First Day of School Parts I & II!

Well, it has happened, whether I wanted it to or not.  The dreaded first day of MIDDLE school!  And guess what?  We both survived...Birdie was eager to get out of bed this morning, which only happens when there is something special to look forward to.  In her book, today was one of those days.  Thank goodness for small miracles!  So getting ready earlier than years before - to ride the bus - was a piece of cake... today.  Tomorrow will be anybodies guess.  She was happy and giddy and pleasant, yay for mom.  We had already set out the weeks worth of clothes, so there wouldn't be any fighting, so no drama in the clothing department this morning, and breakfast and all the usual stuff of brushing hair and teeth went smoothly as well.  Shew!  Then on to pictures.  Well, you gotta have proof of the first day of school, K-12, and thus far, we are now at 7th grade.  Getting birdie to pose for the camera is always easy.  This is one of her favorite past-times.  Getting pictures taken and posing...see!  Then, we hear the rumble of the bus coming and she is jumping up and down in the drive way.  Not only that, but her fellow bus companions are standing up ready to greet her getting on the bus.  These kids are so sweet and really love each other.  Off they go down the street, and I start walking back to the house and it just hits me.  There goes my baby, and here come the tears...yes, even at 13 years old, my birdie leaving for big 'ol junior high makes me cry.

Is it all moms, at all stages, or is it just me?  Please tell me I'm not alone in this.  So, I sit down sobbing and praying, (thankful God can understand my gibberish) for the Lord to watch over her and protect her.  And HE did!  She did fine, as I knew would be the case, but we have such a hard time letting go, don't we?  We both survived the day.  I drove up the long route to pick birdie up on her first day; had told her yesterday I would and then we would celebrate with ice cream and she could tell me all about her day.  I spoke with her teacher and she said my bird had a good day, but was tired.  Its tough on a gal going through all the rigors of middle school.  Then we headed to town for that much deserved ice cream...mostly for momma!  I had a rough day, ya know.  She told me a few details but I'm sure by bedtime more stories will surface.  But we got through the infamous 1st day of Middle school.  Part I - the dread, the fears.   Part II - she did just fine and my baby bird is back home in her nest.  Maybe momma bird will sleep like a baby tonight...

God is so good, He cares for us and knows all our fears and silly worries, but wants us to bring them to Him anyway, and them leave them with Him.  That is the harder part for me.  Bringing them...easy.  Leaving them...still a work in progress.  Well, I am exhausted!

Until next time,
Serving Him,
Christina

What's Cooking!

Cookin' in my brain that is...I will be opening a booth (in the little store I work in), in September.  I am really excited and a tad intimidated.  Why?  Well, there are two other booths in the store that do awesome stuff.  Actually there are several booths in the store, all with great stuff.  But the two I'm referring to are great.  I'm not trying to compare myself or my stuff with theirs, our items will be different.  I just don't want to flop and fail miserably next to their booths.
 
**We are not to compare ourselves with others, we all have our gifts and talents**

These other two booths are great and so creative, I just need to let my style shine.  It is for the glory of the Lord, not me.  He is the one, afterall, that gave me these talents, right?  Well, like I've said before, I think I found my niche.  I get to work in a cute, quaint little store and be around people and that takes care of my need for socialization and craftiness.  Yay!  Thank you Lord for directing my path and that I finally was listening and paying attention...It took me a while to get to this point, but here I am!!  Slow learner I guess, or is it stubborn?

Plus, birdie has been able to be with me at the store and during this last week while we have been repainting and getting it ready to open under the new owner.  She has a ball there and thinks she is helping and has been the entertainment...in a matter of sorts.

