If there is one physical ailment I have trouble dealing with it is a headache. Seriously! I do not do well AT ALL with them. Joel often comments that headaches "are my weakness" and they are. I pretty much just don't function well when I have ANY level of a headache. I would rather have a stomach bug and be puking than a headache - I know, totally wrong but just the way it is!
Now, I am the first to admit that probably 90% of my headache phobia is a mental issue. For those who don't know, my older sister Sherri suffered from MAJOR migraine headaches - so bad that she would pass out from them. My parents had many tests done and no source could really be identified. Sherri passed away as a result of suffocating after passing out due to one of these headaches - she fell between a door and furniture. So, yes there is an element of fear and bad memories associated with headaches for me. Anyway, this whole week Joel has been out of town (he comes home TODAY!) at a conference. Like many wives, I don't sleep great when he is gone...just don't. Last night, I decided to try to go to bed at 10:00 and catch up on my lack of sleep. Ugh! One thing after another kept me awake. First it was the dog wanting out, then it was the heat in the house (AC is out, but getting fixed today!), then it was the wind causing house to creak...FINALLY I was able to rest and sleep. UNTIL...I woke up at 2:00a.m with a MAJOR headache! Not the kind that is just mildly annoying but the kind that was so bad I couldn't focus!!! I got up, took Aleve and tried to lay back down - it was POUNDING!!! It was incredibly intense - in fact, I can't ever remember crying because a headache hurt so bad - but cry I did! After about 45min of this raging headache, I had decided that if it didn't start getting better in the next 30 min I was driving myself to the ER! (I know, hmmm driving with headache so bad you can't focus not smart!).
This morning as I thought about all that happened last night two things stuck out to me. First, I DO want to make EVERY moment of my life count for Christ...the times with my kids at home, the time I am subbing with 44 pre-k students, the times I am at a ball game, or at church, or even in Wal-Mart! Every moment!!! Second - how often do we ask God for something, He grants it to us, and we just go on never bothering to say THANK YOU! You see, I tell God thanks for the BIG things but too often I forget to say thank you for the LITTLE things - you know, like telling Him thank you for relieving a headache in the middle of the night!
PS - just a side note to those who may be concerned: I do not get headaches on a regular basis, in fact they are very rare and definitely do not get the intense ones too often!
Friday, April 27, 2012
Saturday, April 14, 2012
You big BULLY...
As I have mentioned in my past two posts, Tyler is facing some big issues with bullying at the school here in Borger. It has been a rough road for all of us to travel. Obviously it has been hard for Tyler as he is the one being bullied but it has also been hard on Joel and I as we have watched him not only face this bullying but watched as a school over a period of 6 months has not stepped in to intervene.
Of course, my first instinct was that of a Mama Bear protecting her cub. I am not sure if you have ever seen how fierce and vicious a mother bear gets when she feels her cub is threatened or in danger but let's just say it isn't pretty! Neither was I - okay let's be honest, I am still struggling with containing my fleshly temper! Yet, I knew that this wasn't the reaction that would bring glory and honor to God.
Don't get me wrong, Joel and I are both FIRM believers that parents not only need to be but MUST be the strongest advocates for their children! When the bullying first began, it was actually not Tyler that reported it to me but a mother of one of the other kids in Tyler's class. Her daughter, had seen how Tyler was being treated and went home broken hearted about it. This mom was as angry for Tyler as I was and wanted strong action taken!
Joel and I have always been of the opinion to try and work with the school not against them. We have always tried to have an open line of communication, back the school or teacher when our children have done wrong, volunteer at the schools, etc. We still believe that is the right and Godly approach. So, it is the route we took initially - not one of "I'm out to get the school!" but rather one of "We want to come along side you and be a part of the solution."
Let me pause here to say that at about the same time the bullying was reported to us, we began to get notification that Tyler was in trouble for things at school that we hadn't seen or heard of him doing before. We would get an e-mail saying Tyler was playing around in the bathroom, or tripping kids in the hall, or pushing other kids. At first I was like okay Tyler you need to knock it off and behave. Yet, over time we began getting a different picture. Tyler would say that two certain boys would trip him and then say he tripped them or that they would block him from leaving the bathroom. I was still unsure as to whether or not Tyler was telling the truth or just trying to get out of trouble. Then,we started to hear from more parents and students about how THEY saw Tyler being treated...their stories matched with Tyler's accounts and it was heartbreaking.
