My mother's present

I was so proud of myself this past Christmas. I really out did myself with some of the gifts I gave others. I ordered this purse for my mom off the internet. I was kind of skeptical about it, but it turned out beautifully. She was so surprised. She loved it. She even cried when she opened it.

"MY" class

These are a few of "my" kids who attend Wednesday night children's class. For the last few months, we have been doing things a little differently. Instead of learning the bible stories, we have been reaching a little deeper. We have actually begun our own worship service. We have our own music, DVD's and topics that are specific to us. The simple change in direction has brought about amazing results. Where these children were ashamed to pray out loud and hold their hands up in praise, now they are active worshippers. We start out with music and drama, get into our topic, have discussion, and then move on to our prayer/worship time. They simply amaze me. I stand in awestruck wonder at them each week. All I have to say is "Its time for prayer and worship. Let's settle down and give God our attention." Some of them stand with hands uplifted, some lay with their faces buried in the carpet, some kneel at the table, some kneel in a corner. Regardless of "how" they do it, they are now communicating with God. They understand who God is, what prayer can do,and He deserves our utmost praise. I pray that these lessons follow them and they carry them in their hearts even when I am not there. Then, my purpose will be complete.

Gifted???

We received a letter in the mail requesting Kalyn be tested for a "gifted" class. Steven and I had different opinions on the subject. Steven was tickled that his daughter was smart enough to be considered. I didn't see the reasoning because personally, I know how smart she is and I don't need a piece of paper to tell me so. After much prayer and consideration, we came to the conclusion to let her decide. She cried when Steven explained it to her. She did not want any part of it. So, as it stands, we will probably never know for sure if she would have qualified as "gifted". But we do know that one single word does not sum up what she is made of.
In our eyes, she is brilliant in every way! It doesn't change a thing about how we treat her, support her, teach her and guide her. After all, she got this far on her own.

Kalyn is sick

Yesterday, around 10:30 am, the school nurse calls my cellphone while I am at work and tells me that Kalyn has thrown up and is running a low grade temp, I have to come get her. So I quickly put away everything I am doing, make sure the other co-workers are okay and dash out the door. It takes about 20 minutes to get to the school from the hospital. When I get to school to check Kalyn out, she is sitting in a chair, pale as a sheet with dark circles under her eyes, and a garbage can by her side. She has not thrown up anymore. I think it was probably sinus drainage anyway, the best she can describe it to me. But, she doesn't feel well at all. She laid around all evening, covered with a blanket. She slept ok, but despite multiple doses of Tylenol and Ibuprofen to bring her fever down , her temp this morning was 104.0. I am pushing Gatorade and Sprite. We are gonna try to make it til Monday morning and take her to the doctor. Please pray for her. She has planned a playdate with a classmate for this afternoon and will be terribly upset if I cancel it. But I really don't see a way around it. She is scheduled to perform in a drama at church Sunday morning. She loves doing drama and will be greatly disappointed if we can't go. So please pray that she feels better quickly.

HILARIOUS!!!

FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT DONT KNOW, STEVEN IS A DIE HARD ALABAMA FAN. HAS BEEN EVER SINCE I HAVE KNOWN HIM ( AND THAT IS A LONG TIME). ANYONE THAT HAS EVER BEEN AROUND STEVEN KNOWS WHERE HIS HEART LIES. HE BOASTS ABOUT THE CRIMSON TIDE, GOOD OR BAD SEASON. WELL, HAHAHAHAHA , THIS CHRISTMAS MY MOTHER BUYS STEVEN AN AUBURN PAIR OF SLEEP PANTS, THINKING IT WAS RIGHT. WHEN STEVEN OPENED THE BOX, HE THREW THEM IN THE FLOOR! AND INSTEAD OF ACTING LIKE IT WAS PLANNED, MY MOM DID NOT REALIZE WHAT SHE HAD DONE WRONG. IT WAS HILARIOUS! WE LAUGHED UNTIL WE CRIED!

Christmas at our house

These were taken on Christmas morning. Just a select few of Kalyn's presents. Kalyn was very good this year so Santa really blessed her with gifts! Christmas is my FAVORITE time of year. I love it! And unfortunately, due to that fact, sometimes I tend to let Santa go overboard. But, hey, she's only little for such a short time. I plan to enjoy these moments.

Biltmore trip

This is one stairway from the outside. See how it winds, even from outside.Unfortunately, they wouldn't let us take pictures from inside the castle.
This is rear view of the castle. This view can only be seen from certain tours.
We took a carriage ride. Kalyn loved it, even though it was blue COLD!

We traveled to Asheville, North Carolina before Christmas to see the Biltmore Estate. It was a good trip. I had been wanting to go for a long time and it was worth it. My camera messed up while we were there so I dont have as many pictures as I would like but here are a few.

MOMENT OF MOTHERLY PRIDE

Okay, I know we are not supposed to brag....but I will just have to ask for forgiveness. Let me start at the beginning. When the school year first began, Kalyn was given some sort of reading test that placed her on a reading "level" so her teacher would know how well she was doing. Kalyn was at a 3.2 level, meaning that she could read and comprehend on a 3rd grade, 2nd month level and she is only in 2nd grade. We thought the score was wonderful. We were so proud of her. But here is even greater news. She was tested again before school let out for Christmas break and her score has improved. She is now reading on a 4th grade, 5th month level!!! We could not be prouder of her. She is so amazing!!

On another note--since we were so busy around Christmas time, Steven and I didn't have alot of time to spend with Kalyn, just us.We usually spend time with her making sure she knows the true meaning of Christmas. But this year, we just didn't have the time. So one night, right before Christmas, we were sitting on the couch together and I asked her if she knew what Christmas really meant. She explained the ENTIRE story to us. She never missed a beat, not one word, not one small detail. We sat in awe just listening to her. It was like she was really there, that first Christmas so long ago. She told every single detail. Her eyes would light up at certain parts. It was like she was teaching it to us. I don't think I will ever forget it.... Her telling us the true meaning of Christmas.

LOVE DARE

Steven and I have begun the Love Dare book. Love Dare goes along with the movie Fireproof. We are currently on Dare 4. So far, it is kinda cheesy. Steven actually said last night, "I hope we get to the good stuff soon because we already do these things." And, you know what... He is right. I'm not bragging...well..maybe I am just a little...but we do already say and do things that let each other know we love them and are thinking of them. So, maybe we are not as bad off as we thought. LOL!
However, if anyone is having trouble letting their spouse know how much they actually care, the Love Dare book is something to check into. Each partner must be committed to the cause though, or I can see where it would not work. Because sometimes you do think it is a little silly, but if it helps your marriage..Why not give it a try?

Clean calendar

I am so glad that the New Year is here. January brings a " cooling off" period for us. Things begin to slow down a little at the Rouse house, which is always refreshing. We actually get to spend some relaxing nights at home. It is nice to be able to look at each other and say " Ok, we don't have any plans for tonight." We absolutely live by our calendar. We keep it posted on the wall. It brings a smile to my face to look at it and see days with nothing written on them. I may be strange, but it is sort of a stress reliever to be able to play board games or watch TV with my family and not have to worry about making sure we don't miss some kind of plans.