When illness & life strike...

Even though school has only been in session for three weeks now, lots of teachers and aids seem to be getting sick. Normally, this would not be good, yet, for me, it's great.

I've grown to love my current assignment and will be sad to leave. Sure, I'll get other sub jobs, but this one was special. From the daily hugs to the smiles to the actual work, I've really enjoyed it. Something about the gratification I've seen this week makes my heart happy.

I've been told it take a special person to teach special education and I'm glad I, apparently, have a gift to. I wouldn't change that gift for anything else.

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Don't EVER mess with a mama bear

July 6th will be a day for one family that they will want to forget but never will. A man tried to get a better shot of a mama bear and her cubs. Grizzly kills man flashes all over news screens, online news websites, and LIVE radio talk shows. Apparently a man and his wife tried to get too close to a mama bear with her young cubs.

I hate to sound harsh, on the family, but what were you (them) thinking? Seriously? Haven't you heard that you should never mess with a MAMA BEAR while she is protecting her cubs? This death could have been prevented if the man and his wife kept their distance. You never know how a wild animal will react.

No one should EVER mess with a mama bear and her cubs!!

Temple Grandin

Have you heard of Temple Grandin? She is the woman who is autistic & made waves with the accomplishments she made by earning a undergraduate degree, graduate degree, and doctorate degree.

Today, in class, as our final, we watched the Temple Grandin movie for our final. Talk about a tear jerker. It was amazing and impressive!!

I encourage all of you to see this awesome movie!! Here is a clip from the movie!

My brother, the stud!

My brother would probably have a fit, knowing that I posted his picture online, but I just had to share! Mind you, he is only 15! He does not like having his picture taken. Can you tell?

Happy Sunday!!

She's got my back

Throughout my sister's and my college experience, we are around 6 hours apart from each other in driving time. I don't know what it is but our relationship has flourished and grown since we are so far away from each other and apart for long periods of time. I have learned, over this semester, that my sister and I are different, in many ways, but she is always in my corner and ready to give me advice on how to deal with situations and issues. I really appreciate her.

Lately, I have called her more than twice a week just to vent and get advice. She is a really good advice giver and knows how to not get all emotional in confrontations. She is good at talking me through issues and making me see both sides of various situations.

We may have fought like cats and dogs over the last few years, pre-college, but I truly believe we are growing closer every mile apart. Not trying to sound cheesy but she and I are just so much alike and different that we drive each other bonkers.

People told me, before college, that my relationship with my sister would probably get better in college and I, now, totally agree.

It's nice to know she's got my back!!

Ya know...

* It's going to be a long night when you can't seem to fall asleep at 3am.

* It's pretty awesome that Disney movies are on at all hours. ;)

* It's awesome that Disney movies are clean & still hilarious.

* It's pretty stressful and delightful being a Senior in College.

* It's pretty amazing to not hear the alarm one morning a week.

* It's amazing what a new day brings!

Simply Amazing

Patrice showed this video on her blog yesterday and I thought you deserved to see it to. A 7 year old gospel singer, whom has an amazing voice, sings amazing grace!



Have a wonderful Sunday!!

Today is a new day

and I'll treat it like my last! I plan to stay out of the heat and temps well over 100*. I plan to prop my feet up and breathe in and out! I plan to blog because it makes me happy. I plan to watch a movie just because I feel like it. I plan to move forward and not backwards. I plan to love on my awesome family and accept the fact that God has a plan! I plan to be in awe of what is laid in front of me!

Quad mamas ROCK

This post is dedicated to the QUAD mamas whom are near and dear to my heart!

Almost three years ago, next week, I saw an article in the paper about this family who had quadruplets on August 1st. I thought, awesome and strong woman! Maybe I could meet her one day. I never dreamed that I would meet her and/or her children in real life.

Fast forward to that school year and I was a freshman (gulp) in college. I met a friend, Nikki, who started me on the blogging trek and I have not looked back since then.

Fast forward a few months and I start gaining a few online friends. One of whom was Suz, the quad mama whom I saw in the paper. I did not make the connection until I saw picts and fell out of my chair that this was "THE QUAD MAMA" I had seen in the paper.

I then blogged more and found Gen, Jen, Sandra, Misty, Casey, Moni, Amber, Mari, Jenna, & Jenny.

These woman have seen and done it ALL! Seriously, I would never mess with any of these women and sure would NOT like to be on their warpath. Each lady has shown me that they care and it is absolutely amazing what they go through on a daily basis! I cherish the relationships I have with each woman online and in real life.

Speaking of real life, last August I met Suz, Misty, Casey, & Liz (twin momma and quad supporter). It was amazing! This June, I got to see Suz and Liz again along with Gen, Sandra, and Moni. Let me tell you that Suz's quads, LOVED my phone and recording features, and I have pictures of all four, sweet kiddos (Drew, Sav, Ben, and Ethan) and of Gen, Suz, Sandra, and Moni. Sorry but I'll keep the pj picts to myself.

