Walking away...

I feel like this blog is slowly becoming a composition of all my ramblings and less filled with updated pictures of the boys, but life is definitely changing for the Watsons. I feel like it is moving so quickly that it is simply carrying me along and I have no say in where I am going or what I am doing. So to all our faithful followers, get your reading glasses on....for over the next couple of months, I will have lots to update you on.

I took a year off of work last year to stay at home with my boys. I have found....that staying at home....is by far the most difficult job you can ever have. It is a 24/7 "on" job.....and you are being observed closely every minute. When you make mistakes....you affect the lives of others. I have had to learn to fully lay down selfishness. Not only has my life become "not my own", but my body was "not my own". Every part of me has been given to everyone else. Needless to say, it has been the toughest year of my life....but also the greatest. I have learned to find patience when that task seems impossible. I have learned to find joy in my accomplishments...even if it is only a load of laundry done for the day. I have learned to laugh, dance, sing, and play as if the world did not exist past my front door. And I have learned to love deeper than I had ever dared to go. I have been given the gift of wisdom....seeing how the Father loves us through the eyes of my own children.

Today I made the easiest and hardest decision I think I have ever made. Going back to work would mean that I now would take on two full time jobs. I know me...and knowing me means that both jobs would suffer because they would each only be taking half of me. So today, I walked away from my teaching position. As I walked through the halls, talking to everyone I met, my heart was heavy. I have worked there for 5 years and given my heart, passion, friendships to not only my coworkers, but the kids I have taught. I glanced at my room and thought, "Give me some kids and I could walk right in here and start teaching." Teaching is a gift that I know the Lord blessed me with the natural ability to do. It pains me a little to walk away from a job I have worked so hard to build, yet I am excited (and nervous) to see where the Lord takes me. When I close my eyes and see my professional future, it now looks blank. I am daring to dream my life could be different......so by faith and faith alone....I set out on that adventure.

Moving Forward...

2008

2009

2009

I can close my eyes and remember it like it was yesterday. I was sitting in my Papa's church, somewhat listening to the sermon, with a heavy heart. I had been praying for a while that I would find a bible study to be a part of. Feeling the ache of needing that closeness and consistency in my life, I began praying, yet again, that prayer in church that day. There are very few times that I have literally heard the Lord speak to me. And you can bet that those very few times are crystal clear pictures in my memory. As I sat there in church, those words flooding my heart, I heard the Lord say......"So start one, Laura." I remember being completely taken back, reacting first by saying...."No Lord, I'm not a leader, I can't do that." Over the next several days, I continued to hear those words. The fear began to melt and excitement moved in.

Four years ago the Lord spoke those words to me! Four years ago a bible study formed in my home! Last night, we had our last bible study in this house! When the girls left, a little bit of sadness filled my heart. The Lord has blessed us so richly as a study over the years. We have grown, changed, struggled, conquered, lived life.....together as a group of devoted women within these walls. So in a few weeks, we will say goodbye to this house....but we will cherish its memories and the blessings it has brought to us. We move forward! I can't wait to see where the Lord takes us....both my family and bible study....over the next four years!

Forever My Friends

(Heather, Brandy, and Laura)

I know I am overdue on posting some pictures of my kiddos, but this entry I want to write about my other blessing.....my friends. Over ten years ago these beautiful ladies entered my world....and since then I have not been the same. We actually began a friendship before we entered AOII, however, it did grow and develop our friendship over those 4 years of college. Last Saturday we spent the whole day together and went to the AOII 25 Year Celebration that evening. I wish I could post all the pictures of us over the years, but I have albums full. Brandy and I walked through everything together, including a bachelors degree in Education. Boy did our teachers see us coming from a mile away. And yes, we did get in trouble for writing notes and talking....even in college. We usually spent all day every day together, walking across that campus like it was our world and everyone else was just walking in it. If you ever needed advice, Brandy had it. And if you needed a good prank call...she could do those too! You had to watch out for Brandy though....if she spent the night, you may end up with a leg draped across you in the morning! She was a cuddler...and by the end of our first year as friends....we all were too! Heather was my sanity in more ways than one. Whether it was jumping on me in the mornings, dance parties, dressing up, practical jokes, basically anything....she made me laugh. I can honestly say that us three (minus Jess) were quite a group! There was never a dull moment.....ever. I hope in ten, twenty, even thirty years, I am posting pictures and still writing of my love for my friends. I know they will be my friends for a lifetime. God truly blessed me with such a never ending gift of friendship!

