Easy like a Sunday afternoon.....

I know the song from the 70's was Easy Like a Sunday Morning, but today - we were Easy Like a Sunday Afternoon. It was awesome. We've been traveling here and there and it seems that lately, we never sit and enjoy our home! That really bothers me. Do you ever feel that you spend so much time getting your house to a point where each room is completed or decorated....then you never get to just sit and enjoy it??? I feel that way alot. I've tried to be better about finding time to be at home...to just be. You know? Today was one of those days.

Nick went to visit a friend, but Max and Scout truly shared the same vibe Kev and I had. We just laid around for most of the day. Enjoyed each other....movie time on the couch.... a nap here and there. When we were hungry, there was always crackers and cheese. It was that kind of day. GLORIOUS. It was all about being with family and spending some time talking too. It was much needed.

We'll end the night soon with a fireworks show. Compliments of Scout Johnson! I brought back some fun fireworks for the boys driving back from my last Atlanta trip. They love that.

I guess this blog is simply for me. To journal a good day and thank God for this Sunday. I feel very blessed. I feel content and for that, I praise the one who placed me in this very spot. His plan for me was good...and I feel very prosperous!

Psalm 105

1-4 Hallelujah! Thank God! Pray to him by name!
Tell everyone you meet what he has done!
Sing him songs, belt out hymns,
translate his wonders into music!
Honor his holy name with Hallelujahs,
you who seek God. Live a happy life!
Keep your eyes open for God, watch for his works;
be alert for signs of his presence.
Remember the world of wonders he has made,
his miracles, and the verdicts he's rendered

Thank the Lord today for your good life. Your happy life! And since tomorrow is Memorial Day...find some time to take a break and enjoy your home and your family. Look around at what the Lord has done, just for you.

The Last Day of School

Wow! I cannot believe that when my boys wake up tomorrow morning....they will be getting ready for their last day of school. Where in the world did this year go? Where have I been? I feel like I've lost some time somewhere. Really!!!

I remember some fun times from this school year. I need to journal them before I forget. Maybe I'll take my journals to the beach next weekend and jot some thoughts down. I have much to catch up on. I keep a journal for each of my boys. Funny things they've said, life lessons learned...that kind of thing. At first, I thought that I was starting them for their future wives. Seriously. I had planned on giving them as wedding gifts to my son's brides. My way of giving them a look into the life of the man they are marrying. Now...I can't imagine parting with them. I'll revisit my first thought in the years to come...you never know.

What stands out for me when I think about this past school year is Max's teacher. She is an amazing third grade teacher. She takes pictures of the kids during the day completing assignments or leading the class in some way and then she sends them via email to the parents. She allows us to peek into their days. I love that! Max loves her too. She is a Christian too. She prays for her students and truly loves them. We have been blessed.

One day, Max came home from school with a big announcement. He said that in school, they had taken a vote and he was elected the ambassador of the class. "Ambassador???" I asked. He then said, "No...no Ambassador. Um.... what do you call it when you go to other places and talk to people about stuff??" I was at a loss. He then exclaimed, "Missionary. That's it! I was voted the Missionary". For some reason (though a good idea) Kevin and I knew that couldn't be true. Even with our praying Christian teacher! The next day I emailed Ms. Thompson and got the straight story. Max had been elected to a position of service within his class. But, it was the Student Council Representative for Third Grade. Ha! Missionary. I love that story. There are more too, but that one is my favorite.


Scout had a great year too. 7th Grade was awesome for Football, friends and parties. If Kevin and I drove Scout and his friends to the Country Club once.....we drove him at least 10 times this year for various birthday parties. Kids party big these days. Full DJ set up too. He would come home so sweaty and talk about how much they danced. He lived it to the fullest. He also had a few girlfriends. But that is a blog for another day!! He made amazing grades this year. AB Honor Roll for both semesters. He tries very hard and it shows. Scout has had a big commitment with football this year and though he sometimes felt challenged for time and rest...he kept with it! I am so proud of him. He is gearing up for yet another summer of practice. He'll have a great 8Th grade year I am sure!!!

