had salad. It was all very good. A nice change to eating out.
We ate dinner and the Youngest Princess went to get her shower. The Oldest Princess, My Prince and the Young Prince were watching television, and I started work on my blog.
Poppy called and shared a prayer request. A young man he knows named Andy from Ecuador. The young man has a kidney disease and has been waiting for a kidney transplant. He has been called in to the hospital because they have a possible kidney available for him. Please join us in praying that it is a match and that everything will go smoothly.
After talking to Poppy, we went ahead and had our family devotions. Philippians 4:14-23. After that, we spent time in prayer for Andy and others we know are in need of prayer. Then everyone went their separate ways, and I am finishing my blog. Now I am off to help the Youngest Princess study for an English quiz, and then read a chapter of Mandie. Then I might even get to sleep before 9:00 tonight! I'm excited!
Until tomorrow...
Sunday, February 21, 2016
February 21, 2016
Sunday morning. We got up and and got ready for church, without too much stress. That's saying a lot for a Sunday morning. Usually Sunday mornings are when Satan hides shoes and belts and socks or leggings, but this morning was relatively smooth.
In Sunday School, we continued our study in Ruth. Today we did a study on the word Redeemer. There is some interesting stuff there.
The sermon was sort of a continuation of last Sunday night's sermon. It was from John 9, when the disciples asked Jesus who had sinned, the blind man or his parents. In verse 3 Jesus answers them and says that the man's blindness is neither because of his sin, or his parents's sins, but "that the works of God should be made manifest in him." There are different reasons that God sends trials in our lives. This trial was not because of sin in the blind man's life, or in the lives of his parents. This situation was for God's glorification. Sometimes, we have trials to help us mature. Sometimes, trials are to further the Gospel, and sometimes, just like in today's passage, God sends trials so that He will be glorified.
After the service, I went to the back with My Prince to shake hands as everyone left. Our friend, Mr. D was back again today! How exciting is that! And, then my friend and I were "twinning" today, and another friend took our picture.
We went to eat lunch, and after lunch My Prince and the oldest two kids went back to the church to print some music that the oldest two needed because they were going lead worship with the praise team tonight. The Youngest Princess and I went home. The others weren't too far behind us. They went upstairs to practice, and I got busy studying for my Bible Drills class and for our Sunday afternoon class.
There was another squirrel hunt. This time, we were not as successful. But, that squirrel's days are numbered!
After the squirrel hunt. My Prince sat down and studied for a little while with me. I was able to get part of my Exodus study done as well.
Then it was time to go to church. Our small group study went well. My Prince talked about something that stood out to him in his study during the week, and I thought it was cool, because the same thing had stuck out to me, and I had even made a note along the same lines about it in my book. And we had not talked about it at all.
Before Bible Drills, we went up and watched the Oldest Princess, the Young Prince and the rest of the youth praise team lead worship. I was very proud of all of them. It takes a lot of courage to get up there and sing and play, and I think they did a great job! I love that they are using their talents for the Lord and His glory.
Bible Drills went a little better this week than last. The kids were a little more serious and prepared than they were last week. They never cease to amaze me with how much they can memorize. It is amazing.
After church we came home and ate pizza and watched a show the kids love. Then everyone went upstairs, and left me down here working on my blog. It is lonesome down here, so I am going up to join them all, do our family devotions, snuggle with a princess and read some Mandie.
Until tomorrow...
In Sunday School, we continued our study in Ruth. Today we did a study on the word Redeemer. There is some interesting stuff there.
The sermon was sort of a continuation of last Sunday night's sermon. It was from John 9, when the disciples asked Jesus who had sinned, the blind man or his parents. In verse 3 Jesus answers them and says that the man's blindness is neither because of his sin, or his parents's sins, but "that the works of God should be made manifest in him." There are different reasons that God sends trials in our lives. This trial was not because of sin in the blind man's life, or in the lives of his parents. This situation was for God's glorification. Sometimes, we have trials to help us mature. Sometimes, trials are to further the Gospel, and sometimes, just like in today's passage, God sends trials so that He will be glorified.
After the service, I went to the back with My Prince to shake hands as everyone left. Our friend, Mr. D was back again today! How exciting is that! And, then my friend and I were "twinning" today, and another friend took our picture.
We went to eat lunch, and after lunch My Prince and the oldest two kids went back to the church to print some music that the oldest two needed because they were going lead worship with the praise team tonight. The Youngest Princess and I went home. The others weren't too far behind us. They went upstairs to practice, and I got busy studying for my Bible Drills class and for our Sunday afternoon class.
There was another squirrel hunt. This time, we were not as successful. But, that squirrel's days are numbered!
After the squirrel hunt. My Prince sat down and studied for a little while with me. I was able to get part of my Exodus study done as well.
Then it was time to go to church. Our small group study went well. My Prince talked about something that stood out to him in his study during the week, and I thought it was cool, because the same thing had stuck out to me, and I had even made a note along the same lines about it in my book. And we had not talked about it at all.
Before Bible Drills, we went up and watched the Oldest Princess, the Young Prince and the rest of the youth praise team lead worship. I was very proud of all of them. It takes a lot of courage to get up there and sing and play, and I think they did a great job! I love that they are using their talents for the Lord and His glory.
Bible Drills went a little better this week than last. The kids were a little more serious and prepared than they were last week. They never cease to amaze me with how much they can memorize. It is amazing.
After church we came home and ate pizza and watched a show the kids love. Then everyone went upstairs, and left me down here working on my blog. It is lonesome down here, so I am going up to join them all, do our family devotions, snuggle with a princess and read some Mandie.
Until tomorrow...
Saturday, February 20, 2016
February 20, 2016
Saturday! Finally! Today was the last high school cheer competition for the Oldest Princess. She rode with some family friends who picked her up at 5:00 a.m., and boy did 5:00 a.m. come early! As soon as she left, I got up and started getting ready. It was hard to motivate the Youngest Princess to get up and get going. She was especially not happy when she realized that she had to wear a "school shirt" as she put it - Gasp! - on a Saturday! I told her she needed to show support for our school and her sister. She was a little bit okay with it after that.
We left to go meet the Gray Ghost. I took my earbuds and listened to the First 5 Weekend Wrap-up on the way. I am going to have to watch it again, because it was really good, and there were several things I wanted to take notes on.
We stopped to get us all a breakfast biscuit, and we ran to the gas station to fill up the tank before we left. Then we went to the park-n-ride, where we were to meet the Gray Ghost. But alas! He was not there. We drove to another little place where people park and ride, but he was not there either. We went back to our first spot. We texted him. We waited. We called him. We waited. No Gray Ghost. We had to leave, or we were going to be too late to see the competition ourselves, so we left without him. I figured that since he was not answering our texts or phone calls, that he was still sound asleep.
Our trip there was quiet. The Young Prince had his earbuds in listening to music. The Youngest Princess promptly fell asleep and slept the whole way. I read, and My Prince listened to music. I got really sleepy, and told My Prince I was going to nap, and he told me we were about ten minutes away from our destination, so no nap for me.
We got inside, and the girls told us that they had saved seats right up front. So, because we love them, we sat right up front. And in between each group that competes, all the squads stand in front of the crowd, and cheer as loud as they can all at the same time, competing for the spirit award. It is VERY LOUD. Especially if you are on the front three rows. Did I mention that we love our girls. We really love our girls.
After we sat down, My Prince had a missed call from the Gray Ghost. He then text and said that his alarms had not gone off, but that he was on his way. We told him that they were about to start, and that they would be done competing before he could get there. The Young Prince (sitting on the second row with us, about two feet away from cheerleaders who live in another state, yet take home our state trophy every year, who were yelling cheers at the top of their lungs trying to win the spirit award) texted the Gray Ghost and told him that it might have been a gift from God that his alarm did not go off - I know it was one of those "you just had to be there" moments, but it was really funny, and we needed some humor just then.
I wish I could say that our girls did their very best, but I think their nerves and being very tired worked against them today. Unfortunately they made a few mistakes and had some deductions that cost them. They did well, just not as well as they had wanted. We still think that they are awesome, and are very proud of them.
After the competition, we had a while to wait before the awards ceremony so we, along with several others, went to the mall to hang out and eat an early lunch. The Youngest Princess and two of her friends bought necklaces that are magnetic and stick together. They were really cute. The Young Prince bought a cool new pair of tennis shoes.
We went back for the awards ceremony. Neither of our stunt groups, or our varsity team won anything. It was sad. But sometimes that is the way it is. Not everyone can win everything, and life is about learning to lose as well as win. But I had really hoped, that just this once, we would beat the team that is not from our state, yet always manages to take home our state trophy (I have a pretty strong opinion on that). Just once would have been nice.
Before heading home, we stopped back by the mall so the Oldest Princess could get a pair of tennis shoes like her brother - she had decided after he bought some that she would like some too. Unfortunately they did not carry them in her size. Bless her heart, it just wasn't her day!
I think all three kids slept the better part of the way home. I did a little dozing, and a little reading. When we got home the Youngest Princess went straight upstairs and got into bed, clothes and all. I went up to check on her, and snuggled with her for a few minutes. She then decided to come downstairs instead of going back to sleep.
The Young Prince saw a squirrel out the window, and grabbed his pellet gun to do some squirrel hunting. The score? Young Prince (1), squirrels who like to get in my attic (-1). Woo Hoo!! Does anyone else hear the "Hallelujah Chorus" playing in the background, or is it just me?
My Prince ran to the store and to grab us something to eat, and when he came back he told the Young Prince that there was another squirrel outside. So he went hunting again. He hit it, and it ran across the street, so we are not sure of its victory or demise. But hopefully, if it survived, it will find that the grass IS greener on the OTHER side. And stay out of my attic! Don't get me wrong. I have nothing against the little bushy tailed rodents that frolic and play in the forest. Until they decide to enter my domain. My home is not a squirrel friendly place. As long as they stay where they are supposed to stay, I would be glad to let them live in peace. But when they are gnawing me out of house and home, it. is. war! And the Young Prince enjoys "hero" status for the month for his shooting abilities today.
While all of the squirrel hunting was going on, the Oldest Princess slept soundly on the couch. Until it was time to go and meet her D-group girls for dinner and then back to the leader's house for a movie. She got up and got ready to leave. The Youngest Princess went to work cleaning out her playroom (Mrs. M, she is keeping her end of the bargain), and did a pretty good job of it. The Young Prince went outside and played around with his camera. He got some neat shots. My Prince watched basketball. I started work on my blog.
The Youngest Princess had an allergy attack, so we gave her some Benadryl, and I read a chapter of Mandie to her while she took her shower, to help with the allergy problem. We relaxed on the bed, just talking for a few minutes.
Then we went back downstairs for family devotions. The Young Prince read from Philippians 4:1-9. We talked about that phrase in verse 6 "Be anxious for nothing", and how when we worry, we are really saying that we don't trust God to take care of what we are worrying about. If we really trust God, then we won't worry. We talked about the next time that we find ourselves worrying about something, then we should remind ourselves that "God has this," and leave it with Him. Easy to say, hard to do sometimes. But if we seriously trust Him, then it is possible.
