There is No Greater Love...

With Valentine's Day approaching us soon, with it being a day to celebrate love, I think of our Heavenly Father's love for us. I, naturally, also think of the ones that I love...the Lord, family, and friends...my Valentine: who just happens to be my husband...I think of all of this, and how great it is to love and to be loved. 
 How great our Lord's love is for us though!



For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. -John 3:16 (KJV)

About the Photo: Breann gave me this heart magnet (in the photo above) during her early years of elementary school, and it's been on our fridge ever since then.  She is now in 8th grade, and it still hangs on our fridge!

Breann's Cross Country Conference at Oxbow Lake 2014

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The Homecoming Game

Watching the football homecoming game with family and friends. We won, by the way!

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8th Grade Homecoming Week

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Breann's Cross Country Meet

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Breann's Cross Country, August 27th 2014

Breann's Cross Country event where they introduced the team.

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Matching School Clothes

Matching school clothes today, and they didn't even plan it!

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8th and 6th Grade!

Eighth and Sixth grade! It's the very first day of the school year and, once again, I'm wondering where time has went! I've tried to document your first day of school for as long as I can remember, and I'm thinking how it seems like it was just yesterday I was talking with you two kids about your first day of school in the 5th and 7th grades.

It seems like only last month Bre was getting her Kindergarten diploma. Troy was just graduating Pre-K last week, right? I, of course, know it's been longer than this since your Kindergarten and Pre-K graduations, but time has went by so fast that I feel that it was only this short amount of time since I was watching you get those diplomas. One of the things I was thinking of at your Kindergarten graduations is happening for Bre this school year, and, Troy, the time is quickly approaching when it will be your turn too. As you got your Kindergarten diplomas, I thought of how soon it would be that you'd be entering the high school building and attending classes and graduating from there. Now that you're about to do that, Bre, I think of how soon it will be you'll be graduating from high school as well.

My sweet kids, I don't want to waste one minute...I don't want to take one single second of being your Mom for granted. God has blessed me so very much to be able to be your Mom. You each are one of my greatest gifts. I love you more than you'll ever know!

Troy, I think of how you will have only one more year after this school year, until you join the other high schoolers. I realize that you are growing up just as fast as your sister. Don't take these school years for granted, kids, but instead enjoy them and do your best with all you do.

Breann, while starting school this year at the high school can make you a little nervous, don't let it. Instead of being nervous, enjoy your time there and let God lead you, and you'll do fine. Your Dad and I are here when you need us. You'll do great though!

While I like to think of past school years, I also make sure to enjoy every moment I can of the present ones. I try not to take one single minute of being your Mom for granted because you two kids are two of my greatest gifts. I love seeing how the past school years have helped you become who you are today, and I'm looking forward to seeing where this school year takes you in life. Do your best in and out of school and follow the Lord in everything you do and you'll do great things!

Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV) 5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

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Your Eighth Grade Year

As we sit outside reading our books (something we both enjoy) on this, the next to last day of your school's Summer Break we also talk about your upcoming 8th Grade year. Instead of me dropping you off at the elementary school building, I'll be dropping you off at school on Friday and watch as you go into the high school building. As I watch you walk in, I'll be happy and excited for everything the future holds for you, but also sad you're growing up so fast.

There's a ring that you wear. In fact, you can see the ring you wear in this picture. You found this ring in your Mamaw's jewelry box. You asked me just the other day if we could get a ring resized if we needed to, because you wanted to keep this ring that belonged to your Mamaw. I've noticed how often you wear this ring, and I also realized at that moment, it was so much more than just a ring to you...it was something of your Mamaw's and that was special to you.

You've had a hard Summer Break from school, as losing your Mamaw has not been easy for either of us. We'll think about your Mamaw and how we often talked to her before my work and your school mornings, and we'll hold her memories close to us, but we must continue to live. I tell you this because I had to experience that change on my first day back to work after your Mamaw passed and you'll notice that change on the first day of school when the phone doesn't ring with her on the line, as she called nearly every morning to talk to us on your way to school. A lot of my memories of you starting school includes your Mamaw and she knew how smart you was (and still are). I even remember your early morning phone calls (it was barely daylight) to your Mamaw, she was always an early riser and she looked forward to those calls. Think of the good times, look to the Lord, and continue on when you miss her. She was a part of your morning school routine...just simply talking on the phone. Don't forget that, but cherish those moments, and still be happy and do your best.

May this school year be filled with memories of those (past and present) you'll always treasure. I also hope it will be filled with days where you'll learn many new things, both from textbooks and with life experiences. It is my hopes you'll continue to grow as a person, but most importantly grow with the Lord.

When the days are tough look to Jesus, the Lord is the only One who never fails! Look to God even on your brightest days. Always, yes, always be thankful. You're so blessed, and so am I, because I, dear Daughter, get to be your Mom, and I love you more than you'll ever realize!

