it's been too long...

It's been too long. I know. Don't judge me. I really do love blogging and normally I have plenty of time each day to update this thing; however December 18th (the last day of school) rolled around and I go MIA. Which means I have been THOROUGHLY enjoying my break! I suppose by my lack of posting you realized that I have not spent much time on the computer. This is what we have been up to:

December 18-20: December 18th at 3:45p.m..... I clocked out at work and met my parent to head to Tallulah Falls, Georgia to attend a graduation for my cousin, Tate. He has struggled with drugs for the last few years. This summer was a breaking point for him. He realized his need for help and excitedly headed to a Christian rehab center, Victory Home, in Georgia. This program helps men fight alcohol and drug addictions centering around their need for a Savior. I knew that I had to be there to hear Tate give his testimony at his graduation. What a sweet time this was. The whole family came and stayed in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the cutest cabin. We got to hear Tate stand up and proclaim what God had done in his life. How the enemy had trapped and deceived, but how Christ came and delivered him from his addiction. We sang Victory in Jesus as apart of the celebration and it was a great reminder that victory comes from Jesus alone.

December 21-23: These days before Christmas held last minute shopping, wrapping, and a new favorite tradition, The Burbee/Jerkins Christmas Party. This year we decided the menu must include daddy's french toast. This is definitely my favorite food in the whole world, but shockingly many of the Jerkins family members had yet to taste the sweet goodness. After 2 lbs. of sausage, 4 lbs. of bacon, 3 loaves of texas toast, 3 dozen eggs, and who knows what else.... we
were all stuffed! The french toast may just have to become apart of the tradition as well.

December 24: Christmas Eve morning was a morning of completing last minute errands for our winter camp trip. We picked up our rental van, the church van, and the trailer. The normal size trailer we take with us on trips was already rented out so they gave us a bigger one instead.... when I say bigger I mean enormous.... bigger than the van big. It was free so we were grateful though. I was a bit nervous that we were taking that huge thing into the mountains on curvy roads.... maybe the Lord knew I needed more prayer in my life!

Later that night consisted of Christmas Eve traditions: a family gathering at Grandmomma and Grandaddy's early and then Granny and Gan-Gan's later.

December 25: Our alarm goes off at 6:00a.m. on Christmas morning. This gives us enough time to open our gifts to one another and then head to mom and dad's. Since our TV was our "christmas present" this year, D did well and surprised me with pearl earrings and a Beth Moore book that I had wanted. Yea, he's a keeper.

7:00-8:15a.m.- Mom and Dad's for presents with the Burbees
8:30- 11:30- Breakfast and presents with the Jerkins
11:45-5:30p.m.- Christmas at my grandparents
6:00p.m.-9:00p.m.- Christmas with the Ron Jerkins family

After a long, crazy day... we finally head home.

December 27-30- Winter Camp in Gatlinburg with our youth.... We left early Sunday morning and headed to the mountains for an exciting few days. David Nasser, Ergun Caner, Tony Nolan, Johnny Hunt, Kutless, Casting Crown, Brandon Heath, Tenth Avenue North, Unhindered... were just a few names that we heard. It was a great time to get away. We had a blast and even saw some familiar faces from Bellevue. What a great trip.

As you can tell life has been full for the Jerkins. It's been crazy and exhausting, but we wouldn't trade this time for anything!

pajama day!

Today was our Christmas Celebration Day at school.... which meant it was wear your pajamas to school day as well! This was something new we did this year and absolutely loved it. I'm pretty sure the teachers enjoyed it more than the kids, but the kids were pretty excited too. Uniforms and skirts get old... we vote for pajamas ever day!



*We look like we're in the hall way of death, but it's just our naked walls... Parham and Holland just took down their wall decor.*
Love these ladies!

Ten Things Thursday...

10. We went to the dress rehearsal of the Singing Christmas Tree with the cute little Foreman girls to see Hallie play Baby Jesus… she was precious.

9. We had a Christmas dinner with other Fayette County Ministers and wives… good food and fellowship… interesting group of people. :)

8. Our 1^st Family Christmas party of the year was filled with lots of food, cute gifts, and lots of laughs. B, so glad you're stuck with us now!

7. The gold party was a success…. definitely a party that everyone can enjoy. No pressure to buy anything. Just bring junk and trade it for money… even if you only get $8…Jules you enjoy those 2 Starbucks drinks!

6. Round 2 of The Singing Christmas Tree with my family… the production has come a long way since our days in the tree. It was so good!

5. Youth Tacky Christmas Party… thankfully kc went through mom’s closet and found me a sweater and momma D had a classic jingle bell necklace to top off the outfit.

4. We are having a Pajama Day at school tomorrow… woo-hoo for comfy clothes!

3. I completed my physical therapy yesterday... and now have a T-shirt to prove it. It just says, “The Smith Clinic.” D says it should say, “I SURVIVED physical therapy at The Smith Clinic.” I loved my experience there and will definitely miss the people.

2. Agenda for tonight: Date Night with the Hubs!

1. Christmas vacation begins tomorrow!

*Here's a picture of us at our Tacky Youth Christmas party.*

blessed

My gold party last night was a lot of fun. I got to see some sweet friends that I hadn't seen in awhile, eat more junk than I needed, use our new hot chocolate maker, and make some money. One of my friends actually walked away with $800! It was a fun night. Kacie and Jules are now experts on jewelry testing so if you're unsure if you have anything valuable they will be glad to inform you.


