December 31, 2010 Blessing #238
I love times that seem made for reflection--like the ending of one chapter or the beginning of the next. My life is full of them-the beginning or end of a semester or school year, children's birthdays, and anniveraries just to name a few. But the best time for me to pause and think about where I've been, where I am, and where I am going is the end of a calendar year. I always make a resolution or two (last year it was to stay in shape--I am in shape I suppose, albeit a bit rounder one than last year!) I only make ones I know I can keep, and since I struggle with an insane need to meet or surpass my own expectations, I keep them. So this year, here they are:
1. I will make my bed every day. I used to do it--but after baby #2, it fell by the wayside. It is something small and possible-but I think it has a profound influence on my state of mind.
2. Trey and I will be in less consumer debt at the end of 2011 than we are at the beginning. This one is also possible, but a big larger in scope-it means lots of things. Perhaps most importantly, it means we will continue our pay stuff off and stop buying campaign in the midst of a new baby and all the expenses that will come with her.
So, that's it! Today I am thankful to see the close of another year. I'm thankful for the wonderful journey of 2010--and for the one ahead in 2011. I have loved spending the last few weeks reflecting on 2010--at the bottom of this post you will find the Christmas letter we sent out (ahem, for free!) to our friends and family. It was a great year--and I bet next year will be too.
Merry Christmas from the Scott family
Trey, Anna, Chip (8), and Katie (5)
Dear Friends and Family,
Once again, it has been two years since we sent a Christmas letter. Time just seems to fly! So here we go with the updates!
Trey just finished his ninth year as a Physical Therapist and Athletic Trainer at Athens Orthopedic Clinic. After much prayer, he decided to start his own business as well, and is seeing personal training clients on the side. With two jobs he doesn’t have much time to spare. Still, he managed to be the assistant coach of Chip’s soccer team, a deacon at Milledge Avenue Baptist Church, and a board member for Bethlehem Ministry. He is always looking for races and triathlons to enter, and this year he completed the Tri for a Cure in Athens and the Inaugural Athens ½ Marathon. He also took me to Jamaica this summer for our 9th anniversary. It was a fabulous trip, and we made memories we’ll treasure forever. It will be 10 years or more before we can do something like that again-especially since Baby Girl Henslee Scott is on the way. She will arrive in March, and is named after Trey’s Mom, Jane Henslee Scott. Speaking of Jane, we have been so blessed by her early diagnosis, rapid treatment, and recovery from breast cancer. She underwent a bilateral mastectomy and chemotherapy, but she barely winced or slowed down. She has been an inspiration to women everywhere,-and a staunch supporter of those encountering the same diagnosis. Please pray that she will continue to triumph over cancer.
Chip is in 2nd grade at Athens Academy and engrossed in Harry Potter books. He is currently reading #4, and if we’re not careful he will stay up all night to finish. He is still playing fall and spring soccer, and this year began basketball in the winter. We are so proud of his progress in piano-he began taking lessons in the Fall of 2009, and just wowed us with his 2nd Christmas recital. In March of this year, he traveled with Trey and me to Haiti. We are still very active with Bethlehem Ministry and continue to pray for and support their work. The trip in March included the three of us, students from Athens Academy, and several healthcare professionals from Georgia. Chip was very insightful, and one evening at reflection, explained to everyone, “Basically, in America we have everything and aren’t happy. But in Haiti, they have nothing and are happy.”
Katie is in her 2nd year at Athens Academy in Pre-K. She wowed us in her ballet recital in May-she is one that is born for the stage. In the spring she played Fannie goat in the class play, and stole the -show! This fall, she started soccer in her afterschool program, and is looking forward to playing on a team next year. She didn’t get to make this trip to Haiti, but we will take her in the next couple of years. She has spent time at the farm with Nana and Papa (my folks) and in Conyers with Granna and Paw Paw (Trey’s folks), and Aunt Jean while we were globetrotting. Thank goodness for their help! She did enjoy our summer trip to Brunswick. My Mom went with me and the kids-and even went with us to Summer Waves.
As for me, I’m in my 4th year at Athens Academy, and feel like I have died and gone to teacher and Mommy heaven. I teach 9th grade Biology and 11th grade Honors Human Biology and serve as the Interact Club sponsor. In October I got to travel with Trey to Minneapolis to attend the National Association of Biology Teachers conference, where I was honored with the 2010 Georgia Outstanding Biology Teacher Award. It was a great conference, and I was so impressed with Minneapolis. It is a great city! Still, the most transforming events of the year once again happened for me in Haiti. It was so special to share that experience with Chip and my students. Check out the video my students made about their experience. Do Something for Haiti Video As I have before, I came home with an intense awareness of the blessings in my life. Now, I’m doing my best to maintain that focus, and to that end have begun a daily gratitude blog. It is called Blessings 365 and forces me to find blessings even on the tough days. Please follow along!
