Ringing in 2010!

I can't believe another year has gone by! 2009 was a great year for my family. I am excited to see what 2010 has to bring. This year I received my masters. I am so glad to be done and proud to have accomplished a goal I set for my self in high school. There is nothing like looking back and reflecting on your past. The other day I got out my senior book and looked to see what I had wrote. Isn't funny how differently you see your self when you are younger? Some of the things I had hoped for the future came true. I am blessed with a husband and children who love God. I have a good roof over my head. I LOVE my job. I have the best family and friends a girl could ask for. Sometimes I wonder how things could be any better. I remember the times when I thought nothing was going the way it should. Getting married at 19 and a child by 20 was not what I saw for my self in my senior book but its what made me the person I am today. I was blessed to have a supportive husband and family to help us. A personal struggle in my life came after Zachary was born. It caused me to question who I was, where I came from, and how could I have been lied to for so long. At first I was very bitter, mad, and sad but as time went by I realized that it could shape me into someone I did not want to be or make me stronger. I chose to become stronger and forgive the way God forgives me daily. Chucky supported me in finishing college even when baby number 2 came at age 22. He was there in my corner supporting me. A year after Chase was born we hit a rough patch in our marriage. I also hit a rough patch in my health. Both were very scary. The whole time the one thing missing was slapping us both right in the face GOD! After we moved from Horatio we never found a church family and started to let the ways of the world rule our life instead of God's way. After completing college and starting my teaching career, I met a great friend who invited us to church. Chucky got saved and I found my way back home to God. Who had never really left to begin with! As I read my senior book that is one thing I hoped to have a God fearing husband and a family in church. I am glad to say I have both. And we could not ask for a better church family than Spring Lake Baptist. Then baby number 3 came and I was blessed with 3 sons. As I read the page out of my senior book I saw I wanted 3 or 4 kids. I guess I accomplished that one as well. It is nice to look back and reflect on who we were and where we are now. I am glad to see that my life is so much more then I could have ever hoped for.
As I look at the boys playing together on the floor I start to think about the future. I am hoping that 2010 will be a year of new adventure, exciting and fun times with family and friends, and new opportunities in my job. But most importantly I want to live in the moment cherishing my precious sons not wanting the year to go by to fast. Not wanting them to grow up before my eyes. So here is a toast to the past may we remember where we came from and to the future my it be better then we can imagine! I hope 2010 is a GREAT year. God Bless and Happy New Year!

I cherish these times!!

We had a WONDERFUL time in Dallas this weekend. It was once again time for the Smedley Christmas at my Nana and papa's house. The only thing missing was the latest addition to our family Thomas Marc along with his parents my Uncle Mark and Eileen. But little Thomas is only 2 weeks old and not quite ready for a long trip.

We had a really good time visiting with my mom, Nana, papa, sisters, brother-n-laws, aunts, cousins, niece and nephews. The kids played well together minus the occasional little fight. But when you place that many kids together it is going to happen. Or that many sisters! Since there are 4 of us and we are all VERY strong headed. But the love is there no matter what!! That's the best thing about family you forgive move on and love each other no matter what!

This time with family is something I cherish. Seeing my boys with their cousins remind me so much of my cousins Bryan and Tori, my sisters, and myself playing together growing up at our family Christmas. Sharing, using their imagination, making up silly sayings, or telling secrets. Those are the things I love to see while their innocents are still in place, the bonds being formed, and a friendship growing. Its priceless! My brother-n-law Will had two boys when my sister Kasie married him.They have always fit right in like they have always been apart of our family! Austin and Zachary are a few months apart and Jordan and Chase a little over a year apart. They love playing together. Garett is right there in the middle of them all with my niece Adalyn making her self know in the group as well. She is a bossy little thing for only being 2. She is cute and she knows it. Its hard not to laugh at her sassy little self. My cousin Bryan has a daughter Taylor she is 3 months younger then Zachary and holds her own in a group of boys. My nephew Dominic wants to hang with the boys and is quite a character. Its hard to imagine Candi not always having him. I still remember to this day being in the court room when he was adopted. Definitely another blessing to count! Avery (Candi's youngest) was full of laughs. He is such a doll and has been one healthy little boys since the scare he gave us all at birth. Watching them together is the best gift I could get this year.

