My Kids

On Monday, Mike and I went to Parent/Teacher conferences. Both kids received glowing reports! Jessica's total grade averaged out as an A. Her teacher tells us that she is a great writer. She said that she is always ready to help and do the right thing. Jessica seems to be liked by all her classmates, and is a good friend. I'm very proud of her and it has been a joy to watch her grow and blossom.

As a parent you try hard to treat each child equally, and give each equal attention and glory, but today I want to brag just a little extra about Zeke. Zeke just has one of those personalities that draw you in. He is open and ready to love everyone. His teacher had such wonderful things to say about him that I found it hard not to cry. It wasn't only that he was doing great in school, or that he is reading 5 levels higher than expected. It was what she had to say about his character that was important. She told us that Zeke "has a big heart" and that he is a "safe friend." Every year before conference, she gives each child a survey to fill out. One of the questions on the survey is, "The part I don't like about school is____________." Zeke answered the question with, "when friends are sick." She said that she has been teaching for MANY years, and that is the first time a student answered in such a way. She just seemed so amazed by the way he loves people. All I could say was, "God has big plans for Zeke." Although I am beyond proud of Zeke and the man that he is becoming, I give all glory to God. He formed him and created him to be the person he is. It is a big responsibility for Mike and I to raise this boy to love Christ more than anything else, to continue to feed his spirit and give him safe and godly outlets to love people. To help him grow into manhood without loosing his tender heart. At the same time, to raise a lovely woman who is confident with herself, while her brother gets most of the attention. If you see us, or think of us, we covet your prayers. I know that all mothers who live their lives to serve Christ, feel that same desire for their children. We all look forward to seeing how God is going to use our children for His kingdom. That is way praying for our children is the most important thing we can do! That is way I am such an advocate for Moms in touch international. But, I digress, I will blog about Moms in Touch another day. Today, under piles of laundry, a dirty kitchen floor and no idea what I'll cook for dinner, I bask in the feeling of accomplishment and a job well done as a mother.

Chinese handcuffs.

Do you remember Chinese Handcuffs? They are the carnival toy that you put each index finger into, then when you try to pull your fingers out, the little sucker tightens up and keeps you locked in. This was pretty much my experience in the dressing room on Monday. I had found this cute blouse with cuffed sleeves. I put my arms in, and pull it on. It was a bit snug, so I proceeded to take it off. I got the blouse off my shoulders and began to pull. Here is were I ran into a little bit of a problem. The shirt had a death grip on my pudgy arms. I panicked. Will I have to call the attendant? Will I have to leave the dressing room with my alarmingly white and flabby belly hanging over my pants, while my arms are pinned behind me in what has become a straight-jacket? I can feel my core temperature raising with each scenario. Finally, in desperation, I fling my arms over my head and manage to free the offending blouse from my body. Ahh relief! I'm out of breath. I quickly redress into my own clothes. I bring the evil blouse to the attendant. "How did it go" she asks politely? I feel my face growing red at the memory of what just transpired. I sheepishly respond, "I didn't like the color on me". Then I quickly removed myself from the premises.

Naming you blog is a lot of pressure!

Julie encouraged me to start my own blog. Doing this means it has to have a name. I really put a lot of thought into this. I had many ideas filter through my head: 13 going on 40, my inner child wears red, Anal retentive artist...there where more, but those are the highlights. I settled on Overcomer. This is my desire. There are many things in my life that I strive to overcome, from the ridiculous vanity that can plague me, to the deep strongholds that I will not let define or defeat me. I've decided to use the verse from John 16:33.

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

I hope to share funny stories, poignant moments, lessons that God is teaching me, and my heart (the good, the bad, and the ugly).