A whole month with no blogging. You'd think I was busy raising three kids, teaching school, taking pictures and adjusting to what has become my life. Oh, wait - I have been involved in all of those things and I don't see a break in any of the action (except for this week which is spring break 2010).
On the home front, it has been a bumpy ride. Most days are good but there are days when I am overcome with sadness, anger and bitterness. A mixture of all three emotions on one day is never good. I have been forced to face things that I am not ready for, dealing with what's in writing and what can be agreed upon has been challenging and decisions that need to be made - that I honestly am not ready to make - are on the horizon. But, I have a strong support system and am thankful for the friends and family that have not given up on me eventually getting back to normal. I am getting there, one day at a time. But, some days it's a two step forward and one step back kind of dance.
Baseball season has begun for Clayson and Trey. They are both on the same team so that makes things convenient. Ashlyn is loving basketball. She loves to go to practice and game days are full of her anticipation for getting on the court. She is never still, always moving, hopping, guarding and hands in the air (like she just don't care) to show that she is open and when she does get the ball she accidentally forgets to dribble and runs with it. Oops. Her first game she ended up scoring the first and last goals. We should have carried her out on our shoulder, our lil champion.
It's crazy to think that we are already in the middle of March with just a little over nine weeks of school left until summer. Time flies (cliche, I know). As much as I love the winter, I am glad to see Spring on its way. I am a fair-weather kind of girl so recess always depends on whether it's too hot, too cold or just right. Spring guarantees a daily recess, minus the rainy days.
I hope all of you are adjusting to the time change, the weather changes and whatever life changes you may be dealing with.
I'll be spring breakin' it this week with fun things happenin' every day.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Saturday, February 13, 2010
s*n*o*w much fUn!
SNOW!! It snowed and snowed and snowed ... and snowed. It started early Thursday morning and did not quit until late Thursday night, totaling about a foot of the pretty white stuff. It was so cute to hear Ashlyn's reaction when she first looked out the window and saw it all. She whispered "whoa" twice. I have to say that I was in almost as much amazement as she was.
We spent the day at school watching the snowflakes come down. The kids were anxiously awaiting recess for their chance to play in the snow and have snowball fights. (I noticed during my Science lesson that one boy was drawing a map of where the fight would be and the location for the boys and the girls. This is when I pretty much gave up on teaching for the day. However, it was a great opportunity for discussing the water cycle - especially the word accumulation - and how water changes forms of precipitation. One girl wondered why her pants were wet when she had not gotten into any water, opportunity for a reteach.)
Once we got home from school on Thursday, there was no leaving the house due solely on the fact that I could not get from the end of the driveway onto the road. It was just a total tire spin, getting absolutely nowhere. Upon realizing this, I knew that it meant I would have to back all the way back to the house. The driveway is long, curvy, goes over a pond and my backing up skills are not top notch. It took me thirty minutes and a lot of "close calls" of getting stuck before I finally made it under the carport. And, that is where my car stayed until Friday afternoon.
On Friday - we were out of school. Hooray for snow day! Clayson, Trey and Ashlyn had so much fun playing in the snow. They rode around in the Bad Boy Buggy, Clayson attempted some motorcycling, Ashlyn and Trey made snow angels, Ashlyn, Trey and cousin Andrew made forts to hide behind during snowball fights, all of them pounded me with snowballs, and the boys created a sled out of a tote lid. Ashlyn and Clayson must have been invincible to the cold because they stayed out there for long periods of time while Trey took advantage of having the PS3 to himself. I captured a lot of picture memories and know that we will remember this snow of 2010 forever.
Here's a recap of our fun.
sNoWbAlL fIgHt!! (Thanks Trey for being my back up photographer.)
*TREY*
* ashlyn*
*cLaYsOn*
Hope you all had a good time and stayed warm.
We spent the day at school watching the snowflakes come down. The kids were anxiously awaiting recess for their chance to play in the snow and have snowball fights. (I noticed during my Science lesson that one boy was drawing a map of where the fight would be and the location for the boys and the girls. This is when I pretty much gave up on teaching for the day. However, it was a great opportunity for discussing the water cycle - especially the word accumulation - and how water changes forms of precipitation. One girl wondered why her pants were wet when she had not gotten into any water, opportunity for a reteach.)
