I am not feeling so great today. Over the weekend I started getting the fall yuckies. My nose is so stuffed up and runny. I am coughing like mad and my voice is very shaky. (That makes teaching drama a little difficult.) I think that my body is finally revolting against the crazy schedule I have been keeping.
The Garage, our student building, is opening on Saturday, so there is no rest for the weary. I have taken the rest of the week off at school and will be working with Bryan in the mornings to prepare for the Grand Opening Celebration on Saturday night. I will still be keeping my regular hours at LRx. Things are picking up at LRx which is a little stressful because I am way understaffed and my trainers have limited availability. Oh the joys of adulthood!
Hopefully I can get some good pictures of The Garage and post them this week.
As for adoption news, we may have a temporary placement soon. This is exciting and stressful at the same time. I can't wait, but I want to be prepared. Brooke, my friend that I work for, has graciously planned a shower at her house for next weekend. I am excited about that and looking forward to it. She and her husband, Chris, will hopefully get to bring their beautiful baby girl Dillen home from Vietnam in October. Please pray that this happens. They have been waiting so long and Dillen is now 9 months old.
It is time to head to LRx, so I am off for now. Stay tuned, I will share more this week since I should have a little downtime.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Lessons from my 30th birthday
Wednesday was my dreaded 30th birthday. It came and went without much fanfare. (That was nice!) My aunt treated me to lunch and I enjoyed my left over birthday cake as an afternoon snack. I must give props to Bryan for the AWESOME strawberry cake with cream cheese icing! He got it at The Sweetery and it is my all time favorite. I literally could have eaten the whole half sheet cake my self. Sadly, I finished off the leftovers yesterday.
This week I went back to Calhoun where I am teaching drama for a few weeks. My 1st grade class on Wednesday was a little rowdy, so I decided to share my secret. I told them that it was my birthday and that the best gift ever would be if no one got in trouble. It would hurt my feelings so bad if I had to give out tallies on my birthday. Amazingly, it worked. The children seemed to settle down a little. Of course, this was followed by 17 children begging me to tell them my age. That would have to wait until the end of class as a reward.
Now, you all know that I have been dreading this birthday... at the end of class Natahan came and tugged at my jacket and said, "Ms. Holder, are you 40?" Are you kidding me, 40! Thank goodness he is cute, sweet, and only 6 or I may have flipped out. I told him no and he later asked if I was 30. Another child asked if I was 19. I am so glad that children really don't have any sense of age. Otherwise, this could have been devastating.
I must say that I could do without my gifts from Mother Nature. She decided to give me new hair for my birthday. Over the last few months my hair has quickly begun turning gray and in the last two weeks the texture of my hair has begun to change (not for the better). My curls are changing and I cannot control my hair. It looks terrible if I don't blow it out or put the flat iron in it. On top of all of that, I now have acne. Really, at this age! Thanks! I appreciate the thought, but you really didn't have too.
Oh well, it could be much worse. As cruel as aging seems, it is a blessing to have another day. As crummy as hormone changes are, I am healthy and happy. I can't help but think of my Uncle Bill as I talk about this. His birthday is the day before mine and he hit a milestone also, 50! This birthday was special for him. He has been suffering from colon cancer. This birthday represented much more than 50 years of life. It represented God's faithfulness. My Uncle has put this in the Lord's hands since day one and God has not let him down.
As I sit and complain about my gray and wiry hair, he arrived at my surprise party with no hair. His last round of Chemo caused the loss of all of his hair. Was he concerned...No! He is simply glad to be alive and we are glad to be able to celebrate with him.
Maybe crazy gray hair and acne aren't so bad after all!
This week I went back to Calhoun where I am teaching drama for a few weeks. My 1st grade class on Wednesday was a little rowdy, so I decided to share my secret. I told them that it was my birthday and that the best gift ever would be if no one got in trouble. It would hurt my feelings so bad if I had to give out tallies on my birthday. Amazingly, it worked. The children seemed to settle down a little. Of course, this was followed by 17 children begging me to tell them my age. That would have to wait until the end of class as a reward.
Now, you all know that I have been dreading this birthday... at the end of class Natahan came and tugged at my jacket and said, "Ms. Holder, are you 40?" Are you kidding me, 40! Thank goodness he is cute, sweet, and only 6 or I may have flipped out. I told him no and he later asked if I was 30. Another child asked if I was 19. I am so glad that children really don't have any sense of age. Otherwise, this could have been devastating.
