Time for Reflection...

I think it's good and healthy to reflect on the places, phases, and points in your life where the greatest impact of change has taken place. Let me be clear that this is not a point in time to worship the place, phase or point or wish you were back in that spot...I have done that and that is NOT healthy. Let me be clear when I say this is a time to reflect on Him.
This very day two years ago I was resting uncomfortably in a hospital bed. I was sick. I just had gallbladder surgery five days ago and was unable to keep anything in my system. Although I didn't feel too bad, the on call doctor said no fluid down, must come back to the hospital...the last thing I wanted to hear. With that said, I arrived there and they made me comfortable and the doctor met me before I got to my room. He said it will most likely be overnight and then see how it goes. Bad turned to worse when they would give me food and I would not be able to hold it down. For three days I had no food, not even ice chips...it was horrible. My in-laws came to visit and helped take care of Boo...Jeremy had only been at the church about 2 months when all this started...my two very best friends came to visit me in the hospital, which was so great...it was a trying time. I didn't see Boo all week! It was hard. By Day 3 end, I was irritable, and my angel arrived for the night shift. She was a member of our previous church and I had worked with her daughter in the college ministry. She took me on and got me the help I needed. I practically diagnosed myself and by the next morning I was waiting for the doctor for his 6 AM rounds. I demanded a new nausea medicine...one that didn't make me sleepy and sick, and I got it...and that made me turn a new corner. You could only have the medicine every 12 hours! So, I got my dose at 8 PM that night, loved it, and expected it the next AM at 8. Yeah...right.
It wasn't ordered, so at 8 AM, they had to order it. The lab, being backed up in the morning, was running a bit slow...this is exactly the moment the Lord stepped in. He was always there, but now more evident than ever. For the next hour and a half I waited. I was hungry and my breakfast had arrived and I couldn't eat it, because I was so nauseaus, because I was waiting for my medicine! Vicious cycle...
And that's exactly where the Lord chose to meet me at. I had no one. I had no one else to turn to...but HIM! I prayed for what seemed like hours, at 10 AM, I was dosed up and was able to eat my first meal in weeks! It was only liquid, but it was still oh so good. By the next day the moved me to soft foods and I was able to keep those down all day and then got to go home. It was the longest 6 days of my life and yet it seemed like just the beginning.
My life drastically changed after those days. I never felt more free in my whole life.
I got a lot more bold after those days in the hospital. I also found my true calling in the Lord.
It's good to reflect and see where I have been...nothing happens coincidentally and although it was hard and painful, and I missed my boys and my family worried, it was all for the sake of knowing Him more.

In Christ-
Karen

Lacking in Thought

Is it possible that I have become lacking in thought process, enough to not write for a week??? Or, my gracious, have we been that busy?! I caught up on so many peoples blogs last night and am still catching up. It has been a long, slow week, one filled with lots of discipline. We are still very much trying to learn how to use our ears around here...and yes, I am referring to the little angel in our house, who has recently chosen to not listen and obey. It's okay. We are okay, and we are learning...nothing wrong with that. It's just a tad frustrating. God is prevailing, I am joyful to say.

This would be a good time to plug the Pink Lids on the Yoplait yogurt cups for the next 5-6 weeks in honor of Breast Cancer month; because, let's face it, EVERY LID MATTERS. I made a pink box to stick at our preschool desk for all of us to participate in. We have one teacher battling it right now and another battled it a few years ago. It reminds me so much of Marla and that's why I chose to spearhead the campaign this year for the pink lids. She lost her battle earlier this year, leaving behind a sweet husband and two incredible boys. She served her last few years in the church's preschool and I felt like her service had come full circle. Eat up the yogurt, for the ones we have lost and the ones behind yet to be diagnosed yet.

One more week of September and then it's officially the Fall/Holiday season. I was just telling my kids yesterday at school what a busy October we have. It's picture day, Pumpkin Patch, Fall Festival, oh my. It's gonna be awesome!

Whew...maybe I wasn't lacking in thought...
My boys are gone to breakfast though, so I need to get some small cleaning tasks done before they return...

In Love,
Karen :)

My Friend

Last Friday my friend at the Five Powell's gave birth to a little boy! So cuteness! She just rec-created her blog, so I would love for you to drop her a visit and comment. I just spoke to her on the phone and she is in great spirits...maybe it's because it's her third child.
Don't you know how the phone calls are when it's the first child?? Come on...you remember...

First Tech Game

Oh yes, my dears, it's Football Season! Boo and Jeremy headed to Boo's first GA Tech Game this past Saturday! This is him, all decked out and ready to go. What? You are wondering what the monkey is all about? OH, I am so glad you asked!!! Ben, the monkey, came home from preschool with Boo last week. It was Boo's responsibility to take care (feed, change his clothes, journal) and then today he brought him back to class, with pictures and journaled items to talk about in circle time! It's a very cool thing and we were blessed to have Ben in our home for a few days...now, some other lucky boy or girl will take him home toward the end of the week.
Boo had a fabulous time at his first game with his daddy. I had some girl time with my mom at the very crowded Daisy Festival. Boo had so much to tell me that he did at the game, like yell "GO Jackets!" really loud. We are so proud! :)
-Karen

Thankful Thursday

Giving thanks with a grateful heart this week for...

