Running through December!

Well we have all but flown through December. Vacation, church Hanging of the Green, kids Christmas Musical, Dance Performances, church Contanta, school production of  The Nutcracker are just some of our activities. Now, it is time to REST!

We have enjoyed 2011- It has been a year that has allowed us to heal and overcome- It has been reflective in many ways, and forced us to look at what we have been given- We are ever so thankful. While we wonder sometimes why things turn out in ways that they do, we are reminded in Psalm (18:30) that His ways are without fault. That His words are pure. And those truths have guided our journey through 2011 this year. Knowing as Joel Osteen says, "God closes doors so bigger ones can open."- We believe that. And we have witnessed time and time again this year bigger doors opening. Not just for us, but all around us. It is easy to be distracted by things- by people, and by circumstance- but when you can really commit to you mind that great things are in store for you - you are able to view life in such a different light. Your ability to allow faith to lead grows tremendously. It has been a good year :-)

 Stitch and Lilo think so too! Jackson could not ask for better buddies!

 Jackson and Briley are a little addicted to ice cream!

 Spending Thanksgiving in Disney was a blast! I think we were the only ones there! It was the perfect time, and it was great not to wash one dish for five days :-)

 Basketball season has started! This is our favorite season!! I can't wait to see how it turns out!! So far we are 8-2!

 Jap is still #3- I love to get pictures of them on the bench! They always look so intense!

Peppermint returned! He has been hiding around the house, and Jackson and Briley have been on a mission to find him every morning! We are all out of school until the 3rd! It has been WONDERFUL so far! It's hard to believe when we go back the second nine weeks is almost over! It just does not seem possible. I know I say that a lot but I am always amazed at how fast the time goes by.

More pics and posts to come! Merry Christmas!

Jackson and Texas Pete!

I almost forgot Jackson's favorite new look! He was trying to be like his dad- orange juice, saltines, texas pete, and vienna sausages! He was so proud of himself!!

Some Pictures- Finally :0

Wow! It's been awhile again! We have been busy, but I did manage to capture some pictures of the kids- actually went on Facebook for some, because they never seem to be around when I have my camera anymore! This was Jackson a few months back- He was Spiderman for quite awhile. So, much so that when it was time for Halloween, he became Ironman, because you know even Spiderman likes to dress up for Halloween!

 Macey and Lucy!

 Macey and Briley :-)

 My Macey :-)

 Sweet Lucy, not even a day old yet!

 Lucy and Logan -

 I through this picture in to remind me that it is just about that time to start thinking about cards! Oh my.. have some funny ideas this year, but we will see :-)

 Jap at Homecoming- He was the Prince this year. Don't know who took this picture- had to snag it off his page! He looked nice- he was happy, said he had a great time-

 Macey and Jasper (We originally thorught Jap broke his elbow- but thankfully it was just a bad bruise!) Nothing like spending the night in the hospital after a long day of school and a grueling football game!

 I might have posted this picture- but I love the plaid!!!

 Briley and Lucy! She was so excited tha day!!

 Jackson making his "I'm not happy face" followed by minutes and minutes of laughter!!!

Jackson and Baby Lucy! He was so excited!!

Wow! Hard to believe Thanksgiving will be here in just 4 short days! It seems this (school) year has been nothing short of a blink! It amazes me how fast it goes by. Some days seem to drag, but when you look at the overall amount of time, it really feels like a blink. We are getting ready to leave for a few days- I don't know who is more excited between the kids. They have been talking about this vacation since May, and now it will be here in just 2 short days.

Basketball season started for us last Thursday- we played in a local tournament (preseason) and won both our games. Our first regular game is Tuesday and hopefully that will be a win as well! At times I cannot believe that Jasper is a Junior! His time with us grows shorter by the minute! We still are not sure where he is going to school, or which sport he will pick to play- but we are so proud that he has options. When I think about how God just perfectly fit him with our family, and I look at the changes he has made, and the young man he has become it really makes me proud. God knows just what we need, even if we think it is something else!

Jackson is having a blast in Pre-K. He is writing his name, knows his letter sounds and letters, and has a great interest in books, writing, and math! He loves to add! He really just loves school- his friends, art, and what he learns each day. That makes me so happy! He also loves to play. I am so glad that we have Lilo and Stitch ot keep him company. I think they are a great group of pals! They keep him just as busy as he keeps them! Next week he will have his first basketball game! He is super excited about that!

Macey is breezing through middle school. She is growing by the minute. It amazes me how tall she is getting. I think when she puts on her dance clothes it is the most noticable to me! At a time that can be really rough for some kids, she has made some great friends and is enjoying just being a kid!!

