Precious

Today....

1. Thankful for the precious kids I taught this morning-1st graders....good ones....lol.

2. Working for my aunt and getting to talk to her....having a great day.

3. Plans for tonight....fun!

4. Getting my haircut today.

5. Friday!!!

6. Trunk or Treat.....food, fun, pictures, friends, kids, costumes, face paint, candy. I know it's considered by some to be the "devil's holiday". I just consider it a fun Fall celebration....and the kids love it!

7. GA/FL game....lots of food, fun, friends. And hopefully a win by our Dawgs.

8. Finally sorting out insurance stuff.

9. My nine month old baby, she turned 9 months old yesterday....can't believe she is that old!!!

10. God....who gives all good things to us.

Thursday

Thankful for....

1. Having a job today...I didn't think I was going to have one.
2. Hannah, sitting next to me, eating a snack. Greatest.kid.ever.
3. Dinner on it's way to our house.
4. Friends on their way to our house.
5. The fact that tomorrow is Friday.
6. Saturday's plans.
7. Payday tomorrow.
8. Regular phone conversations with my dad becoming a "regular" occurrence.
9. Fall
10. Happiness....never want to take that for granted.

Wednesday

Thankfulness.....

1. Church tonight.
2. The absolutely beautiful, encouraging word that God spoke to me through a dear friend this morning.
3. ^^^^^^^^^Friends like that....lol.
4. This coming weekend.
5. Getting to see my brother last night.
6. My mom buying dinner for us last night.
7. Getting together with NENA tomorrow night. Beautiful, wonderful woman of God. I am so blessed to have her as a friend.
8. Grocery shopping/Hannah shopping/Trunk or Treat and GA/FL shopping this Friday....you know how I like to take care of folks. :)
9. My present and past....(and future-Hallelujah!) students...one of my most precious gifts from God-my calling to teach. God's gonna do it, folks. I KNOW!
10. Beauty for ashes, strength for fear, gladness for mourning, peace for despair.

Today

I am thankful for...

1. Seeing all of my Goodyear friends and "babies".
2. Today being almost over....very challenging day.
3. Hannah waking up before I left this morning....had some snuggle time with my precious one. :)
4. God being in control.
5. My upcoming haircut...I have been anxiously waiting to be able to afford my favorite hairdresser again. :)
6. My birthday and all of the special things we have planned.
7. This coming weekend....a carnival and GA/FL game....doesn't get much better than that.
8. Let me say this one again.......Daniel cooking dinner last night so that I could get things done....wonderful!
9. Getting things done last night so that I could spend time with my two favorite ppl-I wonder who that is? The two names you see ALWAYS on this blog.
10. The realization I came to today that the "peace that passes all understanding", that the Bible talks about-I HAVE IT! :) Through this trial, God has given me peace. People are dumbfounded by it. I am dumbfounded by it! There is no logical reason that I should have peace, but somehow-I do.

Today was my last day at Satilla. I almost cried when the busses drove away. I have been almost crying a lot today though...lol. Almost cried when I was dealing with insurance mess, almost cried when the kids left, almost cried when I found the PERFECT!! first birthday theme for Hannah. Anyway, I am going to miss this place, miss my kids. It was so, so sweet....one of the busses stopped, and several of my kids were on it. They kept yelling "Bye, Mrs. Castor!". I guess they will miss me, too. Evidently not where God wants me right now, though. I will keep praying and looking for the time when God decides to move in an even bigger way than He already has. It's on it's way.

Hope everyone has had a wonderful Monday. More updates as they come. :) Now just looking forward to going home and getting ready for tomorrow while hubs cooks dinner for me....can't wait!

Monday

I am thankful for this past weekend because of....

1. The beach concert
2. Mom cleaning my house
3. A long talk that hubs and I had about improving our relationship.
4. Being with friends
5. Church services yesterday
6. Mother/Daughter trip to Target with Hannah yesterday
7. Mom cooking lunch for us and then she and Daniel's mom cleaning the kitchen :)
8. Time with Daniel last night
9. I sang that song last night at church...the one I posted a week or so ago. It was wonderful.

