A child’s Prayer
Current mood: blessed
Category: Religion and Philosophy

We had a nasty storm last night with lightning, flash floods and a tornado spotted in a nearby county. My daughter was staying at a friend's house and I couldn't seem to get through the traffic quick enough to get her. This college town was crawling with football fans from all over the country! When I finally reached her she was holding back the tears of fear. However, once in the car she let loose and cried the whole way home, pleading to God not to take her during this storm. I reached back several times to hold her hand and she thrust it back at me saying "both hands on the wheel!!" It made me laugh inside, but I knew she was hurting.

It took several hours to get her calm enough to close her eyes, but only after she acknowledged that God had answered her prayers and calmed the storms. I woke up this morning and found this prayer on the counter. She had apparently written it sometime during the night when I was unaware...

How did I get blessed with such a smart kid? She teaches me every day... 

4:15 PM - 2 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

Things we can learn from a dog
Current mood: blessed
Category: Life

A Bulletin Posted by Barb...

A Dog's Purpose (from a 6-year-old)

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.


I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.


As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.


The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker 's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.


The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, 'I know why.
'

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.


He said, 'People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?' The six-year-old continued, 'Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.
'

Live simply.


Love generously.


Care deeply.


Speak kindly.


Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.


Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.


Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.


Take naps.


Stretch before rising.


Run, romp, and play daily.


Thrive on attention and let people touch you.


Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.


On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.


On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.


When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.


Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.


Be loyal.


Never pretend to be something you're not.


If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.


When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.


ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

My reaction:  WHAT A SMART KID!!

When I read this at 7am today, it brought back memories of losing my beloved Kiersten. She spent 13 years with me and got me through some really tough times. It was a tough decision to put her down after finding out she had cancer of the liver. I  fought it while spending three days force feeding her and carrying her outside when she needed to go. I had quite a different reaction to the euthanasia, than the 6 year-old in this story.  As she lay on the table I whispered in her ear that she was going to be okay and that I loved her. I'm sorry was the last thing I was able to say when her breathing stopped. The doctor calmly said "she's gone" and I backed away to see her blue eyes were open and vacant. The urge to run was overwhelming, and so I did. I had never felt that rush of emotion before or since. I still miss her...

11:21 AM - 3 Comments - 6 Kudos - Add Comment

Kids ’n Politics: What do they know?
Current mood: pleased
Category: News and Politics

My daughter and her best friend were sitting in the backseat of my car. My daughter yells to me "hey mom, she's an Obama fan!" I quickly responded with a reassuring "that's okay, everyone has a right to choose which candidate they want". I was a little nervous about where the conversation would go because I didn't want my daughter to unknowingly hurt her friend's feelings. Her friend asked her why she doesn't like Obama. The conversation went a little like this, starting with the friend:

"Why don't you like Obama?"

"Because he wants to raise taxes and kill babies!"

"He does not.."

"See, if a lady gets pregnant and she doesn't want the baby, then Obama thinks she should have the right to kill it..... if it survives the abortion, then he says it's okay to let it lay there and die without helping it..."

I almost wrecked the car! Her friend's response was the most important part of the conversation.

"well, I don't know about all that and people don't care... they just want a black president"

"but isn't that racist?"

"I don't know"

We dropped the friend off at home and I proceeded with a little politically correct lecture. I told her that we have to be careful with the words that we use when explaining our positions. Some can be interpreted as being racist and that is not who we are.  She didn't understand how anyone could think she was a racist since most of her friends are black, including her best friend that we just dropped off. It really hit me that this could be the single reason that black Christian families will vote for Obama. They might disagree with his social and moral issues, but will vote simply for skin color. This is scary!

The last thing my daughter said was "I don't mind a black president, just one that has better ideas..."

5:06 AM - 5 Comments - 10 Kudos - Add Comment

Where were you?
Current mood: nostalgic
Category: Life

The historical question "where were you when....?" has changed over the years. From the Pearl Harbor attack, to the day JFK was shot, to when the Beatles landed in America, to the day the Challenger blew up, and now.... where were you on 9.11.01?