So, we contacted the teachers, the principal, the special education teacher, etc. The response from one teacher was well I see all the boys including Tyler contribute. When we asked for a face to face meeting so we could all talk and discuss how we could help TYLER with his behavior we were told, "I will call you tomorro with an opening in my calendar." from the principal - that was OVER two months ago and we still haven't gotten that "call".
For a time, we thought we would just let the dust settle and then yet another incident was reported to us - this time by Tyler and we believed him. He was walking down the hall and said "What's up" to a boy. The boy replied "Nothing" then shoved Tyler against the wall (of course no teacher looking) Tyler went to step around the boy and again was pushed, Tyler then put his hand out in front of him to block the kid off and of course THAT is what the teacher saw and Tyler got in trouble. This was the "straw that broke the camel's back for us" - we decided that SOMeTHING had to change! Since we hadn't gotten a response from the principal nor had the teacher responded to our concerns, Joel began to research the school "bullying" policy. The policy states that "When a complaint of bullying is reported to ANY school employee an investigation will be opened." Well, obviously not!
At this point, we are in the process of filing a complaint with the Superintendant about the bullying, not sure what will come of it but we feel that it is the right method to go.
Although, yes in the truest way we are being an advocate for our son, a close friend also reminded me that being an advocate for your child doesn't mean you let them stay in the situation where they are threatened or harmed. This is what has encouraged our decision to move Tyler into a different school. The fact is that these same boys will be here next year and although they will all be at a different campus with a different principal we have no way of knowing if the bullying will stop - probably not. There have also been some educational concerns and we just feel that Tyler's education is not something we can risk right now. He is already behind and so he needs the BEST educational environment he can get.
I tell you this story not just because it is like the forefront of what we as parents have had to deal with almost daily (which it is) but because I believe that bullying is becoming more and more of an epidemic in our nation! Since walking this road with Tyler, we have become aware of so many more instances of bullying not only here in Borger (which there are a LOT) but in other cities and schools. It is literally out of control!Sadder still is the fact that the adults in authority are standing back and doing NOTHING! They are allowing this behavior to go unpunished and in so doing are actually ENCOURAGING these kids who are bullies to keep it up!
Now, I realize there are those in the Christian realm who would use this as a platform to push homeschooling. Let me state, that although that IS a viable option and if the Lord leads a family to take that path then YES do it. However, just like any other issue that we face as Christians in America we CANNOT just stand back and remove ourselves from the situation! We have to take a stand and say this is WRONG! I really struggled with this part - I have and still am considering homeschooling if it comes to that but I also want to take a stand and say ENOUGH! Every child has the right to a safe and secure educational environment - PERIOD.
This is why we are pursuing the complaint with the district and are even prepared to take it to the school board should the need arise. Yes, we are probably moving Tyler to another school that is better for him but that doesn't mean we are going to stand back and be complacent and not stand for righteousness. If you are reading this and the story rings true in your family or a family you know of, I encourage you to take a stand! If the bullying is at school - take it to the schools all the way up until there is no one else to listen. If it is happening at a sports practice, like some friends of ours here in Borger, take it to the coach, to the league, to parents, keep addressing it until there is no one left to take it to.
The problem lies not with the kids who are bullies but with those in authority over them - whether it is parents, teachers, coaches, etc. We by no means are mad at these boys - in fact Joel went to eat lunch with Tyler so he could meet the boys and try to "befriend" them. What we are mad about is that nothing has been done by those in authority.
Recently a movie entitled "Bully" was released - however only 5 theaters in America are showing it - FIVE!!! Google the movie trailer and it will break your heart to see what kids go through and what schools are telling them. Many,like Tyler have been told "Don't be a tattle tell" by teachers when they report bullying! REALLY?
As I close, I would ask for prayers for Joel and I. We will be having an AARD meeting (a meeting for kids with special needs to discuss their progress, concerns, etc. like an IEP in Colorado)on Monday afternoon per our request. It is our plan to address the bullying issue at the AARD meeting. Pray that we will come across clear and concise but in a way that honors the Lord. Please pray for me specifically to have a reign emotionally as I go back and forth between anger and tears on this issue.
