Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

I can't believe that I have been out of school and I have blogged less than when I am in school. Our family had a wonderful Christmas. The kids got way too many things, as usual. But we always say that is why we had them, so we could spoil them. It doesn't help that their grandparents spoil them way beyond what we ever could. We spent a lot of time visiting with family, this is my favorite part of Christmas. So many people do not like the chaos of family but I tend to love being right in the middle of it. Call me crazy.
Now I am looking forward to the new year. I was filling out my new 2009 calender last night, putting in all the birthdays and other important dates that I didn't want to forget, and I was looking back at all that had gone on throughout 2008. There were deaths, births, anniversaries, ball seasons, dance seasons, me graduating and getting a job, cars had been bought and sold (Tim) and so much more. I can only begin to think of what things I will be looking back on this time next year. There will be more of all the things just mentioned and so much more that will be happening in the lives of us all, how exciting, the fear and excitement of the unknown. If I had to wrap up my thoughts for this year in a few simple words they would be:

Thankful
God given
Hopeful
Love

Happy New Year from the Preston's!!

Just had to share...the priorities of a seven year old

Earlier in the week our neighbors that live behind us thought they had a gas leak. They called the Fire Dept. to come and check it out. Come to find out they did not have a leak and everything was fine. The next night Carter tells me that he has packed a bag that he can grab in a hurry if our house ever catches on fire. I say, "That's a good idea Carter" and we go on with whatever it was that we were doing at the time. Today, I was looking for some of his shoes in his room and he comes in and tells me, "There's my bag I have packed", then he left the room. I looked in the bag, curious as to what his prized possessions where that had to make it out safe in case of a fire. In his bag I found:

3 band-aids
2 gauze pads
1 sample tube of Neoseporin
2 karate belts, 1 yellow and one white
1 Incredible Hulk blanket
1 pair of Nike football cleats
4 baseball caps
1 sandwich bag full of baseball cards

You just never know what is important to a 7 year old, really

Christmas is almost here!!!

My kids are getting really excited about Christmas almost being here. They have their countdown chains made and are tearing them off each night. We usually try to do some fun Christmasy (is that a word?) things the week or so before to really get in the spirit.
We went to "Winter Wonderland" in Springfield on Thursday night. It was really nice. They had scenes and a lighted path to walk along. They also had a mule drawn carriage that took you around the lake. And the best part of all was that it was FREE!
We will also go to Tim's work (Goodlettsville City Hall) and the kids like to run around all the decorations that they have there. We will make reindeer food and Christmas cookie a couple of nights before Christmas Eve. And who knows what else we will find to get into. It's just all-in-all a great time of year and I cherish these memories with my kids so much because I know they won't want to do these things forever.

Schools almost out!!!!!

I'm not sure who is more excited about school being out, me or my kids. The kids in my class have pretty much already checked out. It is getting really hard to keep them under control and on top of them being extremely ready to be out of school, they have mid-term exams this week. I'm sure they will do really well on those.
Anyway, my two kids are getting really excited too. I can't believe that Santa comes in 10 days. HG is 9 years old and I know the clock is ticking for Santa so I am really trying to hang on as long as I can. Carter is primed up for Santa and is really worried about this whole naughty and nice thing. Until next time...

Keepin' it real

My friend Brea often writes about being real. I love to read those because it is always a reminder of how we are all human and if we would just keep it real there would be a lot more clarity in this world. Well here is my most recent real moment...

