School

I feel that God is working to grow me in many ways. My hubby approached me with wanting us to consider a new school. It is a school that does 2 days school and 3 days homeschool. It is a university model and a classical approach. I like all that I have read and I am enticed by the fact that lesson plans would be done for me for the most part. However, it is still so different from what we have done. I hate giving up time with my kids but with my part-time job I have given up some of that time anyway. I wish I didn't have to but I have to trust that God can lead my kids and me and that possibly it is for growth for us all.

Anyway, they have rules as far as who you are and your family being involved. They ask that only one parent work full time and the other only up to part time due to the homeschooling involved. They had us fill out a detailed application including our testimony. Then they gave us a family interview and tested the kids. The testing part about gave me a hernia. Why is it that we feel so exposed and vulnerable when someone else is evaluating our work our most precious children. I stressed needlessly because the kids did good. But regardless God showed me that He is the one I should be seeking as to whether I am doing what I need to, not the system. However, it was refreshing that they did well.

My kids both seem pretty excited especially my eldest. It is neat watching them relate to others and I am already praying for sweet God seeking friends.

Friends

We had some dear friends from our short time in south Texas come to visit us on Monday evening and it was a lot of fun to see them and visit as though we had never left. I love those times, just picking up where you've left off and enjoying the fellowship all over again.

Tonight my kids both have a friend staying over with them. It is a brother and sister similar ages to Noah and Faith. They have been wonderful. Faith has never done a sleep over other than with cousins. The boys have played ninentendo and pretend and the girls have played with pet shop and are now watching a movie. I have issues with letting my kids go to spend the night but watching them tonight with these sweet kids (at our house) has been a delight. I love listening to them play and talk. Interesting to hear what they come up with as far as stories and relating to each other.

Sweet friends!

New Job/ Chicken Pox

My job is turning out to be a joy. It is taking a little adjusting to a new position and learning curve but so far I really enjoy it. Fun to feel all professional.

My kids both were vaccinated for chicken pox but just two days ago I noticed spots. Yep, they got em. Poor kids, have to be locked here at home for a while. They are great sports though and we are trying to have fun in spite of it. It is a mild case and they seem to feel okay except for some itching. We keep em on itch free med.'s Anyway, pray that they heal quickly. Thanks.

My Boy's Birthday this month

I can't even believe my baby boy is in double digits!! We did some things different this year. Instead of a big friend party we did a family party and then just invited a couple of his friends to go to fun stuff one evening. He had a great time. He was elated with his gifts from friends and family and just seemed more grown up. I love that I can still pull him close and smooch those precious cheeks. His humor is keeping me laughing so much, reminds me of his fun Dad. ;)

My sweet son, you are such a joy and delight to us. We can't believe you are so much older and we celebrate each year we have with you. God has given you a wonderful heart of gold that wants to share God with others, as well as a mind of questions to seek out truth. You are a true treasure and we adore and love you!

Carrabba's goodbye

I didn't expect anything on my last night. I had seen many go before me and nothing was done. They suprised me at the end of the night with singing, cards, big cookies and flowers. It was really sweet and made me tear up. They also insisted that we do one more night at Denny's, it was a great goodbye....can't say I will miss the job but I will miss the people.

Director of Children's Ministry

I was stopped a while back while walking with my kids and a neighbor asked about hubby and I and our present jobs. She encouraged us to apply for the children's ministry position at her church even though the job opportunity wasn't official yet. She later came to our home to give us the chairman's number. She came by another day to get our number. We have been praying about our situation and what to do. I wondered if this was an answer.

To make a long story short, the chairman called to remind me about the date for resume's to be in and so I sent one. They chose me to come back for an interview...I was pretty nervous. I am used to going to these with my hubby not for me. It went pretty good and they wanted to bring me before the church if I was willing. I was.