I took birdie and her best bud to the city the other day to "hang out".  I drug  brought them along while I did a super duper shopping spree, buying stuff and junk to make for my booth.  Birdie's buddy kept asking, "are you done yet?".  They had a grand ol' time cruzing around Hobby Lobby and Goodwill, though.  Both of them have cell phones and I entered all appropriate phone numbers in all our phones before we went into the 1st store.  They took off to "wander" and let me get my crafting mojo going.  As you can imagine, my phone rang about 100 times.  "Hi mom!", "where are you?", "what are you doing?", "can we go yet?", but it was surprisingly a good time had by all 3 of us.  They had a great time back together since being off for summer.  Their teacher used to call them "Frick & Frack".  Said they fought like an old married couple...heehee.  Then I took them to their favorite place to eat...I tried so hard to persuade them to go elsewhere.  Can you guess where we ended up for lunch???  Yep, McDonald's!  Oh well, they were happy.  Then we went to the movies...we saw "The Smurfs" , and they had a great time laughing.  So, all in all, it was a great outing.  I got my shopping done, they were able to wander without me hovering, and they had lunch and a movie.  Good times!  Birdies phone is getting low on minutes, but she and her bud were texting...how cute!

So, that is what I've been doing this week, oh, and also had to register birdie at middle school.  We got caught in a rain storm, so that helped take away my apprehensions and need for tears.  We were SOAKED!  Got through it, now I have to get through the 1st day of school/1st week, however long it may take.  But, at least I have plenty of things to keep me occupied.  Working on my booth.  Lord help me...

Until next time,
Serving Him, Christina

 

The Little Store!

Well, I had been stressing over what job I would do once birdie went off to middle school.  I felt I should be doing more to help contribute to the family {financially}.  Why is it we women do this to ourselves?  We want to be "stay-at-home" moms (ya know...hands on), yet we feel we should contribute by way of money.  Well, I think it's our society and the devil.  Always telling us we need more, do more, be more.  I had been praying for God's guidance and wisdom, so I would do the right thing for our family, (as well as for my sanity).  A side note: I am not cut out to be a working-outside-the-home kind of gal.  So, now that I know this I can {sort-of} stop stressing, I can move on.  Remember, I was working at this little store and getting paid to make cards and be crafty.  Fun, creative, great hours and...birdie could be there with me all summer.  But, that voice {from the world/devil} kept getting louder.  I hate that voice!  It kept telling me what great money I could make and all the great things I could buy.  Can I get an Amen here? Yet, I felt the Lord telling me to stay put.  There may not be great money, but you are contributing some and able to be there for birdie and take care of our home.  Birdie is the most important part of our lives and God gave her to us to take care of, not push her off on someone else to raise/care for.  I had several of my friends and family praying for me about a possible job.  Guess what?  It fell through, or as I'd rather put it...God answered my prayers.  I was not meant to take on another position where I would have to put job before kid/family.  So, I will stay put!  The little store has a new owner and will be a little different, but same idea,  and the best part is, I can still have birdie there if she needs to be and she can even get off the school bus there at the store.  How great is that?  So, God knows what I need and made it possible.  Thank you Lord and thank you to all my wonderful friends and family who lifted me up in prayer over this subject.

Now school can start, plus I'm ready for cooler weather.

Here is a verse I go back to time and again:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall make your paths straight."  Proverbs 3:5-6

Until next time
Serving Him,
Christina

Just a Summer Day!

Howdy y'all
Well this summer has been different from past summers.  How?  Well, I can't really put my finger on it, its just been different.  Like, the forest fire and need to evacuate, and birdie's summer school schedule was different.  This year they were up at the Jr. High and only went 3 days a week but for 5 hours.  The kids got to do things in the community and some cool field trips.  Unfortunately, it was cut short a week due to the fire/evacuation.  But, birdie had a great time with her classmates and really enjoyed being at the jr. high, which I was really worried about.  She also rode the bus and didn't get car sick, YEAH!!  So this means she'll be fine once school starts, riding the bus to and from school.  I was concerned about that aspect and figured I'd have to drive her all the way up there and back, everyday.  That is a long drive, plus, there is a lot of road construction on that route, Yuck!, but, all is well in that department.

