My Beautiful Disaster

This is how a 5-YEAR-OLD rolls...

2009-02-08T18:27:00.000-08:00

Griffin turned 5 on Saturday. *sniff sniff* Is it true? Is my baby really 5? He chose to take his peeps bowling on Friday night. A great time was had by all. He got the best gift EVER...a "real ah-tist aht easel." Pictures to come soon. BTW - have I mentioned that my baby is READING! Yep, he is. Not just a little bit, he is reading whole books. The other night he was reading the Dick and Jane classic WE LOOK, and the only word he stumbled over was "something." Be still my heart. Happy Birthday to my sweet surprise, my miracle baby Griffin.

i'm still here

2009-02-03T19:18:00.000-08:00

Regarding my last post...thanks.
Thanks for all the sweet comments, emails, and calls. Each one was appreciated and came at just the perfect time.

Regarding the prayers...THANKS.
They are appreciated more than you will know. I ask that you do continue to remember Keith in your prayers. He is the neatest kid and the most amazing gift. He is a harder worker than most adults I know. Sometimes, as his Mama, I get to that point where I am tired of watching him struggle and I wonder why things aren't changing for him. I just have to remind myself that God is working on Keith's behalf. He created Keith and is working a good thing in him. :) I believe that all 3 of my boys have a calling on their lives, but especially Keith. (Matt E...am I right?) Shawn and I have committed our sons to the Lord, they are His. We believe and stand on the promise that God will use them for His glory. Sometimes, I have a hard time remembering "hands off, Mama...God is in control." Even when I can't feel Him or see Him...HE IS IN CONTROL.

I like to go into the boys' rooms at night when they are asleep and speak scripture over them. I find verses that I feel "fits" them, and I whisper them over my children as they sleep. Call me crazy, it's like my deal with God. I figure that I am "reminding Him" of His word, and claiming it for my boys. For Keith especially, I look for scriptures that deal with "the mind" or "peace of mind." Dyslexia is basically confusion of the mind. (my term there) I am CLINGING to the following scriptures for my oldest boy.
You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3
But there is a spirit in man, and the Breath of The Almighty gives him understanding. Job 32:8

That's all for tonight, kiddos. I have LOTS more to post on a later date. Circus pictures, Griffin is turning 5 this week *SOB SOB*, and lots of other funny stories. Hope all is well with you and yours. With me and mine - it isn't perfect. But it is BEE-YOU-TEE-FUL.

still looking...

2009-01-27T17:27:00.000-08:00

I read these blogs almost daily.
I pretend each one is a window to that friend's house.

The curtains are pulled back.
The shades are up.
For a few moments I can see inside their homes.

I see a lot of cute, precious moments. (thankfully not the figurines, I hate those things)
A lot of sweet happenings.
Beautiful and funny. "Awe...isn't that cute?"
Happy, sweet, precious.

I love looking in every day.

Sometimes I can identify. Sometimes I can play along because I know all the parts. I know when to smile. I know when to laugh. I know what comes next. Sometimes it is all familiar.

Then sometimes...it isn't.

Sometimes those windows seem to belong to families in far away lands. The language is foreign. The moments are distant. The setting is unfamiliar.

Just once, I'd like to see something that I can relate to.

A home where the children are just as beautiful, but are scarred.

A glimpse of what being born to a mother addicted to drugs can do to a child, even 8 years down the road.

A mother who stays up at night crying because she try as she may, she just can't *fix* her child.

A kid who works and works and works and rarely sees the effort pay off.

A mom who can help other people's kids with Autism achieve and perform more than anyone thought possible - but can't help her own kid read without tears and hearing him ask, "Why can't I do it Mama?"

A house where common words whispered late at night aren't "precious" or "amazing" or "brilliant" but are "dyslexia" or "neurological" or "WHY?????"

A kid who wants more than anything to be invited to somebody's...ANYBODY'S house. But the phone call never comes.

A boy who DREAMS of being a soldier or flying airplanes, but because his brain is wired differently he will never be given the chance to do either.

Kids who hear "You can do anything you set your mind to" but who LIVE with the daily reality of "No...I can't."

Lack of control.
Shift of focus.
TRUE appreciation.
Parents who question.
And wait and wait for answers.
And love them unconditionally, nonetheless.
And are still WAITING. Hoping. Praying. Begging. Pleading. WORRYING. Waiting.

Wondering...
If somewhere out there
There is somebody like them.

I haven't seen the t-shirts
Or the bumper stickers
Or the blogs

That remind me of my life.

So in case you run across one.

Just let me know.
Because sometimes...it would give comfort.
Just to know...

That somewhere.

In one of those houses.

Is a family like mine.

the letter

2009-01-21T18:07:00.000-08:00

Don't you love getting a letter? I do. There is nothing like opening the mailbox and there hidden among the junk and bills it waits. A personal thought brought to life with actual motion and touch of hand. Not email. Not a phone call. A letter.

A letter brings with it a connection. A familiarity. A relationship. Someone cares enough to slow down and pen their feelings. Letters are alive. Letters are warm. Letters are emotion.
On a day when EVERYBODY has an opinion, I have chosen the following as my favorite.

When Sasha and Malia Obama entered their new home they had a gift waiting for them. I'm sure there were many gifts; many tangible objects intended to welcome them to their new home. While all were no doubt enjoyed, I would guess that none will be as treasured as much as the one left by Barbara and Jenna Bush.

What they left may seem simple; it may seem insignificant. It isn't. The gift they left is priceless. They left a letter for the Obama girls. They also had it printed in today's Wall Street Journal. I am posting it tonight. Regardless of my acceptance or disagreement with President Bush's policies; he is still human. He is imperfect. He is chosen. He is somebody's Daddy.
It is my hope that today, people across the country will come to this realization. Regardless of their acceptance or disagreement with President Obama's policies; he is still human. He is imperfect. He is chosen. AND...he is somebody's Daddy.

This gift, this sentiment is beautiful indeed. I am certain that the Obama girls will one day cherish it and find it as eloquent and beautiful as I do now.

Sasha and Malia, we were seven when our beloved grandfather was sworn in as the 41st President of the United States. We stood proudly on the platform, our tiny hands icicles, as we lived history. We listened intently to the words spoken on Inauguration Day service, duty, honor. But being seven, we didn't quite understand the gravity of the position our Grandfather was committing to. We watched as the bands marched by -- the red, white, and blue streamers welcoming us to a new role: the family members of a President.
We also first saw the White House through the innocent, optimistic eyes of children. We stood on the North Lawn gazing with wonder at her grand portico. The White House was alive with devoted and loving people, many of whom had worked in her halls for decades. Three of the White House ushers, Buddy, Ramsey, and "Smiley", greeted us when we stepped into her intimidating hallway. Their laughter and embraces made us feel welcome right away. Sasha and Malia, here is some advice to you from two sisters who have stood where you will stand and who have lived where you live:

-- Surround yourself with loyal friends. They'll protect and calm you and join in on some of the fun, and appreciate the history.
-- If you're traveling with your parents over Halloween, don't let it stop you from doing what you would normally do. Dress up in some imaginative, elaborate costume (if you are like us a pack of Juicy Fruit and a Vampiress) and trick-or-treat down the plane aisle.
-- If you ever need a hug, go find Ramsey. If you want to talk football, look for Buddy. And, if you just need a smile, look for "Smiley."
-- And, a note on White House puppies--our sweet puppy Spot was nursed on the lawn of the White House. And then of course, there's Barney, who most recently bit a reporter. Cherish your animals because sometimes you'll need the quiet comfort that only animals can provide.
-- Slide down the banister of the solarium, go to T-ball games, have swimming parties, and play Sardines on the White House lawn. Have fun and enjoy your childhood in such a magical place to live and play.
-- When your dad throws out the first pitch for the Yankees, go to the game.
-- In fact, go to anything and everything you possibly can: the Kennedy Center for theater, State Dinners, Christmas parties (the White House staff party is our favorite!), museum openings, arrival ceremonies, and walks around the monuments. Just go. Four years goes by so fast, so absorb it all, enjoy it all!
For four years, we spent our childhood holidays and vacations in the historic house. We could almost feel the presence of all the great men and women who had lived here before us. When we played house, we sat behind the East sitting room's massive curtains as the light poured in illuminating her yellow walls. Our seven-year-old imaginations soared as we played in the enormous, beautiful rooms; our dreams, our games, as romantic as her surroundings. At night, the house sang us quiet songs through the chimneys as we fell asleep.

In late December, when snow blanketed the front lawn, all of our cousins overtook the White House. Thirteen children between the ages of two and 12 ran throughout her halls, energized by the crispness in the air and the spirit of the season. Every room smelled of pine; the entire house was adorned with thistle; garlands wound around every banister. We sat on her grand staircase and spied on the holiday dancing below. Hours were spent playing hide-and-go-seek. We used a stage in the grand ballroom to produce a play about Santa and his reindeer. We watched as the National Christmas Tree was lit and admired the chef as he put the final icing on the gingerbread house.
When it was time, we left the White House. We said our goodbyes to her and to Washington. We weren't sure if we would spend time among her historical walls again, or ever walk the National Mall, admiring the cherry blossoms that resembled puffs of cotton candy. But we did return. This time we were 18. The White House welcomed us back and there is no doubt that it is a magical place at any age.

As older girls, we were constantly inspired by the amazing people we met, politicians and great philosophers like Vaclav Havel. We dined with royalty, heads of states, authors, and activists. We even met the Queen of England and managed to see the Texas Longhorns after they won the National Championship. We traveled with our parents to foreign lands and were deeply moved by what we saw. Trips to Africa inspired and motivated us to begin working with HIV/AIDS and the rights of women and children all over the world.
Now, the White House ballrooms were filled with energy and music as we danced. The East sitting room became a peaceful place to read and study. We ran on the track in the front lawn, and squared off in sisterly bowling duels down in the basement alley.
This Christmas, with the enchanting smell of the holidays encompassing her halls, we will again be saying our good-byes to the White House. Sasha and Malia, it is your turn now to fill the White House with laughter.
And finally, although it's an honor and full of so many extraordinary opportunities, it isn't always easy being a member of the club you are about to join. Our dad, like yours, is a man of great integrity and love; a man who always put us first. We still see him now as we did when we were seven: as our loving daddy. Our Dad, who read to us nightly, taught us how to score tedious baseball games. He is our father, not the sketch in a paper or part of a skit on TV. Many people will think they know him, but they have no idea how he felt the day you were born, the pride he felt on your first day of school, or how much you both love being his daughters. So here is our most important piece of advice: remember who your dad really is.

3rd time's a charm

2009-01-19T18:44:00.000-08:00

3 posts in one day...whoo whoo! This is really just a continuation of the ALDI post. Today while Griffin was eating lunch, I took some shots of a few of my ALDI deals. Here they are! BTW, if this works, it will be my first successful posting of a link. (Thanks Gigi)

More pictures/bargains to come. While we're at it...read up on ALDI for yourself. I think you'll be impressed. I'm already planning my next outing; we already need strawberries and we will soon need carrots. Gigi is with me. Kristin is too. How about you? Any other takers?

Happy MLK Day!

2009-01-19T11:47:00.000-08:00

Today is a holiday. REGARDLESS of how you feel about it, it is a National Holiday. I always wonder about people who make comments about MLK Day. Do they not see the value of the contribution that Dr. King made? What about his life/legacy isn't worth celebrating? He was a peaceful man. He only wanted equality for his children. He wasn't about putting one race above another; he didn't want to be treated better than white people. He wanted to be treated equally. So...the next time you're around somebody that has a comment/crack on the validity of MLK day...do what I do. Think about their integrity. Think about their TRUE feelings. They are showing.

Now...on to a brighter subject. SAVING MONEY! Who loves ALDI? I DO! You all do know about ALDI, right? There is one in Trussville, but I go to the one on Greensprings. It's a grocery store and it is unlike any that I've ever been in. I first heard of it on a frugal mom blog this spring. The selling point for me was the gallon of milk for $1.99. Yep...you heard me right. I was sold. Everything there is pretty much cheap. Now, there are no "national brands." Everything is generic. I used to be 100% brand loyal. Then I had 3 growing boys. Goodbye loyalty. Now don't get me wrong; there are a few items that I will NEVER buy generic. Mayo for one. We ONLY eat Bama mayonnaise. And dental floss. I've tried them all, but I will only use Johnson & Johnson waxed mint floss. I like my Sun Silk shampoo. I like my Redken hairspray. I like Purex for my clothes. I like A1 Steak sauce. And we are 100% Heinz ketchup people. We eat Hunt's at Gigi's, but we secretly long for Heinz. I'm sure there are a few other loyalties, but nothing comes to mind now. I'm sure they will later. ANYWAY, everything is bobo (my term for generic). And, you have to pay 25 cents to "rent" a buggy. You get it back. I really don't get it, but that's the rule. Also, the store doesn't have actual shelves. All the food is put out in boxes. It is like shelves, but it is all actually in box/tray deals. No coupons. Of course, there are no coupons for bobo stuff. And no bags/baggers. You can buy bags, or bring your own. And, you either pay cash or debit. They keep the overhead low with all these rules. It works for me!

This spring, Mom and I went just for curiosity sake. Of course, we bought milk and such. We went a few weeks in fact. Then gas skyrocketed. I couldn't justify driving so far for a savings in milk when I was spending the saving in gas. Anyhoo, gas is back down. So yesterday, after church, I felt ALDI calling my name. So I went. Hello, old friend. SO NICE to see you again.

Milk has now gone up, regular is now $2.59 a gallon. Beat that ANYWHERE around here. I got so many other things as well. Strawberries, 99 cents a container. Baby carrots, 99 cents a bag. CEREAL, CHEAP! We go through the cereal. So, I bought 7 boxes. I am now buying the frozen juice concentrate deals. They are 99 cents there. I got lots more, I need to go back over my receipt to get specifics. Today while Griff was eating his feast, I took a few pics of some ALDI finds. Mom and I are going to make it a weekly outing again. If any of my blog pals want to meet and make an event of it, we'd love it! We could probably justify eating Mexican before, you know - we'll be saving so much dough once we get there. :)

Who needs Chef Boyardee...

2009-01-18T19:34:00.000-08:00

when you have these 3? Tonight Daddy had a board meeting at church, so I decided to enlist some help with dinner. Their favorite thing to do is eat; second favorite thing to do is cook. So...I decided that we'd get our cook on. And the grand menu: homemade pizza and fruit salad. (yummy yummy) All you Wiggles fans out there will most def. appreciate that last parenthetical number.
Here she is...the almost finished product. I put the pizza crust on the stone. The boys spread the sauce (almost independently). I shredded some fresh "farmer's cheese" from Miller's Cheese House. If you're a cheese fan like the Martins are - you simply must go to Miller's. Farmer's cheese is a white cheese, it's a milder version of their butter cheese. DEEEEEEE-LISH. Anyway, I shredded some for them to add to the "pre-shredded" colby/monterrey jack that we had. Add some garlic salt and voila....pizza. Of course, we had to make 2. Growing boys eat a ton. Plus we had to have something for Daddy-o when he got home.

Now for the fruit salad (yummy yummy). Here's the deal-e-o. My boys love some fruit. LOVE IT. You know how most kids love candy...that's how my boys love fruit. We made our own version of fruit salad (yummy yummy) and they learned many lessons in the process. We washed the strawberries, sliced them (yeah, they even used a "real knife" with assistance), used a can opener for the mandarin oranges, learned the hard way how and why to drain a can, peeled and chopped an apple, and added Keith's favorite - dried blueberries. I wanted to take a picture of the fruit salad (yummy yummy) when it was finished because it was so beautiful. I see all these pictures on many blogs of people's wonderful dishes, step by step. I could probably do that, if I didn't have 3 apprentice chefs beside me giddy with excitement. Picture it in your mind; it was a lovely side dish.

