What have we been doing?

I'm so glad that you asked!

I guess all my loyal readers have realized that I'm not finishing the 30 days of Thanksgiving. I'm totally ok with being a quitter. I am truly thankful. I'm one blessed gal! Hopefully, you are not too disappointed with me. All that blogging left me needing a break. But I'm back and feeling revived.

Life has been super busy around the Joneses' house recently. Between the holidays, play practicing, ballgames, crafting, lesson planning, decorating, ornament making, cooking, laundry, and cleaning (well not so much the last three) we hardly have a free night. I wouldn't have it any other way though. Our life is full and happy.

Thanksgiving came and left with a smile. We spent the morning with the Joneses and the evening with the Hursts. I love being able to sit and talk with family we haven't seen in awhile.

Black Friday I got up at dawn-thirty to go shopping with my fam. Actually they were late picking me up. It's kind of the story of that shopping trip. They are always later than what they say! I could have slept 30 more minutes. I didn't even buy alot. A griddle to replace one I broke and few gifts for my angel tree girls. At least mom got some good buys....I think.

Michael will start his new job on the 14th. I'm so happy and excited for him. He's welcoming the change!

School life is crazy trying to teach all the normal stuff and fit in Christmas crafts & ornaments. We're be going on a field trip Monday that I'm super nervous about. We're ending the trip at a nursing home (that I've never been too) singing Christmas Carols and giving out a craft the kids have made. It could be a huge flop! I hoping that the kids will at least look cute and that'll out weigh them not singing well and the chaos that might follow!

It's hard to believe that this year is close to winding down! Where has the time gone?

Have a great Tuesday!

30 Days of Thankfulness--Days 21

I'm thankful for a day off work.

I'm thankful for 4 more days off!

I'm thankful for a chance to sleep in.

I'm thankful for a day to catch up on laundry.

I'm thankful for a day to catch up on dishes.

I'm thankful for a day to catch up on cleaning.

I'm thankful for a day to have some lazy moments.

I'm thankful for the hope of Heaven.

I'm thankful for Godly Elderly ladies who leave us a witness when they pass on.

I'm thankful for memories with these saints.

I'm thankful there's so much more after life on this earth.

I'm thankful for the peace salvation brings.

I'm thankful for the joy salvation brings.

I'm thankful for what awaits us in Heaven.

I'm thankful for who awaits us in Heaven.

I'm thankful God still answers prayers.

I'm thankful for the joy and hope these answered prayers bring.

I'm thankful for a good night's sleep.

I'm thankful for cough medicine that helped me sleep well last night.

I'm thankful for a cozy bed to sleep in.

I'm thankful for a beautiful day!

30 Days of Thanksgiving--Days 19 & 20

I'm thankful for family.

I'm thankful for a mom who'll I know will always be there.

I'm thankful for a stepdad who invites me out to eat.

I'm thankful for a husband who I adore.

I'm thankful for a husband who works hard.

I'm thankful for a husband who plans for the future.

I'm thankful for a husband with the same desires and goals as me.

I'm thankful for brother to laugh with.

I'm thankful for sisters to talk with.

I'm thankful for in-laws who are sweet.

I'm thankful for a good day at work.

I'm thankful for lesson plans that filled the day.

I'm thankful for fun learning activities and a break from the routine.

I'm thankful that it's only a two day work week.

I'm thankful today flew by.

I'm thankful for my job.

I'm thankful for some good parents in my room this year.

I'm thankful that tomorrow we have our Thanksgiving Eve service at church.

I'm thankful for a safe trip to Knoxville and back.

I'm thankful for good deals at Hobby Lobby.

I'm thankful for the two crafts I'm anticipating to make.

I'm thankful I found Christmas cards that I like that have KJV verses on them.

I'm thankful for my KJV Bible.

I'm thankful I was able to buy a small gift for a friend to give tomorrow.

I'm thankful tomorrow's school schedule is looking as busy as today's was.

I'm thankful for the ability to cook supper.

I'm thankful for groceries to cook.

I'm thankful for a husband who always chops my peppers and onions.

I'm thankful for Yummy food!

I'm thankful for a full belly.

I'm thankful for those dirty dishes that are waiting on me.

