Wee-Ones Wed.: Other Mamas' Wee-Ones

My first year of teaching Kindergarten is officially over and I have to say that even though it was probably one of my hardest years, it was one of the most enjoyable ones too. My students came in wide-eyed, nervous, loud, crying, silly, hitting, some biting, some reading, and some had never held a pencil before. I was a bit scared to be honest, but I wound up falling in love with this band of babies. Hearing them read, solve problems, and care about one another melted my heart. I definitely felt like their second mom and saying good-bye was a little emotional. Summer is here and I get to be with my babies... until August when I have the privilege of teaching some one else's again.

Misc. Monday : Grace

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

James 1:19-20

A Bible verse I have committed to memory, but find very difficult to commit to practice in my daily life. I can be so careless with my words, not even realizing their impact until it is too late. I mess up all the time; and I always think, “Maybe I’ll learn my lesson when I’m 80.” We tell our kids if they don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all. Yet, as adults, we feel we have a right to be heard and a need to have our feelings validated... but we don't, especially if our words may be hurtful.
I often forget that I don’t need validation from anyone, but Jesus Christ. I’m forever grateful for a GOD who loves me for who I am, in spite of where I’ve been, and believes in the woman I will become. I know that I am forgiven and that grace means everything to me.
I am also surrounded by people who love me and know my heart. This friendship and love convicts me to be a better person. I am amazed at how much a person can learn in a lifetime, let alone a single day.
God's grace doesn't mean that I'm free to say whatever I'm feeling at any particular moment. Oh no. Saying sorry can be hard to do, but it is so necessary. Forgiveness is a beautiful gift we can give one another, especially after a heartfelt (with no excuses or explanations) apology. I will continue striving to be slow to speak and even slower to become angry. Hopefully, I will get there before I'm 80!

Psalm 15:1

"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger"

This is another verse I just stumbles upon in my journey; I think it may need memorizing!

Side note: I had this post written last Monday, but chickened out and put up the Memorial Day picture instead. Then I read an old friend of mine's guest blog appearance and figured if she could do it, I could too. I haven't changed anything from last week instead of this little side note.



Sew Crafty Saturday: Playhouse Part 1

Summer is in full swing over here and we have big plans. One of them is to turn our Tuff Shed into a playhouse. The hardest part was finding places for all the stuff it was housing. Once that was done, Dan used leftover tiles from our kitchen to lay  the floor. A reading loft has been built. A ladder needs to me made, a chalkboard door needs to be painted, then the fun of decorating and playing begins. I can not wait to show it to you when it is done!

Wee-Ones Wednesday: So Different

I am constantly amazed at how different the girls are. When Lilly first got her big girl bed, it never crossed her mind to get up out of it when she woke up. She would holler from her room, "Mom, Dad, the day is up!" It was hilarious. She would just sit, wait, and yell until we came and opened her door.
Iris, on the other hand, has a very different approach. I guess we should have known when she kept waking up in the buff. She either creeps silently out of her room and walks down the hall to find us (You don't know how many times I've woken up to her pretty little face) or she gets out of bed and plays with her toys while we silently walk around the house trying not to wake her up. This girl is sneaky!

The other night, she even got up right after we put her to bed and slid under the dining room table. She wouldn't look at us, so I'm pretty sure she thinks if she can't see us, we can't see her.

Misc. Monday: Thank you!

Sew Crafty Saturday: Summer Fun Jars



The summer print was found at simple crafter and yes, the console table it taking on a summer theme. I think some shells may be in order.



I saw this idea on crafting chicks and thought it would be fun for us to do this summer. The printables are provided, but you know my aversion to explicit directions. I tend to look at something and make it my own depending on what materials I have on hand.  It was super easy and fun. Jars and tin cans are always saved in the Michael house, so when a new project comes up, we are ready to go. Some of our ideas include playing with friends, so don't be surprised if you get a phone call! The girls had fun helping me put the jars together. Next week is my last week of school. Summer fun, here we come!

Wee-Ones Wednesday: Typical Day

Today is Wednesday, so I dropped Lilly off at preschool at 7:30am, and proceeded on to my school, where some 4th grade girls were excited to help me out. I got them situated, barely said hello to my co-workers, unlocked the gate to let in the kids, answered a few questions, water colored, drew, broke up a few fights, dried some tears, read, hugged, cleaned tables, finished the Kindergarten scrapbooks, said good-bye to my students, talked to my most reliable mom about the party next week, planned with my team, and drove home. When Iris woke up, we all went outside to play. The girls had a blast with the bubble machine and buckets of water. They got filthy. Dan hung lanterns in the avocado tree. I mentioned that if we are not going to have another baby, we should get chickens. I went back inside, talked on the phone to my mom & made dinner; we ate outside. We cleaned up the kitchen, put the girls in the tub, gave Iris her breathing treatment while watching a Veggie Tale video. I'm now on the computer, blogging and looking at the Nordstrom sale.

Then Dan will brush their teeth. I will read books, pray, sing songs, and tell stories. We will close their doors and look at each other, have to laugh, eat ice cream, and watch TV. I will wake up on the couch with Dan telling me it's time to go to bed. Next thing I know, the sun will be up, and here we go! Does this sound like your Wednesday? I'm sure it does!

Misc. Monday: Love It!

I hope you had a great weekend. We did! Dan officiated a pirate wedding where our dear friends renewed their vows. (Pictures to come, people.) We went to the ground breaking ceremony for the new, gigantic site of our church, lawns were shaved (as Lilly likes to say), laundry was done, and many songs were sung.



Found via http://craftgawker.com/



This cracks me up because I know it's so true of so many of us!

Wee-Ones Wednesday: Good News!

This amazing girl is potty training herself too. 

God is so good! I feel like we've had our prayers answered in the best possible way! I know that God's plan is not my own, and I've always believed God knows what he is doing. Yet, I'm only human, (and I'm making myself a little vulnerable here) so I sometimes think my plan is the best plan. Ridiculous, I know.
Anyhow, you probably remember our Iris spent 6 out of 16 days in the hospital back in February and early March. It was very scary to see our little Miss hooked up to oxygen and an IV. She has had one episode since, but we now have the medication and education to treat her symptoms until we can get her to the doctor's office.

Iris finally had her appointment with the allergy/asthma specialist last week. She was so amazing and cooperative. Her new doctor said she broke a record and was the youngest patient to do the breathing test that measures oxygen output! Dr. Cocke spent about an hour with us explaining what is happening to her little body. She drew us pictures and explained how allergies usually start in the skin, move to the nose and eyes, and end up with an asthma attack when the child is around five. Since Iris' episodes were so severe and happened at such a young age, she will probably out grow her asthma! The doc wanted to be sure, so a (horrible)  blood test was ordered. The blood test came back negative for allergies yesterday. Whoohoo! That doesn't mean that the next time she gets a cold, she won't turn blue again. And it doesn't mean she is all better, but it is great news.
In the meantime, our little trooper will still take 2 breathing treatments a day (maybe for years) and she needs an Epipen near her at all times (in case her bronchial tubes decide to close up on her)... but this may not be a life sentence, and that is something to celebrate!