It is the thought that counted...

We are not really a spontaneous family.  There is a reason for it.  We could be described as a Seinfeld moment waiting to happen.  David had a bright idea to go on a picnic at the lake and let Chloe Jo go "fishing".  What a wonderful man...making plans for a day with his family.  We go by and pick up Granny and Papa, chicken and the works at KFC...off we go.  On the way we notice it getting pretty breezy outside and so after looking at the forecast we find scattered showers for today.  Still, we drive on all the way to Paris Landing State Park.

When we get there we see how rough the water is but make our way to the picnic area with our lunch.  We even bring a blue and white checked table cloth for the table.  We unwrap all the chicken and fixins and prepare for a feast.  We all sit down and start eating and the craziest thing happens.  Mosquitos start landing all over our food...in our mashed potatoes and gravy...macaroni and cheese...basically, attacking our picnic area.  Not just a few mosquitos either.  We are being swarmed by HUNDREDS of mosquitos!  It is when I look down that I panic.  We all start slapping mosquitos between bites.  I can tell you pretty much the only thing eating was them!  We inhale our chicken and start throwing stuff in the truck.  David is pulling out as we are all jumping in with the mosquitos following us into the truck.  We  let down the windows to get them to fly out as we floor it out of there before they let the air out of our tires.

After our escape,  David and I just chuckle to each other.  The funny thing is all those people by the water.  He said they must not know any better.  They were all in bathing suits in the cold about to get eaten by all the mosquitos we left behind at Paris Landing today.  How's that for a Sunday afternoon?  Now for that N-A-P on my porch...  

Outdoors again...

BE READY...

I spotted him one day in early spring before anyone else said a word.  I even texted a friend to say he was here.  I was overcome with excitement when I saw him....maybe my shriek scared him off?  Truth was...I wasn't ready.  His feeder was empty.  I am still waiting for his return.  He left and has never returned for me to enjoy.  He is my entertainment on my porch in the mornings and evenings.  I am sick about his disappearance.  I am giving this another shot.  Please Mr. Hummingbird...come back and see me again.  (I promise I will not scream this time.)

BIRDS ARE JUST LIKE US...

Three wires run across the backyard property line.  A bird sat on the top wire.  After a while, another bird came along and obviously wanted the wire that the bird sat on and the exact same spot.  The bird raised his wings and hollered as he tried to fight off the bird who wanted what he had.  The other bird flew away.  So, the bird went back to his sitting and cleaning...minding his own business and then I am telling you no sooner than he was settled another bird came along who obviously wanted the same wire and spot he had.  The bird once again raised his wings and hollered as he tried to shoo away the second bird.  Away went the second bird.  So, the bird began cleaning and sitting in the spot he had defended.  Would you believe just a few seconds later ANOTHER bird different from others flew into the same wire trying to get the same spot.  The bird raise his wings and hollered as he fought off the third bird.  The third bird was bigger than the others but eventually he gave up and flew on.  As I sat there watching I thought what in the world...the bird went right back to his spot cleaning and resting on the top wire.  After a minute...he flew away too.  Why in the world would he put up such a fight?  Then it hit me....GOSH!  Birds are just like some people I know...they really don't want that something they fight others about but don't want anyone else to have it either. heehee

CAST AND REEL...

Chloe Jo had her first fishing lesson in the backyard.  (No fish involved)  David taught her how to cast and then reel it in.  She actually had to push down the button and release it then hold the pole a certain way as she reeled in her catch.  I can still hear her mischievous laughter as she reeled in with Buzz trying to catch the end of her line:)  She did a great job.  I do not know why I worry about her.  Everyone says she is like her daddy but I know she is a lot like me too.  Anything she really wants to do...she works at it.  My problem is she wants to do everything I am trying to do better (her way)!   

STORMS...

Things are just now getting back to normal since the recent storms that hit my neighborhood.  We just have a few finishing touches on Chloe Jo's playhouse.  David's dad, Papa, actually put her house back together with an old cedar fence he had saved.  He salvaged what could be salvaged and repaired the broken pieces.  You know storms are gonna come.  Just like the playhouse we have to pick up the broken pieces and with the help of others put things back together somehow.

BERMUDA GRASS...  

I'm just trying to keep the weeds out of my life.  Isn't that what we really are all doing?  I absolutely cannot imagine why anyone would plant Bermuda grass.  It is my enemy every summer.  It tries to work its way into all of my flowerbeds...It is almost impossible to kill.  It is fast and sneaky.  Just when you think you have dug every root of it out...after a good rain you will see it creeping through the edges again.  I hate it.  I hate all weeds.

Lots going on in my backyard this weekend for sure.  I'm feelin' a N-A-P on the porch today.  New Guinea Imps in the whiskey barrel and new ferns for the carport.  I've got another lounge chair ready so come on over.  

David said they were catching "catfish":)

(thought it was a pretty good one myself!)

Chloe Jo and Kylan (our neighbor next door)

What's going on in your backyard, friends? 

