Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Okay...here it goes!!
WARNING: Long Post I wanted to let those of you who love and care for us know about something we're going through as a family so that you can pray!8) Thank you! If you have time to read it, here it goes...
There has been a huge topic of conversation at our house for the past couple of weeks....whether or not I should go back to work and it's been sooner than we expected! The Lord has blessed David and I tremendously in so many ways!! He worked everything out so that I did and still do have the option to stay at home with Conner; I'm just not sure of the time frame. Obviously, with us having to adjust to one income, we've had to make some changes and sacrifices. We are beginning to get serious about finding a home/land...it's a bit overwhelming especially seeing how the market is at the present time. I know that things will make a turn for the best and thankfully, thanks to Mammaw Shirley-thank you!! thank you!!, we are not in a position to sell a home. However, we are in a time of transition and know that there are even more financial decisions/sacrifices around the corner. First of all, let me say that I am completely confident that the Lord is Jehovah Jirah, our provider, and I know that sometimes on "paper" things don't work out, but HE makes a way in the end!! Knowing this truth, I still want to do what's best for our family whether that means being a stay at home mom or a working mom. We've been discussing a couple of options that would require me working at night and on weekends, and I just haven't had a peace about it at all!! Yes, it would enable me to stay at home and possibly help with health benefits, but David and I would be bypassing one another to go to work, and in the long run, I think it might put a larger strain on our family. I've always wanted to stay at home, and David and I made that decision back when we were "boyfriend & girlfriend"...8) It has been such a JOY being at home with Conner, and I wouldn't have traded it for anything!! David is not putting pressure on me...this is totally coming from my heart/thoughts. I haven't really obtained the "UNREALISTIC" view that I had in my mind of being a stay at home mom/wife. Is the house immaculate?...no Do I prepare gourmet meals every night?...no Do I always have the energy required to keep Conner stimulated/happy?...no Have I been abusing the right to sleep in?...yes! 8) All of these questions are actually 'LIGHT-HEARTED" and I realize that it would have never been to that extreme, but my point is now I can envision life as a working (outside of the home) mom where before I never gave it much thought. I have no doubt that I would continue striving to be the mom/wife that God wants me to be. In fact, I've seen some of my friends do it, and they do a fantastic job!! Plus, I know that I have a support team found in my friends and family. My ultimate reason for choosing the profession of a teacher is because it blends so well with the family, and of course, I have a passion for children and a love for teaching! In the past, I've been guilty of staying up in my classroom WAY too long after the bell rings, accepting phone calls from parents early in the morning and at night, and not allowing myself to take off my "teacher" hat when I entered the home. Well, things have changed, and I now have a precious little boy and of course my hubby to take care of!! I believe I'm now capable of creating a healthy balance between teaching and all other aspects of life...actually I began to accomplish this last year when I was pregnant, so I know it can be done.
I chose to blog about this for THREE main reasons: #1 Our family would appreciate your prayers and any words of encouragement that you may have for us. This is a huge decision, and we truly desire to do the Lord's will!! We ask you to pray for wisdom and clarity and ultimately STRENGTH if I do go back to teaching sooner than we expected. #2 I wanted to list the positive reasons for going back to work. If I were to create a list of the reasons to stay at home, it would be never ending, so I decided to focus on some positive aspects in being a working mom/wife! #3 For journal purposes...it is so amazing when you look back at your life during particular times and you're able to witness first-hand what the Lord has done and how He put everything together for the good!!
Positive reasons for going back to work...remember, I'm not even going to mention the ones that stink such as waking up at 5:00AM...oops, that one slipped!8)
1. Well, since I've already mentioned getting to school so early, I'll go ahead and say that on mornings where you have to literally CRAWL out of bed and into the shower to get ready, there is usually a very rewarding experience on the other side. One of my favorite moments is when the first student walks into the classroom with his/her book bag and looks at you with this half-tired yet inspired smile wondering what is in store for the day. At that moment, it's okay!