I must say that I could do without my gifts from Mother Nature. She decided to give me new hair for my birthday. Over the last few months my hair has quickly begun turning gray and in the last two weeks the texture of my hair has begun to change (not for the better). My curls are changing and I cannot control my hair. It looks terrible if I don't blow it out or put the flat iron in it. On top of all of that, I now have acne. Really, at this age! Thanks! I appreciate the thought, but you really didn't have too.
Oh well, it could be much worse. As cruel as aging seems, it is a blessing to have another day. As crummy as hormone changes are, I am healthy and happy. I can't help but think of my Uncle Bill as I talk about this. His birthday is the day before mine and he hit a milestone also, 50! This birthday was special for him. He has been suffering from colon cancer. This birthday represented much more than 50 years of life. It represented God's faithfulness. My Uncle has put this in the Lord's hands since day one and God has not let him down.
As I sit and complain about my gray and wiry hair, he arrived at my surprise party with no hair. His last round of Chemo caused the loss of all of his hair. Was he concerned...No! He is simply glad to be alive and we are glad to be able to celebrate with him.
Maybe crazy gray hair and acne aren't so bad after all!
Monday, September 22, 2008
2 days left....
Those of you who have joined me in counting down to my 30th birthday are well aware that there are only 2 more days. 2 more days unitl the end of childhood as I know it. I will be a for real adult, no more twenty something. With that in mind, I have to share my weekend with you.
I must give props to Bryan. As clueless as I often think he is about gift giving and surprises, he proved me wrong this weekend. A couple of weeks ago, he told me that we would be having an ABS (Area Bible Study) cookout on Saturday night at the DeRoberts house. This did not surprise me since we rarely have a weekend in the fall that doesn't involve a student ministry event. Personal activities typically take a back seat to such things. I got Lee dressed and we loaded up the car to go to Mr. David's house.
I was expecting to hang around for a while, maybe hear a little discussion about the changes being made this year, and possibly have a birthday cake for desert. We drove up in the drive way and David and Chris were manning the grill (typical MSM stuff) and directing folks where to park. Also in typical fashion we were about 5 minutes late. David sends us in the house to help the women. I open the door and there stood most of my family and many of my friends. (Lee freaked out!) It was really exciting because no one has ever done that for me before.
Bryan did a great job and I must give him credit for working hard and thinking of me. The thing that surprises me most is that he didn't even give me a hint. He hates surprises and can't keep a secret from me. Good for you Bub! You did a great job.
It was a lot of fun and we finally got to introduce Melissa and Sammy, our best friends, to our family. They always hear us talk about them but had never had the privilege of meeting them. I was glad to hang out with the Cantrell's and the Benfield's also. We used to hang out all the time, but it has been a while, so that was a nice change.
I can't finish without thanking Emily and Kathy for helping Bryan pull it off. Thanks guys! I love you all and appreciate you making 30 special.
I must give props to Bryan. As clueless as I often think he is about gift giving and surprises, he proved me wrong this weekend. A couple of weeks ago, he told me that we would be having an ABS (Area Bible Study) cookout on Saturday night at the DeRoberts house. This did not surprise me since we rarely have a weekend in the fall that doesn't involve a student ministry event. Personal activities typically take a back seat to such things. I got Lee dressed and we loaded up the car to go to Mr. David's house.
I was expecting to hang around for a while, maybe hear a little discussion about the changes being made this year, and possibly have a birthday cake for desert. We drove up in the drive way and David and Chris were manning the grill (typical MSM stuff) and directing folks where to park. Also in typical fashion we were about 5 minutes late. David sends us in the house to help the women. I open the door and there stood most of my family and many of my friends. (Lee freaked out!) It was really exciting because no one has ever done that for me before.
Bryan did a great job and I must give him credit for working hard and thinking of me. The thing that surprises me most is that he didn't even give me a hint. He hates surprises and can't keep a secret from me. Good for you Bub! You did a great job.
It was a lot of fun and we finally got to introduce Melissa and Sammy, our best friends, to our family. They always hear us talk about them but had never had the privilege of meeting them. I was glad to hang out with the Cantrell's and the Benfield's also. We used to hang out all the time, but it has been a while, so that was a nice change.
I can't finish without thanking Emily and Kathy for helping Bryan pull it off. Thanks guys! I love you all and appreciate you making 30 special.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Only 6 more days
6 more days until the big 3-0. In a way I am dreading that day. Why? Well, if you really must know, I guess I will share.
Anyone who knows me very well, knows that I am a planner. I like to have things in order, be in control, and know what is supposed to happen ahead of time. I like for things to be organized. With this in mind, I had a plan for my life. My plan was to finish college get married immediately. Have all three or four of my children by the age of 30 and be done with child birth. Well, somehow I don't think that I will be giving birth to even one in the next 6 days.
