Praise the Lord! =)

Well, the Lord has answered my prayer in 4 different ways in the last two days! It makes me think of the verse that says "what is man, that thou art mindful of him." I'm nothing really, but God will still provide.

I'll be busy, but it will all be good.

Today, I went in to help out in the library. I labeled and shelved close to 200 books in 6 hours. The juvenile book section is being cataloged rearranged and that is going to be one of my projects this summer. Tomorrow I'm planning on being in the library for 8 hours. Now that I know more of what needs to be done, I think it'll move a little faster.

While working on the books, I think I pinched a nerve in my back. It hurts so much! I just took some pain reliever and have a heating pad on it to try to take the edge off the pain. If I am sitting or standing without any other movement, I'm ok. But, I can't be still for that long. I'm always shifting about. I do hope it gets better quickly.

Well, that's all for now. Have a blessed day!

I'm in quite a pickle. The one thing I need most is prayer. I thought everything was in order, but its not. I'm not sure why the Lord is having me go through this situation, but there is a reason for it. Otherwise, I wouldn't be going through it. I do not want to share the specifics of it because I was to see the Lord provide. In my logical, reasoning mind, there's no way its going to work out. BUT, I serve a God who owns the cattle on a thousand hills. He can provide.

I do have another request. My health is on the poor side as of late. I'm having asthma problems. With my health insurance, I can't even afford the meds I'm suppose to take on a daily basis. It's actually cheaper to have a full blown attack and go in to see the doctor than fill the prescriptions. (Wrong line of thinking, I know.)

I was asked about being a camp counselor for a church that I don't know. No, it wasn't a random thing, really. Watson, the youth pastor here, took a group of the younger kids to junior camp week. I guess while there, another church had need of a lady counselor. So, he called me. I told him I was willing (but that I had no idea where the camp is). So he called the camp back. Someone else filled the need, but I'm on-call now as a fill-in counselor. I think it would be a great experience.

Year in Review

Wow. School is over. Today is the last out-service day as well. My summer vacation is here. I don’t plan on working this summer (well, not a “regular” job, anyway) but there is still plenty to get ahead on. I have to think through a new discipline plan for my fourth graders. Oh, by the way, it is official that I am teaching fourth grade next year. Some people ask if I’m ok with that. I am. I did student teach fourth grade, so its not completely new to me. Only the second semester curriculum will be. J

There are a few changes for this coming school year. One K5, two 1st, one 2nd, one 3rd, two 4th, one 5th, and one 6th. There are 6 staff members not returning in the fall and I think that there are 2 people being hired. One of this year’s 4th grade teachers is moving up to 6th and will also be our department supervisor. I think he will do a great job. I did go up to his classroom to ask him a few things and for ideas about next year. There will be a music teacher and possibly a computer teacher (I really do hope for a computer teacher because I don’t want to teach it), but PE will now just be incorporated into recess. I hope I have a consistent aide to take mine out. If not, Sheila and I will alternate turns with the kids. Another thing that is changing is my involvement with the daycare. I don’t plan on working in it this next school year. I want to be available to meet with parents after school and to be able to get my grades done and posted.

I’m flying home Monday. I am excited about seeing my family again. It’s been too long. That’s the only drawback about moving so far from home. I know this is where God wants me for the time being, so I know that I will not be happy anywhere else. I’d rather be happy, far from home, and in God’s will than be where I “want” to be, miserable, and out of God’s will. I’ll be chaperoning my brother’s choir trip to Cedar Point on Tuesday. I think my mom going, but my sister cannot due to work.

Well, that’s all for now. There are still things to be done. I’ll try to update more often this summer, time permitting. God Bless!

