It's been crazy lately!

I havent had time to breathe much less post. We had our Fall Festival at school Saturday & so we've been working hard on that lately. We all had a blast & the kids loved loved loved it! I'm so glad its over though! Cookie Dough will be delivered Wednesday, so I will be unloading 3,000 tubs that day. Luckily I love all the girls we have helping, so we will find away to make it fun, I'm sure!

I've been really swamped with homework lately & I'm trying to pull up my GPA a bit, from my last math class...ugh! So that's been keeping me busy busy!

I'll try to post something worthwhile soon..I've not been really upbeat and just dont have too much to say lately.

Whew what a ride!

This past week has been crazy, I swear! (If I was a swearing kind of gal, but I'm not.)

Monday, I found out I had gotten a job. Yipee! I start Monday, and I'm very excited. It's nice to see all these classes, that I'm killing myself with, are paying off. I also took a nice long look at what I left left, and wow, its flying by. I'm thrilled with that too! Then it will be on to figure out where I'm going to get my bachelors at. Decisions, Decisions!

On the PTO front, cookie dough has been sent off! Whew, its out of my hands for a few weeks. I'm sure that sorting and delivering will be fun as well. We had a great success though.

Summertime...where the living is easy..

Boy, am I sad to see August quickly approaching. The boys & I have had such a wonderful summer so far. We havent gone on any fancy-schmancy vacations..we've just stayed around home. We go to the pool about every other day, we've been to the lake a few times and just enjoyed our time together. It's so nice. I dread the day when its not "cool" to hang out at home anymore..I love the age they are. Okay, so I better quit talking about this before I tear up..oh well..too late!


We went bowling with the kids from church this morning. It is so nice to go to a church that wants the kids and youth to blossom. So many churches here in the "bible belt" have an old school way & dont have many programs for the children. The boys love love love our church & It makes me so happy.

I've been looking around at some new recipe sites! Like this one founded by none other than The PIONEER WOMAN!!! She has the most yummy looking meals! (Yes, I love pictures of yummy meals!!) you should check her out for sure! You wont be sorry!


I probably wont be around much the next week, as I have a lovely class I must take. Should be fun!


Now I will leave you with some pictures from the past few weeks. The last two are from a cookout we had for my mom's surprise birthday party & the others are just poolside!!

Worry

I was reading the next chapter in the Bible Study I am participating in and this stood out to me and I felt I needed to share!

1. Be anxious about nothing.
2. Be prayerful about everything.
3.Be thankful for all things.

I banned myself from Facebook for the day to bring you this blog post!

Ha!

I'm up to my eyeballs in World Civilizations homework & I cant get into it. I just hate it and my eyes start to glaze over as soon as I open the book! It's awful!

It's raining here :( Boo! Of all days to ban from Facebook! LOL




I'm hoping the rain subsides this evening so I can go walking with Mrs.Farmer (See her blog in the blog roll!) I have been so lazy about eating healthy and exercising this summer & It's really starting to show. I've let my subscriptions to Fitness & Shape magazines go, I bet the Wii fit doesn't even remember me & I couldn't tell you the last time I weighed myself!! Ouch!

The YMCA is so far down the road & I know I would use that as an excuse not to go..but somethings gotta give!

What's your favorite exercise and how do you stay motivated??


(I should probably tag Christy here so she will reply with some fab ideas like she always has!)

Guess who's back...back again...Steph is back!

Sorry its been a while!

We have moved into a new house, so I've been MIA for a bit.It has taken me a while to get everything the way I want it. I still havent gotten the boys room quite finished, but I cant find the bedspreads I want. I want a certain color plaid. Oh well, one day I will find the perfect one!

J has been working awful hours lately. Though I'm very thankful for all the overtime he is getting..especially with me not working but I miss him! Hopefully after the 4th things will slow back down.


Today, I made two trips to the Greenhouse and got a ton of flowers & re did the terrible flower bed in front of the house. I will try to take pictures when they start blooming and we get a load of mulch.

I'm starting a new bible study at church Sunday evening & I'm very excited about that. I need to come out of my shell, and our church is so huge I've been a bit shy..but its time!

Nothing to Say

Wow, those who know me in real life know that isn't possible.

