Thursday, August 28, 2008
Anger Management
In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.
Today at work, I had to deal with a very angry young man. He was upset because the lead teacher got on to him for disrupting the class. It wasn't a big deal really, but this child is the type that seems to have a very short fuse. I was able to take him out into the hall and get him calmed down and then the rest of the time in class he was fine.
Another time today, a child I worked with last year walked up to me in the hallway and smiled. I was so glad to see him and gave him a hug. He has Asperger's Syndrome, which means he is prone to what is kind of like a temper tantrum or "meltdown". The problems with his temper led to a lot of problems last year, but he seems to be doing better now.
Those two occurences made me think. Do you ever have those times when you can finally seem to understand what the good is that has come from something difficult you've been through? I had one of those times today. I realized that were it not for things I'd been through myself (and things that at the time I'd rather not have gone through!), then I wouldn't the abilities I have now.
I L.O.V.E. working with kids who have anger issues. I seem to be really good at working with them. I can sometimes develop a relationship with kids that few others can. I know how to remain calm and I know how to show respect even when I'm being disrespected. And I don't say this to brag, because I know that my natural self could never, ever do it. I know that when I'm able to do these things it is because of the fact that Christ lives in me.
There were so many trials in my life that trained me for what I do now in my job. The fact that I was abused as a child helps me to always stop to think about what the reasons may be for a child acting out in class. I've had plenty to be angry about in my life, so I can see why they might be angry. I have a husband with some anger issues and a child who we're pretty sure has Asperger's Syndrome , which means we deal with "meltdowns" frequently. All of these seem to have been boot camp for working in special education.
It never ceases to amaze me how God works in our lives to use all things, good or bad, for the glory of His kingdom. It's not easy going through the tribulations of our lives and sometimes I want out of them so badly, but I am thankful to know that He does have a plan. And I am thankful to be part of it.
Oh, and by the way, thanks for your prayers about my exhaustion. I'm feeling much more energized today!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Feet, Don't Fail Me Now!
Aside from total exhaustion, I am loving being back at work with all my friends and with the kids too. Now if I could get past the exhaustion back to being able to function once I'm off work, that'd be great. Right now, once I'm home from work I don't want to do a single thing. No dishes. No laundry. And especially no stack of forms that the kids need that should already be done. Did I mention I was exhausted?
I want to be able to make this post so much longer and tell you how much I love my job, because I really, really do. But until I've gotten past this first couple of weeks (hopefully!), my brain just might not be able.
Hope this post even made sense.... **yawn**
Monday, August 25, 2008
Gosh, I Love That Kid!
The Honeymoon Period
Oh, and for those of you who thought I was good at math simply because I'm an aide for a math class, umm...no. The class I'm working in is taught at about a 4th grade level and I kinda have to re-learn some of that as the teacher teaches it. Nope, no math genius here...
Altogether for a first day, not bad. Not bad at all.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Tomorrow, Tomorrow..
Now I'm off to get my laundry done so I will have something decent to wear tomorrow...
Friday, August 22, 2008
A Time For Hot Flashes
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven
Some people say that Texas doesn't really have seasons and I can understand why. Really, you just "never know what you gonna get". It can literally end up being 80something degrees any day during the year and I once saw two days back to back where one day was 81 degrees and the next was 18 degrees. It's amazing how quickly things can change. That would be why they say "If you don't like the weather in Texas, just wait a few minutes".
Since I sometimes experience hot flashes, and no I cannot be old enough to have those, I am longing for some 18 degree days right now. Well, maybe not 18 degrees, but I'd definitely like to see some cooler temps. While the weather has cooled down about 10 degrees for the highs, mid 90s aren't really what I'm looking for right now.
Another problem with warm temperatures and hot flashes is that it makes having a warm laptop computer harder to deal with. I long to keep in touch with my bloggy buddies, yet the longer I have this computer in my lap, the warmer I get.
So this is the time of the year when I cry come quickly winter, come quickly. And yes, in December I will probably be whining about the cold...lol.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
I Love My Kids
Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward.