Briley is Briley! I don't think anything gets Briley down. She is so sweet and kind! She is also the only kid that goes to school with me right now, so it's funny to see her as my only TK! Next year though, Jackson will join us- and that will be the last time for awhile that I have 2 of my own kids with me! Hard to believe they are growing up!

This is a great time of year for us! We are all really thankful for what we have been given and the experiences we have been able to have. While not all of them have been worth a redo, they certainly help to shape who you become. I told  my friend's daughter the other day that "a wide path allows you to see the grays, where before maybe you only saw the black and white." For me, I think I have always seen the gray- call it life experience or who God made me as a person I just have always been able to see that it is never black and white. I am thankful for that. As part of a class 2 weeks ago that I had to take, it identified my personality as a "rescuer"- and as part of that class that wasn't necessarily the best place to be. There were lots of reasons- you are an enabler, you often want it more than the people you are helping, people perceive you as week... the list just went on and on... It really made me think about who I am- and I thought for a second- ok maybe this isn't a good thing! But then it's who I am- A good friend tells me everyday- you may be the only good thing a person sees- You never know the impact you have, but don't take forgranted that you aren't reaching someone!

Each step we take, is a way to humble ourselves. To let us see, the good we have been given. As we enter into this Christmas season, I am so very thankful that I had a solid foundation built by my parents, grandparents, and great grandparents. When I talk to my childhood friends, we just shake our heads at the lack of parenting going on by many parents today. We talk about our youth, and their lack of empathy and lack of inner drive, but that is something that is missing at home. It's hard to get kids to see that live in awful circumstances that people actually do care about them and want to see them make it out! It's day by day, but eventually they begin to see that you do care, and that their little lives our valued!!

Here's to a short week and a great vacation with our kids! It's the first Thanksgiving in years that I have not had access to a stove!  I think I might finally be ok with that :-)

It's Nov 1 and we now have a granddaughter!!! Lucy was born this morning at 6:26! What an amazing gift!

It seems like October was a blink- Can't believe that it's gone. We have been super busy with football and dance. I think every weekend the girls have been dancing some where. It has been crazy hectic but so much fun. Football is winding down- we have 2 games left and then basketball starts 11/22- I just can't wait for that!!!

The kids are most excited about our big vacation over the Thanksgiving holidays. This will be the first Thanksgiving in a long time that we have been away and not involved in any cooking! I am excited about that! Jackson is counting down the days... He is so good with numbers! I think he really will be a Math / Science kid, where Macey and Briley really excel in Reading / Language Arts. He can write his name now all by himself- it took him awhile because he was more concerned about how many letters he had to write compared to everyone else- but now he can write it quickly and has stopped complaining!

The school year is flying by too! We just finished the first 9 weeks and today is actually the 50th day! Life is good when it just flies by and you are not worried.

I need to take some pictures .. I will get on that this weekend! I swear Macey is 5'7 at least!!! She is crazy tall.... and Briley is right behind her!

Just wanted to let you know about Lucy! Enjoy your day!! More later....

Moving On

Her joy is contagious!!!

Briley and her friend!

Even Batman reads the BIBLE!!

Jackson as a Vet-

Well, as usual it has been full of fun and chaos around here! I am actually off today (by myself, for myself) and thought I would drop in on my own blog and give some updates! Life is full of bumps, hills, and curves-

We will start with today and work back :-) Today I took off to go to court with one of my good friends. Who actually did not become one of my good friends until about 10 months ago. We were church members and coworkers - but not good friends. We have kids the same age, we have a lot of the same interests but our lives were moving in different directions. She made a mistake, God immediately humbled my heart and we became friends- not acquaintances but really good friends- As much as I was able to watch God work a mighty healing in her life, I was able to see God work just as big of healing in mine. It's amazing how we lose empathy, become hardened, and beleive that no-one can be as good as us- God has such a way of humbling that. Not that I have been in that place in a long time, but when you are not there it is amazing to look out and see who is there- Today ended part of her journey and started a new one- one that will last just a little over a year. And like I said almost a year ago- If I never go back to Ocala it will not be soon enough, - and I have been several times in fact- and now, it seems as if I will be making even more trips there. That is such a painful place for me- one of lost hope and bad memories- but God is continuing to send me there. I don't get it! It may be one of total surrender- He tells me where to go- I don't make those decisions- but oh how I wanted a break on that one. But today, I learned it isn't so- I will be making that drive- I will be making that drive to minister and support a friend. And that makes me think- I am so thankful for each of my friends- even the ones I don't speak to as often as I would like. I am thankful for the Cross- that all that is bad is removed, healed, and restored. It was so present this morning- in what could have been a breaking news story- there was no media present,- in what could have been a circus, was just a somber parting- not forever- just a few short months. God's grace was ever so present.

