Okay. Here I am, at least briefly :) I have been gently reminded by several fellow bloggers/lurkers(you know who you are) that I am WAY behind on blogging. It's true. I'm guilty. So tonight I stayed home from prayer meeting to blog. There. You happy now? haha....just kidding about WHY I stayed home from church. My grandma had a procedure today, and was still pretty tipsy. Someone needed to stay home with her, and I was glad to do it.
This will be a blog sans pictures...sorry to all you folks who like the pictures! I just don't have the energy right now to download pictures off my camera, and then search for just the right one to satisfy you, my readers. But I did decide to post a brief update on life as I know it.
My sister, Diane, had her 4th surgery on 2/27, and seems to be doing well. The surgeon said he wouldn't know until early summer if it was going to heal okay. She now has 2 plates in her arm, as well as part synthetic/part donor bone grafting material. She has been going to Occupational Therapy for a couple of weeks, and is even driving again! Yay! She still has to be very careful, and is not allowed to lift anything heavier than a telephone receiver. That's pretty challenging when you have small children to deal with, hot meals to take out of the oven, etc. But she is managing well, and is in pretty good spirits. She has so many sets of exercises she has to perform daily, and wears a bone stimulator so many hours. You can sometimes see her walking around church with a small machine attached to her arm. I tell her she's very cool :) She also has a special made gadget(for lack of a better word) that is helping her learn to lift her hand up again, like to wave at people. She currently can't do that. So overall, things are good in that department. She stayed with us for 2 weeks, and it was nice to have her and the boys here.
As for me...well, I'm busy. I keep telling you people that! Honestly... :) Here is what my current schedule looks like. Sunday: Play for 2 services, accompany whoever may need to sing, including extra practice with them, etc. Monday: Work 8-12noon in Cardiac Rehab, then drive 25 miles to Shoals to teach 11 piano lessons. I am hoping to get off the am shift as soon as I'm completely done with my orientation in that department. Tuesday: teach band, junior high chimes, 5th and 6th grade, 3rd and 4th grade music, go to Curves, etc. Wednesday: teach high school chimes( I was grumpy with them today)and then teach 12 piano lessons( I have 2 students that flip-flop every other Wednesday, making my grand total each Wed 12). Then I have either prayer meeting or youth meeting that evening. On Thursday, I teach band, honor chimes, 1st grade, and 2nd grade music, and then one piano lesson, go to Curves, etc. On Friday, I work Cardiac Rehab 8-5:30pm, and then the family comes over for the evening. On Satuday, I get up earlier than I want in order to make it to Curves, go to the grocery store, shower my grandmother, set up her meds for the next week, and then try to get caught up on laundry, cleaning, etc. I also like this day to do something with friends. Yes, I am the wearer of many different hats. But I am enjoying life. I never dreamed that I would love teaching like I do, even though I was grouchy with HS chimes today. Well, seriously people, we are less than 1 month from the Recital. We meet once a week, and they were just playing around today. We had 2-3 people absent, so I filled on one part, and had to move a couple people to semi-cover the bases. What aggravated me was that not only could they not read music, they couldn't seem to count today. I had to stop them over and over, and make substitutions until I found someone who could get it right. Even a couple of the students commented today "Wow, people, where is the melody?" Well, I'll tell you where it wasn't...it wasn't being played. So I'm afraid they got more than they bargained for from this spinster school marm :) They took it well, and were playing better by the end of class. Tough love and all that stuff you know. But overall, the teaching is wonderful. And I enjoy the variety in my life. I am learning a new job, Cardiac Rehab, and it is going to work out really well for me. I will be working every Friday, which is a plus when you need a consistent paycheck :) So that was a real answer to prayer. It is fairly fast-paced, but not real stressful. Most of my patients are really nice, though there is an old geezer or two who enjoy hitting on me. If I can just learn to not let them get on my nerves, and handle them gracefully, I'll be okay. One guy was telling me that I was probably looking for a "sugar daddy" like him...uhhh...I think not. He's in his 80's and married. So pray for me that God will give me wisdom in that regard. I guess that's one difficult thing about being single. Sometimes you get some very unwelcome attention, and you can't exactly say " Bug off, I'm married." And of course the attention you would welcome, you seldom get. Go figure :) Anyway....overall, life is very good.
I have been having a great time with some friends/relatives. Steve, Mark B., Kristin, Randy, and I have been playing some Rook, and some of our games have lasted late into the night. Man it's fun, though! Even if some of the aforementioned are dreadful losers :) You know who you are. On Friday this week, several friends/family are going to a Booth Brothers concert! Yeah!!!! I can't wait. I am actually going to get off work early so we can head for the Indianapolis area. I'll have to let you know how it goes.
As for Snickers, he is cuter than ever. He is continuing to adjust to our home very well, and has learned to sit, lay down, stay, watch me, touch my hand, and we're currently working on "drop it." Also, when I put him to bed, he takes a treat from my hand, I say goodnight, and he goes into his crate. It's the cutest thing in the world, I promise! He goes for a little trim tomorrow, so I'll have to post more pictures soon. He's my little baby cuddle-bug! I'm going to miss him like crazy when we're gone for IHC next week, but my great aunt Marjorie is going to keep him for us. She's crazy about him too.
Well, in closing, the Lord is really working in my life, and in the lives of several of my family members. It's so good to have peace in my heart, knowing that I'm doing what He wants for this season of my life. Who knows what tomorrow will hold, but for right now, I'm right where He wants me. That is an awesome feeling, believe me! I'm slowly working my way through Beth Moore's Bible Study, "90 Days with Jesus, the One and Only." There is some great stuff in that book, and it's taking me alot longer than 90 days to get it done. But I am mining some wonderful truths from His word.
Well, my brother and family are here, so I gotta go. Want to tell them hello, and hug my babies. So until a later time....I bid you goodnight!
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Friday, February 22, 2008
Change is in the wind...
Hi, folks. Sorry again about the long delay in communication. I've had a few changes take place in my life recently, so I am going to attempt to share some of them with you. And no, Bro. Hight, it doesn't have anything to do with Florida, though I wouldn't mind that right now! Last night, we had another ice storm, and more freezing rain, wintry mix today. I was supposed to work today in home care, but they called us off due to weather conditions. So I got to go back to bed and be lazy! Yay!
Okay...back to what I need to say. As of today, I am no longer a home care nurse. Today was supposed to be my last day. I will have to return stuff next week, due to the icy conditions today. No, I did not get fired, I quit. I found out on 1/31, that HHC was being sold off to a large corporation. We were already affiliated with the larger corporation due to a merger several years ago. But we would no longer be associated with the small hospital that I have been a part of for over 10 years now. Well, that did not set well with me. In addition to losing my seniority, and my foot in the door at the hospital, we would be going back to paper charting for 6 months, then returning to learn a new computer system. Well, that was all too much for this gal to handle, so after a week of prayer and thinking, I turned in a 2 week notice. There were other factors involved as well, but I think that's all that needs to be said right now. I will say that when I made my decision, a peace just washed over me, and I knew that it was going to be okay. I will be returning to the hospital, effective Monday 2/25, to work prn. There are pros and cons to working prn. One of the big cons for me is losing my health insurance. I am hoping to be able to make enough that I can afford some basic insurance. There seem to be more pros than cons however. I will be able to decide when I want to work, though my need for money will dictate that somewhat :) I will also be able to pick up more hours teaching at the school, which I am very excited about. The tentative plan is for me to teach 2 days per week in general music, etc, teach piano 2 days per week, and work 1-2 shifts at the hospital. I don't know exactly what areas I will be working in yet. Probably some ICU, house supervision, and possibly some cardiac rehab and outpatient surgery. I will be able to pick up more hours in the summer months, and on school vacations. I will appreciate prayer as I make the transition. I go for my computer training on Monday, and then will do some re-orientation later in the week.
