You didn't think I'd be back today did you?

See, I fooled you this time. I really am starting over. I thought I would share a couple of pictures of the boys from the last few weeks. We had our second nine weeks awards program and Peyton got Star Student and the Orderly Panda Character trait. Don't laugh...I have no idea where the orderliness came from! I was so proud of him for the awards but more proud that he actually walked up on the stage and proudly accepted them. Peyton is very shy and I never thought he would actually walk up there in front of all of those people. He is getting to be such a big boy!

It is so exciting seeing my boys growing up to love each other so! I hope they continue to be best friends. Here are some recent pictures of them together.

In this next one Peyton was reading Wilson one of his favorite Thomas books before we left for school.

A new day...

Okay, so I am obviously not still camping...although I will save that post for another time. Today is a new day and I am starting my blogging adventure over. I am going to really try to do better. Although this is a crazy week so it might not be the best week to start. Anyway, I always read people's blogs that use crazy, funny nicknames for their family. I think that might be kind of fun...maybe later though which would really defeat the whole purpose of crazy, funny nicknames. Anyone else ever thought about using nicknames?

Camping

3 Boys
1 Not so outdoorsy Momma
Lots of Mosquitoes in January
This should be FUN!!

A New Year, A New Start

Well...I thought by now I would have downloaded my Christmas pictures and that is why I have been putting off posting. But, I cannot remember to get my camera from Momma's house and I meant I was going to do better with this blog. So, I couldn't mess up on the first day of the New Year. I love New Years! It is a fresh start and I love the feeling that brings!!

When I think about a New Year, I can't help but stop and thank God for all the blessings He brought my family in 2008. He has given me the most selfless, hard-working, and patient man I could have ever asked for and I know I often take that for granted. Our two boys are another blessing that amazes me every day. I was thinking earlier today that I think we understand a little bit more about God's love when we have our own children and it makes me appreciate the sacrifice He made for me even more. Having an awesome extended family that loves spending time together is something for which I am grateful. Also, I thank God for jobs, a home, and all the many, many other blessings He continues to give. I couldn't imagine if I had to live next year without Him in my life. Good thing we don't have to worry about that!

I don't really like to make "resolutions," because I always seem to break them. So, I won't make "resolutions," but rather goals. This year, first and foremost, I hope to get to know God in a much closer way than I ever have before. I intend to read my bible, study, and pray more every day. I also want to be a more devoted wife and mother because I believe that is what God has called me to do. I want to spend more quality time appreciating the ones I love. Lastly, I would like to exercise more (well any at all would be more I guess) and make better choices about what I eat.

That pretty much sums up my "goals" for the year. As we embrace this new year, I leave you with this verse:

"No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven."

Philippians 3:13-14

Not just a Nickel...

Friday was a GrEaT day at school, mainly because it was the last day for a couple of weeks. We were busy doing lots of fun Christmas activities that morning. Several of the children had brought gifts but we hadn't discussed them or anything yet. I was busy straightening the classroom and a little boy came up and said Mrs. Grant I have something for you. He handed me a nickel and said I don't have anything else to give you but I want you to have this. I told him how sweet he was and that I didn't need anything for Christmas because I had him and that was present enough. But, he insisted I have this nickel and that child's gift has meant more to me than anything I have gotten or will get this entire season. He probably thought I had lost my mind as tears streamed down my face but he doesn't realize the gift he gave me when he gave me that nickel. Bless his little sweet heart, he didn't have much but what he did have, he gave away. We could all learn a lesson from that. I have shed several tears over this sweet boy and his nickel. I know God called me to do this job and it is things like this that remind me of that calling. I have been praying lately for God to give me the boldness to witness and not be ashamed or worry about what others think. I know I teach in a public school and we aren't supposed to do this sort of thing but God is giving me little opportunities to let my students know about Him. When I sit and think about what many of my students face on a daily basis it makes me feel so guilty for the life I live. I certainly am not wealthy but I am so blessed to have a stable, warm, clean (well, by my standards :), home for my children and we have plenty of clothes and food. I thank God for all of those blessings and I pray God's blessings on my student and his giving heart!

A Prayer for Our Children

I know I have neglected this blog once again and I have a million things I want to post about and I will, soon! But, I could not let tonight pass without sharing an idea that I just ran across on another blog. This blog, Bring the Rain, is one I found recently. What an awesome witness this lady is for God! You should read through it when you have some extra time. Anyway, her latest blog is about praying for our children. This is something that I have been so burdened with lately. I am very concerned about what kind of world my children will face growing up. I want them to know God and seek Him everyday. But, it seems when I go to pray I get distracted or my mind is blank. What she writes is such a good idea about specific times and ways to pray for our children. I linked the blog above so you can read about praying for your children 7 times a day. I am committed to this and I know that no matter how bad the things of the world may be, God is still God and He is in control. What better can I do for my children than pray for them? I hope you will join me...

Hide-and-WHAT Seek

I really can't believe I am sharing this. But, I thought it might make an interesting blog. Or at least entertaining. Tonight, I was reading a survey someone had done and it had a question about hide-and-go-seek. My first reaction was, oh they spelled that wrong. Then, I thought for a minute, what? Well, hide-and-go-seek does make sense. So...I had to ask the all knowing man of the house exactly what was the name of this game we have all played so many times. After him telling me and me asking him to s-l-o-w-l-y enunciate the words, I realized, for the first time in 28 years the real name of this game. My EnTiRe life I have thought the name of the game was Hide-and-Ghost-Seek. I know, it is idiotic...it doesn't even make sense. But, in my own little world, it did for so many years. And now, the game, as I know it will never be the same. The sad thing is I never even questioned the name b/c I never had a reason to. That was just in my mind, what I thought it was whether it made sense or not. So, tonight, I have been enlightened and have realized what an idiot I am...sometimes I wonder how I made it this far! Now, do you want me to teach your kid?