I laughing right now - all of it is directed at me. I do this EVERY year, write a post about my goals and plans for the coming year. Only to look back on it and either realize that I was being completely unrealistic, OR am a complete failure. That is the thing about lists or goals - you either pass or fail - because we all know that if I did accomplish a few of them but not ALL of them it is still failure. In my eyes anyways.
Why do I want to live like that? I HAVE NO IDEA!!!! But goals are essential for success - I'm just not that good at attaining them. And so this year's goal is to simplify. Simplify everything. I will continue to do what is necessary for the needs of my family but my lists will get shorter, my expectations of myself will get shorter and I will choose to not feel defeated if I fail in my attempts.
Looking back, 2013 was a great year! A year of changes, a year of contentment for us. Many fond memories were made, and many good things happened. I am extremely grateful for the blessings.
2014 is a mystery to us. An adventure waiting to begin - and I get to begin this new adventure tomorrow. So many gifts are waiting for us in the new year. I get to welcome a new niece and am so excited to kiss her sweet face! I will participate in a work and witness trip to Africa in February and look forward to seeing what God has planned for the lives of his people. Rhett will start kindergarten, Addie will start 4th grade. We are planning on selling our house and either building or buying in the South Nampa area. I hope to return to work and teach kids. The horizon looks promising and I'm so excited to be who I am and where I am.
Bring it 2014 - I am ready for the adventure!
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Rhett's favorites 2013
Favorite Phrase or words: “Ahh, nuts”
Favorite Food: Cheese Pizza
Favorite snack: apple slices, fruit snacks
Favorite candy: lollipops
Favorite movie: Frozen
Favorite TV Show: Scooby Doo, Garfield
Favorite book: Dragons Love Tacos
Favorite game: Skylanders Swapforce
Favorite toy: domino rally
Daily Activity: Rhett is in preschool two days a week for the first part of the day. When he’s at home he likes to watch movies, play the Wii, play with his legos or play on the kindle
Favorite Restaurant: Chapalas
Favorite activity with mom: Color
Favorite activity with dad: Play Skylanders
Favorite activity with Addie: Play house
Chores: keeping his room clean, helping fold laundry, help with Solomon
Friends: Chade, Sawyer, Owen, Eliott, Libby, Emma, Claire, Truett, Zack, Ledger, Kennedy, Kate, Aaron
Nicknames: Bruiser Boy, Rhettster, Rhett Man, Bubbies
Birthday: We were in Disneyworld for his birthday this year. We enjoyed a fun vacation and then when we came home he wanted a skylanders birthday party. I made the cake and we had the family over to celebrate.
Favorite Place: Disneyworld
Favorite thing to do outside: Play in the snow, Jump on the trampoline, swing
Favorite color: blue
Favorite Christmas present: Skylanders Swapforce
Favorite Advent activity: indoor Nerf war
Other moments:
*
* Rhett did better in swimming lessons this year. He was a bit more brave and graduated to a bigger class.
* We spent a lot of time at the cabin. He had fun throwing stuff in the river, trying to shoot the BB gun, playing in the mud and in the river, venturing down to beaver beach and roasting marshmellows around the campfire.
* He began preschool this year. He goes on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9-12pm. He goes to Messiah Lutheran preschool and he seems to enjoy it. Libby and Emma are in his class so he has a few friends. He is a fast learner and can already write his name, knows all the letters and their sounds and colors in the lines better than most. We just need to work on his “classroom” behavior skills and he will be all ready for kindergarten.
* He enjoyed our family trip to Disneyworld and was brave enough to go on most rides. His favorite was Space Mountain. We conned him into going on Tower of Terror and from then on he was scared of most everything – whoops! He LOVED Disneyworld and was able to fight Darth Vader as a Jedi.
* He recited the Christmas story again this Christmas at the Christmas Eve Service and did sooo good! He said every word, without messing up and his voice was crisp and clear. We were so proud of him.
* Rhett is such a sweet kid! He is hardly ever still, unless he is really tired, sick or playing on the kindle. He is a very active boy and we were excited to learn that he could play Upwards basketball this year. I think he’ll have a lot of fun! He does NOT like to hurt people’s feelings and is always giving me hugs and telling me he loves me. He is NOT shy and will talk to anyone, anytime, anywhere. His dad and I don’t know where he gets that from – it’s not us! We are both introverts. He is mostly compliant and hardly ever argues or gets angry. We are so fortunate for that! I’m so happy to be able to be his mom. I look forward to the many fun moments we will have in 2014!!!
Addie's favorites 2013
Favorite Phrase or words: "literally", “Rhett, STOOOOOP”
Favorite Food: broccoli cheese soup
Favorite snack: orange creamsicles
Favorite candy: kit kat
Favorite movie: Frozen
Favorite TV Show: Mighty Men, Kickin It
Favorite book: Whatever After series
Favorite game: Clue
Favorite toy: Barbies
Daily Activity: She’s in 3rd grade and loving it. When she isn’t in school she is drawing, reading, doing crafty things, watching movies or playing dress up with her American Girl or Barbies.
Mommy and Daddy love it when you: clean your room without being asked, are kind to your brother, giggle, draw us pictures
Favorite Restaurant: Olive Garden
Favorite activity with mom: crafts
Favorite activity with dad: basketball
Favorite activity with Rhett: play games
Chores: keeping her room clean, taking care of Solomon, helping with the dishes
Friends: Kenna, Brenna, Mauryn, Josie, Kinzy, Cinthia, Irma, Ramie, Ava, Charlize, Melina, Kate, Mia, Keylee, Hannah, Kendall, Tiffany, Emma
Nicknames: Addie Gracie, Addie Grace Face, Punkin Pants, Sunshine Girl, drama
Birthday: She decided to have a snowman party. She had 12 friends over and they made sock snowman, ate snowman cupcakes and drank melted snowman (water). They had a lot of fun!
Favorite Place: The mall
Favorite thing to do outside: play in the snow, jump on the trampoline
Favorite color: neon yellow, neon pink
Favorite Christmas present: Princess lalaloopsy doll
Favorite Advent activity: Getting a Christmas tree and decorating it
Prefers to wear: She wears pretty much anything, but prefers skinny jeans, cute shirts and her crocheted beanie.
Other moments:
* played her second year in Upwards basketball and really enjoyed it. She was the tallest on her team and made a lot of baskets.
* She also had swimming lessons again and did very well. Was not afraid to jump off at all – and is learning proper swimming technique.
* We discovered that she has a God given talent for shooting things. While we were at the cabin she was the best shot with a BB gun. Shooting many pop cans off of the target. Who knew?
* We enjoyed cabin trips
* I was able to go with her to Genesis camp this year. It was a circus theme.
* She began 3rd grade this year – Her teacher is Ms. Perry and she really enjoys her. She still gets into trouble from not focusing but she gets good grades and we are very proud of her.
* We took a trip to Disneyworld with Jesse, Jeni and the kids and it was a highlight of our year. It was so much fun to have the kids at this age. The weather was a lot cooler and the crowds were a bit lighter but we’ve come to realize that Disney is always busy. We had a lot of fun!
* She was a hippie rock star for Halloween with a bunch of her friends.
* She really likes to take her headphones and listen to her music on my ipone or ipod.
* She enjoys reading and sometimes I will find her somewhere in the house reading.
* She is such a ray of sunshine. She can be a bit dramatic and unappreciative at times but for the most part she likes to please others. She loves her brother and gets him to do pretty much whatever she wants – she is very manipulative. They argue quite often but their love for each other is intense and it makes this mama’s heart glad. She LOVES to give gifts and will make them constantly. Much to my surprise she was actually asking for Barbie’s, and dolls this Christmas and I happily obliged. Christmas was fun this year with her!! I’m so proud to be her mom – and look forward to the many fun moments that we will get together in 2014.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
The first time!
Today was the first time I left my oldest at school and then went home. And she is not just down the street but 15 miles away in Melba. It was a strange feeling dropping her off this morning, dressed as a common mom and not as a teacher. I observed the excitement of the first day of school from a different perspective and it was something I wasn't used to. I was able to see Addie's friends running up to her and many hugs exchanged. She was SOOO excited for school - and now I know why. Her friends are a huge blessing.