Well, I guess that about does it! If you haven’t already, please let us know what is going on with your family. We wish you the Peace the Christ child brings this Holiday season. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Trey, Anna, Chip, and Katie (and Henslee too!)
Friday, December 31, 2010
Whirling Dirvish Day 2
December 30, 2010 Blessing #237
The nesting continues--today I tackled the coat closet and the pantry. I can't believe how much room we have in this house--especially since I've been feeling crowded lately. Turns out the crowdedness was just all the clutter. Usually, I'm pretty anti-clutter, but lately there just hasn't been time for a purge and it has gotten out of hand.
Anyway, I don't believe more space or fancier space is the answer to organization issues.There was a time when I thought bigger was better, but I'm over it. Now I get it--that I'm grown up. Bigger house = Big Moving Expenses = Bigger mortgage = Bigger debt = Bigger stress = Bigger health problems!
So, now I'm committed to using wisely and loving the space I have. Turns out I'm not the only blogger feeling this way--check out this entry from one of the gluten free blogs I follow:
Off the Wheaten Path-Love the kitchen you are in!
I mentioned in my last post that our bed and bath and our kitchen are hideous. I don't mean slightly out of date--I mean straight up ugly! And they will be for a while---until we finish paying off our debt or until it rains money. At this point, I'm not sure which is more likely to happen first!
So, today I'm thankful for running water I use for cooking and bathing, appliances that work, and meals and fellowship that start in my ugly kitchen. Sometimes, I need to be reminded that I started this exercise to maintain an awareness of blessings after my most recent trip to Haiti. I live in a castle. And I'm grateful for every room--every inch of it!
The nesting continues--today I tackled the coat closet and the pantry. I can't believe how much room we have in this house--especially since I've been feeling crowded lately. Turns out the crowdedness was just all the clutter. Usually, I'm pretty anti-clutter, but lately there just hasn't been time for a purge and it has gotten out of hand.
Anyway, I don't believe more space or fancier space is the answer to organization issues.There was a time when I thought bigger was better, but I'm over it. Now I get it--that I'm grown up. Bigger house = Big Moving Expenses = Bigger mortgage = Bigger debt = Bigger stress = Bigger health problems!
So, now I'm committed to using wisely and loving the space I have. Turns out I'm not the only blogger feeling this way--check out this entry from one of the gluten free blogs I follow:
Off the Wheaten Path-Love the kitchen you are in!
I mentioned in my last post that our bed and bath and our kitchen are hideous. I don't mean slightly out of date--I mean straight up ugly! And they will be for a while---until we finish paying off our debt or until it rains money. At this point, I'm not sure which is more likely to happen first!
So, today I'm thankful for running water I use for cooking and bathing, appliances that work, and meals and fellowship that start in my ugly kitchen. Sometimes, I need to be reminded that I started this exercise to maintain an awareness of blessings after my most recent trip to Haiti. I live in a castle. And I'm grateful for every room--every inch of it!
Whirling Dirvish!
December 29, 2010 Blessing #236
Today, I bring a new clarity to the term whirling dirvish. Our contractor is here, and there is finally progress in Henslee's room. When Trey woke me at 6:30 (sleeping in!!) and told me he was coming, I sprang into action. I have cleaned up and out two kids rooms, thoroughly cleaned the kitchen, and cleaned out my closet and bedroom. I'm not sleeping well the last couple of nights--hip discomfort and trips to the potty, but this stream of energy feels limitless. It's nesting, I guess--and good thing took since I probably won't have another break from school before she arrives.
I am confident that folks in Atlanta heard my victory dance as the 1989 carpet was carried down the stairs and out the door! There are no words to adequately describe the nastiness of that carpet-or the heebee jeebies it gave me. The room has been a spill over room--part play room, scrapbook room, and guest room, but I was embarrassed for anyone to see it!
Trey and I bought our home 6.5 years ago--in a great neighborhood! The catch to living in this great neighborhood was buying the house no one else seemed to want and the only one we could almost afford. It has been very slow, but room by room we are getting the carpet out and bringing the updates in. It feels great to check one more room off the list! Our bedroom and bath is the next big project--then the kids' bathroom--then the kitchen. We are a long way from starting any of those, but the list is definitely shorter than it was when we moved in, and even though I'm impatient, there is something special about taking this house and making it our home.
So today, I'm thankful to be nesting. I'm thankful for our contractor. I'm thankful for the beans and rice we will eat the rest of the month after we pay him, and I feel very blessed to be turning this house into a home.
