Like a Lion...

They say March comes in like a lion...

...and it sure did! Start with tornados, then continue with snow. Me being down and out with a small stomach bug takes the cake. Put it all together, and we have one interesting weekend to start my favorite month of all! Reasons why?

~ Spring Break! I need the week off more than ever.

~ My Birthday! Even though it's another year older, I still love it!

~ Spring! The start of spring is this month. I love this beautiful season!

~ St. Patrick's Day! So, I'm not Irish, but I still find myself wearing green this day just so I won't get pinched.

~ Mom's Birthday! If you read this, Happy Birthday to you too!

~ Start of 4th Quarter! This means the year is finishing fast!

So, in going from the shortest month to my favorite, may it come like a lion all it wants- I'm ready for the lamb!

Imagine...

Imagine a Friday afternoon in a second grade classroom. We're finished with our work and winding down the week with some artwork. Construction paper and glue are spread on the desks while the sound of ocean waves and breezes plays in the background. A heavy rain is falling on the roof, blending in with the waves. A calmed hush has fallen as they concentrate on their task at hand.

Imagine my suprise when sirens begin to sound in the background, breaking the peacefulness of the ocean. First, they sound from outside. As I walk to the door, the intercom comes on and the alarm begins to ring.

Imagine the change in tone when I kick into gear. No longer are we laid back and relaxing, but are now firm and direct as I guide my children as quickly and orderly as possible. I move through the room, all the while looking at them and making sure they are getting in line. We've practiced this before, but this is the real thing. I grab my emergency bag and slip it on my back as I get my phone from my desk and my keys from the door.

Imagine that this transition happens in less than a minute. We file into the hallway as we have done before. Lining up in the hallway, they know what to do. With heads to the wall, knees under them and heads covered, they prepare for an afternoon they were not expecting.

Imagine the things going through my mind. I have no television, no way to know exactly what we're up against. All I know is that there is a system heading in our direction, and then is right over us. Teachers whisper in the hall and pass messages as the kids remain protected. I watch my kids closely.

Imagine what is going through their young minds. "Is this for real?" "How long will we be here?" "How long have we been here?" "Are we going to be okay?" I cannot fathom the feelings they have. I don't remember the "real thing" as a kid- only practices.

Imagine over an hour in this hallway, past the time we're supposed to be on the buses headed home. Children are restless. During calmer times, they lie on their sides. When it gets rough again, we're back in position. At one point a child asks me why I'm not "ducked and covered". Good question. At this point, I realize my duty. I am there to watch them, protect them. If something were to happen, what would I do? I thought only one thing- I would throw myself over them, protect them, keep them as safe as I could.

Imagine a God that would do the same thing for us. Cover us, protect us, and keep us as safe as possible. He did just that today. Through the crazy weather, the hectic times and those that had tears, we were safe.

Confessions...

Forgive me Bloggers, for I give in...

I must admit my addiction. The one true thing that I cannot go without in my life. The thing I long for, wait for, and could not bear to think of what would happen if it were no longer with me.

Thin Mints, Samoas, Tagalongs. Those are their names. What are they, some might ask? Shame on you if you don't know. The one, the only, GIRL SCOUT COOKIES!

Having grown up in a scouting family and lived with them my whole life, they run in my veins. I anxiously await the sale at the start of each year. I never make a New Year's Resolution, since I know that their arrival will do away with any kind of "healthy eating". I used to hide them under my bed and sneak some at night. (Yes Mom, I did- AFTER I brushed my teeth!) I look for them outside of Wal-Mart and Blockbuster each early spring, trying to get one last refill before they disappear for the next 10 months. I track down Girl Scouts at school and church when they don't come ask me to buy them. New Year's Day is the best day of the year, not because it's a new year, but because the start of ordering season is soon approaching. I cannot do without them.

Call me crazy, call me obsessed, but for as long as Girls Scout cookies and I are around, I will have them, enjoy them, and not deprive myself of them.

I think I'll go open a box now!

Commercials

I was sitting at church last night with one of my favorite boys. Towards the end of the sermon, he started getting restless. While playing with my wedding rings, he turned and whispered to me...

"Did you go to Jared's?"

I couldn't help but to laugh, shoulders shaking and all. Knowing my delight and feeling me cracking up, he turns, throws up one hand, waves and says...

"No, just kidding."

I still cracked up laughing! What fun things that kids pick up and repeat! (At least this was a repeatable one...)

Valentine's Tradition

It started seven years ago...

It was our first Valentine's Day together. Chris was reminded that very day from friends at work that it was Valentine's Day, and asked what he had planned for me. Planned? He didn't even remember that it was that very day. So, from that unplanned event, we formed the very most special tradition that we have...



... I remember it still...

... a card, one rose still in the plastic, and the Steak-Out eaten off of an ironing board in his apartment.

The next year, we made plans again. Jokingly, but hopefully, I asked if I would get two roses and Steak-Out. I did. This time he added in a cookie cake. The third year? Three roses and Steak-Out. It was the summer after that Valentine's that we got married. In order to keep from being confused, he started back over at one. This year, I received four roses and Steak-Out.

It is the one thing that I look forward to most every year. It's not a big display, it's not a fancy event. It's the two of us, together, doing something that we started years ago. We don't eat Steak-Out except for very special occasions. We don't do a big Christmas, we have family at Thanksgiving. This is something that means a lot to me, and I am so glad that his forgetfulness long ago turned into the most meaningful memories for me. Thank you, Chris, and I love you!

P.S.- Wait until 50 years... Start saving!

I Spy...

... something shiny...



... something smooth...



... something rough...

... something powerful...

...something clean...

... something reflective...

... something personal...

... something new!

Our new car! Unfortunately, we have to say goodbye to Chris' Jeep. May it rest in peace, because that's all it is capable of doing now. After six years with no air conditioning, Chris will finally be cool during the summer. We love our Trail Blazer!

He's Growing Up

I'm so proud, I just had to share. After 2 1/2 years, he's now sleeping on his own, the whole night through. Yes, my dog Rush is now sleeping in his crate without the door shut. He goes in when we say "Go Night-Night" and stays in until we get up in the morning. We just started that this week, and he's done great! I'll wake up when I hear him shaking, like he's come out, and I will tell him to go back in. We probably could have done this earlier, but I didn't feel like waking up throughout the night. In the past when we've tried, he would get out and get in bed with us, so we have to put him in and shut the door. Now, he is staying in on his own. What a big boy! Soon, we'll have to get a large bed instead of the crate. I just want to make sure this lasts!