God Bless the USA

We would like to take this opportunity to pause and say a prayer for all of our friends and family who are serving or have served in the military. We know that freedom isn't free and so many have given their lives so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we sometimes take for granted.

God bless you and your family during this lovely holiday weekend! Here are a few interesting quotes we thought you might enjoy.

"Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country."
-John F. Kennedy (JFK)

This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave. ~Elmer Davis

You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism. ~Erma Bombeck

The United States is the only country with a known birthday. ~James G. Blaine

Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves. ~Abraham Lincoln

How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes! ~Maya Angelou

My God! How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy! ~Thomas Jefferson

July 4th Picnic with our sweet neighbors

July 4th~ Independence Day

Our Niece, Morgan, was born on June 18th! We're so happy for Tim and Stacie!

Our Family Philanthropy Project

We have always supported St. Jude Hospital, but have decided to declare this as our official family philanthropy! In the past, I've tried to get this program up and running at my former school. This year I'll attempt to begin this program again. Any advice, help, or input would be greatly appreciated. ;-)

Here are some ways YOU can help.
http://www.stjude.org/stjude/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2edae64c5b470110VgnVCM1000001e0215acRCRD&vgnextchannel=f92b7ff0be118010VgnVCM1000000e2015acRCRD

Nothing is more heartbreaking than sick children. Let's all pull together to support this amazing program that helps "The least of these". God bless you.

Thank you!

My sweet husband is out of surgery and resting at home! We were at the hospital ALL DAY today and are extremely happy that this five year ordeal is behind us!
Thanks to all of our friends and family for your thoughts and prayers. We were able to feel the peacefulness that only comes from prayer.
Thanks also to our precious neighbors for the delicious dinner. Greg and Melissa have won the BEST neighbor award once again!! ;-) Thanks for your thoughtfulness!!

Continue to pray for the Chapman Family

What are we reading?

Angel: Finally have time to read all of those Conan the Barbarian series books! :-) Rotator Cuff Surgery is scheduled for this coming Tuesday. Please keep him in your prayers. He will be out of commission for at least 6 weeks and totally immobilized for two weeks.

Amy: I just finished The Essential 55. What a GREAT book about guidelines for children.
Just for fun, I picked up Two for the Dough on my friend's recommendation. Sometime you just have to read a few non-thought provoking books. HA HA!!

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Jacqueline: Working on some Summer Reading Projects, we're re-reading Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes

Matthew: Reading off of Jacqueline's 6th grade reading list!! He chose The Chocolate Touch! I guess the candy theme is right down his alley!

Our Beach Vacation to St. Simons Island

School Year Over

We are officially on SUMMER VACATION! The kids will spend the next two days with DAD while I close out the books, room, etc. for the summer! Matthew will be going into fifth grade and Jackie will be leaving me for middle school!! ;-( She is ready, but her mother is a wreck!

On the school side:
After being with this group of children for two years, I am off on another adventure back in second grade. I will miss my sweet class, but know that I have done all I can to prepare them for fourth grade. Most of them will come back and see me on Visiting Day: Tuesday mornings (when my new class has mileage club in the gym).

God has held me in his hand as I traverse through the unknown to follow his perfect will. Who knew I would enjoy teaching third grade?? Who knew I would ever get back to second grade?? God provided a way, and I didn't even have to move classrooms! GOD IS GOOD!