Today, I bring a new clarity to the term whirling dirvish. Our contractor is here, and there is finally progress in Henslee's room. When Trey woke me at 6:30 (sleeping in!!) and told me he was coming, I sprang into action. I have cleaned up and out two kids rooms, thoroughly cleaned the kitchen, and cleaned out my closet and bedroom. I'm not sleeping well the last couple of nights--hip discomfort and trips to the potty, but this stream of energy feels limitless. It's nesting, I guess--and good thing took since I probably won't have another break from school before she arrives.
I am confident that folks in Atlanta heard my victory dance as the 1989 carpet was carried down the stairs and out the door! There are no words to adequately describe the nastiness of that carpet-or the heebee jeebies it gave me. The room has been a spill over room--part play room, scrapbook room, and guest room, but I was embarrassed for anyone to see it!
Trey and I bought our home 6.5 years ago--in a great neighborhood! The catch to living in this great neighborhood was buying the house no one else seemed to want and the only one we could almost afford. It has been very slow, but room by room we are getting the carpet out and bringing the updates in. It feels great to check one more room off the list! Our bedroom and bath is the next big project--then the kids' bathroom--then the kitchen. We are a long way from starting any of those, but the list is definitely shorter than it was when we moved in, and even though I'm impatient, there is something special about taking this house and making it our home.
So today, I'm thankful to be nesting. I'm thankful for our contractor. I'm thankful for the beans and rice we will eat the rest of the month after we pay him, and I feel very blessed to be turning this house into a home.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Someone Marvelous is Coming!
December 28, 2010 Blessing #235
Oh my goodness. There is really a baby coming--and she's going to be here sooner rather than later. Today was check up and ultrasound day at the OB's office, and with my entourage, we filled up the place. In attendance were both grandmothers, both siblings, and Aunt Cary. I am 28.5 weeks along--and Henslee looks perfect. She is big--but that is par for the course with Trey's and Anna's babies. You can see for yourself:
Oh my goodness. There is really a baby coming--and she's going to be here sooner rather than later. Today was check up and ultrasound day at the OB's office, and with my entourage, we filled up the place. In attendance were both grandmothers, both siblings, and Aunt Cary. I am 28.5 weeks along--and Henslee looks perfect. She is big--but that is par for the course with Trey's and Anna's babies. You can see for yourself:
Snuggling against Placenta
Trying to Sleep
Pretty Profile
Anyway--looking at her, I cried with happiness of course--and then it sank in. The Dr. said it is time for me to start going every 2 weeks now--how can I be this far along already? Regardless, this is happening. I have no baby room (our contractor is MIA), no idea what clothes she needs b/c I can't look through mine without a room to do it in, no idea how we are going to pay for her childcare when I head back to work in August, and I only have 8 more weeks or so to work with my students before she arrives. Still, I'm not too bothered by all the details. I mean, just look at her. She is perfect and full of promise--and that's what matters. All the rest of it, will fall into place. So today, I thank God for this precious little baby-and all the family who is here and waiting to love her! What a great way to enter the world!
Two More Christmases!
December 27, 2010 Blessing #234
After it got above freezing we piled in the car and headed to Conyers to celebrate Aunt Carol Anne's birthday and Christmas with her family. Usually, we gather on the 26th, but the Scotts couldn't make it in all the snow. Anyway, it was wonderful to stretch Christmas another day. We had a wonderful time celebrating with the Townsend family, and I can't help but gush about how lucky I am to have so much family so close. Trey and I are so lucky, because so many people love our children and love us.
We headed home and Jean and Denny +3 of their boys, and Cary were here to celebrate Christmas again. We laughed and laughed--and the kids played and played. Cary spent the night in Katie's room-and that just sent Katie over the edge with excitement! It was another day to focus on love, family, and Christmas--and I'm so grateful.
After it got above freezing we piled in the car and headed to Conyers to celebrate Aunt Carol Anne's birthday and Christmas with her family. Usually, we gather on the 26th, but the Scotts couldn't make it in all the snow. Anyway, it was wonderful to stretch Christmas another day. We had a wonderful time celebrating with the Townsend family, and I can't help but gush about how lucky I am to have so much family so close. Trey and I are so lucky, because so many people love our children and love us.
We headed home and Jean and Denny +3 of their boys, and Cary were here to celebrate Christmas again. We laughed and laughed--and the kids played and played. Cary spent the night in Katie's room-and that just sent Katie over the edge with excitement! It was another day to focus on love, family, and Christmas--and I'm so grateful.