I get by with a little help from my friends....

Where would we all be without our friends?

Sappy one...for my spice girls:)

My time at Martin Primary School is coming to an end.  Throughout my packing up, I am reminded that I have made some friends for life.  It is bittersweet to leave many great women especially my fellow spice girls...Jenna, Ginger, and Michelle.  I believe people come into our lives for a reason.  (Sometimes, thankfully, just for a season...ha...and I am not referring to these women)  But these girls know me and love me despite my flaws.  We are all so different but somehow it works for us.  I guess we have all had enough life experiences to share.  I wish only the best for each one of you.  I'm sad to leave you but know it is the right time to pack up Room 14.  I love each one of you and will miss you.  

Thought of this song for you girls...

Live life with a little spice:)

Learning new things...

I believe you really do learn something new everyday. 

A wise woman told me that children who love music are supposedly good in math.  Little did she know this totally sparked new thinking...changing my focus this summer break to math concepts and taking a break from colors.  ha  I know my daughter is only two so I say these things jokingly.  She IS already counting to 13 and backwards from 5 to 1.  (She is also telling knock knock jokes.)  It is all to Mrs. Betty's credit...who just happens to be the wise woman I was talking about.

A friend of mine texted me this evening with the news that the world was supposed to end on Saturday.  Little did she know this totally sparked new thinking...if the world ends Saturday, it won't matter if Chloe Jo knows her colors or not.  (heehee)

You might need a tissue for this issue...
Today was our fieldtrip to the Strawberry patch.  I got to spend some time with my little girl who is a foster child.   My heart just breaks for her.  She is that kid who just randomly wants to hold your hand.  She told me when we were in the field picking strawberries she wished I was her real mama.  When we were on the hayride she put her arm around me and just rested it there like she was my little girl.  Neither one of us said a word...I just gave her that moment to imagine how the other kids felt who had parents on the trip. 

I know God has a plan for her.  He put her in my classroom.  She steals.  Anything she wants she takes without asking.  But, I love her.  She struggles to trust and do good things.  She has suffered.  She has survived.  She took a friend's snack today.  I spoke with her case worker about her stealing food lately and found out she will be moving next week.  Her foster mom cannot deal with her issues.  I addressed the hair issues we have had and what a difference such a simple thing as having someone fix her hair made each week.   All she said was hopefully she will be placed in an African-American environment.  This stuff hits me hard friends...

A poem in my classroom:

Believe in children-
There is faith in their eyes,
love in their hearts,
kindness in their voices,
Thrill with them at
life's BIG and small moments-
hold them close.

                     Author Unknown

 

Change is a comin'

I have heard a whisper for a while now.  It is one of those situations when you are in your comfort zone and you fear the unknown.  Sometimes you work hard to silence it or maybe even pretend it is not even there.  Maybe you don't even hear it or try to hear it.  But the whisper stays with you and always comes back.  I have trouble letting go and letting God do His thing.  He has blessed me despite me not always seeking Him in all things.  I have had lots of wrong turns but he has worked with me nonetheless.  It isn't that I am a bad person...I just think I am in control sometimes...which is VERY foolish.  I want to be able to see all that God sees but probably couldn't handle the BIG picture if He showed it to me.  Why can't I be satisfied with little peeks?  I actually pray for "billboard moments" so His direction is clear.  Sometimes I just wish He would scream!  But, He continues with the whisper thing.  I realize my problem...faith is my struggle.  God constantly tests my faith because He knows me and wants me to act on faith alone. (even if I do not have all the answers)...

So, I am doing it.  I am choosing to finally answer the whisper.  I have taken a job back at home.  People will think it is crazy but I know it is in His timing.  God truly has a sense of humor.  For instance, one night while rocking Chloe Jo, I realize I am actually singing my Alma mater.  Not a typical lullaby.  I am excited and scared to death.  I will miss my friends but will love being surrounded by those who I have known my whole life.  I am curious about God's path for me and David now.  This is it...I'm stepping out on faith alone. 

I have a garden stake in my flowerbed that says GROW...you know God speaks to me in my backyard, right?  Well...that is His message for me.  GROW your faith...aha! 

Rain is a good THANG???

Rain is a good THANG???  Every time it rains I get that song stuck in my head.  But, when it rains...you are forced to face your messy house.  My sister (JoMeagan) has already texted me this morning saying she was getting ready to clean.  I told her I had considered it as an option.  I really hate the vicious cycle because at any given moment someone will clutter up the spot you just straightened.  Seriously, I just looked around and in its current state none of you are invited over.  If you do stop by, I am home...just give me a few minutes to throw all the stuff in the living room in the bedroom and close the door...then I will greet you with a rapid heart beat and a big smile.

I like to sleep on a rainy day.  Lucky for me I have my daughter on such a great schedule for the work week.  6:00 comes early on the weekends!  She woke up this morning ready for juice and Little Einsteins...this early wake up comes after the most amazing night in Jackson. Chloe Jo obviously did not want to go because she threw fits in both stores we went to before coming right back home.  Two red heads at odds...I just couldn't take it! 

