Friday, September 21, 2012

Breathing

We are now 4 weeks into the school year and it feels like we haven't had time to breathe.  Since school started.....we've been to 3 varsity football games (2 of them were out of town); we've only done 1 volleyball game because we quit volleyball in favor of marching band (coach wanted her to make a choice and she did); we've visited the counselor to have a schedule changed; we've celebrated grandparent's day at school; I've served three meals to the band students and attended several meetings for the band boosters, Kids Hope USA, PTO and Missions Committee; attended an open house; watched and prayed as a member of our church family lost his battle with liver cancer; celebrated as another church family member received a liver transplant; and the list goes on and on.

I sometimes wonder how we find the time to breathe.  But we do and life keeps moving right along.  When I reflect and look back over a period time, I think....Wow!!  Then my very next thought is...Thank You God!!  Our lives are full and happy, even though at times we get frustrated and tired.  It's funny but you don't really remember too much of the frustrating times....mostly you remember the happy times.  I've learned that you don't get one without the other.  It's a package deal because we are human.  And humans aren't perfect.  Yes, even Christian humans aren't perfect.  We do make mistakes.....we often say things the wrong way without thinking about the effect our words might have on another person.  We do things, often with the best intentions, that offend others.

In spite of our imperfections, our association with others is what makes our lives complete.  Whether it's being a member of the marching band or singing in the choir, these groups of people that sometimes frustrate us also fill our lives with joy and celebration.  It's the grueling band practices in 90 degree Houston, Texas heat and humidity that make the awards won at the UIL marching competition that much greater.  The heat, close contact and fatigue often adds to the irritability and frustration that we experience with others.  But if we can get past these hurdles and work through our differences, the rewards are that much sweeter.  So when we find ourselves in the middle of an argument, we have to remember to.....breathe.

Friday, August 31, 2012

Maggie's Crayon

The following article, What Maggie's Crayon Reminded Me About Parenting, is very cute and perfect for our first week back to school in Texas.  I'm thinking of even carrying a broken crayon around to remind me when I forget to breathe.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Don't Quit

When I was a child, this poem was posted in our house.  I think it has become a part of who I am...ingrained in my very being.  I definitely believe that the messages we give to our kids will shape them as they grow into adults.

Don't Quit
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,

When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,

And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;

Don't give up though the pace seems slow--
You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than,
It seems to a faint and faltering man,

Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor's cup,

And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out--
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,

And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,

So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.


--Author unknown

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Bring game, not blame, as school year starts | Local Voices | Fort Worth, Arlington, Northeas...

With only one week until the start of another school year, I'm amazed to realize that I have one daughter entering high school and the other one in 2nd grade.  It seems like only yesterday that my mom was a band booster parent.  Now I'm the booster parent!  I'm so grateful that my mom took the time to be involved in my school and our community and now I want to do the same for my daughters.

Studies have proven that children succeed with the support of their parents and/or mentors.  The following article challenges us to get involved and help to make a difference in our schools.

Bring game, not blame, as school year starts | Local Voices | Fort Worth, Arlington, Northeas...

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Watch Your Thoughts

Watch your thoughts….

      they become words.

Watch your words….

      they become actions.

Watch your actions….

      they become habits.

Watch your habits….

      they become your character.

Watch your character….

      it becomes your destiny.


~ Author unknown

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Serenity Prayer

This prayer has always given me comfort!  I wanted to share it with you hoping that it will bring you comfort too!!

Monday, January 23, 2012

That's life!

I haven't been a real big blogger thus far. Because I enjoy writing and communication, I started blogging to give it a shot...basically, to see what all the hype was about. I have to admit that I enjoy the blogging process and absolutely love reading others blogs, especially the ones that are so nicely done. I can really tell that some people spend A LOT of time working on them. It's something of a hobby for them. And, I suppose in some cases, it could be a part of a person's job. For instance, using a blog to share ideas on education with others. What a fantastic tool for sharing!! And I'm all about sharing!!

My problem has been that I just can't seem to find the time to sit at my computer each day to publish something new on my blog. Life seems to get in the way! Instead of blogging, I'm running my kids around to their various appointments. Or I'm volunteering at one of their schools or church. At the end of the day, there just aren't enough hours to get everything done that I would like to do. I've always been so "well-rounded" that I often find I have too many interests. Being well-rounded is a good thing when applying to college and sometimes in the work force, but it really makes it difficult to make decisions. Do I spend time writing today or working with my pictures? Do I volunteer for the PTO or help in the school library?? Maybe I should spend some time cleaning my house!! :o)

When I really stop to think about it, I realize that these are some really great problems to have! It means that my life is full and I wouldn't want it to be any other way! I hope that each and everyone of you can find the same fullness in your own crazily busy days!

Military Wives Choir

This is an absolutely beautiful song!!