I'm thankful for the coasters that are waiting on pictures to be placed in them (hopefully before company comes).

I'm thankful for Christmas decorations that I can't wait to get out!

I'm thankful for unexpected Christmas bonuses.

I'm thankful for great friends.

I'm thankful for a church choir to sing in.

I'm thankful for church plays to act in.

I'm thankful for anticipation of Thanksgiving.

I'm thankful for a love seat to snuggle up to my husband on.

30 Days of Thanksgiving--Day 18

I'm thankful God gave us traveling mercies yesterday.

I'm thankful for the time we spent with Michael's family.

I'm thankful his mom felt well enough to have company.

I'm thankful my husband acts just like his dad. He's a great man to be like.

I'm thankful for a good night's rest.

I'm thankful that it is Sunday.

I'm thankful we get to go to church today.

I'm thankful we have a church to go to.

I'm thankful for a pastor who has studied this week.

I'm thankful for a pastor who has prayed this week.

I'm thankful for a pastor who is sensitive to the Holy Spirit and will preach what God lays on his heart.

I'm thankful for our Sunday school class.

I'm thankful for the people who make up our Sunday School class.

I'm thankful for our Sunday school teacher.

I'm thankful for the lessons he has been teaching on the home. And how they've helped our home.

I'm thankful for the music we'll have at church.

I'm thankful for the opportunity to participate at church.

I'm thankful I'm saved!

30 Days of Thanksgiving--Days 16 and 17

I'm thankful that is finally the weekend.

I'm thankful next week is a short work week.

I'm thankful there is no after school next week!

I'm thankful for sleeping in late.

I'm thankful for the silence of the morning without the blaring alarm clock.

I'm thankful Michael got to sleep in with me.

I'm thankful I survived last week!

I'm thankful I do not have to bring students home with me.

I'm thankful 7 hours and 15 minutes is the length of the school day.

I'm thankful for a husband who took me out to eat last night.

I'm thankful theres not a dirty dish in my house!

I'm thankful I'm seeing the light at the end of the laundry tunnel.

I'm thankful for a husband who's not afraid of work.

I'm thankful for a husband who'll skip a day of hunting to work around the house (I am sad for him....but it was his choice!)

I'm thankful for how the yard is starting to look leaf-less again!

I'm thankful I already have my lesson plans online for next week and won't be working on that Sunday night!

I'm thankful that I already have midterms filled out.

I'm thankful to attend Kiah's ball game again.

I'm thankful it's the season for Kiah's games.

I'm thankful that it gives mom something to look forward to.

I'm thankful for a break from cleaning house (why do I always wait until Saturday?)

I'm thankful for a husband who won't complain to much if the house isn't perfect!

I'm thankful for the opportunity to buy Christmas gifts for a child in my room.

I'm thankful this is the fifth year I have got to do this (it really is fun!)

I'm thankful I never needed to be on an Angel tree.

I'm thankful for how God has blessed my family abundantly!

I'm thankful I do not need to go to the grocery store this weekend.

I'm thankful Michael is ok with baked potatoes for lunch (how easy is that?)

I'm thankful for new socks. (I was in desperate need!)

I'm thankful we're going to my in-laws this afternoon.

I'm thankful that Michaels mom texted me yesterday and said she was having a better day.

I'm thankful Mom has been starting to feel better.

I'm thankful it's getting close to Christmas time!

30 Days of Thankfulness--Day 15

I'm thankful that I was able to go to Kiah's basket ball game last night.

I'm thankful that Michael was able to go with me.

I'm thankful for spending time with my precious husband.

I'm thankful that Mom was able to be there.

I'm thankful that Mom felt well enough to be there.

I'm thankful that I got to set by mom and spend time with her.

I'm thankful Michael had a good interview today.

I'm thankful it wasn't my turn to host recess indoors today!

I'm thankful for answered prayers.

I'm thankful for our sweet lil home.

I'm thankful Michael was already home when I got here.

I'm thankful for a Wednesday night that's not rushed.

I'm thankful for a heated house.

I'm thankful for a washer and dryer.

I'm thankful for a church to attend.

