Abigail's latest poem

Back to school night was last Thursday. This is the poem that Abigail displayed about herself:

A - always there for you
B - brings surprises where ever I go
I - I love my family
G - going to my Grandma's farm is one of my favorite things to do
A - alligators give me the creeps
I - I love to read
L - love is what I do with my family

Isn't she creative? (she told me to write that)

Wee Praise

Abigail had her end of year school performance today -- it's PK-2 (Wee Praise.) We watched it this morning and then we went back for the evening service. It was awesome. They were so cute that I had tears from laughing. It was nice to witness their focus on glorifying God -- both in prayers and song. It made me thankful, again, that Abigail goes to school there. I was struck by the confidence of the children -- every one of them really sang (and danced) out -- wish everyone could have seen the first grade boys playing the blues on their guitar hero guitars. You will see that Abigail was particularly "feeling" it and not the least bit self-conscience. Maybe song is her strength. Regardless, she'll probably be like Jason -- he feels worship most strongly through song (we should have bought stock in i-tunes.) Even as a baby she would stop throwing a fit long enough to dance. Love, love, love this girl!

Mikaela's New Skill

Tonight Mikaela learned how to do the monkey bars -- way to go!!! She started slowly but within a few minutes she had it down. She's super excited and would love to show everyone.
Luke can do it, too -- as long as I get him to the top bar. He still needs my hand on his back for moral support -- but still, he's not even four yet.
Abigail is my daughter -- she's too scared to try. She's still practicing on jumping from the platform next to the monkey bars to assure herself that if she falls that it won't hurt. She got a little distracted by the sound she makes when she hits the ground and has decided to work on landing silently. I hope it works out for her. I never learned how to do it (monkey bars) 'cause I was too scared. I think I might have done it once but was too afraid to try again the next time we were at the park. I know how she feels. Sweet girl!

Abigail's Poem

A True Poem About Me
I'm different in many ways,
but I'm still me.
It doesn't matter if your hair is brown or blonde
or in between.
Whoever you are;
You are always you.

My baby has glasses

Here is a picture of Abigail in her new glasses. She is near-sighted (thank you Grandma.) She's very proud of them and has cleaned them 5 or 6 times today. Doesn't she look pretty. Mikaela and Luke are jealous -- I've warned them to never touch her glasses. I could see it now . . .

Love you all,

mickie

A Passover to Remember

Last week (Tuesday night) we celebrated Passover with the Heggan family (they are so gracious to include us!) Since this was our second Passover to celebrate we were looking forward to actually knowing what was going on. Leading up to the day, we got all of the nice clothing ready (Luke wore a vest, tie -- so cute! Thanks Laney), the kids decorated the house with pictures, and we read Passover stories. The big day came and Jason was even able to find me a wine with only 6% alcohol (you drink a lot of wine.) The Heggan family is large so it definitely lends itself to to a party type of atmosphere -- plus, our kids love theirs (and vice versa) so we were set for an awesome evening of celebrating our Lord's deliverance.

As we sat down to eat, Chloe started going nuts (it was late and she was hungry and tired.) So, I had to leave the room to calm her down. Things went well for a few minutes upon our return. Luke was looking so cute in his outfit and he was resting his head on the table -- sleepy (we thought.) Then he moved to Jason's lap -- still a sweet, sleepy boy. Then as Jason was about to read Luke threw-up all over Jason. I was shocked -- it took me a few seconds to move. During those seconds Luke managed to empty the contents of his stomach all over himself, Jason, and the floor. Wow. (Apparently, while I was gone taking care of Chloe he had told Jason that he needed a sack but poor Jason didn't understand what that meant. I don't think he'll make that mistake again.) Because of the large amount of people present, we were sitting in the kitchen (thank God they don't put carpet in kitchens) and only our friends, Gene and Denise, had to witness it. Everyone else was blessedly ignorant of what was happening. I got him cleaned up and Denise helped me clean the floor (that's a Godly woman!) We managed to get Luke some pajamas (Star Wars -- he was happy) and put him upstairs watching a movie for the rest of the evening. The rest of the Seder went off beautiful.