The Young Prince and the Youngest Princess went to watch an old sitcom on television, and My Prince went upstairs to take about a 45 minute nap before he got to work putting the finishing touches on his sermon for tomorrow.
I worked on my blog, and now that I am pretty much caught up, I am going to go and get my Exodus study done for the day.
Until tomorrow...
We left to go meet the Gray Ghost. I took my earbuds and listened to the First 5 Weekend Wrap-up on the way. I am going to have to watch it again, because it was really good, and there were several things I wanted to take notes on.
We stopped to get us all a breakfast biscuit, and we ran to the gas station to fill up the tank before we left. Then we went to the park-n-ride, where we were to meet the Gray Ghost. But alas! He was not there. We drove to another little place where people park and ride, but he was not there either. We went back to our first spot. We texted him. We waited. We called him. We waited. No Gray Ghost. We had to leave, or we were going to be too late to see the competition ourselves, so we left without him. I figured that since he was not answering our texts or phone calls, that he was still sound asleep.
Our trip there was quiet. The Young Prince had his earbuds in listening to music. The Youngest Princess promptly fell asleep and slept the whole way. I read, and My Prince listened to music. I got really sleepy, and told My Prince I was going to nap, and he told me we were about ten minutes away from our destination, so no nap for me.
We got inside, and the girls told us that they had saved seats right up front. So, because we love them, we sat right up front. And in between each group that competes, all the squads stand in front of the crowd, and cheer as loud as they can all at the same time, competing for the spirit award. It is VERY LOUD. Especially if you are on the front three rows. Did I mention that we love our girls. We really love our girls.
After we sat down, My Prince had a missed call from the Gray Ghost. He then text and said that his alarms had not gone off, but that he was on his way. We told him that they were about to start, and that they would be done competing before he could get there. The Young Prince (sitting on the second row with us, about two feet away from cheerleaders who live in another state, yet take home our state trophy every year, who were yelling cheers at the top of their lungs trying to win the spirit award) texted the Gray Ghost and told him that it might have been a gift from God that his alarm did not go off - I know it was one of those "you just had to be there" moments, but it was really funny, and we needed some humor just then.
I wish I could say that our girls did their very best, but I think their nerves and being very tired worked against them today. Unfortunately they made a few mistakes and had some deductions that cost them. They did well, just not as well as they had wanted. We still think that they are awesome, and are very proud of them.
After the competition, we had a while to wait before the awards ceremony so we, along with several others, went to the mall to hang out and eat an early lunch. The Youngest Princess and two of her friends bought necklaces that are magnetic and stick together. They were really cute. The Young Prince bought a cool new pair of tennis shoes.
We went back for the awards ceremony. Neither of our stunt groups, or our varsity team won anything. It was sad. But sometimes that is the way it is. Not everyone can win everything, and life is about learning to lose as well as win. But I had really hoped, that just this once, we would beat the team that is not from our state, yet always manages to take home our state trophy (I have a pretty strong opinion on that). Just once would have been nice.
Before heading home, we stopped back by the mall so the Oldest Princess could get a pair of tennis shoes like her brother - she had decided after he bought some that she would like some too. Unfortunately they did not carry them in her size. Bless her heart, it just wasn't her day!
I think all three kids slept the better part of the way home. I did a little dozing, and a little reading. When we got home the Youngest Princess went straight upstairs and got into bed, clothes and all. I went up to check on her, and snuggled with her for a few minutes. She then decided to come downstairs instead of going back to sleep.
The Young Prince saw a squirrel out the window, and grabbed his pellet gun to do some squirrel hunting. The score? Young Prince (1), squirrels who like to get in my attic (-1). Woo Hoo!! Does anyone else hear the "Hallelujah Chorus" playing in the background, or is it just me?
My Prince ran to the store and to grab us something to eat, and when he came back he told the Young Prince that there was another squirrel outside. So he went hunting again. He hit it, and it ran across the street, so we are not sure of its victory or demise. But hopefully, if it survived, it will find that the grass IS greener on the OTHER side. And stay out of my attic! Don't get me wrong. I have nothing against the little bushy tailed rodents that frolic and play in the forest. Until they decide to enter my domain. My home is not a squirrel friendly place. As long as they stay where they are supposed to stay, I would be glad to let them live in peace. But when they are gnawing me out of house and home, it. is. war! And the Young Prince enjoys "hero" status for the month for his shooting abilities today.
While all of the squirrel hunting was going on, the Oldest Princess slept soundly on the couch. Until it was time to go and meet her D-group girls for dinner and then back to the leader's house for a movie. She got up and got ready to leave. The Youngest Princess went to work cleaning out her playroom (Mrs. M, she is keeping her end of the bargain), and did a pretty good job of it. The Young Prince went outside and played around with his camera. He got some neat shots. My Prince watched basketball. I started work on my blog.
The Youngest Princess had an allergy attack, so we gave her some Benadryl, and I read a chapter of Mandie to her while she took her shower, to help with the allergy problem. We relaxed on the bed, just talking for a few minutes.
Then we went back downstairs for family devotions. The Young Prince read from Philippians 4:1-9. We talked about that phrase in verse 6 "Be anxious for nothing", and how when we worry, we are really saying that we don't trust God to take care of what we are worrying about. If we really trust God, then we won't worry. We talked about the next time that we find ourselves worrying about something, then we should remind ourselves that "God has this," and leave it with Him. Easy to say, hard to do sometimes. But if we seriously trust Him, then it is possible.
The Young Prince and the Youngest Princess went to watch an old sitcom on television, and My Prince went upstairs to take about a 45 minute nap before he got to work putting the finishing touches on his sermon for tomorrow.
I worked on my blog, and now that I am pretty much caught up, I am going to go and get my Exodus study done for the day.
Until tomorrow...
Friday, February 19, 2016
February 19, 2016
It was a good morning. Even if I slept in a little later than I wanted to. I did my First 5. Today it was about God inviting the people to give willingly toward the building of the tabernacle. And then they turned it to ask what kingdom building project has God invited the reader to be a part of lately. And asked people to think about if they were giving their time, talents or finances with a grateful heart. It is exciting to think that God is inviting each of us to have a part in His wonderful plan. I pray that I do my part willingly, not grudgingly.
My student that was sick yesterday was still sick today. It really makes me sad. But they took him to the doctor, so hopefully he will be feeling better soon. We were able to get everything done, and even had some time to spare. I was able to read two chapters of Josiah, and we stopped at a really good cliff hanger. On the weekend! Now they have to wait until Monday to find out what happens! I love it!
I was able to share my heart with a friend today. Some things that I have been dealing with lately. What a blessing it is to work with others who will commit to pray with me about something heavy on my heart! Just knowing that she is praying with me means so very much! I look forward to seeing how God moves and shows Himself mighty in this area as we pray together. I am reading a book that uses many mountain climbing examples and talks about faith moving mountains. I know God can and will move this mountain, in His time, in His way, and for His glory.
After school, I was able to come home and relax for a few minutes. Something I haven't been able to do for a while. It was a beautiful day, so the Youngest Princess played outside on the trampoline, and had a blast. The Oldest Princess got ready for her date with her friend. She went with he and his parents to a new pizza place in a city near us for dinner. The Young Prince took a shower and then got in his bed for a nap.
We fixed grilled pork chops, shells and cheese and green beans for dinner. When it was ready, My Prince woke up the Young Prince, so he could come and eat with us. Dinner was good. It was nice to be able to eat an unhurried, home cooked meal around the dinner table. I enjoyed the food and the company was awesome.
After dinner as we were clearing the table, my sister text and asked if we were home, and if it was a good time for her to call. I told her yes. She called and we talked for a while just catching up. She is doing good, and it was nice to hear from her.
I wasn't off the phone for very long when the Oldest Princess came home from her date. She and her friend, we'll call him the Gray Ghost from now on (some of you will remember and know why), came in from their date. The Gray Ghost stayed and visited with us for a few minutes. Then he went home, as we all have a very early morning tomorrow, and he is joining us on our exciting adventure.
The Young Prince asked me if I had noted in my blog that today marks the 4th year anniversary of my grandmother's first day in heaven. He remembered because my cousin had put a precious picture of her on Facebook. She was a precious lady loved by many. And we all miss her. I thought about her at Christmas when we were at my brother's. I got up early one morning and went and sat out on the back porch and looked out over where her house used to stand. I was sitting there praying and enjoying the quiet and the peacefulness of nature, when I saw some Cardinals. My Momo loved to feed and watch her red birds. It made her feel a little closer sitting there watching red birds as she used to do. I tried to get a picture of one of them, but I could not get close enough to get a good one without scaring them away. What a special gift from God at that time and in that place. It made me smile to think of her and her love for life.
We all gathered and had our family devotions. Philippians 3:12-21 we discussed it, and then shared prayer requests and prayed. Such a special time, even if it is just for a few minutes, that we can come together and learn things from God's Word together as a family. The kids tend to be more talkative, and it is nice to hear them share their hearts through prayer requests. Some nights it is late and we are tired, other nights it is not convenient, because we are crunched for time and have so much to do, but it is always worth it.
After devotions, I continued to work on my blog. The Oldest Princess did me a favor by starting a quick load of laundry for me. My Prince is watching something political on TV. I have no idea where the Young Prince and the Youngest Princess are or what they are doing. I am about to go tell them all goodnight and finish a Mandie book with the Youngest Princess.
Until tomorrow...
My student that was sick yesterday was still sick today. It really makes me sad. But they took him to the doctor, so hopefully he will be feeling better soon. We were able to get everything done, and even had some time to spare. I was able to read two chapters of Josiah, and we stopped at a really good cliff hanger. On the weekend! Now they have to wait until Monday to find out what happens! I love it!
I was able to share my heart with a friend today. Some things that I have been dealing with lately. What a blessing it is to work with others who will commit to pray with me about something heavy on my heart! Just knowing that she is praying with me means so very much! I look forward to seeing how God moves and shows Himself mighty in this area as we pray together. I am reading a book that uses many mountain climbing examples and talks about faith moving mountains. I know God can and will move this mountain, in His time, in His way, and for His glory.
After school, I was able to come home and relax for a few minutes. Something I haven't been able to do for a while. It was a beautiful day, so the Youngest Princess played outside on the trampoline, and had a blast. The Oldest Princess got ready for her date with her friend. She went with he and his parents to a new pizza place in a city near us for dinner. The Young Prince took a shower and then got in his bed for a nap.
We fixed grilled pork chops, shells and cheese and green beans for dinner. When it was ready, My Prince woke up the Young Prince, so he could come and eat with us. Dinner was good. It was nice to be able to eat an unhurried, home cooked meal around the dinner table. I enjoyed the food and the company was awesome.
After dinner as we were clearing the table, my sister text and asked if we were home, and if it was a good time for her to call. I told her yes. She called and we talked for a while just catching up. She is doing good, and it was nice to hear from her.
