Saturday, September 29, 2007

Most Embarrassing Moments

Okay, those of you who know me well know that I have had many embarrassing moments in my life. For someone who does not get embarrassed easily, these moments are undeniably mortifying. From the time in high school where I slipped on my butt getting off the bus right as I was saying hello to my crush to the time freshman year in college when the egg exploded on my face with a loud POP in the middle of the cafeteria, I have had some doozies. But yesterday I was humbled in a new way.

As I was driving home, I felt like keeping my window down. It was, after all, a beautiful breezy evening the likes of which we haven't seen for awhile. As I'm driving, the talented Carrie Underwood comes on my radio (Go Country 105.1 - great station fyi) and she is performing her new hit "So Small". Great song that you can really belt out. And that is what I did...loudly. At about this time, the stoplight turned red. I stopped my car but continued to sing along with Carrie. All of a sudden I hear this man saying, "Sounds good!" What?!?! He was in the car next to me and had apparently had the same window down idea. You know those moments when you feel like you are all alone and no one is watching but then you realize that someone IS indeed watching - and critiqueing?! That was me. He told me I was blushing, man leave me alone! And of course that was the longest red light I have ever stopped at.

Saturday, September 8, 2007

Been Awhile

Things are moving along nicely in my uterus from what I'm told. I'm at 15 weeks and 2 days as of today. I think our baby is about 3.5 inches long now but will grow to be 7 inches over the next two weeks. I'm generally feeling much better but I still have my days where food is not my friend. On the contrary, food is my best friend most of the time. I have to eat food constantly to avoid being sick. Its actually to the point where eating is not that fun anymore - I know, did I actually say that? Thank you to everyone who sent me encouragement about having a boy. I know the Lord will show me how to parent a boy and He has blessed me with a boy for a reason. I'm getting quite used to the idea!

Clark started back at school last week. He's teaching 3rd grade this year as opposed to fourth grade. So he has 20 students (as opposed to a max of 36) and he has 3 recesses (as opposed to 2). He likes it, duh! The kids are very sweet and of course, as usual, he is great with them. He has this way of putting them at ease with his calm manner and easy going attitude. I think it is unique and special to have a male teacher - it allows kids to do well who might otherwise struggle. Of course, female teachers are important too (Amber!) They have special attributes that Clark doesn't have. It's good to have a balance.

I had one of those "I'm making a difference" days at work yesterday. I had a couple of boys who's caretaker wanted to kick them out for not behaving, doing drugs, etc. These boys were only 11 and 14 by the way! I have never laid it out so harshly for a client before. We had a nice heart to heart and rather than rolling their eyes and not paying attention (as my clients often do when we have these nice talks) they were listening. Whether it will stick or not, we'll see...I could tell they are good kids, they just need structure and guidance. I actually felt like they need a father (caretaker is a female).

Also, my favorite female client came to court yesterday. We have worked so hard on her case lately. I won't go into details but lets just say she has experienced more than any of us probably ever will in our entire lives. She is doing really well now and I'm so proud of her. I realized after the hearing that I might not see her again because I'll be on maternity leave at her next hearing. Then I probably won't be coming back to this job because of the commute. Anyway, I told her I'm pregnant and she was so excited. She's going to come to court in October just to see me and say goodbye. She and I were both very sad.

As I contemplate finding a new job, I have mixed emotions. I just feel like the Lord has put me in this place for "such a time as this". There is so much that I have done and so much left to do. I hope that I can continue to help kids in whatever I do next. But the most important thing to me right now is being there for my own child(ren). I never wanted to neglect my own kids for the kids I work with. That would defeat the purpose! So I'm looking for a job within 20-30 minutes of my home - any ideas? Please pray with me as I go on this new journey. So much is changing but it will be great, I know!

Dinner with Tracey and Amber