March 31

I am having a wonderful time at Cathy's house in Cummings.  Yesterday, we had a productive day.  I was grateful that she still had Stephen's FHP graduation book she made on her computer.  Somehow, it went missing when we had the water damage last year....never to be located.  I ordered a new one, yeah!

Then we were able to work on a memory album for Michael and Valerie's wedding.  Being they had amatuer photographers, I wasn't able to have a "parent album".  Cathy was kind enough to work with me in creating one.  It is inspired by The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie OMartian.  We aren't yet finished, but I am excited with how it is coming together.  She knows what I want, and will finish when she returns from her Spring Break trip to Florida.

    Her kids on the other hand, wake up this morning, and are asking....
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Seriously, are you really going to work on this album for a whole other day??  We're bored.  Can we do something else?

Because we were busy working on the album for the entire day yesterday, we decided to take a break and go sightseeing today.  We went to Gary Pirckle Park.  It had a flat walking trail, a creek, and a nice playground for the kids.  Well, I guess you can tell by the pictures, that us adults were the kids!



Cathy and Averi on the stand up teeter totter with Aunt Trish.



Not to be outdone, Diane decided to give it a try! :)




We had a great time.  Thanks God for giving us fun ideas to try.  We enjoyed your promptings. :)

March 29

I did have full intention of blogging last night.  My sister Diane and her husband Jim came up from Winter Haven.  The kids and the girls each came over to spend and evening with us (dinner, games, fellowship).  I had choir practice for the Easter Masses, and didn't get home until 9:15.  But after everyone left, I sat to say my Rosary (one of my Lenten commitments).  I woke up at 12:15 to realize I was still on the last decade, 5th bead, and I had to be up 6am for a drive to Atlanta!  I quickly finished the rosary, and decided because it was already March 29 I would just wait until tonight.  So here I am at my niece Cathy's house safe and sound.  Cathy is married and has a daughter age 7 and a son age 2.

I am still on Spring Break, and thought it would be a perfect opportunity for a road trip.  Diane decided she could come with me especially being I am visiting her daughter.  We will be here for 3 days, doing  crafting, and outdoor adventures.

Thank you God for this opportunity for a change of scenery, and for getting us here safely. :)

March 27

It's another beautiful day in Central Florida.  Michael came over early this morning to load his truck, and it was off to Clearwater to trim Grandpa's oak trees.  I am grateful Michael was able to do this on his day off, and Grandpa was equally excited to have it done.  Best of all, Uncle Pete came over and assisted us, so we were able to have the pruning done within 2 hours!  Many hands make for light work.  After lunch, it was back to Orlando to finish other chores to be done around here.  Thank you Lord for safe travels, and safe trimmings. :)

March 26

Spring Break is going by quicker than I anticipated.  I am grateful today to have been able to go out with my prayer group ladies to pick out a new Bible Study book followed by lunch.  It was nice to spend time with them outside of our normal prayer time. 

 I am also thankful to have been able to get things done around the house AND go to the gym to exercise for just over an hour.  There was enough daylight when I got home to pick produce from the garden and fix a nice dinner.  Thanks Lord for a wonderul, productive day. :)

March 25

A cool front came through last night, and what gorgeous weather today!  Clif and I ventured out to the Cross Seminole County Bike Trail, and road 5 1/2 miles until we reached the point we did a couple months ago when we couldn't find the link to the other completed portion of the trail.  We found it today, so our ride ended up being 21 miles roundtrip going from downtown Oviedo to Big Tree Park in Sanford.  What a tranquil ride through much green space.  It was refreshing.  And the best part was there were only 2 bridges to go over, and mostly flat terrain.  Thank you Lord for providing a beautiful day to enjoy your creations. :)

March 24

I am grateful today because I was able to go to Clearwater for the day to enjoy my Dad's company.  We watched Troopers which is a documentary made while Stephen was going through the FHP Academy, we went to Dunedin to enjoy and Antique Car and Craft Show, we went to the beach to 'people watch', and had dinner out.  It's always treasured time to spend with him.  Thank you God for the available time to spend with Dad. :)

March 23

Today seems like a Saturday..why?  It's Spring Break!  Yeah!  I am very happy to have a break from work.  I have lots planned for this valuable time. 

