Willingham's World

Plagues of Public Education

2012-02-10T09:37:00.000-06:00

In honor of the reading of Exodus.... the ten plagues with ten helpful commandments

1. new students with stupid names - Thou shalt not name thy child something unreadable or unpronouncable or any combination of letters that will inflate thine own ego
2. students who don't realize they are not the only child in the room - Thou shalt recognize other living things around you and treat them as you would like to be treated
3. sarcastic administrators - Thou shalt lead with honor and integrity and save off color comments for after hours events
4. young boys sharing information gleaned from late night pay per view television - Thou shalt not profane thy children's eyes with thine crappy television choices
5. overly eager students- Thou shalt respond in temperance and not peck thy teacher as ducks
6. broken pencils- Thou shalt bring quality implements to complete thine assignments
7. unplanned parent conferences- Thou shalt respect the schedule of thy child's teacher
8. insecure children who require constant assurances that they did their work- Thou shalt teach thine own child that life does not come with a constant assurance that they have done well. Allow them to walk in faith in their own products
9. dehydration myths- Thou shalt not abuse the free water granted to you, less it become bitter and foul in thy stomach
10. differentiated instruction vs. SpEd modification vs. best teaching practices- Thou shalt allow teachers to teach, adminsitrators to administrate, and children to learn without the confusion of philosophy that is wispy like the wind

Overheard at dinner

2012-02-06T18:12:00.000-06:00

Hey, guess what I'm thinking..

No way, I'm not psychic!

Nope.. it was a cheesestick.

They make me laugh!

I can forgive.. yeah!

2012-01-31T20:49:00.000-06:00

To the person who called me today... in class.. I forgive you! No, not the one who texted me. Texts are fine. But the phone call.. the one that came through as I'm reading The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.. And yes, Aslan had just died.. and kids are crying.. and everyone is feeling miserable right along with Susan and Lucy..The class is putty in my hands to mold and make and bring forth conversation about Jesus and sacrifice.. And then my phone starts playing a fun little jaunty tune.. totally breaking the spell of of marvelous words and God infused allegory.. Yet, that guy, I totally forgive you. Because Aslan would.

2012-01-23T20:23:00.000-06:00

Just coming by to say I got nothin! Nope, not one good story lately. The family is all "I'm so tired" and "Can we have a Family Fun Day out of school?" and "If I could just sleep maybe I wouldn't be such a bear" And by family I mostly mean me. The boys have said some cute things, but nothing that translates well if you weren't there. No major changes in anything. So the family tales are more of a drama (aka boring) variety and not nearly as entertaining as I like to share.

OH wait, one thing.. Our church is encouraging each member to read through the Bible this year. So we have started reading to the boys at night. And my husband was scarred so severely while trying to get through the early parts of Genesis (circumcision, Sodom/Gomorrah, and incest abounding in one night) that we have taken to making sure we have preread before bedtime reading.

And Boy Wonder just named one of his Lego mini figs Leonardo DiCaprio Davinci the third.

That's all I've got. You are jealous, I know. Ha!

And the winner is....

2012-01-06T10:13:00.000-06:00

Most Disturbing image of the week!

And that's cake, yes, a cake. shudder!

You can find the whole story on the cakewrecks site.

This is the second most disturbing picture I have.

Too much history channel and Civilization, in my opinion!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Farewell 2011

2011-12-31T11:26:00.000-06:00

Taking a look back at 2011....

This time last year, I was getting ready for a New Year's Party.. This year I am doing the same

This time last year, Chris was getting ready to take his final seminary class... This year he is writing curriculum

This time last year, Chris was an associate student minister. This year he is the Youth Pastor

This time last year, the children were running and playing.. This year, they are doing the same, only taller

This time last year, I was wondering what adventures the new year would bring.. This year, I am doing the same

Waking up during Christmas Break

2011-12-20T08:40:00.000-06:00

Waking up around the house of W'ham has a definite routine, but Christmas Break always changes things up. It currently goes something like this:

5:00 - trip to the RR to pee and back to bed
7:30 - The Hubby's alarm goes off and he hits snooze
7:40 - The Hubby gets up and so do I.
7:42 - I get downstairs and find The Youngling watching Power Rangers. I start the coffee for me and try to wipe the sleepy from my eyes.

At this point Time does that wiggly dreamlike thing for an unknown time while I check email, facebook, blogger, twitter, and pinterest and make some breakfast and drink more coffee

8:37 - the coffee kicks in and I wake up realizing the husband has left for work and the Oldest Child has joined the blanket pile on the couch.
9:00 - I realize I need to get started on the day soon or it will all be gone.
9:15 - I realize I need toget started on the day soon or it will all be gone.
9:30 - I unplug myself from the computer and get dressed to start the day.

I really like this. It's not efficient or effective for much of anything, but for once I don't feel pressure to be-do-see-make anything. My blood pressure thanks the makers of Christmas Break!

Sung to the 12 Days of Christmas

2011-12-15T20:53:00.000-06:00

On the day of our "Winter Party" my students gave to me...
1 Santa cookie jar
1 vanilla candle
3 holiday bookmarks
2 retail gift cards

2 bright pink fluffy socks

3 special coffee cups

3 CVS personal hygene items

5 Glit-ter-y FLOWERS!

4 office products

3 sacks of candy

2 awesome snow globes

and

a Tootsie Roll in an Altoids mint tin!

What, wait! December already?

2011-12-03T10:06:00.001-06:00

    I've had my head down pushing through the days, determined to find something to love about each of my students. My children continue to make me laugh and grow in appreciation for them each and every day. I even got to go on a real date with my husband last night. We mall crawled and just talked and chatted uninterrupted for almost 3 hours. It was not nearly enough time.
     And it was then that I noticed the fancy trappings of the holidays which have engulfed every place I travel. Last night I walked the whole mall and several other stores and bought not one thing. I passed millions of dollars worth of merchandise and did not pull out my money once. The few things that caught my eye were out of my price range and the rest, blah.
     Don't worry, I'm not in a "Bah Humbug" mood. I just don't feel the need to buy junk disguised as gifts. I'm excited about putting up the Christmas tree today for the earliest time in YEARS. Almost a full 3 weeks before Christmas is a huge accomplishment. I just can't believe the year is winding up and it will be 2012 in a few short weeks. I am awed by how quickly time moves as I get older.

A few things

2011-11-16T17:33:00.000-06:00

1. Turkey burger for dinner= WIN!
2. I hate it when people are mad at me. It dominates my thoughts and makes me all anxious and worried until things get resolved.
3. My children can make the MOST IRRITATING noises. And for no reason at all.
4. morning duty + grade level program on Thursday + anticipation of Thanksgiving week off + someone mad at me + late bus duty all week + field trip on Friday = A long week
5. Wednesday night church can be a blessing and a curse.

My face for today. Thank you dear boy!

Where'd it go?

2011-11-12T18:22:00.000-06:00

My my, time flies! I can't believe it has been so long since I blogged. Saying that it has been a busy month would be the understatement of the year. Busy ministry season, cruise, report card season, time change, birthdays... and so it goes.

I think this month I have been struggling to keep my feet under me. I feel like I am being drug along on this ride of life and have had no time to just stop and look around and enjoy the view. I am trying to remedy it. Today has been a nice quiet day. I didn't even leave the house. I hope I feel refreshed at the end of this day. If I don't, it is no one's fault but mine.I purposefully didn't schedule anything. I did some light cleaning and read some books and laughed at my kids. I studied my Sunday School lesson (God bless those 9th grade boys). A good day. A lazy day. A needed day.

So how will you catch up on the Willingham tales if I don't write them? You could call and say hi. Or you'll just wait until I get around to putting fingers to keys and get it done. Back to rereading a favorite book.(** a little commercial... I totally recommend Karen Kingsbury for an easy, God affirming fiction read. She writes great characters with compelling problems. And she fuses her work with her life in a very fan friendly way.)

I'm glad I figured out where this day went.

2011-10-14T06:18:00.000-05:00

I came across this quote today while reading a zombie blog. Don't ask why. And it made me think about other areas of my life where this might apply.

"The hungry swarm always wins. They inherit the Earth, and no amount of tools or human intelligence can hope to stop them. Because, in the end, when you only have one goal, and that goal is eating brains, a goal which turns others into zombies like you...there’s just nothing that beats that level of persistence, dedication, and single-minded fixation. "

The author of this statement is discussing the battle of new fangled vs. old fangled zombies and who would win in a battle between the two. I am thinking about my job. Either way, the concept of single minded focus being the key to winning and losing helps me focus today on what the really important stuff is. Am I as focused on Christ and his message as zombies are focused on brains??? Zombie for Jesus just doesn't sound right though.

Blucky Day

2011-10-13T17:48:00.000-05:00

The internet is a fickle bit...er... beast... See, I have all this stuff about which I would like to vent.(So much so I am requiring proper grammar of myself. Or not.) It is stuff about work and kids and school and family. But I can't vent here. Not in a public venue. While I know my loyal 2 readers wouldn't think less of me, for they know what I am thinking before I say it, it's the random internet search that I fear. The one that a future boss, friend, coworker, student might run. It's not because I think I am that important. I am not. But I understand that lives are interconnected in a complex web of information these days. In the words of famous song "It's a small world after all." So true Mr. Disney, or whoever penned that. So, for that very reason. I will leave you with this bit of cuteness instead.

Thank you for understanding my unwillingness to share.

Welcome to the Roller Coaster I Call Life

2011-09-29T20:29:00.000-05:00

Up and down.. in and out... happy and sad.. It's been a week of opposites.

To start with, My Favorite Guy was announced as the head Student Pastor for our church. It has been coming for a while, and the waiting was killing us, but God is good even when we think He is taking too long. Yay! From jobless to Dream Job in less than 3 years.

I got a new car. I have NEVER owned a new car for me. I have had several previously owned new to me cars, 2 new cars bought for the Husband, but this is my first new car just for me. I am still in a sense of shock. It is awesome and amazing.

3 days after getting a new car, the truck got vandalized and robbed. They got a laptop and bag full of techy goodied and left about $1200 worth of damage to the truck. Sigh. Greedy, mean people make me cranky.

They really wanted in.

Chris is off in San Diego for a Youth Convention. This was his view today from his meeting venue. I love how he suffers for Jesus.

This was my view this afternoon. Biggest rainstorm since June. Lots of wind, lightning, rain.

So, it has been a really full and tiring week. I can't wait to relax a little this weekend! Who's with me?

When it rains, It pours... God's blessings

2011-09-27T13:11:00.000-05:00

New job.. Yay!
New car...Yay!
Old car accepted as a trade in .... Yay!
Truck demolished by greedy thief... Boo!
Hubby's laptop stolen...Boo!
USAA insurance... Yay!
Husband leaving for 5 days to go to San Diego... Boo!
Class from Hades in a particulary onery mood... Boo!

All a part of God's plan, no doubt. Just part of the crazy ride of life with the Willinghams. More details when time permits, but that's the short version.

Overheard from the sick bed

2011-09-05T09:37:00.000-05:00

I woke up and wasn't able to get out of bed, so the boys and I stayed home from church. Sick doesn't look good on me when it comes with snot, headache, and bone weary exhaustion. At least it isn't messy.

So, I heard this gem while in my Nyquil induced stupor.

Purple: When you toot you should say excuse me
Boy Wonder: Excuse me, but I didn't toot, I farted
Purple: Toots and farts are the same thing.
Boy Wonder: Really, cuz I always thought toots were soft and quiet and farts were loud and harsh. That was definitely a fart. Excuse me.

He has a point. The boy has a point.

Heard from the Backseat

2011-09-01T11:25:00.000-05:00

Uh.uhh, you can't be Batman. The health insurance alone would ruin you.

Public Education stats you can believe in

2011-08-26T19:35:00.000-05:00

This is why teachers are tired:

46 students in my classes
8 English as a Second Language Learners
5 students reading below a 2nd grade level
5 students reading below 3rd grade level
3 major discipline issues
5 languages other than English spoken by my students
27 boys in my classes
19 girls in my classes
10 students who wear glasses
7 identified gifted and talented students
9 economically disadvantaged students
6 SEE ME notes from last years' teachers
5 parent emails questioning a student's conduct mark received since school started Monday
3 students receiving speech services
1 student receiving special education support
30 minutes per day I have an aide available to help students
2 students receiving in school tutorials
1 student identified with dyslexia
3 students exhibiting signs of dyslexia
4 students exhibiting signs of ADHD
2 parents who assure me herbal supplements are helping their child control themselves
8 students with medical issues (asthma/ADD/seizures) noted
2 alcoholic beverages I have consumed this week
2 times I have laughed until I cried
2 times I have cried until I laughed
17, 392 (approximate) times I have asked students to sit down and raise their hand to get my attention this week
611 forms I have processed
722 sheets of paper I have photocopied this week
2 hours spent trying to remember how to do online lesson plans
3 hours spent trying to make a sheet of labels from Open Office
59 days until I leave on my cruise

Summer Days

2011-08-20T21:52:00.000-05:00

Here's a picture salute to the highlights of a great summer, one of the best in memory... not in chronological order.

