Wow, can you believe another year of school is coming to a close.  Whether you home school, send your kids to private school or public school, another year is almost complete!  My precious girls will be finishing 5th grade and 1st grade.  Time flies!  Remember that YOU are the ultimate teacher to your children.  Teach them God’s ways.  Help them to shine bright for Jesus.

How are you going to show you appreciate your kid’s teachers.  They devote so much time to our kids.  They are with them alot and so I found a fun list of easy end of the year treats.  I take no credit for coming up with these ideas…I am not that crafty!

• You are out of this world tag attached to a Milky Way or Mars candy bar
• You deserve an extra payday! tag attached to a Payday candy bar
• You are ‘extra’ special tag with a pack of Extra Gum
• Thanks for helping _____ ‘bloom’ tag with a bouquet of flowers
• We appreciate the ‘mounds’ of work you do! tag attached to a Mounds candy bar
• “Thanks for giving _____ a hand” tag with hand lotion
• “Thanks a ‘latte’!” tag with a gift card from local coffee shop, special coffees or travel mug
• “Thanks for holding everything together” tag with fun paper clips
• “You are a ‘treasure’ tag with Treasures candy
• “You are ‘tea’rrific!” tag with a selection of teas
• “You deserve a ‘break’ today! Thanks for your hard work” tag with a Fast-Break candy bar or McDonald’s gift certificates
• “Thanks for a ‘picture’ perfect year” tag with movie coupons or nice picture frame
• “Thanks for making our school year bright” tag with a package of highlighters
• “Thanks for helping ______ grow” tag with flower seeds
• “Thanks for lighting the way” or “You light up our world” with a flashlight or nice candle
• “We are your biggest ‘fan’!”with a cute desk fan, hand held fan or paper fan.
• “You have been a ‘bright’ spot in our year!” tag with a package of highlighters
• “You are a joy!” tag attached to an Almond Joy candy bar
• “You rock!” tag with pop rocks, rock candy, Rock Star soft drink or painted rock for a paperweight
• “You have been ‘key’ to ______ success!” tag attached to a key ring, maybe a pretty handmade beaded one
• “We are ‘nuts’ about you!” tag attached to some nuts
• “You are worth more than a 100 grand to _____!” tag attached to a 100 Grand candy bar
• “You ‘mint’ so much to us this year” tag attached to some mints
• “You were ‘mint’ to be a teacher!” tag attached to some mints
• “You are an ‘amazing’ teacher” tag attached to an Amazing candy bar

Aren’t those cute.  Another idea I did last year for a teacher was a Candy Gram.  This is such a fun, adorable way to show your gratitude.  All you do is take  a poster board and write a poem, but when you make a “candy” statement you glue that actual candy to it.  Here are a few I found,

Don’t Snicker, but I think you’re great!
You are Mounds of fun and you have brought me tons of Joy!
I think you Rock!
Thank you Beary much for being such a Sweetheart of a teacher
and helping me learn to be a real Smartee!

Teacher Candy Gram
The RIESEN for this candy gram is to thank you GOOD & PLENTY for the MOUNDS of knowledge I have gained while in your class. It has been an ALMOND JOY to be your student and your help has MINT a lot to me. Teachers that reach their goal by helping students reach theirs, are truly SPECIAL TREASURES. You SKOR an A+ with me!
HUGS,

I hope this gives you some fun ideas to thank the special people in your kid’s lives.  What are you going to do to show your gratitude?  Let’s not take them for granted.   Be the “sweet” treat they need at the end of the year and tell them the difference they made in your kid’s lives.

Obligation:  something one is bound to do : duty or responsibility

This week, bible study has been intense.  I love it.  We are working through Max Lacado’s “Experienceing the Heart of Jesus”.  Terrific study if you are looking for one.  Prayer was the topic of the week.  I am totally convicted.  My prayer life needs improvement.  I have been in the habit of “popcorn prayers”.  You know, the ones you toss up to heaven quickly because you are so busy or have a to do list a mile long.  My prayers had become predictable and dull.  I was going about it the wrong way. 