30 Days of Thankfulness--Day 12 & 13 & 14

I'm thankful I'm only 6 days behind on my 30 days of thankfulness. If it were any more I might get stressed.

I'm thankful my headache that tortured me all night is finally gone without a trace.

I'm thankful for Kroger's being open 24 hours and having a steady supply of Excedrin Migraine.

I'm thankful I haven't caught strep throat from all my dear little ones who have it.

I'm thankful Michael has a job interview tomorrow.

I'm thankful for traveling safety today.

I'm thankful for doing better at Saturday's holiday festival.

I'm thankful for time spent with Teresa.

I'm thankful for my friend Carly.

I'm thankful Carly and I enjoy the same things.

I'm thankful Carly and I dislike some of the same things.

I'm thankful my wonderful, gracious, beautiful, adorable, cousin-in-law, Misty helped me out of a jam.

I'm thankful I wasn't in jail like Malachi thought!

I'm thankful I've never had a mouse in my classroom the size of the one at the high school that she showed me. It looked like a cat!

I'm thankful Mom was able to come by the Holiday festival.

I'm thankful she looked so good.

I'm thankful to spend the afternoon with her on Sunday.

I'm thankful to get to eat their roast, and save mine for another time. :)

I'm thankful for the little girl who wrote about the true meaning of Thanksgiving.

I'm thankful not all public school kids are bad.

I'm thankful for the opportunity that I'm going to have to add her story to my newsletter on Friday.

I'm thankful that I work in a place where I do not worry about including a story about thanking Jesus in my newsletter.

I'm thankful for a husband who will go grocery shopping with me.

I'm thankful for a husband who will carry in all the groceries for me.

I'm thankful for a husband who doesn't mind to eat leftovers every once in a while.

I'm thankful to have a whole pan of leftover roast and vegetable in the frig.

I'm thankful for the aroma of strawberry cupcakes in the oven.

I'm thankful for warm strawberry cupcakes.

I'm thankful for being able to help a friend out.

I'm thankful for a phone call from dad in Afghanistan.

I'm thankful the delay in the call was only a second or two.

I'm thankful that other than a few inconveniences, nothing major has happened while he has been gone.

I'm thankful that the Lord has protected him thus far.

I'm thankful that his plane trips have always been fine.

I'm thankful for the times I have got to visit him over-seas.

I'm thankful for having a friend like Bryan to accompany me.

I'm thankful glad Bryan tells the truth about luggage even when we are about to miss our plane.

I'm thankful I only tell a few fibs to avoid missing planes.

I'm thankful laughs of old memories.

Showers of Blessings--Day 11--Childhood Memories

I'm way behind on being thankful. Whoops.

Day 11

I'm thankful for childhood memories.

Our family vacations use to consist of either a night spent in Pigeon Forge or a day at Opry land Amusement Park. One time going to Opry Land we were crammed into Wendells s10 truck, mom was way pregnant, and the flood gates were open. The whole way there it was crazy rain! As soon as we got there it was beautiful and we had the best day.

I'm thankful mom use to make me rake leaves until I thought I was dying! Now I have a good work ethic.

I'm thankful for actually getting the bird out of the house as a little girl....long story short...it got stuck in my hair in the process but I DID get it out of the house.

I'm thankful for being homeschooled through my high school years.

I'm thankful for being taught to cook supper when my parents were still at work.

I'm thankful for dates to the dump and chick-o-sticks and cowtails.

I'm thankful for fourth of July hayrides.

I'm thankful for early Sunday mornings.

I'm thankful for weekends at Granny's and Jane's.

I'm thankful for fourwheeling trips.

30 Days of Thankfulness--Days 9 and 10

Day 9



I'm thankful that my cousin Malachi married a sweet girl like Misty....After the craft show on Saturday I had this same conversation with mom. She agrees. We think she's good for Malachi!



I'm thankful for all the times God has protected me. The times I know about and the times I don't.



I'm thankful for all the times I've seen the hand of God working in my life.



I'm thankful for times when my husband has supper cooked and waiting when I get home.



I'm thankful God gave me two younger sisters.



I'm thankful Punky sets me straight on fashion.