Chuck, the boys, and myself went down to Dallas Friday morning to help get things ready before everyone came on Saturday. We helped do some cooking and just spend sometime with my Nana and Papa before the mad house started with 20+ coming over. The boys had a great time cooking with Nana while Garett snuggled in papa's lap. I love that my boys have great-grandparents to spend time with. It is really neat. I had the BEST great granny until I was in 8th grade and God called her home!! I have the BEST memories of times with her in DeQueen, AR. I am glad my boys will also have those same kind of memories as well.

It is always hard when the time comes for everyone to go home. You want one more day, a few more hours, another game of cards, another talk, just a little more time before everyone leaves and another family Christmas comes to a end. I cherish the time I have with my extended family. I could not ask for a better family. I love them all!
Until the next Smedley get together I will cherish the memories we made, the fun we had, and most importantly the time we spend together!

My Bilingual Boys Give Away

I love amazon and order books and more from there all the time. Up for grabs in this give away is a $25.00 gift card. Check out her blog at:
http://mybilingualboys.blogspot.com/2009/11/25-amazon-gift-card-giveaway.html?showComment=1259474034402_AIe9_BH7nbTzMxW1mwPcIht13yssJZUYeDBJqvOtagmT1ys0YfpbHTxOfcylBEGtSoJUIr0D7sb1_hWPxRuSy1yBlUWm9Cj9qrBQO_14BKz9bNDJp74q07iyTSY8iXXUN3ylFDpt3EZNgoECwoDn0vSATTkd4srQMiudUpWPcjCbOCRMtBg7rVV7MTCuxIakfrZeYloie67xfGm3tTrCq8CpnRWMdoZJN28S4kIEBorwI4hRa9Z7kS23IhcURryPy4Pyy4P3u65u#c147362339932227391

Teaching Heart Giveaway

I love www.teachingheart.net. This site has good ideas and CD's and packets to purchase. Some items are also free. I also love her blog at www.teachingheartmom.blogspot.com it also has great ideas and time savers. She is once again having a BIG give away with 7 changes to win. If you are a teacher or parent check it out.

Thankful!

This time of year everyone takes time to think of the many blessings in their lives. Thanksgiving is a time to spend with family and friends but also a time to reflect on all of the things you have to be thankful for. I have many people and things to be thankful for.
Most importantly I am thankful for God's saving grace. Without it I would be nothing. I am thankful for a husband who loves the Lord. I love watching him play with the boys and encourage them. He is the best daddy and husband I could have ever asked for. Sometimes we see a future for ourselves but it is not the future God had in store for us. I am so thankful that God brought Chucky into my life. I could not imagine where or what I would be if not for him. He is my best friend and his support in going back to college meant so much to me.
I am very blessed with 3 amazing boys. My life would be so boring without them. Each of them is unique in their own way. Watching them play, fight, and defend each other is priceless. Though they may get mad at each other they will also protect each other if needed. I love watching Zachary and Chase interact with Garett. They have a lot of patience with him being the youngest. Watching Zachary and Chase build a relationship with God is also such a blessing to my heart. Garett is following along and loves to go to church and knows God loves him.
I am blessed with a wonderful mother and father you are there when ever I need them. I am so glad my dad has moved here and it is great to see him with the boys. My mom is still one of my best friends and I love her so much. I know I could call her anytime day or night and she would be here for me. My nana and papa are also a constant in my life. They are the rock that hold our family together. I can't not imagine life without them and know they are just a phone call away. My boys are very blessed with such wonderful grandparents. I am also thankful for the time I had with my mother-n-law before she passed. I never really got to know her well until the last few years of her life. I will treasure that time always. There is nothing like seeing the man you love care for his mother when she is ill. It makes you realize how blessed you are when you see the love he has for his mother.
I am also blessed with 3 beautiful sisters. Kasie is my best friend. She is my one constant in my life that battles with me through thick and thin no matter what happens she is ALWAYS there. Conni is my baby sister that is full of spunk. She has your back and will be there if needed. Watching the struggles she has gone through with her health makes me admire her spirit. She never complains or grips and I am thankful she has such a great husband. I have always admired my sister Candi. She adopted my nephew even though he had special needs she loved him unconditionally. She now has another son and is going to college. I admire her for that I know how hard it is to go to school with kids.
I am blessed with a wonderful church family at Spring Lake Baptist. I know I will hear God's word preached. They are my family and know that all I have to do is call and they are there.
I love my job! I could not ask for better co-workers or teammates. I love to teach kids. It is such a rewarding and challenging job. I am thankful for each student I have ever taught! They challenge me to think outside the box, inspire me to strive to achieve the unexpected, and believe that as a teacher I will in turn challenge and inspire them.
I am thankful for my precious niece Adalyn and my nephews Dominic, Avery, Jordan, and Austin. I wish I could see them more. But I love them just the same.
I am also blessed with some GREAT friends. I miss my best friends Dawn and Lori and wish we lived closer. Though we don't talk on a daily or weekly bases I know I could call them at anytime and confide anything to them. I truly love you both! I have many friends in my live but you two are truly my dearest friends.
Thank you to all the people that have blessed my life. Though some are no longer in it at some point you made an impact on me no matter how great or small. You are a blessing. In some way you helped shape me into the women, mother, wife, friend, teacher, and CHRISTIAN I am today. And for that I thank you.
I hope each of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Call a relative or friend you have not talked to in awhile and reconnect this holiday season. Most importantly reflect on the blessings in your life. We all have so much to be thankful for.

