Pieces Of My Heart

This Snow!

2012-01-25T13:09:00.000-05:00

It cracks me up the first part of winter we had nothing. It was the oddest thing we had 50 degree weather I even caught myself not wearing a coat OUTSIDE in the middle of DECEMBER!

And then school gets back in session and what happens?

Yes the snow starts falling.

In a way it's a nice relief I enjoy my random snow days and those delightful two hour delays.

However, when the two hour delays start popping up I start to realize all the work we need to cram into a half day it's not always fun. But the kids don't seem to mind they are to excited we didn't have get on the bus early in the morning.

Jeremy always lets me know it's snowing outside by saying. "Gingy cooooold!" I love his little chubby face smiling as he pretends to shiver.

Well, in school right now we are learning how to combine coins together and count them. Both my kindergartners and first graders seem to have difficulty getting the concept of counting. When I was small I seemed to get the concept pretty easy but when it came to division forget it I was lost.

Thankfully we don't have to do much division in first grade! ;)

So, right now with school and home I am keeping pretty busy. Keep and eye on my next post I think you might enjoy it!:)

Well I'm doing great!

2012-01-20T12:50:00.000-05:00

So it's January 20th and this is my second post of the year.

Oh brother.

Well, first off. A HUGE BIG THANK YOU to MACKENZIE!!! Love the new look on my corner of the web.

Secondly, the school year is going well. I am keeping myself busy thats for sure. Hearing my name called over and over could be an annoyance to some but for the most part it's a blessing to me. I love these little guys. They fill my life with smiles and laughter.

The one thing I find hard to do is prepare my first graders for second grade they have been with me since k4 so they have only ever had me for a teacher so they tend to rely on me for things that they could do themselves. Of course when they were in k4 it was very easy for me to help them with everything but now I found myself making them do more. And it's hard. But sooner then they think they are going to be in the big second grade and thats a leap and jump from first grade.

We are celebrating 100 days in school very soon. The kids are so excited and can't wait to have our party.

Jeremy is doing well growing so fast. He is saying more sentences then just words. He is just the apple of my eye.

I promise to update more often. I do love this blog! ;)

Happy New Year

2012-01-05T15:50:00.000-05:00

2011 was quite the year for me a lot happen some good some not so good but all in all the Lord kept His hand wrapped around mine and that right there taught me many lessons that I so needed to learn.

So in 2011...

It started out pretty scary our family had some valleys to cross and the Lord needed to teach us who was in control.

By the end of February God was saying yes to our prayers and blessings started flooding our home.

March was the beginning of my realization that Carole was indeed getting married my sweet little sister was no longer going to be sharing a room with me and that right there was heart melting,tear flooding stuff.

Wedding showers were coming up plus my very first on my own kindergarten gradation lets just say I was overwhelmed.

April and May came and went so fast I didn't know what happened.

Then June appeared the kindergarten graduation went swell and two weeks later the wedding appeared and so did more tears.

Of course during all of this our bundle of Joy Jeremy was sprouting like a weed growing and learning so fast.

July was probably the scariest month of the year my daddy was rushed to the hospital and had emergency surgery. Oh, the lessons I learned from that month alone I could right a book about.

August was calmer Jeremy turning two, dad recovering and staying at home and me getting ready for school again.

September and October came and went.

November and December flew by.

And now on to the new year.

One thing I would like to do is become more of a blogger again. I miss it!

I am going to try to post more again and if you would please leave a comment telling me you will be faithful in reading, I know I will be more encouraged to blog more often. ;)

Here I go trying to get black into this wacky bloggy world!

New years eve

2011-12-31T13:12:00.000-05:00

Where does the time go?

New years eve!

Crazy!!!

Happy new years eve!

90th

2011-12-31T00:18:00.000-05:00

I can hardly believe that I have only posted 90 times since 2011 began. 2011 was very busy for me finishing up my first full time year of teaching and then Carole getting married I guess it was just too much going on to blog. :)

I love my blog.

2011-12-31T00:09:00.000-05:00

It's great to have a blog to post things on.

I always feel bad at how little I post.

I really am going to try harder this upcoming year to post more.

To show all of you that I am still a blogger.

:)

Christmas...is a time for joy

2011-12-30T21:43:00.000-05:00

I just love this season...

Christmas break

2011-12-30T12:45:00.000-05:00

By October I usually start thinking about Thanksgiving and Christmas break. Being a teacher you need to have a break. If you don't you will catch yourself drinking out of juice boxes and having to run to the bathroom. Another words if there were no break teachers would start acting like students.

So Thanksgiving break was wonderful plans were changed and so instead of spending half the week at my Mimis I had the whole week with my Jeremy.

But then Christmas break rolled around and I spent half the week with my Jeremy and family and the rest I stayed with my Mimi. I went down to the city with a few of my friends and then stayed with Mimi. We have been having a wonderful time.

Now the rest of the family are coming down today and we are going to have Christmas all over again. That is always fun.

Well, I just wanted to stop by and say hi!

Do you have Christmas break? Do tell...

The many faces of Jeremy

2011-12-29T11:51:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas

2011-12-29T11:39:00.000-05:00

(A few days late)

Thank you Lord

2011-12-28T22:39:00.000-05:00

Thank you Lord for your blessings on me.

There is a roof up above me I have good place to sleep there is food on my table and shoes on my feet you gave me your love Lord and a fine family thank you Lord for your blessings on me.

How are your mornings? Are you complaining when you should be rejoicing?

How about your evenings are you fretting when you should be praying?

I know I have been guilty so many times over.

I just take the blessings for granted and not praise when I should be praising but instead have an ungrateful heart.

I try to teach my students to be thankful for everything not take anything for granted and always gives praise to the Lord.

What about the teacher? I sound real good sitting on the stool with my Bible in front of me but am I practicing what I am teaching.

Sadly not always.

I was listening to this song tonight and the words flowed through my heart and my family appeared in my mind, my bed my two rooms my home, my school, my students,my church, my Jeremy, my things, and I have so many things that I take for granted. So many.

I know I'm not wealthy.
These clothes are not new.
I don't have much money but Lord I have you.

We have so much, the Lord gives us so much.

And thats all that matter although the world may not see
Thank you Lord for your blessings on me.

The Reason for The Season

2011-12-15T15:44:00.000-05:00

This is my bulletin bored at school.

Christmas...

2011-12-13T16:17:00.000-05:00

The sound of the scissors cutting the wrapping paper.

The sight of the lights twinkling on tree.

The delight in Jeremy's eyes as he fingers an ornament.

Makes my heart feel heavy with Joy.

Listening to my students practice their program hearing the truth of the night Jesus was born echoing through the room.

Fills my heart with content.

I just love this season.

Where hot chocolate is a must and the more ~~junk~~ goodies in the mug the better.

I have always enjoyed this time of year.

How about you?

19 days before Christmas

2011-12-06T14:10:00.000-05:00

I love this holiday, I love this day, I love the meaning. That Jesus came as a babe. He came to save me and He came to save you.

Let's not forget the true meaning.

Away in a manger,No crib for His bed
The little Lord Jesus, Laid down His sweet head
The stars in the bright sky,Looked down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus,Asleep on the hay
The cattle are lowing,The poor Baby wakes
But little Lord Jesus, No crying He makes
I love Thee, Lord Jesus, Look down from the sky
And stay by my side, 'Til morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever, And love me I pray
Bless all the dear children, In Thy tender care
And take us to heaven, To live with Thee there

Tis The Season....to get greedy....

2011-11-25T13:21:00.003-05:00

Falalalala....

So I decided to be one of those wacky people and leave the house at nine to be at the stores by ten last night. I really had in my mind that the streets would be clear that no one in their right mind ~~(Besides me)~~
would be going out so late to go ~~bargain~~ I mean shopping. Well, guess who was wrong? Yup. me.me.me.me!!!

I think it was the light the same size of Goliath shinning the night sky like the star in Bethlehem that was my first indication that I might have been a tad bit naive.

We started at the mall the mall. *smile* the mall that I thought no except me and my family new was open. HAHA! The parking lot was PACKED! I'm telling ya it was ridiculous. Every body and there second cousin twice removed was there. Pushing their rear ends in tiny places and knocking half the people and the clothes rack down with them.

There were firefighter on every corner singing way off key holding a boot hoping you would place a quarter or two in it for the children's foundation of course many people couldn't even see the boot because too many people were busy climbing on each others backs and fighting to get in the store Coach.

The certain mall we decided to grace ourselves in had a deal if you were the first 200 people in line you would get a ten dollar gift card. Well Carole and Mark was in line first because I thought they were nuts and we were too late well I was wrong Carole got one of the last gift cards. Aaron and I tried again at 2 in the morning. If you were one of one hundred you could get 20 dollars gift card. Well, I guess they started early because we hit 2 o clock and that was only four remaining and about 50 people in front of us. No gift cards for us.

Walmart was a zoo. There was not a carriage in sight. The DVDs were picked ten time over. I ended up finding The letters to Juliet and Gone with The Wind. Two good movies. I went over to my favorite isle the toy isle and man alive if the prices I saw were great black Friday deals then I am six feet tall. Another words the deals stunk. But it just wouldn't be black Friday if I didn't get my baby brother something. So, I got him the little people jeep and a mickey mouse and a plane.

Jeremy loves little people you know from Fisher Price? He has so many of them but enjoys them immensely. This past week while I have been home we have been going over who is who in the little people land. I have named them all (Naming them each after a family member) and the most funny part? He remembers each of them! I am not even kidding so when he decides to throw one in a cup of water on the table (favorite past time) He will cry "Mark....please..." Of course that means he threw his little person we deemed "Mark" in the water. The boy is brilliant!

I wanted to get him the zoo as well but at the time thought I was going to Kohls after so I needed to be wise with my money. However, Carole called me and both her and Mark was at Kohls and they said the line was wrapped around the store about three times and she was guessing about three hours before being rung up. Ya...I was good I decided the hours long wait at Walmart was bad enough to get my few treasures. It just wasn't worth it. Even though, I really wanted to get some tights at Kohls. I don't like white tights I would feel like one of my students if I wore white to school but I love the other colors and the other styles and they had them for 6 dollars which was half the price. But I really didn't feel like waiting in line for my tights!

While we waited in line at Walmart I went to Dunkin Donuts to get myself some Ginger Bread coffee it was a good idea at the time but by three o clock when I got home I regretted it I was so tired and so wired with the coffee that I couldn't get any sleep.

Needless to say the bags under my eyes this afternoon are not extra shopping bags from last night.

