Friends in "high" places

Kelvin has a friend in his class who came from Africa last year. I had asked him where this little boy was from, but Kel couldn't remember the name.

The other night we were watching the news after supper and the story of the grow-op on a farm came on. Kelvin piped right up:

"Mom that's where Patrick is from - Marawanda!"

(hee, hee, hee....)

Enjoy!

"The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever."

I've been trying to remember that last part for years.... Thanks, Harv!

Now if someone would just tell me who said it.....

Delayed Reaction?

I have but one thing to say about that Aquacise class.....

Holy Hamstrings, Batman!!

I think I'm gonna have to break out the bubble mat and go have a hot bath...

To borrow a line from Ron...

This made me laugh today....

I was watching the news a bit today when this story came up.

It appears that 8 dolphins from an aquarium in Gulfport, Mississippi were swept out to sea during the hurricane. Fortunately, they have all been found and (get this) RESCUED!

Yes, you heard it correctly, folks. Dolphins were rescued from the sea and returned to their nice, safe aquarium....

More firsts

Well, the boys are into the swing of things at school and doing well, and I am now getting to have some firsts of my own.

On Monday I got to do my first bit of volunteering at Kelvin's school. I spent the morning with his class and I must tell you - I had a blast! I couldn't get over how much I've missed hanging out with the kids. I got to take them out in their small groups and teach them a new game, then I was able to give feedback to their teacher about kids' strengths and weaknesses. I feel like I'm making a difference, and the kids seem to like hangin' out with me, too. I can hardly wait 'til Friday when I get to spend the day with Matt's class.

Today I had another first. I went to my first Aquacize (sp?) class at the Y. It's at lunchtime, so it's a good thing I have Kelvin in the lunch program. He really wants to stay there every day because it means he has more time to play with his friends. After the few days I've had him home for lunch, I'm beginning to see the benefits of it, too. We've barely made it back to school on time for the afternoons, and I would really prefer not to be nagging at him to get moving in the middle of the day. It just doesn't set a good tone for the afternoon. So.... I think I'm just going to let him stay for now.

As for the class.... well, it went pretty well. I can feel it in my legs, but my knees have been bothering me a lot lately, so I'm not exactly sure what's from the class and what's just there. I've been turning my ankles a lot lately, too, and that's definitely not good. I have particularly weak foot and ankle muscles. Maybe the class will help with that.

I got to sing with the worship team for a celebration service on Sunday. That's not exactly a first, but it's the first in a long time. It sure felt like an amazing evening - even if there wasn't much of a turnout. The morning was packed, so I thought there might be a good crowd for a night that was straight worship. There used to be, back in the early days.... Oh well, those of us who were there made a connection with God - and I'm sure others did too, just in other ways.

Well, I must finish up a few dishes and drag these old bones to bed. Got a seriously busy day tomorrow (including some 'harp and bowl' practice - CAN'T WAIT!!!!). Anyone praying for us can plead for more restful sleep for Doug and I. We're pretty wasted these days.

First day of school!

Kelvin began grade 1 on Wednesday. When I picked him up at the end of the day (he stayed for lunch) I asked him how his day went. He said:

"I had a really good time, Mom!"

Yesterday after school he told me that he really likes grade 1, but that he liked Kindergarten better. I'm sure he wishes there were more toys in the class, but when you ask him what he did he will first tell you how many times he got to go out for recess.

Matt begins today, although we went to visit his teacher and see his room on Wednesday. There are a few changes - like he's sitting in a different part of the room, and at a desk instead of at the small table. I could tell he was nervous this morning. He tried several ways to stall. Not the least of which included the sock and shoe issue. He's been wearing sandals all summer, so he's not used to how shoes feel on his feet anymore, and he chose a thick pair of socks, too. We made it on time, but I certainly felt the stress! Any of you who know me know that I HATE to arrive anywhere late.

Anywho... I thought I'd post the "first day of school" pics. Technically, Kelvin's was taken today, but that's just because our camera is acting up. I'll have a real one when I get the film developed from the old camera...

A kinder, gentler rant

I just deleted my last post. I was writing about how difficult a time I had hanging out with my extended family on the weekend. It's like we come from two very different worlds. However, the tone of it, while accurate, seemed a bit harsh so I deleted it and decided to just sum it up here.

In Summary: If I were ever worried about being mistaken for someone who is "of this world" I need only look at my family to see the stark differences in our lives.

Harp and Bowl

I can just see Yvonne's face staring at me with a look that says "See.... I TOLD you you were a prophetic singer!"

'splain?

Well,... we're doing some training at the moment on how to use the Harp and Bowl format for worship/intercession meetings. It's a very new format for me, but it basically offers a framework to facilitate prophetic singing and intercession while working through scripture and worship. Hmmm... maybe that doesn't sound so basic.... but it's really not all that complicated once you wrap your mind around it. It's the standard format of the 24/7 meetings at IHOP.

So, last night I had to leap out of my comfort zone as we actually tried it out with worship leaders, prayer leaders, prophetic singers, and chorus leaders. And, once we got going, it really was a shame to have to stop and go home to our families (we do love them... but this was starting to feel really good!). I don't know if it will flow as well once we get a congregation to lead and the nerves ramp up a notch, but I don't think it will take that long to get used to.

So, Yvonne.... Seems you've been right about me all along. I just needed some structure.

Birthday Girl

Well, it's official. Monday was my birthday. And as a present to myself I invited a dozen of my girlfriends for a night out and some bra shopping last Friday.

Yes. Bra shopping.

It's my party and I'll shop if I want to, shop if I want to, shop if I want to.... You could shop too if it appeals to you...

Then we went out for munchies, drinks, and some really great conversation. I didn't get home until 1:30 in the morning. I have GOT to do this again! (Plus I got a really cute bra, but I won't be posting any photos. Heck, I won't even be taking any photos....)

Happy Birthday to me....