From Friday, May 25, 2007

The past few days have been interesting, to say the least. Yesterday, the bookshelf that I use in my classroom came tumbling down. Oh yeah, this was during class, too. So, I challenged the kids to complete a 3 times table worksheet of a hundred problems before I got my shelf back up. Some finished before I did, but it certainly wasn't wasted time. They needed the review. So, after our check, 10 of my 16 got all 100 problems correct. =) My shelf looks fine now.
The other day at lunch, we ate outside. All was fine and dandy until I stepped on the rubber mats from the kitchen that were outside. My heels got stuck in the holes! I was trying to free one and stepped on the mat with the other foot and got that one stuck as well. Lisa (one of the kitchen ladies) came out right then and just started laughing at me. I was laughing too. Even some of my kids saw what had happened.
Earlier this evening, I went 40-45 minutes from where I live to attend a singles conference. I had a great time there. Of course, I didn't know a single person. No one else from my church attended. I still can’t believe I made it out there without getting lost! Praise God! I can get lost in my own back yard! While there, we played a few different games. In one of them, I almost lost my slip!
I get home and there's a message for me on the machine from one of my roommates. She asked me to shut the sprinkler off because she forgot to. I go out to check it and its not running. Ok, may she'd just losing it. Well, I try to do some laundry and there's no water. PERIOD! Great. I go to check the hose and sure enough, its on, but no water is coming out. She ran the pump dry! (Yes, we have well water right now.) I called my dad and he tells me what to do. I tried the easiest thing first and that does not fix the problem. Then, I try to unscrew the bolt and someone painted on it. I put some lubricant on it and it still won't budge. I guess I'll have to go to Karyn's or the school to shower. Not what I want to do at 7:30 a.m.
Oh well. The Lord knows all about it and He is in control.
We have one more week of school left! Today, my kids got to watch a movie. They are watching Ben-Hur ( a cartoon version) and they are enjoying it pretty well. I had to stop it early, but I will try to get the TV/VCR again on Tuesday for them.

Well, I found out some interesting information today. Not sure if I was supposed to know about yet. I asked my supervisor about the enrollment for next year's 2nd grade. It did go up from the last time, but the school as a whole has dropped in number. I think this is happening partly because people don't like change. There were 6 new teachers and a new administrator hired in for this year. He doesn't put up with all the junk. I like working with him. Anyway, I was told that about 6 teachers have decided that they aren't going to come back next year. Reminds me of a previous post I wrote about God's will. I was also told that I may be asked to change grades, going from second to fourth. I told my supervisor that I am willing if the need be. I do get to work a little bit with the future 4th graders since I have 2-3 grade afterschool care. Oh, that's what I'll not be doing next year. No daycare for me. Especially if I'm might be teaching 4th. There will be a lot more homework and tests to grade and I'll need the time to do. Other changes I'm not too fond of are that I (well, all elementary teachers) may have to teach their own computers, PE, and music classes along with the art class we already have to teach. PE can be their recess and music I can add to Bible class, but computers is what I am dreading. I don't have the training to teach the class, not even at a second grade level. I just know enough for myself to get by on. I don't have the technical jaron or the typing skills. I'll have to wait and see, though.
Well, I must be getting to bed.

Have a laugh today!

On a bathroom door:
TOILET OUT OF ORDER. PLEASE USE FLOOR BELOW

In a Laundromat:
AUTOMATIC WASHING MACHINES: PLEASE REMOVE ALL YOUR CLOTHES WHEN THE LIGHT GOES OUT

In a London department store:
BARGAIN BASEMENT UPSTAIRS

In an office:
WOULD THE PERSON WHO TOOK THE STEP LADDER YESTERDAY PLEASE BRING IT BACK OR FURTHER STEPS WILL BE TAKEN

In an office:
AFTER TEA BREAK STAFF SHOULD EMPTY THE TEAPOT AND STAND UPSIDE DOWN ON THE DRAINING BOARD

Outside a secondhand shop:
WE EXCHANGE ANYTHING - BICYCLES, WASHING MACHINES, ETC. WHY NOT BRING YOUR WIFE ALONG AND GET A WONDERFUL BARGAIN?

Notice in health food shop window:
CLOSED DUE TO ILLNESS

Spotted in a safari park:
ELEPHANTS PLEASE STAY IN YOUR CAR

Seen during a conference:
FOR ANYONE WHO HAS CHILDREN AND DOESN'T KNOW IT, THERE IS A DAY CARE ON THE 1ST FLOOR

Notice in a farmer's field:
THE FARMER ALLOWS WALKERS TO CROSS THE FIELD FOR FREE, BUT THE BULL CHARGES.

Message on a leaflet:
IF YOU CANNOT READ, THIS LEAFLET WILL TELL YOU HOW TO GET LESSONS

On a repair shop door: WE CAN REPAIR ANYTHING. (PLEASE KNOCK HARD ON THE DOOR - THE BELL >DOESN'T WORK)

Update

Hello everyone.
I have been busy, but that's nothing unusual! I thought I would share some updates:

Test results~ Of course, everything came back normal. The only thing that was "noted" was that with the back x-ray was that the lumbar area is narrow. That's all I was told. So, I still have no idea what is wrong with me.