First week of school - It was not only Boo's first day, but also mine. It was a little touch and go there for a while, but I recooped on Wednesday and am ready to face a new set of faces for Thursday and Friday. Wish me luck! Just think, 12 2-year olds, in one room, for 4 hours, with 2 teachers...ain't life grand? (laugh, people, much laughter!) Next week it will be 5 hours. I posted pictures below.

Boo - He's 3 people and I am pretty tired of changing him. He turned a massive corner just days ago by not wearing pull-ups...of course, the day after I purchased a new bag worth, but hey, it's worth it. He hasn't managed to fully put it all in the potty (you all know what I mean, right?) but this is like his 4th night in under wear...people, much rejoicing is going on in this house...can I get an Amen, and maybe some encouraging words on how to get him to go #2 in the potty???

New Jobs - It's not every year, nor should it ever be again, where both Jeremy and I have new jobs, like within the same month and weeks. I gotta say, just a little over a week ago I was re-thinking this whole thing...knowing in the pit of my heart God has called me for this purpose and really asking Him, "WHAT am I DOING?" After talking through it all, I relinquished my fears and laid them down (many times). It's really the only way. :)

Friends - I am always thankful for good friends...bloggy friends and best friends and new friends. A girl in my SS class just had her baby yesterday...I was a priveleged friend who got to hold the baby today at the hospital...I was the first non-family visitor! How awesome! It gives me baby fever... I had a girls night out last week and it was enjoyable and fun...like it should be. Between the three of us we have 7 kids total. It's nice to have a night out every now and then with no kiddos.

I missed you all last week! It's nice to be back! Can't wait to visit! Thanks to Iris for hosting!!! Love you girl! For more Thankful Thursdays, visit Iris and Sting my Heart.

--Karen

First Day of School and Pictures

AHHHHH! The first day of school has come and gone...and let me tell you, my feet hurt! Well, at least they did. It was one tiring day, and it was only the first and not a long one at that. We don't have lunch the first week, so it's only 4 hours worth. I will spare you the sorted details of a crying little boy and upset little girl who wouldn't part with her bag...because although it was my first day of school teaching 2 year olds, it was my little boy's first day of school too!! He has two fabulous teachers who have been working together for years. He managed to have a great first day, with only 1 accident, in which they brought him to me to change him, which was okay....he managed to stay dry and clean the rest of the day. Praise the Lord. He is getting bigger by the moments...wanna see?First Day of School picture - new shoes, new shirt, new haircut, although it looks a little rough today! hee-hee This little man of mine was so excited about going to school that while he was waiting in my classroom for the bell to ring, he kept asking me "Did the bell ring yet?", "Was that the bell?" That's how much this kid was ready for school to start!


And, since I didn't give you any pictures the last month, here are some more...
Here are my 3 favorite guys in the whole world!! Papaw, Boo and Jeremy...we are headed into the Braves game, if you can't tell by the shirts that Boo and Jeremy have on!

Here are my two cuties, with Boo actually giving you the cutie face! Priceless.

And the three of us enjoying each other and the game.

So, all is well in Boo-land!

Love,

Karen

Ahh, September

I felt as if August was long, but that's okay, because it was birthday month, so it can be as long as I want....
Alas, it's over. The last birthday celebration was fittingly on the last day of the month, in which Jeremy and I enjoyed dinner at a plush place near the night life part of Atlanta. We had a gift card that my old company gave us for Assistant Day, so we enjoyed ourselves, ala no Boo, who was living up life at Nana and Papa's house...yes, again. It was technically his last week of Summer! He enjoyed Nana and Papa's house, and Aunt Laura's house while I met with all my students and parents during last week. I was exhausted by Thursday afternoon...and I will have you know that I took a nap every day last week...couldn't explain the level of exhaustion, it was surreal.
Jeremy preached today while the pastor was out of town...it was on struggles and he used the life of Jacob as his example. It was good and we got out early! I know, that's not really the point. :) Just a sidenote.
Because it's September, that means College Football has begun...can I get a Sting Em for the Jackets whomping on the Irish??? Oh yeah baby! We proudly wore our White and Gold yesterday and what a game! We are hoping to take Boo to a game this year...we will let you know how that goes.

For all my Siesta friends out there, the Siesta party has been set - click the words Siesta friends back there (<-) to see what the big deal is...can't wait to see you all there...if you are planning on it, please let me know, I want to meet up! :) I know Preacher's Wife is going!

