Paul

I grew up in the same town as Paul. I never thought of him as more than someone that I went to school and church with, but the older ladies of our town would tell us there was something more there.

In highschool, I was a freshman and he was a junior and he would have me carry his things, duck walk, and other things that I know now was his way of spending time with me. He was always the jokester.

When Paul joined the Air Force I realized I missed his smiling face. We dated when he visited our small town, but soon I was driving to see him. Later we were married, now 3 children later, I still laugh at his silly actions. He is someone I admire. He is smart, funny and can handle what life gives him. We have been married 25 years and I love him more today.

Children

I told my oldest I was changing my facebook picture to the one I took with a student. I won't. I'll leave the family up for now. I love my students though. We are deep into science and the questions are thought provoking. The thinking that goes on in those little minds are wonderful.

Thankfulness

I feel thankful for my thoughtful husband, supportive children, beautiful mother, a home, clothes, food, work, the list goes on and on.

I am back to wearing my complaint free bracelet because it is so easy to sit and talk to friends about the "wrong' in our lives. The bible does not teach us to do this. David, Job and others actually were thankful. Saying thank you is not just something we have children do.

1 Chronicles 29:13 Now, our God, we give you thanks and praise your glorious name.

Psalm 7: 17 I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the LORD MOST HIGH.

Psalm 69:30 I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.

Psam 75:1 We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks, for your Name is near; men tell of your wonderful deeds.

Psalm 136:26 Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.

I remember going with my grandpa to the Lutheran church and repeating "His love endures forever." Yet we have the audacity to complain! How human is that!

I also love the song "We will magnify His name!"

The water has always soothed my soul and made me realize the gloriousness of God. The dophins were everywhere, except when we had the camera out.

Future

I've talked before about coming full circle...that I started in special education and would return to special education. I still do not know when or where but I believe this to be true.

I have filled out applications for 7 different districts in San Antonio and part of me wants to stay at CHS. Such indecision. This is not like me. I normally make decisions fast and stick with them. I don't know where I want to work.

My choices:
1. Elementary general ed.
2. Elementary special ed.
3. Middle school reading teacher
4. Elementary Reading Specialist
5. Middle school special ed.
6. High school special ed.

Hmmm. If I could stay in the private school and continue to teach 1st grade. I would like to have a full class of general education students and get paid twice as much. ♥

The quest to find my future continues.

Beautiful Day

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood. Cold is what I'm told. The sun is streaming through the windows. There is frost on the car. I think the life of my roses are gone, but there is life in my heart.

Today I visit both mom and dad. Mom in Georgetown, and Dad in the hospital in Temple. I have joy.

Fruits of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfullness, Gentleness, Self Control

Chelsea

Chelsea is 19! 19! My only girl is now 19. We have moved into a different stage of our lives. I have always had a deep appreciation for her thoughts. They always make me think whether I agree with her or not.

At this new stage she is living out of our house and I respect that. She pays her bills, works and goes to school. I go the grocery store with her and watch her stretch her money to buy so much food. She is very good with making money last.

Chelsea is a thinker. When we went to visit dad in the hospital, we talked afterward about the things he said. I noticed that I would say, "What do you think he meant by _______?" I very much respect her thoughts.

I love my Chelsea. I am such a proud mother. I have to follow up with, "I am not proud of all her choices," but I am proud of the woman she is becoming.

2009

In 2009 I vowed to stop the complaining and have a thankful heart. While I wasn't always successful, I feel I had success. In 2009:

• Mom conquered cancer again!
• I had the best response from parents during teacher appreciation week.
• I received all A's in my graduate classes.
• We got Cat for Jacob. (such a cute and funny cat)
• We've had more time with Justin.
• I have thoroughly enjoyed Jacob's 13 year old self.
• Chelsea has made positive changes in her life.
• I went on a cruise with Paul who I would marry all over again.

I welcome 2010. Thank you God that I can wake up in the morning with so many blessings.