He Gives Me Grace

Nothing without Love

2012-02-01T13:02:00.003-06:00

If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy, but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don't love, I am nothing. 1 Corinthians 13: 1-2

Integrity

2012-01-31T21:14:00.001-06:00

He hides away sound and godly Wisdom and stores it for the righteous (those who are upright and in right standing with Him); He is a shield to those who walk uprightly and in integrity. Proverbs 2:7 (The Amplified Bible)

Isn't this an amazing promise? In Him I can have sound and godly wisdom. Who doesn't need some of that, right? God has many great and awesome promises for us. And He wants to happily give them to us. BUT, I do need to do something to receive them. I need to walk uprightly and in integrity. Can I earn my way to heaven? Absolutely not. In no way. Not ever. He gives me my salvation. And even though I can not, in my human state, live up to His standard of holiness, He calls me to walk uprightly and in integrity. That is what I am supposed to do to do my part in receiving His promises. I am not responsible for the integrity of others. I am responsible for the integrity or lack thereof in me. I need to do the next right thing. One right thing at a time. That is my job for as long as I live on this earth. Integrity.

Faith?

2012-01-30T14:52:00.001-06:00

There are a lot of sort of generic quotes and messages about faith. You just gotta have faith. Faith to believe that everything will turn out okay. Faith in the ones you love. It came to mind today, how fickle some faith is. I mean I can put my faith in humankind all I want, but we've all seen and heard about the many, many ways humankind has failed. I can put faith in the ones I love. And I do. I have faith in my husband that he will continue to be a loving, hard-working husband and father who provides for his family. I believe that he will be. But ultimately, he could fail. It is physically possible for him to not be those things. I have faith in my family. I know that I have parents and siblings and other extended family who are there to help if needed, who love me and care about me. I don't believe that will change, but it could. Due to any number of human actions that have real consequences. My husband loves me, but it doesn't mean we always see eye to eye. My family has always been there, but that doesn't mean they are to be taken for granted. There really is only One place that we can most assuredly put our faith and know, without doubt, that it is well-grounded. There is only One who will never fail us. We need to be putting our faith in the One who saves us. Sometimes we need saving from ourselves, our mistakes, the things we think are important and wise. We need to remember that He sees the big picture, the end of the story. Faith in God can move mountains, faith in the Lord is how we are justified and forgiven. Because we can't keep ourselves from sinning and being below God's perfect standard, we need faith. God gives us faith and faith leads to His grace. He is the power here, not us. He is the solid rock, not our own ideals. He is the foundation that is unshakable, not our thoughts about how the world should be. I said that faith can move mountains and I hear people say that. But it's not my faith that does the moving. It's Who I'm putting my faith in, not just the fact that I have faith. And not every kind of faith can move mountains. The gods of this world cannot. It's the Almighty Father that does the moving. He is the One and only One worth putting my faith in. It's not magic. He doesn't always work things out the way I think they should be and sometimes the journey is almost too much. The apostle Paul calls us to "fight the good fight of the faith" (1 Tim. 6:12). It can be a battle. But the battle belongs to the Lord if we are His children.

His divine power has given us everything we need

for life and godliness through our knowledge of him

who called us by his own glory and goodness.

Through these he has given us his very great and

precious promises, so that through them

you may participate in the divine nature

and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness;

and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control;

and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;

and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.

For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure,

they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your

knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them,

he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been

cleanses from his past sins.

2 Peter 1: 3-9

(emphasis mine)

We put our faith into many things each day. Let's make sure that we are ultimately putting our faith into the author and protector of our faith, a God who saves, leads, guides, protects, and loves us without fail.