Growing up to fast!

Yesterday was Zachary's first girl/boy party! I can't believe it! The first few days after he got the invitation he said he was NOT going! He did not want to dance with a girl! Well when Saturday rolled around he decided he did want to go. He picked out an outfit and I ironed it. After putting it on he changed his mind and the picking out started all over again! I thought being the mom of boys outfit decisions would be a breeze but I guess I was wrong! Once we got ready and headed out reality set in my baby is NOT a baby anymore!!
Pulling up to the little girls house I saw several girls and a few boys already there and I really just wanted to turn around and head back home! I did want this time to come so fast but it was here no turning back!
The girls came up to the car as Zachary was getting out. I watched as his head did a upper ward nod as to say "what up ladies" and they squealed as the other boys came over to whisk Zachary away! No goodbye mom no nothing! Just my baby heading off on a new adventure!
Chuck picked him up and I was so happy he wanted to tell me about the party! He informed me he did dance but not when they played GIRL SONGS (Hannah Montana) even though he sings to her in the car. He could not let the others know that!! He did not dance with any girls and rolled his eyes when I even suggested it: NO MOTHER he informed me. How dare I ask such a thing! Only if he know how relieved I was that girls are still on the back burner for now! He is not girl crazy yet and the girls seem to be pretty calm when it comes to boys as well.

I remember being in 5th and 6th grade and chasing Toby, Mitch, and Chris around the play ground with the other girls at Shands Elementary. We already had boyfriends and talked on the phone. I am so glad that Zachary and the other kids at his school are still ok just to be friends and the boyfriend/girlfriend drama has not started yet. That will be next year when we start the middle school. Until then I am just holding on a little longer to my sweet baby boy!

Those Boys of Mine!

