Still In Franklin!

It has been a great trip, and we are sad to be leaving tomorrow! The weather has been beautiful up here, and the girls have loved playing with their cousin!
There is so much to do in the next few weeks, and I pray that it all comes together at the right time! Two more weeks of school for me, and three more for us at Beauclerc before we have a nice long winter break!

.... More later

Under the Cover of Darkness!

We crept into Brentwood last night about 3:30 our time (2:30 TN time) to a chilly 26 degrees! What a great drive at night! Coming through Chattanooga with all the lights was awesome! Thanks to some coffee from McDonalds (not Starbucks by any means) I did make the entire drive while the fam slept, chatted, and watched movies! B thought it was dinner time when we arrived so she stayed up and ate a can of soup!
My only picture from the trip up... We stopped in Tifton to eat, and guess where we ate! B was so stoked that the Cow was there along with about 1,000 other people! All in all I say we timed it right, because as we were leaving a large (100+) group of middle school kids came in! It's not to bad up here today.... more pics later!

Reflection

A post I have been thinking about for awhile, how to say all the things I have thought about without sounding crass or sarcastic (because you all know, I am the best at Sarcastic!).............
Nasty... that is what you could describe some people I know. Funny how they actually bump into my orbit, because you see, under any other circumstances they would not have that chance. And they are not just nasty to me, they are nasty to all those that come up with the idea before them, or maybe have a higher knowledge, or maybe just a nicer person in general. It has really baffled me to the point where I truly believe the lies they hide, and the deception they attempt to keep from others make them this way. (That and the fact, they probably had a horrible HS career!) I mean seriously when you are above 30 and are worried about being popular- well anyway that is a whole other issue! You choose to be nasty, - plain and simple. Some would say it comes from a faulty ego, or the inability to see yourself as worthy. Others would argue that they simply don't see themselves that way- I believe after countless hours of discussing that they are just miserable- They are in a situation, a lifestyle choice, a marriage, a circumstance that they are truly unhappy or embarrassed by. So to ease the pain of their own tortured soul they inflict chaos and pain wherever they travel. To be able to spread lies, create turmoil, and take cheap shots is almost a game for them. The more they see the more they do- I almost chuckle at how miserable they must be. And again, it is their choice to be so nasty! But, it is consistent! With anyone who may think differently than them, or they feel threatened by.
I have prayed over this "nasty" all year. Not for them, but for me- to escape the mental warfare they so desire. For me it has gotten better, and it just keeps getting better. To the point now, I actually almost feel sorry for their cheap disposition. In Proverbs 4 - which has been a great chapter for me, the BIBLE says, " I am guiding you in the way of wisdom, and I am leading you on the right path- NOTHING will hold you back, you will not be overwhelmed. Always remember what you have been taught- DO not let go of it..... Stay away from evil they cannot rest until they harm someone, keep away from the paths of evil." God has just blessed my family this year above and beyond. He has carried us, provided for us, and held us so the throws of the world have just bounced on by! It has been wonderful!
I believe the devil is the root of all evil- trying to reason with nasty is like arguing with a drunk! Not wasting time, not being conflicted, and now having this feeling of sorrow for them makes me aware of how I have grown as a person. I don't live my life as a lie, I don't take pleasure in creating havoc, and I certainly don't need carnal gratification- This nasty is Satan spawned- and it's sad... to know that those that take such glory in the flesh, will burn in hell with their tormented twisted unsaved hearts- I choose to believe that the carnal choice they made will prevent them from ever seeing or knowing Christ- and that is such a shame.
So if you are a BLOG stalker (LOL), a friendly reader, a great friend, or just a passer by- Pray for Nasty- pray that they would "Come to the water, you who thirst, so they will thirst no more!" And if you are Nasty... well I leave you with this "do not be interested only in your own life, but be interested in the lives of others" Philippians 2:4

On a much lighter note.... we leave for Franklin Tuesday- should get there late Tuesday night, and we can't wait to see the place! Expect lots of pictures and great views from the top! It has been a great week at school, Tuesday we fed our parents Ziti- Check out the other Blog, Wednesday our choirs sang GREAT for their Christmas music practice, and today, we received 3 new LONG bookshelves and 4 MAC computers for the classroom! Don't let anybody fool you, GOD IS GOOD! and he wants your to prosper.... The plans he laid for you are GOOD!

A trip to Publix.....

Grocery shopping at Publix today was quite an experience! You would think it was 12 days until Christmas. We could not believe all the Christmas stuff that was out- foods, toys, decorations, tableware,- you name it- Publix had it! When I was little, I used to love this time of year. My family would spend the entire time getting ready- chopping down a tree (literally!), decorating, baking, wrapping presents, being involved in church activities,- it was just an awesome experience- BUT that experience did not start until the day after Thanksgiving- my personal all time favorite holiday! I can remember wanting to go to the local Pic-N-Save and see their toy Christmas display- it was awesome. They had these glass boxes with all kinds of battery powered toys, race tracks, trains, etc.- The stores just came alive AFTER Thanksgiving. And, not one day before! When did it all change? I remember being in Lowes with the girls right before Halloween picking up some bird seed, and seeing aisles of Christmas decorations already out. M and B thought that was quite odd too- but our society seems to push the commercialism of the holiday.

