I Believe

} My favorite uncle in the whole wide world often sends me fun and often inspirational emails. I got this one today. I am unsure who wrote it, but I share this person's beliefs! The comments in the ( ) are my own little add to the poem.
-------Subject: I believe...

A Birth Certificate shows that we were born (could not tell you where mine is)
A Death Certificate shows that we died
Pictures show that we lived! (got lots of them)
I Believe...That just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do love each other.
I Believe...That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.
I Believe...That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I Believe...That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love. (to all of my friends in New Orleans...you know who you are)
I Believe... That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.
I Believe...That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be. (A really long time in my case)
I Believe...That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
I Believe... That you can keep going long after you think you can't.
I Believe...That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
I Believe...That either you control your attitude or it controls you. (Working on it)
I Believe...That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
I Believe...That money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I Believe...That my best friend and I, can do anything, or nothing and have the best time.
I Believe...That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.
I Believe...That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
I Believe...That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
I Believe...That it isn't always enough, to be forgiven by others. Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I Believe...That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief. (I have learned this first hand)
I Believe...That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but, we are responsible for who we become.
I Believe...That you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life Forever. (Amen)
I Believe...Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.
I Believe...That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.
I Believe...That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.
I Believe...That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
I Believe...That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.
'The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything.'
(Keep Believing)

Wild About Horses!

Today, I took Chunky on a tour that I set up of a local horse farm called "Wild About Horses". The tour was awesome and very informative! I thought that he might be scared to ride, but boy was I wrong! He was so excited to get up on the horse and not the pony! I have to say he was very comfortable and quite the little rider. I always love to see him experience something new! I can't wait to take him again!

A Fun Day At The Cove

Thanks to some free tickets from the local radio station (and my wonderful stupid trivia knowledge), we were able to enjoy the day at Tropicanoe Cove. I have been putting this off for a while, fearing that Chunky would want to ride on the big slides. However, he did wonderful today and I cant wait to take him back. He loved the little dolphin slide and went down about 1000 times! He also loved pulling the rope and getting me soaked. He thought the tubes in the lazy river were bumper boats and loved colliding into other people. Did I mention the 3 hour nap he took. This merits a season pass! And speaking of big water slides, I went on the big slide today, and nearly drowned twice. Granted, I am a pretty good swimmer, but the tube kept shooting me out backwards, and the last time it flipped over at the end. I got my fill for the summer. My mom also came with us and Chunky and I had a wonderful time spending the day together with her!

A Good Email Day...And A Good Day All Around

You know how there are days when you check your email and there really is nothing exciting there....just a bunch of junk mail, telling you about the million dollars that has been deposited in your bank account or how to increase your bust size by taking a simple pill, oh yeah, and don't forget the secret crush email. Anyway, today I received a bunch of really good emails from old friends and new and was also mentioned on not one but 2 friends blogs today! Okay, so now on to the good stuff. My assistant Shalina, came back to school today. Did I mention how much I missed her. Sadly, she did not make it to the next round in American Idol, but we were very excited to have her back today. In honor of her weekend, we had "Amerikid Idol" day. We made huge microphones out of paper towel tubes wrapped in foil topped with styrofoam balls covered in black tissue paper. Connect and you get a mega microphone. We even made a "Amerikid Idol" sign for the kids to wear. We put them on a stage with some loud worship music and watched them perform their hearts out. I have not laughed so hard since, well yesterday when they made me laugh! Back to the email...one of my best friends from New Orleans sent me this email today. This friend always helps me put things into perspective and is truly a mentor in my life. Here is the main part of the email:

In April, Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah on her 70+ birthday. Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older.
And, there on television, she said it was 'exciting.' Regarding body changes, she said there were many, occurring every day...like her breasts. They seem to be in a race to see which will reach her waist, first.

The audience laughed so hard they cried. She is such a simple and honest woman, with so much wisd om in her words!

Maya Angelou said this:
'I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.'

'I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.'

'I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.'
'I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as 'making a life.'
'I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.'

'I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back.'

'I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.'

'I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.'

'I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.'

'I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.'
'I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.'

Also, I received a email from a friend of a friend who had passed away three years ago. I have always had lots of questions regarding her sudden death and this email was able to give me the answers I had been yearning for and a sense of peace. I am very grateful that this friend was able to get in touch with me. Thank God for small prayers answered. Happy Emailing!

