Today I'm thankful for:  The rain!  It's been raining here for the past few days.  We need it bad.  For the most part, where I am, it's been just steady rain.  In some places, however, it's been a bit torrential.  So I'm praying for those in the areas hardest hit...but thankful for the ability to snuggle up in my bed and just listen to the rhythm of the rain.  (Sounds like a song, doesn't it?)

On the "Family Front":   It's been a busy week for all.  DS 2 came down yesterday only to find the results of his MRI.  The wrist is not healing well, so they want to do some other things to help the process.  My guess, however, is if DS 2 stops throwing the frisbee for a bit, it'll get better.  He plays for USF's Ultimate Frisbee Team...so this is a bit of a challenge for him.  We'll see what happens.  

My Educational Journey:  Today I am busy trying to decipher my latest assignment.  I don't like guessing and trying to figure out exactly what I am supposed to do!  Still, by the grace of God, and with a little determination, I will have the paper ready to turn in by Saturday night at 11:30!  

My Running Notes: NADA!  Rain has thwarted my plans this week...well...it's not just rain, it's me too.  I'll  get back on track as soon as I can.  

What I'm Reading:    This week it's been all ELL all the time.  UGH!  

On my Mind:   I had a chance meeting with an "old friend" this morning and I WAS SO BLESSED!!  I was at our school board office for test training today (UGH) and stopped on my way back to school to pick up something to drink.  I don't know why I pulled in where I did, but when I walked inside, there was my friend and her daughter.  What's on my mind, then, beside the blessing?  The sorrow that I haven't done a better job of staying connected with some people who were (and are) so precious to me.  It was a lovely visit and a true bright spot in my day.  

Inspirational Quote or Thought for Today:

In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out.  It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being.  We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.  ~Albert Schweitzer

Piles

Hello!  My name is Susan, and I'm a piler.  When I am limited on time, shoot, even when I'm not, I will lay things in a pile to deal with later.  This is especially true in my bedroom where my clothes get put after they run through the laundry.  Tonight I was thinking about this silly routine I go through:

In the morning I sort the clothes pile onto my bed with intentions to hang it up and put it away at night.  Then, when I am ready to go to bed, I think, "I can't do it tonight.  I'll do it later."  And I return the pile to it's resting place until the morning.  Then it starts again in the morning.  Tonight I looked at the pile and decided I was going to hang it up.  It took 10 minutes.  Ten.  That's it!  Yet, I've probably done the pile shuffle for literally two weeks.

Of course, there's a lesson.  First of all, just do the job.  It's not that hard to do.  I was thinking just how many times I decide I'm going to work on something in my personal life and instead of really digging in and dealing with it, I shove it aside in a "to do pile".  Although life piles don't go away so quickly, they can still go away with a little intentional work.  And, like my clothes pile, it's SO. MUCH. BETTER. when it's not looming somewhere waiting to be dealt with!

So, excuse me, I have to go clean up a bit...

Niece and Nephew and Neighbors at Night

At times I enjoy having a house full of kids.  I'm not going to lie, though, I've hit the place in my life where I like a little quiet too!  Still, when I can decide to have kids romping through the house playing and laughing, it makes me smile.  Last night was one of those nights.

My niece and nephew are down visiting their Grandparents during Spring Break.  Last night my inlaws had their small group and so they came over to hang out at our house for a bit.  It was also small group for our friends down the street and their two girls came to join the fun!  All in all, there were 8 kids in the house.  Nephew was happy to sit with our cat Nola and watch TV.

The girls read in LG's room for quite a while.  But Little E, our neighbor, loves to play with DH!  It cracks me up!  She had him acting out this little horse book.

Then there were the older boys.  DS 1 tucked himself away in his room.  I'm not sure the flurry of activity agrees with him.  Still he did come out and interact with the kids a bit.  I think it's so funny how "little kids" gravitate to "big ones"!  DS 3 also tucked himself away in his room for a while...in fact, I found him playing with iTunes while listening to his Johnny Cash vinyl record!  He too CRACKS me UP!  When he accused me of "stalking" he happily announced, "You just missed 'I walk the line'!"  Thanks, son!

