It Came and Went, Virtually Unnoticed!

This is my 1013th post. That means that my 1000th post, the one I wanted to celebrate, came and has gone without me even noticing! It could be cause I hit a blogging slump. It could be because I've been focusing on other things. It could be a simple little oversight on my part. Still it passed and I missed it. One thing I know, though, is that just BECAUSE it passed doesn't mean I cannot celebrate it! So, here are some thoughts about hitting this blogging milestone:

* When I started this blog, it never dawned on me that I'd still be writing it four years later.

* Certainly it never dawned on me that SOMEONE or ANYONE would want to read it!

* Mainly I did it to reconnect myself with the thought of journaling and thinking via my words.

* I remember my Dad asking, "WHY would anyone ever want to read the blog of a total stranger?" And I didn't know the answer. But I am HAPPY to say that several of the "strangers" I read are now FRIENDS! I've even met SEVERAL of them in real life.

* It has been a unique way to communicate with my children. Most, if not all, of them read my blog. I think it's given them a glimpse into who their mother is and the thoughts that often fill my head.

* Still it holds the therapeutic benefits of a journal. It has made me consider my writing and my thinking and the ways I should (and sometimes should not) communicate a message.

* Although I've hit a few lulls in posting over the years, this has been something that has remained pretty constant for me.

To sum it up, I think blogging has been quite good for me in so many ways. I'm thankful for the amazing avenues it has opened up and for the many ways it has helped me to grow. Soooo....here's to the NEXT 1000 posts!!

When the Songbird's Annoying!

Like most people, I love the sounds of the outdoors. I like the rain when it falls gently outside my window. I like the chirp of the crickets and croaking of frogs at night when I'm going to sleep. It is relaxing and makes me feel like I'm being lulled to sleep by nature.

We have a pond in our backyard, so we get to hear many of these noises during most nights. Summertime is especially busy as we go to sleep. This year, we have a new sound, though.

It's a songbird. Well, I don't know if it's REALLY a "songbird"...but it's a bird that is singing. LOUD!

The problem is, it doesn't happen as the night creeps in. It doesn't even happen softly as I lay my head on the pillow. No. She "sings" starting around 4am and goes for at least an hour and a half! This morning, while laying awake again and listening to her song, a thought occured to me. At any other time of the day, and even some of the night, I might find her song enjoyable. For me, at that hour, it's not. It's the right song at a very wrong time.

There's a lesson in there for all of us. We have all been giving a "song to sing"--a life to live. We have to make sure that our song is not annoying and/or delivered at the wrong time, however. So today rather than thinking of ways that I could go outside and shoo the songbird away, I whispered a prayer. "God, thank you for the lesson of the songbird. Help me know when to "sing my life's song" and when to be quiet. I'm sorry for those times it's just noise to those around me. Help me be in tune to you and your timing more often." And, then I thanked Him for using his wonderful creation to teach me yet another lesson. Unfortunately, though, I did "think" the P.S.: "P.S. God, could you PLEASE help this little songbird move on to someone else's tree tomorrow morning??"

Yep, I still have more to learn.

What's a Little Rain??

If you've read my blog for any time at all, then you know that our church is all about getting out into the community and "being, doing, and giving" through random acts of kindness. Sometimes these are simple little projects and other times they are larger scale. Today was one we've been preparing for a while. It was a hot dog cookout and giveaway on the beach.


We bought 300 hot dogs, chips, and drinks to give away this afternoon. We assembled a team of seventeen people and planned to meet at the beach around 3:00pm today.

DH told me the weather was going to "go bad" as there were storms moving in. I told him I didn't want to hear it. On my way into the parking lot, I prayed for a "weather miracle". Literally as I unloaded my car, the sky was getting dark and black. Still we unloaded.
It wasn't long after DH started cooking the hotdogs that the storm rolled in with wind, driving rain, lightning and thunder. And there we were huddled under this little "gazebo"/tent like a bunch of sardines. And I'm telling you, all I could do was LAUGH!

Here's the funny thing though. Many people huddled under there with us. It almost felt like the United Nations as we really had several different languages represented inside that tent! Though we were getting wet, people were happy to have a hot dog and water while they waited out the storm.

As with most Florida rains, the storm passed quickly. It wasn't long until the rain stopped and people SLOWLY started trickling back out to the beach. And the hot dogs were going like HOTCAKES!

We even had a team hit the beach and take food/water out there where people were sitting. And, as usually happens with our servant evangelism outreaches, people ask the BIG QUESTION: "WHY?" They want to know WHY on earth people would be giving them something for FREE. I mean NOTHING is free in this world!

