The Week In Review

What day is it? Thursday? It's taken a while to recover from last week, LOL! VBS was A-mazing! I didn't realize how much I'd missed working with the kids and doing Vacation Bible School till I was back in the game. 

I'd done VBS in the past, whenever my son E was young and later with my niece and nephews. I had been an assistant leader, worked registration, and did snacks for two years. I hadn't done VBS since 2014, though. My last church had VBS in the evenings, from 6:00 - 9:00 pm. I was working from 2:15 - 8:15 pm, so I wasn't able to be a part of it. So whenever this new church we've been attending asked if I would consider volunteering, I immediately said Yes! And it was meant to be: they assigned me to the snack room, so I had experience! There were three of us in the snack room teaching on missions. I met some of the loveliest and most encouraging people. We got the 1st and 2nd graders, a wonderful and well-behaved group of children that were eager to learn (and eat!). It was a joy-filled, rewarding experience that I would do again in a heartbeat.

VBS ran from 8:00 am till noon. Once I got out I took care of everything I needed to do around the house: grocery shopping, yardwork, laundry, the usual. I also applied to jobs whenever I found anything. Which is a good thing too, since I got some shocking news this weekend. My ex-husband J quit his job of 25 years. 

J has been telling me for years that they are going to fire him "any day now". Even when he told me the company had been sold a little over a year ago, I didn't believe him because I'd been hearing the same story for such a long time. So when I got the text message on Sunday saying Friday was his last day working for the company, I couldn't believe it. Then I looked at the message again. He didn't say they'd fired him; he said that Friday was his last day. That was suspicious. So I texted back asking what had happened, but I got no answer. I was left to ponder the meaning of his text.

Monday he finally called. I asked him point blank if he'd been fired or if he'd quit. He started yelling and cussing up a storm, till I calmly told him there was no need for him to fly off the handle like that. I'd only asked a simple question; there was no accusation or judgment. He finally did calm down and told me the new administration had been firing all the employees that were there from the old owners and bringing in new people. They called him in saying they would no longer need him in his position and offered to demote him, cutting his salary. So he walked out.

What does this mean for me? It means my job search had been moved into high gear. J still has to pay alimony but he's going to try and give me as little as possible. I'm thankful that my expenses aren't as high as they were whenever I was living in South Florida, but that doesn't mean I have no expenses at all. I'm applying and interviewing as much as possible, but so far there haven't been any offers. Still, I put my trust in the Lord. He who has provided in the past will continue to provide. I put in a prayer request at church and the pastor kindly emailed me requesting my resume so he can forward it to anyone that might be looking. I am beyond thankful for that gesture.  

If you have a moment, say a prayer for me. Ask that God would guide me to the right job. That I wouldn't be anxious for anything, but that in all things, through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, I make my desires known to God (Philippians 4:6). I am filled with His peace now, and I don't want anything to take my focus off of Him. 

That's it for this now. Have a blessed rest of your week.

The Week In Review

I know, I know, I'm behind on my posting. VBS is in full swing and I get home pretty tired, and then I have things to get done here so it's hard to find a moment to sit down without quickly dozing off.

We had Kuzco for the whole week. He was one spoiled puppy! I told my daughter that while he missed them, he would miss my yard a lot more. He was outside several times a day running, playing fetch, and having a good ole time. I enjoyed having him around but was also glad once he left because all those trips outside meant lots of dirt being brought inside. He got picked up late Friday afternoon and I spent Saturday vacuuming and steam cleaning everything. 

My son E has had a cold all week and dog dander didn't help. He's still not feeling his best but thankfully he's doing better.  I took him to the Minute Clinic last Friday because I was concerned he might have asthma but his oxygen levels were normal. He just needs lots of rest; not the easiest thing when he's also got schoolwork (he's doing summer classes this semester).

We got the first tropical storm scare last week. TS Elsa looked like she was gonna come barreling through Central Florida as a category 1 hurricane, but ultimately she lost steam and headed just north of us. We got plenty of rain, though, which meant I had to mow the yard again. I'd only just mowed the week before, but the mix of rain and sunshine energizes the grass. Thankfully I was able to finish it in less time with the help of a second battery for the mower.

This year's VBS theme is Destination Dig. I got an idea from one of the girls from my old church: a photo-op frame in the shape of a jeep. Whenever I saw the picture on Facebook I said, I have got to make one! So I did.