The night they presented me they escorted our family out and it seemed like an eternity before they came back. Hubby and I both were thinking separately (while visiting with the lady who took us out) that I hadn't got the job. However, I did!! :) They just were discussing something else that had nothing to do with me. :) I am really excited! They gave us financially what we had decided we wanted. God really blessed!! I was able to quit Carrabba's and have started my new job. I have an office! cool! It is part time so it is also very flexible and so far I am very excited. Please pray for us in this ministry and church.

Praxis 2 School and Guidance counseling

I can't believe it! I took this in March and I actually passed it! PTL!

Happy Birthday to my little Butterfly!

I love your name because I feel it represents you
When you were young you found yourself struggling on
Trying to cope with things that were so huge
You were a little catipillar crawling through life
Trying to find the answers
As you grew you went into a cocoon
Struggling through darkness and feeling alone
But alone you were not though you didn't know
A Savior loved you a lot
You've had questions and sought answers
You've felt anger and fear
You have so much love to give
And to us you're so dear!
Now my heart jumps with joy
as I see you breaking through
Understanding through struggle and sorrow
You can grow and He will lead
Your eyes begin to see the light
And even though you don't know it yet
You truly are a beautiful butterfly
You will fly and you will soar
I love you beautiful butterfly
A dear friend you are!

Happy Birthday!

First Basketball Game

Our kids Love Upward basketball!! This past week was their first game of the season and they did great! Brother did awesome in defense and dribbling and even taking a shot that hit the rim. It was our Princess very first basketball game!! She did great listening to the coach, blocking, dribbling, and getting open for the ball!! She made a BASKET and scored points for the team!! It was a blast to watch and Meme and Poppa were there taking these lovely pics and video. I will try to get more out later of the game but these are pics of princess first B-ball game!

Brackets

This has been a year of teeth work. My little kiddos started out with expanders in the fall around October. Then they let us know Noah would need some brackets for this phase as well.
So, Monday we went in and in about 30 minutes he came out with his brackets. He is excited aobut them and the opportunity to change out colors each time he goes. :) My wittle kids are growing up! whaa.

May I have the pleasure of brushing your Hair?

This story touched me years ago when I heard her tell it. It touched me again today when My Dad sent it to me.



BETH MOORE AT THE AIRPORT
For those of you who don't know Beth Moore, she is an outstanding Bible teacher, writer of Bible studies, and is a married mother of two daughters. This is one of her experiences: April 20, 2005.
At the Airport in Knoxville waiting to board the plane, I had the Bible on my lap and was very intent upon what I was doing. I'd had a marvelous morning with the Lord. I say this because I want to tell you it is a scary thing to have the Spirit of God really working in you. You could end up doing some things you never would have done otherwise. Life in the Spirit can be dangerous for a thousand reasons not the least of which is your ego.

I tried to keep from staring, but he was such a strange sight. Humped over in a wheelchair, he was skin and bones, dressed in clothes that obviously fit when he was at least twenty pounds heavier. His knees protruded from his trousers, and his shoulders looked like the coat hanger was still in his shirt. His hands looked like tangled masses of veins and bones. The strangest part of him was his hair and nails. Stringy gray hair hung well over his shoulders and down part of his back. His fingernails were long, clean but strangely out of place on an old man. I looked down at my Bible as fast as I could, discomfort burning my face. As I tried to imagine what his story might have been, I found myself wondering if I'd just had a Howard Hughes sighting. Then, I remembered that he was dead. So this man in the airport...an impersonator maybe? Was a camera on us somewhere? There I sat, trying to concentrate on the Word to keep from being concerned about a thin slice of humanity served on a wheelchair only a few seats from me. All the while my heart was growing more and more overwhelmed with a feeling for him. Let's admit it. Curiosity is a heap more comfortable than true concern, and suddenly I was awash with aching emotion for this bizarre-looking old man.

I had walked with God long enough to see the handwriting on the wall. I've learned that when I begin to feel what God feels, something so contrary to my natural feelings, something dramatic is bound to happen. And it may be embarrassing. I immediately began to resist because I could feel God working on my spirit and I started arguing with God in my mind. "Oh, no, God, please, no." I looked up at the ceiling as if I could stare straight through it into heaven and said, "Don't make me witness to this man. Not right here and now. Please. I'll do anything. Put me on the same plane, but don't make me get up here and witness to this man in front of this gawking audience. Please, Lord!" There I sat in the blue vinyl chair begging His Highness, "Please don't make me witness to this man. Not now. I'll do it on the plane."