Of course, my first instinct was that of a Mama Bear protecting her cub. I am not sure if you have ever seen how fierce and vicious a mother bear gets when she feels her cub is threatened or in danger but let's just say it isn't pretty! Neither was I - okay let's be honest, I am still struggling with containing my fleshly temper! Yet, I knew that this wasn't the reaction that would bring glory and honor to God.
Don't get me wrong, Joel and I are both FIRM believers that parents not only need to be but MUST be the strongest advocates for their children! When the bullying first began, it was actually not Tyler that reported it to me but a mother of one of the other kids in Tyler's class. Her daughter, had seen how Tyler was being treated and went home broken hearted about it. This mom was as angry for Tyler as I was and wanted strong action taken!
Joel and I have always been of the opinion to try and work with the school not against them. We have always tried to have an open line of communication, back the school or teacher when our children have done wrong, volunteer at the schools, etc. We still believe that is the right and Godly approach. So, it is the route we took initially - not one of "I'm out to get the school!" but rather one of "We want to come along side you and be a part of the solution."
Let me pause here to say that at about the same time the bullying was reported to us, we began to get notification that Tyler was in trouble for things at school that we hadn't seen or heard of him doing before. We would get an e-mail saying Tyler was playing around in the bathroom, or tripping kids in the hall, or pushing other kids. At first I was like okay Tyler you need to knock it off and behave. Yet, over time we began getting a different picture. Tyler would say that two certain boys would trip him and then say he tripped them or that they would block him from leaving the bathroom. I was still unsure as to whether or not Tyler was telling the truth or just trying to get out of trouble. Then,we started to hear from more parents and students about how THEY saw Tyler being treated...their stories matched with Tyler's accounts and it was heartbreaking.
So, we contacted the teachers, the principal, the special education teacher, etc. The response from one teacher was well I see all the boys including Tyler contribute. When we asked for a face to face meeting so we could all talk and discuss how we could help TYLER with his behavior we were told, "I will call you tomorro with an opening in my calendar." from the principal - that was OVER two months ago and we still haven't gotten that "call".
For a time, we thought we would just let the dust settle and then yet another incident was reported to us - this time by Tyler and we believed him. He was walking down the hall and said "What's up" to a boy. The boy replied "Nothing" then shoved Tyler against the wall (of course no teacher looking) Tyler went to step around the boy and again was pushed, Tyler then put his hand out in front of him to block the kid off and of course THAT is what the teacher saw and Tyler got in trouble. This was the "straw that broke the camel's back for us" - we decided that SOMeTHING had to change! Since we hadn't gotten a response from the principal nor had the teacher responded to our concerns, Joel began to research the school "bullying" policy. The policy states that "When a complaint of bullying is reported to ANY school employee an investigation will be opened." Well, obviously not!
At this point, we are in the process of filing a complaint with the Superintendant about the bullying, not sure what will come of it but we feel that it is the right method to go.
Although, yes in the truest way we are being an advocate for our son, a close friend also reminded me that being an advocate for your child doesn't mean you let them stay in the situation where they are threatened or harmed. This is what has encouraged our decision to move Tyler into a different school. The fact is that these same boys will be here next year and although they will all be at a different campus with a different principal we have no way of knowing if the bullying will stop - probably not. There have also been some educational concerns and we just feel that Tyler's education is not something we can risk right now. He is already behind and so he needs the BEST educational environment he can get.
I tell you this story not just because it is like the forefront of what we as parents have had to deal with almost daily (which it is) but because I believe that bullying is becoming more and more of an epidemic in our nation! Since walking this road with Tyler, we have become aware of so many more instances of bullying not only here in Borger (which there are a LOT) but in other cities and schools. It is literally out of control!Sadder still is the fact that the adults in authority are standing back and doing NOTHING! They are allowing this behavior to go unpunished and in so doing are actually ENCOURAGING these kids who are bullies to keep it up!