I'm thankful that every once and a while, her and Aaron let Michael and I win the cutest couple contest...they seriously talk about these things. And I seriously get excited when she tells me I've won.



I'm thankful that she has always brought drama into our lifes. Starting in Kindergarten....it keeps things interesting.



I'm thankful she's able to stay with mom now. Even more than that, that she's actually cleaning the house weekly and doing laundry.





Day 10



I'm thankful it's no longer Monday. (Do I sound like Pollyanna?) Monday is a hard day for me.



I'm thankful I only teach after school one day a week. It is enough!



I'm thankful for reminders to do right at school and to be an example.



I'm thankful 16 years ago, God added a baby girl to our family.



I'm thankful that she's sweet and thoughtful.



I'm thankful for the aging ape coloring pages hanging in the basement that reminds me of her kindergarten days.



I'm thankful that I no longer live in the same house as her and no longer have to wake her up in the mornings.



I'm thankful we almost share the same birthday. It's been fun through the years.

I'm thankful she always wants to go to the nursing home with us.

I'm thankful for my siblings. It's been fun!

30 Days of Thanksgiving--Day 8

I am thankful for memories with my siblings.

I'm thankful for a kind hearted brother.

I'm thankful that even through all the years of Josh...breaking toy guns over my head, ramming my head through closet doors, and hitting me with pans.... that after he moved out I think he began to like me.

I'm thankful for a brother who is a hoot. And he knows funny.

I'm thankful he married a girl I was already friends with.

I'm thankful he works hard to take care of his family.

I'm thankful he is taking care of Renee.

I'm thankful I'm his favorite sister.

30 Days of Thankfulness--Days 6 and 7

Day 6--

I'm thankful for a husband who will stay up until midnight with me cutting scarf material for snowmen.

I'm thankful for a husband who'll take me where ever I want to go. All I have to do is ask.

I'm thankful for a stepdad who'll order Navel Oranges for me every year. I can't wait to get them!

I'm thankful for great in-laws. They raised a terrific boy and they treat me like a daughter.

I'm thankful for water heaters. Think how stinky it'd be to have to take cold showers!

I'm thankful for the inventor of makeup. Who ever you are....you are a good person!


Day 7--

I'm thankful for a mom who'll meet me with change when I need her too.

I'm thankful for a husband who'll change my oil, balance my tires, and even wash my car...Sorry Ladies, I found him first.

I'm thankful Teresa did well at the fall festival today. I feel like my time was somewhat of a flop.

I'm thankful for what we did sale at the craft show today. It was fun.

I'm thankful for Carly who has the same interests as me and will agree to do crazy craft shows with me.

I'm thankful for a gorgeous day.

I'm thankful my laptop hasn't crashed. I have lots and lots of important treasures saved to it.

30 Days of Thankfulness--Day Five

I'm thankful for my job. At times it drives me batty but I'm doing what I love.

I'm thankful for my car. I hate to sound petty but there are many people who do not own a car.

I'm thankful for the laundry folded on the coffee table and waiting in the dryer. It means the Lord has blessed us with plenty of clothes.

I'm thankful for the dirty dishes waiting on me in the kitchen. I never have to go hungry.

I'm thankful for glasses/contacts. I would hate to spend my life unable to see the wonders of the world around me.

30 Days of Thankfulness--Day Four

I'm thankful for my mom. She's an awesome lady.

I'm thankful for Wendell. He's been a great stepdad.

I'm thankful for my Dad. Even if he doesn't tell me when he's leaving the country to go to...of all places...Afghanistan!

I'm thankful for my health. I know now more than ever not to take health for granted.

30 days of Thankfulness-Days 1-3

I'm joining Teresa from Blessed Beyond Measure in celebrating Thanksgiving all month long. Whatever the date is, I'll post that many things I'm thankful for. Of course I'm a little behind...so here goes....

Day One
I'm thankful for my salvation. I'm so glad I have met him. He is my life.

Day Two
I'm thankful for my husband. I honestly do not know another man like him. I love him with my whole heart.

I'm thankful for my bible. I love reading its words and memorizing the truths God has gave us. There's no other book like it.

Day Three
I'm thankful for my church. I love the place God has gave me to worship.