I love my kids. I love my kids. I love my kids. I love that they are home with me and not out getting into trouble. I love that they are healthy. I love that they make good grades and have nice friends. I love that they don't cause trouble at school. I love that their teachers tell me they are great kids.
Ok, I feel better now. I just needed a little bit of gratitude journaling to remind me of those things because at this very moment they are driving me C.R.A.Z.Y.
I've always been against letting my kids have "their own little apartments", meaning that I don't generally put tv's, computers, stereos, etc. in their rooms. Sometimes an extra tv will make its way there, but there's no cable in their rooms, so they don't care to watch tv there. The reason for this is because I want my children to be around me. I don't want to get to the point where I have no clue who they are because I've not interacted with them enough.
Then there are times like this evening when I almost wish they had "their own little apartments", when there is seemingly neverending talking infused with quite a bit of arguing over just about ANYTHING. They kick each other and yell at each other. They flick each other with wet wash rags. They act like they can't stand each other while I yell "STOP IT!"
And just when I don't think I can stand it any more, they start watching the olympics and actually conversing with each other about what they're both watching. They actually talk to each other and laugh about something. They have a real relationship with each other; a relationship I don't see with many siblings these days. They don't always act like they love each other, but I know that they do.
Thank You Father for the blessing of my children. Thank You for reminding me how blessed I am.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Happy Times At The Donut Palace
Monday, August 18, 2008
Tired...so tired...
I was supposed to be able to sleep while my older daughter, age 24, watched all the kids. That didn't quite happen as I felt the need to check on things quite frequently. That wasn't the kids' fault, they were really good and quiet all things considered.
I should've done what S4J said and just said no... Nah, not really. It was worth it, I guess. Even though I am completely wiped out after working all day (and a really crazy busy day it was) on 2 1/2 hours of sleep, I know that the kids had a blast. I think it's someone else's turn to host "freshman wakeup" next year though.
I think I will eat dinner and go to bed very soon...
Sunday, August 17, 2008
My Crazy Weekend
If you've read my story, you may wonder about my visiting my dad. It's a long story to tell how God worked things out, but I don't have time to tell it right now. Long story short though, my dad is not the same person I grew up knowing. God has performed a work in his life that is nothing short of miraculous in my opinion. I have been wanting to share the details for a while, but just haven't yet. I hope to have that post done one of these days soon though.
We had a very nice, if also very quick visit with my dad and stepmom. We got to meet his Sunday school group (which he says are the best ever and I must say they do seem very sweet) and then got to listen to him play his guitar and sing for their church service.
We're home now and in a couple of hours there will be 15-20 kids in my home for "freshman wakeup", meaning my daughter K and her upper classmen band friends (along with my 24 yr. old daughter) will go wake freshman from the high school band at about 12:30am, bring them to my house and make them do silly things as a type of initiation. Don't worry though, no one will actually be made to do anything of course.
"Freshman wakeup" is supposed to happen downstairs while I sleep peacefully upstairs because I have to work tomorrow. We'll see if that happens. Am I crazy? Yeah, must be. Glutton for punishment? Yeah, must be that too.
If I have survived this weekend, maybe I'll get a post done some time tomorrow... :)
Friday, August 15, 2008
Olympics Question
For me, it would definitely be gymnastics. Specifically, I love the uneven bars because I used to think I was pretty good at them when I was a kid. I was totally enthralled with Nadia Comanici in the 76 Olympics. I'd like to opt out of the balance beam though because I'm a little afraid of heights.
So what's your sport?
Thursday, August 14, 2008
My New Hair Cut
And this is the after shot. Keep in mind that without the prodding of a couple of blog friends and if I hadn't just fixed myself up to go out, this would not be happening!
This reminds me, I really need new wallpaper in my bathroom..lol.
Now I am outta here. :)
A Dear Friend
If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
Today I get to go hang out for a while with a dear friend, Robin, who I haven't seen in way too long. For years I worked as her assistant and we talked almost every day. We got to be really close after her husband died in a skiing accident in 2002. I helped her through the grief of losing her husband (as best a friend can) and she helped me through one of my difficult times as well. We called it free therapy (gotta love that!). Since she moved 45 minutes away (as opposed to literally around the corner), it's been more difficult to find the time to get together. I've missed my friend and am really excited to get to spend time with her today!
