Saturday, December 17, 2016

Keep Christ in Christmas=Show Christ this Christmas~

Wow...once again, it's been awhile my sweet readers and friends.  As the old saying goes, "that's life".

A little catch up before I get to the point of this post...

Let's see, we left off at Thanksgiving?!!

We had a wonderful weekend with both girls before one headed back to work and the other to take her competency tests for grad school.

Wow, a lot can change in less than a month.

First we headed to MI to visit my MIL and winterize her home. Y'all she is amazing!  98 years young and still living in her home.  Unfortunately, she ended up in the hospital while we were there with a GI bleed.  However, she was able to return home the day we were scheduled to fly back home. We were only able to by the grace of God and the help of her sweet caregiver.  I pray for that dear soul everyday!  She truly is a godsend!!!

Our youngest passed all her comps, and most recently (yesterday) scored just a few points shy of a perfect score on her licensing exam!  No surprise for those of you who know her. Oh, and did I mention? Moved home last week. It was a balmy 30? degrees when hubby and I arrived in Knoxville. We'll take it.  Nothing is worse than moving her in and out in 100 degree heat + 100% humidity in Waco, TX. Oh, and the girl can pack...just saying (not sure where she gets her organizational skills from ;-)  All settled and put away!!  She's super excited to begin her externships in January.  Full circle-back to her old elementary school for 8 weeks and then on to the hospital where she was born for the final 8 weeks.

Most of you know our oldest switched careers 4 years ago.  She was a PR/Marketing major, but decided to go back and earn her teaching degree.  She taught for 4 years, and coached 2 1/2 years. However, she recently resigned from her teaching/coaching position.  This girl put in well over 80 hours a week (went above and beyond)!!!!  Took her cheerleaders to STATE their first comp season!!!  And, didn't get so much as a thank you, congrats, nothing!!! On top of being a Special Education Teacher having to deal with difficult kids and IEP's!  While her girls are devastated...they TOTALLY get it.  She deserved so much more.  She's our go getter, that girl.  Resigned and had a better paying job with better hours within less than a week I tell ya!! And, is pursuing her MBA!!!

To my friends and readers who are teachers...God bless each of you. I pray for you daily.  You are one of the most under appreciated in the work force!

So, that leads us up to now...the week before Christmas.  I had hoped to have posted our holiday home tour by now. But, between all the busyness and the rainy weather...pics still need to be taken and edited. But, that's ok.  It'll happen when it happens.

I did however stumble upon this...



I know many Christians get upset this time of year when someone says, "happy holidays" rather than " Merry Christmas" ...(some may just be trying to "keep" their jobs.)
I think the best thing to do is just SMILE REAL BIG AND SAY MERRY CHRISTMAS back, or show God's love through our actions...hold that door, give up that prime parking spot, make faces at that little one who's crying and whose mother is at her whits end, show Christ's love in your actions rather than words.

Give it a try!!



5 comments:

Brandi said...

So sorry to read your older daughter didn't receive the appreciation she deserved. Hopefully she can walk away knowing how much she inspired and helped her cheer squad.

Gypsy Heart said...

I totally agree with Brandi's comment! It's so very sad to see excellent teachers being taken for granted, not appreciated and certainly not paid enough! Your daughter made a positive difference in the lives of those girls and I'm sure they'll all remember her with fondness.

You've been very busy! I so hope your MIL is doing well! I love it when those in their 90's are still able to live in their homes and be as active as possible. It really helps in preserving their dignity and independence.

I hope that you and your family have a wonderful and blessed Christmas! Do you mind if I copy the photo/verse?

xo
Pat
P.S. You mentioned the 100 degree heat & humidity here in Texas. I totally understand and I hate the heat. Just as an fyi, it was 18* this morning after a day of low 70's. Crazy Texas weather! :) Merry Christmas!

Laura said...

I'm so proud of Ellie and Katie and I know you are, too! So glad to hear the good news about your MIL! have a wonderful Christmas!

Preppy Empty Nester said...

Sounds like the girls are doing well. Teaching is a low paying, unappreciated job. It's too bad because they are so important to our children. Glad your daughter got another good job. Your MIL sounds like quite a lady! Boy, do I ever have a guy for her. Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year dear Lauren!

Laura said...

Merry Christmas my friend.
You always have a beautiful , needed message to share!

Laura
WSP