Wiffle Ball Fun

Our church had a wiffle ball game and a cookout today after our last service. I actually remembered my camera and took some shots of Coop & Sam when they were up to bat. I'm only posting pictures of them because I don't think I should post pics of other people without their permission. So here they are!

Batter up Coop!

Batter up Sam!

What form!

Afterward, we had burgers, hot dogs, chips & dip, salad and cake. Best of all... we had gorgeous weather and good fellowship!

Here's a face....

... that only a mother could love... stained with blue, sticky cotton candy! But look at that smile! I think he was on a sugar high because he was washing this candy down with a Coke! This was taken at a minor league baseball game last night. Our team lost, but we still had a blast!

Ramblings by Me

If you've been following me for a while, you'll know that today is the day I've been waiting for. I'm done with work until August 31! Summer vacation is finally here for me! You might also remember that I declared June 1st as my personal Sit on My Tushy and Do Nothing Day. Well, my plans have been slightly altered. We were supposed to have my younger son's IEP meeting next Friday. However, the meeting has been moved to Monday at 8 AM! So that means I have to get up as usual and be over at his school by then. Bummer! Not that I was planning on sleeping in that day, but I wasn't planning to have to be showered, dressed and out the door so early.

As I'm doing my end of the school year happy dance, I'm looking around my house and thinking, "Yuck! Look at all that dust and clutter." Cleaning up is definitely on my agenda between now and when the boys finish up their school year on the 18th. Yes, I have 18 school days without children for 6 hours a day! Of course, there will be one day spent at my younger son's 5th grade picnic and another day spent volunteering at his school's end of year carnival. Plus, we're taking the boys out of school next Friday to go to a World War II show. Both of our boys, especially our youngest, love anything to do with WWII. There are going to be planes, tanks and different vehicles on display along with a lot of other WWII paraphernalia. Also, there will be many veterans making appearances, including several who were depicted in the show Band of Brothers (which we've watched at least a dozen times!). It will be educational, so I don't feel badly about taking them out of school for it. Hopefully, I'll get lots of pictures that I can post here. We're going to Gettysburg again this summer too.

My dear assistant teacher was so sweet to me today. She gave me a gift as a thank you for helping her through her first year with us! She (we'll call her M.) was only supposed to work for us this year. My former assistant (B.) needed to take this year off because her youngest child was going to kindergarten and the schedules just didn't mesh. B. is coming back in September to resume her position as my assistant in my 4-year-old class. However, due to some staff changes, we were able to offer M. the position as my assistant for my 3-year-old class and as Head Teacher for our 2 1/2-year-old class. M. is so happy, and we're thrilled to have her back again! Here's a picture of what she gave me.

She said she has the same bag and carries her Bible in it. The inside of the bag is pink and it has the following verse in it; "Faith, hope and love ~ but the greatest of these is Love." 1 Corinthians 13:13 I was so surprised by the gift and love it! I can't wait to read the devotional and to use the journal.

We actually have NO plans for this evening. I am thrilled! I think my hubby and I are going to sit on the porch later, have a glass of wine and just enjoy some togetherness. Tomorrow will be filled with baseball...first my younger son's game and then we're going to a minor league game with our church.

I pray that y'all have a blessed, fun-filled weekend!

Foto Friday

Okay, so today Mrs. Tracy has decided that the Foto Friday theme is Self Portraits. Not sure I'm thrilled with this theme, but here is my picture. Otto just had to be in the photo too! Go on over to Mrs. Tracy's blog and check out her pic (she's gorgeous), see who else is participating, and join us yourself!

Thankful Thursday

It's that day of the week again...a time to think about what I'm thankful for and what I should be praising God for! All of our gifts and blessings are from Him!

1. I had a nice visit with my parents and sisters over the weekend. One of my nieces and three of my nephews were there as well.

2. Tomorrow is my last day of work until August 31st!

3. My hubby has been working hard at cleaning out our garage this week.

4. We have some sprouts in our garden!

5. I'm thankful for all of you who read my ramblings even when they're not that thought provoking or inspiring!

It's your turn! Head on over to Truth 4 the Journey and link up with Sonya.

Applying Your Life

This morning I was listening to our local Christian radio station as I cleaned my classroom. An ad came on, so I was kind of tuning out when I heard the man on the radio say something to the effect that people are always talking about applying the Bible to their life when what they should be doing is applying their life to the Bible. I quickly stopped what I was doing (washing plastic food!) and wrote down what he had said.

