Sad

I found myself ridiculously sad this afternoon. Why you ask? Well...it is kind of weird. We haven't been going to a "church" for about 3 months now. All summer long that hasn't bothered me one bit...I actually have enjoyed stepping out of it for a while. But, today was different. I think it is because it is the first week of school and it is Wednesday. I know that most churches have their Wednesday night programs kicking off tonight. Somehow I was sad about not being apart of "something" with people. I just really felt like weeping. Thank you Lord for giving me friends to talk to in moments like these. All told me things to encourage me and one said write in your blog. I have been meaning and wanting to but school has consumed my life for the last few weeks. However, I decided before I wrote I would check out one of my favorite blogs and play catch up on the last few days...and there it was. A message for me about waiting on God's best instead of filling my time up with only what is good. Listening for God to speak to us what He wants us to do instead of what we want to do with our time. I have got to be careful of being sucked into religious activity because that is the good thing to do and wait on what God has promised...His Best. Thanks friends for being there!!

Elvis is in the...retirement home??

Crazy but true...he was in the retirement home last Friday night. It actually was pretty fun. I was pretty impressed with this guy's ability to imitate Elvis but even more then that his ability to make the ladies smile. For that matter, the men too. All of the people in my grandmother's facility were awestruck. It made me wonder what it was like back in the day when everyone just drooled all over the thought of Elvis. The highlight of the night was when Elvis came over to my Nannie and gave her a BIG kiss on the cheek. He wrapped a silk scarf around her neck and stood in front of her and did some sort of "boogie" in front of her...Have mercy!!

Got Crabs?

Lame, I know but couldn't resist the title. Reminds me of a time that a parent was asking me about having been absent one day and I swear to you that he said " I am glad you are better...heard you had the crabs." What the heck do you say in return to that? I said nothing. Anyway, I am chasing rabbits. We had a ball tonight at a resteraunt here in Beaumont that is famous for it's BBQ crabs. All that we heard from Mason was mmmmmmmmm....... He worked and worked on those crabs to the point of making his thumbs sore. Kenny and Mason left with aching bellies. For dessert Kenny took us over a HUGE bridge over the bay. I didn't really love it but the kids did. We'll be headed back home tomorrow and we are ready! See everyone soon.

New House

New house, new dreams, new beginnings. I was able to make a quick trip to my sister and brother-in-laws new house. They have been moving over the past week or so. There is still alot to be done but the house is fantastic. We are so happy for them. My prayer is for strong family ties to begin to take root there. May God richly bless their new home and all of the people inside to His Glory.

Dog's Rock

Kevin - Dogs have feelings too.

Class List

Today we got the word that we could pick up our class list for the next school year. As usual, I can't wait to see the list, so I hurried right to school to pick it up. There is something about wondering who the Lord has entrusted me to for the next year that I get so excited about. I try to imagine the personalities and families that I will get to know the next year. I pray that I am more then an educator but that I am a missonary in the field. I pray that my students will feel Christ's love for them though me somehow. I pray that in my weakness that I make a difference.

Trees and Ice Cream

It all started this morning with a trip to Braums. First, I got ice cream on the brain while shopping for groceries. I was captivated by the many different flavors. So, I induldged in a half gallon. On my way home, as I rounded the corner I was drawn to the tree in our front yard. I was admiring it's majesty in our yard and thinking what great shade it provides us. All I could then think about was sitting under it...and of course enjoying the ice cream I had just purchased while there. Isn't that what summer is about? I thought it was a pretty good way to spend an evening but quickly knew what would make it better and that was friends and family. Not all of the family was able to make it except for my aunt and uncle. I am always happy that they don't mind hanging out with us and our friends. I like how my aunt keeps the converstion lively!! We had a great time in conversation, listening and watching the kids play in the water sprinkler, and devouring ice cream. Thank you Father for awesome trees, terrific friends, and a loving family...and of course...thank you for ice cream.

Addicted

I am pretty sure that I am addicted to this whole Blog thing...truth is I really have always liked to write. So, if your not totally board with Hamm life yet, check out our other blog. There is a link to it in our "Blogs We Like" list on the side.

Somebody sign me up...

Today has been one of those really rough parenting days. It is tough to watch your kids have a self centered nature about them. It absolutely tears your heart out. I am quickly reminded what this must do to God when we behave in this way and immediately convicted of the same. As a parent, who God has entrusted someone so precious to...how do you teach them to be thoughtful, respectful, and loving to others? I am the first to admit that my kids are super spoiled and that is the way I have wanted it. Of course they don't get everything they want but I think we have tried to make life fun for them and have endulged them in many fun things. That also includes waiting on them hand and foot...but that is a tough one too because I do want serve my family. I can't tell you how many times that I go off on the tirade to my kids about all the poor kids in the world. And I say this because I mean it and I see it in my classroom everyday, but it doesn't really mean much to them. Oh yes, I also talk about the poor starving kids in Africa...no luck there either. So, what do you do? Did we create this? In the midst of all of our stress today I saw this sign...oh how for a moment I would like to set this aside and jump inside of one of those seaweed wraps, but really I can't. I take my parenting so seriously and want the best for my kids. After today, I know that I have got to ask God for his guidance reguarding parenting and give it serious prayer time. Does anyone have any advice on helping kids be respectful and care about other's feelings?

Austin

Today I attempted something that I have been so afraid of and that is driving in Austin. I don't know why I am so afraid...I will drive in Dallas...but Austin the traffic is fast, furious, and cars are so close together. Well, thanks to what I believe could possibly be the best purchase that we have ever made (GPS) I was able to venture out of the hotel because at least the fear of being lost was out of the equation! Mason, Grace, and I had a marvelous time while Kenny was at work. First, we went to the Science and Nature Center and finished the day at the Texas Memorial Museum at the University of Texas. Both places were outstanding...I know this because my kids were totally great. Next time. we will bring dad along.

Summer Fun

These are just some of the wonderful moments that we have had this summer up until now. There is something so magical about summer. Or maybe I am just in a really good mood from getting to sleep in!!

Destruction

Originally, I wanted to start my blog out with just some summer fun pics. I couldn't do that though. I must go back a little to how this summer is different from most...and it is very different. What has changed? My heart...and Kenny's heart. I think it is safe to speak for him. The destruction in a physical sense was the day that a storm came along and the winds blew a giant tree down on my mom's house and destroyed a room and nearly took her life. This happened the following Thursday after deciding to leave our church. For months and months God had been speaking to us so loudly about love. I really couldn't grasp it until my mom's house was about to crumble. It is then that I saw love and felt love. People came from everywhere to help...some who didn't even know my mom. And of course, those who did know my mom and worked theirselves to death to help in the humidity and under a time crunch. Friends who gave their hard earned money to help out. Famiy who drove long distances. All at the same time God allowed a storm in my life...complete with the destruction of my heart and soul. It is torn apart, laid wide open, and ready for for rebuilding. This summer has been a journey. It has had difficult times yes, but mostly the most incredible times I have ever known. Times spent with friends who find themslves in the same storm or experiencing a new journey that God is taking us on. Times spent with my Father as reveals His character to me in a fresh new way. I have felt so loved this summer by Him. I am learning that their are storms that are meant for good.