Thanksgiving 2008...a little late posting, but here are the favs!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
My life right now :)
There has been a lot of business the past few months! This post will be very random and discombobulated....just a warning!
Last week Connor caught the flu and then passed it on to me....needless to say it was a little rough. :( I have felt so behind all week after missing 3 days of work last week. In the midst of the chaos at school though I have some great co-workers and friends that I can count on. I am indeed, very blessed.
---
The start of this week was bittersweet as I had 7 hour notice that it would be one of my students' last day. I found out in the morning that Monday (that same day) was going to be his last day. Circumstance surrounding this were not entirely clear, but I believe that it will be for the best. My heart still ached for this child I had grown to love and who I will dearly miss. I keep forgetting he isn't in my classroom anymore and when I realize I won't see him again (unless by some random event) it makes me sad. I can trust though that God in his sovereignty is working things out in a way that I can't see.
9But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:7
---
My right had knee started bothering me last week when I was walking or bending down to get something. This is the same knee I had ACL reconstructive surgery on back in my basketball days (at the youthful age of 17). I didn't think much of it though and when Connor got sick I completely forgot. Being back at work though I found myself walking my kiddos down the hallway and having to stop to grab my knee because of a sharp pain. This quickly realized that I should have my doctor take a look. I had an appointment on Wednesday. She wants me to try some home remedies before going to an x-ray (although she does think at some point I will need one) and she perscribed an anti-inflammatory. Apparently the old injury, combined with being a teacher of little kids (lots of bending and kneeling), and the parent of a 3 year old (lots of bending to pick up) has caused my knee to not hold up so well. She explained that after my surgery scar tissue formed and scar tissue does not hold up as well as regular tissue AND it is possible I could have torn some tissue.....*sigh* Well, lets hope it isn't that. OR she mentioned that I could just be getting arthritis in my knees already since I used to be an athlete and also had surgery on my knee. *sigh* Arthritis? Really? I'm 25! So far I don't like either option and will be praying that the medicine she gave me will help, but other than that I can't change the need to use my knee to daily function. Please pray that the pain goes away! And if that isn't in God's plan that I handle whatever the consequence is graciously.
---
On the positive side, I've made a decision to create and follow a budget. In our ABF at Faith we have been talking about stewardship and we began studying finanicial topics, like debt, through Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University. At first I thought he had some good ideas and I realized that I should be a little more budget conscience. THEN I started feeling convicted about the fact that I really had no budget and was living in denial about how long it was going to take me to pay off my student loans. This past week finally motivated me to take Jeremiah up on his offer to help me. Wednesday night Amee played with Connor and Jeremiah and I sat in front of the computer and he spent a few hours (THANK YOU!) helping me create a budget. Instead of feeling overwhelmed I feel relieved and hopeful that I can get my student loans repayed MUCH quicker than I ever thought possible. AND on top of that I am going to set aside money each month for Connor's college fund! I realize that the hard work is still ahead of me and that I will have to stick to my budget and record everything (which I am not used to). I will keep everyone posted on how this will go, I will officially start in December since November is drawing to a close.
Last week Connor caught the flu and then passed it on to me....needless to say it was a little rough. :( I have felt so behind all week after missing 3 days of work last week. In the midst of the chaos at school though I have some great co-workers and friends that I can count on. I am indeed, very blessed.
---
The start of this week was bittersweet as I had 7 hour notice that it would be one of my students' last day. I found out in the morning that Monday (that same day) was going to be his last day. Circumstance surrounding this were not entirely clear, but I believe that it will be for the best. My heart still ached for this child I had grown to love and who I will dearly miss. I keep forgetting he isn't in my classroom anymore and when I realize I won't see him again (unless by some random event) it makes me sad. I can trust though that God in his sovereignty is working things out in a way that I can't see.
9But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:7
---
My right had knee started bothering me last week when I was walking or bending down to get something. This is the same knee I had ACL reconstructive surgery on back in my basketball days (at the youthful age of 17). I didn't think much of it though and when Connor got sick I completely forgot. Being back at work though I found myself walking my kiddos down the hallway and having to stop to grab my knee because of a sharp pain. This quickly realized that I should have my doctor take a look. I had an appointment on Wednesday. She wants me to try some home remedies before going to an x-ray (although she does think at some point I will need one) and she perscribed an anti-inflammatory. Apparently the old injury, combined with being a teacher of little kids (lots of bending and kneeling), and the parent of a 3 year old (lots of bending to pick up) has caused my knee to not hold up so well. She explained that after my surgery scar tissue formed and scar tissue does not hold up as well as regular tissue AND it is possible I could have torn some tissue.....*sigh* Well, lets hope it isn't that. OR she mentioned that I could just be getting arthritis in my knees already since I used to be an athlete and also had surgery on my knee. *sigh* Arthritis? Really? I'm 25! So far I don't like either option and will be praying that the medicine she gave me will help, but other than that I can't change the need to use my knee to daily function. Please pray that the pain goes away! And if that isn't in God's plan that I handle whatever the consequence is graciously.