By 2:30 am -- it all hit me (for a while) and then Abigail ended up joining me about 4:00 am. We were so sick we could not move for a long time. It was probably 12:30 before I was able to make it out of bed. At least I lost 6 lbs out of the deal (which I've now mostly regained -- ugh!) At first I thought it was food poisoning -- now I've decided that we were already leaning to what Luke had and the food just put us over (I don't think anyone else was sick.)

So, definitely a Passover that won't be forgotten. Next year, we'll all be able to laugh about it.

Was this kid born in Austin or what!

Look at him -- sandals, pants, coffee (decaf), and a book.

Soccer

For some crazy reason I got the idea that I should sign the girls up for soccer. I asked them if they would be interested and they said yes and then Luke said he wanted to also. So, they all signed up through the 'Y.' The only thing I worried about was being able to see all of their games -- I thought they might schedule them at the same time or something. Never occurred to me to think about practices. Games turned out not to be a problem -- but they did schedule all of them with practices at the same time on the same day but at three different places. Crazy!!! It turns out that Mikaela will have two practices a week so she will be able to skip one but I still have Luke and Abigail to figure out. My sister has agreed to help me. Her kids have their practices on Tuesday -- so it worked out.

Last week was the first game. It was so much fun to watch them out there.

Luke ran right onto the field like a champ but ended up standing there for most of the game. His coach would take him by the hand and run him down the field, put him in front of the ball, and sometimes he would kick it. Every once in a while he would chase the pack. I took some pictures but Jason said it doesn't really portray what happened 'cause it actually looks like he's doing something. He had a great time during the game and talked like he did something great. His favorite part was the snacks afterward. I think that's what will keep him going back.

Mikaela did great. She ran the whole time -- usually behind the pack -- but she was there. For her first game ever she did pretty good. I have high hopes for her. It's only a few steps from the back of the pack to actually going after the ball. She smiled the entire game.

Abigail is definitely her mother's daughter. She said she wanted to play and she does great when she's here playing with the neighborhood kids. When she got out to the field she literally stood in one spot with her hands behind her back and refused to even look at the ball or move her feet. (this makes me think back to when I was in 5th grade and would tell the kid guarding me on the b-ball court not to worry about it 'cause I wasn't moving anywhere.) The coach ended up passing her off to his wife and she kicked the ball around with her for a few minutes. When she got back on the field she actually ran with the pack. It was so nice to see her move and gave me hope that she would not turn out like her mother. She told me later that she decided to run but not kick the ball. That's alright with me. She missed her first practice so tomorrow will be the first one she attends. I think attending practices will make all the difference in the world to her.

I'm going to put up a picture of all of them -- Mikaela and Abigail where the same color but are not on the same team. I'll put the rest on Facebook -- I don't know how to do slide shows on blogger. If someone would give me some instructions that would be great.

Love to you all,

mickie

Beautiful girl and other stuff

Wow, it's been a long time since my last post. Lots has happened . . .

Abigail lost her two front teeth this week -- both of them at the same time. They've been loose for a while now but she really didn't want us to pull them and I really didn't want to hear her scream . . . The story: the rest of her class was leaving to go to Chapel (she had been in the bathroom trying to clean her desk) and thought she had seen everyone leave the room -- then as she turned the corner she ran into "the tallest boy in the class" who was holding his song book on his stomach. She ran into the songbook with her face, bounced back onto the floor (and managed to hit her head) and her teeth flew out of her mouth. The kids ran to get the teacher (apparently there was lots of blood) and she took care of her and sent her to the office. They called me and I was able to give her a little TLC. Poor boy -- can you imagine how he must have felt? At least she has a good story to tell -- how many people get their two front teeth knocked out by a hymnal? Luke has been pretty impressed by the whole thing. He tells everyone one he sees (literally) that she lost her teeth -- I'm guessing he didn't realize that teeth come out.

Other things that have happened since December . . .

Christmas and Hanukkah went well. I didn't get to do all the activities that I wanted but still managed to go to several (enough) parties and stay busy enough. We made our own Menorah and I found it to be very relaxing to watch.

Jason got a new job!!! We are so blessed and excited. He is now working in Ft. Worth and driving 15 minutes instead of the hour that he used to drive. He's back in machining which seems to be a Brown thing. It's a Christian company and he's really enjoying himself. He is going to continue to work at UPS for a while longer since they have insurance (there is a 90 day waiting period at Anchor.) So, he's still working the same amount of hours but definitely with better perks.

