Grayson's First Christmas

Well, Grayson is almost three weeks old and we have officially celebrated our first Christmas with our new little family member. It was a little bit wierd. None of the running around due to Grayson's early arrival. Benji's parents and brother came over this morning, and we all exchanged gifts and enjoyed food and fellowship. They left to go on the regular trips to see family and we have just spent time together; Benji and I and our little man, when he is awake. We did bundle him up and go for a walk, and I felt like a new person. It was so nice to be outside. I have been living in my "cave" for several weeks now. We had a beautiful day and Grayson fell asleep quickly riding in his stroller.
Now we are watching the news and planning on eating junk food for the evening.
Jamie's husband is going to Franklin to see his family, and Jamie cannot travel right now, so we are hanging out tomorror night and Mom, Dad and Austin are coming on Saturday.
We have felt like Christmas has really been over shadowed by Grayson's arrival, but what better to overshadow it than the arrival of a baby?
It has really made us think about what this season is really about. The blessings of a child are too numerous to count, and we are so so thankful.

Who'd a Thunk It?

Well, our little man just couldn't wait any longer. 6 1/2 weeks early, Grayson Robert Frank made his glorious appearance into the world.
Mom and Dad were in town for a ceremony at UNCG for Nathan, and also for Dad's birthday. Nathan, Robyn, and Caleb were here from PA, and Austin had driven up from South Carolina. With the entire Jameson clan within 20 minutes of each other, my water broke. Only I didn't know that's what it was...or I was in denial. I was in the kitchen with mom making lunch. Dad was asleep on the couch and Caleb was napping in the nursery. I thought I had to go to the bathroom and when I stood up, it didn't stop...denial. Mom thought I should call the doctor. I said lets wait...denial. It didn't stop, I called the doctor, and she told me to go to the hospital to get checked out. I decided that since we would be going straight to UNCG from the hospital, I would go ahead and get ready. I fixed my hair, did my make-up, picked out a cute outfit, stuffed a washcloth in my pants, and mom drove to the hospital. We told Dad we would meet him at UNCG...denial. Mom said she would drop me off at the door, just in case. Just in case of what? They are going to check me out and send me home...denial. We parked and went in. Mom asked where I needed to go. "I have no idea. We haven't done our hospital tour. We still have 6 weeks"...denial. We made it to labor and delivery. They told me to put on a gown and lay down on the bed. I bent over to take my pants down, and there was the gush...no more denial.
Mom sat in a chair, I laid on the bed, still telling Benji that there was no need to leave work. Finally, they checked me with a test strip, yes, a test strip, like what my mother uses to check the pH of the hot tub. There was the proof. My water had broken. This was it.
Within 22 hours of that moment Grayson came pink, wiggling, and screaming in to the cold air of the delivery room. He was beautiful. 5 pounds, 11 ounces, 18 inches long. I will never forget it for all my life. Benji was amazing. He counted, he held my hand, he fed me ice chips. I am more in love with him now than I have ever been.
Grayson had to stay in the hospital a little while longer than I did due to his preemie status, but we are home now and doing great. He has his first Doctor's appointment on Friday.

Snow in November

Amazing! I woke up to snow this morning on November 21st. I cannot remember the last time we had snow this early. We don't get a lot, and to have it this early is incredible. It does give me a little cause for concern when I think about Grayson getting here, but hey, it could be an adventure. People around here shut down in the snow. I have already had my in-laws ask me what I am going to do if Grayson decides he is ready to be here and the roads are bad. I will most likely wait. I will call Benji and he will come home and get me. I want my husband to be with me on the way to the hospital. It does get you thinking though. I am excited, and getting more so. We are both feeling very impatient.

Baby Showers

I just wanted to put a quick thank you on here for the showers that we have had. We are getting ready to have our 4th tomorrow at Benji's Aunt Brenda's. The last one will be with my very best friend Jamie. Some of you may remember her from the wedding. She was the maid of honor. Everyone has been so incredibly generous and we just cannot thank you enough. We have received so many wonderful gifts, and so many little necessities for our little guy.
It is an amazing feeling knowing that we are getting ready to be parents; that this little tiny human being will be under our care and responsibility. We are going to be "mommy" and "daddy". We aren't worried though. God has brought us this far, and we know that he has prepared us for this next step in our journey of life. He will be with us every step of the way. We also have amazing christian families to thank for the way they raised us. We would not know how to be a family if it wasn't for you. Thank you all.

Thank you family and friends for everything!