And that's when we are able to answer, "It's our way of saying 'God loves you'." His love is always free for everyone. Most of the time people are simply left speechless by that. There are no strings. There's no pressure. There's no more conversation than that--unless it's initiated by the recipient. It's a perfect way to make an impression that will last. Besides that, it's plain old FUN!

Book Review: My Sister's Keeper

A few weeks ago, some friends from work were commenting that they'd read this book, My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Piccoult. Then I found out that it was a movie. I decided to add it to my summer reading list. For those of you who read primarily Christian fiction, this is not that kind of book. It is, however, a book that left me pondering the choices I would make, and reactions I would have, given the same situation.

I have never read any of Piccoult's work, but I've heard good things about it. She is quite a writer! Her use of simile and metaphor caused me to stop and think on more than one occasion.

This is the story of the Fitzgerald family. Brian and Sara have three children: Jesse, Kate, and Anna. Kate, who has leukemia, was diagnosed at the age of two. Anna was genetically conceived to be a donor match for her sister.

Now, at the age of 13, Anna has hired attorney Campbell Alexander to medically emancipate herself from her family. Campbell, though reluctant, takes on this case pro bono.

I love this description from the back cover: A provocative novel that raises some important ethical issues, My Sister's Keeper is the story of one family's struggle for survival at all human costs and a stunning moral parable for all time. It's true.

This book has an ending that will shock the reader! In fact, in an interview with Piccoult recorded in the back of my copy, she admits that her own twelve-year-old read the book. When he finished it, he was weeping on the couch. She said he wouldn't even talk to her for a while! When they finally did sit down to discuss it, he asked "Why? Why did it have to end like that?" Piccoult tells him this is not an easy book and has no easy answers.

Piccoult does an amazing job of getting inside each character's thoughts and feelings while facing a very difficult and grueling situation. Each one is faced with some serious soul-searching. And each one emerges different at the end of the book.

Very rarely do I say a book is a "must read"...and this is no different. I will say, though, that for me, this book just may be a "read it again" book!

Routine or Not?

I don't think you could hardly consider three blog posts in a row, routine. But the fact is I am making the attempt to come back and get to the writing again. Of course, though, life sometimes gets in the way of that. My DSs 3, 4, and me are heading out to go scalloping this week.

For those of you who have no idea what that is...I am going to leave you with a recap post (with a few updates) from a couple of years ago:

OK, I've had a couple of people ask, "Just HOW do you scallop?" Sooooo...for anyone who is not from the Gulf Coast of Florida, here's how:

1. You must have the proper "equipment". This includes a snorkel, mask, fins, and mesh net or bag. You must also have a red "dive flag". Water shoes are helpful for the "ewwww" factor when you step into underwater grassbeds--if you don't wear fins. We like to use "noodles" to float on as well occasionally. I also use a small net for "scooping"...but the rest of my family just grabs them by hand (I'm getting ahead of myself.).


The photo on the left is my Dad and DS 3 showing off their "scalloping gear". DS 3 was four or five years old at the time. He's now 6'2" and almost 15! Aren't they a fine looking pair?

2. In the Gulf, you cannot start scalloping until July 1st. The season ends Sept. 10th, but let me just say the waters are CRAWLING with people scalloping during the first week of July. The picture to the right shows my DSs 1, 2, and 4 in 2000 going out to the Scallop grounds in Steinhatchee which is Northern Florida.


3. We go about a mile or two out into the Gulf where the seagrass beds are in about 4 - 8 feet of water. The trick to catching them is to FIND them! On sunny days, the sun seems to shine on their eyes which are all along the inside of their shells. Otherwise, they can blend in with the grass pretty well. Once you see one, you scoop it up and put it in your bag. The bag allows you to stay under water for quite a while so you can collect several.

4. When you catch them, you put them on ice so they will open up. Some are more"stubborn" than others and open very little if at all. The limit in Florida for whole scallops is 2 gallons per day per person---or 10 gallons per boat. The limit for shelled scallops is 1 pint of meat per day...think about that...2 gallons with the shells is roughly equal to two small "school size" milk cartons! The photo on the left shows DS 4 "dumping" our catch into the cooler when he was probably 2 or 3 years old.


5. Now the "FUN" part is CLEANING the darn things! DS 4 loved exploring them as a child.

6. You can open the scallop by sticking a spoon or a knife at the back part near the hinges. You kind of slide the knife around the opening carefully and it will "lift away" the shell. If you hold the dark side up, you won't ruin the meat inside.


7. The "innards" look like this:


This is the "tricky" part. If you take your knife and gently pull the "gross" stuff ...that's the dark brownish/yellowish "junk"... away from the muscle that's in the middle of the shell...it's possible to pull it off in one fell swoop (as Grandma would say). And speaking of Grandma, the photo just above is my Grandma and me scooping the GUTS out of the scallops while DS 4 looks on. Doesn't she look THRILLED??