---
On the positive side, I've made a decision to create and follow a budget. In our ABF at Faith we have been talking about stewardship and we began studying finanicial topics, like debt, through Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University. At first I thought he had some good ideas and I realized that I should be a little more budget conscience. THEN I started feeling convicted about the fact that I really had no budget and was living in denial about how long it was going to take me to pay off my student loans. This past week finally motivated me to take Jeremiah up on his offer to help me. Wednesday night Amee played with Connor and Jeremiah and I sat in front of the computer and he spent a few hours (THANK YOU!) helping me create a budget. Instead of feeling overwhelmed I feel relieved and hopeful that I can get my student loans repayed MUCH quicker than I ever thought possible. AND on top of that I am going to set aside money each month for Connor's college fund! I realize that the hard work is still ahead of me and that I will have to stick to my budget and record everything (which I am not used to). I will keep everyone posted on how this will go, I will officially start in December since November is drawing to a close.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Can't wait to wear them!
Mary Jane Pumps that I got at Target today. :) It was between the brown ones and the turquoise ones....practicality won. I'm not sure what I own that I could have worn turquoise shoes with.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Elephant Ears
Connor is LOVING his new daycare/preschool! His teacher does so many fun and creative things with the kids. Each week they study a letter and do MANY fun activities that correspond with that letter. Some examples:
A- they went and picked apples, made apple stamps, made homemade applesauce, created an apple tree out of construction paper, etc.
B-they did some fun activities with bubbles, talked about bears and butterflies, made a bird (a parrot) out of colorful paper and feathers, etc.
C-they made a letter C with cotton balls, made a cactus with tissue paper and pieces of uncooked spaghetti (which I borrowed last week when my class studied the desert!), etc.
D- they made a D with polka-dots on it, cut diamond shapes out of foil, played a game called the Dozen Game, labeled parts of a daisy, etc.
This week's letter is E! On Monday they made an egg-celent egg head with eyes, on Tuesday they took eggs and rolled them in paint and then rolled them onto paper to make a picture, and today they made elephant ears! They actually made the kind you eat and can wear on your head! So much fun!
You may recall that Connor really likes elephants...a lot! Apparently today was his favorite day so far at Ms. Shana's! Mom couldn't be happier for him. Tomorrow is show and tell and Connor is taking Horton the elephant and his mold of an elephant that we got from the mold-o-rama at the Brookfiled zoo!
This is just another example of how God makes a way when there seems to be no way and how he always has our good in mind when he says no to things working out the way we may want them to. I was so worried (it now seems to silly) about where Connor would be this year and not only is he in a Christian environment that is 5 minutes from the house, but we have been blessed beyond my expectations. God is so good!
A- they went and picked apples, made apple stamps, made homemade applesauce, created an apple tree out of construction paper, etc.
B-they did some fun activities with bubbles, talked about bears and butterflies, made a bird (a parrot) out of colorful paper and feathers, etc.
C-they made a letter C with cotton balls, made a cactus with tissue paper and pieces of uncooked spaghetti (which I borrowed last week when my class studied the desert!), etc.
D- they made a D with polka-dots on it, cut diamond shapes out of foil, played a game called the Dozen Game, labeled parts of a daisy, etc.
This week's letter is E! On Monday they made an egg-celent egg head with eyes, on Tuesday they took eggs and rolled them in paint and then rolled them onto paper to make a picture, and today they made elephant ears! They actually made the kind you eat and can wear on your head! So much fun!
You may recall that Connor really likes elephants...a lot! Apparently today was his favorite day so far at Ms. Shana's! Mom couldn't be happier for him. Tomorrow is show and tell and Connor is taking Horton the elephant and his mold of an elephant that we got from the mold-o-rama at the Brookfiled zoo!
