FRIDAY January 29, 2010

Amazing start to the day!

The week has been crazy... Is there any other type of week? Crazy is the standard... Crazy hectic is expected these days.
Beautiful- breath-taking sunrises are becoming the expectation too.

I find myself getting up just waiting to see what the sunrise will be like each day. There are days I just wish I could pull up a chair and just watch it and take the whole thing in without a worry or concern.
Of course, snapping pictures as I sit...
but- school day mornings are not for that. We are runnin-90 to nothin'... That is how it is folks! But- I still find the time to grab that camera and mark the moment in time to remind me later just how glorious the start to the day is.

It is glorious! This IS the DAY the Lord has made! I WILL rejoice and BE GLAD IN IT! I will be glad even if it is crazy-hectic.

Today is dress down Friday- That always puts everyone in a good mood! whoo! hoo!
So- we rush to school... I rush to the dermatologist and beg Mat the PA to please do something about my face.... He says- " What?" I say... "It is just awful!" We discuss my issues- he says he is 'tweaking' my prescriptions and that I should see some difference soon. I ask if there are side effects to Botox... well- besides the side effects to my wallet. lol lol!!!
uhhhhg! I guess I have to live with the wrinkles and craters on my face. Wonderful!

Tre' made it home from his trip to Savannah. I wish that I could have gone. I wish that we could have gone for like 3 or 4 days. I am planning it for sure! We need a few days away together.
Somehow I HAVE to allow myself to relax. The kids and Snoopy can figure out how to live without me for a few days? right?????
ohh- the guilt! The guilt is too much!

Today is the big day-
The Talent Show- hip hip hooray!
Thankfully Amy has taken charge with the major parts of it. We make a good team for sure!
IT will only last about an hour this time. We had to get pretty tough with the rules and regs...

Yesterday was Becky's big 30! I had planned on doing something for her- but everything was jacked because Momma had jury duty- Tre' was in Savannah...I had TS rehearsal plus- piano students... So- no! It is called overload!

BUT! tonight after the TS I am meeting Heather, Rhonda, and Becky at the China Star (uhhh.?) for dinner. :? Not sure about that! Anyway- Happy Bday becky! Good bye 20's!!

Tomorrow is Kellie's big 4 0!!! Party at Leslie Bayne's house. I have to come up with something to cook. A enchilada casserole I think??? or some kind of appetizer.
Lots to do on this last weekend of the first month of the new year!
I better get it going so I can get home and snooze!!
Joy! Down in my HEART!
angie

Wednesday, January 27,2010

The many faces of Avery...

Complaining...manipulating...and making me crazy!
Then--- he can turn on a dime and be happy, silly and the
most content kid on the earth!
These swings in mood are going to send me to the looney bin!

Today is one of those days. Last night Avery starts in around dinner time- flipping out. His complaint--- a sprained ankle... He is limping and scooting around on the floor. "I can't take it!" he says. "I need help Momma!" (I am thinking... yes you need help! But- not because of your ankle!) Then- he is good. He is able to go eat dinner.
As we get to Logan's for food! He starts in again. "My leg...!Ouch... ohh! I am in pain. We have to go home!" OHH JEEZ!!!
I am losing it at this point.
I rush us through our meal. Get him home. Take him to shower and make him get washed up and ready for bed. He apologizes for his mood and his fit. Promises he will stop. Says he doesn't know WHY he does it! But- says HE IS GOING TO STOP DOING IT!
I am not holding my breath!
Dont' forget the Homework drama!
BUT!!! Remember... the spelling contract is due Wednesday and HE has MATH homework.

Ohhhhhh my goodness! I need to just run!
RUN- far...far away!

I can't take it with his antics much longer. I am losing this battle for sure!

We FINALLY battle through the homework. He goes to bed. Wakes during the night to come to our bed. Then wakes this morning... In A MOOD FROM HELL!
Throwing a fit is to put it mildly. He has every symptom known to man. He needs to go to the doctor.
I ushered him up the stairs at school- he is snubbing and crying and looks like a wreck.
I was about to FLIP a gasket.