And for today....
10. Malachi's birthday!
11. Daniel is cooking dinner tonight.
12. I woke up on time and was able to get ready for work w/o rushing.
13. It's Red Ribbon Week and we get to do all kinds of silly stuff to show the kids that we are against drugs. :)
14. I have a great life full of wonderful people. HAPPY MONDAY!

YAY!

I am so excited. I just put together a little "date night" for me and Hubs. We cooked spaghetti last night for dinner, and then my mom bought us food. So, tonight we will have leftovers....no cooking! Then, once Hannah goes to bed-we are FINALLY going to watch The Proposal! I forgot that I won a free RedBox rental at McDonald's one time. So, dinner and a movie-old married couple style! :) Seems pathetic to some I am sure, but for us to have any kind of "date" is wonderful. Have a great weekend, everybody!

Friday

I am thankful for....

1. FRIDAY....seriously, is there a better day of the week? Although, I do love my Sundays.....
2. Getting to bed early(ish) last night.
3. The feeling I have that today is going to be a good day.
4. Beach concert tomorrow!
5. "Teacher friends"
6. My family, who I am going to have LOTS of time with this weekend. :)
7. FINALLY having time to go and get the oil changed in my car tomorrow.
8. My mom cleaning my house tomorrow.
9. My upcoming birthday and all the fun we are going to have that weekend.
10. Hannah's first Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year, birthday....all coming up. We have so much to look forward to.

Really

This is my "real" ten thankfuls list for today. I am going to share some Hannah a.k.a. "Leroy" moments. I call her Leroy when she is being really silly or fussy....it's a mother/daughter thing. ;)

If you're not a Mommy, this post may bore you...if you are a Mommy...you will enjoy it, I hope!

1. Taking time to sit and read with Hannah when her new book came in yesterday.
2. Our afternoon walks together, and the smile I received on our walk yesterday.
3. Mimi told me this one.....Hannah's sock "disappeared" AGAIN, and Mimi asked her where it went. She promptly responded "Doggy?". She totally blamed Corky for her missing sock!!
4. Hannah and I were playing on the floor the other day, and she kept saying "go, go go". Then she started crawling away from me and said "bye!". :)
5. So thankful for all the pictures I have of Hannah's first year.
6. This morning, when I went into Hannah's room. As I said before, I always check on her before I leave. It was very dark in her room, and I couldn't really see her. When I did see her, I was shocked and amused by what I saw. Somehow, that little bug had come out of her diaper, and her little hiney was shining for the world to see!! LOL
7. I am thankful that my child finds comfort with me. She fell asleep in the car last night when we were leaving church, and when we got home she woke up. She had the most horrible look of fear on her face when she woke up (it was very dark), until I started talking to her. Then she was fine, and began falling asleep again!
8. Hannah's vocabulary. She now says "go", "hey", "bye", "doggie", "Mama", and "Mimi". Some of them she has said once and not again....some she says every day.
9. Hannah's development...she is SO smart and reaching SO many milestones. I never want to take that for granted. Having Anslie and Abby in my life have taught me not to.
10. I am so, so thankful that God chose me to be a mom. And not just any mom-Hannah's mom.

Thank You

This post is for a both a rant and a praise report....lol. Can you do both of those at the same time? Well, I am. You know how something frustrates you so much that you just have to "say" it, or in this case-type it. And then you will feel better? Here goes. THANK YOU every slow moving vehicle in Glynn County for getting in front of me this morning. I drove 25 miles an hour behind busses, lawn equipment, trucks pulling boats, log trucks, and semis!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

....I feel better now.

