Eve of 2006

Happy almost New Year. We have had ever so much fun over the last few days. The kids, Jeremy & I have played and played. Yesterday I went deer hunting for the first time. I climbed up into the deer stand and all. Of course, I took a book to read. But, I was surprised at how much I really enjoyed it. I even enjoyed the long walk from the truck and the long walk afterward as we hunted on foot a little. I think I might go some more, that idea might change when I actually try it on a cold morning or evening.

The kids are reveling in new toys - driving the Hummer like crazy (Jenna calls it a lawnmower...) Hudson loves stacking his new blocks and then destroying his tower, or mine because it's usually bigger. This morning Hudson joined us in bed, in hope he would go back to sleep. Of course, he did the cute giggle and excitement of looking each direction and finding himself wedged between Mom AND Dad. He would then giggle and poke at my eyes, if closed, or get nose to nose to look in my eyes, if open. I always forget how much fun that is. Soon I'm going to miss those days.

Tonight is a little party for StoneWater Life groups. I've prepared food all morning, you would think that I have made more than I actually have. And, since some of our friends from Dallas are coming, I had to make brownies, Victoria loves brownies! Well, I have one last day of free shipping, so I must go and shop Joann.com!

Merry Christmas

Wow - what a fun, wonderful Christmas season. I emailed my brother to tell him the gift would be late (and even later, Mike), and I liked his response, "I like to think of it at a season of giving, not just one day." We've celebrated our season from Friday until today (Tuesday).

I must interject here, I love my husband, because I am trying to block out his 'Northgate Noise' (Noise it is) CD he got for Christmas.

Christmas Eve, after StoneWater service, we came home and made cookies for Santa ("special" allergy free sugar cookies). After the kids mutilated theirs (they like the icing and sprinkles, but no cookie, and these cookies taste the same as 'normal' sugar cookies). We told Jenna that she would need to check to see if Santa came and then come and tell us. She was concerned that we wouldn't open our eyes a.k.a. go back to sleep; I explained that we would get up, so we launched into how to tell if he had been here. Check the cookies & look under the tree. Well, the kids were lazy Christmas morning, and it was 8:00 before we could make enough noise to rouse Hudson, who roused Jenna. Jenna ran to the table, cookies were gone! Then she looked at the tree, covered her little mouth in a very prissy little way and exclaimed, 'oh'...she even let Hudson 'drive' first. After driving around the living room a little time, we took the Hummer outside. We've already gotten our money's worth. Jenna loves to drive (mostly forward and then backward, she doesn't care to steer) and Hudson loves to ride - he just giggles and grins. We were watching the kids in the back yard as they drove, and I told Jeremy they were just what I always wanted. It's amazing how Christmas takes a completely new meaning with those two sweet babies.

Jenna was very impressed that Santa gave all of the yellow and green gummy worms to her and the red and white ones to Hudson, and that he gave daddy the red & blue gum and her the green, orange, white, and yellow. That Santa, he takes care of all the details! Hudson was just glad he got in on the action of getting candy.

Other than some monster allergies and asthma (I haven't had asthma is years, and I'm huffing on Hudson's nebulizer more than he is the past couple of days) we have had a tremendous Christmas celebration! I will be a bridesmaid (bridesmatron?) at the ripe age of 30 in June. Cynthia, my cousin, has asked me to stand up for her, and I am honored and now very motivated to get fit! We saw all the grandparents (mine and Jer's) and family, now I hope we don't wait around until Easter to see them all again!

financial responsibility

Well, Jer and I have found ourselves a little in debt...it happens about this time every year (we always buy more than we budget for Christmas), and it motivates us to get things in line. Jeremy is also getting into some financial responsibility - a friend of mine's husband did that, and she admitted, after praying for him to take some control, it wasn't easy. I have found myself in the same position. I've been the bill/budget/bank statement reconciler for some years now, and it's a little disconcerting to be handing it all over. In any case, he's taken on a couple of tasks that I just couldn't get handled. After talking and praying about the debt and what to do, God provided (just as he always does), and it looks to be taken care of. And, after two hours on the phone, he took care of one task I just couldn't master. When we bought this house, we took out an 'arm' with the intent/plan to pay double payments and get it finished. In October the first company sold our loan to a second company. Company #1 messed up our extra payments (despite repeated phone calls) and company #2 just couldn't get it straight, either. I was frustrated, doing the right thing had cost me $670, so I was ready to give up. Jeremy to the rescue! It's all fixed - 2 hours later. He was going golfing and had some good anger to take out on some balls, so I expect a big finish (or, little, I guess).

The kids are awesome. We are all home today. H and took a good nap in our bed, he was already mostly asleep, so his wiggly self was really cuddly to sleep with. Plus, he would stir, look at me, grin and go back to sleep. Almost a "hey, I love you Mommy" look. Jenna is on day 3 of wearing her beautiful pink slippers - she looks so grown up and can do the buckle herself.

Since it's the 22nd, I guess that officially means cards won't make it. Although, I took the pictures this morning, so I could work really hard tonight and some of you would get yours on Saturday...

Mommy Daughter Day & 8 years

This weekend was WONDERFUL! After three nights away, Jeremy and I are more connected to each other and more relaxed. We ate at some wonderful hotspots in Austin and got more rest than we've had since Jenna arrived.

Today Jenna and I took a Mommy/Daughter day. We took off this morning after depositing Hudson at daycare (about a mile down the road, Jenna looked over and asked where her brother was). We first got our hair cut (Jenna's first big hair cut) and then headed to Fort Worth. Jenna has wanted some pink slippers for about a month, and no one really knows what she is talking about, so we headed to see if we could find some. We stopped at Don Pablo's and ate lunch - Jenna ate chips and guacamole until I thought she would burst. Then we headed to DSW shoe warehouse...they don't have little girl shoes, but she scampered around finding some for me and asking if they had her size. Then, we stopped at "the gummy bear store" aka Hobby Lobby. I happened to know that HL has gummies AND 1/2 price scrapbook paper (and albums & doo dads) this week. Next was Target, where Jenna found her pink slippers! After a little more shopping, we headed home. Jenna fell asleep with her new pink slippers on her feet, happy as can be.

After picking up Hudson, who was glad to see Jenna and kept blowing kisses to his sleeping sister, we came home. Jer and I wanted to show Jenna the wedding video. So, we ate a picnic in the living room with the video. Hudson isn't good at picnics, so he kept running around the blanket, knocking over drinks. Jenna wanted a running commentary on the wedding. At one point, Jen was trying to climb up on Jer's head, and Hudson was diving between us trying to get on the couch with Jenna...to think, it all started 8 years ago...

Two days in a row!

Check it out - two posts two days in a row!

The kids are finally packed for the trip to Grandparents. Mom is not packed, but has considered it. I'm actually a little nervous about leaving them, but WAY hyped to hang out with Jeremy for 4 WHOLE DAYS without the sweethearts.

Hudson is still feeling yucky, but Dr. Watts said to ride it out, unless his fever spikes (it's staying below 100 right now). Jenna is still sweet and looking good. It's good to stay away from red & milk! Add the new lotion we have found, and the kids actually have SOFT skin!

Dallas friends, I have thought of you, but, just as I predicted, school has overwhelmed me since the new trimester began 4 weeks ago. And it's looking more and more like Christmas cards really will be New Year's Cards. We do enjoy all of those that we have received, and we really like those update letters...hint hint.

Off to celebrate 8 years of marriage to my beloved! Wow, it's really been that long. I do it all over again.

Christmas Cheer

Call me an elf. I decided this year I would make goodies for my department to share. Knowing that is an undertaking, and adding two sweet munchkins, I started Monday night. Monday I made two batches of pecan tarts and peanut patties. The patties turned out so well (despite initial reservations) that I made another batch Tuesday. This morning I made peanut brittle, but I put the soda in too early, so it turned into peanut taffy. Bright me, I decided to bake it a little longer tonight...I just threw away the entire thing - cookie sheet and all. As I debate making the cupcakes for Hudson's party tomorrow and other goodies (popcorn balls, more peanut patties -they're easy- fudge), Hudson is determined to get my attention. He is sitting sweetly in my lap, and just took his paci out and kissed my arm as I typed. Sweet boy. Jenna is sweetly watching a Barbie movie - complete in princess dress and crown, but the 'mean man' in the movie scares her and she wants me to sit with her.
This is why you may get New Year's cards again this year...although I bought all this cute paper, cards, and stickers at an after Christmas Sale last year...

Here is a picture of the kids working together on a good bed jump!

8:20 update...never ask me to make peanut brittle. batch #2 was smokin', and I don't mean good - black. NO peanut brittle. However, the fudge is excellent & Hudson's cupcakes for his party tomorrow are in the oven!

Peachy

One day down, four to go!

Tomorrow is Pirate Pig Out Day at GHS - my big contribution this year is chips! I'm making gifts for co-workers, and tonight I've churned out two batches of "Jeremy's Prize Winning Pecan Tarts" and peanut patties. I'm a little nervous about the outcome of the patties, as well as even having peanuts in the house. I'm sure all will be fine. After all of that, chips are the most I can muster for tomorrow.

Hudson is definitely ill in some way, but there is no fever, so, he's off to school. He's got a little green drainage (it comes and goes, and yes, I'm still sending him). He's also cutting 4 teeth (canines), so that could be the problem. He's been on omnicef for a week now. Here's what happens when you leave him unattended, so he's not too incredibly ill.

Jenna is just a little too hyper. I can't wait to get her in bed, and then I'm right behind her!

Christmas fever

After the two weather days, I have Christmas fever. I want to be with my family and away from work. It also so happens that Christmas is my favorite season, and time to celebrate another year of marriage with Jeremy.