8. When you get the "goop" out, there is a nice white muscle left. It looks like this:



You just scoop it out and you're ready to COOK them and EAT THEM!



It's a lot of work, but it's a lot of fun, too. If you want to skip steps 5 - 8, and just do the "eating", then you can pay for someone at a dock to do them for you. They are FAST and sometimes it's worth it.



So, if any of you are in or near the Gulf Coast of Florida from Homosassa up to Steinhatchee from July 1st though Sept. 10th, you can go "get yourself some supper"!



{Note: I borrowed the close-up scallop pictures from this website. I just thought I'd go ahead and paste them here to preserve my directions for years to come! Plus that, I thought I'd send my extended family into total shock that I would post this little "how-to" manual!}

Until I return...

In my yard...In my life...

Things have been crazy (as usual) around my house this Spring/Summer! The kids are all busy with different things and I DO want to give an update. I just had to share these other pictures first.

We have been watching these little baby sandhill cranes for a few months now. In the photo below you can see how much they have GROWN! It's been fun to watch them change. Each time the four of them "drop by" for some food, I am amazed!

OK to update you on the family:

DS 1 finished his Basic/AIT training for Army National Guard. He is home now and will start school at University of Florida in the fall. He looks great and I LOVE having him here! I'll tell ya' though, he came home a different young man. Not that there was a lot to change, but it's a pleasure to know he's on a path that he is enjoying.

DS 2 just finished a very intense week of acting/modeling/talent competition. He got six call-backs and may be doing some local work for advertisers here in the area. It was a fabulous experience for him! DH and DS 3 accompanied him for the week-long event. Their day started at 7:30am and they were rarely done before 10:30 or 11:00 at night. It was an amazing event for all of them. DH and DS 3 went to classes and served as an extra set of eyes and ears for all the learning that took place. It will be neat to see where this takes him.

DS 3 is doing quite well. I don't know if I blogged it or not, but he was selected the sophomore class president for next year. Hard to believe that the first high school year passed so quickly. He flew with DH out to DS 1's graduation in Texas and had a great time.

DS 4 is doing quite well also. He was selected as a news anchor for our school's morning news next year. It's amazing to me that this little man (who was just a baby when I started working there) only has one more year of elementary school. He won a fishing charter at our end of the year carnival. DH, DS 1 and he went today. He caught a redfish and was so happy to be out on the water.

I wish I had photos of all of them to stick in here, but I don't. I'm between computers and I'll need to dig up some from other computers. Soo...the cranes and DS 4 will have to do. I'll add more as I can.

Perception Perspective

I think that the concept of perception and perspective is quite interesting. Have you ever been around someone for the same "event" and then heard them describe it totally different than you would? Years ago I had a friend who always saw things much bigger than they were.

There were people mad at the church and her words would be, "Everyone's saying __________." Reality was there were one or two people that she knew saying something and suddenly it felt, to her, like EVERYONE was doing it. Or she'd proclaim "NO ONE wants to _________." And I'd ask who didn't want to ________. She'd respond with a small list of names. At first I thought she really was "off". As our friendship went on, I realized that this truly WAS her perception.

And, for most people, their perception is their reality.

I've been thinking about a situation that I've witnessed recently where my perspective tells me one thing, but someone else's perception is totally different. From my vantage point, it's easy to see that they (sorry for this usage of "they", I am choosing NOT to be gender specific here) have made choices that have caused the events that have happened around them. But in their mind, "everyone's picking on them" or "choosing to be negative" or "rejecting this person" or whatever the issue of the day happens to be.

I don't know how you change someone's perception. I don't know how you help them see the world through different eyes. Different heart. Different soul. With my friend I used to reflect back when she'd use those absolute words like everyone, noone and everything. I'd ask "how many?" "Who?" And often she'd start to see that perhaps she was making things bigger than they were.

My Bible reading has been WAY off kilter for some time. Part of my time this summer has been to get a grip on it once again. And, though I find it a bit odd, I've been hovering in the book of Jeremiah. Jeremiah, as you may know, is sometimes called "the weeping prophet". The message that he had to deliver to Israel wasn't a happy one. He had to tell them they were wayward, they were off track...their perception: that all was OK and that they were living ok and making right choices and life was fine...was seriously off.

And they didn't listen. Jeremiah delivered this word for FORTY years! He faced opposition. He was thrown in jail. Again and again, he would speak truth to the people and again and again they would refuse to respond to it.

So it is with perception sometimes. I think it's our job, in some moments, to help people see the truth. It's hard because sometimes it hurts. And it's also our job to check our perception against what is really happening too. It's our job to say, "This is what I THINK I feel, see, hear, touch, perceive."