2. The financial burden would be lifted...we would have another source of income/INSURANCE...big one!!
3. I would have more adult interaction again...that's always good!
4. I would get to interact with students again...I really do miss that! My love language is "Words Of Approval/Encouragement", and although David does a great job encouraging me, I miss the students' sweet letters and comments. Maybe there's not much merit to..."Mrs. Crenshaw, you're the best teacher!", "You're so sweet and pretty", and other sweet messages, but they still touch my heart in a special way and give me the extra boost I need to get through the day!
5. It would be a good change for CONNER!!! He is growing up so much and loves to be around people...young and old. I am so proud of the way he interacts with others; he would have a wonderful opportunity to learn new experiences at daycare and would enjoy playing with the other babies/children. He does such a great job at church nursery...Crossgates and our brothers' & sisters' church, Pinelake! I think it would be an easy transition for him especially during this first year of his life. It will be somewhat more difficult for me, but in the long run, I believe it would be good for both of us and our relationship.
6. I am blessed with a job where I can still be the "hands on" mom that I desire to be while continuing to teach. We get out around 3:00, and therefore, I would still have the afternoon with Conner. In addition, I would have my weekends, school holidays, and summer....HUGE!!
7. I would miss my precept Bible Study on Tuesday mornings, but there is so much good that's come out of it. I have met wonderful new friends, and most importantly I've found a love for the OLD TESTAMENT. Every single king/prophet or any other person, situation, and story was divinely written in God's Word so that we may apply it to our lives and learn how to live a life that honors HIM...with our WHOLE heart!!8) My prayer is that I continue to dig deep in His Word so that He can draw me closer and closer!!
8. The school day flies!! Before you know it, it's lunch, then dismissal!! Same with the year!...time flies when you're having fun and you don't have enough time to get everything done!
9. I'll get my creative side of the brain working again!8)
10. I'll have a reason to dress up...compared to staying in my pj's until 2:00pm or later!
11. The structure would be good for me.
Well, after thinking about ALL of this for awhile, my momma called me and told me that something had dropped in her Spirit....she said that she couldn't stop thinking about me going back to teaching. I admire my parents so much!! They both have a close relationship with the Lord and raised me to desire the same for my life. I realize MORE and MORE that I am blessed with an AMAZING mom and dad who pray for me, encourage me, and are there for me even as I get older. The Lord just confirmed to and through my mom that we are looking in the right direction rather than focusing on jobs that I would solely be working for the money and at inconvenient hours to accommodate me being able to stay at home. I have the most PEACE about just going back to work as a teacher!! I recently saw a very disturbing Oprah show where "stay at home" moms and "working" moms fought back and forth about who was right or wrong. There is simply not a RIGHT or WRONG way when it comes to working/nonworking moms. It's more about HOW I spend my time with Conner....and that's NOT CHANGING!!!8)
Please continue to pray for us!! I called my principal and have taken a pregnancy leave position in January. This will be a great opportunity to get my feet wet about going back to work and to see if it's what the Lord wants for us!!!! The most amazing part is that I'll actually be in my OLD classroom working with Mrs. Schuerman, my teaching assistant- in SECOND grade! Another specific prayer need that we have is finding the right daycare situation for Conner. Also, if I'm supposed to go back to work next year...of course there needs to be a job opening! I'll keep you updated as time goes by...thank you in advance for your thoughts, words of encouragement, and prayers!!