Chloe started walking a few weeks ago. She's so cute -- she acts like she's done it all her life.

We found out that two people we love very much (Phillip and Lindsay) are moving to Ft. Worth this summer. We are so excited and can't wait for them to get here.

Mikaela got into St. Paul -- so she will be attending Kindergarten there next year. There was a good chance that she was not going to get in based on their PK numbers but it all worked out. I was able to purchase several pieces for her uniform for only $5 each. She's going to love it.

I'm still busy. I finished reading In My Father's House The Years Before the Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom and took a little break and am now working on Who is the Bride of Christ by Eddie Chummney. Interesting. I'm also starting over in the NT which is always fun -- I think I've got a handle on it and then I'll come across something that I forgot was there. My friend, Vicki, is going to teach me to knit. I'm really looking forward to it. She is a weaver (has a loom in her garage) and a true artist. I'll have a good teacher.

Sorry it took so long to post again -- things happen and I think, "I've got to let people know about that" and then mommy things happen and I don't get around to it (or I just end up reading other people's blogs instead.)

Love to you all!

mickie

Calling all Crafty People

I am not crafty -- I know, I'm a teacher of young children so I should be crafty -- but I'm not. Anyway, this year we're taking the holiday season and adding a new twist. We're celebrating Christmas and Hanukkah. I've never done Hanukkah before so I've been researching like crazy. In my teacher mind, I've come up with the "theme" for the holiday -- "Light." I know, not a hard leap. So, in my effort to make sure that we squeeze as much fun into this as possible and not miss out on anything we could have done -- I'm making a lesson plan (for lack of a better word) for the season. I have a theme for each day involving Scripture and Light -- oh, there are so many! Now, I have to come up with a fun activity and/or craft to go with each of my days. For example -- one night will be focused on "God said, Let there be light" and we'll do lots of star/moon/sun stuff (like what?) and decorate the apartment with Christmas lights. Or while reading about how the righteous shine (Matt 13:43) we will gift them with flashlights and then play hide-and-go-seek with them. Are you getting the picture? I think this could be tons of fun, will help to focus the season on Christ, and maybe they'll learn something. I know -- I'm such a teacher! I can't help it.
Anyway -- I'm going to list my themes for each day and if you know of a good craft or activity that would go with each then please let me know!
1 -- Jesus is the Light of the World (John 8:12)
2 -- God said, "Let there be Light" (Gen 1:2)
3 -- Light reminds us of God's presence (Ps 89:15 or PS 27:1 or Ex 13:21)
4 -- We reflect God's Glory (2 Cor 3:18 or Matt 5:16)
5 -- God's Word is Light (Ps 119:105)
6 -- The Rightous Shine (Matt 13:43)
7 -- God's Kingdom of Light (Col 1:12)
8 -- Light reminds us of the World to Come (Rev 21:23)

Also, another idea that I wanted to throw into the mix:
While driving around looking at Christmas lights this year -- I want to give a "Candy Cane" award to houses that particularly bless us. I'm thinking something like a cute note with a candy cane tied to it that we can place on their door. Trouble is -- I can't come up with some cute little poem kind of thing. Any poets out there?

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah,
mickie

Our Thanksgiving

For the last many, many, many years Jason and I have celebrated Thanksgiving with his family -- usually lots of Thanksgivings driving from house to house . . . This year we stayed at one house (yea!) and celebrated with my mother's side of the family. It was such a nice day -- great food and even better company. The kids played non-stop.

When we got home we had "movie night" and ate flavored popcorn. I'm thinking that it might be a new tradition.

Jason got into our boxes of books this weekend. We have a lot of books -- it was so much fun. I was very impressed at our collection and wished we had a bookshelf so that I could easily re-read some of them. Alas, I just pulled a few loved ones and now have enough to get me through a few more weeks. If you're trying to find a good read then you might want to consider some of these -- remember these are just a few and definitely not my only favorites.