My kids attend Greenbrier Elementary School they are in 1st and 4th grade. We rec'd a note that came home with each child asking if anyone would like to adopt an angel or if anyone was in need of being an angel. After a life lesson talk with my kids they each decided to adopt a child that was around the same age and was the same gender. So yesterday I was a Target getting some shopping done while Tim was sleeping and the kids were hanging out with Granna (Tim's mom). So I start looking for things for our little angels. Now keep in mind they ask that we buy an entire outfit for these kids, shirt, pants, underwear, socks, and shoes. I go over all of the sale racks piece by piece trying to find the cheapest piece of clothing that doesn't look like the cheapest piece of clothing, then I go to the underwear and try to find the cheapest pack of underwear there is. I didn't get shoes there because there weren't any on sale cheap enough, I figured I could get some cheaper later. Is the selfishness making you sick yet? So I get home and like a ton of bricks hitting me, I realize what a selfish person I am. I would never be this bargain conscious with clothes for my kids. Here I am pinching pennies with things for these kids who really need my help. And for my kids (who need NOTHING) I don't give it a second thought. What am I teaching my kids? I shutter to think of the example that I am setting for them. My intention is to go shopping again this week with my kids and re-do what I have so badly messed up, which is the true meaning of giving unselfishly, the way that God has taught us to. This Christmas we are fortunate to have more income than we have in a long time. I am so ashamed that it has not been my thoughts to use that extra to help others. Lord, please help me to keep my eyes on you and the meaning of this season. Amen

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

Do any of you ever feel guilty for being thankful? I know that sounds really strange to think about, but when I think about all of the things that I am thankful for, I start to feel guilty for being so blessed. I feel guilty because there are so many people out there who are hurting; hurting for reasons that I can only imagine what it would be like to go through. Yet, here I sit, in my wonderful home, with my wonderful husband and kids, spent the day with my wonderful family, and all of the other wonderful things that I have been blessed with...health, job, husband's job, healthy kids, great neighbors, I could go on and on. And what did I do to deserve all of this? NOTHING. God loves me so much that He has blessed me with all of these. All I have to do is live for Him to the best of my ability. Now don't get me wrong, that is no easy task. There are days when living for Him is further from my mind than others ( I AM human, ya know), but what an incredible feeling to know that God has my every thought, fear and desire in His hands and is blessing me all the while. Thank you God for all of the blessings in my life. The blessings that are so obvious and the blessings that I may not realize yet are blessings.

Today was spent at my Uncle Mike and Aunt Nona's house with my Grandmother, parents, brother, aunts, uncles, and cousins. We all had way too much to eat but enjoyed the fellowship.

HG riding "Cisco"

Carter riding "Chocolate"

The Dalton's vs. The Preston's

HG and Savannah (her cousin)

Granny and the kids playing

Catching up...

I can't believe that it has been so long since I have posted. I get caught up in reading everyone else's that I forget to post on mine.

We just got back from having dinner with Tim's mom. Today is her birthday. She is 66. She would kill me if she knew that I just posted her age on here.

We are all trying to stay warm. I can't believe how cold it is getting. I have to say that I prefer summer over winter any day. But I had better bundle up and wait until it's over.

We are great, the kids are great. I hope all that are reading this are doing well too. I am posting some pictures of miscellaneous things: the kids acting crazy, Carter at the pumpkin patch, and Bobcat prowl at GES. Until next time...

Fall Fun

My parents kept the kids today while Tim was sleeping and I had to work. I got there to pick them up and they were playing in a pile of leaves in their back yard. The kids were running and jumping in them like they were a bottomless pit. I was thinking about how fun it would be to do that myself, but, holy cow how that would hurt for days on end. Isn't it amazing how our bodies change and we wouldn't even consider doing some of the things that we did when we were kids. I guess that's one of the reason we are given children is to remember how wonderful those days were and to cherish them with our kids.

Halloween

Well, a great time was had by all. Our family tradition is that we all go to my mom and dad's for hot dogs and desert, then on to EVERY single house in the neighborhood. Tim's mom, my grandparents, Scott and Christie and kids and pretty much anyone else who wants to come is there. We eat, feed the spooks, see all the family and cousins and of course get enormouse amounts of candy. Thanks mom and dad for the wonderful memories!!

Fall Festival of Marriage

Wow!! What a great weekend. We (Tim and I) along with My mom and dad and brother and sister-in-law went to Ridgecrest, North Carolina for the "Fall Festival of Marriage". I have to say I was somewhat nervous about what to expect for this past weekend. But oh, what a wonderful weekend. We were able to pick 6 out of about 10 workshops to attend that best fit our marriage and/or things that pertained to us. Some of the workshops included Conflict, Sex, Dating and several others. Each day ended with a worship service that had more impact on my life and marriage than I could have ever thought possible. The last night after the service there was a candlelight service where all of the couples renewed their vows. This may sound kind-of generic but it was very emotional and a beautiful experience. We will definitely be going back next year and I would encourage anyone who reads this to look on Lifeway's website and check out FOM (Festival of Marriage) it will be the best investment that you could ever make in your marriage.