Wednesday we received the announcement of school releasing early. Of course, by the time the buses got to the high school, it was 1:00 before I could leave. After some serious scraping, I got the ice off and got home. Just in time for naps! After nap, we took a walk down the road. Hudson was like a dog - frisky in the winter weather. He ran and hollered up and down the road. After some soup, Jeremy decided a trip to Wal-Mart was direly necessary (he wanted to try his driving) so around 5:30 we took a trip. I have never seen Wal Mart so empty. We all snuggled down. Jeremy and I watched a movie and snuggled down right after recieved the phone call that there was no school Thursday.

Thursday we decided to go down to the Fox's house to make cookies. Jenna slipped and fell in the drive, and then I fell once I made it to the road. Route #2 left me sliding down the neighbor's driveway with both kids after I decided we would just walk across the grass and driveways. Path #3 left Jer driving us down the road. After Hudson poured a cup of Dr. Pepper all over himself (hence, diaper only cookie pictures) and Kendra's dining room carpet, after Jenna and Marley dumped an extra cup of flour in my cookie dough, and after Jenna poured a half a cup of sprinkles on her cookies, we headed back home.
It was hoot making cookies with two 3 year olds, a 1 year old, and a 3 month old. Two mommies were tired! It was fun!

So, I returned to school today (I found the pendant from my necklace that I lost while scraping ice on Wednesday) with a little bit of Christmas fever. I am ready for vacation! As ecstatic as I was to find my missing pendant, I was later crushed, one of my student's fathers was killed in an ice related accident on Wednesday.

Great Weekend

It has been a WONDERFUL weekend. We had the delight and pleasure of our two friends and their little girl coming to visit. David, Robbin, and Paige spent the weekend with us. It was good, although I wish we could have had more down town to spend with them. Robbin and I got to go and scrapbook for the first StoneWater Women's scrapbook night. We're going to do it quarterly (until Lisa and I can make a solid case to do it bi-monthly, and we're formulating a plan).
Carson is home out of the hospital - he's doing well. Church was good today. Everything went smoothly - my teachers in 2s and 3s were great, and all ran like a well oiled machine.
I am a bit behind for class tomorrow...but, it will all come together.

crash, boom, bang

What a day! This will seem like a "complainer" blog, it's just an expression of God's grace. Something awesome is going to happen Sunday.

Carson has been in the hospital all week with an infection (he's fine and should come home tomorrow).

Last night Hudson woke 3 times not able to breathe. I gave him 2 treatments, and still no improvement. This morning when he got up even Jeremy was adamant that he go to the doctor. Jer met the office this mornign as it openen, not even a call for an appointment. Three breathing treatments and a chest x-ray later, there is no pneumonia and we are on oral steroid, breathing treatments every 3 hours, and antibiotics. We have a very hyper (steroid) and wheezy boy.

I had to take Jenna to day care, which was fine, but I was late. Once I got to school, I sat down to eat breakfast and realized I had given her my cheese sandwich and had her allergy free lunch. OOPS. I was watching another teacher's class during my conference, so I was in a quandry of how to fix it. I traded just in the nick of time.

Then, while I was working on my lesson plans, my computer froze. When it came back, my My Documents folder was blank - NO FILES. I was mildly freaking...but my tech person saved the day!

The good news, David, Robbin and Paige are here for the weekend. It's so exciting! We're up talking and hanging out.

Baby you're a star!

Tonight was FBC Preschool's first Christmas program. Jenna is a star! She took her place on stage and stood with her hands perfectly in place. After she located me and waved, she beamed. She sang every song with emphasis, and did the actions with emphasis, too. She was the best and soooo precious. I can't wait to show off the video (I don't know how to post it here, but is was terrific). Hudson was good, too. He shook his Jingle Bells during the song, and spent most the time hanging out in the buggy watching sister, who was just a couple of feet away. When we watched the tape, he hummed the tune of Jingle Bells, shook his arms for the bells, and then even did the turn and stomp for Reindeer Pokey. My kids are star material! This is my first experience with a program for the kids, and I'm beaming and my head is big!

I had a great day - I received one of the new laptops for the district! It is AWESOME! NO more random shutting down or ants crawling out (I think the ants were part of the porable). It is light, compact and reliable! Then, I went to TOP training (long explanation) and got to leave campus for lunch and leave an hour early! These two things counteracted the fact that BOTH eyes were sealed shut when I woke this morning (the infection has spread to the right eye). My eyes are watering, oozy, red messes...I'm not supposed to be contagious, we'll watch the fam. to see.

craziness

Thanksgiving is a lot about thanks, but it's a lot about craziness, too. We saw a lot of family and had some great visiting along with great food. My mom was careful to prepare dressing and side dishes that the kids could eat - it's different when others cook for my bunch now. I missed Michael, and Jenna even chimed in. After we left my maternal grandmothers (the one with six children of her own that has now grown to well over 100 family members), Jenna was contemplating that she had "a whole bunch of cousins" and then she asked, "Where was Michael." I guess she figured she had seen everyone, but he was missing. So, we explained his absence again, and she asked, "When I see him?" That was tough, but I'm thankful, above all, that he is in Germany, and not Iraq; that he is safe and sound. We're waiting on a little message to let us know his "fate" in the Army...(that's a hint, Mike).

We had the traditional "White girl" shopping trip on the day after Thanksgiving. This year none of us had any "hot" item on our list, so we slept in and didn't leave until 7:00. It is SO much fun, and this year we got to shop late...until 5:00. I'm almost finished - now for the wrapping!

I spent the last couple of days with a pink, mattery eye that was fastened shut each morning. The doctor agreed that it is infected, but no pink eye. My students have been fastidious about insisting that I should go home, after all, I had pink eye. I assured them I would not rub my eye and then come and touch them, high school is NOT touchy-feely. I can reassure them tomorrow...they'll be crushed that I don't have to get a sub (don't be tricked, they don't really care, they want a sub!).

Jenna is still staying clear. I have found a "new" lotion with the Melaluca company, and it is AWESOME! Even Jenna's dry, scaly skin stays soft. Of course, the diet is important too. She continues to amaze us with her young wisdom and insight.

Hudson found his favorite movie - Robots. All we can figure out is it is mechanical - he laughed (growled and grunted) so loudly that Jenna kept complaining and turning it up louder. It was hilarious. By the way, that is one funny movie!

Tomorrow we will put up Christmas lights - we bought them tonight. I'll post some pictures, because Jeremy is getting into the competitive spirit with the neighbors (I restrained him to just the lights on the house, he was about to head into bushes, trees, sidewalk, etc.). Jenna can't wait, and I"m sure Hudson will be into something!

Sweet Children

Hudson Reed is continuing to be a hilarious little guy. Last night, while playing chase, I noticed he was putting his little thumbs in his ears and sticking out his tongue. The tongue isn't new, it's his favorite play toy, but he was doing the "na na na na na" that Jenna does when she sticks here thumbs in her ears and waves her fingers. It was hysterical!

Jenna has been on a roll of "not being able to sleep." It really is taking from 30 minutes to 1 1/2 hours to get that girl to fall asleep. And, around noon she passes out for a nap, so I don't think stopping naps is an option (not that we would want to).

Thanksgiving break is here! The kids are at daycare today, I need, desperately, to catch up on lesson planning and grading!

You're Fired!

I think the blogger people should fire me for so little blogging activity.

Friday I moved my classroom into the building - it was a hectic tear down and set up to start a new trimester on Monday. I welcomed my new classes Monday - 2 section Bs, 1 section A, and 1 section AP A. I like all of my kids, so far, but I've only been with them two days. Today went to training for Sheltered kids (language learners). We were supposed to be 'in class' until 3:30, but the lady let us go at 12:00. Whoop! I came home, Jer and I had a date at PastaFina, and then I took a little nap. I ran to Wal-Mart on my way to get the kids, and I saw the Karnes family - it's been a long time since I've seen (or talked) to my friend Jennifer.

Last weekend I cropped all day on Saturday. I didn't finish many pages, but I got a lot of sorting and organizing done. H's book skipped from birth to 1 year old to 2 months - just not my kind of order. I also made some new friends. StoneWater has a crop on Dec 3rd for the ladies - yea! This weekend I'll be at AP training Friday and Saturday. That means a night and another Saturday away from the kids, but I'll get all of next week off.

Jenna is funny. We asked her what Mom and Dad do when she's at school. She said that I scrapbook and Daddy hunts deer. Oh, if only we had that life of luxury!
Hudson is busy being Hudson...he still prefers his grunts to actual words, but they're coming along. His grin is still the funniest thing about him, and I can't describe that.

Blessings

I can't even count all of my blessings right now, but one of them is the little girl with curls at my toes right now that has the little piggies going to market, etc. She's so cute & sweet.

Our Life Group had 21 adults and 15 kids tonight. We had all walks of life, really. Imagine the walk, and it was represented tonight.

I move into the building from my portable. I am mostly happy - civilization, dry erase boards, no wading through the gravel sea in and out. I will miss my anonymity, windows, AC control, and cat family (under and around the builing). However, the benfits far outweigh the losses, so, in I go!

I love little H; he's a hoot. He's talking a little - momma, dada, bye bye. Last night in the middle of playing in his room, he went trucking out, turned and blew me a kiss, then came and gave me a signature open mouth kiss on the cheek, waved and said 'bye bye' and took off. He was in the garage, unloading the fridge when I found him next. We just have to keep the garage door down because he can open the door and go out as he pleases.

Kendra is taking over planning for 2s and 3s - Huge, Huge praise. The boulder has been lifted and rolls down the road.

later...