Once we got home from school on Thursday, there was no leaving the house due solely on the fact that I could not get from the end of the driveway onto the road. It was just a total tire spin, getting absolutely nowhere. Upon realizing this, I knew that it meant I would have to back all the way back to the house. The driveway is long, curvy, goes over a pond and my backing up skills are not top notch. It took me thirty minutes and a lot of "close calls" of getting stuck before I finally made it under the carport. And, that is where my car stayed until Friday afternoon.
On Friday - we were out of school. Hooray for snow day! Clayson, Trey and Ashlyn had so much fun playing in the snow. They rode around in the Bad Boy Buggy, Clayson attempted some motorcycling, Ashlyn and Trey made snow angels, Ashlyn, Trey and cousin Andrew made forts to hide behind during snowball fights, all of them pounded me with snowballs, and the boys created a sled out of a tote lid. Ashlyn and Clayson must have been invincible to the cold because they stayed out there for long periods of time while Trey took advantage of having the PS3 to himself. I captured a lot of picture memories and know that we will remember this snow of 2010 forever.
Here's a recap of our fun.
sNoWbAlL fIgHt!! (Thanks Trey for being my back up photographer.)
*TREY*
* ashlyn* *cLaYsOn*ATV fun
How great is our God?!
Hope you all had a good time and stayed warm.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
end of the road
On February 4, 1994 we were sitting in Art class having a free day, but we had to be doing some kind of art. Because of my love for writing, I decided to write Jared a note - adding color and bubble letters - giving him my phone number, just in case...
On February 4, 2010 I will write Jared a note thanking him for the memories, our three children and for our sixteen years together. It will also be the day that we sign a note ending our thirteen and a half year marriage.
It has been an incredible journey as we have grown up together but unfortunately, we have also grown apart. Nothing significat (affairs or such) caused this decision to be made. It has been a long time coming as we have faced struggles, always just sweeping them under the rug. But, the troubles don't go away under that rug. They tend to build up as have the walls between us.
As Jared has told me several times in the past few weeks as I've questioned this decision, it's just something that we have to go through right now. It is hard to swallow that pride. I wanted to be a success story - yes, we married young - yes, we had kids young - yes, we tried hard to make it work and many times it did - but, yes, it is time for us to end this journey and find happiness within ourselves and for our children's sake.
Because of how hard we worked on having our house built we have decided on a unique situation (although I have heard it compared to John and Kate plus eight). Jared and I will remain living in the house together, coexisting for the sake of our precious kids. It has worked for the past three months and through prayer, patience and peacefulness I hope that it can last as long as possible. Our kids are not having to do any transitioning. We have split custody but the benefit is that we are always around them - I don't feel like I am ever losing my kids and they still feel like they have both parents all the time. I am so thankful for this situation.
So, as we go to court in the morning I expect it to be emotional. It's like a death - a marriage dying - and I will grieve. I have lost weight, I have lost sleep, I have lost someone that I loved but I have not lost hope for the future. I have amazing friends and family. Some have heard me cry and complain for three months but thank goodness they have not given up on me (or blocked my number from their phones). I could not have made it without them and know that there will be tough times ahead and am thankful to have these friends that I can always count on. And, so many facebook friends have been so encouraging and I have appreciated the love and kindness shown here.
I'll end this with our wedding song:
"I tip my hat to the keeper of the stars. He sure knew what He was doin, when He joined these two hearts..." Because our hearts were joined sixteen years ago we have been blessed with Clayson, Trey and Ashlyn and that has made it all worthwhile.
On February 4, 2010 I will write Jared a note thanking him for the memories, our three children and for our sixteen years together. It will also be the day that we sign a note ending our thirteen and a half year marriage.
It has been an incredible journey as we have grown up together but unfortunately, we have also grown apart. Nothing significat (affairs or such) caused this decision to be made. It has been a long time coming as we have faced struggles, always just sweeping them under the rug. But, the troubles don't go away under that rug. They tend to build up as have the walls between us.
As Jared has told me several times in the past few weeks as I've questioned this decision, it's just something that we have to go through right now. It is hard to swallow that pride. I wanted to be a success story - yes, we married young - yes, we had kids young - yes, we tried hard to make it work and many times it did - but, yes, it is time for us to end this journey and find happiness within ourselves and for our children's sake.