The Bible is God's written directions for us. It tells us how we should live our lives. Yes, it does contain a lot of history, but that history teaches us many lessons in addition to just giving us information. Rather than trying to tailor the Bible so that it fits our lives, shouldn't we be doing it the other way around?

For instance, a man may be thinking, "I want my wife to serve me and submit to my demands, and the Bible says she should do this." Instead, he should consider and follow all of the instructions given in the Bible concerning husbands and wives. Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect... 1 Peter 3:7 We can't just pick and choose from the Bible what is convenient and desirable to us. God wants us to follow ALL of the instructions.

Many products that we purchase come with written instructions. We need to consider the Bible as our instruction manual on how we should build our lives. Let's see, is it better to build my life on worldly things such as money and material goods (sand) or would it be better to build my life around giving to and helping others (rock)? Hhmmm, let me check the Bible!

Uh oh, I hear a rattling coming from my throat. I'd better check out my Bible for some trouble shooting solutions. Oh, I'm gossipping instead of speaking only in love. Of course! A fool's mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul. The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts. Proverbs 18:7, 8

What is the most efficient way to use my hands? Should I use them to mindlessly click the TV remote or to tend to our vegetable garden? Let's see...I know there is something in Proverbs about this. Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. Proverbs 10:4 Oh, and after I water the garden and pull a few weeds, I can write a letter to my Compassion child!

The kitchen trash can needs to be emptied. My husband works from home all day. Why doesn't he see that the trash needs to be taken out and take care of it so I don't have to? After all, I work in the morning outside of the home. Wait, I think there is something in Genesis about helping him. The Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." Genesis 2:18

The only way we can serve Him and do His will is by following His instruction manual and building our lives accordingly. I think some people feel that our Creator should build our lives to suit (please) us. No. It's the other way around. We need to build our lives to suit (please) God. We have to follow His blueprints comprised of 66 books. It may be a lengthy manual, but it is well worth reading and following!

I'm Back

Hello out there to all of my bloggy friends! I am still alive. I've got about four days worth of blogs to read, but I don't know if I'll get the time to do that. I'll probably just go read everyone's most recent post. I was just busy on Thursday and Friday and then went to visit my parents Saturday morning and didn't return until Sunday night.

We had a nice time, although, I woke up with a killer headache Sunday morning. I had to take some Advil and go lay down with a warm washcloth on my head. I finally felt better after lunch.

Just a little more background on me....I'm the youngest of 5 kids; I have 3 older sisters; my brother died a year before I was born (brain tumor); my oldest sister is 12 years older than me and the twins are 9 years older. So all of my sisters are in their 50's, and my parents are in their early 80's. All of my siblings were out of the house by the time I turned 9, so I kind of grew up as an only child. My kids are the youngest grandchildren; the 7 others range in age from 16 to 31. I've been an aunt since I was 12! Now I'm a great-aunt to my niece's daughter, and she is expecting another little girl in July. (And this one will be named Tinkerbell Ranger according to her big sister!)

It's kind of strange to me when our family gets together because my sisters grew up in a different time and literally a different place than I did. I'm not really close to any of them, however, I'd say my oldest sister and I have gotten to know each other better in the last 10 years. I think she and I are most alike, and our husbands get along the best. Plus, her 26-year-old son gets along great with my two boys.

I meant to take pictures over the weekend but never got my camera out. I could kick myself! This is rather morbid, but I always wonder when I see my parents if it will be for the last time. I wanted to get some pics of them and the kids. Plus, we should have gotten photos of my sisters and I with our parents. All of us only get together about every 12 to 18 months.

My mom, my oldest sister and I are going to try to get together later this summer to do some canning from our gardens. I've just never done it before and feel intimidated by it. Since they've both done it before, they can teach me. (I really regret that I never let my mom teach me how to sew!)

I guess that's enough about me for right now. I pray that each of you had a beautiful and relaxing long weekend!

Praise You In This Storm

Foto Friday

Mrs. Tracy over at Our Journey is again hosting Foto Friday. This week's theme is Freebie Foto. You can come up with any theme you want to this week!

My theme is silly...Fun Socks! I received these last night from one of my students, along with a Starbucks gift card and a coffee mug. I love these!

Have fun coming up with your own theme and be sure to let Mrs. Tracy know that you're playing!

