Monday morning. The start of another very busy week, but I am taking a few minutes to reflect on the good and absorb the quiet. The laundry can wait and the to-do list will still be there, always waiting. For a couple of minutes I am going to enjoy the kids, rubbing sleep from their eyes, as they settle in chairs next to me. I want to savor the first hugs of the day and mumbled good mornings as they slowly wake up. I am putting off tasks - perhaps it is procrastinating - but in the mean time, I am soaking up the good around me.
Summer is winding down and school is just around the corner. For the first time in years, I will be returning to school with the kids. Honestly, I have never been excited for the start of school, I love the time with the kids and the relaxed schedule. This summer has been different though. As Mark put it, it is one that if possible, I would put it in a bottle and keep it on the shelf, never to forget. Our summer was full, like most every summer, but it was a different kind of full.
Full of Family. We focused on family time this summer, with a family vacation, Mark taking many days off of work, and I was able to be home everyday with the kids this summer. Mark and I had a week together while the kids were at camp, it was like a second honeymoon. The time has been good and much needed coming off a busy school year last year.
Full of Relaxation. There was no agenda this summer. As much as I tried to put myself on one at the beginning of the summer, it just didn't happen. I realize now, I needed it, deep down at a soul level I was parched and exhausted. I feel rested, revived, and truthfully I am seeing the difference it is making in my life.
Full of Books. I have spent the summer reading. I have read a record number of books this summer, taking me to different places, learning about different people. It has been a fun way for me to relax. Perhaps I will have to share about some of the books that changed my life in another post.
Full of Change. I ended my ten year career as a piano teacher, one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make. We are getting ready for middle school, years that scare me, not because of who my son is, but just because of what those years are in a young person's life. We have a young daughter who desperately needs to be stimulated and challenged, which is proving to be a challenge for this mom, but I am excited about some new opportunities for her. Mark continues with school, and we are looking at that addition of busyness to the normal busy schedule that reigns during the school year.
The summer is over, and yet, I am not depressed. It has been a very, very good summer. A gift of time and family. A time of relaxation and rest.
Today we celebrate you and what you bring to our family. You have a tender heart always ready to love, to forgive, to accept. Your laughter is infectious, often bringing the rest of us to laugh with you, reminding us what it is to laugh often, deeply, and freely. You bring so much joy to our family.
Your passion for life and for learning is never ending. Inquisitive and curious, you are not afriad to dig in and learn something new. You keep me guessing as to what your next new endeavor will be and I love that about you. Your creativity and originality knows no limits. I hope you never loose that.
Ten years ago a friend of mine asked me if I would teach her daughter piano lessons because she was having trouble finding a teacher that would take someone who was so young.
Me?
I haven't touched a piano in four or five years!
What on earth could I possibly teach someone about piano?
Where do I start?
What books do I use?
I'm. so. scared!
"Sure, I'd love to!" And thus without my knowing it began a new chapter in my life.
I thought this was just a short term commitment until my friend's daughter was old enough to be accepted by another teacher. God saw it differently. Starting with just three students, it quickly grew to five students, then six and seven. I had no idea what I was doing and was learning as I was going. In less than a year, I had enough students to fill the time I had available with Mark working full time and a one year old running around the house.
God has used these ten years as a faith journey:
Stepping outside my comfort zone
Overcoming the childhood fear of playing in front of people
Trusting Him to provide for our family
Discovering new talents and joys I didn't know I had
I have enjoyed the opportunity to work with many students, and have learned from each of them. I have learned about myself and what it is to be patient and understanding. I have learned about life in general and how to relate to different people. They taught me how to love music, wasn't that supposed to be my job?! I am grateful for the people who have sat at the piano with me as we learn and grow together. I appreciate the parents who have trusted me to work with each student, many of you have become close friends as well.
To each of my students and their parents, present and past, I thank you.
We're on a journey, you and I. Was it one I signed up for? In a way, I suppose it was. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining about this path. No, it is not that at all.
The journey began the moment I said "Yes."
How many years ago was that?
However, I think the real journey began when I asked for your help. I remember all of the times we have sat together and talked. Maybe I did more of the talking? I still have a habit of that at times. Sorry. You are so patient, listening without complaint. When I talk you never criticize or belittle me, rather you encourage, support, and love... I can always count on you for that. Thank you.
I don't know why this one was different from any of the others. We have spent many times such as this together, but for some reason this one is different. What you did has not changed. What was said has not changed. Maybe it was me that changed? Probably.