Freezing Time
December 26, 2010 Blessing #233
We woke up this morning to a beautiful landscape-I can't get over seeing a real snow fall on Christmas! We spent the morning warm, dry, and safe inside waiting for the snow to stop. We did get some time to play outside. Katie only lasted about 5 minutes. Turns out she likes to look at snow more than play in it. That is just fine with me, since I don't have snow worthy clothes that will cover my pregnant belly! Chip loved it and he and his Dad turned it in to a Nerf battleground. So, this day I am thankful for our warm, safe home and time to just enjoy each other. We had to reschedule one of our favorite gatherings in Conyers, but here it felt like Christmas day just kept going. How often do we wish we could freeze time? Well, the Scotts pulled it off! Almost literally!
We woke up this morning to a beautiful landscape-I can't get over seeing a real snow fall on Christmas! We spent the morning warm, dry, and safe inside waiting for the snow to stop. We did get some time to play outside. Katie only lasted about 5 minutes. Turns out she likes to look at snow more than play in it. That is just fine with me, since I don't have snow worthy clothes that will cover my pregnant belly! Chip loved it and he and his Dad turned it in to a Nerf battleground. So, this day I am thankful for our warm, safe home and time to just enjoy each other. We had to reschedule one of our favorite gatherings in Conyers, but here it felt like Christmas day just kept going. How often do we wish we could freeze time? Well, the Scotts pulled it off! Almost literally!
Monday, December 27, 2010
Merry White Christmas!
December 25, 2010 Blessing #232
Merry Christmas! Santa definitely made it to the Scott house! It was a great day--the kids got to stay in their PJs all day long, eat waffles from the waffle iron for breakfast, and visit with Nana, Papa, Grandmommy, Granna, PawPaw, and Mama Scott. Isn't it amazing that my children got to spend their holiday with 2 sets of grand parents and 2 Great Grandmothers? It was marvelous that Trey and I had time to play with the kids--he played Wii and Nerf battled with Chip, and I painted Katie's fingernails. We just don't get enough time to do that! We put together necklaces, painted pictures, and remembered the fabulousness of childhood.
We had a stay in jammies, be warm and cozy, eat soup kind of day. And just when I thought it couldn't get better it started to snow. It was already dark, so we didn't play in it right away--but when we looked outside it looked like we lived in an Enchanted Christmas village. Athens got 3 inches over Christmas night-and it was the most beautiful Christmas I can remember. So, today, I'm thankful for the best Christmas ever--that's what Chip called it!
Here are some pics from the day:
Merry Christmas! Santa definitely made it to the Scott house! It was a great day--the kids got to stay in their PJs all day long, eat waffles from the waffle iron for breakfast, and visit with Nana, Papa, Grandmommy, Granna, PawPaw, and Mama Scott. Isn't it amazing that my children got to spend their holiday with 2 sets of grand parents and 2 Great Grandmothers? It was marvelous that Trey and I had time to play with the kids--he played Wii and Nerf battled with Chip, and I painted Katie's fingernails. We just don't get enough time to do that! We put together necklaces, painted pictures, and remembered the fabulousness of childhood.
We had a stay in jammies, be warm and cozy, eat soup kind of day. And just when I thought it couldn't get better it started to snow. It was already dark, so we didn't play in it right away--but when we looked outside it looked like we lived in an Enchanted Christmas village. Athens got 3 inches over Christmas night-and it was the most beautiful Christmas I can remember. So, today, I'm thankful for the best Christmas ever--that's what Chip called it!
Here are some pics from the day:
Katie and her Hello Kitty Makeup Set
Chip with his new Mario game for Wii
Chip plays the piano for Grandmommy
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Christmas Eve 2010
December 24, 2010 Blessing #231
Yes, late, I know, but I've been unplugged for the Holidays. And being unplugged feels good! My cell phone was off, I wasn't doing email, and I felt more connected than ever to what really matters. We were up early on Christmas Eve to head to Granna's. It was wonderful there-wonderful watching the kids play together, wonderful to feel the love in the room, and wonderful to share a delicious meal. Everything was made even more intensely wonderful than years past by the knowledge that Granna is on the other side of a battle with cancer. We all kept laughing about how crowded things will be next year-with Courtni's twins and Henslee crawling around--it is so fun to think about all the big changes coming up in 2011.
We left Conyers and headed to the Christmas Eve service at church. It was beautiful--at the end we sang O Little Town of Bethlehem and Silent Night in the candlelight. I was so overcome with love for my family and gratitude for Christmas that the tears just started to flow--they were the happiest possible tears.