Just A Thought

So, I should probably be in bed by now, as I have to get up at 5:15 to go to work tomm. It seems the weekend is never long enough. But, I thought, while I have a few moments of quiet time, I would check emails, blogs and came across this comment(s) about stay at home moms/working moms and found it to be quite interesting. This is something that I struggle with because most of my friends are stay at home moms and I often feel like I miss out on lots of fun, however, I am truly thankful that I get to bring Chunky to work everyday with me and give him hugs and kisses throughout the day and know that he is safe, having fun, and learning at the same time. On a further note, this weekend I have really been struggling with how Chunky is developing. I get frustrated because he still is not talking the way I think he should or always acting age appropriate. But I also think that God is trying to show me just how blessed I am. So what if Chunky is behind in his talking...he can still tell me he loves me where so many other children can not speak a word. Maybe he does have some delays, but he can walk, run, play, give kisses, and rub my head when he wants me to go to sleep. Even though I get frustrated with him, I realize that God created him perfect in his eyes and he will develop according to Gods timing and not mine. Until then, I pray for patience and understanding. Now back to the article. God could not have put me at a better job at this time in my life (but if he would like to raise my salary a little that would be OK) Here is the post:

July 15, 2008

If Every Mom Were a Stay-At-Home Mom

By Veronica

If every mom were a stay-at-home mom, the public schools would shut down due to a lack of teachers.

If every mom were a stay-at-home mom, giving birth would become much more dangerous. All those mothers who are midwives and OBGYNS would disappear. The hospitals could not staff enough nurses for basic patient care. The pregnant women who already must drive twenty miles to a birth unit might have to drive fifty.

If every mom were a stay-at-home mom, I would lose my pediatrician. My kids would go farther and wait longer to see a doctor. My sister's clients - children with neurological disorders - would spend years on waiting lists before seeing another physical therapist who specializes in their treatment.

If every mom were a stay-at-home mom, some of the most brilliant scholars I know would not be available to affect the lives and minds of students. My children's future education would be immeasurably the poorer.

This stay-at-home mom has one thing to say to the moms who leave home to earn a paycheck at a job worth doing: thank you. Thank you for caring for patients and protecting citizens. Thank you for repairing our streets and driving our buses and picking up our garbage. Thank you for writing our newspapers and teaching our kids. Thank you for being an example to my daughters of the many options they have in adult life. Thank you for making my decision to be a stay-at-home mom a real choice.

The media-manufactured "Mommy Wars" tell us that mothers resent and judge each other. Sometimes we do. But sometimes we recognize that the world needs different people to make different choices. The truth is that as we all struggle to provide the best for our kids, we can't make it without each other. Your choices affect me, and mine affect you. We really are all in this together.

So the next time a belittling feature on a morning news program tries to exploit you emotionally; the next time a snooty mom at play group or school treats you like you are just a "part-time" mom; the next time you feel isolated and unappreciated in the challenges you face, please, come back and read this thank you again.

Because it will still be true.

Veronica Mitchell also posts at Toddled Dredge.

Ending the Week with a Bang!

We have overall had a great week! On Thursday, Chunky and I went to Krispy Kreme for a tour! Yummy sugary goodness! Last night, we went to a stargazing party, where we both tried Smores for the first time! Can I have smore please? We had the traditional, but then I also threw in some different stuff into the mix, like coconut toasted marshmallows, Hershey's dark chocolate, and Reece's peanutbutter cups (Sorry Lindsay). I think my next purchase will be a fire pit! Also, did you see the red moon last night? So cool! But, the best part of this weekend came this morning when my wonderful assistant called saying that she had made it through the first part of the tryouts for American Idol!!!!She said there were 30,000 people in line!She has to try out on Monday for Simon! I know that she will make it to Hollywood! Anyone want to be my assistant while she is gone? Please make sure to say a prayer for her this weekend, that she will do wonderful and have the Holy Spirit with her to keep her calm and focused. She is a wonderful singer and a wonderful friend! Go Shalina!!!!

Quick Weekend Update

Overall....it was pretty good. I still have more chocolate cake than any one person deserves. We have had 5 cakes in 1 week. One for the 4th during Chunky's party, one on Chunky's birthday, one for me in class, chocolate cupcakes that Chunky made at my mom's house on Friday and then when I got home the chocolate cake my hubby got for me(triple chocolate to be exact)! Saturday morning, Chunky started swim classes at the YMCA. The program is very organized and I will keep him in the program until I feel he is a great swimmer (which will be a while). I also learned to swim at the YMCA. I went out with my mom Saturday afternoon to use the Borders and Sgt Preston's coupons. Got a David Crowder Cd which was very good. My class loves to sing along to "You Never Let Go". It is the most beautiful thing to witness 3 year olds singing their hearts out to worship music. I know it makes God laugh and smile! Saturday night, I worked on this blog...added 100 songs (hope you like at least a few of them), got mad because I kept deleting things on accident and went to bed really late! Do you like the fridge and family portrait at the bottom of the page? It looks like the one on my car! I had all of the blogs that I checked linked to mine and today I did something that deleted them. Ugh! This morning we went to Elston Family Church's carnival! It is so nice to do something for the community! Connor had fun, but showed his sparkling personality towards the end. To end the day, I cut the grass, while the hubby has worked all day on the pool. Can I just say, after mowing the huge abyss that we call a yard...I really have come to appreciate what the hubby does every week. I actually have blisters on my hand! Hope everyone had a great week!

