Updates for my blog :)

I realized something when I visited my blog tonite......I dont blog often but boy when I do, I sure write alot! I hope I don't sound boring. Here are some updates: the stitches HURT when they came off and I was so thankful that my hubby went to that appointment with me! Ouch! I dont want to remember that experience. The great news is that the biopsy came back negative. Praise God! Summer went by fast but it was a nice one. I spent lots of time with my hubby and kids, organizing and cleaning my house and visited with my sister for her 40th birthday! Another blessing in my life is that I have a really nice class this year......very nice boys and girls and lovely families to partner with as I strive to teach them my best :) School is back in session which means my life goes back to being busy, busy, busy! But I am thankful.
Oh, before I forget.....we have three named storms lurking out there....Hurricane Hanna, Tropical Storm Ike and a Depression named Josephine. Let's pray that God keeps everyone safe. Be blessed!

Happy Birthday Priscy!

Friday was Priscy's 18th birthday! Can you believe it? Where has the time gone? Just yesterday I was walking her to her kindergarten classroom to meet "Mrs. Nunez." I remember it like it happened yesterday. She was wearing a white shirt with colorful stripes that had a Mickey & Minney on the side pocket, denim shorts and her brand new Keds sneakers. Her hair was in a ponytail with a pink ribbon! Then she turned 18 !!!! We celebrated her birthday by going to dinner as a family and then the two of us went to a Kenny Chesney concert. We love country music, especially Kenny! It was so much fun to share that special time together. He sang that song "Blink" that talks about closing your eyes and going from 6 to 25 in a blink of an eye. I felt like he was singing it to me that night. I held Priscy tight throughout the whole song. I love my princess and time just goes by too fast so as the song goes "don't blink!!"

God's Angels are Everywhere!

I went to the dermatologist today as part of my medical checkups this summer. I wasnt planning on going to the dermatologist, but I've had this tugging in my heart to go for a few months now. As a teacher I am required to take my kids out for recess and/or p.e. everyday and since I had major surgery last summer, I've noticed that my skin, especially my face is much more sensitive to the sunlight. So I thought during summer break, I'd go have a "skin check" as they refer to it at my new dermatologist's office. So I went today. Thus begins this blog.......it was an interesting experience. The doctor's checks out your entire body with this lighted magnifying lamp thingy. She was a nice lady and thankfully all of my freckles check out as being okay ..........but then she looked at the bottom of my foot. I've always had a dark spot on the bottom of my foot, like a big freckle. Well she looked at it again and did some measuring and said it probably needed to come out. The last thing I imagined was that it needed to come out right there and then!!!!!!!!!!! Didnt she know that I'm the scaredy-cat that can't do things by herself, especially not without my hubby! She tells me that she will have the nurse get me ready. That's when I started to panic. I prayed really fast and panicked some more. I don't do well with blood and I faint easily so I was afraid that I might not do well during the procedure without my better half at my side. The doctor gave me a shot to numb the area and my tears began to quietly flow. I was so embarrassed that I couldnt be strong enough so I looked away. I don't know how but the sweet nurse, her name was "Kelly," must have noticed that I wasn't doing so well so she held my hand. I held her hand so tight! The rest of the time she told me little stories of how she was a grandmother and it was her granddaughter's 3rd birthday today. Before I knew it I started to relax and then it was all over. Whew! I asked the nurse if I could give her a hug and thanked her for holding my hand. I knew right there and then that it was not by coincidence that she was my nurse today. Her gentleness and patience reflected God's love and He knew I would need just that today. Nurse Kelly was the perfect example of how we should treat others that are in need.......She took the time to encourage me and care for me, a perfect stranger. A beautiful angel! Now I just have to elevate my foot and take care of the itty-bitty wound until its time to get my stitches out. Meanwhile, my "beauty mark" is being sent in for biopsy

Thank you God for sending nurse Kelly to me today. Thank you for putting that tug in my heart to see the doctor, for following through on Your nudging and guidance, and for making me feel so safe throughout the entire ordeal. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen

Quiet Time

One of my favorite things to do during summer vacation is to catch up on my quiet time. This is the time I try to set apart each day for God. I used to be really good at reading, reflecting and praying before bedtime each night. Lately, between having had major surgery and spending the day teaching energetic 5 year olds, I find myself completely drained in the evenings. So my plan for the new school year is to get better about having quiet time early in the mornings before leaving for school. Now that both kids have started college and are more and more independent, I'm hoping it will be easier. Thus my love for summer mornings!