I have to brag on my sweet husband for a minute. I was getting my kids ready to lay down for nap just now when D called and asked me to come outside... he was in the parking lot. I went out there and realized he had jut stopped by to bring me Starbucks and chocolate... just because. I think he's a keeper.

Today is the day!

Tonight is my Gold Party! The easiest money you'll ever make happens tonight at 6:30 at my house. Bring your gold, silver, or platinum and trade it for money! If you're not sure bring it anyway. We have a reputable jeweler that will let you know. Come for some food, fellowship, and walk away with some money! See ya tonight!

lately...

Dear Christmas break,

Please hurry and come before all my teachers quit.

P.S. Please allow me to have some relaxing, quiet, down time so I don't quit. Thanks.


Yes, from the comments above life at school has been crazy. Our children know that Christmas is quickly approaching and for some reason that means they have to talk 3x's louder and 5x's more. The excitement is definitely in the air. I love this time of year no matter how crazy my kids are. Don't get me wrong... I'm exhausted.

I grew up with family Christmas traditions. My favorite ones were putting the Christmas stuff up together and pajama rides. These pajama rides consisted of pajamas, cuddly blankets and hot chocolate.

Another favorite Christmas tradition is the Singing Christmas Tree at Bellevue. For years, D and I were apart of it. What great memories! Last night we went and sat in on the dress rehearsal. (it starts tonight and runs for the next few days) Our niece, Hallie, was baby Jesus last night and then will be for both performances on Saturday. Sitting there watching it made me miss the days when we were the ones up there dancing around and running around back stage... oh such good times... however, it has come a long way since our tree days! You need to make plans to go see it. Some performances are sold out so call 347-2000 and find out what they have available. It is definitely worth seeing. It is excellent. Kids of all ages will love it!


What are some of your favorite family traditions?





P.S. Don't forget mom and I are having our Gold Party this Monday, Dec. 14th at 6:30 p.m. at my house. Dig through your jewelry boxes (or your mom's, grandma's, etc.) and bring any gold, silver or platinum jewelry and trade it for spending money! If you're not sure bring it anyway!

Reverend and the Mrs.

Last night was one of the coolest nights of our lives. It was such a sweet, humbling experience. It's hard to even put it into words. Last night D had the amazing opportunity to be ordained into the ministry. That's a fancy word that means the church has put their official stamp of approval on the man to continue into ministry. We had the awesome opportunity for his ordination to be at our home church, Bellevue. We love FBCHW and know that is where we are called to be but being ordained in front of the family of believers that watched us meet, grow up, get called into ministry and get married was unbelievable.


It was a joyful night. It was a night that family and friends were able to celebrate what God is doing and will do. A dear friend of ours, Allyson Hauss, hugged me afterwards and said she cried the whole time. Daniel and I met and dated while under the leadership of her and her husband. It was special that people like the Hauss' were able to celebrate with us because they were present for every step of our jouney: meeting, dating, falling in love, strengthening our relationship with Christ, and her husband, Gregg, even had a special part in our wedding. It was a definitely a night full of joy!



It was a thankful night. It was a night to remember all that I have to be thankful for. The sweet family and friends that were there to support us, love us, and encourage us. It was a night to be thankful that the Lord chose Daniel and I for this important calling. So ordinary. So imperfect. Yet He chose us. What an honor.



I couldn't help but say to the Lord: thank you thank you thank you...Thank You for Daniel Jerkins. Thank you for creating him for me. Thank you for allowing me to be the woman by his side. Thank you for his leadership. Thank you for his passion for You. Thank you for his love for people. Thanks for giving him the gifts of teaching and preaching. Thank you for my husband.



Last, but certainly not least...It was a humbling night. It was a night to remember that it's not about us or our accomplishments, but it's all about Jesus and the ministry he has called us to.


It was a sweet, humbling night that we will never forget.

*I'll post pictures soon.*

Money Making Party!

Could you use some extra money for Christmas? If so, stop by Candace Jerkins’ house on Monday, December 14th! Candace Jerkins and Sheila Burbee are having a Gold Party! Bring your gold, silver, or platinum jewelry that you never wear and walk away with extra money just in time for Christmas! We all have jewelry we never wear. (Think rings, class rings, money clips, bracelets, etc.!) Turn it in and make some spending money! You can walk away with more money than you think!

I helped a friend dig through her old jewelry for a Gold Party recently. She found 5 random things. She walked away from the party with a check for $361! One lady made over $1000. She simply cleaned out her jewelry box. It’s that easy! So dig through your jewelry boxes (or your mom's, grandma's, or friends!) and come ready to trade your jewelry for easy cash!

Stop by and bring your gold, silver or platinum. One of Bartlett’s most reputable jewelers will be the one helping us. So if you are not sure if it is real, bring it anyway and it can be tested to know for sure.

What: Come and Go Gold Party

When: Monday, December 14 at 6:30p.m.