I wasn't off the phone for very long when the Oldest Princess came home from her date. She and her friend, we'll call him the Gray Ghost from now on (some of you will remember and know why), came in from their date. The Gray Ghost stayed and visited with us for a few minutes. Then he went home, as we all have a very early morning tomorrow, and he is joining us on our exciting adventure.
The Young Prince asked me if I had noted in my blog that today marks the 4th year anniversary of my grandmother's first day in heaven. He remembered because my cousin had put a precious picture of her on Facebook. She was a precious lady loved by many. And we all miss her. I thought about her at Christmas when we were at my brother's. I got up early one morning and went and sat out on the back porch and looked out over where her house used to stand. I was sitting there praying and enjoying the quiet and the peacefulness of nature, when I saw some Cardinals. My Momo loved to feed and watch her red birds. It made her feel a little closer sitting there watching red birds as she used to do. I tried to get a picture of one of them, but I could not get close enough to get a good one without scaring them away. What a special gift from God at that time and in that place. It made me smile to think of her and her love for life.
We all gathered and had our family devotions. Philippians 3:12-21 we discussed it, and then shared prayer requests and prayed. Such a special time, even if it is just for a few minutes, that we can come together and learn things from God's Word together as a family. The kids tend to be more talkative, and it is nice to hear them share their hearts through prayer requests. Some nights it is late and we are tired, other nights it is not convenient, because we are crunched for time and have so much to do, but it is always worth it.
After devotions, I continued to work on my blog. The Oldest Princess did me a favor by starting a quick load of laundry for me. My Prince is watching something political on TV. I have no idea where the Young Prince and the Youngest Princess are or what they are doing. I am about to go tell them all goodnight and finish a Mandie book with the Youngest Princess.
Until tomorrow...
Thursday, February 18, 2016
February 18, 2016
Last night when I went upstairs, the Youngest Princess was already asleep. She woke up enough to snuggle with me for a few minutes, but we decided not to read, because she was so tired - so we are no closer to solving the mystery of the quilt.
I went to bed and read a little more of the book I've been reading, but not much before I went to sleep myself.
***************
Today was pretty much just as normal as a normal can be. As the Young Prince would say...boring. I woke up and did my First 5 - it was about how Moses got angry and broke the Ten Commandments, and then God had to do them again. It was about how when we mess up, God is compassionate and gives us another chance, and another, and another. And boy am I thankful that He does give us more than one chance, because I need more than one chance often.
School was pretty normal. Except for the tornado drill. That was the only thing that was different from a regular day. I had one student out today. He was at home with a fever. I don't like it when one of my kids are sick. It makes me sad. So I pray that he is much better tonight, and that he will be back with us tomorrow.
The Oldest Princess came in at the end of the day and found my secret stash of Thin Mint cookies. Let's just say that I don't have as many as I did before she found them. What can I say, she gets her love of them from me.
We came home, and I started a load of laundry and worked on my Exodus study. We didn't have much time before we had to take the Youngest Princess to her tumbling class. The whole family went, because we were going to run get something to eat afterward. She did pretty good in her class, and then we went to a local chicken restaurant and ate dinner.
After eating, we came back home and all of the kids scattered to get their homework done. I did some more studying and laundry. A couple of the kids were stressing over their homework. When they stress, I stress. I seriously have a love/hate relationship with homework. Tonight, it was on the hate side. (Sorry, Grammy. I know it's not sin or the devil.) I don't hate it every night of course. But when two of the three are stressing out, it tends to tip the scale to the "I really dislike homework" side. We managed to get as much done as we were capable of getting done. And tomorrow is a new day. And praise the Lord, His mercies are new every morning! So we will start over again tomorrow.
We did our family devotions on Philippians 3:1-11. We discussed it, and shared prayer requests. I prayed and tried my best to remember each request. We have several friends that have experienced the loss of loved a loved one. We have cheer competitions coming up. We have friends who are sick and need healing. We prayed for wisdom for several of us who need wisdom and guidance. We prayed for a good night's rest.
Everyone went their own way to get ready for tomorrow. Now I will do the same. And the Youngest Princess and I have a date with a Mandie book.
Until tomorrow...
I went to bed and read a little more of the book I've been reading, but not much before I went to sleep myself.
***************
Today was pretty much just as normal as a normal can be. As the Young Prince would say...boring. I woke up and did my First 5 - it was about how Moses got angry and broke the Ten Commandments, and then God had to do them again. It was about how when we mess up, God is compassionate and gives us another chance, and another, and another. And boy am I thankful that He does give us more than one chance, because I need more than one chance often.
School was pretty normal. Except for the tornado drill. That was the only thing that was different from a regular day. I had one student out today. He was at home with a fever. I don't like it when one of my kids are sick. It makes me sad. So I pray that he is much better tonight, and that he will be back with us tomorrow.
The Oldest Princess came in at the end of the day and found my secret stash of Thin Mint cookies. Let's just say that I don't have as many as I did before she found them. What can I say, she gets her love of them from me.
We came home, and I started a load of laundry and worked on my Exodus study. We didn't have much time before we had to take the Youngest Princess to her tumbling class. The whole family went, because we were going to run get something to eat afterward. She did pretty good in her class, and then we went to a local chicken restaurant and ate dinner.
After eating, we came back home and all of the kids scattered to get their homework done. I did some more studying and laundry. A couple of the kids were stressing over their homework. When they stress, I stress. I seriously have a love/hate relationship with homework. Tonight, it was on the hate side. (Sorry, Grammy. I know it's not sin or the devil.) I don't hate it every night of course. But when two of the three are stressing out, it tends to tip the scale to the "I really dislike homework" side. We managed to get as much done as we were capable of getting done. And tomorrow is a new day. And praise the Lord, His mercies are new every morning! So we will start over again tomorrow.
We did our family devotions on Philippians 3:1-11. We discussed it, and shared prayer requests. I prayed and tried my best to remember each request. We have several friends that have experienced the loss of loved a loved one. We have cheer competitions coming up. We have friends who are sick and need healing. We prayed for wisdom for several of us who need wisdom and guidance. We prayed for a good night's rest.
Everyone went their own way to get ready for tomorrow. Now I will do the same. And the Youngest Princess and I have a date with a Mandie book.
Until tomorrow...
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
February 17, 2016
Even though we got to bed early last night, it was really hard to get up this morning. I told My Prince that if I could just make it through the day to get back to bed, I would be happy. I woke up exhausted. I did my First 5 devotion, and then started getting ready. The the Youngest Princess woke up and declared, "I am going to bed at 5:00 tonight!" I explained that that would be hard for her to do, since we had church tonight. But I think we are all ready for several long night's worth of sleep. I woke up with and battled a sinus headache most of the day.
School went well. A good solid day, with lots of work being done. I am working on getting everyone back on the same assignment in Language. I just have two more who need to finish their books and those two plus one more who need to do their oral book reports, and then we can pretty much all move forward together. In Math, we did temperature. Fun! Soon we will be converting from Celsius to Fahrenheit, and from Fahrenheit to Celsius. I love it! In Bible, we wrapped up our chapter on David. In Reading, we started in a new reading book today, and our story compares and contrasts the lives of Lincoln and Lee. In history we are learning about the British Isles, and how the Bible influenced England. In Science, we are learning about snakes. It is one of the student's favorite chapters. Mine, not so much. We were able to read a chapter of our Josiah book. It is the book titled The Dragon's Egg. It is one of my favorites.
After school, the Youngest Princess and I went home. My Prince came home shortly after we did bearing my Valentine's present. He had it for me in time for Valentine's Day, it was a beautiful bracelet, but it was too small, so he had to exchange it for the next size up. And now I can wear it! Yay!
I started some laundry and studied for my Wednesday night class. My Prince made us breakfast for dinner. The Youngest Princess studied a little and watched some television. The Young Prince made it in from school, and the Oldest Princess made it home from cheer practice. The Young Prince worked on a video for youth group. We ate dinner, and then it was time for us to head to church. I had to be there early for a WMU meeting, and My Prince took the Youngest Princess upstairs to his office to help her with some homework.
Our meeting went well. I love getting together and learning about different missionaries and their unique ministries, as well as how we can help them better and then praying for them. Tonight, we received prayer calendars, with a different missionary/ministry to pray for each week. I love that it has their pictures, so you can put faces to the names of those you are praying for. I also like that it has their contact information, so I can let them know that I have been praying specifically for them.
Then we had our small group. I have been waiting all week to share with them the lessons I learned from manna, and to hear how God had spoken to each of them. It is always an eye opening and spiritually refreshing time of growth and fellowship. Even if they picked on me a little tonight, because I love the smell of new books. It makes me happy. It's the nerdy reader in me I guess. But I know I'm not alone. So, if you love the smell of a new book please let my friends know. Maybe then they will know that I haven't completely lost my mind. Maybe partially, but not completely.
Then it was back home. The kids all got a snack, and worked on some more homework. The Oldest Princess bought me a little surprise today and left it on the table for me to find. It was very sweet of her. I said something about a certain kind of hand cream a few days ago when we were shopping, and she saw some today and bought it for me. We had our family devotions. We read the rest of Philippians chapter 2. We talked about the two men Paul used as examples of godly men. We discussed some of the people in our lives who are godly examples to us. We also talked about how wether we realized it or not, people are watching us, and how we should be godly examples to those who are watching. I read something in a book I'm reading earlier that talked about thinking about those we know who have been faithful godly examples and have finished strong. So I had already been thinking of the godly examples in my life. People who lived out their faith through thick and thin. People who loved the Lord and encouraged me live for Him and love Him too. People who, if they were still here would be cheering for me to finish strong. I am blessed to be able to name more than a few. And oh, how I miss some of them beyond words! It makes me want to be that kind of person in someone else's life.
My Prince and the Young Prince watched some basketball. The Youngest Princess got ready for bed. The Oldest Princess went upstairs to study and do her quiet time. I worked on my blog. And now, I am off to read, we still don't know the answer to the mystery of the quilt yet, but we are getting closer.
Until tomorrow...
School went well. A good solid day, with lots of work being done. I am working on getting everyone back on the same assignment in Language. I just have two more who need to finish their books and those two plus one more who need to do their oral book reports, and then we can pretty much all move forward together. In Math, we did temperature. Fun! Soon we will be converting from Celsius to Fahrenheit, and from Fahrenheit to Celsius. I love it! In Bible, we wrapped up our chapter on David. In Reading, we started in a new reading book today, and our story compares and contrasts the lives of Lincoln and Lee. In history we are learning about the British Isles, and how the Bible influenced England. In Science, we are learning about snakes. It is one of the student's favorite chapters. Mine, not so much. We were able to read a chapter of our Josiah book. It is the book titled The Dragon's Egg. It is one of my favorites.
After school, the Youngest Princess and I went home. My Prince came home shortly after we did bearing my Valentine's present. He had it for me in time for Valentine's Day, it was a beautiful bracelet, but it was too small, so he had to exchange it for the next size up. And now I can wear it! Yay!