I love the lights, the music the knowledge that Christmas is coming soon but I hate the greed. Not everyone but so many last night cared more about getting to the next store then about the elderly lady with the walker, or the mom carrying her newborn they cared more about getting their foot in the most popular area then about the two year old holding on to his daddy's hand. The people seemed more in love with saving a buck then about anyone around them and that my friend is greed.

We had a lot of fun but seeing the world around us is discouraging. So no I didn't get much last night and yes I am sitting in my little living room wondering if I should have even bought was bought. Trying to decide if I should return something. But I don't think I am going too. :)

I might get online and see what bargains I can find on there. And....online I won't be frightened that someone is going to step on my toe! ;)

Giving Thanks.

2011-11-23T21:41:00.000-05:00

It's so much fun this time of year. It always comes so fast and always leaves just as fast. I love the giving and receiving. ;)

The sweet card in my mail box at school.

The unexpected phone call from a friend that is in a different country.

The small surprises that seem to appear around this season.

Last week in school I taught my kids the story of the first Thanksgiving. We went over everything and at one point we started a list a list on board that named what we were thankful for and with no helping at all my kids made up a list longer than the room I had on the board.

I was so humbled at all they were thankful for.

So tonight as I sit in my warm bedroom on my cozy bed I am going to create a list of my own.

My Salvation

My Lord

My Family

My church

The school I work at

The Food on the table

Please if you read this post comment on one thing you are thankful for...

If I labled...

2011-11-19T20:34:00.001-05:00

.....my posts I would put this one under princess complaining again.

:)

I like to think of all God's "daughters" princesses yes we are not perfect by any means but if we asked Jesus into our heart and meant and believed it then that would mean we are the Lord's daughters and there for we are a princess being our Father is the King of Kings.

I sometimes act as a spoiled princess as I fold my arms and sit at the edge of my bed pouting. Just brewing about that dreaded word. "Single"

You know being single is not a curse it truly is a blessing. But I don't always see it that way.

I would be a liar if I said I never day dreamed about my prince, if I never cried out to the Lord asking Him where mine is.

When I want to act like a child I can be pretty good at it. "Well.....she has a prince.....where is mine? Haven't I waited long enough?"

Of course my heart is always humbled when I hear that still small voice say. "....know that I am God." Why should I worry or fret? God the true one and only God is at my side? He knows how many hairs are on my head and He knows when that prince will show. Or even if I will have a prince at all.

My legs get tired as I hop on that one slipper waiting for God to supply the other to that Charming prince but while I hop away I do see the blessings and the many reasons being single right now is fine.

However, on those days where I sit and I pout the blessings and reasons and facts just don't seem enough to my weary heart and those are the times where I want my prince the most. Where I think if I see one more engagement on facebook I am going to scream. Even though I am uber excited for the new couple, even though I am probably the first right after the wedding writing on the wall begging for pictures but it also is disheartening at times.

Why am I writing this? Well, I like being honest I like being down to earth. So, there it is. My heart.felt.post.

I have written many single posts in my blogging time and I always say the same the thing that I also gets old hearing at times but it's the truth. A very big truth that all of us single people need to hear when your heart starts whining.

"In God's timing."

November 16th

2011-11-16T15:31:00.000-05:00

A day that always sticks out. The day my Papa went to be home with the Lord. Oh, I miss home he was my Papa my sweet grandfather.

Just sayin Hi

2011-11-16T15:22:00.000-05:00

No big post today I have a fun post swarming through my mind but I am just too tired to even think about posting. I think I will have a little more time next week while I am on my Thanksgiving break but as of right now I still have last minute craft ideas and Thanksgiving stuff to get accomplished.

So....I thought every one needed a new Jeremy picture....

here ya go.

He was dressed up as a cowboy for our harvest party a few weeks ago.

Question of the day.

2011-11-11T15:16:00.000-05:00

Are you going black Friday shopping this year!!??!! :)

Snow Much Fun!

2011-11-07T17:05:00.000-05:00

So like I mentioned before we had an early snow fall this year. My Sweetie baby brother Jeremy enjoyed it fully!

Thinking....

2011-11-07T16:58:00.000-05:00

I was browsing my blog and came across this.... it sums up my heart in one post.

There are just some posts I love more than others. This is one of them.

Monday.

2011-11-07T15:55:00.000-05:00

Uggg.... Mondays are not my favorite day something about leaving the comfort of a weekend at home does it to me every time. I love my class and can't wait to see them but just getting back to the routine is a hard thing to do.

Well, this Monday did not disappoint me. It was a doozy.

I wasn't feeling good all night (sickness is going around the house) so needless to say not feeling good didn't help my beauty rest. I was tired when I crawled out of bed. Not a good start to the day.

I had a bagel and some juice and then rushed out the door.

Came into school to find out we had a routine drill today. Not my favorite thing!

My students came into my room and they were extra hyper. We calmed down had a Bible lesson started phonics...

What a morning.

Even though I knew about the drill I was taken completely off guard when it happened. And not prepared at all.

Now, my Monday is over and I am ready for bed.

How was your Monday?

Is it October?

2011-10-30T12:37:00.000-04:00

It doesn't feel much like Fall this morning as my windows are frosted over with snow. It's beautiful outside as each tree is graced with a fresh coat of powered snow. Jeremy's snow man is standing proud with his toy carrot sitting proudly in the middle of his snow face.

We had a fun weekend our school/church had a festival Friday night a hillbilly festival. My plaid shirt and french braid did well to fit into the atmosphere. We had soup,chili,stew cook off all the families came bringing their bowls, and crock pots filled with yummy recipes.

I made my mushroom soup. I tried the recipe a month ago at a church dinner and I decided to make it again for the festival.

I didn't think I would win there was so many yummy soups.

and then I heard my name...

I won. my soup won.

It was neat night!

Did you wake up with snow on your windows?

My day

2011-10-26T22:17:00.001-04:00

I didn't go to school today instead I went to my child hood friends going away celebration.

It was sad.

22 years old.

Sickness. Horrible sickness caught up to his body and the fight was over.

The most wonderful news ever?

He was saved and we know where he is.

However, even with that wonderful news watching his parents say goodbye to their only child...

heart breaking.

It's so sad.

Once again I'm writing everything down,

~Life~

2011-10-21T16:22:00.000-04:00

Blogging is all about what you are feeling. My dear friend wrote this post a few days ago and stayed in my head for days. I wanted to write a post about it but couldn't figure out how.

Until today that is.

This afternoon during break I sat down at my computer and chatted with my big brother on instant message about my Aaron's birthday party tomorrow. I was laughing and enjoying my break and then I remember a young man who was fighting for his life. I hopped on to his mom's facebook and my heart fell to my feet.

"He is now with Jesus!"

My word. That hit me like a ton of bricks. I haven't known this young man since he was 8 or so we both moved and just didn't keep in touch except for the Internet. But just remembering him coming over our house being in our school and church going over his house, It's sad so sad.

And then I go back to this post...writing this down isn't pleasant it makes my heart hurt for his parents who couldn't wait to have him, who prayed for him who cherished their only baby. Having a young man in his early twenty's shouldn't consist of saying goodbye to him. In this family they have.

But in my writing I couldn't leave out the hope and promise that God gives us. If we are his child we have a mansion waiting for us. This boy did not die in fear. He knew he was going to be with his Jesus. What great news that is.

Life his hard but the Lord is great.

Write every day down.

Pre-Popcorn

2011-10-20T13:38:00.001-04:00

I have had my first graders since k4 or most of them anyway. So I have watch them from the first day they came into my room with their adorable dresses and shirt and ties watching my every move not too sure if they want to leave their mommies for the day and hang out with this Miss.P lady.

I watched their shy smile as I introduced our class pet, my heart melted when the ice became water and the hugs started coming and the "I love you" started to flow to my glad ears. I watched them read their first word, solve their first addition problem, coach them through their first book.

My heart was sad when they missed school or the first time they disobeyed in my care.

I rejoiced with them when they held the baby food jar in my face with a lonely tooth hitting each side of the jar as the heroic story was told again on how the tooth was released from the gums of the five year old, my stomach tied itself in a not as I gazed at the still blood stain tooth.

I feel like I myself had just run a race as the last spelling word is written and checked and I can proudly say the child has received a 100.

First grade is harder than it looks and my first graders are some hard workers. They truly are.

The last few weeks they have all been receiving a 100 on their spelling pre-test so a couple of weeks ago we had a pre-test pop corn party!

One of my students said "Does that mean we can throw popcorn around the room?"

I love my class!

Not going to give up

2011-10-19T17:07:00.000-04:00

It's funny at one point in my blogging life I would be so discouraged if no one commented on my posts. Now a day I am just excited when I have time to post let alone seeing if any one is reading.

The thing is I know people are reading because many of you have told me on different occasions it's just a matter of not having time to comment.

Believe me.

I understand.

I really, truly do.

I also don't have time to comment on your sweet posts on your adorable blogs. However, I thought even if you don't have time to comment you could still enjoying reading my rambles.

Could I have a favor though could you comment on this one?

Just to let me know your still peaking into my heart? ;)

I found some time to blog today so I am fully take advantage of it!:)

Never a Dull Moment

2011-10-19T16:34:00.000-04:00

If you know my family you can honestly say that we never have a dull moment in our lives there is always something to laugh about when you are around us.

Well, it was just such a time this past Sunday night heading home from my grandmothers (my Mimi). Having a large family we know all the rest areas quite well, some of the workers ever know who we are when we enter their fine establishment.

I was just about asleep when my dad pulled into the parking lot of the rest stop. I was kind of groggy and didn't feel like going in but glancing over to my half empty Dunkin Donuts Large Ice tea cup I knew it would be a wise decision to put on my sneakers and go in.

Jeremy was sound asleep but mom also decided to go in with him and Aaron and Dad followed. Aaron was the first one to go in and mom and Jeremy was close in second I on the other hand sat in the car longer trying to put my sneakers on my dad stayed with me. I finally jump out of the car and looked at my mom who was backing up with Jeremy in her hands I hear my dad say. "Oh,no!" I looked at him very confused. "What's wrong?"

"It's a skunk!"

I had to laugh and gasp at the same time as my mom stood there holding a sleeping Jeremy. I am sure she was praying that Jeremy would stay asleep because if he was awake they would have surely been sprayed as Jeremy would have seen the skunk and said "THAT!" Or "CAT!" In a high pitch ear drum killing screech.

The skunk looked at my mom and then waddled over to the front door.

Let's pause for a moment.

Who do you think came out of the rest area just as the skunk made it to the door?

Yup, my brother Aaron. Of course!