I don't remember the 1st time I used a can opener, but I imagine it was hard. Zack just couldn't hold the handle AND twist the top (in the right direction), so Keith had to help out. Look closely and you'll see Griffin's hand. He is VERY ANIMATED and talks with his hands, eyes, eyebrows, etc. Here you can see one of those sweet hands while his is telling "his bwuddahs" how they should open the can.

Finally we ate. By candlelight, mind you. Here Keith and Griffin are toasting with their apple juice, and Zack is showing off his pizza. Would Little Caesar's hot and ready have been easier? You bet. Would it have been better? Probably. Would I trade tonight for yummy pizza and easy clean up? Not for a million dollars. I'll take "homemade" pizza and fruit salad (yummy yummy) by my 3 boys any day.

Compassionate or Called?

2009-01-12T17:32:00.000-08:00

Greetings and salutations to my throngs of anxiously waiting readers (all 8 of you). :) Dinner is finished, the dishes are washed, the boys are bathed, the books and poems are read, the homework is complete, the 2.5 miles are walked, the husband is at Men's Meeting at church, the boys are separated each to his own room, the washing machine is running, the lunches are packed, the clothes are chosen and ready to be ironed, the shoes are off, the recliner is reclining, the feet are propped, the laptop is on my lap, the Lost marathon is softly playing in the background, the DVR is recording Intervention, and I am BLOGGING!

Yesterday's sermon by Jason, Pastor Extraordinaire was PHE-NOMENAL. Probably one of the best 3 I've ever heard IN MY LIFE. Not the best just from him, the best from EVERYONE. Man, he is hearing right from GOD and it is awesome. If it wasn't for anyone else in that packed church, it was for me. I haven't checked iTunes yet, but I am *really hoping* that is is already there waiting for me. I plan on listening and relistening all week as I walk. So Angie...I'm believing that you uploaded or downloaded or whatever you do to make it available and that as soon as I finish this post, it will be there. :)

I am surrounded by some mission minded people. Our church has always supported missions in a big way. We have 4 missionaries who came straight from VRC who are serving in South America now. My dad went with our mission team to Costa Rica a few years ago. My mom and dad both are going with a big team from church this summer. One of my dear friends at school, Jamey is a missionary...she goes on a mission trip every break it seems like. Really. She does. She's just cool like that.

Me - I've never felt the call. Before you roll your eyes and before I set off a tinder box worth of political posting 08, let me clarify. We have always supported missions. We have prayed, sent items (when applicable), given money, pledges, etc. I watch the video presentations at church and cry at all the right places; I sincerely feel for the people. I want them to know about Jesus. I feel terribly ashamed at our apathy and over-indulged culture in America. But I have never felt God leading me to a foreign land.

I have ALWAYS viewed my job as my mission field. Honestly, I have gotten angry with people who overlook such a ready, ripe harvest. I am so blessed to work where I work, with the children I work with. They have beautiful spirits, and sometimes terrible stories. God loves them just as much as he loves the children of the world. He doesn't view them as any less worthy of investment than he does children on a different hemisphere. I believe that sometimes we forget that. In my ponderings as to why people overlook the mission field that surrounds them, I have sometimes felt forgotten as well. I see others who are so passionate about their callings to "go and teach." Maybe that's not the best way to say it - we all know what I do for a living every day. I go and teach. But you know what I mean. I have sometimes wondered, "God, do you not have a calling for me?"

The closest thing I felt to "the calling" occurred in September of 07 at a Women's Conference in Springville. There was a precious lady there, a missionary of all things. :) She has a beautiful testimony - way too long and detailed for me to try and recollect. Long story short, she and her family run a place called Adullum House. The only way I know to explain it is like this: it's a temporary (hopefully) home for babies and children of imprisoned mothers. When a mom goes to prison at Julia Tutwiler, hopefully, her baby or child can go to Adullum House. While there, it gets love, an education, support, and a Christian foundation. Some of the babies are born to moms in prison; some are teenagers when they come. Anyway, this place SO needs helpers all the time. They need people to come and rock the babies. They need teachers to come and help at the school. They need people to play with kids, paint rooms, stock shelves. Sitting there in Springville, I told my mom, "I could TOTALLY go and do mission work somewhere like that."

Fast forward to last night. Actually, back up to 2 weeks ago. We were in New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl. I was awestruck at the dichotomy that existed. On one hand, tourists spending money hand over fist. Lines at Cafe' du Monde that stretched for blocks. Streets jam packed with people as far as the eye could see. Laughing. Spending money. Having a good time. Beautiful architecture. Beautiful music.

Then, I would look on one of those beautiful streets and see a homeless woman sleeping on the steps of one of those beautiful hotels. My boys said, "Mama...what is she doing?" We explained that she was homeless and that she didn't have a place to live. Shawn told them that whenever we see someone like that, we should immediately pray that Jesus would be with them and would bless them. They couldn't fathom it. Even though Keith and Zack were exaclty like her when they were smaller, they thankfully have no recollection of those times. I pray none of them ever experience anything like it again.

Anyway, we would be in the middle of New Orleans, amid all the prosperous happenings, and I would see a homeless person. The Hyatt, the tall, beautiful hotel that is adjacent to the Superdome is STILL closed. As we drove on the overpass that led to the Superdome, Shawn asked Chris, "Where is the bridge that was on CNN and FOX news during Katrina?' Chris replied, "This is it." I flashed back to that news clip, a bridge over troubled water (literally) with military tanks on it. HUNDREDS, maybe THOUSANDS of people standing in lines. A city underwater. It gave me chills knowing what had happened where we were. As we were in the dome at the game, I leaned over to Shawn and said, "Imagine being in here with thousands and thousands of people, with no electricity, no water, no food. " I couldn't imagine it.

Last night I was about to get in the floor for my almost nightly date of folding clothes. I flipped through the channels hoping that something good was going to be on. I saw that the National Geographic Channel was going to be showing a documentary called "Inside New Orleans High School" I put it on. I folded a few towels, matched a few socks. Then they had to sit and wait. I was mesmerized by what I saw.

Wow. To quote Lilly (you probably have to be a teacher to know the literary reference), "that's just about all I could say, WOW." It was based at Cohen HS in inner city New Orleans. AFTER Katrina. It isn't where tourists are going and spending lots of money. It is pitiful. It is heartbreaking. The conditions are inexcusable and unbelievable considering they are in AMERICA. The children are hopeless. They are pretty much destined to a life of poverty and crime...it is literally ALL THEY KNOW. It was so depressing and so devastating. And I couldn't tear myself from the tv. It was almost like the "Adullum house" feeling from Sept. 07, but MUCH stronger. I felt drawn to them. I felt love for them. I felt called to them.

Shawn had to run to the store to pick up a few things, and when he got home I had something to tell him. I said, "Shawn, I'm pretty sure that I'll go to New Orleans and teach kids to read." He has come to know not to question my "feelings" (the last ones included beating Georgia, Jason Allums as Pastor, and adopting Keith and Zack). Pretty much when Mama has a feeling, mama has a feeling. Now sometimes my feelings are off, circa the UA/au game of 2007. :) But more often than not, I'm on.

I'm telling you people...I'm ON. I don't know if it will be permanent or some sort of "mission trip" deal, but I am really feeling called to inner city New Orleans. (if my brother is reading this he probably just swallowed his tongue or fell out of his chair) I don't know when, I don't know how. I just KNOW that I will go. I want to open my front door and scream, "Why aren't people going NOW?" Why aren't their hearts breaking for the conditions these children are raising children in? Why is EVERYONE so quick to label and judge them? Have I been guilty of judging them?

In essence, what I guess I'm trying to say is this: I am very compassionate about the horrible, desperate conditions of inner city New Orleans. I am pretty sure that I am called to do something. I don't know exactly what that is yet, I just know that I'm supposed to do something. I'm not super-talented. I'm not politically correct, I'm not even available right now. I pondered all of this last night as sleep just wouldn't come. Why do I feel so passionate about a cause that I am so far removed from/so helpless to change?

Then it came to me. My a-ha, my epiphany. I am indeed called. I don't have to know HOW. I don't have to know WHY. I don't even have to know WHEN just yet. It all will come. I could see me standing in that housing project that it showed on Nat. Geo that is STILL CLOSED from Katrina. It's grown up, fenced up, messed up. Kids still play there; it is all they know. I could see me standing there with nothing. Empty hands. Nothing to offer. Drastically different than all of the ones that I am longing to *help*. But here's the kicker. I do have a connection. I have experience; not experience like theirs. But previous experience that will help me out. I know what it's like to love something that has been cast aside. I know what it's like to see dirty and broken children *transform* magically. I know what it's like to struggle with academic things that most people take for granted. I know what it's like to see the achievements celebrated of children who did "the best" when they didn't work 1/2 as hard as those sitting watching in the stands. I know what it's like to work with "those kids" that most people don't have the patience or desire to work with. And I LOVE IT.

So...one day...I'm going to New Orleans. I'm going to Cohen H.S. I'm going to the projects that FEMA still hasn't visited...I'm going to where No Child Left Behind is doing the most damage, and you what I'm gonna do? I'm gonna talk to the people. I'm going to love the kids and the teenage mothers. I'm going to teach people to read - children, teenagers, and adults. I don't know when. I don't know how. I just know that I am going...because I've been called.

ps - if you ever get the chance to watch "Inside New Orleans High School" on National Geographic Channel....DO IT!

I'm back - and I've been tagged!

2009-01-10T21:51:00.000-08:00

So if you read my blog you probably read all my peeps' blogs as well. Kristin from The Family Fields tagged me. This meant that I had to go to my pictures on my computer, find the 4th file, and in that file post the 4th picture. I was holding my breath bc my files aren't in any kind of order, you never know where in order a file might be. I didn't know what we'd find. Well, we found the first day of school from this year. Each year on the 1st day, I take a pic of the boys and their teacher, and the principal. Who happens to be my boss. :) So, here are Keith, Zack, and Griffin with Mrs. Miller. This is Keith's 1st day of 3rd grade, Zack's 1st day of 2nd grade, and Griff's 1st day of pre-K. Thanks for the tag, Kristin. Look - you got me back to blogging! Maybe I should be tagged more often. :)

Hope that all is well with you and yours. We're super cool. I had to make chili tonight for a chili cook-off at church tomorrow. Today was super busy, I had a baby shower to attend. Griffin had a b-day party to attend at the same time. Shawn took him to the party, Grandaddy kept K and Z, and I showered it up. Then I had to go get my grocery shopping on. I am WAY PUMPED bc I got a new Brita water pitcher and I LOVE IT! I even set up a taste test for Shawn comparing our tap water and the Brita filtered water and he TOTALLY could tell the difference. I thought he was just lying until I tasted the tap, THEN the Brita. It was AMAZING...I never knew that you could smell our city tap water UNTIL I DRANK WATER THAT YOU COULDN'T SMELL. We're not buying case upon case of water bottles that we just throw away, we're filling up our refillable water bottles. So now I have a Brita for home and school. I am trying to have 1 diet coke a day, and the rest water. 2 years ago in January I gave up ALL THINGS CARBONATED and drank only water, lemonade, and the occasional tea. I need to get back to that. But oh, how I love my diet coke (AND REAL COKE).

It's way past my bedtime, I need to go nights. (Griffin-ism) I've been putting in too many late nights playing Mario on the DS. That Santa...he's one smart cookie. He managed to bring all the boys awesome DS games that they love (Tony Hawk skating for Zack, 4-wheeler racing for Keith, Build-a-Bear for Griffin). And of course he brought them Mario as well. I wonder if he knew how much their mama LOVES Super Mario Brothers....

Now I need to tag people. I know that many of you have already been tagged, so here's hoping that I am tagging some worthy recipients. Remember, find the 4th picture in the 4th folder, then tag 4 more people. Here goes - I am tagging....

1. Matt E. at DreamWeaver

2. Nadia at Postcards from Adulthood

3. Jamey at A Girl Becoming

4. Joannie at My Corner of God's World

Now y'all get busy!

What should I do?

2008-12-29T09:38:00.000-08:00

I am so over this old blog. I want a fresh start. Here's my dilemma. Should I just try and improve on this one, or should I totally start anew - new blog, new everything? I am torn...I am going to resolve to *try* and do better with posting. So many of you post every day, or several times a day, or at least bi-weekly. But I have to remember that I can't post from my job, I can't leave my job at work - I bring it home EVERY NIGHT and have tons of work to do nightly, I have 3 terrific boys and a good hubby who are all full time jobs, I cook, read to and with my boys, wash clothes, iron 4 shirts or outfits daily, pack snacks and lunches for 4, try to check email, walk, read my Bible, etc. You get it. We're all busy. I'm super busy. So what should I do?

We had a great Christmas. The boys got tons of awesome stuff. We've been playing and reading up a storm. Pics and stories to come. First things first - what should I do about the blog? Drastically overhaul it, or start a new one?

Post #6

2008-12-16T20:42:00.001-08:00

Finally...my special ornament. My mom made this for me in 1981. The year that my brother, precious, precious Chris was born. This was my special ornament. And I loved it. Every year this would be the first ornament that I put on the tree. I am so glad that my mom never said, "No, this doesn't fit my color scheme...we're not putting it up." NEVER. I always put this one up, and Chris always put up his special ornament (Santa in a train). Well, I married and moved out, and this ornament stayed at mom's. She then put it up for me. I longed for it. I wanted in on my tree. But it stayed on Primrose Lane. UNTIL CHRIS ASKED FOR HIS. Yeah, Prodigal Son wanted his train. He whined and made train noises all the way from Louisiana. He'd call mom up and she'd say, "Hello?" and he'd just say "Choo-Chooooooo" in the saddest voice...she knew what he wanted. *FOR THE RECORD, I AM TOTALLY LYING ABOUT THAT PART. IT JUST SOUNDED FUNNY, SO I THOUGHT I'D THROW IT IN. DIDN'T IT IMPROVE THE STORY?* Anyway, you get the point. Chris wanted his ornament. SO HE GOT IT. So you better believe that I got mine. And on my beautiful tree, with all my special, beautiful boys' ornaments, among the beautiful lime and red fillers...there is my mouse, sleeping on a crescent moon, under a quilt. And I love it as much today as I did 27 years ago when my Mom made it for me.

Post #5

2008-12-16T20:32:00.001-08:00

The top pic shows our new stockings, and our new stocking holder. We each have the typical stockings that have the stitched/needlepoint pictures on them with our name monogrammed. (see my mom's blog for examples...they are just like the ones hanging on her banisters) BUT, they just don't fit my theme anymore. So now, we each have our *old* stocking hanging on our bedposts. (CUTE!) I got these awesome LIME numbers from Mrs. Ellen, and she monogrammed 1 initial on each. LOVING IT! And, we're done with hanging them on the mantle. Actually, the mantle is full with lit garland, beautiful red and lime ribbon, and about 75 Santas. I've collected Santas since I was in high school, so I have to have somewhere to put them. They all don't fit on the mantle, but they look pretty darn cute all crowded up there. Hopefully I'll post a pic of them tomorrow night. The bottom picture is to show you my wrapping theme this year. ALL GIFTS must be in this paper, or the paper that you can see beside the dining room tree. It's ALL lime, red, and white. And all the gifts have either lime or white tulle or pretty lime, red, and white ribbons. I LOVE THOSE COLORS!