Nick had an awesome Sophomore year. We had some growing pains too. I definately spent some time in prayer. Cried some tears too. Nothing horrible....just the realization of a child that needs to walk his own journey. Walk his own spiritual walk. That...I learned, is hard, but doable with God! I remember praying to God one time and just praying Lord...what if he makes the wrong decision and then God reminded me, He would be there for him. Just like He was for me. I'll never forget that! Thank you Lord. You keep reminding me too. Going to State with the Football Team at Spain Park is something he'll never forget. I am so glad for him. He's made a million memories with that team. I can't wait to see what his junior year holds. We've already looked at class rings and in just one week, he'll turn 16. It seems like just last year Nick was leaving his 3rd grade teacher and I was thinking how blessed we were to have had Ms. Mannering. She really did bless us and our son. Where did the time go?

I can't wait to spend some time with my boys this next week! I love summer time and free schedules...though they don't stay free for long. There is always football, youth camps, mission trips, kids camp, sports camps, friends and parties. But...this too is but a season and it will pass. To think I may only have 2 more summers with Nick, 5 more with Scout and 9 more with Max....whew...In 10 years, I won't be wondering where I'll find the time to run those summer schedules everywhere.

Wow! So how has your school year been? I pray it was a good one for you and that we all have a blessed summer with lots of time for friends and family and the making of memories that keep us laughing for years to come!

Oh, Tonight was Night of Power for Nick at school. My almost 16 year old benched 195 for his max tonight. He now sports a beard most days..... Yeah....3rd grade was a while ago wasn't it?????

When life hands you lemons, make lemonade!

Well, this week was the Regions Tour of Champions at the resort. It was to be a week of fun and excitement. Well, that is if you don't work at the resort. Don't get me wrong, it can be fun and exciting too at times. But when you have rain during a well attended golf tournament....no longer fun!

Thursday was the Celebrity Golf Tournament and is typically one of the highlights. We had all the Golf Pros and their Celebrity Partners ready to go....and then came the rain. At first, we thought it would pass and all would go on as planned. As the morning went on, and we talked to the tournament directors....the day was called a 'no go'. The celebrities were almost held hostage by the media. Tommy Tubberville, Nick Saban, Bobby Bowden,Joe Namath, Charles Barkley, Steve Spurrier...and I could go on were all in our Clubhouse laughing and making their exit plans. I will add that they were MOST gracious to their fans. They signed more autographs than they usually do I am sure. Though this is fun for guests of the tournament, as hotel managers, we are not allowed to approach anyone for an autograph. Ever. We tell our hotel associates that they cannot do this so we are held to a strict rule as well. Sad...because if I had been able to do that, I might have been able to get Scout his much desired Joe Namath autograph!

Kevin had the plan of checking Scout out of school that day. By the time the called the tournament, the logistics of getting Scout to the resort in time to see Joe before he left was a bit unrealistic. He and my dad had planned to attend the tournament with Scout and get another...yes another...Joe Namath autograph. Scout has been a collector for years now. It all started in the third grade when he did his 'living book report' on Joe. He had to dress up like his character and talk about his life. #12 for The JETS. He was hooked. My mom works closely with one of Joe's college roomates that still keeps close ties to him. She has surprised Scout with signed cards and for his 13th birthday...a Signed New York Jets Jersey. That now hangs on his bedroom wall! Well, needless to say, I knew Scout would be disappointed. Truly I worried that it would cause such a disruption that we would be the recipients of a less than wonderful attitude when he came home from school that day.

When Scout came home, he was a bit sad. He rather calmly asked if they cancelled the whole thing and would Joe Namath be there over the weekend. When I told him that Joe left for good - but would most likely be back next year, I held my breath. To my surprise, he said, "Man. Well I guess there is always next year right? I guess I'm lucky to have the things signed that I already have. Right mom?" I agreed and thought...wow...I guess I should have given him more credit than I did. He is growing up. And understands that the rain was not just a sabbotage on his plans for the day.

He chose Joy. Maybe not conciously, but he chose to look on the bright side. I find at times that is one of the hardest things to teach my kids. Do you agree? I find at times I too struggle with my attitude when it comes to disappointment....or struggle. Finding contentment is going to be a lifelong journey. We'll always be faced with being let down and having our plans changed. But in all things....if we find joy and keep pressing on, we'll learn contentment and to be happy with the things that we already have!