It is never a dull moment at the Lewis house. Not with 3 boys! So let me start by telling about our shopping trip to Target this weekend! Shopping with 3 boys and a husband is not always fun but this time it was FULL of laughs. One of my best friends Melissa Thompson also has 3 boys and we bumped into them shopping as well. Chuck's eyes got so big when he saw they way they all acted together. Melissa and I are old pros at continuing to shop while the boys are horse playing and trying to pretend we don't know them. Chuck on the other had is not. One of Melissa's boys knocked a bar off the rack and the other was tooting!! It was so funny only because this time it was not MINE!!
But rest assured I had my turn to turn red with embarrassment. Leave it to Garett to do something or saying something! As we walked past the bras Garett in his LOUD voice gladly announces I LOVE BOOBS! What???? NOT MY KID!! Not my son yelling he loves boobs!! I am embarrassed and Chuck is like smiling yep that's my boy!! Bless his little heart, he never sees bras in some many shapes and colors at our house. I think he was a little amazed by all the pretty and lacey bras he was seeing. When youhave a big chest as I do you are limited to the style and color. I guess the assortment over whelmed the poor boy! Some lady looked at me in total disgust. But if that's the only thing they did we were having a good trip!!
On to the older two boys. Yep Zachary and Chase by no mean have been all sweet and innocent. (LOL) This evening after school they were playing in the backyard while I was cooking dinner. As I had the water running in the kitchen I hear the sound of GLASS BREAKING. Turned off the water and thought surely NOT!! I walked outside with Zachary looking like nothing happened and Chase climbing back over the fence. They were kicking the ball OVER the house to each other. However, Chase DID NOT make it over. Instead he broke the window in one of the bed rooms.
Needless to say Chuck was not happy and is just finishing up fixing the window!
I am so thankful I married a man that can fix things!! As you can see life in the Lewis house is never dull. But I would not change it for the world! Things could always be worse and my boys are little angles! (Well most of the time anyways!)

From The Mouth Of A Child!

I just love when its bed time! No not because my house will be quiet with all my boys asleep, but because it's a time with no TV on, no video games being played, and no phone calls. It is a time I get to hear about the boys' day or a last minute story they what to tell before lights off. I am sure it is a way for them to put off going to sleep for just a little longer and though at times it can be annoying, when I am also ready for some much needed sleep, it is also very rewarding and a time I cherish.
I am so glad Zachary and Chase are not to old to want to still snuggle a little with momma and not at the stage where they are embarrassed to still tell me things. I love hearing about what happens at school or something about their friends.
Garett is now getting in on the story telling. Most of the time his stories are a version of a story he heard at school. The latest little story he has been telling is "Little Boy Blue". It is so funny the way he tells it or says the nursery rhyme. Then sometimes he wants to talk about when he was a baby. The other night he said "momma when God made me a baby and you took me home it made my heart happy"!! IS THAT NOT THE SWEETEST THING EVER!!! I told him baby when God let me bring you home it made my heart happy too!! I just could eat him up!! He is the funniest little boy!!
At bed time the boys also do roll call. Goodnight mom love you, Love you to (insert son's name) Goodnight dad love you, Love you too(insert son's name) Goodnight (insert brothers name) love you and so on. Then they all add the dog, goodnight Bella love you!! All 3 boys do this, however Garett still says momma Bella didn't answer me back!! of course Garett also says love you blue skies momma, and I love you pumpkin daddy. Chuck always tells Garett I love you pumpkin and Garett giggles and says momma daddy called me pumpkin. No matter how many nights go by that Chuck says it Garett still giggles like it is the first time he heard it.
These are the things I love, the memories that I cherish, the times I want to hold on to!! Time flies way to fast and I am so thankful my boys are the best of friends.
Before I go I have to brag on the older two! Zachary's teacher came down to my room yesterday after school to tell me how much she is enjoying having him in class. She said she loves listening to Zachary tell a story or explain something he is so dramatic in his story telling. Chase is also doing great! Nothing but good reports so far still trying to get him to slow down and not care about being the first one done. I am proud of them both. I am sure it is hard to have your mom work at the same school you attend. You can't get by with anything!!
Also Chuck brought home some interesting news this week. He has been talking about going to college. Well his boss thinks he would be a great administrator and is going to help him PAY FOR IT!! YEAH!! Now I am done and he will be starting. I could not be more proud of him!! He has talked about it for the last year but with added responsibilities at work he realized that this is what he wants to do and without his degree he has made it as far as he can. I think this next chapter in our lives will be a GREAT one! I am excited about this journey he is about to take. GOD IS GOOD!!
Until Next Time,
Kristi

My Child Is A Funny One!