Aaron came out of the rest stop not seeing my mom waving her one free hand or hearing my dad's loud whispers or my quiet screeching.

All of the sudden he looked as if some one said "Put your hands in the air!" His hands went flying back and his back landed against the glass door way back at the car it looked like he was holding his breath. It was quite intense watching my brother and the skunk have a staring contest.

Finally the skunk ran away and Aaron got away with out being sprayed.

THE END!

Just A Sister Thing.

2011-10-13T14:07:00.000-04:00

You know we are kinda close. :)

I was so afraid after the wedding I would hardly see her.

Thankfully, Carole was right like she always is I see her all the time.

Especially since they are only two minutes away.

We still have sleep overs at my house.

Texting galore and chit chatting on the phone.

I was searching through my photos on my laptop and found some keepers from the wedding. Here are a few.

I hope you are having a wonderful Thursday!

Another Love Of mine.

2011-10-12T16:18:00.000-04:00

History.

Well, I'm kind of picky when it comes to History.

But....

.....this history I enjoy and LOVE.

Meeting with a maybe future president of the United States. I am liking Hermain Cain and it was quite uber cool to meet him!!He was very nice and was more than happy to pose for a picture. :)

A Love.

2011-10-11T14:00:00.000-04:00

I have so much to love. My Lord. My Family. My friends. My students. My Church. So much more.

However there is a roll of love that tumbles into my heart each day when I see him peaking through the window to welcome me home from a long day at school.

The love does a flip flop when his pudgy arms wraps around my neck and his slobbery lips hits my cheeks in a kiss.

Loves mounts like piles of ice cream on a cone when he says "Gingy." In his sing song voice or when he bows his head before dad prays for our dinner.

Loves climbs up my heart strings when I watch him sleep or when he rests his head against my shoulder.

Jeremy is such a blessing and that "love" is just rewarding.

A Jeremy Post

2011-10-06T08:17:00.000-04:00

It's been a while so I thought I would give you all a sweet Jeremy post.

I love this boy so much.

He is my sweet pumpkin face.

He calls me Gingy. What could be better?

He gives me wet kisses and big bear hugs.

He holds on my hand EXTRA tight when he decides to be shy.

He has this big belly laugh when you tickle him.

And he LOVES Thomas the Train.

MY fave thing is when he looks at me with his brownie eyes and says. "I wuuwooo!" (I love you)

Cute things.

2011-10-05T15:46:00.000-04:00

"Miss P, could you please write a note to my mommy and daddy?" Thinking this was a very odd request being notes are normally sent home when the child is doing the wrong thing. I looked at him and said "Why?"

"So you can tell them I need to go to Disney Land!"

The Cold....

2011-09-27T15:11:00.000-04:00

Not the weather...me I have a lovely cold that is making me feel lousy. :(

It always happens around this time something about weather and school picture day coming up it never fails!

So, how is everyone doing?

I for one was thrilled to find out that I won Morgan's blog contest!! Isn't that coool??

I finished my Fall bulletin board do you want to see?

We also saw a HUGE moose on the way to work this morning. How cooooool is that??

Tell me what you have been up too???

Happy First Day Of Fall!!!

2011-09-23T14:03:00.002-04:00

A CONTEST!!!!

2011-09-20T16:15:00.000-04:00

So, I was just thinking about cool bloggie contests when I hopped on over to my sweet friend Morgan's blog and found out she is having a giveaway to end her coolest series yet a "colorific summer"

So go on over there and comment but don't forget to mention a color in your comment!

Snack time

2011-09-20T16:03:00.000-04:00

Today, was a good school day had everyone in class I had a decent nights sleep and I was ready for the day.

I was ready for blends, and special sounds, spelling words and reading...and yes snack time. Mmmmm I do enjoy a good snack.

Today it was yogurt and a half of muffin it did my little tummy good to have some delightful treats. You may be wondering why I am yapping about snacks.

Well, I am trying to decided what I am going to put on my grocery list this afternoon.

I need some snacks for school.

My normal snack list:

Yogurt

Cheese stick

or fruit

How about you what do you indulge in the late morning for a snack?

Each day I try to have my students pick one healthy snack in their lunch box for the morning snack, so I too want to show them that I too eat healthy and not be hiding a bag of Cheetos on my lap.

So, yes my post today is what kind of snacks do you like?

Wisdom From Jeremy

2011-09-19T12:43:00.000-04:00

"Gingy get up!"

The boy is genius!

Those kind of afternoons....

2011-09-13T16:48:00.000-04:00

The soft sun light hit my round table quite nice the alphabet window clings danced around the table as the "Mountain" birds sang their song. Apple prints hang in disorder fashion around my white magnetic marker board while the felt board stands proudly with this weeks Bible lesson sticking to his soft board. The desks face the chalkboard and the stand.

While pencils line the tops of each one some of the name tags are drooping off the front some stand proudly doing their job. The teachers desk has her laptop on it also with her cell phone and sun chips. Yankee candle form donning the side of the desk and papers sit nicely in their designated drawers.

And I the teacher. Sit on the plush black swivel chair while words flow through my finger tips. I look at my cow bulletin board, my ducky helpers, the half jar of jelly beans and the empty tea cup on the stand. It doesn't look like a classroom to this little teacher.

It likes a home.

My job isn't just job it's a ministry it's a blessing. It's a home.

I love these afternoons where I can sit and ponder upon the blessings that Lord has given me.

Have an afternoon like this one it will do wonders to your heart.

The day.

2011-09-08T16:02:00.001-04:00

"I'm late again....man!" I jumped out of bed and ran into the bathroom. "Make up....why does it take so much time?" I run back into my living room grabbed my outfit off my lazy couch and then ran back into the bathroom.... "Hair what am I going to do with my hair?" I grabbed a headband out of my hair basket and went in search for shoes.

School mornings are crazy especially the first couple of weeks.

But no matter how crazy the mornings are the kids make it worth while. A hug. A smile. A joke. A prayer. Makes my heart do some mighty big flip flops.

It's indeed early mornings, tea in hand,bags draped over my shoulder types a days again.

However, I would not change it for the world.

Tell me how your day goes?

Yup I'm in Love....

2011-09-08T13:25:00.000-04:00

Isn't my Jeremy a doll face???

Sisters-Baking-Sweet Tea

2011-09-03T18:20:00.000-04:00

Today, my family went on a picnic on this warm September Saturday. We packed our family picnic basket put the juice boxes in our cooler. Ran a quick stop to our local deli where I picked up a sub for me and Carole (Hey you can take the girls out of the city but you can't take the city out of the girls.)

We drove to our favorite picnic stop the same stop Carole and Mark got engaged we stepped out of the car grabbed all of our things including Jeremy's wagon and walk down to the Falls. It was one of the saddest things I have seen in a long time the beautiful lush color green on the trees were grey the nicely cut grass was covered in mud and dust there was a certain must feeling through out the ear as our flip flops sank in the mud and you heard a few "eww's" from the two girls tromping beside their family. Mark worked hard keeping the wagon moving in a steady pace as the rest of followed him to a lonely picnic table.

Irene did quite the damage to many people and too many places. Our shopping malls are closed and fenced. We saw army trucks galore at our local grocery mart we were thinking they were on their way to helping some people to our sister state.

So, in all of this Carole and I decided not to take what we have for granted and went to her home and baked some pies for our church dinner tomorrow.

So I made a raspberry pie. How do you like it? Doesn't it look yummy??

Irene

2011-08-29T16:39:00.000-04:00

We had a taste of Irene this past weekend. It was quite scary just knowing a hurricane was passing through. Thankfully we are all fine and our home is fine. We did have our first ~~"snow"~~ hurricane day today. No first day of school. Can you believe that? That was a first!

It was nice to have an extra day off get some much needed things done that I wouldn't have gotten done if school started today.

I was able to come over to Caroles and hang out with her that is always fun to do.

So, hopefully tomorrow I will have a full list of things to share with you about the first day of school!

Tell me did Irene pass you? If she did please let me know how you are?

It's not my fault....

2011-08-25T16:08:00.000-04:00

I tried to post I really did. I tried to continue the blogging spree I was going through. However my internet at home wouldn't allow it. I have no idea why but it just wasn't working.

So here I am now. I am very satisfied with how my classrooms turned out. I finished up today. Tomorrow is the teachers meeting and then....it will officially be school.

Yikes, this summer went by so fast.

Here, is a little recap of our summer.

Carole and Mark's wedding

Dad's surgery

4th of July

Carole and Mark bought a house

An Old Country Fair

The Circus

Fashion problem...

2011-08-17T10:33:00.000-04:00

You should have seen me it was like watching a ping pong match.

I finally decided enouugh of sitting at my laptop doing my morning checking on emails, facebook, etc I needed to get ready for the day. Shopping is in order and I wanted an outfit I would be comfortable in.

However, the open window in my room was giving me mix messages. The thermomter reads 80 but the cool breeze swooping in the cracked open window brings me to the relization that Fall is just around the corner.

I couldn't decide do I go in my Summer drawer or Fall? I went in my summer got dressed and stood in the middle of my room "I am cold." So I went over to my fall darwer and changed went down stairs and my mom was sitting in the middle of the nursery getting Jeremy ready. "Hon, you will be hot in that."

I am going mad this time in the year always gives me a headache I never know how to dress with this strange weather.

Do you have 4 seasons where you live?

Do you know what I'm talking about?

Please tell me how you deal with it without packing an extra outfit in your purse!

Blowing Kisses

2011-08-16T00:33:00.001-04:00

Since Carole said "I do" to Mark things have been very quiet in my room and Carole's old room. The late night movies, and our bizarre snack choices ceased and in it's place was me watching TV by myself, in no mood for crazy snacks and just getting used too the new arrangment. The new normal.

Well, after my dad came home from the hospital mom asked me if I could stay down stairs just incase she needed me to help with Jeremy while she was helping dad. So during those couple of weeks me and mom satrted watching a show everynight together. So, now it's a tradition mom and I have been watching a show together almost everynight.

Well, tonight was no different, I made a snack and mom and I sat in my bedroom she took up the bed while I sat on the floor seperating papers for school (a very long process) we watched the show for a while but soon stopped and listened. Jeremy was crying it is very unusual for him to cry during the night so my mom went down to check on him.

Ofcourse I was close behind and peaked into my mom's bedroom where Jeremy was now lying on her cuddling with his blankie I went to retrieve his cup my mom ask me to get him and I watched as he sipped his cup while he hugged mom's arm.

I smiled at the sweet moment and told mom I would be upstairs before I left I watched as Jeremy's chubby little hand touched his mouth and blew me a kiss. I had to smile.