Peace

Tonight was our Life Group meeting for StoneWater. We don't have a mom in our group who doesn't have peace (and patience, but you know what they say about praying for patience) on their prayer list. Jenna is still having these crazy fits - if you tell her no, even the nicest no on the smallest little thing, she begins screaming, crying and then screaming at the top of her lungs and just falls apart until she throws up. It's awful, and we just don't know what to do.

Our group was good, we're all really forming a connection and care group for one another.

StoneWater had 197 on Sunday. We felt a little silly for being a little disappointed that attendance was 'down.' We're still amazed at God's grace and provision for this new church that he has allowed us to be a part of. I love hearing how God has touched people's hearts. Set up and tear down are getting smoother. I have created the 2s and 3s into 'centers' so that is making my class easier. Plus, next week I will be meeting with a friend who is interested in doing the planning - that would take a HUGE burden off of my shoulders.

Kids are great, cute, and cuddly. I missed H a lot tonight, he was in bed asleep by the time we got home. Jen and I had time together, I just can't wait for Thanksgiving week!

Trick-or-Treat

Jenna was Magenta from Blue's Clues and Hudson was Blue. Mom and Dad are just plain ol' Mom and Dad.



Wow, we heard that Misty Meadows, our neighborhood, was crazy on Halloween night, but it was CRAZY! It's 7:00 and we're out of candy, and I bought more candy than I ever have! Of course, Jenna helped some, and those people got 'a bunch' by Jenna standards (she's very generous).

The kids had a ball on our outing. Hudson wasn't into it until he saw a sucker was involved! Tonight he's eaten four suckers - all in a row, and two at once at one point. He likes Halloween; he's sticky! Jenna was very good about letting us go through her candy and sift it for her 'approved' pieces. Since we really only did our street, we didn't get too much - a definite plus!

Enjoy the pictures!

DraMA

There's been a lot of drama in my life lately.

Friday was a very dramatic day at school. I'm not going into it, but it was bad.

Friday morning Jenna woke up with a tummy ache that ended with a 'special' trash can keeping her company. She stayed home with Jeremy. We were supposed to go on a StoneWater family campout that night, but we couldn't take her after being sick all day. Since she was better, Jer went and got firewood and marshmallows and we roasted marshmallows in the fireplace.

Today, Hudson fell and busted his lip in the garage. There are blood drops out there, it was so bad. He's fine, not even a swollen lip! Jenna would still be crying.

Jenna's really itching tonight. I've used the strongest cream we have and she's got gloves on, whew!

Tomorrow is StoneWater!

been awhile

When Mom notes that the blog isn't up to date, you know it's been a while (no offense, Mom).

It's been a crazy week, but that's always my excuse. StoneWater welcomed 234 people to the service Sunday, so we had to regroup with Joey & Lisa Tuesday night. They and the boys came over for supper. I had a turkey Mom gave me (thanks again, Mom) and made corn and green beans. Lisa made dressing, dumplings, pumpkin bread, a salad, and brought cranberry sauce. Together, we had Thanksgiving (and we must be getting older because it all tasted like our grandmother's).

Wednesday I went to a TAKS workshop to see how those silly essays are graded. Since we are 'unacceptable' according to TEA because of that test, I'm arming myself with knowledge. I think I can talk the talk and teach the material according to my standards and work in what the State wants. I just can't bring myself to teach to the test, but I will incorporate what the kids need to be successful. Really, it's just plain ol' good writing, unlike the days of TAAS. (Teacher talk can be awful, huh). But, when I woke up I felt a little sick, but shrugged it off. Hudson 'gave back' his breakfast and then I discovered his supper was on his pillow (and he never even cried Tuesday night). Anyway, little H stayed home with Jer, and I went to Ft. Worth for my training. I felt worse, and worse, and worse. By 3:30 when we got in the van, I just wanted to die. I got home at 5:00 and crawled into bed. I just couldn't make it; usually I can limp along until the kids make it to bed, but my head hurt too bad and my tummy too. At 5:30 this morning, I was 100% better. Not 100%, but better.

Today was good. The kids were happy when they got home. We had small group (Life Group) and had 17 people and 11 kids. The kids were at our house with some FABULOUS care takers (Denise from Hudson's school and Amber and Alyssa from next door)!

time flies

What a week.

Sunday began with Howdy biting the next door neighbor's little boy's finger (did you get that) that he was sticking through the fence.

Monday was a scramble to get rabies records and figure out what to teach.

Tuesday was the parking fiasco.

Wednesday, ah Wednesay. Jenna threw a tremendous fit about taking a bath. While I was attending to her, Hudson (seeker and destroyer) was loose in the house. Not usually a bad thing. While I took care of her, he managed to pour syrup all over the carpet (he climbed up on the kitchen table and poured it). Then he made his way into the bedroom where StoneWater's office is. StoneWater purchased a very nice laptop computer to run all of our media for services. When I came in the room, Hudson was standing on a chair and the computer, normally on the desk, was upside down, sideways on the floor. I picked it up and prayed,"Please be okay." It wasn't. The internal workings of the screen had been shattered. That takes care of our $700 we just got back on our old house from insurance.

Just now, the kids arrived home. A little boy in his class spilled his milk today. Hudson splashed in it and then licked his hands. He's a little puffy and has had a big dose of Benedryl...ah the joys of motherhood.

fixed

We have the computer back! It was a speedy fix, and if you live in the area, I am another fan of Tweak Geeks. He cleaned A LOT of stuff up and added some RAM - only $140- that's a bargain compared to other quotes!

Kids are good - a little itching, but October seems to be a tough month - if only the weather would cool off again.

It's just so nice to open a program or click on a page, and the computer actually GOES!

Now, as for school, today was AWFUL. It is about a mile (okay, only 1/2) from my parking spot to my portable. So, on mornings that I have a lot to carry in or I am running late, I just park by the rail, off the road, by my portable. I was told to stop. So, I scaled it back and haven't parked there in a month. Well, this morning I had to take my school laptop in (lots of issues, mostly my gradebook and progress reports go out Friday) after my first class, so I decided to park there for ONE HOUR. As my first class began, I saw the police car beside mine. I finally decided just to face up and go and take my ticket face to face. Well, he was REALLY rude, and I started crying. He told me I was a constant violater (and I'm not) and that I had to move my car immediately or it would be towed. I had students arriving to my class and I just couldn't leave them alone for the 15 minutes it would take me to move it. I begged him to let me wait, and he got on his CB and began to call for a tow. I apologized, but told him that the safety and responsibility of my class was more important...I went to class - crying. Then, I got a nasty email from the front office about my "flagrant disregard for school policy and city law". Those of you who know me understand that this KILLED me. Well, long story short, by 10:00 (when class was over) I had not been towed, and I moved the car (since I had to take my dear laptop in). I vowed to all of my administrators that I would NEVER park there again. I feel like a heel and I feel stupid and I don't really want to show my face there again.

I will be away...

Well, it's time to finally take it in. The computer, that is. We've had problems for awhile (very slow loading), but we've not taken action. Now programs are shutting down in the middle of operation, or you step away and when you return, everything has closed itself. I'm sure it's a virus. Add that to the fact that DSL is taking longer than dial up, and I think it's a given that something is wrong. I've spent the evening backing up the important stuff - finances, pictures, StoneWater, teaching...see you in a few days.

In the mean time, our next door neighbor came over. It seems that her little boy had a bad cut, and she wanted to look at our fence. Well, no nail. A little later, daddy neighbor came over; he thinks it's a dog bite and the little boy admitted to sticking his finger through the fence. In any case, we're getting Howdy's vaccination records and he's in quarantine for 10 days...poor Howdy. At least he gets to quarantine at our house.

StoneWater had 190 this morning! Praise God!

Oh, and since it will be awhile, here are cute peek a boo pictures from Hudson this morning...

Free at last, free at last

Thank God, Almighty, I am free at last...I hope Mr. King is not rolling in his grave at my use of his quote in reference to research papers. I finally finished those boogers. I cannot express the weight that is off of my shoulders! Now I can get caught up on the 'easy' grading. School is going well; students like anything with sex in it, and we're reading "The Crucible," so they're into it.

The kids are cute and cuddly as ever. Although, I am having a mommy moment. It's time to remove the baby paraphanelia - and I'm having a hard time. I know I don't desire any more children (and it's a good thing, because we took care of that), but it's hard to let go of your babies being babies. I cleaned out the bottles, which is hard, because that was our special cuddle time, the only time he would really cuddle and not struggle to get down. I also cleaned out the baby towels, those hooded cuties don't really work anymore. While I love the newfound cabinet space, it just means my baby is growing up...I'm a little nostalgic today, it would be a good day to scrapbook!

terrific kids

I just love our kiddos. Yesterday we had a beautiful day with church in the park. The kids played and played; Hudson got to do some much needed and permitted climbing. Jenna ran and climbed and played. Hudson and I headed to Wal-Mart for our weekly trip, and he slept during the first half of our trip. It was pathetic and sweet to see his little head bob around. I got some great decorations for the house for fall. I've always wanted to do the bale of hay, mums, pumpkins, and scarecrow. I think it turned out pretty well.

Tonight we have had a big night of playing. The kids biked and tricycled in the garage, played in the tunnels and tents in the house, and have now both started screaming because I took away the toy they were fighting over. Here is the picture when they were both happy...because they aren't now!

Yesterday we went to Nana and PawPaw Fulton's. Pawpaw has a new John Deere tractor. Hudson was in love. He rode with PawPaw and rode some more. He wouldn't even eat supper. Jenna picked cucumbers, beans, and flowers. She's really a country girl, too. After Hudson had his time with the tractor, she took her turn. While we ate, she took the opportunity to boost her brother up, she climbed up, and they were up on the tractor together. The pictures are on mom and dad's camera, so, in time I'll get them on CD and post them.

