Goals for the Week

This week marks the beginning of Chris' travel season. I tend to let things slide when he is out of town. The last time he was gone I downed a half gallon of chocolate peanut butter ice cream. ouch! So to curb the inevitable downturn in my physical (ice cream is bogo this week too), spiritual, and mental health I am setting some goals for the week and counting on some accountability from my friends.

Goal 1: Dessert only three times this week. Tuesday at small group, Thursday for Special K bars at school, and Saturday for a possible birthday shindig.

Goal 2: In bed by 9:15 so I can get up at 5:30 to spend time with my Father

Goal 3: Work out 4 times

Goal 4: Love my kids, both in school and at home, even when they drive me up the wall.

They can't help it, they're kids.

Goal 5: Not complain about single parenting. I have friends who single parent every day, at least I am blessed enough to have a husband who will come home eventually.

Thank You Jesus

Thank you, Jesus!

Thank you, thank you, Jesus!

Thank you, Jesus!

For this meal. Amen.

Elijah has been singing this little ditty he learned in preschool at every meal. It got me thinking about my attitude lately. To be honest I have been feeling so overwhelmed with planning lessons, correcting papers, helping students feel at home on a new class, redirecting misbehavior, cooking, cleaning, putting away dishes, spending time with Chris, playing with the boys, keeping John out of trouble and convincing Elijah that he will indeed like the school lunch. I feel like I am barely keeping my head above water and I am not enjoying anything right now.

Then I downloaded the pictures I took on the environmental education trip the middle school teachers took with the kids. God's glorious detail cracked my heart.

And when I picked up my bag to try to get home today I couldn't figure out why it was so heavy. My Bible, placed there by me to remind me to write on my blog, was making my bag tip over.

Thank you, Jesus for your Word, Amen!

"May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in his works.." Psalm 104:31

School Days by The Lunch Ladies

Day One:

Ms. Jen, the Lunch Lady: Elijah would you like a taco?

Elijah: um, no just a torilla, please.

Day Two:

Ms. Jen: Elijah would you like some spaghetti?

Elijah: No thanks, I'll have a taco.

Ms. Jen: We don't have any taco's today, would you like some spaghetti?

Elijah: Sure!

Day Three:

Elijah. standing in line for lunch: Where's dessert?

Day Four:

Elijah: Can I have some ranch?

Ms. Patti, the lunch room monitor: Um, you want ranch with your peanut butter and jelly?

Elijah: Yes please.

31 & 30 & 29 & 28 &....

One of my very favorite short stories is the story "Eleven" by Sandra Cisneros. In in, Rachel is turning eleven. At the beginning of the story she profoundly states that when you turn one year older you also keep the last year within you. Through the story she talks about wishing she were five and she points out when she acts like she is one and so on.

I am 31 but I tell you, there are days when I act like I am sixteen. On Tuesday nights when I gather with my dear bible study girls who are in their early twenties, I begin to act like I am 25 instead of 31. Some nights, after a trying day or when I have just had more than I think I can handle I am 3. And during the times when I just need to cry I am one. But, I am all those ages. I have lived them all, learned from them all and they all live inside of me.

What I really want is to look like I did when I was sixteen, have the knowledge I have as a 30 year old, and the energy I did when I was two. Is that asking too much?

A decade of blessings

Today is Chris and my 10 year anniversary. 10 years! A decade. A long time.

Walking down the aisle ten years ago I am certain I had no idea what I was in for. Like so many brides I had pictures of a life that was unattainable. What I got is so much better. I have a husband who loves me so much it amazes me. At times I have not seen it as love but it takes a whole lot of love to put up with a girl like me. I have a man who loves the Lord more than anything and seeks with all his heart do His will. I have a man who cherishes his sons.

Thank you, Lord, for blessing me with a life mate who loves You above all else and as an outpouring of that loves me more than I deserve. Thank you for seeing us through the bumpy road of the past ten years. Continue to nurture, feed, and grow our love for You and for each other.

With Joy,

Suz