Thankful Thursday

If you would like to participate in this week's Thankful Thursday, head on over to Truth 4 the Journey! I would like to praise God for the following:

1. My engagement ring is back from the jeweler's.

2. My oldest son had a fun and safe field trip on Monday.

3. Today is my first day of in-service.

4. The pool opens this weekend!

5. I'll be seeing my parents, sisters and their families this weekend.

6. *An added bonus: I'm feeling better this week! I felt lousy last week.

AND

7. When we went to pick up my engagement ring, we discovered that my emerald ring was in also! Here are some pictures of it.

I am definitely not a hand model that's why I kept it in the box when I took these pics!

I pray that each of you are having a fantastic week!

School's Out for Summer!!

Since today is my last day of classes and tonight is the finale of American Idol, I thought this would be appropriate!

Live Deeply in Christ

On Thursday night we had a thunderstorm. At around 10:15, our electricity went out. The boys were already in bed, so Eric and I decided we may as well go to bed too. However, being the night owl that he is, Eric got into bed with a flashlight so he could read. I decided to get a flashlight and do the same thing.

I began reading 1 John 2 and 3 in The Message (it's the New Testament in contemporary language). At the end of chapter 2 it says, "And now, children, stay with Christ. Live deeply in Christ." That last sentence just hit me when I read it, and it made me feel both excited and comforted. Live deeply in Christ. Or live your life so that you are submerged in Him. Make sure He is in every detail of your life.

Live deeply in Christ. The word "deeply" makes me think of a body of water. Some bodies of water have an unknown depth. We are to trust Christ and dive right into Him. We won't drown because He is our life guard. He keeps us safe and trains us to teach others how to swim in Him.

*Live Deeply in Christ*

• Be a living water for Christ. (Alive and active in Him.)
• Quench the thirst of those seeking Him. (Guide young Christians and others who are searching.)
• Cleanse their weary and dusty bones. (Clean and heal their physical, mental and spiritual wounds.)
• Refresh them; cool them. (Give them relief and make them feel new again.)
• Drench them with His love. (Love on them no matter what.)
• Splash them with His mercy and rinse them with His grace. (Show them forgiveness and compassion.)
• Wash away their sins. (Help them to see that they are new creations in Christ.)

Amen and amen.

Just an Update

Except for a kink in my neck, I'm feeling much better. Thank you all for your well wishes and prayers. Thanks also to those of you who offered me encouragement regarding signing my teaching contract for next year. It means a lot!

No rings yet! I thought for sure my engagement ring would be fixed and back on my finger by now. I'm hoping I'll have that and my new emerald ring by the end of this week. I'll post a photo of the emerald ring when I get it.

I received a letter today from Paulo, the little boy in Brazil who I sponsor through Compassion International. I get so excited when I receive mail from him! Unfortunately, it takes a long time for our letters to reach each other. The one I got today was written on March 4! Paulo wrote, "I hope you are well because I'm great. I'm so glad to send one more letter to you, and I hope to receive a letter too because I like your letters a lot. I keep them inside of a folder with much affection and care." He signs his letters, "Kisses from Paulo." He will turn 13 in July. I purposely chose a boy that is between the ages of my two sons (14 and 11). I figured that I would always know how to relate to him then. I would love to sponsor at least two more kids; a little girl and then one who God chooses for me. However, finances limit my ability to do this right now. If you're curious about Compassion International, click on the button at the top of my page.

I can feel summer beginning to settle in, and I'm starting to relax. I only have three more teaching days left. It's nice to not feel pressured to be prepared for class or to get lesson plans done. I have a lot I want to do this summer, so I suppose it will fly by! Of course, as I stated before, I'll be starting my summer off with my official "Sit on My Tushy and Do Nothing Day". I get to have at least one day of down time before I begin tackling my household projects!

Time to end this update as a thunder storm is passing through AGAIN! Please Lord, let us have some sun this summer! Blessings to y'all!

Foto Friday

Today's Foto Friday theme is Outside Fun. Since we're just getting into the summer of 2009, these photos are a little old. The first two pics are from our trip to Gettysburg in July 2007. You'll see Sam and Coop pretending to be dead soldiers. Then there is a photo of Eric and I.
The next two pics are from our trip to the Outer Banks in July 2008. The first one shows Sam playing wiffle ball on the beach. Then there is Cooper posing with his boogie board.
This last photo is of Eric at Six Flags Water Park during our trip to Illinois in July 2008. We were out there visiting his family.
Foto Friday is sponsored by Mrs. Tracy over at Our Journey.

