New Year's Resolutions

Well, to say we had a blessed Christmas would not give it the justice it deserves... God has been so good to us, and I am so very grateful for all He has done for us. He always provides more than we would ever need.

Here are a few photos of my sweetie opening gifts:

Now, to a NEW YEAR!! With every new year comes a time to set a few goals. Well, I have a few & Chloe also wanted to have a goal!

Chloe's Goal: Pray every day (not just before eating, but really talk to God)

Shannon's Goal: To wear more ORANGE - GO TIGERS! (such an original goal...lol)

My Goals:

• Read my Bible every day
• Cook, rather than eat out
• Have mommy-daughter devotion 3 times a week or more
• Work out regularly
• Begin a journal of things Chloe does each day (wish I would have done this when she was little)
• Think before I speak :)

The first and last on my list are a continuation from last year. They are getting MUCH better, but I want to make a conscience effort to continue with these!!!!

Hoping I will remember during the year to reflect upon these goals and update on the status of each. Praying for all a very Happy and Blessed New Year!!!

Forgiveness

Earlier, I was writing in one of my other blogs and really loved the following saying:

It really got me thinking about how we allow things to continue burning and dwelling inside us about hurtful situations. In addition, it made me think about the fact that we are not here to please other people, but to please our Lord! The following verses really helped me to remember to let it go and allow Christ to take control of the situation:

Genesis 50:17 "So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him."

Matthew 6:14-15 "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."


Today has been one of those lazy days of: doing homework, hanging out with my family, blogging, and enjoying the last moments before I head back to work tomorrow. It shouldn't be as tough knowing that Chloe is there with me every step of the way, but once you are out for a little bit, it makes it tough, regardless! Thankfully, we have three weeks & two days before our next break which = more time with my family!!

Looking forward, though, to the upcoming holidays with my students. Praying for each one a very enjoyable holiday season, as I know some of my students look forward more to coming to school rather than having a break :( That is one of the toughest parts of my job. I just hope to make the remaining times with the children the most enjoyable (and educational - of course)! That, too, brings me much joy!! On to the busy work week we go...

Tis' the Season

Loving the sounds and smells of the holidays...

Yesterday, was our traditional 'choice of tree' day in Anderson. Although we had gotten live trees before Chloe was born, we made it an official tradition her first Christmas to always go together the day after Thanksgiving to choose our tree! It is amazing to see how grown she is this year, as her height is half way up the tree now :(

We began decking the halls last night and finished up this morning... I love to decorate my mantle! Shannon's favorite part is placing nick knacks here and there! One of the cutest finds this year when shopping were some little owl wash clothes for the bathroom. How cute!!!

We love white lights, but Chloe loves them all, so she has her own little tree that she decorates in her room!! After placing the while lights, we have several ornaments we have collected over the 13 years we have been together. I finish the tree with some gold and red sparkly ribbon garland.

BEFORE...

DURING...

AFTER...

During our tree decorating, Chloe disappeared in her room for a moment, came back with a costume that she had pieced together. She says, "Hello, My name is Mary, and this is my baby Jesus!" She then knelt by the tree and bowed her head as if to pray... She never ceases to amaze us! We were so tickled by her actions!! Just precious!

(my sweater on her head, her Snow White dress on, and Snoopy with Clemson Tiger shorts, as Jesus...LOL)

Later, she was worn out from decorating the big tree, so waited a while before taking on her own tree:

Family time like this is like no other... I pray for many, many more times like these:) Blessed in so many ways...

Think-abouts

I have been finding tons of quotes, which I call 'think-abouts' online. Here are three that really stood out to me today as I was reading back over the ones I had saved:

We must remember that it is not the things in life we have that make us happy, because regardless of what we have, we will always want more.

........................DON'T WORRY, be HAPPY!!! :D......................

This one is a reminder that I need to be careful what I say, how I say it, etc. God will remind me in His own way, but love that this saying will always be in the back of my mind now...

It is so nice to have all this quality time with my family now that I am on Thanksgiving break. Listening to HIS Radio, playing games with Chloe, and just relaxing are things that get pushed to the side sometimes. Of the three, I must say that I do get in a weekly game with my girl!!

Chloe and I had time yesterday to look through her baby book. I updated some parts and she helped me tell about her Kindergarten times in the book. She was tickled to hear about her milestones, not to mention, it made me think about how fast time has flown...