Glorieta for camp was a great chance to start the summer with a great focus.

This was a wicked game of duck-duck-goose!

We met Meg Riser, our newest friend!

Girls' Weekend accomplished adding to the national economy and some really pretty toes!

Time on the farm provided a lot of entertainment. Mom and Dad got to burn the lien on their farm because it is PAID OFF!

And the cousins got to practice their mean faces.

Ryan went to Preteen camp.

The family trip to NASA was fun. Future astronauts in the making.

The World Changers cleaned up our backyard and helped rebuild our fence.

Mommy and Josh got to explore the Woodlands and eat gourmet cupcakes.

The boys took me to see the final Harry Potter movie.

See ya next summer!

Deep thoughts from Labyrinth

2011-08-09T13:00:00.000-05:00

As we were eating lunch today, I was looking for TV alternatives to SpongeBob and Avatar and ran across a modern classic.. Labyrinth. It was the age of muppet technology and weird thoughts, but is a truly delightful/slightly creepy fairy tale. So the boys had some thought throughtout that need to be shared.

J - He looks like a girl

As David Bowie twirls the bubble balls..
R - Fushigi balls, really? How lame. Oh, bubbles, I guess that's better.

For reference.. these are real fushigi balls

During the dance hallucination scene:
J - That's really awkward
R - Don't forget distubing.
J - Yeah, that too.

When Sara is walking through the castle trying to get to her brother......

J - That's a hard puzzle. Hope she figures it out. And how does he walk on the ceiling?

J - So wait, he was an owl the whole time?

After the movie Josh and I had a little talk about all the how's and why's of the movie. I don't think he understood, but at least he was thinking. I love sharing classics with my kids!

Grumpy morning

2011-08-09T08:30:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted in a while. And I will share more tales of fun and joy from our Summer Adventures. But this morning, I just can't make it to the Happy Place. Here is my morning:

6:30 - alarm starts going off for The Man to get up
7:00 - I gently remind The Man that it is, indeed, 7 am and ask if he is getting up.
7:05 - The Man gets up to shower and I sink back into dreaming twilight
7:10 - The Man needs my eyes to find out where the shower is leaking because the floor is nothin but a puddle
7:15 - I discern that the shower is leaking from hitting the back wall and trickling down the outside of the tub. At this point I decide to get up, but realize the children are still asleep in bed. Not one to waste an opportunity, I get back in bed with optimistic hope of a few more minutes of rest.
7:30 - The Man gets out of the shower and gets dressed, and "wakes" me to kiss me goodbye.
7:40 - The Man drives off, the dog starts scratching outside my door
7:42 - I give up and push the dog downstairs to go out and run into Purple. "I thought ya'll had all left. Sorry about not getting the dog."

"No problem. None at all. I was up anyway."

Best FB status ever

2011-07-15T23:51:00.000-05:00

I withheld for the masses.. images and reputations to keep up and all that. But I do need an outlet. Pls don't tell on me!

The status reads:
Mime team is at a rehab center...some sorting snacks for VBS. Making much of Jesus in Mexico!

My initial response was outrageous laughter and a desire to type:
Glad to hear our students are giving snacks to the addicts with munchies! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Maybe it's just me, but that's funny stuff.

Tackling IT

2011-07-12T18:53:00.000-05:00

Have you ever had a huge job looming that you didn't want to start? Where there isn't a deadline? A job the needing doing, has needed to be done for a while, but you just can't bring yourself to start it? Because once you start it, there is no turning back? And it's going to be messy? And probably make you unpopular with the family because they might not like your choices, but I notice they aren't stepping up to help? A task that has scared stronger women than me and sent full grown men running in terror?

No, I'm not talking about shaving my legs or washing the dishes. This is bigger than both and messier by far. This mountain that must be tackled is awkward and huge and will take many days and cost money and I might even need a backhoe at some point. It will take all my resolve and intelligence and skills. It will require commitment and pain and sweat and. most likely, a dumpster.

I think longingly about a wayward match that would take care of it. I daydream about reality shows that could come and do it for me. I pine away for that phone call saying "I won!" and I can just walk away and never think of it.

Do you have an IT? An unsurmountable task that is most likely beyond what you can bring to it? I've heard rumors that prayer helps in places like this. Although when I pray about it I hear mostly silence and a little snickering.

So perhaps tomorrow I will start the process. Maybe the morning will bring the desire to do what must be done. Some restful sleep, relaxing evening, and hearty breakfast will make that mountain seem climbable. Until then, the garage will stay the way it is and I will not give in to the temptation to cry at the inhumanity of having to clean it out.

Play that Funky music, White Girl!

2011-07-06T12:30:00.000-05:00

With all my summer free time, I'm playing with music. By playing, I mean that I am creating some awesome playlists. This is like when I'd make those mixed tapes in Jr High, but without the DJ talking over the start and finish of the best song of the week. Playlists for work, for moods, for fun, for memories when the Old Timer's disease kicks in.. that kind of stuff.

Digital music makes me happy because it's so EASY. Drag and drop and save. That's it. After the music has been legally downloaded of course. And when it is artfully arranged into genre, style, and purpose I have a soundtrack for my day. Here is what I am currently working on..

Instrumental soundtrack list (for when I want to be inspired, because John Williams is a GENIUS)
Disney/Kid list safe for school (gonna be using music therapy a lot this year I hear)
Hard Core Cleaning for the Suburban Housewife ( a mix of rock and 80's hits that make me happy and make me forget that I am doing chores)
Country Fun (to bring back happy college memories of when I was in my country phase from East Texas)
Creepers (for all those songs that make you sure you are being followed by someone declaring their undying love whether you want them or not)

Just another fun day in Willingham's World!

Revenge of the Drunken Monkeys

2011-07-02T10:42:00.000-05:00

Home repair is for the birds. It's expensive. And it's not fixing the problem.

Our master shower leaks. And we don't know why. Because our house was apparently built by drunken monkeys, nothing is standard or works like it should. We have a leak into the kitchen from the bathtub/shower directly above. We have had 2 plumbers try to find the source. And so far, they have failed. You'd think the problem was pipes or connections or even old/missing grout/sealant. It doesn't act like a hole in the drain pan, either. And it occurs seemingly randomly. We thought we had fixed it. Stuff has been great for 2 days. We even have a guy coming to fill in the hole in the kitchen ceiling today. But, thank God who loves us, it started leaking worse than ever this morning. At least we hadn't had the sheetrock done yet.

Now I am depressed and irritated and just plain old cranky about it. Why can't anything work right??? I'm willing to make the sacrifices to pay for it when it is past my ability to fix. I just want a house that works! And doesn't leak! Because leaks are sneaky and unreliable and leave a lot of damage behind. I'm not fond of sneak, unreliable, damaging stuff.

Sigh.. Here's to hoping the day gets better.. cheers!

An observation

2011-06-27T21:53:00.001-05:00

Things are coming together. Stuff needing fixing is getting fixed. Stuff needing sorting is getting sorted. Things that are no longer wanted are getting Goodwilled (4 boxes today alone). Children are going to bed tired. And Momma can't wait for tomorrow (bathroom tile demo/replacing starts!) Sniff, sniff, it smells like accomplishment! (Or maybe that's just cheesecake)

The invasion

2011-06-25T07:57:00.000-05:00

Getting ready to be invaded by the World Changers! Yes, today we get our new fence put up. Hopefully it will go smoothly. I'll take before/after pics and share later. Having the World Changers come is like being invaded by youth camp escapees. They are happy, everywhere, and loud. My poor poor neighbors. I guess it's getting even for that time I wanted to nap but they were practicing their dance routine at high volume.

Summer To Do List

2011-06-23T10:48:00.000-05:00

It's not summer until I get a list of things I want to accomplish worked out. Let's see what it looks like...

1. clean out master closet (oh snap!) - I can't even get into the closet and it's the size of a small bedroom
2. get a new car - yes please!
3. clean out garage (oh double snap!) - it's scary.. there's stuff living in there.. Stuff larger than me
4. get storage unit - this list is not in chronological order, btw
5. retile master and upstairs bathroom - woo hoo, oh contractor, why aren't you returning my e-mails??
6. make pool passes a financially responsible decision - we have to go 7 times to make it worth our money, I think we can make that happen
7. read a lot of fun books
8. work on/finish the uber puzzle - it's time - I've had it for 3 years

That's what comes to mind right now.. let's see how it goes!

This is the Wall

2011-06-09T22:56:00.000-05:00

This is the wall, and I have hit it. The long week(s) has(have) finally caught up with me and I am exhausted. I want nothing more than to crawl into bed and sleep for a day. I want to speak with no one unless their express job is to make me happy. I am ready for the hamster wheel to stop spinning and the demands of home, ministry, family, and friends to diminish. I am weary of being pulled in 37 directions and needing to smile as I am yanked. I want to feel like being gracious instead of wanting to strangle the next person who shares their opinion. I want to have a train of thought make it to the station. I want to have no one needing me to do something. I don't want to wait on you or him or her to finish their 95 things before I can go do what I had planned to do. I want my life back. MY life. Not someone else's crisis dressed up like my ministry opportunity. This is my wall, and I have hit it. I think I hit it with a really large battering ram. And I feel better for venting. I think that wall needed a door anyway.

Return of Summer Wife

2011-06-04T11:41:00.000-05:00

Summer has come. I am forbidden from going to the school until August. The blessings of major renovations. Yay! And for my first full day of summer.... youth group working on our house! AHHHH!

Well, they are being helped by the tool man ministry. And they have devolved into being Mighty Wasp Hunters and wood workers. God Bless teens and power tools. So far they have demolished our sad sad rotting fence and taken down some of the rotted boards on the house. The tool man team has started sinking posts for the new fence and is making a list of supplies for Chris to get at Home Depot. Gotta love free labor.

VBS starts tomorrow night for The Big One and Monday AM for the Little One. That goes all week. One in the am and one in the pm. Then next Sat we are meeting up to send them to their g-parents for a week plus. Then it's off to youth camp for a week. I think I'll be home to relax in Mid June some time. :)

So, that's the life of Summer Wife. Oh yeah, I have big plans for the house and garage... More on that later.. Pizza is arriving for the workers soon, so I'll tell more when I get a few minutes.

We're not in Kansas anymore Toto!

2011-05-21T09:11:00.000-05:00

Whew! What a whirlwind of a week. (Like that alliteration??) We had something happening every night this week. On Wednesday Chris's boss announced his resignation. Josh had a grade level program. There was a fun catch up meeting with a friend. So we took Friday off. Yep. Willingham Family Fun Day was ennacted. Ryan decided to go on his field trip, so the 3 of us who were left went to a movie, had some ChickFilA, boys got toys, Mama got her toes done (it's been a lonnnnng time) professionally. A nice nice day. And then we woke up today in the bliss that is Saturday with nothing planned. It's the last one for a while.

I am ready for the summer, except for that crazy job of mine that assures me I have 2 weeks left. The students are certainly ready for a break, but there are projects to create and boxes to be packed and books to read. Ooops! I think I packed them. Note to self: find books for children to read.

And Chris has gotten busier in his day to day work. See, the resignation of his boss means he got a huge promotion. Of course, it's interim for now, but the work is still the same as if he were the head guy, because he is. A lot more responsibility. A lot more decisions. A lot more people time. A lot more meetings. And he is loving every minute of it. It is so good to see the man thrive in his work.

So, our summer plans are firming up. It looks like this: Kids and I play at the pool. Chris works very very hard and comes home to a happy family. God's blessings continue to astound me. Yes, yes, I know, that's rather simplistic and we'll have some things to do around the house and other activities to do, but I really like the sound of that.

And that is the lesson I am learning. God's blessings are significant and larger than I can imagine and reflect His joy and are humbling and make me stop and praise Him. I think I understand King David more and more the older I get. Perhaps I'll muse on that a while and write it up. :) Happy day to all!

5 years in 5 days

2011-05-14T13:34:00.001-05:00

Whew! So much is happening in life right now. Years of work and planning and hoping and hurting and dreaming and maintaining seem to be coming to fruition.

It starts with Chris's graduation. OH, how happy I am. So proud of his accomplishment because I know what a journey it was. I lived it with him. Under the same roof. Day in and day out. For 14 years. Of course, he wasn't in school all that time, but when he wasn't he was wanting to be. He completed his coursework in January, but the ceremony was a true culmination. To see him in cap and gown, walking the stage, receiving the congratulations he deserves is a beautiful thing.

Then there's the cruise. Yeah, we've wanted to go on a cruise for about 5 years. Relaxing time away doing something different, away from our normal life. With buffet included. Tee Hee. Getting to surprise him was a great thing too. He didn't see it coming. A surprise gift is my favorite kind to give. Especially when it has been longed for.