To my surprise I wasn't too sad or full of regret - I was at peace. I still heard shouts of "Mrs. Franklin" as I walked across the playground and was bombarded by former students waiting for hugs and eager chats about their summers. This I love and was so thankful for. I needed that!
So - my baby girl is a third grader - what? I am so proud of who she is and am excited to hear and see the many blessings she will get to experience this year in third grade. She has grown up so much this summer and her attitude about school has surprised me.
You see - in May she was distraught over the fact that mommy wasn't going to be teaching at her school this year. (I plan to take a year off to be with my son before he starts school.) So - I tried to comfort her in any way possible and was able to console her a little with the realization that she would be in Mrs. Spatz' class with all of her friends. She immediately decided that she would be ok. The summer came and went and last week I came to understand that Addison was moved to a different classroom. Ahhhh..... I was extremely nervous - knowing that Addie may not be emotionally "ok" with this change and tried my best to change her situation. After much prayer and discussion with the principal I was able to move her to another friend's classroom - one that I was also very comfortable with and one who I know will be great for Addie. I felt at peace about it - the funny thing is that when I told Addison about the change I expected many tears but instead she was quite calm and said, "well mom, I'm sure I will have some friends in that class too". And sure enough - as she went through the class lists she was able to find a few friends in her "new" class. She was a bit sad but not what I expected - and I realized that I was more distraught over it than she was - and it was due to the reaction that I THOUGHT she was going to have. WHAT A RELIEF!!!!!!!!!!
I was able to spend some mommy/daughter time with her last night before bed. We prayed for a great year, talked about her friends and I told her how proud I was of her. I wrote her a letter and read it to her - I had found it on pinterest but I changed it quite a bit to fit our situation. I didn't get through it without crying - and she listened with great intent, knowing exactly what I meant by the words I had written to her. She is so wise!!!! Here is the letter I wrote to her -
(Disclaimer - I changed the name of the girl I was talking about - the "real" girl had a different name)
Dear Addison,
To my surprise I wasn't too sad or full of regret - I was at peace. I still heard shouts of "Mrs. Franklin" as I walked across the playground and was bombarded by former students waiting for hugs and eager chats about their summers. This I love and was so thankful for. I needed that!
So - my baby girl is a third grader - what? I am so proud of who she is and am excited to hear and see the many blessings she will get to experience this year in third grade. She has grown up so much this summer and her attitude about school has surprised me.
You see - in May she was distraught over the fact that mommy wasn't going to be teaching at her school this year. (I plan to take a year off to be with my son before he starts school.) So - I tried to comfort her in any way possible and was able to console her a little with the realization that she would be in Mrs. Spatz' class with all of her friends. She immediately decided that she would be ok. The summer came and went and last week I came to understand that Addison was moved to a different classroom. Ahhhh..... I was extremely nervous - knowing that Addie may not be emotionally "ok" with this change and tried my best to change her situation. After much prayer and discussion with the principal I was able to move her to another friend's classroom - one that I was also very comfortable with and one who I know will be great for Addie. I felt at peace about it - the funny thing is that when I told Addison about the change I expected many tears but instead she was quite calm and said, "well mom, I'm sure I will have some friends in that class too". And sure enough - as she went through the class lists she was able to find a few friends in her "new" class. She was a bit sad but not what I expected - and I realized that I was more distraught over it than she was - and it was due to the reaction that I THOUGHT she was going to have. WHAT A RELIEF!!!!!!!!!!
I was able to spend some mommy/daughter time with her last night before bed. We prayed for a great year, talked about her friends and I told her how proud I was of her. I wrote her a letter and read it to her - I had found it on pinterest but I changed it quite a bit to fit our situation. I didn't get through it without crying - and she listened with great intent, knowing exactly what I meant by the words I had written to her. She is so wise!!!! Here is the letter I wrote to her -
(Disclaimer - I changed the name of the girl I was talking about - the "real" girl had a different name)
Dear Addison,
Hey Sunshine Girl.
Tomorrow is a big day. Third Grade – wow!
Addison – When I was in third grade, there was a little girl
in my class named Amber.
Amber looked a little different and she wore funny clothes
and sometimes he even smelled a little bit. Amber didn’t smile. She hung her
head low and she never looked at anyone at all. Amber never did her homework. I
don’t think her parents reminded her like yours do. The other kids teased Amber
a lot. Whenever they did, her head hung lower and lower and lower. I never
teased her, but I never told the other kids to stop, either.
And I never talked to Amber, not once. I never invited her
to sit next to me at lunch, or to play with me at recess. Instead, she sat and
played by herself. She must have been very lonely.
I still think about Amber sometimes. I wonder if Amber
remembers me? Probably not. I bet if I’d
asked her to play, just once, she’d still remember me.
I think that God puts people in our lives as gifts to us.
The children in your class this year, they are some of God’s gifts to you.
So please treat each one like a gift from God. Every single one!
Pumpkin pants, if you see a child being left out, or hurt,
or teased, a part of your heart will hurt a little. Your daddy and I want you
to trust that heart- ache. Your whole life, we want you to notice and trust
your heart-ache. That heart ache is called compassion, and it is God’s signal
to you to do something. It is God saying, Addison! Wake up! One of my babies is
hurting! Do something to help! Whenever you feel compassion – be thrilled! It
means God is speaking to you, and that is magic. It means He trusts you and
needs you.
Sometimes the magic of compassion will make you step into
the middle of a bad situation right away.
Compassion might lead you to tell a teaser to stop it and
then ask the teased kid to play. You might invite a left-out kid to sit next to
you at lunch. You might choose a kid for your team first who usually gets
chosen last. These things will be hard to do, but you can do hard things.
Sometimes you will feel compassion but you won’t step in
right away. That’s okay, too. You might choose instead to tell your teacher and
then tell us. We are on your team – we are on your whole class’s team. Asking
for help for someone who is hurting is not tattling, it is doing the right
thing. If someone in your class needs help, please tell me. We will make a plan
to help together.
When God speaks to you by making your heart hurt for
another, by giving you compassion, just do something. Please do not ignore God
whispering to you. I so wish I had not ignored God when He spoke to me about
Amber. I remember Him trying, I remember feeling compassion, but I chose fear
over compassion. I wish I hadn’t. Amber could have used a friend and I could
have, too.
Addison – We do not care if you are the smartest or fastest
or coolest or funniest. There will be lots of contests at school, and we don’t
care if you win a single one of them. We don’t care if you get straight As. We
don’t care if the boys think you’re cute or whether you’re picked first or last
for kickball at recess. We don’t care if you are your teacher’s favorite or
not. We don’t care if you have the best clothes or most pet shop toys or coolest
hair. We just don’t care.
We don’t send you to school to become the best at anything
at all. We already love you as much as we possibly could. You do not have to
earn our love or pride and you can’t lose it. That’s done.
We send you to school to practice being brave and kind.
Kind people are brave people. Brave is not a feeling that
you should wait for. It is a decision. It is a decision that compassion is more
important than fear, than fitting in, than following the crowd.
Trust me, honey, it is. It is more important.
Don’t try to be the best this year, honey.
Just be grateful and kind and brave.
Take care of those classmates of yours, and your teacher,
too. You Belong to Each Other. You are one lucky girl . . . with all of these
new gifts to unwrap this year.
I love you so much that my heart might explode.
Enjoy and cherish your gifts.
And thank you for being my favorite gift of all time.
Love,
Mommy
I think I will make a habit of writing to my children before each school year. Reminding them of how proud we are of them and of how to treat others with kindness.
I'm excited for this year off with Rhett. I'm excited to see Addie through another school year from a different perspective. I'm excited to be her art mom and volunteer in her classroom. Cheers to the school year 2013-2014!!!! May it be a year of many blessings!!!
And I am off to get Addie a school journal. I am going to have her keep track of a few things for each school day. I am going to have her write: (1) a God sighting or blessing (2) one way she was kind (3) something that bothered her (4) any prayer requests for herself or for others (5) anything else she wants to write about her day.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Where tragedies abound! It is Well!