Oh my gracious! Y'all! I have not even begun to tell you about my little preschoolers. Oh how cute and enjoyable they are!! Classes begin on Tuesday! I am excited and Boo is just as excited! I have already re-thought about this several times, but know without a doubt God called me to this purpose. Let's see if I feel the same after the first week! :) hee hee...just teasing. Oh! And Jeremy's job is going well too...lots to learn and deal with, but we are both chugging along.
And, I hate to do this, but if you would say a little prayer for Boo...he is having some trouble with the potty skill, and I really don't want to have to leave my free day to come change him on Wednesdays. It's bad enough if he does the deed in his pants and I am working that day, then they will come bring him to my room for me to change him.
Okay, that's all.

Love,
Karen

Birthday Weekend

Thanks to everyone who emailed me well wishes for my birthday and condolenses for my grandmother's passing. I appreciated all of them.
My 30th birthday was indeed incredible, and isn't actually over yet...y'all know I have until the end of the month!!!!! Seriously, my two best girlfriends are having dinner with me on Thursday night at our favorite place, Cheesecake Factory. I am looking forward to that, as we are going out with no kids. They are the same two who met me on Friday at the local deli, with all our kids in tow (we are outnumberd 7 kids to 3 adults) and we actually had my mom there and one of the other girl's mom there...so, 7 to 5, not all bad. :) We let the kids play in the Pottery Barn kids for a little bit that day too...
My wonderfully, terrific, outstanding, godly husband made me an appointment for that evening at my salon to have my hair highlighted. Oh, it is indeed highlighted alright...looks a lot more blonde now.....ahhh...I have been wanting to do that for a while now. I will have to post pictures soon. After that, my boys took me to Macaroni Grill (my choice) and we had a wonderful dinner and dessert for my birthday! It was awesome!
Saturday was filled with wonderful memories as we honored my grandmother at a memorial service. I spoke and so did my husband and we played lots of her favorite music. My husband's family came and so we all had lunch together at Chili's...another favorite of mine. We spent the afternoon with my mom, uncle, aunt and cousin. It was extremely nice.

Full week ahead, with parent and child meetings this week...we are allowing the little boo man to go to his Nana and Papa's the week and will spend some last summer vacation time with them before school starts. We will be wrapping up birthday month too...in style.

--Karen

Thankful Thursday

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful." Colossians 3:15

I am thankful with a grateful heart this week for...

Peace. When a loved one passes away unexpectedly, I long for God's peace. Only it can truly bring comfort and healing to such a weird experience. He has certainly done that for me and my family and for that, well, there just aren't any words. We rejoice knowing my grandmother is truly in His hands.

Preschool. I have been busy working on my 2 year old preschool room and have been having the time of my life with my assistant teacher! Boo has been having a good time too, enjoying playing with some other kids. I still have so much to learn and do, but having a level lead meeting today helped tremendously. I can't wait for school to start!! :)

Family. I just have to brag...my cousin, Nolan, made the USA Jr. Olympic Baseball Team and is in another country right now playing baseball for the good ole' USA. Folks, there just isn't a better jersey to wear. I am just so excited for that kid. Remember Fontana, just stamp it on your brain. The kid has my grandfather's genes! Also, my dad was in town this past weekend and we enjoyed a Braves game and luncheon with some of my aunts and uncles too...it was nice.

Birthdays! We celebrated Jeremy's on Sunday, and mine is Friday! WAAHOO!

God's Perfect Plan. You know what I mean...there just isn't anything better than God's perfect plan. Even when we found out that my grandmother passed away on Monday morning, it was never not in God's perfect plan. I kept thinking that this is the last thing I needed this week. I had a meeting to get to at the preschool, I was already starting to not feel good with a head cold...it just was a blow to my week. Life is a constant state of divine moments though, so I didn't want the minute to slip by without acknowledging that my life is in Christ...I never have to venture far or step off the cliff without Him. He's always there. He always has been. His eyes never left the situation or circumstance and nothing EVER surprises Him. Praise the Lord.

Many blessings to you all!

--Karen

Tribute

God's plan for my week hit one of those life altering moments when my mom called yesterday morning to let me know my grandmother, my last living grandparent, passed away. Totally unexpected. I have been emotionally dealing with that aspect for the past day and a half as well as supposed to be working on my preschool room, and if that wasn't enough, now I have a cold. I am in a miserable state right now, but, on the bright side, I have a blessing of a son who knows how to play by himself and for that I am grateful.

Let me introduce you to my grandma, Josephine, Gigi:
Boo and GiGi - I actually named her GG, for Great Grandma, but she signed everything GiGi, so it stuck.

Here we are a year ago.

This is Boo, Grandma (my mom) and GiGi at Christmas time last year and the last one is me, Boo, my cousin Patrick, and GiGi. Last picture of us together.

Grandma (GiGi) was a special lady! She loved the Lord and first introduced me to church as a little girl. She prayed for 20 years for my grandfather to stop drinking and saw it come to fruition. She was loyal, almost to a fault. She was devastated when my grandfather passed away 6 years ago, but managed to place her faith in God and move to an assisted living with my mom and uncle's urging. It seemed like that prolonged her life some...she met friends there and enjoyed some special moments with those ladies. I will miss her greatly. Lord, I already know she is enjoying time with You.

--Karen