There's more to tell. I'll write about it when I can. But timing is everything. Right?

In case you missed it..

2011-05-05T22:01:00.000-05:00

It's teacher appreciation week! Ryan wrote this to his Language Arts teacher. That is definitely a keeper. I know she will love it. I just wish my kids could spell. Just a little bit would be nice.

Just sailing through..

2011-05-03T16:38:00.000-05:00

I've got a whopping 5 minutes before I am off to another "event". My mother just IM'd me and I'm looking grand in my spring "IT" outfit. This is what I wear to most look nice events this spring. School is hopping and church is full of busyness. The good kind, all. But it would be a lie to say I could wait a long time til summer. I am actually ready for it NOW.

This weekend is Chris's graduation from Seminary! Amen and Amen! It's also Mother's Day. I think I've got it all under control. Right.... believe that? If so, I've got some lovely oceanfront property you should purchase. But, I'm hanging in there. And I really have to go now.

Good Friday

2011-04-22T14:42:00.000-05:00

I find myself all confuzzled today.

It's Good Friday, solemn Holy Day recognizing the death of my Savior. Death isn't supposed to be a time for rejoicing, especially when it is unjust, brutal, and just plain sad. However, without this sacrificial death, I would be lost in sin with no hope of reconciliation to Father God. So, I should recognize the cost of this sacrifice and be called to a more holy and sacrificial life. And I can't ignore the joy that comes from the sacrifice. At this point, my logic intersects my emotion and I am confuzzled. Joy over pain? Solemn contemplation about the act that blazes the way of salvation? The paradox is painful and I'm struggling to process it.

But there are several other things at work here too. The Commercial Easter is in full force: Easter Bunny's baskets to be made, deviled eggs, fancy dress up clothes to plan and purchase, and crazy Wal Mart shoppers. And the daily life of family is pressing. Children need disciplining and correcting, house needs sprucing up for the upcoming poker night set up for the 12th gd. boys, food needs purchasing, and the yard needs attention. I really need to have a little chat with the husband, too. And it's the one day off of work from Spring Break until Memorial Day.

So, I am spiritually sensitive, emotionally exhausted, and physically spinning in many directions. I should probably give myself a time out and get some proper perspective. And I should take my vitamins. But I do have to wonder why things can't be just a tad bit simpler.

Blessed Good Friday to all, May you find the balance in life and strength to maintain it!

Phrases that resonate with me.. for today anyway

2011-04-15T22:09:00.000-05:00

Oreo therapy

jackwagon

Noodlehead

I need you like I need a doughnut and a swiss cake roll!

You want a what with your huh?

Seriously now people.. that's the best you've got?

So how do you plan on explaining that?

You cannot eat out of the trash can, even if you think it hasn't touched anything.

Wednesday Haiku

2011-04-06T11:24:00.000-05:00

April is poetry month in public schools. Funny that I can't do much poetry because it is TAKS season here in Texas. TAKS is our state standardized test. It follows several other forms of tests: TABS, TAAS, TEAMS... All an attempt to track the performance of our students. Next year, we will have the STAAR test. 5th verse, same as the first. Now, we'll have a generation of students who can't spell star. Thanks Pearson (the company who makes the test).

So, in honor of all the poetry I'm not teaching, here is my contribution to the month.

Standardized testing
I see the point, but hate it
stupid, stupid tests

Yes, I really did this

2011-03-30T10:18:00.000-05:00

Here is an email I sent to my Book Buddy teacher friend.

Hey friend. i am out on Friday. Do you want to buddy on Thursday instead?

Love,

your protoge'

(I don't know if that's how you spell it and I couldn't figure out the accent mark, but it rhymes with Fabrege' the guy who made eggs famous, ya know? And I know I didn't spell that right, but who really cares because we don't grade spelling much these days anyway, right? yes, i am having one of those days.)

This is the kind of day I am having. Pray for my family! :)

The Zoo - Lions, and Tigers, and a Bear, and a lot of Others!

2011-03-20T13:03:00.000-05:00

We saw some great animals and really enjoyed a day together!

This is Jonathan. He was sleepy. Silly lion.

This Grizzly was digging for something! Perhaps the last zookeeper he snacked on?

This Lady Lion was majestic as she cooled in the shade.

Some natives banging a drum.

Riding a Rhino - Ryan's favorite!

The elephants were awesome. Mama even put on a hat of hay for the visit. Very proper lady.

Coolin' in the aquarium with some really big fish!

Escaping on a raging Rhino!

Tony the tiger was just too cool to bother with pretending he cared that we were there.

The menfolk planning our way around the zoo.

Patient boys indulging Mom by the lovely azaleas.

Hanging in a hut! Boy time!

Can you guess who is hiding behind the masks? We are SO tricky! LOL!

We had fun at the zoo last week. Any questions?

Just to recap..

2011-03-19T12:43:00.000-05:00

Haircut - good!
Waking up early on Sat for 5k to benefit Ethiopian orphans - hard
Not losing weight this week - sad
Not getting to walk the 5 K cuz the children weren't feeling up to the distance - bummer
coming home and napping - nice
Ready for the rest of the day - anticipating something fun because I will not let me last weekend of Spring Break suck

Spring Break update

2011-03-18T13:28:00.000-05:00

Well, It has been a wonderful week. Here's what I have accomplished, since nothing satisfies quite like a list that is marked off:

~~1. Hair cut - just a trim to give it some shape.. It's growing out after a long time of being short.~~ (in a few minutes, so I'm counting it)

~~2. fix upstairs shower - the leak from hell that comes and goes.. it's getting fixed soon!~~ (That was this morning)

3. work out - Gonna utilize that new Biggest Loser "game" and super duper scale - Set for today and many thereafter

~~4. spend time with Mom - she's on her way!~~

~~5. READ - Can't wait to catch up on my juicy new books~~

6~~. Play with the boys - they are getting a wee too independent for my tastes, so we must play together~~! They don't want to play with me! Well, we did do the park, so I think that counts.

~~7. Put up pictures?? - this was slated for last Spring Break, but I think I might get around to it this year instead~~

8. Spring pedicure - yep, it's been years and it's time to get these feet in shape for summer time sandals.

9. Catch up on my Bible study - It moves so fast, I really want to just sit and soak in God's word and the things He's trying to tell me. Still time for this.

~~10. Pay bills - uck! Hate this, but will do it.~~

~~11. Family trip to do something fun - zoo, museum, rodeo.. whatever we decide to do!~~ Zoo was fun. Gald we went!

That is some real progress. I think I can finish the list this weekend. Yay!

But more importanly, I have had a great week off. I am so glad I have a job that gives me extended time off. Spring Break is a great idea and a needed respite from the pressures of ending the school year. It's a time to rejuvenite and refocus and get ready for the big push to the end of the school year.

And I can't wait to see if I am still losing weight. I hope so, but it's been a rough week for the ol diet. We'll just have to wait and see.

Spring Break To Do List

2011-03-12T10:41:00.000-06:00

I'm a list maker, not extreme, but I certainly find them helpful for organizing my thoughts and arranging my priorities. Let's see what I think I'm going to want to do over Spring Break..

1. Hair cut - just a trim to give it some shape.. It's growing out after a long time of being short.
2. fix upstairs shower - the leak from hell that comes and goes.. it's getting fixed soon!
3. work out - Gonna utilize that new Biggest Loser "game" and super duper scale
4. spend time with Mom - she's on her way!
5. READ - Can't wait to catch up on my juicy new books
6. Play with the boys - they are getting a wee too independent for my tastes, so we must play together!
7. Put up pictures?? - this was slated for last Spring Break, but I think I might get around to it this year instead
8. Spring pedicure - yep, it's been years and it's time to get these feet in shape for summer time sandals.
9. Catch up on my Bible study - It moves so fast, I really want to just sit and soak in God's word and the things He's trying to tell me.
10. Pay bills - uck! Hate this, but will do it.
11. Family trip to do something fun - zoo, museum, rodeo.. whatever we decide to do!

I can't wait to start crossing stuff off my list! Because accomplishment feels Amazing!

The Scale from the Darth Vader's Bathroom and Me

2011-03-06T19:49:00.000-06:00

The Willingham's are trying to lose the flab and get healthy and be responsible for our children's and our own sakes. We are attempting to eat better and live healthier. By "live healthier" I mean eat better and maybe be more active with the kids when I'm not so tired I can't move. In the process, we bought a new scale.

Let me elaborate, The Husband bought a new scale. If you know The Husband, you know of his unhealthy love of electronics (which is the probably cause for the need for the scale in the first place). He let me know ahead of time, because he is a faithful researcher, that OUR scale would cost about $40. It was the one we NEEDED. It has a measurement for weight (yes, that would be helpful), BMI (that scared me a lot, but ok), and then I heard the buzzing in my ears that signaled the descent into Electronic Lovers World. I eventually understood that It does other cool stuff. He bought it. It sat in our bathroom for 4 weeks before I could use it.

My learning to use The Scale That's Smarter Than Me was a lesson in patience for The Husband, a lesson in why I hate eletronic gadgets (except for my beloved NookColor), and a lesson for the both of us in why we love each other. So, after 15 painful minutes, after he finally remembered how to use it, and I had, finally, correctly followed the 57 steps to set up my profile on the scale, I found out that I had lost 12 pounds since January! Yay Me!

Our weight loss/get healthy/be responsible middle aged adults campaign has launched! We also got the Biggest Loser "Game" for the Kinect. There are plans to set that up soon. We'll see if good ol Bob can convice me that I should work out instead of check my email and drink coffee when I wake up. Bwahahahahaha! The whole idea makes me laugh that loud throaty laugh that shows how ridiculous I think it is, but I will try. Sincerely. No, really, I mean it. I mean, I lost 12 pounds in 7 weeks just from watching what I eat. So imagine the progress if I actually increased my activity?? That is what I will try to imagine at 5 AM tomorrow when the alarm goes off and I am faced with the reality that is my life for another week.

Happy Birthday to my Baby Boy!

2011-02-26T09:16:00.003-06:00

There is so much I could say about this sweet child of mine. He makes me laugh everyday. He is kind and caring and observant of those around him. He is left handed and creatively wired. He has the best bed-head I've ever seen, better even than my brother's when we were growing up!

My guy writes like a dyslexic serial killer and smiles like an angel. He is quick to touch everything (can I get some texture, please?), slow to tie his shoes-find his backpack-clean his room. He loves solving video game puzzles, playing ninja with his brother, and spending time with his Purple.

What a special gift God gave our family with Joshua. He reminds us all that life is temporary, people are eternal, and that most of the icky that happens around us isn't really important, just irritating. He has changed the way our family operates and cares for others because he is always there to remind us what Jesus said we should do.

When I think of what God has in store for him, where his life will lead and what he will impact, I am humbled by the mass of gifts given to my youngest son. Watching him grow in knowledge of the Lord from the time of his Salvation has been amazing.

He internalizes everything and it comes out at the most interesting times. And I am in awe of the responsibility I have toward him.

Happy Birthday, my sweet boy. Daddy and I love you more than you can know. Stay safe, keep loving unashamedly, and continue to grow in the Lord.

Heard Around the House

2011-02-25T06:19:00.000-06:00

It's time for some more quotes that really have been uttered lately. My family has really been on a roll!

"How is rust made?"

"What's that slime that comes out of snails?"

"So, Mom, have you talked to Dad about that stuff YET? It's like you guys never speak about what's important to me."

"You found it! You found It!.. In your backpack? Dude that's just not right, but thanks anyway." (In reference to a DS that has been missing for MONTHS.)

"So I hit you there. Then you hit me here. Then I hit you there.. KILL SHOT!"

"Mom, What half of the world do we live on? Like the top or the bottom?" "Um, the top half, the Northern hemisphere." "OK, so why don't the people who live on the bottom of the world fall off?"

Whew! And that's a wrap!

2011-02-19T09:45:00.001-06:00

The horror flick that is our lives seems to be wrapping up. No puke since Thursday. Perhaps we are in the clear? I can hope and dream, right?

Today, we have "normal people" plans to meet some friends and play tennis and have a picnic lunch at the park with the kids. All executed, I might add, by The Husbands. Yes, they actually made plans and remembered to tell the wives and everything. I am awesomely impressed. So, the decontamination of the house is postponed until later tonight, after dinner with some friends-that-are-family.

I can't wait to pause a moment and get back on track with life. Regular Bible study, laundry, dishes, cooking healthy meals, cleaning have all taken to the back seat this week. And it shows. So, time to shake it off and head into the NOW with my head held high and just vague memories of the Puke Bowl, sleeping like we had a newborn in the house, and dinner?who is actually eating tonight?

Haiku - inspired from The Virus

2011-02-14T18:06:00.000-06:00

I will hold your bowl
and wipe the slime from your chin
my poor puking child

Who will hold my bowl
and wipe my puke covered chin?
No one in this house

Known as The Virus
It's quick attack stuns the strong
Leaves a wake of EWWWWW!