Well nothing like picking your 4 year old from preschool and the teacher always having story to tell you! Miss. Amy is Garett's teacher and he absolutely loves her. He thinks Miss. Amy is a pretty teacher. He talks about her none stop at home. Miss Amy this and Miss Amy that. I love to hear his stories about school.
Needless to say Miss. Amy also loves Garett and thinks he is such a cutie!! She is always laughing about something he said or did. The last story I got from school was this week. Miss. Amy has been completing prek beginning of the year test and asked Garett to tell her his whole name. Garett's response was Garett "THE BEAR" Lewis. and then he proceed to tell me and his dad that night laying in bed that his name is now Garett "THE BIG BEAR" Lewis because his legs are getting bigger and bigger. He told me he is no longer a little boy but a big boy!! Talk about breaking mommy's heart! No longer a little boy?? Since when is 4 no longer little!!
So my child has changed his name from Garett Lynn Lewis (which I never really liked but had to give into my husband and give Lynn his fathers name) to Garett "THE BIG BEAR" Lewis. The way he says "THE BIG BEAR" is louder and in this little man voice like he is announcing his name as he runs out on the football field or makes a slam dunk at a basketball game. It is the cutest thing.
As he sits in my lap right now as I am typing he leans over to tell me he loves me big blue sky. I have always told the boys I love them more then the big blue sky. However, Garett has always just said momma I love you big blue skies. It is the sweetest!!
Anyways another story from school his week is Miss Amy informed me that Garett has a girl friend, Ella Graham. Ella's mom and I teach together and her big brother and Chase have been friends since birth and Garett and Ella have know he other since birth as well. The interesting part to this story is that Ella tells Garett exactly what to do and when to do it and HE DOES IT!! Miss Amy told me if Ella wants Garett to sit somewhere he does, play something he does, or same something he does!! He calls her My Ella Girl!! Of course he doesn't say to me Ella is my girl friend but he talks about her all the time and say My Ella Girl is my friend or I played with My Ella Girl!! My precious little baby my 4 four year old is growing up!!
Yes I know it is time to cut those apron strings and I am!! Because I have got to teach him to not let a girl boss him around so much. If I don't stop it now I will have one controlling daughter in-law in my future!! And as a momma of 3 boys I just can't let that happen!!

Back To School

The first week of school went well. Zachary and Chase like their teachers and are adjusting to switching classes for the first time. Garett was excited to see Mrs. Amy again and his friends in prek. This is the best picture I could get of the boys on the first day. Garett did not like the flash and I think they all were having a hard time getting up early.
All 22 of my 1st graders showed up ready to learn. I have 11 boys and 11 girls. I am ready for week 2 and getting everyone into a routine. I have already tested my students on their ability to read. I was happy with how well most of them could read. I am also looking to forward to the challenges that lay ahead.
I really enjoyed my summer but realized how much I had missed teaching! It is such a rewarding job. But its more then just a job its my passion to help students reach their FULL potential. I am ready to watch them grow and mature right in front of my eyes!
I was very happy this week to get an email from a second grade teacher at my school thanking us 1st grade teachers for sending a smart group to them. I was glad to know that my students had retained what they had learned over summer break. It reminded me that I can help my students succeed. Its those little things that I find so rewarding!
I have already signed my class up for some online projects at http://jenuinetech.com/. The first project we will be completing is the Oreo stacking project. My classes in the past have loved this. We get a package of oreos and estimate how many they can each stack before it tips over. We use a excel graph to compare and contrast our results. We then track our results against other schools across the US. It helps with our math skills and its fun.
Week 2 here I come! I hope everyone has a great week.
Kristi

Teachingheart give away

One of books on today's give away is Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. I love to read this story with my kiddos. After reading it we make our own trees. I dia-cut lettes and make leaves for the students. They then have to use the letters to spell their name on the leaves. Then place the leaves on our classroom tree. Its a great beginning of the year activity. Check out the blog at: www.teachingheartmom.blogspot.com and check at the website at: http://www.teachingheart.net/chickaboom.html.
Happy blogging!
Kristi