30 weeks

Wow~I cannot believe that we are already at 30 weeks. This pregnancy has flown by. We are so excited to meet our little man, but at the same time, I feel a little weird. I am so used to feeling him so close to me. It is a connection that only a woman can ever feel. I think I will miss feeling his kicks and wiggles at night.
We are on the down hill slide. Almost in to single digit weeks. It seems like so recently that we found out we were pregnant.
I am getting a little antsy. I will be leaving my job and taking over the financial side of Frank Lawn care, but I would also like to be doing something extra from home. We don't know what that is yet, but we are praying about it. It could end up being something that I do with my crafting, or it may be some kind of data entry on the computer. Please keep us in your prayers that I will find something by the time little Grayson gets here. We know that the Lord has led us in this direction; with me staying home, so we know He will provide. Keep checking back. We will try to get more pics up soon.

Grayson's First Wedding

Well, I am home from Arkansas. Last Thursday morning, Mom, Dad, and I drove 16+ hours to Arkansas for my cousin Lana's wedding. We were there for 2 full days and then drove back Sunday.
We had a wonderful time and were able to spend many meaningful moments with very special family members. It is exciting for me to actually be able to spend some of this important time in my life with my wonderful family. We see Benji's family on such a regular basis, but do not get to see mine. This trip was such a wonderful reminder of the importance of both sides of family. It was wonderful to be able to talk with my cousins about their pregnancies also.
We are having a totally natural childbirth using a program called "Hypnobabies". Both Lori and Lindsey both used this and it was great to hear about their experiences.
I wish that Benji could have been there. It was not the same without him. My family said many many times how much they wished he could be there. I love how much they love him.
It was a wonderful experinece and a beautiful wedding. My aunt and uncle have officially married off their last daughter.
The ride was long, but not too bad. I am home now, and glad to be relaxing, but would not have traded the time for all the world.

Baby Shower

Well, we had our first Baby Shower yesterday; thanks Jenn, Krista, Lesley, and Danya! Thank you everyone that came and for all the gifts.
We got some wonderful things for our little man, and cannot wait for him to actually be able to use them/wear them. It makes this all seem a little bit more real.
We have another shower today with Benji's family. My mom and dad are coming this morning, and staying for the shower this afternoon. I am so excited. Grayson's Nana, Papa, Grams and Pops will all be here. We feel so incredibly blessed to have all these people around us that love us and already love our little baby who is not even here yet.
Thank you all for your love and generosity.

New Photo Album

Hi Everyone. My cousin Christopher introduced me to a new photo sharing site. We are using it now, and are currently uploading everything we have for Grayson so far. Please check it out.
thefrankfamily.myphotoalbum.com

Little Grayson

Well, Grayson is weighing in at 1 lb. 11 oz. We had a doctor's appointment Thursday to check his little kidneys. They still have fluid on them, but it has not gotten any worse. The doctor said this is a good thing. He has a very mild case and it should fix itself. Please be praying about this. Other than that he looks great. We got to see his heart beating again and that is just such an amazing thing to see.
He is moving around like a mad man. Benji can feel him regularly now, and I can actually watch my stomach move if he kicks (or punches :-) hard enough.
I finished painting the nursery last weekend, and I am THRILLED. I love the way it turned out. Benji was at work while I worked on the room. This tends to work out the best. He hates painting, I love it, and this way we don't bug each other :-).
We are really happy and ready for Grayson to be here.
I have a trip with Mom and Dad at the end of the month to Cousin Lana's wedding. I am very excited about this. I am getting to see family more this year than I have in a long time. Benji will not be able to make it because of his work schedule. My birthday is next weekend, and I think I am going to get to see Austin for the first time in MONTHS!
We are doing great! Keep us and Grayson in your prayers. We love you!

Felt on the "Outside"

Well, it is official, I am not just fat. I am actually pregnant. Benji felt Grayson for the first time last night. His eyes got real big and he sounded like a little kid. "I felt him!" Then he went back to his normal joker self and said. "Well, I am glad to know there really is a baby in there and you are not just getting fat." Gotta love him right. Lord knows I must.
No seriously, Benji was so excited. He has been a little more touchy on my belly ever since. He says "I want to feel him again". He talks about how I have his little man in there. I really love it.
I am enjoying this so much, and I feel terrific. It is so amazing thinking about our son all curled up and snug inside my growing belly. Now that Benji has felt him, I think it feels more real for him too. We are on the downhill slide. I am right at 22 weeks. 18 to go if I go to term. Keep praying for us.
Love you!