Things on my mind:
1. Why people insist on smoking at the ball fields? Sitting in the bleachers puffing right away? Who cares about the newborn behind you or the family in front? Gee...

2. This economy! It stinks!It stinks!It stinks! Sick of the budget cuts going on in education & now not only worrying about my future career but even what kind of teachers are going to be left for my kids. Wonderful educators are losing their jobs. Its sad and it hits everywhere. Hubby's work is mandating pay cuts now. SIGH..

3. Is it summer yet? I can remember back when Memorial Day officially kicked off summer, yet its been here and gone & now we still have two weeks of school.

Off my soapbox now!:)


Prayer Requests:

My cousin just went through her first round of radiation to fight fight breast cancer. She is very young & has a MIRACLE baby who isn't even a year old! She has been through alot losing a beautiful baby boy two years ago & wasn't sure if her daughter was going to make it. She was born months early & survived weeks and weeks of NI CU and still has trouble with reflux and sleeping.

Teachers..everyone is in such an upset because we don't know who is coming back or not. Its awful not knowing. Just pray for them peace and calmness and to enjoy the summer & let God handle it. Its out of all of our control and he has a plan! And what a wonderful plan he has!

Various Stuff

First, We are looking for a good couples devotion book. Not the Love Dare, but something we can do together. Any ideas?? I know AGH & her hubby were doing one, but I'm not sure of the name of it. Would love your input.


Second, Can you believe that its just a few weeks till school is out? Awesome! What are your kids doing during the summer? I need some ideas. I'm sure we will join the ruritan pool and we are planning a beach trip but I need some ideas!


We went to Rutherfordton again Saturday night. We seem to be going down quite a bit lately. I love it and the kids love it. We enjoy visiting with my grandmother and my aunt and uncle alot. They are so funny!

I never did post my Mother's Day recap so here goes! Basically, on the way to church we stopped at a gas station and my van preceeded to catch on fire. Not really sure what happened but it overheated days before and they think it got so hot it melted some coating off the wires.Byt anyways, so the van was totalled and it was quite an exciting day. Old fort FD came and saved the day by putting the fire out but it was already quite toasted.
I wound up finding a Grand cherokee and so far I love it! But I do miss my van, (though the hubby doesnt at all!!)

My Menu Plan

Sunday: Grilling Hamburgers, Squash & Zuccini, Baked Potatoes, corn on the cob

Monday: Spaghetti with Salad and garlic bread

Tuesday: Grilled chicken, roasted potatoes and steamed cabbage

Wednesday: BeefStew in the crockpot with potatoes and carrots, cornbread muffins and macaroni for the kids.

Thursday: Chicken Pot Pie, veggies (not sure what all yet).

Friday: Meatloaf, Mashed potatoes, Green Beans, Rolls


Overall I did okay at the store. I really wanted a pork loin but they only had huge sizes left and I didnt want to pay 13 dollars for one. Maybe next time.

Mother's Day, Summer Reading, etc.

So the question every father/husband is wondering right now....What does my wife want for Mother's Day?? Well flowers are nice, chocolate too fattening but yummy...So here's my list: (remember I'm a pratical kinda gal!)

1. New Baking Sheets- Nonstick kind!
2. New Brown flip flops
3. Soft summery sheets
4. A pedicure
And #5...I really really want a mom/wife devotional book.

I'm also really excited about what cute idea Bryson's teacher has done with his class. He keeps telling me what a surprise he has. I love how excited he is for me to be at the Mother Tea Party on Friday and to show me his creation.


With classes being over, the first place I hit up was the library. I love love love to read, just not for school. I'm going to put a gadget on the side here with current reads and rate them 1-5 stars.

Here is how that system will work. I dont promise they will be classic novels, as I'm more into chic-lit kinda books.

*-Not worth reading
**-Okay read, couldnt keep my interest
***-If you have nothing better, then read this
****-Must read!!!
*****-Couldnt put the book down, will read again!

Skipping Spring..straight into Summer

The weather has been beautiful this weekend, but if its any indication of what to expect in July...its going to be HOT!!!

I have gotten so much accomplished today, but I'm bummed we missed church. Josh let me sleep in and it was sooooo nice! He is awesome!

