Back to School--getting organized

I really feel much more prepared this year. Most of my room is finished. I just have to some paperwork and last minute details.

So excited about my library this year. The books are arranged in reading levels in tubs. I just have to get the labels put on. This took all day, but I think it will be worth it! The books in the red crate are just "fun" books.

Each student will have a book box

My black and white to do box. I will not get behind this year!!!!!!

Getting organized

Excited to meet my new class! More pictures to come!

So proud!!

My mom and I spent this past weekend in Meredian, MS. My niece was in the Most Outstanding Young Woman Pageant. This pageant is different than most, focusing more on academics and physical fitness. Our Holly placed 3rd alternate out of 40 young ladies. We are so proud of her. We love you, Holly, and are so happy for you. You are an outstanding young woman to us all.

Holly and Daddy

My mom, Hogan(Holly's brother), and me

Adonay (Adonai)

When you pray to Adonay, you say you want to surrender every aspect of your life to him. This name says that He is our God, and we are his servants.

I pray that I would be a servant like Jesus!

Below, are some of the lyrics of one of my favorite songs by Avalon.

One single drop of green, your salty tear became blue ocean

One tiny grain of sand turning in your hand, the world in motion

You're out beyond the furthest morning star, yet

close enough to hold me in your arms;

Adonai, I lift up my heart and I cry

my Adonai!

You're the maker of each moment, Father of my hope and freedom. Oh my Adonai.

Yahweh (Lord)

I love this: Yahweh is the name that is most clearly linked to God's redeeming acts in the history of his people.

Key Scripture: "God said to Moses, I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites. I AM has sent me to you,"

This challenged me to offer thanks that he has healed me from bondage. It also challenged me to never forget what God has done for me.

Here's the biggie: To help me remember his saving acts in my life--He saved my life on April 27, 1999, allowed me to have 2 beautiful children, and for that I can never forget. To God be the glory!!

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run in to it and are safe." Proverbs 18:10

My first Couch to 5K run/walk with Sofee

I would like to say that this was a good experience, but it was NOT! First, I obviously don't walk or run near as fast as Jennifer or Cal. My ipod earplugs kept falling out and she wanted to stop at every little thing while walking. This caused problems staying up with the program. When I ran, she was better. Needless to say, my rhythm was extremely off! Then, while were nearing the end of my session, I accidentally let go of her leash, and she darted off. I had to chase her down the street! Trust me, I'm sure the neighbors got a huge laugh. I guess we both got our exercise, but it was not pretty. Much thought will go in to the decision to do this again with her. Just a reminder: I have never been a runner, especially with a dog. So don't make fun........:)

I may be smiling, but I am not very happy!!

Sofee's Homecoming

Our Cocker Spaniel puppy has been in Indiana training to be an inside dog for 2 months. Brian's sister, Jennifer, and her husband, Cal took on this endeavor. They have 3 other Cockers, and are very experienced in training them. This was the big day for her return! Brian drove to Bolling Green,KY (msp) to meet them with her. The truck was filled with all of her belongings; bag of toys, food, treats, dog wipes, meds, a day crate, and a night crate. We are glad to have her home, but not sure we will take care of her as well as they did. I can tell that they have worked hard with her, and for that we are very grateful. She is doing very well, and has had no accidents. Of course, we haven't even had her 24 hours yet!! :) We have her on a schedule and hope that she can continue to stay inside. When she starts having lots of accidents, she will be outside again. I can't handle that. I know that it will take patience to get her used to her new schedule, so I won't throw her out right away. :) Jen and Cal, we are so thankful for your help and you have made you niece and nephew very happy. Thanks again!

Daddy driving up with Sofee

Getting re-introduced to Zeke

Nathan and Mari Morgan giving her love--they were soooo excited!

Aren't I cute? Even though I am not crazy about the hair cut

Playing with her "welcome home" gift--a squeaky bone

WELCOME HOME SOFEE!!!!