Trust comes in all kinds of packages- It's amazing when you just blindly trust the benefits of that- That He is there to carry all that baggage, and allows you to focus on you! I am so thankful for that.

We are just about in the middle of football season! I have actually started practices for basketball cheer leading and I am most excited at that. While the majority of Jap's offers come from football I am trusting that we will see quite a bit of basketball interest when his season starts in November. I am amazed at how far my squad of girls have come. I am excited about our summer and next year too! It's great when you can look and see past tomorrow.

Macey and Briley are crazy busy with dance. They dance every weekend this month. It amazes me when I watch them what grace and beauty they show. Macey has the best legs! It always makes me sigh when I look at her extend! She is so much taller than me :-)

Briley is having a good time too! She is the most flexible kid I know!! She is loving 4th grade! It is hard to believe she only has one more year with me!

Jackson is having a great year in Pre-K 4!! I can't wait to bring him to school with me next year. He is so funny- his personality is like a smash of the 3 older kids- and he has the best belly laugh ever!! He is so personable and friendly! He loves his dogs, and playing outside! He is excited about our upcoming vacation and can't wait to go to Sea World and Disney. It's funny what he sort of remembers from our last time there.

Fall officially started last Friday, only someone has not informed Mother Nature! It is still in the high 90's around here! We are getting lots of rain, which is nice, but oh how I would love some days in the low 80's! I am ready for the holidays though! I am ready for some cool weather and some college basketball :-)

Derek and I are busy all the time! It's quite fun, and we are thankful for the experiences we are given!

They are blessed who work for peace, for they will be called God's children.

Matthew 5:9

A Story to Tell.....

I'm so excited I am ready for school- (Sorry for the blur... it was my lens ... another camera fix and we should be good!)

Briely- ready for 4th grade.

Lawrence - ready for 11th grade.

Jap ready for 11th grade!

Jap's car...

Macey - ready for 7th grade!

My short lens is broke again- At first they thought it was related to the light setting- we were getting great pictures inside, but horrible outside- so we made some adjustments, and then after this shoot Monday I took it back and there happens to be a "gear" problem in the lens. Not saying that I think Nikon is a bad brand, but have had quite a bit of trouble the camera and lens....

What a fun first week of school- And all I can say is if the next 35 go as fast as this then WOW- June will be here before you know it. It was a great first week back for us. Jap being able to drive to school now is such a blessing. He can get to and from school, and to and from practice- plus run any afternoon errands that I may need him too! That is such a big help.

Macey and Briley started dance this week too. And having Jap out of the mix made that so much smoother too. It seems that a later start, combined with a more relaxed afternoon carpool works better for all of us.

Jackson had his first full week of Pre-K. He had 5 super-duper days. It amazes me to go in his room each day. There are so many activities going on with the little people. They have these neat little centers, and they can only go if there is room for their name tag on the center sign. Jackson was so excited that he was able to pick and he would talk about where he was going to go the next day. He even practiced writing his J’s this week!
I have a great class this year. While each one of my students may have some unique challenges, they are all proving to be hard workers. We talked a lot about goals, expectations, and being the best you can be. I am excited to have that opportunity to help them make such changes in their lives.

We had a huge storm coming our way- at the beginning of the week the District made a decision to move our Friday night game to Thursday- and at first we thought maybe there would be no school Friday, but the storm turned East and we were fine. Jap had a great game Thursday- his only goof happened on the first play of the game- a return for about 55 yards that ended in a fumble!!! I couldn't’t believe it- and I don’t think he could either. After that, he was off and running scoring the first touchdown and just having a great all around game. The Cheerleaders had a great game too! Their hard work over the summer is showing.

While all that good stuff happened- I also had the unpleasant opportunity to witness a violent act against a child and it made me physically sick. I just don’t understand parents at times. I don’t understand how they can treat kids with such abuse and cruelty- with their words, hands, and actions. It almost seems like a hopeless situation, and many times instead of doing something, people just turn their heads. And it just leaves you with a very sick feeling. I mean, you say to the kids you can make a difference, you have a choice, but then they go right back to that crazy life at home and even you know it is a total loss. To expect a child to maintain integrity, drive, and ambition when they are not surrounded with it- when they are emotionally and verbally abused the minute they step through the door. And nothing is done- an overworked system with pathetic investigators who most of the time just see it as a paycheck- It took me immediately back to Jackson's situation - how just cruel that State was to his brothers and him- When it's not personal it doesn't affect most people. There is no apathy- just a quick turn off. These children don't belong to them, and not their problem. There are so many kids out there with lives I can't even imagine, and yet I teach some of them everyday. They are in our building, in our neighborhoods, and in our daily crossings. They are truly the lost and forgotten.