There has been a huge topic of conversation at our house for the past couple of weeks....whether or not I should go back to work and it's been sooner than we expected! The Lord has blessed David and I tremendously in so many ways!! He worked everything out so that I did and still do have the option to stay at home with Conner; I'm just not sure of the time frame. Obviously, with us having to adjust to one income, we've had to make some changes and sacrifices. We are beginning to get serious about finding a home/land...it's a bit overwhelming especially seeing how the market is at the present time. I know that things will make a turn for the best and thankfully, thanks to Mammaw Shirley-thank you!! thank you!!, we are not in a position to sell a home. However, we are in a time of transition and know that there are even more financial decisions/sacrifices around the corner. First of all, let me say that I am completely confident that the Lord is Jehovah Jirah, our provider, and I know that sometimes on "paper" things don't work out, but HE makes a way in the end!! Knowing this truth, I still want to do what's best for our family whether that means being a stay at home mom or a working mom. We've been discussing a couple of options that would require me working at night and on weekends, and I just haven't had a peace about it at all!! Yes, it would enable me to stay at home and possibly help with health benefits, but David and I would be bypassing one another to go to work, and in the long run, I think it might put a larger strain on our family. I've always wanted to stay at home, and David and I made that decision back when we were "boyfriend & girlfriend"...8) It has been such a JOY being at home with Conner, and I wouldn't have traded it for anything!! David is not putting pressure on me...this is totally coming from my heart/thoughts. I haven't really obtained the "UNREALISTIC" view that I had in my mind of being a stay at home mom/wife. Is the house immaculate?...no Do I prepare gourmet meals every night?...no Do I always have the energy required to keep Conner stimulated/happy?...no Have I been abusing the right to sleep in?...yes! 8) All of these questions are actually 'LIGHT-HEARTED" and I realize that it would have never been to that extreme, but my point is now I can envision life as a working (outside of the home) mom where before I never gave it much thought. I have no doubt that I would continue striving to be the mom/wife that God wants me to be. In fact, I've seen some of my friends do it, and they do a fantastic job!! Plus, I know that I have a support team found in my friends and family. My ultimate reason for choosing the profession of a teacher is because it blends so well with the family, and of course, I have a passion for children and a love for teaching! In the past, I've been guilty of staying up in my classroom WAY too long after the bell rings, accepting phone calls from parents early in the morning and at night, and not allowing myself to take off my "teacher" hat when I entered the home. Well, things have changed, and I now have a precious little boy and of course my hubby to take care of!! I believe I'm now capable of creating a healthy balance between teaching and all other aspects of life...actually I began to accomplish this last year when I was pregnant, so I know it can be done.
I chose to blog about this for THREE main reasons: #1 Our family would appreciate your prayers and any words of encouragement that you may have for us. This is a huge decision, and we truly desire to do the Lord's will!! We ask you to pray for wisdom and clarity and ultimately STRENGTH if I do go back to teaching sooner than we expected. #2 I wanted to list the positive reasons for going back to work. If I were to create a list of the reasons to stay at home, it would be never ending, so I decided to focus on some positive aspects in being a working mom/wife! #3 For journal purposes...it is so amazing when you look back at your life during particular times and you're able to witness first-hand what the Lord has done and how He put everything together for the good!!
Positive reasons for going back to work...remember, I'm not even going to mention the ones that stink such as waking up at 5:00AM...oops, that one slipped!8)
1. Well, since I've already mentioned getting to school so early, I'll go ahead and say that on mornings where you have to literally CRAWL out of bed and into the shower to get ready, there is usually a very rewarding experience on the other side. One of my favorite moments is when the first student walks into the classroom with his/her book bag and looks at you with this half-tired yet inspired smile wondering what is in store for the day. At that moment, it's okay!
2. The financial burden would be lifted...we would have another source of income/INSURANCE...big one!!
3. I would have more adult interaction again...that's always good!
4. I would get to interact with students again...I really do miss that! My love language is "Words Of Approval/Encouragement", and although David does a great job encouraging me, I miss the students' sweet letters and comments. Maybe there's not much merit to..."Mrs. Crenshaw, you're the best teacher!", "You're so sweet and pretty", and other sweet messages, but they still touch my heart in a special way and give me the extra boost I need to get through the day!
5. It would be a good change for CONNER!!! He is growing up so much and loves to be around people...young and old. I am so proud of the way he interacts with others; he would have a wonderful opportunity to learn new experiences at daycare and would enjoy playing with the other babies/children. He does such a great job at church nursery...Crossgates and our brothers' & sisters' church, Pinelake! I think it would be an easy transition for him especially during this first year of his life. It will be somewhat more difficult for me, but in the long run, I believe it would be good for both of us and our relationship.