Sometimes - I find that life is pretty good, everything is as it should be. Then comes a period of intense fear, worry, wondering and grief. It comes during times of tragedy and it seems as if the phrase "when it rains it pours" holds a lot of truth. Luckily, nothing has affected my immediate family or me personally but my emotions can't help but be affected by the grief of others. The past few weeks on facebook, in the media and through word of mouth I've seen and heard a lot of heartache. And with it came another cloud over my reality.
The reality that I am mortal, liable to perish. And with that realization comes the intense awareness of small aches, pains, abnormalities that cause me to worry that my health may be in drastic danger. It sounds silly as I write it -but in my mind and my thoughts it is anything but. When the world around me is in mourning, I tend to think that my family or myself is next. Why should we be spared heartache and grief when others far more worthy of blessings are crumbling under tragedy. Anyone else feel like this sometimes?
My fear and worrisome attitude usually begins slowly and then escalates over time. When my grandparents passed away a few years ago I remember feeling this way for awhile afterwards.
But this time . . .
I think it started in December with the gruesome fatality of an entire classroom of 1st graders at SandyHook Elementary. That hit way too close to home being a teacher myself. I - can't - even - imagine! And please note that I would put myself between my students and a crazed lunatic anytime and hopefully take that sucker out with my rapid, deadly ninja skills. (That is how it looks in my mind anyways when I imagine what would happen to any unfortunate soul entering my classroom looking to impose harm on my children) - not happening!
Then is was the Boston Marathon bombings. And with it the reality that there are still people in the world whose main goal in life is to destroy Americans. Yikes!
A local teenager stepping in front of a train and taking her own life.
The brutal murder of a solider in London by Muslim extremists in broad daylight earlier this summer.
The tornado that ripped through an elementary school, killing young children and teachers.
The news of three Grangeville teens killed in a car accident hit close to home. Grangeville is home to me and even though I don't know those teens - I know some of their families and the community and my heart breaks for them.
Jeremy's uncle was diagnosed with cancer and given a grim prognosis. However, due to the power of prayer the doctor's have reported that the cancer is contained and a plan put in place. Hope has been restored and for that we give praise.
Three unfortunate people beheaded in Syria by Muslim extremists, all chanting "Alla" and caught on camera with the lovely technology of the iphone. My memory will be forever burned with the children sitting front and center as their "hero's" decapitated three men. No, I didn't watch! I only saw the crowd, the three men and then I turned it off. And prayed!!!
Just last week 19 brave firefighter's were killed in a fire in Arizona. So tragic, so unfortunate. I grieve for those families.
Also last week we discovered that our neighbor's son committed suicide, leaving behind three small children.
And just in the past few days a small local 4 year old girl was gravely injured in a car accident.
So - when I hear of these things I worry. Fear creeps in and I succumb to the reality that we are mortal. And our world is evil.
OK - if you are still reading this (I don't blame you if you stopped - how depressing!) There is an end to this that is extremely encouraging and hopefully will cause you to sit back and relax a bit - it did for me anyways.
A few days ago my sister and I were discussing "Hymns" that we grew up singing. And how they are all but nonexistent in our churches right now, depending on which church you go to and what service you worship in. I was struck with the realization that I want my children to know and love these hymns like I do. Katie was telling me of the hymn "It is Well with my Soul" and the story behind it. This hymn has always held a special place in my heart and now I know why. It is my "go to" song when things get rough, when tragedy strikes, when we realize that we are so, so, so very small in the grand scheme of things, and when I realize that I have no control over what happens, or to whom!
This hymn now has new meaning to me, has given me a new perspective and has honestly healed me from this depth of fear that I crawled myself into. Thank you Jesus for a brave, Christian man named Horatio G. Spafford who had by all worldy rights to shake his fist at you and scream profanities. But instead, chose to praise and glorify you through it all. What a message! What a man! Here is his story . . .
Horatio G. Spafford was born on Oct. 20, 1828 in North Troy, New York. He grew up to be a successful lawyer in Chicago and was a devout Christian. In 1871 he lost his only son. That same year he had invested his money into some prime real estate along the Lake Michigan shoreline only to have it burned to the ground in a great fire. Two years after the fire Spafford planned a trip to Europe for him and his family. He had planned on traveling with his wife and four daughters but a last minute business transaction kept him in Chicago while his family went on ahead of him. His wife and daughters were traveling on the S.S. Ville Du Havre on November 22nd when it was struck by another ship and sank in minutes. His wife survived but his four daughters were lost at sea. Shortly after hearing the news of this tragedy Spafford left by ship to the place where his family's ship sank. As he passed the place where his daughter's drowned he wrote the hymn, "It is Well with my Soul".
What tragedy for one life. What heartache! I will forever remember this story when I sing this hymn and probably not be able to get through it without tears. Thank you Mr. Spafford for your inspiring words and the renewed strength they've given me. I just need to "let it be and rest in God's will" and boldy say, "It is Well with my Soul"
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blessed assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
But, Lord, 'tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul!
Again, I have written this post mostly for me. I understand that I have not personally gone through any of the tragedies described above. I'm not in "that" place. I am dealing with the spirit of fear, spurred on by these events. And this is how I cope - with writing it down.
The reality that I am mortal, liable to perish. And with that realization comes the intense awareness of small aches, pains, abnormalities that cause me to worry that my health may be in drastic danger. It sounds silly as I write it -but in my mind and my thoughts it is anything but. When the world around me is in mourning, I tend to think that my family or myself is next. Why should we be spared heartache and grief when others far more worthy of blessings are crumbling under tragedy. Anyone else feel like this sometimes?
My fear and worrisome attitude usually begins slowly and then escalates over time. When my grandparents passed away a few years ago I remember feeling this way for awhile afterwards.
But this time . . .
I think it started in December with the gruesome fatality of an entire classroom of 1st graders at SandyHook Elementary. That hit way too close to home being a teacher myself. I - can't - even - imagine! And please note that I would put myself between my students and a crazed lunatic anytime and hopefully take that sucker out with my rapid, deadly ninja skills. (That is how it looks in my mind anyways when I imagine what would happen to any unfortunate soul entering my classroom looking to impose harm on my children) - not happening!
Then is was the Boston Marathon bombings. And with it the reality that there are still people in the world whose main goal in life is to destroy Americans. Yikes!
A local teenager stepping in front of a train and taking her own life.
The brutal murder of a solider in London by Muslim extremists in broad daylight earlier this summer.
The tornado that ripped through an elementary school, killing young children and teachers.
The news of three Grangeville teens killed in a car accident hit close to home. Grangeville is home to me and even though I don't know those teens - I know some of their families and the community and my heart breaks for them.
Jeremy's uncle was diagnosed with cancer and given a grim prognosis. However, due to the power of prayer the doctor's have reported that the cancer is contained and a plan put in place. Hope has been restored and for that we give praise.
Three unfortunate people beheaded in Syria by Muslim extremists, all chanting "Alla" and caught on camera with the lovely technology of the iphone. My memory will be forever burned with the children sitting front and center as their "hero's" decapitated three men. No, I didn't watch! I only saw the crowd, the three men and then I turned it off. And prayed!!!
Just last week 19 brave firefighter's were killed in a fire in Arizona. So tragic, so unfortunate. I grieve for those families.
Also last week we discovered that our neighbor's son committed suicide, leaving behind three small children.
And just in the past few days a small local 4 year old girl was gravely injured in a car accident.
So - when I hear of these things I worry. Fear creeps in and I succumb to the reality that we are mortal. And our world is evil.
OK - if you are still reading this (I don't blame you if you stopped - how depressing!) There is an end to this that is extremely encouraging and hopefully will cause you to sit back and relax a bit - it did for me anyways.
A few days ago my sister and I were discussing "Hymns" that we grew up singing. And how they are all but nonexistent in our churches right now, depending on which church you go to and what service you worship in. I was struck with the realization that I want my children to know and love these hymns like I do. Katie was telling me of the hymn "It is Well with my Soul" and the story behind it. This hymn has always held a special place in my heart and now I know why. It is my "go to" song when things get rough, when tragedy strikes, when we realize that we are so, so, so very small in the grand scheme of things, and when I realize that I have no control over what happens, or to whom!
