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I have had a lot of thoughts going through my head about what I should blog about... but the fact of the matter is I don't want to write for the sake of writing.  I want my thought to form into something more than just randomness.  So until I get my thoughts together, enjoy these.

I read this and thought it was worth sharing.  It's good stuff!

An Open Letter

And this was written a last week by a friend of mines daughter.  She is amazing.

Good news to give you hope today

xo

A few pictures of Jake

Senior banner

(hangs on the fence at all home football games)

First half time performance of the year.

Color guard looked great!

(Look at them ALL!)

... just doin' his thing.

Senior picture, 

sneak peek!

xo

time to labor

What better time than labor day weekend to do some chores around the house?  

Jack made a list.  Usually, I'm the list maker and he gives me a bit of grief but I let it slide this time.   

He sprayed for bugs.  

Used the leaf blower to clean out the flower beds.

Then we tackled the garage.  Together.  It was hot.  We got dirty and sweaty.  We slacked, swept, rearranged and reorganized.  It feels great!

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And a little something to make you smile.  Dance compilation

xo

An abrupt ending

I gave my notice August 22nd.  

I said I would work through Sept 3.  

The schedule came out on Friday night and I wasn't listed on it.  It was emailed to me.  I was on the list.  I thought it was weird... it must be an oversight.  I replied to the email.   

Saturday - No response.

I called the girls I work with.  I didn't want them to think I was not following through.  Still my intention was to work.

Sunday, still no response.

Yesterday, I got a phone call from my Dad.  I said I would come over today, if I wasn't working.  

Today, still no word from the school.  At this point I began to feel kind of sad.  I didn't get the opportunity to say goodbye to my students.

I went to Topeka.  I am grateful to be able to go over and help.  I posted on Facebook "sometimes being an hour and 15 minutes from my parents is an hour and 10 minutes too far away.  #DadvsComputer"  In all honesty, I am glad they are close enough to be able to drive over at a moments notice. 

I made it very clear that I wanted to work but evidently they don't need me.  And I'm left feeling incomplete. 

I made myself a list of to-do's to start tomorrow.  I'll keep myself busy.  

I have been creating a list of projects I want to tackle around the house.  I'm actually excited to get started.

I'm excited to spend more time with my Bringing Therapy Home family.  I know my feelings of sadness are temporary.

Tomorrow starts with taking Pilot on a long walk.  And tomorrow night is his last training class.  Both good things!

It may have been an abrupt ending but I am really looking forward to a new chapter.  

xo

If you see a stone, pick it up!

Recently, Frank Gifford died.  I knew who he was but not much more.  While I am not a huge Kathie Lee fan I had heard someone in line at the grocery store talking about what an amazing tribute Kathie Lee gave when she returned to the Today show this week.  Intrigued, I went home and did an internet search.  Here it is: kathie-lees-touching-tribute-to-husband-frank-gifford  It's long but, in my opinion, well worth your time.  What a beautiful testimony to faith and love.  

The thing that stuck with me starts at 4:19 on the video, talks about their trip to the Holy Land and going to the Valley of Elah.  And bringing home stones.  

"What is your stone?"  

"Where ya gonna throw your stone for the kingdom of God?"  

"Throw it hard and well and transform this hurting world."

Whoa!  Powerful stuff.  

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It's no secret this school year started some what abruptly for me.  I found out on a Friday that I had training the following week.  The same week as Vacation Bible School at church.  ?!  Which meant I would miss the morning session of training.  It made me feel disjointed and honestly that feeling hasn't changed. I have also discovered that I have much more patience working with special needs kids than I do with typical children.  I make no apologies for it, it's just simply the way it is and that's ok.   

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Today, I spent the day with an incredible group of women.  Bringing Therapy Home had a team meeting and I absolutely love each and every one of these ladies.  There are some big changes in store for our group.  Big, amazing, wonderful changes that I'm very excited about.  I will share the specifics with you when the time is right.  And I'm sorry to say it's not now.  

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So, back to the tribute.  I watched it the first time on Wednesday.  And again Friday and today.  I have been doing a LOT of thinking about my stones.  I have been asking myself questions without coming up with any answers.  I haven't seen Katie very much in the last few months and when she asked me why I said I felt like I was stuck in a rock.  Those were my exact words.  Tonight, it all came together when she sent me a text and asked if I was rockless.  ?! ROCKLESS!  Maybe I haven't been stuck in a rock!  Maybe I lost my stones.  I lost my patience.  I miss working with the kids that need me most.  It was a profound moment and the tears flowed freely.  

So, in what might seem like an abrupt move, I resigned my position, effective September 3rd.  I feel like a weight has been taken off my shoulders.  

It might seem like an abrupt move... but trust me when I say it is not.  And it's for the best. What will I do?  At this point, I don't know specifics but God does. And I am so grateful to have Jack's love, support, and understanding.  He's 100% behind me.  

xo

    

"If you see a stone today pick it up and ask yourself:  What is my stone?  What is the gift that only I can do in this world to make it a better place?  Spend the rest of your life trying to do it well."  -Frank Gifford

Time to celebrate

We made a quick trip to Topeka today.  Jack had to teach Sunday School and I was teaching the children's class, so we went to early service and left as soon as our classes were done.  We were the last ones to arrive at my parents.  My brother, Bob, and his wife were visiting from Oklahoma City, Marlene, Dave, Grandma Corinne, D.J. and the kids, Scott and Kelley, Christopher, his girlfriend Alyssa, along with my folks.  We gathered to celebrate Annie's 16th birthday!  Yes, her birthday is tomorrow but we all understand the need to cherish these gatherings, even if they're short.  We ate lunch, took some family pictures, ate cake and then had time for a short visit before Kelley, Christopher and Alyssa had to leave.  Not soon after Bob and Shelia headed home as well.  We didn't even have time to stick around for a game of cards.  It's the fact that everyone was able to come together... I am so grateful to each of them!

Here are a few pictures:

Marlene, Scott, Bob, Dad, Mom and me

(the girl standing behind Christopher is his girlfriend, Alyssa. )

She is adorable!

Mom, thanks for suggesting Annie bring her camera!

xo

  

CAPS

Here is a very good article about the CAPS (Career Advanced Professional Studies) program that Jake attends every afternoon.  

Blue-Valley-CAPS-Program

xo