Okay, that's enough for tonight. I'm tired. Oh, but I almost forgot...one more quick post then it's off to nights. (That's what Griffin says)

Post #4

2008-12-16T20:23:00.001-08:00

This ornament says it all... I love my sweet boys.

Post #3

2008-12-16T20:15:00.000-08:00

This is a truly terrible picture of the family tree. In fact, it is horrible. I will try and take a better one tomorrow bc it doesn't do this beautiful tree justice. (does it, Mom?) *BTW, my mom loves this tree* It's a 9.5 ft tree and it is covered with special ornaments. Each year, I get the boys each 1 ornament that deals with them, or something they were into that year. So when they get married, I will be able to give them all of their ornaments. What daughter-in-law won't love that?! And a friend of mine at school shared this wonderful idea...if you think the ornaments won't be "in style" or whatever when they are grown-ups, then their wives can do what Selena does. She has a vintage suitcase that she has in a bedroom at her house, it's opened, and inside she has all of her kids childhood ornaments. HOW AWESOME! So, back to my point...each year I get them each an ornament, plus an ornament for me, and one for Shawn. PLUS a family ornament with all of us, our names, the year, etc. IT IS AWESOME! Then the filler ornaments are all lime green and bright red. The top is a big lime and red plaid bow. And...everything in the living room has to match the color theme...from the new stockings this year to the wrapping paper. EVERYTHING is lime and bright red...better picture to come soon I promise.

Post #2

2008-12-16T20:07:00.001-08:00

Roll Tide! It's the BAMA tree! I love this 3 ft. wonder. She's located right beside the front door. The pics don't do her justice...how can you take a decent picture without the lights screwing up the flash? Notice that she proudly wears NOTHING but Crimson and White. She has lots of crimson balls, and also lots of BAMA ornaments. And...the topper to top all toppers...a houndstooth hat! (What else could it be?) There is also a houndstooth tree skirt (bunched up fabric) and little houndstooth boxes tied with crimson tulle. I know! It's the cutest tree EVER!

Post #1

2008-12-16T19:48:00.000-08:00

I promised Christmas pictures and tales. Here's a nice little start. This is the dining room tree. It is a 10ft tree, and it is COVERED in silver, gold, and clear ornaments. This is "the fancy tree." This one is truly beautiful, but it's a pain in the rump t0 decorate and to take down. But...it's worth it.

A job for you...

2008-12-16T07:13:00.000-08:00

Oh My GOODNESS!
I am at school right now, teaching. But I need a favor. If you read my blog, please leave me a comment with your mailing address. Our Christmas cards were delivered last night, and I need to get them in the mail. So, leave your address. Even if you're just a stalker. If you can't leave a comment, then email me your address. amygmartin@aol.com is home (it gets everything) amartin@shelbyed.k12.al.us (school - filters out a lot)

More to come - Christmas pictures and tales galore!

AGM:)

Here I am...

2008-12-03T20:10:00.000-08:00

Hey Peeps.
This one will be short and sweet - Mama's tired.
Yeah, I know it's been a while. Take a walk in my shoes. I'm stressed, I'm tired, you get the picture. I've put up 5 Christmas trees, 2 more to go. Pictures to come soon. I love Christmas.

Bama won - wondermous. ( I made up that word and I like it) I've taken 6 long years of obnoxious CRAP. It's OVER. I SOOOOO wanted to do something along the lines of a. drape the entire school, or at least the 2nd grade hall in crimson, b. give my sweet neighbor at school, (who has really dished it out for 6 years) lotion with crimson ribbons (inside joke) or houndstooth kleenex (they exist - my Mama got me 2 packs) or c. just run my mouth like there is no tomorrow. But you will all be proud to know that I chose to do none of the above. I decided that the ol' "kill em' with kindness" is indeed my route. I couldn't, however resist commenting on the audacity/sheer madness that Tuberville displayed by strutting down the Tiger Walk holding up 7 fingers. What the crap was that? And now - he's gone. I feel sorry for him, until I remember the whole 7 fingers episode, and the fact that he is getting 6 million bucks IN THIRTY DAYS for leaving. Nah - I don't feel sorry for him anymore. I wish that I had the option of walking away from my job for 6 million. Shoot - I'd do it for half. :)

Just wanted to let ya know that we are all alive and well. Our trees are twinkling and beautiful. My boys are great, all 4 of them. I am tired. I am stressed out. I think I'm gonna go to bed. More later...sometime.
AGM:)
ps - PLEASE see the YouTube video of Siran Stacy before the Iron Bowl. Amazing...simply amazing. What class. What an inspiration. THAT is God at work. THAT IS ALABAMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ROLL TIDE!

The BEST DAY of the year...

2008-11-17T18:53:00.000-08:00

Every family has special celebration days. Birthdays are a given. Around here, we have 5. Then there's Christmas, Thanksgiving, anniversary, and all the other random holidays. Today is our favorite. It's the most special of them all. It's one that not many families have - we are so lucky! Today is family day.

4 years ago today - everything became official. God's plan from way before we were even created came to complete fruition. We all *legally* became what we had always been - a family.

November 17th, 2004 - adoption day.

A girl who had once only had empty dreams was suddenly all she ever wanted to be...a mom.
A boy who always wanted boys to play ball with a son of his own suddenly had an entire infield...ready made. :)
2 boys who were lost and hurt were suddenly found...and healed. AND used to heal broken hearts and dreams.
AND a little 8 month old baby who was a miraculous, unexpected first-born became the youngest brother.

We couldn't have written it any better. We NEVER IMAGINED the depths of God's plan for our lives. We wanted 1...we got 3. We wanted *now.* We we told *wait.* We waited...for 3 years. Every single minute was worth it. Every penny spent on infertility treatments. Every month on Clomid. Every Lupron shot. Every follistem shot. Every disappointing meeting with the doctor. Every failed IUI. Every tear. Every prayer. Every bit...worth it.

Each November 17th, we celebrate. We have a special breakfast (Daddy cooked biscuits, sausage, eggs, bacon, etc - not our usual cereal). We have a special dinner (the boys chose - Sonic. AGAIN). We talk about what it means to be adopted, and how that means that you are chosen. We talk about God being perfect in His planning and timing. We talk about loving a child and having them grow in your heart while they grow in somebody else's tummy. We talk about being a family FOREVER, and never having to go live with another foster family again.

I knew that Shawn was going to cook breakfast, I didn't know he even bought accessories. When we came into the kitchen, he had balloon plates for everyone with those #4 candles that usually are on a 4-year-old's bday cake. I LOVE that he chose all of it himself and that it was special. Each boy had a 4 in his biscuit...4 years together. Keith couldn't wait to get to school to tell Miss Tisdale and Mrs. Tidwell and Mrs. Vicki that today is family day. "Mama, everybody doesn't have a family day, you know?" "Yeah Keith...I know. We're just lucky..."

Sometimes I wonder where she is...what she's doing...if she remembers them. Does she miss them? Does she wake up at night and wonder how they look, if they're good boys, what their laugh sounds like? Does she miss them? Does she cry for them? Does she ever call out their names? Does she realize the incredible gift she gave us? She gave us what we couldn't give ourselves...the gift of life. We gave them what they needed most...love. Safety. Shelter. Future. They gave us more than they will ever realize.

It's only been 4 years, but I can't remember life before them. 4 years ago...we were 2. 4 years later...we are 5. 1 birth... 3 children. 3 children... 2 mothers. 3 children... 3 fathers. Mathematically it doesn't add up. I've never been a fan of math anyway.

We are so blessed, all of our children have an amazing story. Griffin is our miracle boy. We were told that we'd never conceive without medical intervention. 6 months of clomid. 7 IUI's. (Jon and Kate only needed 1...YIKES!) Countless shots. All equaled nothing. Doing nothing except praying for God's intervention on behalf of Keith and Zack equaled Keith, Zack, AND Griffin. Miraculous.

We tell K and Z how special their lives are...how they are chosen by God and have a special honor. Moses was adopted. Esther was adopted. Samuel was technically adopted. Pretty special people. And God compares us as adopted children, brothers and sisters of Christ.

K and Z have new birth certificates. They read that on their birthdays, in the hospitals where they were born, Amy Garrett Martin gave birth to them. Shawn Webster Martin is listed as the father. NOWHERE is there an asterisk...nowhere does it say "these aren't the real parents, these children are adopted." They are as much "mine" as Griffin Christopher is. (actually, if you've seen Griffin's behavior, you will know that he is WAAAAAYYYYY mine, especially if you happened to see him getting his little tail blistered in the car rider line this morning). I don't remember where exactly I was on July 15, 1999 or August 31, 2000. But I know where I was on November 17, 2004. Becoming in the eyes of the law what I had always been...Keith and Zack's mom.

Soon we'll be saying "Happy Thanksgiving." After that it will be "Merry Christmas." Then soon after that we'll have to sing "Happy Birthday" to both Shawn and Griffin. Then will come "Happy Easter," then "Happy Mother's Day," then "Happy Anniversary," then 3 rounds of "Happy Birthday." All are wonderful days; all are great things to say. But...nothing will be better than what I heard this morning. 3 sweet boys with messed up hair and sleepy eyes sitting around a kitchen table with birthday candles in biscuits singing, "Happy Family Day to you...happy family day to you...happy family day 5 Martins...happy family day to you."

ps
I have pictures of the morning that I want to share. But our Daddy is at a Men's Dinner at church, and my camera cord is in the car outside. It's cold and dark...I'm not going out tonight. I'll post the photographic evidence tomorrow.

A proposition for ya...

2008-11-11T19:42:00.000-08:00

Okay - raise your hand if you love to laugh. (lots of hands up here) Now, raise your hands again if you love to eat. (again, lots of hands) Finally, raise BOTH hands if you love to eat GOOD food and laugh till you want to pee on yourself. GOOD! I have just the thing for you! My church is having a Comedy Dinner Theater on Sat. November 22nd at 6:00. The food is going to be super yummy. And, I can ASSURE you that the comedy is going to be off the chain ! (isn't that what all the cool kids say?) How can I make such a guarantee? Well, because I AM PRODUCING THE WHOLE SHA-BANG! Yep, you heard right, this is my comedic debut. Well, for those of you who know me, you know that I've been funny for practically EVER. :) But I have pulled together a night of a thousand laughs, and you HAVE to come! Remember the More Cowbell Skit from SNL? It's there. And SHAWN is playing the Will Farrell part. Remember the Spartan Cheerleaders? I can tell ya, they ain't got NOTHIN' on "The Martin Cheerleaders." Yep, Craig and Arianna will be there as well...in the form of Shawn and Amy. That's about it for my acting roles, but I've written a few original skits and recruited some uber-funny church pals to star. I simply can't wait. YOU CAN BE THERE TOO! This is a fund raiser our mission team; we are sending a team of 20 something to Costa Rica for a week next summer. This will be my dad's 2nd trip to Costa Rica...Gigi's first! We planned well, there are NO BAMA or Auburn games on the 22nd. So you're free! The cost is $15 per person, that includes dinner, dessert, and comedy! If you're interested, (and you know you are), let me know. We are ending reservations this Sunday, and we're booking up fast. So check you calendar and make your reservations. Cha Cha Boochie...Cha Cha Cha Boochie ROLL CALL! (just a little taste from Arianna)

I said it's great...to be...

2008-11-09T19:42:00.001-08:00

from ALABAMA! What a game! What a year! What a team! For the record, I am not now, nor have I YET bragged about "what we will do" or anything like that. I am simply savoring each victory as they come. This particular one was *especially* sweet. Um, hello. To quote my sweet mama, "Aim, they burned Coach Saban in effigy. That is klu klux klan behavior!" Yep...it was. I still haven't figured that one out, yet. They can burn scarecrows on crosses. I'll take a win on the field ANY DAY. So...who's with me? Who is LOVING the Tide this year? Um, hello...who isn't?!?! Hit me up with a comment, what a better way to start the week than with a big Roll Tide?

ROOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL TIDE!

3 in one day? Are you KIDDING me?

2008-11-04T20:45:00.000-08:00

In conclusion...(one more time) I must share this epiphany I just had. I can see it now...2012... a new Presidential team. 2 mavericks. 2 deep thinkers. 2 influential candidates. We need a "shake up," and I have just the team for us. They might not fit in the box of either political party, but I think this lethal, um, logical combination is a sure thing for America. That's right...I am stepping out and going ahead and calling the next leaders of the free world...Amy Martin and Kristin Fields for Co-Presidents, 2012.

Can you even IMAGINE how stinking CUTE the White House would be? And how much laughter, and spanking of children would take place on Pennsylvania Avenue?

I LOVE IT!!!

One last political word...

2008-11-04T20:31:00.000-08:00

I just watched John McCain's BEAUTIFUL concession speech. I was touched. Everything he said, I pray that we as Americans will commit to achieve. In defeat he showed more class and honor than I would think possible if I were in his shoes. While I may not agree wholeheartedly with the party he represents, I also don't agree wholeheartedly with the party of our new president. I do wholeheartedly love America. I hope that we can do as Mr. McCain said, and come together with the common goal of making an even better America for our children.

Things I learned today...

2008-11-04T19:14:00.001-08:00

1. It's amazing how quickly you hear from people that you NEVER hear from when you mention politics. Hello strangers! Welcome back to my life. Where have ya been? :)
2. It's nice to have intelligent people as friends who both stretch and challenge you. (hello Kristin)
3. It's OKAY to disagree. Really, it is.
4. It's nice to hear that your opinion has in some way influenced the thinking of other people. Especially when that's what you were trying to do in the first place.
5. It's FUNNY how just expressing your disagreement with the views of a certain political party automatically equates to campaigning for/endorsing/"being in cahoots with" another certain political party/candidate. Someone please show me where I said that I was an Obama supporter on my previous posting....I can't seem to find that particular section. :)
6. I tend to ramble when trying to convey my point. I INTENDED to talk of my absolute disgust at labeling those less fortunate as "lazy and deserving," my hatred of racism and how rampant it still is today, and so forth. Instead, I came across as a torch bearer of Universal Health Care and Barack Obama.
7. I should find a good seamstress. I need to have a scarlet letter crafted up. Mind you, I don't need a scarlet "D" or "O." Instead, I'd like one of those nifty ghost buster circles with a slash mark surrounding a big ole' scarlet "R." (that is for you, M.E....you know who you are....I am having a scarlet letter fashioned for you as well) :)
8. Good Lord...we need a good laugh! (Thanks Codie!) Codie has really thought out the Presidential issue, and she is supporting Mickey Mouse for Pres. I must disagree...you know me...I'm a maverick. (LOL!!) Well, maybe not a Maverick...how about a pot-stirrer? :) I can't support Mickey Mouse for President. Instead, I am supporting Buddy the Elf from Elf. He is good at smiling, smiling is like his favorite thing. He is always happy, and he has a great strategy for settling hot disagreements/wars. He would simply meet with the people who were against us, call them "Cotton Headed Ninny Muggins'" and be done with it. He might say that they smell of beef and cheese, but come on....they probably do.
9. If McCain/Palin win...we'll be fine. If Barack Obama wins...we'll be fine. Tomorrow is another day. The sun'll come out - tomorrow. Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love ya, tomorrow.
10. Joannie Spates - I stinkin' love you. You are the most positive, uplifting person I know. And I love you. You are a blessing.
11. Just for Kristin - I will share this number. This morning around the breakfast table, the Martin boys were talking politics. K and Z were discussing that today our school would be voting for President. Keith said, "Zack, who are you voting for?" Zack said, "Well Keef, Obama is da' blue one...Johnny McCain is da' red one." Griffin said, "Daddy, who are we voting for? Obama or Nick Saban?" Without missing a beat, in unison, we both replied, "NICK SABAN." Come on, people...can ANY of us argue with that choice?

