aaaaaaaaaaaaaagh!

Lost my background!
Bare with me! Will work on after dinner!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Yesterday was my Birthday. I am 48...
48.
When did that happen? Time is in fast speed. Freaks me out.
I mean sometimes I feel like I am just 38, then I will feel 58. I feel playful and strong, or tired and sore. I still think the same as when I was 18, however I am more logical and practical. Sometimes I am wise beyond my years.
I really don't mind the "age thing". I do mind the "aging thing". The body changes, the aches, the forgetfulness.
I am in a good place... I have a wonderful husband, and darling daughters. A roof over our heads, food on the table, and jobs to pay the bills. I have Christ in my life that gets me through the tough times as well as the good. My health is good, my state of mind is fair.
Sometimes I am troubled by the would have, could have, and should haves. But I feel the paths I have taken are those with God at my side guiding me along the way.
My day was truly Blessed.
I was able to spend it with extended family~ my folks, Aunt & Uncle, Cousins (including a fav that shares my birthday), and Emily for a cook-out. After that, Annie and Emily took me for Mani-Pedi's. Then Sergio meet up with us for a lovely dinner, stroll and some shopping. We ended the night with a good suspense flick {Shutter Island}.
Today we will enjoy Fathers Day, and it will feel wonderful celebrating the great Father my Husband is to the girls.
Life is good.
Even at 48.

the toothpaste lesson

Many years ago, my daughter, Emily, had a lovely 3rd grade teacher, named Mrs. Snoddy. She was a favorite of ours. You see, she was one of those rare teachers that taught more than textbook education. She taught life lessons and virtues. She left a lasting impression on us all and I am so grateful she touched our lives.

So back to the Toothpaste Lesson.

There seem to be a problem with some of the children getting along. Some hurtful things were said and Mrs. Snoddy had enough. She announced that each child was to bring a tube of toothpaste to class the next day. Didn't have to be new, or a certain type or size. Just bring it to class the following day.

My daughter, along with her classmates were anxious to see what new experiment Mrs. Snoddy had up her sleeves. They always had impromptu experiments, and lessons. She always had that touch of excitement and enchantment in the classroom.

So the following day, she put wax paper down on the desktops and told the children, they were to squirt out some toothpaste.

Some of the children immediately started squirting out the paste into mountains. While others cautiously would let out just a tiny bit. A few, actually asked her, "How much are we to squirt?". Mrs. Snoddy, answered with, "That is your decision."

The teacher walked about the class examining the children's "work".

Finally she said, "Okay Class, now put it back into the tubes."

Well, you can imagine the looks on their faces. Many tried, desperately attempting to figure out a way to reverse what had been expelled.

None we successful at retrieving ALL the paste back into the tube.

Mrs. Snoddy had their attention.

She explained that much like this tube of toothpaste, are our mouths with words. Once you let it out, it's very difficult to take it back.

She said, "The next time, you are angry, or grumpy, gossipy, or even playfully teasing, think about this tube of toothpaste on your desk. Think about how once you save something harsh or negative, you can't take it back." Remeber, it is your decission. Choose your words wisely."

I am pretty sure, my daughter wasn't the only one that remembers this lesson.

Bravo, Mrs. Snoddy.!

Hopefully, Emily will remember these lessons to pass on to her classrooms to come. Your lessons were the best!

Miles Brentson Reed

A couple of weeks ago, I was honored to attend my nephew's college graduation from Depauw University. I am EXTREMELY proud of my nephew, Miles. I don't doubt that he will be a wonderful asset to society and his skills & knowledge will be beneficial to our great earth. Miles, graduated with a degree in Environmental Geo science. He is working on an Organic Farm this summer, then will travel to Washington state where he will attend Alderleaf Wilderness College. http://www.wildernesscollege.com/ How very cool is that?

Miles has the sweetiest girlfriend, Katie. I wonder how she will do with him so far. I am growing to love her as much as him, I see her bring out the best in him. She is strong and loving. She is beautiful and smart. Will she follow him out there? Will she become my niece :)? {hint-hint-Miles}

Both my nephew & niece have broaden their horizons, stepped outside the comfort zones of home & familiarity which I admire tremendously. (Kuddos to Julie & Brent for teaching them to think outside the box).

His sister, Michelle, {whom I absolutely adore}, is the niece that traveled abroad and went to Germany for a year of study and adventure. Her handsome German boyfriend will be coming to America to visit her and see this great country of ours,{as well, as visiting my sweet Michelle} at the end of the month. Which~ I am going to come meet him Chelle! I need to make sure he is good enough for you :)

The years are flying. Seems only yesterday, my girls and Miles & Michelle played joyfully and giggled through the days. You blink and wonder where the days have gone. All four have become young adults whom happen to have turned out pretty well. You hear about how proud I am of Emily & Annie all the time. But let me tell you, I am so very proud of Miles & Michelle too. I couldn't have asked for a better niece & nephew.

Way to go! I love you so much!