Well, I Did It

Did what? A few weeks ago, I posted about not being sure if I should sign my contract for next school year. I've been feeling as though God is leading me elsewhere. My issue is that my little paycheck does come in handy, plus the family friendly atmosphere and work schedule are terrific.

My boss handed out the contracts last Friday and asked that they be returned today. I read my contract and then put it aside for the entire week. I kept thinking should I or shouldn't I sign it?

Yesterday, I was reading a book about Noah to my class, and I mentioned how Noah obeyed God by building the ark even though everyone else laughed at him. I thought, "Oh, great. Here I am telling the kids about how Noah obeyed God and that we should too." Then I came home and read Tiffany's post about God pulling on your heart to step out and take a risk. Wonderful. Just wonderful.

At this point, you're probably thinking, "She did it! She decided to obey God and take a risk." Well, I'm sorry, but you're wrong. I in fact DID sign my contract, and I DID hand it in today. I know, I'm disappointed in myself too. And, of course, I'm sure God is also disappointed.

I just couldn't say no with the way the economy is and because one of the teachers I work with is taking a year off. We teach a three-year-old class together, and I don't want those kids to have to come back to two new teachers. At least they'll have some consistency with my presence in the classroom. There is a child in this class with special needs, and I truly believe that at least 3 other kids in the class will be identified with special needs next school year. After class yesterday, I was chatting with the one child's physical therapist. She and I each have a hearing impaired son and were discussing the services they receive. It was during our talk that I felt the tug to stay also because of the special needs kids. I just have a heart for them.

So I'll be back to teaching for at least one more year. One of my other bosses knows that I'm on a year-to-year basis because I am feeling led in other directions. She understands. She did ask if I'd be willing to work one of our camps this summer. I politely turned down that offer.

Oh Lord, forgive me for not obeying you. I am sorry. I am sorry if I have disappointed you. Please help me to make a difference in the life of a child next school year while still pursuing your other plans for me. Let your will and priorities be mine. Give me the time and the energy to be all that you would have me be. Be with me and my family as you lead me in new directions. Help me to depend and lean upon only you Lord. I praise you for the blessings in my life, and I love you.

Thankful Thursday

I have not been feeling very well this week and have been really tired, therefore, I haven't been too bloggy. Since I haven't been myself this week, I thought I'd better think about what I'm thankful for!

1. I'm thankful that my older son went to church with me on Sunday even though his younger brother got to stay home because he was sick. (And Dad stayed home with little brother.)

2. I'm thankful that our older son willingly did yard work this week with his dad. (No pouting or arguing!)

3. I'm thankful for the sweet Mother's Day card my younger son made for me. He did it all on his own without any prompting from his dad or teachers! He also vacuumed without being asked.

4. I'm thankful that my older son will be finishing middle school this year. (I think those are the worst years in school! However, son #2 will be starting there in the fall.)

5. And yes, I'm going to say it again....I'm thankful that my school year is almost done! Five days of teaching, one evening of graduation, and six days of inservice are all I have left. (No, I'm not counting the days!) Then I am off for the summer!!!! I've already declared to my family that Monday, June 1, is my official "Sit on My Tushy and Do Nothing Day". I'll get busy on June 2!

Thankful Thursday is sponsored by Sonya over at Truth 4 the Journey. Go on over and visit her blog!

May God bless you all with a beautiful day!

How Appropriate!

Every year on Mother's Day, our church gives a little gift to all of the women in the congregation. This year I received a glass angel ornament. The angel is holding a heart. How perfectly appropriate for me! An angel to remind me of our Angel Baby! God is so good!

Happy Mother's Day

For those of you who have children in Heaven, please go to The Greatest Blessing to see what Megan posted today.

Covered in Prayer

For the past few weeks, I've been reading many different blogs and have made several new friends. Although most of you have not directly asked for prayer, I can see by reading your blogs that many of you need some prayer coverage. Yesterday my head was just spinning as I was thinking of everyone who could use a prayer over some area of their life. I decided to write down in a journal names/blog names of those that I feel need some intercession. This way I can keep it all straight. If you need prayer in a specific area, please let me know!