This hymn now has new meaning to me, has given me a new perspective and has honestly healed me from this depth of fear that I crawled myself into. Thank you Jesus for a brave, Christian man named Horatio G. Spafford who had by all worldy rights to shake his fist at you and scream profanities. But instead, chose to praise and glorify you through it all. What a message! What a man! Here is his story . . .
Horatio G. Spafford was born on Oct. 20, 1828 in North Troy, New York. He grew up to be a successful lawyer in Chicago and was a devout Christian. In 1871 he lost his only son. That same year he had invested his money into some prime real estate along the Lake Michigan shoreline only to have it burned to the ground in a great fire. Two years after the fire Spafford planned a trip to Europe for him and his family. He had planned on traveling with his wife and four daughters but a last minute business transaction kept him in Chicago while his family went on ahead of him. His wife and daughters were traveling on the S.S. Ville Du Havre on November 22nd when it was struck by another ship and sank in minutes. His wife survived but his four daughters were lost at sea. Shortly after hearing the news of this tragedy Spafford left by ship to the place where his family's ship sank. As he passed the place where his daughter's drowned he wrote the hymn, "It is Well with my Soul".
What tragedy for one life. What heartache! I will forever remember this story when I sing this hymn and probably not be able to get through it without tears. Thank you Mr. Spafford for your inspiring words and the renewed strength they've given me. I just need to "let it be and rest in God's will" and boldy say, "It is Well with my Soul"
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blessed assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
But, Lord, 'tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul!
Again, I have written this post mostly for me. I understand that I have not personally gone through any of the tragedies described above. I'm not in "that" place. I am dealing with the spirit of fear, spurred on by these events. And this is how I cope - with writing it down.
Monday, June 24, 2013
Lifestyle Changes
I've always loved food! As I'm sure you are all well aware - I don't exactly wear a size 0 (or actually care to) but I would enjoy becoming more healthy.
Diets SUCK!!!! I HATE them - I LOATHE them. I think my reason for my extreme diet hatred is the fact that I can never follow through with them, I starve on them, I feel deprived and consumed by them, they take up my time and my thoughts. They take too much effort in so many ways that I just can't do it. They become an idol that I do not want to worship. I start off good (for about three days) and then someone has to go and have a birthday, or an evening out with friends and the diet takes a back seat and I justify my gluttonous appetite to the fact that it's a celebration and I need to throw caution to the wind and eat whatever I darn well please. That and I don't want others' attention drawn towards me if I only order a leaf salad and a water. I HATE that kind of attention. And after that my diet officially dies - until Monday rolls around. I swear I've probably dieted for an entire year (but only if you count the Mondays) Cheers to those who can stick to a diet!!! You have no idea how I envy you. You are my hero in health.
SO - I've learned a few things about myself, my health and my over all well-being over the past few years. I'm not sure why it's just been the last few years. Maybe it's because I'm beginning to realize that I'm getting older. I know, I know, I'm only 34 years old but I'm beginning to feel that my body is slowly disintegrating.
I'm always making new years resolutions about my weight, pinning healthy recipes and exercise routines on pinterest, printing off helpful tips to stay on track (maybe for four days instead of three) and attempting to exercise when I can. (Preferably become one of those run 7 miles each morning, buff and skinny types - by the end of the week). - HA!
I feel like I'm turning a corner in my way of thinking. I DO need to become more healthy, not only for my own well-being but also for a positive example to my children. But no I'm not dieting, I'm not going on an all out exercise craze, I'm not signing up in advance to run a 5K. I've just made some lifestyle changes over the past year that I've just realized have probably made me healthier and it inspires me to make more changes and for that reason I'm excited.
So - in case you are interested, here are a few things that I've changed:
I used to hate oatmeal - but over the past few years I've learned to love it. For breakfast I will have oatmeal with a little bit of brown sugar and peaches. I think I'm eating dessert for breakfast. It's amazing!!!
I LOVE popcorn! And it is usually my go to snack after dinner when we sit down to entertain our brains in front of the television. And I know how Unhealthy popcorn can be so I've switched to making my own. It takes a little more time than microwave but I think it tastes so much better and I don't feel that buttery film on the roof of my mouth when I'm done. I make it on the stove in a pan set on med. heat and I melt 2 Tbsp. coconut oil in the pan, pour in the popcorn (enough to coat the bottom), put the lid on and wait. It doesn't take too long. You don't have to worry about moving it around or standing right there. It doesn't burn and when I hear the popcorn lifting the lid then I come ready with the popcorn bowl. I sprinkle the popcorn with Seasalt and enjoy. It's sooooo delicious - I think it tastes a bit like movie theatre popcorn because of the oil. But it's sooo much better for you.
Another favorite snack is cottage cheese with strawberries and almonds. I get 1/2 cup of cottage cheese, 1 cup strawberries (cut up) and 1/4 cup salted almonds. I sprinkle one splenda or stevia package over the top and enjoy. I LOVE it!!!!
I don't like lunch. Never have! And so in the summer I find myself eating breakfast late, snacking around 2pm and then waiting until dinner. One of my favorite "lunch" options is apple slices, with laughing cow swiss cheese and turkey. I spread the laughing cow cheese on an apple slice, wrap the slice in turkey and enjoy. Apple slices with natural peanut butter (freshly squeezed from Winco) is another one of my favorites - and my daughter's as well.
Frozen grapes - my whole family loves them.
Almonds - especially the new coconut ones (so yummy!)
Edimame - my kids will eat an entire bag of them.
Grilled Asparagus - Another family favorite. Rinse the asparagus, place tinfoil on grill, put asparagus on tinfoil, sprinkle with olive oil and seasalt and let cook on med heat. I usually turn them a few times. We like the tops crispy.
Another change I've made is switching from cow's milk to almond milk. I don't drink milk, never really have unless it's with a warm chocolate chip cookie and so it was easy to make this switch. I LOVE cereal and will often eat it for dinner and so almond milk is my cereal milk - and I can't even tell the difference anymore.
I've also switched some of my ingredients in recipes when I bake:
Crisco or Vegetable Oil - I use coconut oil (more expensive but better for you)
Sugar - sometimes I substitute honey
Butter - applesauce
Eggs - Egg whites (if the recipe calls for 2 eggs I use 4 egg whites)
I know there are a lot more substitutions that you can make for different ingredients but these are just a few that I consistently use when I bake.
I wrote this blog post not only to give you a few ideas on some healthy snack options and to encourage all of those non-dieters out there. But also to remind myself that I've made some permanent changes that are benefiting myself and my family. And I feel better now!
My mindset has also changed to encompass the never-ending cultural phenomenon of physical perfection as a fantasy never to be obtained. I will never be rescued from a tower guarded by a dragon, I will never be a competitor in a game of Quidditch at Hoggwarts, I will never sit with Bilbo Baggins in his hobbit house drinking tea and discussing Gandolph's fireworks display or fly through the sky on an Eagle and I will never be a size 2. As much as I WANT these things and WISH that they were real - I am fully aware that I am mortal and live in reality. Therefore I relinquish my desire for physical perfection for I know that it is a goal that is unattainable. I know that there will always be something about my physical appearance that I would like to change. Always!
Some of you are reading this and saying (what? she can be a size 2 if she really wants too. It's a goal that is definitely attainable. She just must not want to put forth the effort to attain that goal. She must just be like all of the other lazy Americans who make excuses for their obesity and do nothing to change it.) To those of you who might be thinking this - I'm laughing at you. Yes - Yes I am!!! You need to realize a few things about me before you say such things:
1. I'm a mom - therefore fully uncapable of spending hours at the gym, hours planning meals and hours preparing separate meals for me and my family.
2. I do not want to consume my time day in and day out with myself. Life is too short to spend it striving for perfection only to end up in a box in the ground anyway.
3. Thanks to my physical heritage (don't know if I should blame the Native Americans or the Dutch) my hips are incapable of fitting into a size 2. I don't even think my bones are a size 2, so YES a fantasy it is. And I'm cool with it - I don't really want to be a size 2 anyways. It looks good on others but on me I would probably look like a modern day holocaust victim. - No thanks!