I have a math test tomorrow, that I have to do AMAZInG on! I'm dreading it, and worried sick about it. I've did reviews for about 3 hours now.I hope it helps.

I'm going to go listen to Jerry's message from this morning and try to relax and rest good tonight & maybe I will do okay.

Speaking of accomplishing hard tasks, Congrats Tabitha on your 5k! Maybe I will get motivated now..LOL!


Friday is Kindergarten registration & I will be taking Mr Carson! I cant believe my baby is ready to be a big kindergartener. Time sure flies by.

Food For Thought

I heard this on the radio yesterday & It really has me thinking.

Man's Rejection is God's Protection, as he is looking at the big picture and his plan.

What do you think??

Spring Break

and its blowing snow.. Whats up with that? I'm not happy!

We went to the lake Sunday and I relaxed with a good book and B and hubby fished. Only caught one all day and so they werent happy. I came home looking like a lobster! That may be the only sun I get all Spring break, the way its looking.

What about those Heels?? Awesome arent they! I'm so glad to be a Tarheel!! <3


I decided since its a yucky day to pull the WiFit out. I have used it in 54 days. GASP! I also had gained 2.2 pounds. Yuck yuckyuck! So tomorrow starts a new healthy eating regime. ( I'm saying that instead of DIET). Not starting today, because I invited the inlaws over for dinner tonight and I'm sure I will stuff my face. :(

Hubby has a fire dept meeting tonight after dinner and I'm going to try to do some major homework. I'm almost finished with a few of my classes and they dont officially end till May! I'm proud of myself!

God is Good and he continues to bless our family daily!

Counting down till Spring Break!

The Variety Show was such a hit! We raised quite a bit of money and had a blast doing it. The Bandstand theme was quite cute and all the teachers put on quite a show! It was well worth the work!

The "theme" for this week seems to be doctors appointments. Carson has a dentist and eye doctor this week. My throat is very scratchy &I'm just hoping to doctor it myself for now.

I dont think I've blogged about it, but we are trying a new church & so far, We LOVE IT! The boys, Josh and I all do. So hopefully this is where we are meant to be. The preacher is wonderful as are the youth & childrens pastors. We really like the people- though we dont know 1/6th of them. LOL!



Friday starts Spring Break & I'm so ready for it. Don't really have much planned but ready to sleep late and catch up on some rest. I just hope the weather will be pretty. Its been rainy and dreary and so yucky. Im ready for warm days and sunshine!

Bryson has his very first baseball game for this year Tonight! I hope he does well. Well, Carson- we wont talk about his baseball experience right now. He's a hoot and just not into it right now. He'd rather blow kisses to mommy or play in the dirt. Its actually quite comical!

Lots going on this week!

The PTO president hat is cleaned and ready to go full blast this week!

Tomorrow, lots of hitting thrift stores looking for some costumes!

Tuesday, we have an Explorer Dome from Kidsenses visiting the upper grades and of course I will have to be on hand for that.

Wednesday, we will be decorating for our Variety Show. The teachers have lots of fun acts planned and lots of silliness and laughs! The theme is PG Bandstand, and I've been busy cutting out letters, looking for costumes, and making records to decorate with all weekend. This afternoon will also be dress rehersal as well!!

Thursday, will be shopping for the drinks and other foods we will need the night of.

Friday, SHOW time!!!! Curtains open at 7:00 and the rest of the day I will be running around with my head cut of, I'm sure!

Negatitivity

It feels so good to get the negativity out of your life. Have you ever had a certain person that no matter what never had anything good to say, never anything positive? All they wanted to do was talk about others and gossip? It was always all about them and what they had,were doing and never cared on how it hurt anyone else..but they were always going to get what the wanted.

I had one in my life and finally enough was enough and I have pulled all forms of contact from them. The probably havent even realized it yet, but I feel like I have had ten tons lifted off of me. I will still pray for them every night and I hope one day the relationship can change, but for now I need to do this.

Louder than Words

So as I've said on here plenty of times, I have a true passion to work with Special Needs children.



So while browsing the county library I see two books that just jump right out at me.