The second "thank you" is a real one....lol. I am thanking God....for how He ministered to me after my post yesterday afternoon. Hannah and I went out for a walk, and were stopped by a neighbor bearing "gifts". She gave us baby food and clothes for Hannah. She has a granddaughter a little older than Hannah, so they share with us.....what a blessing! Then, we checked our mailbox, and another book had come in from the Ferst Foundation. (I know that is spelled wrong, take it up with them....lol). I know this doesn't seem like much, but reading meant a lot to me as a kid, and I want Hannah to find joy in reading as well. These books are totally free, and are sent to you for the first year of your child's life. I think that is awesome. To know that parents who really want their children to read, but can't afford to buy books, will still be able to read with their kids. Fabulous.
And then as we walked, the wind was blowing really hard, and I stopped to check on Hannah to be sure it wasn't bothering her. She looked up at me with her beautiful eyes squinted at the sun, and smiled the biggest smile I have ever seen. It was so sweet that I literally laughed out loud. Again-doesn't seem like much, but it meant the world to me. Then when we got home, my mom called and said she was buying us dinner so I wouldn't have to cook before church. "AMEN!" was all I could say to that. So, here is my thankfulness list for now. I don't know that there are ten things here, but the ones that are here were MAJOR blessings for me yesterday. Thank You, Lord for showing up just when I needed you the most.

Transparency

Transparency. In it's simplest definition it means to see through something. But, I mean transparency today as getting real. So for this post, I am gonna be really "real". I am going to talk about something that I don't usually talk about because it's not "glamorous" or maybe it's not "acceptable". I have been doing so well, having faith, being strong. But I am struggling today. It started yesterday with the constant barrage of "stuff" in life. I was just ill, as I usually call it. By the time I got off work, I could not even be bothered to wait in line for a parking spot at Wal Mart. I was just DONE. And today, I felt it again. The swirling, the questions, the wondering, the fear, the sadness. What's gonna happen, Lord? What are You going to do about this?

I have been reading a lot of blogs about women who have gone through major personal tragedy. Today I asked myself why I was so involved with these stories and the answer came back so clear from the Spirit. You have been through a tragedy, too. But these other women went through a personal tragedy that was actually very public. Other people knew about it, felt it, were effected by it greatly. Mine is more private, it doesn't effect other people. Daniel and I stand alone in our fear, heartache, uncertainty. It's this personal cross that we are bearing in silence....silence except for the constant sound of the phone calls we can't answer. And it hurts. We are holding together, clinging to God's word like it's a life raft and we are about to be swept out to sea. We KNOW that if God doesn't intervene, we will drown.

But does the fact that it's more private make it better or worse than what those women went through? I am not sure. And so I ask that you pray for my family's financial situation. I know that because we give constant praise reports, everyone thinks we are all "hunky-dory". We give those praise reports because we are thankful for the love, prayers, gifts, surprises, etc. that we have received. And because we have faith that God is going to get us through this, even when we can't see how. So, I find myself feeling like my "blog sisters", as I have affectionately called them. Hurt, angry, sad, blaming myself-as though I could have done something to make this situation different. But I can't "fix" my life the way I want to. I have to trust God and know that He has got it all under control. But today, my flesh is crying out against this trial and saying I can't do this anymore. So again, please lift us up in prayer today. It means so much to me to know that people pray for my family. Thank you.

Today

Today I am so physically tired, I almost didn't make it to work. Not sure what's going on with that, but please pray for me.

I am thankful for....

1. The colors I saw in the sky this morning as the sun was beginning to rise.
2. The amount of time it takes me to drive to Satilla....gives me time to think and pray before I begin my day.
3. Hannah's sweet face as she slept this morning (I go in and look at her every day before work).
4. The beach concert this weekend.
5. One of my birthday gifts that is going to be given this weekend....my mom is cleaning my house! YAY!!
6. The time I have had here at Satilla, it has meant so much to me. Sad to see it end this week.
7. That He is stronger than my sin, He's the cure for my disease, He is more than enough for me. I was listening to Israel Houghton this morning. ;)
8. The fact that I was able to get up and come to work despite how I felt...God must have been standing behind me, pushing me out the door.
9. Church tonight.
10. Malachi is coming next week!! (My friend Anita is being induced next week)

CRAZY!

I was three different people today. First, I was me....doing my typical morning breakfast duty. Then, I was a CoGat proctor in 1st grade. Then, I had to sub for a 4th grade teacher who went home sick. Around 12 o'clock, I developed the worst headache. I am ready to take some medicine and hide under the covers. Wild, crazy day! But, thank God for a job, and a purpose in my life. :)

Thankful

I am thankful for...