On top of being a planner, I am very competitive and not always a good sport. This makes me feel like somewhat of a failure since I have not achieved my goals. There are several more goals that I had in mind, that I have not reached yet either. More than a lesson in good sportsmanship, I think that this is a lesson that God's plans are not always the same as mine. Of course, His plans are better and I need to step out of the way and let them happen.
God seems to show me this over and over again. It seems that I would learn from this at some point. This also is a way that God shows me that He has a sense of humor. For instance... there was a guy that I dated for several years that I was convinced that I would marry. I just knew that this was God's plan and for a period of time, I think he did too. In my high school scrapbook there is a section about the future. Where it asks where you'll be in ten years, everything had to do with being married to Bryan and working in ministry together.
Well, guess who attended my 10 year reunion with me? My husband, Bryan! The funny part is, it's not the same Bryan as in the scrapbook. Most of the things in that plan have happened, but not the way I expected or wanted them to at that time.
All I can say is, THANK YOU GOD! Thank you that You know more than I do and Your plan is better than mine. I couldn't ask for anything better.
Maybe I am not such a failure after all. Who knows, there are still 6 days left. God just might surprise me.
Anyone who knows me very well, knows that I am a planner. I like to have things in order, be in control, and know what is supposed to happen ahead of time. I like for things to be organized. With this in mind, I had a plan for my life. My plan was to finish college get married immediately. Have all three or four of my children by the age of 30 and be done with child birth. Well, somehow I don't think that I will be giving birth to even one in the next 6 days.
On top of being a planner, I am very competitive and not always a good sport. This makes me feel like somewhat of a failure since I have not achieved my goals. There are several more goals that I had in mind, that I have not reached yet either. More than a lesson in good sportsmanship, I think that this is a lesson that God's plans are not always the same as mine. Of course, His plans are better and I need to step out of the way and let them happen.
God seems to show me this over and over again. It seems that I would learn from this at some point. This also is a way that God shows me that He has a sense of humor. For instance... there was a guy that I dated for several years that I was convinced that I would marry. I just knew that this was God's plan and for a period of time, I think he did too. In my high school scrapbook there is a section about the future. Where it asks where you'll be in ten years, everything had to do with being married to Bryan and working in ministry together.
Well, guess who attended my 10 year reunion with me? My husband, Bryan! The funny part is, it's not the same Bryan as in the scrapbook. Most of the things in that plan have happened, but not the way I expected or wanted them to at that time.
All I can say is, THANK YOU GOD! Thank you that You know more than I do and Your plan is better than mine. I couldn't ask for anything better.
Maybe I am not such a failure after all. Who knows, there are still 6 days left. God just might surprise me.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Adoption and Parenting
Last week a couple of books arrived in our post office box. A friend highly recommended the book Parenting with Love and Logic by Foster Cline and Jim Fay. Many of the adoption and parenting websites refer to this book as well. I began reading it this weekend and it is a great book so far. Those who know me know that I am very practical and logical. This book appeals to that side of me as the information inside truly is very logical. So far I have only read the first four chapters, so I am not going to make too many comments yet. They are coming though.
Also, I received Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew by Sherrie Eldridge. I have read Captivating by Eldridge and her husband, so I was interested in this book. I have read through chapter 4 of this book as well. It is very good as well. Again, I will make more comments as I get further into the book.
So far, I would recommend both books though. Parenting with Love and Logic is good for anyone with children or planning to have children. It would also be great for teachers, so check it out.
Also, I received Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew by Sherrie Eldridge. I have read Captivating by Eldridge and her husband, so I was interested in this book. I have read through chapter 4 of this book as well. It is very good as well. Again, I will make more comments as I get further into the book.
So far, I would recommend both books though. Parenting with Love and Logic is good for anyone with children or planning to have children. It would also be great for teachers, so check it out.
Toddler Fun
It has been a while and I apologize. Things have been a little hectic here. I have been dealing with more stolen checks and it looks like I will have to get two more police departments involved now. That brings the total to 4 with a possibility of a 5th. This is so aggravating!!!!
We have not had any change in our adoption status. However, we have been having some fun and getting some practice. Bryan's cousin's children are currently living with their grandparents. They have their hands full with 5 children all under the age of 7 in their home. The past two weekends one of the children has stayed with us. Lee is a precious 3 year old. We have fallen in love with him!
We have not had any change in our adoption status. However, we have been having some fun and getting some practice. Bryan's cousin's children are currently living with their grandparents. They have their hands full with 5 children all under the age of 7 in their home. The past two weekends one of the children has stayed with us. Lee is a precious 3 year old. We have fallen in love with him!
