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!

Wow-I needed to read this!

I just read the most honest look at hospitality--between Hospital and Hostel!
http://www.incourage.me/2011/03/on-frozen-turkey-and-hospitality.html

Who wants to come over tonight?

home alone!

It is Saturday afternoon and i am alone again.  The kids are involved with activities and Steve is at the church.  I have been cleaning out cabinets--wow, we have a lot of junk!--and am simply overcome with emotion at this moment.

Not sure if it is a result of cleaning products (ha ha) or that I am realizing I need to find some other outlets for my time.  Sarah has decided on a school and is speeding towards graduation!  She will be leaving home in a couple of months and she is ready! Andrew loves his momma but doesn't want me around all the time (I guess it would be weird if he did).  What do I want to do with my new found time?

Although I have had issues with balancing work, family and relaxation in the past, I do NOT want work to simply become more important in my life!  Maybe this is my opportunity to grow a real garden or finally learn to sew or perhaps baking (if I choose this outlet, I must find places to give the baked goods).

Steve and I are so blessed-I love my life!

the house sleeps!

How is it that the house can go from a rambuctious, loud cacophony of noises to absolute quiet in a matter of minutes?  I can only hear the clicking of the keys and the ceiling fan whirling while just a few moments earlier I could hear the TV in the next room, Sarah's music drifting down the hall, the puppy barking ,etc......

Wish sleep would not elude me!  I am so sleepy at 5:30 p.m. and wide awake at 10:30~  I know that exercise would help me but I seem to always put it off until TOMORROW.  I sound like Scarlett O Hara.

today--I choose!

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." -Romans 15:13


In the quiet of the morning, I choose to trust Him!  How is it that my emotions swing so wildly from thankful to pouty after yesterday's wonderful Sunday service?  So quickly my emotions swivel from thankfulness to pettiness.  My frustrations with unmet expectations or family members who let you down!  I simply take my eye off of Him!  So once again, this morning,  I cling to this verse in Romans.  My God of hope will fill me with all joy and peace AS I TRUST IN HIM.  I can't forget the last part :)


I hear the puppy whining down the hall; he wants to get into the boy's room to wreck havoc and wake the 14 yr old giant. I must sign off!

killer scrabble game!

My 14 year old just beat me in scrabble!  It was close (234 to 231) but he beat me fair and square!  I am not sure who was prouder...me or him!  I actually challenged him on a couple of words (punic & ceil) and he was right!!

I love it that he likes spending time with me.  Some of our best conversations occur when we are playing games or laughing over chips and salsa!  He and the hubs spend lots of time together with baseball, football and duck hunting but he still loves his momma!!!

Click! Click! click!  (making memories!)

so melancholy this evening!

My sweet hubby and precious daughter are away looking at a faraway college in central Arkansas.  The thought of her leaving for college is difficult but the thought of her being more than a couple of hours away can bring me to tears instantly!  You know, this is the big dance...what we have been raising her to do... but it is so hard to let go!

I am so stinking proud of her fierce independence, her ability to cook (and clean the kitchen), as well as her deep love for Jesus.  She has a wonderful voice and regularly sings in a praise band.  This has really stretched her (ya know, singing IN FRONT of people) but she has risen to the challenge.

Steve and I have terrific kids--we have been unbelievably blessed!  Just thinking about all sorts of things...a pink little tikes jeep that sis used to pick up pears in the backyard with her best bud Haley; multiple halloween celebrations with a wagon to pull the kids and their loot; trips to the beach and ballgames; dance recitals; road trip to see Buble!!!...the list goes on and on!  For my friends with younger children, love on them EVERY day!