Today was devoted to meditating.  It seemed fitting to do so on a Friday during Lent.  I was able to reflect more fully on each of the readings from the week.  Then it was topped off by attending the Living Stations of the Cross with 2 of my friends.  It was a wonderful evening, and the music was moving.  I just had to buy the CD!

Also, I was grateful to have the opportunity to run a 5K on the treadmill this afternoon.  It's been over a month since the last time I did so, and it showed.  I didn't do it nearly as quickly the last time, but the good news is that I completed it and burned 550 calories in the process. :)

March 22

I almost missed it again.  I am so relaxed from praying the Rosary.  There are lots of intentions to make... for family, the students, the state of our country.  I have Faith and Hope that Jesus will hear and answer these prayers and Mary will advocate on my behave.

I am grateful today that the students were the best behaved they've been all week.  Teachers thought the kids would be wild the last day leading into Spring Break, but this wasn't the case.  We actually got 4 compliments today on the good choices the students made!  Thanks be to God.  He is hearing and answering my prayers.  :)

Another thing I am thankful for is that Michael and Valerie paid a visit.  We played Skipbo and had a good time.  Clif and Valerie whopped Michael and I.  We have fun nonetheless.

March 21

Okay, so I have really fallen off the wagon!  I didn't realize I haven't blogged in 3 days.  I am trying to keep myself focused on the positive which is working out pretty well even though I haven't been documenting it.

Let's see, Monday I was thankful to have an unruly child removed from the classroom.  It was so unsafe, I had to move the students into the teacher's office to avoid injury.  One student already was a victim to a flying object.  And to answer your question you're probably thinking...this is a normal classroom not a self contained one.  It took 10-15 minutes for a staff member to arrive.

Tuesday, I was thankful to be able to go to work early to set up for the day.  I have a 2 week assignment in this classroom...this week, then a week after Spring Break.  These students seem to need understanding, empathy, structure, expectations, etc.  God inspired some ideas which I was able to implement.  The students seemed receptive to the ideas.  It's called "caught being good".  I randomly will do a reward of some type at a whim to someone who is caught being good.  This seems to have turned around the general "attitude" of the students into one of helpfulness.  The student with the issue yesterday was much better today.  She only uninstalled one of the computer programs.  At least she didn't throw anything!  :)

Today, I was thankful because we are continuing to make gains in acceptable behavior.  Students are now taking more pride in their work.  All praise and glory be to God, his son Jesus, and Mother Mary.  I believe they are answering my fervent prayers for protection while on this assignment. I am willing to be one of the vessels used to show these students that each of them are valued and have special talents to share with the world.  There is so much molding that needs to happen with these precious souls.

It just occurred to me why I inadvertently wasn't blogging.  I have been using a website I found for saying the Rosary which is pretty cool.  http://www.theholyrosary.org/ You can click the boxes for each bead.  This works well as I drift in and out of conscienceness as I am saying it.  I close my eyes to meditate on a thought and the next thing I know, I'm asleep!  When I wake up, I know exactly where I left off, and continue on my way.  I'm so relaxed by the end, I just sign off and go to bed, not realizing the blogging wasn't done.

March 18

This morning while doing my morning prayer, I looked out the back door only to see the beautiful sunrise coming over the house behind ours.  I haven't been home in the mornings when the sun is at this point in the sky, this is when I am already in the car driving on my way to work.  Anyway, as I was reading the passage in Psalms, it said...

For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless”

(Psalm 84:11, NIV)

I am still in Awe over how God does this!  I felt so loved.  I felt a strength come over me like I haven't felt in awhile.  It was refreshing.  Thank you God for your affirmations daily of your existence. :)

March 17

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  One would think I would have on green today, but I don't.  Just reflecting in the presence of the Lord is good for me.  This past week, the sunrises have been amazing.  I don't ever think to take the camera with me on my way to work, but this morning, I woke up just in time to catch the magnificent sight I have been witnessing every morning this week. 