It turned out super cute! It's up as decor in the room for now but we'll use it for pictures later in the week. It was a mission trying to get this made with a puppy underfoot! He followed me around everywhere like my shadow. But I'm so pleased with how it turned out and glad I was able to contribute some decor to the room.

That was it for last week. Like I said, this week has been very busy and we're only halfway done. Next week rest? Hmm, we'll have to see. Have a blessed week y'all.

The Week In Review

Can I just take a minute to reflect how fast the first half of the year went by?! Maybe because I had so much going on these past 6 months. I put my townhouse on the market, sold it in two days, traveled to Central Florida, put offers on two houses, purchased a house, packed, waited, moved...so much done in so little time. I'm kinda hoping the rest of the year will be calmer. Not counting on it, though.

Last week was a very wet week in Central Florida. We had thunderstorms daily. Last Thursday the storms began at 12:30 pm and continued till after 3:30 pm. I mean non-stop heavy rain for hours. It took me three days to get the grass cut because the ground was soaking wet and the lawn mower would get clogged and shut off. (Spoiler alert: I've been cutting the grass this week since Monday and I'm still not done. It hasn't rained since Sunday but the ground is still saturated. And it looks like it's gonna rain today). I'm considering buying a second battery for the lawn mower. While I love the fact that it shuts off, forcing me to stop and not get over-exerted, I find myself cutting some area of the grass everyday. Each time the lawn mower gets clogged it shuts off; each time I have to restart it the battery loses more charge, so that I'm only able to get about 20-25 minutes of battery life. Whenever the grass was dry I was able to get 40 minutes of mowing, so I was able to finish the entire yard in two days. It's the rainy season in Florida and it'll continue this way till September. I don't want to be out in the intense heat mowing grass every single day.

I applied for a couple more jobs, but haven't heard anything from anywhere. I'm slowing down my job hunt for the time being, though. I'd wanted to meet the Pastor of the church we've been attending, but whenever we came out he was always surrounded. I hate standing behind people; it seems rude, like I'm rushing them because it's my turn. So instead I sent an email to the church's website. Within half an hour he'd called me, and we talked for about 30 minutes. I asked about what the church teaches, what kind of outreach they're doing, and told him what we're looking for in a new church home. He asked about the church we came from and even looked them up and listened to one of their sermons. I mentioned that I'd served in children's ministry in the past, and a couple of hours later the children's pastor emailed and asked if I'd consider helping out with VBS. Yes please! I got excited, because I haven't served in VBS for years. I was very much involved in VBS whenever my son E was little and even afterwards, but whenever we moved to our last church VBS was in the evenings while I was at work and I couldn't participate. This church does VBS in the mornings, meaning if I start a new job I won't be able to serve. So I'm gonna pause my job hunt till after VBS, which is the second week in July. We had our first volunteer meeting and I got to meet some lovely people. It helps me feel like I belong, which makes me so happy.

I started working on the July meal plan but I haven't finished it yet. I have to take VBS into account; they'll be serving lunch at the church so I only have to worry about supper. I'm not sure if I want to batch cook the week before and have everything ready, or just have simple meals that whole week. I need to get on that. 

That was my week. Hope everyone's was as blessed. 

Another Month In Review

I'm kind of embarrassed at the fact that another month has gone by and I haven't put up a blog post.  I've thought about it several times, but always had something that needed to get done first.  Isn't life funny like that?

Let me see, what has happened in June?  For starters, my son E finished ninth grade with straight A's.  There are no words to describe how happy I am with how well he did.  I quickly signed him up for tenth grade and all the classes he'd need to take in August.  About a week after he'd finished, I got a call from the Florida Virtual School office saying that they aren't doing full-time online school anymore.  I felt my heart hit the floor.  No, don't do this!  Then the woman explained that I had to sign up for part-time homeschooling, which in essence is the same as full-time virtual school, except that I set the schedule instead of the online school.  I had to re-register him, which took a while but I was able to finish it.  We won't be using the same program as we did for ninth grade, which is kind of sad since my son enjoyed it.  But I'm relieved that we will still be doing homeschool.  My son did so much better and learned so much this year; I don't want him to have to go back to a school system he hated.