I took him BACK to the car- and brought him home. He is NOW asleep on the sofa.
I am about to wake him and check him into class!
He has LOST every privilege he ever had. He is trying to manipulate me in ways I will not stand for.
I have a call in to Dr. Matthew. I will be demanding every test there is to figure out what is going on with him. I can't live like this anymore.
It is NOT NORMAL!
So- that is my Wednesday.
Not pretty! Not happy.... Just have to be honest. This is life. The good.... the bad and the days that Avery is in his mood.
I am sure there will be more to this saga... :*(
angie

Monday, January 25, 2010

hmmmm .... Monday :\... MONDAY :] !!!

This picture of Snoopy describes my honest mood this morning. I am fighting the desire to be down and defeated this morning. Even though- Yesterday at CBC we had the most amazing day.
The place was PACKED! Pastor Beau did an amazing job dealing with all that we are going through.
We don't know why we are going through this-? We have more questions than we have answers.
And? that is ok!
We just have to be willing to let the Lord lead us. Allow the Lord to work through us and through this situation and in the end we will see how it will ALL glorify HIM! It is easy to feel defeated here- in this bad news world- but we have to choose to live VICTORIOUS! Because God sent his son- and he paid the price for us. We are HIS! and He is OURS! Our Saviour! Our protector! Our FRIEND! Our mess-cleaner-upper... He is all things! His LOVE IS EVERLASTING! His is GRACE is abounding.
And- because of that! I will fight the Monday blues... I will resist being down- and find my way through this day living moment to moment grateful and thankful.

The weekend was good. We had crazy downpours yesterday- but Alex, Kellie and her crew and Becky came over for the play-off games. It looks like the Super Bowl will be the Colts and the Saints. Feb.7th... :)

This week will be busy- The Talent Show rehearsals and the actual SHOW are this week.
Tre' is going to Savannah on Thursday for his SCO performance at the GMEA meeting. Wish I could go- but it doesn't look like I can.
I am praying that my piano student load isn't as insane as last week. I really can't take it another day. AND PLEASE PRAY THAT AVERY DOESN'T get ANOTHER HEADACHE THIS WEEK! OHHH PLEASE LORD!!!!!! I PRAY!!!

I am off to try to whittle away my chub... Kettlenetics... We shall see!!
angie :)

Thursday, January 21, 2010

There are times when keeping a journal is difficult. Issues are tough- and upsetting. This world isn't all pretty sunrises and happy children. Life is complicated and full of trials. That is just fact. You would think I would learn that and accept things more easily.

Yesterday was hard. I am not even sure how to write about it because it is so upsetting. I literally almost threw up when I heard the news.

Our children's Pastor- Barry Kirkwood was dismissed from our church/school yesterday. He was taken into custody on sexual misconduct charges from Florida. The incident occurred over 10 yrs. ago. We don't know any details-we are all in shock!

He was at school and did chapel yesterday for the Elementary as usual.
I am not sure what went down from there-but we did get the urgent update from Beau later in the evening. Barry's wife works for the GBI here in Atlanta. I can't imagine that these charges are for real. And- why 10 yrs. later? None of it makes sense.
I couldn't sleep last night at all.
I have just loved Pastor Barry! He has done such a wonderful job with the kids ministry. The school kids just love him. He was amazing to us during Daddy's sickness and passing.
Momma is going to really be hurt by this for sure.
I just pray that this isn't true and that it doesn't ruin his life. He has his family and their farm here. It is just all more than I can take in.
I am so sad! Satan schemes and wonders about to do all he can to destroy testimonies and create chaos and confusion. His attacks are far reaching and relentless.
My heart is so heavy today.
I am just praying that the Lord is glorified in this somehow and someway...
Hopefully today will bring some answers and help us see things more clearly.
~angie

Wednesday January 20, 2010

Sunrise- A new day!

I am not a morning person at all. I don't sleep til noon- but I am just not that excited to get out of bed at 'dark-thirty'... BUT- if there is a chance that I can witness a sunrise as breathtaking as this- I will jump out of bed and grab my camera. Thank you Lord for giving us such a beautiful place to live. Despite the horrible condition of this world- there are still things to find joy in each day. This sunrise certainly helped me gain perspective this morning. Thank you!