For the last 6 years, I am reminded of that day and where I was with my family. We were on a much anticipated week long vacation in Orlando, Florida. One of my co-workers and I conspired to purchase 4-day Disney passes and take our 3 year-olds on their first trip to Disney.

Day one: Monday, September 10, 2001 Disney's Animal Kingdom

Tree of Life has over 300 animals carved in the trunk!

Cassidy and Brandon are having a blast!

and we took in a little show...

Day two: Tuesday Sept. 11, 2001 Disney's Magic Kingdom..... prior to leaving the condo, we heard there was a plane that crashed into one of the twin towers. We thought it was a horrible accident, never having any idea it was an attack. We were able to pick up some news in the car on the way to the park. It was then that we heard of the second plane hitting. We wondered if the park would even be open should it be deemed an attack. The cars streamed in as if nothing was wrong.

We went through the lines hearing the whispers around us. The park staff knew nothing of the tragedy. After one ride on Dumbo, and running for Peter Pan's flight next, we observed the workers scurrying around with their radios. Rides were closing all around us. We knew what was going to happen next, so we headed for the ferry boat. I was so afraid that there would be a big announcement and a stampede would begin.

This is before the announcement:

This is after they told us we had to leave:

These are the crowds heading towards us:

back to the condo to swim...

We made the most of the rest or our trip, inspite of the emotions and anxiety we were feeling. We tried for the Magic Kingdom again, the next day.

That evening, EPCOT had a patriotic tribute with a light show and fireworks display. We had one exhausted little girl...

We would not understand the impact of  9.11.01 for weeks to come. And when it finally settled in, the loss was unbearable. The overwhelming feeling of helplessness faded to appreciation of the American spirit, as we heard story after story of those that sacrificed their all. And most of all, those that serve this country in the armed forces to protect our freedoms. To the brave ones that joined after 9.11 to insure that we have a safe place to call home, and to never be attacked again, we owe them a great deal of grattitude! My nephew, Jeff is one of them.

So to me, Disney represents American freedom. The freedom to live and work hard, to have a family and to plan for a vacation.  Our tradition of going to Disney every 9.11 was halted when our daughter started school. So we try to make it a habit of going near that date to celebrate FREEDOM! 

3:50 AM - 4 Comments - 8 Kudos - Add Comment

Too funny to pass up ...
Current mood: amused
Category: Life

Remember having special handshakes with your friends at school? Apparently, my 4th grader is the choreographer of the latest handshake. I found these intructions in her backpack and it made me laugh. Just thought I would share because it is too cute!

Nothing like a little 70's BUMP in the middle of a handshake! LOL

8:45 PM - 1 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

American History: Taught in a Christian School
Current mood: calm
Category: Blogging

I always wondered what the history books would say about our government and politics in the 80s and 90s. Furthermore, what they would say about the 8 years of George W. Bush? We assumed that the history that we studied in school was based on facts. However, ask anyone today to give you the American history of the 1990s and you will get the facts muddled with the opinion of the interpreter.

My daughter's 4th grade class is at the end of their history studies that progressed into the Clinton Era. Keeping in mind that my daughter attends a private Christian school, the things that caught my eye would never be taught in a public school, regardless of fact! Just thought I would share these with you …

A RETURN TO PATRIOTISM and FAMILY VALUES

President Ronald Reagan

Americans approached the Presidential elections of 1980 with the feeling that something had to be done to restore America's image at home and abroad. The hostages were still being held in Iran and Communism was making gains throughout the world, especially in Latin America.

A Patriotic and Spiritual Revival.

In the election Ronald Reagan ran against President Jimmy Carter who was seeking re-election. Ronald Reagan told the people that he wanted to return America to her traditional Christian values and end the killing of unborn children. He emphasized the need for America to rebuild it defenses and to take a strong stand against Communism in the world. He said that he wanted to revive America's strength, dignity and pride because America was meant to be a "City on a Hill" putting forth the "beacon of liberty" for all the world to see.

Christians Become Politically Active.