B is in the church Christmas musical this year, (M has a tap class on Wednesdays) and I have really impressed her upon the reason for the season. They are doing the Christmas County Spelling Bee and when I hear our children choirs sing those songs, I think, do they really understand the message? And then, when I teach my students on Sunday mornings, and we talk about the songs, the season, and the spirit of Christmas, I leave their with hope that yes- they really do get it! It gives me hope that they have not lost the true meaning, and will rejoice with their families about the birth of Christ!

It becomes a great time of reflection for me, this holiday season. I think I can say that I have arrived, that I am content with where I am and what I have. In my earlier years, as I am sure D and E can attest I was a little crazy with order and perfection. Now, I know, that there are some of you that would still say that I am still that way, but I can honestly say I have relaxed a lot (o.k, maybe a bit), and given up some of the order and perfection. I can even say, that it doesn't bother me MOST of the time when I let things slide at the urging of my chaotic family. There are those rare moments, when I feel the house isn't up to par, the cabinets and closets are a mess, and the perfect world that I dream about has been lost forever, much to my families delight! And it does still drive me a little crazy! But I have come to realize that taking the kids to the park, reading a good book, or typing a great paper is just as important as order and perfection. I've always thought God had the best humor, and matching me up with my husband and kids is quite amusing! They are certainly playful, cheerful, and relaxed (well, maybe not M), but none of them have that "no stuff laying around syndrome" unless of course you count bodies! In looking back, I can see how the balls I juggle have become less, and the time I have has become so much more. My faith, my family, and my friends have all appeared at the right time, and with the right dose of encouragement and love.

As we approach Thanksgiving, we are reminded to be thankful. My family is blessed we have enough, we have been given Spiritual wisdom, and we have each other. We will continue to give thanks and count our many blessings! We will not fall into the commercialism of this time of year, we will not forget the most precious gift that was given to us, that did not cost, that was not out of our reach, and that did not cause us great stress! We will rejoice in the true Spirit of this holiday season - time that we will spend with family and friends, church activities, and reflection about how great our lives have become!

" Come into this city with songs of thanksgiving and into his courtyards with songs of praise. Thank him and praise his name. The Lord is good. His love is forever, and his loyalty goes on and on" - Psalm 100:4-5.
Do not stress this holiday season my friend, the one you need is loyal forever. Do not worry about the pressures of what's under the tree, rather teach those around you the true meaning of this blessing we call Christmas

"Give glory to God in heaven, and on earth let their be peace among the people who please God." - Luke 2:14

Just a few pictures!

Who is this new Rowan you ask- Why in true Hannah Montannah fashion, that would be Jennifer, B's alter ego! Yes, she is a ham!

M is glad it is Thursday! We survived another week of dance, school, and activities! M had another Dr. appt. Wed. for a sonagram- She is happy that is over, but by far, that is the easiest test she has had! M said it was very relaxing! LOL! I think she is talking about the one on her kidneys!

24 weeks......

That is how many weeks are left in my school career! It is amazing to think that the journey is that close to being over. I have such a calm about it, even though working with my chair and IRB is a bit hair raising at times, I finally feel like it is worth it! I feel like the dissertation is no longer bigger than me, and that it truly is just another paper. It has finally become calm. I feel like the journey has been worth the struggle. I am glad my doctoral partner through this process has been the support I need when I needed it, because you just don't know how hard it has been at times to juggle this mess! She has truly kept me balanced, (as I have her!) and helped me to see the light at the end! It is one of those things that when we are both older and she is still raising kids- and mine are gone that we will laugh for hours at some of the situations we have found ourselves in with school! My family has also helped out and endured countless "meals on the go" without too much complaint! And the house, well you might not be able to eat off the floor anymore, but as D says... it just looks lived in! We make do, so that this journey can finally be fulfilled for me! And then, who knows what our plans are. But I am looking forward to no more deadlines, or grueling weekends and late nights cranking out papers! The ability to just relax and hang out is something that has me excited! I still can't believe that I have managed to do this and survived!
This last week was just nuts... It just seemed like everything was coming up, and kids had to be in multiple places, and the family had obligations,- it was just crazy- but we survived without - a major trip to Publix for groceries (no one starved!)! It was one of those weeks where the to do list just became almost laughable! I kept going back to these scriptures:
"We also have joy with our troubles, because we know that these troubles produce patience, and patience produces character, and character produces hope. And this hope will never disappoint us, because God has poured out his love to fill our hearts." Romans 5: 3-5
I know that God is good to us, and I chuckle thinking about the good plans he has for us - you know the one that calls for a majorly stressed out doctoral student trying to raise 2 kids while shopping, cooking, and cleaning and keeping D organized! It is truly quite funny at times! But well worth it!
We still have our house up and know that God has a plan for that as well. We are excited to see Franklin at Thanksgiving. In researching TN for teacher certification I have found that my transfer of license will be just fine, and the great state of TN has no certification fees! Plus, they like FL will pay more for National Boards and advanced degrees! We know it will work out and truly believe the timing will be right for all of us.
I can see when I have time to sit back and reflect how God has placed the right people in front of me at the right times! Those that give support, those that enhance my personal and spiritual beliefs, those that make me laugh in spite of myself, and those that truly care about my family! Again, HE is just so good to US!

Trick or Treat

B was the USA Cheerleader!

M was the Charm School Wizzard

They had a great time getting ready to leave to get their treats!

The Cheesecake Factory had great pumpkins carved all the way down their walk!

Who is that pirate?

The girls had a great time at the Town Center trick-or-treating! They received lots of good candy!

By far, the best part of the night was a late dinner at Paneras!

Gabe enjoyed dinner too!