Anyway, then we headed to Jean's house so our kids could exchange presents and make cookies for Santa (gluten free, of course! I mean Santa could have a gluten allergy...). It was a great visit and being with Carson, Payton, Chip, and Katie, it was impossible not to catch full throttle Christmas excitement! So, this day, I can't pick just one blessing. It was all wonderful and during every moment I was so thankful for the blessings of Christmas--the gift of the Christ child, the child in my womb, the love within my family, the innocence of my children, my warm home and kitchen full of food--I could just go on and on-but you get the idea.
Check out this gorgeous picture of Katie and Carson mixing cookies:
Yes, late, I know, but I've been unplugged for the Holidays. And being unplugged feels good! My cell phone was off, I wasn't doing email, and I felt more connected than ever to what really matters. We were up early on Christmas Eve to head to Granna's. It was wonderful there-wonderful watching the kids play together, wonderful to feel the love in the room, and wonderful to share a delicious meal. Everything was made even more intensely wonderful than years past by the knowledge that Granna is on the other side of a battle with cancer. We all kept laughing about how crowded things will be next year-with Courtni's twins and Henslee crawling around--it is so fun to think about all the big changes coming up in 2011.
We left Conyers and headed to the Christmas Eve service at church. It was beautiful--at the end we sang O Little Town of Bethlehem and Silent Night in the candlelight. I was so overcome with love for my family and gratitude for Christmas that the tears just started to flow--they were the happiest possible tears.
Anyway, then we headed to Jean's house so our kids could exchange presents and make cookies for Santa (gluten free, of course! I mean Santa could have a gluten allergy...). It was a great visit and being with Carson, Payton, Chip, and Katie, it was impossible not to catch full throttle Christmas excitement! So, this day, I can't pick just one blessing. It was all wonderful and during every moment I was so thankful for the blessings of Christmas--the gift of the Christ child, the child in my womb, the love within my family, the innocence of my children, my warm home and kitchen full of food--I could just go on and on-but you get the idea.
Check out this gorgeous picture of Katie and Carson mixing cookies:
Daddy's home!
December 23, 2010 Blessing #230
Finally, Trey was off! We were still running around trying to finish up errands and shopping, but it was wonderful to see the kids so excited about Daddy being home. All week, they've been waking up asking "Where's Daddy? Why does he always have to work?"
By the end of the day, the groceries and last gifts had been bought, documents for our refinance had been scanned and sent, and the pictures from the digital camera had been uploaded! You know it's a good day if we empty the digitial camera!
So, I'm thankful my children have 2 parents--and I'm thankful we have a few days off togehter. Check out these pics:
Finally, Trey was off! We were still running around trying to finish up errands and shopping, but it was wonderful to see the kids so excited about Daddy being home. All week, they've been waking up asking "Where's Daddy? Why does he always have to work?"
By the end of the day, the groceries and last gifts had been bought, documents for our refinance had been scanned and sent, and the pictures from the digital camera had been uploaded! You know it's a good day if we empty the digitial camera!
So, I'm thankful my children have 2 parents--and I'm thankful we have a few days off togehter. Check out these pics:
With Nana in Brunswick Aug 2010
Snuggle Time!
Easter Morning 2010
Undersea Princess and Harry Potter
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Footed Pajamas
This is the way the Holidays are supposed to be! It was a fabulous, stress-free day. The kids and I ran to Walmart this morning to pick up a few things and it wasn't even crowded. We spent the afternoon wrapping presents and taking an hour long walk (well, Chip biked and spent most of his time waiting on me!). The weather was gorgeous--and the kids got a ton of play outside time, which they were really needing!
Tonight, my best friend since 8th grade, Heather, came to visit with her family and we got to watch our kids exchange presents. They were so excited to see each other--it reminded me of how Heather and I always said we'd grow up and live next door to each other so our kids could play. Tonight was the next best thing!
She has a daughter, Merritt, born last March--and tonight she brought me tons of clothes that will be just the right season for Henslee. I mean this little girl isn't going to need a thing to wear! Nothing says a baby is coming like bibs and footed pajamas! As we sat and went through each item it just became so real to me, and I got so excited I nearly turned inside out. Little bitty toes--little bitty fingers--little bitty peach fuzz for hair! All the wonderful babyness is about to be back in the Scott house!
So--tonight I'm thankful for my friendship with Heather--for her beautiful family--for loads of clothes, and for this baby girl who will be here before I know it!
The Miracles of Science and Preventative Care
December 21, 2010 Blessing #228
A bit late, I guess, but yesterday was the first day I could get the kids to the Dr. for their well-child checks (Remember their birthdays were in October and November!). It was lovely to see Dr. Glassman under those circumstances--even though I'm confident folks all the way in Atlanta could hear Katie's screams about the shot and the finger prick. Even Chip went ahead and finished up his Hepatitis A series, since he got the first round last year before we took him to Haiti. He was very brave and took his first to show Sis it would be alright. She wasn't buying, but once that part was over, she recovered right away and couldn't wait to show Dr. Glassman how well she could see, hear, hop, and stand on her tip toes. They loved putting on the exam gowns, getting their blood pressure taken, and then showing off their new shiny bandaids.