In the 1980 Presidential election, large numbers of Bible-believing Christians became actively involved in the political process. They educated people on the issues, encouraged people to vote themselves. They realized that Ronald Reagan represented a return to traditional and family values.

Peace, Opportunity, and Prosperity Under God.

Ronald Reagan, the first President since Dwight Eisenhower to serve two four-year terms, was able to make long-range plans that put America on a more stable course. The attempt to return America to the traditional values of church, family and free enterprise became known as the Reagan Revolution.

President Reagan also restored the strength of the American Army, Navy and Air Force, enabling the nation to exercise peace through strength. He believed in stopping Communism, "the Evil Empire", before it could attack and enslave a country - an idea that became known as the Reagan Doctrine.

Defending Traditional Values.

During his time in office, President Ronald Reagan appointed three conservative justices to the Supreme Court of the United States. The Supreme Court then began to interpret the United States Constitution more in line with the traditional values of the Founding Fathers. Among these appointees was Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman justice ever to serve the high court.

The Reagan Legacy.

Ronald Reagan's Presidency set into motion a chain of historic events. His appointment of three conservative Supreme Court Justices held the promise of helping to restore traditional values. The buildup of the American defense system aided in the collapse of the Soviet economy, and an economic boom further weakened the appeal of Communism around the world.

A couple of pages later, and in much contrast….

TROUBLED TIMES FOR AMERICA

President Bill Clinton

Before and after the election of Bill Clinton in 1992, many questions arose. The first question was regarding illegal business dealings during his time as governor of Arkansas. Other questions arose later about possible abuses of security at the White House, and use of illegal campaign funds during Clinton's bid for re-election in 1996. Congress asked that each issue be assigned to a special investigator.

During Clinton's first four years in office, two acts of terrorism were committed within the United States. In 1993, a bomb exploded at the World Trade Center in New York City killing six people and injuring over 1,000. In 1995, a bomb exploded outside the Federal building in downtown Oklahoma City killing 168 people, including 19 children.

Also while Clinton was President, American troops were involved in many conflicts around the world including conflicts in the African nation of Somalia, and the European nation of Bosnia, and the island of Haiti in the Caribbean. During this time in America's history, the United States military often served as part of a United Nations Task Force, and even served under leaders from other countries. Many Americans believed that this heavy involvement in the UN was dangerous to America and her armed forces.

And to wrap up the chapter, we end with …

THANKFUL TO BE AMERICANS

We have so many things to be thankful to God for. We have a land rich in natural resources and a free society in which people can work to earn their own living and to bring us food, minerals, timber, and sources of energy.

We have people who are constantly inventing better tools, machines, and labor-saving devices, and we have people who are creating new books, music, and art for us to enjoy.

We have more comforts and conveniences than people in any other part of the world. When people come to America from other countries, many are amazed at our cars, our washing machines, television sets, and refrigerators. In many countries these things are scarce, and even those who are rich enough to afford them may have to wait many years to get them.

But better than all this, we have a country based on the dream of liberty and justice for all, the belief that all men are created equal and given the rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

We have a representative form of government based on the consent of the governed. We have free churches that are granted their God-given right to conduct worship services without interference from the government.

America has been greatly blessed by God throughout its history. We have much to be thankful for. We have much to be prayerful about, too. We know that no country can continue to be great without God's continual blessing.

As Americans, we should pray daily that God will continue to bless our country. As Christians, we should do our part to live right lives according to the teachings of the Bible and to help other people in America and throughout the world to learn the message of the Bible.

As students in school, we can learn more and more about our country's founding and growth. We can learn about America's great men and women and try to be like them. We can learn to love our country and to want to do our part to keep America great. We can learn to express our knowledge and feelings about America.

When our country first began, the Pilgrims were thankful, and they had very little by today's standards. How much more thankful we should be for the way God has blessed America. Let us be thankful and prayerful and always willing to do our part to keep America a land abounding with liberty and justice for all.

The History of our United States: A Beka Book

Even though the tuition is a struggle to maintain, at times, I can't imagine a better investment in my child's future!!