On February 2nd, our church youth group attended a lock-in held in Shoals, Indiana. I got to go along as one of the leaders of the youth group. We had a great time, and got to get reacquainted with some old friends. Out of this, I had an answer to prayer which will help me financially. Several ladies approached me about teaching piano to their children. I originally thought that it wouldn't be possible, as my piano day in Bedford is totally full. But then I had an idea, and to be honest, I think God put it there. It came to me that there wasn't any reason why I couldn't travel to Shoals to teach one day a week if there was enough interest. Well, I later contacted a friend and then the pastor's wife. And they have 12 students for me! So every Monday afternoon/evening, I will spend in Shoals teaching piano! God is so good to take care of us!! I will continue my Bedford lessons on Wednesdays, and I think I will have 13 here for right now. Anyway, it will be a very nice supplementation to my income, and I will be able to help the folks in Shoals at the same time! Very happy. I believe I start there on March 3rd.
Well, I have had another very big change in my life. On Feb. 11th, we had to put our dog Winkie to sleep. We had prayed about it for quite some time, asking God to just take him in his sleep. Well, that didn't happen, and I was frustrated, and even a little angry about it.I kept saying "God, the Bible says you care about the sparrows. We really need you to answer prayer for this little dog." I didn't see how we would ever get through putting him down. We got Winkie when he was 3 months old, and he was nearly 15 and a half. He has been a part of our family, and was happy to be with us as much as possible. Well, that last weekend was very bad. He had been feeble for maybe 4-5 months, would sometimes get down and then couldn't get back up. The last weekend of his life, he was down more than he was up. He was starting to get sores on him from where he would try to get up, and had to be held up to go to the bathroom. Poor Mom was up with him about every hour through the night, and we knew it wasn't fair to him to let him continue like that. He had slept in Mom's room for years, and was really more her dog than mine, since I was at work a lot. Needless to say, it was very hard on our whole family. I was already crying when I called the vet to make the appointment. But the vet was very compassionate, and they let us stay with him the whole time, and also let us bring him home to be buried. Several times during that day, I prayed that Winkie wouldn't be afraid, and that he would go peacefully. And God answered that prayer! He was usually terrified of going to the vet, would start shaking on the way there, would bury his head in my chest during his exams, etc. He was NEVER calm that I can remember. But that day, he was super calm, no shaking, no anxiety. And it was over in seconds. He never did act the least bit upset, and Mom and I stayed with him, talking to him and stroking him. He went very peacefully. And I will say that God helped us so much that day. We had several family members and close friends praying for us. We brought him home, and buried him that evening when Dad got in from work. The ground was frozen, so I wasn't able to make too much of a dent in it without his help. But we were able to dig the grave together, and buried him with his 2 favorite toys. I know that sounds really sentimental, but I don't really care. If you must know, I just had to go get a Kleenex just writing about this! It was spitting snow and sleet by the time we got him buried, and poor Dad fell trying to cross back over the creekbed behind our house. He didn't see the patches of ice on that stone. Fortunately, he didn't break anything, but was plenty sore for a few days. Here is a picture of Winkie in happier days, Christmas 2006, when he sneaked under the tree and opened his present without our knowledge :)
After moping around for a few days, we realized just how empty our house seemed. We were looking for Winkie everywhere. Every time we got out of a chair, or came into the house, we expected to see him. So this past Saturday, Feb. 16th, we drove to Daleville, near Anderson, Indiana, and picked up a new Yorkie puppy! We've had him almost a week, and he is rotten already. He turned 3 months on 2/20, and weighs somewhere around 3 pounds. He is completely adorable, and is in fact, asleep in my lap right now. He has adapted very quickly, and wants to be with us constantly. I tried to put him down for a nap in his crate earlier, but since I wasn't in there with him, he cried until I thought he would get sick. He is very smart, and is already doing well with 3 commands. He also knows that when he hears the icemaker on the fridge door, he will probably get some small pieces of ice that fall. He runs to the fridge everytime somebody gets a drink :) His name is Snickers, after the candy bar. We haven't sent in his papers yet, but it will probably officially be Matlock's Little Sir Snickers :) We pondered his name for several days, and decided we liked that the best. Other choices were Jackson, after Thomas Jackson, and Little Sir Winston, after Winston Churchhill. But we just couldn't fathom calling him Winston or Winnie, so Snickers he became. I haven't been able to get great pics of him yet, as he runs at the camera every time he sees it. These are mostly taken looking down at him. Enjoy!
As you can see, he is a big hit with the kiddos! In fact, Jared told me Wednesday that he wished he could come to our house every day to see puppy :) We have to protect Snickers from them a little. They try to be gentle, but he is so tiny, and tires easily still. He is very playful, very affectionate, and we are all completely smitten! Even my father, who stopped at a pet store yesterday just to get him a chew bone. My brother-in-law says Snickers doesn't know how lucky he is :) I'm sure you will hear more about him later.
Another change for me is that in January, I joined Curves. I love it! I go 3 times per week to exercise, plus sometimes I use the treadmill here at home too. I got weighed and measured after 3 weeks, and I had lost 2 pounds of body fat, and 3.25 inches! Yay for me! I hope to have more positive things to report in that department soon.
Well, I should go for now. Thanks to those of you who have been praying for me! My brothers family should be here soon, to celebrate our weekly "We're happy it's Friday" night :) My sister and her family are staying in this weekend, as they hope to avoid the flu that seems to be going around. Diane is scheduled for surgery on Wednesday, to hopefully finally correct that arm. Please continue to remember her in your prayers.
Have a great weekend!
Okay...back to what I need to say. As of today, I am no longer a home care nurse. Today was supposed to be my last day. I will have to return stuff next week, due to the icy conditions today. No, I did not get fired, I quit. I found out on 1/31, that HHC was being sold off to a large corporation. We were already affiliated with the larger corporation due to a merger several years ago. But we would no longer be associated with the small hospital that I have been a part of for over 10 years now. Well, that did not set well with me. In addition to losing my seniority, and my foot in the door at the hospital, we would be going back to paper charting for 6 months, then returning to learn a new computer system. Well, that was all too much for this gal to handle, so after a week of prayer and thinking, I turned in a 2 week notice. There were other factors involved as well, but I think that's all that needs to be said right now. I will say that when I made my decision, a peace just washed over me, and I knew that it was going to be okay. I will be returning to the hospital, effective Monday 2/25, to work prn. There are pros and cons to working prn. One of the big cons for me is losing my health insurance. I am hoping to be able to make enough that I can afford some basic insurance. There seem to be more pros than cons however. I will be able to decide when I want to work, though my need for money will dictate that somewhat :) I will also be able to pick up more hours teaching at the school, which I am very excited about. The tentative plan is for me to teach 2 days per week in general music, etc, teach piano 2 days per week, and work 1-2 shifts at the hospital. I don't know exactly what areas I will be working in yet. Probably some ICU, house supervision, and possibly some cardiac rehab and outpatient surgery. I will be able to pick up more hours in the summer months, and on school vacations. I will appreciate prayer as I make the transition. I go for my computer training on Monday, and then will do some re-orientation later in the week.