The details are in our actions....

The past few days have really brought to mind a story I read in a Beth Moore bible study I did back in college. I wish that I could type it out in entirety and share it, however, it is in a box in a storage unit.....you know, because we were supposed to sell our house quickly so I decluttered.....R...I...G...H...T!!! That is another story. Anyway, I will retell it the best I can from memory.

The story is about a family who had a pregnant dog. One day the dog was run over by a car, completely shattering its two back legs. When the family took the dog to the vet, the doctor told them that the dog would probably not survive, much less the puppies, so it was probably best to put her down. The family decided to just amputate the back legs and have hope for the best. The dog did survive, and she learned to walk. She did this by walking with her two front legs and flopping her backside around. The dog had her puppies, and they were all healthy and perfect. When the dogs began learning how to walk....guess how they did it.....just like their Mommy!

I see every day that it doesn't matter what I say to Baker because he is ALWAYS watching.....even the smallest, most random things. As my sweet Caleb never likes to leave his Mommy, my hands are always full. Baker and Caleb always pull down the flap to the carbon monoxide alarm. Usually when I walk by and see it is down, I just kick it back up and keep walking. The other day Baker intentionally pulled it down (which he is not supposed to do) and I raised my voice and told him to put it back up right now. He gave me one quick look, turned his head, and picked up his leg to kick it shut! It was too funny! Then later, we were at the library. I was looking for a book, quietly tapping the ones around it as I read the call numbers. I find it and tell Baker it is time to go, and what does he do???? He starts tapping the books as we walk down the isle. Then moments ago, as I was putting him down for a nap, he wanted his night light on. He went to it and I giggled as I watched him try to turn the button with his foot (like I always do b/c I am too lazy to bend down)!

Wow....talk about holding you accountable!!! Even though it is so sweet right now, I see that he will always be looking at everything I do and I need to make sure I am setting the right example.

The details of our lives are found in our actions!

Yes, I am bragging...

We love bath time around our house. Baker and Caleb have learned that when they work together...they can really splash water EVERYWHERE!!! Sometimes I put a towel down and let them go to town...they are just too cute! It is also a moment in my home where they truly, completely love one another.

Yes, I am bragging! I think Caleb has the absolute cutest hair ever. After a bath, his hair curls so well. I just had to share some pics!

I am such a happy boy!

Our Big Snowfall

It was a pleasant surprise to actually get snow in Murfreesboro. This was probably our biggest snowfall in years....about 4-5 inches here. Friday was a great day for watching the snow fall, however, we did not play out in it due to late naps for the kiddos. When Saturday came, we still had plenty of snow, but it was blanketed with a sheet of ice. Not much fun for snow balls, snow angels, snowmen, etc. It probably would have been great....and fast....to sled on, however there is but ONE hill in Murfreesboro. It is around this time of year that my heart yearns for home....Signal Mountain. I have so many memories of the numerous snowfalls we would have and sledding on the hills that filled our neighborhood. Even if it did not snow much off the mountain, we ALWAYS had plenty up there. If I live in Murfreesboro my entire life, the true joy of a good snowfall and sledding will be something my heart regrets never getting to do with my boys. As you can see, we didn't have a sled so we improvised....with the wagon. The boys loved us pulling them all around the yard. You can see Caleb enjoyed his first snow (we didn't get him out in the last one)! The boys are getting so big, but I am loving getting to do all these fun things with them.

Music and Lyrics

Baker is growing up so fast! He loves to sing...and is clearly full of himself!

Don't let this sweet face fool you...

Caleb knows how to break it down!