School~ A month to go! Where has the time gone? I can't believe that the school year is coming to an end. Although, I am going to run out of curriculum before I run out of school days! :) My kids did a great job on this last fundraiser. We exceeded our class goal and I think I have the school's top seller as well. So, now I have to plan a pizza party for my kids as a reward. I'll enjoy doing that.

Preaching Conference~ I needed it so much. Yes, I needed the messages (and I still need to order the set) and I needed that refresher of being able to see people I know. Granted, I've been in VA almost 8 months now, I still miss so many people. I did find out that there are other alumni not too far from me, so maybe I'll try to get in touch with them.

Summer~ It looks like a trip to CA is out now. Mimi wants everyone there for her birthday, but I still have school at that time. Too bad. Now, I will be going to MI for two weeks! I asked Mr. J to let Pastor know that I would like my name on the helper list for Neighborhood Bible Time. I have missed it SOOOO much for the past 4 years due to working and staying at Fairhaven during the summer. I'm even willing to work with the teens! That's a shocker to me! I'm looking forward to this summer.

Please pray

I am curently waiting for some test results. I have been having some pain in my side, back, and stomach. It has been happening frequently the last few weeks. I was fianlly able to see a doctor on Monday, but I have been unimpressed with her. New insurance, new doctor. I was there at 3:30, my appointment was for 3:45 and I wasn't called back until 4:45. Not a fun wait.
Then, I had to go back on Tuesday for lab work and x-rays. I would like to know what is causing this pain.

God's Will

All too often I hear about people who have turned from what they claimed the Lord has called them to do. College, marriage, mission field, occupation. I don't think the Lord would have us changing it up every couple years. I know that young ladies my age who have taken on a teaching postion may stay a year or two at one place and then leave because they didn't get what they wanted (i.e. a husband). They are really searching out their own will, not God's. I've had a number of people ask me if I am returning to teach next year. Most certainly. This is where the Lord want's me. If I am to marry, then He will bring the guy here or make it quite clear in where I am to be. This time last year I had no idea that I'd be where I am at now. I love teaching my children and the ministries I am involoved in. I am getting to know the people and the area better each day.

One piece of information I got from college was to find God's Will and do it. Everything else will come in God's timing. I like listening to stories from peoples' lives when they just focused on God and everything turned out all right. It gives me goose bumps!

Double Standards

Ok, this is an area I know that I have things to work on, but I see so much of it in churches or "church people." There are many who claim to believe and follow the Word of God, but yet, they do not. Ladies ought to dress like ladies. Would you expect to see a guy in a skirt or dress? NO! So, why then is it not the same with a woman in slacks? How about music? There are things that some would listen to on the way to church, but then make sure it is off when they pull into the parking lot. Then there are the places one would go. Some would just die to been seen in a particular place, but why go there at all then? It's that guilty conscience, some say, but really, it's the Lord working on your heart. Too often, we say "do as I say, not as I do" and think that is good enough.

Why are people afraid of having godly standards? The Bible tells us that we are a peculiar people. I know that if I could change one thing, it would be the decision to honor God with my dress earlier in my life. Now, I can try to argue that I was pretty modest, but it didn't honor God. Now, people argue that a lady wearing slacks is actually more modest for certain activities. Well, think about it: If you have to wear slacks to be modest in a certain activity, should you really be participating in that activity?

Like I said, I know I have areas to work on myself. I'm not thinking of anyone in particular, but just an observation I've had.

Lost Innocence

I would think that a 7-9 year old would not know much of the ways of the world, but its not so in this day and age. Parents have let the television raise their kids and the product is not good. The television standards have dropped drastically since when it first came out. Adult cartoons are now being watched regularly by children. And no one seems to care. Kids are being shown that it is ok to lie when it gets them out of trouble. The Bible says "thou shalt not lie."

I am appalled by the lack of respect children have for adults. There should be no reason at all for a child to argue with an adult. I am trying to get my students to see that it is very rude to do that. When told to do something by someone of authority over them, they ought to say "yes ma'am/sir" and do it with no discussion. Parents are to blame for this lack of training, especially when they allow the child to argue. Kids are supposed to be sweet and innocent, but the reality is that they are rude, cocky, and have rotten attitudes.