Where: Candace Jerkins’ Home

*Snacks and drinks will be served!*

Ten Things Tuesday

1. 4 Thanksgiving feasts (school, church, 2 families)= delicious food, great fellowship and tight pants

2. Days off with the hubs left us productive and with sweet memories

3. Christmas decor up= pure joy

4. Catching up with our Texans= fun, memorable times over the one and only El Nopal

5. New bed= tons of laughter as we realize that we had the mattress upside down... FYI temperapedic mattresses are not soft on the back side

6. Discovered that fluffing the down comforter makes a mess... don't dust before and expect everything to still look dusted after the fluffing

7. Bonefish Grill's Bang-Bang Shrimp are to die for!

8. Dinner with the whole Jerkins fam is fun even when we are forgotten. The time and place are kind of important... we still feel the love though. Thanks Jules.

9. Having most of my Christmas shopping complete= thrilling... even though I secretly love being in the midst of the hustle and bustle of everyone else Christmas shopping too.

10. Not all barbeque places in Memphis are good so we discovered last night...I can't even remember the place's name. It's on Madison. Don't worry though, I was so hungry that I ate it anyway.

just another day in the life of a K4 teacher...

This morning one of my little girls came into my room and began talking to me. I noticed her hair looked freshly done so I said, " M, your hair looks so nice this morning." She looked at me, put her hand on her hip, and with tons of attitude said, "Well, I did just wash my hair!"


We were reviewing our blend ladders this morning. I decided to make it a competition between the boys and the girls. This particular game we played, the boys won. (Any competition is taken very seriously with my kids!) One of my girls very angrily looked at one of the boys and says, "Loser!" Ironic.


My kids were playing inside for recess this morning because it was too cold for Mrs. Jerkins today. While they are playing, I overheard this: "A, your heart is dirty! You need to go talk to Jesus!"

simply wonderful

What a wonderful last few days! Wednesday was our Thanksgiving Feast at school. Our kids were encouraged to dress up like a Pilgrim or Indian. So we had a very fun feast that ended with an early dismissal. :) The teachers then took down all fall decor and we put up our Christmas stuff. Then our Thanksgiving break officially began!

Coming home at at 2:00 p.m. and taking a nap was a great way to get my break started. D came home a few hours later. We decided to use one of our gift cards for a fun date night. We went to Bonefish Grill. I had never eaten there. It was delicious! I highly recommend it! So after a delicious and basically free dinner, we rented a movie and came home to watch it on our new 60 inch TV... aka the Christmas present. Who needs a movie theater when we have this?! Thank you direct buy!



Before the movie, I made my Thanksgiving dinner contributions: Pumpkin Cheesecake and Turtle Pumpkin Pie. I do not like pumpkin pie, but will eat both of these. They were delicious. Thank you, Hollie, for the great recipes!

It was so nice to sleep late Thursday morning. And by sleeping late, I mean until 8:00. Although I did get a friendly wake-up from my alarm on my phone which is set for 6:30 a.m. Monday-Friday. Oh so handy... but annoying on this day. Thankfully, I was tired enough that I quickly went back to sleep. Then D's alarm went off at 8:00.... thanks honey..... so then my coffee and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade began calling my name.

Before we knew it it was time to go to his parents house. We arrived early to load all of our Christmas stuff up in the car. After it was all loaded, we jumped in his parents car and headed to Hernando for our Thanksgiving lunch at Grandmomma's and Grandaddy's. The food was amazing. I will not dare admit how much I ate, but let's just say I was wishing I had worn looser fitting pants.

We returned back to the Jerkins' house and got in our car and headed to my Granny and Gan- Gan's house for a late dinner. Once again, the food was too delicious to stop at one plate. Yea, I know... gluttony is a sin, but the food was so good and Thanksgiving is only one day a year. I'll work it off later.
The good food and fellowship was followed by a family tradition: Dominoes.




I think this Thanksgiving I was reminded of how thankful I am that our families are so close. Regardless of how crazy holidays can be, it's so nice to be able to see both families each holiday.


With our Christmas stuff already loaded in the car, it made decorating very easy on Friday. Oh how I love this time of year! Christmas music on the river all of the time blesses my little heart. This is our first Christmas in our house so it was fun trying to find new places for all of my "decorative junk" as D calls it.

Now I am sitting here cozy on my couch, D killing some bug in the window, football on the TV, Christmas decorations around me, Thanksgiving leftovers in my belly... yes, my life is simply wonderful.

sweetness

As I am typing this, Lily is jumping up and down beside me dancing to D's Smokey doll that sings. We are keeping her tonight while the rest of her family are at the Memphis game. We are at the church for volleyball. Lils and I decided to take a break and come find candy in D's office. She ran in here and yelled, "Smokey" as soon as she saw him.

She has chocolate all over her face after eating who knows how many mini chocolate bars. I lost count after 2. :) It started as a great teaching opportunity. "Lily hand me the orange candy." Then she said, "I want 2 candies." Needless to say, her teacher aunt was thrilled to let her eat the 2 pieces that she so easily counted out. Smokey now has sweet chocolate fingerprints all over his orange T-shirt... that my genius 2 yr. old niece pointed out.





If I haven't said it before, I love my nieces.

ultimate security

"Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure." Psalm 16:5

My Beth Moore study: "Lord, in all the chaos and crisis, all the threat and doubt, You, have caused my life to work out. Instead of me falling apart, the lines of my life have fallen together. Truly, I can say that You have given me a delightful inheritance."

