Have you ever wanted something, but got something else instead? How did that work out for ya?

Today was the first day of seventh grade for one hundred and eleven students at Robbinsville Middle School.

It was a good first day. Most of the students were nervous to begin a school year in a new school with new teachers and unfamiliar surroundings. I always love the first day. I love first impressions. And I love teachable moments.

The quote for the day was a quote by Kahlil Gibran
"The significance of a man is not what he attains, but rather in what he longs to attain."

I love this quote because it is an excellent ice breaker to get the kids talking about what they want in life. I ask the question "Have you ever wanted something really bad and got something else instead?"

I always get a lot of head nods. We discuss things they got and then I share a favorite Elvis story….

I tell the class how poor Elvis' family was. Did you know that his twin brother died at birth and it is told that he was buried in a shoe box because they couldn't afford a coffin? That's poor….

Then I tell them about a trip to the store that Elvis and his mom took on one of his birthdays. Elvis wanted a bicycle, but his mom couldn't afford to buy him a bike. She bought him a guitar instead!

Now, what if Elvis had gotten a bicycle instead of a guitar? History may have been rewritten! Elvis received a guitar and developed a love for music and discovered his beautiful voice that led him to become known by the world as the King of Rock and Roll!

Think about it….maybe you didn't get what you wanted, but you probably have all you need to make life all you dream it to be!

Back to School!!!!

August brings changes not only in the weather…but in the routine we fall into during the lazy days of summer. With Clancy moved into her apartment at UTK, I am settling into my new routine. 

Yesterday was our first day back at school for teachers. We had a professional development workshop, and I decided I want to be a life coach in my next career! It sounds like fun!

  I refuse to be a victim to my circumstances and I want to help others learn to accept their situations and make a life that they can enjoy and be proud of! 

Then last night we had our seventh grade orientation and met our new students and parents. I worked from 9am until 9pm! For this little lazy teacher, going from not working to working a 12 hour day is quite exhausting.

This morning I got up at 5 am! Really! That's a big change for me. I like my sleep! I had time for my devotion and wrote a few pages on my novel, did a load of laundry, washed dishes and even got to go to my mom's for a cup of coffee and a visit with Cam before school. I'm one tired little chick this evening, but I have accomplished my goals for the day and I am happy.

I am discovering the reality more each day that I am responsible for my own happiness and I am growing in the Lord and my relationships with others. I think it's a great place to be!

New Beginnings!

It's the last week of "normal" at Mudd Manor! On Sunday, my baby girl will move into an apartment at UTK! Very mixed emotions going on inside of me. I am so happy for her and so proud of her. Yet this is a new beginning for both of us.

I don't dread or fear empty nest…As a matter of fact, I am so ready for this stage of my life. I have the most amazing children, and I was blessed to stay home with them when they were young. I have a wonderful husband who has put up with a lot over the past 27 years and still loves me anyway, lol.

But now I feel it is time for "me". I look forward to getting up early and going to the fitness trail, or eating cereal for supper and coming home from school and climbing into the bed for a short nap before I begin whatever I decide to do for the evening.

And let's not forget that grand baby Cam who keeps this Lolli wrapped around his finger. For obvious reasons, when his "C" is around, Lolli is completely ignored. Cassidy is beginning a new job as a speech therapist for an elementary school, and I am also excited to be able to share the same schedule as she has and hopefully do some mother-daughter-Cam bonding.

Sweetgum Youth Program is thriving with a new creation curriculum that started out as a summer program but will definitely be going through the Fall months. It is so wonderful to see young people grow in the Lord, and I am blessed to be a part of the wonderful group of adults who are working hard to make our program a success. Check out our Facebook page! Sweetgum Baptist Church! 

I am three-fourths of the way through with my first novel, "I will see you in Glory!" Very exciting!!! I can't wait to share excerpts. Stay tuned!

I am also building a webpage that will carry my blog and my writings. It is very much under construction but stay tuned!

I would like to recommend a new book….

Claire Cook has truly been an inspiration to my writing!

I actually had the pleasure of meeting Claire at the Blue Ridge Writer's Conference in the spring. She is an amazing author!

This is the perfect book to start evaluating your life and deciding what you want out of life…then…make it happen. After all, "It's never too late!"

Summer Memories!!!!

Lake Fun with Cam!

Fourth of July Fun!!!!

   Graduation Beach Trip….Congratulations Clancy!!!!!!

Congratulations Clancy!!!!!

Our number three child has completed her journey through high school and will begin her journey in life!

So proud of the amazing young woman she has become. She is a breath of fresh air to my sometimes stale existence. Someone once told me I was either a ray of sunshine or a storm cloud on the horizon and …..well, I guess she is a lot like her mom lol.

Baccalaureate Ceremony at First Baptist

Great Friends

and 

Family!!!!!