Shell's Diaries

I've been sick all week, and today is Sunday.  I stayed home from church today since I didn't have much of a singing voice (I teach the children in our church, songs) and am constantly blowing my nose; thus, I felt it proper to stay home and not share my germs with others.  I decided to watch this movie I had just bought, but had yet to see.  John wanted me to wait for him to come home, but by nature, I'm impatient.  I thought it was a good movie to watch as well, being as I was home and wanted some spiritual upliftment.  The movie was 17 Miracles , by T.C. Christensen.  And wow, did that box of tissues come in handy, but this time for my eyes, not my nose. For those who are not familiar with this movie, or why it would be meaningful to those who belong to the church I attend, let me explain..... it COULD become meaningful to you too, regardless of what religion you belong to.  This movie dramatizes many events, or miracles, that happened while men, ...

Happy Birthday to my 12 year old son, Hunter.  What is awesome about a 12 year old?  Well, from his mother's eyes, let me tell you. What is a 12 year old into: *  Anything electronic.... the wii, DS, computer, (would LOVE to have an ipod touch, but mom and dad say NO.) *  Bearded Dragons..... his birthday present this year.   *  Scouts..... he's become quite the merit badge getter. *  Basketball, basketball, and basketball.  Can hardly wait for the season to start *  Trumpet.... well, maybe not so much, but that was the chosen instrument for 6th grade.  Better than drums if you ask me. Hunter is enjoying his birthday this weekend with his dad and brother in Southern, CA.  I miss them tons right now, but know they are having a good time, memories being made.  I look back on these 12 years that have zipped by, in the the blink of an eye, and hope the next 12 will slow down a bit. Somehow, I don't think that will hap...

Long title, I know, but it's exactly how I feel.  The older we get, time seems to pass us by more quickly. And with that, the growing up of my children seems to pass by me at 75 miles an hour when I'm moving along at 55, or, some days it seems like I'm going 30.  Yet they never slow down, keeping up the pace with the rest of the world as I sit along the sidelines hoping I can keep up with them.   It's a losing battle, I've decided.  I might as well enjoy the ride while it lasts, right?   Hunter turns 12 next Friday.  It's a monumental birthday in our family.  And I won't even be with him to celebrate it.  He will be in California with his dad and brother, attending their cousin's wedding, ON is birthday.  Poor guy.  I feel badly that he'll be spending his day watching a bride and groom eat their cake smothered in frosting which he detests, while he'll have to wait to come home to have his frostingless cake to enjoy.  (But, hi...

I'm a day late for my grateful Sunday post, but wanted to make sure I recorded, in conjunction with that special day, my gratitude for the many blessings which I enjoy. Yesterday was 9/11.  We all know what that means. Just to say those two numbers, images automatically pop into my head of what that day represented 10 years ago. I can't believe it's been that long, yet the memories are so very fresh as if it were just yesterday.  So at this particular time when we pause to reflect on how our nation changed, how WE may have changed, I am reminded of all the things I feel an immense amount of gratitude for. *  I am grateful first and foremost for a loving God, who, some may say, 'Where was He when this all happened' yet I feel, as I know many do, He had never been more present than at that time. *  I am grateful for my family who surround me each day and remind me how fleeting time can be, and how, because of those events on that tragic day, make me more apprecia...

Three of my children start school tomorrow.... a 2nd, 4th & 6th grader.  I always have mixed emotions when the new school year comes around.  I miss the wonderful summer days, where we can be lazy, play in the park on the very few sunny days we have, maybe go on a vacation and explore the states, and stay up late watching movies. I love having more time with them during the day.  But when September rolls around, I get sad, because I will miss those days, but at the same time, I know they are ready for routine, as much as I am too.  I am very much a routine kind of gal. I like my schedule, and I like my kids to BE on a schedule. But most of all, as this new school year begins, I hope my kids remember a few things. I hope they remember how much I love them, as they leave for the bus each day, and how I pray for them and their safety, for their ability to understand their studies, and that I pray they will be able to make friends and be an example to others. I ...