At lunch today Derek said you expect these kids to do what is right, but they have no positive role model outside of you. You (we) cannot save them all. It is an overwhelming feeling- and yet if everyone just got involved with one- what a difference it would make. What an impact on a life- but that requires sacrifice on your part.

I know that God has served us a full plate- We have a house full of kids- and I am thankful for each one of them. However they came- that one day they will see the value in giving back. That they will not take the attitude "not my problem"-

One of my favorite Bible stories comes from Matthew 25: 42-45

I was hungry, and you gave me nothing to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me nothing to drink. I was alone and away from home, and you did not invite me into your house. I was without clothes, and you gave me nothing to wear. I was sick and in prison, and you did not care for me.' "Then those people will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or alone and away from home or without clothes or sick or in prison? When did we see these things and not help you?' "Then the King will answer, 'I tell you the truth, anything you refused to do for even the least of my people here, you refused to do for me.'

I just feel like we have such a purpose here- we are to treat those who are poor and desperate- not to turn and run and not be involved.

It was an eye opening week- and I wondered so much about those children that are left to poverty, poor parenting, and the emotional, physical, and verbal abuse that so often follows. The people that work in those fields- that just simply say "it's the way it is"- we are commanded to make that change- and yet do many times the right thing is not done.

In one of my favorite books, Francis Chan states, "God didn't just give a little bit for us; He gave his best. He gave Himself. True love requires sacrifice; "Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth."

A lot to think about as we head into the Fall and all the activities that go with it.

Praying for those children who are so neglected and unloved- that God will show them mercy and that those that know will act- and not just sit back and think "not my problem."

We do not want you to have troubles while other people are at ease, but we want everything to be equal. At this time you have plenty. What you have can help others who are in need. Then later, when they have plenty, they can help you when you are in need, and all will be equal.15 As it is written in the Scriptures, "The person who gathered more did not have too much, nor did the person who gathered less have too little.

2 Corinthians 8:13-15

And so it ends....

Tomorrow we head back to school! I can hardly believe it! We will have a Junior, a 7th grader, a 4th grader, and a Pre-K student!! That is 4 kids in 4 schools that all start at different times! So thankful that Jap is allowed to drive on campus this year!

It should be a great week- we are ready- the plans have been made!

All the kids are ready. I think Jackson is the most excited about going to school. Jap may be excited, but it has nothing to do with academics HA- maybe driving, sports, and the ability to leave campus for lunch!! Macey is ready to get in the swing of things- and Briley well, she would like summer to never end. I think she has asked me five times in the last hour what time she has to get up in the morning.

Our first week of dance, Friday night lights, and after school car pool starts MONDAY!!!

It seems like we have quite a few holidays this first semester. The thing about teaching is that we always seem to have markers, - Labor Day, Teacher Planning Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving, and then Christmas Holidays! - BAM half a year finished.

Time does not stand still, that is for sure!

Enjoy your week!

A few photos!

It's hot here... Really hot here, and the humidity is really crazy too- so while it may only be 102 it feels like 125~ and there is no escape from that heat! I think my AC has run non-stop since May and I have the JEA bill to prove it!! I thought we were going to get a little tropical storm to cool us off, but that didn't happen! They are predicting that this heat wave will continue for another few weeks, but I am hoping that the humidity will ease more than the heat!
Jackson has had a great summer- no problems with his asthma at all! I think his healthy lifestyle is helping out many of his asthma issues and his lung capacity!
We are through with basketball for the summer and I already miss it! It seems like it just flew by this year, and our week in Orlando was so fast!
We are gearing up for football- so that is exciting for Jap!
A great extension- but my camera was really suffering that day! had a light exposure issue!
Jackson playing at camp- sticks, outdoors, and lots of dirt! His kind of week!
Jap at his 7 on 7 -
Still #3 :-)
Strike a pose -
Briley at camp- crazy sock day! I love our summer sleep away camp! It is truly one of my favorite weeks!
Macey and Jackson playing :-)
Jackson playing on the web cam! It amazes me how smart on the computer he is- Really all kids are very computer savvy now!

We had a very productive week last week around here! This week we are just hanging out and enjoying my last week of summer. The kids still have 2 weeks, but we report back next Monday.

I was thinking this week- it seems we are either counting down, or counting up to some event- really going to try and just enjoy the moment! Going to try and focus on the day and not the week- just really get in the moment.