Still, the words of God speaking to Jeremiah are quite a comfort when we consider those "off moments". God continued to say "I have loved you wtih an everlasting love. I have drawn you with lovingkindness." (Jer. 31:3) It doesn't matter where you've been, what you've done, or anything else....GOD LOVES YOU and me with an EVERLASTING love. It is there whether we're in a pit or on a mountain. And, that my friends, is REALITY!

Summer Time Reading Continues

To say my blogging has been slack would be a serious understatement! I've thought about deleting it all together. I've wondered what I should do with it. Try as I may, though, I cannot just "do away with it". I don't know where it will go in the future, so I will take it one day at a time. One blog post at a time.

I thought I'd start with what I know I love to talk about--and have neglected so much the first 6 months of this year--BOOKS! I have finished two books recently that I want to share:

The first is written in my favorite genre: memoir/biography. It is Michael J. Fox's Lucky Man. This book is his story. It begins in a Gainesville hotel during the shooting of a movie, with the story of the "twitching pinkie" where Michael first really remembers noticing something was "off" about his body. Then it rambles back into his childhood to explain to the reader from "whence he came".

Fox paints a great picture of his journey into show-biz and some of the lessons he's learned along the way. Then, he poignantly tells about his inner struggle and physical battle as he is learning to live with the dreaded Parkinson's disease.

I loved Fox when he was Alex P. Keaton on the show Family Ties. I have enjoyed his performances in several movies and always found him quite interesting. For that reason, even when the book made twists and turns that were hard for me to follow, I pressed on. And I'm glad I did. His story is a powerful one.

My second "summer read" is a fiction story by Karen White called The Memory of Water. This book is the fictional story of Marnie and Diana Maitland who experienced a childhood tragedy on the South Carolina shore. Here is a bit of the back cover:

On the night their mother drowns, sisters Marnie and Diana Maitland discover there is more than one kind of death. There is the death of innocence, of love, and of hope. Each sister harbors a secret about that night-secrets that will erode their lives as they grow into adulthood.

After ten years of silence between the sisters, Marnie is called back to the South Carolina Lowcountry by Diana's ex-husband, Quinn. His young son has returned from a sailing trip with his emotionally unstable mother, and he is refusing to speak. In order to help the traumatized boy, Marnie must reopen old wounds and bring the darkest memories of their past to the surface. And she must confront Diana, before they all go under.

The story is one of sorrow and loss. It gives great detail what it is like living with someone who has been diagnosed manic/depressive or bipolar. White paints a beautiful picture of love despite this cloud that surrounds this family. The book is written in first-person narrative from each of the four main character's perspectives. I love that. And the ending caught me totally by surprise!

Both of these books were enjoyable for me. While I wouldn't call them "must reads", I'd say they are "worth it" reads if you choose to do so. Now I'm off to find my next book and to read some of your blogs. I've got a lot of catching up to d!

When May Comes...

Every year it happens.  May comes.  And every year since 2002, it's been the same for me.  

That was the year No Child Left Behind really took a foothold and third grade testing became a benchmark for promotion or retention.  There have always been tests.  Even when I was in school.  In the past, the purpose of testing wasn't so bad.  

I mean who DOESN'T want to know that their child is being taught at the highest level possible? And who wouldn't want to hold schools accountable for doing "right" by their "customers"--the students?  In the late 90's though, our state started giving every school a grade.  A report card if you will.  I suppose that'd be OK as long as we realize that we don't all start out on level ground.  

Some schools are filled with students that have every benefit in their lives.  They have parents that love them and give them many experiences upon which to build their education.  These students often have a zest for learning.   Others are filled with kids who wonder where their next meal will come from.  Or if Dad and Mom will fight again tonight...or even if they'll be home. Some come from places that are so impoverished that their lessons take place on the streets and have little or nothing to do with textbooks or pedagogy.     Still other schools are filled with a mixture of these two ends of the student spectrum.  Yet, we grade them all based on similar criteria.  

A few years after grading began is when we really had to look at individual students.  The third grade year was selected as a benchmark year.  After all, if a child can't read by the time he or she is eight or nine years old, there is probably a problem.  Thus, mandatory retention began.  The rule was (and is) that a child who scores in the lowest range on our state test MUST be retained in the third grade.  

Our lawmakers are not totally heartless.  No.  They developed some loopholes.  Some "good cause" criteria that allows a student to possibly be passed on when they score at the lowest level on the single assessment.  Here are a few of the criteria: 

*  If a child has been in the country less than 2 years and speaks no English, he or she can move to fourth grade.  

*  If a student demonstrates an acceptable level of performance on an alternative test.  