Let's just keep putting those positive thoughts in our children.

James 1:2-4 tells us
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.


Though this may have been a small test for Scout, it was still a test for him. A trial of how he was going to manage his situation. His attitude. He's not there yet, but he is maturingand I am very proud of him. Seriously....I've been on the other side...and that...is something I look forward to him growing out of. I guess my heavenly father is looking forward to me growing out of that stage too. Hmmmmm

Facebook Vs. Myspace, THAT is the question!

Ok...seriously, what do you think? I've looked at both for the last several years. I think I've found an online networking tool that fits the needs for my children. Now I know they don't have to have a networking page on line....but their generation communicates this way. It is not going away. Facebook and networks like Myspace are replacing the ways of Instant Messenger and Email. Kids just don't email anymore - they Facebook. Their profiles are en extension of 'who they are' and some are really great. I've seen many that display a wonderful Christian testimony....and others that quite honestly aren't that great - I'm sure you've seen them too. At church last night, one of our college kids told me that she had been looking at Nick's Facebook and knew one of the girls he was posting messages with from his school. She told me she didn't care too much for that girl...and told Nick and basically told him she would be watching him, even if they are just friends. Her words to me were 'you have someone helping you look out for Nick on Facebook'. Wow...that is nice. In fact...every time an adult or good Christian friend becomes a 'friend' of his...that is more help. That, I like!

Anyway, like I've said we've done both and I see far LESS of a problem with Facebook. Myspace seems to get random SPAM mail far too often and it is typically junk and something I don't want my kids to see. I feel like I have to discuss something all the time with my kids regarding Myspace. It does not feel as secure. Also, I feel my kids are more vulnerable with this site too.

Facebook, seems more secure and less skanky to be honest with you. I personally have an active Facebook page now and totally appreciate the usefulness in keeping up with people I've not seen in a long time. And..enjoying the pictures of their sweet families.

In regards to allowing your kids access to social networking sites, that is a huge decision and is also one of commitment. Just because I feel better about Facebook over Myspace - I still have to monitor their pages and be sure they are posting things that are appropriate. I still go through their friends list (and ask about their friends) and I still visit their friends site every now and then just to see the vibe that's out there. And that...is ok. It's not spying, it's being an informed and responsible parent. Just another tip - because I have a facebook page - I am updated each time my teenage posts a picture or joins a group through the news feed of my 'friends' section. Quite helpful. This allows me a window into his account and an opportunity to talk with him and bring it up in another way rather than always saying "I was in your account today". This way...you can sometimes get less of that defensive attitude we sometimes get...you know the one our kids can give us!

We have a window to teach our children principals and life management while they are still in our home. My oldest will possibly be leaving in just two years. I feel it's part of my job to help him learn how to live in this world...and still not be of this world. Facebook, Myspace and other networking sites are active and a part of their culture. He'll either learn how to manage now....with Kevin and I as his guides, or he'll find his own way when he leaves. I'll choose the teaching him at home way.

Kevin also has a Facebook page. He reluctantly created one after I told him about the friends I was reconnecting with online. Two were former pastors at our church and that is when he thought...Ok...I'm getting in on this too! He also connects with some of Nick's friends this way and now has an opportunity to speak into their lives as well. He can now look into their lives a bit...and maybe help them make some better decisions during these high school years.

A book I've recommended before is Logged In and Tuned Out by Vicky Courtney. This book is fabulous! It's a discussion on bringing your kids up in a godly way regarding Internet, cell phone, social networking sites...you name it. If you have middle school or high school age kids - READ IT!

You may also want to pick up a copy of the latest Birmingham Parent magazine. It's the free one in the grocery store. They have an article entitled Facebook Faceoff that is really good this month. It really encouraged me to write this blog actually.

We can teach them while in our homes how they can use these tools in a Christian, responsible way. Something to think about - if we don't guide them through these tools when they are within our home....what will they do when the leave???? Do you think they'll get it right the first time on their own?