Suz and myself last August

Suz, Sandra, myself, Gen, Moni this June.
* Side note-I am at least as tan as Suz now since I got sun!!!

My life has been truly changed by the quad mamas and their sweet encouragement and support! They may be the best supporters in the world. They have all taught me strength like no other and I am grateful to know each and every one of them! Love y'all!

Quad mamas ROCK!!!

Love shown through tough times

I spend my Saturdays at a friend of the family's home and do laundry while spending time with the couple that live there. Through out the years and even before I was born, Donna and Bill have always been a part of my family's life. My mom and uncle grew up with Donna and Bill's children and my grandma went to High School with D. So this family is VERY special to my heart!

Donna's health over the years has not always been the best but she has managed. This year, though, her health seems to be taking a turn for the worst and she spends a majority of the day in her bed or in a chair in the living room. Her balance is off and she tends to fall backwards when she stands causing her to take many falls. These falls result in black and blue spots. But her spirit is still there most days.

Then her husband Bill, who is gold by the way, is there helping her each and everyday. Bill cares so much for Donna and it is amazing how much he loves her even through thick and thin. He pretty much stays with her all day, everyday. He takes her to appointments, rearranges appointments if she cannot go, and is there to help HER. He relays on a nurse who helps her bathe once a week, a housekeeper every other week, and those who come to care for her to get a break. When I am there, he has no problem leaving her. But he stays if no one else is there.

Donna may not understand why Bill cares for her each and everyday and does not leave her alone with out someone else there with her. But I do and it is in the vows they took over 50 years ago "through sickness and health" all the days of their lives.

This shows true love and it is amazing to still hear and see it!

700 club

That is 700 posts!!! I honestly, in years, thought that I would enjoy and find friends through blogging. I blog to gain support, encourage, and document. Amazing, I tell ya!

H.O.L.Y. M.O.L.Y!!!

How could...

a boy, who fell through the social work system, end up in high school with a 0.6 GPA and graduate High School with a 2.52 GPA? I'll tell you how...his adoptive parents, school officials, tutor, and FAMILY around Mr. Michael Oher made this possible.

The teachers at his school, finally in high school, helped him learn and understand the material being presented to him. They could have failed him and weakened his self esteem even more...but they chose to take his learning one step/day at a time and with that...Michael Oher graduated high school.

I am still amazed at how Michael Oher went from the streets to being a NFL player.

Movie Review: The Blind Side

MUST SEE!!!

The movie, The Blind Side, is about a Christian family who takes in a boy who has had a ROUGH time in life and the impact, both the family and the young man have on each other.

This movie is AMAZING and really touched and tugged at my heart. Sandra Bullock, who plays the wealthy Christian woman said "He (meaning Oher) has changed my life." This was after someone told her that she was changing Oher's life.

This is a wonderful movie that shows perseverance, strength, endurance, and people who do not give up on Oher. This movie shows a family who bonds with Oher and some parts are quite funny, especially the scenes with S.J.

I recommend that you see this movie. It was the BEST eight dollars I have spent in a long time. The theater, that I went to, was packed full and every single show, by the time my friend and I left, was sold out!!!

This movie is based off a true story and the original Micahel Oher is currently playing for the Baltimore Ravens as he was selected in the 2009 Draft pick. There is also a book based on this true story called The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game.

Michael Oher's life did not only change when he became a family member with the Tuohy's, but the world around Oher was changed as well!

This movie rates right up there with Remember the Titans, Glory Road, and Invincible. This movie was that good and is now one of my favorites!

Grade: A+

Miracles do happen part 2

I had the grandest intentions of writing about family traditions and one I started last year, but those will have to wait until tomorrow.

Tonight I saw the video below and my heart is uplifted with JOY for the Mckfamily! Sweet Stellan has a new life and is FREE of those wires, tape, and sticky things. My heart is overfilled with joy and thankfulness for this sweet family. We may not know what HE has planned for us...but HIS will surely shines through the sky right about now.

Jeremiah 29:11 states " For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

HIS will shines through and sweet Stellan is HEALED!!

CLICK HERE to see the heartfelt homecoming of sweet Stellan.

HALLELUJAH!!!

