Unspoken Request

Dear Friends & Family,

Joey and I have a prayer request that we'd rather not discuss with you at this time. But from the bottom of our hearts, we ask that you please take a few minutes to pray for us. The Lord knows our Unspoken Request, and I know he will hear all of our prayers.

Mark 11:24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Uncle Donald's Farm

On Saturday, while I was at school in Lakeland, Joey took Will to a birthday party that was held at Uncle Donald's Farm. I really wanted to go, especially since it would be Will's first trip there. But the more I thought about it, the more I wanted it to be a father/son trip.

As mother's, we typically get to see things before daddy's do. I stayed home with Will until he was 18 months, so I was able to share many special moments and witness many "firsts". It's more fun to be there than to hear about the story second hand. But I'm not selfish about it; In fact I feel sorry for daddy's. So it's great when they get to tell us about an experience.

When I got home, Joey told me all about their day, which started with them having breakfast together. Once they got to the farm, he took Will around to all the different animals. Will even got to feed them! How fun is that! Later, they went on a hay ride and Will fed hay to the "moo-cows". Will LOVES moo-cows (especially the one that walks around at Chick-fil-A).

After hearing all about their day, I started really missing my little man. It was about 4pm and time for Will to wake from his afternoon nap. The first thing Will said when I woke him was "I want my birf-day cake". Joey just laughed, he knew Will would ask for the cake...because he had promised it to him...after his nap.

Joey, I know you will get to experience many more "firsts" with Will. And I can't wait to hear all about them!

Sandspurs

I'm sure we have "moments" with our children when we just watch them in action and say to ourselves..."God, you must really love me to have blessed me with such a precious gift". I thank God daily for Will, and I always talk to the Lord as if he were beside me. I say, "Lord, I know Will belongs to you, and that you have trusted me to raise him and be his parent...and I am so greatful. Please let me watch him grow up...I love him too much to not always have him (wiping away tears right now!) So every moment is so precious, even when the moment includes sandspurs...something so simple!

Today, when I got home from school, Will and I went outside to play. He knows that we have a few areas in our yard that has sandspurs. As many of you know, sometimes the sandspurs haven't grown to the point where they hurt when you step on them. They are real soft at first. So we talked about the difference between the ones that hurt, and the ones that don't hurt. He thought he was "so big" to hold the soft ones and mash them in his hand. He said, "mommy, those sandspurs not gonna get me". I think we plucked every sandspur from our yard...of course we then had to bring them inside. Before he went to bed, I asked if I could please throw them away. He said, "No mommy, leave them right here".

So I did :)

39/39

I took Will to a new Pediatrician today for a well baby checkup, and to discuss some concerns I had (nothing major). I have to tell you about how big he is! Of course, Joey loves knowing that Will is the big kid on the block! The nurse weighed and measured him. He is 39 inches tall, and weighs 39 pounds. He is in the 99/100th percentile in height and weight. Basically, that means that if he were in the room with 100 2 1/2 year old boys....he would surely be the biggest! Joey measured him the day he turned 2, and he was 37 1/2 inches tall. So in less than 6 months he has grown 1.5 inches. To put this into a greater perspective I will add this crazy fact: In August of Last year, Will wore 18 month clothing. One year later he is in 4T, and wears a size 10 shoe. Yes, we are raising a line-backer!

On a sad note: A few hours after we got home, my big man got really sick and his fever was 103. I hate to see him that way, but I love getting to hold him, and rock him.

Please say a prayer for him.

First day for students!

I was so scared about my first day! You see, last year I had 7 students, this year I have 12! My class is larger than normal because the county combined the middle and high school special needs class into one. The result? My students range from 7th to 12th graders. This year will be much more challenging than last year, but as long as I keep myself focused, I should be fine (I typed that, then did the hail mary).

It's so difficult to have such a vast range of personalities and skills. My days will never be boring, and I will be tested daily. But I love what I do! I finally feel like I am contributing to society. I feel like I am doing my part, if that makes sense :) I will post a picture of my classroom, and a group picture of my kids soon.

(Thanks to Tropical Storm Fay, school has been canceled for tomorrow, and possibly Wednesday. So I'm excited knowing I will have all day with Will!)

Women Of Faith Conference

Over the weekend, I attended the Women Of Faith Conference for the first time. I was with my two best friends (Cyndi & Pam) so that made it even better! Since I had never been, I had no idea what to expect. I was most excited about getting to hear Natalie Grant (my fav christian artist) live. I expected it to be good, but it was much more than that. The speakers there were: Patsy Clairmont, Marilyn Meberg, Sheila Walsh, & Allison Allen. The singers there were: Sandi Patty, Nicole C. Mullen, and Natalie Grant. If you are familiar with any of the names I listed, then you know it was a powerful service!

I walked away from the conference feeling bad about how I have handled different life situations. Although I cannot go back and correct the mistakes, I can say I learned from them and will make better choices in the future.

When I listened to each speaker, and singer, I could see their love for the Lord in their eyes. I have such a strong desire for people to see me the way I saw them. I live like I should (I really do!) but I know that I'm not completely "sold out". But the important thing is that I'm trying and I am now more conscious about each choice I make.

I am really excited about my Blog! It took me forever to come up with a Blog name. I got the idea from a scripture, so I will end this post with that scripture.

Psalms 32:7-8
7 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah 8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.