I love you all. I do. More funny postings to come. But get ready...I still have a big ol' rant on racism that I've been itching to get out. It's coming...when you least expect it. :)

AMY:)

Here it is...my political blog! Please pretend this picture is at the end...not the beginning...

2008-11-03T17:17:00.000-08:00

So...the election is tomorrow. I've sat patiently by and listened to all the political fodder forEVER. I've received all the jokes, poems, video clips, etc. I've watched the debates, done the research, read everything I could find on both candidates. I have long debated sharing my opinion because it stands in contrast to almost everyone around me. Shawn and I have the same political feelings, and by the time this post is finished I hope that you will understand why. Many times I find that my tendency to convey my point and my normal headstrong ways are overbearing, so I have just chosen to remain quiet for a long time. I believe what I believe, I am 100% confident in the validity of my beliefs. Nothing that anyone can say will sway my opinion. Honestly, I'm not out to change the way that people will vote. I just hope - I pray to change the way that people think.

I've long debated how I should convey the basis for my political views. I've had a draft blog saved for about 7 weeks now. I've never posted it. Much like a journal, it did me good to actually put my beliefs and thoughts into visible words. Even then, it was very wordy and very "Amy." Tonight, I am going to go in a different direction. So here goes.

I am a Christian. I believe that Jesus Christ was born of a virgin, lived a perfect, sinless life, and died for my sins. I believe that He rose on the 3rd day and that He is now in Heaven, seated at His Father's right hand. I believe that with every fiber of my being. My Christianity outranks any political party allegiance, any presidential vote, etc. I fail MISERABLY every day in living a life worthy of the name of Christian. But I try. I pray a lot, ask for a lot of forgiveness, and keep trying.

I used to say that there were many aspects of religion that sickened me. I am finding it more and more difficult to distinguish between religion and Christianity. That saddens me. It keeps me up at night. It makes me sneak into my bathroom with all the lights off and turn on the fan so I can have a little noise to stifle my whispers. While there, I pray. I cry. I ask God why people are the way they are. Why Christians are the way we are. Why we are so easy to judge, why we think that it's our JOB to do so. Why we are so quick to label and feel NO REMORSE when we do just that.

I despise abortion. In my opinion, it is not justified, ever. You can't argue with the Word of God, and it says, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you." What more do you need to prove that life doesn't begin at conception, it truly begins BEFORE conception! Therefore, abortion is the taking of life. It is murder. It is wrong. Period. End of story. When Shawn and I were struggling through infertility, we often cried out to God begging Him for a child. I couldn't understand why some people could get pregnant, then would abort the children. I couldn't even get pregnant. It wasn't right. It isn't right. EVER.

Here's my HUGE issue with the republican party. I agree with them on the pro-life stance. I TOTALLY disagree with them on their view on what to do with the children once they are born.

I've received all of the emails. All the poems. The trick-or-treat cartoons stating, "This must be a Democrat's house, they want to give our candy to the kids who are too lazy to go trick-or-treating." And I must be honest...I have found them all repulsive. Sorry to say it, but it's true. I hate them. I hate the opinion that people who are less fortunate are "lazy" or "deserve it" or aren't worth helping out. I can't stand it. It keeps me up at night. It invades my prayers daily. It is a major issue with me. Know what else? It is a MAJOR ISSUE with Christ. Yep, that's true. IT IS.

..."For I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not take me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.' Then they also will answer Him saying, 'Lord,when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and did not minister to You?' Then He will answer them saying, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me." Matthew 25:42-45

Notice, Jesus didn't say ANYTHING about people being lazy, not deserving help, etc. He didn't say, "You can go out and work just like I do. I'm a carpenter. It's good enough for me to work, you ought to work." Nope. He didn't ask questions, did He?! He said, "Whatever you do to THE LEAST of them, you do to ME." Those cartoons aren't so funny now, putting Jesus in the place of the "lazy" or the "undeserving."

Proverbs 19:17 says, "He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and HE will pay back what he has given." We sit and wonder why our nation is in the state that it's in. Why? We would MUCH rather judge the less fortunate than help them. Why let our tax money support lazy, worthless people? We are Christians. We've got it all figured out. We're working hard, we're better than them. This attitude disgusts me. It is so Pharisaical in nature, yet we feed it. We foster it. We are proud of it. God help us...God forgive us all.

WHO ARE WE to judge who deserves help and who doesn't? Jesus didn't put qualifications on the ones who deserve help. He said HELP THEM. What we do to them, we are doing to Him. Are you all comfortable with what we are doing to Jesus? Sorry, but I'm not. Seeing it that we, we aren't doing enough.

We push to get those babies born, and WE SHOULD. But when they're here...then what? What if they are born to young, uneducated, drug-addicted mothers who already have other children? Do we just judge that mom and say, "Look at her, she should know better. Why should my hard earned money go to people like that?" Look at Leviticus 19:10. "And you shall not glean your vineyard, nor shall you gather EVERY grape of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and the stranger: I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD." He doesn't leave much room for guessing there, does He? We are to help. Not judge...not second guess. HELP. More red words coming...Jesus talking, here. :) "Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgement you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you." Matthew 7:1-2

There is an older praise and worship song that we sometimes sing at church. There is one part that always stands out to me. When we sing it, I can physically feel a pricking in my heart. It says, "May my life reflect the beauty of my Lord." I ask myself, does it? If not, what is my life reflecting? I John 3:17 says, "But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?" Really. Can somebody answer that one for me? HOW DOES IT?

So, unlike almost EVERYONE in the Bible Belt...I am FOR health care for everyone. You know that feeling we all get when we hear Barack Obama say that he supports the right to choose (abortion)? Well, I get that feeling when I hear John McCain say that health care is a privilege, not a right. I WANT my tax dollars to help others. I believe that we should do MORE for the less fortunate. I agree with something I heard from a McCain supporter, it isn't the government's role to provide health care and support for the poor - it is the church's role. Amen. It is. But, we aren't doing it. Instead, we are casting judgement. We are figuring out who "deserves our help" and who isn't worthy. We are making cartoons and poems and emails, and sending them around. Who do we think we are?

I remember 4 years ago on election day...I remember it well. A fellow teacher who happens to be A FELLOW BELIEVER came to me with this declaration, "Amy, I heard that you aren't a republican. Is that true?" I had to say, "Well, I don't agree 100% with the republican party's beliefs, and I don't believe 100% with the democratic party's beliefs..." She then interrupted me with this lovely word that has stuck with me ever since, "Well...if you aren't a republican, then you are a baby killer. I hope that you can sleep with the blood of innocent babies on your hands." Nice thought. Sweet sentiment. WWJD? That? I wonder....

I hope that you still love me, or if you don't, that you at least still pretend that you do. :) I believe that God is bigger than all of this stuff...no matter WHAT, He is still on the throne. It isn't "Country First" like we've heard. It's GOD FIRST. Then family. Then church. THEN country. If we truly believe GOD FIRST, then we need to do what He says. I hope that I've done an adequate job of conveying what He says.

I'm going to end with this. Remember that young, drug addicted mother I spoke of earlier? Well, I've met her. Many times. I've taken her out to eat. I've sat across from her at court. I've accepted a letter from her written in her 4th grade level handwriting and vocabulary. I read this letter and choked back tears, hearing her try to convey her sincerest apologies, fondest wishes, and deepest regret for her sons. And...I have judged her. For a long time, I judged her. Then, one day, I heard from God. He said, "Don't you DARE judge her. You pray for her. You love her. DON'T judge her anymore." So I don't. It isn't easy, but He didn't say that it would be. He knows all the aspects of the situation. He sees her faults, and they are many. But He says, "Don't judge." In my heart, I know that this admonition isn't just for her...it's for ALL who are less fortunate, unworthy, etc. We aren't given the right to determine who is worthy of compassion or help. Truthfully, we have all been given a gift far greater than anything we deserve. I don't know about you, but nothing that I have done, or could ever do makes me worthy of receiving salvation. I didn't earn it. I received it. Without judgement. Funny how we forget that, when we speak of money. As if money is worth more than salvation.

Lastly, (for real), I really took GREAT offense to the cartoon dealing with "those kids who are too lazy to trick-or-treat." I took offense to what it represents, what it stands for. MY BOYS are EXACTLY what that premise is built on. Less fortunate. Born to that very drug addicted mom. Remember her? The one God told me not to judge? THEY are the main reason why I will NEVER support any party or candidate that thinks that one class of people is better than another, or that one group of people don't deserve help. Are there people who abuse the programs? YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT. Jesus didn't mention them. He said HELP. So while so many people that I know and love send the jokes, post the cartoons, I can't. I won't. When I think of "those people," I see these faces. Maybe the next time you receive one of those emails...you will too. (pretend that the picture at the beginning of the post is actually here)

why the crap did my pictures load backwards?

2008-11-01T19:21:00.000-07:00

This picture is supposed to be last; I don't know why they loaded in reverse order. Whatever. This is Griffin, who is obviously the last of my children who think that carving the jack-o-lantern is cool. He loved every bit of it.

Keith and Zack, on the other hand, would much rather play football in the yard. Notice Zack's play-clothes. Yes, he chose them himself. Yes, it's like 60 degrees and he is wearing his summer clothes. That's Zack!
All the rest of you amateurs can use your pumpkin carving specialty tools...this is how we roll. Straight up jigsaw, baby. That's my Shawn...

Halloween 08...

I love this one...

Just a quick somethin'-somethin'

2008-10-27T19:43:00.000-07:00

Hello Pals. Long time no blog.
Let's see...where to begin. Since we last spoke, I have taught school every day, gotten re-certified in the proper way to restrain "out of control" kids, tried to be a good wife, a good mama, a good teacher, failed miserably at all 3, and painted about 45 of those Trick-or-Treat buckets. Yeah, that's right. The buckets are taking over. I told my pal Kristin (from The Family Fields) that all this crafting, while once fun, is now for the birds. Shawn and I got the bright idea to have booths at the local MASSIVE Cotton Pickin' Festival at the Old Baker Farm this weekend. He sold boiled and parched peanuts, I did my bucket thing. Until Saturday, Shawn had NEVER boiled peanuts, and I am not exactly known for my craftiness. Long story short, Shawny-Boy sold ALL of his almost 200 lbs. of nuts and I painted buckets until I grew sick of looking at them. People kept coming up to his booth asking for his secret recipe, telling him that they were the best peanuts they'd ever eaten. All I can say is "Thank you, Jesus." I was on the verge of hysteria Thursday night, bc he had NEVER practiced or cooked a trial batch, but we had 200 lbs of peanuts soaking in our garage. He ran his first test batch Friday and brought them to school to the "car-rider" ladies for a taste test. They LOVED them. So, he boiled. I painted. I stayed up until 2:00 am Sat. morning, and got up at 5. We were at the farm until 5pm, went to Mom and Dad's to eat supper, watch the Bama game (ROOOOOOOOOOOOLLL TIDE!), and get our sweet boys. Back home, straight to bed, up again at 6 , I got the boys ready for church, took them to Mom and Dad's, then back to the farm. While I am thankful for the money that we made, I am literally exhausted. I told Shawn that I seriously considered getting a sub for today, I needed a day off from my real job to recoup from my side job. But I went to school and taught. On fumes. Here are some lessons I learned this weekend while on the farm.
#1. I have awesome parents. They kept my boys all day Saturday and Sunday. My Dad played outside with them, my mom helped them make dough Christmas ornaments and let them paint them. They are great parents, and EXCELLENT Gigi and Grandaddy.
#2. It sucks not taking your kids to church. We NEVER miss church. NEVER. But I have now missed 2 Sundays in a row. Last week, I took Griffin to the after-hours dr. with an earache. This week I had the farm. As I was getting my boys ready to take to my parents to take them to church, I felt uneasy. It just wasn't right. I knew that we had this commitment that we made to The Bakers, and that it was a 1-time deal. But it isn't right, not taking your children to church. I am THANKFUL that my parents ALWAYS took me to church, and that Shawn and I always take our boys to church. Griffin showed us the picture he made in Sunday School. Oh, how I wish I had a video link to share. It was of a queen standing before a king. (OT king and queen) He said, "Mom-tee...I GOTTA tell you 'bout this. This guh (girl), she is Es-tah (Esther). And dis boy, he's da king. His name is Nez-a-bess-nevah (Nebuchanazzar). I LOVE IT!
#3 I may have a little craft in me, but I am a teacher. It's like I told Shawn and Kristin, I had fun, but I'm not going to go running of to join the craft show caravan any time soon.

Poor Jennifer Hudson. I like her so much, and now she's lost her mom, her brother, and her sweet nephew. I can't IMAGINE. Please say a prayer for her, and for her sister, Julian's mom.
More to come...I need to go to sleep.
AGM:)

A few more money shots from this weekend...

2008-10-21T20:13:00.000-07:00

I hate that I still don't exactly have this blog stuff figured out. I wanted to post all kinds of pics, but once I start loading, I realize that it will only accept 5 at a time. So I actually did the post under this one first, now I am doing this one second. I wish that I knew how to manipulate them and make this post come second, but alas, I don't. So just be sure to read both posts...okay?

So of course, we are down on the field for a while before we actually went to our seats. What we saw...that's another story for another day. And believe me...it's a GOODIE. "Bingo - that was a goodie!" (if you can tell me who coined that phrase - you win a prize!) (not a real prize, but a prize of acknowledgement) Anyhoo, we were standing right there when Ole' Miss' band marched in. I happened to turn around and see a SENIOR CITIZEN in full band regalia marching with them. I believe that my exact quote was, "What the....?" And I was standing beside my preacher. I must honestly say, he was right there with me...WHAT THE CRAP?!?! I mean hello...it's not every day that you see Paw Paw in his band uni. marching. So I was hooked. When they took the stands...I couldn't let it go. This is one of 7 shots I took of him. I have to know more! What should I do, google "Old Man in Ole Miss band?" I will get to the bottom of this mystery, I assure you I will.
What a lovely sight.
This shot was on the Jumbo-Trons before the Tide took the field. The sound was DEAFENING. It really did give me chills hearing the crowd react to them *about* to come out. ROLL TIDE!
For the record, I was as fervent a BAMA fan for the past 7 years as I am now. Nothing has changed. I love em', win, lose, or draw. Draw? Maybe not so much. :) I'm not saying anything about any other team...I'm just saying that I love the Tide!
Nothing more to add to this. It speaks volumes. I'll leave you with the quote that I love so much..."THIS is ALABAMA football!"

God's Country...

2008-10-21T19:34:00.000-07:00

TUSCALOOSA! It's like my brother says...it truly is God's Country.

This past weekend Shawn and I had a day to ourselves. The first in months. Literally.

And how did we choose to spend it? With 2 of our friends at the Bama game!

Here are a few little shots that I wanted to share.

Above is one of the fan shots that they sucker you into buying.

Call me a sucker. I bought it today.