Breann's Seventh Grade Awards

It's Breann's Seventh Grade year, and her last year of elementary school. She's did great this year and she's had a great year! Breann received many awards this year, including getting her name on a plaque outside of the school office for maintaining an All A Average throughout elementary school. Breann's grades have always been important to her, and I hope they continue to be important to her as she progresses into high school.

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Breann's Seventh Grade Prom/Dance!

It seems like only yesterday I was watching my daughter sing in her Pre-K or Kindergarten class talent shows, and now, today, yes, today, I get to watch her walk into her Seventh Grade Prom/Dance.  Where has time gone?  Has it really been that many days, that many years, since she was in Kindergarten?  
I want to make this day as special as she is. Although it's impossible to really make any day as special as the person my daughter truly is, I will try my hardest. From having our nails done together a few days or so ago, to lunch out with friends today, to getting her make-up and hair done later on, and even my brother and his wife and their son sharing in her special day along with my husband, our son, and me, I'm sure this day will be one that will be a great memory for her!  It will be a great memory for me!
After this evening, this, her Seventh Grade Prom/Dance, will be another great memory we will have of my daughter's school years.  Just like her talent shows, her school plays, and the many other memories we already have of her school years.  Time seems to be flying by!


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As She Grows

The other day I was off from work and decided to pick the kids up from school when school dismissed.  I've been picking the kids up from school for most of the years they've been in school.  Something I've always tried to make it a point to do as I picked them up is first of all asked them how their day was and then I'll make sure they have their homework and whatever else they may need to take home with them.
As I picked my daughter up from school the other day though, I found that my mind began to think back.  This is her last year of elementary school, and she and her friends gathered around me at the spot where I pick my kids up.  My daughter's friends were saying how she looked like me and we all were laughing and talking.  As we laughed and talked I noticed how much she has grown up though.  Yes, she's just recently started her teenage years, but compared to her other elementary school years I see the difference.
As we walk past the buses to our vehicle, I silently think of how as she tells me about her day, I no longer am looking down to see into her little eyes, but I look right next to me...right across from me, as she is as tall as I am.  She then stops and still does something she has did for most of her childhood, she picks me a flower.  I hope she never grows out of that, the simple things are sometimes the best!  This flower that can grow just about anywhere, I guess, it is better than even a store bought dozen of roses.  My daughter stopped long enough, while in the process of telling me about her day, to pick a flower to give to me, that is something that she has not outgrown, and I hope she never does!  She's this beautiful girl with a kind heart, and she is now as tall as I am, and she is the best daughter I could ask for!
As we got in the vehicle, the teenager in her came back out though, and insisted that she, her brother, and I take a selfie photo.  These are the days worth remembering!


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County Spelling Bee 2014

Breann won first place!

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Dancing to the Music!

"You got my baby picture from my mirror in the picture,"  Breann said as she put on her concealer this morning.  "Yes, it is hanging on your mirror so I made it a point to," I replied.  "Why," she asked.  "I have my reasons, just keep on doing what you need to do," I replied.  As she continued to apply her make-up I asked her, "do you need any help?"  She looked at me and replied, " With what?"  I offered to help with her make-up, not because she needed it, so I wasn't surprised when she told me she didn't need help, but because today is a memory, a milestone, and I'm capturing and taking in every single moment of it. Other than her 7th grade prom, this will probably be one of the (if not the) last elementary school dance for Breann...next year she will be in high school.  They decided to have the dance today for Valentine's Day, as last week they were out of school for inclement weather.  A bittersweet time.  She may not understand it now, but as she gets older, she will realize why I am "capturing this moment in time" for her.  As she becomes the great woman she will become and as she becomes a mom (if she actually has kids) she will realize why I am "documenting this moment."  Truth be told, she probably will always remember THIS moment!  She will remember me being in her room as she got ready for the dance, the way I had my camera ready (as photos sometimes say more than words ever could), and she will remember me offering to help her get ready.
 So...yes, Breann, I included the baby picture that is hanging on your mirror in the photo of you getting ready for, this, your last Valentine's Day dance of elementary school.  While you were applying your make-up and looking at the teenage acne on your face, I was looking at you...the real you!  I was looking at your beauty!  It's obvious you are growing into a beautiful young lady, but you are also just as beautiful on the inside.  
I was also looking, first of all, at that baby picture...you were all smiles and your last year of elementary school had not even entered our thoughts yet!  You probably don't remember it, but I remember you getting aggravated during those baby photos, you were tired and cried, but some of the photos turned out so great and captured your smile too.  You brought your dad and I so much happiness then, and you still put a smile on our faces now.
In this picture of you getting ready for your last Valentine's Day dance of elementary school, I also captured more of your life now.  If you'll look, hanging on your mirror in the upper right corner, you will see a part of the necklace that you have hanging there.  It's your necklace that you wanted so much from Building 429, it reads "We Won't Be Shaken."  I love that you have a good taste in music, that you know that songs are much more than just the beat of the music, but also the words that are included in them as well.  I'm thankful you love Christian music.  Your dad and I have never forced you to listen to Christian music, not ever.  When you discovered it though, it was like you developed such an interest in it though.  You may not think I notice, but I notice and I'm so happy that you've made the choice to listen to good, decent music.  I love that when I tip-toe into your room every single night, while you're asleep, and I turn down your music that is blaring from your stereo, that what I am turning down is a good choice for you to listen to.  I'm thankful the music you listen to is not something I have to tell you to turn off and that it's something that I choose to only turn down at night so the rest of us can sleep rather than turn what is coming from your speakers completely off.
As you are getting closer and closer to finishing, this, your last year of elementary school, I want you to remember how much truth is in those four words on your necklace, "We Won't Be Shaken."  You are about to sign up for high school classes very soon!  High school will be VERY different from elementary.  As you enter high school, college, the working world, and any other aspect of your life remember that...YOU will not be shaken!  Psalm 62:6 (ESV) reads, He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. / (KJV reads)-He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.  Remember that with every choice you make.  As school changes for you, as life changes for you, always look to Jesus, don't let anyone or anything make you choose something that will move you from the place where the Lord would have you.  As circumstances change, you should only change for the better, don't be shaken or moved from where you should be for the Lord.