Because of how hard we worked on having our house built we have decided on a unique situation (although I have heard it compared to John and Kate plus eight). Jared and I will remain living in the house together, coexisting for the sake of our precious kids. It has worked for the past three months and through prayer, patience and peacefulness I hope that it can last as long as possible. Our kids are not having to do any transitioning. We have split custody but the benefit is that we are always around them - I don't feel like I am ever losing my kids and they still feel like they have both parents all the time. I am so thankful for this situation.
So, as we go to court in the morning I expect it to be emotional. It's like a death - a marriage dying - and I will grieve. I have lost weight, I have lost sleep, I have lost someone that I loved but I have not lost hope for the future. I have amazing friends and family. Some have heard me cry and complain for three months but thank goodness they have not given up on me (or blocked my number from their phones). I could not have made it without them and know that there will be tough times ahead and am thankful to have these friends that I can always count on. And, so many facebook friends have been so encouraging and I have appreciated the love and kindness shown here.
I'll end this with our wedding song:
"I tip my hat to the keeper of the stars. He sure knew what He was doin, when He joined these two hearts..." Because our hearts were joined sixteen years ago we have been blessed with Clayson, Trey and Ashlyn and that has made it all worthwhile.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
keepin' it real
Things have finally settled down from all of the Christmas hype. Presents have been put away, and many forgotten about. Remote control cars are fun until the batteries run out and one out of three baby dolls has been chosen as the favorite. There is one gift that has brought my three children together for enjoyment, and not to mention - ripped pants, a broken cell phone and a couple of minor injuries – their trampoline. Apparently, it is never too cold and never too dark for some quality jump time. They have been out there everyday and I enjoy hearing the laughter as they have fun together (but as of yesterday that is hard to hear over the blaring radio). There have also been tears as Ashlyn didn’t quite land on her feet on the way off of the trampoline. Oops. So, yes, Christmas has come and gone but the joy still lingers in the PS3, the baby doll and the trampoline.
Basketball season has started for Trey. He’s a fast little guy but his lay-ups could use some skill building. He’s kind of like his momma – just shoot and score (well, sometimes). It’s time to sign Ashlyn up for her season that will begin after Trey’s. That ought to be entertaining.
It’s hard to believe that we’re down to half a school year, close to the middle of January 2010 and that Clayson is taller than me at the age of 12. We are adapting to changes in our lives and are thankful to have such a strong support system through our family and friends. It’s been rough and it’s been emotional but it seems as though we are finally starting to see light from this dark valley. Thank many of you for your friendship, your love and especially your prayers. Some of you I could not have made it without and am so thankful to have you in my life. No matter what, I plan to keep on keeping on, keep the faith and will always keep the hope for a brighter tomorrow.
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, all fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth a living just because He lives.
Basketball season has started for Trey. He’s a fast little guy but his lay-ups could use some skill building. He’s kind of like his momma – just shoot and score (well, sometimes). It’s time to sign Ashlyn up for her season that will begin after Trey’s. That ought to be entertaining.
It’s hard to believe that we’re down to half a school year, close to the middle of January 2010 and that Clayson is taller than me at the age of 12. We are adapting to changes in our lives and are thankful to have such a strong support system through our family and friends. It’s been rough and it’s been emotional but it seems as though we are finally starting to see light from this dark valley. Thank many of you for your friendship, your love and especially your prayers. Some of you I could not have made it without and am so thankful to have you in my life. No matter what, I plan to keep on keeping on, keep the faith and will always keep the hope for a brighter tomorrow.
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, all fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth a living just because He lives.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
2009 bites the dust
Another year, come and gone. I am glad to see 2009 ending. I started out the year feeling like I knew where it was headed but then there were many instances in which I was reminded that things change, people change and circumstances change. Although change may be good, it's not always easy to accept.
Thank goodness for my blogs that I just surfed back through to come up with lists for the good, the bad and the ugly of this past year.
I'll start out on a positive note with GOOD things that happened.
* Coaching Ashlyn's soccer team was a lot of fun and I'm glad that I got to share this job with one of my best friends ever - shout out to Jennifer.
* The kids enjoyed playing basketball, baseball, soccer, football and gymnastics.
* Clayson turned 12, Trey turned 10 and Ashlyn turned 6 and I am thankful that they are all healthy children.
* The Twilight series was enjoyable to read but I have yet to see either of the movies.
* One of my former students invited me to attend her National Honor Society induction, I was honored.
* I met Joe Montana and got his autograph.