When you walking with Christ, it is a huge privilege to be able to pray to God!  With privilege comes obligation.  It is our “duty” to pray.  We have the divine opportunity to go to the Holy throne of God with praises, confession, thankfulness and requests.  That is huge!!  When you are walking with Christ, there should be a desire to want to pray.  For yourself and for others.  But we have made it too difficult.  We want to sound eloquent and poised, and if we don’t sound that way than we just don’t pray.  Well..let me let you in on a secret…it ain’t about you or me!  It’s about GOD!  Don’t think about it too much, just do it. 

Jesus gave us the example of prayer in Matthew 6: 9-15.  He showed the way.  Jesus prayed all the time.  He wanted to be in communion with God.  It was an honor but also a privilege.  Max Lacado has a terrific book out that walks you through the Lords Prayer, ” The Great House of God“  I read it and would recommend it.  We need to be dwelling in our heavenly Father.  It is our obligation.  How do we expect to go out into a suffering world and do it alone.  We can’t!!  We need Jesus.. plain and simple. 

Be bold in your prayers.  This is my downfall.  I am a timid pray’er.  I want to become bold.  I attend a Moms in Touch group.  This is a great organization where you pray for you children and their schools.  You meet once a week for an hour and pray.  (I highly recommend finding a group).  The difference is that you pray scriptures over them.  Have you ever done that?  There is some big time power in it.  Try it.  Pick a scripture and place your name in it.  When our prayers line up with truth and God’s will he hears!  Another awesome thing is that when we don’t know how or what to pray the Holy Spirit intervenes on our behalf.  Praying for our children is a noble task.  Take it seriously and cover them in prayer.  Become a diligent ambassador for your family.  Prayer is essential.  It needs to be God centered not self centered.  His will be done. 

Here is a great model using A.C.T.S.

A:  adoration, praise God for who HE is

C:  confession

T: thanksgiving, thanking God for what he has don

S: supplication (intersession and requests)

There is so much more I have learned on prayer but I want to allow it to resonate in my spirit, I will be sharing soon!   

John 3:30  He must become greater; I must become less

I thought I would share through photo’s whats been happening lately.   We have had fall parties, birthday parties, family photo’s…so enjoy catching up with me.

We watched the new Disney Tinkerbell movie.  It is really cute.  After the movie Phoebe wanted to make a fairy house.  So, this is the finished home.  She came up with the design and decor.  Pretty cute huh…we took tons of pictures while she was creating it but there are just too many to post.

Phoebe's fairy house

Natalie and her friend Jazlyn

Phoebe at the cornmaze

Halloween Hippy

Halloween 2010

Natalie and friends from school

a fairy, a princess, a ninja oh my..

cozy and quiet

 So there is a small look at our life.  It’s simple but fun!  I hope you are enjoying fall and coming up with a holiday plan so you can rest and enjoy it.

On Monday I had the privilege to sit with9 or so moms and pray for our children, their schools, and our families.  Have you ever done that?  Have you ever sat and heard other moms pray for your child?  Have you ever prayed for another child and another mom.  This is an incredible honor.  I want to pass on an organization that does just this.  Moms in Touch is a wonderful way to get with other moms from your child’s school and drench the school, the staff and the kids in prayer!  You meet for an hour once a week and get encouraged, inspired, refreshed and renewed as you praise and pray to Jesus.  Check them out! 

I pray for my girls to be different.  To be the kids that others see, wondering what is different about them, giving them the opportunity to share Jesus.  Now, I know that Natalie cannot share Jesus but through our family,  we can.  How we  respond to things that arise at school, how we respond to the ones that help her daily, how we respond to the staff and other children, how we respond to the life that has been given to us.  I pray that my girls shine bright for Christ and are set apart.  I pray that they are uncommon, in how they act, treat others, obey and respond.  I pray for protection over the school, the staff, the kids, the bus drivers, the janitorial staff.  I pray for a fruitful school year.  That not only educational growth happens, but spiritual growth happens. 

Drench your families in prayer, communicate your heart with Jesus.  He wants to talk to you!

Phoebe as a Whoville charater

The special for the day, whocakes, green eggs and hasbrowns

 

Seuss friends

 

Dr. Seuss Day 2010

 Can you tell they had fun.  Yes the whocakes had strawberry and blueberry glaze drizzled over them, with mini M&M’s sprinkled over top and a Dum-Dum sucker stuck in the middle.  We added green food coloring to the eggs and I have to say that the kids loved them.  The drink of the day was lemon lime flavored soft drink with cherry and blueberry jello cubes that had been frozen, dropped into it to make it fizzle.  I didn’t know that when you make jello and freeze it instead of refrigerating it, it turns into slush.  COOL!! 