1. My husband helping me cook dinner and then washing the dishes while I bathed Hannah and put her to bed.
2. Sleep....I actually slept last night!
3. Knowing that He is mine and I am His
4. Worship music
5. Cool weather
6. I made an appointment to get my haircut next week...cannot wait. :)
7. Health
8. Family
9. Love
10. The move of God I see in my life. I am not sure what He is doing, but I know He is doing something. I am so excited to see the fruits of it.

How Deep the Father's Love for Us

I have not heard this song in years, but it keeps playing over and over in my mind today. I thought I would share.

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

Wow

Student to me this morning-"Are you losing weight?"

Now, you would have to know this child...I know you are thinking he was brown nosing. This child does not know how, nor would he care to if he did know how. He does not like school or teachers very much at all. So, for him to saythat-I knew it was genuine.
I guess the walking and watching what I eat are paying off already.

L.T., today you are definetely my favorite student! :) You certainly brightened my Monday!

What a weekend!

Hubs' birthday weekend was fabulous! No pictures, we just soaked up every moment of our time together!

Here's my list of things I am thankful for....

1. Friday night football with friends and my wonderful hubby
2. Cuddling with Hannah as I rock her to sleep in our warm house on a cold night
3. Cuddling with hubby on the couch...no TV, no computer, no radio...just us. :)
4. Seeing the smile on my husband's face as we sat around our kitchen table with friends and family-and celebrated him.
5. Warm banana nut muffins on a cold morning
6. The Father's love
7. How clear the Scriptures are....how you can FEEL them...when you finally realize they are for you
8. Singing one of my favorite songs with one of my best friends at church last night....and not just hearing the harmony, but feeling it.
9. Being so in love with God that I couldn't sing yesterday morning, I just stood and wept over His goodness
10. Hannah's squeal as we walked into the bedroom on Saturday morning with Daddy's birthday-breakfast-in-bed tray. PRICELESS!

Want For The Day

I really, desperately, anxiously want a day to myself to clean, de-junk, and organize my house/life...lol. I would just say house, but my car needs help as well. Pray for me that I will have that day soon...although I hope I won't waste it by goofing off on Facebook and painting my toenails and watching episodes of my favorite shows on DVR because I never have time to do that. Wait, would that really be "wasting" a day.....? Happy Friday, everybody!

Thank You for

Thank You for....

1. Friday-I NEED the weekend, so tired!
2. Making it to work safely in this stormy weather.
3. My cell phone alarm-never would have woken up without it today.
4. Dinner and football game with friends tonight.
5. Satan trying to cloud my mind this morning. That sounds like a strange thing to be thankful for, but it seems that each time he tries to bring doubt and fear into my mind-God's blessings are RIGHT around the corner.
6. The peace and freedom that comes from trusting in God and His promises.
7. Caffeine-a "must have" this morning.
8. Being warm and dry in my classroom instead of being stuck out in the weather.
9. Hubby's birthday tomorrow.
10. Sunday is coming. :)

My mom

I love my mom. There are alot of reasons why I am posting this blog, but I just felt it was important to share this tonight. She has always been my security as the world and it's storms raged. Mom would be there, she would be the same. I learned to put my trust in God years ago, and I have a lot of trust in my husband as well....but there's still that special place for Mom. She loved us *and still does* with a ferocity unlike anything I have ever seen. She has taken a lot of criticism (much like how I am sometimes criticized for the way I mother Hannah) for how fiercely and protectively she cared for us, but she never stopped. Her love for us has been unyielding...no matter what we have said, what we have done.

She was the one who taught me about unconditional love. She will tell you that she hasn't been a very good mother, but I can tell you this-I never wondered if she loved me....NEVER. I never wondered if I had a place in her home, I never wondered if she was glad that I was born. She has celebrated my life, each and every day. And she has inspired me to be that strong, loving, ROCK of a woman for my daughter. So, Mom-tonight I am thankful for you. How you love me, how you care for me, how you pray for me. How you love my daughter and take care of her just the way you always took care of me....and you still do. Thank you.