Then I heard it... "I don't want you to witness to him. I want you to brush his hair." The words were so clear, my heart leapt into my throat, and my thoughts spun like a top. Do I witness to the man or brush his hair? No-brainer. I looked straight back up at the ceiling and said, "God, as I live and breathe, I want you to know I am ready to witness to this man. I'm on this Lord. I'm you're girl! You've never seen a woman witness to a man faster in your life. What difference does it make if his hair is a mess if he is not redeemed? I am going to witness to this man."

Again as clearly as I've ever heard an audible word, God seemed to write this statement across the wall of my mind. "That is not what I said, Beth. I don't want you to witness to him. I want you to go brush his hair." I looked up at God and quipped, "I don't have a hairbrush. It's in my suitcase on the plane. How am I supposed to brush his hair without a hairbrush?" God was so insistent that I almost involuntarily began to walk toward him as these thoughts came to me from God's word: "I will thoroughly furnish you unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:17)

I stumbled over to the wheelchair thinking I could use one myself. Even as I retell this story my pulse quickens and I feel those same butterflies. I knelt down in front of the man and asked as demurely as possible, "Sir, May I have the pleasure of brushing your hair?" He looked back at me and said, "What did you say?" "May I have the pleasure of brushing your hair?" To which he responded in volume ten, "Little lady, if you expect me to hear you, you're going to have to talk louder than that." At this point, I took a deep breath and blurted out, "SIR, MAY I HAVE THE PLEASURE OF BRUSHING YOUR HAIR?" At which point every eye in the place darted right at me. I was the only thing in the room looking more peculiar than old Mr. Longlocks.

Face crimson and forehead breaking out in a sweat, I watched him look up at me with absolute shock on his face, and say, "If you really want to." Are you kidding? Of course I didn't want to. But God didn't seem interested in my personal preference right about then. He pressed on my heart until I could utter the words, "Yes, sir, I would be pleased. But I have one little problem. I don't have a hairbrush." "I have one in my bag," he responded. I went around to the back of that wheelchair, and I got on my hands and knees and unzipped the stranger's old carry-on, hardly believing what I was doing. I stood up and started brushing the old man's hair. It was perfectly clean, but it was tangled and matted. I don't do many things well, but must admit I've had notable experience untangling knotted hair mothering two little girls. Like I'd done with either Amanda or Melissa in such a condition, I began brushing at the very bottom of the strands, remembering to take my time not to pull. A miraculous thing happened to me as I started brushing that old man's hair. Everybody else in the room disappeared. There was no one alive for those moments except that old man and me. I brushed and I brushed and I brushed until every tangle was out of that hair. I know this sounds so strange, but I've never felt that kind of love for another soul in my entire life. I believe with all my heart, I - for that few minutes - felt a portion of the very love of God. That He had overtaken my heart for a little while like someone renting a room and making Himself at home for a short while. The emotions were so strong and so pure that I knew they had to be God's.

His hair was finally as soft and smooth as an infant's. I slipped the brush back in the bag, went around the chair to face him. I got back down on my knees, put my hands on his knees, and said, "Sir, do you know my Jesus?" He said, "Yes, I do." Well, that figures, I thought. He explained, "I've known Him since I married my bride. She wouldn't marry me until I got to know the Savior." He said, "You see, the problem is, I haven't seen my bride in months. I've had open-heart surgery, and she's been too ill to come see me. I was sitting here thinking to myself, what a mess I must be for my bride." Only God knows how often He allows us to be part of a divine moment when we're completely unaware of the significance. This, on the other hand, was one of those rare encounters when I knew God had intervened in details only He could have known. It was a God moment, and I'll never forget it. Our time came to board, and we were not on the same plane. I was deeply ashamed of how I'd acted earlier and would have been so proud to have accompanied him on that aircraft. I still had a few minutes, and as I gathered my things to board, the airline hostess returned from the corridor, tears streaming down her cheeks. She said, "That old man's sitting on the plane, sobbing. Why did you do that? What made you do that?" I said, "Do you know Jesus? He can be the bossiest thing!" And we got to share.