We haven't really been anywhere for a "summer vacation".  We did spend a weekend up the road a piece, in the "big city".  Enjoyed the hotel and pool, some shopping and eating out.  Woohoo, we are animals when it comes to traveling...just joshin'.  Boring is more like it.  But, birdie loves to stay in the hotel room.  She gets all set up and does "her thing".  "Her thing" consists of playing office with the room phone, the notepad (which she tends to use every page of) and pen, and now she has her own netbook/laptop (a "cheap" freebie I got-it doesn't even work-but she utilizes it in her own way).  Oh, let's not forget, the mirrors and the TV.  See, birdie has everything at her disposal, so why do we need to leave?  She gets bugged about going and doing, but, since she needs some down time, she is always happy to return to the room.  However, during our weekend get away, I got a terrible migraine.  So hubs took me and birdie back to the hotel so I could rest, while he went to the store to buy me some meds.  Even with such a nauseating, pounding headache, birdie was super quiet and played on the real laptop and her "other" office items with minimal light in the room, so mommy could rest.  Such a sweetheart.  Have I said enough what a good girl she is?  Well, its true!  I don't know if others recognize that about her, but she is so easy to care for, get along with and does not need much to entertain herself.  We are truely blessed to get to be her parents.  Thank you Lord!

We also made a special trip to get birdie's hair cut before jr. high starts.  You know, a teenager needs to look just right, so a new/easy 'do' was in order.  She was so giddy and excited.  Cute haircut...don't ya think?

Birdie also tried something out of the norm for her.  I had to really push and plead for her to try this, but she did it...fearfully.  She had such a great time, she wouldn't stop talking about it and wanted to do it again.  So, I said yes...I had to after pushing her to try it, and then she actually loved it.  Well, love to her was going at her speed.  We respect that as her parents, she tried it and we were proud of her...see!

makes mom and dad proud...she tried something she was afraid of.  But did it!

So, this is pretty much what we've been up to this summer, a whole lot of nothin'.  Oh well, that is what is great about summer.  The lazy days, aaahhhh!

Here is a verse to leave you with:

1)"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2)Honor your father and mother - which is the first commandment with a promise -3)that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."   Ephesains 6:1-3

Until next time,

Serving Him,

Christina

Crazy Busy...Now Relax!

May ?:
Hello all you blogger friends,
We have been so busy with the last month of school, I am finally able to sit down and relax, and enjoy summer.  I only have one kiddo and can't imagine how crazy others get with several kids and several of their activities...all I know, is that ours is over...for a few (10) weeks.
Birdie had so many things going on this last month of school.  They were all fun and I'm glad to have those memories, just glad to have gotten through them.  There was the 6th grade class trip, where they went up to the mountains and camped at a YMCA camp.  BUT, no modern facilities here, (except the kitchen - where hubs did "his thing").  So, due to her "issues" and how easily freaked out she can get, we chose to stay in a little town right down the road from the camp.  Much better, plus it had real beds, real windows, electricity, plumbing and heat.  Does that tell you what the camp did not have?  Yeah, talk about roughin' it...not my cup of tea either.  It is a cool experience for the kids, because they do a lot of team building and activities that require team effort.  Also a high ropes course.  Birdie did it...at least at her ability level. We were so proud of her as well as her teachers and classmates.  You go girl!

July 19:
Well, as you can see...I have totally let the ball drop on my blog since early May.  Just been enjoying summer with my bird!  We got through the end of year dance recital, 6th grade party and graduation.  Quite tearful, but good tears & good memories.  I will terribly miss her elementary school.  Such wonderful people there, but we must move forward...part of life...I guess!
Then she & I went to the great state of TX. to do some visitin'.  Good times, just hectic traveling with the bird in extreme heat...we are wimps, and it was only early June.  We are fortunate to live in the cool mountains, hardly any humidity.   Aaahhhhh!!
But, came home to smoke from nearby forest fires, and then we had our own.  Yikes!  So hubs stayed in our town to help/work...this is his thing, his type of work, while birdie and I headed north to the in-laws home.  It was crazy hectic there too, with 2 other families besides ours, so...thankfully they have a LARGE home, lots of room to spread out.  So, that was 13 people, 4 dogs, 2 cats and a hampster, and NO casualties.  Amazing!  Thanks R & C, it was a great time!

