Some ENCHANTed Evening

Tonight hubby and I went to the Parent Fellowship Dinner at the school where my son is now a freshman. It was a potluck. We brought chocolate cupcakes with fluffy white icing (dusted off the pastry bag and flower tip). I printed the school logo and glittered the lightning bolt with yellow glitter, and then made picks for each cupcake. I get so excited over my little creative accomplishments.

The school is small. There are 22 kids in the freshman class. Before it was a school, the building was a Moose Lodge. They are still making changes and improvements to the structure. I think they could run this school from a tent, and it wouldn't change the atmosphere of caring and family. What you have in a Christian school is an approach to education that focuses not only on academics, but on the spiritual and emotional growth of each child. They are individuals, each with their own unique strengths and God-given talents. The school partners with the parents to help each child become the person God meant for them to be.

Academically these kids are often two to three grade levels ahead of what the public schools are teaching. Their minds are challenged every day. No one expects straight A's, only that they do their very best. The principal talked about the school's mission and all the non-academic activities students are involved in. Activities designed to teach them to serve with a happy heart. He said, "You can have all the knowledge in the world, but without Christ it doesn't mean very much."

I see my son struggling with all the typical teenage problems and anxieties. Kids are kids, no matter where they go to school. But one of the most wonderful things about this school is how they involve the kids in the world around them. Like a hand gently tapping them on the shoulder, and a voice reminding them, "It's not all about you - what can you do to help someone in need?"

And that's why this evening was ENCHANTed.

Meal Plan Monday

Monday ~ Meatloaf, cheesy bread, salad

Tuesday ~ Parent Fellowship Dinner @ my son's school

Wednesday ~ Soup, grilled cheese sandwiches, fruit

Thursday ~ London Broil, baked potato, corn

Friday ~ Breakfast for dinner

Saturday & Sunday - no clue yet

A Pretty Girl

This is Miss Jessie. I adopted her from the Humane Society after she was found running the streets and no one came to claim her. She is almost 10 years old and very definitely Daddy's girl. She is an IAMS dog. Miss Jessie loves people and most other dogs. But little dogs scare her to death. Little dogs and fireworks can ruin her day.

She is stubborn, quirky, and quite willing to protect her family if need be. She is everything a good German Shepherd dog should be ~ and she is dearly loved.

Tags -- of the vintage Medical Illustration variety

This set of tags is listed on Etsy. You can find them here.

I am quite OCD with anything I make. Fussy you might say. These are very nice tags.

Meal Plan Monday

Monday ~ Tuna noodle casserole, salad

Tuesday ~ Seasoned turkey patties, corn on the cob, peaches

Wednesday ~ Soup, grilled cheese sandwiches, grapes

Thursday ~ Grilled albacore tuna, rice, salad

Friday ~ Baked chicken, pasta, salad

Saturday ~ Creamy chicken over rice, fruit salad

Sunday ~ Choice of Marie Callendar's entrees from the freezer

a special song

Every time I hear this song I think of my husband. Even though he's not a country boy (ain't no country in Classic Rock) and doesn't wear boots or chew, the rest of the song describes him perfectly. I am tremendously blessed to have him in my life, even if he doesn't know who George Strait is.

If you decide to listen, just pause my playlist at the bottom of your screen.

Prayer Request for a most faithful Servant

This is Donna. And this photo was taken just after sunrise in the California desert, at the home of a friend. Donna is having her morning devotions and praising her Savior. At 78 years of age she is ALL about her Father's business. She has traveled the world to spread the word of eternal life in Jesus.

Donna has been fighting neuropathy in her feet for many years. She is not diabetic. Neuropathy has the upper hand, or foot as the case may be, at the present time. I ask for prayers on behalf of this most special woman. Prayers that God will take this affliction from her and allow her to continue on with His work.

I love you Mama ~

....My Baby

Does it EVER get any easier to watch your one and only baby grow up, and away, from you? My son turned 15 last week. He begins high school in less than six hours. I always cry on the first day of school. I take comfort in the fact this is common Mom behavior.

My son weighed 3 pounds, 14 ounces at birth. He had no health issues other than his size. After 12 days in the NICU they allowed me to take him home weighing 4 pounds, 2 ounces. That was a bit less than they wanted him to weigh, but I convinced them if I could just get my baby home, away from the glaring lights and noise of the hospital, he would begin to gain weight. And he did.

Those first few weeks with him are pressed into my memory like flowers pressed between the pages of a book. I remember gently rocking him in the middle of the night and telling myself these days would be fleeting. I had no idea just how fleeting....

I am so proud of the young man he has become. I am also grateful to my mother for setting the bar high, and giving me something to aim for in my mothering journey. Seriously though....it does get easier, doesn't it? Somewhere down the line? Lie to me if you have to, but tell me it gets easier. Please.

The Thing About Dogs

The great thing about dogs is they always come with amazing personalities. That's a guarantee you don't get very often. Even though Juneau (pictured above) is missing a leg, he is the poster dog for living life to the fullest. Nicknamed Boogie, it is ALL about him, every day, all day.

Boogie takes naps with his "dad" in the family room. They each have a couch. Today hubby came out and said, "That is the loudest sleeping dog I have ever seen! Snoring, smacking his lips, grinding his teeth, and wagging his tail while he's dreaming."

Boogie will belch in your face. Boogie will sneeze in your face. If Boogie were a person, he'd be the one cutting the line to get to the front. He'd be the one knocking others out of the way to be right in the middle of whatever action there might be. Boogie is 95 pounds of pure personality, with extra drool on the side.

multnomah falls

I took this picture a few years ago. These falls are absolutely breathtaking, and only a 45 minute drive from my home. Those who are in shape can climb up to the bridge for the most spectacular view. Multnomah Falls is the kind of place you could go to once a month, and never get tired of.

A pretty place to share on this Wednesday morning.....