It's all good!

How 'bout the sharing of some good news???!!!

• First, I got not one, but TWO letters from Kevin today! And, one was a love letter!! Gush - Gush! I haven't gotten one of those in years!! I'll give one line from it, but the rest is mine ~ he said, "You brighten my life, my spirits, my emotions." Yep, it was a good letter! I've read it three times already and cried (happy tears) twice! :-)
• My principal observed me earlier this week. Cross that off the list! Whew ~ it's over! I have taught 11 years now and still hate observations. But, I couldn't have paid my kids to be any better! Wow! They were awesome, and I didn't even bribe them! ha! AND, my principal left a sweet note on my desk. She told me I was a doll! It is my week for nice letters!!
• Lastly, I have two good friends who have decided to start their own blogs. Go show them some love if you get a chance. Becca at Happily Ever After is Right Now... (Isn't that a cute blog name?), and Jill at All About Beckett (I couldn't convince her to scrapbook, but I may have her blogging! ha)

Have a great weekend!! I'll update on Sunday after I see Kevin!

Wordless Wednesday

Whose couch is this anyway??

**ignore the mess! :-)

Community service!

One way to get your yard mowed when you are too broke to hire anyone is good, old community service hours! My teenage cousin needed 2 hours of community service for his honor society. I love it! We didn't have to do that when I was in high school though! :-) So, I got 2 hours of free labor. He mowed, edged, weedeated (keep in mind the backyard hadn't been weedeated in 2 months! ha!). Then, he even graded some papers! Woo-hoo! Thanks Tanner! (who has NO idea I snapped this picture through the glass door ~ I figured he'd kill me for taking pictures of him while he's working so hard! ha!)

And Thanks Sandy for loaning me your kiddo!

Kevin Update

I think we can all take a page from Fred's book, the resident dog at John 3:16. Just take it easy...no worries!

Seriously, I have cried over the local news around here. I could blog about it, but it's on every one's mind around Arkansas. I think we are all trying to make sense out of something so senseless...

So instead, I will focus on today and the continuous positive progress of Mr. Kevin!

He was able to move into one of the cabins this week. We sat outside in the camping chairs today and chilled ... like the old souls we are! ha! He has lost even MORE weight and just looks better and better every time I see him. I never doubted this was the right thing, but I wondered if he would take FULL advantage of the opportunity given to him to start his life over. He is using his time wisely and becoming more of the man that God wants him to be. That is all we can ask for! Thank you SO much to all of you that are sending cards and care packages. He loves them and proudly shows me all his stuff each Sunday with a big grin on his face. His recovery wouldn't be possible without all of your support and continued prayers!

BIG HUGS TO ALL OF YOU!!

T.G.I.F.

Happy it's Friday for several reasons:

**I have my last conference!! Woo-hoo! (even if it is with hip dad)
**It's scrap night! YIPPEE!!! Good food, good company, and scrappin'!!
**After tomorrow, I only have one, yes ONE, class left for this Master's class I am taking. Then, I get my Saturday's back for awhile! Maybe my yard will get mowed...ha!
**Only two days until I get to see Kevin! :-)

Happy Friday!

Yada-Yada

Here's what is going on around LoriLand:

• What did Simba do this week??? Well, you know he did something because he's always in trouble!! This, in my opinion, may be his worst one yet. He brought in a HUGE rat. Yep, you read that correctly. AND, he dropped it in the middle of the living room floor. It wasn't dead. There was A LOT of screaming!! Simba got a spanking so hard that it hurt my hand! ha! And, my neighbor had to come help me get the rat out from under the entertainment center...the big, heavy entertainment center!! Doggie doors are great, unless you have a hunting cat!!!
• Tomorrow we have a field trip at school. I love them, and I hate them. I worry about loosing a kid every time! I count them constantly! ha! We are suppose to have a picnic lunch after, so I hope it doesn't rain....
• It's also red ribbon week at school or Drug Free Week. Here is our bulletin board...I visualized it cuter than it turned out, but it will do! :-) They are suppose to be ghosts...can you tell they are ghosts? You won't hurt my feelings if you can't tell!
• In the news around here (and nationally), one of the local news anchors was brutally attacked in her home earlier in the week. It has just weighed on my mind what this girl has had to endure. She is still in critical condition. When you say your prayers, say a prayer for her and her family. They don't know yet if it was random or if she was targeted because of being on tv, but it has reminded me to be on higher alert and aware of my surroundings. Let's just say my pistol is A LOT closer to me and easier to reach. Don't even think about pulling a prank on me b/c you may get shot!
• Oh, that parent conference with "nice hips" dad isn't until Friday...for all of you inquiring minds! I saved the best (or most awkward) for last! LOL!
• Lastly, SCRAP NIGHT is Friday night!! Woo-hoo!!!!