On February 2nd, our church youth group attended a lock-in held in Shoals, Indiana. I got to go along as one of the leaders of the youth group. We had a great time, and got to get reacquainted with some old friends. Out of this, I had an answer to prayer which will help me financially. Several ladies approached me about teaching piano to their children. I originally thought that it wouldn't be possible, as my piano day in Bedford is totally full. But then I had an idea, and to be honest, I think God put it there. It came to me that there wasn't any reason why I couldn't travel to Shoals to teach one day a week if there was enough interest. Well, I later contacted a friend and then the pastor's wife. And they have 12 students for me! So every Monday afternoon/evening, I will spend in Shoals teaching piano! God is so good to take care of us!! I will continue my Bedford lessons on Wednesdays, and I think I will have 13 here for right now. Anyway, it will be a very nice supplementation to my income, and I will be able to help the folks in Shoals at the same time! Very happy. I believe I start there on March 3rd.
Well, I have had another very big change in my life. On Feb. 11th, we had to put our dog Winkie to sleep. We had prayed about it for quite some time, asking God to just take him in his sleep. Well, that didn't happen, and I was frustrated, and even a little angry about it.I kept saying "God, the Bible says you care about the sparrows. We really need you to answer prayer for this little dog." I didn't see how we would ever get through putting him down. We got Winkie when he was 3 months old, and he was nearly 15 and a half. He has been a part of our family, and was happy to be with us as much as possible. Well, that last weekend was very bad. He had been feeble for maybe 4-5 months, would sometimes get down and then couldn't get back up. The last weekend of his life, he was down more than he was up. He was starting to get sores on him from where he would try to get up, and had to be held up to go to the bathroom. Poor Mom was up with him about every hour through the night, and we knew it wasn't fair to him to let him continue like that. He had slept in Mom's room for years, and was really more her dog than mine, since I was at work a lot. Needless to say, it was very hard on our whole family. I was already crying when I called the vet to make the appointment. But the vet was very compassionate, and they let us stay with him the whole time, and also let us bring him home to be buried. Several times during that day, I prayed that Winkie wouldn't be afraid, and that he would go peacefully. And God answered that prayer! He was usually terrified of going to the vet, would start shaking on the way there, would bury his head in my chest during his exams, etc. He was NEVER calm that I can remember. But that day, he was super calm, no shaking, no anxiety. And it was over in seconds. He never did act the least bit upset, and Mom and I stayed with him, talking to him and stroking him. He went very peacefully. And I will say that God helped us so much that day. We had several family members and close friends praying for us. We brought him home, and buried him that evening when Dad got in from work. The ground was frozen, so I wasn't able to make too much of a dent in it without his help. But we were able to dig the grave together, and buried him with his 2 favorite toys. I know that sounds really sentimental, but I don't really care. If you must know, I just had to go get a Kleenex just writing about this! It was spitting snow and sleet by the time we got him buried, and poor Dad fell trying to cross back over the creekbed behind our house. He didn't see the patches of ice on that stone. Fortunately, he didn't break anything, but was plenty sore for a few days. Here is a picture of Winkie in happier days, Christmas 2006, when he sneaked under the tree and opened his present without our knowledge :)
After moping around for a few days, we realized just how empty our house seemed. We were looking for Winkie everywhere. Every time we got out of a chair, or came into the house, we expected to see him. So this past Saturday, Feb. 16th, we drove to Daleville, near Anderson, Indiana, and picked up a new Yorkie puppy! We've had him almost a week, and he is rotten already. He turned 3 months on 2/20, and weighs somewhere around 3 pounds. He is completely adorable, and is in fact, asleep in my lap right now. He has adapted very quickly, and wants to be with us constantly. I tried to put him down for a nap in his crate earlier, but since I wasn't in there with him, he cried until I thought he would get sick. He is very smart, and is already doing well with 3 commands. He also knows that when he hears the icemaker on the fridge door, he will probably get some small pieces of ice that fall. He runs to the fridge everytime somebody gets a drink :) His name is Snickers, after the candy bar. We haven't sent in his papers yet, but it will probably officially be Matlock's Little Sir Snickers :) We pondered his name for several days, and decided we liked that the best. Other choices were Jackson, after Thomas Jackson, and Little Sir Winston, after Winston Churchhill. But we just couldn't fathom calling him Winston or Winnie, so Snickers he became. I haven't been able to get great pics of him yet, as he runs at the camera every time he sees it. These are mostly taken looking down at him. Enjoy!
As you can see, he is a big hit with the kiddos! In fact, Jared told me Wednesday that he wished he could come to our house every day to see puppy :) We have to protect Snickers from them a little. They try to be gentle, but he is so tiny, and tires easily still. He is very playful, very affectionate, and we are all completely smitten! Even my father, who stopped at a pet store yesterday just to get him a chew bone. My brother-in-law says Snickers doesn't know how lucky he is :) I'm sure you will hear more about him later.
Another change for me is that in January, I joined Curves. I love it! I go 3 times per week to exercise, plus sometimes I use the treadmill here at home too. I got weighed and measured after 3 weeks, and I had lost 2 pounds of body fat, and 3.25 inches! Yay for me! I hope to have more positive things to report in that department soon.
Well, I should go for now. Thanks to those of you who have been praying for me! My brothers family should be here soon, to celebrate our weekly "We're happy it's Friday" night :) My sister and her family are staying in this weekend, as they hope to avoid the flu that seems to be going around. Diane is scheduled for surgery on Wednesday, to hopefully finally correct that arm. Please continue to remember her in your prayers.
Have a great weekend!
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Excuses, more excuses....
Hello, folks.
I feel compelled just to offer a few words here, very few as it is late. I fully intended to catch up on my blogging today, but have spent the day doing lesson plans and cleaning instead. So, such is life, first things first and all that. As I told a friend this week, it seems that my blog is more of a monthly newsletter, rather than a true blog. But it could be worse. I could be writing a yearly Christmas epistle instead :) So let us at least be thankful that we don't have to wait THAT long between installments! Ha...I promise that I will catch you up on all the nosy news very soon!
I would like to ask that you pray for me in a certain area of my life. I once again am faced with some pretty major decisions/changes, and some of you know what a state that puts me in sometimes. I can't really say much at this point, but stay tuned for further details. In the meantime, please remember me in prayer, that God will give me wisdom, and that I will be sensitive to His leadership. Thanks so much!
See you soon....
I feel compelled just to offer a few words here, very few as it is late. I fully intended to catch up on my blogging today, but have spent the day doing lesson plans and cleaning instead. So, such is life, first things first and all that. As I told a friend this week, it seems that my blog is more of a monthly newsletter, rather than a true blog. But it could be worse. I could be writing a yearly Christmas epistle instead :) So let us at least be thankful that we don't have to wait THAT long between installments! Ha...I promise that I will catch you up on all the nosy news very soon!
I would like to ask that you pray for me in a certain area of my life. I once again am faced with some pretty major decisions/changes, and some of you know what a state that puts me in sometimes. I can't really say much at this point, but stay tuned for further details. In the meantime, please remember me in prayer, that God will give me wisdom, and that I will be sensitive to His leadership. Thanks so much!
See you soon....
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Christmas memories
Hello, all you fellow-bloggers/lurkers :) Just thought I'd post a few pics of Christmas this year, and also wish you a Happy New Year! Yay for 2008!!!!
First, I wanted to post a picture of our church choir during the cantata. We were 3 down from illness, but they
did really well anyway!
On December 22nd, we had our immediate family Christmas. We had so much fun...always great to be together. I thought I'd post a picture of me in front of the tree prior to the kids arrival, and a few pictures of "Auntie's little angels."
As you can see, Janae enjoyed her dress-up Boyd's bear! They were so cute, and enjoyed their Christmas so much. They sure make it a lot more fun, and a lot more chaotic :) But that's okay. They're only little for a short while, and I'm already dreading the day when they're not little anymore...I enjoy cuddling with them. Before I get too sad just thinking about it, I'll move on.