Pumpkin Carving with the Preston's!!

Summer Fun!!

Family Fishin'

We have some friends that have a pond behind their house and they are so wonderful to let us come and fish whenever we want. This is one of our new found family hobbies. All you need is a hot dog for bait and a couple of poles and there are hours of entertainment for all.

GO BOBCATS!!

Homecoming was Friday night. Our Bobcats are having a great season. We love going to these games. This is one of the few places where the community still gathers for the Friday night game.

Do you remember when the sound of the "Popsicle Man" coming made your heart race and want to jump out of your chest. Well the feeling is still the same with my kids. They won't hear a word I have said all day long but they can hear the ice cream truck 5 miles down the road. Oh to be a kid again...

Carter is playing fall baseball in Greenbrier. So far their team is undefeated and they have 3 or 4 more games left. After fall baseball comes Upward Basketball. Never a dull moment but I wouldn't trade it for the world. We are so blessed to have healthy happy kids!!

Sorry mom and dad...

OK, so I have been somewhat infatuated with tattoos forever. I think they are so interesting. I think it is such an art and I like the stories behind the tattoos that people get. I'm not talking about the tattoo from the drunken night before the wedding or anything. I'm talking about the one's that truly have some meaning behind them. I have to admit, I am a regular watcher of "Miami Ink" and "LA Ink" on TLC. So all of this to say...I got my first tattoo. It is on my ring finger. And yes, it can be covered up by my wedding ring. Needless to say, my parents were less than thrilled. But Tim, thought it was pretty cool. I didn't tell anyone that I was getting it done. I just came home with it one day as a surprise. Tim's reaction..."Is it real?". Dad's reaction..."Well, now you don't have to show your driver's license for people to know you live in Robertson County". For those of you who know my dad, you know that was the typical David Batson reaction. All that matters, in actuality is that I LOVE it. It is always a reminder of how permanent my love is for my wonderful husband. I love you Tim, now and forever!!

Where I am meant to be!!!

Well, I have completed the first 4 1/2 weeks of school. So far things are going great. I keep wondering when all hell is going to break loose. I am loving what I am doing. I can honestly say now, without a doubt, that this is what I was put on this earth to do. I love teaching. 6th graders can be very challenging, but they are also craving so much attention, love, and understanding. Don't get me wrong, I have a couple of goofballs that I could do without seeing everyday but the good out weighs the bad by so much more.
Things, so far, are working out really well at home. I was really unsure how things would work out with me working full time. Tim works nights so he is able to pick up the kids everyday from school. He loves having that extra time with them. Life is still pretty crazy with fall baseball and dance but I wouldn't have it any other way.
God has blessed our family beyond what I ever thought possible. I spent so much time worrying about a job and what about the kids and how will I ever get things done. Well, I could really kick myself and I am still asking for forgiveness for the doubt that I had. I guess the learning experience that came out of this has been a great testimony to share with others. Isn't it amazing how hard times can make for such a wonderful testimony once you see that you lived through it?

In memory of Francis Albert

I am posting with a sad heart tonight. Tim's grandmother passed away this evening. She was 85 years old. She was a wonderful lady, was loved by all, and will be truly missed.
I am having such a hard time finding the right words to explain to HG and Carter about death. My grandmother passed away this past November and it was hard then to answer their questions. Now here we are again. They spent the night at my mom and dad's house and are going to church with them so I won't see them until tomorrow afternoon. I know that HG is going to be so sad, not that Carter won't but she is much more emotional than him and she spent more time with Grandmama than he did. It is just so hard to explain to a child why death, sometimes, is a good thing.
I know that she is in heaven now and she is not having to complain about the food at the nursing home not having enough seasoning. I'm sure the chef in heaven knows just the right amount to make it the way she likes it. And I can't help but wonder if she is talking to Moses or Noah or some of the others that we have only read about.
God bless you Grandmama, we will miss you...