6. I am blessed with a job where I can still be the "hands on" mom that I desire to be while continuing to teach. We get out around 3:00, and therefore, I would still have the afternoon with Conner. In addition, I would have my weekends, school holidays, and summer....HUGE!!
7. I would miss my precept Bible Study on Tuesday mornings, but there is so much good that's come out of it. I have met wonderful new friends, and most importantly I've found a love for the OLD TESTAMENT. Every single king/prophet or any other person, situation, and story was divinely written in God's Word so that we may apply it to our lives and learn how to live a life that honors HIM...with our WHOLE heart!!8) My prayer is that I continue to dig deep in His Word so that He can draw me closer and closer!!
8. The school day flies!! Before you know it, it's lunch, then dismissal!! Same with the year!...time flies when you're having fun and you don't have enough time to get everything done!
9. I'll get my creative side of the brain working again!8)
10. I'll have a reason to dress up...compared to staying in my pj's until 2:00pm or later!
11. The structure would be good for me.
Well, after thinking about ALL of this for awhile, my momma called me and told me that something had dropped in her Spirit....she said that she couldn't stop thinking about me going back to teaching. I admire my parents so much!! They both have a close relationship with the Lord and raised me to desire the same for my life. I realize MORE and MORE that I am blessed with an AMAZING mom and dad who pray for me, encourage me, and are there for me even as I get older. The Lord just confirmed to and through my mom that we are looking in the right direction rather than focusing on jobs that I would solely be working for the money and at inconvenient hours to accommodate me being able to stay at home. I have the most PEACE about just going back to work as a teacher!! I recently saw a very disturbing Oprah show where "stay at home" moms and "working" moms fought back and forth about who was right or wrong. There is simply not a RIGHT or WRONG way when it comes to working/nonworking moms. It's more about HOW I spend my time with Conner....and that's NOT CHANGING!!!8)
Please continue to pray for us!! I called my principal and have taken a pregnancy leave position in January. This will be a great opportunity to get my feet wet about going back to work and to see if it's what the Lord wants for us!!!! The most amazing part is that I'll actually be in my OLD classroom working with Mrs. Schuerman, my teaching assistant- in SECOND grade! Another specific prayer need that we have is finding the right daycare situation for Conner. Also, if I'm supposed to go back to work next year...of course there needs to be a job opening! I'll keep you updated as time goes by...thank you in advance for your thoughts, words of encouragement, and prayers!!
Friday, October 26, 2007
GO STATE!
David and I went to Blockbuster to rent some movies. Conner wore his MSU toboggan since it was a little chilly. He's already such a proud BULLDOG!! Heehee...we're raising him right!
Look at those chubby cheeks...gotta love it!! ;)
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
First time in the highchair...
I decided to try out Conner's highchair this morning. He did really well. In fact, usually I can't get the food in his mouth fast enough, but this time he was so entertained by the new view that he forgot to demand between bites. That was a good change!8)
I gave him his own spoon while I fed him...he'll get the hang of it!8) It's fun to see him experiment with new things.
He preferred using his hands. Umm, green beans/rice cereal...finger foods?!? It works for us!8)
Another highlight of our day....
Daddy surprised us by coming home for lunch today. He had a meeting in Jackson, so he picked up Wendy's and came home before heading back to work....yeah! Conner and I were supposed to meet up with some friends at the park today, but due to the weather, we didn't go. I was kinda bummed, but Daddy made it all better!! We love you!8)
Just some more sweet pictures of Conner...notice him sitting up all by himself!
Also, Aunt Brandy gave him the shirt that he's wearing. It says, "God's special work of ART!" Thank you Aunt Brandy! We love you and Baby Devin Kyle...due to make his appearance in April!!;)
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Surprise Sarah!!
SURPRISE...
Happy Birthday, Sarah! We love you!!
SARAH AND ANDREW
My new favorite picture of us...