The boys are doing well- I am quite impressed with Teyler for sure. Mr. Atkins his chem teacher stopped me yesterday and said that Teyler is doing outstanding in his class. He was very complimentary of Teyler. It made my day.
THEN this morning- for some reason he got up at 6:15 ALL BY HIMSELF! I didn't have to go down the hall 15 times waking him. He does surprise me sometimes. I try to encourage this kind of behavior- so this morning I quickly praise him for efforts to leave on time.
Of course- Hayden and Avery haven't drank the kool-aid and they aren't on the same page as Teyler- and they gave me issues trying to get up and eat and get dressed.... blah blah blah!!
Hopefully- they will soon see the benefits of waking on time and be prepared for the day.

The weekend was wonderful. We watched NFL playoffs- had Kellie and Reeves and the crew over. It was fun. PLUS- 24 and JACK are back. So we enjoyed 4 hrs. of that season opener on Sunday and Monday! It was fab!!

I have lots to do-lesson plans for kids- scheduling.... LAUNDRY is on that list no matter the time or day!! (sick of laundry for sure!) Plus I have to run to Southlake to pick up 2 books for the kids reading list. Action packed morning- Somewhere in there I need to do dishes and workout.
There is this little black dress hanging up stairs in my closet reminding me that I have to lose 60 pounds by June! UHHHHHGG!!!!
How will I ever do it?
I am having nightmares about me looking like a cow in Becky's wedding. I am so dreading everyone seeing me in that dress. I will look so awful. I have to get my plan in order. The biggest thing that will help is working out. Where can I fit it into the day?

I will go crank up the day...
I will keep this sunrise in my heart all- thank you Lord.
angie

January 16, 2010

The sunrise- what a beautiful morning!! It was January 14th -2010
It was breathtaking! For at least 1 hour- it was all I could do but watch the sky.
Thank you Lord-for giving me that amazing start to the day. The enjoyment lasts beyond that moment- since I took pictures... Their will be JOY in the MORNING....!!!

We made it through ALL 5 days of school this week! THAT is an accomplishment. We do have a 3 day weekend to enjoy. * happy* **happy**!

Hayden is trying to come down with a croupy-cough. I am hoping this doesn't require a visit to the doctor. He slept pretty good last night-so I am praying that no fever starts in. I feel really bad for him.

My piano schedule all week was a little hectic- but manageable. I had 1 new student. WOW! His mom was a little hyper! I think it is funny- how you can see how someone acts and then tell yourself to NEVER act like that. Loud-overbearing... NON-stop talker and very brag-a-do-cious about her son. Don't get me wrong- he was talented, but goodness.... she went on and on!

Everybody is trying to get the images out of their head after this horrible earthquake in Haiti.
A 7.0 scale earthquake hit there this week. The estimates of the devastation are overwhelming.
The poor children and families are walking over dead bodies everywhere. It breaks my heart to see what these people are dealing with. The contrast of our 'life' issues is very strange.
Here I sit deciding if I am going with Tre' to grab coffee and doughnuts... and those people are fighting for their lives minute by minute. I know our world isn't going to be perfect here- this place is sin and our lives will never resemble the perfect place God has prepared for us heaven. Even though I know that I can't help but hurt for those people and what they are going through.
Seeing all of the pain they are in-makes me even more THANKFUL and abundantly GRATEFUL for my life. I have been blessed beyond measure. I will pray--possibly send a donation to Samaritan's Purse... and pray some more. I will hug my kids-live even more grateful than I did yesterday look beyond the surface life and see what truly matters here on earth.

More to come soon-
Angie

Tuesday January 12, 2010

SNOW ALERT!!
School is out for the day! YIPPEE!

I am not even sure you could have called it snow.... None the less- we got a snow day out of it and we are more than thrilled to take it!
I finally got the big tree un-decorated on Friday morning. The roads were fine around here-a few icy patches, but nothing we couldn't have made it through. The boys were glad to have an excuse to sleep and stay in pj's!
Saturday we took down all sign of Christmas decor. I was ready to pack it up- it is such a huge job though. At least Tre' helped out and we got it all done!

Avery did his Occupational Therapy testing on Thursday at Children's Healthcare - and that went great! They did pick up on a few things he is having issues with- but nothing severe.
They will send a recommendation in the next 10 days. He actually enjoyed the 'play' testing with balls and games. It was good to see him laugh!