 Thank you Mrs. Webster and Mrs. Ferguson for the great day!  The kids will remember it for many years to come. 

Have a blessed Monday!

Natalie’s surgery went great. Her ears were a mess. The doctor said they had lots of “gunk.” The tubes went in beautifully. Her pulmonologist (lung doctor) came into the little conference room and smiled. I thought he was gonna tell me that she had pneumonia and needed to be admitted. He said that her lungs looked incredible. Really, they looked great, not inflamed, red or anything. Praise Jesus! Now we just have to keep her that way through the fall/winter season. I came home and wiped all doorknobs, remotes and phones down with a disinfectant wipe. Guess that will become a routine thing.

I had an incredible moment on the way to school Wednesday. Here is how it went. I was driving Phoebe to school and we were listening to a local christian radio station. The song, There’s a Light at the End of This Tunnel by Third Day came on.  Phoebe yelled for me to turn it up. She was singing her little heart out. This is such a blessing to witness. Than this happened:

Phoebe: You know mom when they are talking about the light at the end of the tunnel they are talking about Jesus!

Tricia: That is right Phoebe, Jesus is our light. (smiling from ear to ear)

Phoebe: (with tons of excitement in her) Yeah, because when they went to the tomb and the stone was rolled away the angel said “He is not here” He is Risen!!

Okay,  I had a revival right there in my car!!  I about came out of my seat!  I didn’t know what to do with myself.  I prayed right than and there that God would water that seeded soil and allow a strong, rooted spirit to grow inside of her. We threw on the praise music and gave God the glory. God sent me such a gift in that conversation and girlfriends that was a MOMENT!  She makes those comments and it takes my words away..imagine that me speechless. She asked me the other day if when we get to heaven Natalie will be able to walk up to us and give us a hug.  I told her absolutely.  Her comment was, “that is cool”    WHEW…I pray to get more of those conversations.  

When I was at the Beth Moore simulcast I bought these prayer cards.  They came in a cardboard box.  I wanted something prettier to put them in.  My husband is a hobby woodworker and he said he could build me a pretty box to place them in, that it wouldn’t take much time to make.  I hear the tools going in the shop, so I am gonna peak.  I will post a picture of it when it’s done. 

Natalie and Sam

 This is Samantha, Natalie’s friend.  This girl has such a big heart and I feel honored to know her.  She looks past Natalie’s “differences” and enjoys being her friend.  She is a blessing and I pray she is blessed for her compassion.   Samantha reads to Natalie and Natalie loves it. 

Phoebe at Christmas in July. This was at First Church

This is how the kids and some adults got wet!

Too much fun!!

This was an event held at our home church supporting a ministry that takes toys to children that are in the hospital over the holidays.  It was Christmas in July, they had a Polar Plunge, Kona Ice, all kinds of games and sweet treats.  The admission was a new toy to donate.  The kids had a blast.  As you can see the local fire department came and opened up a hydrant to “cool” off everyone.  I couldn’t tell if the fireman were having more fun than the kids.

First day of 4th grade

First day of kindergarten

The first day of school was great!  Everyone, including mom did well.  It was tough seeing Phoebe go off to school.  She’s my baby.  It is odd not having her around all the time.  She loves her teacher and is having tons of fun.  Natalie’s notebook is coming home saying she is having a terrific time in school.  She is all smiles and enjoys her class. We are getting used to the new routines of baths, stories, bed.  It is hard because it is still light out at 8:15-8:30. 

Okay, so I went to the Beth Moore Simulcast.  All I can say is “WHOA”  It was awesome.  I tried to take some pictures but they came out way to dark..bummer.  Her teaching was incredible.  She taught on Psalm 37.  I love how she gets you to a point where you want to dig and dig into God’s word. She puts it on an easy to understand, break it down way.   I had so many “moments” this weekend and I was nudged in my heart about some things.  Oh, and the worship, just let me tell you about the worship.  Rocking!! Clapping, moving, hands raised praising.  It was amazing.  It was just what I needed.  Travis Cottrell is a gifted worship leader.  If you can ever get to a simulcast or get to the real deal…GO!!  You won’t regret it.  I am forever blessed. 