Amazing!

So, I was talking to a friend today about how amazing this whole pregnancy has been, but how sad I am for Benji. As wierd as it may sound, I feel bad for him that he will never be able to experience what I am going through. I know God didn't create men to "experience" pregnancy. I know that Benji is still such a huge part of this time, but he will never feel what I am feeling. To know that you have this little tiny life inside of you, to be able to feel him when he moves, to see him on the ultrasound and know that what you are looking at is actually happening in real time; Benji will never know that feeling.
It is amazing. I am halfway today. 20 weeks. It is exciting and sad at the same time. I feel so incredibly blessed. I am amazed everytime I feel something move in me. I am so excited every time I get busy and stop and remember I am pregnant. I am responsible for this little tiny innocent being in me. God trusted me to carry one of his own. How incredible. God is so good.

Grayson Robert Frank

We have a name! We also swore that we would keep it a secret and that has just become too hard. Our little man will be Grayson (Gray) Robert Frank. We are VERY excited and love that we can call him by his name now instead of "it" or "him". So please, feel free to get things monogrammed:-)
Love you all!

Erin and Benji

Kickin' It

I went for a walk today and I think that our sweet baby boy fetus must have either really enjoyed it, or really hated it. He is moving like crazy. Believe me, I know gas and this is not it. It feels like he is kicking or pushing toward the outside right below my belly button. I told him he has to wait awhile. He cannot come out yet. There has been a lot of excitement this weekend. Maybe he can feel that. We went and registered last night. Who knew that there was so much baby stuff. Wipe warmer? Are you kidding me? Please do not get us a wipe warmer. I know that my rear was wiped with cold wipes and I think everything turned out just fine. We left the store feeling excited and exhausted. I think that our little boy knows there is a lot going on out here and he is making himself known. He wants to be a part of things.
I cannot wait. I cannot wait to hold this beautiful baby in my arms. This baby that has been growing inside me; I can't wait to actually be able to touch him.
Be patient, the doctor said in the next month people on the "outside" will be able to feel him also.
God is so good.

To Penis or not to Penis

WE ARE HAVING A BOY!! There is no doubt about it. We saw a penis. We are so excited. Don't ask about the name. We are not telling. We want you all to have at least on surprise. Saturday we are going to register. I finally get to pick out bedding and start planning the nursery and all that. Those of you that have been dying to by gifts can now run out and do just that. Just don't get pink. Thank you all for your prayers. Keep 'em coming.

Excitement = No sleep

So, it is 11:00 Wednesday night, August 20th, and I cannot sleep. Tomorrow we find out if we are having a boy or a girl. I am completely aware that staying awake is not going to affect the outcome whatsoever. I am totally aware that no matter how much I think about it, I still will not know until 1:30 tomorrow, but I simply cannot sleep. I am playing in my head all the different scenarios. If it is a boy, then the nursery will look a certain way, and if it is a girl, then I need to change some things. What about names? We can actually pick a name after tomorrow. That is so amazing. Don't get too excited though because we are not telling anyone the name. There have to be some surprises you know. This weekend we are going to register for baby stuff. We will be at Target and Babies R Us. I am really looking forward to this and completely dreading it at the same time. I don't know what babies need. I have never been a mom before. I know that diaper warmers are a waste of money and help to breed bacteria...handy little fact I have picked up somewhere. I know that just because the baby people manufacture it does not mean I need to buy it, but what do I buy? How many bottle do I need. I have to have a "boppy". This is what I have been told. That will be number one on the registry. Do I register for every single thing that I want for the baby and for the nursery? Good grief, why does my mother have to live an hour and a half a way? So, say a little prayer for us. Tomorrow we find out whether or not this fetus has a penis and Saturday night we scan for diapers. We love you all!

Heartbeat

I thought since this was the second time I would get to hear the baby's heartbeat, it wouldn't affect me as much. Boy was I wrong. Benji didn't come to this appointment. We knew that it would be pretty quick, just a check up, but as I was laying on the table hearing our baby's heartbeat, I couldn't help but wish terribly that he was there. It was amazing. My doctor didn't show up this morning. She was at the hospital delivering a baby, so the nurse did all my measurements and such. I am almost relieved. The nurse was amazing. She was so excited for me. She talked about it being my first child and how I must be thrilled. She didn't act like one of those people that had been doing her job so long that it wasn't amazing anymore. That is a precious gift. She put the freezing cold gel on the tip of the monitor and put it on my stomach. I was given what has come to be the typical warning, "Don't worry if we don't hear it right away, the baby is still very small." Then, before she put the period at the end of her sentence, there it was. It was so loud and so strong. It was amazing. I lay on the table with tears streaming down the sides of my face. It as fabulous! A miracle, a blessing. I have my ultrasound appointment next week, and we will find out if we are going to have a baby girl or boy. It is amazing what technology we have, that these machines can see inside my body and tell me what I otherwise would not know for 5 more months. Keep us in your prayers. We cannot wait to be parents.

