Another IEP

Today was my IEP conference for Luke.  We go over progress or regression that has happened.  We try to figure out what worked and what didn't.  Then, we set a plan for the coming year.  Some years are harder than others.  The assistant-principal had a chart on his computer about Luke from 1st or 2nd grade and up.  He pointed out that in 4th grade and 5th grade, Luke made some good progress according to test results.  We could see that 2nd grade missed.  (so true!)  And third grade showed some leveling out.  (that wonderful teacher needed to just love on him because of second grade.  which she did wonderfully!  She got him to like school again and gain lost confidence.)

Middle school was a good experience for Luke overall.  The resource teacher and the assistant-principal helped him in SO many ways.  He's grown and matured the past two years.  They pushed him a little out of his comfort zone to watch him grow.  The downfall of middle school would be that Luke doesn't have a good friend.  I really don't want Luke to be a loner in school.  It's so hard!  Now, my baby is moving on to Jr. High.  How did that happen??  And, the dreaded changing of schools.  I wasn't too sure about moving to middle school, but there was support at the conferences while Luke was still in elementary.  That helps give us worrying Mamma's a little ease.  To meet the people your trusting the care of your child too. (and to see their care and concern is real)  Was there a representative from the jr. high at my meeting today?

Of course not!  She was on the list of the people who were supposed to attend the meeting.  A no-show!  :(  I was hoping to talk with some one about the scheduling for next year.  I just wanted a little bit of ease of mind so then I could pass it on to Luke.  Instead I have to fake it again.  If they only knew the stress special-education kids have regarding their teachers and schedules all summer long!  Take the concern the 'normal' kids might have and multiply it!  They also warned me that next year was Luke's evaluation.  And, since he is still receiving services under speech/language, I might have to be a Momma' Bear to keep it that way. 

I did get to hear how wonderful Luke is.  :)  They told me he is like an old soul in that young body.  That's how a lot of people described me growing up.  They told me how concerned he is of the well-being of others.  How he concentrates on his work even when other's would rush him.  How he is willing to try and not give up.  And how sweet and encouraging he is to others.  All things that make me proud of the person he is becoming.   Grades and test scores don't make you.  They are just a small part of the picture.   It's the perseverance in life and how you treat others that people remember.  Luke is on his way!

My Strength

“For I, the Lord your God,
hold your right hand;
it is I who say to you,
 Fear not, I am the one
who helps you.”

Isaiah 41:13 ESV

I look around and feel so small at times.  I look around at the problems we are facing...the ones my family and friends are facing... and I am, well, I am just me.  I feel overwhelmed.  Angry.  Frustrated.  Sad.  Confused.  All of those human emotions go through me.  I am very thankful that my help...my strength through all of this, is not of this world. 

I don't pretend to understand why friends have to have fertility issues when a drug user has several children she doesn't care about.  I don't understand why friend's have to go in for a breast biopsy because the scans are not normal.  I don't understand why my husband has to go through a possible by-pass surgery when he is in his 40's.  I don't understand a lot of things.  But, I do know some one that sees the whole picture.

Through these situations, God's love and strength keeps us going.  His comfort through His word and through others makes things bearable.  Right now, I must continue to walk in faith knowing that He is guiding my steps... knowing that He is in control.  I must hand these situations, my family, and friends into His loving arms knowing that His goodness and strength will prevail. 

Five Minute Friday: Together

It is that time once again.  To write unscripted ...un-edited (besides spell check! LOL)  for five minutes.  The topic today:  Together

S T A R T

I know what your thinking....a duck...what does that have to do with anything??  But, this is a momma' duck waiting for that last little duckling to wake up and crack through the shell.  She didn't leave her nest when I was squatting right next to her taking her picture.  I SO wanted to try to pet her then I thought how much I liked my finger!

Many times I feel like that duck.  Waiting.  I'm waiting on God's next step.  I'm waiting to see what happens next.  I want to protect my family.  Yet, I realize more and more that I have no control over protecting my family.  Besides not running in the street and don't put your fingers in light sockets ~ well, even then ~ God's in control.  God's protecting my family even when I think it's me. 