What assurance that no matter what we go through God has specifically ordained the ups and downs. He has assigned our portions, but most importantly He has made our lot secure. Nothing can rip us out of His mighty grip!

Ten Things Thursday

*The count down is no particular order. I just need the numbers to keep me on track.

10. South Philly= a delicious philly cheese steak place downtown. I'm not normally a huge fan of philly cheese steak sandwiches, but this was exceptionally good.

9. Memphis basketball games= being there in the mix is exhilarating.

8. Lunch with sister and mom= sweet time.

7. Boldness= I truly believe God gives us an extra ounce of boldness when we make a profession of faith... why else do people walk down the aisle so confidently who normally would not... we got to see this boldness this past Sunday morning from one of our girls.

6. Nights at home with the hubs= the best.

5. Ending of another bible study= surprisingly sad, but looking forward to the other one that we're starting in January.

4. Christmas gift for a mom in need= an amazing opportunity to bless someone who has no idea.

3. Professions of faith= I am so blessed to be apart of a student ministry where God is moving mightily.

2. D= I know I've said it before, but I am married to the greatest guy on earth. I love watching as the Lord uses him to lead our youth.

1. D ordered our Christmas present and it came in 2 days ago. Tonight our plans are to "renovate" ...as he says... to make room for it. I'll explain and post pictures later. :)

throw-up

So clearly this is a topic that gets your attention, but it's not a very pleasant one. I've been teaching for 3 years, baby-sat for 11 years, and I of course have been alive for 24 yrs..... I have seen my share of throw-up. I've come to a conclusion... I do not do throw-up.

Well, you can probably guess where this is going... one of my students threw-up all over the lunch room floor. Poor thing had been acting funny today and before we knew it... it was coming out and it did not want to stop. Thankfully, I had finished my lunch and was preparing my class to line up when the incident occurred. I immediately told her to run into the bathroom behind her as I ran out the lunch room door to get our school nurse. God love our school nurse. What she has to go through with 68 children including her own class of 9... the woman definitely deserves a raise! Thankfully my little girl was able to change clothes and wait for her dad before another round hit. I was able to get my class down for nap while, Mrs. Roach, bless her heart, cleaned up the mess. (Is this in her job description?... probably not, but if I had to clean it up then she'd be cleaning 2 different throw-up spots up.)

This got me thinking.... what in the world am I going to do when I have kids who are throwing up? I know it's different when it's your own children, but just the sound makes me gag! Give me kid poop explosions all day... I can clean that mess up with no problem.... but throw up? No stinking way... no pun intended. All I can say is, Sweets, hope you can handle some throw-up.

Nights at Home

I love nights at home. It's rare for us to have a night where we can eat dinner together and hang out at home. Because of our busy schedules, nights at home do not happen often. It is our choice, most of the time, to be as active as we are in different things. We know there will come a time where playing ball several nights a week and church activities will have to fall on the back burner to early baths and bed time. So for now, a busy schedule is alright with us. It makes us better appreciate our nights that we get to stay at home. Thankfully, last night was one of those nights.

There's nothing like coming home and cleaning a much needed dirty house (the cleaning fairy has decided to no longer visit), working-out w/ friends, fixing dinner, eating with the hubs, and folding laundry while we watch one of our favorite shows that's 2 weeks old... thank you DVR. Nights like that remind us to be thankful for the little things: my home, my hubs, and even the fun things that fill our new home.

We are so blessed. Nights at home are a great reminder.

teachable moment

One of my little girls told her mom that she kissed a little boy during nap time on Friday. (I was home sick and the sub must have put their cots by one another because I never would have put those 2 cute, little talkers together.)

When I sat our cots out today, I asked what nap time was for. I gladly heard napping, resting, etc. Then A told me that her and D kissed during nap time. I explained that our kisses are just for mommy and daddy. I even went as far as to explain that just like we have to keep our hands and feet to ourselves, we have to keep our lips to ourselves. She looked up at me with the sweetest smile on her face and said, "But, Mrs. Jerkins, he's my boyfriend and I'm going to marry him."

I couldn't help but smile. I was for a moment at a loss for words. Then I realized I had to go back into teacher mode and use this as a teaching moment. So everyone then got a 4 yr. old "purity talk" about keeping our hands, feet and lips to ourselves.

Why I love rainy days...

As weird as some may think it is, I really do love rainy days. I look forward to them in fact. (Except when we have important things planned for outside!) Rainy days are just so cozy to me. Here are a few reasons why I love them....

5. Rainy days= inside recess which means Mrs. Jerkins gets more things accomplished

4. Rainy days= cozy, comfy clothes day

3. Rainy days= snuggle time on the couch

2. Rainy days= a good excuse to stay home and get things done or...

1. Rainy days= a good excuse to be lazy!

Thank You

Thank you International Delight for creating such delicious coffee creamers. They make my early mornings bearable and my other mornings so much better. I have once simple request... please allow the White Chocolate Raspberry creamer to be sold year round. This "seasonal" stuff is mess. Why take away such a great thing?

Yours Truly,
A very happy coffee drinker

Ten Things Thursday

-Slim Skillets (the fried chicken place that took over Bola Pasta)= good, but not great.