Wisconsin..Then the World

We are HOME! Yay! We just spent a week traveling by car through some of the most beautiful county God created. If you have any questions as to whether or not there is a God, visit the Midwest. It is just unbelievable. We had such a wonderful time. We left last Friday, and drove for 2 days to get to Wisconsin to see the Jameson side of the family. Seeing my Grandpa and my aunts and uncles was just great. I commented to Benji on the way home how significant this year has been. I have been able to see both the Carver and the Jameson side both in the same year. To people around here that is not significant. They see their relatives every Sunday for lunch. Not me. It has been years since I has seen some of this family, and I actually had to be reintroduced to a few people.
Sunday morning, we met at a little cafe in Rio, the town where my dad grew up, and had lunch. It was great. We thought we were just meeting Grandpa and his wife, and when we walked in, the entire restaurant was filled with Jamesons. The next day we visited a cheese factory and got to sample of this delicious dairy product. We also got a tour by the man that owned the place for 42 years. We are pretty important people. :-) The last day we were there we had a cook-out at my aunt Linda's place. We got to swim and eat and eat oh yeah and ...eat. I got to see cousins I had not seen since Benji and I were married. Pretty significant. It was wonderful.
On the way home we stopped in Indianapolis and stayed at an overpriced hotel and played tourist for the evening. What an amazing city.
We are glad to be home, a bit tired, and refreshed at the same time.
We have our next doctor appointment on August 14th, and we may be able to find out what the sex of the baby is at that point, so keep us in your prayers.

Parasite

It is an odd feeling, this whole thing of my body not being my own anymore. Don't get me wrong. I am so excited, so blessed and amazed by what God is doing, but there are days I want my body back. I don't even poop the same anymore. :-) My boobs hurt, my back is aching, I have heartburn all the time, and I cannot ever seem to decide what I want to eat. I just know I NEED FOOD. I have often described what I am going through right now in terms of host body and parasite. I have this little parasite in my belly, living off of whatever it can extract from me. It is getting all of its support from ME! from what I am putting in my body and from how I choose to spend my day. This is why it amazes me when people say "well, you don't really have to give up__________." Or you can still have alcohol...in moderation." ARE YOU SERIOUS? People are complete idiots. God has given Benji and I this amazing blessing. Would I not be crazy to jeopardize this little life in me? Would I not be a fool to disregard warnings. Shouldn't I be doing everything that is in my power to take care of myself and my little parasite? ABSOLUTELY! Mothers-to-be wisen up. You decided to have a kid now take responsibility for it, and if you didn't make the conscious decision, tough, you opened you legs. Deal with it. Grow up!

Pitter Patter

Benji and I just got home from the Thresher's Reunion...talk about country. This is where all the old farmers come out with antique and new farm equipment and do demonstrations. There is a train to ride and delicious really nutritious fair type food ranging from Italian sausages to Funnel Cakes. Yummy! We had a wonderful time and are now at home collapsing from exhaustion.
The coolest thing that has happened to us is our doctor's appointment yesterday. We got to hear the baby's heart beat. It was amazing. The doctor said there was about a 50/50 chance that we would be able to hear it this early, so as we walked out Benji said "We must have a super baby." :-) Gotta love him. It really was incredible. Unless you have had a child, I don't think I could describe the feelings we felt in being able to hear our own little child's heart beating, that distinct symbol of life growing and moving inside me. Being able to share that experience together was wonderful. I highly suggest that husbands always go with wives to their doctor visits. It would have been such a disappointment for me to have been able to go through that without Benji being there too. We just feel so blessed. Everything is proceeding as normal. We are healthy and hope to stay that way.
Keep Benji's dad in your prayers. He had quadruple bypass surgery last Friday morning. He is recovering as normal and doing well, but it is going to take some time for him to get over the soreness and fatigue. He is going to have to make several lifestyle changes and this is going to be difficult. He is a very stubborn man, but we are hoping that this will serve as a wake up call for us all. he has never had high blood pressure or cholesterol, so there really were not any telling warning signs.
We love you all. Keep us in your prayers.