Even working in daycare, the kids are so cruel to each other. Gossiping, scheming, bad mouthing. Where do they get this. Sadly, they most likely see it at home where their role models are. Mom, Dad, are you setting a good example for your children? Do you want them to be exactly like you. Really, take inventory of your life and figure out what characteristics you would like your children to have and improve upon them yourself.

As I have the time, the next few posts will be on differnt topics I've been thinking about or that the Lord has been dealing with me about. I've been doing a bit of thinking lately (so watch out!).

This has been a rather eventful week for a couple of my students. I had one come in on Thursday who felt fine until math class and then he complained that his head hurt. I told him to rest his head on the desk and we'll see how he feels at lunch time. Now, this child normally eats the entire lunch time (and, no, he's no slow at eating, his mom packs him a good size lunch and he enjoys it). This time, he didn't even crack open his lunchbox. Uh-oh. I brought my emergency contact info folder with me so I could call. I tried his mom's cell...no answer. I tried the work number...it was wrong. The older brother said his teacher has a number, so I went to that teacher and asked if he would get me that number. He did and I finally got through to mom. I told her that her child was not himself. She came and got him and I guess on the way out, he vomited all over the place. Poor kid! When his mom came to pick up the older brother during dismissal, she told me that he had started to feel better, but then vomited yet again. She told me she was going to keep in home the next day.
Then, Karyn asked me if I could watch her kids (one of which was sick with a fever) and I did. It was an interesting night. The fever went as high as 103.2. We gave her Motrin and put a cold-pack on her head. She had a popscicle, and after a while, her temp dropped to 99.9. Meanwhile, I am also watching 3 of the other kids as well. The middle boy gave me such trouble about doing his homework and ignored me. When he finally did work on his homework, he threw these hissy fits about not being able to smush the entire definition on one line. I told him to continue it on the next line and he said he couldn't because he already numbered it. After a few more outbursts, I grabbed his homework, wadded it up, and threw it away and told him to start over and do it right. He looked at me in a way that said "I can't believe you did that." I told him that if he even thought about throwing another fit, I'd take that paper and toss it out as well. He didn't like that either, but he did get it done without the fit.
Friday, my recess aide came in asking for the another number to call for a student who got injured while playing. This child is not a "crier" and he was crying that his wrist hurt. I guess he fell and landed on his wrist. I had to remind the aide that his mom had just left for a missions trip and that she should try dad's number. Dad came and got him. I stopped by their house on my home after school/day care to check up (I didn't get an answer when I had called). He had a clean break and is now in a cast up to his elbow of his writing hand. I told him that I'll accept some sloppy writing for a little while, but not for too long (of course, I was just joking!) and dad thanked me for stopping by (I dropped off the forgotten lunchbox and an accident report).
Then, this morning, I get a phone call at 6:45 am. I groggily answer it and on the other end is a frantic Karyn who needs to take one of her girls to the hospital (the same one who was sick and who I watched) and that she needs someone to watch the two kids who were home. I drove over. The poor sick child had another fever, a rash had developed, and her thumb was swollen. We found out that it was a viral infection that she just hasn't gotten over yet and that her thumb had an infection in it (I guess it was a different one that affected the rest of her body). Tough stuff for a 4 year old.
I did get to go to a Stampin' Up workshop today (only after I brought the two kids I was watching home with me and leave them with my roommates). I had a good time with all the ladies who showed up and I was invited to another party that'll be in a couple of weeks. I'm going to try to attend, but its on a Friday night and that's the night I work later in the day care. We'll see what happens.

Hello!

I know this is long overdue and I'm sorry about that. I thought it would be easier to update, but now I know realize that I am pretty busy! School is going well. I know that this is my "learning year", and I have been in a state of review with different things. I can see some errors I made and areas in which I can improve upon for next year and years to come.

I can't believe its March already! When I student taught, I remember that the small blocks in which I taught, it seemed to take forever, but now, I can't seem to get everything in! I've recently started reading The Boxcar Children to my students and now many of them are checking that series out of the library now. I find it rewarding to see my students step up to a new challenge and get excited about reading. I have seen a few students improve so much and I wonder what it was that I said!

I am still involved in the nursery and special music/choir and I've been going out visiting with Karyn (whom I babysit for once a week). My biggest ministry, though, is to the students I teach. We have a pretty open enrollment, and with that, we do get some students who's families don't even attend church. Please be in prayer for these students. I want to be a good example to them because I want to plant the seed of salvation in their lives as well as challenge those who have already accepted the Lord into their lives.