Stats

Today I have had a counter on my blog for exactly 3 months, and I hit 1800 hits today. Exciting stuff...especially for a blog about nothing except what's going on in my little world! :-) I realize some blogs get 1800 hits a day or a month, but I am excited to average 20 readers a day. I mean at least 20 people a day care what is going on in my life!! So, thanks for caring! And, hugs to you!!

I found it interesting that:
1) Monday is my biggest reader day. On Monday's I get about 35 hits. So, I guess there are some people that log in on Monday and read all week???
2) The weekends are slow (especially Sunday).
3) My biggest referrers (is that a word?) come from myfamily site and Trina over at Son Up to Son Down!! Thanks Trina!! Stop by and read her blog if you haven't...she is an inspiration and amazing Mom to 6 boys!!

Now, if you are a blog stalker and are worried that I can tell you read my blog, rest easy and keep reading. I am not smart enough to figure out WHO is reading - only how many! HA!

Thanks for logging in and taking the time to share a bit of my life. I started this to share pictures with friends and family, but it's become quite a journal for me. I go back to posts as I scrapbook to remember the details and little things.

Now, keep my stats up or I'll be sad....and don't be afraid to leave a comment!!!

New day!

Don't even read yesterday's post...I blame it on women's hormones! ha!

Today was a whole new day, whole new attitude and more ME! Today was also a good visitor day for Kevin. He had his parents, my Mom (yes, that is my Mom...I know she looks young! My neighbor didn't believe me when I showed him the picture! ha!), anyway, me and another old friend from our hometown, Jon. And yes, THAT IS KEVIN, in the striped shirt. Doesn't he look good? He has lost 23 pounds now and his hair...oh, I love the hair! :-)

It was so good that Jon came today, and he had the support of someone besides family. Jon is one of his oldest and dearest friends. Actually, back in our day, they put us in classes in elementary school by ABC order. My last name started with a C and theirs both with a B, so we've all been together since 1st grade! Ha!

This last picture makes me giggle because the guy, Andy, who is currently one of his roommates is hilarious! Kevin is gonna miss him when he actually gets to move into a room this week!

I felt so good when I got home and energized from today that I actually mowed the backyard. Hope the feeling lasts for my neighbors sake, and I can get the front done tomorrow! ha!

On my mind...

**Warning - a rambling that I'm not even sure makes sense!

I almost let myself get down this week...almost got off track. Sometimes it's the one extra thing that gets put on your plate that can knock you off balance. It was just an overwhelming week with work and other stuff. My to-do list was a mile long, but as of today, I have it all done with the exception of grocery shopping and mowing. Two things I despise!!! I wish I could just hire a teenager to come mow, but money is too tight right now. That is something I am so tired of worrying about...money. You know, Kevin being gone has really set me back more than I thought. He helped out alot around here. Now, with him gone, I am strapped. It isn't fun. I'm not gonna lie, but it will get better. Unfortunately, I had two really big bills due in the past week and Jax had to go to the vet. Those are paid, so now it's time to play catch-up. So, yep, I almost got down this week.