It's been a while

It has been a while since I have posted, I know. School is really overwhelming. There is so much to do and not near enough time to do it in. I think I could stay at the school 24 hours a day and still not feel like I am caught up. I try to really use my time at school to get a lot done so I don't have to bring as much home. All in all, though, I love it. I am exactly where I am suppose to be. God has placed me in a school that I really love being a part of and where I feel like I can really make a difference.
My kids are really liking school. HannahGrace is in the same class with her best friend Anna Grace. Carter really likes his teacher and has a few kids from his class last year with him. They are both doing great so far.
Carter turned 7 the same week that school started. 7 going on 15. He is playing fall baseball in Greenbrier and his first game is Tuesday. There hasn't been much of a break since all-stars but I have to admit I have really missed watching him play. HG starts dance on Monday. She is really excited to get back into that. This is her 7th year taking dance. She is actually taking 2 things this year for the first time. She is taking tumbling and hip-hop.
Tim is still working nights, 6pm to 6am. So far it has really worked out great with the kids because he is able to pick them up from school everyday. They love it to. He may possibly be going to days before to long. That may be interesting. It will be the first time since we have been married that he will have normal work hours. We may actually be able to function like a normal family. Whatever that is.
Well that is all of the updates that I have for now. I have a ton of papers to grade. Until next time...

School is in session!!

Today was the first day of class. It was a great day! I loved the way the kids came in really nervous and scared and how they left feeling a little more comfortable with what they were about to encounter...6th grade. I am really excited about what is to come in this school year and I am looking so forward to getting inside the minds of my students. These are a couple of pictures from my classroom before I put anything on the walls so it looks pretty bare.
Tim and my parents have been so wonderful helping me get things ready. They have cleaned out, cleaned up, painted, and so much more. I could have never been ready without them. Thanks so much ya'll, I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family!!

Today was really great but it was only a half day. I hope my blogs continue with this spirit by the end of next week and throughout the year.

Getting ready for school

I have been frantically getting my classroom ready for school to begin. I decided on Monday to go ahead and paint the room while I didn't have anything on the walls. So yesterday, my mom, Tim, and I painted. Two walls are royal blue and the other 2 are lime green. I now just have to buy the stuff to put on my walls and get a little more organized. I am still so nervous about what to do on the first day, and well, all the days after that. There are 9 sixth grade teachers and I feel like they pretty much know what the other teachers are covering in each subject, I just hope that I am somewhere close to what they are doing. I will take pictures tonight and put them on here. I am really proud of how it has turned out. Until next time...

Now what?

Well, we made it back home safe and sound. It really is good to be back home and we can't wait to sleep in our own bed tonight. I have been spending hours unpacking, getting the animals situated again and trying to get things back to normal (if there is such a thing). We had such a great time. I know there are a lot of people who don't care much for big family vacations but I absolutely love them. There were 10 of us, my mom and dad, my brother and his family and my family. We are so very blessed to have a close family that all get along. I already can't wait to go again next year.

Now begins the preparation for school. I am going to sign my contract on Monday at 9:30 then I will be going to the school to see my classroom. My mind is going crazy trying to figure out what to do next. There are so many things that need to be done but so many more things that I don't even know that need to be done. I guess this is all part of 1st year teacher jitters. I know there are a thousand questions that I want to ask, if only I knew what questions those were. Then a few minutes ago I realized that I haven't purchased the kids' school supplies yet and I haven't planned Carter's birthday party that is in less than 2 weeks. I can't decide if I should panic yet. I am really going to try and get a lot of these things done tomorrow (Sun) because I know I will be in total teacher mode after Monday.

Thanks so much to all of you who have prayed for me and listened to me whine about finding a job. I have learned so much about patience through this process and I have been given another wonderful example to share with others of how God always provides and how He is on His timetable not mine.

Vacation Pics...

Really big waves. Red flags where up on Tuesday.

Can you say..."sun grins"!

The girls have a new talent...

I GOT A JOB!!!!!!!