Changing the subject, I did get my hair cut yesterday, but I'm not sure I like the way my stylist does highlighting. I have been with her for quite a few years, but I may have to leave her. Oh, the angst of finding a new stylist!
I'll probably post a pic of my hair later on anyway. I just have to play with it and see how I want to style it. I may ask Robin for her opinion.
Oh well, I need to go shower and fix my hair so I can get ready to leave. Have a wonderful day my bloggy buddies!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Sense of Accomplishment...And Being Grateful
And this...(and no, that is not me...but you get the idea)
...and you can do those at the same time. Well maybe not exactly the same time, but I did manage to do about 5 loads of laundry in between laying out in the sun and getting my exercise swimming...well I did swim 6 lengths of the pool and it's a big pool, so there. Best thing is that now I feel like I have actually accomplished something. I did get a teensy bit of a sunburn, but that'll go away in a day or two. :)
So while I was in between loads of laundry floating and relaxing in the pool..very nice and quiet, no kids fighting (they were at band camp), it got me to thinking about how very blessed I am; how God has provided for my needs and a lot of my wants as well. I am so thankful to have a pool that is in working order (as opposed to my pool a few weeks ago) and I am also thankful to have a working washer and dryer. I can't imagine having to do laundry the way people did it before those lovely appliances, especially with the summer temperatures. And that reminds me to be VERY thankful for air conditioning!
All in all, it was a very nice day.
Working On My List
So the question of the day is...should I go work on my tan since the sun has come out after a cloudy couple of days? Or should I tackle Mt. Laundry? Maybe I'll try to do both? Not sure how that would work out, but I'm always up for a challenge when it comes to seeing if something can be done...lol.
Totally changing the subject...Wow! Earlier today I read a post over at Casa de Castro that gave me chills. It also made me think of the song in this video for some reason. This is one that can get a congregation movin' on a Sunday morning. I love how you can find just about anything on the internet. God is good, All the time!
Monday, August 11, 2008
An Award For Me?
- HisGirl's blog is amazing!
- I love Sing4Joy's musical influence.
- Casa de Castro is funny and inspiring.
- Lila's Journey is one of my new favorites.
- Last, but certainly not least, Gretchen's Blog always has something great to offer.
- You must pick 5 blogs that you consider deserve this award, based upon creativity, design, interesting material, and that also contribute to the blogger community.
- Each award must have the name of the author with a link to his or her blog to be visited by everyone.
- Award-winners must show the award and put the name and link to the blog that awarded it.
- Award-winners and the one who has given the prize must show the link to the Arte y Pico blog, so everyone will know the origin of this award.
- These rules must be included in your post.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Countdown Begins
1. Get my hair done. Seriously, my roots are about 3 inches long!
2. Make several dishes up to freeze portions to take to work.
3. Get all the laundry done. Prayers requested as this is not an easy task in my home.
4. Get the kids' school supply shopping done.
5. Go buy at least one pair of pants to go along with the other clothes that I ordered online.
6. Get my house in shape and get ready to enforce the chore chart with the kids.
7. Get a tan because as Beth Moore says, tan fat looks better than white fat and I'd rather go back to work looking like I did something this summer.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Take Out
"Can I take your order?"
"Yes, I'd like a #5 meal with fries and a Dr. Pepper."
"You want a #5 meal?"
"Yes, with fries and a Dr. Pepper."
"What kind of side do you want with that?"
"Fries."
"And what kind of drink?"
"Dr. Pepper"....
This time when I ordered, there was a similar conversation over the drive thru speaker system where I again ordered a meal and had to repeat the side and drink orders. Then when I got up to the window, I asked what kind of sauces they had for the chicken strips I'd ordered. So the guy lists of the various options including "Mardi Gras Mustard". "What's that?", I asked. The guy says "Well I've never tried it, but seriously, it's not good". I laughed and asked him how he would know it's no good if he never tried it and he said "Well, it doesn't smell good".