Then there was DS 4 who spent time playing with the kids between checking his own computer game.

As I said, I love it that everyone can kind of find his or her own nook and do their thing.  It's refreshing to hear their laughter and to know that their lives are so filled with joy!

I went to bed SMILING!

Today I'm thankful for:  My Car!  It broke last week.  I had it jumped and it ran fine for a few days, then after church yesterday...wham!  It was down again.  So, today it's in the shop.  And tomorrow it should be healthy again.  I miss it when I don't have it.  With 208,000 miles on it, it's been quite faithful and for that, I'm thankful!

On the "Family Front":   ONE WEEK from tomorrow, we will be a FOREVER FAMILY!  LG will be OURS.  I'm planning to throw a party to celebrate.  I just have to figure out a day and a time that we can do it.  

My Educational Journey: Sometimes I look at all that I still have to do to finish this degree and I think, "What the HECK am I thinking?"  But, you know what?  My FIL is right, it's like eating an elephant and you have to do it ONE bite at a time.  One little step at a time.  So, this week as I prepare to write a paper on Meta Consent Decrees (yeah, you wish you were me, don't you?) I'm going to do a little chunk at a time and trust that all will be well.  

My Running Notes: What running??  I was supposed to run again yesterday and we ended up being Tampa later than planned.  When I arrived home after dark, I couldn't go run.  This morning I woke up to RAIN.  Right now, it's the evening and it's been RAINING all afternoon.  I'm frustrated because I feel like I am going to have to start over.  Oh well...I'll keep pressing on even when it seems my plans are not working!

What I'm Reading:    Uh see my note about Meta Consent Decree.  THAT'S what I'm reading this week!  

On my Mind:   I want to be a better person than I am today.  I fuss too much.  I whine when things don't go as I think they should.  I sometimes am selfish.  I don't want to be that way.  Soooo I've been remembering a song by a Christian artist from my college days, "Gold in the Fire."  Priscilla Engle used to sing it and it had this great chorus that said, "He's heating me up like gold in the fire...taking the temperature higher and higher...burning off every impurity...till the only thing left of me is gold in the fire!"  I love that picture and pray that I'll become more like gold as I allow God to work on my flaws.  

Inspirational Quote or Thought for Today:

Instead of a quote or thought, I have this song in my heart.  We heard this group Saturday night before Chris Tomlin took the stage.  The group is called, "Rend Collective" and they are from Ireland.  This song touched my heart so deeply...Here are the lyrics and I followed it up with a video:

You Bled 

You bled your heart out

Now I feel love beat in my 

chest, How Wonderful

You gave your beauty 

In exchange for my 

ugliness, How Wonderful

You left your perfection

And took on our rejection 

oh How Marvelous

How Boundless

Is your love

Is your Love

How Wonderful

Sacrificial

Is your Love for me

You put on our chains

Sent us out through the 

open door, How 

Wonderful, You took our 

sadness, Crowned us 

with joy and real peace

How Wonderful

you bled

You left your perfection

and fought for our 

redemption 

Oh How Marvelous

How Boundless

Is your love

Is your Love

How Wonderful

Sacrificial

Is your Love for me

Yes Jesus loves me

Yes Jesus loves me, How 

Wonderful

Yes Jesus loves me

This is love

You gave yourself

My DSs 2 and 3 and I went to see Chris Tomlin and Louie Giglio last night.  I have seen Chris in concert several times, but never heard Louie Giglio speak.  It was AWESOME!  The tour is called "And if Our God is For Us..." taken from Chris's latest album and Romans 8:31.