That boy is a sunshine to my heart.

Fresh.

2011-08-12T01:58:00.000-04:00

I like to start things fresh don't you? For example you want a clean face before you put on make up right? Or you want a fresh canvas before you paint? A clean pair of socks before you run?

You get my point right?

I'll be back in my classroom soon getting ready for the big day.

THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!!

I say this every year.

I want a bouquet of sharpen pencils to show up on my doorstep before the school year begins. It hasn't happened yet but maybe just maybe this year will be the year. How do you like my Anne Of Green Gables drama? It suits me don't ya think?

However, in all honesty I think that would be the coolest way to start the year!

A couple of weeks ago me and a friend (who also teaches at the school) worked in our classrooms together and then went school shopping. Oh, it was so much fun looking at all the isles getting cool paper clips and fun colorful pens. I found myself giddy for school to begin.

My Mimi bought me a new lunch box for my birthday and it's shaped like a purse it's the coolest.

I just love starting fresh. I just love school.

I can't wait to see my returning students all ready for first grade. There sweet smiles and ready hugs it just swells my heart with joy.

My summer was suppose to start out fresh and it did Carole got married, I started cleaning a changing my bedrooms, plans were being accomplished...and then everything changed, scary things happened and I learned to lean on God through it all and lessons that I wasn't planned to learned I learned fast. I am still learning I am still learning to lean.

You know it's hard sometimes. Really hard.

You want everything fresh, everything planed, but that's not how life goes. Sometimes those lessons are pretty hard to take.

I don't mean to bring up my father in the hospital in every post but you know it was and still is a huge chunk in my summer and in my life and sometimes you just need to write it down.

The first night my dad was in the hospital and he was still in the ER, was one of the most frightening things. we didn't know what was going on what was going to happen why he was in so much pain.

I remember walking down the hall way while pushing Jeremy in the stroller thanking God for the smallest of blessings.

I thought I started the day fresh but the longer day was I knew it was steal when the ambulance came it was a very steal moment but then in the hallway pushing a very tired almost two year old in the stroller crying out to God my very early morning was turning fresh the way it should with God by my side.

Like I said I am still learning to lean on the Lord. Trials never stop coming but praise the Lord the Lord never stops working.

Tonight as I brushed my teeth I looked down at the tooth paste Aqua Fresh and the post just came to me. ;)

Start fresh with God!

You can comment again....

2011-08-10T22:00:00.000-04:00

Yay......Mackenzie has done it again she has fixed yet another blogging problem.....

I believe you can now comment without having troubles.....

Life.

2011-08-09T20:26:00.000-04:00

When I think of this blog I think of the beginning. On an April night being in our home schooled classroom I was just about to finish my first year out of high school. I sat at our old family computer feeling so bored. Then a blog I read once came into my mind and started to have that desire the huge desire to write.

So I went downstairs and asked my parents what they thought...and that was the night I began this.

I have been proud of myself this past week I have blogged every night. When I blog like this I begin to think I need to go to every blog I have ever been on and comment so maybe they will come over here and see I have written. Even though that's tempting tonight I think I'll refrain if you read this and don't feel like commenting that's okay it just feels so good to write again.

I thought it would be difficult to change Carole's room into mine. The months before Carole's wedding was trying for me I had my ups and I had my downs. I had moments where I just wished we were playing house. It took me a little while to really start cleaning but now....now it's looking like me except for the horsey border. ;) Which in time will go but for now it's one of my many memories of our dear childhood.

Carole and Mark have a home of their own now. It's just adorable. When I first went in I looked at Carole and I said 'We now have our very own playhouse!" :) She is quite the little homemaker. If I do say so myself I think it's from all the hours of playing house with me during the years!

This week Jeremy is a little confused Aaron is away at camp so Jeremy is missing his buddy. So this afternoon we found him in the living room kissing a picture of Aaron! Is what adorable.

I hope you are enjoying my random posts. Please scroll down to the other ones if you haven't been on in a few days!

My Third time in a row....

2011-08-09T19:00:00.000-04:00

Happy? :)

Happy Birthday Jeremy!!!

2011-08-08T15:44:00.000-04:00

My Sweet Jeremy.

Man. What can I say?

I would be lost, bored...oh so bored without him.

I just love my cutie brother.

He is such a fun toddler...and always keeps his family laughing.

And today.....today he is two....my sweet baby brother is two!!!

I just love this CUTIE!!!!!

What have I been doing?

2011-08-07T22:56:00.000-04:00

.....Well.....I guess it's not been blogging. :(

I have been working....working...working very hard in organizing my two bedrooms and my two classrooms. I tell ya this summer has flew by and it's almost over. :(

I am glad though that my bedrooms are looking quite nice. I will show pictures once I am all finished with the fun decorating and of course rummaging through old memories, foolish little toys and once it's all complete then and only then pictures will be posted. :)

My classrooms are also looking nice. I am getting excited over the fact school is coming soon I mean I always miss my summer but I also look forward to coming back to school. :)

Lets see what else is going on please continue to pray for my daddy. He is feeling better but he still needs prayer for his recovery.

AND................................

GUESS WHAT??

Tomorrow will mark two tears since my baby brother was born. I can't believe my Jeremy will be 2!!! I just love that boy!!

Okay, I am sorry about my lack of posting....again...I will try better I PROMISE!

The God On The Mountain...

2011-07-27T23:11:00.000-04:00

.....is the God in the valley when things go wrong He'll make them right,and the God in the good times is still God in the bad times don't loose faith because your never alone...

Wow, that song gives me chills. I have always love that song. A good ole southern gospel singer named Lynda Randle sings that song like no other and I think I need to scramble through my old Cd's and pull out hers where she is singing that song.

I need to hear her smooth deep voice sing the truth of those words into my heart. When we were going through some trials back in the winter a good friend of mine sent me those lyrics in an email. I let the roads seep through my being as small tears ran down my face and I knew every word was true.

While my dad was in the hospital and I walk the halls of the hospital while pushing Jeremy in the stroller I heard those words in my head..... "The God in the good times is the God in the bad times..." I knew at that moment that I deemed that song "my" song.

It's no longer a song I like I believe it is my life song. Just a few short weeks ago I watched my dad healthy and strong walk Carole down the isle. A few short days ago I pushed the stroller closer to the gurney so Jeremy could tell dad he loved him before dad went to surgery. I stood close to my mom that early morning trying not cry as my mom lips trembled. God with us on the joyous that dad gave Carole away and He was with us when we told dad we loved him as he was being brought to the surgery room.

It's been a trying couple of weeks. But God has been so good. He has used this time to teach me so many lessons. I have learned to thank him for the smallest blessings.

My dad is on bed rest and will be home for the next six weeks.

Well, with all of this I really had forgotten about my favorite day of the year my birthday which is tomorrow July,28th. It's so weired how fast things change how fast things that mean the world to you one minute the next you totally forget it's coming soon.

I am so thankful my dad is back home that is truly the best gift this year. Please continue to pray for him this was BIG and he has a long way to go for recovery!

Thank you so much,

Still lift our family up...

2011-07-23T16:53:00.000-04:00

.....in prayers please...Dad is doing well but we still need your prayers. The tube came out of his nose and throat yesterday! YAY!!

We hope he can come home soon. We all want him home. Jeremy misses daddy and mommy but he's getting used to being with just me. We have been together more than apart. I have a new found love and respect for my mom she does a whole lot a real whole lot!

Please continue to pray!

Please pray...

2011-07-19T21:59:00.000-04:00

My Daddy was rushed to the hospital he then had emergency surgery. He is feeling a little better but he is still in pain. Please, please pray!!

Time is flying.

2011-07-17T22:48:00.000-04:00

I think it dawned on me this afternoon that my summer is half over. How did that happen? I received an email about the upcoming school year and my eyes were opened.

The summer is flying by and I'm trying my best to hold on while my hair is flying in the wind. I have so much to do before school starts and I'm getting that strange knot feeling in my gut that I am not going to be able to finish my whole to do list.

I can't believe it's July already? Where did the time go?

I am going to be the big 24 this month. I am feeling old very old.

AND....Jeremy is going to be TWO this August!! HOW did that happen???

I have been working on both of my bedrooms it's a sloooooooooooow progress. I can't wait for both rooms to be done so I can share some pictures with all my bloggie friends.

Okie dokie, I am tired. Hope all is well.

My Dear Friends...

2011-07-12T01:45:00.000-04:00

I wanted to share something quite special with you....

I finally decided to share my bead work with the Internet world.

Here is goes check out my site.

Heart Melting Stuff

2011-07-08T16:37:00.000-04:00

I was overwhelmed over the bloggers who "stopped" by my latest post and expressed how happy they were that I was not closing down Pieces Of My Heart. I had to smile at each comment and I knew in my heart I did the right thing.

How could I close a piece of my life?

My blog has become so close to me over the years and I am so thankful of the community of bloggers that have welcomed me in with open arms.

My summer days have been mostly relaxing. I have been working on Carole's room turning it into mine I had recently traveled with a friend of mine for a July 4th celebration. I am planing a surprise for my almost two year old brother and I am also planing on going to a circus with the family sometime soon.

I have thankfully been doing quite well with Carole not being in the next room. We see each other all the time and it's almost like when she lived at our house except for the little fact that she doesn't.

We also went to a parade this past weekend and really enjoyed the whole 4th of July weekend!

So...I thought to end this post with a.......

Jeremy picture!!!

Let's try again for the hundreth time.

2011-07-06T13:09:00.000-04:00

It wasn't suppose to be like this by the fourth year of blogging I was suppose to be the most popular blogger around. People would recognize me at the grocery store, I would be flying to blog conferences on my summer break from school. I would even have blog buttons that people could wear on their tops.

Now back to reality: I have hardly blogged for months my readers have given up on (Or most of them) It's my own fault I haven't been doing it, I haven't been sharing my life I just have been living my life with my fingers hitting this keyboard and it's not right.

If I can't blog I should close down shop instead pulling my faithful readers on the rope of nonexistence. The question is how?

HOW? Is the 3 letter I think of when I ponder upon closing my beloved blog. It has been through so much with me. I mean really. When I'm going through a tuff time I blog. When I am going through a joyous time I blog, when I'm just plan board I blog.

How could I give my outlet to the blogging world?

How could I say goodbye to the friends I have made through these four years?

The simple answer is this:

I can't

I can't give up those sweet memories. The links to the blogs that has become so special to me. The faces on the pictures that stare back at me as I read their words. As I cry with them, laugh with them oh steady my fingers on the keyboard bow my head and pray for them.