A week after E finished school, I had a week off from work.  Well, almost a week off.  My boss MM had explained that, while the tutors would have the week off, we would still have to come in and set up for summer tutoring.  I didn't mind, but she did.  She wanted a week off as much as the teachers.  So, we got to work early the previous week and did all the paperwork for the new session.  The only thing that couldn't be done was reminders - calls to the parents to remind them when their kids would start the summer session.  My bosses went out of town for the week, so I was "nominated" to make the calls.  I figured it would take me a couple of hours at most.  It took almost four hours, but it was one day and I rested that week, so I can't complain.

The following week, however, was pure insanity.  I signed up to serve at our church's vacation bible school (or VBS) in the mornings.  I had to be at the church before 8:30 in the morning to help with registration and sign ins, then I was off to the snack room, where I helped prepare snacks and clean up for the four age groups.  I was on my feet from 9am till noon.  Then I ran home, changed my clothes, ate quickly, prepared my dinner, and went to work from 1:30 till 7:30.  I'd get home, prepare the crockpot for the next day, go to bed and start the whole thing all over again the next day.  Add to that the fact that my monthly friend paid a visit on Thursday morning, and you can well imagine what my week was like.  I was thankful that I don't work Fridays, but we had our women's bible group prayer night that night.  It was close to home, which is great, but I was exhausted.  I'm surprised I didn't fall asleep during prayer time!  Actually, it was beautiful, such a lovely time with these wonderful women, and I wouldn't have missed it for the world.  In fact, if I had to do it again, I would do it all in a heartbeat.  Serving the kids was the highlight of my day, and I'm thankful I have the health and energy to still get it all done.

I went to NY & Co for some shopping because I had some City Cash that was about to expire.  It allowed me to get a couple of pretty necklaces that were on sale.  The original price was $25 for each; they had a buy one get one for $5 deal going on, and with my $20 in City Cash I spent $10 for the two.  I also picked up some pants for work.  I'd wanted to get some jeans but all they had was bootcut and I prefer straight leg jeans.  I also got some purses at Target.  One purse, in a pretty mint color, was $29.99; more than I usually pay for a purse but it's a lovely color and the perfect size for my wallet, umbrella, and bible.  I used it today for church and it's so springtime, I just love it.  Then my daughter and I went to Target today to return some makeup she'd bought that she didn't like, and I found a couple of purses on clearance.  One is black, the other is light green, and they were $7.48 each, reduced from $24.99.  Yeah, more my style!  I got a couple of tank tops too, at $6 each.  I like wearing a tank top with a cardigan for work because it's professional but still light.  One tank top is red and the other is purple.  I think I'll save the red one for July 4th, which is just a few days away.  Wow, the year is halfway gone!  Can you believe it?!

I also purchased some stuff from Bare Escentuals during their Friends and Family sale.  I had a $20 off coupon and they were offering 20% off and free shipping.  Works for me!  I got a cream concealer which I'd been wanting to get, a neutral eye kit with a 5 in 1 cream eye shadow primer, an eye shadow duo in brown and champagne (love!!) and a brown eye liner pencil (double love!!), and a sample Mineralixers kit.  Mineralixers is Bare Escentuals oil skincare line.  This kit brings the oil based cleanser, an eye balm and the 5 in 1 oil/moisturizer.  The 5 in 1 is my favorite; my dry skin appreciates it greatly.  It's not a greasy oil by any means.  I can use it in place of my moisturizer and it leaves my skin feeling smooth and silky.  The cleanser is good as a makeup remover - it melts the makeup off my face - but I don't feel like my skin is completely cleaned after I use it.  The eye balm is very nourishing to the delicate skin under my eyes, but so is their eye cream.  I'm not sure I like the balm more than the cream.  I'm glad I got the kit, though.  I've used it and my skin has responded well to it, which is good considering I'm struggling with adult acne.  It comes and goes; I can have days when my skin is perfectly clear, then all of a sudden I start breaking out.  It might be hormonal.  It might be my age.  Or... It might be that I've been having chocolate, which has always made me break out.  Which is terribly unfair.

I've been watching Poirot on Netflix.  A few seasons that hadn't been on Netflix before are on now, and I have been enjoying my favorite Agatha Christie sleuth.  I try to watch one episode a day.  It's about all I have time for.  It's a struggle not to fall asleep because it's late at night when I finally can sit down to watch.