Too cute, too perfect.

Drop back and punt

I feel like it's time to just drop back, punt, and start over at 1st and 10 on Monday. From Pimpleday to today, I just keep getting sacked. Today my computer crashed at least 3 times, and the last time it wiped out my gradebook. Luckily, I had backed up this morning, but I have 3 sets of grades to enter, and no way to do it. I don't know how long it will take tech support to fix it, but I'm hoping it's soon.

I'm also straining myself to be a more active learning teacher. I hate reading and discussing - I want the students to dive into it, mark it, make something, apply it to their lives. It' just SO time consuming. Plus, I really need to drop back and just learn the material. Movie day! It will take 4 days to watch this movie on the real events of the Salem witch trials, then to the Crucible. I like it, but it's work.

Kids are good. Jer gave Hudson a haircut. It got a little too short, so, he's got a REAL Aggie haircut of short and high. He pooped in the bath tub TWICE for tonight - first his, then ours. Yuck - antibiotic poo. Jenna's face is a little red and itchy, but she's clear most everywhere else.

Jer is a saint; he brought home "wonic" or "sonic" for supper. Now he's finishing baths...I love him.

It's LOST night! Woo hoo!

Pimple

I have a huge pimple right in the middle of my forehead. It's all you really see right now. It's been the subject of my life all day, and that's all I really have to write about. It sums up my whole day, actually, if that tells you anything. We played 42 at Jason & Jen's tonight, and Jer (my partner) kept looking up and making comments or gestures about my pimple. Jenna bumped heads with me, and I thought I might die. So, her prayer tonight, "Please, God, help mommy's pimple, Please God." My life today has been a pimple.

Snowed Under

The lack of posting should clue you in that this week has been a monster. The kids, work, housework, it all came crashing in on me this week. This is the first week that I've even had the thought, "Why did I sign up to work." Fortunately, I love my job and co-workers, AND I got paid this week.

Jenna started battling eczema and nasal/eye allergies on Tuesday, and last night I was up with her as she scratched and screamed. I think it was more a hallucination of the medicine (atarax always weirds her out), but it was agony until 12:00. Today she's been happy and good.

Hudson was so cranky and not sleeping for the first part of the week and last weekend that I was convinced, by Monday night, he was getting an ear infection. Tuesday's doctor visit revealed no infection, but 4 molars and two canine's coming in. So, cranky and sleepless he was. His scream, by the way, is the MOST ANNOYING SOUND IN THE WORLD. It drives me batty. He's back to his antics and laughing. As a matter of fact, he was up until about 20 minutes ago - happy. He's never up past 8:30 and still happy, unless we're with friends. I looked at him as he laid his head in my lap and asked, "Are you ready for bed?" He popped his head up and nodded. He's still learning to nod, so his nodding, grinning self fell over in the floor since he lost his balance. Oh, if I could have found the video camera!

Jeremy has been the most stressed I've seen him since we moved. You know in psych class they always talked about 'stress' and 'eustress' and how one was good (I think it was eustress - help me out here, folks), any way, he's been living on 'eustress' but the 'stress' got him this week. His message just wasn't working. He saw that as a sign that it wasn't the right message. Seeing everything else that has happened this week, I saw it as a sign that it was right on target. I talked him into taking a nap today (since I was off for the allergist visit), and after he woke up, within 30 minutes, it all just gushed out. Presto, message finished!

Allergist - Hudson can have soy and wheat, they are only level 1 and 2, but no milk, eggs, or peanuts. So, the life I have adapted to with Jenna over the last year, will carry over to Hudson. Jenna will have a blood allergy test next week, so we'll know if she's really allergic to milk and eggs, or if we're just making life harder. Of course, if she's not, I still have to modify for Hudson, so, it really doesn't matter (except she can have all the good stuff). I, meanwhile, have dropped the whole 'healthy food only' rule. I fed Hudson all organic, fresh, homemade baby food, and look at him - he's an allergy mess. So, I now let him eat potato chips - Lays are just potatoes and fat (and he likes the salt)!

I woke Thursday, barely able to move, and my back still has some awful catch in it. I need to grade 91 more research papers, and haven't read anything that I"m teaching this week. I have one load of laundry to fold (the one in the dryer doesn't count since I can't see it), three to wash, a house to clean, oh, and I haven't studied the Stepping Stone lesson, yet. Hmmmmmm......

Weekend

Finally. It is the weekend.

I survived the day research papers were due. You see, at GHS, if you don't submit a Junior research paper, you fail the ENTIRE trimester (we have trimesters instead of semesters, so I only have a class for 12 weeks instead of the usual 18). So, in an effort to head off disaster, I phoned 63 parents yesterday afternoon and evening. Whew-eee.

My students showed they actually cared about me yesterday. The forecast for Rita yesterday was that winds would gust here at 80 MPH. I hadn't really thought about it, but my students were all offering to help me move my stuff. I looked at them and asked what they meant. "Mrs. White, I hate to tell you this, but if the wind blows that hard, your classroom is blowing away. You better take your good stuff home." You know, I'm not sure a portable WOULD stay put in that situation. Luckily, they downgraded our risk. Of course, everyone offered to take home the "comfy chair" that I have for reading days...

I have no voice, thanks to the cold/allergy issue that I have had all week. I also seem to not be able to breathe through my nose, so I spend the night sleeping with my mouth open, and then wake up every hour feeling like I've been drinking sand. Decongestants just aren't helping.

The kids are awesome, check out Hudson's new trick. He can climb up on the kitchen table!

Peanuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, dog & cat

That's a list of what Hudson is allergic to according to his RAST test. Since he had the big outbreaks to pudding and mac & cheese, Dr. Watts ordered a RAST test with his 1 year CBC. Luckily we skipped the flu shot just in case because it is egg based. Good choice by us, or we would likely have been in the hospital. The first three he is highly allergic to, the other three are in the moderate range. He's been on soy formula his whole life, so I'm not sure what to do about that. He's having soy right now for breakfast. We head to the allergist next Thursday and, probably, a nutritioninst after that. I don't really understand what I CAN feed him right now. I guess he's a true meat and potatoes man!

Goodbye, Gig 'em

No, that's not a reference to the Aggies today. No, we didn't put the dog down. Today, just a little while ago, Gig 'em went home with John. John is the guy who called first to respond to our ad for a free dog. Howdy & Gig 'em joined us at our house last week, and we knew we couldn't keep both. I've been supposed to place the ad for months now, and I either forgot or put it off. Well, this was the week. The ad hit the internet & paper yesterday, and around 7:30am we had our first call. Gig 'em is heading for a family where she will have 10 acres, cows to chase, kids to sleep with INSIDE at night, and a truck to ride in. Yes, I'm crying, but, wow, she hasn't had it that good since before we had kids. As confirmation, after we all played outside a little this morning, Jenna's neck, eye, and face swelled where Gig had licked her. Howdy's not a licking dog, and he's Jer's hunting dog, so he is staying.

Otherwise, we're having a plain ol' weekend. We actually have nothing scheduled for the day! I have a teacher's files from school, so that just made my life a little less stressful.

Birthday Boy!

Happy Birthday Hudson! I can't believe he's already one! He's had a wonderful day. Usually, when he comes home, he's cranky, fussy, and screams a lot. If we're lucky, we get him to take a 30 minute nap before supper, and he's a little more bearable. Well, yesterday Jer and I discussed what would be Hudson's ideal day. Outside. Anything outside would be his favorite, so we decided to make today outside day. As soon as we got home, I opened the back door and let him go. We spent the evening playing, and after supper we went out some more. When we came back in, we threw the pillows from the couches in the floor and let him flop all over (that's his other favorite, along with being naked). He's still giggling and going strong now - which is unheard of. Maybe it's the sugar he had at his school party today.


Teaching is kicking me in the tail right now. I live to have everything planned out, and I don't right now. I'm also facing 3 preps next trimester, so I'm stressing a little. But, it will all work out okay. I met the librarian today; she's been out with a terminally ill sister. We're going to get along just fine; I'm glad that I've taken the time in the past to get to know my librarian, it sure makes it easier now.

Jenna is still clear, minus a few spots here and there. It's amazing how different life is with a clear kid - it's WONDERFUL!

Since I forgot, here is a picture of Jenna from her offical birthday last week (with her favorite new Barbie that she plays with after lights out)...

Goober

Yes, that is me! I am a goober. As I balanced the checkbook tonight, I did a double take. See, four bills for StoneWater were on our personal account. Always ready to point fingers, I asked (or accused) Jer. He nicely pointed out that it was the date that I paid bills for him. In his account you have to choose between StoneWater and personal, and I didn't choose, so it defaults to personal. Oops. So, our biggest frustration and fear has been that someone would accuse us of paying ourselves out of StoneWater, and now I created a big mess that we have to justify. So, for the public, right now, I messed up...and it's legitimate. At least we had enough money in the personal to cover those extra expenses, and now we can pay the credit card bill. I was wondering where a few hundred extra dollars went...

Otherwise, things are good. Hudson went to bed at 7:00 tonight; tired, tired little boy.

Woo hoo

I got to go to StoneWater Church service today. I admit I still feel guilty for having someone else teach (especially since she had 15 2&3 year olds), but I loved being a part of the service. We had about 140 people attend, and Jer gave a great message. I was impressed.

