My Mama

Last Friday morning I got a phone call that was totally unexpected from my mom. She had "the voice." My mom is one of the world's most optimistic and enthusiastic people, but this voice is well known to those who know her well. It is her something is wrong, but I'm trying not to let it show voice. It's pretty much a giveaway now though.

The news she had to share this time was that doctors had found a mass in her heart. I don't remember all that she said after that because I was still reeling from those words. I myself tried to put on my brave voice as I heard my mom tell me she was headed to the hospital and major surgery was coming very soon. My own heart was filled with fear and a strong desire to hug my mommy. Charlie came in to find me tearing up, so I filled him in with the news. He immediately tried to google the name I thought mom had told me, but I was completely wrong. He just held me for awhile too. Abigail of course had no understanding, but kept coming to me and making animal noises to make me smile since she could sense something was bothering Mommy.

At that moment I wanted to jump in the car and run to TN as fast as I could get there. Being that I am 37 weeks pregnant, that's not really a possiblity right now. Being away from my family is hard right now. I want to be there even if it's just sitting in a waiting room together. I feel so far away.

One thing I know though is that God is holding my family. He is everywhere, and He is keeping us all connected. His hand is evident already in his care for my mom. The fact that this tumor even found show that He is there. The doctors said that this isn't normally found this easily. So despite some scary news, we are praising God for finding this mass.

Tomorrow is surgery day. I ask that anyone who reads this prays for my mom. God is the ultimate healer and He will hold her. Mom, I love you , and wish that I were there to bring some sunshine. Caroline and I are going to be here praying for you all day.

Father's Day

Abigail was teaching him how to use the iPhone.
Nothing like a daddy's lap

Cheese!!!

This may be one of my favorite pictures ever. This is a common scene in our house, but I love what it shows.

I was very blessed to grow up with a great Father. He's also a great Dad. He has always given of himself to take care of our family. I remember many night growing up that he came home to eat with the family, but after we went to bed, he went back to work and stayed till all hours of the night. I'm not sure he ever slept. He worked hard to make sure that we have always had what we needed. he made sure to find ways to come to ball games, school programs, and other events that we were involved in. My dad is man of God who has been a good example to me of what a dad and husband should be.

It shouldn't be a big surprise that I picked a husband who shares some of my dad's qualities. Both are great dads, and love to play. They both find teasing me to be a great hobby. Both men can make me laugh when I need it. Growing up, I always felt safe with my dad. I knew that I needed to find a husband that provided same feeling, and I did. Both of these men have blessed my life so much.

Since Abigail was born, I have loved watching Charlie be a Daddy and my Dad be a grandfather. They both obviously love that little girl, and she is quite taken with them. The pictures above show these two being who they are and being the dads that god planned them to be. I thank my heavenly Father for putting these two men in my life to share and show the love He has for me.

Jesus Loves You

Sunday morning, Abigail woke up feeling extra sweet and snuggly. She was a joy. I was holding her, and she snuggled in to hug. I looked at Charlie over her head, and said I think someone loves me. Miss Abigail responded with Jesus wuds you. What better words could I hear coming out of my daughter's mouth.

As a parent, I am continually questioning myself. Are we doing the right things? Is she learning what we want to teach her? That one comment helped me know that something is sinking in to her little head. My prayer for her life is that she will continue to share that message everywhere she goes. I've always called her a joy spreader. I pray that she learns that our real joy is because "Jesus wuds us." May I also share that message everywhere I go.

Not Just Colleagues, Friends

Last Friday, my co-workers celebrated my birthday with me. They made me feel so special with thinking about things, they know I like and treating me with them. I had a Diet Coke waiting on my desk with Reese's Pieces, a muffin and fruit. I also had a new charm for my Pandora bracelet, but I will write about that in a minute. Lunch was also delicious with chicken from Chick fil a, complete with a fabulous banana pudding milkshake. If you haven't had one, stop what you are doing and run to get one now. They are DELISH. My room was also decorated. The began the birthday celebration with a bang!