Being a fan of some things that don't necessarily smell good, take parmesan cheese and cooking cabbage. So I decided to try "Mardi Gras Mustard" anyway. The guy at Popeye's looked at me like I was crazy as he handed it to me and I just had to smile. Personally I give the sauce, a sweet mustard mixed with horseradish, a big thumbs up.
A Cooking Blog
Here's the link to Suzanne's Favorite Recipes.
Friday, August 8, 2008
The Best Daddy
Our Father
Hi Daddy!
Who art in heaven
Far away, but still near to me
Hallowed be your name
Best daddy in the whole world? No, wait. Best daddy in the universe? No…. best daddy EVER, best daddy POSSIBLE! Yeah! That’s it!
Your kingdom come
I want the world to be what you want the world to be! Really!
Your will be done
What can I do to help you? Pick me! Pick me!
On earth as it is in heaven
Can we make my place look just like your place? Please!?
Give us this day our daily bread
You’re the ONLY one who can give me what I need
Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors
I’m really sorry I hit my brother and I still love him even though he hit me first. He’s still my brother after all.
And lead us not into temptation
I trust you to remind me when I shouldn’t touch the hot stove or run out into the street
But deliver us from evil
And when you’re ready, I’m ready to come be with you forever.
Wow, I’m reminded by the fact that the last line of that didn’t come easy and the reason is that I struggled for so long to understand why God lets bad things happen to us. It's hard to understand when we feel like he doesn't deliver us from evil.
In a perfect world, we would all be able to compare our earthly fathers to our heavenly Father, but we live in a fallen world; a world where our earthly fathers are so NOT perfect. Sometimes our earthly fathers do horrible things, like in my case. I've shared a little about it in My Story.
I am so thankful to know that God is nothing like my earthly father. I'm so thankful that I can trust Him. I am so thankful that He cares for me. And mostly, I am so thankful that I am His child.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
New Background
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Lord, I'm Trying!
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
My son is driving me crazy lately! He's a pretty good kid overall. He makes good grades and doesn't get into trouble at school. I just wish I could get him to handle certain responsibilities better...like getting ready to go somewhere on time.
Both my teenagers have band camp this week and next week. This morning K woke T up to get ready and I woke him up again, but both times he went back to sleep. Then when K's friend showed up to take them to the school, he still wasn't up. So I told K she and her friend should leave and I would take him. Then I woke him up AGAIN and he went upstairs to get dressed(he'd been asleep on the couch.) I assumed that's what he was doing...till I called upstairs and realized he was back in bed again! Arghhh! So he ended up being late to band camp. I ended up lecturing him all the way there. And he seems not to care at all.....
School starts in a few weeks and I won't be able to take T to school unless he gets up really early. Otherwise he has to ride with K's friend. If he is going to ride with K and her friend, he will have to finish getting ready and get himself out of the door. He will have to do this without my prodding as I will already be at work. So I'm a little nervous about how this is going to go. Will I have to take off work to go take him to school if he misses riding with them (nope, can't do that every day and keep my job). Will I allow him to stay home for a day with serious consequences to deter that from happening again? Will I call the truant officer to go get him?
Feel free to make suggestions...
Monday, August 4, 2008
WARNING-Wear Gloves When Cutting Jalapenos!
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Is It December Yet?
Thankfully, with the pool back in order, I just jumped in and out to get cooled off at 11:00 at night so I won't be burning up all night.
God is good...All the time!
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Bunco Night
Friday, August 1, 2008
Back to School Shopping
T is more into fashion than my girls ever were. He'll be stylin' in black pin striped shorts (a little odd to me, but the kids say they're cool) and some green and blue plaid shorts. He got quite bored when it was K's turn to try on clothes, but at least the ladies' dressing room had comfy seats for us to sit and wait.
K found two pairs of pants she likes and a couple of shirts too and the shirts were only $2.99 each! How did I get that lucky!?! Finding clothes that K likes and getting a great deal at the same time...mama says YESSS!!
We still have quite a few more things to get before school gets started, but we made a dent in the list today!