Like The Best Birthday Ever!

I am now officially in my 30's. Last night I went out for a birthday dinner with Amy and our dear friend Brutus (also known as Jessica). We had a great time, I got some really cool gifts, and a overpriced, but should not have been paid for birthday treat. Just FYI...if you should go to Applebees and the waitress hears you mention a birthday to someone else at your table, she will kindly bring you a ice cream sundae and then charge your friends $5.00 for a birthday surprise. I think the surprise was on my friends! But, did you know that if you register for Border's rewards, they will send you a 25% off coupon, Mountain Jacks will send you a $10 off gift certificate, but the winner by far is Scotty's Brewhouse who sent me a email for a free dinner and desert with no purchase necessary for your birthday, just your ID! Today at school, my wonderful and brilliant assistant Shalina made sure I had a awesome day since I had to be stuck at work. The pictures show the sign the kids made for me when I walked in, (notice the portrait), a construction paper cake with some pretty cool candles, curly ribbon was hanging from the ceiling and the doors, I had a ppecial birthday chair and the number of the day was "31" just like me! All of the kids made me handmade cards and got me a yummy chocolate cake. My boss gave me the card with the picture of the dead fish on it, with the inscription, "Here is wishing you a better year and hoping you won't kill so many fish in the classroom in the process! " Today was bike day at school. Don't I look hot riding Chunky's bike. And to top off the school day, my assistant inhaled helium and serenaded me with "Happy Birthday" and for my gift she set me up to get my hair permed with one of my student's moms who owns a salon. How cool is that? Can you believe I get paid to play with balloons, eat cake and ride bikes all day? If I have to work, then this is my kind of job! When I got home, the hubby gave me a singing card and a triple chocolate cake, which goes great with the chocolate cake I had at snack time today! We were supposed to go out to eat tonight, but settled for Chinese delivery (at my suggestion...the heat just wears me out). Anyway...my point is today was a awesome day!

Happy 4th Birthday Chunky!

My little boy turned 4 today. The picture in the orange shirt was taken this morning. It feels like just yesterday I held him for the first time and I still get to hold him today. There is no better feeling. I know that he is only on loan from God, but I thank God daily for every minute that he lets me have with him. He has made me laugh so hard that I thought I would never stop, made me cry tears of joy (and a few of frustration) and made me love so hard that I thought my heart might break. People say that being a mom is the hardest job that you can ever have...and trust me I have a few jobs behind my belt, but the benefits are endless! Thanks for always making me smile Chunky...my beautiful, beautiful boy! By the way if you just feel like crying....listen to the song that I picked for him before he was born. It is by Carolyn Arends and is called "We've been waiting for you". It expresses everything I can not put into words. Make sure to hug your kids today!

The Future American Idol

Daddy's present to Chunky! He has all the moves! Like father, like son. Now where did I put those earplugs?

Cakes, Cars, and Conner Prairie

So...I guess blogger is only allowing me to post five pics at a time? So here are a few more from this weekend. My favorite is the picture of the bridge. I love covered bridges. Also try and guess who was having more fun in the pool. Oh yeah, don't forget to ignore those tan lines. What can I say, I am in shorts all week at work and can't find the time to lay out!

Cake, Cars, and Connor Prairie - Part 1

It was a very busy 3 day weekend. We had a small family party on the 4th to celebrate Chunky's 4th birthday. Chunky showing off his Cars shirt he got for his birthday! One of his favorite presents was a silly Cars kaleidoscope from the dollar store! The picture of the car pool washis favorite. How cool of a toy is that? It came with 2 waterproof cars! Every year for Chunky's birthday I take him to a museum. On his first birthday, we had to evacuate for the hurricanes right before Katrina so we went to the Houston, Tx Children's museum. His second and third birthday Indianapolis Children's museum and for his 4th we went to Conner Prairie in Fishers, Indiana. We had lots of fun. Chunky favorite thing to do there was feed the chickens, ride the tram, and the watermelon spitting contest was pretty fun too! We also ate at Popeye's chicken on the way there. It reminded me so much of home. Also on the way home, we stopped at Donaldson's Chocolate Shop. Can we say yummy?