Now for an update on my ring. We got a call yesterday saying our rings were ready. (Eric's wedding band and my engagement ring.) Also, the jeweler had some heart shaped emeralds to show us. We went over and picked out the emerald we liked the best and a setting for it. It's very simple, but like I said before, I'm not into flashy rings. Plus, for what the ring is representing, I wanted it to be understated. It should be ready in about 7 to 10 days. Unfortunately, my engagement ring wasn't ready after all. We were only able to pick up Eric's wedding band. So I have to continue wearing my fake diamond Avon ring so that my finger doesn't feel naked!

Have a beautiful and blessed Saturday!

This and That and Some Funnies

Oh my goodness! I was shocked to come home from work yesterday and find 11 new comments to moderate! I've never had that many comments at once or even in one day! I feel so humbled and blessed. Thank you so much!

It seems as if it has been raining here in eastern PA forever. I think even our dog has developed a case of SAD! My assistant said the other day that she passed a church sign that said, "Don't worry...Noah still has the blueprints!" I love it when churches get creative like that and can have a sense of humor!

Okay, here are a couple of preschool funnies. We've been helping our 3-year-olds make a Mothers' Day gift. Yesterday we had them color a card and asked them to try to write their name on it. About 5 out of the 18 kids could write their names (which is excellent!). The rest could maybe write the first letter of their name. We really just wanted to see what they could do and then would help them. One little girl wrote Asss! The other teacher and I were just cracking up because it was so innocent but funny! One day last week one of our little boys was in the bathroom singing at the top of his lungs. He was singing, "His name is Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, oh He is the King!" I'm sure the "King" got a chuckle out of that!

On Monday, as I was trying to pull down a box from the top of a cabinet in my classroom, my hand was pierced by a staple. Right smack dab in the middle of my hand. It is a little red and hurts a bit. Every time I look at it, I can't help but think of Jesus! It may sound strange, but it's a wonderful reminder to me of what Jesus did for me so that I may have eternal life.

A big thank you to those of you who added my prayer requests to your prayers this week! I completely forgot that yesterday was the National Day of Prayer until Cricket (another VA girl!) over at A Simple Girls Life mentioned it in a comment she left for me. I know it seems as if our prayer lists get longer every day, but it is so needed. We live in a fallen and turbulent world and need to do what we can to lift one another up to God. I love you all for being such vigilant prayer warriors!

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for the following:

1. My thoughtful husband who suggested I get an emerald ring in memory of our Angel Baby.
2. That my younger son has been accepted into an advanced math course for next school year.
3. For Kristie who is going to lead me in a special Bible study beginning in June.
4. For my friend Barb who brought me a plate of home made chocolate chip cookies on Saturday because she knew it was going to be a rough day for me.
5. For all of my new bloggy friends who have offered words of encouragement to me as I've been going through my healing process. God bless you all (or ya'll)!

Golden Heart

Andrea and her furry friend Sitka over at All Gods Creatures have awarded me the Golden Heart Award. I am honored... and excited as this is the first blog award I've ever been given! Andrea is a new bloggy friend of mine. I keep coming across blog friends in Virginia, my old stomping grounds! Andrea has a real heart for God and is an animal lover. All Gods Creatures is Sitka the therapy dog's blog while Arise 2 Write is Andrea's blog.

I now have the difficult task of choosing five other bloggers who exemplify a heart of gold. (Difficult only because there are so many of you!)

I would love to pass this to Kristie who is going to be leading me in a Bible study written for women who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth or other infant loss. However, she doesn't have a blog!

So here is my list of 5 bloggers who I think have a Golden Heart.

1. Megan over at The Greatest Blessing. She has suffered much loss in the past year and a half and is working to help others through their own grief by offering them Memory Boxes. Please visit her blog to see what this is all about.

2. Sara at Gitzen Girl. Sara has been dealing with a debilitating disease, yet she continues to blog and chooses to be joyful. Despite her setbacks she strives to give of herself to others.

3. Kelly at Chatty Kelly. Kelly is always offering nuggets of Godly wisdom to her readers and in her comments on my blog. She is supportive, a prayer warrior and quite funny!

4. Nichole over at Living My Life on Purpose. Nichole writes a very inspirational blog and is interested in YOU. She is definitely a prayer warrior.

