Good Saturday Morning!

I got up this morning and now I'm wondering what I'm going to do.  You have to know me to understand how bizarre this question is for me.  I am a very task oriented person who occasionally throws aside common sense for the sake of completing a task.  Baby and bath water come to mind.    Anyway, the house is cleaned, the laundry is done, I changed the sheets on the beds yesterday, there are no groceries that need to be bought, and I'm not in the mood to lay around, so I'm thinking....a whole Saturday, what to do?  Many things come to mind, but most involve a great deal of money. LOL So I will exhibit restraint in my decision process, but who knows what we'll do today. 

So with my extra time I watched a video that a friend sent to me.  I also saw this guy on the Today Show recently. "It's called the Evolution of Dance" and you think you will watch it for just a few seconds and then minutes later you find yourself playing it again! Very funny if you have time….

http://www.break.com/index/evolutiondance.html

Warning:  If you read today’s blog you might get your feet stepped on.  I recommend steel toe shoes or a willingness to move your feet!  

The “End of the Year Party” was a big hit.  The children did their program beautifully and I was so blessed by them.  The sign language song was especially touching to me, probably, because it is an attempt on their part to communicate with their brother.   All the grandparent’s were present for the program and they all were impressed with how much the boys had learned over the last year.  We had all their folders and notebooks out for everyone to see in addition to their 30 minute performance.  As I drag across the finish line this year in homeschooling, this party was a breath of fresh air.  In a evening I was able to see just how far we came this year, and hear the accolades of family who commended my hard work. 

It is such a blessing to have supportive parents (Tim and my parents) while homeschooling.  Not many families have such a strong support system.  They love us; they love our children;  and they support us all the way.  I’m not sure I could do it without their love, support and help.  It is a thing rarely seen today.  So if any of my or Tim’s parents are reading this today.  I love you and thank you.

On Sunday we took Tyler to camp.  When we arrived, it was brought to my attention that they were missing an afternoon/evening nurse for this week.  So I have been filling in this week.  At first I was overwhelmed by the change in schedule so quickly, but with the help of my family (again thank you) I was able to go and help the church.  There are about 75 kids at the church camp this week.  I’ve enjoyed bandaging, patting, hugging, and praying for all of them. 

The one thing that I’ve been most touched by is the worship service in the evening.  Just to watch all those children open their hearts in worship to Jesus is incredible.  You can truly feel God’s presence.  Children have no agenda, they for the most part have to baggage and they are innocent and pure when they worship the Lord.  Adults could learn from them.   I am. 

This week’s camp focus is “Free to Be Me.”  They are encouraging the children move away from the pop culture and the pressure for them to look, feel, and act the same as everyone else, and instead look at their God given strengths and talents; embrace them and use them for the Lord.  God has a purpose and plan for each child, and it is different that anyone else. 

As I was listening last night during the service, I thought , “what is in my own life that is different than others?”  “How can I make a difference?”  I know that having Ryan and dealing with challenges that most people never encounter is different.  I feel like God is calling me to reach out to other moms and families that have children with special needs and encourage them that no matter the disability, God has a purpose for them, and their child.   They can change the world, they can have impact , they are important too.  I’m not sure where I fit or where to go but I definitely feel that this is something that I have to offer and I’m praying about what to do next.

So I ask you today, are you “Free to Be Me?”  Are you looking at what makes you different?  Are you using the gifts God has given you?  Or are you just fitting in?   They say that the average person touches and can change 10,000 people’s lives.  How do you want to change them?  Are you making a difference for Christ? I want to change them for good, for Christ, forever. 

If you want me to pray for you, encourage you or tell me how you are being “Free to Be Me” email me at Jenny29.11@verizon.net

Well, I made it through the busy weekend.  Ben finished off his baseball season with the playoffs.  They came in fourth for the entire league of 7-8 year olds.  Pretty good considering there are several dozen teams.  We were proud of them and I was exceptionally thankful for our coach this season.  He was so positive and really brought out the best in each player and encouraged them to improve.  He is one of those coaches that every mom wishes for! LOL

And of course, the Mavs won the series!!!!  Woo Hoo!  To the finals we go.  The boys (big and little) love watching the games.  My dad came over for one of games and I enjoyed visiting and watching with him.  It was nice to have some father-daughter time.

Also, we went to see "Over The Hedge" last night and the Olin boys give it 2 big thumbs up.  One mommy gives it a "this is hilarious" rating. 

It was a great weekend.  Oh yes, one dear mommy moment...when Ben was playing with Ryan, Ben said to Ryan, "I really love you Ryan, you are the best little brother in the world."  My heart melted.  I will remember this moment when Ben is purposefully irritating his older brother by singing Queen's "We will, we will, ROCK YOU!" at the top of his lungs while Tyler is concentrating on his favorite TV program.  Oh boys....the are interesting.