I will make a more dedicated post later today- but the anniversary of Daddy's journey to heaven and our final good-bye to him was this past weekend. Friday-January 8th was the day he went to be with the Lord- it was sweet that it snowed for us. I was thankful to have the boys home as I remembered this day a year ago.
I am thankful that the Lord has brought us so far- we have many more miles to conquer in this grief- but I have faith that He is carrying us along the way.

I must get out of here now-
Students to see....
angie

Thursday January 7, 2010

Snow? uhh...? Where?
The forecast has been SNOW for sometime today. We are still looking...
There were a few drifting flakes, but---? no. No real snow this go 'round.
:( We just want a little snow day here or there. We know we live in G E O R G I A! not Maine or South Dakota... There is a reason I don't wanna live there- the snow and long, cold, frigid, relentless WINTERS! In Georgia we have the mix and we like that, but the white stuff creates a little chaos and we all fill the need to rush to the store for milk, bread, eggs and munchies! That is the drill here in the south.
Ohh-well...
I will be shocked if school is closed tomorrow- unless....? Maybe ? There is a round two of this event and we are in for a real shocker come the morning. There isn't a kid ( or teacher) around that isn't doing the snow dance tonight. Ya- know it isn't like we just had 2 wks off for Christmas... ?Either way- It is just natural to hope for a snow day. :)

I am off to figure out dinner for this crew. More later about Avery's visit to the OT today. It was very interesting and quite helpful!
~angie

Wednesday January 6, 2010

Great news! Avery did make it through his first day back. That was a tough departure on Tuesday, but after the tears and the fake 'plague' symptoms- he did move on!

My load teaching was not too rough- I kinda eased back into the schedule, but today will probably make up for that! The cold weather is still lingering around. They are calling for snow- just not sure if it is going to make down our way. For the sake of the kiddies- I hope we get it.
I am prepared! I did the traditional trip to the store for milk, bread, eggs and milk! (lol) That is what we do around these parts if they mention freezing rain, sleet or the white stuff! Funny I know...

I have to get in touch with AIO today and find out what my status is there. I am very discouraged at this major and what my plan is. I REALLY dislike what I am doing and I do not see me becoming an interior designer. That is hard to say and I am upset that I feel this way- but I do not enjoy the autocad- the programming and details that go into it. I just don't see me finishing.
However- through the courses I have found what my passion is- and that is art and photography. Funny- that is what I knew I loved even in 2nd grade! I loved it when the art teacher chose only a few 'gifted' art kids to come do special projects during the week. When she would pick me I would flip!
As far as photography goes- that is my thing. I have always had a camera! It inspires and gives me so much enjoyment. I can't describe it!
So- I will make the call. Embarassed or not- I will do it. uhhhg!!!

I am sad to say- our christmas decor is STILL up in the house. So- I must end this post to jump on that job. Maybe this year I won't leave it up this late- We had to do picture re-do's so that is my excuse. Well- that and the fact that Avery and Hayden were crying when they seen me taking down ornaments. I didn't want to upset them so I moved on and left everything out.

More soon-
angie

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Well- their break is over... and it is back to class. I know it is hard to go back- but we can't be on break forever! It was a great time together and I am very thankful for it.

Avery started in on Monday trying to play sick. He is really good (actually really bad!) at crying wolf. He can pull the headache card in an instant and we are sucked into his pain. I feel bad if he is really hurting- because he has complained so much I don't know when to believe him. Monday morning he had to go back to bed for a good while and sleep off whatever was wrong. ( it is called cranky..? I believe.)

I took them to Taco Bell for lunch- and then to see Alvin and the Chimpmunks the squeakwell. (?)
It was pretty chessey- but still fun.
We started back on Monday night pasta last night. Ryan and Becky came over. The kids were happy that Ryan brought Bella. She is really a sweet little puppy. Snoopy is quick to ignore her- she just wants to play- he turns his head and plays not interested. Too funny!

Getting the boys to bed was tough last night. Hayden and Avery of course cried and moaned about going back. Uhhhg! It was exhausting!
Avery tried to continue the drama at school this morning. I had to take him to the bathroom at school and give him a stern talk and a spanking. Ohh jeez! Why can't he just get over it and go to class???? So much wasted energy and time- and now he is on restriction for his actions.
They are in the bed by 8:30 tonight. !!! Avery has a few lessons to learn over the next month that is for sure.
I have to take him tested with and Occupational Therapist on Thursday. Hopefully they will give me answers to what to do to help him at school.