-Shopping in Nashville= a yearly must…. So many good memories.

-Safe travel= we take driving inches from other cars so lightly… thank you God for keeping us safe daily.

-Zebra chaise lounge= fabulous

-Spanked by a 4 yr. old= you heard it right… a 4 year old took his belt off and hit me with it. Needless to say his dad did the same thing, but to him.

-Happy times farm= a great on campus field trip- merry-go-round, pony rides, train, large animals, small animals…. Can’t beat it!

-Memphis basketball games= awesome… thank you Jerkins for getting great seats and getting extras for us!

-Carrabbas= best Italian food in Memphis! I could eat there everyday!

-Supervisor position= never a dull moment… I have lost count on how many unruly children and parents I have spoken with in the last week… it definitely makes life interesting!

-Youth Bonfire/Hayride= perfect night, good message, good smores, huge bonfire, enormous tractor pulling our hayride, 1 student who stepped from death into life! And that is why we do what we do!

lots of fun stuff...

This weekend was a much needed get-away. Not that I was relaxing a bit, unless you consider the few minutes we waited on benches relaxing. We came home with tons of packages and no emergency rooms visits to report.

Chubs decided to give me a smile.


She did this most of the time.


Exhausted and waiting for Momma D and Grandmomma to hurry up. This was hour 8 or 9 of shopping on Saturday.


This was the car when we got home. There are many packages stuffed in other bags and smashed to the limit.








When I got home this is what I found....


Oh yes, it's my new zebra chaise lounge in all of it's fabulous glory.


I have the best husband in the world!








Today Happy Times Farm visited us. Oh what fun we had!






And last but certainly not least... today is my favorite sister-in-law's birthday. I can say that now because she's my only sister-in-law... not for too much longer though... thanks to Rob I get another one! So Julsie, I hope that you have a great birthday! You're the best sister-in-law anyone could ask for. You're so very opinionated but that balances us sugar-coat everything kind of people out so well. I can always count on your honesty! And what makes you the best is that you have given me the cutest 3 nieces in the world! I wouldn't be aunt candy without you!

Nashville

This weekend is our annual girls' shopping trip. Almost all of the ladies from Daniel's mom's side travel to Nashville for a weekend full of shopping. This is a trip that I look forward to every year. There are about 10 of us that go. We meet at 7:00a.m. on Saturday morning so we can be there soon after the mall opens. We spend all of Saturday (we're there til it closes) and usually only end up getting less than halfway through the mall. Then we get up Sunday and do the same thing. Boy, is it exhausting, but it's so fun. It's a weekend to catch up with family, get some Christmas shopping done, as well as help pick out some things I'd like for Christmas too.

I'm hoping this trip won't be as eventful as our trip 2 years ago. On our way to Nashville, we stopped at a gas station for a potty break. Before anyone realized it, someone had locked the keys in the car with a sleeping baby in the back. Apparently, the town we were in was very small because the only locksmith was out hunting and couldn't be reached. The gas station attendant was awesome. She called her husband, cussed him out, and made him come up there and unlock the car. 2 hours later, we were on the road. We got there, did a lot of shopping, and then we went into Gap. My niece, Maggie, decided to stand up in her stroller. Julie and I were right there, but before we could do anything she fell head first out of the stroller and nailed her head on the base of a clothes rack. I will never forget the look of fear on Julie's face when she grabbed Maggie up and saw the gash on her forehead. After a nice tour of the back alley's of the mall, we found first aid/security. They agreed she would need stitches. So we gathered our things when low and behold here comes Santa walking towards us (at this point in her life, Maggie is TERRIFIED of people dressed up in weird things) She then screams louder than she did when she hurt her head. After making Santa leave, me running and getting the car, we finally found the hospital. Thankfully that Saturday night was a slow night for them because an hour later we walked out of the hospital with a much more pleasant Mags with her gash glued shut.

I'm looking foward to a weekend away with the ladies, but I hope it's a calm, uneventful weekend! Look out Nashville. Here we come!

Thankful Thursday

10. T-Shirt Decorating Party= lots of fun and a great time to catch up with friends.

9. Dinner with Frannie and Walt= an eventful evening.... including 2 trips to the restroom per their request.... Leah and Dan aren't too bad either.

8. Race for the Cure= a new tradition that will not be taken lightly.

7. FBCHW Family Harvest Festival= a new Jerkins tradition... I got suckered into face painting.... just kidding Mel... I loved it!

6. Our church family= doesn't get much better.

5. Pumpkin Cheesecake= delicious... will be my contribution to Thanksgiving dinner.

4. Time with sister= nothing better.

3. Mom's ability to take my beautiful fall garland and make it into a gorgeous wreath= cute door

2. P90x arms= my favorite.

1. 13 visiting students that came last night= awesome.


I've decided to take my Ten Things Thursday and turn it into a Thankful Thursday as well. I guess with Thanksgiving around the corner it reminded me... as I'm explaining this to my students... that we can voice our thanks and be thankful every day.... not just one day a year.