I learned something about God that day. He knows if you're exhausted because you're hungry, you're serving in the wrong place or it is time to move on, but you feel too responsible to budge. He knows if you're hurting or feeling rejected. He knows if you're sick or drowning under a wave of temptation. Or He knows if you just need your hair brushed. He sees you as an individual. Tell Him your need!

I got on my own flight, sobs choking my throat, wondering how many opportunities just like that one had I missed along the way...all because I didn't want people to think I was strange. God didn't send me to that old man. He sent that old man to me.
John 1:14 "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." Life shouldn't be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather, to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly shouting, "Wow! What a ride! Thank You, Lord!"

Happy Birthday Brother/Joyful journey! Friends visit

I am belated by accident having planned my words but not publishing them at the right time.

My precious brother was born years later almost on my(and sister) birthday. He has been the one we loved on, smooched on, ruled over, talked with, laughed with and just enjoyed. He can tell stories that have me laughing so hard I cry. He is a strong leader and I have always wished I had his ability to lead and not look back yet he also has a very compassionate heart! As we get older I see more of his sweetness as he dotes on the nieces and nephews and is easy going like my Dad. One of my funny childhood memories are when my brother would spy on me and my date, or come in to get attention with a paper sack on his head and sit between me and friends or when he would ask for ice cream money only to later discover his stash of money in the drawer. He has always been a smart and funny little guy! Happy Birthday Brother! I love you!

My sweet friend Joyful journey has been in my life for many years. We have many memories that we share. She is one that is always interested in what others have to say and she had great input to give. She is loveable, easy going, and just down right sweet! One of my fondest memories with she and her hubby are when they went with us on a youth trip. It was an adventure with many interesting youth issues and singing and driving (wrecking) etc. I also loved our early morning walks and talks and sharing a duplex! I have always enjoyed and will always enjoy her friendship and am so happy we have re-connected in blog world! I look forward to a screamy reunion in person some day in the near future. Happy birthday my sweet friend!

I also forgot to mention that last week the day before my b-day a dear friend that shared the birth of my kids with me came to visit with her family. It was just like home week. I ran to hug her and we were screaming with joy over seeing each other! The kids looked at us like we were crazy. We haven't seen each other in 3 years but it feels like yesterday. I'm sure for kids it is hard to understand our special bond since we are not around each other right now but it is just like picking up where you take off. It really felt like fresh water renourishing you. What a treat!

Again, just sooo thankful for the priceless blessing in my life!

Thankful

I hope that you all had a good thanksgiving! We had a wonderful time at my husband's family. We drove up on Thanksgiving morning and helped with food, visited family, watched the kids play, play games etc. It was a lovely day. That evening we hit the beds pretty early because we were all tired and getting ready for morning shopping on Friday. My sister in law and I met in the hall at 4:15am...yes, you read it right. It is always so exciting to get up and do that. She had her eyes on a t.v. only so we took separate cars. I chatted with my sister and mom throughout the morning of shopping and that was fun and felt like we were still together in the process.

Hubby was given a ticket to the game and he was thrilled! So he and much of the family headed out. My sister in law and I stayed behind with kids. The kids explored the woods, played on hay in the barn, shot bb guns and the boys got to go hunting early in the morning with the men. Hubby and son saw a doe but didn't shoot. They had fun watching her.

Anyway, after the group left for the game and the kids headed to barn with walkie talkie, we got to visit with Memaw R. After she left my sister-n-law layed down for a nap with her girls. I wrapped the presents I had bought. When she got up we watched the end of the game and got to visit! It was great!

