God's Post-It Notes and random family pictures

Drew is on the Athletics in minor league. Jason and Drew, our first grader, are in the first picture. Drew got a good hit! Michael, our college kid, was captured on film when he dropped in on his Aunt Cathy for a good, home-cooked meal. And our lil' princess, Aubree, borrowed Bubba's boots and then modeled them for me in the last picture. She loves to play dress-up.

And I love my life.

School's almost out for the summer...

As a teacher, I get asked a lot at this time of year if I'm ready for SUMMER. I'm not one to 'countdown' the days til summer vacation. I truly enjoy my time with students. They tend to get a little rowdy toward May (the TAKS test is over...time for field trips, end of year programs, etc) but I get a little sad when I have to let them go at the end of the school year. Teaching is a work of heart, and each of my students holds a special place in my heart. They will forever more be 'my kids'. I will teach a few weeks of summer school during June, too. I look forward to spending more time with my family this summer, getting some projects finished up at home, and sleeping late as often as possible. The time I have away from school is much needed because I want to be fresh and ready for the new school year in the fall. There are always school preparations during the summer months as well. Next year will be my 20th year to teach!

Drew is finishing up first grade and has done very well. His TPRI testing showed that he is right on track for 2nd grade. This week, he takes a reading inventory that will set his reading level in the library for the next year. Drew has read so much this year and his fluency and comprehension have improved dramatically. I'm looking forward to seeing how he does. I've tried to instill a love of reading in my kids. I plan to have weekly public library trips with both Drew and Aubree this summer (probably should take SEPARATE trips with those two...they both require my undivided attention, it seems). He is ready for the Summer Rec program to begin. This will be the first time we have allowed him to participate, and he is anxious. Fun times with friends, public pool time every week, field trips, and more. I remember participating in the same program when I was in school. Good memories.

Aubree continues to soak everything in and amaze us with her little mind. We are working on colors, numbers, ABCs, and potty training (AGAIN). She loves to read bedtime stories and I enjoy getting to cuddle with her while we read. A picture book can take a long time to get through with a little chatterbox like her!

Michael's going to take some classes this summer and work as much as he can at the bank. We got to see him today, which was a treat. He watched Drew's baseball game with us.

Jason continues to stay very busy at work, and we are thankful. This month makes six years since we opened the doors of our business. It has been a labor of love for Jason, and I'm so proud of him for making this milestone. In today's economy, we know how blessed we are to be small business owners. God has shown us great favor and we praise Him for it. We also live in a great little community that supports its own.

Mother's Day post...

One of the first poets I enjoyed reading as a child was Helen Steiner Rice. She wrote simple, yet heart-touching words on so many subjects, always pointing to our Source...God!

I've been thinking about my Mama a lot lately. Some challenging situations have happened as of late in my life, and as I seek answers and guidance, I find myself thinking about all the times I judged my mom much too harshly. Being the firstborn child can sometimes be not so fun (can anyone relate?), but what I didn't think about as a pre-teen/teen was that she was a first-time parent, too. Hindsight is 20/20, it's true. I'm just thankful I realized in time what a precious resource of wisdom, experience, guidance & unconditional love I have in her. I think it took becoming a parent myself to see how much of herself Mona Lee put into shaping her children into the people God called them to be.

As I parent my own three children, I am constantly reminded of how much God loves me. He has entrusted the care of these children to Jason and me, and I'm so thankful He did. As much as I love Michael, Drew, and Aubree, He loves them oh, so much more. And I've go to stay plugged in to my Power source to be the best mom I can be. After all, He's got many more great things in store for them to do for the Kingdom, and I want them to be ready!

Oh...remember my last post mentioned our elementary school raising money for our hard-working volunteer fire departments? Well, today was the big 'reveal'...a check was presented for over $26,000! Big thanks to all those who helped out, from Pre-K to 5th grade students, teachers, parents, administration, and those that supported the FUNdraisers each grade level had. Our community is small by some people's standards, but we've got BIG hearts.

This poem is a tribute to Mothers everywhere that take the priceless gift of motherhood to heart. Another great poem states it just right: The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.

Love you, Mama.

What is a Mother?

It takes a mother's love to make a house a home--

A place to be remembered no matter where we roam.

It takes a mother's patience to bring a child up right

And her courage and her cheerfulness to make a dark day bright.

It takes a mother's thoughtfulness to mend the heart's deep hurts

And her skill and her endurance to mend little socks and shirts.

It takes a mother's kindness to forgive us when we err,

To sympathize in trouble, and to bow her head in prayer.

It takes a mother's wisdom to recognize our needs

And to give us reassurance by her loving words and deeds.