I started some laundry and studied for my Wednesday night class. My Prince made us breakfast for dinner. The Youngest Princess studied a little and watched some television. The Young Prince made it in from school, and the Oldest Princess made it home from cheer practice. The Young Prince worked on a video for youth group. We ate dinner, and then it was time for us to head to church. I had to be there early for a WMU meeting, and My Prince took the Youngest Princess upstairs to his office to help her with some homework.
Our meeting went well. I love getting together and learning about different missionaries and their unique ministries, as well as how we can help them better and then praying for them. Tonight, we received prayer calendars, with a different missionary/ministry to pray for each week. I love that it has their pictures, so you can put faces to the names of those you are praying for. I also like that it has their contact information, so I can let them know that I have been praying specifically for them.
Then we had our small group. I have been waiting all week to share with them the lessons I learned from manna, and to hear how God had spoken to each of them. It is always an eye opening and spiritually refreshing time of growth and fellowship. Even if they picked on me a little tonight, because I love the smell of new books. It makes me happy. It's the nerdy reader in me I guess. But I know I'm not alone. So, if you love the smell of a new book please let my friends know. Maybe then they will know that I haven't completely lost my mind. Maybe partially, but not completely.
Then it was back home. The kids all got a snack, and worked on some more homework. The Oldest Princess bought me a little surprise today and left it on the table for me to find. It was very sweet of her. I said something about a certain kind of hand cream a few days ago when we were shopping, and she saw some today and bought it for me. We had our family devotions. We read the rest of Philippians chapter 2. We talked about the two men Paul used as examples of godly men. We discussed some of the people in our lives who are godly examples to us. We also talked about how wether we realized it or not, people are watching us, and how we should be godly examples to those who are watching. I read something in a book I'm reading earlier that talked about thinking about those we know who have been faithful godly examples and have finished strong. So I had already been thinking of the godly examples in my life. People who lived out their faith through thick and thin. People who loved the Lord and encouraged me live for Him and love Him too. People who, if they were still here would be cheering for me to finish strong. I am blessed to be able to name more than a few. And oh, how I miss some of them beyond words! It makes me want to be that kind of person in someone else's life.
My Prince and the Young Prince watched some basketball. The Youngest Princess got ready for bed. The Oldest Princess went upstairs to study and do her quiet time. I worked on my blog. And now, I am off to read, we still don't know the answer to the mystery of the quilt yet, but we are getting closer.
Until tomorrow...
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
February 16, 2016
This morning it was very hard to get up. Maybe because we got in bed so late last night. But eventually we all got up and got going.
I did my First 5 devotion. It starts out with the quote, "Let's not put a period where our life story just needs a little string of dots..." Lysa Terkeurst The whole point was not to confuse the delays in our lives with dead ends. That we often think a matter is closed and done, when God is still working everything out. And how that often when we do this, we take matters into our own hands, and that's when things really go awry. It is so much better to just be patient and wait on God and His timing. I will be one of the first to admit that waiting is not necessarily one of my strong points. It is actually one of my very least favorite things to do. But I have learned this: that if I wait on the Lord, He handles things SO MUCH BETTER than I would have myself. Things work out way more efficiently than when I try to maneuver and plan and scheme. Every. single. time.
I also thought that the quote was pretty cool, because I end each blog with ellipsis points, basically saying that there is more to come. This is not the end. There will be more tomorrow. It may be drastically different, it may be exactly the same, but there is more to come. God is not finished with me yet. And even if I don't wake up tomorrow, the same is true. There is more to come, only it will be in eternity with my Lord and Savior. Can you say the same? I pray that you can. If not, please feel free to message me. I would love to talk with you and show you how you can say the same.
School was a pretty normal day. My students all worked hard and did what needed to be done. They are such a great bunch, and they aim to please. I can not ask for more. I love them and I love being their teacher. I would not want to do anything else. At least, MOST of the time. Wink, wink.
After school, the Youngest Princess and I played a game. She beat me. My Prince and the Young Prince went to get haircuts. The Oldest Princess had cheer practice, and then went and had her nails done. After our game, I did some studying - in Exodus about Moses's staff, and the Youngest Princess studied for her language quiz and her spelling words. The Young Prince came in and worked on some of his homework. My Prince and I cooked dinner. He grilled and I did some of the sides inside. We ate, and then the Oldest Princess went upstairs to study. We straightened up a little and did a load of laundry.
It was a nice, uneventful, quiet evening at home. Oh, how I have missed them! Oh, how I have enjoyed this one! The Youngest Princess has finished with her shower and just came in here with her giant stuffed bear and tangoed around the living room. That my friends is entertainment! And now that she is ready to go to bed, I am going to round this up so that we can have family devotions and actually get in bed and hopefully to sleep before 10:00 p.m. That sounds heavenly!
Until tomorrow...
I did my First 5 devotion. It starts out with the quote, "Let's not put a period where our life story just needs a little string of dots..." Lysa Terkeurst The whole point was not to confuse the delays in our lives with dead ends. That we often think a matter is closed and done, when God is still working everything out. And how that often when we do this, we take matters into our own hands, and that's when things really go awry. It is so much better to just be patient and wait on God and His timing. I will be one of the first to admit that waiting is not necessarily one of my strong points. It is actually one of my very least favorite things to do. But I have learned this: that if I wait on the Lord, He handles things SO MUCH BETTER than I would have myself. Things work out way more efficiently than when I try to maneuver and plan and scheme. Every. single. time.
I also thought that the quote was pretty cool, because I end each blog with ellipsis points, basically saying that there is more to come. This is not the end. There will be more tomorrow. It may be drastically different, it may be exactly the same, but there is more to come. God is not finished with me yet. And even if I don't wake up tomorrow, the same is true. There is more to come, only it will be in eternity with my Lord and Savior. Can you say the same? I pray that you can. If not, please feel free to message me. I would love to talk with you and show you how you can say the same.
School was a pretty normal day. My students all worked hard and did what needed to be done. They are such a great bunch, and they aim to please. I can not ask for more. I love them and I love being their teacher. I would not want to do anything else. At least, MOST of the time. Wink, wink.
After school, the Youngest Princess and I played a game. She beat me. My Prince and the Young Prince went to get haircuts. The Oldest Princess had cheer practice, and then went and had her nails done. After our game, I did some studying - in Exodus about Moses's staff, and the Youngest Princess studied for her language quiz and her spelling words. The Young Prince came in and worked on some of his homework. My Prince and I cooked dinner. He grilled and I did some of the sides inside. We ate, and then the Oldest Princess went upstairs to study. We straightened up a little and did a load of laundry.
It was a nice, uneventful, quiet evening at home. Oh, how I have missed them! Oh, how I have enjoyed this one! The Youngest Princess has finished with her shower and just came in here with her giant stuffed bear and tangoed around the living room. That my friends is entertainment! And now that she is ready to go to bed, I am going to round this up so that we can have family devotions and actually get in bed and hopefully to sleep before 10:00 p.m. That sounds heavenly!
Until tomorrow...
Monday, February 15, 2016
February 15, 2016
*We all slept in a little today since we had the day off
*I did my First 5 devotion. Today it talked about how God gave very specific instructions on how to build the tabernacle, and He also equipped people to do the jobs that neede to be done. Just as today, He equips us to do the jobs He calls us to do.
*I got up before everyone else and started a load of laundry
*Then I took advantage of the quiet and did some Bible Study - I love mornings when I don't have to be anywhere, and don't feel rushed to get my study done
*The rest of the morning was filled with laundry, rest, light cleaning and study.
*I thought about grading papers, but I never actually did it.
*The Oldest Princess went to babysit for our friends.
*The Young Prince worked on some homework.
*Poppy flew in from the DR this evening, and My Prince and the Young Prjnce drive his truck to the
airport so he could have it. The Oldest Princess, the Youngest Princess and I all followed them, so
they would have a way home.
*We met up with Poppy and then went to a chicken restaurant for a quick bite to eat.
*We told Poppy goodbye and sent him on his way, and headed back home ourselves.
*We had our devotions in the car - Philippians 2:1-11. I really liked verses 3-4. I challenged
everyone to look for ways to "esteem others better than themselves" between tonight and tomorrow
night when we have our devotions and give a report of how it went. The Oldest Princess prayed for
our prayer requests, and we prayed specifically that God would give is opportunities to put His
Word into action. We also prayed that Poppy has safe travels on his way.
*Then, knowing we would be late getting home, I began to work on my blog from my phone (thus
the bullet point blog). Everyone is quiet, and we will be home and ready for bed soon.
*It was a good restful day off, and now we are refreshed and ready for the rest of the week.
*Until tomorrow...
*I did my First 5 devotion. Today it talked about how God gave very specific instructions on how to build the tabernacle, and He also equipped people to do the jobs that neede to be done. Just as today, He equips us to do the jobs He calls us to do.
*I got up before everyone else and started a load of laundry
*Then I took advantage of the quiet and did some Bible Study - I love mornings when I don't have to be anywhere, and don't feel rushed to get my study done
*The rest of the morning was filled with laundry, rest, light cleaning and study.
*I thought about grading papers, but I never actually did it.
*The Oldest Princess went to babysit for our friends.
*The Young Prince worked on some homework.
*Poppy flew in from the DR this evening, and My Prince and the Young Prjnce drive his truck to the
airport so he could have it. The Oldest Princess, the Youngest Princess and I all followed them, so
they would have a way home.
*We met up with Poppy and then went to a chicken restaurant for a quick bite to eat.
*We told Poppy goodbye and sent him on his way, and headed back home ourselves.
*We had our devotions in the car - Philippians 2:1-11. I really liked verses 3-4. I challenged
everyone to look for ways to "esteem others better than themselves" between tonight and tomorrow
night when we have our devotions and give a report of how it went. The Oldest Princess prayed for
our prayer requests, and we prayed specifically that God would give is opportunities to put His
Word into action. We also prayed that Poppy has safe travels on his way.
*Then, knowing we would be late getting home, I began to work on my blog from my phone (thus
the bullet point blog). Everyone is quiet, and we will be home and ready for bed soon.
*It was a good restful day off, and now we are refreshed and ready for the rest of the week.
*Until tomorrow...
Sunday, February 14, 2016
February 14, 2016
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
This morning went pretty normal as far as Sunday mornings go. The Youngest Princess not being here meant that I had a few less things to do to get ready.
In Sunday School, we continued studying the book of Ruth. It was a little more factual than applicational today. Still, it was good. I love the story of Ruth. It is one of my favorites.
My Prince is a great and wonderful husband!!! - Too funny! I walked away from the computer for a few minutes, and my great and wonderful husband made an addition to my blog. I left it, because it made me smile. And of course, because it is absolutely true!
At the beginning of the morning service, two people were baptized. One of them was one of my very good friends. The other was the son of another of my very good friends. It was a very exciting way to start our service. My Prince preached on An Exceeding Love. The passage was Luke 14:26, where Jesus says that if you don't hate your father and your mother, your wife and your children, your sister, your brother, and even yourself, then you can not be His disciple. It was part of the series: Jesus's Confounding Words. That verse can be confounding. Does Jesus really mean that we have to hate those that we love the most? No, He meant that our love for Him should be so great that our love for everyone else, should pale greatly in comparison.