* We bought a boat and shared quality family time on the lake all summer long.
* Jared and I took a trip to Cozumel with friends and had a great time.
* I started a photography business and have been so successful. It's a new passion.
* It snowed on Christmas Eve, finally a white Christmas.
* My brother got engaged to a great girl and I look forward to finally having a sister.
* Ashlyn was the flower girl in a cousin's wedding.
* Jared and I celebrated 13 years of marriage.
* I had an opportunity to witness to "Granny", my friend Sharon's mom, while she was in the hospital - she changed my life forever.
* I have the best friends ever! I have made many new friends and grown closer to many of the ones I've had longest. Some of my friends have been there to carry some of my burdens, talk me through situations and lend words of wisdom when I can't even think straight. (shout out to Rhonda, Amber, Sharon and Zan).
Unfortunately, there have been some BAD instances in 2009.
*I've lost a dear friend and would give anything to know why or what I could do to repair the relationship.
*Relationships that we hope will last forever, don't.
*Tension in family relationships.
And, the UGLY.
* Tears from teachers having to move to different campuses due to our change in elementary schools.
* Disappointing many, many people...
2009: I won't remember it as a great year because unfortunately, it didn't end up that way.
But, thank goodness, He offers hope for two thousand ten.
Jeremiah 29:11
New International Version (©1984)
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)I know the plans that I have for you, declares the LORD. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope.
As we enter the new year I plan to seek blessings in all that I do and to know that all things work for the good of those who love Him. We can't see the big picture but He does and thank goodness the will of God won't take us where the grace of God won't protect us.
Happy New Year!!
Thank goodness for my blogs that I just surfed back through to come up with lists for the good, the bad and the ugly of this past year.
I'll start out on a positive note with GOOD things that happened.
* Coaching Ashlyn's soccer team was a lot of fun and I'm glad that I got to share this job with one of my best friends ever - shout out to Jennifer.
* The kids enjoyed playing basketball, baseball, soccer, football and gymnastics.
* Clayson turned 12, Trey turned 10 and Ashlyn turned 6 and I am thankful that they are all healthy children.
* The Twilight series was enjoyable to read but I have yet to see either of the movies.
* One of my former students invited me to attend her National Honor Society induction, I was honored.
* I met Joe Montana and got his autograph.
* We bought a boat and shared quality family time on the lake all summer long.
* Jared and I took a trip to Cozumel with friends and had a great time.
* I started a photography business and have been so successful. It's a new passion.
* It snowed on Christmas Eve, finally a white Christmas.
* My brother got engaged to a great girl and I look forward to finally having a sister.
* Ashlyn was the flower girl in a cousin's wedding.
* Jared and I celebrated 13 years of marriage.
* I had an opportunity to witness to "Granny", my friend Sharon's mom, while she was in the hospital - she changed my life forever.
* I have the best friends ever! I have made many new friends and grown closer to many of the ones I've had longest. Some of my friends have been there to carry some of my burdens, talk me through situations and lend words of wisdom when I can't even think straight. (shout out to Rhonda, Amber, Sharon and Zan).
Unfortunately, there have been some BAD instances in 2009.
*I've lost a dear friend and would give anything to know why or what I could do to repair the relationship.
*Relationships that we hope will last forever, don't.
*Tension in family relationships.
And, the UGLY.
* Tears from teachers having to move to different campuses due to our change in elementary schools.
* Disappointing many, many people...
2009: I won't remember it as a great year because unfortunately, it didn't end up that way.
But, thank goodness, He offers hope for two thousand ten.
Jeremiah 29:11
New International Version (©1984)
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)I know the plans that I have for you, declares the LORD. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope.
As we enter the new year I plan to seek blessings in all that I do and to know that all things work for the good of those who love Him. We can't see the big picture but He does and thank goodness the will of God won't take us where the grace of God won't protect us.
Happy New Year!!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Christmastime '09
I have to be Scroogeish and say that this is the first time that I have been happy for Christmas to come and go.
We survived six Christmases and are blessed beyond reason.
(Papa's 12*19*09)
Tradition would have it that we have lunch, play the metal pipes and sing Christmas carols. The kids love playing the pipes and singing and as much as the grownups complain, they end up getting all into it. (Not me, I take the pictures). There is also some ping pong and other outdoor games going on when the weather is nice, and this year it was perfect.