I asked my students what holiday was in the month of November and of course they named almost every other holiday as well. Finally, someone said, "Thanksgiving." I explained to them why we celebrate Thanksgiving. I went the "it reminds us to be thankful for all that God has given us rather than the pilgrims and indians route. That story will be told another day.... I then gave them an opportunity to tell everyone what they were thankful for. I heard Mommy, Daddy, the dog, Mrs. Jerkins (melts my heart every time).... but then their answers got crazy... "I'm thankful to God for lights" or my personal favorite, "underwear." I indeed am thankful for underwear too.


So in honor of Thankful Thursday I will be thankful for:
-the time spent with friends and not the ache in my back from bending over for 2 hours painting t-shirts.

-the sweet memories with second cousins and not the bruises on my back that Walt left from his loving punches.

-the fact that I helped support breast cancer and our special survivor and not that I had to get up at 5:45a.m. on a Saturday.

-that I helped make Halloween a safe and fun evening for many and not the fact that I missed my Mags, Lils, and Hals in their cute costumes.

-my pumpkin cheesecake being edible despite the fact I didn't follow the recipe that Hollie gave me.

-the time I have with my sister even when she keeps me up past my bed time...j/k... well partly.

-p90x for the great workout even though I would like to seriously hurt that Tony guy some times for his weird facial expressions and off the wall comments.

-a great night playing basketball with some of our visting students despite the fact that I sweated my tail off, didn't finish my bible study, and got in bed later.... it was well worth it.

I choose to focus on the things that matter rather than the dumb things that inconvenience me. Bottom line... it's not about me. I wasn't put on this earth for my pleasure and benefit. Although, God has been so good to us. I have so much to be thankful for every day of the year!

this generation...

I am in my third year of teaching K4. For those of you unsure of what that is... it's just a 4 yr. old kindergarten program. Through my "many" years of experience, I have found that I love this age. I love how inquisitive they are, how they soak up information like sponges, as well as the hilarious things that come from their mouths. Many things they say, I never would have as a 4 yr. old. Partly, because technology is quite different then it was 20 yrs. ago.... wow, that makes me sound old... anyway... here are a few of the funny things they have said:

Only in our generation kids would say...

-"just text me"
-"oops, I deleted it"
-"before there were cars people rode.... buses" (not horses, but buses)
-"the horn on a car is so you can tell people to get out of your way"
-"I'll call you on my cell phone later"
-"I want to see my picture" (after it was taken seconds before)


My sweet babies never cease to amaze me. Can you think of other funny phrases from kids in this generation?

Race for the Cure

Saturday was the Race for the Cure. This is the 2nd year that I have participated and I am certain it will be a yearly tradition. One of my teacher friends here at MRBS is a breast cancer survivor. We got an MRBS team together, Kelley's Kingsmen, and walked/jogged/ran in her honor. What a humbling experience! I found myself teary-eyed as we walked around before the race. I am not a fan of her, but Melissa Ethridge's song "I walk for hope...." played with my emotions after seeing all the pink survivor shirts, bald heads, and family/friend support.

Many people had signs pinned on their shirts that said, "I run in memory of..." or "I run in honor of..." I couldn't help but thank the Lord for how he has protected my family and kept us from having to wear "I run in memory of..." shirts. This was such a neat opportunity to be apart of. It contained a lot of fun, fellowship, exercise, and the satisfaction of knowing that I helped contribute to finding a cure for breast cancer.

If you didn't participate this year then I strongly urge you to do so next year. You won't be disappointed!

Personalized shirt


Our finished product from our shirt decorating party... ok, so we'll teach and not design.


Thousands of people participated... the most ever for Memphis.


Part of our group... Sara ditched us as and ran rather than doing our walk/jog combo.


We survived!


One of the lovely homes that entertained us during the race.

utter disappointment/ Ten Things Thursday

We were completing our calendar time when one of my little girls got so excited and said, "The Miley Cyrus concert is coming soon!" I looked at her and as gently as possible explained that the concert was last week. She then broke out into a sobbing mess! I'm not talking a couple of tears, I mean uncontrollably sobbing where I had to threaten to call her mom because she was so loud. Is there another concert around here soon that she could be going to? Or did I just shatter her little heart?

P.S. I just had a little boy ask, "Mrs. Jerkins what the "h" are you doing?!"




Ok, so moving away from the classroom....




Ten Things Thursday

10. Family Nights at FBCHW are so fun…if you're not coming then you should... even when it’s a chilly night for a tailgate party.

9. Saturdays are underrated. There's just nothing like football, family, and crafts fairs... and thanks to B new clothes! We need more Saturdays.

8. Sunday afternoon naps are a must after a good lunch. It blows my mind that not everyone participates in this ritual.

7. P90x is a great workout created by a man who wants to torture our bodies. There is never any doubt if you got a good workout though.

6. Plyometrics is not my friend.

5. One of the sweetest times of the week is our Tuesday night bible studies.

4. Physical therapy is down to one day a week. I know it’s helpful, but I’m ready to be done. The stretching is killing me. I’m almost back to full range of motion so I guess it's worth it.

3. We had a tailgate party with our youth last night. Jeremy was our guest speaker. He brought a great message to our kids (and leaders!) Thanks Jer Bear.

2. I really do love rainy days.

1. Tonight we’re having a t-shirt decorating party for our Race for the Cure team at our house… after our P90x workout of course.