Again and again I was reminded that it's time to draw close and trust.  In the midst of the concert I remembered my New Year's Word/Phrase:  BE STILL and KNOW.  Being still and remembering that it is God who is in control and not me is one of the life lessons I've yet to master!

Chris's songs are powerful.  He is one of the "most sung" artists in church's around the world.  I am convinced that it's because he truly wants it not be about him, but to point to faith and grace and God.

When Louie came out to speak, he shared an amazing message about sounds in the universe from stars that are millions of miles away to the songs of the whales.  He mashed up the sounds to make an amazing example of how everything is orchestrated by God using his iPad.  And he reminded me again that sometimes we just have to surrender and say "I give up!"  or "BE STILL AND KNOW".

For me, though, the most breathtaking moment was watching four or five men carry this giant cross through the crowd.  First of all, I was humbled and awed when I realized what was happening.  They had walked almost the full length of the arena before I saw it!  They carried it up on the stage and placed it front and center.

It broke my heart that I "missed it until it was right in front of me."  And again I realized just how often this describes my everyday life.  I miss it.  I don't open my eyes and see God's hand in everything I do.  In fact, sometimes I think I CHOOSE not to see!  And I choose to try and hide my faith under a bushel.

I am sorry for it.

The best part is knowing that despite my unwillingness to yield to God and my bent toward ME being in control...God's LOVE and GRACE continues to be MINE!

I don't know who will read this, if anyone.  But I hope if you are reading it, that you also know that, God (the creator of the entire universe) LOVES you!  He pours himself out for you (and for me) every single day.  When we turn our backs on him, he is there.  When we try to shove him into a closet so we can handle it ourselves, he is there.  When we mess up, he is there.  No matter what.  And, all of these things we can BE STILL and KNOW!

Happy Sunday!

Today I'm thankful for:  THE WEEKEND!  It's been a VERY busy week around here and I needed today to just relax and not do much.  Tonight we're going to see Chris Tomlin.  Tomorrow we'll spend time with extended family as my cousin, Lynn and her family come in to town.


On the "Family Front":   We are within a couple of weeks of being a forever family for LG.  I'll be so glad when this is all over.  She's out this weekend with my in-laws visiting her cousin and getting spoiled.

Also, DS 2 came in to town last night.  It's always nice when you know all the chicks are in the area.

My Educational Journey: Finished our first group paper this week.  In some ways, it's harder when you're doing group work in a cyber world.  I mean I know you can be connected, but I prefer face to face I think.  Anyway, it's done and I couldn't be happier!

My Running Notes: Ran last night and was able to stick with the 90 second run and two minute walk.   So, it wasn't totally like starting over.  Thank God.

What I'm Reading:    Reading?  I will make time to read some more in my book today.  I will.  I will.  I will!

On my Mind:   Went shopping today at the mall.  It's the first time I've been there since around Christmas.  I like nice things as much as the next person, but I'm blown away at the cost of "nice things".  I put my hand on a cotton t-shirt today with a logo on it that I really liked.  The color, the cut, the crispness of it, were all things that drew me in.  The price tag?  $89!  For a COTTON t-shirt!  I looked at the matching pants momentarily only to find they were $169!  For pants!  And all I could think was:  "those things were probably made poor child or young adult in a third world country for less than $12."  I walked out of the store kind of disgusted.  On my way out, I reminded myself that I just might find that same shirt and pants in Goodwill a few months from now for about $8.  And they MIGHT still have the tags on them!  ;-)

Inspirational Quote or Thought for Today:

“Perseverance is failing 19 times
and succeeding the 20th.”

~ Julie Andrews

Today I'm thankful for:   My ability to read.  When I am doing research in the area of reading, and I realize how complex the process is, I'm thankful.  My Mother read to me from the time I was little.  We sang songs and said rhymes together.  My first grade teacher loved Dr. Seuss and had us reading (and really devouring) his books.   

On the "Family Front":  Wednesday night is our "kidless" night.  DSs 3 and 4 are out at youth group.  LG is out at church.  DS 1 is sometimes around, but he's pretty quiet.  I love it!  