On December 24th, we celebrated my Grandmother's 83rd birthday by going out to eat. We then watched some old family movies. My dad had my grandmother's old films put on DVD as part of her Christmas. We got to see moving pics of my Dad when he was a little shaver, and then there was me and the sibs. Oh boy. Some of those pics are priceless! Some are adorable, and others(teen years) are geeksville USA :) Nana's reel projector has been broken for years, so we hadn't viewed this stuff in forever. It made for a very enjoyable evening...and we've still got more funnies coming! On the 24th, Mom and I also spent some time cooking/baking. I love baking, but seldom do it. 1) I don't have a lot of time, 2) I'm always on a diet....oh well. I made a red velvet/french vanilla checkerboard cake. If I do say so myself, it was very yummy! And pretty.
On the 25th, we hosted both sides of the family. Everyone was there, except for 2 of my cousins and their families. Mom fixed the turkey and trimmings, and then everyone brought in at least 1-2 covered dishes. Aunt Carolyn thought she was helping to feed and army, so brought TONS of food! It was unbelieveable! We didn't even have room to set it all out, and had to use the washer and dryer tops for dessert! But wow, we had a great time eating :) We had 29 people at our house Christmas day...and that's the way I like it! Loud, chaotic, kids everywhere... After our dinner, the younger generation( I like to include myself here) sat around and played games for hours! It was only interrupted for more eating. And I must report that some of us played until 2:30am! It was a blast, and I wish we could be that carefree more often! Here are a few pics from Christmas day.
As you can see, "Baby Snooks" as we call Janae, was feeling cuddly. She had gotten a new nightie that matched a nightie for her baby doll. She wanted to put it on all day :) The above picture is of an eskimo kiss we shared...such a sweetheart! It was a wonderful day!
Since then, Patrick turned 2 on December 27th, and we celebrated with him on the 29th. We also went to Schnitzelbank in Jasper, a lovely German restaurant, to celebrate my brother and sister's birthdays(January 5th.) We had to celebrate their birthdays early, as Diane is having surgery on her arm again on January 3rd. Please pray for her! This will be the 3rd surgery, and she is supposed to be in the hospital a couple of days. The surgeon is optimistic, and we're thankful for that. He is planning to take bone out of her hip and put it in her arm, in the hopes of stimulating bone growth. He will also be putting in plates. If you think of her, please do pray that God will guide the surgeon as he works on Diane's arm.
Okay, gonna post a picture of Patrick's party. Keep in mind that this little hoss is just 2, and weighs about 40 pounds! What a cute little chunk he is, though!
Okay, think that's all the pictures I'm gonna post for now. I didn't do much celebrating of New Years Eve, as I was on call, as was my brother. I did stay up late, watched more family movies, and listened to Dad blow his Shofar at midnight :) He will love that I posted that on the net...haha! Some traditions just keep going on. Today, it's cold and snowing, so I've stayed indoors. I have exercised, eaten healthy, read, and surfed around on the internet. Not real exciting, but my brother and his family are coming over later to eat and play some games. So it should be a fun evening. btw, the diet is going well. It resumed on December 26th, after a day of serious gluttony! I have been very good MOST of the time since then, and have even been doing some exercising. And I'm pondering whether or not to join a gym. Dad and Mom got themselves a treadmill for Christmas, plus we have a bike, not to mention aerobics videos. I don't have trouble exercising in the summer, as I love walking. But winter takes alot more discipline for me. So...I guess that's that for now!
Happy 2008! I'm not really into posting resolutions, but I do have definite things I want to accomplish this year. Most of all, I desire to draw closer to my Lord, and to do/say the things that He wants me to do. I want the desires of my heart to be placed there by Him, to completely match what He has for me. May God bless you this year!
First, I wanted to post a picture of our church choir during the cantata. We were 3 down from illness, but they
did really well anyway!
On December 22nd, we had our immediate family Christmas. We had so much fun...always great to be together. I thought I'd post a picture of me in front of the tree prior to the kids arrival, and a few pictures of "Auntie's little angels."
As you can see, Janae enjoyed her dress-up Boyd's bear! They were so cute, and enjoyed their Christmas so much. They sure make it a lot more fun, and a lot more chaotic :) But that's okay. They're only little for a short while, and I'm already dreading the day when they're not little anymore...I enjoy cuddling with them. Before I get too sad just thinking about it, I'll move on.
On December 24th, we celebrated my Grandmother's 83rd birthday by going out to eat. We then watched some old family movies. My dad had my grandmother's old films put on DVD as part of her Christmas. We got to see moving pics of my Dad when he was a little shaver, and then there was me and the sibs. Oh boy. Some of those pics are priceless! Some are adorable, and others(teen years) are geeksville USA :) Nana's reel projector has been broken for years, so we hadn't viewed this stuff in forever. It made for a very enjoyable evening...and we've still got more funnies coming! On the 24th, Mom and I also spent some time cooking/baking. I love baking, but seldom do it. 1) I don't have a lot of time, 2) I'm always on a diet....oh well. I made a red velvet/french vanilla checkerboard cake. If I do say so myself, it was very yummy! And pretty.
On the 25th, we hosted both sides of the family. Everyone was there, except for 2 of my cousins and their families. Mom fixed the turkey and trimmings, and then everyone brought in at least 1-2 covered dishes. Aunt Carolyn thought she was helping to feed and army, so brought TONS of food! It was unbelieveable! We didn't even have room to set it all out, and had to use the washer and dryer tops for dessert! But wow, we had a great time eating :) We had 29 people at our house Christmas day...and that's the way I like it! Loud, chaotic, kids everywhere... After our dinner, the younger generation( I like to include myself here) sat around and played games for hours! It was only interrupted for more eating. And I must report that some of us played until 2:30am! It was a blast, and I wish we could be that carefree more often! Here are a few pics from Christmas day.
As you can see, "Baby Snooks" as we call Janae, was feeling cuddly. She had gotten a new nightie that matched a nightie for her baby doll. She wanted to put it on all day :) The above picture is of an eskimo kiss we shared...such a sweetheart! It was a wonderful day!
Since then, Patrick turned 2 on December 27th, and we celebrated with him on the 29th. We also went to Schnitzelbank in Jasper, a lovely German restaurant, to celebrate my brother and sister's birthdays(January 5th.) We had to celebrate their birthdays early, as Diane is having surgery on her arm again on January 3rd. Please pray for her! This will be the 3rd surgery, and she is supposed to be in the hospital a couple of days. The surgeon is optimistic, and we're thankful for that. He is planning to take bone out of her hip and put it in her arm, in the hopes of stimulating bone growth. He will also be putting in plates. If you think of her, please do pray that God will guide the surgeon as he works on Diane's arm.
Okay, gonna post a picture of Patrick's party. Keep in mind that this little hoss is just 2, and weighs about 40 pounds! What a cute little chunk he is, though!
Okay, think that's all the pictures I'm gonna post for now. I didn't do much celebrating of New Years Eve, as I was on call, as was my brother. I did stay up late, watched more family movies, and listened to Dad blow his Shofar at midnight :) He will love that I posted that on the net...haha! Some traditions just keep going on. Today, it's cold and snowing, so I've stayed indoors. I have exercised, eaten healthy, read, and surfed around on the internet. Not real exciting, but my brother and his family are coming over later to eat and play some games. So it should be a fun evening. btw, the diet is going well. It resumed on December 26th, after a day of serious gluttony! I have been very good MOST of the time since then, and have even been doing some exercising. And I'm pondering whether or not to join a gym. Dad and Mom got themselves a treadmill for Christmas, plus we have a bike, not to mention aerobics videos. I don't have trouble exercising in the summer, as I love walking. But winter takes alot more discipline for me. So...I guess that's that for now!