At the end of the service, I went to the back to shake hands and speak to people as they left. One of the first people to come through was a man that I recognized. It was our friend we met while he was standing on the road holding a sign, looking for a job. One of our church members had picked him up and brought him to church! How exciting is that! I don't think he recognized me, he just shook my hand and carried on, but he definitely recognized My Prince and stood and talked to him for a few minutes. God is definitely at work there. The story continues, and I can't wait to see how it ends!
After church we went downstairs to eat lunch with the family members of our church member that passed away. Her grandson, and his wife and their children are also members of our church. We feel like they are a part of our family. The Oldest Princess babysits for them often, and we love them and all three of their children. After lunch, the Oldest Princess and the Young Prince both took the kids to their house to keep them during the funeral.
The Youngest Princess and I went back upstairs to get our seats for the funeral. My Prince did a good job honoring the life of a precious lady who was very special to many of us. We only knew her for about four years, but we felt as though we had known and loved her forever. From the funeral we went to the graveside. The Youngest Princess did not have a jacket (because she had been away from home for two nights and did not have the proper coat for the weather this morning), so I gave her mine. The wind was very, very cold, but at least the sun was shining, and that helped a lot.
From there we came home. I studied for my Bible Drill class and for my Wednesday night small group.
The oldest two came home from babysitting only to quickly change clothes and go back to church for their leadership team meeting.
We followed shortly after them. We had our 5:00 small group class. I really enjoyed it tonight, and one of my friends in the class brought me surprise. It was a notebook. With a hedgehog on it! I had said something about a hedgehog (her little girl had one on her shirt, and it was cuteness overload) a few days ago, and she remembered. It was so sweet!!
After that, I had my Bible Drills class. It was good, but we are coming down to the wire, and we have to spend more time working than playing now. But the kids did well. We will get there in time. I have faith.
After church, we stopped at a small store near the church and ran into several other church members who had the same idea. We picked up several things that we needed, and then came home. I got to snuggle on the couch with My Prince while we all watched television for a little while.
Then we had family devotions. Philippians 1:19-30. We talked about it, and the Youngest Princess closed us in prayer. Then we all went our ways to get ready for bed. It has been a long day. Full of joy and sadness. I am ready to curl up next to my valentine and rest, so that we can face another day together tomorrow. So,
Until tomorrow...
Saturday, February 13, 2016
February 13, 2016
I realized today, that there were a couple of things I had forgotten to add in my blogs over the past couple of days. The first thing is that we had elementary chapel at school on Wednesday. The lady that came to do chapel was a ventriloquist. The Youngest Princess was all excited and trying to tell her Daddy all about it. She said, "Daddy! We had a Ven-quil-a-trest in chapel today!" It was cute!
Then totally unrelated, but something I wanted to add, while we were at the mall last night, there was a Michael Kors store. The Oldest Princess has a purse, that was a birthday present from her aunt, and it is dark brown. She noticed a while back that it had a white mark on it. She mentioned that maybe we should ask them if they knew of a way to get the white mark off of the purse safely. So we walked in. They had a cleaner that they thought might work, so one of the girls went back and got it, and they tried it. It worked! It got the white mark off! We purchased a bottle of the cleaner, and if you ever need anything leather cleaned, I highly recommend the Michael Kors brand of cleaner.
***************
This morning, we all slept in a little to get some much needed rest. I woke before everyone else, and went down to start a load of laundry and do some studying. I watched the Weekend Wrap-up from the First 5. I was really good. They started at the door of the tabernacle and worked their way through the whole tabernacle all the way to the mercy seat. It was a great reminder of how each and everything in the tabernacle pointed to Jesus. They also included a written prayer to use a guide of sorts to use to pray through the pieces of the tabernacle. It was a neat idea. I have never thought of doing that before.
I spent some time working on my Exodus study. Today was on Exodus 16, and how God provided manna for the Israelites to eat. Several times, (in Exodus and in Deuteronomy), God points out that the manna was to humble the children of Israel, and they were to keep some of the manna to remind future generations how God had provided for them and to look to Him not idols. I was reminded that everything we have comes from God alone, and that I can be humble and thankful, or I can complain about what I feel like I "lack." When I am thankful, it points me back to God and I look to Him to continue to meet my needs. When I look around and feel that He is not meeting my needs (wants usually), I am looking at other things (idols) to meet my "needs" and to fulfill me. I want to look to God daily - as the Israelites gathered manna daily - to provide exactly what He knows is best for me. I want to trust Him alone to meet my needs and to fulfill me. It was a great morning of study between the tabernacle and the manna lessons.
The rest of the family work up and I came upstairs to get ready for the day. I did some work and preparation for my Bible Drills class. There were a few games that I wanted to play, but did not have the supplies. I thought that I would put it on Facebook and see if anyone might have the supplies I needed, just laying around that they didn't need anymore. No harm in asking right? So I did. I asked. And in just a short amount of time, I had offers for everything I had asked for! God is good! And my friends are an answer to prayer. One of the things I asked for were ten locks, with keys...I figured I would have to spread that one out over several people. And the very first thing I got a reply on was the locks. All ten of them! How exciting is that!!! And then I had offers for everything else very quickly! It was fun to watch God work again. I LOVE that He cares about the "little things" as well as the big things! And my kids will have several new games to play to help them learn God's Word because of the generosity of others. Makes my heart smile!
This evening, we went to the funeral home, because our precious elderly church member passed away Thursday evening, and tonight was the viewing. I hate death. I hate that death is a part of life. I will be so glad when the Lord returns and there will be no more death. But I know she is in heaven, and is doing much better now than the rest of us here. I also know that we will see her again one day. It is still hard to say goodbye to someone you love.
After the viewing, we went out with a couple of couples from our church, and ate dinner. It was a nice time of fellowship. And the food was wonderful too.
On the way home, we had our family devotions. Minus the Youngest Princess, who went from her first birthday party last night, straight to another birthday party tonight. I miss the little critter. I will be glad to see her tomorrow. Our devotions were from Philippians 1:1-18 tonight. I read, and we talked about the passage a little, and then My Prince prayed.
We got home, and My Prince had to finish up doing a little studying for tomorrow. The kids both headed to bed, and I worked on my blog, and now I am going to bed too. I can hardly hold my eyes open.
Until tomorrow...
Then totally unrelated, but something I wanted to add, while we were at the mall last night, there was a Michael Kors store. The Oldest Princess has a purse, that was a birthday present from her aunt, and it is dark brown. She noticed a while back that it had a white mark on it. She mentioned that maybe we should ask them if they knew of a way to get the white mark off of the purse safely. So we walked in. They had a cleaner that they thought might work, so one of the girls went back and got it, and they tried it. It worked! It got the white mark off! We purchased a bottle of the cleaner, and if you ever need anything leather cleaned, I highly recommend the Michael Kors brand of cleaner.
***************
This morning, we all slept in a little to get some much needed rest. I woke before everyone else, and went down to start a load of laundry and do some studying. I watched the Weekend Wrap-up from the First 5. I was really good. They started at the door of the tabernacle and worked their way through the whole tabernacle all the way to the mercy seat. It was a great reminder of how each and everything in the tabernacle pointed to Jesus. They also included a written prayer to use a guide of sorts to use to pray through the pieces of the tabernacle. It was a neat idea. I have never thought of doing that before.
I spent some time working on my Exodus study. Today was on Exodus 16, and how God provided manna for the Israelites to eat. Several times, (in Exodus and in Deuteronomy), God points out that the manna was to humble the children of Israel, and they were to keep some of the manna to remind future generations how God had provided for them and to look to Him not idols. I was reminded that everything we have comes from God alone, and that I can be humble and thankful, or I can complain about what I feel like I "lack." When I am thankful, it points me back to God and I look to Him to continue to meet my needs. When I look around and feel that He is not meeting my needs (wants usually), I am looking at other things (idols) to meet my "needs" and to fulfill me. I want to look to God daily - as the Israelites gathered manna daily - to provide exactly what He knows is best for me. I want to trust Him alone to meet my needs and to fulfill me. It was a great morning of study between the tabernacle and the manna lessons.
The rest of the family work up and I came upstairs to get ready for the day. I did some work and preparation for my Bible Drills class. There were a few games that I wanted to play, but did not have the supplies. I thought that I would put it on Facebook and see if anyone might have the supplies I needed, just laying around that they didn't need anymore. No harm in asking right? So I did. I asked. And in just a short amount of time, I had offers for everything I had asked for! God is good! And my friends are an answer to prayer. One of the things I asked for were ten locks, with keys...I figured I would have to spread that one out over several people. And the very first thing I got a reply on was the locks. All ten of them! How exciting is that!!! And then I had offers for everything else very quickly! It was fun to watch God work again. I LOVE that He cares about the "little things" as well as the big things! And my kids will have several new games to play to help them learn God's Word because of the generosity of others. Makes my heart smile!
This evening, we went to the funeral home, because our precious elderly church member passed away Thursday evening, and tonight was the viewing. I hate death. I hate that death is a part of life. I will be so glad when the Lord returns and there will be no more death. But I know she is in heaven, and is doing much better now than the rest of us here. I also know that we will see her again one day. It is still hard to say goodbye to someone you love.
After the viewing, we went out with a couple of couples from our church, and ate dinner. It was a nice time of fellowship. And the food was wonderful too.
On the way home, we had our family devotions. Minus the Youngest Princess, who went from her first birthday party last night, straight to another birthday party tonight. I miss the little critter. I will be glad to see her tomorrow. Our devotions were from Philippians 1:1-18 tonight. I read, and we talked about the passage a little, and then My Prince prayed.
We got home, and My Prince had to finish up doing a little studying for tomorrow. The kids both headed to bed, and I worked on my blog, and now I am going to bed too. I can hardly hold my eyes open.
Until tomorrow...
Friday, February 12, 2016
February 12, 2016
This morning started as most. I did my First 5 devotions, and began to get ready. The Youngest Princess was easy to wake up. She knew that she was going home with a friend for her birthday after school and she was very excited. She also had her Valentines that she was very excited to give away. We got ready and went to school.
School was fun, with all of the Valentine goodies. Flowers and chocolates make everything better. It was a little bit crazy, because the kids were all excited with all of the candy and flowers and balloons, but overall, my students did great. Half of my students, despite getting a late start on reading their books, have finished and will be able to do their oral book reports on Tuesday. I am very excited about that, and very proud of them for working so hard, and accomplishing so much. I found out from my friend that our little friend that she hired yesterday did do a very good job while working for her husband. And she told the story to another teacher who might hire him for some odd jobs too! I was so glad that he did a good job and worked hard for them, and I am excited that it might lead to other work for him as well! God is good!