8:26 PM - 5 Comments - 6 Kudos - Add Comment

God works in mysterious ways...even on myspace!
Current mood: curious
Category: Religion and Philosophy

God is working through myspace! It is the only explanation for some of the events that have taken place on here, lately. I have been blessed with a multitude of friends that have had a great influence on me. Some wonderful sports fanatics including Wakulla Country Cracker, BSC & Gator Hater; die-hard Conservatives Cory, Brian & The Conservative Way;  Patriot Guard Riders Jack & Susan;  ETrainers Faye & Yellin;  plenty of humor from Kimpossible & Swoose;  the always entertaining Dragon, Sarah & Lucinda; the coolest Katie;  the best spiritual encouragement from the blogs of Tommy Tsunami, Jason (the layman), No Limits Ministry, Atheism Sucks and Pastor Howie;  some family members Fenway, Matt, Jacob & SPC Robbins, and last my clogging/CHC friends Jeff and Amy…. to name a few J  

Most recently, I acquired a wonderful friend through the "Own Your Friends" app., when I noticed that I could never keep ownership of Jason. I would leave for one minute and the annoying Deanna would snatch him away! It became comical after awhile. I think she became annoyed as well, so she bought me! Then, I had to meet her… so we became friends. About that time I wrote a blog about sending my daughter off to camp "Mother's Cross to Bear". In the blog I mentioned an incident that happened years ago that I have never been able to shake. I spent some time questioning and doing a little research on it but I eventually got to a point where my fear was greater than my interest. I set it aside but never forgot about it. Deanna read my blog and sent me a message saying that she had experienced something similar to the camp incident. Her message was encouraging since most people are skeptics on the subject. I felt validated.

Next, I posted a bulletin with a copy of a letter to The Nazarene Church from St. Lucifer 1956. Deanna thought it was interesting enough to repost it. This caught the eye of her friend Judi, who was raised, Nazarene. Judi replied back to me about the letter and we shared messages back and forth. As it turns out, Judi had a distant connection with the incident that I blogged about the week before. She had no knowledge of the blog, but we soon found that she had the answer to one of the questions I held on to for so many years. From the time it took me to write the blog when it was on my mind, to the meeting of the person that had a piece of the puzzle, was less than two weeks. Call it consecutive coincidences, but I call it divine intervention. Deanna and Judi were unknowingly being used by the Holy Spirit to give me answers. God works in mysterious ways! And this time he worked quickly!

I felt led years ago to study the subject of demon possession, but as I said, fear turned me from it. When I wrote the blog, it opened up the curiosity again, but without the information that Judi gave me, I might have just let it go. I'm not sure why this subject is relevant to my life right now. And maybe it isn't. It is possible that I will never really need anything that I learn about this subject. However, I feel a strong urge to pursue this endeavor.

If you or anyone you know has information on Cause and Effect of Demon Possession, please send me a personal message regarding so. I am disabling comments because I feel like this is a sensitive and personal matter. Thanks for any help that you can give!

I almost forgot to mention, in the middle of all this drama, was an innocent bystander sending witty messages and "just playin the game"! He kept me from losing my head at times…thanks, Michael J  

6:44 AM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos

2008 PANACEA BLUE CRAB FESTIVAL
Current mood: breezy
Category: Travel and Places

2008 Panacea Blue Crab Festival

Be sure to mark your calendars now and see you on

"Saturday, May 3rd, 2008 for the 34th Annual Blue Crab Festival."

For your entertainment:

Panacea Blue Crab Festival Driving Directions and Places to Stay

The 2007 Panacea Blue Crab Festival will be held at Wooley Park in Panacea. Directions from Tallahassee: Take Highway 319 South to Highway 98 to Panacea. Turn left on Mound Street (between Crum Mini Mall and IGA Center). Wooley Park is located at the corner of Mound and Clark Drive.