We had a long discussion about their development, nutrition, and well being and he pronounced them both as healthy as horses. Chip and Katie are long and lean-with BMIs of 15 and 12 respectively, growing like weeds in terms of height, and up to date on all their vaccines. As a reward for their bravery, we went through the Wendy's drive thru on the way home, and got them both Kiddie size chocolate frostys. Waiting in the line, I started thinking about how easy preventative care is for my children. I drove to the doctor, who was well stocked with all the vaccines recommended by CDC-they received their shots, and I didn't even have to pay a copay.
I have seen children around the world for whom preventative care is not available. Children--11 million a year--die from preventatable diseases--and included in those diseases are Measles, mumps, Rubella (can result in still born babies), Polio, diptheria, whooping cough, and tetanus. My kids are now fully immunized against all those. Funny, how getting my children protected was feeling like one more thing to do--when I should be skipping into that office and skipping out! Anyway, I'm thankful for access to preventative care for my family.
A bit late, I guess, but yesterday was the first day I could get the kids to the Dr. for their well-child checks (Remember their birthdays were in October and November!). It was lovely to see Dr. Glassman under those circumstances--even though I'm confident folks all the way in Atlanta could hear Katie's screams about the shot and the finger prick. Even Chip went ahead and finished up his Hepatitis A series, since he got the first round last year before we took him to Haiti. He was very brave and took his first to show Sis it would be alright. She wasn't buying, but once that part was over, she recovered right away and couldn't wait to show Dr. Glassman how well she could see, hear, hop, and stand on her tip toes. They loved putting on the exam gowns, getting their blood pressure taken, and then showing off their new shiny bandaids.
We had a long discussion about their development, nutrition, and well being and he pronounced them both as healthy as horses. Chip and Katie are long and lean-with BMIs of 15 and 12 respectively, growing like weeds in terms of height, and up to date on all their vaccines. As a reward for their bravery, we went through the Wendy's drive thru on the way home, and got them both Kiddie size chocolate frostys. Waiting in the line, I started thinking about how easy preventative care is for my children. I drove to the doctor, who was well stocked with all the vaccines recommended by CDC-they received their shots, and I didn't even have to pay a copay.
I have seen children around the world for whom preventative care is not available. Children--11 million a year--die from preventatable diseases--and included in those diseases are Measles, mumps, Rubella (can result in still born babies), Polio, diptheria, whooping cough, and tetanus. My kids are now fully immunized against all those. Funny, how getting my children protected was feeling like one more thing to do--when I should be skipping into that office and skipping out! Anyway, I'm thankful for access to preventative care for my family.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Blessings In the Now
Monday December 20, 2010 Blessing #227
First day of Christmas break for the Scotts--so where did we go? School, of course. Interact hosted another Parents' morning out to raise money for our Stop Hunger Now (Stop Hunger Now Website) event on February 5th. We raised a couple of hundred dollars, and all the kids from Preschool to High school age had a great time. The kids and I will head back to my classroom at least a couple of times over the break so they can watch movies while I grade a mountain of final exams.
My work is never really done, but it has been wonderful today to enjoy a change in pace. I slept until 6:30 this morning, wore sweat pants (of course, I am sort of running out of options in the wardrobe department!) to the Interact fund raiser, was home by 2pm and took a nap! I don't think I slept particularly hard, but being able to be off my feet for a period of time was fabulous. I forgot how good that rest time felt during pregnancy. Speaking of pregnancy, I think I'm starting my 3rd trimester--and so far everything seems to be moving right along there.
I got to watch Chip's basketball practice tonight-and he is really showing some skill! He would have played all night if we'd let him. In fact, he's just finish up practicing piano and come over to tell me he has leg aches...so he played hard. The day ended with a family dinner--and it was one we didn't have to rush through because of bath or bedtime.
So, the blessing--today I had time to experience fully each moment. Writing this blog, I have become accustomed to looking for the positve, but often it is through reflection rather than in the present. It is an even richer experience when I'm able to pause throughout the day to acknowledge blessings as they come. This change in pace is just what Mommy needed.
First day of Christmas break for the Scotts--so where did we go? School, of course. Interact hosted another Parents' morning out to raise money for our Stop Hunger Now (Stop Hunger Now Website) event on February 5th. We raised a couple of hundred dollars, and all the kids from Preschool to High school age had a great time. The kids and I will head back to my classroom at least a couple of times over the break so they can watch movies while I grade a mountain of final exams.