The thoughts on my mind this week have been about where I've been and where I should be going...maybe I am at a crossroads. Remember being younger and having these great plans for your life? I mean, seriously, we all know I didn't PLAN to be 35 without kids, divorced and with a boyfriend in rehab. Who in their 20's would plan that for themselves?? But it is where I am, and mostly I embrace it. I really do try to see the lesson and make myself a better person when things go wrong. I think I am a MUCH better person since my divorce. I am happier and stronger. But this week after paying bills and having no money left over, I asked myself a few times, what the hell happened??? How did I get to this place in my life? 12 years ago at the naive, young age of 23, (just this month too), I was getting married. I still remember that day vividly...so full of hope and dreams. Here is a warning to all you planners out there...we both wanted three boys and the house with the dog, the storybook family life. Not sure what happened there, but then things changed. Then, he didn't want kids. I made peace with it. I even convinced myself I didn't want kids! But, I am getting off track. My point, I guess, is that neither of us planned for things to turn out the way they did. And, after feeling like white trash all week because my boyfriend is in rehab and I am poor. I guess I realized, well, I would rather be happy, poor white trash, then have money and be someone who didn't want to be with me. But, I still want to shake people that I hear making plans for things and talking like there is no question they are going to happen. You don't know what is going to happen tomorrow or next year. Anything can happen...

I had a weak moment or two this week, but I still have my chin up. I am hopeful about the future. I have faith God knows what he is doing with my life. I have my friends close by and am trying to find the joy in my current journey...where ever it takes me!

Buried under work...

Four days without students! Tomorrow is Teacher Record Day and boy do I have records to work on!! I have to put stuff back on walls from the painters AND finish up grades, enter them in the computer, print grade reports and a few other reports, fill out report cards, fill out parent conference forms, fill out AIP's, get organized for next week, AND fill out paperwork and plan a lesson for an observation by my principal. Think I can get all that done in the 4 hours I am on contract tomorrow? No...probably not. I am betting it will be tomorrow ALL day and some of Saturday. It will get done though, and I will be ready for my parent conferences Monday!! (except for maybe that one - see post below!) ha!

Have I done anything for my Master's class that is Saturday? NO! I have been catching up on grading papers and entering grades in the computer all week. Who the heck has time to read chapters? I hope I can flub my way through...surely I can! :-)

I am going to visit Kevin again on Sunday, so that is my shining, happy moment for the workload lately.

Seriously???

An actual conversation in my classroom today:

Student: Ms. J, my daddy said he thinks you are cute.

Me: That's nice. Compliments are always nice.

Student: He thinks you are real cute.

Me: Ok. Now, let's get on task.

Student: My daddy said you have nice hips too.

REALLY???? Who SAYS that to their child about his TEACHER???? Give me a break!!
Now, how am I suppose to conference with this man next week? Jeez!
Is it just me or is this highly inappropriate???

Fur Kids

Guess who is 12 today? Ms. Fluff (aka Nala, aka other names not so nice ~ ha!) and Mr. Trouble (aka Simba). Awww...I'll have to scan pics of when they were kittens sometimes...SO cute. Tan will love it! I know how she loves cats! tee-hee!
In other fur kid news, Jax (aka the best dog EVER!), is having bladder issues again. He goes to the vet on Wednesday. Send some doggie thoughts his way, because his momma gets super nervous when he has to go to the vet. You know, he is almost 11 now...don't you love that grey face?

Visitor Day FINALLY!

I think I sent everyone an email, but I have been known to forget someone. So, in short, today I got to visit Kevin for the first time. He looked great - happy, healthy, and most importantly at peace. He's even lost 20 pounds. I told him not to get too full of himself b/c I was on the pop-tart & cereal diet without his cooking, so I'd loose a few myself! ha!

He even got a haircut and now looks like he did in high school and college. So, in honor, of Kevin - a few pictures of us in college...back in the days when he wanted me to look at him as more than a friend, but it just wasn't the right timing. God had a plan for us, and I know we are on the path to good things! :-) I knew it would all be ok as soon as I saw his smiling face today!

(and yes, he has a yucky dip in his mouth here...gross!)

A few more lessons...