I can't.

This isn't a blog it's a community and I am not going to throw thee towel in. Instead I am going to jump back on that bandwagon and I'm going to ~~start~~ no I am going to continue what I started was back then. When I was a nineteen year old barley out of high school ready to dip my feet in the river of blogging never knowing how many sweet people I would find alongside that river sinking their sparkle color toe nails in as well.

It has been a journey.

And I am swimming on in the river of everything bloggy.

Join me in this will you?

Please continue to comment! Make my comment box filled! And I will hop over to your blog and do the same lets keep this blog thing going!!

Sincerely yours,

Yay, It's July

2011-07-06T01:01:00.000-04:00

Maybe....maybe....maybe....maybe I'll be a better blogger this month. It shouldn't be too busy so I don't have an excuse not to blog. I have heard that the comment box is not working very odd. I'm hoping it will work now.

Now The Wedding In Pictures

2011-06-27T19:36:00.000-04:00

Brother's and Sister's

Patrick and Devyn

Flower Girl's

I posted the words describing my beautiful sister's wedding and NOW I am posting the pictures. Sit back relax and enjoy the play by play. Or at least picture by picture if you want the play by play click the link above to my previous post.

Carole and Mark saying "I do"

Sisters!

Me and my friend Rosey

Me and my friend Mackenzie

Me and my Jeremy

The "Girl" side of the wedding party oh yes, and Mark!

I hope you all enjoyed the pictures. I had fun reliving them as I posted them!!

The wedding...

2011-06-24T00:10:00.000-04:00

I know it has almost been a week since the wedding but please understand I have been so worn out. Even though school is out and have so much time for myself I still couldn't think about blogging or even changing Carole's room into my room until today.

The wedding was amazing and because of my foolish dial up the only picture of the wedding you will see tonight is the picture on my header unless dial up surprises me you won't see more pictures until I find me some wifi somewhere.

Until then I am going to do my best and show you the pictures through my words.

Not the words from the father of the bride or the mother, not the play by play by the groom or the bride.

You are going to read the words from me the sister, the friend, the maid of honor.

Friday morning started like any other, Carole's hand in my face as I tried to convince myself that I had five more minutes of sleep. I tried to block the knowledge that she would be a married woman next day but it was hard.

The house was a buzz of activity floating around doing small jobs as was I milling around trying to do my best at not thinking I was doing well until Carole asked me to help pack her last suitcase. "Carole I can't cry!" "Ginger, we need too." "Carole if I start I won't be able to stop..." As tears piled in my eyes. "I'm going to miss you!" We both said as we clung unto each other. I couldn't believe she was leaving my best friend was getting married.

As we tried to dry our tears I said. "Remember when I was a way from home for two weeks for the first time and we made friendship bracelets..." She nodded her head "Maybe we should both wear one of the bracelets I made so we won't ever forget one another.' (Yes, we are now being dramatic) Carole smiled "And we can wear them to the rehearsal..." (And yes we ended up wearing them to the wedding as well) We smiled, laughed and started the rest of the day.

The rehearsal was long we landed in our beds pretty late that night and the emotions were a little to much for me and I was sick all night long. It was good though it gave me plenty of time to pray and cry and throw up and pray some more and cry some more and then wake up ready to be a maid of honor.

The day was here and I was good until Carole and I made plans to still text and say goodnight that night even though she wouldn't be home. So yes at that point tears were shed but then we were good and we headed to the church.

Where hair was done nails were painted, giggles were shared and memories were made. Hours felt like minutes and all of the sudden I was in my gown. Lapis with a touch of light purple my honey blond curls landed down my back my grandmother's locket hung on my neck and I was set to proudly stand behind Carole and witness the day we talk about for years the day my sister would say "I do" to the love of her life to her prince charming.

I walk back into the room where the bridal party stood some of the brides maids had tears in their eyes others were finishing make up, hair or other important things but my eyes swung to Carole where she stood in her white gown her white flower sat so proudly on the side of her hair as her eyes swung to mine.

I caught my breath as I gazed at my sister. "Don't cry" I laughed "I'm not crying!" Carole glared at me with her chestnut color eyes "Yes, you are. Don't cry!" I cleared my voice. "I promise"

The clock struck two it was time. The grooms party dropped of the two ring bearers (Aka our nephews Patrick and Devyn) and they went on their way. Carole asked me to explain one last time to the ring bearers and flower girls what exactly to do I then peaked out the door saw the usher he nodded and I said "It's time."

The brides maids lined up just like they practiced I stood at the front of the line to give the children their cue I then went to the back gave a big sigh and prayed I wouldn't cry.

I couldn't believe it was my turn already to go down the isle. I tried not to look at anyone when I did my eyes would fill up. I stood next to one of my dear friends who was also in the party and we watched Carole and my dad...

The ceremony was beautiful.

The kiss was a treasure. To be able to witness their first kiss. Was plainly amazing.

The reception was enchanting.

The goodbye was "bubbly"

My sister is now married.

Carole's wedding is tomorrow!

2011-06-17T22:41:00.000-04:00

Emotions galore are flooding through this girl right now so the only thing I can say is here's a picture of me and my sister at her rehearsal...

4 days!

2011-06-14T20:49:00.000-04:00

I am so sorry that I have been missing on this blog lately. I really have missed blogging but I have not had the time to blog.

Instead, I had my k5 graduation. Ended the year with first grade, went to the senior banquet,senior graduation.

Surprised Carole with a GREAT surprise our dear friend Susie came to spend the week and be here for the wedding and Carole had no idea!

And the wedding...the wedding is in four days!!!

Needless to say we are busy. I PROMISE pictures are coming!

Operation room

2011-05-25T16:03:00.000-04:00

No, no this is not my bedroom. It just gives you an idea that "Operation room" meant bedroom and or living room. You see in less then four weeks Carole will be in her new home with her new husband and I will be home redecorating her old horsey bedroom into my living room.

I am quite excited about this part of Carole leaving me! I can't wait to get my hands on her room and turn it into my own. One thing I am in dire need to do before the wedding is to take down her horsey border and put new border up. I just think seeing the horses on her wall after the wedding may not be good for my heart!

So....please give me ideas suggestions anything. For my new mini apartment!! ;)

26 days

2011-05-23T16:10:00.000-04:00

26 days is a little to soon for my liking. I just can't believe that it's now 26 day till my baby sisters wedding.

I enjoy when people write on my blog and tell me they like reading my nook on the web because I am real.

I do try to be very real on my blog and even though I choose to be private in some regards and only give you the tiny bit of light to a situation and say pray I still define as being real. Because who really wants the whole world knowing everything about everything? Not me that's for sure.

Although, there is other things that I share where I turn on a lamp to the subject instead of a candlelight.

One of those "lamp" type of posts that I have been sharing more often is the fact that my sister is getting married and now that we are down to the wire I have a hard time just going in her bedroom.

The tears threatened to come when my seven year old nephew Patrick came into my room and stared at Carole's in the next room. "Why is Carole's wall's empty?" I had been sitting on my bed relaxing from Aaron's graduation party but as soon as I heard his voice I looked at his sweet face. "Cause, she is moving hon..." I said while I bit my bottom lip. "When she marries Mark?" He said still in his tiny voice. "Yes, bud." He fingered with Carole's butterfly beads that to my dismay she hung in our "shared" doorway years ago. "You know Aunt Carole said I could have these when she gets married." I laughed under my breath picturing Patrick (All boy) going down stairs on the day of Carole's wedding with her butterfly beads. "Yes, hon I remember that." He smiled his cute Patrick smile and looked back at her room. "Will you make this a play room for us?" I smiled and said "Sure, hon I will put some toys up here for you guys." "Thanks Aunt Ginger."

I really hope I am not boring all of you with my ramblings but I need to write, I need that outlet that healing bond to my heart.

I have promised all of you for months of updates on the wedding I honestly don't think I realized how busy I would be. So these are a little late but here Carole is sending her wedding invitations out a few months ago. One of these day I will have to show you a picture of the invite! It's beautiful. Hint: the same designer who does my blog did her invites!! ;)

Here she is picking out ribbon and other fun stuff for the day of her wedding. I can't hardly believe how fast time is flying. Our Maid Of Honor and bridesmaids dresses are finished and they look beautiful.The hairdresser who is doing Carole's hair has been working on it today.

Soon you will be seeing pictures of the big day I can hardly believe it!

The Water Works Begins Now...

2011-05-18T16:42:00.000-04:00

Oh, wow I think now it has finally hit me.

My childhood is over.

This baby is graduating high school on Saturday. My sweet humble brother who is now an honorable man of God.

This sweet toothy grin girl is going to be saying "I do" on June 18th...one month...one tiny month...

And this girl...the one frowning at the camera is holding on to every little memory she can.

And here we are now. With one added blessing our family's true keepsake that keeps us on our toes and our smile always on our faces.

My dear friend Mackenzie surprised me today with my blog makeover and her sweet message. I soak it all in and seriously I felt like I was going to cry!

I know...when did I get so sentimental?

I think it was the pictures on the top we all looked so old even my Jeremy. And in that moment it finally sank in our childhood is gone.

My mom always told us to cherish being a child. "You can only be a child once." She would say. I would always look at her like she had ten eyes and said "Yup...mom I know." Inwardly I was thinking well when will it be over? When will I be an adult?

I am here to say that being an adult is not all that great. Oh don't get me wrong I have a blessed life and I love it fully. But I sure miss my childhood days.

I miss the feeling of being up at 11:00 at night and feeling all grown up. I miss the way the wild flower would tickle my nose when I smelled it. Or the way I felt in my daddy's arms.

I miss being the ~~boss~~ big sister to Aaron.

Or Carole's hero when something went wrong.

I miss our late night sleepovers in the sofa bed in the living room with popcorn somehow landing between our toes and fruit juice splattered over our summer pajamas.

I miss our screams and our giggles.

I long for the days where I cuddled on my mom's lap as she stroked my hair or the many sleep overs I had at my mimi and Papas.

Instead...I am here.

Forced to look at the bedroom next to mine being invaded with moving boxes. Seeing furniture we used to share being brought over to the apartment that will be hers in a month...

Stuffed animals being given away to charity, dolls being bubbled wrap and stored clothes being in bins and I look at that old familiar room where the memories are taken over my brain and I think "How?" How could my sweet Carole be old enough to be married. How is it that my kid brother is graduating high school? How is that I am older enough to have a full time job?

I now understand it. Mom, I finally get it. We only have one childhood.

Don't rush it.

We Love You Ginger!