Thankful Thursday

Hi everyone! Just wanted to mention that Nicole asked if I wanted to take the reins of Thankful Thursday and I happily obliged. I am working on getting a new button made but as of right now I am using her button, but it is linked back to my blog. This whole button process is a HUGE learning experience for me...so please be patient :)

Now onto the list for the week:
** I am ever so thankful for my sister who has taught me so much this summer.
** I am ever so thankful for my brother who puts me in line and makes me laugh.
** I am ever so thankful for friends who love and support unconditionally.
** I am ever so thankful that HE forgives me when I sin.
** I am ever so thankful for my parents who love and support me.
** I am ever so thankful for the opportunity to meet bloggers on Friday night.
** I am ever so thankful for my pup, Holly, who is 12 years old and is always right beside me!
** I am ever so thankful for HIM who created me and already has a plan for me.
** I am ever so thankful for my life right now :)

To link your blog to this site:
** Click on your blog title on your blog, such as "Thankful Thursday"
** Copy the URL from your page
** Click on "add link" on MckLinky
** Enter in your information :)
** Welcome to Thankful Thursday

Virtual HUGS & Day 7 and 8 of The Shred

Updated on Tuesday to include day 8 of the Shred!

A virtual hug...ever heard of it? It is basically a time when you want to reach out of the computer screen and HUG the person who left you a comment or just needs a physical HUG. In past 72+ hours, I have wanted to sit next to MckMama, the ENTIRE MckFamily, and HUG them. When a friend of mine's family had a horrific tragedy happen to their family, I wanted to just HUG them. When one of my followers/commentors {friends} have a major issue in their family and just need my prayers...I want to just give you a HUGE HUG. I want to give you a VIRTUAL HUG right now and many more will come.

HUGS to Sweet Stellan, MckFamily, & Friends who need a HUG

Day 7 of the Shred...complete. I did not have to stop and rest at all during the workout...YAHOO. THIS IS HUGE people!!!!

Day 8 of the Shred was completed on Tuesday morning (7/28) and I FEEL great! It is amazing how I don't hurt as bad as I did for the first four days.

Starring at the computer screen for several hours waiting for an update on Stellan...priceless!

Today has been a little slow and low key. I went to work, got drenched from the rain, came home, checked the computer, had lunch, checked the computer, did laundry, checked the computer, went to the store, checked the computer, made dinner, checked the computer, worked out, checked the computer, ate dinner, checked the computer, showered, checked the computer, blogged/tweeted, and checked the computer for updates. Notice a pattern there...I checked the computer ALL day long for sweet baby STELLAN updates.

Sweet Stellan is on my mind more than ever right now and virtual HUGS are going his way. PRAYERS are pouring out to this sweet babe and I am amazed. Amazed at how one sweet baby boy can be surrounded by an entire world with prayers. I am amazed at this baby boy's strength and his courage. I am amazed how this baby boy can be lifted up by prayer by people who do not know this family. I am just amazed at how HE is using Stellan to surround someone with prayers. HIS work is all around. I am just amazed!!!

Stellan

Many of you are aware that MckMama, Stellan's mama, and her family had a news story reported about them and it aired last night. I totally encourage ALL of you to watch it. HERE is the link. I was a basket case as I watched this sweet story unfold before my very eyes and I wanted to share with you why this sweet family has made a HUGE impact on me!

** In utero, Stellan was supposed to die...but he did not!

** After being born, Stellan was told there was nothing (that the docs could find) wrong with him.

** At four months old, Stellan started having some trouble and the world (via MckMama's blog) prayed! Stellan and MckMama were away from their family for six weeks and the world helped this sweet family out with Care-packages, prayers, blog posts, and whatever else they needed.

** A world of different people from different countries/states/nations came together and PRAYED and PRAYED for this sweetheart and his family. This totally blows me away of how a world of so many could come together and UNITE for this sweetheart. I have been amazed at the support that the MckFamily has received and continues to receive. Stellan's SVT may not be cured, but there are still so many people praying for him. Amazing how HE (God) can bring us all together, make us disregard the little, and PRAY together for Stellan!

If you would have told me that a blog, MckMama's blog, would bring us all together for this little man and on my knees in prayer a year ago, I may have been skeptical, but NOW...I totally understand and believe ANYTHING is possible!

So A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!

Surrounded and amazed

Words can not express my deepest Sympathy for the MckFamily during their troubling times. Sweet Stellan continues to fight for his life and I sit back amazed. There are a few reasons I am amazed and I thought I would share them. Stellan has brought "us" all together through the power of prayer. He has us down on our knees praying and holds us on the edge of our seats as we wait for his mama, MckMama, to post new updates via blog and twitter. Sweet Stellan, you are in my thoughts and prayers each moment of the day! Fight sweet boy FIGHT!

HE has a "path" for Stellan and only HE knows. I know HE will provide through triumph and struggles...but the waiting game is tough. I find myself thinking of Stellan ALL the time. He has become a constant prayer and thought. Stellan continues to fight for his life and all we can do as a whole is pray. This sweet boy has brought us together and I believe "we" are supporting this sweet boy the best way we can...by using our faith to PRAY.

Psalm 139:13-16 states For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Psalm 59:16-17 states But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. O my Strength, I sing praise to you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God.

Philippians 4:13 states I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Sweet Stellan...you have already shown that you are a FIGHTER! You show your strength as you struggle for life. You amaze me sweet boy! Fight Sweet Stellan FIGHT!