The Big 40!!

Yes, this post is a little late in coming. I have to admit, this birthday hit me a little harder than in the past.
John and my friends and family really tried to make it special.
My family had a fun Sunday celebration for me. John and the kids gave me a very special day filled with gifts and adoration. Our dear friends the Wests watched the kids for 24hrs. so John and I could "get away".
My dear friend Kim took me on an overnight camping trip complete with surprise party and gift of a horse (my biggest dream). I still have friends taking me out for coffee and dessert and lunch. John says I'm having the birthday that keeps on giving and I'm loving and appreciating every bit of it.

School Days, School Days Good Old Golden Rule Days....

Yep, here are my annual "first-day-of-school" pictures. I am home schooling a friend's son who is the same age as Isaac. He was sick today so I'll have to have "make-up" picture day for him :D
We started the year off with my kitchen, living room, family room, and hallway floors torn up to make room for solid, recycled pine floors. Needless to say, I do NOT do well with chaos and upheaval.
The kids have all handled it in stride especially since we are just doing the bare minimum of math, language arts, and reading.
This year my goal is to RELAX!!! Not literally mind you. Although, I would if I could. I just feel the Lord is calling me to take a step back, look at everyday through His lenses (not my checklists/lesson plans) and delight in these kids.
God is trying to get it through my head that it is my head (thoughts) that get/s me into soooo much trouble. If I want to have a good day than I need to Phil 4:8 think instead of my habitual, glass 1/2 empty thinking.
If God places me on your heart, please pray this for me this year. I want to see a difference and I especially want my kids to reap that difference.