Places to stay in Wakulla County

2008 Panacea Blue Crab Festival

http://www.bluecrabfest.com/

7:24 PM - 0 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

Verse of the Day Eph 2:8-9
Current mood: enlightened
Category: Religion and Philosophy

When I opened my messages this morning, this was the Bible verse for the day:

EPHESIANS 2:8-9

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast. (NIV)

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (KJV)

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.  (NASB)

Ephesians 2:8-9

Commentary

    Christians have been saved by grace. The grace of God is the source of salvation; faith is the channel, not the cause. God alone saves. Salvation never originates in the efforts of people; it always arises out of the loving kindness of God. Truly, "salvation is of the Lord" (Jon. 2:9).  Paul is saying that even our belief in God does not originate in ourselves. This too is a gift, so no one can take pride in his or her position as a Christian. Everything is received from our merciful and gracious Father.

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson’s new illustrated Bible commentary (Eph 2:8-10). ..:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Not by works
    A person cannot earn salvation through supposedly good deeds.

Salvation cannot be earned by:
1. Confirmation
2. Baptism
3. Church membership
4. Church attendance
5. Holy Communion
6. Trying to keep the Ten Commandments
7. Living by the Sermon on the Mount
8. Giving to charity
9. Being a good neighbor
10. Living a moral, respectable life

People are not saved by works. And they are not saved by faith plus works. They are saved through faith alone.

By faith alone, sola fide, we are justified. This verse is plain and clear to me. It is often used in apologetics when Protestants debate Catholicism and vice versa. This argument seems to go round and round, getting nowhere. I just don’t understand how you can ignore this verse and its meaning. Maybe it is because Catholics use another source other than the Bible and it’s verses.

According to Catholic Answers:

Canon 9. If anyone shall say that by faith alone the sinner is justified, so as to understand that nothing else is required to cooperate in the attainment of the grace of justification, and that it is in no way necessary that he be prepared and disposed by the action of his own will: let him be anathama."  (Pope Paul III, Council of Trent, Session 6, Can. 9)

It seems that not just any sort of assertion that has the phrase "faith alone" in it is anathema, but Trent is condemning a rather specific "faith alone" doctrine. The specific faith alone doctrine condemned is one that asserted, "nothing else is required to cooperate in the attainment of the grace of justification and it is in no way necessary that he be prepared and disposed by the action of his own will.

Asserted positively, Catholic theology insists: "the sinner can and must prepare himself by the help of actual grace for the reception of the grace by which he is justified." (Dr. Ludwig Ott, Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma, p. 252), and "Besides faith, further acts of disposition must be present. [eg. charity, hope]" (Ott, pg. 253).

And the debate continues...

8:29 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos

A week and weekend to remember
Current mood: crazy
Category: Life

*UPDATE* After a dozen x-rays, there are no broken bones or fractures! Only deep nasty flesh wounds and plenty of bruises. Guess there’s no beach on this spring break

For some reason I felt compelled to write about my crazy week. There is really nothing to be learned by it, except to be thankful of your own week that you just had. It serves no purpose other than self-therapy 

I would love to say that I am an organized mom that plans and orchestrates the daily events for the family. One that has a day planner with well thought out schedules that makes everything fall into place, beautifully. Maybe from the outside it appears that way, but only God has the ability to pull my life together smoothly!

Let’s just take last week, for instance… it’s the week before spring break from school and the week is full of last minute scrambling. The Junior Players (NFC’s elementary drama) had the last week of practice before their very first musical. A 50’s rendition of Little Red Riding Hood called "To Woo Wed Widing Hood". It sounds very pre-schoolish, but it was really quite clever!