Until now you have asked Me for nothing in My name. Ask and you will receive, that your joy may be complete.

John 16:24

Clemson Tigers !

http://www.tigernet.com/view/recruit.do?id=1477

August 1, 2011

Only if you teach children's choir do you probably think in August that Christmas is really just a matter of teaching weeks away! It is amazing to think that we are starting August. We have been busy this summer and we really haven't been all that many places- and when we have been, it seems it has been for weeks at a time.

I have successfully completed taking Patrols to Washington and WHS Varsity and JV cheerleaders to Cheer Camp, 1 week of sleep away camp for church, and 1 week of AAU Showcase and Nationals in Orlando! It has been fun, but I am excited to spend the next two weeks close to home before we transition back into a new school year.

The kids are growing like crazy! Jap will be a Junior, Macey a 7th grader, Briley a 4th grader, and Jackson in Pre-K 4. Where has the time gone?

We will start the year with football and dance, and maybe soccer for Jackson. It's exciting and I am happy to be coaching this year. I have a great squad of girls and this can be such a crucial age for them at school.

Change is good and seems to be coming from all around- this year I am changing jobs to work with at-risk kids at the elementary level. I am excited- these are really the kids that I champion. For the most part they have just been left behind for various reasons- and within the year they will have the opportunity to shoot to success again. The program has been in our county for as long as I have been employed, and I was excited when our Principal decided to bring it to our school.

Jap has had some great coverage this summer with both basketball and football. He attended a small camp at Clemson and has been offered a full ride there and at Southern Miss. Others are coming in as well and it is such an exciting time for him. I am so proud that he has remained humble and that he talks to us about the choices that are being offered to him. I am also so glad that he will be able to drive to school this year! That will cut the carpool time way down, and he will be able to help with the littles.

Macey is officially taller than me now by 2 inches. She has been taller than me for awhile, but today at their yearly check-up it was confirmed. And I think she has told anyone that will listen that she is not only 2 inches taller than me, but that she hasn't even hit her growth spurt! She will be dancing again this year 4 nights a week, and maybe playing some volleyball.

Briley is tall too, and according to her growth chart will be taller than me too! That's really not saying a lot because as many of you know, I am in no means tall!!! It's hard to believe that she will be in the 4th grade. It seems like just yesterday she was starting school. She will continue dancing this year too, and we finally have all classes that start after 5:00!! Excited about that!!

Jackson is 4 ! He is a trip! I can't express how full of life he is and how curious he is about things. He loves to play and ask questions. He is learning to write his name, knows almost all of his letter sounds and can count to 15 perfectly- 20 when he is counting actual objects. He loves his dogs and his Dad. He can't wait until his Dad comes home from work, and he especially loves when his Dad comes and gets him and then takes him back to the office!

This summer we moved kids bedrooms around, landscaped the front and back yards, and cleaned out our attic! It is amazing how much we collect and never use! Why is that? Decluttering is good for the soul.

I also watched the first and second season of GLEE and I am addicted! What a great show! My sister and parents came down for a week- we are expecting our second grandchild (Lucy) and all is GOOD! We are moving along in 2011. We have experienced many good things and will continue to expect BLESSINGS from ABOVE!

June-

Hard to believe July 4th is right around the corner! We are going to celebrate this year in town! It will be the first year we have been in town in about 4 years! We are excited to hang out with friends and relax!!! No driving for us! We will certainly do some grilling! We have been busy working in our yard all summer. Jackson is such a great little gardener! He has had quite a few tomatoes this year already. We are going to move his garden from containers to the ground soon! Next year he wants to plant watermelon!

We are so fortunate to live by the beach! I think this is one of my kids favorite places!

This week is VBS at our church and we are having SO MUCH FUN!!! It is really one of my favorite things in the summer! It is great to see all the kids get excited about GOD! And by Wednesday they know their songs- they are having a blast!!

Next week I will be in DC with my Patrols. Love this trip!! Love DC :-) It's one of the places I would like to live if we didn't live here.

The wildfires here are awful! It has made outdoor fun a little light a few days already. The smoke is so thick! It is hard to breathe and the ash is just awful! I don't remember the fires being this bad since 1998- when a trip to the Gulf Coast proved to be very interesting! We are expecting rain - Thursday - Sunday so hopefully many of these fires will receive the water they need. It is just so dry here-

Summer is in full swing! No dance for a few more weeks, but lots of football, basketball, and cheer practice going on! All the kids have great books they are reading and I think we have all taken an afternoon nap everyday for a week. Can't figure out how we functioned without that nap!

Picture post soon!