HUBBY GOT ON TV!! He landed himself right behind the reporter...we were shrilling with delight...the kids saw it too and it was so funny and fun!

We then fixed enchilada's for dinner and the crew all came home and we ate and relaxed together! Sat. morning we got up leisurely then headed home. Once home we decorated our tree and it is SO pretty!! I love looking at it. We put up decor in the house and then the kids decorated gingerbread houses! They did such a great job!!

Anyway, I am so thankful, for all this family time, for family period, for friends and blogworld! ;)

Yesterday we got together with friends for prayer time in the evening and it was sooooo refreshing!! I hope your holidays were good! Please fill me in!

Nov.21 Birthday Rap

Itttt's Our Birthday and we cannot lie
It didn't even take us by suprise
We're looking forward to a nice big break
We might even eat some yummy cake
Many years that it did begin
Being born with a great big grin
Being first has always been the best
Kicked me out so she could be the last
Sharing presents all throughout our life
Color coated so there is no strife
God's great blessing when life began
A forever perfect special friend

It's my birthday
It's her birthday
It's our birthday
BIRTHDAY!!

Sistor, You are the most special person God could have blessed me with to share so much of life! I love you and hope you have a tremendously wonderful day!! See a previous tribute to my sistor!! http://heartsjoy.blogspot.com/2006/03/sister-hood.html

Ever have one of those days?

Well, here I am writing what seems to be my monthly post. L We had a good weekend dressing up and having some yummy candy. I even dressed up at work as a puppy and you would have thought I actually turned into one. Let me tell you , it is a Very good idea to dress as an endearing animal because everyone just went on and on with the cuteness factor. I wish I could dress up every day! L

Okay, so back to my title, have you ever just had one of those days where you are just irritable and emotional and no reason why? Yes, I was having one of those yesterday. I was overwhelmed by the home, what I need to do and relating to my precious kids. (and no, not that time either....wish I could say it was.)

So, I was thinking why am I being so much this way? My life is good, I have had a fun weekend, nothing is really bad except for not keeping up. So, I did what any girl would do, I sent my kids on an outdoor hike with walkie talkies in hand and called to chat with my best girlfriend (my sister). It was just what the doctor ordered.

Can I just say that after I had some quiet time with them having fun and me doing some planning and strategizing with sister I felt 100% better. Oh yes, and after reading the e-mail that my parents are offering to keep my kids so I can get a date night with hubby....whoopie!!

So, I was just wondering if other Mommy's out there in blog land were having some of those days. Let me know what you do to snap out of it! ;)

Must Admit/Encouragement to you

My blog has been my home page and I must admit that I was sick of the same ole pics, music and entry so I am sure the rest of you are! I finally did some changes, yipee! Wish I knew how to change the color without messing everything else up.We have had a lot going on the last few weeks. We got to take a trip to see hubby's family and grandparents and that was fun. This past weekend we had a birthday party for our little girl. I will try to put more info and maybe some pics on her birthday.

I have realized by being out more how little affirmation a stay at home Mom or homeschooled Mom gets. In fact, instead of affirmation we get criticism. I was thinking how funny or not funny that is because actually investing in our kids is SO important! When we work out of the home there is affirmation in the job or the adult interaction or status but when a woman wants to be at home so many times it is looked down upon. Even among women/moms at home there is the competition factor so many times instead of the encouragement factor.

So, for all of you stay at home ladies I want to encourage you! You are a doing a great thing! Even though you fail as we all do, (and as I believe God knew), we are learning so much through Him. You LOVE your kids, have put them first and sacrificed a lot for them! You feel disheveled, alone at times and unappreciated, however, you are investing in the future of your future generations! You are highly important and beautiful! God made you to lead in this venture because He knew he could work through you to make something beautiful! One of my favorite verses is Eccl. 3:11a "He makes all things beautiful in His time.." This journey is a process, not to be rushed but enjoyed and invested in. You have chosen to do that and you are adored and loved! Thank you for having conversations about imaginations and pottery, playdough, colors and bears. Thank you for learning how to organize the home and meet the needs of so many others. Thank you for the loads and loads of laundry that you eventually get to. Thank you for the food you make three times every day. Thank you for the loving heart that overwhelms you moments of the day and discourages you. Thank you that although you fail you persevere and move forward! Thank you for being that Mom that takes criticism and gets critiqued but doesn't stop. You are running the race and keeping your eyes fixed on Him when you look up! You are learning the most valuable lesson of all, ONLY by His grace can this be made complete! Thank you for the daily training, encouraging, listening, loving and work that you do! I can't help but believe as our Lord looks at and walks through with us in the investment, failure, struggles and victories that He is smiling down upon you! Well Done good and faithful servant! ;)