This 'n That

2012-01-30T13:44:00.001-06:00

Today is Monday, the start of another week. My kids (and I) were super tired this morning. Jack even went so far as to say that he should stay home from school because he's so tired. So tired, he said, that he would probably end up getting in trouble because his tiredness will prevent him from being able to keep inside all the sassy comments he wants to make to his teacher. To say that he doesn't really care for her is an understatement these days. She's not mean or unfair. There's nothing that we, as parents, really have to be concerned about. He just doesn't like her. We've all had those teachers haven't we. I say it's just building some character in him. Right? Emma didn't want to go to school either and to be honest, I would have rather just stayed in bed myself. But that was not an option today. I got my walk in on the treadmill today. I had missed three days in a row. The biggest break since the first of the year. Not that it's been a long time in a walking routine, but I'm proud of myself for having made it even this much of a habit. Pete and I have decided that the kids and I will not be tagging along on the band and choir's trip to Boston. I know that Jack is really, really disappointed. But I am very much relieved. It's going to be a grueling trip which includes about 56 hours on a bus. The kids and I will try to do other fun things instead. Jack and I went to a youth event through our church this weekend. There was a rockin' praise band, good Bible study, hilarious skits, and a service project. We were pretty tired by the end but it was a good time. And Jack had fun which I'm so glad for. The upstairs carpeting project is done and most everything is painted. The only things left require an oil based primer. We're going to wait to do that until spring/summer when we can have windows open. The fumes are just too awful. I made playdough for my nieces today. Scented with peppermint. Yum! I have a volunteer meeting tomorrow because I'm going to start playing the piano for the long-term care facility residents every so often. The sun is shining warm today, melting the snow off roofs and driveways. Making the snow perfect for snowmen. A little bit of this and a little bit of that.

American Girl Love

2012-01-27T13:27:00.000-06:00

Emma used her Christmas money to buy a My American Girl Doll. It was delivered the other day and she was so excited!

Praying for our Schools and Students

2012-01-25T09:58:00.000-06:00

Today I was praying on the drive to pick up my nieces. I found myself praying hard for a local family that is going through a terrible, terrible tragedy. I started thinking about the group Moms in Touch. When I looked it up online, I found that they have changed their name to Moms in Prayer International. My school district does not have a registered MIPI group. It might be something I'm going to start praying about. Is this something I could start someday? I have no idea. I've certainly never been one to go out looking for groups to lead. But whether or not that is something I will do, I will leave to God and His timing, praying about it as I go. In the meantime I want to start more actively praying on my own for our students, teachers, administrators, parents, and schools. I want to start today by praying for our children's individual classroom teachers.

Father God,
I lift up to you today, Jack's teacher and Emma's teacher. I pray that you will give them endurance and stamina for the remainder of this school year. I pray that you will give them wisdom for each day. Give them needed insights about each of their students so that they can provide the right learning environment and atmosphere. Bring to light anything that needs to be addressed. Help them to be good role models to their students. Show them any behaviors that need to be addressed and how to address them. I pray that these teachers will insist on kindness and respect from their students, both toward the teachers and toward fellow classmates. Help them to hold their students accountable for their actions in a way that is effective and respectful. Keep them in good physical and mental health. Help them to competent and compassionate teachers who are focused on helping their students learn in a positive way. Keep frustrations from clouding their judgment or opinions. Give them the tools and resources they need to do their jobs well. Bring back any enthusiasm that has waned and may they be encouraged today that they are doing noble work.
I thank you, Lord, for these teachers and for all the work they do. Bless them and keep them, Lord.
In Your Name I pray,
Amen

Quote for Today

2012-01-24T19:49:00.002-06:00

Just because something is hard doesn't mean that we get out of doing it.~Joyce Meyer

Tuesday Daybook

2012-01-24T13:08:00.000-06:00

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...White snow, a partially shoveled driveway

I am thinking...that I shouldn't skip my walk today

I am thankful...for my husband and all the hard work he does

In the kitchen...Ravioli for supper tonight

I am wearing...jeans and a purple long-sleeved tee

I am going...to be moving furniture around this afternoon in preparation for some new carpet coming tomorrow

I am wondering...if my brother might be able to help us move it back after the carpet install

I am reading...nothing. I just returned a Francine Rivers book to the library. It was very good.

I am hoping...that my daughter will continue to love karate. She told me last night that she wants to be a black belt someday. I'd love to see that happen.

I am looking forward to...having all this carpet done. It's going to look fabulous

I am learning...that I need to be more comfortable with who I am, no matter who else is around

Around the house...it's pretty clean from my all-day-top-to-bottom cleaning I did this past weekend. The kids now have more responsibilities too, which is helping.