Now, I realize there are those in the Christian realm who would use this as a platform to push homeschooling. Let me state, that although that IS a viable option and if the Lord leads a family to take that path then YES do it. However, just like any other issue that we face as Christians in America we CANNOT just stand back and remove ourselves from the situation! We have to take a stand and say this is WRONG! I really struggled with this part - I have and still am considering homeschooling if it comes to that but I also want to take a stand and say ENOUGH! Every child has the right to a safe and secure educational environment - PERIOD.
This is why we are pursuing the complaint with the district and are even prepared to take it to the school board should the need arise. Yes, we are probably moving Tyler to another school that is better for him but that doesn't mean we are going to stand back and be complacent and not stand for righteousness. If you are reading this and the story rings true in your family or a family you know of, I encourage you to take a stand! If the bullying is at school - take it to the schools all the way up until there is no one else to listen. If it is happening at a sports practice, like some friends of ours here in Borger, take it to the coach, to the league, to parents, keep addressing it until there is no one left to take it to.
The problem lies not with the kids who are bullies but with those in authority over them - whether it is parents, teachers, coaches, etc. We by no means are mad at these boys - in fact Joel went to eat lunch with Tyler so he could meet the boys and try to "befriend" them. What we are mad about is that nothing has been done by those in authority.
Recently a movie entitled "Bully" was released - however only 5 theaters in America are showing it - FIVE!!! Google the movie trailer and it will break your heart to see what kids go through and what schools are telling them. Many,like Tyler have been told "Don't be a tattle tell" by teachers when they report bullying! REALLY?
As I close, I would ask for prayers for Joel and I. We will be having an AARD meeting (a meeting for kids with special needs to discuss their progress, concerns, etc. like an IEP in Colorado)on Monday afternoon per our request. It is our plan to address the bullying issue at the AARD meeting. Pray that we will come across clear and concise but in a way that honors the Lord. Please pray for me specifically to have a reign emotionally as I go back and forth between anger and tears on this issue.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Learning a whole new realm...
This past month I have been learning a whole new realm....of trust and flexibility in my plans. It has been a rough process, a stretching process, but so very worth it.
First of all...in regards to our children. Hannah continues to homeschool and although it is going "okay" it isn't ideal. Joel and I see her lacking in motivation and more importantly socially. We so long for her to have friends her age and to be able to be her fun loving self! However, we are VERY confident that we made the right decision in pulling her from the public school - recently there was a huge bully issue at the HS and she would have been in the middle I am afraid. So, that is a good thing but we don't feel that homeschool is the ultimate end for her. So, we are still looking and praying and trusting and adjusting....
Tyler's situation is just plain heart breaking and frusterating for this mom - there is simply no other way to say it. He is constantly being bullied and mistreated at school and as much as we and he have tried - it's not being acknowledged or dealt with. In addition, the Special Ed department is just SO different than what he had and what he needs. So, once again we are praying, searching and adjusting...at this point it is likely that we will move him to a neighboring school district that is MUCH smaller and we have heard many positive things about. We have always believed strongly that we are to be advocates for our kids and to work with the school for their best interest. As much as I in my flesh long to "battle this out" with the school I have come to the conclusion that this would not be the best situation for Tyler - he needs to be in a good environment NOW. My desire is second...so we are planning on finishing the year at this school and then moving him.
Second in regards to ministry. Recently the Pastor of Spiritual Development resigned from our church. In his absence, the staff have had to divide up his duties, which really isn't too much but still different. Joel is taking the part of overseeing Sunday School and Small Groups.
Along the lines of ministry but on a more personal note - several couples in our Sunday School class are moving. :( So sad, after just getting to know them - but of course we of all people know that when God calls you go....I am just curious as to what God has up his sleeve next....
It just seems like every time I think I have it all figured out...God has a change! Ha ha and to be honest, I am okay with that. I have enjoyed not having it all laid out for a change, it's rather freeing to be honest! One of my favorite verses is Jeremiah 29:11 - God knows the plan He has for me, I can relax and rest in Him!!!