So Monday consisted of practice from the end of school, 3:00 until 5:30. Then we had clogging class from 6 to 8, but we left at 7:00 in order to get the mound of homework ready that was due the next day. Keeping in mind that the 4th grade State Report, that is approx. 30 pages long, was due on Friday, and there were still a few things left to do on it. Tuesday brought another practice from 3:00- 5:30, leaving a few hours to eat dinner and do the homework and state project. Wednesday, they were instructed to wear their costumes to school. Someone had the bright idea that it would be fun for the entire elementary to see a number from the musical in chapel service. Once again, they had drama practice after school. However, they spared us the last 30 minutes and let them leave at 5:00 so no one would miss their church service that evening. But that only cleared a few extra minutes for us to get to the jazz dance class, from 5:30 to 6:30. A class that couldn’t be missed because they are preparing for the end of the year recital in May! Thursday, the drama team would be pulled out of class at 1:00 to practice until 3:00. Then they were to be served pizza and have study hall until 5:00, when they needed to be ready for the dress rehearsal. I arrived early for that to assist Cassidy with her costume and hair. Lucky for me, I was one of only a couple of mothers that thought this was a good idea. Therefore, I had 30 girls to help get dressed! The other mothers were obviously smarter than me J With the dress rehearsal over at 7:00, we scrambled to get a quick bite to eat at a family sports restaurant, thinking wings would be quick and easy. Not a chance. They were backed up with softball teams and meetings in the banquet room, that took priority. We finally get home and hit the State project for the final efforts on the night before it was due. At approx. 11:00 my daughter gets a chance to take a shower and hit the sack.

Did I mention that her birthday is on Saturday and she wants cupcakes for her class on Friday?? With no time to make them at home, I called Publix to the rescue and they were to have them ready by 10:00 on Friday morning. Cassidy wakes up exhausted, but happy that she is one day closer to her birthday. However, she is a little nervous about her debut in drama. Friday at work, I watched the clock tick ever so slowly, thinking of all that had to be done. Fortunately my office closes at noon on Fridays, which will give me just enough time to take care of everything. That is IF things go as planned…  I was slightly proud of myself for having the forethought of the cupcakes and decided to bring a cooler of drinks to the school, as well. The teacher had emailed me the day before and suggested that I bring everything around 1:30 when the class was at recess. There was a perfect location of picnic tables near the playground and right next to the main drive. I could just pull up there and unload it all just before they came out. It was all coming together and she would never know how difficult the steps were to get to this point in the week. She might even refer to me as "supermom" as she had in the past! I spread it all out, moving the cupcakes several times before getting them in the perfect spot of shade. I sat down and exhaled for the first time in the week. I had done it! I must have been beaming… until I realized 10 minutes had passed and there was still no 4th grade class to feed cupcakes to. I took my cell phone out to call the elementary office, but got the voice mail. I tried again, and again, and again. The only thing left was to leave everything and walk the 30 yards to the business office to see if they could ring the classroom. How did I mess up the time? I know that she said 1:30! The business office was able to reach the elementary office and inform me that her class would be taking recess at 1:45. Whew! I didn’t miss it! So I jogged back to the picnic tables to sit with the melting cupcakes. As small children filtered out onto the playground, they began to run past me staring at the cupcakes and ice chest. Three little girls tried to run holding hands, until one had to pull her pants up. Several little boys were trying to go faster than each other when one stumbles and trips the other two. After the third time running past me, I realized that this was an organized effort. Something they called "cross country" when I was a kid. They appeared to be around the age of first or second grade. But where were the 4th graders?? My mood was changing fast. The time was slipping by and there was still MUCH to do! After another five minutes, the trampling of bigger kids was headed right for me. I heard Ms Michele! Ms Michele! We’re here!! Praise the Lord! I thought… Then, I saw the look on the teacher’s face. I had tuned out the little girl that was yelling, "Cassidy isn’t here! Cassidy isn’t here!" WHAT??? The teacher didn’t realize that they were going to pull the drama kids out at 1:00 for another practice. UGH!! So I sat with her class and watched them eat her birthday cupcakes and drink juice all in honor of the absent birthday girl. Then I went home. Why does this stuff happen to me?

I went back to the school to pick her up at 3:00, where she informed me that she has a new boyfriend. Which means that there is only talk among the classmates that 2 people like each other. They don’t actually DO anything different than before. She explained that THIS was different, though. He gave her his bracelet which means he’s a real boyfriend! Hmmm… I’m not sure what age I thought about being someone’s real girlfriend. But I’m thinking it had to be somewhere around high school. I really like the boy she is referring to and I absolutely love his parents, but a real boyfriend? I gave her the lecture about maybe holding his hand, if he hadn’t just picked his nose, but other than that she was not to touch him! And certainly no kissing! She wouldn’t stop sighing in the backseat and I was getting nauseous!

