I took this picture for a Valentine's Day card that went out to some family members. Its not exactally what I was going for, but it is very hard to get three small children to all smile at the same time and not be goofy. This will have to do! Happy Valentine's Day!

Resolutions

I have been thinking a lot lately about what I will resolve to do this year. Many vow to lose 10 pounds or exercise more and though I do not want to be the fattest bridesmaid at my sister's wedding this year, I want my resolution to be something that actually matters. Life is precious and fleeting. The Bible says that we are not promised even another breath. I want the things I say and do and think to have an eternal value. The Scriptures speak of "storing up treasures in Heaven where neither moth nor rust destroy"; these are the things I should be about. While redecorating the guest room is something I aim to do, I pray for God to help me with some changes in myself. I want to pray more, be more loving, speak with more kindness, enjoy my children more (instead of worrying about the spilled milk or the 101 things they have broken in my house) and last, but certainly not least, to be a better wife to a man who has put me and these precious children above any and everything he has ever wanted for himself. So this is it. And while there are many tasks, chores, letters to write, and weight to lose; I will look beyond the things to do in this world and hope to store up a few of these "treasures in Heaven".

I guess I'll never be one of these everyday bloggers. I have a lot to say, just no time to say it. I've been sick this week and add that to teaching, housework, children, wife duties and Christmas preparations; I'm exhausted. I try not to complain because all in all, I know that I am blessed. It's good to stop and think about our blessings, especially when you feel that everything is against you. If we are honest, we realize that life is a gift and our trials, be them great or small, are for our good. We learn the most when we are going through difficult times and as the Bible says we are to "count it all joy, when you face trials of many kinds". Notice that it doesn't say if you face trials, but when you face trials. We all face hardships that God allows us to go through, so that we can either learn something about ourselves or learn something about God. "Count your blessings. Name them one by one. Count your many blessings, see what God has done." When I take time to count my blessings, the things I'm dealing with pale in comparison to the great riches I have in Christ.

Big Second Grader, Holly

Holly is loving second grade. She is doing very well and learning lots. We are proud of her. Holly's teacher says she is a hard worker and a kind friend, we couldn't be more pleased.

Kindergarten Fun

Hannah is having a great kindergarten year so far. She has even had her very first spelling test that she made a 100 on. Hannah loves kindergarten. You would to if Mrs. Coffey was your teacher.

Lake Sinclair

I am trying to catch up on some posts. We spent Labor Day weeked with our friends the Lee's and the Scharff's. Here are some pics of the kids having fun on the lake.

My apologies for the slack blog. My circumstances have changed and its taken some time to get back in the swing of things. Since I last blogged, I have gone back to work teaching third grade. It has been quite an adjustment for me and the family. How it all began. I considered returning to teaching at TCS because the girls were there and it sure would be nice to not worry about paying for it. I always thought I would go back to teaching because it was something I liked and found satisfaction in doing. I applied for the job, got hired, and declined the job all in one week. I was in great turmoil over what the best decision was for me and for my family. I decided to stay home, until I got a call two weeks before school started with an earnest plea. The school needed a third grade teacher and had been unable to find a suitable canidate. Again, I felt torn. After much prayer and discussion, I decided to accept the position. So here I am, teaching third grade and trying to fit all the pieces of the puzzle together. It's a lot of work, but I am slowly adjusting to life in the fast lane. Please pray for me that I can be what these students need this year and for my family that we learn how to work through all the transitions and accomplish the tasks that God has given us to do.