As excited as I am to get to stay home with my girls next year, I am also sad to leave these ladies. We have so many personalities and differences, but they have been incredible blessings to me. They have taught me to be a better teacher. We have worried together about test scores. We have shared lessons plans, and ideas. We have reminded each other what needed to be accomplished, and we have shared in the joys and trials that our precisous middle schoolers bring.

These ladies have challenged me in other ways. They have strengthen my faith in our Father. They have led me to grow there. I know they have prayed for me. They have supported me so strongly since I had Abigail, and have had to learn to be teacher and mommy. In the short minutes in the hall between classes, they have encouraged me to go back in and try it one more time. Over my five years at South Hall, I've seen many changes. But as I leave in a few weeks, I will know that God put me here for a reason. I've learned from some amazing women who will forever be part of me. Someday I will have another teaching job. Where it will be is a mystery. I can only hope and pray that my future co workers will be like these.

My pandora charm was an apple. Nothing could have been more perfect, and the charm wouldn't have meant the same coming from anyone else. When I opened the box, I had to shut it quickly to avoid my own tears. It will be worn with pride, and smiled at often.

I leave behind memories of good years and bad. Lessons gone right and wrong. Meetings ending in tears, and meetings ending in laughter. I leave behind the left side of my brain. Ladies, I love you all. Thanks for being who you were and are to me. You will see me again as I show up out side the window and knock to be let in.

So Excited!!

Right now I am full of excitement. My life is so good and so blessed. Tomorrow I join the rest of the world when I get my new iphone. I have been tutoring and earning a little extra cash and this is my reward. My bright pink case is already ready and sits empty just waiting for its new friend. We have 4 more days of school until spring break. That is incredibly exciting. The kids need a break, the teachers need a break. A little time away will do us all good. During spring break, I am going to see my family in TN. I don't get to spend enough time with them, so everytime I do get to be there, it's wonderful. The part I am most excited about though, is going to NYC with Charlie. This is my early 30th birthday present. We are leaving Miss Abigail with her grandparents and going away BY OURSELVES!! Of course, I am going to miss my little girl very much. Three and a half days will be a long time to be away from her, but I am excited to have time Charlie without chasing a kid, or meals without feeding her, jsut time where we can hang out. We will tour around as much as my 25 week pregnant body can handle. When I get tired, we'll rest. Right now I am just filled with excitement and anticipation for things that are coming. Life is good.

The Patient

This morning Abigail got tubes put in her ears. She was a great little patient. The nurses complimented her several times. She came home from the hospital and took a long nap then got up as crazy as ever. She's quite tired tonight, but doing well. The smart girl even waited til she got ouf of the car to throw up. The pictures are all out of order, but here's a few from our morning.

Watching Elmo and snuggling with Daddy.

I'm all ready, let's get this started.

Barbies, Bridesmaids, Babies and Beyond

I have been totally blessed to have two amazing friends in my life for 20 plus years. I don't actually remember how it all started, but we've been friends since early elementary school. Our friendship has definently grown and changed throughout the years. We started out with Friday nights of TGIF and barbies, girl scout camping trips, Green Hill Softball, and so much else. Even our moms have been part of each others' lives. We've grown through changes in relationships, colleges, states. We've been in weddings. All through out this we have someone how remained friends.

Things are not the same as they were when we were younger. I live in a different state, and I'm only one with a kid, so far. We've had times where we were closer than others, and times where we go for months without talking. All through it, I know that these two girls, are true once in a lifetime kind of friends.

Saturday night I got the opportunity to sit and talk to them for a long time. We closed down Starbucks, then spent another couple hours in my car just talking. Girl talk like this is not something I get very often. These girls have known me through so many stages of my life, and yet have someone decided to remain my friends. I thank God for them so often.

So, Mer and Jenn, know that you are true blessings in my life. We may be far apart, but I will continually count you both as two of my lifelong best friends. Here's to another 20 plus years of friendship and Starbucks dates.