My Educational Journey:  People have asked "why are you doing another Master's degree?"  My former boss said it best, "You may not ever 'use' the key in your pocket, but if you get to the door and you don't have it, you might be sorry."  This will be a degree in educational leadership which will open doors for me when I'm ready.  

My Running Notes:   I feel like I'm going to have to start all over.  UGH!  I didn't get out tonight either.   I could give excuses, but I won't.  

What I'm Reading:  Educational research again!  Imagine this, though...the research continues to show that it's the TEACHER not the PROGRAM that makes a difference for kids and learning!  

On my Mind:  I am excited to go with some of my fellow colleagues to see "The Producers" tomorrow night at our local theater!  It will be nice to be with friends.  And I LOVE the theater!  DH and I saw this play a few years ago in NYC with Tony Danza.  It will be interesting to see the local cast's rendition.    

Inspirational Quote or Thought for Today:

A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds.
Francis Bacon

Today I'm thankful for:   My colleagues who simply amaze me daily!  I am blessed to work with some of the best people on the planet.  They make it easy to go to work each and every day.   

On the "Family Front":  Looking forward to seeing our extended family this weekend.  My cousin, Lynn and her family are coming in to town.  It will be nice to relax, swim and enjoy some good family time together.  

My Educational Journey:  Today I nearly came unglued when I received my grade for my last assignment...it said "80 out of 100" points.  I thought, "You have GOT to be kidding me!"  I worked so hard on that.  I stewed.  I fretted.  I was frustrated.  Then, I clicked into the course email only to find out that the number of points had been reduced from 100 to 80!  I guess THAT will teach me!

My Running Notes:   Due to my car breaking down tonight, I missed my run.  I will have to pick up tomorrow.  Grrr!!

What I'm Reading:  I've read my group paper again and again and again.  Today, though, on the children's book front I read a copy of Chris Raschka's version of the Quaker hymn "Simple Gifts" and let me tell you, it's simply beautiful!  Can't wait to get my own copy.  

On my Mind:  I am blown away by our literacy night tonight!  My friend Sandy and I did an activity where parents and kids wrote letters to local baseball teams to request autographs.  We included a SASE in the letter so the kids could possibly receive mail.  And, guess what?  Over half the parents couldn't figure out how to address an envelope!!  Unbelievable.  That alone, was a lesson.  

Inspirational Quote or Thought for Today:

I've really been thinking about this word lately:  ANYWAY!  

When I don't feel like loving, I want to love ANYWAY!

When I don't feel like working, I want to work ANYWAY!

When I don't feel like listening, I want to listen ANYWAY!  

There are times we need to persevere with an ANYWAY attitude.  

Today I'm thankful for:   My husband and the grace he extends me!  When I'm crabby, tired, or sick, he is more than understanding and always so kind.  He is always willing to give me space when I need it and for that, I will be eternally grateful!  

On the "Family Front":  LG was talking to her birth mother tonight on the phone.  I love it that she told her, "Here's my Mom."  when she handed the phone back.  I have told her that she, in fact, can call more than one person "Mom"....and I've explained to her how I call my own Mother "Mom" as well as DH's Mother.  But as I mentioned a couple of posts ago, she's been on a journey in this area as she first called me "Mrs. N." since that's how she knew me from school.  So, to quote a familiar phrase, "We've come a long way baby!"

My Educational Journey:  In the middle of a group project, I am starting to wonder if I really work better alone!  This is yet another area where my "control-freakness" comes out and I want to holler, "let's do it MY way!"  I know, I know, I have a lot to learn!

My Running Notes:   My hip hurt today from my run last night.  The Couch to 5K program is pretty adamant about not running everyday.  The recovery period is so important for the body.  But I'm thinking about doing a walk on the days when I am not running.  

