Birthday Wishes

Thursday was Kyla's 18th birthday. The day I had been dreading since she proclaimed her intention to move out and try life on her own. We planned a little party for her with family and a few of her friends. A pizza party, just like she had for her first birthday. On Saturday I was sitting right here on my computer checking my email when Kyla came down from her room and said to me,
"How are you doing?"
"I'm OK." I said. "I am pretty sad about how the Saints lost their game to those awful 49ers."
"Well," she said, "Maybe I can cheer you up. I decided not to move out. I think I am just not ready to be on my own."
At those words my heart soared. I jumped up and hugged her and couldn't stop smiling. I actually was torn between dropping to my knees to pray in thanksgiving to God and jumping around hooting and hollering like a crazy person. So much weight and worry was lifted from me.

So on Thursday we had the little party. I made white cupcakes with raspberry filling and whipped cream frosting with a fresh raspberry on top. We ate pizza and visited and she opened her presents... a pair of Bailey Button Uggs from us and money from everyone else.
And it just feels so wonderful to know that for now she still lives here with us where we can see her sweet face every day. Where I can hear about her day and ask about her classes. Where I can barge into her room to look for my tweezers or hairspray that have gone missing from my drawer. Where she can tell me about the rude mom who yelled at the girl at work because she couldn't set up early for her kid's birthday party. Where I can read over her debate text and give her advice on it even if it irritates her. Where I can hug her.

I am so thankful for having the gift of being the mom to this stubborn, beautiful, independent 18 year old girl. And, I wish for her every happiness that the world can bring. I want her restless heart to travel to far away places and meet new people. I want her to find a career that she is passionate about. I want her to fall in love with a man who she can build a life with... one who is loyal and caring and makes her heart go pitter patter after 20 years of marriage. I want her to experience the wonder of being a mother.. to have her heart broken open by that love so pure it can endure almost anything. And, most of all, I want her to understand, down deep in her heart, that all of these wonderful gifts were given to her by God who loves her so perfectly that she does not have to hide any part of herself from him... God who knows everything about her and thinks she is a perfect part of His creation... God who sent his Son to die for her so that all of her mistakes would be washed away... God who would have done that for her even if she was the only human to need it.
Happy Birthday, sweet Kyla. Thank you for making our family complete and bring such joy to us. We are so proud to be your parents.
Love, Mama

Happy New Year!

There is so much going on already in 2012. Despite my depressing post from last month, things are going fairly well. I had a nice Christmas. I enjoyed a great staff party, fun family events and some much needed visits from out of town friends. I did not get half of what I expected to get done over the break, but for me that is pretty typical.

I did get to pick up my giant red Zen Bowl from Fire and Light before Christmas. I really love, love, love it. I tried it here on the coffee table for awhile, but now it is hanging out on the dining room table. Yay!

I had a pretty eventful "back to school" week with a new student moving into my class on Wednesday. His behavior has become successively worse each day. Even as a first grader he has been in 3 classrooms, and each move was made because of his behavior. I think he is just testing my limits.... seeing what is OK, what is not.... how much attention he will get, etc. I have been praying as often as possible for insight, wisdom and patience on how to reach him. I really want him to know that I value him. I also want him to know the joy of learning. Right now he is missing that desire to learn. I find it interesting that I just finished reading "A Circle of Children" by Mary MacCracken. It is a biography of a teacher of emotionally disturbed children. Many of her insights have helped me to get through this week. Thank you Mary, and Thank you God for putting that book into my hands at just the right time.

My goals for the weekend are: to take down the Christmas decorations (I took down the ones outside and closed the blinds so my neighbors wouldn't judge me on my late un-decorating)... to get my classroom prepared for a week of fun with first grade... to work out twice... to do the laundry... to rest thoroughly enough to get rid of my tired, old lady eyes and achy head.... to go to church.... to read. (If I get half of that done I'll be happy.)

Wishing you a glorious weekend! Love, Nancy