Kung Fu Panda 2 and ADOPTION...new movies in our SMALL town!

I remember the Tower Theater being open when I was a young child. It had been closed for over 35 years...that big, dark sign still a landmark on Main Street...kinda sad. I was so pleased recently when a local organization purchased the property. They will use the Tower for a variety of events...one being a movie theater! This may not be a big deal to you big city folks, but here, in Small Town, USA, there are not a lot of options when looking for entertaining ways to spend a weekend night. Also, the operators of the Tower are dedicated to making a positive difference in people's lives through the events they bring in to the Tower.

This week, Drew and I went to see Kung Fu Panda 2. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. There were a few parts that bothered me (the 'inner peace' thing was mentioned several times...and a lot of animated violence). One thing in particular I liked was the theme of adoption in the movie. The panda, Po, of course was adopted (his dad was a goose!), but it was not talked about openly until the sequel. Toward the end of the movie, there was a touching scene with Po and his dad. Adoption was portrayed in a positive way, and I like that!

I continue to share with others the need of so many waiting children in this country and the world. Yes, adoption can be a long, daunting, sometimes brutal process. The only way the Porters made it through was God...He made a way to Aubree for us. And He will make a way for Y O U if He's called you to adopt. Yes, we gave Aubree a loving home and made some sacrifices, but she's given us so much more. She's so precious to us, and it is wonderful to see her touch other people every day through her beautiful, joyful, and social personality. Just her presence makes people smile. I see it all the time.

Have any of you seen this movie? If so, what did you think?

Have any of you been called to adopt, but haven't started the process yet?

Are any of you in the midst of the adoption process, blogging to research and build relationships with others that can relate with what you're going through?

Are any of you at home now with your child(ren), looking back and saying that all the ups and downs and hurry ups and waits were well worth it?

I'd love to talk to you! I've said it before...adoption is one of my favorite subjects!

the busy life has me in a rut...and I ain't stayin' there!

I am continually in awe of God's goodness. I sometimes pat myself on the back for how far I've come in my spiritual walk, just to find that those old bad habits and tendencies (complaining, impatience, etc....) have me in condemnation mode again. Just yesterday, I snapped at my Drew because he woke me up from a nap (I never nap...and when Aubree laid down, I fell into bed myself, exhausted). After I finished my mini-rant, he responded, with a sad look, "I was scared, Mom." See, I never nap...not normal. And dad had left to go back to work. I really beat myself up over that one for awhile. There are several other examples I could relate, but they follow basically the same storyline...I want so terribly to be Super Mom/Wife/Teacher/Friend/Woman/Christian, but fail miserably when I try to go it alone. Who says I just have to 'survive' this life? I'm called to greatness, and so many times I settle for less. So, praise God, He's on my side. As it says in Ephesians, by his mighty power at work at work within us, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.

Joyce Meyer's Power Thoughts book is on my to-read list for the summer. I've skimmed over it and can already tell it will assist me in getting my head on straight (again).

Power Thoughts (a sampling...):

#1...I can do whatever I need to do in life through Christ.

#2...God loves me unconditionally.

#9...I pursue peace with God, myself, and others.

#10.I live in the present and enjoy each moment.

It's true that mine is a busy life. I am grateful for the responsibilities He has given me...I just have to prioritize those responsibilities, and maybe scratch a few that He didn't put there off my long list. When I mess up, confess it, repent, and move forward. Easier said than done sometimes, but it's Truth.

So now, there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus...you have no obligation whatsoever to do what your sinful nature urges you to do...You should behave instead like God's very own children, adopted into His family--calling him "Father, dear Father." --Romans 8

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord, your God, is with you wherever you go. --Joshua 1:9

Thank you, friends, for encouraging me and loving me even when I'm being unlovable (ESP. then!) Comments welcome. Anyone else ever find themselves in this disgusting rut?

I'm including a few pictures, too. Happy Wednesday!

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.

So proud of our community

Could be this weather, could be something else...but I haven't had a voice for 3 days. It's challenging to teach a class of 9 and 10 year olds this way. We managed. The kids liked doing my talking for me. The funniest part so far has been when I whisper to someone, and they answer in a whisper without realizing.

With the winds, there have been numerous fires in our part of TX recently. This was a dangerous situation. Our volunteer fire department, and departments around our area have taken care of business, regardless of sleepless nights, equipment breakdowns, AND their regular jobs that they also manage. Most of these volunteers also have families that sacrifice as well. A big THANK YOU doesn't seem to be enough, but I am so grateful. Someone in our school had the idea of a challenge among grade levels to raise the most money for our fire department. Well...the idea has taken off. In just a few days, thousands have been raised. The challenge ends on May 6, so there's no telling what our students will be able to accomplish between now and then. Each grade level has FUNdraisers (pie throwing, raffles, dunking booth, car washes, window washing, lemonade stands, selling filled Easter eggs, cookies, bandanas, concession stand, donation tubs around town, etc). The pride our students have taken in this task is heartwarming. We were even on TV.

Got a few cute pics this week. Hope you like them.

Comments make me smile...I know I have people reading. Happy weekend, friends.

It's that time...

Potty training!

Aubree is doing so well. I think she's just about ready to get out of the PullUps and diapers for good. There is no telling how many chocolate M & Ms I've given out to her in the last few weeks. Whatever works!

Her vocabulary has exploded lately too. She definitely knows how to communicate what she wants. I love to listen to her talk. Every stage of our cutie's development has its own beauty. Today Drew was crying after he hit his head, and Aubree went right to him, cradled his face in her hands, and said, "You OK?" over and over. Last night she said the entire sentence "I love you" on her own. Until then, she said it, but not clearly or regularly. She continues to be an easy going, loving child. Tantrums are few and far between. Aub has started arguing a bit, and not following directions quickly. A little 'crossing arms' attitude sometimes occurs too. She still sucks her thumb when she's tired, thinking deeply about something, or when in trouble. Doctor says she should quit on her own. She also tends to be clingy, wanting to be held a lot. She doesn't like to play independently very much...prefers to have a playmate (Mom or Dad or Drew). We are working through these few challenges and continue to be amazed at her progress.

Jason and Drew are at practice...baseball season starts next week, which makes for a very busy household. Looks like Drew may be playing 1st base. They've got a good team. Go A's!

Michael will be finishing up his first year away at the university in just a few weeks. This year has gone by so fast!