Christmas #2: The Robinson Family
(at my house 12*20*09)
The tradition here is to get together with my Papaw's sister and her four kids, spouses, children and children's children along with all of us - totaling close to 40 people. Another gorgeous day for the kids to be outside playing football and riding the bad boy buggy while the rest stay inside and eat until it's almost gone and play games and/or watch football on the TV.
Christmas #3: Christmas Eve Breakfast
(mom and dad's 12*24*09)
Some years this works out but it all depends on the fire department schedule. This year my dad had to work Christmas day so we went to breakfast and took gifts for mom, dad, Jason and Megan just in case we could not make it to the gathering at Jason's house. The breakfast was so delicious - my dad can cook, too bad that skill was not passed down to me. Breakfast was also enlightening - learning that Trey had already snooped and found the trampoline in the closet that was supposed to be from Santa and he had showed it to Ashlyn. It was a good thing that I found this out or Santa's secret could have been blown for all three of them.
Christmas #4: Davis Family Christmas
(our house 12*24*09)
Many years ago we started having Christmas with Jared's family on Christmas Eve so that we could spend the entire day with them and not have to be back and forth between families. It's almost always worked out with Jared's fire department schedule and we cherish the time that we have together. His Mamaw and Pawpaw did not come due to the snowy weather and we missed them. The kids loved the snow and as always their Nana and Pop "hooked them up" with some great gifts.
Christmas #5: Daugherty Family Christmas/ take II
(Jason's house 12*24*09)
Because no one was prepared to give the kids their gifts at breakfast, we went over to Jason's for a couple of hours to continue having Christmas with dad. Potato soup and banana pudding (good job on that, Megan) were on the menu and what a perfectly cold night to enjoy both. SMU was playing in Hawaii so we had to keep our voices and our excitement to a minimum so Jason could enjoy the game... try telling three kids and two dogs to contain themselves...
Our family Christmas
On Christmas Eve night the kids talked us into letting them open one present. On Christmas morning the kids got up around 7:15 and we had the big morning with lots of surprises. Ashlyn got the bitty baby that she wanted, Trey got a new cell phone and Clayson (and Trey) got the PS3 they were hoping for. All was right in their world. We opened presents, cleaned up the mess, got ready and went back to my mom's and then over to D'Uan and Ralph's for the few things that still needed to be opened.
Christmas #6 (actually at this point it may be Christmas #9)
(Mamaw & Papaw's 12*25*09)
Our final Christmas gathering took place on Christmas day at Mamaw and Papaw's. It's always a great time with the cousins and little kiddos and it's even better when everyone is in a good mood. And, it wouldn't be the same if the "big kids" (myself included) did not have wrapping paper wars against each other. The day ended with us game junkies playing Chicken Foot (dominoes) but I left out early because I was losing...
So, now I am entering the next phase: extreme home makeover edition - Christmas is outta here ... as soon as this laziness wears off.
Hope you and your family had a great Christmas, emphasized Jesus' birth and made memories to last a lifetime.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
The closer Christmas gets
the further I fall behind. The tree is up and the house is decorated but that's about all I can say is done. There are presents locked up in the Christmas closet but none wrapped and placed under the tree. Christmas cards are in envelopes but none are ready to send. I've got a gift list a mile long with no ideas. Are you sensing a little "bah humbug" ?! I really need to shake this feeling of being too overwhelmed. Most times I work better under pressure but not at Christmas. I need to get my act together and put some merry in my Christmas.
It's my favorite time of year because I have such a great family to share the Christmas season with. Here's hoping you are enjoying time with friends, family and those you love most.
On Sunday we enjoyed a three hour gathering with some family that we have not spent time with in years. Spring Creek BBQ probably did not sign up for "all the rolls you can eat" for a party that lasted that long. The men were happy that the Cowboy game was on the big screen and during commercials they compared cholesterol counts and blood pressure medications. The little kids ran around the party room taking advantage of the grownups deep in conversation. The "older" women sat at the back table and our guess was they were discussing hormones and menopause. Us cool moms got a little loud and laughed a lot at memories we had growing up at Lake Tawakoni and trying to make plans for a girl's weekend at The Villages. We'd just better hope that there are no neighbors on either side of us if and when we do get together. (see picture below for obvious reasons)
It's my favorite time of year because I have such a great family to share the Christmas season with. Here's hoping you are enjoying time with friends, family and those you love most.
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