P90x

Oh good gracious. Some friends and I started p90x yesterday. Boy am I sore today. I have muscles in my back that ache that I didn't even know I had. Yesterday's workout was arms, back, and the ab ripper. And you better believe I am feeling it today. I am encouraged by the aching though. It makes me feel like I at least did something to better my body.

Let me back up and explain why I started p90x. Last week we had our K4 field trip to Tom's Farm. On these special days, we get to wear pants. Well, the night before as I was trying to figure out what pants to wear I discovered that I could not fit into most of them! That was the wake-up call that I needed. So dear friends... this rear end is getting into shape.

One thing that is especially annoying about the dvd is the instructor. He is so annoying... as in his voice, but also he is a strange looking character. So hopefully I can get passed all of that and focus on working out and not the weird distraction that he is.



He may look harmless, but he is a weird character that works your tail off!

rough start

You know it's going to be a rough day when...

a) You walk downstairs in the morning and realize you left a candle burning on your stove all night long.

b) You realize you only shaved one leg. I mean really?! How does that happen?

"This is the day the Lord has made. I WILL rejoice and be GLAD in it."....
Regardless of how the day started.



On a good note, I found my favorite holiday coffee creamers at the grocery store! (pumpkin spice, gingerbread, peppermint mocha!!!!!) Yay for the holidays! This made my day! It doesn't take much to please me... however it did turn my rough morning into a much more pleasant one.


Here are some pictures of our camping trip that I promised to post. Sorry it took so long.


2 of our manliest men


My Danielle


The Stud with the ladies


If you play in the fire, you will get burned....



Part of the group


Staying warm by the fire.


Yea right... she chickened out.


The ladies.


Our tent bright and early... Susan I can't believe you wouldn't go warm the toilet seat for me!








It was cold!

Ten Things Thursday:

10. Our camping trip was a blast. However, the girls and I will probably spend the night at our house next time.

9. Christmas in the Valley was fun and I look forward to going back next year. Even though my sister allowed no time for me to shower first... after just arriving home from our camping trip. (I did at least change clothes, put on deodorant, and body spray)

8. There was great honesty and sincerity in our girls' discipleship group. Captivating is a great book!

7. Sweet fellowship with friends (and Huddy) over coffee and burnt muffins.

6. I am constantly amazed how each Beth Moore bible study fits exactly what I need at that particular time in my life.

5. Life changing statement: "We tend to wait on things in our life: weddings, babies, etc... His timing is perfect. Don't wait on things... wait upon Him. Waiting on things is exhausting... waiting on Him strengthens us."

4. I am constantly reminded how blessed I am to have a husband who is so passionate for Christ. Each week he presents a God given message to our youth (and leaders) that if applied will transform our lives.

3. Our Battle of the Sexes game was hilarious. Next time girls, I will definitely make the boys questions harder! I agree D's questions were ridiculous. Of course a girl doesn't know which golf club has a higher loft!

2. I am blessed to have the best job in the world. P.S. field trips are the best.

1. This list is a great reminder of how good God is.

I have officially turned into my mother...

Today, we took 31 K4-ers to Tom's Farm. I had never been there before, but had heard great things from friends who had been. We couldn't have asked for better weather. It was a great fall day to be outside. Our kids played on Tom's playground, saw the animals, played in the corn box, (oh yes... instead of sand, it's corn) swung on the rope swing, found fall treasures, went on a hayride, and picked some pumpkins. It was such a fun day!

I have noticed over the years the things I say and how I react to things seem similar to my mom. Well, after today, it's official.... I have turned into my mother. If you don't know my mom then I will gladly explain. She has anything and everything imaginable stored in her 50 lb. purse.... today, my Vera Bradley backpack was close to 50 lbs. and contained tissue, wipes, bandaids, and hand sanitizer (on top of everything else I already had in it.) My mom has become a germaphob and pulls out the hand sanitizer frequently...today, after each station my hand sanitizer was out and I was squirting little hands generously. My mom tends to freak out or be ready to jump and save easily when a situation arises that could in anyway become dangerous... today, while on the hayride, my kids decided they wanted to lay at the front of the wagon and stick their heads out. The whole time I'm picturing them falling out and getting run over. So I was on the edge of my hay, constantly telling them to scoot back or to stay on their bottoms. So it's official...

So mom, thanks for making me the over cautious, on the edge of my seat, prepared woman that I am. I do love you so much and I am so grateful that God made me your daughter!

I'm a girl... I'll admit it

Last night we took our youth camping. A few months ago when planning our October youth activities, we decided that D would go camping with the guys and I would bring the girls to our house to spend the night. After announcing the plans, our girls voiced that they desperately wanted to camp. After much discussion, we decided to make our guy/girl night an everybody camping trip.

We met at 6:00 at the church, loaded up and headed to Chickasaw. D and some of our male leaders had gone earlier in the day to set up our campsite. We arrived a few minutes after dark, chose our tents, and made a fire. (of course I had nothing to do with the making of the fire, but you better believe I enjoyed it!) We explored, played games, ate some smores, heard an excellent devotion about having true joy, and enjoyed great company!