*  If a student has had an IEP for more than 2 years AND has been retained already at least ONE time. 

*  If a student has had intensive remediation in reading for more than two years AND has been retained TWO times.

So, every year, the scores come in and we find out who "didn't make it".  We look carefully to see if we can articulate for any of them based on the criteria.  And then we start documenting it all.  And every parent of every child who does not meet criteria gets a phone call home letting them know that their child...their pride and joy...didn't "pass" the third grade.  

Some years, the phone call sounds like one I had to make last week:  "Your child did not pass the state test again.  I know (_____) was in third grade for the last two years, but (_____) have to do third grade a THIRD time.  It's the law."  And it hurts me like CRAZY!  Three YEARS in the third grade???  For what!?!?!  

So, while I've called the "first timers" and even some who will now be on their "second retention in 4 years"...it's the one above that simply makes my passion flame.  (_____) has had a lot of remediation.  (_____) has had other test scores that indicate being on level or just below, but not failing.  There's even a twin who will be ahead of (______) now by TWO years if this goes through.  And a younger sibling who has also now passed (_____) by. (_____) will turn eleven years old in October. IT BREAKS MY HEART!  

Today, we broke the mold of checking one of the criteria and documenting it.  Today, we wrote a narrative to introduce those people who make the decisions to this child.  We are pleading the case and doing all we can under this law to help (_____) make it to the fourth grade. 

While I hate it, this is also the time of year when I know I'm doing exactly what I am supposed to be doing.  I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I belong in education and at the school where I am.  For that, I am thankful.  

Still, tonight I'm whispering a prayer.  I'm praying this child, and all the others in our state with similar stories have someone to articulate for them.  I'm praying that someone will see the whole picture and make the right decision here.  After all, this child's future depends on it.  

He's 21 Today!

My DS 1 is 21 today!  He's away finishing up his AIT for the Army.  I have to admit that having him in the service makes me view Memorial Day a bit differently.  In many ways, today I celebrate him for two reasons.  First and foremost because he's my son.  And second because he's chosen to serve our country through military service.  

It seems like it was just yesterday that I was in the doctor's office on the 25th of May in KY hearing the news, "It's going to be at least two more weeks."  Two more weeks?  I had already been on "bed rest" for four weeks due to preterm labor!  I was going stir crazy!  Tears came easily as DH and I left that visit.  

We went to lunch at Ruby Tuesday's where I had a mushroom burger.  Leaving lunch, I could barely walk my back suddenly hurt SO bad!  We headed back over to the doctor's office where the nurse told us, "You need to get to the hospital.  You're in labor!"  What???  

Just a few hours later we were able to hold our firstborn son in our arms.  I can remember nothing as sweet as knowing that he was ours.  I remember staring with wonder at the miracle of his birth.  

Now, 21 years later, I am still amazed at just how their life's journey goes.  It twists.  It turns. Some parts aren't so pretty.  But still, we can marvel at just what a miracle life is and how every twist and turn defines the man he is becoming.  

I couldn't be more proud of him or his accomplishments.  Happy birthday, son!  I love you!

Who Knew?

My DS 4 has been sick this week.  He's got a horrible cough and this morning it turned to "croup".  On Monday, I stayed home with him cause I wasn't feeling well.  On Tuesday, I had to go to a meeting, so DH stayed home with him.  Today, DH and I both had a full schedule...so we did what we normally do when that happens:

We called "back-up".  Our back-up is...GRANDMA!  She's run sick bay on more days than I can count over the years we've lived in the same town.  And she is always so pleasant about it.  I can't tell you how much of a blessing it is to be able to call her (and Grandpa) at 0'dark hundred and say, "can you?" and without hesitation they answer, "of course!"

Today, as DS 4 and I headed over to Grandma's, he was coughing.  I told him that it should settle down because he'd just taken meds.  He said, "I'm sure some of Grandma's Cinnamon Toast will help my throat feel better.  It's so warm and soothing."  

I have to say I never really considered the healing powers of cinnamon toast, but thanks to DS 4 now I know!  

A Confession and a Book Review

I've felt the guilt for months now.  Yesterday, my blogging friend Marilyn helped me realize it's time to come clean.  If you've read this blog for any time at all, then you know that I love to read and write book reviews to share with you.  For the past two years, my reading has been pretty consistent.  I reviewed 23 books in 2007 and 21 in 2008.  

I know some of you read much MORE than that.   I read quite a bit professionally in my line of work that I don't share here.  Still, my pleasure reading has fallen WAY down so far this year.  After finishing the Twilight series in December, it took me until NOW to finish a book!  I have t

hree more that I am in the midst of reading...with no idea when I'll get them finished.  