2011-05-17T00:55:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone! This is Mackenzie, one of Ginger's many friends. I have been wanting to give our one and only Ginger this Blogiversary gift for the past month....but unfortunately life and my job got in the way. But I finally had some spare time...at 1am...to do this blog-over for her!

We all love you Ginger and we wish you a Happy (belated) Blogiversary! Hope you like it!

Love,
Your faithful 'bloggie peeps' and Mackenzie : )

Happy Friday!

2011-05-13T16:33:00.000-04:00

And....it's Friday....YAY!

I thought I would grace all of you with a picture of my growing Jeremy! I.Just.Love.Him.

So, what are all my bloggie peeps doing this beautiful Friday.

I will be going out to eat in a bit.

I then will be at the school's talent show!

And yes my kids are doing something!

I will be fun!

Have a very great Friday!!

The Winner is....

2011-05-03T16:46:00.000-04:00

So I jumbled up some numbers and I choose one....

No, really I did.

The winner is number ONE!

Funny isn't?

So...number one...I will be sending your package shortly!!

So Sorry

2011-04-29T11:19:00.000-04:00

I am so sorry at my lack of appearance over here. And my only excuse is I am on spring break and I am getting a lot of things done with my time and really had no time to log on here. I haven't forgotten about the give away and you may still enter it will be closing very soon though! This may just be my longest give away yet.

There is just so much going on in my little world right now that I am finding no time to do it all. I appreciate all of you that have participated in this contest and have followed this blog through out my four years of doing it. Hopefully I will be more dedicated after the wedding.

I have pictures to upload of Carole preparing for the big day and as soon as upload those I will post. It's been bitter sweet these last few months before the big day we are all so excited but would be lying if I didn't say a bit weepy at times as well.

Carole and I have been cleaning our rooms slowly I am moving into her room and she's moving out. After June 18th I will be owner of both our bedrooms. Again bitter sweet!

Jeremy is getting so big he is talking all the time his newest thing is singing "The Mickey Mouse" song....funny we are listening to it right now. He loves marching around the house and signs please when it ends and won't stop till I press repeat.

Aaron is graduating High School in a few weeks. It just blows my mind how we are not kids anymore.

I can't believe my spring break is over already! Man, did that go fast!

Well, I am preparing for kindergarten graduation. I can't wait it's my first year doing it all by myself!!

I promise I will post the winner soon!!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T14:29:00.000-04:00

Looking For Purpose

2011-04-19T17:14:00.000-04:00

I like watching my students watch me, the curiosity in their eyes, the wonder, the excitement that shows through out their being as they sit and watch me.

I am nothing special I am only a sinner saved by grace I have no special ability that makes me more better than someone else. I'm just me, I have my own,corks and sins I have moments I am not proud of other moments I wish wasn't so.

But, what I do have and what you could have to is Jesus.

My students love me and I love them they have respect for me and they show it to me by listening to every word that comes out of my mouth (Well....sometimes) they show it to me by hugging my waste when they first see me or kissing my cheek when I'm sitting down they tell me through their actions and through there tiny words.

I have a purpose when I walk into the school building each morning. Even if I am tired or just waiting for the weekend I try to put everything aside once I enter the classroom because my purpose is to educate these tiny minds.

However, is teaching my only purpose in life? Oh, sure I love my kiddos. I love each smile, each laugh, each hug each funny moment but is that my sole purpose? No, no it's not.

My purpose like I said before is Jesus. He is my purpose He is the reason why I am here today He is my everything. Oh, not by any means am I saying it's easy following the purpose sometimes it's very hard to find a purpose in anything but if I keep my eyes on the main purpose everything falls into place.

Finding a purpose?

Seek the true purpose the Lord He will take you into His arms and show you purpose. There is purpose in living for Him. Sweet....sweet...purpose.

You won't need to be in a classroom...

at a desk...

taking notes from a chalkboard...

To find this purpose you just need to call upon the Lord, where you are whoever you are and He will give your purpose.

Teaching is my passion and pride...Jesus is my purpose in life.

My Heart

2011-04-16T23:32:00.000-04:00

I was out with a friend today enjoying a "Girl's day out" We had planned this day for a while I had told her back in January I wanted to take her out for lunch for her birthday with busy schedules etc we didn't get to have the day till this morning we went thrift store shopping stop for coffee and then had lunch. We then went to some local stores and shopped and shopped some more. We had an awesome day and found some good buys. While we were out we started talking about teaching. We both teach at the Christian school and both enjoy it so much. However, I learned something new today we both had said when we were teenagers that we would never teach. Isn't that funny? When I was teen I said I would never be a teacher. I think it's a great that God knew better. He knew I needed to teach, He knew that He planned a long time ago that Ginger P was going to be a teacher. I think often how lost I would be without my students each one has place in my heart each one makes me smile in a different way, each one has a talent, a desire, a dream and each child melts my heart like ice cream on a hot summer day. Last Monday we had a scare in the classroom one of the students was sick and was one of the most frightening things I have ever gone through but praise the Lord everything was fine a few minutes later. However, it scared me half to the death but I had this one student who has been with me in my classroom the longest to help me I knew he would be the one I could count on to get another teacher for me while I was with the ill student. He was so fast and he didn't ask me why he just did what he was told in lightening time. He then said to me later maybe I should use your cell phone and call my doctor. I had to smile at his willingness to help. Yesterday, we were practicing for the kindergarten graduation and after the k5's finished singing one of their songs one of my first graders spoke up and said "Amen that was beautiful!" I laughed so hard I thought I was going to fall. I love it when one of my students come up to me and hold my arm for no apparent reason. Or when I look away at the snack table and when I look back at my snack in front of me and see half of an Oreo and then later to be told the snack fairy came to visit me. I just love being a teacher I just love being the person my students see when they first come into school. I just love being blessed to do what I love to do. And I am so glad when I said "Never" God said "Forever!" ;)

Four years ago today...

2011-04-14T15:14:00.001-04:00

I wrote this.... and then 3 years ago I wrote this and two years ago I wrote this... and last year it was this... And this year I am going to allow my heart to melt and share my heart. I love blogging. I'm afraid though this year has been horrible so far for blogging. The beginning of our year was pretty ruff and I couldn't blog that much I just couldn't. My eyes would fill up and my hands would go numb and I just couldn't type my heart out. But then the Lord showed me again He is in control and that valley moved and that mountain formed. I then found myself busy. Oh so busy and I couldn't find the time to blog. (I still can't) I almost think I lost most of my followers. (But this isn't a sob story post) I totally understand I haven't been faithful in my bloggy world and I shouldn't expect people to stay with me if I am going to keep my laptop closed on my desk. Then there are days like today where I can't stop typing and words are forming and ideas are spilling and I would go nuts if my laptop just up and died right this very moment! But then there are other days where I am tired from a day of school and I just don't feel like it. And those are the days that saddened me because there was a time where I could never get bored of blogging every post was an adventure every comment was a Jewel every newcomer was the highlight of the day. But I guess I grew up and my blog wasn't the most important thing. But even though my Barbies are all sold and my dolls are packed away and my doll house is no longer in my room I'm afraid my blog will not be packed in the basement I am afraid some things no matter how old I am will be staying with me. And my blog is one of them. I can't promise you I will always have a post but when I can manage I will still be blogging because blogging will always be a passion of mine. My life has gotten crazy. My little brother Aaron is graduating high school next month, my little sister Carole is saying "I do" to her prince Mark in June. My baby brother Jeremy will be two in August. Me, well I am finishing up another school year already planning for next year, taking over Carole's bedroom and just being me. So many changes coming but the Lord is great. So, today do me favor drop on note in my comment box. I want to feel like that nineteen year old girl again getting giddy over every comment. Let me know you dropped by maybe even where you came from etc. Also don't forget to enter my blog give away I am extending the contest there was a problem due to posting and the post didn't show up till the other day. So I am going to give you a little longer to enter. Thank you for making 4 years of blogging great can't wait to see what the next four years will bring!

A Few Of My Favorite Things

2011-04-09T22:21:00.000-04:00

Guess what Thursday is?

Anyone?

Alright right then I will tell you.

My fourth year in the blogging world!!!

So, in honor of my fourth year I am going to have a GIVE AWAY!!!

And what am I going to give away you may ask...

A few of my favorite things...

And one of those things....are books....:)

Among a few other little surprises.

So PLEASE enter.

Come one come all.

You may enter twice a day.

You will get an extra entry if you post this on my blog.

You will get another entry if you write a post about some of your favorite things.

The contest will end on Thursday my Bloggy anniversary!

Also please let me know you are still around tell me something you like about my blog when I actually write in it that is!!

Monday

2011-04-04T15:40:00.000-04:00

Drawing By: Sandra Kuck

I would like to see a show a hands if you like Monday?

*Clearing Of The Throat.* Please show me your hands if you like Monday?

Well, I guess that settles that no one likes Monday.

Monday has never been my favorite day of the week. Since I was a school girl (haha) I have always favored Friday! I still do.

But Monday.....

You are only just beginning.

With me Mondays are the worst to get up in the morning...

The worst to find something for lunch...

And the worst make up days...

But do you know when my Monday starts to perk?

It's when a child says "I love you!"

Or a snuggle hug.

A story about the weekend.

Or a joke that needs to be worked on

Or a proud smile over a scribble art work.

My Monday gets brighter when I see a student walking in the door with his backpack taking over his small body and his toothless grin....

My Monday turns to Friday when my classroom fills up with the little people that makes my day shine.

That's when I love Monday!

Just Pondering...

2011-03-26T21:28:00.001-04:00

I know it has been so quiet over here lately except for the occasional chirp of a cricket in the distance. I have thought about my corner on the web many times as I journeyed along with life without typing in my little spot on the net. It's been lonely with out the click of the keyboard and the thought of "Will I get a comment on this post?" I miss all my faithful bloggie people and hope you all understand this season of my life is busy and a bit emotional. ;)

It's less than 3 months now. I can hear those wedding bells practicing for the day they are going to chime for my sister. Both wedding showers are over both were a huge success and both were a frightening realization to me my baby sister is grown up and is getting married.

I spoke at both showers and even though I was a nervous wreck before hand I was thrilled I did it after words. I think I needed to I needed to be the one to honor Carole she is my best friend and baby sister and it was just right. :)

So the wedding coming up, school entering the fourth quarter CRAZY! My life has been a ball of business.

I hope I will find more time to blog in the next few weeks but I can't promise much. But I will try my hardest that's a promise!