It was a time of reflection.
A time of remembrance.
A time of celebration.
Celebration of you... what you did, who you are.
This morning as the house is quiet, I am reflecting on our time together this past week. It was and is good. We pushed out the distractions of the world and spent time together. This time, you talked... I listened.
The topic, Love. Of course I love. Ask me if I love deeply, my answer is yes. But when I look at your example, I am left in awe. To love at the level that you love robs me of words and breath. Knowing what you gave for me, in my weakness and imperfections, blows my mind. I cannot fathom it. I sit humbled, tears in my eyes and thanksgiving in my heart.
Then there was the story that has touched me to the core. The story of Ron, Debbie, and Denver. Another story about love. Loving with no strings attached and no judgement. Loving when it is not easy or convenient. That kind of love sounds familiar. I am still processing their story as it is newer to me than yours. But I know their story happened because they had your example.
Can I love like that? Can I look past the exterior, the behaviors, the words said, and see the heart? Can I truly love with no strings attached and no judgements?
I know you are helping me with that. That is part of this journey that we are on. Because, I know that when I can truly love like that, people will see you and your glory. And that is what I want most in my life.
As we journey together, I know that you are refining me. Am I complaining? No. I know that because of this journey I am who I am.
Today, I am better than I was yesterday.
Tomorrow, I will be better than I am today.
And for that, I give you all of the glory.
Monday morning after a very busy weekend. Physically I feel it. My brain is slow to get into gear, my eyes are tired and a little red. My heart..... it is soaring. The busyness of the weekend has lifted me up spiritually and emotionally.
We had a great response to our Compassion weekend, and the stories I have are not only from new sponsors, but also from the people who began sponsoring a year ago. They came back to our table and gave me an update on how their children are doing! I absolutely loved it!
Saturday night our pastor presented the Compassion table, holding up the packet of a birthday girl, her birthday was Saturday. What a great birthday gift to a child don't you think, to receive a sponsor? As soon as the service was done, a church member (almost running) came to the table, "I want the birthday girl, has she been sponsored yet?" The birthday girl has a sponsor on her birthday.
Sunday morning a little girl born on February 29, 2004 was sponsored because a grand baby had just been born a couple of weeks ago on February 29th.
A young man (high school age), after looking at the table for a long time, waited impatiently for his mother to come to the table because he had found "the one" he wanted to sponsor. He kept apologizing for how long his mother was taking, merely minutes it probably felt like hours to him. After the paperwork was filled out and the packet was in his hand, his mother asked him if he was ready for pizza. "No, I am not that hungry, I can wait." She quit packing up her belongings and looked at me and commented about how she never receives that answer from him. Her son continued to look through the books of letters that we had brought as samples of correspondence commenting about how excited he was to write to his new friend.
My heart is rejoicing.
A few hours later, I have the wonderful opportunity to meet Shaun Groves and Micah his booking agent. These two men are great people, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to have met them.
The concert was amazing. The music that has filled my car for many months was now filling our auditorium. The stories shared from the stage are still being repeated by my children this morning, even though I was at the concert and they have told me them on the way home last night.
I don't think I can even begin to put into words the evening. I am still processing it all! Luckily, I don't have to put it all into words. A friend's son caught some moments of the evening that I would love to share with you.
This couple walked into the doors of the church and sponsored the first child of the night. The joy on their faces when the found a little girl born the year they were married (possibly the same month, I can't remember) was incredible. Before the concert began they are learning about their new little girl and praying for her and her family.
These friends and fellow sponsors helped with the evening. I am so grateful for their help and their hearts. Both ladies added to their Compassion family last night as well!!
This couple raised their hands during the packet pass. Coming to the table to fill out the information, they saw a child who had been waiting for longer than 11 months and instead chose him to end his wait for a sponsor.
After her choice and her paperwork was filled out, she stopped by the Compassion table one last time before leaving the concert, with packet in hand and joy shining from her face, she mentioned how she has wanted to do this for a long time.
These three young girls are looking over packets considering which peer to help. Their choices made, it is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
Photo above by Karyn Hintermeister
Photo by Merv Miller
At the end of the night, my cheeks are sore from smiling, I am excited about the 24 children who were sponsored this weekend. I am so grateful that Shaun came and shared his gift of music, speaking, and experience with us.
Again, I am humbled and amazed to see God move and speak. I am in awe
at the open hearts and the joyful giving of our new sponsors. The
stories of sponsors continue to inspire me and show me that God is in
control.
I have people ask me, "How can you choose just one?"