New horizons

I thought I would share a bit about new situations and things I am seeing God at work in.

B - young girl with really no family support, opening up to me like a sister or mother for no reason, feeling God is allowing me to get to know her.
N - has fiance and baby on the way and so young, opened up to me out of the blue while I was doing what I hate (polishing silverware). I have to admit both big talks came while doing that.
L - gorgeous hispanic young lady with 9 month old boy....soooo sweet, asking me what day I am off, I think she wants to get together. I would love to get to know her more!
T - single businessman who went through a lot already seems like a brother to me.
F - husband and father working two jobs
E - husband and father working two jobs chats with me about son
I had asked God in the beginning why I had to do all that silverware and I think I am seeing a purpose now...if it weren't for that and my back chores I would be out ASAP but it holds me and creates these moments for relationship.

A - came strong to me at first but realized I backed off. Later asked me what religion was I? ...christian

Cooks, hostesses, servers, managers, bartenders - creating relationships with them and having moments of talk time and questions about my life and thoughts as well.

I also have been blessed with words and notes of affirmation, I must admit it feels good.

Concerns/challenges - I have had instances where I am being friendly and then somewhere it turns and I begin to feel uncomfortable with the direction(males). I would ask for prayer in discernment on being friendly but not where they are thinking anything. One example, I was even Asked for a hug and a kiss, I quickly piped..."I'm a married woman!" He replied, "I'm not asking for a date!" I just laughed and walked off. (Quickly YIKES!) You know it just makes men look desparate and gross when they take it to a level like that, knowing I'm madly in love with my hubby and kids. I know I am a little naive in this area and don't want to be.

Listening to the language is also a little hard because I hear a lot and I don't want to have it in my head. I know many people don't have issues with this but I do, it pulls me down.

Well, that's it for updates of praise and challenges as far as the out of the home work goes. I have plenty more where that came from! :) hee hee. Thank you so much for your prayers. I pray before I go to work for the situations and the people etc because I am scared. God is truly the strength and anything good that comes is obviously Him!

P.S. Last night I was off and had date night with my man! That was so great!!

Awwww!

I have noticed since I started working part time out of the home that I cherish even more the time I am in the home with hubby and kids. I miss them. However, the job is going good and feeling like the Lord is really helping me get a flow with it and just with the whole schedule. Thank you for your prayers!

Anyway, I was with my kids today swimming. We were doing races across the pool, pony rides, spins, hand stands etc. I have done that the last few days with them because the pool is about to close. I have so enjoyed our time there as well as Bible and table time! They are such amazing blessings!

My mom commented on how my son is seeming older. I have been emotional about that lately anyway (well about everything really because it is probably that...well, ladies you know) and last night while driving I was listening to Dobson talk about boys having to distance themselves from their moms (teenage years). This is so hard for me to think about. I love my kids and can't stand the thought of ever being distant from them. However, I can see even in the last couple of years how that has happened a little but still lots of closeness. I get teared up anytime I think of it. Also, a man spoke a few weeks ago about missing hearing his kids call "Daddy" . My husband eyeballed me and chuckled cause he knew I was crying .Okay, am I making you cry yet? I haven't even gotten to the good stuff yet!