1. The Screwtape Letters -- CS Lewis


2. The World According to God -- Greg Johnson


3. Lies Women Believe and the Truth that Sets Them Free -- Nancy Leigh DeMoss


4. Bringing Up Boys -- Dr. James Dobson


5. Discipline -- Elisabeth Elliot


6. Shadow of the Almighty -- Elisabeth Elliot


7. Passion and Purity -- Elisabeth Elliot


8. and the Bride Wore White -- Danah Gresh


9. The Mission of Motherhood -- Sally Clarkson
10. The Holiness of God -- RC Sproul

Oh, and Michael Ann -- I found your Captivating book. Such an awesome book and I'm glad that it wasn't lost forever. I'm going to read it again, too.

I just finished reading Tramp for the Lord by Corrie Ten Boom. I was telling my friend, Vicki (who has been so awesome to mentor me this last year) and she shared how they had a private tour through the house/shop while they were serving in Europe and showed me a pocket watch that they had purchased from the shop. Wow! Maybe someday I'll get to go there, too. I love Corrie Ten Boom like I love Elisabeth Elliot (Chloe's middle name is Elisabeth if that is any indication.)

Love you!

mickie

Quote of the Morning

About 7:00am this morning Luke was eating candy corn (ugh!) I was just about to get on to him when he said, "It's tasty in my mouth." Cute, so I left him alone. This afternoon we were at the mall where we were trying (unsuccessfully) to get Abigail some shoes. I shared some of Chloe's goldfish with Luke and he broke out in a full dance. He said, "Eating a goldfish makes me want to dance." Another cute one -- especially if you had seen how elaborate his dance was. He's enjoying some junk food today (his favorite.)

I'm putting a picture of Chloe up for Aunt Ashley. She sent Chloe this outfit for her birthday and I wanted to let her see how she looks in it. I know how to put a picture here but not how to do it in an e-mail. So, here she is -- so sweet! Thank you, Aunt Ashley.

mickie

Halloween

On Friday, Mikaela had a Halloween Party at her "school." The parents did it up well -- pizza and Krispy Cream doughnuts decorated like pumpkins. Then they did a parade where the parents would pass out candy and they got to trick-or-treat. She got so much candy that she was able to share with her brother and sister. Luke was even caught in the closet with her bag and she still had some left over! Mikaela was a cheerleader. She wore my cheerleading uniform from when I was in the 5th grade. Scary.

We have always done Halloween -- either at a church or more recently in our old neighborhood. This year we opted out and spent a quiet evening at home toasting pumpkin seeds and enjoying a nice dinner and dessert. My aunt had a Halloween party today and I am sure it was tons of fun. She promised it would be full of really scary stuff. She did introduce me to my first Haunted House as a child -- so I'm sure it was. Instead we went to the Kimball Art Museum to see the Impressionist paintings.

I've loved the Impressionists since I was in High School/College and was excited to see them in person. I was looking forward to introducing my children to them. This weekend was the last time the collection would be in Ft. Worth and we ended up joining all the other procrastinators (and there were a lot!) Parking was crazy but we ended up with a good spot. I heard someone say as we were walking in that the line for tickets was about 45 minutes -- looking at the line I believed them. As we were making our way to the line one of the employees told me to go to the members only line and tell them that he sent me. Wow, he must have felt sorry for the woman with four small children and a stroller. We went to the line and a lady questioned if we were members. I explained what "John" had told me and she looked at me and then passed me two (free) tickets and directed me where to go. Such generosity! I'm very impressed with the employees at the Kimball! We made our way through most of the collection but it was really too crazy to enjoy much. I think the kids, especially Abigail, got a good introduction and I got to see some of my favorites paintings up close. Nice day.

