Queenies Little Kingdom

I love Wednesdays! Why? Well, for many reasons. One, it’s “hump” day! Which means, I’m almost to my weekend….and people….I LOVE MY WEEKENDS!! Two, it’s the day I love reading all the great advice that’s out there in blogland USA on What Works For Me Wednesday! If you haven’t heard of it…bummer for you! Go check it out! You will find so much good information to make your life easier and may even find a few new blogging friends.

I guess you’re wondering what is working for me these days, huh? As I sit here thinking….life’s been a little hectic for me lately and it seems like not much is working necessarily. I’m simply managing to tread the water (most days) and survive. Hey, I’m barely hanging on right now. In five days…my oldest will celebrate his 19th birthday and then five days later walk across the stage to claim his high school diploma!

Do I need to say anything more? I’m flipping out, people! How did this happen so fast? Where did the time go? I’ve been so busy….being a mom! I’m filled with mixed emotions…excitement, nervousness, pride and gratitude. It’s been a pleasure being his mom. I know that he is ready….it’s just me that’s struggling here. I’m having trouble putting it into words. One minute I want to cry and the next I’m jumping up and down with the yahoo’s!

So….here’s what I know will work for me. PRAYING! There is no greater resource (except for the Bible) for the follower of Christ than prayer. It’s the ultimate in therapy and mental management (for me). I also like journaling. Writing stuff down really helps me gain a better perspective. I tend to be a “thinker” type person…..and I can think something to death if I’m not careful. So, writing it down helps me focus on a more balanced level. Like….it makes more sense and seems way more attainable when I look at it on paper. Sound crazy? Maybe so. I’m a little weird….I admit it.

What works for me? Handing it over to God! He’s got everything under control anyway….why do I need to worry and fret? It’s pointless. For the next 10 days….I’m going straight to the source when I feel overwhelmed by all that’s happening in my family’s life. You can too! Try it!

DUH!!

Congratulations to Tyler & Allison! This weekend was their big day! I bet it’s safe to say that they’ve been anticipating May 23rd, 2009 for a long time.

Graduation day is like no other. You’re filled with a variety of emotions. You feel excitement and nerves all at the same time. Some have said that they didn’t feel a thing. I remember mine as a sort of numbness. The reality just doesn’t sink in on that day. But not much longer down the road the realness of the whole event slaps you hard right in the face.

No more high school! It’s over! Time to grow up…whether you’re ready or not. Decisions that are made from this moment on are of utmost importance. Why? Because your future depends on it.

Don’t worry! You still have a lifetime of good times ahead. It’s not like the fun is over. It just changes a bit. Now you have to start living as a productive adult….someone that contributes to our world. You’re ready! Go enjoy it!

How do you say thank you for such a thing as freedom? I, along with millions of other American’s walk around everyday without a care in the world for physical safety. Yet, across the continent there are people (actual breathing humans) that cannot feel that same security. They live in fear….fear of their own government! Fear that if they say or do anything that is against the rules….they will be killed for it.

I’m aware of the blessing it is to be an American! Are you? I find it hard to tolerate ignorant people that disrespect this country and all that it stands for. Young people lashing out against the flag or the pledge of allegiance. Ridiculous! It is a privilege to live in the USA and it wouldn’t be possible without the many who serve and have served in our military.

I stand proud today…..to call myself an American! I hope that wherever you are…..celebrating your freedom that you are mindful of why you are able to do so. May God bless our military and all the families that have sacrificed a loved one for our freedom. Thank you!

I’ve been carrying this book around for a sweet forever! It’s been a busy season since I received it from the good people at Thomas Nelson Publishing. I’ve had to read it in spurts. So, for what it’s worth…..I have completely read it now and here goes my young 42 year old opinion.

What’s AGE Got To Do With It? by Robin McGraw

I was attracted to this book for a couple of reasons. The first one is that I had read her first book and really liked it. Robin has the cutest personality and she seems like someone I could have as a close friend. Second, is the topic…..living your happiest and healthiest life! Well, duh. Who at my age wouldn’t want to figure that mystery out? No one, that’s who!

Robin gets very personal with the loss of her own mother at the age of 60. She was raised in a way that many of us experienced as well…..by a mama that did everything for everybody, neglecting her own well-being in the meantime. She just did and did until she could do no more. I could completely relate to her. I tend to do way more than the law should allow and then feel rotten for it later. This book reminded me…STOP IT! So, thank you to Robin for that wake up call.

There were some things that just rubbed me wrong in the book. Not everyone has access to all the experts that Robin has. It seemed to be a bit much sharing names of all the high priced people she has in her rolodex. I do not condemn her for having the best at her fingertips….but the reality that you or I can call up doctor so-and-so for “advice” is preposterous! I was really turned off by that. Face it, celebs have the “in” with other elite folks, period. That’s just how it works!

I really enjoyed the skin care tips and the last chapter regarding her faith. One can never have too much knowledge when it comes to looking better or knowing how to have a personal relationship with Jesus. It wasn’t everything I had hoped it would be. For me, the book was ok. I would give it a 5….out of a 1-10 scale (10 being excellent). A good book to me is one that I’ll go back to again and again for what I like to call, reminder reading! This one, I won’t be picking up anytime soon. Matter of fact, I’m gonna share it with some lucky reader in a giveaway soon. I’ll be sure to let you know when!

That Tyler Mote! He is awesome! We sat in the blazing heat yesterday to watch him advance on to Regional’s. Woohoo! It was surely worth it. We’re proud of you Rocket Man! What a hard race you ran (every one of them!).

Next week…..I’ll miss the event completely. Sweetboy’s Touch of Class banquet is the same night…(another reason to celebrate). I love following all these great kids around. It’s a pleasure to share in all their accomplishments and victories. Way to go, guys!

Oh….today, Sweetboy is leaving school early for Butler University. He was selected second year in a row for the Indiana All-State/All-Star Marching Band. He will spend the weekend marching in the Indy 500 parade and going to the race. Wow! Very cool, huh? Luckee!

I need one of those bumper stickers……don’tcha think?

MY KIDS ARE AWESOME!

Oh and I love this post by Vicki Courtney regarding this holiday weekend. Very cute!

I’ve been on edge today. I wish I could say that I’m a mature enough person to handle disappointment better than this. But I can’t! I’m just human and a flawed one at that. Last week the guidance office posted the list of scholarship recipient names for the world to see and guess who’s name wasn’t on the list? Yea, my sweetboy! It was a huge let down! I felt so sad for him. I knew he would be so bummed. I cried!

Since he was in middle school we’ve told him over and over that he had to work hard in school. He’s done that. He’s #24 out of 325 in his graduating class and his GPA is 11.3. That says something loud and clear if you ask me. So, I can’t help but wonder….how does that make sense? How can you make straight A’s all through your high school career and take no fluff classes ever and still not get a penny in reward? I sound so bitter. It’s a hard pill to swallow. It just hurts to see your kid hurt.

When we filled out all those scholarships we placed them in God’s hands. I even blogged about it. I totally meant it when I said we would trust Him either way. I believe that even more now. I know God has a plan for Gavin beyond any local scholarship monies. Some things in life aren’t supposed to come easy. Maybe this is just one of those things. So, while we are feeling let down….we still celebrate all that Gavin has accomplished during his high school years. His hard work does not go unnoticed by us.

Way to go Sweetboy! You have made us so proud!

To burn off my anxiety……I pushed mowed the worst yard in the neighborhood…IN FLIPFLOPS no doubt! Yea….I told you I was on edge! 🙂

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight” Prov. 3:5-6