The answer is, I can't. I have three that I sponsor and four more I correspond with. I wish I could do more. However, I can connect other people with children to sponsor. I can continue to support and pray for the children that I have. I can show the importance of giving to others to E and Addy. And all of that combined, is making a difference.
I thank Nate Dietzman for helping me tell the story of my weekend. All photos in this post, unless other wise noted, are to his credit. Thank you Nate for your time and talents last night.
I didn't think the weekend could get any better than it was. In a conversation with my mom this morning, I was recapping the night and telling her how excited I was about it. She had been praying for this weekend for me as well.
Just before we ended our conversation, she quietly says, "I have two children too." I am quiet. She is quiet. My cup of joy has just begun to over flow. "I have two children too." She says again. My mom and dad have joined the Compassion Sponsor family as well! And there is a story behind this one as well, but the surprise is for me.
A month ago, I mentioned to my mom about a little boy that was being promoted on an advocate's blog. He was tugging at my heart, and I had been praying for him all day. My mom asked for the link, which surprised me, but I sent it to her. She considered it, but didn't know that he was the one. For a month, she has been pondering and praying about being involved with Compassion. Yesterday before I left for the concert, I received a phone call from her saying she had found two little children, but she didn't know if they were the ones, or which one she should pick.
The surprise for me is that she didn't pick which one, she picked them both. After a month of prayer, we have two new Compassion children to love in our family as well!
Welcome to the family Ruben from Mexico and Sarunrat from Thailand!!
And the count is now 26 sponsored children this weekend! 26 children who have someone in their lives to love them and support them.
Being sick over the weekend leaves my energy reserves a little
low. It was so tempting, after the day of work, to want to put on
pajamas and cuddle in on the couch with a book. However, we had put it on the calendar, so I slipped into
a nice outfit and head out for an evening with him. Instead of our
usual places to grab something to eat, we try something a little
different.
We sit across from each other with nothing to distract us, nothing between us but the small table. We are not here because of disaster control or to fix anything, rather here to just be together. We don't have anything that needs to be discussed which feels good. Too often, we let the busyness of life get in the way of time together. Now, we have time. Time to sit, talk, and share. We discuss the events of our day, the books we are reading, and the people we have talked to that day.
Dinner is finished and I can't help but smile. I am deeply content. I want to linger at the table longer, not wanting the time to end. While I know that evenings like these won't become a routine event in our schedule, I am looking forward to the next time the opportunity presents itself. In the meantime, I am grateful for the night that we had, because nights like these cannot be made, they just happen.
Because he knows I love to plan events, he let me plan his party. I would ask his opinion or what he wanted, and in all reality, he didn't have a lot of requests. Just a few.
1. No black. (We will save that for a couple of years!)
2. His age was not to be on the cake. (OK, we are doing cupcakes anyway!)
3. Don't go overboard on decorations. (Um, OK, define overboard)
By the time the event came, I think we were both feeling good about the decorations. We did end up having balloons because Addy insisted that for a party, balloons were a MUST.
There is one thing, though, that even thought I tried to sneak it in, I think it was bordered on "too much" much decorations.....
Confetti.
I like the festive flair the confetti adds to the tables. His concern, cleaning it up for the entire week after the event.
I did my best to keep it all confined and keep it on tables, carefully wrapping up the tablecloths at the end of the night.
However, today, as I was sitting down to put my shoes on for the day, I noticed something shining on the carpet. I knew instantly what it was, and it brought a smile to my day. It took me back to the night that our home was full of family, full of friends, full of laughter and conversation. A night that even though we were celebrating him, I was able to sit around a table with some very dear friends enjoying an evening together.
Like the confetti, a spot shining in the middle of my family room, these ladies have brought so much into my life and in their own ways, have each brought something special into my week, just because of who they are.
We travel through life and sometimes, we are fortunate enough to bump into someone who wants to journey with us. Because of these women, I am learning, growing, and truthfully, having a great time in life right now.
I love the holiday season because it brings more time with family and friends. Time spent together enjoying each other. Mark and the kids are home a little more, it is some of our best times together, when we just stay home and do what we feel like doing.
While the schedule does not always permit time to spend with each friend or acquaintance, I am grateful for the people that we call friends. Our lives crossing sometimes daily, weekly, monthly, or maybe even less, and yet, each friendship has made a difference in my life.
Our life is rich with many blessings. In this time of reflection and gratitude, I have much to give thanks for, and I do not take that for granted.
