Saturday, July 25, 2009

What I've Been Doing....

Well, well, well....It has been nearly two weeks since I last posted and I must say that I've got nothing people! Now that I can not post pics of my niece and nephew...blogging is just not as fun. I guess that I could still write about what fun things they do when they are here but I just cannot put the pics up :(....so sad....
So what have I been doing for the last 2 weeks? Pretty much NOTHING! I have diligently worked on my Esther study (summer bible study for Big Valley Grace) and have watched my niece K and nephew C a few times. I have to say that my little niece does not seem to enjoy being at Aunt Bethany's house....she just cries and cries and cries...so much so that today I had to call her parents to come and pick her up. I don't get it....she is so clingy. You who are parents, can you relate to this? K is 11 months old (on the 4th) and seems to be in a very clingy stage. I don't know if it has anything to do with the fact that my SIL had some trouble with post partum depression a few months back and was away from the kids for a week or so. Think that maybe that could have affected my niece in a detrimental way. Sad for me to think that no one is immune to pain in this life not even a 11 month old baby. But thank the good Lord that He is in control and that He knows all and works all things out for the good of those who love him. And my SIL does love him very much.
School starts back up in 3 weeks and I am so NOT ready! Where did the summer go??!! It was not this short when I was a kid! I hope that my students will quickly fall back into the swing of things and that this year will go more smoothly than the last. I am sad that I will be losing my right hand girl Nicole....she is getting married in October and will be moving to North Carolina so is definately consumed with all things wedding right now. It made no sense for her to come back to work for a few weeks only to take the month of September off anyway. So...your prayers for my group are welcomed! I know that I am starting with 9 kiddos for sure (they are preschool age autism). That is a rather high number to start the year off with and I know that I have at least 3 who are going to be very challenging. I want to get off to a good start though so am brainstorming ways to work all things out. How can I best serve the children and their families yet still maintain boundaries with my personal life. This was a big problem for me last year as I found myself giving WAY MORE than I should have to my job. I want to be balanced in my life and I know that when I give anything more time, effort, devotion, and commitment, than I give to the Lord, I will suffer. Don't want a repeat!
Let's see, what else have I been doing??....I attended the walk for AIDS in San Francisco last weekend. My church's missions ministry goes each year to minister and lend support to those impacted by this awful disease. It was an amazing experience! Wonderful fellowship with new friends from church and just amazing to see how many people are affected or feel need to be in support of such a cause! Of course, because we were in SF...I did get to see some, shall we call them,... characters??!!!!! I'll spare you the details but I bet you your wildest imaginations is what I saw!!! Only in San Francisco...and I love being a California girl so I would not trade it for the world! Total different ball game being a Christian in liberal California :) (beth moore even mentioned that at her event in San Jose a month ago!)
That's pretty much all that I've been up to lately! I have some pics that I will post soon but for now...gotta head to bed!
Nighty Night all!

Monday, July 13, 2009

Women of Faith 2009

Wow...2 women's events in a row! This past weekend I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Women of Faith conference in San Jose, Ca. with some of the ladies from Big Valley. This was the 3rd WOF conference that I've been to and I loved it as always! I just love hearing the ladies share about their lives in absolute openness and from their heart. My favorite this year was Marilyn Meberg and Lisa Whelchel. Interestingly enough...I did not get a photo of either of these ladies!


Nicole C. Mullen with one of her guys doing her thing! This girl is so amazing with her talent in singing and dancing but her love for the Lord is just contagious! I've loved seeing her the last few times.


All the girls dancing with her. The one performance that I loved was The Hem of His Robe (think that is what the song is called!). She performed it with this group of girls and it just touched my soul. If you've ever seen her perfom it you know what I am talking about!


Anita Renfroe...the new Grandma! She was so excited to share that she became a grandma last week and showed pics of her new little guy! So very cute. I love Anita's humor and ability to bring many laughs to tired women!


Patsy Clairmont shared a story with us about her experience on her new red scooter, affectionally nicknamed Firefly (although it was definatly not small and cute but big and intimidating!). I love how Patsy shares stories...so much sweetness and silliness. It was extra special this year because she shared her heart pain of losing her sweet friend of 50 years, Carol, to cancer. My heart broke for Patsy's loss and I found the tears flowing freely.



Natalie Grant with her husband on the keyboard. I love Natalie's music so it was a great treat to hear her. She overflows with passion for the Lord and I can see why she is such a hit with the teen girls at the Revolve Tour. She had her little girls, Bella and Grace at the event. They are oh...so cute!


Our Women's Director, Connie Grover, her daughter in law Amber and Amber's mom (can't remember her name). I had a great time getting to know some of the ladies from Big Valley like Connie and Amber. I look forward to spending more time in fellowship with them!


Sonna, Me, and Gail. I had the great opportunity to room with Sonna and Colleen for the event and it was so much fun getting to talk with them and get to know them better. Gail is a sweet lady too. I was delighted to find out that she works in Special Education too! Intereresting how God places people in my circle who I can completely connect with!


My BVG sisters: Gail, Colleen, Sonna, Connie, and Me!
The weekend was marked by wonderful new memories and sweet fellowship!
Thank you Lord for how you bless me in sweet meaningful ways!