And God will continue to protect us through this next step.  Kent's heart cath is on May 2nd.  The doctor seems to have forgotten how bad it is in there.  He basically told us today that he'll stint him up and he'll be done.  But, we know from last year, that there is good chance a stint won't fix it.  That a by-pass will be happening on May 2nd.  We are trying to get mentally ready for it.  Then, if something happens and we get good news that a stint will fix it ~ it's even better! :)  The nurse (not the regular nurse) even said that if the doctor doesn't have to do anything, Kent will go home in a couple hours.  Kent and I both laughed at that one! Honestly we did.  The nurse looked at us a bit funny. 

We walk together with God.  Always.  He guides our ways.  He knows our future and has our best interest in mind.  God's there through the joy and the pain.  I know He will walk with my family through this next step.  There's no one we'd rather be together with.

S T O P

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be

frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with

you wherever you go.” ~ Joshua 1:9 ESV

T H O R N S

"...Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was
given a thorn  in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.
Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.
 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my
 power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the

 more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on
 me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in
hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak,
 then I am strong. "   2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Thorns.  Paul didn't understand why.  He cried out to God.  He pleaded to God.  I don't understand. The three-letter word, "WHY?", has come from my lips numerous times.  I'm guessing that you don't either.  What ever thorn that you are bearing....

Thorns of Infertility

Thorns of Miscarriage

Thorns of Divorce

Thorns of Diabetes

Thorns of Autism

Thorns of Cancer

Thorns of Heart Disease

But, God knows each of our thorns.  He knows our pain....and confusion.  He sees the big picture.  The one we are unable to see.  He knows how this thorn we are going through will make HIM shine brighter.  God may choose to take away your thorn.  Although, that is not a guarantee.  I have been through many of thorns listed myself.  Miscarriage.(at 5 months)  Diabetes (mother, husband, numerous others)  Autism (my son) Cancer (my Dad) Heart Disease (my husband)  Not all of the thorns have been healed and removed.  (YET, I still believe MY GOD CAN HEAL)

In fact, my husband is struggling with this right now.  His thorns are too much at times.  He is in his 40's.  He has Asthma, Heart Disease, and Diabetes.  Of course with those things come high blood pressure and cholesterol. (that just on his own!)  We would love to find a wonderful Dr. Oz that wants to help him get off of the medication instead of just giving him another one.  That hasn't happened.  He has 3 or 4 stints in his heart already.  The doctor told him just last year, the next step is bypass surgery.  Now, that is looking like a reality.  A near future kinda reality...not in the distance.  He has been actually using his nitros...not just loosing them.  :(  He has a heart doctor appointment on Friday which I am going.  (by the time he get's home ~ he'll have the doc saying everything is just fine! lol)

The thorns my husband must bear are daily reminders that this world is not our home.  I don't understand why some must bear many thorns.  While others seem to breeze by.  Maybe they are just better at acting like everything is fine?  I am not sure.   I am just thankful that our Savior sees the big picture.  And through this next journey, He will be with us every step of the way.  If you could, please add Kent to your prayer list.  Thank you.

Month of Service: April

2nd Annual Fishing Tournament for Children's Hospital

Love to see my children serving others!

The number of early entries doubled to 150 boats!

All proceeds went to the Arkansas Children's Hospital.

It was a great Friday the 13th!  I woke up from a NyQuil induced sleep to an upset stomach, stuffy nose, and achy all over.  But, I signed up to help and I was determined to go.  :)  So, a little more slowly than usually, I got ready to go.  Kent and I called in to work.  Kids got to miss school.  This is our second year to participate and we were all looking forward to it.

God gave us a beautiful day.  A little cloudy, but no rain.  (which is good...I'm a bit of a wimp once the rain starts!)  The sun wasn't too hot.  Just a good day to serve others.  I love seeing my kids my put their gloves on and get to work.  :)  Very thankful for our church to provide this opportunity to give.  To teach my kids by example of these wonderful people.  Thankful heart tonight!  Now, we are planning our May outreach!  Let's see what doors that God will open!

"...let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader

 as one who serves.  For who is the greater, one who reclines at table

 or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am

among you as the one who serves."  ~  Luke 22:26-27

A Bit of Spring!

So Beautiful!

The cheesy Easter picture! ;) Love those kids!

Luke, Abby (my niece), Faith, and Joey

The smell and beauty of a rose!