One of my favorite things...new sheets for the bed

A few plans for the rest of the week: today both kids have after school activities that I'll be picking them up from. Tomorrow after school is Kids Praise and Jack's confirmation and Thursday is karate. Jack and I have a youth gathering this weekend called (un)Paved. It should be really great and I'm hoping he will get a really positive experience in it.

A peek into my day...This morning is a preschool morning for me. I work as a teacher's aide with 3 and 4 year olds. Then I ran to the library, the post office, and the liquor store. I shoveled half (yes only half) of the driveway, swept it out, had lunch and sat down at the computer.

Jack getting his question at the Geography Bee last week

linking with Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook

Pride Before a Fall

2012-01-23T10:40:00.001-06:00

Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 16:18

New International Version

I've thought of this verse often. Maybe that means I've been prideful and the Lord is reminding me of what happens when I let myself get prideful. It's good reminder to lots of us. If we let ourselves get puffed up, we are setting ourselves up for a humbling event. An example in my life when I've let myself get super proud of my parenting, is that I would find myself dealing with a very elaborate public toddler temper tantrum. You know the kind that gets everyone in the store looking at you and thinking about how they would never let their child act that way. That, of course, is a rather small event of humility. Pride is what we feel and live in before something brings us back down a few notches. When we get a little too big for our britches, there's bound to be something that reminds us that we just not all that. We.....I...need to keep humble before the Lord, giving Him all glory and honor and reverence for all things. For if I humble myself before Him, then He will lift me up.

Winter Has Arrived

2012-01-22T22:22:00.000-06:00

Winter is here. There's some freezing rain coming down and a bit of snow expected. In the morning it will be very windy too. The kids (and my husband)....(and I)...are hoping for a snow day. But we're not holding our breath on that.

Geography Bee Winner

2012-01-19T15:16:00.000-06:00

Jack participated in a Geography Bee today and won!!! All those years of looking at the atlas and being our map guy has paid off. Congratulations, Jack!

This 'n That

2012-01-18T21:44:00.000-06:00

My husband just finished painting our bedroom. Our furniture is all askew and tonight he and I will be sleeping on couches for the third night. My son worked on his science project tonight. I hate science projects. This one isn't even difficult. Just a big pain in the butt. It is really cold outside and will be below zero tomorrow morning. Well, I guess we all knew it was going to come. It is Minnesota. Still not really any snow though. I'd been missing our old home and friends lately, and then a conversation came to light that sort of brought up some of those feelings we experienced during the whole job situation. It made me sort of glad to have moved on. Not from our friends though. I still miss them. It's just that sometimes the whole being new thing gets to me a little. Being new again. I would love to just fast forward a bit to the point of having a history here. I can't say that I've felt lonely though. That's the benefit of having moved closer to family. I certainly feel like I have some grounding here. I did not feel like that when we moved to Albert Lea. There I did feel loneliness. So we do have some grounding, but I still feel kind of floaty. Sort of like a helium balloon that's attached to the ground. I turned 38 last weekend. Yuck. Emma keeps coming home with various pieces of outer wear missing. Like one time she couldn't find her pink gloves. I bought new purple mittens. Then she found her pink gloves---in her backpack. Then she came home from school another time without her snowpants, boots, or any gloves at all. After I checked her locker at school, she was once again adequately dressed for winter. Currently we are missing one purple mitten. Allergy stuff has been both irritating me and freaking me out at the same time. I usually start feeling down about it when I'm in the process of renewing his epipens. This time instead of just feeling a little bit frustrated and bummed about the whole this-is-life-long-and-he'll-never-get-a-break-from-it allergy, I'm adding just a little bit of freaking out. Like, I gotta say, I'm a little concerned about the trip to Boston in March. And for some reason lately I've been totally projecting into the future and getting freaked out about college. And sending him off to a school. Worrying about cafeterias and eating out and him having to cook for himself. I mean he can't live on poptarts and microwaveable mashed potatoes. And I think part of it is that while he's a kid, I can take care of this for him. But when he grows up he's going to have to take care of it himself. And that just kind of sucks for him. He'll never get a break from it. When he's not with me, I won't have to read labels and ask questions. But he will. He always will. And I hate that for him. I know college is a long way away. (A measly 7 years) And I know there will be lots of growing up and learning experiences too. We'll get through it. But it still irritates me and freaks me out a little sometimes. I made chocolate chip cookies today and ate more of them than I should. That is why I don't make them very often. A little bit of this and a little bit of that.