Happy 2008! I'm not really into posting resolutions, but I do have definite things I want to accomplish this year. Most of all, I desire to draw closer to my Lord, and to do/say the things that He wants me to do. I want the desires of my heart to be placed there by Him, to completely match what He has for me. May God bless you this year!
Friday, December 21, 2007
Catching up: Part 2
Okay. I'm really annoyed now. I started posting, complete with uploaded pictures, and lost them! Now I have to start over. And I must say that Steve Hight is trying to provoke me into blogging :) Anyway, I'm back, at least briefly. I'm going to try this again...post a few pictures of my vacation to Gettysburg December 4-8. I went with my parents, drove all day to get there. We have been to Gettysburg multiple times, but never at Christmas time. The day after we arrived, we received 5 inches of snow! What a pleasant surprise...absolutely beautiful! We spent a good part of the day driving around the parts of the battlefield that were open, taking lots of pictures. Our friend Mark drove over and spent the day with us. That evening, we went through downtown Gettysburg, and really enjoyed the way they had it decorated! It was quite cold and windy, so we HAD to duck into a tiny coffee shop to warm up. The following day, we spent a few enjoyable hours at Boyds Bears :) 3 whole floors of stuffed animals! My dad enjoyed it too, but it didn't take him nearly so long to enjoy it as it did me...haha! We also spent a little time at an outlet mall that was conveniently located just behind our motel! Very happy. I found some fantastic bargains :) Though we did visit the Park Museum, we didn't do a lot of museums/tourist stuff as we've done alot of that in the past. We really enjoyed being there in the snow :)
And so ends the little pictoral journey. The picture of me was taken in the lobby of the motel where we stayed. There are tons of pictures that I could post, but I think you "get the picture :)" On Friday, we drove to my good friend Elizabeth and Fred's home, then went together to the Shady Maple to eat. Folks, if you've never eaten there, it is worth the trip to Lancaster! I'll probably get these facts wrong, but I believe it seats 2200 people, and they serve 6000 - 7000 people per day! Massive Mennonite buffet! May I just say "Scrumptious!" Actually, Elizabeth didn't go to the Shady Maple with us, as she had some mandatory job training that afternoon. However, Fred and Mark drove over with us, and Mark's parents met us there. I have some pictures of that happy event, but I'm not going to post them for fear I might be slain if I did :) Suffice it to say, that a good time was had by all, and we left very well satisfied! We then drove over to Sight and Sound where we watched "The Miracle of Christmas." Again, I will not be posting photos, as they don't let you take pictures during the performance. It was an absolutely wonderful, uplifting experience. It made my heart thrill again to the real meaning of Christmas...God willingly laying aside His glory to become a helpless baby, completely dependent on those He had created! And all for the purpose of giving up His life for me! Really, you should see this production if you ever have the chance! After the performance, we had a snack(I can't believe we were hungry!) at Friendly's, then spent the night with Fred and Elizabeth near Carlisle. We had wonderful fellowship with our dear friends, and I was sorry to leave them the next morning. We again drove all day on Saturday to get home. The weather was fine, but Dad's car was acting a little dicey! It kept popping up error messages, and letting us know that the ABS system wasn't working. That's very comforting when you're bopping along about 70mph! But the Lord helped us get home okay, and Dad's car was fixed this past week.
The next few pics are of Jared and Janae's reaction to our Boyd's friends. Janae informed me that my bear(the one in the snowman sweater) would make a good big sister for Bunny(her constant companion.) She informed my mother that her bear wanted her(Janae) to be his mommy :) She also said in an aggrieved voice "You shouldn't keep him all for yourself." Not very subtle! We were not inclined to part with our bears, but she has one wrapped and waiting under the Christmas tree. So I think everything should be fine.
It was good to be home and see our little people, even if the craziness started up again immediately! Oh, and I should confess something funny I said in Gettysburg. The night we drove in, we passed the Lutheran Theological Seminary(the church in the picture above is located there.) I said "Oh look! There's the Lutheran Seological Theminary!" My folks were highly amused, as was I :) As my friend Anthony told me a few nights ago, yeah, my hair may not be blond, but I sure am :) I can't help it! Can you imagine me with Alzheimers? It's gonna be a trip!
Since my return home, I helped host a party/gathering/whatever for the young people of our church and school. We had 26 teenagers, plus several adults. We had pizza, and lots of cookies and pop. I couldn't find any diet pop, so drank Mountain Dew. Yuck! Pure syrup. Brent, I'm maintaining that DIET mountain dew is wonderful, but you can have all of the real thing that you want. I will admit that the frosty cold one you gave me in the summer was wonderful, but that wasn't combined with other sugar! Anyway....if you want to see a few pics, go to Steve Hight's blog :) I did take some pics, but haven't uploaded them yet. We had relay races 1) eat 3 saltine crackers and then whistle 2) chew a piece of frozen bubblegum and pop a bubble, 3) wearing MITTENS, open a candy kiss and eat it. It was pretty hysterical :) We also played 2 rousing rounds of musical chairs, where I, brave soul that I am, operated the CD player. Much less violent from that position! We also played a game where a tightly wrapped gift was passed to music, and every time the music stopped you passed it to the next person. When you got the first one open, there were tons of smaller packages, also tightly wrapped inside! What fun. Then it separated into 2 packages that ultimately contained gift cards for Walmart. After that game, we opened the gym until 11pm. Then we had all the fun of cleaning up the horrendous mess. Be warned: Don't try the cracker/whistle relay over carpet! At least our floors swept up well. It was really an enjoyable evening for teenagers and adults alike. I even enjoyed making lots of cookies, buying supplies, decorating a small tree, etc.
Then, despite some bad weather, our adult choir performed the cantata "Emmanuel: Celebrating Heaven's Child" on 12-16 in the evening service. Although we had 3 out sick, we had 20 choir members. God really helped us, and they did exceptionally well! I was very proud of them. The narration, done by the Manleys, was gripping. The music was compelling. One of my favorite songs was "Come Make a Place" which said "Jesus, I'm empty without you. And you're everything I need. So come with your grace, come make a place in me. Oh come to my heart, Lord Jesus. There is room in my heart for Thee." That is my prayer this season...that I won't be so filled with the busyness of the season that I fail to make room for Him. Without Him, I am lost and hopeless. With Him in my heart, I have a vital, joyous life! Let us adore the Christ of Christmas.
Yes, I am relieved that the programs are over for another year. But I don't want to lose that sense of wonder...the fact that He came for me. Well, I need to get some rest. Tomorrow, my immediate family will celebrate Christmas together. You may expect some more pictures very soon :) It will be fun, but chaotic with 4 little people really into the gift-giving part of the day. We will listen to my Dad read the Christmas story, we will eat wonderful food, we will enjoy our little people as they are filled with excitement and joy. Most of all, we will just enjoy being together as a family. What a blessing they are to me!
If I fail to post again before Christmas, may God richly bless you this Christmas season, and may you have a very merry Christmas!