Ok folks, I'm on limited time while the niece is in the shower! (Note: Now I understand why my ex-boyfriend that had a kid only called while his kid was in the shower. It's the only free time you have! ha)
**I have learned that Disney channel is your friend where kids are involved. I never realized how bad tv was until this week. All my shows except Dancing...no good for kids! They are sitting on the DVR just waiting for the weekend! When do you parents EVER have time to watch tv?
**Teacher note: I will NOT give homework anymore that suggests or requires the parent to be involved. Jeez - I get it, when they are doing homework, you can use that time to get some other stuff done! Ok...I get it now! ha!
**I have learned that I need to get everything done that I want to do NOW - before kids - because I will have NO time after! Seriously - whole new respect for you parents and Tayhlor is an easy child. She even pops out of bed in the mornings faster than me!
**I learned that if you don't monitor what little people make themselves for breakfast, you could walk into the kitchen first thing in the morning to the smell of reheated Mexican food from the night before....that they are eating for breakfast!! ewww!
**I admit that last night I was a little sickly - still trying to fight it off - and I took some medicine and went to sleepy town for a bit. (but really with one eye and ear open - never fully asleep - so, how do you get rest when you are sick as a parent, do share?!?)
**OHHHH, and I learned last night that PG-13 movies maybe should just be R!!! But she swears she had already seen it! Jeez!
**Now you judge how the cat feels about the week: Happy Cat or Mad Cat? hee-hee!


**Seriously, it was a fun week. I was worried about mornings, but turns out she is easier to deal with than ME in the mornings! I am pretty sure we will all (fur kids included) miss her when she's gone back home!

Little Lessons....

**Lesson 1: Before having children of my own, buy a king size bed. In the case of thunderstorms like last night, a queen doesn't even do the job with one adult, one child, one rather large dog, and two cats. Tayhlor went to sleep with a dog on her feet and a cat curled up in her legs. At one point, I rolled over and Simba went flying, and I had Tayhlor's feet in my back. King size bed a must with kids and spoiled pets!

**Lesson 2: Do not leave Cosmopolitan magazine on the coffee table when children are in the house. I mean, I really can't even type some of the articles in it for fear of whose google search I could end up on - ha! Ooops!

**Lesson 3: Finish master's before having any children of my own. It is impossible to study with a little person in the house. And, this really isn't her fault, but my adult A.D.D. fault. She is a great excuse to get distracted.

**Lesson 4: Use grandparent's - anyone's grandparent's - for meals whenever possible. Thank you to Kevin's parents for treating us tonight! :-)

We still have 3 days to go...wonder what else I will learn? LOL!

Did I tell you?

**My classroom was painted, and I had to put EVERYTHING in the middle of the room...Friday was miserable! Today, the kids helped me put it back together and tomorrow things should be back to normal. That being said, I still smell paint, and I've been home for HOURS!

**My niece, Tayhlor is spending the week with me. My Bubby is out of town. I get to practice this mom thing and send her home at the end of the week. Ha! So far, so good. Although, I don't think she was impressed with my chili dogs tonight. :-)

**My midterm is Saturday...already!

**Only 6 more days, and I finally get to see Kevin! Yee-haw!

Free to Good Home

Now, if a friend tells you about 2 horses that are "dead broke" and free to a good home...who comes to mind to take them off someone's hands? Yep, my Momma!

So....because my friend Debbie thought of her when her neighbor said they would give their horses to someone if they were a good home, Debbie emailed my Mom and the rest is history.

Look at our two newest members of the horse family:

Meet Doc, the gelding in the front and Sugar, the mare with the star on her face. I think Sugar is so pretty! They ended up with us because these people got them for their grand-daughter when she was going through a horse faze that faded. They weren't horse people and the horses were just going to waste in the pasture with no one to pay attention to them.

They sure won't have THAT problem anymore! What is the horse count at Mom's now you ask? 8! YEE-HAW!!

Book Talk: God's Answers to Life's Difficult Questions by Rick Warren

I finished this book last night. It is by the author of The Purpose Driven Life. I loved both of these books. To give you an idea here are the chapter titles:
1. How can I cope with stress?
2. How can I rebound from failure?
3. How can I defeat depression?
4. How can I live about average?
5. How can I have peace of mind?
6. How can I handle discouragement?
7. How can I overcome my problems?
8. How can I be confident in crisis?
9. How can I ever change?
10. How did I get myself into this mess?
11. How can I overcome loneliness?
12. Why is this happening to me?

No one's life is perfect. No matter how much some people try to pretend they are. We all have problems. There isn't a person alive (in my opinion) that at least one of these chapters can't help. It is a short book, an easy read, and a reminder of what is most important in life.

The best line from the chapter I read last night is what I will leave you with: Turning your life over to Jesus Christ does not mean that he will always take you out of the storm, but it does mean that he will give you the courage and strength to weather it.

Wordless Wednesday : Kisses