My granny....

The above picture make me teary eyed.  A grandmother praying with her granddaughter.....wow.  This reminds me of my granny who has always shown me the love of Christ...always.  I remember spending weeks with her in the summer and the fun we had.  Each day was started the same way, breakfast at her long, squeaky chaired, cherry table.  I remember every detail about the plates we used, how the homemade blackberry jam seemed to sparkle through her pint canning jars, how her coffee smelled, so many things.  The thing I remember the most is how we studied the bible BEFORE getting up from the table.  So many versus were read (she and papaw read the bible through yearly), The Guidepost devotional was done and a bit of studying for her upcoming Sunday School lesson was done.  Us grandchildren would take turns reading verses and praying...we had no option, it was life at granny's.  Sometimes we would be at the kitchen table for two hours and yes, as a child I would get frustrated.  Today, the remembrance of such traditions is comforting.  My granny laid a foundation without us even knowing it.  You see, what children see their role models doing, they will do themselves.  I am ashamed to say that I don't know my bible as well as granny does, but it is an important part of my day.  This tradition is being passed on to my children too!

My granny is still a blessing and is still with us.  Each day I see her slipping a bit more; each conversation is a bit more desperate on both of our parts to remember the good times....in her own comforting way she is preparing us for her leaving this earth.  Each hug after a visit gets a bit tighter as well.  Conversations with her are changing as well....I see her talking more about loved ones who have passed; more about missing papaw; more about memories made versus looking forward to making new memories.  Tis very bittersweet.  Life truly is a vapor, but it blesses me to see her move towards Heaven after living a life full of grace.  I love her and can only hope others see a smidgen of her in me.  

Five more weeks!!!

Go ahead and think it y'all....it very well may be childish for a 31 year old woman to do a school countdown.  Call me what you will :)  This semester, I took on too much and I will not make the same mistake twice, but I have to pull this one off some how.  You see, my hubs makes way too much money for us to qualify for any financial aid, so if this gal is to get any help at all financially, I must get scholarships.  Anything less than all A's just doesn't cut it.  I always manage to pull it out of my hat in the end, but these education classes are a whole new ballgame.  Not only do I have classwork to do, but I have observation and assessment hours.  These hours have to scheduled around someone else's schedule-not mine.  When you consider that I work, attend class and am involved in various other activities, you can imagine my stress level right now!  Lol.  So, once again I will say FIVE MORE WEEKS.  I am so not a drinker, but I think five weeks from now, I will have a frozen margarita!  Cheers ;)  

So many things to post about, but so little time.

Is anyone else like this?  I have this huge, ever lengthening mental list of things I want to post about, but I never find time to do anything about it!  Life is too busy ;)  Since I often blog for the sole purpose of getting things off my chest, I am gonna do that today.  Let me start off by saying I WILL NEVER COMPLAIN THAT MY CHILD IS TOO PREPPY OR GIRLY EVERY AGAIN!  I don't care how much I spend on her clothing, hair and makeup through the year...I will get a second job if I have to, just so she doesn't turn out to be a Gothic mess like so many other teens are today.  Since starting at the library, I have been in charge of the Anime book club and every week is a true adventure.  I love each and every one of these teens and accept them for who they are, but oh my.....!  Their hair is long and stringy, they are pierced, tattooed, wearers of all black.  Their lingo is foreign to me and they have the strangest mannerisms.  Come on, y'all...I am seriously not old enough to experience this much of a culture shock.  I told my husband last night that they behave like wild animals...and they do.  Working with this group has been an eye opener in one respect.  Previously, I will admit some prejudice to the Gothic crowd;  I tended to put a great deal of blame on the parents and while I still believe that holds true somewhat, most of these teens come from good families.  Wow!

So, as I said before, I am thrilled that I have a little prep in the makings...lol.  She loves nothing more than to hit up the Gap, Macy's or Belk and is most happy when wearing a dress, lots of pink and perfect accessories.  Babygirl has long, sandy blonde hair (currently down to her waist) and has big blue eyes.  I foresee an expensive future, but that's a-okay by me. 

Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus....

This week has been a stormy one.  The storms I write about are not concerning our weather...I am speaking of the storms of life.  Every day, it seems, I have had the wind knocked out of my sails.  My immediate little family is fine and for that I am thankful, but so many that I love dearly are facing huge struggles.  In the past, I've been a very anxious person.  Anxiety has become a permanent part of my personality.  I've tried everything....self-help books, fasting, prayer, you name it.  Nothing has helped me.  I'm quite sure I'm not along in this, but sometimes we feel all alone and very uncapable of managing from day to day.  This week God has been speaking in a firm, yet gentle way that he is worthy of my trust and I am worthy of his love and care.  How awesome is that?  I have posted scripture before on fear and worry so I will not do that again, but I am going to post a sweet, old-time hymn that has been made fresh again by Casting Crowns.  I love it!  Let me know what y'all think....and do listen to the words.  Have a blessed day everyone.

Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus

My first week is behind me ;)



Well, folks...my first week as a Child Services Librarian has come to a close.  Despite a very rough first day and missing my home time, I absolutely love my job.  Life is fulfilling and exciting.  My duties are all over the place and honestly, I love it.  One minute I could be shelving books, the next I might be working with a group of two year olds and singing "Ring around the rosie", and the next minute I am working with the teens for Anime club.  So many new experiences.  My co-workers are awesome and life is good.  Almost too good, I keep feeling like I need to pinch myself ;)  My family is beginning to adjust to our new schedule.  Most of the whining has come from my hubby who has, for the first time, had to pick up slack.  Babygirl has been on cloud nine and has really enjoyed riding the bus in the afternoons and spending more time with her granddad.  I am, however, counting down the weeks til this semester is over with.  SIX.MORE.WEEKS!  Shew!  I suppose at that point, I will be half a teacher.  Last week, I signed an agreement with a local University to complete my bachelors degree and teaching certification.  The hubs wasn't too happy with my choice, as I picked the most expensive college locally, but I feel they have the most flexible program and that will be best for our family.  On a positive note, I am on track to graduate with HIGH DISTINCTION, soooo I should do well scholarship wise.  Only GOD knows what is in store.  Hope everyone is having a great week!