And...

I am thankful for a few more things....

My mood is lifting as I think about spending time with Daniel and Hannah tonight. :)
Grocery shopping tonight...I am probably one of the few people in the world who actually ENJOYS that. I just love taking care of my family, planning meals, cooking for them....makes me happy.
The sun is beginning to shine.
There is a nice breeze outside.
I reached that unreachable student today....can't say what tomorrow will bring, but for today....

Thursday List

Today I am thankful for...
1. The yummy toast and spreadable fruit I had for breakfast.
2. Last night's wonderful church service.
3. Extra sleep...I overslept today, and I am trying not to let it mess up my day!
4. Seeing Dawn this weekend and her jewelry reminding me of my precious "Hannah" necklace in my jewelry box. I dug it out and I am wearing it proudly today. I am so proud of my Hannah!
5. Hannah's smile
6. Friday!
7. Friday night football game with hubby and friends :)
8. The rain that is coming...again!
9. The sink full of dishes I have to go home and wash...at least I have a family to mess up the dishes!
10. For my life and how happy my family makes it.

Also...

I am also thankful for these lovely sisters in the Lord I am "meeting" through online blogs. I have read about how these women faced some of the greatest fears that Mommies have, and still survive! Thrive at that. And it makes me grateful. Grateful that I have a beautiful, healthy daughter, grateful that I can take care of her, grateful for the relationship that we have. I read as one mom described simply being able to pick up her child again, and what joy it brought. She felt like a mommy again for the first time in a long time. And I sat and read that and BAWLED. How blessed am I that I get to be a mommy to Hannah each and every day? Even when it's hard, even when it's thankless and messy and tiring....I GET to be a mommy to her. I get to love her, nurture her, watch her grow and blossom. I don't have to miss large chunks of time with her because of some awful tragedy that I went through that rendered me helpless. Or like my other blogger mom friend-who lost the child that she carried in her womb for all those months. To lay eyes on that child, hold that child, and feel the joy that comes with a new life....and then to have to give her back to God that same day!? I could go on and on, but the point is-God, I am grateful. Thank You for giving me life, and for making it good. I am SO unworthy of your countless blessings. You are Jehovah, and I worship You.

Thankful

Today I am thankful for...

1. Cooler weather
2. Last night's dinner that I didn't have to cook.
3. A fun, successful choir practice.
4. Hubby's birthday weekend that we are busily planning.
5. Spending time with Hannah after work yesterday....we went for a 1 mile walk! :)
6. Our friends
7. Our family
8. Organization....I am SO working on getting us back to it!
9. Tomorrow-payday!
10. The peace I feel knowing that God is in control.

I Can Feel It

*SQUEAL*....I can feel it. Fall is in the air. There is a nice little breeze this afternoon, just a faint whisper of cooler weather to come. I can't wait!

Tuesday Thankfulness

Today I am thankful for...

1. Our great vacation....staycation, I mean
2. new David Crowder Band cd
3. church last night
4. four day week :)
5. Being able to shop for Hannah yesterday
6. God's grace
7. my hubby
8. All the great photos we took this weekend.
9. Finally making it to work....I overslept a little today and then could NOT get moving!
10. My friend Jennie being okay....she got into an accident this week and is in a lot of pain, but she is still here!

Friday Ten

Thankful for....

1. Beauty for ashes
2. Strength for fear
3. Gladness for mourning
4. Peace for despair
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^Just had that scripture in my heart today and thought it was appropriate for this.
5. FRIDAY!
6. Long weekend to enjoy with family at the beach
7. My husband buying dinner last night so I didn't have to cook....and he went to the store for me....and he helped me clean/pack. LOVE HIM! :)
8. God's presence that I feel when I praise Him
9. My cute leopard ballet flats that I just resurrected. I dunno if they are still in style or not, but I sure LOVE 'EM!
10. Hearing God's voice first thing in the morning....great start to my day.

Why try?