Last, but certainly not least, something else I notice in this picture is YOU...the you now.  I look at your baby picture...that same baby picture that is hanging on your mirror and I look at this picture of you...the you that is reflected back from the mirror...the teenage you and I realize how much you have changed, but I also realize how much is still the same.  You are still my baby, even the teenage version of you!  Although you aren't smiling in this picture (as you were busy getting ready), your smile still lights up the room, your laugh is loud and heard and I love it.  You appreciate life and you show kindness to many.  You may not technically be a baby anymore, but you're still my daughter, and I am grateful!

So, today, and everyday, dance to the music!  Yes, dance to the music at the Valentine's Day dance, but with the right song choice, find your own rhythm, follow Jesus, and dance!

Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp. -KJV Psalm 149:3

Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre! -ESV Psalm 149:3

As you "dance," Bre, know that I will be there watching and cheering you on as long as you always are dancing to the right music in life.  I couldn't be happier to be your Mom!  I love you, my sweet daughter!

Today, I think will be memorable for both of the kids as it was Troy's Fifth Grade Valentine's Day dance as well.  Here are photos of the kids after they had gotten ready for the dance:

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Breann's County Forensics Competition

Breann had her county Forensics Competition today and she won first place!  :)



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Git Your Pink On Day

The kids had a "Git Your Pink On" day at school. This was to help with "Breast Cancer Awareness." We colored our hair with some pink streaks for that day. :)
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The Kids' Homecoming Week at School, 2013

The kids had Homecoming Week at school last week, and here they are dressed up for Friday on 09/20/2013.     This photo is also in the Members Area!

A Cell Cake

Cake Breann and I made for her class yesterday. The diagram of a cell. 7th grade year...

First Day of 5th and 7th Grade!

To my kids,

It's your first day of school. I'm so proud of you yet sad at the same time. I'm proud...so happy of how far you've come this far. Keep doing your best and you'll have a great year. Remember to do your best with every subject...Math, Reading and all of the others...but also with the subjects of character and life...these are perhaps even more important. Help the new kids to get to know the place, say hi to the student who everyone else won't say hi to just because they're different, help someone when they drop their things, and the list goes on...you're good kids...I'm sure you get it! I'm sad because you're growing up so quickly...it's a bittersweet time! Most importantly seek the Lord in everything you do...in and out of school. On your first day of 5th and 7th grades a great Bible verse comes to mind: For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.-Jeremiah 29:11

I love you both! 

Love,



Mom

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Breann's Home Room Teacher: Mrs. Baker and Troy's Home Room Teacher is: Mrs. Amanda

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Breann's Sixth Grade Awards

Breann received many awards for her Sixth grade year, including: Principal's Award, Presidential Physical Fitness Award, an award for passing History, Math, and Reading SOLs, and an award for earning the most A.R. points in her class.

Breann has did many things during her Sixth grade year, such as going to the state History Day competition (where we also got to go to Busch Gardens during that trip).  She also won the "Coal Fair" award, where she wrote an essay. While she was awarded for this, she also got recognized by the school board. Breann's homeroom teacher, Mrs. Debbie, has been a great teacher and Breann has really enjoyed being a part of her class.  Breann has learned many great things this year and it's hard to believe that her Sixth grade year is almost finished!

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