I scrapbooked all night Friday night. I really mean it, all night. We began at 6:00 pm on Friday and I stayed until 7:30 am Saturday morning. I got 15 pages done, and now I'm on a quest to get all of my pictures printed (it may take a loan from the bank) and organized. I hope to get that kind of time for myself about once a month. I'm not sure about the all night thing again, I'm still hurting pretty bad, but I was really productive. I talked Jennifer into going with me, and I enjoyed our time together. I was impressed, she stayed until about 5 am, and I don't think, in all the years we've known each other, I've ever known her to stay up that late!

I'm three, my brother's one

This is Jenna's catch phrase the last couple of days. We celebrated the kids birthdays on Sunday with a joint Blue's Clues party. Jenna had a pink Magenta cake and Hudson had a blue Blue cake. Check out my handiwork...

Hudson was a little confused by the cake thing. He spent most of the time just feeling it with his little hands. Finally he licked the foil. With PawPaw White's prompting, he tasted it, and made an awful face. He took a few bites, but was done fairly quickly. The link at the bottom has the cake pictures - they are too cute.

Jenna loved everything about birthday. She got a big girl bicycle from us, the pictures from that are in the link, too.

Her skin is staying very clear, and is even soft. She is being very big right now and called Aunt Jacki all by herself (with Dad's instruction) and is walking around talking just like a big girl. We've been up just talking with her. I love it.

School front - I had one girl call me "psychotic" in front of the class, so I called home at 8:00 tonight. Very effective. I chose another girl that I have had problems with, but she did great today, so I called home to brag on her. She happened to be the one taking the message (I really thought it was her sister), so that should be a good reinforcer for her.

We passed out water for StoneWater tonight. It really is fun. At first I am always nervous and don't want to go, but once I get started, it's a lot of fun.

Refugee

Today was my first personal contact with Hurricane Katrina. During 4th period today, I met 'Angie.' I perkily asked Angie where she was from, and she told me, "New Orleans." My heart dropped. I asked her when she left, and she told me about a week ago. While we were visiting I found out that she knows nothing about the status of her home. She did know that it was in one of the areas that wasn't hit as badly, but the roof could be off and it could be looted already - her words. I asked her how she was taking all of this, and she replied, "It's kind of surreal, like it hasn't really happened." I've been a little emotional tonight. This girl is positive, ready to start in a new school. She had started doing her research paper in Louisiana, and she really wanted to keep working on her topic - talk about resilience!

On the home front. We're all good. We're getting ready to celebrate birthday #1 and birthday #3. I can't believe my baby is almost one and my baby girl is almost 3! Is that really possible? They are so precious.

Got Milk?

Yes, and I'm 95% sure Hudson is allergic. Last night began our big "experiment - milk" process. Jenna has stayed incredibly clear since she has been off the steroid, despite the warnings from both pedi. derms. that she would greatly rebound and relapse. She has been on a tight, strict diet that alternates between beef and chicken, carrots and green beans, broccoli and corn, peas and pears. I am not exaggerating. So, last night, we gave her cow's milk. She took a big gulp and declared, "This is not my blue milk. It's yucky." Rice milk is in a blue container. Well, we forced her to down about a cup. Within 30 minutes she was complaining that her tummy hurt and then threw up. We suppose milk on a tummy that hasn't had it in a year is a little hard.

So, tonight I got a little more creative. I made homemade mac and cheese with velveeta. I gave Jenna a little and Hudson, too. Jenna said it was really yummy, until bite six, and then she proclaimed it was "pooey" and spit it out. Hudson loved his, but 5 minutes after he ate it, he started screaming and scratching. He had the whelps all over his hands, arms, and head that look like mosquito bites. Best I can tell, those are hives. In any case, after pudding AND mac and cheese, I think it's time to retire milk from his diet. And I thought that I was going to escape the fate with Jenna - who is just beginning to scratch now. However, her skin so SO dry, that it is actually flaking. Just dry, big flakes. No redness, no rash. It's almost like the skin that has been damaged for so long is now sloughing off. We'll see. I am really more suspicious of red food dye right now, still.

School is great. I began the research in the library with the kids today. I LOVE being in the building - it is so convenient, and I see so many more people. I dread returning to my trailer next week...alas, next year.

Hip Hip, Hooray

We had an unfortunate incident where our favorite baby, jammie baby, was lost. Yesterday morning Jenna lamented, "I not ever see my jammie baby again." You see, despite my repeated warnings that we should leave baby at home, Jenna took her to Jason & Jennifer's house, and took Landry a baby also. Somehow, jammie got lost during our evening of fun, and we all turned the house upside down looking. It's been emotional, but Jen's hung in there.

Tonight, Jennifer called with good news. The baby had been found. And, she was even wonderful enough to drop baby by tonight on her way to Home Depot - a fence supply run since they're building a fence this week.

School has been great, but keeping me entirely too busy. We're in research mode, and I'm making all new packets with new requirements since these are high schoolers. I am, of course, behind on grading. That seems to be the norm for me - I like the planning, designing, and teaching, but I HATE the grading. I would be all for school with no grades!

The kids brushed their teeth this morning. Isn't it just too cute! Hudson can climb the stool all by himself (getting down is another matter) and Jenna gave him his brush. You can tell he likes to do what sissy does.

Snuggle Me

I just love my kids. Tonight, Jenna was having a hard time settling into sleep. After a while I went and check on her. "Mommy, I think I need you to snuggle me a little bit." My heart just swelled. I gladly cuddled and held her, stroked her hair and face. After a little, she turned over, smiled, and said, "Goodnight, Mommy." I just love that!

Hudson is back to his funny little self. He has mastered the game of chase. He runs and then pauses to see if you'll come behind him or if you'll pop out in front of him. Then he just giggles. He also has his own language. We can't make out much, but he will get very serious, point, and jabber. It means something. This morning, he was complaining about his breakfast. I asked him, "Do you want this or that," indicating my toast over his oatmeal. He, very clearly, said, "That." He got some toast.

Jeremy surprised me with a visit after school today and put wheels on my podium (it comes up to my shoulder and weighs at least as much as I do). Now I can move it around a little easier. That's important, because we take roll online, but to get a signal from my little metal portable, I have to put my laptop right next to the window and aim it just right...

Sweet

We had about 130 people attend StoneWater's first public service on Sunday. It was amazingly smooth. It never would have been without our launch team - thank you to each and every one of you who helped. I felt kind of like a louse since I didn't get there to set up and didn't tear anything down. Since Hudson had been sick, and was still grumpy, I knew I didn't stand a chance of setting anything up without him tearing it down too early. Plus, I was still studying up on my lesson for the 2 & 3s. I REALLY enjoyed my time with those little guys and gals.

By the way, the next morning in my portable, all the power came on. The GISD electric guy came by about 2:00 and I told him the situation. Evidently, the middle school had a power surge the day before and that's probably what threw the AC. As for the other outlets, we're just "watching" them for now. I seem to have some short, but, no one's really worried! I think it's fine. The kids refer to my home as a "trailer" and the "ghetto." I told them it has character, and I like it.

Today I took the day off to accompany Jenna and Jer to a new pedi derm in Dallas. I find it funny that we just found her now that we have moved here. Anyway, I like her. She has a definite plan for Jen - tonight we begin atarax, tomorrow we begin Zyrtec, and tonight we begin with the lowest dose of creams. Since today is our last dose of steroids, we're preparing for the rebound. Jer and I still have a gut feeling that hers can be traced to foods, and we've got her off of all things we suspect - milk, eggs, red food dye, and, of course, peanuts. Yes, it's a pain, but if it helps, we're there. If, after a month, we're still clear, Dr. Carder suggested trying one of the foods we suspect, and we'll see what happens. She also wants to see Jenna in two weeks - great follow up!

Hudson is recovered from his fever. He is now cutting two molars - yipee! As long as we keep him on DYE FREE ibuprofen, he's good. After two days on pink profen, he was a red rash from head to toe. Funny, he's cleared up after taking him off colored goods. His skin is even soft again.

Jer did great Sunday, from what I have heard. He did a pre-game barf (sorry if that is too gross, but that is the best description), and it seemed to calm his nerves. I don't think I've ever seen him so nervous!

Well, it's still early, and I want to play with my sweeties!

School Days

First of all, I love high school. Yesterday was my first day of school, and I relished in it. They got my jokes, were respectful, and mostly focused...until 5th period. I haven't looked at the test data from last year yet, but I bet I have a lot of students who didn't pass. Unfortunately for 4 of them, I can tell they are very intelligent and very annoyed by their juvenile classmates.


Before I left yesterday morning(the first day of school), Jeremy told Jen we were going to pray. Jenna jumped right in with the best prayer she has ever said. She prayed for "mommy to have a good day and fun, mommy not to itch, me not to itch, and come home and play." I had a itching bump that she's implored me not to scratch. Hudson then waddled over and, clear as he has ever said a word, said "bye bye" as he buried his head in my lap. It was SO sweet that they BOTH knew I needed extra love.

Today started well, I figured out my approach for the day. I turned on the overhead - nothing. It worked just two days ago, but I checked the bulb. It looked fine. Tried again - nothing. So, I walked all the in and got a new bulb. Changed it - nothing. So, I carried the whole overhead in, got a new one, and carried it out. Set it up and, nothing. So, then I tried a lamp - nothing. Only one outlet out of 7 was working. So, today's lesson was greatly modified since I have a chalk board that is half covered with paper to serve as an overhead screen. I was LIVID. I filled a second service request and emailed the powers that be. During 4th period there was pop and the lights dimmed as the air cut on. By the end of 5th period I noticed it was getting warm and the temp was up to 80. When I left today I just threw the main breaker...we'll see tomorrow morning.