Hayden started PE this 9 week session. That is his 1st period of the day. (yuck!) I hope he survives it. I feel his pain!

Tre' starts back to Southern Crescent Orchestra tonight- so he will be gone to rehearsal until 9ish. I hoping that he will find me and the kids ALL asleep in bed. :) It is still very cold and all I wanna do is snuggle under blankets and sleep-like a bear!

I have much to accomplish around here and with my piano students. Lesson plans are to me made and Christmas decor STILL is up around the house! bleh!

I have to get my plan in gear to lose the rest of this weight! Becky's wedding is coming quick! So I need to lose 10 lbs a month to be on schedule! 60 pounds GONE would be fab!

Hopefully the day will be smooth and without much drama- I am praying for that at least!
~angie :)

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Brrr... It is cold!
The low tonight in Georgia is going to be 19... ? Uhh- Georgia right?
It is hard to take the chill-and the wind, but I do love the changes of our seasons. I would be sad if we didn't have winter, spring, summer and fall. There are features of each season that I just adore! I would not want to miss out on any of them! So- I will take this chilly weather! I refuse to spend all winter hoping for spring.

I want to LIVE in this season that I have been given and ponder what should come. The time is now and I love what the Lord is doing in my heart. He is showing me the depths of his love like never before... Maybe it is because I am chasing after his love like never before?

Either way- I am finding that he is all I need every season of my life. There is no need to dread and doubt or question today or tomorrow or even the past. He has settled it all by his love.

Services today at church were awesome. I am back in choir after some time off this past year. I have just needed some time to travel through this grief and rest. I have been so exhausted from it all, but I am feeling better and ready to jump back in.

We were suppose to go to Daddy's lot today, but the weather was just too cold. Momma said that Daddy wouldn't want us out there in the cold. She wants to go when she can sit for a while. So we will wait until later this week.

We ended up picking her up and going to the Varsity. Yea- the Varsity! Wha-duh-ya have? Wha-duh-ya have? Wha-duh-ya have? It was yummy! Our last big hoo-rah for the break. We gotta get back on a schedule tomorrow night! uhhggg! We just aren't very scheduled people around here. I know we should be, but.... I am just not bent that way.
Whether we are ready for it or not- it is coming.
The kids are already hearing that they are calling for SNOW in our area on the 7th... they are hoping for a snow day. Pitiful huh?

I am looking forward to all tomorrow holds with the boys- Tre' has to go back to work... So I plan on taking the boys to a movie around lunch time. We have a few things to accomplish before the rush of school starts back.

I am off to check on laundry and enjoy some DD coffee and watch a football game with Tre'!
angie

January 2, 2010

Happy New Year!
2010 is here- and new year, a new decade, and hopefully a fresh start!

I have so much to be thankful for as we end 2009. This year has been so difficult and full of troubled times for us, but even through the chaos and storm I have felt the Lord's presence so strong in my life. His love and grace have given me the strength to face all that has come our way.
I thankful beyond measure for his loving kindness. I pray that I can fall even deeper into his arms in this new year and see even more of his beauty!

New Year's Day we picked up Momma in the a.m. and took her and our boys to Krispy Kreme in Riverdale. That is yummy! Tre' had plans to watch bowl games- so Momma and I took the boys out shopping for some after Christmas sales. They were really needing clothes for sure. We found so many great deals! It was great. We went to Kohl's and Belk.

We came home and Becky and Kellie's crew came over for food and the bowl games. The kids had fun being goofy and silly- and we just hung out and laughed and talked the whole night. It was really fun!

The plan today is tackling all of these petty house-hold jobs that HAVE to get done before we go back to school and work Tuesday. ( which is going to be very difficult because the kids schedule is off wack for sure!!)
Laundry is a big stink pile and I have to get a handle on that! uhhg!
BUT- it will get done. I am determined.
We have to retake our family christmas pics because the one's from last Sunday were yuck! So after our pics we will take down the decorations. (well- start at least... it could take a few days to do that!)
The boys are still laying around in the bed- so I must go push them along.
More tomorrow-
angie
Jeremiah 29:13
You will seek me and find me when you see me with all your heart."