I'm thankful for my Pastor. He is the greatest example of Christ that I know.

I'm thankful for mercy. That God withholds what I really deserve.

It's not to late to join in....head over to Blessed Beyond Measure to find out how.


Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
--Psalm 100:4

Sunday Scriptures

And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:

But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.

Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

---James 3:6-10

Reality

I looked up today and there she was...lunchbox in one hand, some sort of colored paper in the other. Her boy had forgot his lunch so she brought it. She showed me the paper. Ironically it was a memorial poem, photo, and obituary of a loved one.

We spoke. I smiled. Good teachers always smile at parents. Teachers want parents to like them. She told her son bye. She told me she'd be back for the Halloween party.

2 minutes later I realized I needed goodie bags put together. I tried to catch her. Too late.

We partied. Raced to eat doughnuts hanging from a string. Decorated cupcakes. Felt the sugar buzz. The kids lined up for recess. I gave last minute instructions to super mom of things I needed done while we where outside.

Then I saw her in the hall. She had already found her place beside my line of students. Beside her seven year old. With my teacher smile in place I greeted her. Good teachers always smile at parents even when they don't want too. Teachers want parents to like them. My mind was racing. I could have really used her help!

She apologized for missing the party. We talked as we walked. She had received bad news. Her thyroid cancer is back. She battled it five years ago. She will take radiation as soon as Wednesday. Her radiation is different from the kind I'm familiar with. She will have to be isolated from everyone, including seven year old, for seven days. I can see the stress in her eyes. What will her son do for seven days. He doesn't like being away from home or her.

My heart is aching for her. Reality hits again. I've felt it so many times this year. Maybe God is trying to teach me a lesson that I'm just not getting. I feel like a dog for being stressed over her not showing up to my party. I realize the party was such a small portion of the plate she was eating from today. It doesn't matter in the scheme of things.

Reality is that it doesn't matter whose opinion is right...mine or yours.

Reality is that family is important. When they hurt I hurt.

Reality is theres so little I can do to help all the people that are hurting in my life.

Reality is that you never know when you'll get the phone call.

Reality is its not all about self.

Just two choices on the shelf: Pleasing God or pleasing self.

Sunday Scripture and Some Love!

I found him whom my soul loveth...

Song of Solomon 3:4

It's been 15 months and I'm still crazy in love with this guy! I know God placed us together and his timing was perfect. I'm thankful for the stand he takes and the love he gives. I love how he makes me laugh and never complains when he's changing/plugging another tire. I love him with my whole being!

Happenings in the Jones' Home

Things have been busy around our parts! Work, work, work and a little play. Thought I'd post some random pictures. The first several are from last Saturday. Michael and I had a date day. We went to Muddy Pond to visit the Mennonites....because....well....it's the thing to do in East Tennessee. We also went by the apple orchard, the other place all dates should go, unfortunately I didn't get any pictures but am looking forward to some homemade apple sauce.

The last few pictures are after revival one night at Cracker Barrell.

Sunday Scriptures

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8

My Cape is Torn

The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

--Psalm 34:18

During my blogging break I've missed some Sunday's Scriptures. Missing doesn't mean God's word has become any less precious to me. I've been too preoccupied to share. However, there are times when God moves in ways that you can't even speak of that are too great not to share. He's doing that for me now. So many times I try to live my life in the "super" lane. Trying to wear all my hats while wearing the super girl cape also. As I run around (similar to a chicken with it's head cut off), it doesn't take me long to realize that in myself I'm far from super. It doesn't take long before I fall flat on my face and realize that I can't do it....any of it....without his strength.

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

Psalm 121:1-2

Visiting Mom

I updated her blog, check it out if you are interested.

Balance

Why is the beginning of a school year so hard? This year is kicking my tail. I wasn't able to work in my room but one day before we went back for meetings. So I started the year off behind and just can't seem to get caught up!

Then of course I'm really regretting the last words of my last post. I'm alive, and WELL....that brought on the lovely upper-respiratory junk I've acquired. Which means I've already took 1/2 a day off of work for a trip to the doctor (that story could be a whole post in itself). And which means we weren't able to go up to mom's last night because I can't risk making her sick. (Oh, I'm really awesome at going up, and filling her life with sunshine).

