ICE day!

The electricity has been on and off all day. Thankfully, as I type, it is on, and it's almost bedtime. We're losing trees...but we have a nice, safe, warm place to sleep tonight, so we are blessed.

Just the two of us!

The house is quiet. Darryl left on Wednesday for the Dallas Midwinter meeting. Tonight, Bren has gone to Kennedy's for a sleepover, and Blake left around 6:30 p.m. to head to New Life Ranch for Chill Out '09 for the weekend. So, it's me and Beeper. So, I told him he could pick any place to go out to eat. Kobe...his pick. He loves sushi! I jokingly told him, we could go anywhere but Olive Garden...have you seen the commercial where the parent's take their college daughter out for dinner? I might have been able to eat there...but not without tears!

We had a great dinner. I enjoyed our conversation. He's just an absolutely incredible kid! I'm so blessed and thankful.

Alicia

Today was a great day! I was asked to be an aide for one student...the best part, he is in Alicia's class! So, I spent the whole day with her! And, the student had a great day too! They asked me to come back tomorrow and Friday. Actually, they asked me if I'd be interested in doing it full time. I had to say no. And it PAINS me to say no. What a perfect gig, working with my best friend, helping make her day easier...who could ask for anything more?! (Ok...so maybe a few thousand dollars more, but that's not why I said no!) I've been a stay at home mommy by choice for 18 years, and I'm just not about to give up this time, when Braden's down to his last 4 months of school. Can't do it! I'm looking forward to the debate weekends, awards assemblies and such that a working mom would find difficult. So, I said no, and I'm happy. I've always loved being a stay at home mom. I've been so blessed, and I've always know that. I've tried never to take for granted the opportunity that I've had. And as this senior year flies towards the end, I'm so so so so thankful! Grateful! Thankful that my husband has supported my being home. Thankful that my kids have always appreciated my being home. Thankful that we've always been able to afford groceries while I've been home!

But...I'm going back tomorrow and Friday. :-)

A New President!

I've been glued to the television most of the day! I'm sure Mrs. Swalley appreciated that I tore myself away to complete my "Monday folder" job at school, but I ran back home in hopes of catching the beginning of the parade.

As I've watched, I've been overwhelmed with emotion. I didn't vote for President Obama, but as I said after the election, I know that God is still in control, so I am proud to welcome our new President to office. I am so blessed to live in America. What a day!

What brought tears to my eyes most was seeing all the sights in Washington, D.C. and how thankful I am that I've had the opportunity to walk those streets and see those incredible sights with my husband and children. This morning, as I watched Diane and Robin on GMA, I asked Bren if she knew in what building they were sitting...and she did! The Library of Congress! What great memories we have!

Disco Time!

The kids are out of school today. It's an "In-Service" day for teachers, so technically, they are not out for MLK Day. I feel bad for my teacher friends...they deserve a holiday too! The kids are all asleep, and I so wish I could sleep in too, but Darryl's alarm went off, and I just couldn't find sleep again. It's a busy day, so rather than "prattle" on the computer, I should be showering. But, I know it's very cold out, and I'm postponing going out until I really have to. Tonight is Braden's 18th Birthday Dyn-o-Mite Disco at Roller City! I've got to get atleast a 100 cans of coke (since he invited 203 people on Facebook!), and pick up the cookie cake and some plates. I guess I should also figure out what we're having for dinner, since the party doesn't start until 7:30 p.m...ugh, I'd better quit stalling and get ready!

Happy Birthday Braden

Busy weekend...sort of

I already mentioned in a previous post that I was working last week. I worked Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Friday, when I got home from school (work), I realized that in a matter of minutes, 90 to be exact, my parents would be driving in from Kansas City to spend the weekend with us. So, I quickly pulled the house together, checked on the dinner I started in the crockpot that morning, and awaited their arrival. Always on time, they pulled in the drive at 5:15 p.m. They beat Darryl home, since he had a meeting in Tulsa. We watched a little tv and visited on Friday night. On Saturday, we all went to Olive Garden to celebrate Beeper's birthday with lunch. Mom and I spent the rest of the day (and night!) working on a scrapbook for my Grandma Billie. I've been working on this scrapbook for years, literally, so mom and I decided to finish it together. Darryl and dad spent the entire weekend playing xbox. They left early this morning, just as we headed out the door for church. Whirlwind weekend for sure!

A huge bright spot to my weekend occured when Debbie Luttrell dropped off a few groceries on the porch and some delicious dessert that was still warm from the oven that she made just for us. She knew I had been working for 3 days straight, and thought a nice warm dessert might be just what the Paterson family needed...boy, was she right! Thanks, Debbie! Love you!

So, tomorrow, my little baby boy will turn 18. Wow! Words can not express...