February is around the corner!

Wow, it is incredible to think that the 2nd month of 2013 begins tomorrow!  I have always been told that the "older you get, the more quickly time flies".  I was skeptical but now believe!!!

Andrew is completing his junior year of high school...quickly approaching is all things SENIOR.  He is looking at senior rings, raising his ACT score, visiting colleges, preparing football highlight reels to entice potential schools, ...  He is a terrific young man; growing stronger and more confident as the days continue.  I am so proud to be his mom!

Sarah is completing her second year at Louisiana Tech and continues to be my "independent gal".  I don't know why I am surprised; it is certainly an attribute I value in myself!  I am so proud that she has decided that a lower tolerance for seizures will not limit her enjoyment of God's creation (colorado).  She has experienced two episodes with a seizure after an extended time at high elevations.  She  once said "I will never snow ski again".  She has been taking medication and traveled to New Mexico with no problems for two summers.  Now, she is conquering her fear and returning to Colorado to ski during their quarter break (Feb 27-March 3).  I am so proud of her (and if honest, a little anxious since I wont be along to protect!) Prayers for her and her group are appreciated.

Steve and I had been preparing for life without kids in the house.  It now appears that God may have other plans for us.  We have been exploring the opportunity to adopt a great nephew of ours.  We have begun the approval process through the Louisiana Department of Social Services and the Louisiana Baptist Children's home.  It is a tedious process filled with so many details.  I am confident that this will all work out (one way or the other).  It promises to radically change our lives whatever the outcome.

No more time for ruminations this morning...work is calling to me!

sweet summer time!

It's Friday, it's friday!  What a wonderful thought!

incredible to realize that it is already summer again!  Sarah had a terrific first year at Tech and has acclimated back to being in Alexandria.  She has really enjoyed some downtime and now begun her summer job with the Broussards.  She loves those kids; Susan and David have been so good to Sis!!  Having her back is fun fun fun!  she is planning several "trips" to visit friends around the state though.  Although she has been home less than a month, I think she would return to Ruston tomorrow if possible.  She has made some great friends; I am so thankful for this!!!

My boy has changed so much this past year.  I think he has grown about 7-8 inches and is now officially TALLER than his dad.  He is working out like crazy for football and it shows!  He desparately wants to earn money as he is hopeful he will get Steve's jeep when he turns 16 in September.  I left him with my dad "Papa" this morning so he can build fence, dig holes, bale hay, etc for the next two days.  He definitely gets a workout while he is with Papa!! Also, Papa pays better than mowing lawns!

I cannot wrap my head around the notion he will be a junior in high school in August. On Sunday, Andrew and his hunky daddy leave for Centrifuge camp in Jackson, MS. Steve loves to go to camp; it invigorates him!!!  So next week it will be "just the girls" at our house.  Not sure what we will do but I am confident there is a pedicure in my immediate future.

I am so grateful for healthy children and loving marriage.  But dang it, this parenting gig is tough!! They have so many choices (any most of the options are NOT SWELL).  My prayer is that we are equipping them to make good choices.

 

sleep eludes me

the house is sleeping--I hear the multiple noises of the air conditioner, music from the back, the house settling for the night.  I simply cannot go to sleep so I got up to do something productive.  Can't seem to do that either so decided to record my thoughts.

Several of sis's friends have moved into dorm rooms this past weekend; so several of their parents have posted statuses, pics, etc on facebook and twitter to document.  I thought I was doing so well in preparing for her move to Ruston; perhaps I have been deluding myself.

tonight I attended the freshman convocation held at NSU for the incoming class.  This ceremony is full of pomp and circumstance to herald the beginning of their college career.  Dr. Webb, Chris Maggio and others eloquently spoke about the changes that awaited them and how they were pleased and honored they had selected NSU.  I was very moved by all this "hoopla".  It has slammed me into a funk I cannot seem to shake.  hunk of mine doesn't get it. 

i am thrilled for her new chapter but mourning the loss of mine.  isn't that bizarre?

Sissy is 18!

My sweet baby girl, born 18 years ago today, lies sleeping across the hotel room.  We are in a lovely room at the Pere Marquette in New Orleans to celebrate.  My heart is so full--with admiration for the young woman she has become; with heaviness as the summer races full throttle towards "M day" (moving day) to Ruston; with thankfulness for the deep abiding faith she has.

My prayer for today is to stay in the moment!   Don't get hung up in little details that irritate or detract---focus on my sweet little family who love you and love each other!

Call the WAAAAAAAmbulance!!!!

enough said this morning!  I know all the things I have to be thankful for and I cannot seem to break this incredible funk that surrounds and clouds my otherwise somewhat sunny disposition!  HELP!!

The gauntlet has begun!

A friend said recently "these last few weeks of school are a gauntlet to be completed".  I get this imagery of a long long narrow hall that must be conquered before reaching the end!   This morning, this is how I feel about Sis's graduation.  The actual ceremony is only 10 days away; however, there is SO much going on between now and the actual date.  In fact, the next three weeks are packed with awards ceremonies, choir concerts, parties, baccalaureate, family gatherings, graduation, Trojan Travels and finally Disney World!   How blessed we are--but I get a misty-eyed just thinkin about it.

I want to drink these memories in; sometimes, it is hard because we are moving quickly from one event to another.  This morning, the four of us went to eat breakfast at the Pitt Grill.  Such fun and laughter at the table; I want to treasure these moments with both kids!  We all looked a little grungy; no makeup, flip flops and t shirts but it is my family at its best.  We love each other and for the most part, like being together!  I love that!

Sis has such dreams and I want to be here to support her every step of the way! (not necessarily financially but....... ha)

Sunday's coming!

Wow, this Easter season has certainly been a time of reflection for me.  Our church did the Living Last Supper on Thursday evening.  I was initially skeptical; however, it has really given me much to think about  Jesus's last days before the crucifixition.

Today is a day of cooking and preparing for family tomorrow.  I love to bake and this gives me an excuse to make a yummy strawberry cheesecake and carrot cake muffins (thanks baked perfection for the recipe!)

I am so thankful for this time with family.  Sarah's graduation is so quickly approaching!