We got home and I gave her a shower, got her dressed and went back to the school by 5:30. Once again, I was the only parent in the dressing room when the girls piled in. This time I assisted with costumes, hair and makeup for 30 girls! By the time I was able to get out of there, the church had filled with the audience and I had to squeeze in where I could find room. It went off without a hitch and I cried through most of it. The talent was unbelievable! I am so proud of those kids. And YES! It was worth all the trouble.

In an ideal world that would be the end of the story, but we still had 2 more days to go through, that included a birthday of one tired little girl! She said she invited a classmate to stay with us the whole weekend. We laughed when she told us, but apparently she wasn’t kidding! Not to mention the girl came packed for 3 days!! So she spends the night Friday night and we decided to wake up Saturday morning and go to an event in Tallahassee that attracts 200,000+ people. Why? Because I had not abused myself enough this week! She wakes up not feeling too well, so we miss the parade, but go anyway so that we can walk for 2 hours and look at food booths and arts and crafts. Oh, and get sugar drenched snow cones and messy nachos! When our feet started screaming, we walked the 5 blocks back to the car and go home. Both girls are so exhausted that they actually take a 3 hour nap! Which gives me an hour to rest up since I know they will be up late AGAIN! Oh and a run to Justice to get some birthday things and plan a birthday dinner.

Maybe in an almost perfect world that would be the end of it, but I have not stressed out enough, so there’s more J

On Sunday, we get up early enough to have plenty of time for the late church service. Cassidy’s friend had never been to our church, so it was a big deal. I always feel obligated to give a brief speech about my church before unleashing it on someone new. It can be quite overwhelming to someone from a smaller, conservative church. We do get a little radical! She needed no introduction though, she knew others that went there and was ready. After the service she told us she wants to come back next week! Guess it didn’t intimidate her too much! After church, I promised the usual Chinese buffet lunch across the street from the church. Cassidy and I got our usual, but gasped as her friend filled her plate with crawfish and shrimp… 3 times!!

When we arrived home, the friend insisted on riding the bicycle that Cassidy had abandoned a couple of years ago. The one that she never would get on, therefore never learned how to ride it. But after watching her friend have so much fun on it, she begged to try it herself! YEAH! So she’s 10 now and finally wants to learn to ride a bike! We didn’t completely accomplish the goal, but my aching back proves we tried long enough for one day! I suggested that we take a walk, hoping to stretch out my twisted muscles. Cassidy got on her scooter and her friend on the bike. There was no way I could keep up with wheels, so my voice echoed through the neighborhood for them to slow down. Did they listen? Well, maybe after Cassidy did a face digger on the pavement! She went down face first with her limbs spread out, as the scooter flew off into a yard. I knew there would be road burn, but I did not know how bad. I saw her roll slightly and then stop. When I called to her, she did not move. I noticed her head on the ground and thought that could not be good. That’s when panic set in. I ran as fast as I could in flip flops trying not to do a face digger myself! When I got to her, she moved her arm and instinctively I grabbed her and pulled her up. I just wanted to see her head and her face. The other stuff would heal, but her head and face were my greatest concern. I didn’t see any marks and she said that her head did not hit the ground. She was able to walk but her knees and elbows were still on the ground blending in with the pavement. She was left with bleeding flesh wounds that I knew would hurt when she got over the initial shock. I had to get her back to the house before she became aware of everything! And besides, she is way too big for me to carry uphill! After soaking her in the bathtub and watching her inch around like a robot, I am thinking she will be okay. A little worried that she may have re-broken her right arm below the wrist and possibly the little finger on the same hand. But getting X-rays on a Sunday in Tallahassee is next to impossible! I learned a long time ago that Sundays are jinxed here. There are more accidents and ER visits than any other day of the week. Might as well wait until Monday and see her doctor.

So am I a bad mother for thinking "…good, at least it’s spring break this week, and there’s no school… but CRAP! She is in another play the week they return to school! She will have scabby knees and probably a sling!" ??  

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