Anyway, at jury duty last week, I FINALLY completed my first book of the year, Finding Home by Jim Daly.  So, I say "better late than never" and thanks, Marilyn, for the swift kick in the rear!  

Jim Daly is currently the President of Focus on the Family ministries.  This book is HIS story.  Jim was born into a family that could have been the poster family for dysfunctional.  Here's a snippet of Publisher's Weekly's review:  

Daly's childhood family sorely needed focus: the last of five children born to aging alcoholics, young Jimmy experienced his father's abandonment, his stepfather's rages, his mother's death and several years with a gloriously insane foster family living next to their own personal garbage dump. He apparently avoided beatings and sexual abuse, though his chirpy coauthor rarely plumbs the depths of Daly's probable anguish. Rather than looking inward, the young adolescent developed a pragmatic philosophy of survival: "Keep your expectations low. That way you don't get hurt." 

And the list goes on.  He really had no faith background to speak of.  As a child, Jim lived in the projects with his single mother.  He witnessed a murder outside his bedroom window.   He was not permitted to visit his mother while she lay on her death bed due to his controlling stepfather.  Later, as a foster child, he was approached by an older foster brother with sexual intentions.  By God's grace, there was intervention for him in that situation.  

It almost seemed surreal when I read the book.  I kept asking myself, "HOW could one man experience so much heartache and despair, yet turn into the president of Focus?"  Jim does take the time to answer this question towards the end of his book.  Still, I think it's no less than a miracle.  With all of his experiences, statistics show he should be in prison or on the streets today.  It's evident, though, that God pursued Jim through all those years.  

This book should NEVER take anyone four months to read!  While reading, I was reminded again and again that every choice we make impacts someone else.  Some greater than others.  And, honestly, I found myself questioning some of the choices made by Jim's "family".  In some cases, like when they went to foster care, I wondered WHY?  He had an adult brother at that point. There were "nice family friends" in the suburbs that might have taken them in...or at least found better help for these kids.  Then, I wondered how many times I've had the chance to be someone's hope and yet turned my head.  

Jim's story is a great story of perseverance and hope.  It is in my favorite genre: biography.  And it reminds us that there are still people right in our own neighborhoods that need us to be avenues of hope and help in their time of need.  Most of all, though, it is a powerful picture that tells us our circumstances don't have to define the person we become.  That, ultimately, can and should be defined by God, our protector and creator who is there pursuing us with his grace even when we don't know or understand it.  I don't know a better (or more awesome) message than that!  

It's Monday and I'm not feeling great.  I stayed home from work because I can't even hold my head up!  UGH!  Here's a little update from my weekend:

Friday night was supposed to be the school carnival.  It rained, so it was canceled.  I won't say I was heartbroken.  I had been at school every night of last week until 8pm or later.  So, a night off was a blessing.  The carnival has been rescheduled to Thursday of this week.  I hate how busy the end of the year gets!  

Saturday I was back at school for our Kindergarten roundup.  Then I took DS 2 and 3 shopping.  DS 2 had a photo shoot on Sunday.  The directions were "Raid your parents' closets.  Think vintage."  So we went to Goodwill and then to the mall to get him new jeans.  It was a LONG afternoon, but we definitely found vintage!  

Sunday morning DS 2 and I headed to his photo shoot.  The room was filled with kids through adults.  Everyone had an appt. time.  We brought two LARGE suitcases FILLED with clothes for him.  I think he wore about 8 pieces total in the 4 hours we were there.  Still, they said "You cannot bring too much."  That's how they get options.  Now he goes to one rehearsal weekend and then will participate in the week long competition in several different categories this summer.  

We got home last night and I just CHILLED.  I was/am exhausted!  

I did get to talk to DS 1 this weekend.  He's doing well.  He's ready to head out to the final days of his training...which I guess is "in the field".  He's training to be a combat medic.  He says they have very expensive models/dummies that are computerized and look real.  The officers/trainers watch you from a room via cameras and you go into the field and "treat" the patient.  The people in the room can turn off things like bleeding when the procedures are done right.  

So, beside the fact that I don't feel great...all is well in our world.  Hope all's well in yours too!

The Circus Came to Town...

Tomorrow culminates a very busy week for me at school.  Every year our school (which has an Arts instructional focus) puts on a HUGE production.  You might remember a few years ago when DS 4 was in the Jungle Book.  He "skipped" last year's production and then got involved again this year for the "Greatest Show on Earth".   He was in the clown troupe and loved learning from a "real" Ringling Bros. clown!  

Here are a couple of pics of him in costume and on stage in the "bucket brigade".

In addition to our arts focus, we have several families who have traveled (or still travel) with major circuses in our country.  One of the neat tributes in this show was a film highlighting photos and video footage of these families in their circus performances.  