Oh!  One more thing!  I've booked our hotel for our mini vacation in September!  We will be going to Night of Joy again this year, my son E, my daughter A and myself.  My oldest son R has to work, so he stays behind and takes care of Molly.  We will be staying at the Pop Century resort at Disney World, which is so cool because we've never stayed there before!  We got a great deal, $108 a night, which for Disney is a steal.  Just 2 days after I'd booked the room the prices had gone up to $114, so I'm glad I got it when I did.  We are soooo looking forward to Night of Joy - Skillet will be performing again, along with several bands we're eager to see.  I'm so excited!!

I think that's all the updates for this month.  I could say that I'm going to post more often, but...I'll say that I will try.  I really do enjoy recording our days and weeks.  I have to make an effort to keep my blog up to date.  Here's to hoping!  God bless.

Thoughtful Thursday

Hey there!  Remember me?  I've been gone for a while, I know.  Life gets busy.

Let's see, what new things have been going on?  Well, for one, school is out.  My son E got good grades this year.  C in science, B's in all his other subjects.  His rest this summer is well deserved, though it won't last forever.  I'm letting him get some video game time in, but he'll be reading soon.

My daughter has 2 new guitar students.  She started giving guitar lessons to a 6 year old girl from church, and now she has a couple of sisters who had started taking lessons with a friend of ours who can't continue to give lessons because of her work schedule.  I'm glad my daughter is getting to do this.  I think it's a great opportunity for her to share what she's learned and make some money while she's at it.

My oldest is still working at the grocery store, but is looking for full-time work.  Publix has been great, but they only give him part-time hours, which isn't enough to pay his bills.  I'm praying he can find something soon.

Our pastor is doing a series called Momentum, that is excellent and convicting at the same time.  I've been taking lots of notes and going over them.  I'm doing a personal study on the book of Revelation and end-time prophesies, but that's on my own.  VBS is next week, and I'll be preparing for that starting this Saturday.

As for blogging?  I've been taking a break.  I was spending a lot of time on my blog, on other people's blogs, on blog hops, and I realized that time could be better used in other areas of my life.  Not that I don't enjoy blogging, because I do.  Not that I don't love reading other blogs, because I definitely do.  Just that there's a time for everything, and blogging was taking away too much of my time.  I will come back and update whenever I can, but I won't be here as often as before.  Check up on me once in a while.  I'll do the same for you.  God bless.

Five Question Friday

It's a happy Friday, for two big reasons.  First, VBS finished today with a bang.  We had over 20 kids accept Christ as their Savior!  Everything ran well despite several attempts at sabotage by the devil, including our children's ministry pastor getting into a car accident this morning.  Praise the Lord, he is fine, and we got through this week and God gave us success.  Thank You Jesus!

Second, all of South Florida is celebrating the Miami Heat championship win!  Even folks who don't care much about basketball are cheering our hometown champs!

There's one more reason to be happy - it's time for Five Question Friday!  To join in, visit Mama M at My Little Life.


1. What do you keep a stock pile of?
Three important items:  toilet paper, paper towels, and coffee.  Three things I can't be without.

2. If Ben & Jerry asked you to invent an ice cream, what would it be?
Haagen-Daz.  Sorry Ben and Jerry, but I've had your ice cream, and I am not impressed.  No matter what you add to it, it never tastes as good as Haagen-Daz.

3. How do you blow off steam?
I take a walk.  Inside the house, around the block, through the park, wherever it may be, I just need to take a walk.

4. What would you do if you had an hour to yourself anywhere within a ten mile radius of your home...no kids, no hubby, just you?
I'd go to my hairdresser and have her give me a wash with massage and a haircut/style.  There's nothing more relaxing to me than getting my hair done.

5. When you were 16, what was your curfew in the summertime?
Let's see, 16...I think it was 9:30pm.  That was a long time ago, people.  My memory isn't what it used to be ;).

Thursday Thoughts

Wow, I've really let my postings go!  I've been so busy I barely get a chance to sit for 5 minutes on the computer and I've got to run again.  Let's see if I can recap some of what's been going on.

 - Last Friday we took a trip to the zoo.  I'd forgotten how nice, and how BIG, the zoo is!  We only did about half the zoo even though we were there for several hours.  We packed a lunch, and since they have picnic tables we were able to enjoy the breeze while we ate.  There was so much to see, and although it was a hot day there was a breeze which made it comfortable.  My thought had been to stop by and visit my aunt and uncle who live a short drive away, but the sky started turning grey and we could hear thunder in the distance.  We'd gotten thunderstorms the night before, and I didn't want to get stuck in that weather, so we high tailed it home, knowing Molly was by herself and doesn't like storms.  Unfortunately we got caught in a thunder/hailstorm that was really nasty!  Praise God we got home safely.  Hopefully we'll get to see our relatives the next time we go down - we got summer savings passes so we can go to the zoo as many times as we want all summer long!