My Prince sent me a picture of a box that was delivered today. It was news that made me very happy. It was a box of Shari's Berries. Chocolate covered strawberries. One of my favorites. It was a "sweet" surprise from my big brother to us for Valentine's Day.
After school, the Youngest Princess went home with her friend. The rest of us left pretty much right after school to go shopping for the Oldest Princess's Jr./Sr. Banquet dress. We had a 5:00 appointment, and we got there a few minutes early, so we went to another store and picked up a few things. I found a giant foam die that I bought to use in my classroom. I love it when I happen upon things that I know I can use to make learning more exciting for my kids. Then we went to the dress shop. The Oldest Princess tried on a couple of dresses, but none of them were exactly what she was looking for. We decided to try another dress shop not too far away. It had a much larger selection, but was pretty much out of our price range.
We decided to get some dinner. We were feeling adventurous, so we thought we would try a new pizza restaurant. The food was good, but it was a little more "all natural, fancy, vegan etc." than we are used to. The waitress had to explain several things on the menu for us.
Then we went to try a store in the mall that we had heard might have a good selection of dresses. Again, we tried several dresses, but none that she just absolutely loved. We walked down to another dress shop, and looked around, but did not even try one on there. Dress shopping was not successful tonight.
We found a few other things. I got a couple of pairs of jeans for the Youngest Princess. I talked My Prince into buying a heart shaped cookie from the American Cookie Co. (his absolute favorite) for his valentine's present. We made one more stop to a sporting goods store. I found a couple of things that I wanted and was able to use a Christmas gift card to buy. The Young Prince also used one of his Christmas gift cards to get something that he wanted.
We came home, and My Prince gave me my Valentine's present. It was a Pandora bracelet!!! I was very surprised and excited! I absolutely LOVE it. It is a little too short, so we will have to exchange it for a longer one, but I absolutely LOVE it!! I can't wait to exchange it and be able to wear it! My Prince did great!
I folded some clothes, and we watched a little television, but it didn't take long before we were ready to go to bed. We had to wait on the Young Prince to get out of the shower, so we could do our family devotions. Meanwhile I talked to the Youngest Princess by text for a few minutes. I miss my little snuggle bug. We read III John for family devotions, and My Prince prayed. Now we are all going to bed.
Until tomorrow...
School was fun, with all of the Valentine goodies. Flowers and chocolates make everything better. It was a little bit crazy, because the kids were all excited with all of the candy and flowers and balloons, but overall, my students did great. Half of my students, despite getting a late start on reading their books, have finished and will be able to do their oral book reports on Tuesday. I am very excited about that, and very proud of them for working so hard, and accomplishing so much. I found out from my friend that our little friend that she hired yesterday did do a very good job while working for her husband. And she told the story to another teacher who might hire him for some odd jobs too! I was so glad that he did a good job and worked hard for them, and I am excited that it might lead to other work for him as well! God is good!
My Prince sent me a picture of a box that was delivered today. It was news that made me very happy. It was a box of Shari's Berries. Chocolate covered strawberries. One of my favorites. It was a "sweet" surprise from my big brother to us for Valentine's Day.
After school, the Youngest Princess went home with her friend. The rest of us left pretty much right after school to go shopping for the Oldest Princess's Jr./Sr. Banquet dress. We had a 5:00 appointment, and we got there a few minutes early, so we went to another store and picked up a few things. I found a giant foam die that I bought to use in my classroom. I love it when I happen upon things that I know I can use to make learning more exciting for my kids. Then we went to the dress shop. The Oldest Princess tried on a couple of dresses, but none of them were exactly what she was looking for. We decided to try another dress shop not too far away. It had a much larger selection, but was pretty much out of our price range.
We decided to get some dinner. We were feeling adventurous, so we thought we would try a new pizza restaurant. The food was good, but it was a little more "all natural, fancy, vegan etc." than we are used to. The waitress had to explain several things on the menu for us.
Then we went to try a store in the mall that we had heard might have a good selection of dresses. Again, we tried several dresses, but none that she just absolutely loved. We walked down to another dress shop, and looked around, but did not even try one on there. Dress shopping was not successful tonight.
We found a few other things. I got a couple of pairs of jeans for the Youngest Princess. I talked My Prince into buying a heart shaped cookie from the American Cookie Co. (his absolute favorite) for his valentine's present. We made one more stop to a sporting goods store. I found a couple of things that I wanted and was able to use a Christmas gift card to buy. The Young Prince also used one of his Christmas gift cards to get something that he wanted.
We came home, and My Prince gave me my Valentine's present. It was a Pandora bracelet!!! I was very surprised and excited! I absolutely LOVE it. It is a little too short, so we will have to exchange it for a longer one, but I absolutely LOVE it!! I can't wait to exchange it and be able to wear it! My Prince did great!
I folded some clothes, and we watched a little television, but it didn't take long before we were ready to go to bed. We had to wait on the Young Prince to get out of the shower, so we could do our family devotions. Meanwhile I talked to the Youngest Princess by text for a few minutes. I miss my little snuggle bug. We read III John for family devotions, and My Prince prayed. Now we are all going to bed.
Until tomorrow...
Thursday, February 11, 2016
February 11, 2016
Last night, after My Prince made it home from the hospital, we all gathered in the girls' room, and had our family devotions. II John. After reading that together and praying, we all went right to bed.
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This morning I had a very hard time getting going. I made it through my First 5 devotion after dozing back off several times. I was getting ready for school and received a precious picture and good morning text "from" my great nephew. It made my morning!
School went well. We had a fire drill first thing. That usually makes the kids wild for the rest of the day, but today, not so much. We were just glad to get back into the warm building. School went well for the most part. There were a couple of little hiccoughs, but nothing that we could not work through. My students did great on their bird reports, and bird drawings. I love it when they are able to teach me something, and I learned something about birds today. We all have our books now, so they are busy reading their books so they can do their oral book reports as soon as possible. I had a nice surprise at the end of lunch. Just as we were about to go upstairs after lunch, an old friend walked into the lunchroom. It was wonderful to see her again! I taught her son in the 5th grade. It was the Oldest Princess's class as well. They moved away after that year. We have kept in touch and have seen each other a couple of time since then, but not nearly enough. I walked upstairs with her so she could say hello to the kids from her son's class who are our Seniors this year. They were glad to see her too. She also had to stop in and see the 3rd grade teacher. We share a running joke from when the kids were in 3rd grade and she opened the door and announced her arrival by saying part of our joke. It was really funny. She told us that they are planning to come back and visit again soon, so hopefully it won't be too long before we see her again.
On the way out the door of the school, I learned some really exciting news. Earlier in the day, another teacher had mentioned that she was looking for someone to hire for a one day job. Her husband needed some help today only. Another teacher spoke up and said she knew of someone, and they exchanged numbers, and I thought that was that. But going out the door I found out that that had not worked out. But, as the teacher was going home, she came across a man holding a sign looking for a job. It was our little man from a couple of weeks ago that we saw holding the same sign. It was the man that we gave a blessing bag to, and prayed with after church two Sundays ago. And the other teacher had read my post about him on Facebook, recognized him, and stopped and picked him up and took him home to work with her husband! So both my fellow teacher and our little friend were helped today. From the last report I received, he was doing a good job, and working hard. That was very exciting news for us! God is good! I know it was just a one day job, but it was an answer to our prayer, my friend's prayer and for his prayer. I know God will continue to provide.
At home, the Youngest Princess changed clothes and got ready for her tumbling class. My Prince volunteered to take her, so that I could go to dinner and spend some quality time with the Young Prince. So My Prince and the Youngest Princess went to tumbling class, and the Young Prince and I went out to eat, while the Oldest Princess was at cheer practice. I really enjoyed my time with the Young Prince. We don't get to do that often enough. Just the two of us. I liked having his undivided attention, and I think he liked having mine. I hope we will be able to do it again soon.
We came home, and the Oldest Princess was home from cheer practice busy getting ready to go out with her boyfriend. My Prince came home from tumbling carrying the Youngest Princess. She had hurt her knee working on her arial. A few minutes of love and attention, and the news that she would have to miss a birthday party tomorrow night if she could not walk, and she perked right up. She says it is still a little sore, but she can handle it.
The Oldest Princess left for her date. My Prince went to the store and to print out a few things the Youngest Princess needed for her homework. We managed to get through with the homework, but not before I had a slight come apart. There are some nights when after a day at work, homework is about more than I can handle. I know my teacher friends who are moms will understand. Sometimes it just feels like you never get a break from work. And I really needed a break. I did not get my break at work, because I spent it helping a student who did not finish their homework from last night get caught up so they would not be too far behind. So needless to say, homework in our house did not go smoothly tonight. But, we got it done. And the Youngest Princess went upstairs to get ready for tomorrow. And we still love each other, even after the rocky homework episode.
I even managed to get my small group study on Exodus done. On the actual day I was supposed to do it! Yay! No playing catch up this week for me!
Now, we are waiting for the Oldest Princess to get home so we can do family devotions, and go to bed. I am going to go read to the Youngest Princess in the meantime.
Until tomorrow...
***************
This morning I had a very hard time getting going. I made it through my First 5 devotion after dozing back off several times. I was getting ready for school and received a precious picture and good morning text "from" my great nephew. It made my morning!
School went well. We had a fire drill first thing. That usually makes the kids wild for the rest of the day, but today, not so much. We were just glad to get back into the warm building. School went well for the most part. There were a couple of little hiccoughs, but nothing that we could not work through. My students did great on their bird reports, and bird drawings. I love it when they are able to teach me something, and I learned something about birds today. We all have our books now, so they are busy reading their books so they can do their oral book reports as soon as possible. I had a nice surprise at the end of lunch. Just as we were about to go upstairs after lunch, an old friend walked into the lunchroom. It was wonderful to see her again! I taught her son in the 5th grade. It was the Oldest Princess's class as well. They moved away after that year. We have kept in touch and have seen each other a couple of time since then, but not nearly enough. I walked upstairs with her so she could say hello to the kids from her son's class who are our Seniors this year. They were glad to see her too. She also had to stop in and see the 3rd grade teacher. We share a running joke from when the kids were in 3rd grade and she opened the door and announced her arrival by saying part of our joke. It was really funny. She told us that they are planning to come back and visit again soon, so hopefully it won't be too long before we see her again.
On the way out the door of the school, I learned some really exciting news. Earlier in the day, another teacher had mentioned that she was looking for someone to hire for a one day job. Her husband needed some help today only. Another teacher spoke up and said she knew of someone, and they exchanged numbers, and I thought that was that. But going out the door I found out that that had not worked out. But, as the teacher was going home, she came across a man holding a sign looking for a job. It was our little man from a couple of weeks ago that we saw holding the same sign. It was the man that we gave a blessing bag to, and prayed with after church two Sundays ago. And the other teacher had read my post about him on Facebook, recognized him, and stopped and picked him up and took him home to work with her husband! So both my fellow teacher and our little friend were helped today. From the last report I received, he was doing a good job, and working hard. That was very exciting news for us! God is good! I know it was just a one day job, but it was an answer to our prayer, my friend's prayer and for his prayer. I know God will continue to provide.