Jenny McCarthy's Louder than Words and the sequel..Mother Warriors..both are about her son that has Autism.



I know you are all thinking, A Jenny book? What? The playboy model, crazy blonde? She wrote a good book?



They both are amazing!!



For real, i had laughed, I have cried, i've been mad along with her. Its an amazing story and I admire all the moms out there with Special Needs children.



I have a wonderful bestest friend whose son has Down Syndrome and everyday holds new and more difficult struggles for them. Everyday is a new battle, some battles will never be won and more are only just beginning. But one thing is for sure, these children are wonderful. They are God's gifts to us. They are the brightest eyed and biggest smiles you will ever see. They can melt the toughest mans heart with just a little smile.



I admire Jenny for writing this story of her son and her life, it may not be pretty at times, it may be hard to stomach..but this is what so many moms and dads are going through on a daily basis. Something should be done..Why is it so hard for these children to get the access to the help they need?? So many of these parents dont know who or where to turn to!



Like Jenny stated, the pediatrician or the neurologists dont say, "Maam, your son has autism, or celebral palsy, or downs...I'm sorry. Now, here is your map. You are here, you need to be here". Noone does this.. You are left on your own. To hope you connect with someone that lives a like sorta like yours. To hope they have any experience.



This is why I have such a strong passion to work with Special Needs. They need an advocate. They need someone for the parents. I pray daily that something will be done to help these parents find a way to help their beautiful children.



*If God brings you TO it, He will bring you THROUGH it**

traffic,faith,life..

Everyday something comes to mind and I think I should blog about it..and then...I forget. Sorry this place has been so boring lately, but I've been doing lots of reading and less blogging.

I did get myself a little present...A PINK Blackberry Pearl! I just downloaded mobile blogging and hopefully that will get me more motivated.

Other things going on in the "E" household, Hubby became a firefighter recently!, He does look awful cute in his turn out gear..LOL!! One of my classes ends next week & i'm so thankful. It's been a very thought prevoking class but the projects are crucial. So time consuming. As a matter of fact, I should be working on my last one now.

My boys are as wonderful as ever. They continue to amaze me and i just love them to pieces. I am such a blessed person & never knew boys could be so much fun!


Yesterday we hopped in the car and spontaneously took off for my old stomping grounds- Rutherfordton. Saw some family we havent seen since Christmas and just had a good time visiting. It was nice, but it makes me realize how much I miss living there. I wish the economy was better there and we would move there. Much to the inlaws and my parents disappointment, it just feels more like "home" than it does here.

Speaking of the Economy, does anyone else get worried and depressed hearing about it? I try not to, but its not easy. God will take care of us and he will provide, we just have to trust in him. Its just the unknown that makes me uneasy. I've seen many people lately who thought their jobs were safe and then the next day they are un-employed. Its quite sad.

I've got some more posts brewing in my mind..hopefully I will get them typed shortly.

* Oh yeah, does anyone know how I can get more traffic?*

Just another Manic Monday..

Rascal Flatts was amazing!! Such great performers! Now Jessica Simpson, was alright.

The rest of the weekend has been pretty uneventful. Saturday did homework, grocery shopping, visited with brother in law, girlfriend and her little girl. Saturday night fixed Mexican and had some drinks with Jason & Josey. Love these two, such fun friends!

Sunday I did homework the entire day.UGH! My wonderful husband cleaned up the house and kept the kids out of my hair. He is wonderful wonderful wonderful & I couldnt do it without him.

I'm very overwhelmed right now with school, work, and life in general. I have a bad habit of putting off my homework until the weekend & it creates more stress for all of us. I've got to do better and have already started tonight.

Another one..

WOW! No posts in months & then 3 in one day. I just keep thinking of things to blog about.

I mentioned in another earlier post that I was thinking of getting my teaching certificate, not just stopping at being an assistant. Well I'm going to do it. Hopefully Fall of 2009, I will become a ECU Pirate!! (I'm saying this with all fingers, toes, etc. crossed!) I've got a few places I'm looking at, but ECU is my top pick..Montreat and Lees McCrae close 2nds.

So it looks like I'm going to be a student for quite a while, but it will be well worth it!



I promise this will be my last post for the day!