Then theres the fact that I'm not embarrassed to tell you that my house looks like a cyclone came through (cleaning is next on my list).

I'm curious how do others balance life? Home, husband, work, devotions, supper, laundry.....?

Edit: I just reread this post....wow, my cup's half empty today! Check back later this week and I'll write about sunshine, lollipops, and smiley faces!

Sunday's Scriptures and a Note

He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.

In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.

Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.

Psalm 62:6-8


I know...I know....add my name to the list of LOSER/SLACKER bloggers. I took an unannounced/unexpected blogging break. I certainly had my reasons. Sometimes God just wants us to be still and listen, and lean on him. Sometimes we just need to survey whats really important in our lives and enjoy those things. Sometimes we are just really uninspired! Sometimes we are hurt and need healing time. Sometime we are drowning in crazyness and need all our strength to just float.

I hesitate to make the promise that I'll do better. But that's the plan.

For now just know...I am alive, well, and kicking.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to Mom!

A few days ago I couldn't have told you how old she was. It's something that when mentioned is lied about! Tuesday as I was pretending to be her (complete with forged signature) to pick up her prescription, the cashier wanted to know my birthday. Yikes! I had no clue how old she was to quickly (well as quickly as my bad mental math skills would let me) figure what year she was born. The friendly cashier seen my frantic worried brow and told me when "I" was born. She was cracking up, as I was figuring out how many years had passed between that wonderful day and now. Wow, Mom, I had no idea!

What to say about mom? Wow, the last few months have been C.R.A.Z.Y! And she has some hard days ahead of her. But she's been amazing! Theres so much I could say.

I love you bunches Mom.

P.S. I should be your favorite because I'm sure Josh didn't remember your birthday!

Ways to Steal My Heart!

• Name your wireless network, "Virus Infected", really how cute is that?
• Don't get upset when discussing paying my red light ticket
• Be understanding of my ability to "collect" things
• Always tease me about reformatting my computer but totally understand that I have many "treasures" collected on my computer also
• Don't file divorce when I drag out the tarp, yet again!
• Pray with me nightly
• Tolerate my natural ability to destroy sheets and covers in only a matter of minutes of laying down!
• Sing to me in the car
• Always encourage my singing no matter how off key
• Share your popcorn
• Love me no matter where I leave Styrofoam laying

I'm blessed!

Sunday Scriptures

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

--Titus 2:11-14

Show us your wedding

I decided to participate with Kelly this week with pictures of my wedding. This is a subject I could talk about all day! It was a wonderful day. I tell Michael all the time that I want to get married again...to him of course.

The Day before the wedding my bridesmaids and I all wore matching shirts to have our nails done...fun, fun.

My Bridesmaids (left to right): Kiah (sister), Rachel (cousin), Jec (long time friend), Jen (long time friend), Punky (sister), Megan (flower girl)

Groomsmen: Back row: Mark (friend of Michaels), Josh (my brother),
Front row: Joshua (friend), Michael, Steve (michael's brother), Nate(Michael's newphew).


The Whole clan....The goofy grooms man holding the flowers would be my brother!

Heres a picture of the flowers. Trying to be frugal I made all the floral arrangements. Guess you can tell that.

It was such a fun day!

Ever felt like you are being watched?

Trivia Time

On the first night of bible school, I asked the girls (I'm teaching the teens) some questions to spark their interest in the theme, "Creation". It really worked. One question really got them to thinking....searching the Internet...and asking me to tell them. I'm of course dragging it out and not telling them the answer till the last night. I have to get them to bible school somehow....I'd hate to be the loser teacher without any students.

So here's the stumping question...

What animal hops, carries it young in a pouch....and is green?

If you know the answer, comment. If you get it right you'll win...absolutely nothing but intrinsic pleasure. Can't wait to hear your guess!

VBS Pictures

We made it back from the meeting in McDonald, TN. It was so good. We got home about 12:30 am on Friday night.

I took the dreaded Pre-k test on Saturday. I'm not sure if I passed or not. I should know in four weeks. If I passed, I'll let you know....if I didn't, the subject won't be mentioned again. Teachers, always tell you to get a good night of rest before a test. They are right! It makes a difference! I was falling asleep during some of it.