Well, Phoebe turned 5 today so I will be posting pictures about that soon.  We took mini cupcakes to school and I helped in the room.  When Natalie got home we took Phoebe out to dinner and let her open one gift.  She is having a party on Saturday with family and than one with her friends the following week.  I am really tired so have a blessed rest of the week. 

Oh, Natalie is having some minor surgery on Friday, so could you say a prayer for her.  Things that are simple can get complicated quickly with kids like her.  I am confident that God will blanket her with his protection and peace.  Thanks so much and I will update you on how things go. 

Things here have been busy, getting back into the swing of things with school schedules.  Phoebe loves kindergarten.  I felt so sad watching her get out of the car at morning drop off and seeing her walk into that big school.  She is growing up.  It goes so fast.  Natalie is enjoying being back with her friends.  The notes coming home say that she is having fun and meeting new kids in her class.  That school has been such a blessing to our family.  Everyone is so supportive and encouraging to Natalie. 

I have been dealing with my identity crisis.  You know when you are  used to having little ones at home and then it is just you.  What to do with your time? I have prayed and prayed, coming to the conclusion, that I need to pray.  So I joined a Moms In Touch group.  This is a new journey for me.  I really feel that we as moms have a high calling to pray over our children especially as they are out in the world.  We all know that times have changed since we have been in school.  We need to unite together and make a difference.  Look into Moms In Touch to see if there is a group in your area covering the schools your kids attend.  If you are involved in one I would love to hear how it has impacted your life…give me a reply post. 

Okay back to the Beth Moore simulcast.  I am so excited, can you tell.  If you have attended one I have a few questions for ya.

1.  When did you go?

2.  What did she teach on?

3.  What did you learn and walk away with?

4.  How was Travis Cottrell and the worship?

I look forward to hearing about your adventures!  Have a blessed day!  Be on the lookout for some photos.

Things are fun around our home.  We are getting ready for school, buying  supplies, orientations to attend, schedules to lay out.  Natalie will be in 4th grade and Phoebe is going to Kindergarten.  This will be such a huge change for us.  I have always had a preschooler at home.  Now my baby is going off to school. 

My motherhood season is changing.  I have been a preschool mom for a long time.  Now there are no  preschoolers in the Cross home.  We have entered a new season.  PUBLIC SCHOOL!!  I am excited, but nervous.  I have always had a schedule that consisted of:  getting Natalie ready for school, feeding Phoebe breakfast, getting in some exercise, shower, load Phoebe in the car and head out the door.  We either ran errands, went to preschool, play dates, bible study or attended MOPS.  My routine is changing.  I graduated from MOPS and now will be taking a kiddo to kindergarten. My mind still has a hard time with it. 

 It’s funny how you get comfortable in the season you are in and sometimes that comfort allows no room for growth.  I believe that the Lord wants us to grow continually.  I think he loves to see us enter into a new season.  He anticipates it.  Jesus loves to see us grow, especially in him.  This new season will allow me some much needed time and growth.  Though I am sad that my baby is going off to school and growing up, I am eager to see what God has planned for me.  I have spent alot of time in prayer for direction and guidance.  I know for myself I can get my plate of obligations cleared off and before I know it my plate is abundantly full again.  I have to be cautious and in prayer over the activities I choose to participate in.  I read in a book that sometimes we think we are the ones being called to aministry or organization when in reality Jesus just wants us to pray for the “called” person to step up.  That was huge to me.  I get all these ideas in my mind, believing that Christ is calling me to lead them or orchestrate when he is really just placing it on my heart to pray for it and them.  It is okay to just participate.  It’s okay to take days off and rest.  It’s okay to allow others to step up.  When we think we are the “called” ones and we aren’t, we are stealing the blessings of others and stressing ourselves out!

We do have a full fall season planned.  We are building a new home, which is very exciting.  I am attending a bible study at church.  Natalie will continue with physical therapy and Phoebe is going to start in American Heritage Girls.  I think that is enough for now, although I am praying about a Moms in Touch group.  If you attend or have attended a Moms in Touch group I would love to hear how it impacted your life and your children’s lives.  For those who are not familiar with Moms in Touch, it is an organization that get’s moms together once a week for an hour to pray for their children and their children’s school.   

For now, I am cherishing the last few days of summer break and cherishing my time with my family before we are back into the hustle and bustle of things.  How about you??