At home, the Youngest Princess changed clothes and got ready for her tumbling class. My Prince volunteered to take her, so that I could go to dinner and spend some quality time with the Young Prince. So My Prince and the Youngest Princess went to tumbling class, and the Young Prince and I went out to eat, while the Oldest Princess was at cheer practice. I really enjoyed my time with the Young Prince. We don't get to do that often enough. Just the two of us. I liked having his undivided attention, and I think he liked having mine. I hope we will be able to do it again soon.
We came home, and the Oldest Princess was home from cheer practice busy getting ready to go out with her boyfriend. My Prince came home from tumbling carrying the Youngest Princess. She had hurt her knee working on her arial. A few minutes of love and attention, and the news that she would have to miss a birthday party tomorrow night if she could not walk, and she perked right up. She says it is still a little sore, but she can handle it.
The Oldest Princess left for her date. My Prince went to the store and to print out a few things the Youngest Princess needed for her homework. We managed to get through with the homework, but not before I had a slight come apart. There are some nights when after a day at work, homework is about more than I can handle. I know my teacher friends who are moms will understand. Sometimes it just feels like you never get a break from work. And I really needed a break. I did not get my break at work, because I spent it helping a student who did not finish their homework from last night get caught up so they would not be too far behind. So needless to say, homework in our house did not go smoothly tonight. But, we got it done. And the Youngest Princess went upstairs to get ready for tomorrow. And we still love each other, even after the rocky homework episode.
I even managed to get my small group study on Exodus done. On the actual day I was supposed to do it! Yay! No playing catch up this week for me!
Now, we are waiting for the Oldest Princess to get home so we can do family devotions, and go to bed. I am going to go read to the Youngest Princess in the meantime.
Until tomorrow...
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
February 10, 2016
Today. It was another one of THOSE days. That's two in a row if you are counting. I woke up and did my First 5 as usual. This morning, it was about how God gave very specific instructions to His people when it came to building the tabernacle. He also gave specific instructions when it came to the priests, who would serve in the tabernacle. They compared it to how we have pastors who serve in our churches today, and how they have a huge responsibility shepherding the flock that God has given them. It was an encouragement to pray for and encourage those in leadership positions in our churches. I can tell you from experience, that nothing is more encouraging to a pastor I know well, than to get a random text or phone call or note from a church member telling him that they are praying for him. That encourages him more than just about anything else in the world. You should try it sometime. I promise you, it will completely make your pastor's day.
The Youngest Princes woke up crying. She is exhausted and each morning, it gets harder and harder to get her up and ready. I would say I am looking forward to this weekend, so she can get some rest, but she has plans all weekend, so it will probably be Monday before she is able to get any rest. It is tough on the young ones who are drug around from game to game, and still have to keep up with homework, and getting up for school the next morning. But now that basketball season is over, hopefully we can get back to a more normal routine and get her to bed earlier on a more consistent basis.
Most of the high school kids had a field trip this morning, so the school was very quiet for the beginning of the day. With the high school being gone, they asked us to come to lunch early. I was busily trying to get articles printed out for my students to use as a source for their library research reports and the wifi was being very slow, and my printer was being even slower. At one point it stopped mid-print. My kids were working on their practice reports, and had a ton of questions, and I was trying to hurry and get everyone an article printed out. I was getting more and more frustrated by the second. Then I looked at the clock and realized that we had five minutes until our early lunch time. I had not remembered to tell My Prince that we were going to lunch early, and he was planning on bringing me lunch. So I quickly called him and told him of the time change. Thankfully, he was able to be flexible and come early. After lunch, we got a lot done very quickly and then we had time to go back to language and everyone - except for one student who had to check out early - got their three bib cards done. Hallelujah! That made me a very happy person. So mission accomplished! They turned in their practice reports and their bib cards. Take that slow internet and printer! We were able to get done despite you! Of course I need to take a minute to brag on my class here, because they worked hard today. They are great at listening to and following directions, and that was very helpful in everyone getting as much accomplished as we did today. They were troopers, and as always, they made me proud.
Mrs. S made a shirt for the Oldest Princess. She is SO sweet! The Oldest Princess told me that she wanted a "senior" shirt. She told me this at the game. Last night. And Mrs. S heard. And Mrs. S delivered. Today. The shirt is adorable! And the Oldest Princess loved it. She came home and put it on and wore it to church tonight. Mrs. S made the comment that the Young Prince was the only one that we hadn't "blinged up" yet, and that we would have to think of something for him.
After school the Youngest Princess and I came home and both of us got busy studying. I had to catch up for my small group tonight. Thankfully, I was able to do so. The Youngest Princess was working on schoolwork. Everyone else got home, and we had breakfast for dinner. Then we all headed to church. As we were walking out the door to go to church, My Prince found out that one of our precious elderly church members who has been really sick was getting worse. He told me that he was going to go to the hospital after church.
I as always enjoyed my small group time. I love digging into God's Word with these ladies. I love asking questions and making one another think. I love studying and finding the answers to some of our questions. And we were down one member tonight because both she and her husband are sick. I really hate it when one of us has to miss.
After church, the kids and I came home. I sent the Youngest Princess up to take her shower. The Young Prince was upstairs in his room. The Oldest Princess and I were able to have a heart to heart talk. God opened the door for me to share some things that I had been waiting for the right time to tell her. She talked to me about some things that are weighing heavy on her. Senior years can be scary. And stressful. Lots of changes and they are necessary, but hard. Oh, so hard sometimes. And it takes that word she picked out...Trust. Lots of trust. I have been on her end, and I remember feeling some of the same things she is feeling. I have never been on this end of it, and it is hard here too.
The Youngest Princess got finished with her shower, and the Oldest Princess went up to study. I helped the Youngest Princess work on language a little, and then I started my blog for the day. The Young Prince joined me at the table and worked on some of his homework. My Prince texted me from the hospital and said that he was on his way home. I am going to read to the Youngest Princess if she is still awake, and then get us all in bed so we can get some rest.
Until tomorrow...which I hope will not be another one of THOSE days...
The Youngest Princes woke up crying. She is exhausted and each morning, it gets harder and harder to get her up and ready. I would say I am looking forward to this weekend, so she can get some rest, but she has plans all weekend, so it will probably be Monday before she is able to get any rest. It is tough on the young ones who are drug around from game to game, and still have to keep up with homework, and getting up for school the next morning. But now that basketball season is over, hopefully we can get back to a more normal routine and get her to bed earlier on a more consistent basis.
Most of the high school kids had a field trip this morning, so the school was very quiet for the beginning of the day. With the high school being gone, they asked us to come to lunch early. I was busily trying to get articles printed out for my students to use as a source for their library research reports and the wifi was being very slow, and my printer was being even slower. At one point it stopped mid-print. My kids were working on their practice reports, and had a ton of questions, and I was trying to hurry and get everyone an article printed out. I was getting more and more frustrated by the second. Then I looked at the clock and realized that we had five minutes until our early lunch time. I had not remembered to tell My Prince that we were going to lunch early, and he was planning on bringing me lunch. So I quickly called him and told him of the time change. Thankfully, he was able to be flexible and come early. After lunch, we got a lot done very quickly and then we had time to go back to language and everyone - except for one student who had to check out early - got their three bib cards done. Hallelujah! That made me a very happy person. So mission accomplished! They turned in their practice reports and their bib cards. Take that slow internet and printer! We were able to get done despite you! Of course I need to take a minute to brag on my class here, because they worked hard today. They are great at listening to and following directions, and that was very helpful in everyone getting as much accomplished as we did today. They were troopers, and as always, they made me proud.
Mrs. S made a shirt for the Oldest Princess. She is SO sweet! The Oldest Princess told me that she wanted a "senior" shirt. She told me this at the game. Last night. And Mrs. S heard. And Mrs. S delivered. Today. The shirt is adorable! And the Oldest Princess loved it. She came home and put it on and wore it to church tonight. Mrs. S made the comment that the Young Prince was the only one that we hadn't "blinged up" yet, and that we would have to think of something for him.
After school the Youngest Princess and I came home and both of us got busy studying. I had to catch up for my small group tonight. Thankfully, I was able to do so. The Youngest Princess was working on schoolwork. Everyone else got home, and we had breakfast for dinner. Then we all headed to church. As we were walking out the door to go to church, My Prince found out that one of our precious elderly church members who has been really sick was getting worse. He told me that he was going to go to the hospital after church.
I as always enjoyed my small group time. I love digging into God's Word with these ladies. I love asking questions and making one another think. I love studying and finding the answers to some of our questions. And we were down one member tonight because both she and her husband are sick. I really hate it when one of us has to miss.
After church, the kids and I came home. I sent the Youngest Princess up to take her shower. The Young Prince was upstairs in his room. The Oldest Princess and I were able to have a heart to heart talk. God opened the door for me to share some things that I had been waiting for the right time to tell her. She talked to me about some things that are weighing heavy on her. Senior years can be scary. And stressful. Lots of changes and they are necessary, but hard. Oh, so hard sometimes. And it takes that word she picked out...Trust. Lots of trust. I have been on her end, and I remember feeling some of the same things she is feeling. I have never been on this end of it, and it is hard here too.
The Youngest Princess got finished with her shower, and the Oldest Princess went up to study. I helped the Youngest Princess work on language a little, and then I started my blog for the day. The Young Prince joined me at the table and worked on some of his homework. My Prince texted me from the hospital and said that he was on his way home. I am going to read to the Youngest Princess if she is still awake, and then get us all in bed so we can get some rest.
Until tomorrow...which I hope will not be another one of THOSE days...
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
February 9, 2016
It was one of those days. You know. The kind where nothing goes right. At least it felt that way to me. It wasn't really that way. There were lots of things that did go right, and I have way more to be thankful for than to complain about. But you understand. You have been there too.
I got up this morning. It was hard to hold my eyes open long enough to read my First 5 devotion. It was more like First 15 this morning, because I kept falling asleep and having to go back and re-read it. This morning, it was talking about the pressing of olives in order to get the oil for the Temple Menorah. The point was that in the "crushing" times in our lives, if we honor God, our light will shine in the darkness. Pretty good to remember. Especially on those "crushing" days when it feels like nothing goes right.
I began to get ready. I do a lot of praying in the morning when I get ready probably because it is the longest time frame of my day in which I am alone, and it is quiet. Therefore, the most conductive time for me to talk to the Lord. So I was getting ready, and thinking and praying, and I came across this quote. "I want to have talked to God more than I talk to anyone else." - Jennie Allen I like that. I like that a lot. I am not a big talker as it is. I like to listen and process things more than talk. But I definitely think it is a good goal to aim to talk to God more than we talk to anyone else. I am going to work on that.