Gluten-free update

During the summer is a very hard time to start a new diet like this. I have done the best I can do, considering vacations and trips to grandparents' houses. I have cooked gluten-free pizza and gluten free cookies, both that neither kids were crazy about. They now have more gluten free cereal, which is a help. My friend, Laura , is taking me to a whole foods store in Southaven which is supposed to be expanding and to Kroger to help me. She is also trying to do a gluten free diet. It will be a great ministry to me, especially since I can't drive. Hopefully, this will take a load off of Brian too. Thank you, Laura! During school, I'm planning for this to be much easier.

Day 3 and 4

I have decided that it would be best for my body to run week 1 for two weeks. So I have spent 4days so far on week one. Today I will be running day 5 of week 1. I wish I could say that it is getting easier, but I am really struggling! This is going to be really hard to stick to, but I am going to try! Cooler days would really be good right now!!

Day 2 Couch to 5K

Well, I did it! I dreaded it all day and made sure I got plenty of water into my system before I walked/ran. Brian was kind enough to do it with me, and he said he was proud of me. It seemed much harder tonight than the first time. It was extremely humid. So, on Monday I might try running in the morning, even though I am NOT a morning person. :( It is supposed to be 100 degrees. Until then...

The Start of a New Beginning...I Think

Ok, well, I previously posted one of my goals for the summer was to start exercising so that I can run the 5K with my family in December. We had a sleepover with the Lemond's last night, and she is training for a half marathon. She is doing the program, Couch to 5K, and has been trying to get me to do it with her group. I refused! She is on week 6, but offered to run day 1 with me today. I agreed to try it after MUCH persuasion. Ha! I had no clothes to run in, so I borrowed a sports bra, shorts, and tennis shoes from her. Eight and a half is my shoes size, and all she had for me to wear was a 7 1/2--needless to say, my toes cramped the whole way. I did it!!! I was exhausted, hurting, nauseated, and dizzy, but I did it!! Amanda has always pushed me to give a little more in many areas of my life, and has been a constant encouragement for me. Amanda, I am truly blessed by you!! So proud of myself, but not really looking forward to Saturday when I must do it again. I will try to keep you updated.

8 runs of 60 seconds, with 90 minute walks in between! Yikes! For some this a breeze, but something I felt was impossible for me. Keep in mind, I have never ran a day in my life! HUGE, HUGE, day!!

Stretching

Before

After..check out the doo! :) Forced a smile!

Continuing my study of the names of God

Yaweh-Yireh means "to see" translated as "provide". This chapter taught me lot about how provision and obedience and provision go hand in hand.

Key scripture: Abraham looked up and there in the thicket saw a ram caught by its horns . He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided. Genesis 22:13-14

I love this beautiful story, and I can't imagine what was going through his mind on that three day journey to Mt. Moriah.

* Praise God for the provision in your life

* Ask God to help you obey him without hesitation or compromise

*When we put something on the altar, sacrificing it to him, we acknowledge two things; that he is God and we are not.

*Without obedience we will never experience the provision God intends for us .

What is God asking me to do? Do I have the faith of Abraham?

My Big Day

I had a wonderful birthday. I slept in this morning until about 9:00. When I woke up, the kids were ready to give me my gifts. I love to see how excited they get when I open their present. A friend of mine, Claire Humphries called me this morning to see if I wanted to go eat lunch with her. I do not get to see her very often. She is such an encourager, and also a pastor's wife. I really enjoy her company. We had a great time and got to catch up on life. So thankful that she called . My family and friends are the best! Until next year...

My hubby bought me daisies, my favorite flower.

The gifts below were ordered by internet, and did not make it here today. Each family member had a picture of the gift inside their envelope.

Nathan gave me a teacher rolling bag, something I have been wanting and needing for a long time. My back will thank me!

MM gave me a new Bible--another thing I have been wanting for quite some time.

It is an ESV ice blue-- Can't wait until it comes in.

And last but not least my husband gave me....

MSU tickets to 3 football games. I was shocked and so excited. My cowbell is ready!

God has blessed me with a wonderful husband and two awesome kids. I thank God every day for them. Thanks you guys for the gifts, but most of all for your love!