Although, we did have a great time, I was reminded of how much of a girl I am. Let me back up and explain that this realization first occurred as we packed for the night. I told D what I was packing and he said, "And that's why you don't take girls camping..." (I heard this several times throughout the packing...)As we played flash light tag, I discovered that I avoided areas that would get my cute leopard boots muddy. I enjoyed the fire, but didn't like how it made me stink of smoke. I loved eating smores, but I hated how I had sticky marshmellow residue on my fingers after the goodness was gone. Our "heated" bathroom was not in fact heated and that annoyed me. We had only one working toilet and it was freeeeeeeeeeeeeezing, my sleeping mat that my sweet hubs bought me just wasn't as fluffy as I had hoped. Oh how I longed for my wonderful bed and fancy electric blanket! (and my hubs to snuggle with of course!)

The idea of camping is so glamorous... especially when your husband claims to be Bear Grylls, but the actual camping thing... not so much. It was cold, we stunk, we were tired, but I wouldn't trade that experience for anything! It was a sweet time as a student ministry to come together in an unusual way. We got to fellowship with one another, eat some good snacks, hear a good devotion, huddle together in the cold, help each other in our silly games, and make memories to last a lifetime!

If I've never mentioned before, we love our students! God has truly blessed us to have the opportunity to work with such a great group of students and leaders. Even in the cold, these guys and girls are keepers!

So I may be a girl, but I am a very blessed one!



(Here are some of our students braving the elements.....More pictures to come!)

oh sister

My sister was quick to correct me last night. One of the most exciting things that I did this week was to go with her as she picked THE wedding dress. Or gown rather.... she has corrected me several times. The gown is gorgeous! I can't wait for everyone to see her in it. It's elegant, glamorous, flattering and she is simply breath-taking in it! So sister.... you're right... I had in deed forgotten the most exciting thing from my week.... it didn't make it on the original 10 Things Thursday, but now it's a post of its own!

P.S. You will be the most beautiful bride of all time!

Ten Things Thursday:

A friend of mine, Laurin, began this Ten Things Thursday idea. These 10 things are just random things that happen during our week. I may even turn it into 10 Things Tuesdays... We’ll see.

Ten Things Thursdays:

-I got to wear pants to school on Monday. I normally have to wear skirts so this was huge!

-I discovered the most comfortable pants in the world and will definitely be buying every color. Thank you Target!

-Beth Moore continues to blow me away. Our study Tuesday night was on Fear. God is using her mightily!

-We have officially brought out the Secret Sister 2009-2010 gift celebration at work.

-I had a Muddy’s choc. Chip cookie w/ melt in you mouth icing… I am now craving one.

-D and I decided to hire someone to tear down the wallpaper in our guest bathroom and paint it. It’s complete… now to finish decorating it.

-We’re contemplating buying a new TV and entertainment center.

-Football parties are underrated. I like hosting so a new TV is a must.

-I’m building new friendships and love it.

-Tomorrow we’re taking our youth camping. And I’m thrilled about it!

Davis and Goliath

Don't worry, I know that it's really David and Goliath. My students however are choosing to believe that it's Davis and Goliath. One of the little boys in my class is named Davis... therefore giving them reason to believe that the story includes our Davis and not David. We have a song that we sing about this story. It's called, "Only a Boy Named David." Can you guess how they sing it? Oh yes, "Only a boy named Davis." What a brave boy our Davis must have been fighting off lions and bears to protect his sheep!

crock-pot

What a fantastic invention! You throw some stuff in it, turn it on, and when you come home from work you have a delicious hot meal ready to eat. In fact, one of D's favorite meals is my roast.... thank you Bellevue cookbook! Needless to say I printed off an embarrassing amount of crock pot recipes during nap time today. (dinners, breakfasts, and desserts) Thank goodness I don't have a picky eating husband because, Sweets, the crock-pot is coming out for awhile!

a couple more...

You step over a puddle of pee as if it were water.


You tell other people’s children at Chik-fil-a not to climb up the slide.


Thanks, Sara!

You Know You're A K4 Teacher When...

Your instinct is to discipline unruly children.

You’re talking to a group of adults and you say, “ok, sweet friends…”

You don’t think it’s weird to talk about the poop and pee accidents of the day… even at the dinner table.

You have a million silly stories to tell.

When giving advice to friends, you end it with “yes, ma’am?!”

You can eat your lunch in 2 minutes flat.

You can go almost all day w/out going to the bathroom.

You automatically look forward to 12:15 (nap time) no matter what day of the week it is out of habit.

You see food on other people’s clothes and don’t think a thing about it.

You see snot hanging out of noses and it no longer shocks you.

You can identify each child’s paper based on the “name” they write. When in all reality there are few letters and more squiggles and shapes.

You can identify each child’s cry or whine without seeing their face.

You choose comfortable shoes to wear to work rather than stylish.

You get silly songs stuck in your head frequently.

You tell the hubs and/or friends that you have to go “potty.”

You refer to yourself as “Mrs. Jerkins” around family and friends.

You talk to normal people in your kindergarten teacher voice.

You find yourself either asking or thinking when anyone comes out of the bathroom, “Did you flush and wash your hands?”

You get patted on your rear repeatedly because someone needs your attention and you think nothing of it.

By the end of the day, you are tired of hearing your own name.

You hear, "I love you, Mrs. Jerkins!"... and it never gets old.