It's that time of year!

The 7th/8th grade team...they won their first game last weekend. This year, because of the budget cuts, the two middle schools in our district had to combine teams. It works out well, in my opinion for many reasons. So..Jess is on a team with some of her elementary school friends and classmates. Their head coach, Tycie, was a v-ball player at the college level!!

She LOVES sports!!

Multitude Monday---counting my 1000 gift a week at a time

It is evening, on Monday. I've been thinking about my blessings all day and knowing I'd post before bed. Can I be honest with you? Sometimes I don't feel like being thankful. Sometimes I want to be selfish, ugly and self reliant. Quiet, guarded, walls built around me. Sometimes I don't want to share my heart or thoughts with anyone. I hope you can relate so I don't seem to you as ugly as I feel writing those things. And yes, today is one of those days.

61. In the midst of my selfish emotions, I'm glad for the feeling of my conscience telling me to change my attitude.

62. I'm thankful for the beautiful, foggy, fallish morning that reminded me that God unveils the mountains only when he chooses.

63. For recess duty on days like today when the sun soaks into the depths of my soul and warms me as I listen to children's games, giggles, arguing, swings creaking as a lone child soars...and I wonder what is on his mind.

64. I'm thankful for my students who make me laugh by their innocence. Like "vitamin DC" being the vitamin we get from milk.

65. For the memory of teenage feelings, emotions...the good, the bad, the bullet proof.

66. For quiet moments with coffee before my world wakes up.

67. For distant clouds and powerful lightning. We pray for rain, for nourishment and then fear the storms when they arrive to bring it. I pray for growth and understanding of God and then fear the storms that send me running to Him, seeking closeness that brings growth. When will I learn? He keeps trying to show me in so many ways.

68. For sadness and hurt. No, I don't wish for those things but, if life on Earth were always perfect, we wouldn't need heaven.

69. For hugs. Cyber hugs from my sister, prayer hugs from friends, hugs from my children, the safe arms of my husband. Hugs heal. Instigate them. Often.

70. For the lump in my throat as I type this. I don't know who reads my words on this blog. I am baring my naked soul, with all of its imperfections, to an unknown audience. Thank you for caring about me and my family. Thank you for reading because writing is a form of therapy even for the happiest of days. I love words, I love the pictures they paint. Today is muted colors with splashes of dark...not a living room masterpiece, but still a masterpiece of Life...never to be painted quiet like it again, ever.

Old friends

Cody and Cole were best buddies from kindergarten until Cole moved to "Missippi" a couple of years ago. Cole and his dad came back to hunt and Cole slept over. Let me rephrase that...spent the night. The boys stayed in the trailer and I think very little sleeping was done! We ALL miss the Hillmans. Kathy, Cole says you peek at our blog, so these are mostly for you! I miss you and wish you were much, much closer!

I used to say Cole was the only one Jess could go to prom with. I've changed my mind. He is pretty handsome, very mannerly and has a very cute little southern accent.

Multitude Monday--Community of Gratitude

In counting my 1000 gifts, I'm only getting started! I think of them all week! Because of this, this little endeavor has served me well. By the time Monday rolls around, they don't all get posted, but I remember to say "thank you" to the one who deserves to be told!

If you are wondering what this is about, see the button at the bottem of my page. This comes from a blog I follow.


51. I am so thankful for holiday weekends when I have my family all to ourselves!

52. ....for my fun kids! They are so much fun to be with.

53. ...for my husband who is so good at driving a huge truck with a long trailer and never, ever, ever gets stressed over it, but likes it!

54. For camping. There's something about sleeping in the same smallish space that is so good for the soul.

55. For the cool church experience we had Sunday. We walked into a neighborhood church, we just took a chance and randomly picked. We have come to enjoy this in places we visit.We learned it was two churches, merging into one. Blacks and whites...burning down the barriers and loving each other. Heaven won't have separations by races, I'm quite sure. So why do we here on earth? I love our God of rainbows!

56. For coming home and loving home.

57. For the ache in my heart of wanting to cling to family time. My kids are growing up so quickly and I know these wonderful times are limited. God, give me the grace to enjoy each moment.

58. For email. Hearing from Riley, across the world from us, brings so much comfort. Just a few sentences, but they mean so much from such a foreign land. My nephew, so familiar, in a foreign place. So scary. I'm reminded that God is in control, I should not fear.

59. I'm thankful that tomorrow matters. Not as much as today, but it matters. Tomorrow needs my prayers because only God knows what it holds. And I trust Him!

60. I'm thankful for growing pains in my kids. Yes, even the kind that hurt the very depths of my own heart. I know God is working and building trust in Him. Again, I am so thankful I know I can trust Him.

I little peak into the weekend

Us...

breakfast of champions!

teenage priorities!! Ugh.

Nice grill, huh?? One had blueberry, one had cherry snowcones. You guess which one.

Not as tall as he wishes he was!

Just a little shorty!

More kid funnies

At the campground this morning, Cody was in the shower. He heard two little boys in the next stall, whose grandma was waiting outside:

One little boy, "where's the soap?"
Other little boy, "You don't need soap. Are you hands clean?"
"Yes..."
"Just wash them over your body"

Cody was very entertained! I am pretty sure he once bought into that philosophy on soap!

Happy holiday weekend!

Today we met the cutest little 4 year old at the restaurant at lunchtime. His name was Patrick.

He had an overload of personality! Jess said "Hi" to him and he replied, "what is your name?" She replied with her name and asked his. He said, "How old are you?" She replied and asked his age. He replied, "Why are you with (big circles with his arm) all those guys?". Hmmm....Dad and brother.

Then, the man next to him was leaving and gave Patrick $1 to spend at the fair, where he was headed, apparently. The graciously said thank you and began to examine it. He said, "It's only one." Soo funny!!

On our way our, we waved and said goodbye. He said, "Bye! Thanks for meeting you."!

I love kids.