Snow is slowly melting and I am hoping it will stay that way melting that is I am so ready for it to look and feeling like spring. Although I have given up my winter coat and have insisted on wearing my spring one. I can't wait for the day when I can tell my students parents that the snow gear for outside recess can stay home! I want spring! ;)

I was getting all giddy yesterday when I started pulling all my spring bulletin board stuff out of my cabinet at the school.

I just love when the snow melts and the flowers start blooming.

Well, I am getting back to my beading stage I am making bracelets again and it's so much fun!

I guess I should end for now.

You all have a wonderful Sunday!

Dropping In To Say Hi!

2011-03-15T17:21:00.000-04:00

Hi Bloggie People,
And once again the worst blogger award goes too.....

ME!!!

Thank you!!!!

Smile

I am so sorry at how long it has been but please keep checking I will randomly post about the wedding coming up in 95 days or the kindergarten graduation coming up even sooner or Carole's next shower coming up this Saturday! Man. has time flown.

I wanted to take a brief moment and thank you for all the prayers in behalf of the trials our family has been facing there are still valleys to cross but the Lord also placed Mountains in our view to climb. He will never leave us so the comfort is great! And the Lord is good.

Jeremy is now recognizing colors he is using sign language a lot but also loves to chit chat!

The whole family is getting excited about the big wedding coming up and a bit weepy as well. ;) My sister has grown up....

Okay moving on...
The snow is melting a tad bit so that is a huge plus.

I so want spring!!!!

If you are still around drop me a note.

Love,

Today was the day

2011-03-06T01:26:00.000-05:00

The amazing tables Carole's brides maid Mackenzie and mom did. Just amazing. Totally made the Once Upon a time theme magical.The cake the bakery messed up on it was suppose to be prince charming with Cinderella not the fairy....oh brother...
I spoke. Yup...I did the devoation. I thought I was crazy to do it. But I think it went well. :)
Alyvia the flower girl helping Carole with the gifts.
The best of friends. I love my sister princess.

Shower Plans...

2011-02-28T14:24:00.000-05:00

One week.

One week.

One week, till Carole and I slip on our skirts.

I will have my dad pick up the cake from the bakery.

Carole's Bride's Maid,Mackenzie will have the tables all decorated.

Carole's other bride maid Rosey will have the games pick out.

My nails will be french tipped. My hair will be done and I will be ready to start my best friends and little sisters shower.

The wedding is 3 and half months away.

It's coming so soon.

Before you know it you are going to see a picture of a girl with a lapis Purple gown her hair in a pony tail her eyes red and puffy and a bride on the other side.

There will be more wedding posts coming real soon!!

Sweet Break.

2011-02-20T17:07:00.000-05:00

It was touch and go for a while.

The snow would fall. The phone would ring. No school! Would go through my half asleep brain while I turned over in bed and raised my covers over my head.

Every morning we had no school it would be a surprise day off. It made me smile and I would get a lot done hanging at home.

What I was not looking forward to was the make up days.

Like my first sentence said it was touch and go for a while we weren't sure if we would have winter break due to all the snow days. But our school decided that we would get to have one.

So, yes Friday we had a "Warm Winter Fun Day" Which included snow man building contest, hot chocolate, pop corn and wearing slippers in the school among other things. Friday night you would find me in the nursery while the winter banquet at the school was going on.

That night I went home and declared to the family "I am now on break!" I know our one week break will go by fast it always does. But I am excited I will be able to work on Carole's shower among other things.

It's always nice having a break! Having a time to just sit back and relax and maybe read a good book!

Well, dinner is on the table I will hopefully be blogging during break!

My Favorite Day Of The Year...

2011-02-14T21:24:00.000-05:00

Valentines day.

Sigh.

Must I say more?

Smile.

I like to kid. I honestly do. I tend to be a little more dramatic when it comes to this day. Honestly, I'm happy with my single state. This is where God has put me right now. And this is where I'll stay. Until the Author of my story decides to add a prince in the upcoming chapters I'll be happy with me and just me.

Today, was a different day me and my friend came into the school building laughing and chattering about Valentines day trying to decided if our students would be making a big deal over the silly "heart" day.

We both entered her class room where she stop and looked at her desk and I quickly followed suit. There laid roses, beautiful red roses laying there on her desk.

We were stumped. Laughed. And then I decided it was time for me to go to my room.

Where I found my own roses on my own desk.

Someone gave the 3 elementary teachers roses today and it just made me smile.

They looked so pretty sitting on my desk all day in a tall clear vase I found in the kitchen pantry.

I also was given a carnation from one of my students and a sweet hug as well.

It was a sweet day today. ;)

I hope you all had a wonderful day as well!

Watch Out For That Lion.

2011-02-12T16:44:00.000-05:00

And once again I failed in the blogging world. My laptop stayed closed in his black case and my fingers stayed un typing on my lap. To be honest I haven't been in the mood for blogging. When I blog my whole mind opens up to a new world. I am in my sweet world when I blog and I just couldn't go in that world because my mind has to be in reality mode right now.

Let me tell you reality world is a scary place to be that is when your eyes are wide open and you see things crashing down around you. My reality is life right now. And oh if I could change gears and go to my little world I would be blogging all day. But I can't.

So here I am. Taking a break from reality and going into blogging. I don't like mixing the sad reality of life into blogging but I am going to because in a way that's what blogging is for to share your life with friends and with strangers a like. We all seem to have some things in common or at least one thing a love for blogging.

I will not get into detail of all that is going on but the trials I mention in past posts last month are the same trials we are going through today. In additional to that.

Both cars are down. And everyone has been battling with sickness in the house. But the one that has been battling most with the sickness would be my sweet Carole.

She had been running a temperature of a 103 last week, has the stomach flu could not stop being sick and on top of that had to go the hospital she developed an infection due to the high fever. I hated seeing her so sick. It was plain horrible. I am so thankful to say she is feeling some what better now.

I hope as your eyes are soaking in my words and your mind is processing it all it's not coming to your thoughts that I am complaining. Because truly and honestly I'm not. I am just jotting down my own thoughts onto my blog. I need this outlet you know I need to see the words on this white screen and know someone is reading it and praying for my precious family.

Today, when the car wouldn't start I went upstairs to Carole with tears in my eyes. "The Car won't start!" I laid my head in her lap as she laid back on the wall. "Why?" I asked my little sister "Why, one more thing has to happen? Why?" Of course she didn't have an answer.

I was talking to my friend one day and said. "Ya, know, why not me and my family?" I know we don't have some special protection around us that nothing bad can happen to our family. We are not any more special then anyone else. But it's just new and takes a while to get used to."

Oh I know God didn't promise us that this world would be easy. He said the exact opposite. But sometimes I wish we could have an easy time that there would be no trial but I guess if their was no trial how could we have victories?

During these couple months I have found myself, complaining at times, being downright angered and confused and many times I allowed that "Roaring Lion" to get a hold of me. Thankfully I have the King of Kings on my side and it never fails when that roaring lion comes prowling over the Lord takes care of him.

These few months I have had to keep my eyes open and see the blessings and close my eyes to the trials around me.

My Family

My Home

My Salvation

They are all sweet blessings I should never take for granted.

My ramblings did well for my heart just now and I know you will keep our family in prayer.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

1 Peter 5:8-9 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

"Sweetness"

2011-02-01T20:45:00.000-05:00

"What Country have we been learning about that is in Africa?"

I asked my students as I sat on my stool my stand in front of me the skittle jar opened the radiant rainbow colors glistening the jar calling the students to answer the question correctly so they can place their small hands in the clear antique looking jar and pick one yes one yummy skittle and the satisfaction that they did a job well done.

A toe headed little boy squirms in his seat as he pushes his glasses back on his face while he raised his hand. "Yes?" He smiles clear his throat his eyes were on the prize. "New York!"

"Tell me one thing you like about school?"

"You!"

Being a teacher is not a job it's a privilege.

I'm here...

2011-01-31T22:38:00.000-05:00

....I am so tired and am going to bed right after this post. But I wanted to say hi and sorry that I haven't been posting much.

I would love to hear from you. Missing all of my bloggie buddies! Tell me your here still reading my corner on the web.

Sweet Dreams,

A Night.

2011-01-22T23:04:00.000-05:00

I am going to keep this short tonight.

I am sitting on my bed. Listening to Carole explaining that I don't wear any of my "cute" clothes. She is trying on a dress I bought last spring asking me why I didn't buy a small.

Hmmm, apparently she wanted me to wear it on my head because a small wouldn't cut it. But, a small would fit her perfectly. *Smile* The girl makes me laugh hard she is now. Relaying to me that my lamp is so bright and just when I went to write that my light bulb blew! Too funny! We started laughing as I huffed saying now I will have to find a light bulb and she said "I can see again!" *Laughing so hard*

Well, we are in pj's and watching a Disney movie. Ahhh I feel like we are seven and nine again! It's great!

I just love my little sister.

Wedding plans are coming out well.

Did I mention my dress came in??

It's so pretty!

Lapus purple.

I am also shower planning! It's proving to be so fun!!

You all have a great night!

Dream

2011-01-21T15:23:00.001-05:00

I believe I was fourteen years old when I realized deep in the core of my heart a dream was forming.

I remember I was sitting on the couch with my Winnie The Pooh slippers donning my feet resting them on the trunk that served as as a decoration in the middle of our living room. My fingers were decorated with rings as my hair held many butterfly clips and I sat there a picture of early teen syndrome. Oh, come on don't tell me you weren't a victim of fashion don'ts. I think every teen girl goes through that time when they feel they know it all including the latest fashions. Of course, what I was saying with my fashion was what not to wear but we can explain all that in another post.

I remember watching a show and a commercial came on. Everyone has seen these commercials in the past. An older gentlemen walking the street of a forsaken country holding a hand of an adorable boy as the camera takes a close up at his bare swollen feet walking on the rock covered dusty road.

My heart did a belly flop thing as my eyes finally saw the commercial I had seen a million times before my ears finally heard what the man was talking about and my heart grasp passion and hope of adopting and has never let go.

I have mention a million times over my desire to adopt.

And as of late I have been more vocal about it.

It's not just a dream anymore it's a goal that with God's help I will meet.

I believe God has placed this hope in my heart for a reason.

I believe God has given me a mommy's heart for babies with no homes.

When I was fourteen a dream was born. I remember getting things from Compassion in the mail. There would be pictures of children to sponsor at the time I had no job and could not sponsor but I could pray. I would post the pictures on my bulletin board in my room.

I remember Carole coming up laughing wondering what I was doing and I would say Carole one day I am going to adopt. A few months ago I mentioned adoption on Facebook and Carole wrote this on my status it melted my heart.