And so - I will wrap this up. Sorry for the rambling - the on-topic, off-topic mumbles. Like I said this post is more for me than anyone else.
I plan on making more changes. I know that God desires for me to be healthy. I know that I don't want to make physical perfection a goal, but I also don't want to make food become and idol either. I need to find a balance. A balance between enjoying life and not ruining mine with what I choose to eat. I'm working on it - it's a process but one that I don't want to spend too much time on anymore. I know what is healthy and I just need to eat it more often.
One of the most important changes I'm making is a morning pep talk. A time to read the Bible, pray and be thankful. When my spirit is at peace and my mind is content then my decisions in everything that I do will be more of God's will than my own. I want to see myself as God sees me, and put my time and effort into eternal things.
Love this verse:
1 Peter 3:3-4 - "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."
Cheers to Lifestyle changes!!!
Diets SUCK!!!! I HATE them - I LOATHE them. I think my reason for my extreme diet hatred is the fact that I can never follow through with them, I starve on them, I feel deprived and consumed by them, they take up my time and my thoughts. They take too much effort in so many ways that I just can't do it. They become an idol that I do not want to worship. I start off good (for about three days) and then someone has to go and have a birthday, or an evening out with friends and the diet takes a back seat and I justify my gluttonous appetite to the fact that it's a celebration and I need to throw caution to the wind and eat whatever I darn well please. That and I don't want others' attention drawn towards me if I only order a leaf salad and a water. I HATE that kind of attention. And after that my diet officially dies - until Monday rolls around. I swear I've probably dieted for an entire year (but only if you count the Mondays) Cheers to those who can stick to a diet!!! You have no idea how I envy you. You are my hero in health.
SO - I've learned a few things about myself, my health and my over all well-being over the past few years. I'm not sure why it's just been the last few years. Maybe it's because I'm beginning to realize that I'm getting older. I know, I know, I'm only 34 years old but I'm beginning to feel that my body is slowly disintegrating.
I'm always making new years resolutions about my weight, pinning healthy recipes and exercise routines on pinterest, printing off helpful tips to stay on track (maybe for four days instead of three) and attempting to exercise when I can. (Preferably become one of those run 7 miles each morning, buff and skinny types - by the end of the week). - HA!
I feel like I'm turning a corner in my way of thinking. I DO need to become more healthy, not only for my own well-being but also for a positive example to my children. But no I'm not dieting, I'm not going on an all out exercise craze, I'm not signing up in advance to run a 5K. I've just made some lifestyle changes over the past year that I've just realized have probably made me healthier and it inspires me to make more changes and for that reason I'm excited.
So - in case you are interested, here are a few things that I've changed:
I used to hate oatmeal - but over the past few years I've learned to love it. For breakfast I will have oatmeal with a little bit of brown sugar and peaches. I think I'm eating dessert for breakfast. It's amazing!!!
I LOVE popcorn! And it is usually my go to snack after dinner when we sit down to entertain our brains in front of the television. And I know how Unhealthy popcorn can be so I've switched to making my own. It takes a little more time than microwave but I think it tastes so much better and I don't feel that buttery film on the roof of my mouth when I'm done. I make it on the stove in a pan set on med. heat and I melt 2 Tbsp. coconut oil in the pan, pour in the popcorn (enough to coat the bottom), put the lid on and wait. It doesn't take too long. You don't have to worry about moving it around or standing right there. It doesn't burn and when I hear the popcorn lifting the lid then I come ready with the popcorn bowl. I sprinkle the popcorn with Seasalt and enjoy. It's sooooo delicious - I think it tastes a bit like movie theatre popcorn because of the oil. But it's sooo much better for you.
Another favorite snack is cottage cheese with strawberries and almonds. I get 1/2 cup of cottage cheese, 1 cup strawberries (cut up) and 1/4 cup salted almonds. I sprinkle one splenda or stevia package over the top and enjoy. I LOVE it!!!!
I don't like lunch. Never have! And so in the summer I find myself eating breakfast late, snacking around 2pm and then waiting until dinner. One of my favorite "lunch" options is apple slices, with laughing cow swiss cheese and turkey. I spread the laughing cow cheese on an apple slice, wrap the slice in turkey and enjoy. Apple slices with natural peanut butter (freshly squeezed from Winco) is another one of my favorites - and my daughter's as well.
Frozen grapes - my whole family loves them.
Almonds - especially the new coconut ones (so yummy!)
Edimame - my kids will eat an entire bag of them.
Grilled Asparagus - Another family favorite. Rinse the asparagus, place tinfoil on grill, put asparagus on tinfoil, sprinkle with olive oil and seasalt and let cook on med heat. I usually turn them a few times. We like the tops crispy.
Another change I've made is switching from cow's milk to almond milk. I don't drink milk, never really have unless it's with a warm chocolate chip cookie and so it was easy to make this switch. I LOVE cereal and will often eat it for dinner and so almond milk is my cereal milk - and I can't even tell the difference anymore.
I've also switched some of my ingredients in recipes when I bake:
Crisco or Vegetable Oil - I use coconut oil (more expensive but better for you)
Sugar - sometimes I substitute honey
Butter - applesauce
Eggs - Egg whites (if the recipe calls for 2 eggs I use 4 egg whites)
I know there are a lot more substitutions that you can make for different ingredients but these are just a few that I consistently use when I bake.
I wrote this blog post not only to give you a few ideas on some healthy snack options and to encourage all of those non-dieters out there. But also to remind myself that I've made some permanent changes that are benefiting myself and my family. And I feel better now!
My mindset has also changed to encompass the never-ending cultural phenomenon of physical perfection as a fantasy never to be obtained. I will never be rescued from a tower guarded by a dragon, I will never be a competitor in a game of Quidditch at Hoggwarts, I will never sit with Bilbo Baggins in his hobbit house drinking tea and discussing Gandolph's fireworks display or fly through the sky on an Eagle and I will never be a size 2. As much as I WANT these things and WISH that they were real - I am fully aware that I am mortal and live in reality. Therefore I relinquish my desire for physical perfection for I know that it is a goal that is unattainable. I know that there will always be something about my physical appearance that I would like to change. Always!
Some of you are reading this and saying (what? she can be a size 2 if she really wants too. It's a goal that is definitely attainable. She just must not want to put forth the effort to attain that goal. She must just be like all of the other lazy Americans who make excuses for their obesity and do nothing to change it.) To those of you who might be thinking this - I'm laughing at you. Yes - Yes I am!!! You need to realize a few things about me before you say such things:
1. I'm a mom - therefore fully uncapable of spending hours at the gym, hours planning meals and hours preparing separate meals for me and my family.
2. I do not want to consume my time day in and day out with myself. Life is too short to spend it striving for perfection only to end up in a box in the ground anyway.
3. Thanks to my physical heritage (don't know if I should blame the Native Americans or the Dutch) my hips are incapable of fitting into a size 2. I don't even think my bones are a size 2, so YES a fantasy it is. And I'm cool with it - I don't really want to be a size 2 anyways. It looks good on others but on me I would probably look like a modern day holocaust victim. - No thanks!
And so - I will wrap this up. Sorry for the rambling - the on-topic, off-topic mumbles. Like I said this post is more for me than anyone else.
I plan on making more changes. I know that God desires for me to be healthy. I know that I don't want to make physical perfection a goal, but I also don't want to make food become and idol either. I need to find a balance. A balance between enjoying life and not ruining mine with what I choose to eat. I'm working on it - it's a process but one that I don't want to spend too much time on anymore. I know what is healthy and I just need to eat it more often.
One of the most important changes I'm making is a morning pep talk. A time to read the Bible, pray and be thankful. When my spirit is at peace and my mind is content then my decisions in everything that I do will be more of God's will than my own. I want to see myself as God sees me, and put my time and effort into eternal things.
Love this verse:
1 Peter 3:3-4 - "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."
Cheers to Lifestyle changes!!!
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
"Don't Judge"
As a follower of Christ the phrase "don't judge" is beginning to make me angry. I understand it's concept and when used appropriately it serves a very great purpose - HOWEVER it has been used A LOT lately and always it seems against Christ followers.
