last days of February

February has been busy and fast. The Lord has lovingly answered prayers when everything came back clear from a CT SCAN I had on the 13th.
T H A N K
Y O U,
F A T H E R.

I have just added a picture of Eli and Malachi we took right after Christmas, when we went to Atlanta to see Rodi, dear friend and sister from Romania, and her husband. Both boys, but especially Eli, adored their dog, Buck, from the first second they saw him. Buck was ever so kind and calm. Rodi is about to give birth to David. I wonder if she has already had the baby, but has not had time to contact friends and family.

Today, Mickey took Eli to baseball try-out. It was bitterly cold. Malachi and I were nice and cozy inside, doing laundry and catching up on e-mails.

Mickey was out of town (China Lake, CA) Tuesday - Friday, so we are very happy to have him back. Nancy went to Virginia yesterday, and missed (oh, no!) "Tikki Tikki Tembo", the first grade play. Eli was a chorus member and did exactly what he was supposed to do. He looked very handsome in his pillow case tunic and brown poster board Chinese hat. Malachi and his Granddaddy were in the audience, and Malachi wanted to know when he would be in that play. :) The next play will be "The Little Red Hen". I must remember to take my camera!

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I have just received news from my mom, who heard from Rodi's dad, that baby David has arrived! Father, bless him and his parents with your richest blessings of health, peace, comfort, and faith that You are always only a prayer away.

February has also been the birth month of my nephew, Filip. He was born on the 9th. His parents are Andra, my sister, and Cristi, her husband. Filip is a very good looking baby boy. The three of them now live with my parents, Ioana and Ilie, in a three bedroom flat in Bucharest.

Quick mention of our Valentine's Day. It was a half day at school and I had a 10:30 dermatology appt. The boys spent the evening and night at Bob's house, while Mickey and I went to The Outback for a phenomenal meal, then snuggled up in bed to watch "Roman Holiday". Another really, really special Valentine's Day! The next morning I was up at 4 and in the school parking lot by 6 in order to travel to Prattville for a Christian school conference. That day I met Allyson's mother, a faithful second grade teacher with whom I would have loved to spend more time. Lord willing, I'll do just that in June, when we hope to attend a Beth Moore event in Atlanta. Our in-service day in Prattville proved to be a valuable learning experience. Many thanks to ALL who made it possible. I cannot even begin to describe how much depth that day added to my professional, and spiritual life.

Here are links that will allow you to download the PowerPoint presentations used by the speakers at this year's ACEA conference.

Keeping a Focus on Christ in Education by Dr. Monte Cox, Harding University

Kids in Turmoil by Dr. Kenyon Knapp, Troy University

Team Building by Lt Colonel Wade Brackins, Maxwell Air Force Base

One more February highlight. God has brought to us a library volunteer who is young, beautiful, has two little daughters, and a heart committed to being of service!

t h a n k f u l

Dear Bloggie, I'm sorry that you are not the star of blogs. Probably will never be. But, hey! You'll always be MINE, and that is extraordinary in itself, don't you think? I have browsed a number of really, really, REALLY remarkable spots in blogworld. Some extra talented authors! How do people come with all those creative names, titles, tags, and what not? I wish I found a neat name for you and one for me. What do you think of "a girl and her blog"? All I can think of is nicknames I've already seen, or nicknames I'll see if I do a quick google search. There's nothing new under the sun, right? On another topic, have you ever gone to a place and a nice pot of fresh coffee is there for you and any other coffee lover? And creamer, flavored or THE original, waiting to be shaken in a light sprinkle... All you have to do is pour yourself some in a styrofoam cup -- provided, I should add, and enjoy every hot, soothing sip. But has it ever crossed your mind that an actual human being made it all possible, even though he/she is nowhere to be seen? Ground coffee was placed in the right container, on top of a paper filter, water filled the carafe, and a switch was turned on, AFTER the appliance was plugged in. Let alone the fact that someone else grew the beans, harvested them, packed them, shipped them, for he/she - i.e. invisible coffee maker - to purchase at Target (or any other retailer of choice). It's like that with, oh, soooo many things that we take for granted. Next time, will you please find at least the person who made the drink and express your appreciation? Same with everything else that seems to just "be there" when needed, and "gone" when not needed. So, to follow my own sage advice, THANK YOU extra talented authors for the wealth of insight and gifts you carefully type on your blogs for the deLIGHT and enLIGHTenment of me and countless others. God bless each one of you!

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:15

2008 is here!!

Ready or not, here it is. Unbelievable as it sounds to some of us, more mature souls, 2008 has begun. Since things are going well at our house, I am full of excitement about what God has planned for us this year. Last year He showered us with blessing after blessing, and led us through times of stress with a steady hand. The boys are growing, learning, playing, and simply being boys. The last days of 2007 brought a sweet reunion with a friend I had not seen in TEN years. Friendships stay strong even when we are such busy bees that we cannot reconnect as much as we would like. Perhaps this year I'll finally learn how to focus more on people, just like the Teacher did. Remember how He always MADE time to be both with crowds and with individuals who were desperate for His healing and encouragement? I know, laundry must be done, floors must be swept, furniture dusted, food cooked, and dishes washed. Oh, yes. Exercising and making an effort to stay healthy are time consumers, too. But at the end of each year we'll wonder why we haven't seen more people, shared more meals with friends, and written more notes of acknowledgment and gratitude. Why? How does time trick us every single time? This year I make it my goal to open my eyes to every soul around me and listen. And when there is no one around, I'll look up a friend and write her a note overflowing with the words the Spirit will put on my mind. Or even better, I'll blog her/him right here, for anyone in the whole world to learn what a treasure she/he is. I have already sent three small cards to people abroad to let them know I have not forgotten them, I only got busier, and that's about to change, with His help.