Doctor and The Great Outdoors

Well, we went to our doctor's appointment on Friday and everything went wonderfully. Baby is measuring about about 7 weeks and 5 days, so we were really close the first time. Official due date now is January 20th. We go back in four weeks. Check out our picture. Baby's first photo.
After our doctor's appointment, we drove an hour to Wilkesboro to go camping with our Sunday School class. We had a wonderful time. Good food, fellowship and 100 degree weather. :-) It was great. I found myself tiring very easily, and felt blessed that we have friends with a camper and I was able to sleep in the air conditioning. Benji, baby and I went fishing, although Benji is the only one who caught anything, we played cards, cooked, and had a devotional. We had a great weekend.
Benji is getting ready to go back to work tomorrow. This is going to be a very busy week for him. He is at the fire house Monday, Wednesday, Friday; has school on Tuesday and Thursday, and also has to get his mowing done. Please keep him in your prayers.
I have two days left with the students there, one workday, and then a couple days off until Summer Camp the next Monday. I had no reservations about being pregnant and working camp, but after the weekend heat, I am wondering just how this is going to work. Please pray for me about that.
We are very happy and very excited. We love you all!

Baby Doctor

We have our first Doctor's appointment today. So excited, but a little nervous. I had this awful dream that this was all a joke and they were going to tell me I wasn't really pregnant. Good Grief, I know. I'll update when we get home. Going camping this weekend, so it will be Sunday before I can tell you how it went. Keep praying. We love you!!

Blueberry

Well, this week, my little bean is the size of a blueberry, and has some AMAZING things going on. He/She has tony little hands and feet, although the fingers and toes are still webbed. The whole skeleton is formed, but not hard bone yet. It just blows my mind that something the size of a blueberry could have so much going on.
Benji and I joke about m being the host being and I have my little parasite growing and taking me over. It is not all untrue though. I have to be more careful about my eating and exercising, etc. because my little parasite will get these things that I put in to my body. :-) It is quite humorous.
I have my first doctor's appointment on Friday. Should be pretty lengthy. I am told that this appointment will provide me with my first picture of the little berry. I am very excited. Sometimes I feel like I shouldn't get too excited b/c it is still so early, but I cannot help it. Like my mother said, You cannot live in fear. God has made this miracle and I feel that I should be able to shout about it from the roof tops (instead I blog about it so the whole world could know if they really wanted to :-) - more effective than shouting.)
Please keep us in your prayers as always. I feel great. Still no sickness, so I am crossing my fingers that it won't happen. I am finding that foods I used to like, I don't anymore. No new cravings really. I just don't have the old ones. Weird.
Love you all!

Short Update

This little bean is only 6 1/2 weeks old, and I am ready to sleep at 6:00. I feel so drained. When am I going to get that energized feeling that my mom told me about?
Benji made the comment last night that he is "so ready for it to be here." It was such a sweet moment. He is going to be a wonderful father. I got a gift from Aunt Leslie. It was wonderful. Some adorable tiny little outfits. Such a sweet reminder of how tiny this little baby will be when he/she gets here.
I haven't really had any weird cravings or anything like that. My love of chocolate has dwindled though. That is tragic. :-( I am loving anything with cheese, but I don't know that that is a change from the norm.
I am so blessed to have such an amazing family. We have had many congratulations, and it is such a blessing to know we have so many people praying for us and this little one. We love you.

Poppyseed

Well, our little muffin is the size of a poppy seed. So tiny, and yet my little blessing has arm and leg buds this week, and it has blood circulating through its microscopic little parts. Amazing. God is amazing! How he could have created my body to know when everything needs to happen is simply beautiful. I am so excited and so in love with this little dot in my belly.
I feel fantastic. No sickness, although I do have a bit of a cold. Everyone keeps telling me, "oh just you wait until you start getting sick..." I have read that I might be a morning sickness "late bloomer", but I have also read if it hasn't started now, it most likely won't. I guess we shall see.
I talked to my mom about it on the phone the other day, and she said "just wait until you can feel the baby move...it is wonderful." I can only imagine. I do not want to rush this. I want to enjoy every day of my pregnancy, but at the same time, I cannot wait to feel that.
Everything is so exciting. Every morning I wake up and remember that I am pregnant, that I am carrying this little being inside of me, and every morning, the joy begins again. Please keep our little baby in your prayers. We cannot wait to meet him/her, and share our joy with you.