"I remember when you first told me you wanted to adopt....i think it was the day when I saw that awfully sad looking picture of this little girl from "feed the children" hanging on your wall and i asked why in the world did you have that in your room and you told me that you were going to adopt a little girl like that one day. I think @ the time I thought you were NUTS! lol! But now I understand what you meant. :) I LOVE you Ginger the Lord has given you such a sweet gift you will someday make a wonderful mommy to a little boy or girl who needs to be loved! I just know it!!!"

I just started reading this book it's called Choosing to See. And I didn't think I could want to adopt anymore than already did until I started reading the words this incredible lady penned on paper. I said to my mom. "I now want to adopt even more." I feel it even stronger I know this is what I want and what God wants me to do."

My mom said to me "Ginger, I know one day I will have many beautiful grandchildren from all around the world."

I have had people laugh at me when I share my heart about adopting. I don't know if people realize they are truly laughing at my heart when they shake their head and give me a patronizing smile.

I don't think people often think for a second how they would feel if they were in that position. I know I am learning that lesson now not in adoption I have always wanted adopt. But in other things life has thrown my way lately it's one thing no of a situation and have compassion but it's quite another to be going through a trial yourself.

I wanted to post this today because today on yet another snow day I have just been pondering about my goal about, my love for children, and about thinking of love. And I just wanted to share it with you.

So, what has been your dream?

My Lord Loves ME!

2011-01-20T19:12:00.000-05:00

And oh do I love Him.

...............................................................................................................................................................................

"Lord, I just don't know?"

I sat on my bed holding my little blue phone. I guess in ways my phone has become my blankie. *Smile* I tend to always carry it. Just because. But then again I guess everyone always are carrying their iphone,touch pad, blackberry,palm pilot etc...and so on.

"Lord, I'm just...I know..I"

And ever so clearly in the hush of my bedroom as I sat on my bed discourage...

in my heart I heard... "Come unto me and I will give you rest"

I smiled.

I sighed.

And then I continued to pray.

"Lord, thank you for being here. Thank you for loving me."

.........................................................................................................................................................................

It's so awesome to have the Lord on your side isn't?

I just wanted to post, I wanted to say hi and just wanted to share that my God is a great God!

Obeying

2011-01-17T13:20:00.000-05:00

As I have explained in the previous post our family is walking in a valley. This valley can be scary and downright humbling all at the same time.

I know God will see us through He always does. But when your in the valley.

Life just seems so different.

I tend to long for the days when I was 16.

In all my teen years sixteen always stands out to me.

That was the birthday I had a tiara on my head and a white rose in my hand.

I felt OLD! It was great!

I always wanted to be sixteen. It was such a mature age.

But what I remember most about being sixteen is obeying a command I ignored for years...

I don't always tell this story to everyone because in some ways I get embarrassed.

Being raised in a Baptist home, attending church your whole life, getting saved at an early age you just automatically think you would have obey the command of being baptized after salvation. Well, not me.

My parents never pushed the issue they wanted the decision to be mine not theirs. So I went through my childhood not being baptized.

I knew being baptized didn't mean I would go to Heaven being saved meant you were going to Heaven so I didn't feel shy little me needed to get baptized.

Well, my sister Carole was in the same boat and we sailed together for quite a while until the summer I was sixteen...

We had been in a new state, a new home and new church for two years when the Holy Spirit would not let Carole and I rest we were both fighting the truth for a while until we couldn't take it any longer.

Carole went first (Of course) Carole may be the younger one but in some things she has always been leader. (Which has been good for me) And went up to the pastor and said she knew she needed to be baptized and join the church. I followed "I do too!"

The next week Carole and I met with the pastor and the associate pastor at the time and told of when we got saved and why we wanted to obey God and be baptized. I wrote in my journal that afternoon. "I did it! I talk to Pastor and I am getting baptized! I'm thrilled I am now obeying the Lord's command"

That summer has always meant so much to me.

I will never forget standing in the middle of lake with my pastor knowing I was doing the Lord's command by being baptized. (Journal entry)August,31,2003 "Yes,yes, yes I am baptized I'm part of a church, I am so happy! I'm thrilled! Now, I'll be active in the church!"

It's funny in the beginning I mentioned being embarrassed. It's not because I was baptized it's how long it took me to obey God's will and get baptized after salvation. But I finally obeyed and it felt as though a burden was lifted from me.

It's such a sweet memory though.

You may ask what does this have to do with my family traveling through a valley in our life. Well it has everything to do with. I know we just need to keep trusting God obeying His will and He will see us through. He always does and He always will.

Side note: I appreciate the emails and the comments. Please continue to pray!

~Love~Prayer~and some yogurt~

2011-01-12T13:52:00.000-05:00

When we came to that time to humble ourselves before the Lord and cry out. "Lord, I need you. I need you in my heart. I need you to forgive me of my sins. I need you" He came in took you by the hand and said "I will never leave you." However, he did not say "You will never have another trial in your life again."

Sometimes we wish He would say that but the fact of the matter is He warned us that there will be trials, there will be times where you need to cry out to the Lord "Why? How? Please? Help?"

In our neck of the woods we are having a major snow storm. School, was called off and I was able to sleep in a while. I am now sitting here at the kitchen table jammies still on an empty Yoplait Cherry Pomegranate yogurt beside me and thoughts...lots of thoughts keeping me company.

Jeremy was sitting beside me for a while he toddled in here in his Toy Story slippers clutching onto his Mickey Mouse sippie cup while he grunted until I help him on the bench next to me. He eyed my yogurt and put out his out reached hand until I gave him a bite and then another. He sat back pleased, contented. He rested his head on my shoulder with out care in the world.

I started thinking about how Jeremy is such a blessing to our family how when we are at our wits end Jeremy makes us laugh until we are crying.

Again I am sitting in the kitchen listening to my mom read to Jeremy Carole laughing at his antics, Aaron and Dad mulling around the house and me tapping away at my computer.

Our family has landed in a path in our life and that path is not on a mountain top but it's in a valley yes a deep valley.

I can't explain this valley.

But I need everyone to pray.

Please pray.

No time....

2011-01-09T16:38:00.000-05:00

...for blogging...

As you can see I have been more neglecting this blog then ever before and I knew it was bound to happen.

A thing call life happened and I am just trying to keep up with the pace "life" has ruled out for me.

As I am running the race through a few things are in my midst one being Carole's wedding shower.

Yes, it is time.

The time I have been waiting for.

The time I have been thinking about.

The time for showers.

My mind is wondering and planing and thinking...

My ideas are forming...I am having a blast!

I am also planing for my very first kindergarten graduation all be myself! This has proven to be a fun, fun project as well.

I can't wait to start elaborating both events to you painting a picture making you feel as though you will be attending bot two big events in my life.

But for now my note book is filling up with each new idea that pops in my mind.

So, on this Sunday afternoon, I am planning on showers,graduations, and other fun stuff.

What are you doing?

Happy New Year!

2011-01-02T00:01:00.000-05:00

From, Ginger and Jeremy and the rest of Pieces Of My Heart....

Let It Snow

2010-12-27T18:58:00.000-05:00

It has been snowing all day long and it's been nice...

We had a very nice Christmas it was sweet...

And I needed to wish my dear sweet Carole a late HAPPY BIRTHDAY....

She turned 21 on Christmas day!

I LOVE you my sister!

Christmas

2010-12-24T00:28:00.000-05:00

I love the glimmer of Christmas you just say the word and you feel as though sparkles shine through your eyes. You ride down a normally dark street and you see lights every which way in the month of December you see colorful lights on each side donning each house cheering up the tired toddler in the back seat of the car.

In the month of December the whole world has a different view on everything when the Christmas season rolls around it becomes magical...

I LOVE Christmas...

But do you know what I love more?

I love that God sent his only son Jesus to this world.

I love that he picked Mary to be his mother.

And Joseph to be his earthly father.

And so it was that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

I LOVE that Christmas is the season of giving.

And I want to share a gift with all of you tonight.

That gift is Jesus.

Please don't put this gift in the closet or try to return it to the store, don't forget it after you turn off your computer, don't leave it in your car.

Accept this gift tonight.

It's wrapped in truth.

Sealed with love.

Delivered with care.

And given to the ones who will believe in it.

You can settle this right now.

Open up the gift.

Jesus came as a baby, was born in a stable to save you and to save me.

He died on a cross, yes my friend on an old rugged cross for you and for me. Nails pierced through his hands and his feet. Blood stained his skin as he laid lifeless on that tree.

3 days later he arose and promised he would come again one day.

This is for the taking.

So please ask the Lord to come into your heart today. Ask Him to forgive you of your sins and accept this gift this wonderful gift of salvation.

Have a wonderful Christmas!

So....I am back...

2010-12-18T23:28:00.000-05:00

I am so sorry at how long it has taken me to grace all of you with my presence over at Pieces Of My Heart.

The Christmas season is so upon us that I am finding no time for blogging. Hence the reason my contest lasted for almost 2 weeks. Although I am so glad you all had fun entering. Well, I didn't have time when I posted the winner to post some pictures so I decided to do it now while I am sitting on my bed making jewelry. Yes, I am making jewelry now...I am LOVING it.

So, the winner of the give away which is Lauren will be getting the basket Jeremy is looking into in the picture above (not the hand though, sorry:)). She will also be receiving an original necklace or a bracelet from Ginger's Creations. ;) So, Lauren if you could leave a comment on what you would rather have that would be great and faithful readers if you want to help Lauren in the decision making that would great as well!

I hope all of are having a wonderful Christmas season!

I picked a number...

2010-12-18T21:26:00.000-05:00

....in my head...

and...then...I counted the comments till I got to that certain number and then scrolled down...to that comment....

And that comment was....

LAUREN

I will be emailing you soon with the details!

Thank you all for commenting it has been great fun!!

Christmas Give Away!

2010-12-07T20:47:00.000-05:00

A basket full of Christmas goodies including the way sparkly gold ornament my model is holding. ;) Is at your finger tips.

"How do I win?" You may ask.

SIMPLE

Enter.

See? How simple that is.

Enter as many times as you want.

Tell me your favorite movie?

Song?

Tradition?

What Christmas means to you?

Etc...

I happen to LOVE Christmas.

Could you tell?

The trick to winning the super cool basket?

Enter a lot.

I will draw the winner sometime in the near future you won't know the day I will just randomly pick a winner and post it.

So enter....enter...enter...

YAY....

2010-11-30T22:37:00.000-05:00

...CHRISTMAS IS HERE!!!!!

Pieces Of My Heart is hosting the third annual Christmas giveaway.

Please come back soon and check out the details.