My work is never really done, but it has been wonderful today to enjoy a change in pace. I slept until 6:30 this morning, wore sweat pants (of course, I am sort of running out of options in the wardrobe department!) to the Interact fund raiser, was home by 2pm and took a nap! I don't think I slept particularly hard, but being able to be off my feet for a period of time was fabulous. I forgot how good that rest time felt during pregnancy. Speaking of pregnancy, I think I'm starting my 3rd trimester--and so far everything seems to be moving right along there.
I got to watch Chip's basketball practice tonight-and he is really showing some skill! He would have played all night if we'd let him. In fact, he's just finish up practicing piano and come over to tell me he has leg aches...so he played hard. The day ended with a family dinner--and it was one we didn't have to rush through because of bath or bedtime.
So, the blessing--today I had time to experience fully each moment. Writing this blog, I have become accustomed to looking for the positve, but often it is through reflection rather than in the present. It is an even richer experience when I'm able to pause throughout the day to acknowledge blessings as they come. This change in pace is just what Mommy needed.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Love
Sunday December 19, 2010 Blessing #226
So far still healthy....and very grateful that we were able to be in church today for the 4th Sunday of Advent.
It was wonderful to see my Sunday School class. In worship we lit the Love candle, and I reflected on all the Love in my life. It is the reason that surrounded in this University town by educated, agnostic folks I still believe in God, in the power of Good, and in the power of Love.
I have mentioned here that even though I may be smart--I'm not always rational. Faith isn't about being rational or examing evidence. It is about trusting in something that can't be explained or measured. I can't imagine my life without faith--this isn't to say that I haven't asked tough questions and struggled when I couldn't find the answers, but unlike in science I don't expect to understand everything about God or the supernatural. I believe that Faith is a gift from God that has led me through many dark places-and will lead me through many more. I believe that the stories in the Bible illustrate God's love for us-and that His love makes our love for each other possible. I'm not too hung up on particulars--in other words, I'm not a literalist, but rather I believe in the license of the story teller to make the story come alive to teach a central point. Time and again, the point of the story is Love. This week, I'm going to try to focus on and celebrate the Love in my life. I am so blessed!
So far still healthy....and very grateful that we were able to be in church today for the 4th Sunday of Advent.
It was wonderful to see my Sunday School class. In worship we lit the Love candle, and I reflected on all the Love in my life. It is the reason that surrounded in this University town by educated, agnostic folks I still believe in God, in the power of Good, and in the power of Love.
I have mentioned here that even though I may be smart--I'm not always rational. Faith isn't about being rational or examing evidence. It is about trusting in something that can't be explained or measured. I can't imagine my life without faith--this isn't to say that I haven't asked tough questions and struggled when I couldn't find the answers, but unlike in science I don't expect to understand everything about God or the supernatural. I believe that Faith is a gift from God that has led me through many dark places-and will lead me through many more. I believe that the stories in the Bible illustrate God's love for us-and that His love makes our love for each other possible. I'm not too hung up on particulars--in other words, I'm not a literalist, but rather I believe in the license of the story teller to make the story come alive to teach a central point. Time and again, the point of the story is Love. This week, I'm going to try to focus on and celebrate the Love in my life. I am so blessed!
Old Fashioned Friends
Saturday December 18, 2010 Blessing #225
Well, knock on wood--but it seems that the Scott family is finally healthy. Trey was up early to see his clients-the kids and I had big breakfast and got the house straight. Chip headed to basketball practice, Gloria came to clean (Thank God!!), and Katie and I got a little Christmas shopping done.
The best part is one of my best friends flew into town and came to visit. Molly and I were in graduate school together and finished around the same time. She is a professor in Washington State, so aside from catching each other at an occasional conference, we don't see each other much. Anyway we don't agree on everything--but we get each other, we laugh a lot, and talking with her makes me better. She is so bright, so earnest, and so good. We never part without me thinking about old problems in new ways, and I'm so grateful for her insight.
Chip and Katie were thrilled to have company-Katie bunked with Chip and let Molly have the "girl" room. We had a leisurely dinner, played Wii, and Bey blades, and really had time to relax together. I'm so glad she came--and I'm so glad that in the midst of this hectic season, we took time to really connect. No text messaging or facebooking--just authentic conversation and old fashioned friendship. Friendships like that--those that don't need texts, instant messages, or "tags," seem pretty rare these days. I'm thankful for Molly and our authentic friendship.
Well, knock on wood--but it seems that the Scott family is finally healthy. Trey was up early to see his clients-the kids and I had big breakfast and got the house straight. Chip headed to basketball practice, Gloria came to clean (Thank God!!), and Katie and I got a little Christmas shopping done.
