so far behind...

I'm so far behind with my blogging, that I just don't know where to begin. In regards to scrapbooking, people always say to start where ever you are in life, vow to keep up as you move forward, and as time allows, go back and pick up the stuff that you missed previously. Wellllllll... a part of me wants to start with January 2010 and move forward as suggested by the "experts" with my blog... but the more anal part of me is having a hard time dealing with the idea that my blog photos and stories would then be completely out of chronological order, and you would miss the last 6+ months of my fun-filled life!

And so... you have... now... discovered... ME

This is an example of ME in every sense of my life. Not really sure where to start, so I just turn in circles... hoping to find the "start" button... but never really do. I just see a blurred "start" button, because I'm spinning so fast and can't stop. Darn those circles. Ha.

So, anywho, back on subject --tsk,tsk-- what to do?, oh what to do? Major decision, here. and I'm torn.... hhhhhmmmm....

well, I think I'll just share a couple of my favorite pictures with you now in this post and then promise to go back to the "stories" behind them ASAIC (that's As Soon As I Can). Then, we'll all be happy (all of my personalities, that is). And, you'll get to see my beautiful children before they move off to college. So, there. Happy Day.

Back in AUGUST (geez! I know, I know. don't remind me), we had a great time on vacation. We went to the Smokey Mountains, and invited Josh's family to come along with us this year. A good time was had by all. I have some great scenery photos, and of course, some great snaps of the kiddos, but those will have to wait...

We walked in the Light the Night Walk for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society along with Team Felder in September. This was a family event for us, and we ALL had a blast. More news about this and other TEAM FELDER events coming... But here's a photo to tide you over...

**
**
**
**

**

**

Also in September, my Mom retired after 40 years -yes, 40- with the bank. So proud of her and so happy that she has finally

reached "Retirement". She has been doing exactly what she wants to do, when she wants to do it, and I think that is just wonderful.

It also makes me really look forward to retirement myself.

Ha, I know, don't remind me how far off that is.

**

**

**

**

In October, we shifted into high-gear. Apparently so much that I haven't even slowed down enough to get the pictures printed. Yet. Ugh. Okay, I will have to look for the October pictures. But meanwhile, I'll go ahead and tell give you a few hints: fun times at the pumpkin patch, and one adorable little pirate and his precious lil sidekick, a butterfly. No, I have no idea what happened to the parrot. Just take my word for it, this butterfly was much prettier!November continued with a whirlwind of events and holiday get-together's. Joy worked on getting some more teeth (besides the bottom two that she's had to depend on for the last 5 months with no sign of any help coming) and Jax worked on his "A-TENnnn-TION" (it's never too early to begin preparing for one's future career!)

**

**

**

**

**

**

**

**

December brought us snow for the second year in a row here in South Mississippi! Last year (2008), it was 70 degrees when I went in to the hospital for Joy to be born... and it was SNOWING the day we brought her home. In the spirit of this amazing feat, we decided to go with a "Winter ONE-derland" theme for her first birthday party. And, we did have one special birthday party because it also SNOWED the night before, and the morning of her party. It was really cool that she got REAL snow at her Winter ONE-derland party. How many kids living in MS can say that??!!! I promise, more party pics coming later, but here's a couple of the Birthday Girl to tide you over:

**

**

The holiday festivities continued in December with MORE gatherings, reunions, and parties. Although Joy really didn't understand the whole Christmas ordeal yet, she was able to participate in most activities planned to celebrate the season. She could "sing" a little in the children's Christmas program at church, and she was really good at jingling the jingle-bells, and of course, looking like a sweet, pretty little angel. Jax was so much fun this year, as he looked forward to seeing Santa to give him his list, giving AND receiving presents, and he was even excited about feeding the reindeer and leaving cookies out for Santa to have a snack. I can't wait to add more pictures of one of my MOST FAVORITE times of the year...

And, then, of course, there's January. Our little baby boy turned FOUR on January 9. Wow, where does the time go? He too enjoyed a GREAT birthday party, despite the 14-degree temps outside! Winter birthdays are definitely a challenge to plan, but Jax's Knock-Out Boxing Party was a whole lot of fun! Again, more pics later, but just a teaser for now:

**

**

**
**

**

**

**

**

Check out that REAL black eye - it was MUCH better by the time his party rolled around, but it was still visible for sure! Just goes right along with the theme, doesn't it?!! More on that story later also.

** ** **

** ** **

So that, in a nutshell, brings me up to date. I cannot BELIEVE I have let the most eventful time of the year for us slip by "uncovered" on my blog. Maybe it was because I was busy planning and attending those events. I won't say that I made it a formal "resolution," but I'm hoping that I can do better this year with my blogging and photos.

