Sunday Blessings

This morning I could really feel the effects of the past week of cleaning and unpacking every waking minute. I took Friday off just to recuperate from my musical, and also to rest up for Saturday, which was "cleaning the rental house day" and the day of Cole's sleepover.

However, I had already promised myself that we would go to church no matter what! Last week, I knew I should go, and Mom told me if I went I would feel so much better, but I let my physical exhaustion trump my spiritual exhaustion and stayed in my yoga pants at home. I regretted it all day!! So, today,we got the sleepover guests out around ten a.m. and headed to Clifton Road Baptist Church, where we had visited two weeks ago.

What a blessing it was! The pastor preached on worrying (the same topic as the last time we visited! hmmm...) and it was riveting, moving, and humorous. I love this man's style of preaching, but I also feel like he is truly filled with The Word when he is speaking from that pulpit. God knew I was there today, and God knew I was worrying about something that is going on. God knows I struggle with fear over protecting my children and their interests, and that when I entered that sanctuary today, it was with a troubled and worried heart.

I heard the pastor say to stop saying you trust God, and then trying to figure it all out on your own, running around trying to do what you think is best. I have to be still and let Him be God, and let Him do what He will do.

I am so glad I got up this morning and went to church! I know He is still looking out for me! I intend to stop trying to run this thing, and let God do what He needs to do!! Get out of the way, April!!

My blessings are so many! I have parents, cousins, grandparents, aunts, and uncles who love me and my children. I have a job that allows me to spend the maximum amount of time with my family and manages to challenge me and my abilities. I have freedom! I have the freedom to make choices, make changes, and make others happy. I have healthy, intelligent, good-hearted children who amaze me with their resilience and courage.

I have a God who blesses me and forgives all of my nonsense.

I have a husband who is the best friend anyone could ever hope for, who jumped head-first into a difficult and unfamiliar scene and has excelled at every single task as the head of this family. He had no rules, no guide book, just good instincts and faith. Nowhere on Earth could there be a more giving, braver, or more selfless man.

I am covered in blessings. You are one of them! I love you!

My baby is how old???

Happy Birthday to Cole!! He's 12 today- how in the world?!?! I remember the day he was born like it was yesterday. The sky was a beautiful blue, warm and sunny day- perfect. He was such a sweet and good baby! Why do you think I had two more??
12!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow, I feel old :(

We're In!

Ok, we are moved in and worn out! Thanks to all who helped us last weekend!!

Now it is a matter of unpacking, which takes months...I currently cannot locate my kitchen shears (inconvenient), summer shoes (becoming a priority) or straightening iron (HAIR EMERGENCY!!!!!!). I also have to clean the rental house, but I haven't had the time yet. I don't even have time to think!! If you have called me and I couldn't talk, forgive me. I AM SWAMPED!

In other news...

*In the last poll, most of you chose shoes and clothing as your guilty pleasure shopping choice. Nobody chose books and dvds, and the second runner-up was eating out (my choice!).

Barry and Cole went fishing for Cole's birthday outing. They took a boat out with Barry's dad and Grandpa, and they caught lots of fish. Barry cleaned them last night and they are waiting for me in the fridge. Today was too rainy to fry on the deck, and I am not frying fish in my kitchen!! I hope tomorrow will be sunny...

True is going to register for kindergarten this week! He's so excited about going to Reese's school next year. Reese is not as excited about him being there...Uncle Matt is going on True's field trip to Ashboro Zoo next week, and True couldn't be happier. Let me tell you, if it weren't for Uncle Matt and "Uncle" John, I don't know how we'd make it! I am so thankful for both of them!! They pick the boys up from school, eat lunch at school on "friends day", play basketball, baseball, and guitar with them, basically anything I need them to do AND MORE. Who raised these sweet young men, anyway?!!? Some smart women, I'm sure...

Reese ended his regular season in soccer this weekend, for a record of 6-2. Not bad!! Last Saturday, Reese got a beautiful goal that made me so proud! Well, I'm proud, anyway. Tournament starts this weekend!

My musical at school is Thursday, and my students are not ready. Pray for my patience. PRAY HARD.

Speaking of my students, have you ever wondered why American children have such horrible reading and writing scores? Check out exhibit A that I found in a Macy's dressing room...this could explain the low standards!

Take care and come see us!

April

Dalton Report

This is Moving Week! Our home phone has mistakenly been cut off already, so if you need me, you should call my cell between now and Saturday!

We are gradually making the move; each night Barry takes a few boxes and small pieces of furniture to the new house. That way, by Saturday, we won't have so much to move.

The seller left us a plant with a card that wished us happiness in our new home, which I thought was so sweet. I can't wait for all of you to see the house! I will have a big party for Barry's birthday or something (it's June 9, if you're wondering!!).



The boys are doing great, and are very excited about the move. Cole wanted his room painted black, to which I agreed, and I have to tell you, it looks great! I was shocked that I liked it. Reese and True will paint theirs at a later date. You see, Cole's room was a lavender emergency...

Well, the only other thing I have to report is that the Girl Scout cookie poll was a dead heat for Caramel Dee-Lites, Thin Mints, and Lemonades, which was a BIG surprise to me!! This three -way tie has rocked the cookie industry, I'm sure. In the General cookie poll, chocolate chip won by a landslide and Nutter Butters got no votes. This does not surprise me, I hate them.
In the season poll, summer won by a wide margin, but spring received one vote. That was mine, so all of YOU picked summer. I love these polls- silly yet informative!
I love all of you!