School's Out

School is out for the summer.  Patrick and Sara both had all A's and B's this year.  We are very proud of them both.  I think Steve and I are just as happy as Sara and Patrick about the break. It has been nice not having to get everyone out the door by 7:30.  The kids have been going to the pool and visiting with my cousin Jeff's children who are here for the week. Seeing Elizabeth and Michael is one of the highlights of our summer each year.  Next week Patrick will be at Camp Seale Harris.  It is such a wonderful place.  Patrick gets to hang out with other kids who have diabetes.  They do traditional camp activities but also have diabetes education sessions.  Patrick loved it last year and can't wait to go this year.  They have doctors and nurses on staff as well as counselors who have diabetes too.  The cost is $600.  Without donations from very generous relatives, friends, and my Mom's sorority, we would not have been able to send Patrick to camp.  Thanks to Jane and Lee Maddox, Ruth and Clyce Hurst, Linda Burns, Nancy Glover and members of Xi Beta Xi of McCalla.  We are so thankful to you all.  Sara will go to camp in two weeks.  It is a softball camp at UAB.  She had fun playing this spring and wants to improve her skills before Fall Ball starts.  We are going to Dothan this weekend to see my cousin Keith's new twin babies.  He and Annie are the proud parents of Laiken and Emily Maddox.  Chase is a very excited big brother!   We don't have any big plans for the rest of the summer but hope to spend more time together as a family.   Until next time, Happy Summer!

Mother's Day 2008

I hope that everyone had a nice Mother's Day.  Mine started with a breakfast of my choice and presents!  One of the presents that I received was a storyboard with images of all three of my children on it.  Steve did a wonderful job and I was proud to be able to give one to my mother too.  Of course she loved it.  Mother's Day has become a time for me to reflect on how fortunate I am to have such a wonderful Mother.  It is also a time to remember other women who are special to me and who have or still do make a difference in my life.  I just want to thank my own mother first for being an example of love, generosity, and wisdom.  I truly don't think I could make it without her! I also want to thank my Aunt Jane for always making me feel special and loved.  She continues to love and support me and I know that she will always be there for me.  Other women who continue to make a difference in my life are my Aunt Ruth and Mary Lou Glover(my second mom growing up!)  My list wouldn't be complete without two life long friends, Vicki Glover Kee and Cathy Bell Tricquet.  Ladies you rock!  I also remember those women who helped to shape my life but who are no longer with us.  My mother-in-law Sara Wood was a wonderful example of a devoted mother and selfless woman.  She also had an awesome sense of humor and I will never forget the many hours that we shared talking and laughing.  She is gone but not forgotten.  My grandmother is also gone but will never be forgotten.  She loved me unconditionally.  She encouraged me and nurtured me. She is the person that I most wanted to be like.  When I began my teaching career, I used her examples of love, kindness, and forgiveness to help guide me in my classroom.  I wish that I could say that I am like her today.  I really can't.  However, as long as her memory lives on, I will always have something to strive for.  I am blessed.

Love is a Choice

 Steve and I have been married 21 years today!  Of course I was only nine when we got married.  Still it makes me feel old.  Steve sent me a bouquet of chocolate covered strawberries which caused quite a buzz at the library.  I on the other hand sent Steve a Hallmark e-card (the free kind).  I felt quite good about myself until the delivery guy showed up at the teen desk with my edible anniversary present.  Some of my guilt was relieved by sharing with Steve and the kids.  Everyone agreed that it was a real treat.  Earlier today one of my younger friends ( I think I'm the oldest person that I know) asked what the secret of a 21 year marriage is.  My response: Love is a choice.  No one can possibly feel love for another person 24/7.  Sometimes we feel angry or disappointed and we wonder where that warm, I want to be with you all the time feeling, has gone.  At these times we choose to love the other person.  We choose to honor our commitment by remembering why we love that person.  I think about how Steve cares about my happiness or about how much he loves our children.  I may still be angry but I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that feelings change but love doesn't.  Love is a choice.  Luckily there are many reasons why I choose to love Steve.  I am lucky and I admit it.  Until next time, Traci