Back to work again

I have had two blissful weeks off now. I am back to work Wednesday, with 3 classes this term instead of the typical 2. If it goes well, I will continue to do that so I can finish my degree in a little over a year, instead of nearly 2 years. I am hoping and praying that works. I need a shorter goal to shoot for than 2 years - that is too far off and I am afraid I will lose my drive and focus. Right now I am maintaining a 4.0, which is something I am very proud of. However, I am afraid that will start to slip if I become discouraged. I need to stay focused. This is a goal that I do not want to let go of again. Still, there are so many things to do. All of my "if only's" are getting me nowhere, so I tread on. I continue working and doing all I can, hoping it will get me where I want to be. I strive to be content where I am, and that is sometimes difficult. Am I alone in this? I don't think so. I see people all around me who are hurting, and wanting something more. I yearn for God to move in a powerful way. I desire to feel Him and see Him and hear Him speak. I crave His presence. Lord, fall on me!

In need of some parenting advice

We have a 4-year old daughter, named Kassandra. Kassandra has been a challenge since she was probably 6 months old. The biggest challenge we have yet to tackle is putting things in her mouth. Yes, she is really 4. Yes, she really does still put things in her mouth. Now that we have that cleared up, I need some ideas. We have tried giving her lemon juice, hot sauce, or vinegar when she puts something in her mouth that does not belong there. She will still chew on toys, destroy bouncy balls, eat crayons and markers, along with a variety of other things. Before today I had called poison control three times for things she had eaten. Today I called them two more times. It seems that we have bad days and good days, like any child I suppose. Obviously the putting "nasty stuff" in her mouth is not getting the point across. We have sent her to bed, put her in time out, and spanked (I know this is controversial). So, any ideas that you may have are greatly appreciated! We have always watched her closely, but watching her 24 hours a day is not possible. Do you have any great thoughts to share? If so, please reply! I welcome your thoughts and ideas.

~ Cathi ~

Crazy Oklahoma

Last week I was enjoying beautiful sunshine, and warm days. We opened up the windows in the afternoon almost every day while the kids played outside. Wednesday was 68 degrees! Thursday we were hit by a nasty winter storm and we lost power that evening. Friday morning we began the mundane task of moving a family of 6, plus a dog, to someone else's house. We were very grateful for a pool house for the following few days while we were without power. The electric company anticipated we would not have power back until Wednesday! As my husband left the house again after picking up a few more items, he noticed that the traffic light down the street came back on. He turned around and, sure enough, power was back on. However, I had plans for the night and needed to leave before we could move back home. Did I mention that while my husband was gone our dog was attacked by our friend's dogs? Oh yes, the story goes on...

So, I went out for my girls' night and froze through a movie since they neglected to tell us that their power did not include heat. It was still fun, and a memory I will not soon forget. Saturday we began to pack up our family and dog again in order to move back home. By the time we got home and unpacked everything it was time for a birthday party. We left the house AGAIN, and while there our 1-year old started to run a fever. We left early to check how high Isaac's fever was; it was 103.5. I gave him tylenol, and headed to the ER.

Today we lost power once again. I was about ready to pack up the kids and head out when it came back on. Within half an hour my phone was ringing non-stop with all my friends warning me that we would be without water tonight. Supposedly they have to shut off our water because one treatment plant lost power Thursday, and the back-up generator died today. We are down to one water treatment plant, and that only supplies 25% of the city's water. So, perhaps I will get this "vacation" I am craving after all! We may be heading to OKC or Dallas tomorrow...only time will tell.

As for you, I hope you had a better weekend! Still, my chin is up and I am smiling. I am thanking God tonight for heat, water, and a warm bed. I am grateful for fresh food, my health, and our house. I am blessed to have friends who care, and a church to call family. I am blessed.