You have to know that just Wednesday I got word that the principal was working to move me into the building. But, knowing that it would displace another teacher, and not wanting to be the new kid on the block that gets everything she wants, I emailed her and told her I would rather stay put. I have found plenty of positives to my little schoolhouse. Ask me again today how I feel!

The bright point of the day today was the fact that I discovered, if I stand by one of my windows and put my laptop against the window, propped up on three books, I CAN get internet access from the building. The signal is weak, but there. So, that is helpful - I can submit attendance, read email, and access the grade system. This school communicates almost solely by email, so I have felt rather cut off from the world the last couple of days!

Hudson stayed home ill again today, but I think he's fine for tomorrow. I just can't wait until Saturday!

Daddy Daughter Day

Jeremy resumed his former ritual of Daddy Daughter Day today. It had become Daddy Daughter Dude Day, but since I have worked only part time for the last year, it didn't happen regularly. Anyway, today Jer & Jen spent the day. They went to Dr. Gahli (ped derm) - nothing new - and Cabela's. Jenna ordered ostrich without Jer's prompting because she remembered it from the Cabela's they visited on vacation in Buda. She's sharp, I tell you. She then bragged to me how much fun she was having with Daddy, which made Daddy's heart swell. He bought her one of those 'pop' guns where you pull the barrel, and it makes a pop. Tonight, as she watched her dinosaur movie, she shot the bad dinosaurs. It was really cute and funny.

Hudson is ill. Wouldn't you know it, the day before school starts. I can't miss the first day of school, and Jer has to meet Jay in Waco for a projector. Satan knows when to hit us. Luckily, my mom is on call tomorrow - We'll hit Melba up for Thursday, if need be (be warned, Melba). He had a 101.4 temp tonight and is lethargic. He ate like a mad man, though.

I am pretty ready for tomorrow. I have my roll, seating chart, piles of paper - letter home, rules/procedures. I don't have any lesson plans beyond tomorrow - which is VERY unlike me. I had planned the research paper with my fellow Junior teachers, but when someone scheduled their library dates, they overlapped with mine, so I had to move mine. Now I begin my research paper on Sept. 2 - too soon, but I'll manage fine. Just stressed because I don't have and ENTIRE six weeks planned, like usual.

Happy Anniversary to my dear friends, Jason & Jennifer Karnes. 8 years! Way to go guys!

Jeremy is AWESOME. He fine tuned my powerpoint presentation for tomorrow and helped me make sure the LCD projector is working. Thanks, babe!

11 months

Eleven months ago I met my little boy. I just love him so much! Tonight, during StoneWater Church, Teresa, my dear neighbor, came out of the house with a look of distress on her face. That isn't like Teresa, so I quickly did a scan of the children, who were all happily playing. Then she said, "Is someone watching baby on the ladder?" Guess who had made it almost to the top of the ladder to the slide. He had done great, but if had fallen it would have been most awful. Bad mommy.

Jenna has been doing good. Today, I lost her for a while. Well, lost is a strong word. She was in the garage and had been suspiciously quiet. So, I called for her; she just cracked the door to give me a response. That's a bad sign. Upon a little more inquiry, I noticed her little lips and around her mouth were red. Hmm, something red. "Jenna, do you have a sucker." "No." "Jenna, are you coloring something red in the garage?" "No." Then it hit me - yesterday I had a red snow cone, and I left it in the garage. Guess who found it and like it, even though it was melted and probably had bugs in it! Funny thing, later she broke out in red splotches from the waist down. Luckily, there wasn't any itching, but, boy is she red!

Tomorrow begins another week. This is reality, after all. Lunches are packed, blankets placed by the door, in hopes of a smooth Monday morning (if they exist).

Blessings

My kids are two precious little blessings from God.

Tonight as I rocked a very tired Hudson Reed (daycare has been difficult for him to adjust to only one 1 1/2 hour nap per day), Jenna came in. She placed a blanket on him, "all by myself," kissed him sweetly, stroked his face, told him "good night, sleep tight," and whispered in his ear, "Don't let the bed bugs bite." That's really cute if you know the whole story. For about a year my dad, whenever it is bed time at their house, will tell her "Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite." She thinks the "don't let the bed bugs bite" part is really funny. So, last night Dad and Jen went through the ritual, and she giggled out the last part. It was incredibly sweet to see her share her "secret" and special bond with PawPaw with Hudson.

The last few days have been busy. Thursday was Caden Samuel's birthday #6. Friday Jeremy took off out of town, so I scooped the kids up, and we went to my parents' for some tender lovin' care. Mom always cooks, does our laundry before we leave, and just makes me feel good. I got to do some shopping at Penney's (I saved $211 on my first trip. Which probably leaves you wondering how much I spent...I got some REALLY good deals, like shirts for 2.99.) Jenna got a little rough with Abby, my parents' dog. The result is a red nose with little teeth marks...oops.

Jer just called and report he will be home around 10:00, so he asked me to keep Jenna up. That suited her great since she had been complaining from bed for 30 minutes that, "I'm not tired yet." She's happily watching Blue's Clues on TV.

Here is a picture of Jen in my rain boots (for trucking to and from the portable at school), her rain hat, and coat when it sprinkled earlier this week. Hee hee.

You have GOT to be kidding me!

Today I had the pleasure (ahem) of finishing new teacher orientation for GISD. I am super excited to begin the year, which is interesting.

At 12:15 I got a call from FBC Preschool. It seemed that Hudson had eaten his lunch with gusto, but had turned red, broken out in "mosquito like bumps" (hives), his eyes were swelling, and he was screaming. Classic allergic reaction (I'm such a pro). I asked the necessary questions, "Are his lips swelling? Is his breathing labored?" He had already fallen asleep, so I determined it best to leave him until after nap and re-assess the situation. At 2:00 the call returned, he was still swollen eyed and red, so I left to get him. The nurse and I talked, no use taking him in, a little Benedryl is all that can be done, and watch his diet. He looks pretty pitiful, but not anywhere as bad as Jenna was with her peanut reaction at this same age. Two years ago I received a call on a teacher workday that Jenna had swollen eyes and lips - does history repeat itself or what?

Tonight I had a soire with the English teachers of GHS. I really like my new co-workers. They are a funny group, with some great personalities.

Jenna's favorite part of "school" is the "big slide." Every day I get a big slide report - I know she does other things, but that is her favorite! She is so loving these days, telling me how I am her favorite mommy in the whole world.

I love 'em, love 'em, love 'em.

sooo tired

I am just pooped. Hudson was too; he went to bed at 7:30. Jenna is trying now. I'm tucking myself in soon.

First day of work - first day of day care. Hudson marched right in with his "aakk" that means "fun." Jenna was okay until she realized I am not her teacher. Then she cried. She started crying again when she and her brother were separated.

Pick up time! I have to walk by Hudson's room to get Jenna, and who is sitting at the table like a big boy?! He sees me and the look on his face is a priceless mix of "I love her, I want her, how can I get there." Before I could reach him, he fell out of his chair. Poor baby. Jenna looked up and said, "Mommy, you came back." Like I might not - tug at my heart!

I have a cute picture, but I'm too tired to upload tonight - so I'll leave you hanging on for tomorrow.

Reality

Yesterday Granny and Papa Fulton, my grandparents, so the kids' great-grandparents, came for a visit with Dad (Mom's still sick). It was great seeing them all play. I hear my parents tell me how wonderful being grandparents is, and from the looks of things, it's even better to be a great granparent! Then we spent the evening actually being home for a change; it was nice.

Today we had a big breakfast and played for a while. Hudson skipped his morning nap for the first time. He babbled in his bed for a while and then started his "aak" and "aak," which means, "hey, I'm in here awake." Jenna looked at me and said, "I think he not sleepy." So, in we went for him, and up he stayed until afternoon nap at 2:00.

We had a small group tonight for StoneWater. I don't know where everyone was, but I had only two kids - Jenna and Payton. They were great, and it was pretty relaxing, for a change.

Tomorrow is reality, though. I begin 'new teacher orientation,' which is really annoying, other than the fact that I will learn about insurance and, hopefully, get the school issued lap top. Plus, being a veteran now, I have a list of questions to fire - how can I get internet to my portable, I need furniture, desks, tv/vcr, budget for supplies, teacher aides?

the itchies are returning...and that creates some serious anxiety in me. Will I awake tonight with cries and scratches that I can't fix? I pray I don't.

Beautiful Day

I consider this type of life perfection, and I want it to last forever.

Dr. Watts spoke with Dr. Robin Carder, head of ped. derm., in Dallas at Children's Medical. She is fearful of a rebound even after we taper from the steroid, so she wants to schedule and appointment within the week that Jen comes off. She, along with Dr. Gahli, our current ped. derm., is really willing to work with us to do anything we can to help her. It feels good to have a small army of doctors willing to come to our aid. I have also already decided, while I'm sane and rational, that if Jenna has another flare that bad, I will, without hesitation, drive to the doctor and wait in the waiting room until someone sees her in that state.

Enough medical stuff, today was another beautiful day. We spent the morning playing with Noah animals - Jenna likes to pair them up and pretend, Hudson likes to eat and throw. Joey and Caden came over for lunch, and we got news that Carson and Lisa were getting to come home! Then, we decided to take the kids to Nana and Pawpaw White's for an evening of fun.

On the way there I decided that Hudson is saying "jenna" FOR SURE. It sounds more like "nenna," but he is definitely using her name! He's back to being happy 99% of the time. Nana gave Jenna a pop ice, and he quickly discovered that those are some kind of good! Well, Jenna was sweet enough to continue to share, so she had a little shadow that would then intercept her with his mouth wide open. She would gladly give him some more each time. It was during this that he would pursue and say, "Nenna."