When we headed back home, birdie started her summer school program and a Pilates class.  She really enjoyed the summer school program alot, however, it was cut short a week due to the fire and mandatory evacuation.  Oh well, what are you gonna do?  She is still going to the Pilates class, so good for her, as well as swimming.  Boy, by the end of the day birdie is beat and sleeps so sound.  YAY!  There are 4 weeks left of summer vacation and it seems to go super fast...how can that be, the regular school year drags on and on, but summer zips along and then poof...school again.  Oh well, what can you do?  Its all part of life.

So below are some pictures of the bird in our crazy month of May...Enjoy!

Getting ready for field day, then off to 6th grd. Ropes

with dad, aka Camp cook

Climbing up, up ,up Shew!

In her beautiful "modern dance piece" costume...so pretty! 

and here's our graduate...TaDa

puppy sitting for Tex & Winnie...Aaawwww

So, this is what we've been up to.  Nothing earth shattering, just life.  A day in the life of birdie...actually a few months, but here it is.

Later,

Serving Him, Christina

Great Day!

Hi there,
I had my first full, (4 hour, that is) work day in the newly re-opened store.  It was great.  I love my new job.  I am getting paid to "make" cards, be creative.  Can you believe it?  Like I said...this is right up my alley, finally I am in my element.  'Yay me'!  I had no stress and it was quaint and quiet.  I must be getting old...or something.  But, I loved it.

God has placed me in the right atmosphere and in my comfort zone, whereas before...WAY out of my element.  I had done administrative work in the past and liked it, but that was pre-birdie.  When I worked at birdies school, I was in my element then too.  I just felt it was time to move on, mostly for her.  And like I said, she has done just fine!  Now I think we are all happy and feelin' groovy :)  Have I ever mentioned (probably not), that hubs had been on a job hunt (searching for another job-a better fit for him), for a few years.  That's right, years...He was so burned out in his last job (been doing it 8years), he had been searching high and low for another job.  Same workplace, just different line of work...So, that was a praiseworthy moment in our life when that new job came to be!  He started that position back at the start of the new year, along with me at the 'tax place'.  He really likes his job.  So hopefully, everything will stay as is, for all 3 of us!  Also, when birdie got off the bus yesterday, she was giddy and so happy to be coming home, and to see me.  THAT is a wonderful feeling!  THAT lets me know I'm doing the right thing for her and for our family.

Here is a verse to go along with our past year...it is good to look back once in a while.  It gives us a better perspective to see things that we were worried about and struggling with.  Once we get through a situation, rather, God gets us through, we can see how He was at work the whole time.  We just needed to wait on His timing, not ours.  So hard to do at the time...but well worth it in the end.

11)"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  12)Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  13)You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."   Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV)

So until next time... 
Serving Him,
Christina  

Hard Lesson for Momma!

Hi y'all
Well, my baby bird had her first school dance this Friday night.  It was called the "Six-Sevie Dance".  It includes all the 6th graders from the 5 different elementaries, plus all the current 7th graders.  This way they can interact with one another, (since our Middle school is 7th and 8th).  A flyer came home and we put it on the calender, because birdie loves dancing!  She was very excited and really looking forward to it.  She got all dolled up, well, as much as a 6th grader should.  She wore her blue sparkly dress that she also wore for her birthday party, her 'low' heels and momma did her hair and nails.  I was a nervous wreck.  You know how it goes, moms get all the nerves trying to get the daughter all 'done' up.  At least I did!-Plus it was her first encounter like this.  Yo gotta look just right...first impressions!

