Wednesday, May 16, 2012

I'm slowly becoming a once a month blogger.  Summer is a'coming and I'll try to do better.  The fact that summer's coming is the problem.  I'm drowning in a to-do list that never ends.  Deadlines abound.  But relief is in sight.  We have a fabulous vacation ahead and I can't wait!  The beach is calling my name.

Since I last blogged, softball season came to a close.  Bradley's girls played in Gulf Shores last weekend in the Regional Tournament.  Because they predicted rain, the games were pushed up and his girls finished their last game sometime after 4:00 Saturday morning.  Ella Kate couldn't hang, and we were back at the hotel.  Truth be told, I probably couldn't hang either.  I like my sleep.  B's proud of his girls.  And he's enjoyed it.  He's also learned alot...alot that he probably didn't want to know.  He says they'll say just about anything.  Preparation for Ella Kate, maybe?

I attended a retirement reception today for my school neighbor, Mrs. Stinson.  I'm so sad to see her go, but I'm excited for her to get to spend time doing things she enjoys.  She's kind of like my "school mom".  If she says it's ok, then it's definitely O.K.  My friend, Joni, used to work in my position, and she always said Ginger and Melinda were the best colleagues you could ask for.  She thought ALOT of them both.  I'm with her.  They are the best.  I appreciate you, ladies.

Field Day T-shirts are delivered.  The stack on my desk is smaller than it was this morning.  Progress?  Maybe.  Field Day is Friday, and then I play to spend Saturday drinking Coke Zero, playing with Ella Kate, and laying by/in the pool.  I have 2 new magazines, and I'm about to download a new book on my Kindle (I read during naptime or while she's watching "Melmo").  Yes, life is good.  And summer's still ahead...EVEN BETTER.


Saturday, May 5, 2012

Happy Saturday morning!  It's so quiet at our house right now.  Ahhhhh.  I'm the only one up.  I enjoy this time of day.

We spent the last 2 days playing softball from afternoon until night.  B's girls were in the area tournament and finished as runners up.  They will continue to regionals in the coming week.  They fought so hard yesterday.  I was exhausted from watching.  I can't imagine how exhausted they were from playing.  Proud of you, girls.  And I'm proud of you too, Bradley.  I think you do an excellent job of keeping their heads up and motivating them to play with heart and class, all at the same time.

I just read a post from my friend, Joni, about her baby boy, Kaleb.  They've been at Childrens in B'ham for several days and seem to finally be getting some good results.  I read her post this morning and was struck by how tired and emotional she must be.  Yet, with God's help, she somehow holds it together.  She always finds the positive.  I'm super-proud of you, Joni.  So many people are watching your journey and you are making a positive impact on so many people...of that, I am certain.  I've always thought one of your greatest purposes in life was to be a mommy.  You're an inspiration.

The previous 2 paragraphs are about such opposite situations.  But it helps me put things in perspective.  I read the following quote a few minutes ago, and thought it applied to these situations, but so many more:

"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved."

It's never what we'd choose, though, is it?  But when we learn though it and allow God to teach us from it, our faith grows stronger.  I've had some concerns this week.  When I have concerns, I roll them around in my brain over and over and over...and over.  I choose to believe this morning that God is in charge.  I struggle with this.  I'm a worrier.  But I'm making a choice for today to let go of all that control that I think I have and enjoy this day and the things that matter.

I have a new book on my Kindle, a large supply of Nutella and animal crackers, AND a case of Coke Zero.    All 3 of us are home and have no where to go.  If the sun will just come out, it's going to be a nice, relaxing day at the pool.  Happy Saturday.