Love to you all,

mickie

Update on the Brown Kiddos

We had Abigail's parent-teacher conference on Friday. Basically, she's reading like crazy but at the wrong times. She has a tendency to read while the Mrs. Taylor is teaching! We discussed how strange it is for a teacher to tell a child to put the book away. Mrs. Taylor also said that Abigail talks a lot -- we know, she's got Whitehorn blood in her. But, she said that she doesn't necessarily talk to anyone -- just talks (and sings) to herself. I'm sure it can be quite distracting. Makes me smile, though. Her desk looks like it blew up but honestly, after seeing her room I would have been surprised if it had been orderly. Mostly, we're going to step-up in the math facts department. She's developed some bad habits (using fingers!) and we're going to work on getting things a little more mental. We're so glad that Abigail is in a place where she's happy, loved, and safe. She comes home each day (happily) talking about her day -- something that wasn't happening before. Even though Gram decided not to pay for her school, Jason and I are going to try to keep her there as long as possible. We're grateful that God has given me a job that is allowing her to stay and not have to start another (4th) new school (since January.)
Mikaela wakes up each day happy -- and she's so excited if it's a school day. She has always made friends easily but has developed a "friendship" with a boy named John. Apparently, John likes a certain shirt that Mikaela wears and I have to really watch her so that she doesn't take it out of the dirty clothes hamper. She's still gets in our bed each night but we love it -- that's why we bought a king-size bed. Some day she'll stay in her own bed, so for now we're going to enjoy the snuggles. We went camping about a week ago. We went with some friends and celebrated our first Feast of Tabernacles. We had so much fun! There were lots of Christians there and obviously Jewish people. Mikaela told me the other day that she didn't realize that Yeshua was a real person. Yeshua is the Hebrew word for Jesus and we use them pretty interchangeably around here. I was starting to be impressed that our trip had such an effect on her. When I questioned her further, she said that she had seen him when we were camping. Really? She then described a man with a beard, small hat on his head, and a thing over his shoulders. Ha, Ha -- that could have been 1/3 of the men there! So sweet. We're going to have to talk a little more about Yeshua and Jesus.
Luke has finally settled down with the potty words. Seriously, he would find a way to work "booty" into every sentence -- whether it fit or not. We tried to replace it with "buzz" but it didn't quite work the same for him. He's pretty much given up naps -- ugh! And has decided that he will be the pickiest eater around. He would live on peanut butter if he could (Jason loves peanut butter, too. Must run in the family.) I had enough last night and forced all of them to eat the homemade chicken-noodle soup. You would have thought he was dying! I don't see the issue -- he likes chicken and he likes noodles. But he wouldn't do it. I made him have it for breakfast and he still wouldn't budge. He got a regular lunch only 'cause it was a school day and then he got it again for snack (nope!) and supper again. Finally, he ate a few pieces of chicken. I can't decide if I'll let that count or not.
Chloe is big! She's fitting into her 18 month outfits VERY nicely -- she just turned one! All of my other children weighed 18 lbs. at one year but Chloe weighed 21 lbs. She uses three words -- mama, dada, and snack (how appropriate.) Oh, and she "signs" for snack, too. Just in case you didn't get it the first time. The rest of the time she just screams -- usually at Luke or Mikaela (they love to smother her.) I think her next word might be "stop." She's not interested in walking. At childcare they said that she needs to wear shoes -- my response, "Why? So she can ruin the top of them?" She'll walk if you hold her hands and force her. I have noticed her letting go of things a little and standing on her own -- so I'm not worried. In her own time (as long as it's not too much longer.) Oh, one more thing -- we've been singing "God, Our Father" for our prayer at dinner and she can "sing" the tune. Pretty neat. She's a reader -- like all my children. That's a good thing.
We love you all and hope to hear from you.
Many blessings,
mickie

I Hate Fundraisers!

I've been in school way too long. If you think about it -- I've pretty much been there in one form or another since I was five years old. I remember doing my first fundraiser at Plemons when I was in fourth grade. (My sister and brother loved going door to door to sell cantalopes (sp?)-- I didn't inherit their business gene.) As a teacher, I would cringe every time they would take time out of my teaching day to do an assembly where they could get the kids all excited about earning junk if they would just sell ________ to their family. I felt guilty about passing out the packets to the kids because it made me feel like I was a part of the whole system. If I had the money, I'd just donate the 40% to the school instead of getting some magazine that I don't have time to read. I've always been able to ignore it (pretty much) for Abigail. But now that she's at the new school they've got me cornered. Next week, they are having a Walk-A-Thon. It's during the day so all the students have to attend (and they let out early, too. A real pain!) So, if Abigail goes to school that day she will be walking and if she doesn't then she'll be counted absent. Ugh! I hate for her to walk for no reason. They got me! So, if you would like to sponsor Abigail in the Walk-A-Thon (the money will go to buy Accelerated Reader books in the library) then let me know. She's walking next Thursday and has to turn in the money the beginning of December.
Oh, and if you're in the mood for a magazine subscription then she's selling those, too. I'm starting to think that private schools are worse than the public ones!
Love to you all!
mickie