 - After we got home my daughter noticed something in the tree in the front of our house.  It was 2 baby birds hanging out of their nest!  Apparently the wind and rain had knocked them out but they got tangled in the nest and were too small to get loose.  On the ground we saw 2 more baby birds, one clearly hurt, but there was nothing we could do for them.  The storm was intense, with lightning brightening the sky every second, and there was no way I was going to let my daughter go out there in that kind of weather.  She was beside herself looking at the little birdies but I had to be firm.

The next morning the birdies were still hanging from the nest.  The rain had stopped so we tried going out with the ladder to bring them down.  It wasn't possible; not only were they up high, but mama and papa bird were hovering over us, and they weren't too happy about us going near their babies.  We did get an idea.  We could use a long extension saw that I use to cut down dried palm fronds to bring the baby birds down.  It worked!  The whole nest came crashing down, but the birds were safe, and we put them into a plastic container along with their siblings that were still on the ground.  One of the birds that had fallen was very weak.  It looked like it had a broken wing.  We put all four in the container and kept an eye on it.  We were thrilled to see mama bird check on her babies, then start feeding them!  We felt like we'd saved the little birdies!  Sadly, the joy would not last.

The weak bird was the first to go.  We knew it would probably die, but it was still sad.  Then the sky started turning dark again, and we worried about the birds being in the plastic container in the rain.  I didn't make holes in the bottom of it, and they would drown if it rained heavily again.  So, my daughter moved the birds back to the nest and put the nest at the base of the tree.  We had some errands to run, and we left them there hoping they were safe.  To our dismay, when we got home one of the birdies was missing!  We knew they were too small to have flown away, and we have no idea where it could have gone.  It's possible the mama bird moved it, but there's also the possibility one of the neighborhood cats got to it :(.  We also noticed the strongest of the birdies was outside of the nest, behind the tree, and the fourth bird looked like it was dying as well.  That was especially disappointing, because it was one of the ones that had been hanging from the nest, and it looked like it would be okay, but now we could see it had been too much for the little birdie, and it died as well.  The only one that was left was behind the tree, and we didn't dare move it.  Next morning, it too had disappeared, and we can only hope it was taken to a safe haven by mama bird.  My daughter took it especially hard; she's an animal lover and it pains her that two of the birdies died.  Of course it's not her fault and there was nothing she could do, but it still made her very sad.

 - In happier news, we've had Vacation Bible School (VBS) this week, and it's been so much fun!  This year my son E was a volunteer, since he's now officially a 7th grader and too old to attend.  He has been helping the 9-10 year old kids.  I did registration again this year, and it's been busy!  We've averaged 290 kids each day, including a fairly large group from the orphanage where my daughter volunteers.  Yesterday 20 kids accepted Christ as their personal Savior, and we rejoiced at their decisions to follow Jesus!  It's really satisfying and humbling to be used by God to make a difference in these children's lives.

 - When I wasn't at VBS, I was home preparing the house for my son's impending move.  My two older kids had been living in an apartment in Central Florida for the past year.  My daughter graduated college and decided to come back home; she missed her family and friends.  My son was undecided for awhile, but then he said he wanted to come back to South Florida as well, just not back home.  His intention was to get a place with his best friend.  Well, things don't always turn out the way we hope.  First off, one of his loans became due, and he's had to start paying it off.  It's an added expense he wasn't planning on having yet.  Then his hours at the store got cut dramatically to almost half what he'd been working, so his paycheck took a severe hit.  He's had to use his savings to pay his bills, and that has caused him to not have enough money for a downpayment anywhere.  He has to come home till he can save up enough money.  I told him this will always be his home, and I meant it.  My only problem is, moving a 2 bedroom apartment into my already furnished 3 bedroom home.  I can't afford a storage facility at this time, so we'll have to make do.  Today I made a trip to Goodwill to get rid of items we don't use or need.  I've been getting the garage in order, since some of the furniture will have to go in there.  I'm also moving things around inside the house to make room for some of their furniture.  This isn't easy for me; I absolutely hate clutter and disorganization, and I shudder at the thought of the house looking like on of those hoarders homes they show on TV.  Still, it's my son, and for my kids I will make the sacrifice.