Nope, not food poison
something more insidious
Churning each stomache

Where's Willingham?

2011-01-31T20:44:00.000-06:00

Some days I wonder where I am. I feel like Waldo amidst his world of look alikes and crazy characters. For Waldo, normal is being adrift in a sea of business, but taking the time to wave to those who will look for him. That was today for me.

It was a normal, regular day. And I wondered what was wrong. No special events, no catastrophe to manage. Just a regular ol day. I'm not sure what to do with those anymore. See, since the last post I've been really busy managing life for our little tribe. Sick Husband came to visit. And sick, he was. Work had a week and a half fundraiser/special event so everyday was energy charged. Needless to say, I was shoved in the direction I would go.. Shoved by forces beyond my control.

So now, I look around for a minute and think "hmmm, is this what normal looks like?" If so, normal is kind of boring. I never really pegged myself as an adrenaline junky, but I think my life has made me one. Just standing here in the middle of life's menagerie and waving to the internet (hi Mom!) doesn't get my juices flowing, but it makes me happy. So, here's my biggest Waldo smile to you!

I pray that I can find contentment and appreciate the joy that is a "normal" stretch of life, however short it may be.

Things are starting to gel... but I am wondering if they will actually set up

2011-01-22T10:34:00.000-06:00

It was a long "short" week at school. The kids are not reacting as expected to the start of a new semester. So, being "master teacher" (bwahahahaha!) I will adjust my tactics. Poor, poor little children.

Last night I got to enjoy the Husband's company for a while with no children or work forces present. What a wonderful evening. Our plans to visit a new restaurant were thwarted by an hour and a half wait. Thanks, but we'll wait for things to die down a bit. So we ate at a new place to us. It was ok. Pretty typical food. Nothing I couldn't do better myself.

Then we went to see True Grit. This movie is a big deal for Hubby because he is a huge John Wayne fan and loves the original. Of course, by now we knew that this movie was not a remake. It was a completely new script taken more closely from the book. Maddie Ross is a spit fire of a girl that I completely loved. Rooster Cogburn was a crumudgeon that seemed to channel my grandfather. Seriously, in his first scenes I could hear Granddaddy telling stories out in his shop. That kind of threw me a little. Hard to watch your grandfather in a picture like this. Kudos to the Cohen brothers who wrote and produced this film. It was very enjoyable.

Chris still liked the original better, but said this one was OK. Well, I couldn't have asked for more. But he was gut laughing at all the right parts and had a purely physical reaction to the snakes. It was kind of a "grab my arm and cringe/moan/avert the eyes while still watching" type thing. Cinematic success in my book!

So, when we weren't watching the movie, Hubby and I got to discuss some goals for us and the family. Most pointedly, our health. We made some decisions and some plans. We still need to set some goals, but I think we are actually going to do it this time. Mostly because we have no more excuses. No more Master's classes. No more double jobs. No more tiny children. We are left with peering at our own laziness and sinful nature. God, help us overcome our gluttony.

I'd say that's a date night of which to be proud! So, time to go rake some leaves and get the day into motion. The upkeep never ends.

Whooosh! What was that?

2011-01-12T16:52:00.000-06:00

Well it is a Wicked Wednesday for the Willingham's. Mid point in a very busy week. Just taking a moment to say Hey! and let you 3 readers know I haven't relapsed or fallen off the face of the earth. Here's the scoop:

Chris - Week before Big Youth Event, putting in roughly 80 hours this week in preparation since he was a) out last week and b) they are 2 staff people down; will work all weekend with late hours helping coordinate a multichurch youth event with over 200 teenagers. Late nights will ensue. I think 1 am for Fri and Sat nights is being generous.

Me - Monday meet with youth girls went great, battling a head cold with frequent sinus headaches, starting a big people Bible study which is taking over my Wednesday nights, being single Mom, making holes in my schedule when I get a chance to see my husband because that is IMPORTANT. It's the end of the 9 weeks at school, so we have some extra work going on there, too.

Family - boys are unhappy about doing homework and very tired, having trouble getting back into school routine after being sick, Mamaw (Chris grandmother) hospitalized with massive bleeding ulcer yesterday, they thought she might not pull through, but seems to be doing OK last I heard. Faith is doing well and getting used to a new work routine - same job, just with a helper who she gets along with great.

So I am tired and ready for a quiet weekend. It's not going to happen. Sigh, but that's alright. Good things are going on and I can rest when I'm dead.

First week of 2011

2011-01-08T18:34:00.003-06:00

It has been quite the first week of a new year. Fun with friends started the year. It was a great visit! Thanks to all who came.

Here are my buds with me! I have truly awesome friends! We danced with the Kinect, played Rock Band, and shared testimonies with each other. Because we aren't just friends, we are siblings in Christ!

This is the Bacon/Willingham Contingency. Great photo shooting Ryan!

Then we started with sick kid.. flu... ick! 2 1/2 hours at the dr office proved it. Quickly followed by another hour at the pharmacy waiting on a very expensive prescription. Who knew Tamiflu was that pricey?? That was followed quickly by another sick kid.. awesome.. love the fevers, sweet boys... then we crescendoed with a sinus infection and some work stress for me. Tack on another hour and half at the doctor's office and trip to the pharmacy for antibiotics. Sigh. "Add the fact that Chris was in class all week, and I was doing this like a single Mom, and it was stellar, " she said sarcastically. Welcome to you, too, 2011!

Here are some men checking out the new scope for the AR during the New Year's Party. This is what I wanted to use by Wednesday when I was sick and tired and ready to restart 2011!

But the best news is that Chris finished his class and is done with his Master's work! Yep, after quite a long time, he is done. He got his paperwork filed for graduation and will walk in May. That is a true reason for excitement! I am so proud of him! The hard work and perseverance have finally paid off.

So, I am hopeful that the start of 2011 is not a foreshadowing of what is to come. In fact, I will be content in knowing that I serve a God who has His best interests at heart and that I am a part of His plan. There are some perks beyond imagination! And if my year does not improve, here is a cup of coffee with a monkey on it. Because if you put a monkey on it, it's fun! And if it's not fun, at least I get coffee.

Holiday Highlights

2010-12-29T12:42:00.002-06:00

What a wonderful Christmas! So fun to be with family that we haven't seen in a while. So blessed to share a small piece of life with people I love. I got to enjoy some little things this week at the farm. Cooking and washing dishes could have been a drag, but it was wonderful to be helpful and useful for others. Sharing gifts with those we love was a joy. Seeing the faces light up and the smiles take over.. people getting what they wanted with no strings attached.

So here are some pictorial highlights.. notice the small things, please.

Oma Hugs are the best!

I can't believe they took the time to pose so sweetly!

James and Julie always go great together. What a wonderful brother and sister I have!

Sisters! See the family tree behind them on the wall?? They come from a long line of sisters, but share a love so sweet!

This is a table full of food, that represents tradition and love and effort and all those fabulous family things. I am so blessed to have a family that values that. Notice, no turkey, it's roast beef with Yorkshire Pudding and other fun treats.

Every "kid" table has it's own personality. I can't pick just one for this table! These are kids who have tons of individuality and personality!

Dad likes to play tough. And he is tough. Shhh, don't tell, but he's a softie, too. Especially when it comes to his family. Love Granddaddy's Marine "fighting" ring there. By the way, he's protecting his Yorkshire Pudding!

I love stockings! Here are ours. Can you guess who gets which one?

An angel shared the news of the birth of Jesus. This one has been hanging around our house for over a decade. She's got some news to share too. Jesus is born!

Such handsome men and what a legacy!

I am truly blessed!

Tell me it's over.. PLEASE

2010-12-21T14:34:00.000-06:00

We have turned the proverbial corner. The sick one seems to be fungus, fever, and puke free. He actually ate a real meal today and played chase with his brother. Friends, that is the first time in 7 days he has done that. Despite his worn out, thin as a crack addict look, I think it is all good. The bones and dark circles will go away after a few regular meals and some good sleep. He has settled in to playing some X-Box in the horizontal position, but we are well on our way. I am definitely looking forward to a great Christmas on the farm.

Whew! I should have a medical degree.. or something

2010-12-20T14:16:00.000-06:00

When our kid gets sick, we work hard to make them well. Along the way, I have picked up a few tricks.

Trick 1: I avoid nasal decongestants that simply thicken the snot. That leaves me with 1 or 2 options to deal with head congestion. Guaifsasen and the equate nasal spray make a wicked 1-2 punch.

Trick 2: I put myself in the mindset that sleep is optional and get some whenever I can. Having awoken to child gagging on snot for several days in a row, I am in prime condition.

Trick 3: The use of unused prescriptions should be handled carefully, but is totally an option. Remember that little used script from the summer that is floating around the medicine drawer? It could be handy if a mass of mouth fungus arrives.

Trick 4: pray pray pray..

Trick 5: When it's not working, go to the damn clinic and get some antibiotics. Don't dawdle around and wonder if you should wait until morning. Usually, sooner is better if you the little patient isn't perking up.

Trick 6: After 6 days of battling the gunk, be ok with scrapping your plans for Christmas holiday domination and settle for corn dogs, rented movies, and doing a little laundry.

Trick 7: Keep a list of when differnent medications were given. It's so hard to remember what was given when. The combinations of acetiminophen, ibuprophen, 2 decogestants, mouth fungus removal pills, and antibiotics with different dosages and time spans can get a little hard to manage when you are sleep deprived. If you don't keep track, bad things can happen.

Trick 8: Remember to thank the husband for understanding when you are too tired to cook a healthy meal. Corn dogs are substantial and will get them through until tomorrow.

So, I am off to do some laundry and check on the sick one who is finally eating more than 2 mouthfuls in a setting. Looks like things are looking up!

Dear Santa,

2010-12-16T21:53:00.000-06:00

Dear Santa,
I hope you and the Mrs. are doing well in the days preceeding your busy night. I truly hope and pray that the elves have kept up their productivity and the reindeer are prepared for their supporting role in the festivities of the 24th.
The W'ham's are well and have just a few simple requests. Mr. W'ham would like a smooth ending to his Masters' classes. See, with just one class left, set to be finished the first week of January, he's kind of waiting for the next shoe to drop. So, can you bring him peace of mind and completed paperwork? And some speakers for the entertainment center. And maybe even a new "how to build a deck" book? He seems to have lost his other ones.
Son #1 is my manic planner and would like to become a Lego engineer. He has a life plan that, with several contingencies mapped out. He seems to have it all under control. So, what do you get for the boy who has everything?? I don't know either. Perhaps if you could get him a love for people other than his best friends? Maybe help him to be a little more understanding of people less intense than he is? Oh yeah, and maybe a razor, because I think he might need one really soon. And some pants that are long enough would be great.
Son #2 is insanely curious about his world and how things work. He doesn't have a favorite anything other than video games. He loves to solve those problems, as long as they aren't too hard. Then he gets frustrated, much like his Mama. He is not interested in reading, except when it involves things he shouldn't be reading. So, if you could bring him the code for how to read, that would be great. He's getting there, but could use a bit of a push. Oh, and a haircut that doesn't make his cowlick stick straight up would be grand. And some pants without holes in the knees. And socks.. matching socks.
Now Mama W'ham's list is a bit more simple. She would like a maid to keep her house neat. If that is not possible, perhaps some initiative to help from the menfolk in her world. She would love to find a new author to read that provides a creative and fresh perspective to the literary world. And finally she would like to have a deck in her backyard, some trees removed, and a plumber on retainer. Simple, see?

So, dear sweet Santa, Merry Christmas to you. May you be blessed and have a wonderful, safe trip. I'll see you soon with cookies and cocoa waiting.

Yours Always,
The W'ham Guardian House Elf

Topics of Conversation

2010-12-04T23:16:00.001-06:00

The Tactile One took me on a date tonight. He made sure to get permission from Daddy and repeated often that this was a "play" date. He has been well trained that only Daddy takes Mommy on a real date. After peeling him away from the X-Box, we had a lovely meal at Rico's Grill. It's good Mexican food. But the conversation was better.

Everyone who has ever been on a date knows that conversation is everything. And, WOW, the topics we discussed: The emotional evolution of Batman and his parent issues, the difference between a tenor and alto saxophone, the gelataneous consistencies of various cheeses, how to make fried ice cream, how to draw a good draft beer, proper and improper ways of salting chips, and why opening doors for girls is important. And that was just during dinner. Velocity of air bags, common favorite fairy tales, how 3d movies are made, why popcorn pops, what makes elevators stop working, the engineering of parking garages, and why we don't have Christmas lights outside were other highlights. Feel free to use any of these on a date if you are searching for something to say. In fact, you can bookmark this for easy retrieval if you'd like.

I'm a little worried that he is such a good date. That kid can carry a conversation and ask questions and charm anyone within 30 feet. He is a natural! Sweet smiles, funny faces, holding hands without presuming, and a desire to make sure everyone has a good time. He is a born charmer and a great kid. I am so blessed!