Notice the hues coming over the tree tops?  Each time I would drive down this street,
I would ask God to fill me with His Love, and that throughout the day that I would
be able to share the Love He gives with those I meet.  I hope that actually happened.

March 15

Today was a difficult day.  One is never ready to receive words of a horrific accident that take the life of a mother bringing her 6 year daughter to school.  This happened today at the wonderful school I was at yesterday.  The student was one I was with last week.  The teacher of this child had her own son in the class I taught in today.  The only good thing I could take from today was being surrounded by people of prayer.  Ms. Tammie and I stopped to pray when we caught wind of the news as our day was beginning, tears dripping down our cheeks.  Then tonight, I was able to pray again with my prayer group.

Lord, be with this family during this difficult and tragic time.  Give them the comfort and strength they will need to work through the pain.  Amen.

March 14

I am grateful to have been teaching at a school today where there were many sisters in Christ.  It was nice during the break, and at lunch to be able to share our journeys and the Blessings God has bestowed on each of us.  It is nice when you find company in unsuspecting places.  It is uplifting.  Thank you Lord for the opportunity to offer praise to your Father publicly. :)

March 13

Both yesterday and today, I had Kindergarten assignments at two different schools.  I always enjoy going into "K" classes because it is through this age group that I see Christ the most.  Kids say the darndest things, do some silly things, and just bring sheer joy to my heart.

Like today, we were talking about the life cycle of a butterfly.  After we did a worksheet, the students were to draw a butterfly on the back.  One little girl drew about 10 butterflies connected by dots.  I inquired as to what the picture was.  She says," the butterfly just hatched, and it is flying around the sky!"  You gotta love it!  I do! :)

March 11

Today is the start of Daylight Savings time.  I almost forgot to set the clocks last night, but I was startled awake at 11:30 from a dream reminding me to do so!  With losing an hour sleep, along with a misty, rainy day, I ended up taking a 3 and a half hour nap.  I was thankful to have been able to do so.  I evidently needed the sleep after such an exciting day yesterday.  I am also grateful that the excitement from yesterday has overflowed into today.  I needed that "pick me up". It was well timed.  :)

March 10

Today was a wonderful day.  Clif and I went over to the Titusville "Warbird Air Show".  We got there at 9:15 and didn't depart until 5:15.  It was a long day, but we weren't disappointed.  I am thankful for the men and women who serve our country and fight for our freedom.   So much history was learned.  And, it was fun to sit amongst Veterans who reminisced about their battles.  It was a living museum.  I thought I'd share a few pictures.  Clif bought a new camera for Michael and Valerie's wedding that has high speed settings even though it is this tiny little thing.  Who would think such pictures would be created by it?  Notice how the propellors are "still" framed?  I just love the technology!













    A Blue Angel taking off.  He raced a jet car called the Wicked Willy






Even the Stealth Bomber made a surprise visit. 
You couldn't hear it coming...only going until it was gone!



These planes flying overhead reminded me of the 60's when we would have
the bomb drills and have to get under our desks because of the Cuban Missile Crisis.



These are the Black Diamonds.  Their speed today topped 450mph!
They were my favorite of the day.



Thank you Lord for a beautiful day to enjoy with Clif. :)

March 9

Today I was grateful for the class I was in.  Out of 15 students, only 10 were in class today.  This made for a glorious day! 

Tonight, I was happy to have been able to attend the Stations of the Cross from Mary's perspective. WOW.  The song and meditation after each station made me reflect on what areas I need to improve upon. The best part is that they gave me permission to keep the booklet so I can continue to reflect upon this at home!   I am so grateful to have a friend in Jesus.  I would never want to delibrately cause Him pain (although I know I do.  So I will continue to improve my ways).  Jesus, just be patient with me....I'm still on my journey! :)

March 8

Tonight we were able to enjoy a couple of our sweet colossal carrots which I boiled for dinner.  I am amazed at the success of the crop both last year, and this.  I thank the Lord for His blessings on our garden.  Clif definitely has a green thumb!