I guess I have put this day off as long as I should.  I did notice my ferns smiling outside so I guess rain is a good thang. I hope you all have a productive Saturday.  Maybe I will go knock a little dust off the picture frames...or maybe I will just crash on the couch. 

 

Just to be a kid again...

Chloe Jo LOVES her aunts!  I wonder why?????  Thanks to my sisters for loving my little girl so much:)
Top: Aunt JoMeagan
Bottom:  Aunt Micki

This is the way we roll!

Chloe Jo- 2 years old:)

Mother's Day

I've been thinking about how my life has been changed by motherhood.  You know, I haven't had a GREAT night of sleep since September 26th, 2008 or even a GOOD night of sleep for that matter months before because of the joys of pregnancy.  I have come to realize that I may not have another GREAT night of sleep for the next two decades...worst case scenario it could NEVER happen for me again. 

A mother's worries never cease.  For instance, knowing your colors.  We have been working on colors.  I know Chloe Jo is only 2 but I am starting to get a little concerned.  Poor kid has a mother who teaches school so naturally I want her to excel.  I REALLY do NOT want to hear about any other 2 year old who knows their colors at this present time.  I am on blood pressure meds already folks so spare me the worry.  She knows colors...just the wrong colors. 

Head injuries...yet, another worry.   David thinks the reason she doesn't know her colors is because of the number of times she has fallen and hit her head.  She always says she is okay.  Chloe Jo is a daredevil on a tricycle.  She truly has a need for speed.  Lucky for her the Easter Bunny saw a need and managed to bring a helmet in her Easter basket this year.  Now she thinks she is official...she wears her helmet outside all the time.  I really don't care if anyone makes fun of the kid with the helmet on in the neighborhood because this takes away some of my worry.

Manners...I just don't want the kid who makes people cringe in the nursery at church.  My greatest fear is that she would become that dreaded name on a teachers class list.  Yes!  I am teaching her to say yes ma'am and no ma'am.  I make her say please and thank you.  I whisper sweet nothings in her ear when she is considering a fit at the store.  Time outs and "spankins" are proving to help this little red heads short temper.  We pray about being kind, nice and about sharing...

Watching movies and TV...  Does every show have to say bad words???  Really!!!  Don't they know we do not say shut up in this family!  We do not say stupid either!  I'll just give you the run-down of what not to say in this house...
dang        shut up          sucks
crap        stupid            dumb
fart          what the?      doodoo/dookie
Pretty much anything that kids say these days and for sure no KING daddy words...Crap would be my word that I have had to let go. 

Brushing hair...means drama.  Seriously, it all starts with the hair brush.  It cannot hurt that bad.  This is when I have to start reminding myself that we do not say any of the words on the list above.

I know I joke about these things but I wouldn't change a thing.  David and I are truly blessed with a sassy little red head.  Being a mother has made the good things from my childhood even sweeter.  Traditions my parents carried out every holiday...I want all of that for her and new ones too.  I want her to know Jesus.  I want her to express herself but know her limits.  I want her to be confident.  I want her to be a leader.  I want her to know she has unconditional love from her parents.  I want her to know we will always be there.  I want her to do great things.  I want all of these things and hopefully one day she will know her colors too:) 

Motherhood has made me dig deep...Happy Mother's Day to all of you.

my new thing...

Well...hey everyone.  Not sure about this but my sister says I am going to be famous.  After weeks of trying to think of a perfect name for my blog, I realize that I do most of my thinking in two places...in the bathroom while I am blow drying my hair and when I am in my backyard.  I am sure it comes as no surprise if you know me.  I am the most random person in the world.  Seriously though,  I am passionate about my yard.  It is my place to be still.  I love planting flowers.  If you want to know the truth of the matter...God speaks to me in my backyard.  So, Backyard Reflections it is:)  

I hope to brighten your day a bit with the thoughts in my head.  At least a chuckle maybe from time to time and at times maybe even a tear.  Grab you a kleenex for this one.

Tough day.  It just hits me so hard sometimes that love alone cannot save some kids.  I have been teaching for 14 years and had several foster children in my classroom.  I just want that happy ending one time.  I honestly do not know what to do to help these kids.  You just think you are messed up...I'd like to be in charge of the future of the ones who harmed them.  These kids get in my head.  Trouble just keeps finding them.  Bus issues under control.  Stealing again today.  I am not a fan of stealing but what a twist of a story about a child caught.  True story went like this the other day...Teacher:  "Why did you take the stuff from my classroom?"  child: "I was just going to use it so I could play school."  Makes your heart ache.  I do not understand why these children have to suffer abuse and lose trust in everyone.  Why a child stiffens when you give them a hug.  Why the words I love you come as a big surprise...it just makes no sense to me.

Saturday will bring sunshine and planting flowers...gerbera daisies and new guinea imps on the list....awaiting His whisper.  Come sit on my porch friends...