My Muffin

Well, I know it has been awhile. Busy busy here. The school year is wrapping up and my students are taking the dreaded end of grade tests next week. Then we have 2 1/2 weeks of total waste. I know now why my family home schools.
The major event in our lives though has nothing to do with school or jobs. I AM PREGNANT!! About 5 weeks. I have a little muffin in the oven. We are so very excited and so blessed. One time is the charm for us. We got started early thinking it might take awhile. No deal. One time, first time. Yay for Benji! :-) Please keep us in your prayers that everything goes well and we end up with a healthy baby. I have not been sick at all...yet. I am holding out that I will be like my mom. I feel terrific! Determined not to be huge, I am trying to keep up with exercising and not eating everything in front of me. Pregnancy is such a good excuse. :-)
We have talked about names, and nursery colors, and all of that good stuff, but it still does not seem real. I think a baby bump would help me out. I want to be able to "prove" that I am pregnant. :-)
I have wanted to be a mom for so long, and I feel like I have already known this soon to be person inside me. It has just taken a while for he/she to show up. Does that sound stupid? Oh, I don't care. We are thrilled. I am unsure of what I will do about work next year. Please pray for us about that. We are due around January 20th.
I have a doctor's appointment on the 6th where we should find out a more accurate due date, and learn about all the things I need to do.
We love you! Thank you for your prayers. We are so happy and excited! We thank God for this blessing in our lives.

Grandpa Carver

Well it has been awhile. A lot has happened over the past few weeks.
My amazing grandfather went to be with his Father. We went to Arkansas for the memorial...I really like the term memorial. I do not like "FUNERAL". Funeral has such awful connotations: sad, depressed, alone...ummm hello, he went to be with God. Is that not what we dream of down here on this imperfect planet?
I was listening to a song on the radio the other day called "When I get Where I'm Going". It is a wonderful song that has been out for a while, but really hit home for me after Grandpa's funer--memorial :-) One of the lines is "gonna walk with my grandaddy and he'll match me step for step..." Then the chorus says "When I get where I'm going, don't cry for me down here." How perfect. We should not cry, we should be elated. One of our family, has gone to be with our Father, our God, the One. We should be shouting for joy.
I think the way Grandpa's leaving us was handled was great. It really was a celebration of is life and a praise that he is where he has always wanted to be. Benji met more family. Hey, I met more of my own family :-) We laughed and played games and had amazing times of fellowship. That is what he would have wanted. He is the one who started our family reunions, so what better way to honor him than to have one?
It was wonderful. I think that I am currently going through Carver Family withdrawal.
We love you all!

Prayer

Ever wonder why you pray? If God is truly who He says He is (and He is) then why do we pray? Doesn't he know exactly what we are going to thank him for or ask for before we ever even think to ask? Dis he not know hundreds of years ago that today I would say my specific prayer? Not only that, but our Lord is so mighty and wonderful that we don't even need to ask because his plan is already in action. It wouldn't matter what or when we asked to begin with. He is already going to do what He has planned...right? So, why pray?
I think I do it more for myself...yes, I know selfish. At the same time though, it helps me put my day, week, life into perspective. Prayer refocuses me and reminds me of where I am and where I am going.
Just some food for thought. Why do you pray?

Florida

I just had a WONDERFUL time with my sweet cousin Lana. I finally made the trip to Orlando, Florida and spent a few days with her. It was fantastic in so many ways. Just being able to spend time together, seeing her performances, meeting her friends, it was all great. It was also kind of fun knowing that our mothers were together and we were together at the same time. I know this is not abnormal for man people, but for our families to have more than one member spending time together is not common.
Lana and I did the normal reminiscing thing. We pulled out old photo albums of hers, and read old diary entries. We talked about past incidents and new adventures. It was just what I needed: family time, spiritual time; it puts life in perspective.
What did this the most for me was being able to go to The Holy Land Experience, where she works, and see her perform. Lana's voice makes me want to cry. I remember picking on her when we were little because she knew every song and always sang them higher than anyone else. To hear her now, I know why. It was amazing. It wasn't only the singing though. It was the message behind them. Seeing Bible stories that we have heard for years brought to life was amazing and sad, and glorious all at once. I was able to see a performance of the Passion: Christ's crucifixion and resurrection, this brought me to tears. I saw the Ministry of Jesus. The actor playing Jesus actually called the children from the audience to come to him. He did this in character just as it says Jesus does in the Bible. He spoke about worry and jealousy all was biblically based. I was floored. I felt that Jesus really was in this place really speaking to me. If anyone ever has a chance to go and visit you need to see this.
I got to meet Lana's beau Charlie. He is a wonderful christian man with such honest intentions. He treats Lana with such an amazing love and sincerity. He also performs with the Holy Land Experience, and is in several of the pictures. I give him a big thumbs up. He was gracious and unselfish of his time with Lana while I was there. God is so good.
I was sad to leave, but ready to come home. I missed Benji. It was weird being so far away without him. I think it was good for both of us though. We got some "me time", and of course absence makes the heart grow fonder.
I hope to see all of my family this summer, but if something happens, maybe sooner. Treasure any of the time you have with each other. It amazes me every time I see family, I feel like I never left them. Benji comments on that all the time. We all live so far away from each other, but to see us all together you would never know it.
The family reunions are a must. Even if they are planned around weddings or other events. I want my children to have what we all had growing up. Times with family are such special times.