Jenna reveled in a couple of long gator rides, but she still didn't care for playing with the dogs too much. Four slobbering, overeager Weimaraners are a little overwhelming for a shortie; they're overwhelming for me! She downed lot's of pizza style garlic & cheese bread and even some ranch dressing along with at least three popsicles!

Our kids are so sweet and fun, thanks for letting me share!

Day in Heaven

I think my little man might be a little musical. Eric and others have always said that 'Hudson Reed' would make a good worship leader's name! All morning, any time ANY music plays (commercial, CD, me) he starts bopping up and down and twisting side to side and chattering - IN KEY!

The kids and I spent the morning playing - just plain, hard playing. No house cleaning, no working - playing. It was hysterical. Hudson danced and 'sung' while Jenna danced and did the 'jumping J' (she jumps up and down, she got it from Sesame Street). After nap we snacked and took a little walk and trip to the playground at the school. On the way, I allowed Hudson, who has discovered the stroller is mighty boring, to walk, too. He was SO excited, squawking, walking and waving his arms, that he accumulated too much speed for his baby legs, and plowed, face first, into the pavement. You can see the scrapes on his forehead and nose in the picture. Nevertheless, he refused his chariot.

Then we decided to do something FUN. So, we loaded up and took the kids to Chuck E. Cheese's. It was SO much fun. We gave Jenna a token and let her use it by herself; she felt so liberated that she quickly approached Jer, put her little hand in his pocket, and said, "Dad, I need more money." She played a lot of games, including skee ball which became dodgeball for those on each side of us! (I, by the way, outscored Jer with a score of 270,000 to his 200,000).

It was so awesome to let her eat pizza and even eat tomatoes off of the salad bar. Those are her personal favorites, but cheese and tomato are two foods that are theoretical 'no-no's,' so we've cut them from her diet. Since she's on the steroid, we gave them to her. The whole time we ate all you could hear was her, "ummm, ummm" sound that she makes. Of course some of it was the ravenous appetite from the steroid, but mostly it was Jenna enjoying food, something she doesn't get to do often. We felt liberated; we could let her have anything and just watch her enjoy! It made us want to give her everything.

Hudson loved the moving rides. Bob the Builder rocked back and forth, and he just beamed the whole time. He kept walking to it and getting on. He also liked all the games with steering wheels and had to spin them all! Then, we made a trip to Toys R Us to look for birthday gifts. Jenna tried bicycles (and got a little crazy) while Hudson found a couple of push toys he really liked.

A whole day without itching or scratching, and no commands to 'pat, don't scratch' was awesome!

On the way out to the car, a little hand slipped into mine. A soft, affectionate hold from my little girl, not a 'you have to hold my hand even though you don't want to.' I wanted to hold that little hand, so sweet and so content, forever.

My heart is just bursting with joy!

Littlefoot and Sharptooth

Jenna loves the Land Before Time series of dinosaur movies, so we often hear stories or pretend play that involve Sara, Littlefoot, Spike, Petri, and the rest of the gang. Tonight we decided to make a quick trip to Dinosaur State Park in Glen Rose and show her the footprints and two giant replicas of a Sharptooth (T. Rex) and Longneck (?). She was impressed, but she and Hudson both liked splashing in the water better.

Last night I enjoyed a night with the girls of StoneWater at our first Girls Night Out. I took all my scrapbooking stuff and a salad, and ended up eating too much and just organizing pictures. Jennifer got 5 pages accomplished, way to go! I got all of my existing printed pictures organized into months and marked off my index prints...I'm pretty happy, but way behind.

This morning I met with Heather and Carrie to write lesson plans, and I am really excited about going back. I actually look forward to this year, getting into a routine and TEACHING. I do love it! Then, I returned to spend lots of time playing with the kids. I love play time! Wrestles, tickles, snacks (lots of snacks on steroids), and cuddles.

Jenna's skin is already showing serious improvement. If you have a strong stomach (mom and dad, don't go), you can see the pictures I took Monday versus those I took this evening after just 3 days of steroid & antibiotic. It really is amazing how fast she can clear up.

Please remember Carson; Lisa took off for the hospital about an hour ago with Carson. He has a 102 temperature, which means a trip to the emergency room and, very likely, a hospital stay of a few days - at least until his fever is down. It's something that has been going around - Joey, Lisa, and Caden have all had it, and Hudson is starting. Just pray for him and Lisa as they are away. Pray for Joey, he is home sick and couldn't go because he would just spread germs...

Special Report - Fairy Godfather

I've always hated those Special Report signals; as a kid, it meant that my TV show was going to be interrupted, and now, as an adult, it means that I'm about to hear bad news. So, when I heard the music, I knew it was bad...

Special Reports can be good. Dr. Gahli, our ped. dermatologis, phoned today in response to our inquiries. Dr. Watts, our ped., wanted me to call and include him in the most recent, severe saga. He doesn't like oral steroids, but from what I described (and cried about), he said it sounded best. He, however, wants to ween her back off very gradually as to avoid a "rebound reaction" that would be worse (I shudder to think of a 'worse'). So, we will spend the next 25 days on steroids, decreasing the amount by 1/4 teaspoon every 5 days.

He said there are other options past this, mostly stronger drugs where we seriously worry about liver function and stunting growth. He did say that if we end up on steroids two to three times a year, that is preferable and will not cause damage. He has two collegues, one in Dallas and one in Houston, that he said we would also consult to see if there is anything we're missing. He is in favor of the allergy testing again to try to pinpoint any allergies we don't know about, but he even said it could be something we're applying topically that is an allergy for her and will be difficult to identify(perhaps even one of the creams we've been using for treatment). It's going to be a battle, but, again, God has provided a doctor who DOES care and DOES want to help us. He is a father of a little boy about Jenna's age, so he can empathize from the parent standpoint.

As for the fairy godfather...Jenna received a cute little princess wand at a birthday party a couple of weeks ago. While Hudson received a very manly sword, he much prefers the wand. Jeremy repeatedly takes it away from him, calling it his "sissy wand." Here's a little picture of the dude with his favorite toy (favorite other than the CDs he's demolishing right now!)

Cheap Drunk

No, it's not what it seems. However, Jenna on prednisolone is a cheap drunk. It hit her about 8:00 pm, and it's been bubbling over since. She's peaking now, at 10:30, as we put her into bed. She's playing peek a boo with "jammie baby" and "bear." She's thirsty, but three times she's had a cup of water, and she has spilled each time. First she just missed Jer's hand by a foot, second she just knocked it over (while looking directly at it), and third, she missed pouring it in the sink, and hit the counter and floor. You just can't get mad when you know the medicine's messing with her, and while it is a little sad, for the most part, it is a good relief from the past couple of days. She's just jabbering on in her room...the language is unintelligible...

Hudson joined in the family story telling tonight. We went to the White House to find out some cool news (that I won't spoil yet, so contact the Joey White bunch to find out). Anyway, on the way home I was telling a Sneaky Snake story to pass some time, and when I included Hudson and his "squawk," he giggled and started squawking. Clearly, that is some word that means a lot to him...

Jenna just summoned me for a secret, at which point she stuck her finger in my mouth and giggled. Then she whispered in my ear, "I love you, and don't poop in the bed." Told you she was a cheap drunk!

Hope

I guess the last few posts you could tell that we had begun to run out of hope. I was getting really down, as a matter of fact, I had begun to wonder, "Do I need medication, again?" But, with a new morning this morning and a new month, came new hope.

Dr. Watts put Jenna on Prednisolone and Augmentin for the skin infection and inflamation. She has also taken on calling some of her collegues to see if there is a center here in Texas that is comparable to Jewish Medical in Denver. I have printed off all the information we need to refer ourselves (Watts would help, if needed) to Denver. This weekend I was ready to catch a flight and show up on their doorstep, crying for help. You see, we spent the last two nights up with Jenna most of night because she would scratch, scream, and itch. She is currently not itching, and has been asleep for a couple of hours napping, which is an answer to prayers. Last night a simple rinse in the shower resulting in blood curdling screams and serious sobs.

We are joyous today that we know she is healing, and our God is a faithful God. Jesus loves the little children, and Jenna is His child. Everytime she tremored last night or cried, I would squeeze her tight (to bind her hands) and sing, "Jesus loves you, this I know." Each time she would settle again sleep.

She was so sweet last night after church. I put on a video in her room, and she and Carson crawled into her little bed together. Grinning from ear to ear, you could tell they share some bond I haven't figured out. This morning she put some of her lipstick on me, which is quite a treat. She applied a huge glob of lipstick to my bottom lip and then instructed me to "rub." What a gooey, gross feeling! She is quite happy with her lipstick and fingernail polish. After lunch she even came up to my room today and drew on the board with chalk. She likes pink and purple the best.

Hudson has taken a liking to Jenna's magic wand. Daddy keeps taking it away from him and saying, "Give me that sissy wand." He runs with it (yes, he runs now) and just squawks, for lack of a better description of his sound.

Have a wonderful day!

Case Study

The Texas Dermatology Institute in Dallas is performing a study on pediatric patients who suffer from severe eczema. When the woman asked if Jenna was affected on 25% of her body, I laughed - YES. So, in two weeks we begin a study of a new medication for eczema. We could, of course, get the placebo, but we're hoping we get the real medicine and that it WORKS! We have to go off of our steroid creams for the next two weeks, and I'm a little worried. On one hand they don't seem to work anyway, and I know they are thinning her skin every time we use them, but then again, what if she gets worse and worse?