So my goal was to have a job before I went on vacation, but I never thought I would get a job while I was on vacation. The principal called me yesterday (Mon.) morning wanting to do a phone interview. I called her back in the afternoon and she said that she would check my references and call me back. As soon as I got up this morning (Tues.) she called and offered me the position. I am now a 6th grade teacher at Greenbrier Middle School, teaching math, reading, and language arts. I am so relieved to have a job and have spent most of the day thanking God for taking care of me as He always does and also asking for forgiveness for ever doubting Him.
Well, we are headed back to the beach!!

1st day of vacation...

Well, we made it safe and sound. It was a long day of driving and the kids were pretty rowdy most of the trip. We were pretty much exhausted so we went to the grocery, got some pizza, ate ice cream and went to bed. After a much needed good night of sleep we all got up around 10am. Did I mention there are 10 of us. My mom and dad, brother and his family, and our family. We all get along great so we are having a great time. We spent the day at the pool and then on to the beach, no one is too fried yet so I guess we will be back at it again tomorrow.

Getting ready for vacation!

It is such a shame that getting ready for vacation is such hard work. I have been preparing in the back of my mind all week. Strategically using the milk so it will work out just right so that I won't have to buy any but that we won't waste any either, trying figure out which clothes to wear so that I don't have to do so much laundry the day before we leave. Anyway, I guess in a weird way it sort of makes the few days before leaving a little more exciting. I did finally find someone to keep our dog. A lady that works at the police department with Tim is going to keep her. That is such a load off. As much as I hate to admit it, I really am going to miss the dog.
I still don't have a job. My goal was to have a job before vacation but it looks like God has a different plan for me and I have to accept that. There have been many doors that have been shut, but I know that others are opening. I am still working on being patient.
I will try to post while we are in FL with pics if I can.
BEACH OR BUST!!!

What is happening to our marriages?

What is happening to our marriages? In the past three days I have found out of two couples we know that are divorcing. Both of these couples are people that we thought had the perfect marriage and the perfect family. These just go to show that we have no idea what is happening behind closed doors. I am the first to admit that I do not have the perfect marriage but I know now more than ever that I cannot let my guard down. I cannot let Satan enter my marriage. We are all human and we all make mistakes. But I think we have to also walk in one another's shoes (our spouses, that is). I know that I am guilty of going along in this life in my own world, tending to the kids, looking for work, house stuff and everything else that occupies my time, thinking about myself and what all I am dealing with. I find myself sometimes ignoring my husband and what he needs from me, which mostly, is my time. I forget how important it is sometimes to show my husband how much I appreciate him and how important he is to not only me but our family. I also have to remember that he is human and whatever needs he is not getting from me he could very well get them somewhere else, even if this means just an ear to listen. I have had a wake-up call over the last few days that I have to continue to work on my marriage and not get too comfortable in the everyday stuff, but really and truly be the wife that God intended me to be. Tim and I are going to attend the "Festival of Marriage" in October that Lifeway sponsors. I am excited but at the same time nervous that I will find out that I am not giving everything I have to our marriage. I am excited that we will be given tools to continue to grow with each other in the years to come. I would like to challenge anyone reading this to stop and think about your marriage. Is there anything more that you can do to show your spouse that they are appreciated and let them know that your marriage is a priority. Until next time...

Doggy sitter...

I was wondering if anyone had any experience with boarding a dog. We are going on vacation in a couple of weeks and I am not sure what to do with our dog Miley. My mother-in-law said that she would keep her but I know that she is not crazy about the idea. She has a 14 year old cat who also will not be crazy about the idea. I have heard of people boarding dogs but I am not sure exactly what they do. I have this terrible picture in my head of her sitting in a cage all day and night for a week and I could not handle that. Please let me know if any of you have any thoughts or suggestions. Thanks!!

Hannah Grace's All-Stars are over...

Well, ball season is officially over. HG's team came in 3rd in her tournament. They did so well and absolutely played their hearts out. The girls were heartbroken over the loss but it was short lived. After they got their medals, a pep-talk, and the promise of a big end-of-season party they were all smiles again.

She hit better during All-Stars than she had been. I guess she knew she had to turn it on.

HG's biggest fan!!