He is always with us

Matthew 28:19-20
19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,
20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

i had to share what happened to me this week at my job with UPS. It is no secret that i battle depression and when it creeps in, i feel like curling up in the fetal position and dying. The pain i have experienced while working 70 hours at two jobs and only sleeping 4-5 hours a day has been enough to take me out and i have a high tolerance for pain. Okay, enough about me because my lovely wife says that i write too long and it is too much of a theological treatise for our intended audience.

Long story short, Christ manifested to me the verse above (20) the other day as i was loading package cars. i was depressed and feeling like i wanted to quit the world when i see a white sticker stuck to the belt that moves our packages down to us for loading. On the sticker was handwritten, "Jesus Luv U". i know not of any believers on the side of the belt i was working on and only those workers and myself have access to the belt and could have placed that sticker there. It was perfectly placed where you could read it like you were going to grab a package off of the belt.

Freaked me out! It was one of those where you think about it for a why and the weight of it crushes you. "Lo I (the I AM) is with you always, even to the end of the age." Yes, LORD this true; you made that apparent clear to me the other day and saved me from the depths of my depression and sinfulness that causes it. May His name ever be praised and bring on the Sabbath Rest.

Killer Parakeets

My mother and sister, Sidney, bought the kids the best gift for their birthday -- Zoo passes. That means we get to go to the zoo anytime we want and it's something that Chloe can honestly enjoy, too. Side note -- if you ever go to a birthday party and want to know what to bring small children can I suggest something that is disposable? Paint, play dough, tape, chalk . . . My children, at least, do not need something else cluttering up their room. Most of the time they'd rather play with paper anyway. So, truly -- Zoo Passes are the best! Thank you Grandma and Aunt Sid!
Today we dropped Abigail and Mikaela off at school and Luke, Chloe, and I went to the zoo. We went to the parakeet cage first. You can walk in and the birds will land on you -- especially if you buy the $1 stick of birdseed. Usually we get there late and the birds could care less about us. So today we were going to beat everyone. We managed to get there first and the birds saw us coming. They were flying to the side of the cage while we were still outside parking the stroller. This should have been a sign. We bought our stick of food and I walked in first and Luke was supposed to follow me in. I managed to get in but as Luke tried to come in (holding the food) the birds swarmed him and landed on the stick (and his arm.) He screamed and dropped the stick (I cannot express how loud the scream was!) The rest of the birds saw their chance and went for the stick. There were at least 40 birds on the ground between Luke and me -- I couldn't get to him if I had wanted to (at least not without damaging any parakeets.) By the time I got him to step back (he wasn't coming in!) and closed the doors several birds had escaped -- they walked right out! (they did catch them and return them.) He finally got brave enough to come in but never got close to any birds. Chloe, on the other hand, loved the birds! She did her best to grab them but was, thankfully, unsuccessful.
I laugh each time I think of it.
Love to you all!
mickie

First Impressions

Abigail is in heaven. She LOVES her school. The first day she came home and said, "I wasn't bored all day!" Poor baby, I'm sorry that she has been bored at all. Let's see, what are some more Abigail quotes . . . "I was busy all day. * In Spanish class we played games around the room. I was pretty quiet 'cause I only know the basics of Spanish. * I don't know what it is about this school. Something's just different than the other schools I've been at. Maybe it's that the kids have manners.* I had so much fun at recess today, I played with . . ." (she never played at the other schools -- the teachers said she would always bring a book outside with her) That's all I can think of for now.

She has been excited to go to school each day. On Wednesday they have Chapel and so Abigail has a special uniform that she wears on that day. We got her a jumper and she was able to get away with using some of the shirts that she wore in FWISD. She was pretty bothered with the combination but said she would "get it together" so that she could go to her school. After a few minutes she was beaming -- I took some pictures that I will try to put on here and you can see what I mean.