The beauty of spring!  Flowers blooming!  Pollen making your eyes water.  Cool breeze with the windows open!  Again with my eyes watering.  Birds singing their own praises to God!  It is a beautiful time of year reminding us that we serve a risen Savior.  It is so easy to look at the majesty of our Lord. 

"Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory

 and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours

 is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all."

1 Chronicles 29:11

I hope that you have a chance to enjoy this beautiful spring that God has given us.  I've been trying to get spring pictures of my kids for two weeks now and it keeps raining on the days I can.  But ~ even that I am thankful.  The rain helps the gardens grow! :)  And I would like some fresh blueberries this year!! Yumm! This Friday, we will be doing our service project with our church, Phillips Chapel FWB Church. We will be feeding hungry crowds at a fishing tournament for the Children's Hospital.  My family helped last year and we are looking forward to it again.  Serving others is always such a blessing.

Easter Thoughts

"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live,
but Christ who lives  in me. And the life I now live in the flesh
 I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave
 himself for me."   ~  Galatians 2:20

 I love the last part of that verse.  He loved me.  He gave himself for me.  Not just me ~ but you as well.  We were on his mind.  We are the reason that His angels did not swoop down and set him free.  We are the reason.  Is that not a bit mind boggling?  

So, now because of Jesus, this world is not our home.  I know this world is not the end.  Just as He arose, so will we.  Suffering will vanish.  Tears will dry.  Our tired bodies will be put to rest.  And our spirits will be free.  What a gift we have been given! 

Thank you, Lord, for loving me.  Through my ups and downs.  Through my mistakes.  Through my failures.  Your unconditional love stays strong even when I am weak.  Thank You for loving me.

Easter Baskets! =D

Just Call Me the Easter Bunny!

My basket winner, Angela Sullins, received her basket

today!  Filled with Coconut Macroons, Chocolate Chip

Shortbread, Frosted Sugar Cookies, Peanut Butter Cookies,

and Hot Chocolate Cupcakes! Yumm!!

A few baskets for some sweet kid-o's.  Chocolate, cookies,

cupcakes, bubbles, and chalk.  Hope they bring smiles because

they make me smile! :)

No, I haven't forgotten my own three kids.  They are too

grown up for the baskets.  :(  They just want the candy! LOL

So, a bag full of goodies that I won't buy any other time a year!

My baskets are done for another year.  I hope the Easter Bunny

visits your home this year and leaves some treasures for you.

Happy Easter!





Contest Winner!

And our winner is......   Angela Sullins!  Just one of the sweetest people I know!  Congradulations Angela!  Thank you to everyone that entered.  I'll have to do it again soon so keep you eyes out.  Well, that's kinda gross.  Keep your eyes in but keep a look out for my next contest.  I'll post pictures when I am done.  I gotta start some Easter baking now! :)

Thoughts on Blessings...

"One gives freely, yet grows all the richer;
 Another withholds what he should give,

 and only suffers want.

Whoever brings blessing will be enriched,

And one who waters will himself be watered."

Proverbs 11:24-25

Tonight I'm examining myself a bit.  I believe it's good to take a look at yourself.  See the things that need worked on.  Accept the things that cannot be changed.  Take a good look ~ warts and all.

And I wonder ~ when others count their list of blessings, do I even cross their mind?  How many lives have a really, truly touched?  How many would consider me a blessing in their life?  Before you get too worried about me, I'm fine! LOL  Just a little deep thinking...

Am I doing my best to make a difference??

Do I try to reach out to others?? (even when it's not easy)

Do I love more and judge less?

My 'goal', you could say, is not to be on every one's list.  Just to give freely...to bring blessings to others... to be the person that other's are happy to see.  We all have people we'd love to hide down another isle and pretend we didn't see.  Be Honest!  I know I am not the only one!! LOL =D  I just want to make sure that it's not me your hiding from!    

I realize that I can't make everyone like me.  It's took me years, many books, and the help of God to make me realize that statement.  It bears repeating.  Not everyone is going to like me.  (or you!) But, that is okay.  Just live with the light of God inside of you.  Either they will accept you eventually or not.  Just work on yourself.

But right now ~ think of the blessings in your life.  What do they have in common?  The ones that pop in my head... they accept me they way I am.  They love me despite myself.  They reach out when I need encouragement.  So that is what I need to be to others.....
               Accepting
                                                Loving
                                                                       Encouraging