There are so many things to be grateful for that if I began to list them, I would leave out so many... but the most important thing is my salvation through Jesus Christ. I pray that I will not take that or anything else the Lord provides for granted!! Praying also that everyone has a joy-filled Thanksgiving!

Fall Saturdays

I LoVe fall Saturdays because of the college football games and time with my family, but I despise having a cold on top of it... It all started yesterday with drainage, causing a sore throat. Although I became more miserable as Friday continued, I survived! I need to be better soon, so I do not have to miss work:( That would be terrible!! Been resting in front of the fire, watching football, and doing a little classwork today in hopes that the rest will help some.

On a positive note: my CLEMSON TIGERS gained a win and as a result, will be playing in the ACC Championship game!!! Way to go Tigers!!!!

On a more serious note: Saddened by the funeral I will be attending tomorrow - I never do well in these times & am praying for the family as they think about past memories. This is a reminder that we should thank God every day for the life he has given and each day we have with our loved ones.

Happiness

Chloe and I have been singing a song on the way to school most mornings:

I've Got the Joy In My Heart

I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart

Where?

Down in my heart!

Where?

Down in my heart!

I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart

Down in my heart to stay

And I'm so happy

So very happy

I've got the love of Jesus in my heart

Down in my heart

And I'm so happy

So very happy

I've got the love of Jesus in my heart.

I've got the love of Jesus, love of Jesus

Down in my heart

Where?

Down in my heart!

Where?

Down in my heart!

I've got the love of Jesus, love of Jesus

Down in my heart

Where?

Down in my heart to stay.

And I'm so happy

So very happy

I've got the love of Jesus in my heart

Down in my heart

And I'm so happy

So very happy

I've got the love of Jesus in my heart.

And if the Devil doesn't like it

He can sit on a tack!

Ouch!

Sit on a tack!

Ouch!

Sit on a tack!

And if the Devil doesn't like it

He can sit on a tack!

Ouch!

Sit on a tack to stay!

And I'm so happy

So very happy

I've got the love of Jesus in my heart

Down in my heart

And I'm so happy

So very happy

I've got the love of Jesus in my heart.

Having joy and happiness is so important. It helps you to stay grounded in the truth, which is God's word. It helps others as well. If you show happiness, others around you will feel that joyful feeling! This is a children song, but if we all sing this when we feel the urge to get a little angry or frustrated, then we can feel the joy and happiness that only the Lord can provide! The next time I have sad, hurtful, angry, or frustrating feeling approaching, I will be humming or singing this song - please don't think I am totally insane, I am just trying to have the love and joy of Jesus in my heart...LOL!

The Holidays

Was just sitting here listening to my sweet girl singing and playing in our cozy living room... then I began thinking about all the excitement of the holidays. What makes it exciting? She does...

This time of the year is my favorite with the children at school, and I am just so grateful that she will be with me every step of the way to enjoy it even more! We have two weeks before we are out for Thanksgiving break, and during that time, we learn all about the Thanksgiving holiday, how to be thankful for the little things in life, among other things... It will be so fun for daddy and I to eat the holiday lunch at school with our girl, even though I have devoted my Monday lunches to her this school year:) The smiles on her face and the joy that the Lord has given us through her is what life is all about! I have to remember not to let some of the hassles of the holidays ruin the joy that is already there... I am praying for a relaxing and peaceful holiday season. :)


On another note: Breaking Dawn, Part 1 is quickly approaching... Samantha and I are looking forward to spending that evening together. Also, Shannon, Chloe and I are excited to be attending Sam's game this coming Tuesday. I have not really been in the gym since I became an Emmanuel Alumni...

Be content with life and what you have, and do not be conformed to this world...
"But godliness with contentment is great gain." 1 Timothy 6:6
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:2

Happy Halloween & 50th Day of School

Yesterday was Halloween & it seemed as if we would never get home that evening! The kiddos were very good considering that is usually one of the wildest days (other than Valentine's Day...lol). Chloe had a great time & I was so grateful to spend that whole day with her. At school, she dressed as a Sleepy Head, like me. Then, on the 50th day of school, she and I dressed in our 50s outfits! She enjoyed dancing to the 50s music during CAMP time, too! In addition, we had coke floats, which hit the spot after a long day... Here are a few snap shots of my little sleepy head and 50s girl!

Can't win 'em all...

