Yucky Year Round!!!!

Yesterday I went back to work. I very much dislike the year-round routine, if you want to call it that. Whoever thought of this concept sure was dumb. I follow a young teacher whom I like very much. She is an excellent teacher and most often times teaches to the last day, much like myself. She's also taking two classes for her Masters which compounds the work she has to do. Needles to say, however, the room was nowhere near done. Oh well, what can I say? So I said "Let me help you with the Mother's Day presents." Poor thing -- she puts too much on herself to do at the last minute. Not me! I'm done and out the door with my little ones. It could be I stay after school at least until 5:30 every day the week we're going off-track. What a bummer. Like I said the person or persons who thought of this should come see me -- I'd give them a piece of my mind - plus. Hate it! Hate it! Hate it! And I don't use this word lightly.

Blessings All Around

Cool! I'm getting better at this. :-) It's amazing what one can do with technology. This is a picture of us entering Arizona. My sister and her family live in Phoenix and I just love taking a ride out there. Arizona is a beautiful state. The last time we went was for Thanksgiving. During this trip, we went to Sedona and also the Grand Canyon. It was amazing! If we could retire to Sedona, I would be in heaven. It's so beautiful. When I'm able to get those pictures from the camera to the computer (when I learn from my daughter) then I'll post them so you can see what I mean.

Tomorrow I return to work. It's been a good off-track. I helped see my sister through her cancer surgery and thank God for carrying her through. He is an awesome God and I love Him so. I got to spend time with my siblings and my Mom. Thank God for my Mom, too. She's a very strong lady. God bless her. Hey, and I cleaned my house - nice. Next week I get to see my little ones whom I have missed very much. They are a good class. Only two month or less before I send them on to 2nd grade. Teach! Teach! Teach!

Attempt to Insert a Photo, Hmmmm

Cool, I did it! But how do I turn it right side up? This is my daughter's art. She is very artistic and creative.

Happiness and Sadness

A little bit of a catch-up: My sister's operation went so well that I believe it was a miracle. So many people were praying for her and God in His infinite mercy is healing her. The doctors were able to remove all her cancer and we hope that it has not spread. The doctors were very optomistic as to the outcome -- they don't think it has spread. We will know for certain this week sometime. She is doing so well. Thank you all for your prayers.

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Today we went to a funeral -- a very sad funeral -- for a young man, 26 years old, as old as my son. They went to school together. Their children know our children. I remember when he was a little boy-- he always looked so cute with a big smile for everyone. --Then one night leaving a restaurant, he got into an argument with another man. All he wanted to do was exit his parking space. "Can you please let us get out?" The other man arguing with someone else pulled a gun and shot him and his wife. My heart broke when I heard it was him.

There were so many people at his funeral, a testament to his love of his family and friends. A testament to the respect taught by his parents towards others. A testament to how much we all loved this young man and his family.

At the funeral, his mother cried inconsolably -- her cries breaking the warm stillness of the afternoon as we all stood and listened to the Pastor speak for strength and guidance through this difficult time. My heart again breaks for her.

At the end of the service, the doves were sent flying as we all watched with a heavy, heavy sadness as they flew first this way and circled around the other way staying near his coffin. And in this quietness as we all looked toward the sky the sweet melodic tune of windpipes could be heard off in the distance as a fireman was being laid to rest. Then a child laughed as the birds continued to circle. I'm sure the those birds made him happy. This made me smile, because here was a child to remind us that we were still alive to tell our beloved family and friends how much we love them and enjoy the life God blesses us with each and every day. We won't ever forget this young man. He was a blessing to his parents and brothers and sisters and to all of us. God bless them all.

Cleaning is Good!

Yesterday I cleaned our office -- my son in-law will be so happy since he likes to study for his Master's in this cluttered room. My son said "Mom, there was nothing for me to hit my toe on!" Smart-aleck! Nonetheless, it's clean and spacious once again. I'm embarressed by the clutter that accumulates the three months that I'm on-track, although I can honestly say this accumulation was since last summer. Why I didn't clean in December (my last off-track time) I don't remember -- too long ago. Ha! I'm getting rid of the "Mr. Wonderful" doll, keeping the big, green alien from Roswell, got rid of some stumpy, not my style, candlesticks and threw away lots of paper trash. My gosh! Where does it come from? Oh! And I also put away the 4th of July decorations! Finally! Wait a minute-- the 4th of July is 3 months away - oh well... it's put away. I guess that's why they call this time of year Spring Cleaning -- I like it! Oh, and daughter in case you read this -- I found a stocking stuffer for you, but I'll put it in your Easter basket! :-) Ah... now to attack my bedroom. Life is good. Thank you, Lord.

The Great Physician

Two Sundays ago, we heard a story about a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal and had continued to get worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind Him and touched his cloak -- I imagine that she touched the hem of his cloak -- because she thought "If I touch his clothes, I will be healed." And she was -- immediately. When Jesus asked, "Who touched my clothes?" and when he looked around, the woman knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. And Jesus said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering."

This story has always been one of my favorites. When I hear it, I am in awe of this woman because of the honor she had to be able to see Jesus and to touch him, even his garment. Can you imagine to be in His presence? It's a wonderful story.

This story also reminded me of my sister. She has always told me, "I have faith that I will be alright." My response to her was "I will have faith, too." Throughout our lives, I have always felt that she has more faith than me. I struggle with the sadnesses of sickness and death. I need to remember that God is in the healing business. He is the Great Physician, a loving, caring, merciful and compassionate Father who does not want His children to be physically sick.

My sister's cancer is in the early stages and very treatable. When I heard this, she said, "I was expecting to hear the worst." I answered her with, "And I was hoping for the best." Maybe I am becoming more faithful. Thank you Lord for your healing.