Okay, that's what's been happening.  See, I told you I've been busy ;).  A mother's work is never done!  Have a blessed rest of your week.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, June 21, 2012...

Outside my window...it doesn't look like the first day of summer.  It doesn't look like I live in the Sunshine State.  It's cloudy and gloomy and I'm pretty certain we'll be getting more rain shortly.

I am thinking...of the week we've had, of how the enemy has tried to sabotage what God has planned, and how he's been defeated each time.  Praise the Lord!

I am thankful...for the opportunity to serve in our church's VBS (that's Vacation Bible School for those unfamiliar with the term).

I am going...to rest after this busy day.

I am wearing...a tank top, jeans, and flip-flops.  I was wearing my yellow "I *heart* VBS" shirt this morning, but I hung it up for tomorrow.

I am noticing...how much hotter it is up north than it is here.  I'm glad I'm in Florida!

In the kitchen...the menu today called for fried chicken, Stove Top stuffing and mixed veggies, with a slice of marble pound cake for dessert.  Yum!

I am reading...believe it or not, the same stuff I've been reading, whenever I get the chance.  I've been running non-stop for several days and haven't gotten a lot of reading done.  At least not as much as I'd like.

I am wondering...about my son's pending move back home.  How am I going to fit so much stuff into this house?

I am hoping...the rain calms down tomorrow.  Game time for our VBS kids is outdoors, but we've had to bring them in twice this week because of the weather.  Instead of games we had worship in the chapel, which was very special, but I know the kids love being outside.

I am looking forward to...the last day of VBS tomorrow, and our trip to Central Florida next week to move my son back home.

Around the house...I've been clearing out the garage and moving things around to make room for my son R's things and to fit his bedroom furniture in his old room.

I am pondering these words..."I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." - 3 John 4.

One of my favorite things...VBS week at our church!

A few plans for the rest of the week...tomorrow is the last day of VBS, and afterwards we will have a fellowship lunch with all the volunteers.  I'd really like to see the movie Brave this weekend - Disney's Pixar films are my favorites!  And of course church on Sunday.

Wanna join in the fun?  Visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Daybook.  God bless.

An Early Father's Day Surprise

Today was our last day at VBS. As tired as I am from all the running around each day, I know I'm going to miss it. We finally had 59 children accept Christ as their Savior, including children from His House, a local shelter that provides a safe haven for children who are abused, neglected, and need a place to live until they are placed in a foster or permanent home. God was glorified as these children learned to follow Him, worship Him, and live through Him. It was an awesome experience and I'm thankful the Lord allowed me to live it.

After a pizza lunch with the leaders, teachers and helpers, E and I came home, tired but joyous. My son R was in his room. As I walked over to say hi, he looked up at me very seriously and said, "Something happened in A's room." Uh-oh, I thought. "What happened?" I quickly asked. "Take a look," he said. I slowly opened my daughter's bedroom door, and what should I find but my little girl who came down from school to surprise her daddy for Father's Day! Mom was surprised, too. She had told me earlier in the week that they were coming down but the plans had gotten cancelled. Once the trip was a go again she decided it was best to surprise us all. And what a happy surprise it is!! She was in her room when Daddy came home for lunch, so I told him E had a Father's day surprise for him and covered his eyes. Daddy thought E had made something at VBS for him. Instead, when we told him he could open his eyes, he broke out into a big ole smile when he saw his little girl standing in front of him! He was even happier when we told him the reason she came home was for him. Proud Daddy will need to get some buttons sewed back on his shirt!

What a week full of blessings this has been - first with VBS and now a weekend with my baby girl. God is good, all of the time!

I'm exhausted

Ever have one of those days? Or weeks? I hope I can recover from this one.

It started out good, with Vacation Bible School keeping our mornings busy with activities, learning, and most important, worship. Monday I used my brains and prepared pepper steak in the crock pot, so all I had to do was make white rice when I got home. I did laundry, tidied up the house, and seemed to be getting everything done that needed getting done. My hubby wasn't having such a good day, though. He complained about a headache Sunday night, and Monday he wasn't feeling better. His neck was stiff, so I told him it was probably a pulled muscle that needed some heat and ibuprofen. All in all a busy but productive day.

