5 years in 5 days

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..

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..

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

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

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

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

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!

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?