Conner LOVES the remote to the t.v. These are some pictures that we took of Conner playing with it. David and I would move it around on the floor, and Conner kept rolling towards it. I believe he would make efforts to crawl to the thing if he could! What wonderful inspiration that can be found in such an everyday item...I guess he notices Daddy and I playing with the changer and wants a turn!8)
Watching some football...see Grandma, I really like it!!8)
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
We're gettin' there...
Goodness! I go from not posting for a week and a half to posting three times in one day! I just had to post these pictures of Conner sitting...with support. We surround him with pillows so that he can gain the strength needed to sit up on his own and for safety reasons. Thanks Jenny...we've also been doing what you suggested. We're gettin' there!! He'll be sitting pretty on his own in no time!! ;)
Conner's hair is FINALLY growing....
Sometimes it seems as though I'm watching a carrot grow as I wait for Conner's hair to come in. When I look at his hair or even my own, I'm often reminded of that verse in Matthew....
"And even the very hairs on your head are all numbered." Matthew 10:30
He created us and therefore knows everything there is to know about us, and He always knows what's best for us even when we don't. How awesome is our GOD!!! May we continue or even begin to dig deep in His Word so that He can teach us more about Him!!
Precious, precious little boy...
Playing Catch Up...
It's been over a week since I've blogged, so it's time to catch up a little. We haven't done much, but here's a few moments from the past couple of days. Conner's asleep and I could be cleaning. Cleaning?!?....blogging?!?...I choose to blog!!8)
Last Thursday was my Mamie's birthday, so Conner and I went over to her house to visit. We love you Great Mamie!! 8)
On Saturday I went to a Beautiful Conference hosted at our church for 6-12 grade girls. It was awesome!! We were able to hear from speakers who shared inspirational testimonies, talk and pray with girls, play relay games, and sing praise and worship songs that were led by a fantastic ALL girl band!! David and Conner got to spend "manly" time together while David worked a side job...then they enjoyed a day full of lounging in the living room watching football. When I got home I joined them in watching the LSU vs. Kentucky game. It was a great game that went into several overtimes. I'm sorry for all you Tiger fans out there, but I just don't care for LSU at all! (Honestly it's probably due to the fact that they're so good and completely stomped us DAWGS this year.) Anyway, we were pulling for the Wildcats!!! They won...yeah!! After the game, we went to eat Mexican...no surprise there!
On Sunday we went to Mammaw's after church. She had cooked a FABULOUS meal and we enjoyed spending time with all the aunts, uncles, and cousins, along with Mammaw and Papaw Bobby! Thank you for having everyone over for lunch. The food was sooooo good! As Anna Grace said, "How did you do all that?" ;)We love you!!
Just a funny face...
Date Night!!
We went on a double date last night with some of our very good friends, Nathan and Robin. Okay...we went to Olga's for this interactive dinner play. It was so much fun! Robin and I had already been about two months ago, so we thought that it would be neat for the boys to join us. What happens is there is a play throughout the dinner where someone gets murdered. Our play last night was called Fatal Football Fever. You have to figure out who is the murderer, what is their motive, and list the clues that gave it away. At the end of the night, there is a winning table and a losing table...with prizes and all!! I know that it may seem strange, but believe me, it's so fun...like being part of a real-life Clue game! Really better cause I don't get into the game of Clue. The actors are very talented and it's extremely entertaining. (If you like that kind of thing.) I'm competitive and of course want to be the table that figures out who committed the murder and why. Well, we were the ones to figure it out!! 8)
If you're interested, you can e-mail missmurdermystery@yahoo.com to find out the times of the next shows. Their website is www.missmurdermystery.com I've never been to it, but it probably explains the concept better than I did...I'm just telling you that it's worth checking out if you like to solve mysteries and watch plays.
Robin and I won last time, so we're TWO for TWO!!
We were the James Bond group
Our Family Portrait
We got our picture taken by the Langford Volunteer Fire Department. Our church just recently updated our directory, but I was pregnant with Conner, so we needed an updated picture of all of us. I think that it turned out great!! Conner looks so happy!
Thank you Sarah for the cute outfit...we love it!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)