Teachingheartmom.blogspot.com give away

Well today is a new day of give aways on www.teachingheartmom.blogspot.com
Today is a basket of goodies and you get to pick a cdrom from teachingheart.net. The CDroms are great I have purchased some for my classroom in the past. They have GREAT items. One of the cd's I have is the graphing cd. you can print the items to use with your students a great way to help them graph and have fun at the same time. They are VERY reasonable in prize. Check out the blog and her website.
Thanks,
Kristi

Teachigheartmom give away

I am excited to be blogging about teachingheartmom.blogspot.com. I am gearing up for back to school. Only one more week of summer left. I would love to win the gift card to help buy supplies for my students that can not afford to purchase supplies. My favorite thing about back to school is getting my classroom ready and buying more items to use. I love getting to know my students and the 1st few weeks of learning is such an exciting time. I also enjoy a tradition of taking my boys to buy their new lunchboxes and backpacks. We usually grab lunch and then head out to shop. I am looking forward to a great year and hopefully winning a gift card!
If you are a parent or teacher check out this great blog: http://teachingheartmom.blogspot.com/
Thanks,
Kristi

Baseball and Masters!!

The Lewis' had an excited week!! Our middle child Chase played in the machine pitch state baseball tournament in Rusk, TX. I was so proud of him. He made it to the state championship. We were playing a team we had blow out 17 to 5 two nights before. Our kiddos had an off night and they ended up second place. It was bittersweet. The boys were very disappointed but they played their little hearts out. I have never been more proud of my Chase. I hated to see him so sad and wanted him to realize what he and his team had accomplished. There were 13 teams that were the BEST in there districts from other parts of Texas and Chase's team the BULLDOGS got second! WOW!! Chase did a great job he played 3rd base and batted very well.

Life in a hotel for 6 days in a little town was not that exciting. Garett thought it was cool getting to stay as he called it in a big bedroom and he has asked several times if we could go back. He wants to go to the hotel to swim. I think he liked having all of us together and daddy not having to work. Zachary was a very supportive big brother and was there cheering Chase on and yelling for the team. In 2007 Zachary and Chase played on the same team and went to state together they made to like 6th place. Zachary was excited for Chase. I think it made him miss baseball a little bit but He is gearing up for fall soccer which is right around the corner. After the championship we headed to Dallas to visit my nana and papa who were babysitting our dog Bella. On Saturday my neighbor called to let me know my LONG awaited letter from Texas A&M-T had come. I was a little afraid for her to open it. I think she was a little scared to have to tell me my results as well. She was very sweet and said a little prayer for me before she opened it. I am excited to say I PASSED my comps and now officially have my MASTERS!!! Alot of hard work has finally paid off. My masters in in curriculum and a certification as a Reading Specialist. I will now be looking for a new job for the 2010 school year. I am even thinking about going back and adding the hours to be an administrator. Who knows I might change my mind. I am at least taking a year off before I start.

This past week as been a great end to our summer. I return to work in 8 days. I have been busy getting my room set back up before 22 1st grades come busting into my classroom ready to learn to read. 1st grade is an exciting year they really want to learn and most are eager to please. I have already been saying prayers for my new students God knows their personalities and mine and I believe each student is placed in my room for a reason. Either for me to learn something from them or for me to make a impact on their lives. I believe its a little of both. This school year will be a bittersweet one for me. It will be the last year my oldest Zachary will be on the same campus with me. He will be in 5th grade and heading to the middle school for 6th. Just thinking about it makes me want to cry. I am looking forward to a GREAT year!!