Off to FLORIDA

Erin and Benji are on their way to the Greensboro airport. Erin is spending a few days with her cousin Lana in Florida. Very excited of course. More to come...

Life Saver

We went to the 2007 Awards Ceremony for the Fire Department a couple weeks ago, and it hit home just what my husband does. There were a number of awards given out, and names were called over and over, but then they called names for the "Life Saving Award". This meant that the person whose name was called literally saved a life. This nameless person would have died without the particular fireman. It was not "oh I pulled you out before the fire got to you." No, it was a simple straight forward fact that this person would be DEAD without the fireman.

My husband received one of those awards. How amazing! How wonderful to think of my husband and to be able to be so utterly speechless with pride. He is incredible, and I think works one of the most unappreciated jobs. I am not condemning those who are ignorant to what it is that fireman do day in a day out. I was one of you until Benji. He has opened my eyes to what it is that fireman do. Yes, they may play video games and sit in recliners, but when that bell goes off the jump to attention and get to those in need as fast as they possibly can. I am so proud.

Battered Spouse?

I understand battered spouse syndrome a bit more this week. My principal announced that she is leaving and going to another school. The first thing I felt was relief. Then, I began to wonder if I should transfer schools with her..WHAT??? I have spent the whole school year wondering what I got myself in to, taking this job, and now, I see my chance at freedom, and I think about giving that up??? Wives stay with their abusive husbands because it is better than the unknown. They may be physically, verbally and/or emotionally abused, but they stay. Why? Because at least they know what to expect. She may have verbally and emotionally abused me but what if the next person is worse? What if the next person tries just a little bit harder at the whole spirit breaking thing? Could I take it? Do I stay with what I know?
This is how I found myself feeling yesterday afternoon. She is leaving? Wonderful! Take a breath, and then...should I go too? I must be crazy.
I have decided that the Lord has answered prayers. I enjoy change, thrive on it. I love a challenge, something different. I will stay. God will provide the best person for the job, and I will have a great school year with a whole new crew of 10 and 11 year olds (and some 12 year olds :-)
I have been blessed with a wonderful assistant. Ms. Miller. She prayers for me and for our school on a regular basis. Give that up to follow and abusive husband? I think not.

Overwhelmed

I was doing some grading today at school, and I started thinking about how blessed I was growing up. I had parents that were so involoved that, at the time, I wanted them to get off my back. Now, though, I am so very thankful. I have 27 students. Half of these will never leave the area they are in. Half of these do not stand a chance in the world. They have failing grades or incompletes. This is not because they are stupid. It is because they are waking themselves up, getting ready for school, and taking themselves to the bus stop. They are coming to school, getting back on the bus, and going home to an empty house. They fix their own dinner, maybe attempt homework, maybe...play video games and put themselves to bed. Then they start over.

These children have no parental involvement. I have caught students forging parent signatures on their homework, and wonder whether I should punish them. They may not have any one there to sign. Parents are working the worst shifts possible, going out afterwards, or coming home and going to bed. They cannot afford a babysitter, so their children are staying at the house by themselves. My students are wiser than their years, but cannot read on a first grade level. Their moms are my age, and the kids are 9-11 years old. There is something seriously wrong here. Is there anything we can do? Who knows. I have other teachers tell me that you just can't help them all. I cringed the first time I heard this, and now find myself wondering how I can help half of them.