Upcoming Trip

2012-01-17T13:01:00.001-06:00

In a little over a month, our family will be traveling to Boston. The kids and I are tagging along on the band trip. I gotta say that this whole trip has made my allergy worries spike a bit. Assuming that each person is allowed one suitcase, I plan to have the kids share one and use a whole suitcase just for food. It is my hope that the hotel room has a microwave (or maybe we can use one in the lounge) so I can bring along some microwaveable things. I'm trying to start making a list of foods to bring. I don't want a whole suitcase full of poptarts and candy. I'd like to have some things of substance too. Any suggestions of foods that can travel well? I'm willing to do some preparation in advance if there are things I can make.

Scary Bus Ride Home

2012-01-14T19:00:00.001-06:00

On Friday afternoon the phone rang. It was an automated message from the school saying that a bus had gone off the road, that everyone was okay, and that the students were being taken to the junior high building. I had a feeling that it was Jack's bus and when Emma came home alone I knew for sure that it was. The bus driver had a medical condition that caused him to drive off the rode. Jack said that his foot was stuck on the gas pedal. They drove into a field and nicked a telephone pole and kept going until the embankment stopped the bus. One kid called for help on the radio and several kids called 911. Jack of course is using this as a reason to continue asking for a phone. The kids then opened the back emergency exit and got out. Jack is pretty shaken up and has thinking about it lots. He's a bit nervous to get back on the bus actually. I don't blame him. It'll take a little while to not feel nervous. The driver is now okay as well. Once again, I have that feeling of being really thankful that my family is safe and sound. Thank you Lord!!!

First Band Concert

2012-01-14T13:47:00.000-06:00

Jack had his first band concert this past Thursday night. It was the highlight of my day and I love seeing him all dressed up! He was hot and uncomfortable in his dress clothes, but he looked so handsome. :) He did very well at the concert too. The first concert of many.

I Was Going to...

2012-01-11T22:09:00.001-06:00

I was going to take a picture of the new paint color that we just put in Emma's room. I tried to take one last night and figured it would turn out better in daylight. But I never did. I watched my nieces today so I went to pick them up. Then I did some ironing because my son has his first band concert tomorrow night. I had to buy him a belt but he wasn't with me when I did it. So I had to make my best guess. It is slightly too big so I tried to pound a nail through it to make another notch and I had some trouble so I put aside to let my husband do it. He told me that he ruined many belts when he was young by doing that very thing. Yet I had already started the process so he finished it for me. Plus, I mean, it was too big and Jack needs a belt for tomorrowso this one had to be it. Snack and lunch for the girls fit in there and laundry loads, a nap for the 2 year old. I made my February calendar and ironed out some details for tomorrow. I walked two miles on the treadmill. I've walked 10 out of the last 11 days. Yay!! I then went to try to find my daughter's missing piano book when I got sidetracked cleaning out the craft cupboard. The two year old woke up and the girls played while I sorted through papers. Then I drove them back to their mom, got gas and a paper, picked up Emma. Though while we were driving I had Jack call Pete to see if he would be interested in Pizza Ranch for supper since we had two coupons for free buffets. Back home again for homework for Emma and some hanging out before bed. Last but not least, Emma finished the day by throwing up. Nice huh? Every time she's gotten sick this year she's thrown up exactly once and no more. We'll see about this time. Did I mention I was going to take a picture of Emma's room? Well, I didn't and this is why. I did however go to the following links. And maybe in the next couple of days I'll get to taking that photo.

I signed an online petition advocating having epipens located in every school to provide life saving medication to anyone having an anaphylactic reaction.

Love Those Labels! from Food Allergy Buzz: see which company is labeling so well. My son loves these too.
Yummy!