A day of firsts!

This momma cried all the way to school this morning.  Today, everything changes.  Babygirl will ride a school bus for the first time, probably hear language and see things she has never heard before and her daddy will pick her up after work instead of me.  My husband will feed her, help get her ready for bed and help her with homework.  It's always been me....all me.  I've cherished being responsible for every bit of her care and while I realize it is probably a bit unhealthy for me to be so consumed, I have loved every minute of it.  How I wish I could see her proudly navigate her new experiences today.  You see, babygirl was not apprehensive in any way this morning, just me.  Sigh.  It's a sign of the times I suppose, she is growing up and I am too clingy. 

Today I start my new job as well.  Normally, I would be sick with worry, but the job and its responsibilities are the least of my worries.  I feel that GOD gave me this job and I firmly believes he knows what he is doing!  Wherever he leads I'll go!  I'm just keeping a hanky close and trying to go with the flow.

The things I covet....

The bible gives clear instruction that we aren't to covet-that is, we are not to long for or desire things that others have.  We are to be happy with what GOD has blessed us with.  This has been fairly easy for me to take to heart in my Christian walk.  Much easier than forgiveness and loving others (especially crappy others), but that is a whole new post.  Lol. Some people covet Vera Bradley purses, some covet expensive makeup while others may covet their neighbors home.  What about me?  I covet cookbooks!  How crazy is that?  A new cookbook floats my boat...especially one with glossy, vivid and well shot pictures.  Sigh...nothin' better.  I read them like a book, sometimes over and over.  It really doesn't matter if I don't have time to cook any recipes in the book, I am content to look at them and analyze them.  What would I do differently?  How would I garnish?  What even would I like to fix particular recipes for? 

So, now that I've admitted one of sinful issues (lol), I must pass along the two new cookbooks I am salivating over.  Here's the first one....The Pioneer Woman Cooks.  I just love Ree Drummond, her family and her style of cooking.  Her food photography skills ain't too shabby either.  I have her first cookbook and it was really, really good.  Not too many recipes included, but lots of lovely pics and stories about their families life-a life I can relate to.  I also the other two books she has written and enjoy her humorous down-to-earth style of writing!

This is the second cookbook Joy The Baker.  I think the cover is cute, although tattoos are visible (I loathe tattoos).  This book is all about baking and comfort food and I'm all in.  Very reasonable priced, too! 

The lack of food postings...

I realize I have stopped posting "foodie style" and for that I apologize.  To be honest, I find I have had little time to cook much and when I do, I don't usually take the time to take pics and upload them.  Maybe I am lazy or maybe I am that busy...who knows.  Hopefully, I will once again have time to post a bit about meal prep.  You will see me transitioning to more meal planning with less spontaneity.  Since I am once again entering the workforce, I will be doing more casseroles and things that freeze easily.  I will also be cooking more multi-purpose meals, so if you're into that, please check back in from time to time.  As always, I will focus on nutritious and economical meals.  On Mondays, I have no classes and do not work, so that will be a day that I can do a large portion of my meal prep for the week.  This is my meal plan for next week.

On Monday I will prepare a large pot of navy bean soup and make a double batch of corn muffins.  This will serve as Monday nights meal.  The leftover portion of beans will go into a huge pot of white chili which should feed us Tuesday and Wednesday.  Also on Monday, I will roast two pounds of bone-in chicken breasts.  After cooling, I will chop the breast up and put it in the freezer.  One pound will be used on Thursday night in a quick chicken Alfredo and the other pounds will be used Friday in chicken quesedillas.  Sides will be salad, rice and steamed veggies. 

My new job!!

For 10 months now, I have been a full-time student and sahm.  While I have felt at peace with my decisions to stay home, I haven't felt totally fulfilled.  Taking care of my home and family has been wonderful, but emotionally and socially I have suffered.  My personality is not generally outgoing.  Most would describe me as a quiet thinker.  For the most part that is true, but I have found I need to be around others and almost crave interaction.  In the last year I have discovered a lot about myself and the major discovery is my desire to teach and educate.  Even after making the decision to change my major to education, I have continued to struggle.  For some reason, I just couldn't picture myself in a school environment.  Because of this, I have tossed around many options; developmental interventionist, parochial schools, etc.  Two weeks ago, an amazing opportunity presented itself to me and I was in shock.  I was offered a job with our local public library.  GOD offered me a job that was local (important to make a difference in my community), with opportunity for growth, one that will pay for my continued education, provide retirement, work around my school schedule, work with children and allow me to work with a good bunch of Christian women.  I was floored.  I immediately called my husband and bawled as I told him the news...just between me and you, he cried too.  I still can't believe it.

On Tuesday, I will report for my first day of work in my "I love to read" t-shirt and embark on a new beginning.  I cannot imagine anything more perfect than being surrounded by children, books and a beautifully decorated children's wing.  Life is good.  No, God is good.  Jeremiah 29:11, sums it up perfectly. 

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

 

Waiting on his perfect plan and timing can be almost unbearable at times, but is so worth it.  Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.