I hope he asks me out again. I'll wait a day or two for him to call before I get worried.

Thoughts for Thursday

2010-12-02T07:37:00.000-06:00

Things I've overheard recently that made me laugh, giggle, or groan....

"Mom, can you marry a car? Because I LOVE that one right there."

As the smell of an SBD wafts across the living room, all citizens start looking at one another and I hear, "Ewww! That one was cheesy!"

"Let's play He, She or It! You guess the gender." Yeah, that one was at the RenFest, of course.

"Ok, Finds, Kills, or Gets Killed? Which one?" We obviously watch too many crime dramas with the children.

"Oh, it's just like Diagon Ally in Harry Potter." Proclaimed by the oldest upon entering the RenFest compound. Very astute, I thought.

Fast Forward

2010-11-22T16:09:00.001-06:00

I've been a little behind in updating life with the Willingham's. So I'll have to give you the quick version of the last 6 weeks. I hope the pictures help.

In absolutely no order (because it's more fun that way).. This weekend we met the parentals and sib at Leando Plantation for Civil War days. Here are the menfolk with the cannon. Large guns make them very happy.

My boys like to play X-box together. I guess it's like building houses or working the fields in the old days. They talk, strategize, and Dad gets to give some wonderful life lessons in the process (The lesson this day was "Don't choke your brother. He's the only one you're gonna get".)

Halloween happened on time. Here are the boys right before trick or treating. Ryan went all Cheap-O Ninja. Josh was a pirate. I hope we are maybe leaving the days of those store bought costumes that hang around forever. Josh lost his eye patch 10 minutes before it was time to leave, so I had to draw it in. We never have found it.

Here are some close ups of their pumpkin designs. Ryan did a little ghost.

Josh wanted a scary pumpkin. Are you trembling in your boots yet? I know my hand was trembling from carving out those teeth. And I won't show you what it was supposed to look like! :)

This is the Anal One sorting his Halloween Haul. It made him happy, and me too. At least I'm not the only one!

Ryan's birthday was fun. I can't believe he is 10. He is such a great guy. I can definitely say he is well on his way to being a wonderful man, even if it hurts a bit to say it out loud because I'm not ready for that life change.

Nothing brings brothers together like cake and ice cream. I enjoy every moment of harmony I can get!

And that's the fast forward of the last 6 weeks. We've been busy, and blessed in so many ways. As we head into Thanksgiving, I can't wait to see what God has in store.

What I've been up to

2010-10-23T12:06:00.000-05:00

It's been a bit since I posted pics.. Here is what I've been doing..

This was the dessert table for Chris's 40th Birthday Party. Faith and the boys did a great job with arranging the pies and making it festive. And it tasted good too!

Here are the party people! Our good friends and family. What a blessing they are!

Then, we spent the week in sorry and grief. The death of a young friend and the ensuing support of his family. His service was on Friday. And his dad shared the eulogy! I can't imagine doing what he did. He honestly and truly share the joy that was John's life without forgetting about the hard parts. Then he boldly and sensitively share the gospel with a room full of people who don't know Jesus. And what they know of His people isn't the best.

I also got to take part in the annual Storybook Parade on Friday! A little early this year, but a total success.

If pirates were this cute, I'd surely join up! Ryan was a minion from the movie Despicable Me and I didn't get a picture. He seems ok with this. Since he really wanted to be a ninja, but gave in to pressure to join the rest of the 4th grade. And my team was...

Yep, the Wizard of Oz. My favorite character was the tornado.. see her behind the house! We laughed all through the school. Faith made my scarcrow costume and it was a winner!

So yeah, I've been rather busy. Chris is on the fall youth retreat this weekend and I'm home with the boys. We are heading to the park... Life is good and I am blessed.

RIP

2010-10-20T19:32:00.000-05:00

You know that phone call that parents NEVER want to get? The one from the hospital saying we think we have your boy? Yeah, that call. A good friend got that call this week. His son is dead. And so the week goes.

Death of a young person is so tragic. Even more so when everyone could see it coming. I'm not speaking ill of the dead. It was common knowledge. He struggled with substance abuse, had been diagnosed with HIV, and lived life without looking toward tomorrow. It doesn't mean we love him less. I think I loved him more. Because he was a wad of untapped potential. He had a heart of kindness and a mind that was quick. And he was desperately in need of self esteem that no one could give him. For some reason, he couldn't accept that when Jesus died for him, it was a life encompassing acceptance. Though he had committed his life to Christ as a young teen, he didn't live as I understand life for Christ to be lived.

We all look for understanding and reasons in this time. "God took him home". "He would have wanted to go that way, without being sick." "His work on earth was done." "That's what you get when you drive erratically down the freeway." "The devil took a good one." Ehh, all those platitudes seem to fall flat for me. I don't know that they are untrue. But they don't make it hurt less. And we don't know God's reasons.

Perhaps his life can be a tale of caution and warning to young people. Perhaps some will seek Christ through his family's testimony. I guess all we can pray and hope for is that his life was not lived in vain and that good will come from this tragedy.

RIP John. You will be missed.

LOST.. and then found

2010-10-09T13:29:00.000-05:00

So, while tackling Mt. Laundry on the couch at the end of our bed, I uncovered some artifacts. Several nice pens from Christmas. Thank again Aunt Penney. One Day I will figure out how and why to use a fountain pen and then I can truly appreciate it. I found several belts. Mine and Chris's. They were leftovers from summer shorts we had bought. We aren't really belt people.

And then I hit the Mother Lode! It was one of those plastic storage bins full of maternity clothes and baby clothes and pre-baby clothes of an undisclosed size. Super fun and some charity's windfall! Ok, my stuff isn't that great. I don't even pretend that. But maybe someone can use it. And now I can see that the couch is green and rather comfy. Perhaps it's time for a good book.. yeah.

FALL!

2010-10-04T17:22:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to scream it really loud.. ok.... ready.... FFFAAALLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!

I don't sweat when I walk outside. The mosquitoes are smaller than oranges, finally. Squirrels hurl green acorns from treetops for their gang initiations. Everyone who has one rides their loud rumbly stinky motorcycle everywhere I am going. I laugh at their choices of attire. btw.. tank tops and low rise jeans are not a smart choice.. two words.. road rash.. nuff said... creepy tacky halloween items abound. children whine for the costume that is nowhere to be found. and I am filled with a sense of awe and joy at the glory of our beautiful world. Thanks God, for autumn. And lots of other stuff too.

Hummmphhh! Grrrrrr! and WTF was he thinking!!!!

2010-09-29T21:19:00.000-05:00

We got some bad news last night about some actions taken by a family member, and it made me wonder why families care so deeply about a monetary inheritance from their parents. Do people really think they are owed money when their parents are gone, or even before then??? Then I got mad and wondered how in God's name professed believers of Christ could possibly put money ahead of their family. How can they live for over 40 years with grudges and hate and smile and say that they live for Christ? Two faced, double minded thinking that revolves solely around what I want and what I think I deserve is truly a mark of our Enemy. And he is rejoicing right now. That lead me to sigh inwardly in deep sadness at how right the world is about how wrong Christians are when they forget who they are living for. And how obvious it is to those who live around them that they are not just unkind, but selfish and mean and vengeful and hatefilled. And years of prayer and sharing and life lived to show the glory of God to unbelieving family can be wiped out by the selfish act of a fellow believer. By this time my brow was furrowed and I was in royal funk about the way people treat the elderly who are the parents that raised them or their spouse! And that got me all mad again. I was in bed by 9:30 because I was tired out.

Not gonna share the details here but sometimes family sucks and I can't wait to go and shine some light and spread some compassion on family who has been wronged.

Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, and now...

2010-09-22T09:46:00.000-05:00

A conversation after school.....

Mom: So Josh, where is your water bottle? (he constantly leaves it at school)

Josh: Well, um, Mom, ya know the desk fairy? (She visits neat desks in 1st grade and gives little treats. She has never visited Josh and he is taking it personally. He hasn't figured out that she only visits the neat desks) Well, I figured she'd be thirsty tonight so I left it on my desk for her to get a drink.

And here I thought he was just being careless again. Nope, he really was being thoughtful and considerate to that poor desk fairy.

Boys will be boys

2010-09-16T20:02:00.000-05:00

This afternoon has been a real treat. While I am bone weary and ready for a nice glass of wine, I have enjoyed my time with the boys.

Son 1 has his friend over for an afterschool "play date". Well, his mom is a teacher and had a Parent Info Night, so the lucky guy has become a Willingham for about 5 hours. After an extra hour and a half at the school where they managed to play on the playground, make a mess in my classroom, annoy half of my team with their Loud Boy Ways, we headed home. Once there we did homework and the fun began.

Nerf War has been eagerly anticipated. For weeks. It's been all they can talk about. So, after "setting up" for 25 minutes, they shot each other for about 30 seconds before the first gun jammed. I learned a lot about my Son 1 in this process. He is a bossy boss. He has volume control issues. He wouldn't be my friend if I was a 3rd grade girl. But none of this is news to me. His true colors just shine through! And I love him for all he is. And he does make a great son.

We then went to a pizza buffet place. Nothing like all you can eat cheap pizza to make everyone happy.

AFter that, home for some X-Box Halo. Nothing says "Dude, you are such a friend" like blowing them away during a video game.

The MOM is coming to pick up soon. Then some peace and quiet.. But maybe one more round of Nerf War where Mommy plays....

My Days at the UN

2010-09-04T15:42:00.000-05:00

My mind is full today with mulling over my classes this year. I have 2. My morning class is the GT group. They aren't all GT, but they are all supposed to be sufficiently functional to move at an accelerated rate and test well so that i can have fun and offer lots of enrichment opportunities. They mostly fill that bill. I have 2 or 3 who I wonder how they got in this class. At least there isn't just one lone slow wit in the crew. I'm sure having friends makes it easier to exist in a world that seems to pass you by. I know it helps me. This class is ethnically diverse in so many ways. Let's see.. of 22 students I have 3 Indian, 1 Pakistani, 2 black, 1 Chinese, and 1 Korean. My favorite names are Juhui, Armin, Arman, Prerit, and Riya. They are sweet and kind and are starting to show their personalities. I hope they continue to be that way. I would hate for the UN to not function in unison.

My afternoon crew is quite different. There are 3 special ed kids (2 on the autism spectrum), 2 for writing and 1 for behavior. I have 1 child who has petit mal seizures with frightening regularity. I have 5 black children, 3 Indian, and 2 latino in addition to 12 anglos. (Just for some base understanding, my school demographic is 60% white, 5 % asian, 20% hispanic, and 15% black, roughly speaking) I also have a student who will start in this class later this coming week. He is being moved from another class because he brought a gun to school and showed it on the bus. He was turned in by a fellow classmate. While home on suspension, he got appendicitis and had to have surgery. I wonder how he will affect the class. He has a reputation. It is warranted. sigh.

I have recently started beginning of the year testing and have 11 of 22 who will be marked for additional small group reading instruction based on low fluency. And that's without checking reading comprehension levels. For the last 2 weeks I've spent my afternoons juggling some very large personalities and trying to establish routine with frequent interruptions. The hardest part for them seems to be sitting and waiting for me to get there. Every one of the 22 seems to have to walk up to me to ask a question. It makes for a very mobile classroom. And makes me one grumpy teacher. I do have the help of an instructional aid for the last hour and a half of class. For that I am thankful. Without her help, I think I would have lost it by now. It's been a long time since I had a group that was this low with this many learning issues. By May I feel as if I will have earned every moment of Summer 2011.

That's what I am mulling over at the moment. I am thankful for a 3 day weekend. I hope to utilize it fully. So far, I am. In fact, I'm off to do.. not much.. maybe some laundry.. maybe some cooking. All things that relax me. I wish cleaning bathrooms and vacuuming relaxed me.

He was joking, right?

2010-08-27T17:03:00.000-05:00

I hear the best stories on the way home from school. You'd thing the best ones would come from students in class, but no. The Tales from The Day that eminate from by backseat are, by far, the best. Take today, for example.

We are pulling out of the parking lot in my spiffy Green Machine sans AC and I get asked, "Hey Mom, would you get mad if I ate a gummy bear that a friend found on the playground if it was in a bag. And it hadn't been open?" There are a few ways to respond, and I have only moments to pick the best course of action. In the split second while I am thinking I hear a whispered, "Well did you eat it?" And whispered "uh huh, but I want to see if she's mad."

So, I say " No honey, I wouldn't be mad if you at something a friend found on the playground in an unopened bag. I'd wonder why you thought that was a good idea." "So, you aren't mad?" "No, not mad. A little disgusted, but not mad. Don't do that again. If you ever did it." "Ok, I won't"

Then the back seat dialog takes over. In hushed Mommy-can't-hear-tone "So, you really ate it?" "Yeah, it was a little hard, and I kind of ate the whole bag. But they weren't really gummy bears. They were other animal shapes." So, if I am hearing and inferring rightly, my boy ate a bag of off brand gummy animals of an unknown age and origin after lunch on the playground. About this time I slapped my palm on my forehead in the international sign for "dummy" as I shook my head in wonder. I didn't know what else to do.