Then, when I went to pull down the blinds on the french doors, the full moon was just gorgeous.  God's creations never cease to amaze me.  Thanks God for Your goodness.

March 6

Today I am thankful for having a peaceful day, being able to go on a 4 and 1/2 mile walk with Patti, one of my exercise buddies, having a visit from Stephen, Amber, AND Red, and having quiet time with the Lord.  I am also grateful to have been able to teach in a classroom with an intern.  This added to the peacefulness of the day.  Thanks be to God, and all Glory be onto Him. :)

March 5

Today was a quiet, peaceful day.  The weather was picture perfect for which I am very thankful for.  The kindergarten class I taught today was very well behaved and helpful.  They were eager to learn.  I am also grateful to have my MP3 player so that as I am exercising, I my soul can sing along and rejoice in the Lord. :)

March 4

It's hard to believe that it is already 24 years since Stephen's birth.  I am grateful today that we were able to celebrate his birthday with the family. It's been a wonderful 24 years.  Who would have thought he would have become an FHP officer when he was little?  I know he loves his job, and this is where he has met his girlfriend, Amber.



Stephen and Grandpa Miller at his graduation February 2010.





 He requested steak, mashed potatoes, and grilled vegetables...his favorite meal.  Then for his cake, he wanted brownies.  We were glad Amber finished her National Guard duty early so she could join our celebration.  She had surprised Stephen with an early birthday gift.  They went to the Daytona 500!  Now she is also hooked, and has become a NASCAR fan.



The cold front moved through quickly this morning, dropping the temperature from 78 degrees to around 50 in a matter of 10 minutes.  Our high today was only around 60, so the boys took advantage and built a fire.  We are looking forward to the cool temperatures again tomorrow.



After dinner, we enjoyed playing Ticket To Ride.  This has become the new favorite game.  Stephen has always loved trains.  So it's not surprising that this would be the game of choice. :)



Then of course, there was one more thing I was grateful for... being able to see Michael and Valerie's dog, Dolly.  I love the way she "camoflages" in with the carpet!  I just wish in taking her picture, she would have pricked her ears up as she is so adorable when she does that.

March 3

I am grateful today that I was able to attend our parish Lenten Retreat.  We had 2 great speakers that reminded us of God's redeeming grace and mercy.  Our God is so wonderful to love us unconditionally despite the mistakes we make.  I am glad to be called to His family, and I am grateful for the journey through this life.

March 2

I have been missing Cocoa.  I had to put her down last June.  So, today, I am grateful because Stephen brought Red over when he came tonight to work on his truck.  I needed that.  We went for a walk, played, did tricks, etc.  It was just what I needed.  Thank you Lord for providing little "pick me ups".





                             Red doing some of his tricks.



                          Red is thirsty after our walk.
                                                                                                                                                                                                             


              You have  treats for me?  I'm waiting where are they!

March 1

It's so wonderful to be in a new month with new beginnings.  I was noticing the full blooms on the azalea plants, along with a few other plants.  We have an array of colors adorning the front of the house from each of these plants.  I was actually going to take a picture, but I don't know where Clif has hid his camera!  I am grateful to see the new life beaming.  I know it won't be long before my Lenten Journey will come to a close, and new life will be beaming from within my spirit as well.

Tonight, my prayer group started up after a long (too long actually) break.  We had only one chapter left to do last Spring.  For some reason because of life's circumstances, it got away from us, but it sure was perfect timing to get a chance to dive into tonight.  We all agreed this is what we've been missing in our lives.  Sometimes you don't realize your treasure until it's gone.  But then, what a joy it brings when the "treasure" that was lost is found!  We had that experience tonight, and for that I am grateful. :)