I grow so weary of people complaining about John Parker Wilson. First of all, he holds the records for passing, most yards, completions, etcat Alabama. WHAT THE FREAK ARE YOU COMPLAINING ABOUT? Statistically speaking, he's the best we've had.And he is the quarterback. OUR quarterback.So to quote Doug Heffernan from The King of Queens..."Shutty." Second of all - he is somebody's baby. Maybe it's because I'm a Mama to 3 boys...I really don't want to hear anyone complaining about him. How would his Mama feel? Thirdly - he is pretty much too cute for words. Seriously. Could he be any cuter? Before any of you get worried about my saying that, let me share an epiphany I had this weekend...I am old enough to be his mom. Literally. I just puked a little bit in my mouth realizing how stinking old I am.

Julio Jones...I love you too. I love that you are a phenomenal player. I love that when you score, you toss the ball back to the referee and don't act like you just cured cancer. I love that you act like you've done it all before. I LOVE that you'll do it a million times more before your career at UA is over.

Terrence Cody = Hercules. Surely you all know this story...if not I'll just tell ya.

I love John Parker Wilson.

I love Julio Jones.

I am OBSESSED with Terrence Cody. Seriously. I am. You've all seen "The Nutty Professor," right? Remember the scenes around the table where Eddie Murphy played all the roles except for the fat kid? TERRENCE CODY IS THAT FAT KID. Really. That's him. Remember, "Hercules, Hercules, HERCULES!" Mt. Cody is Hercules! This is a pic I took during warm ups, when they were doing the PA announcements of the starting lineups. We were ca-RACKING up when we watched him. He was getting all pumped up waiting for them to call his name. He was bouncing up and down, pumping his fists down by his side...it was priceless. I stinking love him. I want to adopt him.

Hercules, Hercules, HERCULES!

Here's why I LOVE Kamin

2008-10-19T20:39:00.001-07:00

Maybe it's just me...but I'm pretty

jazzed about these fellas.

I mean come on...

just look at these precious boys.

Kamin has such a great eye.
There is nobody, anywhere that I would rather take their pictures than our Kamin.
This shot will be one of my all time favorites, forever.

There are SO many wonderful pictures that she took that day, I will try and post more. If you live anywhere close, or even if you don't...it would be SO worth it to have Kamin shoot your kids. With her camera, of course. :) The best part is that she is just as wonderful on the inside as she is talented and beautiful on the outside. She's pretty much one of my favorite people...

Visit her blog...she's at "Behind K's Lens" on my links on the right. Tell her that Amy sent you.

A quick post...just to say that I updated!

2008-10-13T19:58:00.000-07:00

Not much new to post. I like this sweet snapshot of Keith and Zack. This was during our *professional* photo shoot with Kamin. These sweet boys had been so patient...they were resting on Gigi's quilt in the cotton field. I told ya, these are gonna be some AMAZING pics...can't wait to be able to share them. Anyhoo, they aren't models, ya know? They don't exactly enjoy taking pictures. But they were so good and so sweet...just taking a little rest while they waited. And I LOVE seeing Keith's basketball wallet peeking out of his back pocket...what a little man!
Then you have Griffin. He has a slight obsession with Spider Man (hence the web fingers). I have quite the dilemma on my hands. He totally wants to be Spidey for Halloween. I just don't know...he's always been something "cute" for Halloween, I don't think I'm ready for him to be something grown up yet. I know...he's almost 5. But he's my BABY! Here are his Halloween costumes of years past...The Scarecrow from the Wizard of Oz (K was the Tin Man, Zack the Cowardly Lion...they were so darn cute!), Elvis ( I ordered this diddy online, and LOVED IT. It was a white velvet jumpsuit with red, blue, and gold sequin phoenix on the front. It was an exact replica of his Las Vegas outfit. Shelley, don't you have this now? If so...I want to see Mattson as The King.) Woody from Toy Story, and last year he was the CUTEST spider you've ever seen. He HATED it, he kept saying, "But Momtee...I look like a baaaaaaaaaaaaby." But Spider Man? I just don't know yet....
Another little number I took during out photo shoot with Kamin. Maddie is looking at Gigi's flower, and Breanna's feet are in the background. Sweet, sweet girls. I love my nieces to pieces! Have a great week! And ROOOLLLLL TIDE ROLL!

Heredity explains it...

2008-10-06T19:47:00.001-07:00

Of all of my mom and dad's 6 grandchildren, only 3 are biological. Keith, Zack, and Breanna are all adopted. (K and Z are my oldest 2 sons, and B is my brother's oldest daughter) All of us are so blessed by these precious gifts, and we are all certain that they were just as much of God's plan for our lives as the 3 biological. I always cringe when people say, "Now which ones are yours?" IDIOTS! All 3 are mine! All 3 are equally mine, equally me + Shawn. There is no difference WHATSOEVER in the love. I do imagine that this concept is hard for people to comprehend...people who haven't experienced it firsthand. It's like people who only have 1 child, they can't imagine loving another child as much as the one they have. Then they have a second one, and the love is just there - and it's the same. That's how it is with my boys. Now, if you know Griffin and Maddie (the first 2 biological grand kids) then you know that they are *delightful* little creatures. They are so alike with their strong wills, their fiery dispositions, and their drama filled personalities. Our favorite photographer Kamin took a TON of pictures for us this weekend. I CAN NOT WAIT to get these back and to share them with all of you. While Kamin was taking some individuals of someone, I spotted Griffin and Cupcake playing with some of Gigi's pumpkins. I told them REPEATEDLY to put them back, alas, they didn't. So I stole this shot. You've gotta love them...rebellion, er, individual expression is part of their DNA...it's in their blood.

I'm back...and I've got my CRAFT on!

2008-10-06T19:21:00.001-07:00

Okay, so its been a while. I've been busy teaching, being a mom, and making these crazy cute little numbers! They are cauldrons, and they are way too precious! I bet that I have painted 15 of these babies since Saturday, and 10 of them are now in Louisiana. I got the idea from one of my mom's http://www.sue-thecottonpatch.blogspot.com/ blog pals, Susie. http://susieharris.blogspot.com/. (sorry for the link mess...that's the best I can do until I learn more) I am now selling these for $10. I can personalize with your child's name, or I have made some that say Trick or Treat (above), Boo-y'all, be*witched, spooky, etc. Just tell me what you want. Each is hand painted and has 3 different ribbons on each side of the handle. So, if you want one, or 4 or 5, let me know. I am actually enjoying this crafting crap, um, hobby.

one more reason to continue the sarah palin obsession...

2008-09-23T19:53:00.000-07:00

Forget McCain...just give it to Sarah.
ps, I am SO being Sarah Palin for Halloween. I am scrapping my original plan of being Daphne in a family-themed version of the Scooby Doo crew to be Governor Palin. I told Shawn that he could be McCain. He didn't bite. I'm still gonna be Sarah. You know, I can see Russia from my house! :)
RTR Sarah...RTR!

seasons

2008-09-22T19:25:00.000-07:00

It is dying, but I think it's beautiful. This past weekend I went along with several other gals from church to a Women's Conference. It was GREAT. I got so much, I could never share it all. One thing that really stuck out dealt with seasons. Trees go through 4 seasons, but they only produce fruit in 1. In one season, they are basically dying. They have endure the drying up and withering time for new growth to come. In one season, they are dormant. Nothing is happening. They appear dead. No growth is visible, no beauty. But on the inside...something is taking place. The next season is the budding time. The weather around the tree may be cool and unstable, but new life is soon to take off. Finally comes the season of production. Visible, beautiful fruit appears. Often in abundance. The thing about it is this...all the seasons must be endured to get to the fruit. The tree has to die, it has to be dormant in order to grow. Isn't that like us? Have you ever felt like nothing was happening? Alone? Forgotten? Thank God that it's just your dormant time. It is necessary for the time of beauty and growth to come. And like my hydrangea...even the dying down season provides us with beautiful evidence of God's handiwork. We are so meek. He is so grand. I am so insignificant. He is so phenomenal. I am nothing. He is everything. I am thankful that He has my seasons planned out and all I have to do is simply be.

Late Bloomers

2008-09-22T19:15:00.000-07:00

Can you believe how beautiful the Trumpet Tree is?
Shawn thought it was dead last year and cut it all the way down...but it's back!
This is my meager attempt to be Kamin...our favorite photographer. I am playing with the settings on my camera and tried out the portrait mode...focused on the bird feeder with the trumpet tree in the background. Yeah...I'm no Kamin. Go and visit her blog, see my links and click on Behind K's Lens. She is such a precious girl (woman). She and Kristin (The Family Fields) are practically family and we are pretty crazy about them both. Hit Kamin up and be sure and tell her that I sent you. Kristin has a site linked from her site where she is selling some of her beautiful stuff. Check it out.

griffin.was.here.

2008-09-21T19:49:00.000-07:00

Long time no blog!

Those of you that frequent my mom's blog know that she is one crafty girl. She has this bunny that stands out by the light post, and this is not your ordinary bunny. Gigi (my mom) dresses her to fit the season. Well...it's football season. So of course, being a smart, savvy bunny, our girl is sporting an ALABAMA jersey. We went to Mom and Dad's to watch the game on Saturday. Griffin wasn't into football, he wanted to play on the computer instead. Shawn commented that Griffin has better computer skills than he does. That's true. And scary. Seriously, part of Zack's 2nd grade technology curriculum is creating a folder, saving documents in that folder, retrieving documents, changing fonts and colors, etc. That's a flippin' lot for an 8 year old. Anyhoo, Griffin has mad computer skills. ESPECIALLY when it comes to The Wiggles. He's in the fan club. He receives monthly emails from them. This analogy pretty much sums up his Wiggle love. Griffin:The Wiggles::Amy:Loretta Lynn/The Eagles. Yeah. It's that hardcore. So of course, he took it upon himself to print out the masks of ALL OF THEM. For those of you who aren't familiar, that's Greg (even though he is no longer a wiggle), Sam (Greg's replacement), Murray, Anthony, Wags the Dog, Henry the Octopus, Dorothy the Dinosaur, Captain Feathersword, and Jeff. Then, he cut them out (on his own...check out those impressive cutting skills) and he and Gigi made masks. When it was time to go, Griffin ran ahead and shouted over his soldier (that's what he calls his shoulders) "Hey Mom-tee...don't come out yet. I gotta go do sometin' important. " This is what he did. I thought it was pretty darn cute. And let me tell ya this...when we went to Gigi's to eat after church today...Bunny was still wearing her Anthony mask.

1st Day of School in Wee-zee-ann-uh

2008-09-16T20:01:00.001-07:00

B's 1st day in 1st grade! Even with the uniform, she manages to accessorize in a fab way. Notice the hair bows, Hannah Montana bag, and shoes.
Maddie Moo accessorizes as well...notice the inner tube and gang signs. I LOVE THESE GIRLS!
Rock on, Cupcake...Rock on!

A few things I am certain of...

2008-09-16T19:24:00.000-07:00

Here are a few lessons I am presenting with the help of my sweet nieces. First, GEAUX TIGERS! (this week only)

Next, I really wish that we wore uniforms at school. Look how cute BB looks! Kids need to wear them, so do teachers.
Beware the blond chick with the devious grin. She's usually up to no good. That look and laugh are usually followed by something like this...
God love her. This is what happens when you can't get away from Maddie. Once you learn to walk, Sweet Emma...run. Run like the wind.

Aware

2008-09-08T19:27:00.000-07:00

I have grown to LOVE walking. (I seriously never imagined that I would say that). I have my trusty iPod, my 2 inch barrier of bug spray, and I'm gone. It's like my therapy now. It's my time to think, to pray, to just enjoy the view. Tonight I didn't get to walk until later than normal, and a storm was passing by. The wind was whipping. The clouds were traveling across the sky quickly. It was nice. I try and choose different playlists according to my moods. I started off with the random pick mode and began my walk with The Allman Brothers "Midnight Rider." For the record, I stinking love that song. (Kevin...are you reading this? GREAT SONG!) I was singing along, loving it. The next song that came up randomly was Don Henley's "Sunset Grill." I love that one as well, I just didn't want to hear it tonight. Maybe it was the weather, but I wasn't in the mood for my usual walking tunes. I searched my playlists and found my Praise and Worship songs. The first one that came up was Shane and Shane's version of "Before the Throne of God Above." LOVE IT! I enjoyed it, then rolled around until I found what I was looking for. By the way, I didn't know what I was looking for, I just felt that I'd know when I heard it. AND I DID. I came across "Aware" by Salvador. HOW PERFECT for me today. I've been so busy STRESSING OUT about every aspect of school that I lost perspective. Leave it to God to speak to me through my iPod. Some of you might now understand what I'm about to say, but most of you will. (if you have any questions, email me, I'd be glad to talk to you about it) Even though I am a teacher, my primary reason for being there isn't to teach. I'm there because it's the mission field that God chose for me. He knew exactly where I would be on September 8, 2008. He knew that I would PROMISE my husband that I would leave the school at 4:00, but that I really wouldn't get to leave until 5:05. He knew that I would be so worn out, so stretched from the CORE reading program, writing formative assessments, SP ED paperwork, etc that I would be questioning my career choice. He knew it all. But He put me there for a reason. I don't exactly know the reason. I may never know it. But this great song made me realize this: God is right there with me through it ALL. He's IN the CORE reading program. (Work a miracle, Jesus!) He's in the formative assessments. He's in the SP ED paperwork. It's up to ME to slow down or to be aware enough to see Him. I am always aware that God is right smack in the middle of a blessing (my children, my family, all the good things in my life). But I must become more aware of Him in the "not so good" things as well. Because HE IS THERE TOO! I am posting the lyrics to this great song. Most of you probably know it. I hope that it will mean something to someone reading this Pulitzer Prize worthy blog. :) And by the way...tonight's post is dedicated to my fellow teacher pal, Jamey Benton (visit her blog from my favorites - A Girl Becoming). She is an amazing, Godly woman. Her devotion to The Kingdom is inspiring. At today's meeting, I glanced over and saw her looking almost as overwhelmed/stressed as I felt. Jamey...this one is for you. By the way, Mom, or someone who has more technological skills than I...how do I post the YouTube video to this song?

Aware - by Salvador
Even in the little things that never seem to big to me
In the things I thought didn't matter much at all
As simple as my daily prayer
To the strength I need to get out of bed
When I fly or when I am bound to fall
Oh it is You in me
That I fail to see

Make me aware, make me see
That everything I am is not all about me
So Take my world and turn it around
So that the obvious can finally be found
Make me aware, make me aware .

When my life is hanging from a thread
And I think about the things You said
And in these moments seems so far away
Help me see the guarantees
That first brought me to believe
So I can make it through another day
Oh it‘s You in me
That helps me breathe.

Make me aware, make me see
That everything I am is not all about me.
So Take my world and turn it around
So that the obvious can finally be found
Make me aware.

I have been missing so much
Not recognizing Your touch
Or acknowledging that You’re the reason I’m even here
I have been missing so much
Not recognizing Your touch
Make me aware...

Make me aware, make me aware
Help me see That everything I am
Is not all about me .
Take my world and turn it around
So that the obvious can finally be found.
Make me aware, make me aware

An Update and a message from afar...

2008-09-07T19:15:00.000-07:00

Hey All!