As for the derm. visit today, he gave us a new medicine which he called 'tar.' I have to check and see if that counts as a medication that we can't use for two weeks. He didn't seem very optimistic that allergies were the problem, but I just have a gut feeling (though a non-MD, I will admit) that it could be solved with a good allergy study on Jen. He was willing to try the Narrowband light therapy. Upon entering the "spaceship," Jenna was very excited, however, when the doors were closed, she screamed her head off. I'm willing to let her scream for 1 minute of therapy, but they weren't. He did give me the name of a derm. in Fort Worth who has the treatment, and he thought would be willing to "bend over backwards" to help.

I feel like all I do is whine about Jenna, and I realize there are kids with problems worse than hers, it just hurts me so much to see her suffer that I really can't express the pain I feel. I started crying when she wouldn't stay in the booth because I just want to try ANYTHING that will help. On top of that, Hudson has it. If you compare Jen's at his age with his, his is already worse, which just makes me sick to think about BOTH of them suffering with this!

On a lighter note, Lake Highlands Youth are here for a short mission trip while they go out and do servant evangelism to spread the love of Christ and promote StoneWater. It is great to see old faces and new, and share some time together. Of course, my favorite is having Mel here!

Slobbery Kisses

In addition to my little man walking, he's now master of the most wet, tongue licking kisses in the world. It's sweet, but I can't help but cringe when he comes at me for a kiss...

Jenna is my precious princess, and we head to the dermatologist tomorrow morning for some ANSWERS! We saw Dr. Watts (actually for Hudson) today, and we talked about Jen. Her CBC was normal, except her immunoglobin was high - 1087. Evidently, that points out that she has some serious allergies (what an insight that no one has checked previously). She was interested to see what Gahli, the derm., says, and we may re-test her for allergies to see if we can pinpoint some things. When we had her tested a year ago, she was negative on milk and eggs. So, has she developed more allergies, or am I restricting her diet on a hunch? - see the predicament...

My new trailer home (my classroom) is coming along nicely. I dodge flying insects and laugh to myself. I will make it a cool place and enjoy the year in seclusion! It's going to be quite home and smell good in just a matter of days! I am quite excited about the job, and looking forward to rejoining the working world - it was good break last year,and I know I will miss part time, the kids, and being home, but I know that God has given me the right job and the right choice (just remind me of this in a couple of weeks, and again in January!)

Never say Never!

"Jer, you'll never have a motorcycle." "God, thanks that I'll never be a church planter's wife."

These are two of my famous "never" statements that I have to laugh at from time to time. Well, I've found one that Jeremy will have to eat just as soon as my little car dies, "I'll never own a minivan."

Joey and Lisa were nice enough to let us use the minivan this weekend since we're picking my parents up from the airport this afternoon after church. It seems that our family of 4 and the parental units were not going to fit in the Protege (which, despite it's 120,000 miles is still hanging strong). I've never driven a minivan, but after a couple of excursions out in it, I really like it. There isn't any stooping down to put the kids in, and no bumping their heads on the way in. I like the power doors they have, and the neat little feature where the car beeps before you lock the door (couldn't lock Hudson in). It feels like my car and turns as well, too. I shared my excitement with Jer; he smiled and said, "It is really practical, but you wanted a hybrid." I hope they make a hybrid minivan in the next couple of years!

Enough, Already!

The kids are enrolled at FBC Preschool, and the proper authorities have been notified that I accept the position at GHS. I am a teacher again. It was a brief hiatus, but I'm genuinely glad to be back in the game. I guess teaching really is in my blood.

Thank you to so many of you who have been praying and counseling us through this decision. It was one of the toughest decisions we've made in a while, and I am super glad it is over! We both have a true peace about the decision, and now we are focusing only on the positives!

Swim lessons were a bit more challenging with Jenna today. She was breaking out quite badly last night, so she got a big dose of Atarax. That always makes her tired and cranky for about 24 hours, so I got a lot of "no, no, no" with kicking and screaming. She didn't even do the slide alone today. When I did my Bible study today, she grabbed her Bible and crawled in bed with me. While I read, so did she (but I had to convince her to NOT color in her bible). It was really sweet when she layed her head on my shoulder and prayed, "God, thank you for healing me and heal my boo-boos."

Hudson has been a cranky tater for two days now. Yesterday and today I have surrendered and put him in bed at 5:30 - both days he has fallen asleep, and he sleeps even now. I guess it's all the mobility. The way he climbs, he probably climbs out of his crib at night, walks around, and climbs back in - ha ha. We played a good, long game of peek a boo today, with good cackles on his part.

Have a great evening!

Growing Pains

At the end of swimming lessons everyday, the students (and parents) get to go down the big slide. It's a good water slide with a big loop. We get a lot accomplished since I use that as a motivation (or bribe, if you prefer). Well, today after we went down together two times, Jenna announced that she wanted to go alone. I was a little skeptical since it is quite large, and it put me in a delimma. Obviously I needed to be at the bottom so I could catch her, but someone needed to be at the top to help her get on the slide and know when to go. I took a deep breath, and told Jenna to go up by herself, secretly I figured this would freak her out, and she wouldn't go. She marched all the way up and stood at the slide, so I told her to get on (still expecting a scream and "no, no, no"). She sat down and went - I stood there for a second thinking, 'she'll start screaming and stop herself', when I saw her little head go by. I ran and jumped in the pool to catch her just in time. When she came out from under the water, she laughed, "AGAIN!" It hurt a little; I realized she doesn't need me to always hold her hand. So, three more times my little (big) girl marched up, waited in line, crawled up on the slide, and WHOOSH, came down to a big splash. I know she felt liberated, as did I, but I think I'm the only one who felt a little sad.

As for the job...you kow, my parents both worked, and I will, without a doubt, tell you that they raised me, not a daycare or a sitter. I remember once Michael was really unhappy at a daycare, and we changed to a place where we were both happy. I will tell you that they loved me and spent tons of time with me. Actually, I don't remember much before Kindergarten anyway. Financially, I don't think I understood what Jer meant when he said we could use savings this year when I didn't work. I was thinking a small fraction; he was thinking along the lines of using it all. It would require us to use it all if I stayed home, and I see that as a cushion that God has provided for times of EMERGENCY.

Jenna would thrive in the pre-school environment, as would Hudson Reed. It would be GREAT for the church on so many levels if I did work - as a working mother role model, financially (we would lower Jer's church salary), validity in the community, and knowing more people. So, today, so far the vote is another "yes."

I think I'm ready to just make a decision and move on.

Precious Family

It becomes even more obvious how precious something is when you're thinking about giving it up. Not that I will actually be giving up my family, but I will be giving a lot of time up if I take this job. Today we checked out two daycares, and we decided on the one that would be great for the kids. As we left the director said something that I'm still pondering the significance of, "Junior English will always be there, but if you want us to raise your kids, we will be happy to." I almost burst out crying on the spot. I know she didn't mean it to hurt me, but I was thinking, "here's your knife back."

Mom and Dad left for Germany today. In my estimation they are somewhere over the Atlantic right now. They were very excited and pacing the house until they left. I'm really excited for them, but I'm still sad that I'm not on that plane as well. You can only go so long without seeing your younger brother before you really miss that silence between you (he's really quiet, so we mostly sit and enjoy each other's presence).

Little man Hudson barely crawls anymore - he's a full fledged walker. FBC (the daycare we have tentatively chosen) will probably go ahead and put him with the 1 year olds since he's walking, using a sippy, and is a little tough and rough. We know the woman who will be one of his caregivers, Crystal, because she is a member of our launch team. Jenna would be in the 3 year old class, because she's older (the cut off is Sept 1 for birthdates and the 7th is close) and she knows her colors, shapes, and some letters. We know she will LOVE it as they do music class, crafts, play, and learn. Her teacher would be a certified teacher who has taught 1st, 4th, and 5th grades.

Now, can Mom handle really leaving her little guys. They're only young once. We're trying to focus on what is best for the church (and the kids, of course). Being in the schools will really broaden our reach and credibility. But, right now tonight's vote for me is no - precious children don't stay little long.

One vote, Yes

We are taking a nightly vote in our house if I go back to work...tonight's vote is "yes."

I had an interview this morning at Granbury HS for a Junior English position. I prayed so hard last night for God to give me some energy and enthusiasm for the interview because I had no desire to go in and "wow them" as Jeremy said. Some of you may remember in May when I cried anytime anyone mentioned me working; I did, a lot. So, I woke this morning and had a better attitude (maybe it was dressing up for a change) and went for the interview. I really liked the principal, department chair, and two English teachers who interviewed. I liked the answers, except the possibility of not having a computer - who teaches without a computer and AverKey to send it to a TV? I was split 50/50.

So, you know me, I analyzed and over-analyzed all day today. My Bible study this morning reiterated the "be strong and courageous" and knowing the Word. So, does that mean be strong and courageous and don't work or be strong and courageous and work? To be or not to be, that is the question?

After talking to the principal more, and after some good time for Jer and I to visit while Jason and Jennifer kept the kids (a big thank you), we had time to really hash out some stuff. We named some pros - meet a lot of people, validity in the working world (who has two pastors whose wives BOTH stay home?), recognition as a normal person, and immersion in the community. Jer likes the fact that we would know a lot of football players for the games - football is king in small towns! We listed some cons - less time for "church business," less time with kids (but quality, not quantity), less time for us to spend together.

Please join us in praying for wisdom and discernment at this point. The department chair wanted and answer tomorrow, but the principal gave me until this weekend. We'll be doing a nightly vote until someone demands an answer.

Funny aside - as we drove to eat we drove past the administration building. There were a lot of cars and Jer noted, "must be having a school board meeting." Then I remembered, the prinicpal told me I would be submitted to the board tonight - I was probably officially hired tonight - kinda funny.