We are getting ready for our ODACS competition next week. I will helping with the judging of the vocals. This will be my first experience of competitions without being in them myself. I've already heard it will be a long day. We do get the day after off to recoup! :)

I do have another prayer request. I have been without a car since the end of January. Now, I'm not worried about it because I know the Lord will provide where a need is, and people have been helping me out. One of roommates let me borrow her car a number of times and my Sunday School teacher let me borrow one of his family's extra vehicles. He said I could use it as long as I need to. For this I am very thankful.

I will be traveling at the end of April. I'm going to a couple days of Preaching Conference back in Indiana. I'm excited about this! I've already booked my tickets and I'm trying to plan who all I am going to try to spend time with. I do have to take time off from work to go and my boss was kind enough to allow me to take that time off. He did tell me that, at first, he was a bit leery of me and my college. I guess he had not heard of it before. He also told me that I have impressed him and he even asked me if I know of anyone else who's looking for a teaching position. He's not the only one, so I hear. I've been told that I am doing a great job for this being my first year. The funniest thing I've heard so far is that one teacher thought I had a few years under my belt. She thought I was joking when I said this was my first year.

Well, I must be going. I'd love to hear what's going on in your corner of the world. I like being able to keep in touch with friends and loved ones. Hope to hear from you soon!

In His service,
Nicole

This has been an interesting week, to say the least. Monday morning I work up kind of disoriented, thinking that my alarm was set wrong...it went off at 6:15am....and I thought it was Sunday! It took me a few moments to realize that I needed to get up. What a way to start a Monday!

Tuesday, I was put in an awkward situation. I had my kids lined up out in the hallway for their bathroom break and one of the aides came up to me and said that she had someone she wants me to meet. Huh? Do I appear desperate or something? Goodness. And right in front of my kids. After school, I went out shopping for some new stuff for my bedroom. I found what I wanted from Office Depot for less than $100! I got a new bookshelf and a desk. I put them both together that night. My room is still a bit of disarray, but its coming together.

This week has been bit of a blur. All the days mesh into each other. I do know that my kids do things each day to bring a smile to my face. One of the first graders came up to me today and gave me a hug and said she was going to be in my class next week. I looked at her and said, "Next week?" Then she realized what she said and changed it to next year. She is such a sweetie!

I got my ODACS assignment the other day. I'm going to judge in the vocal competition. This is a bit different for me. I'm used to being the judged, not the judge! All those years of choirs.
I get home from work and then Annmarie asks me to run up to the store to get another paint roller since she broke the one she was using. So I did. Then I helped her finish paint the living room. It looks very nice. I've never painted before in my life. I did some of the edge work. Then, we find out Annmarie left the water on and flooded the kitchen! The counter, floor, under the fridge, and 4 drawers were soaked. All I could do was laugh at Annmarie for all that had happened. Then I changed the lights in the kitchen and hallway to a brighter wattage. This old house really does need some work in the lighting department.

Annmarie said that if I'd finish cleaning up the flood, she'd clean the bathroom til May. LOL! It was her mess in the first place!

Oh, my Sunday school teacher and his family is allowing me to borrow their "beater" car until I can get another one. The funny thing is, their "beater" is nice than any "nice" car I owned! I had a good laugh with Juanita about that.

Did you know that I'm Superwoman? That's what one of the kids in nursery told me tonight. It was too cute! He said that he was Superman and another boy was Batman.

Things have been busy. I enjoyed the 3 snowdays even though I was sick. I'm thankful that it happened on those extra days off.

One of my students is moving to England. His last day will be Friday. I spent a lot of time getting things ready for him and his family. I had to go through all the papers I correlated at the beginning of the year to give to his mom since she is homeschooling him for the rest of the school year. I find it slightly ironic that she asked me advice on homeschooling. I've never been homeschooled. I was public schooled all the way. I just shared with her some of my experiences while teaching this year.

I just got news that my great-grandma passed away today. I called my mom to see if she had been told and apparently she hadn't.

Well, I must go for now.

Can you hear me now?