Well, you win some and you lose some, but we remain true and loyal tiger fans through and through... We have been at this point not too long ago, but now let's see if we can regroup and focus on the ACC Championship! With as many freshmen we have playing, we have done extremely well & better than what the commentators expected. Now, is the moment of truth...how will our team handle this lose?

We have one week off to regroup, come back out ready to take on the final three games! I cannot say enough about Dabo Swinney's enthusiasm, love for the game, and faith! He is a positive role model for these athletes and encourages them throughout the game. His encouragement and approach to the game allows the players to positively reflect upon their game and how they can apply what is learned to their lives. This is refreshing to see on the field!

Come on Tigers, let's see you come back out with a positive attitude and do what you know you can do! GOOOOOOOO TIGERS!!

Halloween & GO Tigers!

Well, Chloe was very persistent in getting me up this morning, as she was super excited to make class goodie bags for Halloween and use her Orbees (sp?) lamp for the first time. There are very few 'spare time' opportunities these days, as I do classroom work, school work, sight word and reading practice with Chloe, wife and house responsibilities, etc. Chloe was invited to my boss' daughter's costume birthday party in Lavonia last weekend. She dressed in her 50s costume that granny created. She whirled and twirled...LOL! We didn't stay long, as there were plans that evening.


Last weekend was a FULL weekend to say the least, but the Clemson Tiger game was a great experience for our family. We were three seats up from the field and on the goal line, so Shannon was a very happy hubby that day...haha... Although he still claims he loves watching at home, so he can see ALL the games! Chloe twirled her heart out in the end zone on the field. We were very proud of her, as she has learned so much in baton so far. She of course says she will either cheer or twirl for the tigers one day...haha! She is too cute! Thankfully, no plans this weekend, so I can do my homework and relax for a change!!!!


We are extremely proud of my stepdaughter, Samantha, as she is maintaining good grades as a sophomore at Emmanuel College (my Alma Mater). She is working on a degree in Education. Today, is her first day cheering on the EC basketball teams! Go EC LIONS!

Rain, rain...STAY!

We have really been needing some rain lately. Thankfully, it begun to rain just before I left work this afternoon! Unfortunately, the rainy weather makes me very sleepy and lethargic. Shannon picked Chloe up from school and took her shopping in Anderson, so I decided to take a little bit of 'me' time to watch "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves." I loved this movie back in the day... Just reminiscing about the lovely Brian Adams "Everything I Do, I Do It For You" song featured in this film (not sure if that was really the title of the song, but oh well...lol).

This rain is making me think about the last time we saw a very little bit of rain on the 10th, when the Lavonia FD came to visit my students. They were so excited to learn about fire safety and have the opportunity to walk through the fire truck. One thing they all remembered was to stay low to the ground to keep away from the smoke. I pray my students never have to face anything like that! Below is Chloe trying out the fire truck:


I am hoping for a few more days of rain, so our fall foliage will be vibrant in color!!

A Day of Celebrating!

Well, Saturday was a great day for celebrations. First, we celebrated Chloe's birthday with our family:) Chloe had such a good time playing with her cousins, and the adults had good conversation time. After that, we enjoyed some football & celebrated once more because CLEMSON defeated Maryland to give us a 7-0 season. We are looking forward to spending next Saturday in Death Valley!! GO TIGERS!

Happy Birthday, to you....

Pumpkin Patch/Farm

Friday, was my one-day fall break, so we took advantage of that lovely fall day and went on an evening trip to Denver Downs Farm in Anderson, SC. We had so much fun! Chloe rode the zipline, shot the corn cannon, played farm football, swung on ropes into the hay, rode on a hay ride, picked out pumpkins from the patch, made smores in the bonfire, talked with the Civil War reenactment fellows, etc. Just a wonderful fall evening with my family! As we were leaving, we caught a glimpse of the most beautiful harvest moon! I had put my camera away & did not capture it on film, but it was breath-taking!

Sliding down the hay...

Duck Races... she kept beating me!

Ziplining!!

Chloe's Special Day

On Wednesday, my baby girl turned 6 years old! It is hard to believe that she was once very tiny and very quiet. Now, we never have a dull moment, and I love that part of our lives! Chloe celebrated her special day with her classmates on 10/12/11. It was actually a Wednesday evening at 6:06pm when she was born (brings back so many memories)! Here are a few shots of her classroom celebration:

Chloe wearing her birthday crown!

Time for the party to begin:)

She received her Nintendo dsi xl later that evening!