Tuesday, VBS again, only this time I didn't put anything in the crock pot. I made kielbasa sausage and rice with veggies, which is pretty quick, but I wasn't prepared for how tuckered out I'd be. I had laundry to do also, and ironing. I didn't get the bathrooms done because I was just too tired. Hubby was still complaining of a headache. Based on his description I thought it was a tension headache. He insisted it was a migraine. I suffer from migraines, and I was pretty sure what he was experiencing wasn't a migraine. More ibuprofen, and heating pads allowed him to get some sleep.

Yesterday started out the same. VBS was awesome, with 57 children confessing Jesus as their Lord and Savior. My group is the 9 year olds, and about half of them prayed to receive Jesus. Parents were in tears when they found out their young blessings had chosen to follow Jesus. What an amazing experience! When I got home, I made ground beef, rice, tried some frozen french fries my husband's company is considering selling (hopefully they won't; they're awful!), and continued with laundry. Hubby asked me to make him an appointment with the doctor. The headache was just not going away. I called and got the answering service, so I left a message. I also went on the internet looking up his symptoms, and again told him it appeared to be a tension headache. He wasn't so sure, but I told him I'd get the appointment as soon as the office called back. Instead, at 10:30pm we were on our way to the hospital. He couldn't turn his neck because it hurt so bad, his head felt like it would explode, and the pain was now affecting his back. As we drove up to the emergency room, I noticed the parking lot was WAY more packed than we've ever seen it. Great, I thought, we're in for a long night. As we sat in the waiting room I said to my hubby, "Let's see how accurate my physician's skills are. The doctor will tell you it's a tension headache and prescribe a muscle relaxant and pain killers. You'll probably have a CT scan before we leave." His answer: "Let's see how accurate my timing is. We'll get out of here at 4:30 in the morning." We were 2 for 2. After an examination which included a CT scan, it was determined that my husband had a tension headache. He was given the medications I'd told him they'd give him. And we left the hospital at 4:24am. Thankfully the hospital is close to home; I was in bed by 4:40am. Unfortunately, I was awake at 7:00am. I got up and got ready for VBS, went to the pharmacy first to pick up hubby's meds, then after a "nutritious" breakfast of glazed donuts (no time to prepare anything), E and I left for VBS. Another great day with the children, but by the time we left I just wanted to crash. However, I stopped at Costco for gas ($2.62 a gallon; what's that all about?!) then at KFC because I was just too tired to cook. After our meal I finally laid down to rest for about a half hour before running to the library to drop off the books we read this week and get some new ones. I wanted to get a quick nap again before heading out to my hubby's cousin's house for her daughter's third birthday but I can't seem to get to sleep. I sure hope I can get a good night's sleep tonight. Tomorrow is the last day of VBS, which has been wonderful, but I could use some rest! I'm thankful to the Lord, though, that despite all the problems that popped up I was still able to enjoy being with the children this week and seeing God move in their young lives. It's totally worth all the effort put into it, to see children dedicate their lives to the Lord.

"But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 19:14

The First Day of VBS...

...was AWESOME!!! We got to a bit of a late start because of so many last minute sign-ins, but the kids still got to enjoy all the activities and finish in time.

I was so thankful to be put in charge of the 9 year olds, because that meant I could be with my son E. Our schedule is perfect too: after morning worship, we go to Recreation Rock, which is game central. That's what 9 year olds need first - to burn off some steam! Then it's off to snacks at 10:40am. Once they've filled their little tummies, it's off to our Bible class. The teachers did an excellent job of explaining how we make choices in our lives, just as Peter and the apostles made the choice to leave everything to follow Jesus. The last station is Arts and Crafts. This too is fun time; today the kids decorated boomerangs with stickers and markers. These kids are so creative! All the boomerangs were unique, and each was beautiful. Last we go back for worship and prayer before being dismissed. The three hours were up so quickly! It's true what they say: Time flies when you're having fun.

What really impressed me about my group was how well behaved they were! They stayed in the group, were obedient, listened to the lessons and were a joy to work with. I was especially surprised because I had more boys than girls, and 9 year old boys can get rowdy if they're bored. But they all enjoyed the activities and had a great time. I loved how they listened to the Bible lesson, and even one boy who seemed to not be paying attention was able to answer a review question at the end of the lesson. They really are listening! I pray they not only listen, but absorb what they learn so that it stays with them all their lives. I just know God is going to do some amazing transformations in these children this week. I'm ready for tomorrow!