Thursday, January 24, 2008

Uplifting

I got a link to this website in an email and thought that it was very uplifting. So, enjoy!
(http://www.greatquotesmovie.com/)

Exciting News

Ok. Don't get too excited yet. At least I'm trying not to. Before Christmas our social worker told us we were being considered for a safely surrendered baby(parent drops baby off at hostpital, police or fire station etc). I've been waiting to hear if we were chosen and hadn't heard anything. I finally recieved an email from her this week and they hadn't made a decision yet. Apparently, the commitee will meet next week. She also told me that there was a relinquished child (parents give the child up) for which we are being considered.

I feel blessed to be considered for two children at the same time. For those of you who don't know, we were considered for one a few months ago and one of the reasons we weren't picked is because someone apparently thought we were religious fanatics. Oh well. Our social worker has been wonderful and wrote an addendum clearing up any misconceptions.

Well, any prayers our way would be greatly appreciated. I truly do belive in the power of prayer and in being patient and waiting for things in God's own time. I know that He knows what's best for our family and will give us desired blessings on his time table. Even though it's difficult to wait sometimes, I wouldn't want things any other way except in His own timing.

Well, in the time being, I am enjoying the time I have with my 12 other kids (my students). I sometimes get mixed feelings. On one hand I am excited about the prospect of having my own children and looking forward to being home with them and feel that is important, but on the other hand I feel saddened that I will no longer be my students' teacher. I truly do love them and enjoy the time I get to spend with them. I am so proud of them and the progress they make despite their disabilities. I have heard a few people say that the rewards for working with special ed. students don't come as often as working with the general ed. students. The reason they say this is because they feel general ed. students progress more often. However, having worked with both sets of students, I would have to respectfully disagree. I am constantly amazed at the progress, however so small, that my students make. Even though most of them are working below grade level, they are still progressing at their own level and it's wonderful to see.

Yesterday, I came to school a few hours late due to a dentist appointment. When I went into the class room, one of my first graders came running up to me, gave me the biggest hug, and asked me not to leave them again. It was so precious.

Sunday, January 20, 2008

More Christmas Eve at the Southworth's


Another of the fun traditions that Todd's family has is that the kids get new pajamas on Christmas Eve.

Wug, me, Todd, Alysha posing in our new pjs.










Wug posing in her new pjs.


Alysha, the drama queen, posing in her pjs.

Christmas With the Southworths

Every year on Christmas Eve after spending time at my grandma's house, we head over to
Todd's parents house for music, food, and fun.


Mr. Rienstein with his violin as Todd and Cassie Wug look on.










Stephanie at the piano and Loren on the Guitar.

Christmas Eve at Grandma's House

Every year on Christmas Eve, we get together at my Grandma's house. We usually sing Christmas songs and the little kids open their presents from Grandma. We then have a light dessert. This has been a tradition since we were little kids.



Parker and Kyle







Lisa Helps Lincoln open a present while Kyle looks on.













Parker gets a present from Grandma.















Uncle Forrest holds Lincoln











Shannon, Reed and Uncle Forrest by the Christmas tree

Girl's Brunch

For the past few years around Christmas, the girls on my mom's side of the family have gotten together at my Aunt Linda's house for a gift exchange and brunch. It's a lot of fun and I look forward to it every year.












Aunt LeeAnna opening her gift












The gifts for the gift exchange











Aunt Linda opening her gift which later got stolen each gift was aloud to be stolen two times. I think Lisa ended up getting it.















One of the twins opening her gift as JulieAnne, Aunt Deedee and Aunt Lee Anna look on.