Then, I heard "Dude, you shouldn't do that. You get car sick really easy and you might puke in the car." "I don't think so, I feel fine and it was a long time ago. Like after lunch." Hmmm, time to revisit the appropriate time to accept treats from "friends".

A Tale of 2 Shoes (A Summer in Review)

2010-08-25T18:44:00.000-05:00

Here is the story of our final summer. We had cheated death for over 6 months because our boy loved us so. We were comfortable. And familiar. And he loved us.

Here we are at the Blue Bell Creamery.

Then we traveled to New Braunfels.

See, don't we look happy?

We visited Natural Bridge Caverns.

We got a little nervous and hid, but had fun still. I promise we are standing right at the base of that rock.

Then there was the final trip to Kemah. Again, I was in the shade at the bottom of the picture.

We lived a long and happy life.Here we are in our final resting state.

Blown out and run ragged. What a wonderful life we had!

Quote of the day

2010-08-12T18:23:00.000-05:00

Son 1: Man, you have hair on your back!

Son 2: Yep, it's cuz I'm MANLY! Take that!

Mom: Bwahahahaha!

Random quotes

2010-08-09T22:14:00.000-05:00

Mom, why did God make fleas?

How do they make shoes?

Are we there yet?

And the best yet...

(Son 1 to Son 2 while waiting for The Hubby to finish talking with someone at church) Dude, ya just have to wait, it's his job to get laid by people. (I had just mention that Daddy would be a few more minutes because he got waylaid by someone.)

Pasty is a color, too

2010-07-29T15:02:00.000-05:00

Just got back from the pool with the puppies, er, kids. While there, I laughed outrageous laughs over 3 things.

First, as I walked in to pay, I find myself face to face with a former student. He is now the head lifeguard at the pool and has just graduated from High School. He didn't remember me, so I did the unthinkable and introduced myself. Poor guy turned 13 shades of red as he realized what a toot he was and was forced to make grown up conversation with a former teacher. He laughed and shook his head and just stared at me for while. Guees he's never seen a teacher in her swimsuit with no makeup and 4 rug rats in tow. Or he could be amazed that I've kept myself up so well and is wondering why I haven't aged while he has now learned to shave.

Then, it hit me again that my kids are SO WHITE! The life guards put on their sunglasses when we got there because the glare off of my kids was so bad. After I deftly covered them in SPF 9000 spray and turned them loose, they were easy to spot. I just followed the beacon of their whiteness. In fact, I'm pretty sure I could hear our northern ancesters from the great beyond, like Duncan Reamhair (all phonetic for those who don't speak gaelic), clan chieftan from the 1100s I think, wailing about letting the wee bairns play in that awful sunlight. And I'm sure that Sir Willingham of the Western English Midlands was bemoaning the parenting tactics of his offspring.

And finally, after hour number 3 at the pool, the former student-head lifeguard had the undesireable job of asking me to pull my youngest from the pool for a "rest break". See, Boy Wonder just learned to swim last week. But he showed that he could swim well enough for the deep end, so I let him enjoy it with the 3 older kids. Well, his stroke is a little rough still, so the lifeguards were really worried that he was too tired. Or maybe they were thinking that I was letting him flail until he went under for good. All that splashing and gasping and slow seemed to bother them. Any way, the poor guy had to ask me to give him a break per his supervisor, and he was blushing the whole time. I swear he thought I was going to make him miss recess or sit next to a girl! It was all I could do not to laugh out loud until he left.

I do love our summer pool time.

MY time

2010-07-28T17:36:00.000-05:00

Today was a rare treat. Chris took the kids to the Astros game (after asking me 250 times if I was SURE I didn't want to come as well). So I found myself with 6 hours + of time to MYSELF. Just me. No questions to be answered and no one else's problems to solve. I also realized that this doesn't happen nearly enough to suit my solitary tastes. I know that because I spent 30 minutes trying to decided what to do.

"Hmm, do I want to clean more of the house, sort through boxes of stuff, go shopping, call a friend, take a nap, watch TV, learn to sew, bake something new and original??" So many choices with my block of free time. I think it's kind of sad that it is such a treat that I didn't know how to use it.. and felt like I had to use it well. Like there was a committee judging me on my performance. "Well Simon, she gets a 10 for productivity but a 3 for creativity."

Then I realized, hmmm, that's kind of how I view my life. So many choices. And a schedule that when altered, takes me a bit to readjust. I worry about how others will think about my choices and I hope they approve. Ok, I don't really worry about it, but I do consider it. And I don't take a lot of chances. Just not in my nature.

Now, many blogging chicks will go from here with a great insight into finding themselves and maintaining good family balance while not losing their identity. They include cute little pictures and catch phrases that make readers chuckle and nod their head. Hmm, me, not so much with the pictures and catch phrases. I am trying to maintain an identity that is mine, not related to being Wifemomfrienddaughtersisterteacher. I am unique as God intended and I embrace all those things about myself. But I also embrace the me that He created before I was any of those things. She gets a little lost and is undeveloped in many ways. But, I think that's the journey of life. At least while I'm in my mid 30's.

MY time today was spent as I wished and I have no noregrets. Except maybe that I have a lot of laundry to sort before I go to bed since it is all on my bed in a large, unfolded mound of fabrics. My kids came home and I gave each a hug and inhaled the sweat infused fragrance of Little Boy. Not a fragrance for sale anywhere, btw. And I am glad they are back. And ate their fill at the ball game so I don't have to cook a big dinner.

And I am satisfied.

Oh my! It can DRIVE!

2010-07-22T16:07:00.000-05:00

Tomorrw, I celebrate a special day. Tomorrow, IT turns 16. Tomorrow, my marriage will have reached that age where teenagers think they are grown ups and start making those BIG life decisions, like do I use a blinker or not? How can I afford to drive if I don't have a job? and if I do have a job, I don't have time to drive anywhere. Why do I want a license?

I really hope marriages aren't like that. It's been pretty smooth sailing so far. Even when life has been hard, The Hubby and I are all about attacking the problem and not each other. And when we have issues, we eventually handle them. Neither one of us gets what we want all the time, but we don't worry about being loved or if the relationship will disintegrate or who's gonna take out the garbage. Knowing how different we were before we got married has made all the small stuff stay small. That's a total blessing.

So, I can celebrate fully and honor every day that I've had this wonderful guy by my side. Even if the day wasn't so good, I knew that I had an ally. And that's what marriage should be, I think. Having an ally as you face the day is a blessing of untold worth. I like knowing that I don't battle alone and that my partner is right there all the way.

And I really like him still. Shocking, I know. But he still makes my toes curl up and down when I see him enter a room. I still crave time with him just to talk about nothing.. or anything at all. I can't wait to hear about his day and to share mine, because I know he listens, even when he doesn't really care what I made the children for lunch. And I love that we have built a life that is ours. All ours. Like no one else's.

We have taken what we learned from our birth families, and what we have learned from other wise people, and what the Bible says, and formed something that works for us. And I like it. I love that people say my home is a safe place. I love it that my kids want to bring their friends over. I love it that I can mean it when I tell someone to come on over ANYTIME.

So, Yay for us! Happy 16th Anniversiary, Baby! I love you and I love what we have.

Optimism PRIME

2010-07-15T10:42:00.000-05:00

Today is the first day of year 38.. I have completed 37 years and am looking at that number thinking, hell, I really am middle aged. I'm halfway there, maybe. "There" would be my eternal reward with Jesus in heaven. It could come sooner. It might come later. But I have to understand that time is merely a tool to measure how far I have come and how far I have left.

Year 37 was most definitely a Prime year. Chris was able to work at his long awaited calling, for pay! The boys have grown into B-O-Y-S! They are more aware and smart and self reliant. I am needed less and less. But that is them.

This year I have battled depression, confusion, and being somewhat unsure of what to do next. I have also found extreme joy in a new teaching position, made new friends, enjoyed my family a lot, improved my housekeeping skills (eh? ok a little, but I'm counting it), and come to understand that when a family lives in crisis for years at a time, it's hard to adjust to noncrisis living. I'm still learning how to do that.

I see life through a different colored lens than in previous years. Not rose colored, just merely tinted with a new color I'm not familiar with. Little things don't matter. Little things are material things like stuff, being on time, what's for dinner, and getting cut off in traffic. Big things matter so much more. Big things are caring for people whether I know them or not, not being afraid to feel the emotions I've been given, living life in a way that honors God above all my understanding and earthly ties. My lens probably has an astigmatism, like my real eyes. Things are twisted enough to prevent clear vision. That I won't get until I am perfected in Heaven. But I feel like I got new glasses this year, improving on my degenerative condition. Because of that, I am optimistic about this coming year.

So, if I finally hit my prime.... I hope it lasts for quite some time.

The Dog Days of Summer

2010-07-06T19:29:00.000-05:00

We have reached the dog days of summer.. I wonder where that phrase really came from..

Anyway, the boys are finally sleeping past 7 and I am so excited about our upcoming trip to the big D to enjoy the lodge life at Great Wolf and see our friends. Not much sounds better than relaxing by the pool with no dishes to do and reading a new book that I purposely haven't read just for this time.

And of course, there is drama in the mean time. Chris is battling a random bout of gout. On Monday he woke up with his toe swollen and painful... and he's been pretty good with his diet, avoiding the shellfish and such. Unfortunately, we just never know when this will take off. So now he has his entirely swollen foot elevated, I'm pumping cherry juice through him as fast as I can, and I'm trying not to get antsy about the coming vacation. Can I tell you how much I hate being the one who has to pack everybody and do all the prep work when I can't even ask someone for help?? And, if the attack doesn't relent, I'll be driving and all that jazz too. sigh... When will we be able to have a "go as planned without some crap happening" trip???

Well, as I was saying, it is the dog days.. summer is here and the heat is high.. I find myself with lots of little pieces of time. In between driving people here there and everywhere, I do the laundry, wash the dishes, sweep the floors, cook the meals, buy the food, pay the bills and still get to read about 3 books a week.

I do enjoy my summers. I need tomake sure to take care of my insurance signup online and complete some inservice training next week. Hopefully we'll get to use our pool passes more. We've used them a total of 1 time. First, it was overcast looking like rain. Then we have trips to take. There is the weekend at Mimi's and the drive to take The Niece back. Yep, it would be great to have a few unrainy hours to enjoy our neighborhood pools.

I am amazed at the things I haven't done, too. I have some items, ahem, dozens of boxes that need to be emptied and have their home found. I have a garage that is INSANE and desperately needs an overhaul. The plans for working out have failed miserably. And I haven't cleaned out the pantry either. The dog needs a big visit to the vet and the boys need to see a dentist. How depressing.

But to end happily, I am enjoying the time to relax. I love the time with the boys. Not being so tired all the time is a definite wonder. And I can actually see my sink most nights. See, I am keeping up with the dishes. Finally. Yay! Small progress counts. I've started a pretty good Bible Study that is helping me get back in The Word regularly. I'll call that a Big progress. So Double Yay!

So, for the last half of the break, I hope to get done those things that are naggin on my heart and face the coming school year satisfied with my time off.

Woof woof! It's great to have time to relax and enjoy.

It is OFFICIALLY Lazy Day!

2010-07-01T16:08:00.000-05:00

Yes, you heard it here first.. Some say it's Canada Day (??huh?) but it's my first day that I don't have to do ANYTHING that I don't want to, other than make sure the children are safe. So I am in my comfy clothes, have colored my hair, read my book, done some laundry and let the children make their own food choices. We have burned our eyeballs out with stupid television and The Little One is still in his night time undies. The Big One broke down and got dressed around 2:30. But no one but me has brushed their teeth. I'm not proud of that. I just don't intend on making them. Every moment is not a teaching moment. And some days are just for lazing around ... for rejuvenating your spirit.. for enjoying without shame the simple pleasures that our hard work brings us.

So today has been Lazy Day.And I intend to make it last until I go to bed. And that will be whenever I want. I don't have to go to work tomorrow. Dinner will be a simple affair. It will involve someone bringing dinner to me. His name is probably Nathan and he'll drive a blue Honda with a Pizza Hut sign on top.

Waking up Tired

2010-06-29T08:35:00.000-05:00

Ugh! It was one of those nights. The Hubby is sick with fever, congestion and sore throat. Between the fever chills, halting snoring, 4 am trip to get ibuprofen in the kitchen, and blasts of dragon breath in my face it was a night of little real sleep. Poor guy, but at least he is finally resting. Perhaps it'll be naptime this afternoon for me.