And so ends the little pictoral journey. The picture of me was taken in the lobby of the motel where we stayed. There are tons of pictures that I could post, but I think you "get the picture :)" On Friday, we drove to my good friend Elizabeth and Fred's home, then went together to the Shady Maple to eat. Folks, if you've never eaten there, it is worth the trip to Lancaster! I'll probably get these facts wrong, but I believe it seats 2200 people, and they serve 6000 - 7000 people per day! Massive Mennonite buffet! May I just say "Scrumptious!" Actually, Elizabeth didn't go to the Shady Maple with us, as she had some mandatory job training that afternoon. However, Fred and Mark drove over with us, and Mark's parents met us there. I have some pictures of that happy event, but I'm not going to post them for fear I might be slain if I did :) Suffice it to say, that a good time was had by all, and we left very well satisfied! We then drove over to Sight and Sound where we watched "The Miracle of Christmas." Again, I will not be posting photos, as they don't let you take pictures during the performance. It was an absolutely wonderful, uplifting experience. It made my heart thrill again to the real meaning of Christmas...God willingly laying aside His glory to become a helpless baby, completely dependent on those He had created! And all for the purpose of giving up His life for me! Really, you should see this production if you ever have the chance! After the performance, we had a snack(I can't believe we were hungry!) at Friendly's, then spent the night with Fred and Elizabeth near Carlisle. We had wonderful fellowship with our dear friends, and I was sorry to leave them the next morning. We again drove all day on Saturday to get home. The weather was fine, but Dad's car was acting a little dicey! It kept popping up error messages, and letting us know that the ABS system wasn't working. That's very comforting when you're bopping along about 70mph! But the Lord helped us get home okay, and Dad's car was fixed this past week.
The next few pics are of Jared and Janae's reaction to our Boyd's friends. Janae informed me that my bear(the one in the snowman sweater) would make a good big sister for Bunny(her constant companion.) She informed my mother that her bear wanted her(Janae) to be his mommy :) She also said in an aggrieved voice "You shouldn't keep him all for yourself." Not very subtle! We were not inclined to part with our bears, but she has one wrapped and waiting under the Christmas tree. So I think everything should be fine.
It was good to be home and see our little people, even if the craziness started up again immediately! Oh, and I should confess something funny I said in Gettysburg. The night we drove in, we passed the Lutheran Theological Seminary(the church in the picture above is located there.) I said "Oh look! There's the Lutheran Seological Theminary!" My folks were highly amused, as was I :) As my friend Anthony told me a few nights ago, yeah, my hair may not be blond, but I sure am :) I can't help it! Can you imagine me with Alzheimers? It's gonna be a trip!
Since my return home, I helped host a party/gathering/whatever for the young people of our church and school. We had 26 teenagers, plus several adults. We had pizza, and lots of cookies and pop. I couldn't find any diet pop, so drank Mountain Dew. Yuck! Pure syrup. Brent, I'm maintaining that DIET mountain dew is wonderful, but you can have all of the real thing that you want. I will admit that the frosty cold one you gave me in the summer was wonderful, but that wasn't combined with other sugar! Anyway....if you want to see a few pics, go to Steve Hight's blog :) I did take some pics, but haven't uploaded them yet. We had relay races 1) eat 3 saltine crackers and then whistle 2) chew a piece of frozen bubblegum and pop a bubble, 3) wearing MITTENS, open a candy kiss and eat it. It was pretty hysterical :) We also played 2 rousing rounds of musical chairs, where I, brave soul that I am, operated the CD player. Much less violent from that position! We also played a game where a tightly wrapped gift was passed to music, and every time the music stopped you passed it to the next person. When you got the first one open, there were tons of smaller packages, also tightly wrapped inside! What fun. Then it separated into 2 packages that ultimately contained gift cards for Walmart. After that game, we opened the gym until 11pm. Then we had all the fun of cleaning up the horrendous mess. Be warned: Don't try the cracker/whistle relay over carpet! At least our floors swept up well. It was really an enjoyable evening for teenagers and adults alike. I even enjoyed making lots of cookies, buying supplies, decorating a small tree, etc.
Then, despite some bad weather, our adult choir performed the cantata "Emmanuel: Celebrating Heaven's Child" on 12-16 in the evening service. Although we had 3 out sick, we had 20 choir members. God really helped us, and they did exceptionally well! I was very proud of them. The narration, done by the Manleys, was gripping. The music was compelling. One of my favorite songs was "Come Make a Place" which said "Jesus, I'm empty without you. And you're everything I need. So come with your grace, come make a place in me. Oh come to my heart, Lord Jesus. There is room in my heart for Thee." That is my prayer this season...that I won't be so filled with the busyness of the season that I fail to make room for Him. Without Him, I am lost and hopeless. With Him in my heart, I have a vital, joyous life! Let us adore the Christ of Christmas.
Yes, I am relieved that the programs are over for another year. But I don't want to lose that sense of wonder...the fact that He came for me. Well, I need to get some rest. Tomorrow, my immediate family will celebrate Christmas together. You may expect some more pictures very soon :) It will be fun, but chaotic with 4 little people really into the gift-giving part of the day. We will listen to my Dad read the Christmas story, we will eat wonderful food, we will enjoy our little people as they are filled with excitement and joy. Most of all, we will just enjoy being together as a family. What a blessing they are to me!
If I fail to post again before Christmas, may God richly bless you this Christmas season, and may you have a very merry Christmas!
Friday, December 14, 2007
Catching up with Cindy :) Part 1
I know. I'm absolutely terrible at keeping up with this whole blogging thing. Thanks Bro. Hight for the reminder tonight:) Now see what you've done! I'm staying up late to satisfy your curiousity. If this is filled with typos...well, then so be it! Haha...actually, it may be a little overwhelming if I blog about everything going on in my life right now. I may have to feed it to you in segments(Oh, boy...)
First, yeah, I'm sorry! I've just been so busy. I know it seems lame, but really, don't judge me until you've tried it. Okay, that being said, let's get on with it. I had a very enjoyable Thanksgiving at my Aunt and Uncle's home. Since Steve and I are the only ones left(unmarried that is,) the two of us played games for hours that day. We had a great time, and I'm smugly reporting that I won all but one of the games. Sorry, Steve...guess it was my lucky day :)
That, in a nutshell was Thanksgiving. Oh, and did I mention that we had some really incredible eating going on during the day? Feasting, actually. As a friend of mine texted me that evening, I was "too full to gobble!" Yeah...fun!
What has been consuming me for several weeks is our school Christmas program. It was a huge undertaking...one that I really enjoyed! But I never knew I could be so busy! First, our entire school sang, and I accompanied them. Then we had our chime choirs and intermediate band, all directed by yours truly. They did really well, and I am amazed at how much they have improved in 2 months time! I was very proud of them. Then the next thing I was in charge of was our 1st-6th grade musical. Kindergarden was involved too...they were the cutest sheep in all of Bethlehem :) It was so much fun, and the kids were awesome! Kristin D. did a phenominal job preparing them for the drama portion. My dad's comment was "Who needs the Little Rascals when you can watch those kids!" They really threw themselves into it, and I'm happy to say that it went off without a hitch. Lil P. was in charge of costumes and props and did a fantastic job. Our church auditorium was transformed. I merely helped with drama and props. I did direct the music, but I couldn't have done it without these two ladies! I am including a couple of pictures of a few of the cast members :) Also, thanks are in order to our sound/light technicians, Anthony W. and Troy K. You guys rock! All the teachers were supportive and helpful, and Mr. C. ensured that we had as much time as we needed for rehearsal. Even though it was tiring, it was an incredible experience. I was sorry that it was over :)
As you can see, we have some of the cutest, most talented children in the world at SCCA :) Heaven help you if I'm ever a mother! I'm bad enough being a teacher and an auntie.... To end our Christmas program, we took an offering, and raised a nice little sum for the music program at school! Hooray! I'm preparing to place an order with BJU :) I wish I could describe the musical to you. It was so cute and funny! We did "Miracle on Bethlehem Street," and one little boy wanted to know if he should keep the lyrics sheet they had to memorize "for next year." I had to explain to him that we will try a different one next year. But they loved the songs, and in fact sang so heartily that they didn't have to be mic'd much of the time for the choral pieces! They were crankin'! But we did have tons of sound equipment set up in order to pick up the drama. All our kids did great, but our main characters, played by Lane W. and Danae B., were awesome! They memorized tons of lines/drama, usually without complaining. I'm pretty sure you won't find a better group of kids anywhere, even if I do have to keep on my high school kids about talking in class :) My band kids were so disruptive one day during practice that I told them they did NOT want to see what a red-headed temper looks like :) It was a pretty empty threat, as I've never had much of a temper, but they don't need to know that! If it hadn't been so close to the Christmas program, they would have been sent back to class. As it was, they had to endure a lecture about growing up and acting like they were in high school instead of first grade. Whew! I didn't know I had it in me. I am pretty patient and tolerant, but, boy, once you've crossed the line, there is NO turning back :) Okay, 'nuff about that.