I was so grieved in my soul last night as I was reading Facebook updates and what not. People who try to "explain" or "explain away" God's miracles irk me so bad! I was prompted to post "Some things that God does cannot be explained. So why try?" And then I just went to bed. I have deleted people in the past when I have seen things like that on their Facebook pages. It's not that I am trying to be rude or self-righteous or anything else, but I don't want doubt filling my mind! I don't want people to try to convince me that my God isn't real, because it makes me want to argue with them, and we aren't supposed to do that. But, I realized today-I don't have to argue with them. They can watch my life, my family, my friends, my church....and see how real He is. His blessings are not "coincidences", they are manifestations of His love on the Earth. Yes, PEOPLE make those blessings come about sometimes, but who do we think gave those people the idea to give or love or share? Certainly not Satan!
So, just as I said they should not try to explain away His ways or His reasoning or His timing, I need not "explain" His blessings and His love. Just let it be seen. "That your conduct be honorable among the people, that they will see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven." Peter 1

Thursday Ten

Today I am thankful for...

1. Thridays! :) Today is Thursday that is kind of like a Friday, we have no students tomorrow-but we do have to work.
2. Chocolate....yeah, it's that kinda day already ;)
3. Eddie James Ministries....to get me singing and dancing when I am this tired is quite an accomplishment.
4. The Holy Spirit...He already met with me this morning
5. Expectation....can't wait for this weekend.
6. Ppl who sow into my life by helping me with Hannah so I can accomplish the OTHER things I have to do each day.
7. Laughter
8. Friends
9. Facebook....keeps me up to date with everyone.
10. Friday :)

Today

Today I am thankful for.....

1. God's faithfulness
2. God's kindness
3. Rest and relaxation...coming very soon! :)
4. Two reliable vehicles
5. Little gifts from God each day...some ppl call them coincidences, I call them blessings!
6. My family....can't stop listing that one!
7. The sound of the rain on the rooftop...makes me feel secure and happy.
8. Wednesday night service
9. Pictures....love capturing those precious memories forever.
10. This great book series I am reading....The Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers....unconditional love at it's best!

Thankful

Today, I am thankful for....

1. teaching (and teacher friends)
2. clothes to wear
3. food to eat
4. God's word
5. music
6. God's love
7. shelter (and a very comfy bed)
8. God's provision
9. the ocean
10. my new BlackBerry cell phone

Something Beautiful

Good morning, friends. I was able to get on really quickly this morning and share my thankfulness list, but I didn't get to share about my weekend. Nothing went as I had planned it, but that was the best part about it! Friday after work, Hannah and I went for a walk. My phone rang, and it was Express. They had a job for me, just for Saturday-nine dollars an hour working in an office. We need that money desperately, so I took it. So, I had to run over and get the key to the place, and go by Express and get my timecard. *It was kinda funny going to something that was sort of like a job orientation with your child in tow. She had a blast, though.* Then I got home and got things ready to go to the Sloan house for dinner. We had a wonderful time visiting with them, I am going to miss them so much when they move this month.
Saturday morning I got up and wished that I could stay home with my baby girl. But, I went and it was fine. An extra paycheck is always a blessing! Saturday night was chaotic. I got home and started cooking dinner for Jennie and myself, Daniel left for the oyster roast and Hannah began crying and whining in her high chair. I felt like the picture of the harried mom. So, poor Jennie came in and had to deal with my foul mood. I got everyone fed, and decided Hannah was ready for bed. She went to sleep by 7:30!!! She has been so exhausted lately, I guess it's the teething. Anyway, again-poor Jennie. She had to sit in our living room and wait for me to finish taking care of Hannah. We had a nice visit though, and got some things decided for the Trunk or Treat and other children's events we are planning.
Sunday morning, we overslept for church. Chaos, hurry, run! We got there on time, but there was SUCH tension and oppression in the air. We had to stop practice and pray several times. I even had a little miny meltdown. It was just rough, people! A couple of hours later, we found out why. We had one of the most awesome services I have ever been a part of at Ministry Center. The Lord moved and touched people in the way that only He can. It was wonderful! Then we had an unexpected blessing-no church last night. There is a problem with the water at the church, so that was unfortunate-but a night off was just what I needed. I also didn't have to cook, because Chris invited us over for lunch yesterday, and we had leftover spaghetti *from girls' night with Jennie* to eat for dinner. Then I had another night where I couldn't fall asleep, but that's okay. I am going into this week with a new determination to live every day for God and find His blessings in as many situations as I can.
I am also determined to get ALOT done, because we are going to be staying with Dad and Dawn and some more of the family on St. Simons this weekend. Packing for Hannah to go anywhere is a big job, so I have a lot to do to get our family ready to stay somewhere else for the weekend. I am so excited about this time together with my dad and the rest of the family though! What a wonderful blessing!
It was so sweet to me the thought that came to mind yesterday. After we had that wonderful service, and I just KNEW that my Heavenly Father had shown up, I sat and thought about my earthly Father. And I thought about how much I want to see him and how I can't wait until he gets here. In that moment, I just wanted to feel my earthly Father wrap his arms around me the way I had felt my Heavenly Father do that morning. And in a few more days, I will get my wish! Despite all that we've been through, my dad and I have a great relationship. I love him so much and I am so grateful to have him in my life. Dad, if you read this-I love you very much and I am so blessed to call you "Dad".