So let me tell you about this new book I picked up at the library: "Me and My Big Mouth!" Its written by one of my favorite authors, Joyce Meyer, and so far the premise of the book seems to be focused on how we should be careful how we speak. Our choice of words not only affect our own lives but influences those around us. I love that verse in the Bible that tells us to be "slow to speak" Check out James 1:19. In one of the chapters I read yesterday, the author reminds us that not only gossiping is sinful but so is complaining. Oh No!!! I had to stop right there when I read the word "complaining" As I reflect back on this school year I complained so much at work!! Not about my job so much, I love my job, but I used these words constantly "I'm so tired!" Almost everyday when talking to my coworkers I found myself exchaning those words all the time "I'm so tired" or "Its so early" "Its so hot outside!" blah blah blah ! Gosh, what kind of example was I ? I don't think it was a coincidence that I picked up this book!! Thank you Joyce Meyer for writing it! In it she writes that "complaining is sinful" and I am going to remember that! Check out John 6:43. She goes on to remind us that we should start our day by giving thanks to God for everything. (I'm usually very good about that and then when I get to work ---why do I forget? ugh!) My neighbors, the Garcias, have always been such great examples of living out the "no complaining because its sinful" thing. There ar 7 people living in their house including a 3 year old, a brand new baby and a great grandmother! In the 6 years I have known them, I have yet to hear them complain about anything. I admire them so much for the example they are living out. Love you Rosa, Orlando, Sandra, and Orlandito!

So I'm off to start my day and I promise not to complain! I will be joyful and Praise God for all that I have and that I am today. Thank you Jesus!

Friday Nights

Happy Weekend! I love to say that when Friday comes around....."Happy Weekend" Hubby and I went with the kids to dinner. I dont know exactly when this started to happen but Pei Wei's has become our favorite Friday night dinner spot. Mmmmmm, I love the crab wontons and there.........and the lettuce wraps and the teriyaki chicken with brown rice....yikes, I could go on. Its funny because I can remember not too long ago when the kids were younger, i couldnt have paid them enough to visit any Asian diner for dinner. "No way" they'd say, or "yuck, mom" and now its so cool to see them actually want to go with us. Today before my son left for work he said "hey mom, will you guys wait for me to get off work if you're going to Pei Wei's" I love it :)

Summer is Here!

Updates in my life: My princess girl has graduated from high school! Praise the Lord! She is also registered to begin summer courses in college. My gorgeous son has successfully completed his first year of college with pretty nice grades! My abuela is doing well although her dementia seems quite advanced. I try to visit with her at least once a week. She seems to have adjusted well in the nursing home. As for me, well today was the last day of school!!! Whooo-hooo!!! As I said goodbye to my students and packed up my classroom for the summer, I started to feel like a little kid myself.....so excited that summer is here! Ahhhhhh, the thought of resting and spending a little time for myself, my home, my family! Thank you God for giving me this time! I am looking forward to cleaning my house, reading books by my favorite author, cooking nice meals for my hubby and kids and just mentally relaxing a little bit. Hopefully I will now have time to get better with this idea of "blogging" What are your summers like?

The Fair

I asked my hubby to take me to the fair tonight. I am so excited. Its a small carnival taking place at a local church. I havent been to one in a very long time. We used to go the big county fair every year when the kids were younger. I really want to go to that one again this year. Its funny because I dont go on many of the rides at the fair. I'm not sure why I like it so much. Maybe its because it reminds me of my younger days. In fact I can name the rides I do go on in one hand---let's see.....the merry go round (dont laugh, you're never too old to go on that one), bumper cars, big slide, and the mirror/fun house. Yep! That's about it for me. I'm a scaredy cat for the fast rides. What I do love is walking around, eating the cotton candy, yummy elephant ears, and the lemonade! (Did I mention I'm starting weight watchers at my school? Thankfully, I dont start until next week!)