OK, Now it's Christmas....

I finally found my all-time favorite version of Mary Did You Know to share with you.  If you have never heard this version, please click here and listen to Kenny Rogers and Wynonna Judd sing it. 


We were later than ever putting up our Christmas tree this year.  Just did it Saturday....the kids were about to go crazy without our tree up.  I honestly think I could have gone right on through Christmas without one.  Sad, I know.  But I'm slowly getting into the Christmas mood.  I've done a few Christmas cards, pulled out the Christmas music, and of course, I have been drowning in glue and glitter at preschool.  My friend and teacher of the other 4-year-old class came to my classroom door and showed me another craft-thing she was making with her class.  A last-minute thumbprint Christmas tree on tile.  I must have had a fatigued look on my face--she asked if I had reached my crafty limit.  Why yes, yes, I have.  Thanks for noticing.  Three ornaments, manger scenes, wreaths, and a Christmas bell picture isn't enough?  And all those things included markers, glue, glitter, and an assortment of other craft supplies.  Yes.  I've reached my limit.  But, I did quickly come up with a more legitimate excuse, I had two kids in speech at the time and therefore would simply not have time!  There. 


Speaking of preschool, our Christmas program is tomorrow.  Poptart has a speaking part, as do each of the 4-year-olds.  Practice today was, well, a little chaotic, but I have no doubt they will be on their best behavior tomorrow....right?


After the program we will go back to the classrooms for our parties and then it's bye-bye until next year.  I can't believe it's Christmas break already.  I do believe this year is going by faster than last.  Scary.


And on a different but similar note, Brad finished his first semester at seminary!  I can't believe it!  It seems like just yesterday we were in such a quandry as to whether step out on faith and do the seminary thing.....but God has provided!  Praise the Lord!
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Update

I've added a few more blogs I like to read to the sidebar. Check them out! If you have any blogs you read that you think I might enjoy, please let me know!

A few of you have e-mailed me asking how Brad's seminary classes are going. Well, first of all, thanks for asking!

He attends classes on Monday nights. He has ALOT of reading to do, but thankfully, somehow, he is able to read even with the noisiness of life going on around him. In fact, his favorite way to read is with music blaring through his headphones while he reads. This would personally drive me insane, not to mention give me a headache that would put me to bed.

I will just say that is his "learning style" and hope that come the first test, we don't have to adopt a new "learning style."

I am just so proud of him for finally being in school. As I've said so many times, I feel like the journey to get us to this point has been awesome-we don't know what God has in store for us, but we are ready to find out!

I have encouraged him to start his own blog about seminary, things he is reading, etc., but he doesn't think he would have time. Maybe he'll change his mind. If he does, you'll be the first to know.

Whew! What a Week!

We have just finished up our first week at preschool and everything went very smoothly! I've got a good class, and Poptart really enjoyed her first week in her new class.

My mind and body are still trying to catch up to this new schedule however. The summer ruined me. I had forgotten how jam-packed my weeks are once I start back teaching. I'm tired, but at least now we get a few days off from school (preschool is only three days a week). I wish I had a few days off from typing, but I'm not quite that lucky.

Thanks for all your well wishes with Brad starting seminary. It really means alot to us. It's gonna take him forever - he's taking one or two classes a semester. This is for a couple of reasons. First is simply time. He will still be working full-time so two classes is probably the biggest load he can realistically have. Second is financial. We really, really, really want to avoid any type of student loan. Hopefully, if he keeps his class load small, we can pay semester-by-semester ourselves. This is our prayer!

Gogurt keeps calling seminary "cemetary." I hope that is not a sign. Love ya!

Daddy's Going to School Too!

Since my fingers are about to fall off anyway, I decided to type even more before turning in for the night. I have had so much typing today, and its all because one doctor likes to take a week off from dictating and then play catch-up all in one day. Well, today was that day. He dictated so much, but I'm proud to say I completed it all. My eyes are bleeding from staring at the computer screen, but I'm finally finished.

Enough about that, on to better things.

Brad has been accepted into seminary! He had his "open house" tonight (the kids thought that was so cool--Daddy going to open house!?!) It went well. He's nervous, but that is understandable. Unfortunately he did not get to register because of computer issues, but hopefully tomorrow that will be all worked out and he can register for his two classes.

Sunday was our 12th anniversary, and I believe with all my heart that the next 12 will be better than the first...not that the first 12 years was that bad, I'll just call it a big fat learning experience. I do not even for a minute believe that we are done learning, but hopefully the next few lessons we learn will be a little, well, easier?

Thanks for all your encouragement in this journey so far.....although I have a feeling the journey is actually just beginning.

Thanks to you who left comments here and also to those who e-mailed me privately concerning my last post. Thanks for being encouraging voices to us!

Brad is still working on his application to seminary. If you have ever filled out a seminary application (or any other kind) you know it is like a book. He has had to write "mini-essays" concerning his salvation experience, what he feels his calling is, and how he defines a divine calling. He also has to go to the doctor to get "checked out", and he has to send in a copy of his immunization record. His Momma is working on that (how is that going, Nana?). I do know a little about trying to get your hands on your immunization record. I had to get a copy of mine when I started teaching preschool last year, and it turned out to be quite complicated. Anyway, I hope all these loose ends get tied up soon, and he can start the wait - the wait to see if he is accepted.

Once he is accepted, classes will start middle of August. He is planning to take one class at the extension campus and one class online. I'm so excited for him!

And since we're talking about school, can I say we've come upon the part of summer where Gogurt starts getting bored? He's told me several times today that he has nothing to do. It also doesn't help that several of the neighborhood kids are gone this week visiting dads, grandparents, etc. and he is here all alone. Poor Gogurt.

He wouldn't admit to being ready for school, and I'm not ready to say it either. I'm sure later this month I might say it (and by then I won't really have a choice), but for now I'm still looking forward to the few things we have left to do this summer. Vacation Bible School is coming up, and it is always fun. I am teaching 5th and 6th grade and Brad is teaching missions. I think I'm as excited as the kids this year! After VBS, we have a trip planned to Alabama for a family reunion. We missed it last year so I'm glad we are going this year.

After VBS and our little trip to AL, we'll have to start gearing up for school. All of us.

The First Step Is The Hardest

Those of you who know me know I LOVE Casting Crowns. Their music has gotten me through some really rough times. It seems no matter what I'm feeling or going through, they have a song that ministers to me and says exactly what I am feeling but just can't put into words.

Brad is beginning the application process to seminary. He has filled out the application and handed out letters of recommendation. He spoke to someone on the phone yesterday at the extension office and was very encouraged by the conversation. He is hoping to take two classes in the fall.

This is very daunting. We've almost talked ourselves out of it several times and in fact there are voices, both in our heads and literally, that are discouraging us. Past failures are haunting us, but, as this song will say so clearly, we are striving to listen and believe the "Voice Of Truth."

Enjoy.