Anyway, on the flyer it said chapperones welcome/needed, especially dads.  Then another flyer was sent home, it seemed as if the old one didn't mention paying, plus a bit more info.  It DID NOT say you Must sign up to be a chapperone or you couldn't stay.  Well, me being the smarty pants momma...hubs asked if I called and asked if I could stay,  I said, "well, I'm gonna!"  And that was that!!  So, we drive up town and the parking lot is all a buzz at the dance location.  Birdie is so excited and ready to jump out of the car.  I spot another mom and ask where her daughter is and we talk a bit.  Then her girl shows up with several others from birdies school.  It was so sweet, they ran up to her and said how pretty she looked and loved her dress, and they all exchanged hugs! :)  Makes momma bear so proud...  Well, I give her some money and she gets in line with her friends, then a few moms take pictures.  Of course!  I stand back, but when it is her turn to pay the "bouncer"...that is so funny to me, anyway, she goes to pay and I tell him I'm staying and he said, "are you a chapperone?"  I lied..., "yes" I said sheepishly.  He said, "did you call ahead and put your name on the list?" (I stink at lying)  I looked down and said "no".   He said I had to call ahead, we just can't have everyone stay, plus I don't know who you are.  Duh, he didn't know birdie either...  So, I had planned to get the change from her and hang out on the side lines, right?  Well, that didn't quite happen.  She paid and went inside with her gal pals and didn't look back and seemed so grown up.  Momma however, was fighting back tears!  I was so surprised, the one mom told me she'll be fine, then another friend drove by and said she had dropped off her son.  I must have looked like I was gonna cry, 'cause they said, "she'll do fine".

I hung around the parking lot for about 15 minutes, then called daddy.  What is he going to say?  Is he going to tell me to go back in there and yank her out of there?  I was numb, stunned, and holding back tears, 'cause there were still other parents in the parking lot and I didn't want to look like an idiot!  So I call hubs, he said..."I wondered if you should have called someone.  So what are you going to do?  Birdie's gonna freak!"  So every imaginable thought ran through my head.  "What if she freaks out looking for me?  What if there are strobe lights and she has a seizure?"  So I run over to Starbucks and then the grocery store to grab a magazine to read while in the parking, distract my anxious thoughts.  I never let my phone out of my sight!  Several of her friends had phones, so if the problem arised they could call their parents, to call our house, then daddy could call me.  See what a mess I was!!  Well, I park as close to the door as I can, which is open and I can sort-of see in.  A little bit later, a mom comes out into the parking lot (apparently SHE was a chapperone), so I ran over to her (she was a mom I knew from birdie's school).  I asked her to please check on birdie and about the 'studid', yes, stupid mom I am that didn't sign up to be a chapperone.  She said she saw her and she was doing fine, just surprised she was alone.  (Usually she has an aide with her or a buddy at school.)  Wow, she probably thinks I'm nuts sending her off to her first dance alone...  I told her my situation and she said she would check on her.  So, I go back to my car to sit and wait, read the magazine, which I can't seem to focus on.  Come on, its just pictures, pay attention!  Anyway, that lady comes back out and says "lock 'er up, your comin' inside!"  I jumped out of that car so fast...look out!  So I go inside and the 'bouncer' said, "you should have said something".  Well, I'm not going to make a scene in front of these new kids plus, I was just stunned, remember!  So, I stood against a wall and just watched.  Birdie was fine and was hanging out with her chums.  Shew...I was relieved!  She spotted me after about 10 minutes, and came over to me and said " is it time to go?"  I said no, go dance.  She said she was ready to go home.  I made her go tell the lady who got me in.  Now I look like a boob.  Oh well.  She said she had fun and showed us a dance she did to the "Cupid Shuffle".  YEAH!!  So, she engaged and did it on her own, not from my intention, just from my stupidity!  So, all was well and she will do fine in Middle school...I hope momma can manage a little better.  I have all summer to work on this little problem I have...heehee

Have I said before that I'm having a hard time adjusting to her growing up?  Well, I am...no doubt about it.  I'm sure this is normal, to some extent, but I don't like it, nonetheless!

So there...I have told on myself again.  But, get used to it.  I bet there will be more silly momma stories to come.  Stupid things I do, crazy how I protect my birdie.  Then again, that is my job!!

So, God heard my frantic prayers last night, and calmed me down.  Or was it the starbucks?...Just kidding, God took care of both of us!  Thanks again Lord!!!

Until next time,
Serving Him,
Christina (a.k.a. Crazy Momma)