Because he lives in a home with 4 other kids, he loves the individual attention that he gets with us. He is very cute and quite funny. Last weekend we took him to Michael's Pizzeria (my favorite!) and he insists that it is Michael's Pizza Hut. I can't wait for him to meet Michael and tell him that! This weekend he went with us to tailgate at the Easley/Pickens game. Saturday, we went to Chuck E Cheese. (Maybe we can convince Michael to sing and dance so that Lee would want to hang out there.) After Chuck E Cheese we went to see "Funny Taylor" and got a really cool GAP hat. That night we ate dinner with Lee's sisters who were staying with Bryan's sister. Lee was very adamant that he was not going home with the girls. Of course he went to church with us yesterday. He was a little grouchy, but all was well after we had a little talk.
In his defense, I let him sleep 2 1/2 or 3 hours on Saturday afternoon, which meant that he didn't go to bed until after 11 and woke up at 7. I am learning though! I only let him sleep an hour and a half yesterday. We are looking forward to our next visit with Lee. We have a few things going on this weekend, so we don't know that it will work out to get him this time.
We don't know what the future holds for us or Lee, but we are excited about the opportunity to spend time with him. Please pray for us, for Lee, and his family.
*There are more pictures of Lee on my facebook page if you are interested.
In his defense, I let him sleep 2 1/2 or 3 hours on Saturday afternoon, which meant that he didn't go to bed until after 11 and woke up at 7. I am learning though! I only let him sleep an hour and a half yesterday. We are looking forward to our next visit with Lee. We have a few things going on this weekend, so we don't know that it will work out to get him this time.
We don't know what the future holds for us or Lee, but we are excited about the opportunity to spend time with him. Please pray for us, for Lee, and his family.
*There are more pictures of Lee on my facebook page if you are interested.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Adoption Update
Please pray for us... Somethings came up over the weekend that could affect our adoption process. Right now, we don't want to give out any details. Please pray that God would give us clarity about this situation. We don't want to be confused or to make a decision based on others opinions, so we will be keeping the details quiet for now. Thank you for helping us!
Weekend Review
We really enjoyed our quick trip to Knoxville. It was good to get away and hanging out with Taylor and Sara was great. If you are Bryan's friend on Facebook, you will see some of the foolishness that went on. We were welcomed home on a somber note though. While we were gone, my Grandma was visiting our cousins in NC as one of them is in the hospital. Yesterday, they took him, Harder, off the ventilator. As of this morning he was still holding his own. Harder is in his 70's or 80's. We will miss him, but we don't want him to suffer.
Last night I found out that Tanner Odum, a friend from high school, was killed in a car accident. If you are in the upstate, you may recognize him as the owner of Big O Dodge. This broke my heart as his dad was killed in a motorcycle accident just a few years ago. Please pray for Bev, Tanner's mom, as this has to be so hard. I can't imagine what she is dealing with. I know that Bev loves the Lord and He is walking with her through this. Better yet, He is carrying her through.
On a lighter note, in preparing to leave for the weekend, I did some house cleaning. I made good use of the time by listening to a few podcasts. There were a couple of adoption ones that were well worth checking out. Thinking of Adopting and the Foster Parenting Podcast with Tim & Wendy. They were fairly short ones, so go on Itunes and check it out. The Foster Parenting on is a couple talking about their personal experiences with their soon to be adopted children. They are Christians, and it is very practical.
Also, The Simply Youth Ministry Podcasts are great. I personally like the ones with Doug & Kathy Fields where they talk about youth ministry and Marriage. It is very honest and to the point. Check it out!
Last night I found out that Tanner Odum, a friend from high school, was killed in a car accident. If you are in the upstate, you may recognize him as the owner of Big O Dodge. This broke my heart as his dad was killed in a motorcycle accident just a few years ago. Please pray for Bev, Tanner's mom, as this has to be so hard. I can't imagine what she is dealing with. I know that Bev loves the Lord and He is walking with her through this. Better yet, He is carrying her through.
On a lighter note, in preparing to leave for the weekend, I did some house cleaning. I made good use of the time by listening to a few podcasts. There were a couple of adoption ones that were well worth checking out. Thinking of Adopting and the Foster Parenting Podcast with Tim & Wendy. They were fairly short ones, so go on Itunes and check it out. The Foster Parenting on is a couple talking about their personal experiences with their soon to be adopted children. They are Christians, and it is very practical.
Also, The Simply Youth Ministry Podcasts are great. I personally like the ones with Doug & Kathy Fields where they talk about youth ministry and Marriage. It is very honest and to the point. Check it out!
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