The day after the Christmas program, I left for Gettysburg with my parents. But that shall come in the next exciting installment of this epistle to the curious :) I am getting tired, and it's really hard to say what may come flying across this screen. I have more pictures to share, and stuff to tell you about my vacation. So please do stop back soon. I HOPE to get the next installment up quickly :)
Until we read again, have a great one!
First, yeah, I'm sorry! I've just been so busy. I know it seems lame, but really, don't judge me until you've tried it. Okay, that being said, let's get on with it. I had a very enjoyable Thanksgiving at my Aunt and Uncle's home. Since Steve and I are the only ones left(unmarried that is,) the two of us played games for hours that day. We had a great time, and I'm smugly reporting that I won all but one of the games. Sorry, Steve...guess it was my lucky day :)
That, in a nutshell was Thanksgiving. Oh, and did I mention that we had some really incredible eating going on during the day? Feasting, actually. As a friend of mine texted me that evening, I was "too full to gobble!" Yeah...fun!
What has been consuming me for several weeks is our school Christmas program. It was a huge undertaking...one that I really enjoyed! But I never knew I could be so busy! First, our entire school sang, and I accompanied them. Then we had our chime choirs and intermediate band, all directed by yours truly. They did really well, and I am amazed at how much they have improved in 2 months time! I was very proud of them. Then the next thing I was in charge of was our 1st-6th grade musical. Kindergarden was involved too...they were the cutest sheep in all of Bethlehem :) It was so much fun, and the kids were awesome! Kristin D. did a phenominal job preparing them for the drama portion. My dad's comment was "Who needs the Little Rascals when you can watch those kids!" They really threw themselves into it, and I'm happy to say that it went off without a hitch. Lil P. was in charge of costumes and props and did a fantastic job. Our church auditorium was transformed. I merely helped with drama and props. I did direct the music, but I couldn't have done it without these two ladies! I am including a couple of pictures of a few of the cast members :) Also, thanks are in order to our sound/light technicians, Anthony W. and Troy K. You guys rock! All the teachers were supportive and helpful, and Mr. C. ensured that we had as much time as we needed for rehearsal. Even though it was tiring, it was an incredible experience. I was sorry that it was over :)
As you can see, we have some of the cutest, most talented children in the world at SCCA :) Heaven help you if I'm ever a mother! I'm bad enough being a teacher and an auntie.... To end our Christmas program, we took an offering, and raised a nice little sum for the music program at school! Hooray! I'm preparing to place an order with BJU :) I wish I could describe the musical to you. It was so cute and funny! We did "Miracle on Bethlehem Street," and one little boy wanted to know if he should keep the lyrics sheet they had to memorize "for next year." I had to explain to him that we will try a different one next year. But they loved the songs, and in fact sang so heartily that they didn't have to be mic'd much of the time for the choral pieces! They were crankin'! But we did have tons of sound equipment set up in order to pick up the drama. All our kids did great, but our main characters, played by Lane W. and Danae B., were awesome! They memorized tons of lines/drama, usually without complaining. I'm pretty sure you won't find a better group of kids anywhere, even if I do have to keep on my high school kids about talking in class :) My band kids were so disruptive one day during practice that I told them they did NOT want to see what a red-headed temper looks like :) It was a pretty empty threat, as I've never had much of a temper, but they don't need to know that! If it hadn't been so close to the Christmas program, they would have been sent back to class. As it was, they had to endure a lecture about growing up and acting like they were in high school instead of first grade. Whew! I didn't know I had it in me. I am pretty patient and tolerant, but, boy, once you've crossed the line, there is NO turning back :) Okay, 'nuff about that.
The day after the Christmas program, I left for Gettysburg with my parents. But that shall come in the next exciting installment of this epistle to the curious :) I am getting tired, and it's really hard to say what may come flying across this screen. I have more pictures to share, and stuff to tell you about my vacation. So please do stop back soon. I HOPE to get the next installment up quickly :)
Until we read again, have a great one!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Happiness is....
Well, actually, happiness is lots of things. I just wanted to blog about a few recent happy events :) As I was so sweetly reminded today(thank you, Deb,) I haven't blogged in a while. This is turning into a once a month event for me. I hate to say that I'm really busy, but it's true. I'm really busy. So there. Now I've said it, and I'm not taking it back!
One very happy October thing was that I started teaching music at our local Christian school. And despite my bundle of nerves, I love it! Currently, I have an intermediate band(which is somewhere between beginning and intermediate,)Jr. High Chimes, Sr. High Chimes, and general music grades 1-6. I am staying very busy between all of that, plus continue to teach private piano lessons to my 11 students. The most challenging thing I have right now is band. I played in the GBS band for 3 years as a percussionist. But I have very little experience with wind instruments. To complicate matters, 95% of my students are in high school. Now, they're not bad kids, but they very seldom shut their mouths. They tend to try to run over me a little, so we had a little chat on Wednesday. After speaking with a couple of teachers and our principle, I told them that I would be sending them back to class if they felt like what they had to say was more important than what I had to say. Also, I informed them that I would be submitting their names to the principle, and that I had decided that I was not going to yell at them all year. Now may the Lord help me to walk the talk. I've got to learn to get tough with them while still loving them.
To help with the band thing, I am currently teaching myself to play the flute. And I'm really enjoying it, and am surprisingly fairly adept at it. When I took the instrumental methods survey courses at GBS, I did better at flute than any other instrument, so that's why I picked it. I had absolutely NO success with trombone, tuba, baritone, or even saxaphone. I was decent at clarinet and trumpet. I tried on those other instruments, but my lips are small, so I had great difficulty filling the mouthpiece to create good sounds. Believe me, if you were to hear me play the trombone, you would think it was a cow dying in the pasture! It's bad, people. Just take my word on it. For those of you who found it amusing that I was teaching myself flute(you know who you are,) I am posting a picture....
I have found that I love teaching smaller children to sing. We are currently working on our Christmas program for school, and it is so much fun! They are so ready to sing, and they have been very attentive, thanks to the tips from my friend, Dixie! Dixie allowed me to come to GBS and shadow her for a day to watch her teaching methods. I have adopted her points system, and it is VERY effective! They are angels for me most of the time. And if they start getting out of hand, a red minus on the board quickly puts things to rights. Dixie, you're a genius. One extremely funny thing that happened this week happened during auditions for parts on Monday. One little boy was reading for a part. The line went something like "What about all the B's?" But he had a little different take on it, being the very literal child that he is. He read "What about all the BS?" It went completely over the heads of the kids, but we teachers nearly died from having to stifle the laughter. We were all shaking, but didn't dare laugh out loud at him! Ahh....teaching is fun! It was the highlight of my week so far :)
Another fun thing in October was my birthday. Yes, I'm still a kid at heart, so I enjoy my birthday. I was teaching that day, so the entire student body filed in during the end of 5th-6th grade music, and sang to me, presented me with a card and a cake. It was very touching. I also got many lovely cards from friends and family, as well as some nice gifts. To top off the evening, we went to Pinto's for a great meal, then followed up at our house with more cake. It was a happy day, and I'll post a couple pics for you. One of me and my mom at Pinto's, my kiddos at our house.