First of all...in regards to our children. Hannah continues to homeschool and although it is going "okay" it isn't ideal. Joel and I see her lacking in motivation and more importantly socially. We so long for her to have friends her age and to be able to be her fun loving self! However, we are VERY confident that we made the right decision in pulling her from the public school - recently there was a huge bully issue at the HS and she would have been in the middle I am afraid. So, that is a good thing but we don't feel that homeschool is the ultimate end for her. So, we are still looking and praying and trusting and adjusting....
Tyler's situation is just plain heart breaking and frusterating for this mom - there is simply no other way to say it. He is constantly being bullied and mistreated at school and as much as we and he have tried - it's not being acknowledged or dealt with. In addition, the Special Ed department is just SO different than what he had and what he needs. So, once again we are praying, searching and adjusting...at this point it is likely that we will move him to a neighboring school district that is MUCH smaller and we have heard many positive things about. We have always believed strongly that we are to be advocates for our kids and to work with the school for their best interest. As much as I in my flesh long to "battle this out" with the school I have come to the conclusion that this would not be the best situation for Tyler - he needs to be in a good environment NOW. My desire is second...so we are planning on finishing the year at this school and then moving him.
Second in regards to ministry. Recently the Pastor of Spiritual Development resigned from our church. In his absence, the staff have had to divide up his duties, which really isn't too much but still different. Joel is taking the part of overseeing Sunday School and Small Groups.
Along the lines of ministry but on a more personal note - several couples in our Sunday School class are moving. :( So sad, after just getting to know them - but of course we of all people know that when God calls you go....I am just curious as to what God has up his sleeve next....
It just seems like every time I think I have it all figured out...God has a change! Ha ha and to be honest, I am okay with that. I have enjoyed not having it all laid out for a change, it's rather freeing to be honest! One of my favorite verses is Jeremiah 29:11 - God knows the plan He has for me, I can relax and rest in Him!!!
Monday, March 19, 2012
Changes, Adjustments, and Update...
There really SO much whirling around in my mind right now, it's kind of hard to know where to start or which direction to take...thus the name of this post.
On the home front - Hannah and Malachi had a GREAT mission trip. They did wonderful the whole time and yes Mom made it too! Ha ha! Here are a few highlights - as is usually the case with teens, we have gotten bits and pieces as they are just randomly talking, so I am sure we will have more later. However as a team, they knocked on over 2,000 doors sharing the Gospel multiple times with over 40 coming to know Christ throughout the week. Hannah was able to lead 2 to the Lord - her first time to do this! Malachi says that his favorite part was just getting to know the people there, those from other churches and even those from our church better...he's Mr Talkative so I am sure it wasn't a problem! Ha ha.
School - Hannah is still homeschooling although we are looking at options for the Fall with either an official "on-line" school or a neighboring school district. Tyler is also struggling in some areas at school and we are very concerned about what direction to take for him this next year. Right now, the most probable choice will be to transfer him to Stinett which is about 10 miles away. I will be honest and say that as a Mom - this has been the biggest and hardest challenge of our move to Borger - the school system. Thankfully Kestra and Malachi are doing very well and so we don't have to worry too much about them - leaving just Hannah and Tyler to decide which direction to take. However, we know that God called us here, He knew the school was the way it is and He has a plan - we are trusting God to lead us in the right path!
Joel - has transferred from Liberty University to Wayland Baptist University and continues to take classes on-line. He is very excited about the thought of graduating from the school where he started. At this point, we are looking at a May 2013 graduation but aren't positive about that yet.
Another big change for Joel has been the resignation of his "boss" here at First Borger. Dennis and Toni Garcia left today to move to Moriarty NM and take a position as Pastor there. This is a good thing for their family and really for our church here as well - however, it is hard for us as Dennis was primarily responsible for getting Joel on staff here. With Dennis gone, Joel will now assume the education, small group duties on an interim basis. Although not a significant increase in duties, it is more on an already full plate. Please be in prayer for Joel as he tries to manage time between ministries, school, and home.