Mark, you were waiting with open arms and a hug when I walked in the door.
Thank you.
Mom, you called with an "I love you".
Thank you.
Dad, you were there when I didn't think I could do it one more time.
Thank you.
Sister, you often say that you have the benefit of being the younger one because I lead the way. Today you took my hand and walked down the path ahead of me.
Thank you.
Today, I am reminded again, the blessings and support God has surrounded me with, and I am ever so thankful.
In a conversation with a friend last night, she told me about a program in which you can bring your Halloween candy to certain locations and on Veteran's Day, they will gather all of the candy and send it to the soldiers fighting across seas.
I was intrigued by this idea for a couple of reasons. First, honestly, the amount of candy that my children acquired in an hour of trick-or-treating is a little overwhelming to me.
The other reason I liked this idea is because Mark's cousins are in the military. One of them has just returned from duty, and the other has just left for a seven month tour. In conversations with Mark's aunt, I have gotten a small glimpse of what life is like for a marine on the font lines and have developed a deeper sense of appreciation for what these men and women are doing for our country.
In one of my conversations with Mark's aunt, she was telling me about the things she sent in a care package for her son. Items that we have access to 24/7, become a huge blessing to a person sitting in the hot and dry sandy climates.
I brought up the idea to the kids about sending half of their candy to the soldiers fighting for our country. Addy, without a moments hesitation, said "Yes, I am going to do it." E, as a normal ten year old would, hesitated and asked if I really meant half of his candy.
Addy looked at E and said, "Soldiers do a lot for our country and this is a way we can help. Just like in the movie Mom showed me this morning."
The movie.
Yesterday I received a link to a website in an email that encourages us to give, even if just to one person, it makes a difference. The video she watched is at this link:
Addy did not see the entire video, in fact, she saw just the last minute or so of the video, but that minute was enough to make a difference in her day, and I had no idea.
Both kids divided out their candy last night, giving half to the cause. While it helps cut down on the unnecessary sugar in the house, the bigger picture is that the kids gave what they could with a cheerful heart, hoping to make someone's day just a little better.
It is Friday and I am joining with Gypsy Mama for Five Minute Fridays. If you would like to participate, join me here.
1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in. 3. Most importantly: leave a comment for the person who linked up before you – encouraging them in their writing!
Five Minutes on Catch.
Go.
Nine and a half years ago, a friend of mine asked me if I would teach her children piano lessons. Having never taught before, I was very nervous, but needing a little extra income, I agreed. Fumbling my way through the first few year, this family was very patient with me as I was learning to be a teacher.
As the years passed by and I gained more confidence, I began to love teaching piano and love working with the students that I have had throughout the years. Music is a part of who I am. I always hope and pray that my students will "catch" or develop the love for music that I have.
This morning while reading through the blogs I follow, one of my students posted the video below on his blog. The music itself brought tears to my eyes because it spoke to me in a way that I cannot describe, let alone try in five minutes, but it also made me so excited because this particular student found a song that he really enjoyed, and I hope has caught the passion for music.
Long before the alarm was set to begin our day, I find myself awake. The house is quiet and peaceful, nothing out of the ordinary in that realm. Rather, a deep sense of gratitude and awe has pulled me from my sleep.
Before the sun has even begun its climb in the eastern sky, I am on my knees attempting to put into words the feelings that are overflowing inside of me, but they fail. Words cannot describe the feelings. I take comfort in the fact that He does not need them anyway. He knows.
The tears sliding down my cheeks in the quiet morning hours could have so easily been tears of grief but, because of Him, they are tears of relief. Had any of the circumstances changed just a little, it could have been a
very different situation. This time, I do not believe it was chance
or luck, rather it was His protection, and for that I cannot say "Thank You" enough.
Bleary eyed, before my first cup of coffee, I am opening facebook this morning to see what is, as Mark says, going on in the world of facebook. As I scan through the status updates of friends from the night and very early morning. I pause at what is more of a question than a status update as a friend ask on this Fall-like morning, "Today is the first day of the rest of your life, what are you going to do for Christ's sake?"
An initial thought popped into my head and I almost responded to this friend with that response, but as I had not yet had my coffee and it was only six in the morning, I wanted to wait to answer until I was fully awake and ready to commit to what I might say I would do for Christ's sake today.
Our morning routine took me away from my computer and away from facebook, but the question was hanging around in my mind as I was getting ready for the day. In our rush out the door this morning for a before school errand, we jumped in the car and took off. As is our custom, I hurry hurry hurried in order to complete my errand with time to spare, so we sat at the school for twenty minutes before the kids could be at school, not needed to be at school, but could BE at school.