Another happy thing in October is the Booth Brothers. I could say "Happiness is the Booth Brothers :)" I went to the covered bridge festival in early October, and my friend Mark B. rode with me and my cousin Steve. All the way there and back, we listened to his new Booth Brothers CD's. I already owned 2 by them, but now I own most of their CD's! I am completely, hopelessly smitten. They have such beautiful voices, and sing such a nice mix of old and new. If you haven't heard them, I highly recommend them!
I am still working part-time in nursing, enough to keep my insurance. Whatever days I don't work in nursing, I am teaching. So I'm even busier than I was when I was working full-time. But I'm lovin' life. Coming up in my near future is Homecoming at our church this sunday. I am playing/singing with Hope. Sonja has a prior engagement, so I am going to try to fill in for her. PRAY!!!! I am looking forward to seeing Dixie and Heidi for a little while, but we will really miss Sonja. Also, church choir practice continues, and is going very well! Very enjoyable. Then there are other events associated with holidays that will keep me hopping for awhile yet. I probably won't slow down until Christmas now. I'm also going to Pennsylvania in early December, after our school Christmas program. Very much looking forward to that! That should provide some R&R just prior to Christmas. Also helping out with the Youth group at church, and enjoying that as well. There's always something to do, someone to practice with, something...
I'm just really thankful to God for helping me through these transitions in my life, for taking the fear/dread out of it for me, and helping me to really enjoy life. He is good, and He knows just what we can handle. I'm also thankful to family and friends who have been very supportive: Sonja, for prayers and advice: Dixie, for endless patience with my thousands of questions, spur of the moment phone calls for advice, etc. And then there are my fellow co-workers, my principle, etc. Everyone has been wonderful! My family has put up with my crazy schedules, and even tolerated my flute playing :) So yes...I'm happy. I know that there will be low points again, and I know happiness is not dependent on people or circumstances. What it really is is being in the center of God's will for me right now. The deep peace that comes from simply resting.
Well, this is long, as usual. And I really need to work on some housecleaning before Dixie and family get here! So, thanks for reading, thanks for being patient for this post to arrive. Ya'll are the greatest!
One very happy October thing was that I started teaching music at our local Christian school. And despite my bundle of nerves, I love it! Currently, I have an intermediate band(which is somewhere between beginning and intermediate,)Jr. High Chimes, Sr. High Chimes, and general music grades 1-6. I am staying very busy between all of that, plus continue to teach private piano lessons to my 11 students. The most challenging thing I have right now is band. I played in the GBS band for 3 years as a percussionist. But I have very little experience with wind instruments. To complicate matters, 95% of my students are in high school. Now, they're not bad kids, but they very seldom shut their mouths. They tend to try to run over me a little, so we had a little chat on Wednesday. After speaking with a couple of teachers and our principle, I told them that I would be sending them back to class if they felt like what they had to say was more important than what I had to say. Also, I informed them that I would be submitting their names to the principle, and that I had decided that I was not going to yell at them all year. Now may the Lord help me to walk the talk. I've got to learn to get tough with them while still loving them.
To help with the band thing, I am currently teaching myself to play the flute. And I'm really enjoying it, and am surprisingly fairly adept at it. When I took the instrumental methods survey courses at GBS, I did better at flute than any other instrument, so that's why I picked it. I had absolutely NO success with trombone, tuba, baritone, or even saxaphone. I was decent at clarinet and trumpet. I tried on those other instruments, but my lips are small, so I had great difficulty filling the mouthpiece to create good sounds. Believe me, if you were to hear me play the trombone, you would think it was a cow dying in the pasture! It's bad, people. Just take my word on it. For those of you who found it amusing that I was teaching myself flute(you know who you are,) I am posting a picture....
I have found that I love teaching smaller children to sing. We are currently working on our Christmas program for school, and it is so much fun! They are so ready to sing, and they have been very attentive, thanks to the tips from my friend, Dixie! Dixie allowed me to come to GBS and shadow her for a day to watch her teaching methods. I have adopted her points system, and it is VERY effective! They are angels for me most of the time. And if they start getting out of hand, a red minus on the board quickly puts things to rights. Dixie, you're a genius. One extremely funny thing that happened this week happened during auditions for parts on Monday. One little boy was reading for a part. The line went something like "What about all the B's?" But he had a little different take on it, being the very literal child that he is. He read "What about all the BS?" It went completely over the heads of the kids, but we teachers nearly died from having to stifle the laughter. We were all shaking, but didn't dare laugh out loud at him! Ahh....teaching is fun! It was the highlight of my week so far :)
Another fun thing in October was my birthday. Yes, I'm still a kid at heart, so I enjoy my birthday. I was teaching that day, so the entire student body filed in during the end of 5th-6th grade music, and sang to me, presented me with a card and a cake. It was very touching. I also got many lovely cards from friends and family, as well as some nice gifts. To top off the evening, we went to Pinto's for a great meal, then followed up at our house with more cake. It was a happy day, and I'll post a couple pics for you. One of me and my mom at Pinto's, my kiddos at our house.
Another happy thing in October is the Booth Brothers. I could say "Happiness is the Booth Brothers :)" I went to the covered bridge festival in early October, and my friend Mark B. rode with me and my cousin Steve. All the way there and back, we listened to his new Booth Brothers CD's. I already owned 2 by them, but now I own most of their CD's! I am completely, hopelessly smitten. They have such beautiful voices, and sing such a nice mix of old and new. If you haven't heard them, I highly recommend them!
I am still working part-time in nursing, enough to keep my insurance. Whatever days I don't work in nursing, I am teaching. So I'm even busier than I was when I was working full-time. But I'm lovin' life. Coming up in my near future is Homecoming at our church this sunday. I am playing/singing with Hope. Sonja has a prior engagement, so I am going to try to fill in for her. PRAY!!!! I am looking forward to seeing Dixie and Heidi for a little while, but we will really miss Sonja. Also, church choir practice continues, and is going very well! Very enjoyable. Then there are other events associated with holidays that will keep me hopping for awhile yet. I probably won't slow down until Christmas now. I'm also going to Pennsylvania in early December, after our school Christmas program. Very much looking forward to that! That should provide some R&R just prior to Christmas. Also helping out with the Youth group at church, and enjoying that as well. There's always something to do, someone to practice with, something...
I'm just really thankful to God for helping me through these transitions in my life, for taking the fear/dread out of it for me, and helping me to really enjoy life. He is good, and He knows just what we can handle. I'm also thankful to family and friends who have been very supportive: Sonja, for prayers and advice: Dixie, for endless patience with my thousands of questions, spur of the moment phone calls for advice, etc. And then there are my fellow co-workers, my principle, etc. Everyone has been wonderful! My family has put up with my crazy schedules, and even tolerated my flute playing :) So yes...I'm happy. I know that there will be low points again, and I know happiness is not dependent on people or circumstances. What it really is is being in the center of God's will for me right now. The deep peace that comes from simply resting.
Well, this is long, as usual. And I really need to work on some housecleaning before Dixie and family get here! So, thanks for reading, thanks for being patient for this post to arrive. Ya'll are the greatest!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)