Ronnie - As has been the case for me since moving to Borger, I am having to continue to be flexible as to where God would have me. At the end of December, our youth pastor's wife who is a pre-K teacher talked to me about the possibility of subbing for her aide who would be out on maternity leave. The original time frame was to be 6to 8 weeks - then due to pregnancy complications it was going to be 10 weeks. However, now she has had further health complications and will most likely not be back for the rest of the school year. I am not 100% sure but it is looking like I will be subbing for the remainder of the year - another 10 weeks. Although I am thankful for the income, at this point I feel that I need to stay for consistency for the kids and as a support for the teacher - it is also a stretch for me. When I chose to sub and not take a full time position as an aide at the beginning of school it was because I wanted to only work 3 or 4 days a week and to be open to help Joel with ministry as well as pursue the possibility of a job within the realm of my degree. Subbing full time has limited time with ministry, left a lot of Hannah's homeschooling up to Joel and has stretched me in many ways. My choice would be that if I am working 40 hours a week it would be something in the business field and would be helping contribute significantly to our finances - however, this is not the direction God has led me...so I am learning to be flexible! On a positive note - I do love the kids and have really gotten to know all 44 of them! YES - 22 in the morning and 22 in the afternoon.
As overwhelming as all this is, God is constant. He is faithful. He is true. He is God. I am currently doing a study on the names of God and although I just started - Yaweh has stuck out to me - I AM - In the midst of my chaos He says, "I AM". In the midst of my frustration He says "I AM". In the middle of my confusion He whispers, "I AM".
I am not sure what lies ahead - lately things have literally been changing day by day but I know THE ONE who holds my hand and I can trust Him!
On the home front - Hannah and Malachi had a GREAT mission trip. They did wonderful the whole time and yes Mom made it too! Ha ha! Here are a few highlights - as is usually the case with teens, we have gotten bits and pieces as they are just randomly talking, so I am sure we will have more later. However as a team, they knocked on over 2,000 doors sharing the Gospel multiple times with over 40 coming to know Christ throughout the week. Hannah was able to lead 2 to the Lord - her first time to do this! Malachi says that his favorite part was just getting to know the people there, those from other churches and even those from our church better...he's Mr Talkative so I am sure it wasn't a problem! Ha ha.
School - Hannah is still homeschooling although we are looking at options for the Fall with either an official "on-line" school or a neighboring school district. Tyler is also struggling in some areas at school and we are very concerned about what direction to take for him this next year. Right now, the most probable choice will be to transfer him to Stinett which is about 10 miles away. I will be honest and say that as a Mom - this has been the biggest and hardest challenge of our move to Borger - the school system. Thankfully Kestra and Malachi are doing very well and so we don't have to worry too much about them - leaving just Hannah and Tyler to decide which direction to take. However, we know that God called us here, He knew the school was the way it is and He has a plan - we are trusting God to lead us in the right path!
Joel - has transferred from Liberty University to Wayland Baptist University and continues to take classes on-line. He is very excited about the thought of graduating from the school where he started. At this point, we are looking at a May 2013 graduation but aren't positive about that yet.
Another big change for Joel has been the resignation of his "boss" here at First Borger. Dennis and Toni Garcia left today to move to Moriarty NM and take a position as Pastor there. This is a good thing for their family and really for our church here as well - however, it is hard for us as Dennis was primarily responsible for getting Joel on staff here. With Dennis gone, Joel will now assume the education, small group duties on an interim basis. Although not a significant increase in duties, it is more on an already full plate. Please be in prayer for Joel as he tries to manage time between ministries, school, and home.
Ronnie - As has been the case for me since moving to Borger, I am having to continue to be flexible as to where God would have me. At the end of December, our youth pastor's wife who is a pre-K teacher talked to me about the possibility of subbing for her aide who would be out on maternity leave. The original time frame was to be 6to 8 weeks - then due to pregnancy complications it was going to be 10 weeks. However, now she has had further health complications and will most likely not be back for the rest of the school year. I am not 100% sure but it is looking like I will be subbing for the remainder of the year - another 10 weeks. Although I am thankful for the income, at this point I feel that I need to stay for consistency for the kids and as a support for the teacher - it is also a stretch for me. When I chose to sub and not take a full time position as an aide at the beginning of school it was because I wanted to only work 3 or 4 days a week and to be open to help Joel with ministry as well as pursue the possibility of a job within the realm of my degree. Subbing full time has limited time with ministry, left a lot of Hannah's homeschooling up to Joel and has stretched me in many ways. My choice would be that if I am working 40 hours a week it would be something in the business field and would be helping contribute significantly to our finances - however, this is not the direction God has led me...so I am learning to be flexible! On a positive note - I do love the kids and have really gotten to know all 44 of them! YES - 22 in the morning and 22 in the afternoon.