Sunday Night This 'n That

2012-01-08T19:50:00.000-06:00

On Friday night my husband and I went out for a dinner. Another nice bonus of living close to Grandpa and Grandma. We enjoyed a margarita, yummy chicken parmesan, and shared a dessert in honor of my upcoming birthday. Then last night we were able to do the same babysitting favor for my sister and her husband so they could go to a movie. I love being able to reciprocate like that. Today we went to church. Honestly I must say it was the first actual Sunday I'd been to church in about a month. For various reasons. It was good to be back. The first coat of paint is on Emma's bedroom walls and a second coat it will need. Jack's got a book in his hands he can't put down right now. I love that. Today was the first day since the New Year that I did not walk on the treadmill. Emma had her first karate class this last Thursday and she loved it. She says that she never wants to quit. I'm so glad for her enthusiasm. Nevertheless, we will pay month to month in case there's a time when she's not so excited about it. Jack has his first band concert this coming Thursday night. He's almost completely outfitted for the event. Black pants, white button down shirt, tie, black dress shoes. I still need to get him a belt and an undershirt. I can't wait to see him all dressed up. A little bit of this and a little bit of that.

Touching Base with the School Nurse

2012-01-06T13:25:00.001-06:00

I just emailed our school district's head nurse and the health assistant at my son's school. I gotta say that the death of the little in Virginia is still sort of freaking me out. I have not talked to Jack about this fatality at all. He already struggles with anxiety and I really don't want to make him more fearful. So if you are a local friend, I ask that you not say anything to him about it. Anyway I emailed to touch base and kinda say, "Remember us? Don't forget that you have a student with a peanut allergy. Please remember to be careful. Review the plan. Make sure substitute teachers know about it." I also asked them both about letting Jack take his inhaler to school. We seem to have figured out that exercise and being out in the cold triggers some asthma symptoms for him. And for sure cats do it too, but thankfully there are no cats in school. The last thing I addressed with the district nurse is our plan for next year. My son will be in 7th grade next year. (Don't even get me started on how that is not even possible). He won't have one central classroom, but will be going from room to room. Not only that, he will go back and forth between two buildings all day long. My husband and I feel strongly that he needs to self carry next year. That is, he needs to be allowed to carry his epipens on his person at all times. We cannot have his epipens back in a nurse's office and have him eating lunch in a completely separate building. That will not work for us. Of course we can keep one in the office too and one in my husband's office. I really hope they will not work against us on this. This is something that I don't feel like we can back down on. Plus as he gets older, he will be taking on more responsibility for his allergy and he needs to know that he has access to what he needs at all times. And I plan on keeping him for a long, long time.

Another Peanut Allergy Death

2012-01-04T08:27:00.000-06:00

Chesterfield Student Dies

There has been another student who died from allergic reaction at school. It happened in Virginia. She was 7 years old and in first grade. It was the first day back to school after break. It is heartbreaking and I can't stop thinking about her. I realize that news reports and articles don't always have all the facts and that those facts can be skewed. It sounds like she had a food allergy action plan. It says to give Benedryl inc case of reaction. Epipens were apparently not at school because the school said they couldn't keep prescription medication at school. Okay, a personal aside....that just sounds ridiculous to me. No medications at school? I guess the only reason I could maybe understand that is if there is no nurse. Then at the end of the article it says that the school is requesting that all parents make sure that their child's allergies be noted on a list so the school can be aware. A lot of good it did this poor girl who had a food allergy action plan in place. It is just so sad because these things don't have to happen. I've written in the past that I don't personally think banning peanut products from school is effective in most cases. But maybe what should happen is for food to not be allowed in the classrooms at all and only in the cafeteria. I know there are so many who would be upset at not being able to have all those treats at party time or the passing out of those birthday cupcakes. But I really think times have changed. There are so many kids with allergies, and not just to peanut. Allergies did not used to be so rampant. Now they are. We need to make some adjustments. Allergy training needs to be part of back-to-school teacher workshops every fall regardless of whether or not there are known allergies in the school building. That training needs to include epipen training. People need to not just "be aware". They need to know how to be aware. What does being aware look like. I hope that this little girl's death will not be in vain. I hope that her family can find comfort in the Almighty Father. I hope that the teachers and staff at the school take this experience and learn from it and make some changes because of it.