And the boys are still getting up early. I"m guessing this is driven by the Oldest. The Little One is mostly comatose on the couch when I come down. Amazing the draw of morning cartoons. I'd be worried, but I remember getting up early to watch them when I was a kid. And the Oldest makes breakfast for them both. Today it was 7 waffles with butter. Yes, he made 7 waffles for the 2 of them. And they are all gone. I think the Little One ate 2. I am so screwed when they both hit their teeneage growth spurts. Thank you , God, for Sam's club and casseroles!

Today should have a trip to the pool and hopefully a meet up with a friend. It'll be lovely!

A little of this and a little of that

2010-06-26T10:33:00.000-05:00

Here are some random thoughts I'm having.

1. VBS + Science Camp in the same week make for a very long week.
2. Toy Story 3 was a really cute movie.. not exceptional, but very sweet
3. My niece loves to sleep, except at night.. she stayed up all night last night and is currently sleeping on the couch waiting for her aunt to pick her up.
4. Ryan misses his school friends and was so excited for his play day with his buddy today, that he was up at 6:45 am.
5. I baked a marble cake last night because baking is therapy. And I needed some therapy.
6. I have a lot of odds and ends to take care of.. drs. appointments, dentist visits, reservations to make.
7. Organizing finances is painful and time consuming.
8. I miss my friends and would like a friend day.
9. Washing dishes is death to my soul.
10. I love a good list!

Quotebusters

2010-06-20T18:43:00.000-05:00

Stuff The Little People said this week

(with my answers I thought of later)

Mommy, how did God know to make eyeballs? (Um, carefully, with gusto)

Is a ferret like when a cat and a badger have a baby? (Exactly)

Dude! That's my blanket! Get off my Blue. Have you no honor? (Not really a whole lot, no)

If I eat this, this, and this, can I have dessert? Maybe 2? (Nope, not likely)

I wish I had a firepoll in my house. (Me too)

So, do babies just appear in the Mommy's tummy before they are born? Like magic? (yes, dear, it can be like magic. )

More Summer Highlights

2010-06-15T20:19:00.000-05:00

Well, it's been a good week. Last Friday we took a road trip to Brenham.

Here we are outside of Blue Bell.The boys are looking for their next vehicle.Josh is making new friends.

Me and my boys.

The Children's Museum was lots of fun. Josh was making things move and talk with his hands and Ryan found the legos.

Here is the picture with our friends. Why are my boys the only ones looking "tuff"? They weren't mad. I promise.

And all this summer fun leads to creative sleeping arrangements. Yeah, they both squeeze into Ryan's bed and fight for space. When I walked in and say this, I knew there had been some battles the night before.

That's it for now... Back later with more tidbits of fun.

DAy 3

2010-06-09T20:26:00.002-05:00

Nothing to see here... move along

Summer, dAy 2

2010-06-08T16:13:00.001-05:00

Before we get to Day 2, here is the highlight of Day 1... Ice Cream with the boys!

Now on to Day 2:

Slept til 8 (Yay!) (And by slept, I mean I stayed in bed, really woke up around 5:30 to take the dog out and go pee, then cat napped til 6:30 when the alarm for Chris went off, closed my eyes and pretended to sleep so I wouldn't be expected to take him to work, and finally got up becuase I was doing accounting in my head at 8)

Went grocery shopping. The children were hungry. I also bought 4 herb plants and a lovely hanging petunia. I am PLANT KILLER, hear me roar! Let's see how tough they are. Mother Nature helped out with a nice rain shower to get them well on their way. Perhaps death by drowning this time instead of the usual neglect. We'll just have to wait and see.

Made the children read instead of watch TV. I am a teacher, right? They mumbled until I mentioned no TV all week. Then , they were fine with it.

Played Life, the board game with the boys. They were racing to see who could get the most kids. Ryan had 5, Josh got 1, but finished first. Figures. At the end, they didn't want to count money, so they said I won. Nice. I finally win at life with a pity win. (take that all the many ways it can be taken)

Went to lunch with Chris. That means we ran through a drive through and horked it down in his office while chatting with his 12:30 meeting since we were late getting there due to rain induced traffic and long lunch lines.

Picked up Faith at the hospital. She's doing well. Asleep now since NO ONE sleeps in hospitals. I giggled when the nurse looked at the boys and dropped her voice to nothing when giving the discharge directions of "no intercourse for 4-6 weeks". Now, I laugh out loud, BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Came home to finish the game of life and find out a tree dropped on my friend's house. Poor thing. We were chatting yesterday about how that dead thing needs to come down. Total bummer.

Now, updating my blog before we go back to pick Chris up from work. Hmm, wonder what's for dinner?

Life or personal vendetta? That is the question of the day

2010-06-06T15:28:00.000-05:00

Here's my weekend:

Sat - slept til 8am, went shopping, scored new clothes with no tears, dressed up for wedding, rushed home after call about MIL having heart trouble, settled down brave children who were in her care, praised neighbors who were awesome, passed out around midnight

Sun - up at 6 am from scratching dog, busy Sunday School with 35 teens, helped out in Kinder Sunday School next hour, lunch with husband, drop husband off at church for afternoon teaching seminar, bake cookies for nurses, pack large bag for MIL, update/email family, trip to Hospital to check in on MIL and get info from professionals, anticipating : getting hubby around 5:30, dinner then back to church to lock up around 7:30, home again to put children to bed, wash clothes, and pass out

Mon - supposed to start work out routine, get pool passes, call a few friends, and enjoy day 1 of summer. UGH! Instead will most likely be taking hubby to work and going to Conroe for MIL's heart cath procedure.

Ever felt like the best laid plans were being sabotaged?? Yeah, me too. Nasty, nasty enemy. I'm praising Jesus for all the good stuff in the meantime and accepting the change to my schedule with ~~joy,~~ ~~gratefulness,~~ ~~stoic~~ acceptance of my lot in life.

Pomp and Circumstance

2010-06-04T18:27:00.001-05:00

Ahhh, it is done.. School is out! I can't begin to tell you how good it is to know that I am now "on vacation". It hasn't hit yet. I still don't really feel like I am, it just seems like a Friday night. The boys got new toys at the annual Toys R Us Welcome to Summer Toy from Dad event. I got to come along. They begged, they pleaded, and even said please. So I went along. (FYI I HATE wandering aisles and then ~~deciding what to get~~ watching the boys decide what to get.) It is almost physically painful for me to do that. But I did it, with a smile, and got a cool summer puzzle out of it.

Well, I know some of you are dying for all the Kinder Graduation pictures.

Josh entering with a little "ghosting". Stupid camera.

What a handsome guy he is. I am so proud of him!

Josh saying his part of the program next to his BFF Kaitlyn

Looking cute on the risers. Taken from the back of the gym. Way to go Dad!

Josh and his teacher, Mrs. Muggley. Somehow she has inherited Josh's crazy eyes. Must be the children. I hear they give you the crazy eyes after 30+ years of teaching.

What a fun day! Afterwards rumor has it that Dad and Purple took Josh to Sonic for a treat. Yummy yummy cherry cream slush.

And now, it's time to relax... And absorb the reality of summer.. We are currently discussing where to eat for dinner. No one liked my "clean out the freezer" idea... Yep, summer has arrived.

I am so NOT a prophet

2010-06-03T18:10:00.000-05:00

In the OT when predictions made didn't come true, the prophet was stoned to death. Well, I am no prophet.

* I teared up a little at Josh's graduation, but not until his teacher gave me a hug and started to water
* I ended up with 14 kids at lunch time, had 8 at dismissal
* I am mostly ready to check out for the summer
* My gift haul was not extravagent: 1 plant, 1 bag of white chocolate, I box of chocolate, 1 card, 1 necklace with my initial, and 1 container of indian coconut rice. Sorry it's sideways. I couldn't get it to turn right.

* I was too pooped to happy dance and wasn't too sad to see them leave this afternoon
* Chris didn't head to the hospital, but did have a hyped up nerf gun draw blood on him
*I chose Chick Fil A for dinner tonight.

All in all, a great school year and I am thankful it is over. It's almost time for Summer Wife!

Last Day predictions

2010-06-03T06:23:00.000-05:00

I predict

* I will cry at Josh's graduation
* I will have to push some inconsiderate lady out of the way to get a great photo of him receiving his diploma
* 10 kids in my class will come and watch with me
* I will end the day with 12 kids in my classroom
* I will receive 2 batches of cookies, 1 freshly picked flower, 2 gift cards, and 3 homemade "Thanks for teaching me" cards as end of year gifts
*I will do the happy dance with tears as I watch this year's class go home..They have been awesome for the last two years
*I will choose where we eat out tonight since no one else cooks dinner around here
* Chris will make at least one trip to the hospital today due to Nerf War with the boys at church
* I will get my room cleaned and have exactly 3 things to do on my work day tomorrow

Goal setting, an offshoot of dream wishing

2010-05-29T09:20:00.000-05:00

This morning I am pondering my summer goals. With the long weekend ahead and the concept of rest iminently on the horizon, I know that I need to get this in writing before I cheese out and have another summer with no impact. Yeah, I want my summer to make an impact this year; impact on home, health, and happiness ( oh look, alliteration without effort! SCORE!). I want the boys to disengage from the TV and computer and spend more time doing other things that are of value to them. That's my job as a parent and I sometimes don't do this well.

I want to drop the weight that I've embraced for too long for no reason. It's a spiritual issue, too. Embracing something for too long for no good reason is a definition of sin, so I definitely need to deal with it. In fact, this morning, instead of eating sugary muffins, I opted for the Kashi Go Lean flax with honey and oat cereal. I added fresh blackberries to help fight the gag reflex because the cereal alone sort of tasted like the goat pellets at mom and dad's smell. Guess I won't be getting any free cereal from Kashi for that review. :) But I feel good about my choice because it clearly has more healthy to it than my sugary lemon poppyseed muffins. And Yes, I am talking myself into being ok with the choice.

So I'm thinking about using the blog to help me stay honest about my summer goals. If I have to report to you, my 3 readers, then I might remember that when the temptations hit. We'll see...

He takes the big DUNK!

2010-05-22T18:46:00.000-05:00

Josh got baptized last Sunday, and I am finally getting some of the pics online. We are so blessed to have wonderful, loving, supportive family and friends in our journey as parents.

This is Josh and Kaitlyn. They are BFFs from birth. Kaitlyn came to watch Josh get baptized and got a big education. As a Lutheran, she had never seen a full immersion baptism. She thought it was super cool. And loved that "Baptist" music. Good times!

Silly Brothers having fun, stopped for a moment to get their pic taken. The shades help them see the pictures in 3D.

My Mom came into town to be a part of our celebration with my niece Erinn. It was a quick trip, but I am so thankful they were able to be here and take part. Josh thinks they are super neat and really likes the goat milk and yard eggs his Oma brings when she comes to visit from the farm.

Here, Josh is surrounded by some very influential men in his life. Brett and Scott are uncles by love and spirit. They love my boys like their own and I am so thankful for their presence in our lives. Ryan is the big brother who teaches Josh so much every day. Some days I wish it weren't quite SO much, but he takes his role very seriously and is leading his brother well. And Daddy, the most influential guy around. My son couldn't have a better model of how to be a man of God.

There were others, but they avoided the camera. Silly people. How can you make THE BLOG if you won't get your picture taken? I don't have any images of the baptism itself, but a video should be coming. What a wonderful time to celebrate God's goodness to us!

A quick catch up and some FUNNY stuff

2010-05-21T06:16:00.000-05:00

Mom was wondering why I hadn't changed my blog in a while... been a bit busy. End of School. Baptisms. Sick husband. That's why. And nothing really earth shattering has happened. Except for Last weekend. And I just haven't taken the time to get the pictures ready to go. Surely this weekend I'll feel like doing that.

So, in my absence, enjoy these gems from Sleep Talkin Man.. He sure does have a way with words!

"Your blue sky thinking is blighted with dark clouds of piss-poor ideas."

"They're not love handles. No. I've got love impact protection barriers."

"You wanted to be WHAT when you grow up? Boy, you must be SO disappointed the way your life turned out. So sad."

"Before you say anything, I want you to take a long, hard think.... Longer... Longer!... Keep thinking... Keeeeep thinking... Did I say stop thinking?... Longer!"

So, off I go to another day of teaching, er, child wrangling and I'll "keep thinking" so I can share a fantastic blog soon.

Quotes of the week

2010-05-07T22:05:00.000-05:00

It has been a stellar week for people saying things that I think are Hilarious with a capital H. I laughed so much and am thankful for laughter as I head into the weekend.

Captain Random (a student on the way to our field trip): Yeah, she's got a big head just like my mom. My brother and sister have big heads too. Me too. It runs in our family, the big heads... we are all known for our big headedness.

Mr. Biology: Mom, why did God make us have fingernails?

Mr. Loyal: So, mom, is Mother's Day this week? Cuz you are the best mom.. really. and if I ever got another mom I know she couldn't be as good as you, cuz you rock as a mom.