So, last night my daughter fell asleep and hubby was already in bed and my son said "Mom, can we just cuddle and talk?" (like I'm saying no to that request on my night off!). So, we cuddle up and he just begins asking questions and we have such great talk! He asks me what I think he would be good at....everything! He wants specific ideas. He then says to me (on a different thought), Mom, I am thinking that I ought to memorize the whole Bible so if I went to a country that didn't have one I could tell them about God. (tears coming and smile beaming...could it get any better?) We chatted about many things eye ball to eye ball and it was one of those very special moments. He asked me, "Mom, do you think you will always love me?" Yes honey!...I will forever love you!! (he beamed with wide smile) We talked about how boys go through different stages growing up. He later said "Mommy I hope we are always close!" WHHHHaaaaaa, bwaaaaa....mee tooo baby! Can I get that in writing? And he closed with "I love you mommy!" in his sweet 9 year old voice. I love you too sweetie!!!! Okay, I'm crying again...did I mention that I have been a tad bit emotional lately. L

My baby girl has also been so cuddly lately and I love it. She still likes to pretend to be a baby and she is really funny. The other day we were reading about Abraham and Sarah and when she died. They decided to act it out and it was so funny. I know that sounds weird but they were what made it funny. Her standing up and then flopping on the couch when I got to the dead part. She was just telling me the other day that she wanted to do more cooking and sewing in productive play time. Yesterday I decided to fix eggs and pancakes and she went to get started. It was so cute. I would just tell her what to do and she did great. I stepped out of the room for a minute and came back and she was almost in tears. I asked what was wrong and she pointed...cracked egg on floor...told her not to worry, it happens to all of us. She didn't want to do the stirring or stuff by the stove cause it scarred her that she would get burned. We finally got a stool to lift her higher and she felt more safe but I was there close helping. It was fun. She also has wanted me to sit and just hold her. I LOVE that! Lots of smooches to those little cheeks.

Well, I have much more to write about but need to stop. Thanks for letting me share my heart about my little treasures. Hope you are having a great week! Hold those you love a little closer!
BTW, you guys are amazing encouragers! I have been so encouraged by your sweet comments! You're the best!

Survived Server Boot Camp

Well last week was the beginning of my new job. I had to study like a lunatic and work like crazy. My days started around 6am studying then going in to work around 12 or 1 and ended around 11:30-midnight. Usually not having any breaks or eating in between while at work until the end of the night. I had some not so good trainers and then some that were out of this world. My kids were visiting cousins for the week so they were having fun and I didn't have to worry with their adjustment or well-being just yet. THANK YOU SISTER (Literature lover)!!!!

They told us before we took the test that only 1 in 100 passed it the first time. I was so nervous but knew I had done all I could to know it. I PASSED 1st time!!! :) Thank you so much for your prayers. It really got me through the week. In the middle of the week due to emotional and physical exhaustion I was about ready to throw in the towell but that night was one of my most fun. Last night was the first night on the floor on my own. It went really good! Again thanks for the prayer support!! I have my kids back Yea! and we had school and fun during the day and then my hours were much shorter for my real shift so all in all it felt so good to come together. I still covet your prayers for the coming weeks and months but thanks so much for all the encouragement!

New Job/New language

For those who don't know, long story short, I am starting a new job part time. I am going to be a server at a nice italian restuarant. I have gone through many emotions but am not almost looking forward to it now. I have to go through training and tests so I am not so looking forward to that part. Which brings me to my news, learning a new language. I have to memorize the menu and the ingredients in the menu items.....Ack. Can someone say not good memory due to hypothyroid..yes, but I have so many prayers going up on my behalf and you know what? I am almost done with the appetizers and I just got the book last night!! Yippe! Still have MUCH to go, however, I see that it can be done.

So, my question, why do words look so different than how they actually say them? I have to see the phonetic spelling to get it right but have to know how to say it. Like Bruschette....broo ske ta or Cozze .... Kot ze where did that t sound come from. Okay, I know you don't care but I'm just saying. While I am studying I might as well learn more than just the names. ;) Getting hungry yet? How about some Mozzerella Marinara or Bruschette of the day or Calamari? All right, I'll stop.