(Which in and of itself is strange because they are judging "us" for judging "others" so their argument therefore holds little validity in my opinion)
Don't get me wrong - I know why we get that phrase jammed down our throats - it's because through their eyes "we" don't practice what we preach. We are too quick to judge others and point fingers at their sin which is sometimes true in many situations - sad, but true! I'm guilty of it myself from time to time, it is a human struggle that I pray about often.
Recent events of sin-struggles amongst fellow believers has sparked a passion in me to always side with the truth of God's word - Always! HE is my constant, my hiding place, my security, my hope, my comfort and my peace - everything else in comparison is empty. TRUTH always wins - and He is truth - so I'm on the winning team. SIGH - OF - RELIEF!!! I honestly don't know how anyone can go throughout this life without Him.
If you must know, I WILL go to a place that is very uncomfortable for some to discuss- ok many! I think it needs to be discussed, I think we need to respond to those who point fingers at us and say (no scream) "DON'T JUDGE!!!!"
The idea of homosexuality - I said it! And no I'm not a homophobic bigot. I'm not! The homosexual community is in the forefront of social media and gets a lot of press. Even though it remains a very uncommon occurrence among us, it is forced into our living rooms, our relationships and our minds. It's widely accepted as "normal".
SO - the church is now one of the only places that homosexuals haven't "infiltrated" yet. They are still not accepted in the church - or so they say. Now, I can't speak for any other church than my own but I know ( because my dad is the pastor of my church) that if a homosexual were to enter into our church they would be welcomed with open arms. HOWEVER, if they were to come into our church hand in hand with their significant other and expect to be accepted and worship like anyone else then they would be escorted out immediately. Would you call that judging? NO - and I'll tell you why!
The church is a place for sinners to come and heal from their struggles and downfalls. It is not a place to exploit their sin, practice their sin or pretend that their "sin" is o.k.
Think of it this way: If my dad were to see an alcoholic enter the church on a Sunday morning, open bottle of alcohol in hand, sit in the service and proceed to get even more wasted during church - they would be escorted out. If a drug dealer were to enter our church on a Sunday morning, bag of marijuana in his pocket, smoking pot during church - they would be escorted out. If a person addicted to pornography were to bring their Playboy or Playgirl magazines into church and proceed to look at the pictures during the service they would be escorted out. If a person struggling with bad language and abuse were to come into church on Sunday and proceed to cuss and beat on his wife during the service they would be escorted out.
I hope you understand what I mean! The church is not a place to expose or practice your sin - and as a follower of Christ I believe that homosexuality is a sin - a sin that Christ can heal them from.
The fact that I believe it to be a sin can cause some to draw a quick intake of breath and say, "that is why I'm not a Christian! Because they are not accepting of other people's lifestyle choices."
And to them all I can say is, "I am accepting of everyone, and know that I am a sinner myself, but I do not and will not accept their sin as something that it is not." I'm not going to slip it under the rug and pretend that it's o.k. - when the Bible clearly states that it's not. So, I will love them, pray for them and try to teach them the truth.
(Which in and of itself is strange because they are judging "us" for judging "others" so their argument therefore holds little validity in my opinion)
Don't get me wrong - I know why we get that phrase jammed down our throats - it's because through their eyes "we" don't practice what we preach. We are too quick to judge others and point fingers at their sin which is sometimes true in many situations - sad, but true! I'm guilty of it myself from time to time, it is a human struggle that I pray about often.
Recent events of sin-struggles amongst fellow believers has sparked a passion in me to always side with the truth of God's word - Always! HE is my constant, my hiding place, my security, my hope, my comfort and my peace - everything else in comparison is empty. TRUTH always wins - and He is truth - so I'm on the winning team. SIGH - OF - RELIEF!!! I honestly don't know how anyone can go throughout this life without Him.
If you must know, I WILL go to a place that is very uncomfortable for some to discuss- ok many! I think it needs to be discussed, I think we need to respond to those who point fingers at us and say (no scream) "DON'T JUDGE!!!!"
The idea of homosexuality - I said it! And no I'm not a homophobic bigot. I'm not! The homosexual community is in the forefront of social media and gets a lot of press. Even though it remains a very uncommon occurrence among us, it is forced into our living rooms, our relationships and our minds. It's widely accepted as "normal".
SO - the church is now one of the only places that homosexuals haven't "infiltrated" yet. They are still not accepted in the church - or so they say. Now, I can't speak for any other church than my own but I know ( because my dad is the pastor of my church) that if a homosexual were to enter into our church they would be welcomed with open arms. HOWEVER, if they were to come into our church hand in hand with their significant other and expect to be accepted and worship like anyone else then they would be escorted out immediately. Would you call that judging? NO - and I'll tell you why!
The church is a place for sinners to come and heal from their struggles and downfalls. It is not a place to exploit their sin, practice their sin or pretend that their "sin" is o.k.
Think of it this way: If my dad were to see an alcoholic enter the church on a Sunday morning, open bottle of alcohol in hand, sit in the service and proceed to get even more wasted during church - they would be escorted out. If a drug dealer were to enter our church on a Sunday morning, bag of marijuana in his pocket, smoking pot during church - they would be escorted out. If a person addicted to pornography were to bring their Playboy or Playgirl magazines into church and proceed to look at the pictures during the service they would be escorted out. If a person struggling with bad language and abuse were to come into church on Sunday and proceed to cuss and beat on his wife during the service they would be escorted out.
I hope you understand what I mean! The church is not a place to expose or practice your sin - and as a follower of Christ I believe that homosexuality is a sin - a sin that Christ can heal them from.
The fact that I believe it to be a sin can cause some to draw a quick intake of breath and say, "that is why I'm not a Christian! Because they are not accepting of other people's lifestyle choices."
And to them all I can say is, "I am accepting of everyone, and know that I am a sinner myself, but I do not and will not accept their sin as something that it is not." I'm not going to slip it under the rug and pretend that it's o.k. - when the Bible clearly states that it's not. So, I will love them, pray for them and try to teach them the truth.
Friday, May 31, 2013
A New Adventure!
I've taught for 12 LONG years! And I'm taking a break to be with my son before he starts kindergarten. It was the right decision but it was made with a lot of anguish, tears and uncertainty. Before I begin to describe to you what it feels like to be taking a break I need to go backwards in time for just a moment.
I knew that I wanted to be an elementary teacher in high school. I helped out in many elementary classrooms, I loved school, and I knew that I wanted to make that my career. In 1998 I began my freshman year at NNU and four years later in May 2001 I graduated with a BA degree in elementary education. I was excited to begin this adventure in teaching.
Throughout the summer I searched for jobs, had countless interviews and nothing seemed to fit quite right. Granted, I would have taken anything that was offered to me but I'm glad that God knew what he was doing and in late July of 2001 I had an interview in Melba. I thought that the interview went well, I liked the principal and the school seemed very primitive but I was used to that having grown up in Grangeville. However, the position that they were interviewing me for was a preschool/special education position and I had zero desire to do it. I wanted to be a classroom teacher more than anything and this just wasn't it. The principal did however somewhat promise me that I would be given a classroom teacher position the following year and for that I was hopeful. I knew I had to take the job if it was offered to me, I wasn't going to count on getting another interview in the next three weeks. That night, Mr. Dudley called me while Jeremy and I were on our way to dinner in Boise and offered me the position. I knew I had to take it - and so - I tentatively said yes! The very next day I received a call from the Kuna School District to come for an interview. I went! I interviewed! It was for a 3rd grade teacher! And I wanted it! Badly! So - I called Mr. Dudley at Melba Elementary and was completely and totally honest with him. I told him that I had an interview in Kuna and that it was exactly what I wanted to do - BUT, I had given him my word that I would come and work for Melba and so I had to honor that. I asked him for me to be released from my word so that I could go and work in Kuna as a third grade teacher. Unfortunately (at that time) he held me to my word and I stayed! And OH how glad I am that I kept my word and stayed in Melba. God knew what he was doing and I see that now! I have been blessed beyond belief to have worked in such an amazing community.
So - I taught and loved it!