5. Last but not least, Sheryl at The Perch. Sheryl has had several personal setbacks recently, but she chooses to put her faith in God. She likes to help people and if you need any advice, you can visit Sheryl at her other blog Go Ask Sadie. If you have a prayer request, she's right there.

So that's my 5. It really was hard to choose because so many of you have touched my heart and have offered me support and prayer. I thank all of you whether you were mentioned here or not. I see God in each and every one of you, and I see your Golden Hearts!

And Another Prayer Request

When I was pregnant last fall, my husband didn't want to tell people prior to our 8 week appointment. I think he feared that due to my age I would most likely lose the baby or there would be something wrong with the baby, and he just didn't want friends and family knowing about the pregnancy until we had that first ultrasound. I wanted to tell everyone because I wanted prayer. I obeyed my husband and only about 3 people knew prior to that appointment, so we had very few people in prayer for our baby. (We never did tell our parents about the pregnancy.)

When I miscarried at 8 weeks, I was rather angry with my husband because I felt he prevented our baby from being surrounded with prayer. Well, I just read on another blog about a woman named Erika who is in need of prayer for her baby. She has lost one baby and things aren't looking good in her current pregnancy. Erika is asking for people to spread the word and to pray for this baby. So I am asking that you include Erika and this little one in your prayers today and to pass this request on to at least one other person. You can find Erika's blog here.

Thank you for taking the time to do this. I just don't want to see another family suffer the loss of a child.

Prayer Request

I know that we are all busy, but if you have time today, please go over to Andrea's blog and read her posts about The Blue Box. As a parent of a child with a disability, this outraged me. Please read her posts and pray for Colton. Thank you and may God bless you with a beautiful day!

Happy Tuesday

I don't really have anything profound to say, and I don't Twitter. Just thought I'd let you all know what I'm up to today. We're having a little carnival at my school this morning for our 3-year-old classes. It's their end of year program. We do a graduation program for our 4-year-olds. Anyway, I'll be the clown today and hand out candy!

My hubby and I went ring shopping again yesterday. We went back to our local jewelry store here in town. We tried to go there on Saturday, but they closed at 4:00. The owner helped us, and he was great! Eric needed to get his wedding band stretched a bit and the prongs on my engagement ring were about to go, so we left those at the store to be worked on. The owner said they should be ready next week. In the meantime, he's going to contact some of his suppliers to get some heart shaped emerald stones. He thinks he should have them by the time our other rings are ready. Then it will be a matter of picking out a setting. I'm a pretty plain jane when it comes to rings, so that part shouldn't be too hard.

It's driving me nuts not having my engagement ring on! I ended up putting on this cubic zirconia Avon ring that I have just so my finger doesn't feel so weird! It's silver and my wedding band is white gold, so they kind of go together.

I guess I should get to work so I can start "clowning" around! Happy Tuesday ya'll! (That was for my southern readers!)

A Glimmer of Hope

A few weeks ago, I was contacted by a woman who had miscarried twice. I had read an article she had written, left a comment for her, and she was kind enough to contact me through email. (You can read Kristie's story here.)

She told me about a Bible study she did that is about pregnancy loss. The study is entitled Threads of Hope, Pieces of Joy by Teale Fackler & Gwen Kik. I replied, thanking her for the info and told her I would look for the book.

Kristie contacted me again and offered to get the book for me and to go through the study with me via email. What a generous offer! I decided to order the book for myself and to take Kristie up on going through the study with me.

So I ordered the book, and it arrived less than a week later. The only thing was that the company I ordered it from sent me 3 copies of the book and only charged me for 1! My first thought was, "Is this a sign that I'm supposed to do for others what Kristie is doing for me?"

I contacted the company about the mix up. They told me I could either keep the books and pay for the extra 2 copies, or I could return the extras at their expense. My husband and I decided I should just purchase the extra copies. When I explained to him what had happened, he also immediately said, "Maybe it's a sign."

Kristie and I are going to begin the Bible study in June. I'll be off work for the summer by then, and she will be starting the study at that point with some ladies from her church. So the timing will be perfect for the both of us. My plan is to go through the study this summer and then see if there are other women out there who I could lead through the study. I think God is really opening my eyes and showing me other ministries He wants me to be involved in.