This is just another example of how God makes a way when there seems to be no way and how he always has our good in mind when he says no to things working out the way we may want them to. I was so worried (it now seems to silly) about where Connor would be this year and not only is he in a Christian environment that is 5 minutes from the house, but we have been blessed beyond my expectations. God is so good!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
3 years old!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Dear Mom (Grandma) and Grandma (Great-Grandma),
These pictures are for you! Although you both look at my blog frequently I know that you have no idea how to post comments. That's okay though! :) Here are some cute pictures of Connor that I haven't posted yet!
The most recent picture taken of Connor and I (September 2008)
My big boy riding his bike (or at least "trying" to)! (August 2008)
Mmmmm....spaghetti! Gotta love that face! (September 2008)
Getting ready to go canoeing with some friends. (August 2008)
Cheese! He is getting better at smiling for the camera, he just doesn't always look in the right direction or hold the pose long enough! (August 2008)
Throwing some rocks with mom! (August 2008)
Future kayaker!
Connor wearing his backpack. Before I know it he is going to be going off to kindergarten! Ahhh!! (July 2008)
Hope you enjoyed them! We miss you and love you both. :D
Love,
Dana and Connor
Monday, September 8, 2008
Natalie Grant - I Will Not Be Moved
"Will Not Be Moved"
I have been the wayward child
I have acted out
I have questioned Sovereignty
And had my share of doubt
And though sometimes my prayers feel like
They're bouncing off the sky
The hand I hold won't let me go
And is the reason why...
[Chorus:]
I will stumble
I will fall down
But I will not be moved
I will make mistakes
I will face heartache
But I will not be moved
On Christ the Solid Rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
I will not be moved
Bitterness has plagued my heart
Many times before
My life has been like broken glass
And I have kept the score
Of all my shattered dreams and though it seemed
That I was far too gone
My brokenness helped me to see
It's grace I'm standing on
[Chorus]
And the chaos in my life
Has been a badge I've worn
Though I have been torn
I will not be moved
[Chorus]
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Connor's 3rd Birthday!
Okay, so I'm a little late with updating the blog. We have been very busy lately, but I did want to share some pictures from Connor's big day! His birthday was Tuessday, the day beofre Labor Day, and we celebrated on Labor Day out at Melissa's Parent's Lake House. It was so much fun and I'm truly blessed to have such amazing friends that helped to make his birthday a special one! I'm also thankful that God continues to allow me the awesome privelege of being a mommy!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
caffeine free diet coke :(
Today can be summed up by an experience I had today in the teacher's lounge...
I felt sick and had a headache. I'd already spent half of my lunch period with students who had to stay in from recess. I come into the lounge and put change into the pop machine and I accidentally hit the 2nd button (caffeine free diet coke) down instead of the the 3rd button down (diet coke).
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I seriously wanted to cry.
I really didn't want the caffeine free diet coke. But that's what I got. I sucked it up and drank it.
That's how all of today felt in a nutshell. That 10 second scenario just did a nice job of illustrating it.
I felt sick and had a headache. I'd already spent half of my lunch period with students who had to stay in from recess. I come into the lounge and put change into the pop machine and I accidentally hit the 2nd button (caffeine free diet coke) down instead of the the 3rd button down (diet coke).
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I seriously wanted to cry.
I really didn't want the caffeine free diet coke. But that's what I got. I sucked it up and drank it.
That's how all of today felt in a nutshell. That 10 second scenario just did a nice job of illustrating it.
Monday, August 25, 2008
God's sovereignty
The little flip calendar on my desk said the following this morning:
God has a thousand ways
Where I can see not one,
When all my means have reached their end
Then His have just begun.
Esther Guyot
So true! I may have even posted this last year on the same day. :)
God has a thousand ways
Where I can see not one,
When all my means have reached their end
Then His have just begun.
Esther Guyot
So true! I may have even posted this last year on the same day. :)
Sunday, August 24, 2008
"Come and listen, all who fear God;
let me tell you what he has done for me
I cried out to him with my mouth;
his praise on my tongue.
If I had cherished sin in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened;
but God has surely listened
and heard my voice in prayer.
Praise be to God,
who has not rejected my prayer
or witheld his love from me!"
Psalm 66:16-20
let me tell you what he has done for me
I cried out to him with my mouth;
his praise on my tongue.
If I had cherished sin in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened;
but God has surely listened
and heard my voice in prayer.
Praise be to God,
who has not rejected my prayer
or witheld his love from me!"