As a teacher, I've been pretty impressed with the level of homework (and the organization) that she's been bringing home. As a mother, I'm so glad that she is in a place that is happy to see her each morning and is kind to us. Still getting used to having people being nice in a school -- too bad.

Anyway, thank you Gram and Pops for allowing Abigail to continue her education in such a wonderful place. It's making a difference already.

All Glory, Honor, and Praise to our Father,

mickie

New Church

I got so busy telling everyone about Abigail that I forgot to mention another way that God has been providing for us. We finally found a church!!! The Austin Stone changed our lives and we were no longer satisfied with just any old church (and there are a lot of them around here.) We tried driving to The Village but it was an hour one way. As awesome as The Village is it was just too far to develop any sort of community. I guess if I want to listen to Matt Chandler I can always do it on-line. Well, The Village planted a church in Keller -- City View. www.cityviewchurch.net It reminds us of what The Stone must have been like in the early years. We went to the new members class last week and were encouraged by the Pastor's heart and vision for the church. Keller is a little bit of a drive but it's worth it. (At least it's close to my cousin, Jodi's house -- it might give our families a chance to get together some Sunday afternoon.) Best of all, there are several couples that live around the seminary and they will be starting a small group down here close to us. Yea! The Worship Pastor, Adam Crawford, knows some other good friends of ours (Phillip and Lindsey Walleck -- Phillip lived with us for a summer before Mikaela was born. He was instrumental in discipling Jason. Adam referred to Phillip as "a rock." Yes - yes you are, Phillip.) If you get the chance to hear some of his work you won't regret it. He writes beautiful songs that we get to sing at Service on Sundays and he has a beautiful voice. So, another connection -- that's nice.
So rejoice and sing for the Lord is good!
Love to you all,
mickie

Abigial's New School

As most of you know, Abigail was not being challenged at the school across the street from us. So, we researched and found a Special Interest Program at another school across town. It is called "Science, Mathematics, and Technology Academy" at Morningside. It's a kind of school within a school. The work samples were great and they have the most beautiful garden where most of the work was supposed to be based. For a Science girl like Abigail this would be perfect. Plus, it was ethnically diverse -- well, she was one of the few white children but that would be good - right? Once we started school we realized that the academic rigor was not what was portrayed and to make things worse, there was a girl in Abigail's class that bullied her. Most days she would be hit or have her foot stomped on and then there was the verbal . . . Things did not improve even after speaking with the teachers and administrators. In fact, they continued to put the two of them in small groups together and to have their desks together! We just didn't know what to do.
On Thursday, Jason's mother (Gram) called and I was sharing about Abigail's days at school. She's a teacher, too -- so she understands. Anyway, Gram volunteered to pay for Abigial to go to another school (both for safety and academic reasons.) *this is kind of sweet because when Jason was little his grandmother paid for him to attend a private school as well. So, Sherri is following in great footsteps* I was very excited about the possiblilies but doubted I would be able to find a (good) school that would have a spot open at this time of the year or that would be willing to accept a new second grader into their program.
I called, researched, and asked for recomendations. . .(did I mention lots of prayer!) No place was open. I kept hearing about one school and one of the teachers at my school suggested that I just walk in and talk to them. I did and Abigail will be starting at St. Paul Lutheran School on Monday! A girl had just left and they had one spot -- Abigail's name even fits in alphabetically on the class list! I could go on and on about how wonderful this school iS but I'll let you read the website for yourself: http://school.stpaulfw.com/index.php
Another perk of the school is that it is only blocks away from The First Presbyterian Church where I teach pre-school.
I am most amazed at how genuinely nice everyone was -- very peaceful. They had some gently worn uniforms that we were able to get so she is all set for Monday. (I'll try to get picture for everyone -- maybe Monday.) I took Abigial up there to see things and meet her new classmates and when we left she said that she "just couldn't make her mouth stop smiling."
We know that God has totally paved the road for Abigail to be at this school. There were too many obstacles for it to have happened any other way. So quickly, too -- I talked to Gram on Thursday night and by Friday at noon she was set -- unheard of! Abigail told me this morning that she knows that God has done this for her and that now she knows that He is really real.
My heart is so full and I feel like I just want to give God a big hug and never let go.
Love to you all!
mickie