The best part is one of my best friends flew into town and came to visit. Molly and I were in graduate school together and finished around the same time. She is a professor in Washington State, so aside from catching each other at an occasional conference, we don't see each other much. Anyway we don't agree on everything--but we get each other, we laugh a lot, and talking with her makes me better. She is so bright, so earnest, and so good. We never part without me thinking about old problems in new ways, and I'm so grateful for her insight.
Chip and Katie were thrilled to have company-Katie bunked with Chip and let Molly have the "girl" room. We had a leisurely dinner, played Wii, and Bey blades, and really had time to relax together. I'm so glad she came--and I'm so glad that in the midst of this hectic season, we took time to really connect. No text messaging or facebooking--just authentic conversation and old fashioned friendship. Friendships like that--those that don't need texts, instant messages, or "tags," seem pretty rare these days. I'm thankful for Molly and our authentic friendship.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
A legacy of counting blessings
December 17, 2010 Blessing #224
I know, I know I'm late. There was just too much going on yesterday. Katie was still out of school, but we were up to take Chip and drop off teacher gifts and party supplies for their classroom Christmas parties. Then I got a call from Trey who said he was too sick to even drive home from work, and that I needed to come get him. So he was upstairs with a stomach bug, Katie (though much better) was on sofa with a Barbie movie, and I had to head back to get Chip from school at an early dismissal. At least Trey's illness was shortlived--by last night, with the help of a lot of Gatorade, he was ready to head back to Athens Orthopedic Clinic to get his car.
So, the miracle of yesterday happened on the way home from that trek to AOC. I had the kids in my car, and we were listening to 104.7 The Fish-a local Christian radio station playing nothing but Christmas music till 12/25. A song came on sung from the viewpoint of an orphan. The chorus was something like, "All I want for Christmas is someone to tuck me in at night." I had never heard it before, but as I'm listening, I hear soft sobs coming from the back seat. I leap into "Mom" mode, assuming that the stomach virus has claimed it's 2nd victim. "Chip! What is the matter?" I ask. He says, "Mom, I'm just so happy." "What are you happy about, son?" "Everything, Mom, everything." I was floored--he was happy about everything--even though our house is a disasterous, germ-infested nightmare--even though I couldn't come to his class Christmas party which he has been so looking forward to--and even though he missed seeing the REAL Santa Claus who comes to AOC every year.
My eight year old was acknowledging his blessings in such an authentic way that he was moved to tears. I know I wrote about his sweet spirit--but there is also a wisdom in him that is remarkable. I don't know many (ok, any) eight year olds who can imagine the world from a different vantage point than their own and then verbalize their reaction the way he did.
Anyway, here's to counting blessings. And here's to seeing my child do the same. Maybe, just maybe, we're building a legacy of acknowledging the good in the world and in our lives.
I know, I know I'm late. There was just too much going on yesterday. Katie was still out of school, but we were up to take Chip and drop off teacher gifts and party supplies for their classroom Christmas parties. Then I got a call from Trey who said he was too sick to even drive home from work, and that I needed to come get him. So he was upstairs with a stomach bug, Katie (though much better) was on sofa with a Barbie movie, and I had to head back to get Chip from school at an early dismissal. At least Trey's illness was shortlived--by last night, with the help of a lot of Gatorade, he was ready to head back to Athens Orthopedic Clinic to get his car.
So, the miracle of yesterday happened on the way home from that trek to AOC. I had the kids in my car, and we were listening to 104.7 The Fish-a local Christian radio station playing nothing but Christmas music till 12/25. A song came on sung from the viewpoint of an orphan. The chorus was something like, "All I want for Christmas is someone to tuck me in at night." I had never heard it before, but as I'm listening, I hear soft sobs coming from the back seat. I leap into "Mom" mode, assuming that the stomach virus has claimed it's 2nd victim. "Chip! What is the matter?" I ask. He says, "Mom, I'm just so happy." "What are you happy about, son?" "Everything, Mom, everything." I was floored--he was happy about everything--even though our house is a disasterous, germ-infested nightmare--even though I couldn't come to his class Christmas party which he has been so looking forward to--and even though he missed seeing the REAL Santa Claus who comes to AOC every year.
My eight year old was acknowledging his blessings in such an authentic way that he was moved to tears. I know I wrote about his sweet spirit--but there is also a wisdom in him that is remarkable. I don't know many (ok, any) eight year olds who can imagine the world from a different vantage point than their own and then verbalize their reaction the way he did.
Anyway, here's to counting blessings. And here's to seeing my child do the same. Maybe, just maybe, we're building a legacy of acknowledging the good in the world and in our lives.
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