Two of the families even had their children perform special acts.  The Suarez family juggled.  And the Wallenda's (of the famous "Flying Wallendas") did tightrope.  Isn't that neat?  

My room has been a dressing room/holding room while we've waited to go on stage this week. This has made for some very interesting photo ops.  

The kids had a ball.  The teachers are WORN OUT!  I have to say, though, I am so thankful that I work in a place that does this sort of thing.  It helps kids discover avenues to exercise their creativity and opportunities to showcase their talents.  

Just look how BIG the cast was!  It truly was a GREAT show!

Finally, an Update!!

OK, I'm sitting here on Jury Duty, and I said to myself, "What better time to update your blog than now?" Soooooo, here we go:

These have been two crazy months for us. Spring fever hit me hard and I have done very little blogging and/or blog reading. I had other things that had to take priority and so they did. Since so much has happened in our lives, I'm going to do a person-by-person update:

DS 1 is in Texas finishing up his training for Army National Guard. DS 2 and my DH went out to see him a few weeks ago. They had a great time hanging out and playing disc golf. They went to the Alamo and saw some of the San Antonio sights. DS 1 will come back here in June (after graduation) and begin school at the University of Florida this Fall. He'll remain in the National Guard while he does that, then decide if he wants to fully enlist or not. I'm so proud of him! I just can't wait to see him again...cause I also miss him a great deal.

DS 2 has been busy finishing his first year of college. He's done well. Now he's going to compete in a national acting, modeling, and talent competition this summer. In that competition he'll be seen by hundreds of agents and casting people. I don't know what his future holds, but I sure am excited to watch it. I love it that he continues to learn and grow and seek God's best for him.

DS 3 was selected as the Sophomore Class President. He's doing well and is looking forward to the summer when he'll turn 15 and start DRIVING. It's a little weird, still, for me to think about the fact that he can fly a glider OVER my head and not drive. It will all align soon. Anyway, he's busy working out with his brother and also is developing a love for disc golf.

DS 4 is getting ready to be in the school play this week. They are doing the circus and he is a clown. He has had the opportunity to be trained by "real circus clowns" from clown college. He also tried out for our TV news crew at school and was selected for patrols next year. It's hard for me to believe that he's reached this stage of his life. Yet, I confess...I'm GLAD!!

DH has not traveled too much in recent weeks. He is helping a lot at the church we are attending. We moved to a new building and he is doing a lot of the coordination there. He'll begin traveling more in August...sounds like it'll be a good portion of August through October. Everyday when I come home and he has dinner ready or the laundry done, I know how blessed I am!! A week or so ago, I was thanking God for him and the word "steadfast" kept coming to my mind. The man IS steadfast and I'm so glad!!

As for me, I'm winding up another school year. My job is being eliminated, so it means I'll shift my focus next year. I'm so sad, though, because I have several colleagues who have either lost jobs or been moved to other schools unwillingly. It's a very HARD time in so many companies and organizations...and ours is no different. We do, however, have such a great staff that continues to support those who are having to move or be displaced. Everyday I am so sure that I am still doing exactly what I am called to do. I love that!

I spent a lovely day with my Mom yesterday. I feel a bit guilty that I don't get up there as often as I should. I am thankful for her and for the grace that she extends me regularly.

This week is going to be VERY busy! I am out every. single. night. My boss nominated me for "Literacy Teacher of the Year", so that banquet is tomorrow. I teach Wednesday night. Thursday is the circus. Friday is our carnival. Saturday is our Kindergarten Round-up. Sunday, we CRASH REST! I sincerely hope to get back to regular blogging very soon.

Well, the jury break is over and I am now going to wait some more. I think I'll do a little surfing and try to catch up with some of you.

Have a FABULOUS week!!

You might remember that last year, we created a video at my school to help get the kids motivated for our state test. This year, our motivational video is a parody of Mama Mia called "I Can Read It". I work at one of the best schools on the planet! These teachers love kids, learning, and as the video shows...fun!

Where Have You Been...

As I prepared to write this post, a little song that I learned as a child kept swimming in my head:

"Where have you been Billy Boy, Billy Boy?
Where have you been charming Billy?
I have been to see my wife,
She's the darling of my life.
She's a young thing, who cannot leave her mother."

I'll be honest, there's a lot "swimming in my head" these days. This is just one thing. Upon further reflection, here's what I noted; I haven't been out to "see my wife" and I am not a "young thing who cannot leave her mother".

OK, so I don't know WHY that song seemed appropriate to use in this post! Even though I know I am quite guilty of "blog neglect," this is STILL my blog and I'll quote as I want to. :-)Besides, it might give you "therapist types" good fodder.