I am SO SORRY that it's been so long since my last post. This past week was very busy. Monday was Labor Day, aka my last free time to post. Tuesday, back to school. Tuesday night was Open House, so I got home after 7:00. Wednesday is my grade-level planning day after school, then I go straight to meet Shawn and the boys at church. After church I had to decorate for Birthday Club on Th. night. Thursday and Friday, I had a workshop with all of 2nd and 3rd grade on writing common formative assessments (in math of all things). Math...not my favorite thing. Anyhoo, I had to rush home Thursday after the workshop and go to church for Birthday Club. It ended at 8:30ish, then I had to stay and clean up. So I got home LATE Th. night just to rise and shine at good old 5:15 Friday morning. PRAISE GOD it's been a good weekend. Zack and Keith both spent the night with friends Friday night (shout out to Jakob and Jordan). But in an UNUSUAL twist, Zack called and wanted us to come and get him. That is SO unlike him. We tried just talking to him, but he wanted to come home. So Shawn went to get him all the while telling him that Keith was still at his friend's house. He didn't care, he missed his mama! :) Saturday I had a TON of errands to do, and we had some friends come over for the BAMA game. Today was church, groceries, lesson plans, ironing clothes, and WHEW...here I am! I hope to do better this week.

On to the message from afar...it's really from Chelsea. And it is HILARIOUS. Remember my last post? Where I got my craft on? (that reminds me, I got my craft on Friday night, before Zack came home. When the project is completed, I'll post the pics...get ready to ooooh and ahhhhh) Anyhoo, my craftiness obviously inspired my pal, Nadia. When I checked my million emails today, I had a nice little diddy from her. It said,

Amy,

Some friends of mine want to say THANKS! - Thanks to you, they're out of storage a whole MONTH earlier than usual! :)
Love, Nod
p.s. HAPPY FALL! I'm a SWEETER now!

It also had a little attachment. It is too HILARIOUS not to share. So, here it is. I hope that you all enjoy it as much as I did. NADIA, thanks for the laugh pal. I LOVED IT!

AGM:)

Fall decorating ~ Before...

2008-09-01T19:31:00.000-07:00

It's fall, Y'all! It's time to get to decoratin'. Shawn is in the process of lugging down my thousand tubs of fall crap from the attic. In the meantime, I felt the need to "get my craft on." I used the ole' noodle and looked around at what I had on hand to use. I found my old trusty barley twist pedestal from Southern Living at Home, a Jamestown pedestal and dome, also from SLAH, an old iron candle holder, and some random candlestick. I went to one of my favorite places, Dollar Tree and bought a few little gems, such as moss, a few bags of little gourds, and a few little pumpkins. I went through my ribbon stash and found this precious red and orange check and my trusty black and white. A few minutes, er, half an hour later, and voila! I think it all turned out pretty darn cute, if I must say so myself! It certainly doesn't look like Dollar Tree decorating, but that's exactly what it is. Take THAT, Martha Stewart!!!

And after...

2008-09-01T19:16:00.001-07:00

Let me apologize for the terrible lighting...I took these pictures at the worst time possible. But I am so proud of my cute little decorations! And the best part is that these 4 beauties cost me about $7.00 total! I love them! No, I won't display them all together. I just put them together for the pictures. When I finish putting up all my fall/Halloween decorations, I'll post some more pictures for you all to see. Forgive me for boasting, but I'm pretty impressed with my handiwork.

And for those of you who think it's too early to decorate for fall...to you I say Bah Humbug! Get in the spirit. It is NOT too early to decorate. My 3 boys are thrilled that we're getting out the pumpkins and such. Shawn isn't so thrilled, because he's the one climbing up to the attic repeatedly finding more decorations. But nonetheless, he is enjoying himself. (That's what I keep telling him) I decorate for fall/Halloween at the beginning of September. And my Christmas trees (yes, trees, I put up 5) go up on Veteran's Day. ENJOY LIFE! Don't be a "meaner." (Griffin's creation) Be a "sweeter." (another of Griff's words) Get to decorating!

Good news, bad news...

2008-08-31T19:02:00.000-07:00

First, the good news.

ROOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLL TIDE!

What a great way to start the season! Am I ordering tickets for the National Championship game? No. Am I predicting a perfect season? Not hardly. But hey...considering the past few (6) years, I'll GLADLY take a reason to celebrate. RTR!

How do ya like my future Crimson Tide players? We are all sporting our John Parker Wilson jerseys. Daddy found out that the #8 Julio Jones jerseys are to hit stores in 2 weeks, so be on the lookout for those. I think Griffin's quote says it best, "Woe Tide WOE!" (gotta love that speech impediment)

My second mom Jane is embarking on a new venture. If you've never been to her house, you will just have to take my word for it, but she is truly gifted with the ability to decorate. She makes the most beautiful wreaths you have ever seen. So, she's putting her talents to use and she is selling wreaths. She has several out at different places in Pell City and they are going like hotcakes. She had me take an Alabama and an Auburn wreath to school to see if anyone would be interested. THEY WERE. I got an Alabama one, and it looks pretty fabulous on my front door. I'll post a pic shortly. (you can see K, Z, and G standing in front of it above) They are so fun for football season. Don't fret, tiger fans, there is an Auburn version. If anyone is interested, please let me know. I'm sure that Jane would be happy. If you are interested in her other BEE-YOU-TEA-FUL wreaths, I'll try to get some pics of them to post.

Now, the bad news. Gustav is heading straight for Wee-zee-ann-uh. For those of you that don't know, my brother and sis-in-law and nieces live there. They live in Covington, which is just across the Causeway (long, scary bridge) from New Orleans. They have been evacuated and are making their way here. It is normally a 5 hour drive. They left out this morning at 10:00. At 7:00 tonight, they had made it to Meridian, which is the 1/2 way point (normally a 2.5 hour drive) Please say a prayer for them, as well as Amy's (sis-in-law's) parents, brother, sister and her family, and Grandmother are all evacuated as well. With Katrina, they lost power for 3 weeks. My mom is expecting them to come tomorrow. It's bittersweet, bc we are happy to see them, just not under these circumstances. When it touches someone so close, it makes watching it on tv a whole different ballgame. This is their LIFE. It's not a day off of school or work, it's hoping that you'll have a home to go back to. It's deciding what to try and bring, what to move to the attic in hopes that the water doesn't rise that high, and what it's okay to risk leaving. It's making those crazy decisions over the course of 2 days. I can't even imagine. 2 days? I'd need at least 2 weeks to make lists of what to take, FIND IT ALL, pack it up, etc. 2 days? Could you do it?

By this time tomorrow, we'll know a lot more. Pray with me that lives are spared. Pray that the levees hold. Our Pastor had a wonderful point today. We serve a God that is bigger than this hurricane. I'm holding on to that thought. No matter what happens, God is in control.

Zack

2008-08-28T19:53:00.000-07:00

This is the face.

The one that makes me laugh.

The one that makes me smile.

The one that makes me furious.

5 years ago when I met him, he was someone else's boy. Legally, he and his brother belonged to someone else. I knew different. I knew that they were mine.

This is the face that I saw when I walked down the stairs in the church that February day in 2003. These are the eyes that peered at me and seemed to look straight into my heart. These are the eyes that I saw each night in my dreams when I would pray and ask God, "Are you sure that we can do this...can we adopt 2 boys?" My answer always came with a peaceful, calming feeling and a vivid memory of these eyes.

This is the smile that I longed for every Monday-Friday. I knew that we could pick them up from their foster parents and have them as ours for only a weekend at a time. We would drive up to find 2 dirty little boys playing in the yard, waiting, hoping, wanting someone to come and take them away. This is the smile that filled my innermost being with love when he saw me and realized, "She came back for us" every single Friday. When we had to take them back each Sunday night, I felt like my very soul was being torn in two pieces. As he cried, we would promise, "We'll be back in 5 days." He would take his stubby little hand and hold up 5 fingers, and say, "Dis' many?" We would kiss that little hand and say, "Yeah, that many." As the tears ran down his pudgy little face, this was the smile that radiated like pure sunlight.

This is the nose that I kissed each night as I rocked him to sleep. He was always restless, never at peace. Sleep never came easy for him. I would take him into the office and sit in front of the computer. He liked to watch the fish on the screen saver. That false underworld seemed to bring him comfort. I would rock him for hours, whispering my hopes and dreams for him. I would tell him that no matter what happened, I would always love him deeply. He would finally surrender to sleep, safe in my arms, momentarily at peace and willing to give up the struggle. This is the nose that I kissed and nuzzled, and prayed for a miracle.

My boy is turning 8, and I've only had him for 5 years. Mathematically, it doesn't add up. But it's a perfect equation nonetheless. I've had him for 5 years, but I've known him forever. Since I was put in this world, he's been with me. When God created me, He created Keith and Zack in my heart just as certainly as He created Griffin in my womb. Zack wonders why he doesn't have baby pictures like Griffin does. "Mama, where are my baby pictures?" I don't have any. All the pictures I have are from age 2 1/2 till now. It must be hard for him, having no beginning. Seeing a starting point for his brother, a measurable growth and development captured forever on film. He doesn't have that. Right now, as an almost 8 year old...that is hard for him to understand. But I am certain that as he gets a little older, he'll see what I see. We may not have baby pictures. We may not know when he took his first steps, what his first word was, or how he looked at his first Christmas. We do know that what we have is priceless. We have this amazing boy, transformed from a scared, wounded, abandoned baby. We have this nose, we have these eyes, this smile. We have this face. And we thank God for it daily.

This is the face.

Not captured in a newborn picture.

Not displayed in a first picture with Santa.

Not existing on film at all until age 2 1/2.

This is the face that is forever living in my heart. He makes me smile. He makes me laugh. He makes me furious. He makes me thankful that God's plans are so much bigger and better than any I can even begin to imagine. This is the face of a birthday boy ( on Sunday). Even though I didn't carry him in my belly, this is the face that I have always carried in my heart, even before I knew it. It is his birthday, but he is one of my 3 greatest gifts.

Let me introduce you to my new friend...

2008-08-24T20:52:00.000-07:00

I'm still so new at this blog thing. My mom forced me into this addiction, so it's all her fault. :) Actually, I love it. My only regret is that I don't have the time to spend looking at all my new pals' blogs. I am WAY behind in linking to my fave blogs...I promise I'll catch up. Good Grief, I haven't even posted a link to Nadia's blog, my old BFF from school. I'll get there, Lattie...I'll get there.

The whole blogging thing has done wonders for friendships that I already had. I've talked more to Steffi, Ashely P., Tricia , Kevin, Nadia, Ashely B, and others than I have in a long time. That's been great. Another nice plus that I never imagined was that I would form actual relationships with people that I would have otherwise never met. I got into this blog thing figuring that I'd steal some awesome craft ideas and learn some frugal mom tips. I have, plus so much more.

Somehow, I started conversing with a lady out in Texas. She came across my blog about John Mark Stallings. I LOVED a post she wrote about people flippantly using "the r-word" (retarded). She has such a point. (you must go to her blog and read it....it is SUCH A GREAT POST!) We started commenting to each other, and we have developed such a wonderful friendship. Let me tell you about my new pal Kele.

Like me, she is a mom of 3. Like me, her life revolves around ball. I was raised on a high school football field, she is raising her kids on one. Her husband is a HS football coach in Texas. I think pretty highly of Kele, but God really thinks a lot of her. When deciding where to place a special angel, he chose Kele and her husband. 6 months ago, they found out that their newborn daughter Presley has Down Syndrome.

Please visit Kele's blog and read about her family. While you're there, BE SURE to visit Presley's page and check her progress. She just underwent her open heart surgery. We are SO THANKFUL for God's amazing love and provision in their lives. Now, they are ready to take their sweet little butterfly HOME. It's about time, don't you think? She's almost 7 months old! It's time!

Kele has such a way with words. I love her honesty and I admire her courage. She is a friend that I know I will have FOR LIFE. She is what motherhood is all about. I haven't met her husband, but I think pretty highly of him too. (Read her post "the wink" and I believe that you'll agree with me) My mind is FULL with ideas of things that I need to blog about, new Martin boy updates, my own personal bucket list (thanks, Kevin) and I have the cutest darn ALABAMA wreath that you all MUST SEE! But tonight, I wanted to blog about my friend Kele. I want all of you to know her, to read her writings, and to check on Presley. PLEASE leave her a comment, tell her that I sent you. Hers is a blog that you will visit often. My mom shared a bible verse with me a while back. Of course, it's one of those verses that I cling to and feel certain that God wrote just for me. "I will give you treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who calls you by name. "Isaiah 45:3 I look at Kele's life, her life right now, today and the life that God has chosen for her in the future. It is a treasure. Some people might view it as darkness, but Kele knows better. She has riches stored in secret places. They aren't secret to her. To most people, an "imperfect child" is darkness. But not Kele. She is rich, wealthy beyond measure. She has Presley. She was CHOSEN to be Presley's mom. What an honor. What an immeasurable treasure. My life is richer having Kele in it. I've already told Shawn that we are going to HAVE to get out to Texas so I can actually meet her. AND I believe that I have her salivating to come to an Alabama game. (or EXPERIENCE as her husband says) In the meantime, our friendship will continue to grow via our blogs. Who'dve thunk it? http://gilesfamilyof5.blogspot.com/ Go and give her a shout. I don't know how to do these awards that my mom does, I'm not as technologically savvy as she (yet another sign of the apocalypse...God help us all, my mom has mad computer skills) So this post is my award for Kele. This is my gold medal. First awarded to Michael Phelps' mom. Now a gold medal for Kele. May she wear it proudly.
Later, Peeps!

Thanks a lot, Fay...

2008-08-24T20:41:00.001-07:00

This is what I woke up to

2008-08-24T20:06:00.000-07:00

I have a lot of relatives who are old pros when it comes to hurricanes. Uncle Gary & Aunt Connie along with Pat, Molly, Vince and Beth live in central Florida. Hurricanes are nothing new to them. It's just part of their lives. My brother Chris and his family live just outside of New Orleans. When Katrina came through, they all had to evacuate up here. I remember watching The Today Show with them on the next day when it showed the movie theater where they lived, or what was left of it. It was surreal. I never imagined that I would have a hurricane story from here in central Alabama. Now I do.

As all my Alabama pals know, we're in the middle of another drought. Yesterday (Saturday) was the first time we've seen rain in FOREVER. And we saw a pile of it. It rained and rained and rained...all day and night. This morning, Griffin was in the bed with me. (We'd already kicked Shawn the snorer out) I looked at the clock, it was 6:30. I remember thinking that I needed to get up soon and start ironing our clothes for church. I closed my eyes and then heard an incredible sound. I thought it was a car accident, right in front of the house. It was a long, loud crashing sound. I got up and looked out my window, and this is what I saw. One of our tall oak trees had just fallen. Right in front of my bedroom window. Well, about 30 feet in front of the window. I got Shawn and we stood there staring, we couldn't believe it. We figured that it was one of the dead trees that was struck by lightning earlier this summer. Wrong. On our way to church, we saw that it was actually uprooted. I now know that when there is a drought, the root systems of trees weakens. So, when the rain came like it did yesterday, it was too much for our old tree. And it fell. Thankfully it was far enough in the little wooded area in front where it didn't hit our house. It did, however fall on another tree, that is also weakened. If that tree falls, it will land right in the middle of our dining room. I've been wanting to redecorate it, but I'm not sure that a tree through the window is what I had in mind. I'll keep you posted.

In Honor of Michael Phelps...pictures of my Olympians

2008-08-19T19:33:00.000-07:00

Here are a few gems for ya...pictures of K, Z, and G taken at Uncle Chris' this summer. (Memorial Day weekend, actually...before they got their tans)

Enjoy!