As overwhelming as all this is, God is constant. He is faithful. He is true. He is God. I am currently doing a study on the names of God and although I just started - Yaweh has stuck out to me - I AM - In the midst of my chaos He says, "I AM". In the midst of my frustration He says "I AM". In the middle of my confusion He whispers, "I AM".
I am not sure what lies ahead - lately things have literally been changing day by day but I know THE ONE who holds my hand and I can trust Him!
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Some fun differences....
So, the past few weeks we have been noting some funny and yet interesting differences between people from Texas and those from Colorado...thought I would post a few for giggles! Seriously - no getting offended or anything cause we love those in Texas and Colorado!!!
Texas: You NEVER go to the store in your PJs or work out clothes
Colorado: Pajama bottoms are more the norm when dropping kids off at school, grocery shopping, etc...or work out clothes!
Texas: Rarely does a woman leave the house without make-up...
Colorado: If a lady has make-up on you ask "What's the special occassion?"
Texas: Nice Jeans/Slacks are worn by men on Sundays
Colorado: Jeans are the norm; except in hunting season where Camo or Blaze orange rules!
(This one has had us giggling ALL DAY)
Texas: If one's water is turned off for more than 2 hours; they will receive MULTIPLE offers to come over for showers!
Colorado: If one's water is turned off people just figure it's no different than camping or hunting season - no bigs!
(Thanks to my friend Tina Hendrickson for this one)
Texas: If a child has to use the potty at the park and restrooms are closed - mom drives frantically to a restroom.
Colorado: If a child has to poop/pee at the park and said restrooms are locked - they use a tree and it's all good; Call of the Wild baby!!!
Texas: Beef - It's what's for dinner!
Colorado: ELK - it's all we know!
Texas: When going skiing, bundle up from head to toe, wear ski clothes while driving to ski area, and then after a few runs - sit in the lodge and enjoy the scenery!
Colorado: When going skiing, throw on a t-shirt and shorts grab your gear and ski from open to close with only a few breaks!
Texas: You're Republican and have no problems cracking Democratic jokes!
Colorado: In order to avoid conflict - DON'T discuss politics!
Texas: Shorts and flip flops are worn from March to October and only in warm weather.
Colorado: Shorts and flip flops are acceptable attire year round...emphasis on the FLIP FLOPS!
Hope you enjoyed! Again, no other purpose than to give you a laugh! Hee heee!
Texas: You NEVER go to the store in your PJs or work out clothes
Colorado: Pajama bottoms are more the norm when dropping kids off at school, grocery shopping, etc...or work out clothes!
Texas: Rarely does a woman leave the house without make-up...
Colorado: If a lady has make-up on you ask "What's the special occassion?"
Texas: Nice Jeans/Slacks are worn by men on Sundays
Colorado: Jeans are the norm; except in hunting season where Camo or Blaze orange rules!
(This one has had us giggling ALL DAY)
Texas: If one's water is turned off for more than 2 hours; they will receive MULTIPLE offers to come over for showers!
Colorado: If one's water is turned off people just figure it's no different than camping or hunting season - no bigs!
(Thanks to my friend Tina Hendrickson for this one)
Texas: If a child has to use the potty at the park and restrooms are closed - mom drives frantically to a restroom.
Colorado: If a child has to poop/pee at the park and said restrooms are locked - they use a tree and it's all good; Call of the Wild baby!!!
Texas: Beef - It's what's for dinner!
Colorado: ELK - it's all we know!
Texas: When going skiing, bundle up from head to toe, wear ski clothes while driving to ski area, and then after a few runs - sit in the lodge and enjoy the scenery!
Colorado: When going skiing, throw on a t-shirt and shorts grab your gear and ski from open to close with only a few breaks!
Texas: You're Republican and have no problems cracking Democratic jokes!
Colorado: In order to avoid conflict - DON'T discuss politics!
Texas: Shorts and flip flops are worn from March to October and only in warm weather.
