Carrying my Bible

Ok, it has been a really full week of spiritual activities. You should have seen the fellowship hall of our church. We have people everywhere. We even filled up the dining hall main room plus at the camp on our traditional Ceta Canyon picnic that coincided with Dayspring revival. I did enjoy it. The stories really kept people of all ages listening and enjoying. It is great to listen to the boys singing the books of the old testament and new testament. Kyton doesn't even know how to say those words, but sings right along. It was good. Today, we went to the 100th celebration of the First Baptist Church of Happy. I gave 18 plus years to attending there and the people gave soooo much to me...to listen to Bob Miller with his passion for the gospel and the spreading of it sure inspires me. It is our job to tell people about Jesus. Then we have done our job and it is up to people, but we must tell people. Mission work is everywhere. We do not even have to leave our own homes/hometowns. We just have to be prayed up and ready.

Still praying about finances and that God has to be in charge. I cannot figure it all out on my own. No extra purchases. We are really still trying to eat at home as much as we can. I will finish with the groceries I bought and didn't use for two different parties. We can do it!!

Diet Cokes have really been a thorn in my side, more from other people than me. I have no trouble drinking them. I was handed a 12 page report this week from a future student that felt I needed a copy. I only had one yesterday and none today. I can do it. I could save about 500 dollars a year?!!?

Back to the carrying my Bible. I bought a Bible over a year ago to replace the Bible that was coming apart. It just isn't the same. I feel like my old Bible is a great friend and I have missed it. I have been using it this summer. I have carried it to school and revival this week. I believe it has kept me more focused. I just have to make sure and worship God upon reading what is on the inside not just the outside cover.

...Tuesday for the Smallest

Kyton started at Mrs. Janet's Preschool today. MeeMaw took him and picked him up. He was soooooooo excited, but a bit apprehensive. I put a heart in his hand and his dad put one too (not really understanding) but Clint's of course was right in the right spot because he could close his hand and hold it. Mine was out of reach, but with a pink permanent marker. I was anxious to hear how his day went. He had "red" homework and showed me how he could wash his hands. He also ran through the list of rules as he was going off to bed. BIG DAY. He really looks forward to going to MeMe's tomorrow. She calls him number one because he is the oldest. They are going to rodeo. He told his dad he has a big day tomorrow because he had a rodeo. Teagen asked if he needed the paint which is the "roping" stick horse and he told Teagen that they were doing barrels not roping. We'll see.

Teagen still thinking and planning and wanting. Bailey working on attacking homework with a proper attitude. All's well. Great Revival--he even came to school.

Big Kids Start on Monday...

Bailey starting the 6th grade--still changing classes, PE with junior high girls, band (playing trumpet--which is the trumpet Jana played), going to take Dance on Mondays and hopes to continue art with Ms. Gooch in Canyon. She has been a scribe this week for the Revival

Teagen starting 2nd grade. He picked his cute outfit when school shopping. He got a new backpack this year and sports new shoes. He is growing up and wonders about everything. He earned cleats for flag football starting soon he hopes from doing MANY different things around the house this summer including math and reading.

end of summer for the kids

Bailey has worked for the last two years to earn enough money to buy the four wheeler she is sitting on in the picture. I am sooooooooooooo proud of her for being so diligent. It has been a rocky road full of complete disappointment, but the Lord provided. She is very happy!!

Teagen does not like to have his picture made at all, but isn't he sweet!! I think he is. He sure reminds me of his dad right here. I loved being this close.

'Ole BB. Kyton has really wanted to ride BB this summer and without success a couple of times to get him to move. This trip took me feeding him cake as I walked him around the house. He stayed in this same spot for quite a while because he didn't want to move from the shade. SMART.

Putting on the Brakes

As summer comes to a close, I reflect on my days of subatical--I have enjoyed the following (I won't bore you, so I will keep it to the number six which is my favorite)

• new pets for the kids--thanks to the Johnsons for the baby frogs--we just saw them today at the mall in little "homes" and I thought wow--there could have been money made in Happy, TX for our friends/family this summer! Thanks also to our friends for the kittens more than once.
• My kids!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Each of them have made special memories for me. Bailey--wow, at 64 inches, she sure is maturing. She has been great this summer--learning to do her own laundry, working cattle with my dad, growing closer to her mom. Teagen has worked to read to his persistent mom. He has made some awesome presents for his family lately with his talent and big heart. We continue the stories before bed which helps each of the boys feel special as we reflect their day. Kyton has grown and has really enjoyed the pets. That is why that is something I have enjoyed. It brings out a fun side in him.
• REading--I have read Jodi Picoult, Hawthorne, and now the second book of the Twilight series, My Bible, devotions by Joyce Myer, A book about Nurturing for women
• projects--cleaning out and cleaning up my house--I love throwing things that we don't need away, but another project is recycling. Baby blankets for others and Baby Blessing, trying to be smart about spending AND going on vacation--eating at home WAY more
• Being outside--Since we planted our trees, I have loved keeping up with the yard. I have had a small garden and flower bed out of our old sand tractor tire rim, and then after talking to friends, I added flowers by the front porch and then Clint added scrubs in front of the garage and then I planted the remainder by the driveway. One more project is to add flowers (already purchased) around the flag pole--just dug up grass tonight in the dark)
• Living a healthier life--exercise, 80 ounces of water a day, less food!!

The hardest part is that after working at home Monday a bit and going swimming, we have had a doctor's appointment, hair appointment, school shopping for Bailey and then getting more kitties (THANK YOU FRIENDS!!) yesterday and then up to go this morning with the boys for school shopping. I am beat. I feel that gnawing feeling that I will let my life live me, not me live my life. I really do not want that to happen.

I have enjoyed getting to spend time at home. There really is not routine, but I have really enjoyed working on making meals and that takes time and planning. I don't want school routine to ruin that. I want to hold onto the time I have with the kids before bed. I will try to get them in bed earlier so that we can still have that.

My goal--less projects. My kids and Clint are my projects.

I hope to share pictures of what the kids have done in July and August. We had a great trip. We have had fun with other things as well.

Scripture memory has been a blessing to me as I have helped my kids this summer.

REally--"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path..." Psalm 119:105 "Cast your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

BIG NOTE--I love my husband and am thrilled that I am able to be less stressed with work. He deserves that. We have had a great time. He is special to me each and every day. He is such a part of what is going on too, I just don't mention him as much. 18 years Monday!!