AGM:)

M. Phelps is my new hero...

2008-08-18T19:25:00.001-07:00

We're deep in the throws of Olympic hysteria, so I must give my opinion. (as my cyber audience waits with baited breath) I really enjoy gymnastics. Track and field has lost its luster, thanks to the rampant occurances of doping. Baseball and softball are being DROPPED as Olympic sports in favor of BMX biking and trampoline? Are you KIDDING me? (but the trampoline stuff is COOL! We have found Zack's future Olympic sport). Keith's teachers have required him to watch each night, so he has enjoyed it. And like 98% of Americans, I have fallen in love with Michael Phelps. I, along with everyone watching, teared up when he won that last gold medal. What an accomplishment! While everyone else was emotional with patriotism and pride, I was experiencing a different feeling. I watched this American icon capture the nation and realized, he used to be exactly like my son. Wild. Distracted. Judged. Michael Phelps has ADHD...extreme ADHD. Michael Phelps is my new favorite success story.

Michael's mom was a teacher. She grew tired of teachers telling her about all of her son's shortcomings. "He can't concentrate." "He'll never be able to focus on anything." "I can't get him to do anything." Oh, Ms. Phelps...I feel your pain. Now, let me say that Keith's personal teachers have NEVER said anything like that. If they thought it, they did know better than to actually verbalize it to me. Wouldn't be a good idea. We have been SO BLESSED with amazing teachers every year. I assure you, they are hard to come by. Even today, so many teachers don't view "kids like mine" as valuable or as promising. They are nuisances. Distractions. Wastes of time. Sidebar here...if you are reading this, and you are a teacher, and you feel this way...CHANGE OCCUPATIONS! Back to my point...read this excerpt from an article I found about Michael and his mom.
“We worked as a team to overcome ADD”
No doubt about it, Michael Phelps has made waves in his chosen sport.
Yet Michael might not have loved swimming at all, were it not for the ingenuity of his mother, Debbie Phelps. “At age seven, he hated getting his face wet,” says Debbie. “We flipped him over and taught him the backstroke.”
Michael showed swimming prowess on his back, then on his front, side, and every way in between. But in the classroom, he floundered. An inability to concentrate was his biggest problem.
“I was told by one of his teachers that he couldn’t focus on anything,” says Debbie. She consulted a doctor, and nine-year-old Michael was diagnosed with ADHD.
“That just hit my heart,” says Debbie. “It made me want to prove everyone wrong. I knew that, if I collaborated with Michael, he could achieve anything he set his mind to.”
Debbie, who had taught middle school for more than two decades, began working closely with Michael’s school to get him the extra attention he needed. “Whenever a teacher would say, ‘Michael can’t do this,’ I’d counter with, ‘Well, what are you doing to help him?’” she recalls.
After Michael kept grabbing a classmate’s paper, Debbie suggested that he be seated at his own table. When he moaned about how much he hated reading, she started handing him the sports section of the paper or books about sports. Noticing that Michael’s attention strayed during math, she hired a tutor and encouraged him to use word problems tailored to Michael’s interests: “How long would it take to swim 500 meters if you swim three meters per second?”
At swim meets, Debbie helped Michael stay focused by reminding him to consider the consequences of his behavior. She recalls the time when 10-year-old Michael came in second and got so upset that he ripped off his goggles and threw them angrily onto the pool deck.
During their drive home, she told him that sportsmanship counted as much as winning. “We came up with a signal I could give him from the stands,” she says. “I’d form a ‘C’ with my hand, which stood for ‘compose yourself.’ Every time I saw him getting frustrated, I’d give him the sign. Once, he gave me the ‘C’ when I got stressed while making dinner. You never know what’s sinking in until the tables are turned!”

Oh, how I love Debbie Phelps. She deserves to be up on that medal stand with Michael. She deserves a gold medal herself. If I had one, I would give it to her. That just goes to show you that you can't dismiss a child because they don't fit the mold. As to why Michael is able to focus in the pool, there is a medical explanation. It's called "hyper focus." And if any of you are either a. a teacher, or b. a mom of a kid with ADHD, you know exactly what I'm talking about.

“Single-Minded Focus”
Michael Phelps won the Gold Medal in his first swim in Beijing! There seems to be some confusion and wonder at how and why Michael Phelps was able to overcome so many odds to not break under so much mental pressure. Michael is described in countless articles to have laser like focus on his swimming and single mindedness on being the best. His concentration has even been described as other-worldly. Yes, Michael has the body makeup of a perfect swimming machine, but in competition it is always the mental aspect which allows someone to step above the rest – in Michael’s case, way above the rest – domination.
Michael Phelps has ADHD. I am not the least bit confused by what others are describing about his laser like concentration, this mental part of his makeup, believe it or not, is rather normal for most people with ADHD. It is called Hyper Focusing. Hyper Focusing allows us to concentrate on something so intensely that we cannot break away from whatever we are focusing on, it can provide supreme drive and motivation. Before I go on about how this helps Michael, let me first be clear about the reality of Hyper Focusing for most people with ADHD. Hyper Focusing is a major cause of dilemma and strife, it can be more of a distraction than anything else. It is often said that kids with ADHD cannot focus and concentrate in school, that’s not entirely true, it is just that these kids are focusing on other things – day dreams, that butterfly outside the window, or maybe something they want to do outside of class.
It is when we start Hyper Focusing on something which we have a talent in, and can make a career of, that Hyper Focusing becomes a benefit. People with ADHD can be the best at anything they set their mind’s to, well, not just the best, better than anyone who has come before them! This has been proven time and time again, this is not a myth or made up wishful thinking, it is a fact. Find someone with ADHD who is doing what they Hyper Focus on in which they have talent and you will find someone doing amazing things which defy all logic. Michael Phelps is the latest proof. Sadly, Phelps is the exception, not the rule. It doesn't have to be that way. Finding the next Phelps shouldn't require one to look any further than any school across America. Don't necessarily focus your search to the top of the honor roll, best behaved lists, or teachers' favorites. This search requires something that is sadly, hard to find. Teachers who see past the "disability" and dig for the "ability," and parents who refuse to accept defeat. Phelps had 1 part of the equation. Can you imagine if he had both?

Here's to you, Michael Phelps. You're amazing. You are deserving of all the attention and press you are receiving. You are now the hero of MILLIONS of kids and adults alike across the world. (My Keith included) And while I have loved watching your rise to fame and your amazing success, you're not my hero. As I stated in my title, M. Phelps is my hero now. And the M. doesn't stand for Michael. I love ya, Mike...but my new #1 hero is your mom, Ms. Phelps. In my opinion, she is truly the one to be celebrated. I hope that I can be as determined, as focused, and as driven as she has been.

Rock on, Ms. Phelps. This mama of a little wild boy salutes you. And while I'm giving out medals, here's to you, Mrs. Arledge-Byrne, Mrs. Ritch, Mrs. Costello, Mrs. Winslett, Mrs. Levine, Mrs. Tidwell and Miss Tisdale. You are champions in my book, and stars in my boy's eyes. YOU are what teaching is all about. My gratitude is endless. My blessings are ineumerable. My disaster is BEAUTIFUL.

Update on my flip-flops

2008-08-15T19:15:00.000-07:00

Obviously, I'm not the only one who is in love with my houndstooth flip-flops. I have been inundated with emails, posts, even phone calls wanting to know where I found these sweet little treasures. I found them at one of my new fave sites...
http://www.girlytwirly.com
Once there, look around at all the cute things they have. Then, get down to business. Search on houndstooth flip-flops. Order them SOON because each pair is custom made, it took mine about 2 weeks to arrive. Football is right around the corner. ORDER NOW, and ROOOOOLLL TIDE!

Mama's Got a New Pair of Shoes...

2008-08-12T20:12:00.001-07:00

There are 2 things that I obsessively love...

the CRIMSON TIDE and shoes. You can imagine my utter exhilaration when I found these little delights online. HOUNDSTOOTH FLIP-FLOPS! They arrived yesterday, on my birthday. To quote Coach Saban, "Aight."

I wear flip-flops well into October, okay, November, so I will get some good football season wear out of these jewels. I shared the site that I ordered them from with some of my fellow teacher BAMA FANS and I must say...they fell in love at first sight too! So, it looks like casual Fridays in the fall, aka, hardcore, obsessive ALABAMA vs. auburn apparel wars are on.

Top these shoes, tiger fans.

ROOOLLLLLLLLLLL TIDE!!!

It's just so hard to pick...

2008-08-11T18:40:00.000-07:00

what to blog about!

Sorry it's been a few days since my last update. I am starting to believe that teaching is truly a full time job. :) Seriously, the beginning of school is INSANE. Plus, I have my 3 little guys to feed, do homework with, read with, and oh yeah - have fun with. So things are a little bit crazy until we get back on schedule. All 3 boys are love love LOVING school. That is a blessing. Here's a funny little Keith story for you. On the first day of school, his teachers had the kids fill out job applications for classroom jobs. Keith decided that he wanted to be the tv monitor. When he came home Thursday night, he was so excited and could hardly wait to tell us about applying for the job. The applications were cute, they had to write their name and personal info. (address, phone, etc) They had to complete a references section. This consisted of his parents names and last year's teachers' names. Then he had to list the skills that he thought that he had that would enable him to do the job. Anyhoo, over supper, he told about his hope that he would get the job. (of tv monitor) He said, "Daddy, you know it's a real important job." Shawn said, "Yeah, I know." Keith said, "Cause nobody can watch the tv without the monitor. No morning announcements, no DVD's." We thought the application was the only deciding factor in naming the new tv monitor. We were wrong.

The next day, Keith's teachers conducted job interviews. These took place in front of the class. (public speaking skills - I told you, awesome teachers here) Keith had to sit in front of the room and state his name, personal information, and talk about his references. He then had to answer questions about what skills he felt that he had that would work in the position. (He told them that he was tall, so that would make it easy for him to reach the tv, he promised that he would always turn it on or off quickly so nobody would have to wait on him...HOW CUTE IS THIS KID) But here is the kicker. Lastly, they threw in a question that the applicants weren't prepared for just to see how they could think on their feet. They asked him something like this, "Keith, the TV monitor is a very important job. If you were to get the job, what are some behaviors that you think that the tv monitor would never have? What are some things that the TV monitor wouldn't do?" Here's why I just love my boy. His teachers said that he thought for a minute, tilted his head and touched his finger to his lips. Then, in all sincerity, he replied with this poignant answer. "Well, the tv monitor should never kick anybody in the privates." And with that heartfelt answer, my son got the job.

I tell you, they never cease to make me smile. I hope that all finds you well. And follow the TV monitor's advice. Don't go around kicking people in the privates.

She should've been mine...

2008-08-07T20:16:00.000-07:00

She's opinionated, independent, and she's been known to stretch the truth. Example - the last time we were in "Wee-zee-annuh" (Louisiana) she and I were putting together a puzzle. The only people at the house were the 2 of us, Gigi, and baby Emma. Maddie is a whiz at puzzles. That's just an extra that I am throwing in...girl can flat work a puzzle. Anyhoo, she picked up a piece and made sure that I was looking at her, and she goes, "Dis piece sucks." A few minutes later she broke off a few of the edge pieces and slid them in the floor. I said, "Oh no...somebody broke the puzzle!" She didn't even look up, she goes, "Yeah...Keef did it." I said, "Maddie, Keith isn't here. " She goes, "Yeah...BB did it." (BB is Breanna). And Breanna was gone on the boat...with Keith. So she stretches the truth. She truly IS her father's daughter. I love it bc she pitches fits and wears glittery shoes and dance outfits all the time and can be mid-fit and look at you and say, "I want gummy" and expect a piece of gum. That's my girl. In this picture we were at the beach and she had on her BAMA bikini. She went in my closet and tried on all my shoes. Please look closely at her left foot...the toe thing is in between her 2nd and 3rd toes. That's my Cupcake!

And...we're back

2008-08-07T19:53:00.000-07:00

Here is Keith with his FABULOUS 3rd grade teachers, Mrs. Tidwell and Miss Tisdale. I am THRILLED TO PIECES that he is going to have them both. They are AMAZING, and are the kinds of teachers that Mama's pray for. I am so looking forward to a great year!

School is back in session. I am exhausted already. It's kinda like childbirth - you remember how tired you are the first few days, but you actually block the degree of the utter exhaustion. I am running on fumes. The boys are glad to be back. Keith is in 3rd grade, Zack in 2nd, and Griffin is with us in our new pre-k class. Finally, we're all under 1 roof. I can't believe my baby is in "big boy school!"

Seeing the angels...

2008-08-05T21:15:00.000-07:00

I love my job. I love the kids that I work with, and almost all of the adults. :) Being a Special Education teacher, I know that what I am doing is making a difference. ALL teachers make a difference. It is such an important job. Today was another "meeting day" to get us ready. What we NEED to go to get ready is to actually work in our classrooms. But the decision makers feel that we need to sit in the library for 6.5 hours listening to people talk. ANYHOO....everyone in that library was feeling exactly as I was. Anxious. Distracted. Even angry. There is SO MUCH to do...the kids will be there Thursday. We've already been staying until 7 each night, working on the weekends. We didn't need another day of meetings.

One thing that we had to do was to watch a quick video about perspective. It was one of those warm fuzzy things that is intended to have us look at our jobs differently, to make us give 110% of our selves instead of the usual 100%. I'll admit, it was good. One quote really stuck out. I wrote it down and thought, "I am TOTALLY adding that to my blog. This was it...

"I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free." ~Michelangelo

The guy in the video talked about how people looked at Michelangelo's sculptures and were amazed, even moved to tears. He was asked how he could make something so breathtakingly beautiful from stone. His reply was simple, but spoke volumes. He didn't see the stone. He saw the angel, and worked to set it free.

That is what we do; what I do every day. I carve away, trying to uncover the angels. So many people walk by and see the stone. They don't even take the time to look for the angels. Their mind is already made up. Stone. Only stone. Not even a quick glance. THEY MISS THE ANGELS.

Once again, someone has made an ignorant statement regarding my job and my students. To say that I am tired of hearing it is an understatement. I am physically weary. I work hard. I have an education that I AM STILL PAYING FOR. I go to countless workshops, trainings, etc. I am constantly developing my craft. And 1 flippant comment manages to completely bring me down. Crashing down. Left in a heap. My mom tells me that people used to say the same things to her when she was a teacher. It isn't the first time. It will happen again. I will get over this, move on, and someone, somewhere down the road will do the same thing again. Nothing changes. More of the same.

I am in such a surreal place. Mom. Sp Ed teacher. Mom of Sp Ed student. So many hats to wear. Which one comes first? They are all so heavy. It's getting harder to hold my head up. God knew all along where I would be. He thinks I am capable of wearing them all. Sometimes I wonder. Sometimes I just want to consolidate. Why are some people just wearing 1 *normal* hat? Why do I have to wear 3?

But then, I start to think. I might be wearing 3 hats, 3 HEAVY, uncomfortable hats. But at least I can see the angels. Some of those with only 1 hat don't see the angels. They only see the stone. They are missing out on the angels.

So...I guess I'll survive. I still have my hats. All 3 of them. My heart may be hurt. My anger will subside, but my heart will always hurt. Lucky for me, I get to carve out the angels.

Today, don't just be content to see the stones. Look closely. You just might find an angel.

7 things my boys do that make them the coolest boys EVER

2008-08-04T20:35:00.000-07:00

You will be hearing so much about my boys, Keith, Zack, and Griffin. (9, almost 8, & 4) Today, as I was sitting in a wonderful workshop about Asperger's Syndrome, my mind drifted to them. And why I am so lucky to be their Mama. I was trying my best to pay attention and take notes. (in all seriousness it was an amazing workshop) So in between my notetaking and occasional head-nodding (to prove that I was listening intently), I comprised a brief list of today's top 7 things my boys do that make them the coolest boys ever. Here it is..