Colorado: Shorts and flip flops are acceptable attire year round...emphasis on the FLIP FLOPS!
Hope you enjoyed! Again, no other purpose than to give you a laugh! Hee heee!
Saturday, March 10, 2012
My Children...His Missionaries
So very proud of my two oldest...they left on their mission trip to Laredo, Texas this morning. Laredo is right on the US/Mexico border and resembles more of Mexico than the US. The kids both prayed individually about whether or not they should go on the trip. Joel and I made sure they knew that we were totally okay with whatever they decided...as it turned out, they both felt that God was calling them to go!
It was with mixed emotions that I watched them load the church bus this morning to go...you see, for the first time my kids were going on a church sponsored trip that neither Joel or I were going on. It never crossed my mind how hard it would be...it was TOUGH! I have never considered myself the "over-protective" parent type - I mean we did send Hannah all the way to Washington DC last May without us! This was different though - we have ALWAYS been with them for church camps or missions trips.
However, the time had come for Joel and I to step back. Neither one of us felt that God was really calling us to go this time around. I don't worry at all about their safety - they are in GREAT hands and have the best leadership ever. I know they will work hard and do exactly what they are sent to do. It's the mom side of me that is struggling...will they remember sunscreen, will they lose things, are they drinking enough water, etc. Yet - in my heart of hearts I know it will all be GREAT!
As I thought about this, I was reminded of how that no matter where they, or I, go we have a Father with us - we are never venturing out alone! God is there, He is walking with us. If I can't trust my Father with my children - then I have learned nothing about trust. With that in mind - I am able to rest. In the grand scheme of things - lack of sunscreen and losing things really doesn't matter...they will be stretched and molded into exactly what God has for them and I am confident they will show the love of Jesus everywhere they go!!
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Overwhelmed with blessings....
The past month or so we have literally been overwhelmed with so many major blessings! It is so hard to wrap my mind around it all. This morning in church, I was overcome with the greatness of all my Lord has blessed me with...I deserve nothing and yet, in His infinite mercy and grace God has blessed our family beyond measure!
In the midst of life - it's easy to complain, it's easy to focus on the have nots, the what ifs, etc. but we forget to take time and look at what is going GOOD, what we do have, what God has DONE for us!!! Of course, there is salvation and YES we need to be thankful and humbled for that but we also need to take the time and be thankful for the everyday blessings that our Savior has bestowed upon us!
Here are just a few that we have seen:
* A growing ministry
* Families growing closer to each other and in their faith
* Salvation of one of the youth at our church
* 100% financial provison for our two oldest going on a mission trip in a week!
* Blessing of the money to take our family on a true vacation for the first time in MANY years!
* Extra money through subbing to pay for all our kids camps this summer
* EXCELLENT HEALTH
* The ability to homeschool Hannah when she really needed an alternate form of education.
* A car that has run with no mechanical problems for a year!
* Joel being able to transfer to Wayland Baptist University for the last year of his education!
* A wonderful church family!
* The blessing of so many friends around the world!
Today - I am filled with "An Attitude of Gratitude"
Thank you Lord for blessing me above and beyond what I ever expected!!!
In the midst of life - it's easy to complain, it's easy to focus on the have nots, the what ifs, etc. but we forget to take time and look at what is going GOOD, what we do have, what God has DONE for us!!! Of course, there is salvation and YES we need to be thankful and humbled for that but we also need to take the time and be thankful for the everyday blessings that our Savior has bestowed upon us!
Here are just a few that we have seen:
* A growing ministry
* Families growing closer to each other and in their faith
* Salvation of one of the youth at our church
* 100% financial provison for our two oldest going on a mission trip in a week!
* Blessing of the money to take our family on a true vacation for the first time in MANY years!
* Extra money through subbing to pay for all our kids camps this summer
* EXCELLENT HEALTH
* The ability to homeschool Hannah when she really needed an alternate form of education.
* A car that has run with no mechanical problems for a year!
* Joel being able to transfer to Wayland Baptist University for the last year of his education!
* A wonderful church family!
* The blessing of so many friends around the world!
Today - I am filled with "An Attitude of Gratitude"
Thank you Lord for blessing me above and beyond what I ever expected!!!
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