Why Rachel Got Kicked out of Fairhaven Baptist Academy

Look at the sweet innocent face. Hard to believe this pumpkin is getting kicked out of school today. It is true. She is. She is finally leaving Fairhaven Baptist Academy for good. Why? Well she did it for sure. She is graduating High School today.

We moved here 10 years ago for this very moment. I was told FBA was hard and horrible. That they don't care. But I couldn't believe it. I am glad I didn't. I know my family. I know what we needed. This church and school was it.

I don't know what I would have done without the support of true Godly people. These people helped me mold my daughter to become the fine Christian young lady that she is. I especially want to thank The Damron's they have done so much in her life. The really helped Rachel to grow strong in the Lord. Encouraged her all the way. Mrs. Damron is awesome, Rach really looks up to her. Yes. there has been times that Rache needed her butt kicked. Yes, she got it. But it was always in love, with tact.
 Other people I want to thank is Pastor Whitecar, who was her principal for most of her schooling. He helped us parents into guiding her and make the right decisions about her schooling. In seventh grade she was struggling. We considered holding her back a year. He not only encouraged us NOT too, but took the time to get letters from other teachers saying this was unnecessary. Rachel was doing much better then we thought. I know he cared for her well being too.
 I want to thank the Voegtlins, Preacher and Mrs. Voegtlin. Preacher for his strong stance on family. Because we followed his advice and preaching we actually had and easy time raising Rach in her teen years. Mrs. Sharon Voegtlin for taking an interest in Rachel. Letting her help with the horses, was such a blessing to her. It taught her valuable lessons, not just in care of the animals but life.
I want to thank Pastor and Annette Voegtlin. Rachel was so sad when Pastor Voegtlin stopped teaching senior band. She always came home with the funniest stories. Annette you, are just awesome with the kids. Rachel being as clumsy as she is, always gave her best in sports. Rach loves being a tom boy. Mrs. Voegtlin is a perfect example that you can be one, by still being a lady. Thank you both for all the candy sale rides. Rachel loved going out with you.
I also want to thank the LaBate family. They were an integral part in both of my girls lives. They helped take care of them while I was at work. Being a working mom is hard. But when you have good Christian family and friends that can help you train your children, when you are not there, that makes a huge difference. Thank you for all your help.
I should name all the teacher's but I just don't have time. I do thank Jennifer Wright and Neema Liggin's
because of what you meant to Rachel.

I especially want to say thank you to Pastor David Mallinak. thank for your encouragement of helping me find my dream. The dream of raising my family here, in an awesome church. When I told you I would love to come back here and make everything right and attend this church. You told me that would be a good idea. This is a great place for a family. You are right. I am so blessed to be here.

While being here, Rachel made some great friends she will have forever. The bond of Christian sisterhood is strong. Rachel's best friend Bethlie has a great sense of humor. She is blunt and smart. Her and Rachel formed a strong friendship over the last few years. I am thankful for great friends like her. That Rachel was always able to rely on.

Finally the graduating class of 2013

A Day Can Change Everything--- Boston Marathon Bombing

This poem is written by Samantha McNabb, a13 year old avid runner. She has been running 5k since she was in 5K (kindergarden).

She has dedicated this to those who were killed and injured on April 15,2013 at the Boston Marathon.

We woke up today happy and ready,
But end it in silence and tears.
After harsh 26.2 they finished
Over the line they went.
When sadly dozens of lives were changed.
Some to eternity to ever live.
Dozens to a hospital bed,
Fighting for their lives.

A day can change everything,
So many families have found.
Children lying in bed sleepless
Knowing they will never see
Mommy or daddy.
Spouses pacing the hospital waiting room
Crying, praying, hoping.

As an American, my prayers are to you.
My tears for you, my hope for you.
I and so many others are praying for you.

Sami McNabb

Bragging on Brad

Well he is serious. Today he did it. He had been talking about it quite regularly for the last 9 months. But today he made a commitment. He signed up to take the Becker CPA review. This is it. You see this class is not cheap. However, he wants his CPA. Really there is no reason he doesn't have it. He is the smartest man I have ever met. I work with alot of smart people. Brad knows everything, about everything. If you ask him how he knows that. His answer is always the same, "I read it".

Brad took the CPA exam 15 years ago, he never studied, so he didn't do very well. For his line of work, it would have been nice, but not actually necessary. He is a senior financial accountant for a large  real estate company in Chicago. But he hasn't gone anywhere. I know he can do even more. He know knows he can. So he is working on getting his CPA.

Now this isn't just an exam, but 4 exams he will be taking probably over 2 years. He was also need to get 9 more college credits. The college credits can be in anything. I know him, it will probably be in History. The credits is a new requirement Indiana has. To obtained your CPA you must of 150 college credits. Brad has 141 between ISU and Purdue.

I am bragging on Brad because he is taking the initiative to make his life better.  To improve himself. It isn't always easy to do when we are older, but he is doing it. Since he made the commitment by signing up for the class. I know he is serious.
I love my husband.

Why oh Why Lord

I have two teenage girls. God is punishing me. Why, oh Why? I am so sorry for my sin and for anything I did to deserve this punishment inflicted on me. I know the picture is sweet, but is deceiving. Remember Satan isn't ugly. These girls are no angels. Lord help me not go insane. I know I am close to the edge, but with these two, I am about to be pushed.

19 YEARS

WOO HOO!! This week my husband and I celebrated our 19th anniversary. I so love him. I want to share a piece of advice I read on Pinterest . As a wife I think this is so important.

This is a definite key to any successful marriage.

Friends

The most important part of growing up is friends, especially Christian friends. I am sharing photo's of my daughters and their friends.

Home Made I Spy Game

I see a girls scout troop made this for a local children's hospital. I thought  "BAM!" I can do that. This is a great cheap fun challenging game for bus or or junior church.

What you need
Food Coloring, any color, any amt.
2 empty bottles with lids
Rice (1 cup per color of dye)
Zip lock bags
3 tablespoons of water
spare objects to find, I used penny, bobby pin, screw, button, paper clip, key.

Add food coloring and in a ziplock bag. Add rice to bag, mix it up so the rice is fully colored. Air dry on newspaper, spread it out then so it doesn't clump. You want it free flowing in bottles. When rice is dry, place in the bottle, and then the extra objects, Fill the bottles, leaving about an inch from the top. That way you can search for the objects.