God Bless,

Kristi

The Dreaded Comps

Well Saturday is the dreaded comps day. I have TRIED to study but I have never been that great at it. I can't believe you have to pay to take all these classes then you make A's and have to take a comprehensive final to actually get your diploma. Ugg I am so ready for it to be over with. I have to wait 3 weeks to get my results. The test is 5 essays and so I guess I will be typing my heart out.
Chase is still playing baseball. He has district starting Monday. If we win Monday and Tuesday then his team will go to state. I have mixed feelings. I love to win but I am ready for ball to be over. He is so excited he is playing 3rd base and has been doing a GREAT job. Go Bulldogs!
Zachary has been a really good helper here lately. He has been doing so much to help me get things done and taking care of Garett so I can study and get things done. I know he is ready for me to be done with college as much as I am.
Garett has been having to learn that he can not always get his way. His brothers are no longer giving in to him when he whines. He will come tell on them when they don't and I have to explain to him that he has to share. But of course his response is but I a little boy. That seems to be his response for everything when he wants to get away with something. He has a hard time keeping his clothes on. He prefers to be in the nude ALL the time regardless of who is around. His dad said boy at least but some underwear on and he told his dad that boys are supposed to be naked. Chuck said is daddy naked and Garett informed him that he was NOT LITTLE. I said HELLO daddy don't you know that. I just laughed.
Chuck has been going on motorcycle rides the past few Mondays with our preacher and other guys from our church. Sometimes they go to revivals and others they just ride and have dinner. He really enjoys it. I am glad he has that time.
My neighbor and I have been walking about 2 and 1/2 miles at least 5 days a week. I feel so much better and have already lost some weight. I enjoy being able to talk to another women and not have the boys falling me around on my heels. It makes me feel so much better.
Well think of me this weekend when I am sitting poring out all my knowledge on these lovely comps.
Hope you have a great week and weekend!

Summer

My clan is excited that our summer as finally began. Our school district has Tier I and Tier II. I did not get out of school until June 11 and the boys have been out since the 1st of June. Its nice to finally be done.
On another note I am taking my last college class this summer. July 2nd I will be done and getting to take my comps the next weekend. Then I will be done and graduated with my masters. I am so ready for that. It will be nice next year to not have to go to college and just spend a little more times with my boys.
Zachary will be in 5th grade next year and it will be his last year at Wake Village before heading to the middle school. I have been so blessed to work at the same school with my boys. Chase will be in 4th grade and Garett in the prek 4 class. My babies are growing up way to fast!!
This school year has been bitter-sweet. My principal will be leaving and going to the Middle school. I am sad to see her go. She has really taken our school in a great direction and provided us with the latest technology to use with our students.
I have a mimo which is a type of smart board and an interwrite pad. My students love the. I also got a web cam and a center set of IPOD nanos to use with them. I am excited to find neat things this summer to use on my IPODs.
This weekend is another busy one with Chase's baseball team playing in an all star tournament. we are getting ready for district and we won tonight 18 to 3. I am really proud of him. Go Bulldogs.
Zachary's soccer team was 1st place in his league and he will play fall soccer in the fall. He really enjoys it. He decide after moving up to kid pitch last year that he did care for baseball. I hope he changes his mind but after getting hit several times by the pitcher I think it just made it not fun anymore. I hope Chase likes it next year when he moves up.
Chuck has not been feeling well and going back and forth to the doctor we have been waiting on his latest test results to come back. I hate that he doesn't feel well.
Other then that all is great on the home front. Zachary, Chase, and Garett will be excited when I am done with college and we can have some fun this summer.
I am a pretty lucky girl with a wonderful and supportive husband and 3 great boys.
Until Next Time
Kristi

Fit throwing???

Well we made it through the terrible 2's without any fits and now that Garett is about to turn 4 they have hit. Fits, Fits, and more Fits. Fits when he does not get his way, Fits because I have to leave to go to work, Fits because I take him to church, and Fits because he wants something NOW!! It just started 2 weeks ago. Not only is he throwing fits but he also wants ME and ONLY ME!! Wow, it's driving me CRAZY!! Don't get me wrong I love him very much but the fits are enough. He has always been a mamma's boy but he has also always been so even tempered. These fits have came out of no where. Nothing has changed at home. Nothing is going on at home. he just wants to be a little turkey until her gets his way. I am so ready for this stage to be OVER. I want my sweet little boy back minus the fits. I miss the quietness of a fit free house.

Jesus Paid It ALL!