For those of you who read my post on 4/25, my hubby and I didn't end up having a picnic on Saturday. The weather here was too iffy. What we did decide to do is to purchase a ring for me with an emerald in it in remembrance of the baby. Since the baby was due May 2, its birthstone would have been emerald. We visited two jewelry stores Saturday but didn't find what I have in mind. We're going to another store this afternoon to look. I'll post a photo of the ring when I finally find what I'm looking for

The photo of the flowers at the beginning of this post are from church yesterday. We sponsored this week's alter flowers in honor of our angel baby. Of course, we would have preferred a simple rose on the alter in honor of our baby's birth, but God had other plans. And from this one event in my life, I am beginning to discern His plans for me. It's not my will be done, but His will be done.

An Interview with....

...Myself! Hopefully this doesn't sound self-centered. I just thought I'd give my readers (there are at least a few of you out there) a glimpse of who I am and that this would be a fun way to do it!

Where were you born?
--Binghamton, NY -- However, I moved from there at the age of 6 and grew up in Delaware. Then I moved with my family to Appomattox, VA, right after graduating from high school. I was born a Yankee but am a southern girl at heart ya'll!

How many siblings do you have?
--3 older sisters, plus an older brother who passed away a year before I was born. I'm the youngest by 9 years.

Favorite color?
--Red, but I think I look best in black.

Favorite food?
--I'll never turn down a steak and baked potato. WILL NOT EAT SEAFOOD! I love all chocolate except for German chocolate because I dislike coconut. Coffee is a must!

Do you play sports?
--There's not an athletic bone in my body. I took 2 semesters of bowling for my gym requirement in college!

Favorite vacation destination?
--The Outer Banks of NC...specifically Corolla.

Where did you meet your husband?
--At James Madison University where we both graduated from in 1988.

What was your major in college?
--Marketing, but I've hardly used it!

When did you get married?
--March 24, 1990

Where would you like to live?
--Chesapeake, VA -- I'd move back there in a heartbeat!

How many kids do you have?
--2 sons, plus one angel baby

Do you have any hobbies?
--Love to read, especially non-fiction. I like to scrap book but spend so much time cutting things out and prepping for my preschool classes that I don't get to work on my scrap books too often. I like to cross stitch and play with our dog. I also enjoy word search puzzles and singing. And, of course, I like to write and blog!

Do you enjoy cooking?
--Absolutely not! If I had the choice of having either a maid or a personal chef, I'd take the chef. Thankfully, my husband loves to cook and is great at it! (However, if you saw my "messy" pics on Foto Friday, you're probably thinking I should choose the maid!) Do any of you southern gals have a good recipe for Brunswick Stew? (For my hubby to cook, of course!)

Summer or Winter?
--I'll take summer and any other season over winter! I hate snow!

Favorite game?
--Uno

Do you watch soap operas?
--Yes, I'm guilty of watching The Young & the Restless when I get home in time from work to watch it!

Favorite flower?
--Hyacinths

Favorite holiday?
--Thanksgiving....no gift buying to worry about, just good food and a day with the family.

When were you born?
--November 8, 1964

If you could change anything about your physical appearance, what would it be?
--I'd be at least 3 inches taller and not be so fair complected.

Well, that was fun...for me at least! Perhaps I'll do another one some time in the future. If you have any questions for me, please post them in the comments section!

Angel Baby

Dear Angel Baby,

Today is your due date, and we wish with all our hearts that you were joining our family. We know you are in a much better place and that Jesus is holding you in His arms right now. We can't wait for the day when we can meet you and hold you ourselves. Mommy and Daddy and your big brothers love and miss you!

Foto Friday

Today's Foto Friday theme by Mrs. Tracy is Messy! Boy, can our family do messy!

This is the top of our dishwasher. It is my mess and it drives my husband crazy because we have very little counter space in our kitchen!


This is our piano bench with my classroom stuff strewn all over it. All this stuff needs to be filed away!


This is our dining room table at the current moment. It began the week perfectly clean. Now each of us has at least one thing on this table.

Okay, get the theme music from the movie Jaws going in your brain. This is the hallway just outside of my sons' small room which they share. Get ready to turn the corner and look terrified!

Swim.....or run as fast as you can!

This is our office. My husband works in here each day. Half of the mess is his and half is mine. I don't know how he can stand to be in here all the time!

My school year ends two weeks before my kids' school year. You KNOW what I'll be doing during those two weeks! I always do a deep clean of my sons' bedroom during this time of the year because it's easier to do when they're not home!

I figure this state of messiness is just a season of my life. Once my kids are grown my house will be clean and stay clean!