What I'm Reading:  Today I haven't read anything for pleasure!  Nope.  It's been research, research, research for my "group paper".  Still, it's been good food for thought as I consider ways to bring about school reform.  

On my Mind:  No budget from the school district yet means we have no idea just how bad the cuts will be this year.  Still, we are certain there will be cuts.  I don't like that.  It always makes me question what my future will hold.  It happens every year and this one's no different.  What I do know, though, is that I am thankful to have a job and knowing that my employment is a sure thing.  

Inspirational Quote or Thought for Today:

Saw this yesterday and think it's appropriate for my "On my Mind" for today:  

                 "When people go to work, they shouldn't have to leave their hearts at home.” 

                                                                            --Betty Bender

Here I am again...

Still trying to learn to balance it all...and only half way succeeding!  My friend Danielle over at The Writing Life  used to blog in a "Daybook" format.  She gave little snippets of her thoughts, ideas, and life in general each day.  I've decided to take a spin on that format and start my own "Daybook" of sorts.  I am changing Danielle's headings to be relevant to me and my crazy life.  Here's my first attempt:  

Today I'm thankful for:   My church.  Our mission is to be in the world 360 degrees both locally and globally.  This weekend we spent time in the community at a festival giving out free water and doing kids crafts.  Then I had the pleasure of hearing my DH fill in for our Pastor today.  I love hearing him preach and am thankful that our Pastor allows him to do so occasionally.  

On the "Family Front":  DSs 1, 2, and 4 have been helping me with my new "Couch to 5K" running plan (see below).  I love it that they're so supportive of their Mother!  

DS 3 and I went to a concert together last night.  The concert was an "experience"...and I enjoyed the singer we were there to see.  But I enjoyed laughing with my DS 3 even more!  We had a fun time taking in the entire experience including his "phone's" ability to navigate us to and from the concert (with an ice cream stop on the way home).  I treasure those moments.  

My Educational Journey:  Did you know I'm back in school?  I am adding a 2nd Master's Degree in Educational Leadership.  (My first was in Curriculum.)  I'm telling you, my learning curve is STRAIGHT UP!  But I'm enjoying the experience overall. 

My Running Notes:   And while my learning journey continues, I decided that I also wanted to do something to get back in shape and challenge myself a bit.  I AM NOT A RUNNER!  I never have been.  But, I was challenged recently by our local radio host, Carmen Brown's  running journey.  She did a "couch to 5K" and then decided to do a half marathon for her birthday only a few months later.  I was inspired and decided to give it a try.  

I got my shoes...which I am starting to realize is SO IMPORTANT....and, I'm beginning week two.  Tonight I added time to the "run"...which is only up to 90 seconds on and 2 minutes off.  I love that it's doable and that I'm feeling a difference in the run already.  

What I'm Reading:  I'm in the middle of a book that is speaking to me in unbelievable ways:  "the gift of an ordinary day" by Katrina Kenison .  Wow!  This memoir of a time in Kenison's life when she reassessed her family life, the schedule, the busy-ness that often defined them, and then ended up turning it completely upside down.  I have almost commented on this book several times mid-reading here on my blog as I've been deeply impacted by this woman's writing.  BUT I usually reserve my book reviews for the end of the book.  I just realized that this "daybook format" will allow me to share the nuggets as I go and when they occur!  I like that!

On my Mind:  Praying for four families who tragically lost teens in car accidents in our area last week.  One accident took four lives and left one family childless as they lost both of theirs in that crash.  Another took the life of a young football player with a promising future ahead of him.  So sad.  

Inspirational Quote or Thought for Today:

I found this quote on Katrina Kenison's website (see "What I'm Reading").  On Feb. 13th Katrina wrote this following:   I've been thinking of this quote all week. It is really what the gift of an ordinary day is all about: "The little things? The little moments? They aren't little." -- Jon Kabat-Zinn

Can't say every post will be "Daybook" format, but I like having the option on those days when time seems short.