E asks, "What are we going to do now?"
I know, I know son, I have caused you to hurry and now we have to wait...Again....Thank you for being patient with me, I think to myself.
What I did during that time was to share with them something I had read yesterday morning that I didn't get a chance to share with them yesterday:
God, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand. I'm an open book to you;
even from a distance, you know what I'm thinking.
You know when I leave and when I get back;
I'm never out of your sight.
You know everything I'm going to say before I start the first sentence.
I look behind me and you're there, then up ahead
and you're there, too-your reassuring presence, coming and going.
This is too much, too wonderful-I can't take it all in!
Is there anyplace I can go to avoid your Spirit? to be out of your sight?
If I climb to the sky, you're there! If I go underground, you're there!
If I flew on morning's wings to the far western horizon,
You'd find me in a minute-you're already there waiting!
Then I said to myself, "Oh, he even sees me in the dark!
At night I'm immersed in the light!"
It's a fact: darkness isn't dark to you; night and day,
darkness and light, they're all the same to you.
(Psalm 139:1-12 Message)
And then I read this to them:
Thank God! He deserves your thanks. His love never quits.
Thank the God of all gods, His love never quits.
Thank the Lord of all lords. His love never quits.
Thank the miracle-working God, His love never quits.
The God whose skill formed the cosmos, His love never quits.
The God who laid out earth on ocean foundations, His love never quits.
The God who filled the skies with light, His love never quits.
The sun to watch over the day, His love never quits.
Moon and stars as guardians of the night, His love never quits.
...
God remembered us when we were down, His love never quits.
Rescued us from the trampling boot, His love never quits.
Takes care of everyone in time of need. His love never quits.
Thank God, who did it all! His love never quits!
(Psalm 136: 1-9, 23-26 Message)
I looked up from the reading and said to both of my children, "You are loved."
Addy responds, "And His love never quits."
Of course this brings a smile to my face.
I told them they were loved by God, by Daddy, by Mommy, and by grandparents, aunts & uncles, cousins, and friends..... they are loved and deeply loved.
If you have seen the movie The Help, you will understand the reference point of my next statement to E and Addy. Looking at their beautiful faces, I said:
You are loved
You are smart
You are important
Aibileen tells Mae Mobley that she is kind, she is smart, and she is important. Living in a house where her mother is preoccupied with her social life, Aibileen tries to instill a sense of purpose in Mae Mobley. If today is the first day of the rest of my life, for Christ's sake... My response has not changed from my first six a.m., pre-coffee, throught...
If today is the first day of the rest of my life, for Christ's sake, I want my children to know that they are loved, deeply. Not only by Mark and I, and their extended family and friends...
I want them to know that they are deeply loved by a God who created them, and loves them so much that He is everywhere they are and that he won't let them be alone for a minute.
Yesterday my boss sent his son off to boot camp. The pain that it caused him was evident on his face. He has been talking about this day for three months, knowing how much he would miss his son. This man has invested greatly into his children which is evident from the stories that he tells and the places that his children are now at. When he walked into the office yesterday, he commented that it was a hard morning at their house and said, "He is gone." Next he looked at me and said, "Spend every moment you can with your children, the time comes so fast when they leave."
This is not the first time that I have heard these words, but yesterday was a fresh reminder. God has given us a gift in our children. As a parent, my responsibility is to love my children, teach them life lessons that will prepare them for the future. Through the ups and downs of my children growing up, I have come to embrace each moment. The struggles and the bumps build the relationship just as much as the fun and goofy moments. I understand that now, even though it is not always easy. There are so many times where I find myself in a moment with my children where I want to soak up the moment and never forget it. I pray that there are many more moments like this in the future.
As I think about these words, I am reminded that each person in my life is a gift. There is no guarantee for tomorrow. As I start my day today, I am thanking God for the loved ones in my life.
The finish line has been crossed and people cheered us on from the starting line to the finish line. I was amazed at how many people stood by the side of the road to cheer on the runners. I am still processing the run, but what I do know is that I did the best I could do. A friend of mine pointed out that four months ago, I was not a runner. I was new to the health club and could hardly complete a 20 minute work out. As of today, I have put over 100 miles on my running shoes and completed 13.11 miles at one time. That is an accomplishment, and one I never thought I could say "I have done that".
This post is not one to process the entire run because first, there are so many people I want to thank. Without these people the finish line crossing would have looked so different, and possibly may not have happened.