Seriously, there's not much excuse for where I've been to explain where I haven't been. I just haven't. We'll leave it at that.

I DO keep up with most of my blogging friends through my blogger newsfeed. But I still like to get around and visit and comment and let everyone know that I still care and I haven't totally left the planet.

I can't say I will be around every day this week. I'll try, though. So, let me take a stab at my own version of the "Billy Boy" song:

"Oh where have you been Susan, girl? Susan, girl?
Oh, where have you been Blogging Susan?
I have been out of the loop
And believe me that's the truth
I wish I could give you something better!"

And, just so this little post doesn't leave you without a little lesson....heeeere's a performance of Billy Boy complete with chords so you can serenade yourself!



Hugs to you all! I'll be back to catch up soon!

Inside His Head...

I love talking with my kids. It's fun to hear what is happening in their lives and working through their day-to-day journey with them. I had an interesting conversation with DS 4 the other day:

The other day on our way home from school, DS 4 said, "Do you automatically work when you retire?" We talked about the fact that people usually retire from a career that they have done for a very long time. Some people end up working a little "fun job" for a few years or they go back to work to make a little extra money to support them in their retirement.

He said, "So a person could work at Disney World when they retire?" I reminded him how many people we saw at the park the other day who were older and most likely retired. He talked about the coolness factor of working at Disney and how fun it would be. Then he said, "Hmm...I think when I retire I might work at Disney...that is if I am willing to make that two hour drive to work."

I have two observations:

1. Perhaps you should choose a career before you choose what you'll do in your retirement years.

and

2. Good Lord, he really DOES think he's going to live with his Dad and me forever!!

Forever Friends

We met 27 years ago this coming Fall. It was our freshman year of college. I don't know exactly HOW it happened, but I'm so glad it did!

The year was 1982. Three of us lived in the same dorm. We had a very large group of friends who enjoyed hanging out, walking around the lake that bordered our college, laughing, eating pizza, talking till all hours of the night and learning together. We went to church together. We participated in campus activities together. It wasn't long until the four of us decided that we would room somewhat together the following year: Beth with Leigh and Lala with me.

Beth and Leigh lived downstairs. Lala and I lived upstairs. Still, we were often found in each other's rooms. Since we were all Elementary Education majors, we even shared many classes. As the years went by, we continued to laugh and cry and grow together.

I cannot describe how precious these friendships were (and are) to me. I can tell you, though, that I know it was a very special time. The four of us shared everything with one another. I can honestly say that DH and I are probably together today because two of these girls asked HIM to take me to my sorority formal. There is no question that they set it in motion.

A short year after we graduated, three of us were married. Two years later, the fourth was married. All of us were in each other's weddings. I'm sure there were times we vowed to "stick together" even as our lives changed and we began our families. And in some ways we have. Over the years, one or two of us would get together and catch up.

Still, sometimes life and time get in the way of nurturing relationships. It happens and it's sad. The last time the four of us were together at the same time was about 18 years ago. Until now.

This weekend, we came together and spent time reconnecting. It took no time at all. In fact, it seemed that not one second had passed since the last time we were together. We laughed. We remembered.

What we have is a real bond. It is a precious "forever friendship" that withstands the test of time and distance. I could not be more blessed. It is so true that a true friend is a treasure...and these are true forever friends!

One thing we know for sure after our time away is that it won't be another 18 years before we are together again!

Mall Blitz Part 2 and Spring Break

The Mall Blitz that I blogged about below did not end on Sunday. My DH called the mall manager yesterday and explained to her what we were trying to do with our kindness outreach. She thought it was so cool. She did explain to DH that they do not allow solicitation from store to store, but that what we were doing was fine.

So, tonight, three of us headed to the mall to deliver the other 151 bags. It was even neater than the initial day. Store managers were blown away that we even made the attempt to come back and finish what we started. The head of security (who we did NOT meet on Sunday) came and met me. He even said, "Make sure you deliver the biggest bag to Leon" (his name). So, guess who's getting bags TOMORROW??? Yep, you guessed it! Security!!

This is our Spring Break, so I'm enjoying some free time this week. We went to Chris Tomlin's concert last Friday. My colleagues and I enjoyed a brunch with a person who used to teach at my school on Monday. DS 2 and DS 3 played a "bowling game" on the radio station today and will be bowling with the guys from Jars of Clay on Thursday. There may be a Disney Day in here.

BUT the biggest part of the week for me is happening on Friday/Saturday. I am going to be meeting up with my three BEST friends and roommates from college. We were all in each other's weddings. We were absolutely best of friends in college. We have seen each other sporadically over the years...but we have not, the four of us, been together in the same room for more than 18 years! I am SO EXCITED!!

Stay posted. It may be a couple of days, but there's more to come!