Then in 2004 Addison Grace Franklin joined our family and with her came an intense desire to be at home. Financially it was not possible and so I continued to work and left her in the very capable hands of my mother (most of the time) and I will be forever grateful to her for that. The years passed, Addison grew and I still was not able to stay home. I don't hold any bitter feelings about it now ( I did then). Then in 2008 Rhett Douglas Franklin joined our family and again the intense desire to stay home doubled. I had expressed interest to my principal that I would really like to work part-time. Luckily, that year there seemed to be a huge influx in kindergarten students and with that came a part-time kindergarten position which I gladly took. I was extremely apprehensive to teach kindergarten but I was SOOOO ready to be at home every other day with my kids. It was great - I really enjoyed kindergarten - and gained one of my best teaching friends, Mrs. Drescher who was the "other" kindergarten teacher. But after two years they no longer needed a part-time kindergarten teacher and staying at home was still not a feasible option, especially with the downfall of the economy. I began teaching 2nd grade full time. Addison was now in first grade and with me every day (right next door) which gave me great comfort and Rhett was with his grandmas.
Second grade was so much fun due to the fact that I had a lot of my kindergarteners in my class. I feel so blessed to have taught them for two years. They were an amazing group of kids and they will forever hold a very special place in my heart.
Then - the economy began picking up. Jeremy took on more and more builders who were actually building, we were able to pay cash for our new vehicle, pay off our college debt and save up for a trip to Disneyworld. We were being blessed through his job, enough so that I had asked him if it may be possible if I could stay home for a year since it was Rhett's last year before kindergarten, we were taking a trip to Disneyworld in October and possibly a mission trip to Africa in February. He reluctantly said that it was my decision and after waiting YEARS for him to say that it may be possible I should have jumped for joy and immediately called my principal.
But I didn't! I was met with apprehension and feelings of doubt. What? I don't like change! This is what I've been waiting for ever since Addison was born, the opportunity to stay home and why was I so uncertain about it? It took me 6 months to REALLY make a decision. I knew that I wanted to stay home and I had people pray that I would be able to. This was an answer to prayer right? Finally in March I realized that in 10 years I would look back on this decision and NEVER regret it.
But I was torn with the realization that I LOVED teaching, and I LOVED the people I work with, and I LOVED the students and I LOVED the community - it had become my second home, my second family and it was really hard for me to tear myself away from it. My only consolation was that I would be back - hopefully when Rhett goes to kindergarten I will go back. To Melba! To teach!
After looking back on my adventure and writing it all down (leaving many details out of course) I know that God had his hand in this adventure - more than I realized. And I feel incredibly blessed! He knew I needed to work in Melba, he knew that I would fall in love with this school and this community, he knew that I would want to have my children in this school, he knew that I would need the staff that I so dearly love. Prayers are sent up daily on behalf of this school, due to the faith-filled staff that works there and for that I'm grateful and not fearful to have Addison return there in the fall to be in third grade. She was put in a class with an amazing Christian teacher who is one of my closest friends and I am extremely excited to participate in her school year from a different perspective.
And even though a year seems like a long time - it will fly by and so I choose not to take it for granted! I plan to not only spend time with my son, but make small changes to my house, read! read! read!, take a few classes to further my education, participate in school activities and events, be an art mom for Addie's classroom, enjoy coffee dates with friends, do some crafty activities as well as many other things. Now that it is a reality - I'm excited - I'm energized and I'm ready for it!!!
And I KNOW for certain that God will have his hand in this new adventure just as he has for the last 12 years and I am grateful in advance for his guidance and love. I feel blessed already and my year hasn't even begun.
Here's to a new adventure!
I knew that I wanted to be an elementary teacher in high school. I helped out in many elementary classrooms, I loved school, and I knew that I wanted to make that my career. In 1998 I began my freshman year at NNU and four years later in May 2001 I graduated with a BA degree in elementary education. I was excited to begin this adventure in teaching.
Throughout the summer I searched for jobs, had countless interviews and nothing seemed to fit quite right. Granted, I would have taken anything that was offered to me but I'm glad that God knew what he was doing and in late July of 2001 I had an interview in Melba. I thought that the interview went well, I liked the principal and the school seemed very primitive but I was used to that having grown up in Grangeville. However, the position that they were interviewing me for was a preschool/special education position and I had zero desire to do it. I wanted to be a classroom teacher more than anything and this just wasn't it. The principal did however somewhat promise me that I would be given a classroom teacher position the following year and for that I was hopeful. I knew I had to take the job if it was offered to me, I wasn't going to count on getting another interview in the next three weeks. That night, Mr. Dudley called me while Jeremy and I were on our way to dinner in Boise and offered me the position. I knew I had to take it - and so - I tentatively said yes! The very next day I received a call from the Kuna School District to come for an interview. I went! I interviewed! It was for a 3rd grade teacher! And I wanted it! Badly! So - I called Mr. Dudley at Melba Elementary and was completely and totally honest with him. I told him that I had an interview in Kuna and that it was exactly what I wanted to do - BUT, I had given him my word that I would come and work for Melba and so I had to honor that. I asked him for me to be released from my word so that I could go and work in Kuna as a third grade teacher. Unfortunately (at that time) he held me to my word and I stayed! And OH how glad I am that I kept my word and stayed in Melba. God knew what he was doing and I see that now! I have been blessed beyond belief to have worked in such an amazing community.
So - I taught and loved it!
Then in 2004 Addison Grace Franklin joined our family and with her came an intense desire to be at home. Financially it was not possible and so I continued to work and left her in the very capable hands of my mother (most of the time) and I will be forever grateful to her for that. The years passed, Addison grew and I still was not able to stay home. I don't hold any bitter feelings about it now ( I did then). Then in 2008 Rhett Douglas Franklin joined our family and again the intense desire to stay home doubled. I had expressed interest to my principal that I would really like to work part-time. Luckily, that year there seemed to be a huge influx in kindergarten students and with that came a part-time kindergarten position which I gladly took. I was extremely apprehensive to teach kindergarten but I was SOOOO ready to be at home every other day with my kids. It was great - I really enjoyed kindergarten - and gained one of my best teaching friends, Mrs. Drescher who was the "other" kindergarten teacher. But after two years they no longer needed a part-time kindergarten teacher and staying at home was still not a feasible option, especially with the downfall of the economy. I began teaching 2nd grade full time. Addison was now in first grade and with me every day (right next door) which gave me great comfort and Rhett was with his grandmas.
Second grade was so much fun due to the fact that I had a lot of my kindergarteners in my class. I feel so blessed to have taught them for two years. They were an amazing group of kids and they will forever hold a very special place in my heart.
Then - the economy began picking up. Jeremy took on more and more builders who were actually building, we were able to pay cash for our new vehicle, pay off our college debt and save up for a trip to Disneyworld. We were being blessed through his job, enough so that I had asked him if it may be possible if I could stay home for a year since it was Rhett's last year before kindergarten, we were taking a trip to Disneyworld in October and possibly a mission trip to Africa in February. He reluctantly said that it was my decision and after waiting YEARS for him to say that it may be possible I should have jumped for joy and immediately called my principal.
But I didn't! I was met with apprehension and feelings of doubt. What? I don't like change! This is what I've been waiting for ever since Addison was born, the opportunity to stay home and why was I so uncertain about it? It took me 6 months to REALLY make a decision. I knew that I wanted to stay home and I had people pray that I would be able to. This was an answer to prayer right? Finally in March I realized that in 10 years I would look back on this decision and NEVER regret it.
But I was torn with the realization that I LOVED teaching, and I LOVED the people I work with, and I LOVED the students and I LOVED the community - it had become my second home, my second family and it was really hard for me to tear myself away from it. My only consolation was that I would be back - hopefully when Rhett goes to kindergarten I will go back. To Melba! To teach!
After looking back on my adventure and writing it all down (leaving many details out of course) I know that God had his hand in this adventure - more than I realized. And I feel incredibly blessed! He knew I needed to work in Melba, he knew that I would fall in love with this school and this community, he knew that I would want to have my children in this school, he knew that I would need the staff that I so dearly love. Prayers are sent up daily on behalf of this school, due to the faith-filled staff that works there and for that I'm grateful and not fearful to have Addison return there in the fall to be in third grade. She was put in a class with an amazing Christian teacher who is one of my closest friends and I am extremely excited to participate in her school year from a different perspective.