Psalm 66:16-20
Monday, August 18, 2008
A "good" kind of tired
I'm exhausted, but it's okay because today was pretty AWESOME! I'm excited about this year of teaching. My second graders did a great job today...no accidents or trips to the office. I too, survived and we are all eager to be back tomorrow. I also recieved flowers and a love letter today. No, there isn't someone I've failed to mention...the flowers were from a fellow teacher and the letter was from one of my new students. His letter said:
"You are nice. I love you." If only it were that simple...;)
I'd rate this as a 10+ kind of day, but did I mention that I'm tired?
"You are nice. I love you." If only it were that simple...;)
I'd rate this as a 10+ kind of day, but did I mention that I'm tired?
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Heal the Wound
Every so often I hear a new song that just touches my heart. This song by Point of Grace came on the radio the other day while I was in the car and I was literally sobbing. Thought I'd share! God is so amazing that he can use all of us, inspite of our pasts.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Potty News and More!
Connor and I are adjusting well here at the Redden's. We love our new home and are very excited to be here!!! What a blessing!
In Potty News...Connor FINALLY showed that he can do it! After months, and months of no progress and feeling that his potty training business was hopeless, last week marked a major milestone. The key is that he wants to stand up (I'll leave it at that). He's still learning and having accidents (at those times I am thankful that I don't ALSO have a puppy), but I'm encouraged. He has a sticker chart on the fridge AND he gets a cookie when he uses the potty. Does the last one seem wrong??
----
God is good and he's been teaching me a lot lately. I seem to keep having the same themes come up though. In a nutshell I basically struggle with wanting to....
Being in control...I'M SO NOT.
Know the future....I HAVE NO CLUE.
He sure is patient with me...I should know by now that his plans trump mine (THANKFULLY!) and that I need to give him the problem and not the solution.
In Potty News...Connor FINALLY showed that he can do it! After months, and months of no progress and feeling that his potty training business was hopeless, last week marked a major milestone. The key is that he wants to stand up (I'll leave it at that). He's still learning and having accidents (at those times I am thankful that I don't ALSO have a puppy), but I'm encouraged. He has a sticker chart on the fridge AND he gets a cookie when he uses the potty. Does the last one seem wrong??
----
God is good and he's been teaching me a lot lately. I seem to keep having the same themes come up though. In a nutshell I basically struggle with wanting to....
Being in control...I'M SO NOT.
Know the future....I HAVE NO CLUE.
He sure is patient with me...I should know by now that his plans trump mine (THANKFULLY!) and that I need to give him the problem and not the solution.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
A Last Hurrah!
Connor and I spent a fabulous day together at the Tropicanoe Cove yesterday! We spent close to 4 hours there! As we were leaving I finally came through on my promise to him that we would ride the train that they have in the park. He was so cute and I caught the experience on tape. It's not really anything intersting, but he thinks it is hilarious. Ever since seeing himself dance on video he thinks he is about the funniest thing ever!
Chaos is about to start...I have 2 weeks til school starts! Workshops and getting the blank canvas that is my classroom back together will take up most of my time until August 18th!
I've been very blessed to have this time together with Connor. God is so good to have given me this time of rest and fun.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Hallelujah!
Last night Connor and I ventured to the County Fair to watch Titus Justice play. We had a good time and Connor displayed some fantastic dance moves. I wish I had gotten them on video, but no such luck. I did however get a video of Connor singing and clapping along to music. He has recently showed some interest in listening to certain songs in the car and I've been told he is one of the most enthusiastic singers in his Sunday School class.
About a week ago when Connor and I were in the car he asked to listen to "I Can Only Imagine" again. I soon figured out that he actually was paying attention the songs I play/sing along with in the car. Thankfully there is not judgement on his part towards my singing abilties...
He requests to listen to this song everytime we are in the car....
"I Can Only Imagine"
I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk
By your side
I can only imagine
What my eyes will see
When your face
Is before me
I can only imagine
[Chorus:]
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
When that day comes
And I find myself
Standing in the Son
I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever
Forever worship You
I can only imagine
[Chorus]
I can only imagine [x2]
I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever, forever worship you
When we got the fair last night the last song we listened to in the car was "Cannot Say Enough." Connor refers to it as the "Hallelujah" song and as of yesterday that is his new favorite song (and quite possibly mine too).