The Oldest Princess woke up not feeling well this morning. She talked to her Daddy, and he thought we should let her stay home and rest for a couple of hours. But, she missed a test on Friday, the day we left for cheer competition, and I did not want her to get any further behind than she should. I expressed that to him. He then told her that she needed to go in for her first few classes, and then she could come home and rest. But, our varsity guys were playing a game, and if she only went the first few hours, that would mean that she would not be able to cheer. I am trying to back off a little and let her start making some decisions on her own, because she is about to start having to make all of her decisions on her own. I want to allow her to make a few while she is here still under our supervision and see how she does. I did not feel that she should miss the game, but I wanted to let her make that decision and face the music of her consequences. We gave her some medicine, and she headed off to school with me. She was not a happy camper. And I was frustrated as well. I do not like starting my morning off that way. I checked on her later, and she seemed to be doing better. She ended up staying, and I was very glad that she did. She did not get behind by missing any of her other classes, and was able to cheer for the game.
God has been working on a certain area of my life, in a deeply personal way. I have been searching and seeking His heart, and praying for Him to work on my heart like never before in this particular area. It is so funny to me how God works. I find that when He is teaching me something, I seem to see that thing, or idea, or be tested in that area multiple times each day. This one thing has been constantly before me. It feels like everything I pick up something to read, or get in a conversation with someone, this topic comes up. Usually it frustrates me. This time, I have allowed it to serve as a reminder for me to take it to the Lord in prayer again. I so want to learn what He has for me to learn. I so want to grow, and be more like Him in this area of my life than ever before, but for now, it feels like I have hit a brick wall and that I am going nowhere. So, I will continue to listen. I will continue to pray.
School went well overall. There were a few little really frustrating parts sprinkled in. My students are writing a practice report before they start their big library research report, and trying to help them and guide them without telling them exactly what to write is frustrating to me. I want their papers to be their papers. But teaching them to write their first big paper, and make it their own, is tough. And at times, a little on the frustrating side. They want me to answer. I want them to think of a way to write it on their own. There were a couple more little instances where kids will be kids, and teachers have had enough. It wears on you some days more than others. Today was one of those days. I knew it and I tried to be patient, but there were a couple of times. Maybe we should just be glad we all made it out alive. Just kidding. It was not that bad, but close.
After school, I asked the Youngest Princess how she did on her language quiz. I had promised her an ice cream if she made an "A". We very rarely ever bribe our children. But the Youngest Princess has been struggling in language, and I thought she might just need a little incentive to "get her over the hump" so to speak. When I asked how she did, she immediately burst into tears. Parenting fail. She missed two, and they were ten points each. So she made an 80. Which meant no ice cream. She said she did not understand something on the quiz. She had her paper. Sitting there in the car, I explained something about it to her. She said, "But I didn't KNOW that!" I told her that now she did, so she could understand it better. She wanted to know if she could still have an ice cream because if she had known that, she would have gotten it right. Um. No. No A, no ice cream. More tears. All the way home. At home I sat down to try to study for my small group for tomorrow night. Because I did not do any last week, I am trying to play catch up this week and do two weeks in one. So I am feeling pressed to get it all done. The Youngest Princess needed to study her spelling words, so I got her all set up on Quizlet, so she could study and I could study. She was missing one right after another. She tired. She was crying. She was stressed out. I was tired. I was pressed for time. I was stressed out. It was not a pretty picture. I made her stop and actually spend some time going over her spelling words in her book and then she did much better on her quizlet test. We also spent a little time studying language, because she has a test tomorrow. I did not get as far in my studying as I wanted to, but I was able to get a little done.
My Prince came home, and we got ready and left to go to the ballgame. On our way, I went ahead and read our chapter of Mandie to the Youngest Princess, so we would not have to do it when we got home, and it was late. We stopped and ate at Chick-fil-a for dinner. After dinner, we had time to do just a little shopping and then it was off to the game. The Young Prince and his team played a great game, but they came up just short. So, thus ends their season. I have enjoyed watching them play.
On the way home we went ahead and had our family devotions in the car, since we were all there together, and it would save us some time when we got home. We read, I John 5:14-21. We had a couple of questions and My Prince answered them for us. Then we talked about a few things that could be idols in our lives. My Prince gave us a sneak peek into his sermon for Sunday - hint, hint - it talks about loving God more than anything else (not having idols). It will be good. If you attend our church, you don't want to miss it! We spent some time in prayer - for friends who have a child who had an allergic reaction to some medicine, and who have a grandmother who is preparing to enjoy her first moments in heaven just any day now, for a friend who has hives and doesn't know what is causing them, for another set of friends who one of them is sick with a respiratory infection, and one of them is sick with the flu, and for safe travels home. We praised the Lord for keeping our children safe during the sports year.
After that it was quiet for a while. My Prince told me Pigs in the Blanket sounded good to him for dinner tomorrow night. Good deal. I can do that. The Youngest Princess said something about Blankets and Pigs. She was so tired that she got it backward. It was cute.
We got home and everyone got to bed as quickly as they could. We are all worn out. I grabbed the computer and sat in bed to write my blog, just so after I type the final words, I can lay the computer down, and close my eyes. I won't even have to climb the stairs.
Until tomorrow...
I got up this morning. It was hard to hold my eyes open long enough to read my First 5 devotion. It was more like First 15 this morning, because I kept falling asleep and having to go back and re-read it. This morning, it was talking about the pressing of olives in order to get the oil for the Temple Menorah. The point was that in the "crushing" times in our lives, if we honor God, our light will shine in the darkness. Pretty good to remember. Especially on those "crushing" days when it feels like nothing goes right.
I began to get ready. I do a lot of praying in the morning when I get ready probably because it is the longest time frame of my day in which I am alone, and it is quiet. Therefore, the most conductive time for me to talk to the Lord. So I was getting ready, and thinking and praying, and I came across this quote. "I want to have talked to God more than I talk to anyone else." - Jennie Allen I like that. I like that a lot. I am not a big talker as it is. I like to listen and process things more than talk. But I definitely think it is a good goal to aim to talk to God more than we talk to anyone else. I am going to work on that.
The Oldest Princess woke up not feeling well this morning. She talked to her Daddy, and he thought we should let her stay home and rest for a couple of hours. But, she missed a test on Friday, the day we left for cheer competition, and I did not want her to get any further behind than she should. I expressed that to him. He then told her that she needed to go in for her first few classes, and then she could come home and rest. But, our varsity guys were playing a game, and if she only went the first few hours, that would mean that she would not be able to cheer. I am trying to back off a little and let her start making some decisions on her own, because she is about to start having to make all of her decisions on her own. I want to allow her to make a few while she is here still under our supervision and see how she does. I did not feel that she should miss the game, but I wanted to let her make that decision and face the music of her consequences. We gave her some medicine, and she headed off to school with me. She was not a happy camper. And I was frustrated as well. I do not like starting my morning off that way. I checked on her later, and she seemed to be doing better. She ended up staying, and I was very glad that she did. She did not get behind by missing any of her other classes, and was able to cheer for the game.
God has been working on a certain area of my life, in a deeply personal way. I have been searching and seeking His heart, and praying for Him to work on my heart like never before in this particular area. It is so funny to me how God works. I find that when He is teaching me something, I seem to see that thing, or idea, or be tested in that area multiple times each day. This one thing has been constantly before me. It feels like everything I pick up something to read, or get in a conversation with someone, this topic comes up. Usually it frustrates me. This time, I have allowed it to serve as a reminder for me to take it to the Lord in prayer again. I so want to learn what He has for me to learn. I so want to grow, and be more like Him in this area of my life than ever before, but for now, it feels like I have hit a brick wall and that I am going nowhere. So, I will continue to listen. I will continue to pray.
School went well overall. There were a few little really frustrating parts sprinkled in. My students are writing a practice report before they start their big library research report, and trying to help them and guide them without telling them exactly what to write is frustrating to me. I want their papers to be their papers. But teaching them to write their first big paper, and make it their own, is tough. And at times, a little on the frustrating side. They want me to answer. I want them to think of a way to write it on their own. There were a couple more little instances where kids will be kids, and teachers have had enough. It wears on you some days more than others. Today was one of those days. I knew it and I tried to be patient, but there were a couple of times. Maybe we should just be glad we all made it out alive. Just kidding. It was not that bad, but close.
After school, I asked the Youngest Princess how she did on her language quiz. I had promised her an ice cream if she made an "A". We very rarely ever bribe our children. But the Youngest Princess has been struggling in language, and I thought she might just need a little incentive to "get her over the hump" so to speak. When I asked how she did, she immediately burst into tears. Parenting fail. She missed two, and they were ten points each. So she made an 80. Which meant no ice cream. She said she did not understand something on the quiz. She had her paper. Sitting there in the car, I explained something about it to her. She said, "But I didn't KNOW that!" I told her that now she did, so she could understand it better. She wanted to know if she could still have an ice cream because if she had known that, she would have gotten it right. Um. No. No A, no ice cream. More tears. All the way home. At home I sat down to try to study for my small group for tomorrow night. Because I did not do any last week, I am trying to play catch up this week and do two weeks in one. So I am feeling pressed to get it all done. The Youngest Princess needed to study her spelling words, so I got her all set up on Quizlet, so she could study and I could study. She was missing one right after another. She tired. She was crying. She was stressed out. I was tired. I was pressed for time. I was stressed out. It was not a pretty picture. I made her stop and actually spend some time going over her spelling words in her book and then she did much better on her quizlet test. We also spent a little time studying language, because she has a test tomorrow. I did not get as far in my studying as I wanted to, but I was able to get a little done.
My Prince came home, and we got ready and left to go to the ballgame. On our way, I went ahead and read our chapter of Mandie to the Youngest Princess, so we would not have to do it when we got home, and it was late. We stopped and ate at Chick-fil-a for dinner. After dinner, we had time to do just a little shopping and then it was off to the game. The Young Prince and his team played a great game, but they came up just short. So, thus ends their season. I have enjoyed watching them play.
On the way home we went ahead and had our family devotions in the car, since we were all there together, and it would save us some time when we got home. We read, I John 5:14-21. We had a couple of questions and My Prince answered them for us. Then we talked about a few things that could be idols in our lives. My Prince gave us a sneak peek into his sermon for Sunday - hint, hint - it talks about loving God more than anything else (not having idols). It will be good. If you attend our church, you don't want to miss it! We spent some time in prayer - for friends who have a child who had an allergic reaction to some medicine, and who have a grandmother who is preparing to enjoy her first moments in heaven just any day now, for a friend who has hives and doesn't know what is causing them, for another set of friends who one of them is sick with a respiratory infection, and one of them is sick with the flu, and for safe travels home. We praised the Lord for keeping our children safe during the sports year.
After that it was quiet for a while. My Prince told me Pigs in the Blanket sounded good to him for dinner tomorrow night. Good deal. I can do that. The Youngest Princess said something about Blankets and Pigs. She was so tired that she got it backward. It was cute.
We got home and everyone got to bed as quickly as they could. We are all worn out. I grabbed the computer and sat in bed to write my blog, just so after I type the final words, I can lay the computer down, and close my eyes. I won't even have to climb the stairs.
Until tomorrow...
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