NORMALCY!!

If someone said to me that living a normal life was as simple as water and electricity, I would have laughed. However, after 14 days without power, I was so happy for a normal day!! One with power!! Eating out gets old! Running a loud generator got even older. ...and the mosquitos are large and plentiful!
After power came, I found ( like everyone else in Kingwood) I had the need to cook in my kitchen, bake in my oven, and vacuum my house! Thus, a clean home, with home cooked food. I have to tell you that when the tree trucks (by the dozens) and the Center Point Energy trucks arrived in Kingwood, there were cheers and clapping as they went by. The men in the trucks were waving, like our saviors!! Thank you God, and the electric company.

This morning in church, they discussed a program called 28 minutes for 40 days. 28 minutes a day in reading the New Testament for 40 days, and you should be finished. Mark and I are going to try it.. I started this afternoon with Matthew and the "begats..." Keep posted.

I miss education!

I am enjoying my freedom, and being able to run around and do something..or do nothing! However, I will always miss education. I just see a young child, and want to talk with them. The conversation is usually, "What grade are you in, What is your favorite subject..." Of course, their parents have told them not to talk to strangers, so, that only workd so well. I think about volunteering at school. I know they would love it, but I also know that once I go through the doors, I will NOT leave.
I heard Jamie Curtis this morning talking about always thinking about the next thing she might be or do. I like that. I read once that some people always want to be or do one more thing. I know I am not finished with my career yet. And...I still am doing nothing about that. Consulting is great, and I thoroughly enjoy it. (However, speaking to the Houston GT Coop group of 600-700 may not be on a future list again!!) I am doing a Science workshop in December. I told Lauren she can come...I think that's nice, knowing Lauren is going to be an even better teacher than me! I do love researching for her!!
Lauren and Pip were just here. I just LOVE that!!! Problem seems to be when our kids come home, we're NEVER ready for them to leave. Lauren is SO excited about her ring. She has to constantly fill us in on why that's important, and such a big deal, since we're not aggies. So, that will be fun next week. I can't believe she is a senior!
Jess calls on her way home from work. I think after a long day, she might be too tired to talk, but that is our gift, that time on her way home. Roy's birthday is this weekend, so she is a bit giddy.
Speaking of giddy, I'm sure no one has noticed how g - i- d - d- y Lauren is that Justin will be closer to her now!!!! I know Justin was bummed that the house deal didn't work out. We just have to keep telling them that God's timing is always right, and just trust.
Well, I just received a book from ASCD online, so, I'm going to read!!!

Don't Blink

...I wrote this blog, and then apparently I blinked ...because it has disappeared!!!!!

excellence vs perfection

I have to be careful not to confuse excellence with perfection. Excellence, I can reach for; perfection is God's business.

We say we'll talk the talk and walk the walk, but sometimes we forget to be a good Christian, talking and walking is in the daily living we do. May we strive for excellence for him, daily.

Excellence in Lauren's photography-above!

Happiness

Happiness is watching Mark "dance."

Midnight Hour

I love writing in the middle of the night. The house is quiet (except for Mark snoring-loudly), and there is something very restful about the way our heavenly Father takes care of our days.

I talked to my sister today. She is wonderful, but not very healthy right now. She will have a second surgery next week. Hard times have brought her closer in her walk, though. I talked to mom, too. She's starting to forget things. That's scary.

I've been reading "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn." It is the time in my time, I suppose, but the author describes her mother's childhood. It has made me want to question my mom more about her life with her siblings, about her favorite childhood treat, the depression...and so many other things. I wish I had asked years ago. Why do we have to be older for our parents past to be so treasured?

Mark, girls, I love you!

SUMMER!!!!!

For 19 years, as a teacher, I was always so excited for summer vacation. It was a time to regroup, rest, and play. Now that I am not working, you'd think I'd not see this time of year as any different than any other. NOT SO!! I still absolutely love summer!

I love the kids on bikes all over the place, the noisiness of the neighborhood pools, and the vacations of our family. I went to Virginia last month, but will get to enjoy the company of Jess and Lauren when we return next month. We all love the easy, laid back life there with all our extended family. Mark and I will go on vacation later, when he's not so busy. San Destin Hilton sounds great. We'll probably do a few days at the Hill Country Hyatt for a short r and r.

I had Lauren home for a few days, with Pip. I always love that. I always love when Jess and Roy come too.(hint, hint)

As a mom, I'll end by saying that there is no greater joy in life than leading, loving and praying for your children, no matter what their age. I loved the thought of having kids, being pregnant, and raising them. There are truly blessings from God. Mark and I have loved watching our girls grow up and become strong women of God. And I am the mom who says always, hurt me...but do not mess with my children! Once, I even argued with a district policeman who I felt wronged one of my girls. I believe and have taught my girls to "know what to fall on the sword for"...there are some things in life that there can be no compromise on. Thank you, God, that you are that one thing.
Now that I have begun blogging, I'm liking it!!!!!!

Do I have too much time on my hands??

Lauren set this site up for me...and keeps asking if I have begun writing...I keep saying no.

So, this is my first attempt at sharing my personal life...stuff people probably don't want to know, and will forget 10 seconds after reading!

I have lots of work to do. That's why I'd rather write. I LOVE writing,especially in the middle of the night. Today, I share a prayer request from my sister, Ruby. Her wonderful son, Jason, is a state trooper in Virginia. She asks that we all remember him daily in his dangerous job, especially this Thursday. Ruby has such a sweet spirirt for the Lord, and would do anything for anybody. Pray for her too. I love that I have sisters!!!!

Daughters

My two beautiful daughters.