I adore my students. Even the students that misbehave all the time. They all have something unique and wonderful about them. I only get ten months; ten months to not only teach them but to assist in their raising. I did not go to college to learn how to raise 27 other people's children. Nothing can train you for this. Nothing can teach you how to hold a student in your arms while they cry about their mother that is in jail for selling drugs, or walking a student to the bathroom so they can get some water after they have confessed to you about a past abusive incident. Nothing can prepare you to react when a young boy tells you he is sad today. His brother died in a car accident five days ago.

It is overwhelming.

How was your "raising"?

I have been out of school now for three days with some kind of crazy congestion and head thing. My sub called me yesterday almost in tears because of the way my students acted. Keep in mind that she is used to working with younger kids, but she had some place to be upset. I had two children, yesterday, unwrap a paper clip and proceed to insert it into an electrical outlet. Then they dared the other and so on. One of the students burned her hand pretty bad and then lied and said she burned herself on a pipe in the bathroom. The custodians freaked out because they were worried that there might be something dangerous in the bathrooms that would harm the other students. This child was finally "snitched" on for lying and the truth came out. Sue and Bob is what we will call them. Both have been suspended for two days. Sue's mother came and picked her up and of course, blamed the school. Bob's father researched all the legalities of having the electrical outlets uncovered before he came up there to throw his weight around. He is very good about announcing that he is a former city councilman...like that is so great. He also wanted to know if the students were being supervised. Are you kidding? Well, the electrical outlets do NOT have to be covered because we assume that parents are teaching there children not to play with electrical outlets. Guess we give parents too much credit. There was one teacher in the classroom who was busy working with another child. Oh, sorry, you don't like the ratios...pay us more and vote for someone else. I AM NOT THERE TO RAISE YOUR CHILDREN. I am there to TEACH them Math, Science, Reading, etc. I AM NOT A BABYSITTER. Sounds like the parents might need to grow up a bit themselves. When I am the same age as my students' parents, and my students are 10-12 years old, there is a problem. I think that people should have to take a test before they are allowed to be impregnated. So, what is the difference in the "raisin' "? Why is this generation of parents so completely iresposible and ignorant? When I was in school my friends' parents were the same age as my parents. They were responsible, working adults, and good parents. They made their children take responsibility for their own actions. It was not the school's fault. What happened to the raising of our children?

Birthday Weekend

Well the weekend is coming to an end, and we were busy busy.

Austin spent the weekend with us starting Friday. He and Benji and some other guys went out to celebrate the birthdays on Friday night, and then Saturday Benji and Austin spent the day working on Austin's Jeep.

Mom and Dad Jameson made it to our house about 4:00 and we had a wonderful evening of food and fellowship with them. Sunday we went to the Mom and Dad Frank's for birthday party with the family and were able to catch up with the little ones and those that are getting ready to have little ones. Thank you all for the great gifts.

We are just returning home from a super bowl "party"...really just an excuse to be with some good friends from our Sunday School class. We had a wonderful time, and the whole weekend has made us feel very blessed looking back on all the family and friends we were able to be with. We know there are many that are not able to do that.

Keep us in your prayers as we are without a Sunday School teacher
Also pray for Erin as she is making decisions about where she will teach next year.
We love you, good night.

MIA

So, we have been missing for awhile. Busy busy busy. Sorry we have not been on here to update.

Benji's job is still wonderful. He loves it. He has recently gone in to business with a very good friend. He not only has Frank Lawncare, but he and our friend Richard now have B & R Services. They do any number of things from stump grinding, to lawn care to simple home maintenance type things. It has gone really well so far. They have had good business right away, and are handling things well.

Erin is feeling better about teaching - not about the school-but teaching in general. She is looking around to transfer at the end of the year and may go back into Guilford County where she student taught. The money is better and they are losing their superintendant to California (which is why she did not start in Guilford County to begin with).

We have found a church and it feels like home! We have joined the Sunday School class and are looking to join the church when Benji is off working Sundays. It is funny. We are at Green Street Baptist, which is where the Jameson's began their church career in North Carolina. The pastor is amazing, and our Sunday School class is like a family. There are two other couples in the class that have fireman husbands. All work for High Point and all are on the same shift. This has been a great support and friendship network.

We had put a for sale sign in front of the house, and recently changed our minds. We have decided to stick it out another couple years. We are going to do some things to the interior that we had put off, and probably fence in the yard. This will allow us to start a family sooner (we hope) and Erin to be a stay at home mom.

Please keep us in your prayers as we do decide when to start a family, and pray that God will show the way for Erin to stay at home. This is a strong desire for both of us, and we feel that He put that desire there for a reason, and that he will show the way.

We love you all and we will be better about staying updated!