Mom had her first radiation treatment today. They get you in and out of there quick! If only every appointment was that fast. I'm sad she's having to go through this but I see the hand on God on the situation. He already knew the outcome before we even knew she had cancer!

Bible school started tonight. Teenage girls are intimidating. It went well...I think.

I'll leave you with decoration pictures.

The auditorium

The days of creation (in reverse order)

Catching up!

I officially made it through a week of pre-school seminars with my good pal Lorie. Everyone keeps asking if I learned anything...I can honestly say no. It was a bunch of review about educational psychology and assessment techniques and other boring stuff. I'll take my praxis test Saturday morning to finish the process of getting my prek endorsement. Fun times!

I mentioned I'd post about our weekend getaway. We went to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg for a day and night. We had the best time together.

Our only picture...not so great, I know.

This is Bro. Wayne Sextons church. The Sunday after we were married we went to his church so we decided to go back on our anniversary since we were so close.

My awesome husband bought me a pandora bracelet with a heart charm. I have no idea how he knew I wanted one. And I don't how the catalog was placed on his dresser a month ago! I love it. I'm needing help explaining to him how I'm gonna need a new charm for each holiday....and Labor Day is coming up soon!

And of course we got the Anniversary Willow Tree figurine. Love it!

Later this week we'll be going to Michaels' Dad church for their youth meeting. I'm super excited about it. Last year we only went to one service because we were just getting back from our honey moon and Michael was starting a new job. This year we'll get to be there the whole time.



Today I have have the tarp pulled out and am painting...again.



Next Week: Bible school

We are busy busy. Summer is quickly coming to an end. So Sad!

The past 365 days

It's hard to believe that the Lord has already given Michael and me a year together. It has honestly been the best year of my life. There's nothing like the peace of knowing that you waited on the one that God would have you marry. We enjoyed a nice weekend away together. I'll post about that later when I have more time. This week I'll be driving to Athens everyday for preshool training. It's going to be a busy week.


The past year has been filled with
· Breath-taking views of Niagara falls
· walking around Canada
· Butterfly observatory
· Board patrol yelling at us (Michael, I’d hate to say it but I told you so)
· Hugs-n-kisses
· nightly prayer and devotions (one word…Apostable)
· a new job
· boat rides
· Styrofoam cutting
· walks down our road
· driving by possible houses
· touring possible houses
· church services
· laughing days
· sobbing nights
· death of a loved one
· illness of another loved one
· warnings for expired tags
· warnings for not paying parking fee
· a new niece
· a new tractor
· 18 tomato plants
· first meal at home: Pancake breakfast
· Many ruined meals….(whoops)
· Walks at the park
· tennis matches
· sleeping in Saturdays
· Dollywood at Christmas
· Fireworks on the fourth
· Adventure on the Ocoee
· Graduated Sister
· Ruined cell phones (who would have thought…2 in one week.)
· Barking at dogs
· Crowing at roosters
· Rooster catching neighbors
· Lawn-mower riding kids
· Craig’s list browsing
· Police at school
· Being mistaken for a “young driver”
· Car- reposing (not our's)
· Totally bombing a newly wed game
· singing in the choir
· singing in the car
· Hosting a Christmas party
· A companion to listen
· many MANY bowls of popcorn
· sweet texts
· changing tires (in the rain)


It has been good.

Sunday's Scriptures

Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

--Matthew 19:6

Bible School Decor

The girls came over yesterday and we worked on decorations for Vacation Bible School. We had a great time and finished a lot. I'm really excited. And if I do say so myself....the decorations look great! (more about those later)... Allison
Angela

A glimpse of Kiah

Lindsay

Fourth of July

We had a great fourth holiday! We started off with a cookout/swimming at the Reids and ended with fireworks.

Waiting on the fireworks. (and Yes, I am so sporting the Aunt Jemima hair-do)

Long-time friends.


Sweet hearts

I love our lil foot picture. Can you tell which ones are mine and which ones are Michael's?

I have to apologize for the bad firework picture. It's as good as it gets.

We even saw Joshu-way, Heather, and Shayla