#7. Blessing fights. It never fails, our meals can't get blessed without a brief fight. They will fight over who's turn it is. If it is Keith's turn, Zack will argue that he didn't say it loud enough. If it is Zack's turn, Keith will try to race along and say it with him, but faster. Then they both will get louder because EVERYBODY knows that Jesus only hears the prayers that are offered up at the loudest level possible. Then there is Griffin. He doesn't believe in the "God is Great" method. Oh no. He must SING his blessing. With feeling. And volume. And sometimes, if we're lucky...with facial expressions. At his little preschool, they sang this blessing..."OHHHHHHH the Lord's been good to me, and so I thank the Lord, for giving me the things I need, the sun and the rain and the apple trees oh the Lord's been good to me." But Griffin places emphasis on certain words, raises and lowers his voice at certain places, and REFUSES to say "Amen." I always say "Amen" at the end of his musical interlude, and he always says, "No, Mom-tee...we don't say that." By this time Shawn has had to separate the 2 other boys who are still "God is great-ing" at the top of their lungs at record speed. It's a vicious cycle, blessing our meals.

#6. Calling me "Mom-tee." This is only Griffin's little deal. For as long as I can remember, he has called me "Mom-tee." Why? I don't know. But I like it. My mom (Gigi) has tried to correct him. She will say, "Mommy. Her name is Mommy." He just goes, "Nope, she's Mom-tee." I kinda like it. Lord knows I've been called worse.

#5. the "Grass-hole" incident. This priceless little diddy is made possible by Zack. Once upon a time, we were all sitting around the dinner table (I kid you not). There had just been yet another argument regarding the blessing, or something like that. Seriously, I don't remember what the argument was about. It wasn't the blessing, I don't want people to assume that our prayer fights lead to cussing. Anyhoo, Shawn was his usual referee self and we thought that everything was over. We were eating, it was quiet, and all of a sudden, Zack leaned over to Keith. In his best possible pseudo-whisper, he goes, "You a grass-hole, Keef." Use your imagination as to what he was trying to say. At this time, Zack was 4. And I was choking back my chicken casserole trying not to laugh. We told him that what he said was very ugly and asked where he heard that (all the while praying that he wouldn't say, "From you."). Thankfully, he said that he heard it from Gigi. JUST KIDDING. He didn't say that. He said that he heard it at school. For all you public school haters, he was attending a Baptist Church Preschool at the time. See...it happens everywhere. You Grassholes.

#4, "MUSTANG!" I don't know who created this game, but whoever did - I secretly hate you. It started with Keith and Zack...every time they would see a mustang while we were in our car (van) they would scream at the top of their lung, "MUSTANG!" Do you know how many mustangs are on the road? LOTS. I finally wised up and trained them to whisper it. They quickly came up with another twist to this addictive little game to drive their Mama insane. They might "whisper" call it, but then the shouting ensues. "That's 49 for me." "Oh yeah, I've got 72." Yeah, they keep a mental tally of how many mustangs they've seen. Total lies. Complete fabrications. But a matter of life and death to them. Believe me, I don't care how expensive gas is, I'll drive 84 miles out of the way to avoid a Ford dealership. I just don't think I could stand it.

#3. "Punchbug!" I know what you're thinking, we've all played this game. Yeah, we have. WITH VOLKSWAGONS. Zack is so stinking smart, book wise. Street-wise - not so much. The other day, he saw a PT Cruiser and excitedly yelled, "PUNCHBUG" and hauled off and knocked the crap outta' Keith's arm. Keith looked and looked for the Bug, it wasn't there. Shawn explained to Zack that he was punching on the wrong car. Keith stared at him with a look of disbelief on his face. Until a stinking Mustang drove by.

#2 AWESOME musical skills. Let me assure you of this...my boys are super gifted in the musical realm. HOW? I'll tell you how. How many 4-year-olds do you know that can sing Eagles tunes word for word? MINE CAN! Tom Petty - a breeze. Griffin could sing "I Won't Back Down" before he gave up his blessed paci! I mean, he knows it ALL. We did alter the lyrics a tad. He goes, "You can stand me up at the gates of WELL but I'll stand my ground, and I won't back down." Keith is more like his Daddy...he likes to get his groove on. I remember well the day when I strained to hear what he was singing in the back of the van, and this is what I heard...."They see me woe-llin...they hatin', twy an catch me widin' dirty, twy and catch me widin." I had a little talk with Shawn after that. That sweet, tone-deaf voice also jams on "God of Wonders" and "Lifesong" and both are the most beautiful, heartfelt renditions you will ever hear. He sings them when he doesn't know that anyone is listening, word for word. Nothing is sweeter than standing outside his door and hearing that. And if you stand their long enough, you're sure to hear this follow afterwords, "Apple bottom jeans, boots with the fur..." ( he learned that one from Cousin Maddie)

#1 Their version of Rock, Paper, Scissors - They have been playing this classic childhood game FOREVER. Even Griffin. It always amazed me that even as a 3-year-old, he understood it and played it with "his boys." Just Saturday I was watching them play. They were playing it with Shawn, and he was cracking up. Here's what they were doing. It was the usual, 1, 2, 3, shoot and then you had to give your sign, rock, paper, or scissors. Well, it seemed that they had made up some new signals. Shawn gave rock, and Zack made his hand "roll" as if he were attempting to start an arm-roll (classic breakdance move for all of you who are wondering). Shawn said, "Hey buddy, what is that?" Without missing a beat, Zack said, "It's a tidal wave, Daddy. It washes away your rock." Well, they go again. 1, 2, 3, shoot. Shawn gave scissors, Zack gave a fist with the thumb sticking up. Shawn said, "Okay, what's THAT?" Zack said, "It's a bomb, Daddy. It blows up your scissors." One last time...and the world championship was on the line. 1, 2, 3, shoot! This time, Shawn thought that he had him. He turned Zack's move on him, Shawn did "the tidal wave." (breakdancing hand move from earlier) Without missing a beat, Zack did the move of the pointer finger and "tall man" finger walking on his other hand. He goes, "I win Daddy...I beat you." Shawn said, "Wait a minute, I had tidal wave...I won." Zack goes, "Nope, I had Jesus. He can walk on the water. I win."

Don't you just love it!!! More to come. I've got LOTS more material.

John Mark Stallings

2008-08-03T21:52:00.000-07:00

Oh my Sweet Lord in Heaven, I love Gene Stallings. When I was pregnant and found out that it was a boy, we SERIOUSLY considered naming him Griffin Stallings Martin. I loved the name, I loved where (who) the name came from, and I figured that I was the one carrying around the blessed miracle so I should have final naming rights. In the end, we named him after my brother, Griffin Christopher Martin. Obviously there is really something to choosing a name, bc Griffin now acts an awful like dear Uncle Chris. Anyhoo, I love me some Coach Stallings. LOVE HIM. I love him because he is old school. I love his gravely voice. I love that he gave us our last National Championship. More than anything - I love the way he loves his son Johnny.

Reading his book Another Season was seriously a major factor in my becoming a Special Education teacher. If you haven't read it...go to amazon RIGHT NOW and order it. One of my most favorite students, Rand, was born with Down Syndrome. When he was born, someone contacted Coach Stallings. He took time from his busy schedule to call Randy and Shannon (Rand's parents) at the hospital and congratulate them. Phenomenal. He told them that their path wouldn't be easy, but that it would be worth it. And he knew firsthand what he was talking about.

When I was a sophomore in high school, UA still played some games in Birmingham at Legion Field. In 1992, we all knew that something was different about this team. When Bama played in Birmingham, they would stay at the former Sheraton on hwy 280, and they would see a movie at the Colonnade on Friday nights. SOOOOO....on many occasions, Amy and company would also go to the movies on Friday nights. We would wait outside in the cold until we saw our team descending down the hill coming our way. Amid the "Roll Tides" and "Hey Jay, will you marry me's" were smiles and nods from the players. It was obvious, Coach Stallings had laid down the law, there was no "hot-dogging" (as my dad would say) or no "show-boating." (another Haroldism) In all honesty, we came out to see Jay Barker, David Palmer, and George Teague. Seeing them was the goal, but it wasn't the highlight. The best part of these trips was always seeing John Mark Stallings.

He and his Pops were always the last in line. Coach Stallings was always stoic, serious. Very gracious and cordial, but very business like. Not John Mark. He was grinning from ear to ear. He was pumping his right fist in the air, all the while he was holding onto his Pops with his left hand. He made eye contact with everyone he passed, and gave us all a big "ROLL TIDE!" He was just so happy, so proud. It was a victory parade and he was the grand marshall. He was content to follow behind, reveling in the accomplishments of those before him. He was happy, he was proud to cheer for the team that he loved dearly. If the truth be known, he would have been just as proud had we never won a game. What an awesome devotion.

I was "going to get my nails did" this past Saturday when my cell rang. My ringtone? "Yea, Alabama" of course. I answered to hear Shawn quietly say, "Amy, I just heard that John Mark Stallings died." I teared up. Right there in the nail place, I got teary. I said, "Let me go, I've gotta call Chris." Like it was a family member or something. I called my brother and told him, "Chris, John Mark Stallings died." It was heartbreaking.

I am well aware that John Mark is in Heaven, probably looking for Coach Bryant and other Bama people. He is strong, and whole, and fine. His sweet dad, however, is devastated. I watched a clip on youtube tonight from about 12 years ago. The woman doing the interview asked Coach Stallings, "Can you imagine life without Johnny?" Coach Stallings quickly replied, "No...no and I don't want to."

We Alabama fans love tradition. We love stories, the line of statues outside our beloved Bryant Denny are prime examples of the grandeur of our program. These statues cast shadows that are reminders of the exploits and impact these giants of our tradition cast upon our program. While the men who are immortalized in stone appear larger than life, I believe that the greatest shadow cast belonged to a man who was small in stature but who lived life in a giant way. He loved his Crimson Tide unconditionally. Standing beside his father, John Mark Stallings was physically much smaller. But standing together, they were a shining example of love, devotion, and pride. To quote the stadium jumbotron - THIS IS ALABAMA FOOTBALL.

I have read many moving pieces written about John Mark and his passing, from BAMA fans, Auburn fans, Tennessee fans, etc. Their beautiful story transcended team factions. People looked at Coach Stallings and Johnny and didn't see Alabama, per se, they saw love. And you know what the Good Book says...Love Never Fails.

In all the things I've read online about the Stallings family, 1 theme seems to reoccur; I've read it countless times. It is simply this, "God Bless the Stallings Family." I will close my tribute to Johnny by giving my opinion - He already did. He blessed them with the incomprehensible gift of John Mark. What a blessing indeed.

Today, as ALWAYS - so proud to say ROLL TIDE!!!

I Finally Did It...

2008-08-03T19:30:00.000-07:00

I created a Blog! My mom has been on me since May to start a Blog. She would say, "Aim, you love to write, and you say the funniest things. You really need a Blog!" I would reply, "Yeah, I might." All the while I was thinking, "Good LORD Sue, you know that I don't have time! I barely have time to check my email." And then...I started visiting other Blogs. AND THEN, my MOM created one. I knew that 1 of two things was sure to follow: a. the apocapolyse, or b. I had to do it. So here I am! Blogging! On my very own Blog! HOT DOG, I've got a Blog!

Now a few housekeeping matters that we must address. Firstly, I'm new to this. I need a brief tutorial. Do I capatilize Blog? Is it permissable to have a lower case "b" blog? I know enough from email that I will never BLOG in ALL CAPS, bc that means I am shouting. However, I have shouted a few times already (LORD, AND THEN, MOM, HOT DOG, etc). But unless I am terribly angry or experiencing a stroke or something, I will never post in all caps. I PROMISE. :)

Now, on the the name. In all honesty, I would have created this Blog/blog much sooner had I thought of a name. I have been running several doozies around in my noodle, but nothing stuck. "My 3 Sons" seemed like an obvious choice, but what if I decided to post about my job? Not exactly son-esque. I considered "Where the Wild Things Are" and truthfully, almost went with it. It's one of my thousand favorite books, and it is PERFECT for the ole' Martin household. But finally, it hit me. My Beautiful Disaster. Here's why...

I am a music FANATIC. Yes, I am screaming that. FANATIC. I LOVE MUSIC. Kelly Clarkson, aka American Idol #1 had a fabulous song on her first cd (or second...I can't remember) called "Beautiful Disaster." The first time I heard it...I just cried. *quick sidenote...for those of you who know me you know this isn't a rarity. the rest of you will soon find out that Amy cries a lot...sidenote over* I KNOW (screaming) that it is written about a boyfriend; not about her son. But I immediately thought of my sweet boy, Keith. Some observers may see him and think *DISASTER*. He is a wild thing, a loose cannon, a hand full, etc. (all real descriptions I've heard) He isn't easy. But he is BEAUTIFUL. I am really screaming now...HE IS BEAUTIFUL. Here are the lyrics...
He drowns in his dreams
An exquisite extreme I know
He’s as dumb as he seems
And more heaven than a heart could hold
And if I try to save him
My whole world could cave in
It just ain’t right
It just ain’t right
Oh when I don’t know
I don’t know what he’s after
But he’s so beautiful
Such a beautiful disaster
And if I could hold on
Through the tears and the laughter
Would it be beautiful?
Or just a beautiful disaster
His magical myth
As strong as with I believe
A tragedy with
More damage than a soul should see
And do I try to change him
So hard not to blame him
Hold on tight
Hold on tight
Oh cuz I don’t know
I don’t know what he’s after
But he’s so beautiful
Such a beautiful disaster
And if I could hold on
Through the tears and the laughter
Would it be beautiful?
Or just a beautiful disaster
I’m longing for love and the logical
But he’s only happy hysterical
I’m waiting for some kind of miracle
Waited so long
So long
He’s soft to the touch
But afraid at the end he breaks
He’s never enough
And still leaves more than I can take
Oh cuz I don’t know
I don’t know what he’s after
But he’s so beautiful
Such a beautiful disaster
And if I could hold on
Through the tears and the laughter
Would it be beautiful?
Or just a beautiful disaster
HE'S BEAUTIFUL
SUCH A BEAUTIFUL DISASTER

Now, before anybody leaves me hate comments regarding the "he's dumb" lyric, let me say this. I didn't write the flippin' song. Kelly Clarkson did. I said that it reminded me of my sweet boy. And, it reminds me of my other 2 boys, Zack and Griffin. Come to think of it, it reminds me of Shawn as well. And of me. And of my job. And my home. And my family and friends. Aren't we all, in some ways, at some time, disasters? But if you take the time to think about it, you will probably see what I've seen - my disasters are almost always BEAUTIFUL. And the more I think about it - isn't this PRECISELY (screaming) what we are to God? Come on yall, we are DISASTERS. But if we are in Christ - we are beautiful. No, we are BEAUTIFUL. Christ Himself clothes us with His Righteousness and when Our Father sees us, he sees our beauty. Well, He sees His Son's Beauty. And when I look at my sons, my Keith, Zack, or even Griffin, I see beauty. In the future, when I am posting about something crazy that they did, or I am crying in frustration or anger or fury...remind me of this. Everything may seem disastrous, but my goodness, it is BEAUTIFUL.

More later peeps. I still have a lot to say.