Mark. The training schedule not only affected my days, but yours as well, with the early morning and going to bed while the sun was still up so that I would get enough sleep. Your understanding is much appreciated when I would come home from a run so sore I had to sit on the couch a couple of times while you pulled the kids together and got things done. I enjoyed our early morning conversations over coffee, something I hope continues in the future! Your encouragement through the days when I was frustrated, and your enthusiasm when the runs were good is not forgotten. Thank you for your constant support and for being at the finish line, knowing you were there kept me going. I love you and am so happy that you are my husband and best friend.
E and Addy. You are amazing. I appreciate your encouragement and excitement as I embarked on a new journey in my life. It was fun to share each day's stats with you and the hugs and high fives you gave made it all the more fun. I loved the signs and bell ringing that greeted me at the finish line. I love you both so much!
Dad. To experience one of your passions with you for these past months means more than I can even put into words. It is definitely something I will never forget. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and getting me through so many of the unknowns. Thank you for keeping me accountable in the early mornings, and for all of the conversations we had.
Mom. You told me that I can do whatever I put my mind to, and it gave me the confidence to even attempt this run. Thank you for the continued support and encouragement, and thank you most of all for the mornings that you were home drinking coffee by yourself while Dad was running with me. I know that took away from your time with him, and I do not take that for granted. Thank you for being at the finish line, knowing you were there kept me going.
Julie. You asked a question that has transformed my life. I have completed something I had never thought I would do. Thank you for your friendship, support, and for the mornings that we ran even though it was cold and a cup of coffee sounded like a better idea. I look forward to summer runs together.
Leanna. Thank you for the Tuesday night talks and the support and encouragement you gave during those talks. I looked forward to each and every one of them! Thanks go to you and your family for being at the finish line, it means so much that you gave up a holiday weekend to be here.
To those who came to the post-race party. Your coming to the party gave me something to look forward to when the nerves of the race were at an all time high. The great company and good food were great thought distraction as the 13.11 miles passed by.
Today I received an early birthday present from two very special four year old girls. I walked into their class this morning to collect them for our computer time and was presented with these two beautiful pieces of art:
I love them! I am going to keep them as a reminder of the children who were in my life for a very short season.
The other part of my day that I don't want to forget is a story about another little boy at another center that I was at today. He has been a challenging student all year. He has been the hardest student for me to work with. I have at times been ready to send him back to his classroom and ask the teacher to not send him back to class. Even the director at the day care center said this student would be the death of her one day. While getting the children for class today, this little boy came running up to me and grabbed my hand. He then began talking to me (a first) telling me how he was such a fast runner because he was the first one in line for class today. Once we were all settled in our group and talking about today's lesson he raised his hand (another first) so I called on him. He said, "Miss Janelle, your necklace is so beautiful." I don't know if it was just the day or if we have crossed a new bridge together. That, I may never know, but none the less, I am glad that today we had that connection.
After nine months of stretching, learning, and growing, we are near the end of my contract. I have two weeks left with these children. I am so thankful that this week was a good week with them. I think back to my interview and remember my boss saying that the first part of the year is hard because the kids have to learn about you, learn your systems, learn your style, learn how you do things. He also said that May is easy, the children know you, they know your systems, and they know how you do things. I am so glad that the hard part is in the past and that I am left with the good time and remember that as I move onto another new journey in life.
Thanksgiving weekend is drawing to a close and I have yet to post what I am thankful about. The weekend was full of family visits, shopping, playing games, and kids playing with their cousin.
As for what I am thankful for:
Mark--I am thankful for the wonderful man who is my soul mate, my friend, and a source of strength in my life.
My Children--I am thankful for my children, two very special gifts from God, who bring so much joy to my life and are great young people to be around.
Pix--I am thankful for this little guy and the joy that he has brought into my life this year. He is always happy to see me, cuddles when I need it, and was a great addition to our family this year.
My Parents--I am thankful for constant love and support in my life and that we are now friends, a gift that I do not take for granted.
My Sister--I am thankful for the friend that has loved me, supported me, and been there through all of the ups and downs of life.
Compassion Children--I am thankful that our family extends around the world now. I love the connection that E and Addy feel with our Compassion Children and that we are all connected through God.
My Jesus--I continually stand in awe at his love and grace. As I look back at the person I was, I am so thankful for the person he is helping me to become.
Friends--I am thankful for the friends that I have. The support, love, and laughs that we share in life are so important in my life.