Mr. Biology: You said I grow when I'm asleep, well why does this part grow when I wake up from a nap? (pointing to his crotch)

Ms. Literary (asking a question to our guest author): What thing is the most inspirational type thing that motivates you to do this job? (emphasis on this was like she was discussing phlegm)

Mr. Biology: If butterflies get their wings pulled off do they become caterpillars again?

Narrator of BUGS, the best 3D IMAX field trip movie ever: And then his antennae carress her back as he completes his mating duties in an attempt to soothe her for his getaway. (3 story image of praying mantis reproductive acts accompany this brilliant statement)(teachers are silently laughing so hard they are crying in an attempt to regain their composure and soothe the thoughts of the parent phone calls to follow) (parent volunteers stare straight ahead and pretend it never happened)

Miss All A's: Mrs. Willingham, what are we supposed to do now that TAKS is over? I mean, we've learned everything already. And I mean EVERYTHING.

Yep, quite the week. People are so funny.

Path of Destruction

2010-05-05T13:19:00.001-05:00

It seems I'm leaving a path everywhere i go today. Coffee spilled on the computer, children with unexpected bumps (they bumped into me, honest), conduct cards marked which maybe should not have been marked, lunch on my shirt, queso on the chair.. just one of those days I guess. I wish someone would wrap me in bubble wrap so I could be a little safer to those around me.

So, I will take precautions... no flamable liquids, no stopping at the grocery store, no washing of the dishes, and certainly no cooking dinner. What a disaster that could be! I pity the thought.

Really, it'll be safer for everyone if I just send someone out for dinner tonight. I should probably even just stay away and go read in my room. I'd hate for anyone to get caught in the undertow. But if someone could come and make sure I haven't bled out from a papercut, I'd really appreciate it.

Weekend Update

2010-05-01T12:20:00.000-05:00

Been a little busy this week.

It was our first TAKS week experience, Ryan taking the test and me administrating it. That was 2 very long days. And in the middle, of course, Josh gets a fever/tummy bug for about 24 hours. And Chris has something going on in his respiratory system, like bronchitis or pneumonia or something. I'm not really a bad wife, he just won't go get it checked out. Actually, he tried to on Friday, but got to the new dr. office and thought it looked more like a OB/GYN than family practice, so he cancelled the appt. So I don't really know what it is. But it did add a bit less sleep to the rotation.

The weather has been a little bipolor, hot, then cool, then wet/hot, then more hot. I think that was our last cool spell. I really miss the cool weather and am so thankful for our cool winter and spring.

I'm looking foward to the last 4 1/2 weeks of school. Time to wrap up and teach the stuff I haven't gotten to all year. Lots of special things like field trips, special events, and fun plans. It should be a good time.

Anyway, I'm feeling kind of puny today, hoping it's not what Josh got. So I'm going to go find somewhere to get rid of this headache.

Later, peeps.

Questions from the back seat

2010-04-16T17:32:00.000-05:00

The offspring have reached an enchanting new stage of life.. they have really honest, deep questions about the world around them. And their favorite time to ask is right after school, on the way home after Mommy's long day of work.

To truly understand the quality of response they get, please imagine yourself being verbally pummeled in tag team style after a 9 hour work day that involved answering 15, 000 questions, running 2 meetings, managing the behavior of 35 children that are not your own, teaching subject matter for 4 hours, planning for 3 different subjects, answering 17 e mails, meeting with the boss regarding 2 critical matters, and listening to 3 co workers vent about their personal problems. And that's a fairly normal day. I don't say that for sympathy. You simply need to know that I'm not in top form to answer these stumpers.

Here is a sampling of questions from the back seat that I recall from the last 2 months:

1. Where do babies come from?
2. Why do we pay taxes?
3. What is 3 +3+3++6+2+112+5+6 -4 divided by 3?
4. Why do we have to fill up the car with gasoline instead of something else?
5. Can I have a snack?
6. Are babies sinners?
7. What does the government do?
8. Is President Obama a good President?
9. Why does Uncle James have 6 kids and you only have 2?
10. When are we getting a baby sister like Matthew and Ethan got?
11. Do you like XBox or Wii more?
12. Are we ever going to fly on a plane?
13. How do you start a business?
14. How many people can I blow up when I join the Army?
15. Why do we get to eat nuggets and fries if they aren't really good for us?
16. If you had to live without chocolate or coffee, which would you choose?
17. If Jesus loves everyone, how come everyone doesn't love Him?
18. When I'm 16 can I drive Dad's truck?
19. Why doesn't Purple go to church with us?
20. How long until I can get married?

Now go back and reread and try to think of an answer after you run a half marathon.

That's the kind of response I tend to give. Which leads me to all kinds of guilt about not being a good enough Mom and spending quality time with my kids, and training them for the future. And while YOU, gentle reader, might give me grace and say "Honey, no one expects you to be able to answer that at that those times." my children have other thoughts. See, they still see me at The MOM, all powerful, all knowing, and completely faithful to meet their needs. They don't yet know that I am frail and more than a little imperfect and I don't have every answer. When I tell them "I don't know" they chuckle and think/say "yeah, right, you know, you just don't want to tell us." So, what's a girl to do? Delegate, of course!

Now, dear internet friends, which one would you like to answer?? Please, give me your best, so I can have it ready if they ever start to repeat.

Weekend Woes or Wonders??

2010-04-10T19:10:00.000-05:00

My weekend plans were derailed by a stomach virus which took up residence in my youngest child. The original plan was: go to Ft Worth on Thursday night with my husband and spend Fri and Saturday at Youth Lab learning all sorts of new stuff about working with teenagers, hanging out with other youth workers, hanging out with our teen leaders, and being a grown up with no kids of my own to take care of.

That was the plan. Instead I got to: Leave school early on Thursday to take my dehydrated son to the Dr. so we could get antinausea meds so he'd stop throwing up, spend Thurs. night as a single Mom trying to get a fever to come down and get my little guy rehydrated, spend Friday at home with him as he came back to life and take care of my oldest and his mood swings at being taken out of school early for the 3rd day in a row.

On the bright side, I got LOADS of laundry done, spent some good quality time with my kids, achieved a nice, high Bejeweled score on FB, slept in until almost 9:30 on Sat morning, finished a fairly decent novel, deposited check in the bank, made oldest child feel special with a little after school snack at Sonic that his brother didn't get, AND I didn't have to wear makeup!

Woes and Wonders, it's all just a matter of perspective.

Things you want to say, but can't

2010-04-09T09:42:00.000-05:00

So on the Sleep Talkin Man blog today, sweet mild mannered Adam has channeled his inner teacher. Here is what I wish I could say to certain students who regularly fail to do their best and just "get by".

Oh my! Aside from the f-word, I have had those thoughts, but am restrained by my contract from saying so in that way. BTW, parents, when the teacher says your little Johnny is "not working to his potential", this is what she really wants to say!

Word of the day: flexibility

2010-04-08T15:33:00.000-05:00

F is for the freaky things that happen
L is for the love of others that makes me be flexible when I don't wanna
E is for everything changes.. that is proof of life
X is for x-rays.. I'm glad we didn't have to get any today
I is for insanity caused from crazy people.. yes, crazy people make me crazier
B is for my boy who is handling being sick like a real trooper
I is for I am happy the Lord has made His will clear
L is for Long weekends I don't get to spend away from home
I is for individuals who made my crazy day easier.. Thank you!
T is for tomorrow, I wonder what that will bring
Y is for yucky tummy virus that is just awful

Sick of the hurtin'

2010-04-06T18:12:00.000-05:00

Ok, I've got a soapbox I need to get on for a while. I am so sick of marriages breaking up! Just angry and sick and sad about it.

Ok, where did this outburst come from you might wonder?? Before you go assuming there is trouble in Willingham's World, let me assure you that we are happy and fine and secure. I have been inundated lately with co-workers going through divorces. I have been faced with numerous friends and church family who are struggling to stay in their marriages. I have heard countless tales of infidelity, verbal cruelty, selfish ambition, careless living, and just plain being a butt head for no apparent reason.

My heart hurts for my friends. For the women who have cheating husbands. Who have tried to reconcile and keep the faith of their marriage promises in the face of ultimate betrayal. Who have to answer their children's innocent questions about "Where is Daddy?" Who are left to pick up the pieces of their life with destroyed credit, embittered views, and a loss of faith because the one who was supposed to love them the most sought another's love.

My head can't understand the pain of the husbands who live with harpies of wives who emasculate them and demean them and show no honor to their spouse. Men who have to navigate a world which is often times hostile to a man being manly and model Godly behavior to belligerant, arrogant females who act nothing like ladies. The guys who want to do the right thing and have no support.

My eyes cry for the kids of divorce and crummy marriages. I see them everyday. Dad's in jail. Mom's moved and left them with Grandma because her job was too important to raise them. Kids who view adults as their servants or their abusers. Children who have no foundation of solid family love and support. Students too busy raising their younger siblings, hiding in their rooms, visiting non custodial parents, diappearing into media, or embittered by their raw deal to get their homework done, or even remember what was assigned.

And I am so tired of the weak marriage. The one that gets by, but never flourishes. That marriage riddled with misunderstanding because the participants are either too stubborn or too broken to work on fixing it. The lopsided marriage of misuse or emotional abuse where a spouse is too blind to notice it slipping away. The busy marriage that doesn't take the time to heal, grow, or acknowledge the good deeds done in love because the XYZ is critical "right now. We can deal with THAT later."

Yeah, my heart is hurting right now. I am thankful for my marriage and my family and all the good in my life. I don't discount that at all. But I see so much pain and suffering in the world around me, that rich, well financed world I have been called to minister to. Money certainly can't buy happiness. I wonder why people try.

Quotes of the Day

2010-04-02T14:26:00.001-05:00

Josh said, in a very serious voice: Ryan, I don't care if you were joking, we don't JOKE ABOUT BLUEBONNETS! They are rare and precious.

Kid from my class: Eggs, eggs, they are everywhere.. It's like the Easter Bunny had diarhhea.

Josh, on taking his first communion with the family: Mmm, that juice was really refreshing.

Outside the Walls -- Blessings flow!

2010-03-27T17:36:00.000-05:00

Our church has started an empahsis to get outside of our church walls and start serving those who don't come to our church. Not as a gimmick. Not to raise our attendance. Not to garner favor. But because Jesus said to help others. We've been encouraged and given opportunities to do that with excellent leadership from all our staff members and church family.
Today, our family participated in an outreach at an inner city mission east of downtown Houston called Open Door. It's a residential facility for recovering addicts. It provides housing, food, counseling, and the most peaceful, Christ like atmosphere I've ever felt at a place like this. It's a voluntary program and the residents are beyond grateful for getting a second chance.

Our church descending like a military strike force this morning. We had over 50 volunteers ready to do anything that was asked. We painted metal fencing, washed windows, served food, sorted clothes, talked with people, prayed with people, and loved on a group that is often forgotten by our very sheltered lives. It was beautiful to see Christ in action.

As we were leaving, Josh started a conversation with the question "Dad, I don't mean to be rude, but I really don't understand what it means about Jesus saving us. What is that?" Oh ,the precious moment. Chris is driving down a pothole filled street in East Houston. There are homeless people on the corner. We aren't quite sure how to get back to the freeway. And Josh wants to know what it all means.

Well, being a fine multitasker (for a guy), Chris handles it all well. He drives and explains what "being saved" means to a six year old. And even remembers to ask him if that's something he'd like to do. Josh said yes, but let us know he was feeling shy, so could he just pray silently. Yeah, I think that's alright.
So now we have a new little believer to raise. Wow! What a responsibility! Chris and I are awed that we have been entrusted to raise these guys in the way of the Lord and to teach them what they need to know while they are young. I feel honored and overwhelmed at the task ahead of me. I know and trust that God will lead us in this charge, but I am humbled at the thought of my involvement.

Praise Him from whom all blessings flow!

The Toothless Wonder

2010-03-25T13:42:00.000-05:00

It's a banner day for the Willingham's. Josh finally pulled that darn tooth. He's been after me for over a week to get rid of it. Luckily, he has no fear of pulling teeth on his own. He'll wiggle that sucker around and make it bleed and not stop until it comes out. Yep, my boy is a tooth wart. I don't know where he gets it from. I was the "cautious" tooth kid. Too afraid of the microsecond of pain to yank that thing until it was hanging by a poor bedraggled nerve (usually my mother's).

Josh, on the other hand, has no fear. He just wants it out. It might have something to do with the Tooth Fairy and money. He really likes to spend money. It doesn't matter on what. He just likes the feel of the money leaving his hot little hands. And he's willing to do most anything to get it. Yes, I'm a little worried about that in the long run, but for now, I am glad.

I don't have to be the mean mom that pulls the teeth. No threats with string and door knobs. He takes care of it for me.

So here's the picture. It took a few to get his mouth open wide enough to see. Now he looks like a scary crazy child.

That'll haunt your dreams for sure.