Here's another bloggers post about this tragedy.
Allergy Moms Blog

Simple Woman's Daybook

2012-01-03T12:55:00.000-06:00

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...Cold, windy, blustery. A bit of snow on the ground, but not as much as my kids would like.

I am thinking...that I'm giving myself 20 more minutes on the computer and then I'm getting to work.

I am thankful...for a great Christmas break with my family.

In the kitchen...Broccoli and Garlice Penne with Chicken

I am wearing...jeans and a purple sweater

I am going...to pick up Jack from his after school math activity later today.

I am wondering...if Emma had a good recess time today

I am hoping...to start losing a few pounds now that we own a treadmill

Around the house...all the Christmas decorations are put away and I'm going to be putting out some snowman stuff soon. I like to go with blue and white in January.

One of my favorite things...the smell of my daughter's hair after a bath

A few plans for the rest of the week:church activities start up again for the kids. Emma starts karate on Thursday night and Jack has a trumpet lesson Friday.

A peek into my day...Today was back to school day for all four of us. Preschool was a bit challenging this morning as it's hard for those littles to jump back into things after a long break. A quick stop at the grocery store for milk and I'm home for the rest of the afternoon.

A photo to share from Christmas morning:

Linking up with The Simple Woman's Daybook.

This 'n That

2012-01-01T21:44:00.000-06:00

We were out of town for several days. I'm glad to be home. Our break from school has seemed really short. We have one day left. I'm nervous for how the first morning back will be for Emma. There's a girl in her class that she does not like. Getting up early has gone so much better than it used to for her, yet it can still be a bother. 3 out of the last 4 Mondays that we've had school she's either been sick or come home sick. And her sicknesses are a bit mysterious in a way. 2 of the Mondays involved her throwing up. Once. And then she was fine. Today was our final Christmas celebration. On my dad's side. I left a little bit early because Jack and I were on the hunt for black dress pants. We tried to find a pair yesterday but struck out. Kohl's saved the day. We needed to get him outfitted for his very first band concert coming up. White button down shirt, black shoes, black pants, and a tie. I need to check the information about the tie. Does it need to be black too or will any tie do? He's going to be so uncomfortable, but so handsome. It was really windy here today. And snowy at times. It definitely felt more like winter than it has. We got a treadmill. I walked for 30 minutes today. Pete walked for 40 this morning and walked some more tonight. We have every intention of using it faithfully, as I'm sure most people who buy treadmills at this time of year do. Tomorrow I will start taking down the Christmas decorations. I would have started already but I haven't had time. I love to organize and declutter at this time of year. I like the feeling of starting fresh. A little bit of this and a little bit of that.

Omaha Travels

2011-12-29T15:54:00.000-06:00

We've spent the last few days in Omaha visiting family. The first night we spent at a hotel and really enjoyed the pool and hot tub. We pretty much had the place to ourselves which was really nice. My kids and their cousins played in the pool while the grown-ups sat in the hot tub. We ordered pizza and just hung out together. There is so snow here either and the days have been warm. It does NOT feel like it's almost January. It's beautiful! Jack and Pete went out walking just a bit ago and took some pictures. We've been eating lots and doing lots of nothing. Being lazy and lovin' it. The benefit of being a teacher family is this nice break at Christmas. And since the weather has been so nice, the driving has been smooth sailing.

Christmas Thoughts

2011-12-25T06:00:00.001-06:00

This was like my second or third blog post ever. Since I've been thinking about this I'd thought I'd repost it for today. I hope that you all are having a very Merry Christmas, resting in the peace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I was listening to the "Christmastime" CD by Michael W. Smith last night and one song brought tears to my eyes. It's the song "Welcome to our World" written by Chris Rice. Look at the words to the following verse referring to the baby Jesus:

Fragile finger sent to heal us
Tender brow prepared for thorn
Tiny heart whose blood will save us
Unto us is born
Unto us is born

We don't like to think of the baby Jesus and the crucified Jesus at the same time. We don't want to mar the image of a perfect infant with the image of a bloody man hanging on a cross. Yet that baby would not have had a birth if it was not for the purpose of his death. The words of this verse remind us to take a moment not only to celebrate His birth, but also to remember the reason for it---His death. I feel that it makes this time of celebration even more important and special and intimate. In the baby Jesus is all the hope for the salvation of mankind. Think about the feelings of love and tenderness a new baby brings. Those are God's feelings for us. He reached out to us and offered salvation in the only way we could understand. I think it's important to remember the cross as well as the cradle during this Christmas season.