I did make a resolution to STOP giving up ALL of my personal time for work stuff... so hopefully, that will help me to not sweat the small stuff in my work hours, so that I can get done what needs to be done, and not have to sacrifice my personal and family time making up for time wasted on the menial things. I have found that students really do not appreciate the little things, and most of the time that's not their fault - they just don't notice them so they don't know to appreciate it. Sooooo... out with the small stuff, and on with the fun stuff. Both at work, and in personal time.

Oh, P.S. - any suggestions on HOW to get more time out of a day will still be accepted and appreciated! (I still need that genie, regardless of the so-called resolution. LOL)

enjoying my children; remembering my angels

Today, I'm at home, off work for the national holiday, enjoying the extra day with my kiddos. They are so bright and so loving. I love them so much.
Today also makes 5 years since I miscarried our very first child. Its a bittersweet day - glad to have the time to spend with my little ones but also a time that I cannot forget my Angel Baby. I still wonder if it was a boy or girl?, and what would he or she look like?, and because I don't know much about them (I had a second miscarriage between Jax and Joy) will I know who they are in heaven? Will I recognize them as my Angel Babies, the children I never got to meet and never got to hold but who I have thought so much about?
Today also reminds me of the many, many blessings God has given me. Today I will enjoy my family and praise Him for each and every one. Additionally, I'll keep those who are struggling with miscarriage and/or infertility in my prayers but I already know God will take care of them too! He's just wonderful like that!

Welcome back! or Go away! ??

Many of you know that I follow WLBT-3 meteorologist Barbie Bassett through her own personal blog, Barbie's Forecasts & Faith. I think she is an amazing woman and mother - she has such a way with words, and people. She seems to be one of those people that cannot be brought down, no matter what. I aspire to be more like her - to look at the positive side of every situation, and to look to God for the answers when I don't have them on my own.
Barbie posts some weather forecasts and weather-related information on her blog, but she primarily posts stories about her family and her personal walk with God. But, some of the most shocking posts on her blog are related to her professional duties as WLBT Chief Meteorologist. On several occasions, she has shared emails from her viewers - both fans, and foes. I AM AMAZED AT THE THINGS SOME PEOPLE WILL SAY (write)!!!
Like Barbie, I get a lot of emails, mostly from students, but I usually keep them to myself, too embarrassed to admit the things that people have said about me. Today, I decided that it is time to share some of the things that YOUR leaders of tomorrow have on their minds. Here's two emails that were in my Inbox when I returned to work from Christmas break yesterday:
1.) "i just want to say thanks for that lovely d in your class now i have to repeat that class over and my gpa is messed up and has me on probation as well . i do not known why u think that an online class has to be that hard and when u seen that it was a blank page submitted why didn't u email to if there was some kind of error with the submitting because what i had on that page was some work but why it did not get to u i do not known , but it is a lost call with u."
Since I'm in the Alphabet business now, I thought I should extend the offer to my friends and family as well! Why should I GIVE letters to students only??!!! Are there any blog-followers out there who are in dire need of a letter? Apparently, I have some tucked away somewhere, and I just freely pass them out. So, get yours while they're free -- it would be too much trouble to actually earn them.
Here's the very next email that was in my box:
2.)"Hey Ms. Leggett. I just wanted to tell you that I really enjoyed your class this semester. I thought you were just an awesome teacher that actually made psychology fun and interesting.(haha) Really have enjoyed your class I wish I could have taken your human growth class, but I just took what I could. Hope you have a nice holiday.
P.S.
Your a great teacher don't give up on these kid's. I can see where they would be a challenge."
Boy did that one come at the right time or what?!! Wow
And this is how my days go... the little feedback that I do receive is so contradictory... like a roller coaster. It is so difficult to devise my classes to quench the thirst of the "good" students who really want to learn, but to also tolerate the "bad" student who is only keeping my classroom desk warm just long enough to get his/her financial aid refund.
FRUSTRATING is an understatement.
Tomorrow begins Day 1 of the Spring semester. I'll go over the syllabus and explain how COLLEGE works to the students who show up for the first day of classes. Of course, that will be only the "good" students - those who want to learn, who want to be in college, who want a degree, and who want to BE somebody. The others - well, they'll come dragging in next week sometime, and they'll be the ones who fail or nearly fail because they were not present to hear the rules and the explanation of tests and assignments; they'll be the ones complaining because they chose not to come to class and they missed all of the "answers" that were given out and therefore that mean ole Mrs. Leggett GAVE them a D... or an F... or whatever she felt like that day. humph. College. Who would have thought it would be like this? WORK and RESPONSIBILITY, that's crazy. College is for free internet, free socializing, good cafeteria food, great dorms to shack up in, lotsa partying, and most of all, financial aid refunds and a free "get out of work" card - for at least 2 years, if not 7 or 8... geeeez!