"Cannot Say Enough"
What can we say to describe just a glimpse of Your glory
How can our words portray but a thread of your majesty
But still we praise our Savior
In Spirit and in Truth
For we cannot say enough about You
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
About a week ago when Connor and I were in the car he asked to listen to "I Can Only Imagine" again. I soon figured out that he actually was paying attention the songs I play/sing along with in the car. Thankfully there is not judgement on his part towards my singing abilties...
He requests to listen to this song everytime we are in the car....
"I Can Only Imagine"
I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk
By your side
I can only imagine
What my eyes will see
When your face
Is before me
I can only imagine
[Chorus:]
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
When that day comes
And I find myself
Standing in the Son
I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever
Forever worship You
I can only imagine
[Chorus]
I can only imagine [x2]
I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever, forever worship you
When we got the fair last night the last song we listened to in the car was "Cannot Say Enough." Connor refers to it as the "Hallelujah" song and as of yesterday that is his new favorite song (and quite possibly mine too).
"Cannot Say Enough"
What can we say to describe just a glimpse of Your glory
How can our words portray but a thread of your majesty
But still we praise our Savior
In Spirit and in Truth
For we cannot say enough about You
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Thursday, July 17, 2008
How to eat an ice cream cone
These pictures document Connor's first time having an ice cream cone. I know, I know what kind of mother am I that my son is almost 3 and I've never let him have ice cream in a cone. It all has to do with the mess I knew he'd make....but, sometimes little boys just need to be little boys! Right? :)
Monday, July 7, 2008
Something to celebrate! :D
In the midst of parenting frustrations I realized what today was, July 7, 2008... It doesn't mean anything to you, but it means the world to me.
It helped point me to God. To fall on my knees in thanks. To remind me of how he's changed my life and continues to do so much more than I ever thought possible with the mess I had made of my life. Today I am reminded to be thankful that He saved me, of all people... It still truly amazes me!
Today marks 3 years since I trusted Christ as my Lord and Savior. 3 years since I sat in a counseling session at LifeCare, 7 months pregnant with Connor. That day three years ago is still burned into my memory. It's the most important decision I have ever made. I've fallen many times since that day and he still hasn't given up on me. I know what life is like without a relationship with him and I'm so grateful today that I get to call him my heavenly father. Hallelujah!
It helped point me to God. To fall on my knees in thanks. To remind me of how he's changed my life and continues to do so much more than I ever thought possible with the mess I had made of my life. Today I am reminded to be thankful that He saved me, of all people... It still truly amazes me!
Today marks 3 years since I trusted Christ as my Lord and Savior. 3 years since I sat in a counseling session at LifeCare, 7 months pregnant with Connor. That day three years ago is still burned into my memory. It's the most important decision I have ever made. I've fallen many times since that day and he still hasn't given up on me. I know what life is like without a relationship with him and I'm so grateful today that I get to call him my heavenly father. Hallelujah!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
My relationship with sunglasses
Summer is half over and I finally bought a pair of sunglasses yesterday. I bought the cheapest pair I could find at Target. I usually end up breaking or losing them....well wouldn't you know that's exactly what happened within LESS than 24 hours of purchasing them....I sat right on them at the Tropicanoe Cove today and broke them! :( I really like sunglasses, but some how it never seems to work out....
Connor and I at the Cove today! I wish I knew a way to remove the guy in the background of our picture....
Driving home after our afternoon in the sun...with NO sunglasses :(
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
And June rolls on by...
I can't believe the month of June is already drawing to a close!! I have really enjoyed being able to spend more time with Connor! God is good! Here are some of the fun things we have been able to enjoy together!
Columbia Park
Having some fun :D
He LOVED the tractor!
Connor and his friend Sierra!
Trip to the Brookfield Zoo
Cheeese!
Abby taking our picture!
Connor's favorite...the Elephant!!!
Checking out the alligator...
Mommy and Connor
Connor measuring up to the bears...He is currently weighing in at 39 lbs and is definately getting BIG!
Trip to the Children's Museum
Sitting with my little dinosaur!
My friend and neighbor Lisa with Sierra and Jarell :D
Connor playing at the construction zone!!!
Batman to the rescue...
Connor and Curious George
First time to the movie theatre (today!)
We got to see Bee Movie!!! He was thrilled to see such a big screen.
Connor also enjoyed some popcorn from his Kid's Pack (thank you to Jeannie for letting me in on this great deal)! And yes he is using two hands to eat his popcorn...*shakes head*
We also met up with Betty, Jack, Bryan, and Grace today but didn't manage to take any pictures. Grace is such a beautiful baby girl! I'm so happy I got to see and hold her!
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