And even though a year seems like a long time - it will fly by and so I choose not to take it for granted! I plan to not only spend time with my son, but make small changes to my house, read! read! read!, take a few classes to further my education, participate in school activities and events, be an art mom for Addie's classroom, enjoy coffee dates with friends, do some crafty activities as well as many other things. Now that it is a reality - I'm excited - I'm energized and I'm ready for it!!!
And I KNOW for certain that God will have his hand in this new adventure just as he has for the last 12 years and I am grateful in advance for his guidance and love. I feel blessed already and my year hasn't even begun.
Here's to a new adventure!
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Gatlin Robert Henbest
I feel like a proud mom announcing the birth of her newest child. However, what can be closer to my next child then my first nephew from my only sister?
After very much anticipation and actual disbelief that my baby sis (and best friend) was going to be a mom I became elated to hear that she was being induced early. On January 25th! Her due date being February 9th. Baby G was not gaining weight due to my sister's small placenta (which they whisked off for scientific research after Baby G came), so in order to keep him from losing any weight they decided to bring him to meet us sooner than expected!
It was an exciting day! Katie called me at school and I remember hearing the seven dwarfs serenade me while I was teaching (forgot to turn my phone off) and realized that it was my sister. I quickly silenced my phone and texted her that I was still teaching. She texted back that baby G was coming the next day so I quickly occupied my 2nd graders and called her back right away.
The next morning I skipped school ( :O) and ventured to the hospital with my mom at 8:30 in the morning. And thus begun a day of waiting, waiting, waiting. I think of myself as a fairly patient person but when it comes to babies apparently my philosophy is "get em out!". My two children came as soon as the doctor gave them the green light. They came sliding out, happy as clams givin the doctor high fives on the way. (just kidding! - I count my blessings that my labor and delivery was A to the mazing).
Sooooo.......I played on the computer, I talked to sis, I took pictures, I watched the monitor, I sat in the waiting room, I walked the halls with my mom and sis, I ran to Baby's R Us to get some premie outfits, I went back to Starbucks for more coffee, laughed as my sister was a little loopy due to the medication, wheeled around on the doctors chair (very fun by the way), hugged my hubby and kiddos who came for the grand finale only to be sent home with the news that baby G may not be here until the middle of the night.
I nestled myself into a chair and thought about another run to Starbucks when the nurse came in to check Katie. She had been stuck dilated to a 3 for, well - since she arrived at the hospital. We were all getting concerned that she might have to endure a C-section. As the nurse checked her we were just crossing our fingers that she would say that Katie had progressed to a 4 or maybe if we were lucky a 5. I remember she asked Katie, "what number do you want it to be?". Katie replied, "a 4!" The nurse said, "you are dilated to a 10!!!!" What??????
I jumped up to tell the others in the waiting room. It was around 9:00pm.
The rest was a blur!!! I don't remember being so excited for my own births - perhaps because I was the one pushing them out and fear drowned out my excitement. But now, all I had to do was sit back and bask in the miracle of birth. Tears currently run down my cheeks as words can't express how grateful I am to have been able to witness the miracle of my nephew's birth. I stood transfixed and amazed! I think everyone should be able to witness that at some point in their life - it was amazing!!!
Then, at 9:35pm, January 25th he introduced himself to us with a loud cry and a bright crop of strawberry blonde hair. What? For such a little one he sure did have a great set of lungs. He was immediately given to his momma and I quickly switched from videographer to photographer to capture these first few precious moments. I cried!
He was finally here! Gatlin Robert Henbest you have this auntie tied around your finger precious boy! I love you soooo much and can't wait to see what God has in store for your life!
Thank you Katie and Derek for letting me be a part of this special day!!! I will remember it fondly forever! You both will be amazing parents!
Pictures from the first two days (Disclaimer: Katie - get over it - you look cute!)
After very much anticipation and actual disbelief that my baby sis (and best friend) was going to be a mom I became elated to hear that she was being induced early. On January 25th! Her due date being February 9th. Baby G was not gaining weight due to my sister's small placenta (which they whisked off for scientific research after Baby G came), so in order to keep him from losing any weight they decided to bring him to meet us sooner than expected!
It was an exciting day! Katie called me at school and I remember hearing the seven dwarfs serenade me while I was teaching (forgot to turn my phone off) and realized that it was my sister. I quickly silenced my phone and texted her that I was still teaching. She texted back that baby G was coming the next day so I quickly occupied my 2nd graders and called her back right away.
The next morning I skipped school ( :O) and ventured to the hospital with my mom at 8:30 in the morning. And thus begun a day of waiting, waiting, waiting. I think of myself as a fairly patient person but when it comes to babies apparently my philosophy is "get em out!". My two children came as soon as the doctor gave them the green light. They came sliding out, happy as clams givin the doctor high fives on the way. (just kidding! - I count my blessings that my labor and delivery was A to the mazing).
Sooooo.......I played on the computer, I talked to sis, I took pictures, I watched the monitor, I sat in the waiting room, I walked the halls with my mom and sis, I ran to Baby's R Us to get some premie outfits, I went back to Starbucks for more coffee, laughed as my sister was a little loopy due to the medication, wheeled around on the doctors chair (very fun by the way), hugged my hubby and kiddos who came for the grand finale only to be sent home with the news that baby G may not be here until the middle of the night.
I nestled myself into a chair and thought about another run to Starbucks when the nurse came in to check Katie. She had been stuck dilated to a 3 for, well - since she arrived at the hospital. We were all getting concerned that she might have to endure a C-section. As the nurse checked her we were just crossing our fingers that she would say that Katie had progressed to a 4 or maybe if we were lucky a 5. I remember she asked Katie, "what number do you want it to be?". Katie replied, "a 4!" The nurse said, "you are dilated to a 10!!!!" What??????
I jumped up to tell the others in the waiting room. It was around 9:00pm.
The rest was a blur!!! I don't remember being so excited for my own births - perhaps because I was the one pushing them out and fear drowned out my excitement. But now, all I had to do was sit back and bask in the miracle of birth. Tears currently run down my cheeks as words can't express how grateful I am to have been able to witness the miracle of my nephew's birth. I stood transfixed and amazed! I think everyone should be able to witness that at some point in their life - it was amazing!!!
Then, at 9:35pm, January 25th he introduced himself to us with a loud cry and a bright crop of strawberry blonde hair. What? For such a little one he sure did have a great set of lungs. He was immediately given to his momma and I quickly switched from videographer to photographer to capture these first few precious moments. I cried!
He was finally here! Gatlin Robert Henbest you have this auntie tied around your finger precious boy! I love you soooo much and can't wait to see what God has in store for your life!
Thank you Katie and Derek for letting me be a part of this special day!!! I will remember it fondly forever! You both will be amazing parents!
Pictures from the first two days (Disclaimer: Katie - get over it - you look cute!)
Choosing something for breakfast before baby G! Don't know if she would have done this in hindsight due to some nausea later in the day :)
Ready to welcome Baby G
Excited Grandma's
And there it is - the belly!!!
Adorable gown!
Order of the day! Have a baby!
The happy couple walking the halls!
Awwww!!!
Dad came in and read out of Psalms. I cried!!! (surprise! surprise!)
watching the monitor with the nurse
I looked at this all day long!!!!!!!!!
Ready for Baby G! Waiting for Dr. Julie
Hurray!!!!
Strawberry Blonde Hair!
Love this picture!
And this one!
Happy Momma!
4 lbs. 11 oz.
He was WIDE awake!
Daddy's first time holding him!
Now they are three!
My moment!!
She is sooo in love with this itty bitty guy!
The next day - Addison gets to hold her new cousin
She is in love with him!
Tee-Tee and Uncle D with Addison and Gatlin
I can't get over how tiny he is!
Aunt Tee-Tee will always hold a special place in her heart!
Sweet boy!
Uncle Jeremy's turn!
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