Thankful

I am "following the leader". :) My stepmom Dawn is creating a list of ten things she is thankful for each day. I am doing the same.

1. my relationship with God
2. the country I live in (we have our problems, but we still have alot of freedoms that other countries don't!)
3. my daughter
4. my husband
5. my relationship with my parents (Dawn and Billy, I include you on that list)
6. my relationship with my husband's parents
7. my home
8. my church
9. my friends
10. my job

TGIF

I am at work, and taking a breather during my planning time. It has been a BUSY day-as Fridays always are. I am really enjoying working full time in a school again (especially Satilla Marsh-BIG GRIN), but I am not feeling well and I am SO tired. So, I am glad that it is Friday. Tonight we are having dinner with our precious friends, The Sloans. Tomorrow we have a baby shower to decorate, cook for, and attend(so excited to meet Malachi in a few weeks!) and tomorrow night the men are having an oyster roast at the church. Jennie, Hannah, and I are going to have a girls' night at my house. :) I am looking forward to some fun and relaxation this weekend.
What I am really looking forward to though is next weekend! I have LOTS of family coming into town, and I cannot wait to see them. Hannah is eight months old and hasn't met most of this part of the family. I also get to meet my precious little brother Marc for the first time!! We are going to be staying at a beach house on St. Simons for the whole weekend. How wonderful! Even though it's close to home, it will still feel like a vacation to me-since I haven't been on vacation in years! So, I probably won't be posting much these next few weekends because I will be too busy enjoying my wonderful friends and family. Blessings to all!

Something Good

I don't know what it is, but I just feel this MAJOR expectancy that something good is about to happen to me. I think it's my faith rising up in anticipation of God's blessings coming. I cannot WAIT to see what He is going to do. We have been through so much this year, but it has been amazing how my faith has been strengthened. I asked God a long time ago to make me a woman of faith, more so than I was. I knew I loved Him and served Him, but I wanted stronger faith in His ability to take care of me. He is giving me that.

When I went through all of the health problems....from the dizzying headaches....to the blood clot....to the scarlet fever.....and the back issues.....I had fear some of that time. Actually with the blood clot, there was ALOT of fear. But then towards the end (coincidence?.....no) of all the sickness I just said to Him-"God, heal me...I know you can." And that was that. My body was under strain, but my faith has been strengthened through that.

When I lost my job, I was scared, angry, confused, humbled, humiliated....etc.....etc. But through that ordeal, He has shown me more of who He is than I ever thought possible. He has taken me out of my comfort zone, shown me that I can take it day by day and be just fine. He has shown me that He can care for and provide for my family...He doesn't need my help! I always had to have a plan, had to be in control. But God is showing me that HE CAN handle my life...much better than I can. He knows me and He loves me, and as my friend Joey says "He's got it in the bag". This post may seem really random, but God is just blowing my mind right now. The thoughts (and the excitement) are coming quicker than I know how to express. So folks, hold on for the praise reports...there are many more coming!