It saddens me to say that the smallest goldfish “FEESH!” didn’t make it through the night. It was Samuel’s fish and he seems to be taking it in stride.

Bombshell and Doorknob still live on.

More updates to come.

It always takes me a couple of days to process a trip. And since everyone’s sick around my house that couple of days became a week. But here it is the long awaited Middle School Rock n’ Roll weekend roundup.

First off, this trip was different from the get go. The Lord had been working with me on the recruitment process. Usually I stress and keep after kids to turn in their money and parent slips for the trip. Typically since they are Middle Schoolers, we have a 50% return rate for those who are “really-really” interested, to who actually shows up. So I took a step back. No hounding. No calling. Just prayer, be laid back and give it up to the Lord.

The results were amazing. Besides the fact that I wasn’t stressed out going into the trip. I had to actually turn away kids because we were booked. I know it’s a simple concept, leaning on the Lord, but why can’t I get it! I somehow prefer suffering. So needless to say this was a good start. (to be continued…)

I took some of our students to a local church’s outreach event. It had a carnival theme and when it was over I noticed that there were some fish left behind with no homes. I asked the lady running the booth and she gave them to me.

So James, Aida, and Samuel awoke this morning to their first fishy pets. 3 Fish. 3 Kids. They each are going to name one. I’ll update you on the names.

I’m also taking bets to see which fish is going to die first. We all know these types of fish are pretty much disposable, so I’ve prepared the kids for the possibility of a floater.

So….place your bets (there’s a big gold, a little gold and a blond one). I’ll keep you updated as to their on going status.

After I returned from the Middle School Rock n’ Roll trip, everyone around the house - except me- got sick. When sickness hits like that the routine goes out the window. Kids aren’t sleeping thorough the night. Which means the adults don’t sleep through the night. It just throws everything off.

So this past weekend - all the long weekend - has been a recoup and refresh for the family. Thank God for these past few days off. It never ceases to amaze me that I won’t choose rest, it has to be forced upon me. I’d choose busyness and fatigue over refreshment. I guess I’m just a sadist. But it never fails, I run myself ragged and then God finds a way of kicking my butt and forcing me into a place of rest.

Did any of you have a restful weekend?

Thank God for the freedoms we have in this country. If it weren’t for Him and the brave men and women who fought and continue to fight for this country I don’t know where we’d be.

So in exercising your freedoms… what are your plans for Memorial Day?