Christmas Cookies!

2011-12-24T13:58:00.000-06:00

This 'n That and Still Staying Home

2011-12-22T20:22:00.000-06:00

I have been off a day in my head all day. Today it feels like Friday. Probably because it was our last day of school today. I subbed yesterday and the day before and had a lot of fun. I connected well with the students and was able to handle things well I think. Yesterday was even class party day and I did fine. Yay me! Even though I've been busy in a good way, I'm definitely ready for some down time. Relaxing, vegging out. Tomorrow we're going to go out to eat and then look at Christmas lights. On a whim we decided to call and see if some friends of ours from Albert Lea could join us, but they'll be out of town already. I didn't realize until we had the idea to call them how much I would have liked to get together. Some time soon hopefully. I can't believe it's almost Christmas. There is no snow here in Minnesota. It will be a brown Christmas. Lots of people are talking about it and saying how they wish it was snowy for Christmas. Truthfully it's just fine with me if the snow stays away for a while. Especially for our travels to Omaha. There have been so many years that we've fought the weather. It would be really nice if the drive would be easy this time. I did all my final bits of Christmas shopping today. All the stocking stuffers are bought and everything is wrapped. This will be the first Christmas morning that Emma's going to be waking up in her own bed-ever. Isn't that crazy? We've always been at relatives' houses. At least now we're close enough to my family that we don't have to spend the night. So nice. I've been thinking a lot lately about how nice it was (and is) that I've been able to stay home with my kids. I loved not having to plan our days around a work schedule. Of being able to let my kids sleep when they needed to, of being able to lay low after a rough night. I liked that they were not just one of the crowd, but that they got my individual attention. And even though my kids are both in school full time, I still like being available to them. And being able to take care of my house and do the grocery shopping at a time other than the weekends. Some would call me privileged. I can agree with that. We have been fortunate enough to not have to rely on a second income to make ends meet. Though I have helped out over the years by teaching piano and playing piano for church. Later on I started substitute teaching and still really enjoy that. But it also was a choice to say that we would forego the extra income. It mostly meant that we lived farther away from the metro so we could afford a house on one paycheck. Some I suppose would say that I am unambitious. I've never been a career minded person. I think my heart has always desired to be at home. To be a homemaker. That is the role I've always wanted. I went to college to get a degree in elementary education. But truth be told I suppose, I also went to get my Mrs. degree. My education degree allows me to work now in a very flexible way. When my kids were little I had lots of friends who were stay at home moms. I felt in good company. I felt like that choice was supported by those around me. When we moved to Albert Lea I didn't have that. Most moms I knew worked. That's a fine choice too. But it wasn't my choice and I felt like people didn't really understand that. Nobody ever said anything, but I felt kinda guilty almost. Like I should have been out there working away, all day every day just because all those other moms do. Like my choice to continue being at home wasn't as valid as their choice to have jobs or careers. And now moving here, I'd have to say that I'm still feeling that. My kids are older so I'm not going to things like story time or playgroups where I'm meeting other stay at home moms. The moms of kids in my kids' age groups work. The women in my extended family work and love the work they do. I love that for them. I really do. My sister is a fabulous teacher and a fabulous mom. But I still feel like my heart is at home. I love subbing when I get the chance and look forward to getting scheduled a little more often. I love working as a preschool teacher's aide two mornings a week. I love being home on the other days of the week to clean and get laundry done and do errands. I wish sometimes that more people understood that. That this choice that I've made is still valid. And that other moms who stay home with their kids have made valid choices too. This isn't a question of certain moms being better than other moms. Not for me anyway. Just that my decision to still be primarily at home is the best one for me.