Here's an outline from a recent message in a series my pastor did.
"Can You Hear Me Now? Communication for Edification"
Eph. 4:29

Principles for building up your spouse:

Make it safe to communicate. (Eph. 4:29)
Seek to understand, not to be understood. (v. 2;Phil. 2:2-4)
Don't assume you know- ask.
Listen- don’t interrupt. (Prov. 18:13; James 1:19)
Don't nag. (Prov. 10:19)
Don't jump to conclusions. (James1:19; Prov. 21:23)
Disagree? Yes. Disrespect? No. (Eph. 4:32)
Deal in potential, not the past.
Don't force your spouse to be your carbon copy.
Pray for one another. (I Sam. 12:23)

Better communication depends upon change.

WATCH OUT FOR THE…..

Black ice patch! Wednesday night after church, I walked over to Karyn's house with her and her kids. She said she'd give me a ride home (in reality, the time it took to walk to her house, I could have walked home!), so I accepted. Within 20 feet of her house, her oldest boy slips on the ice. I help him up. We keep walking that short distance, and then it happened. Have you ever seen the drainage slot in the side of a curb? Well, I slipped on the ice and *CRACK* both of my shins hit the curb as my feet went into the drainage slot. I didn't fall, but boy did it hurt! I had discolored goose eggs on my legs by the time I got into the van. When I got home, I just sat in the reclining chair. When I decided to go to bed, I could barely move! It hurt so bad. It's a little better now. :o)



I found out that my car is not worth fixing. I had it towed to a shop Tuesday night and found out yesterday. The head gasket is blown and the starter is bad. **sigh** Oh well. The car was given to me, so I can't complain. Now I am trying to find another one. If you would, please pray that God gives me wisdom in choosing a new one.

There's sin in the camp!

In college, I heard a sermon on the story of the sin that Achan committed. It stuck with me. Achan sinned against the word of God.

Joshua 7:21 When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it.

He saw, coveted, took, then hid the accursed thing. How often do we do this in our lives? We look where we shouldn't, then covet what we shouldn't, then we go ahead and partake of it thinking nothing will happen, then we hide it thinking no one will find it. God knows it all. We can not hide our sin from God. We can not cover it up. Sin does not only affect us, but those around us.

Joshua 7: 24 And Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, and the silver, and the garment, and the wedge of gold, and his sons, and his daughters, and his oxen, and his asses, and his sheep, and his tent, and all that he had: and they brought them unto the valley of Achor.
25 And Joshua said, Why hast thou troubled us? the LORD shall trouble thee this day. And all Israel stoned him with stones, and burned them with fire, after they had stoned them with stones.

Satan lies to us about our sin. It will be found out, whether it be today, tomorrow, or some time down the road. We need to guard our lives. When you are looking at the wrong things, you think the wrong things, and then you act upon those feelings.

I John 2:16
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

Galatians 5: 16
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

What a week! :)

This has been a trial of a week. I feel like I've been hit with everything (although I know I haven't). My car is down, me class has been a bunch of wild banchees, my classroom computer quit performing certain very important programs (such as my GradeQuick program for uploading all my grades), and I turned a year older. I didn't quit. I kept at it. Today (well, Friday, since this will post as Saturday) was actually pretty good. My kids were still not obeying well, but it was probably their best day this week. I've been able to get some computer things fixed and/or fixed them myself. Now, I'm sure it sounds like a gloomy post, but its not, really.

On my birthday, I had a few students bring me in gifts (these kids melt my heart). My roomies surprised me with a cake that they brought out at lunch time (mind you, I have to eat with my class), and we all had cake and ice cream.

My roomies and I are getting along pretty well. We've had quite a few laughs recently. Thursday, "A" called my phone, but left a message for one of her students who has the same first name as I. When I got the message, I told her I didn't know I had a test to take....that I am usually the one giving the test..lol. I even told her we don't need all the formalities (she said, " Hi Nicole, this is Miss ________")...hahaha...we laughed about that!

Oh, the lady I babysit for treated me to a birthday dinner: a kid's meal! We were going out visiting and then I was going to watch 4 of her kids while she took the one to the Dr. We all ended up going since they called and said they could see at an earlier time. My birthday was interesting to say the least.

On Friday, we had a few ladies over and had a good dinner and a great game of Phase 10. I finally know how to play! I never played it before. We were all cutting it up and having a good time. I guess we are having Friday night get togethers more often. We're already planning for next week.

Well, its way past bed time and I am tired. I do want to say that I am blessed and that I know God will not give me more than I can handle as long as I am looking to Him. With God, all things are possible and there is nothing too hard for Him to take care of. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. Have a great day/afternoon/night...whenever you may read this!
God Bless!