What a great day it was to be in the house of the Lord. We had our sun rise service this morning at 8:00. It was raining but the holy spirit was still present. The men then cooked breakfast. We had a 10:00 service where our choir did a wonderful job singing and telling the story of Jesus's sacrifice on the cross. Our regular church service started at 10:45 and our Pastor was filled with the spirit as he preached GOD'S WORD!! That is one thing we are so blessed with at Spring Lake Baptist a pastor that loves the Lord and preaches GOD'S WORD. My boys sang a special with the other children. They sang the song "You are worthy of my praise". Chase had a solo and did a wonderful job. It is such a blessing to see children singing for the Lord. It truly amazes me to see Jesus through a child's eyes.
Even though today is a rainy, messy, and chilly day God is still on his throne and his light shines even through the storms. Not just the weather storms but the storms that effect our lives. It is truly awesome to see God glory in life's storms. Even though sometimes it is hard to trust in our faith when things are crumbling around us. Regardless of the storm we are in God is there still strong, loving, forgiving, and all powerful.
Over the past few months I have been previewed to storms others around me are going through. I watched as my sister faced a storm when Avery, my nephew, was born and had to be flown to Children's Hospital in Dallas for surgery. She was scared, I was scared, and my family was scared. But never in this storm did I doubt God's love for Candi and Avery. Prayer was sent up and GOD'S WILL was done. Avery is now doing great.
I recently found a friend from high school, Devon Courtney, on facebook and found out her 5 year old has kidney cancer. She is going through chemo and had to spend sometime in Children's Hospital in Little Rock because she had a fever, mouth sores, and her white count was low. Thank the Lord she is now home feeling better and still getting chemo. Through this storm the Courtney family is going through they still Love the Lord and have faith in him to see them through the storm. Devon has always had a personal relationship with God and was raised by God fearing parents. Now as she is raising her own children she is passing along that legacy. Even though she might not have know it I admired her in high school for she never let others dampen her love for God. I don't know what God has in store for this family but I know he will see them through this storm and HIS WILL will be done. So please remember this family in your prayers. Ally is her daughters name.
The other person I have seen going through a storm is my friend, co-worker, and church family member Jenny. Her dad had been battling cancer. It was so sudden and had spread way to much before they found out. He went home to be with the Lord Thursday. She knew it was coming but still had to face the loss of her father. Even though we know Mike is in heaven the loss here on Earth is great. She is someone else I have admired for there love for God. She faithfully services each and everyday no matter what curve balls life sends her way.
Today on Easter we must remember that our time on Earth is only a short time and that our time in eternity will be forever. As Jesus hung on the cross in his own storm he never questioned or doubted God. He never asked God to make them stop, he never said no I don't want to, he never turned his back on us. He paid it all on the cross that we might be forgiven and live in heaven one day. When you have a personal relationship with God and faith in his son Jesus he will see you through the storms that we face. He will lift us up when we fall and he will comfort us in times of loss. May we never forget the sacrifices Jesus made for us for he truly paid it all on the cross.

Easter Fun

Garett and I spent the morning at our church Easter egg hunting. It was really fun. Karen, Martha, and I were in charge of setting it up and with the help of a few others things went really smooth. The kids had fun decorating Easter cookies while some parent hid eggs. Garett was so cute looking for eggs. I can't believe he will be 4 years old next month. Time has flown by. He is still such a mommas boy that at time it drives me crazy but when I sit back and think about it I am so glad he still wants me to hold him and rock him. Before I know it he will be like his big brothers and think he is TO BIG! I hate those words.

Zachary and Chase informed me last night that they were TO BIG to Easter egg hunt. Since when is 10 and 8 to old?? I was sad to think my boys are growing up so fast.
They sure did not mind getting Easter baskets with goodies in them though.

I was also excited today to find out we will be welcoming a new baby to our family in November when my Uncle Mark and his wife Eileen have their first baby. I am so excited for them.

Chuck and Chase are getting ready for baseball practice and I need to work on some college projects. I keep reminding myself that at the end of summer I will have my masters and accomplished a goal I had for myself. That makes me want to push on and get it done. I am so ready to be FINISHED!

I hope everyone has a WONDERFUL Easter as we remember the sacrifices Jesus made for us on the cross. I hope you have blessed time with family and friends. I look forward to our sun rise service at Spring Lake Baptist tomorrow as we celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

God Bless,
The Lewis Clan