Proud "First Mom"

It's election season at Trinity. Jadan has been a student council representative for the last three years. This is the first year Jadan has been old enough to run for an officer position and he went for it! There aren't usually a lot of students that compete for the office positions, but this year we had 9 students run for the 6 slots. Jadan was one of the youngest candidates, so we weren't sure how things would go. We made some awesome posters and came up with a speech.





He is a natural at public speaking, so when it was time for him to speak to the whole school (nearly 200 people), he turned on the charm. He received thunderous applause! The vote were tallied and he was the clear winner! My whooping and hollering could be heard all over campus! We are so proud of our boy being bold enough to take such an important leadership role!

Learning To Soar

Nearly a year ago I received an unusual message in my Facebook inbox. It was from a man named Avery Willis. He wrote,

Dear Marcia, About 15 years ago I spoke at First Baptist Church, Dallas, TX on Eagles. A Marcia Tapp gave me a poem she had written while I spoke. I want to include it in a book I have written. If you are that Marcia Tapp or know her could you contact me.

His name rang a bell, but I couldn't remember who he was and knew that I had never been to FBC, Dallas. I searched his name and found that he is a well known Christian speaker and author. I saw his picture and remembered that I had heard him speak with Henry Blackaby during a Spiritual Awakening week when I was a freshman at East Texas Baptist University. My memory was foggy but he had pricked my curiosity, so I dug through some of my college things and discovered a journal in which I had handwritten some poems. I found this:

Its so warm in this sheltered place
So safe here from harm
I could stay here forever
Nestled in Your arms.

But now my world is changing
You're doing something new
You're asking me to place
My total trust in You.

I'm scared as I take my place
Upon Your wings, spread for flight
As I feel You flying higher
Circling with all my might.

Slowly I dare to open my eyes
Then see more than I've ever seen.
You are taking me up to a place
Beyond my highest dreams.

How wonderful up in the heights
With my Father above the land
Then He whispers, "Trust Me more,
For I have a greater plan".

Suddenly a gentle thrust
I'm falling through the sky
Fluttering helplessly alone and scared
I spread my wings - now I can fly!

(inspired by Avery Willis' sermon during Spiritual Awakening week at East Texas Baptist University, September 29, 1992)

After rereading it , I instantly broke into tears. I was incredibly humbled at this interesting turn of events. It was amazing to me that he had kept my handwritten verses all these years! In thinking back to when I gave him the poem, I remembered being timid and almost hesitant about it. I remember feeling a prompting to do it, though.

I contacted Mr. Avery and let him know that I was the one he was looking for. He replied that he has been trying to locate me for quite some time. The reason he was intent on getting in touch with me was to get my permission to publish my poem as the epilogue in his latest book. I could hardly believe it! I have always dreamed of being published! I , or course, granted him permission to use it and have been anticipating seeing it in print.

My mom dropped by tonight on her way to a meeting. She handed me a gift bag and said she had picked up 'a little something' for me. As soon as I touched the bound edge, a thrill swept over me! I could hardly contain my joy as I opened the pages to where she had already proudly and lovingly placed a bookmark.

God has such amazing ways of blessing His children. I love gifts that come unaware and without pretense. He absolutely surprised me, let me breathless and in awe of how He holds sway over all my comings and goings. The beautiful lesson of learning to trust Him that inspired me to write the meditations of my heart half my life ago, literally, were returned to me at a time when I needed to be refreshed and renewed.

Underneath my poem , Avery has added these words:

As you give God everything you have, He will provide everything you need. Catch the wind of His Spirit and soar.

FOR TODAY Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Outside my window...

it is softly and steadily raining.

I am thinking...

that I am really happy with my life.
I am content with where God has me
and what He has given my hands to do.

I am thankful...

for my Weldon.
He volunteered to drive to Kilgore
(when he got home at 7pm after working all day)
to pick up a couple of light trees for my school shows.
"Are you sure you're up to doing this?", I said.
He, very theatrically, declared, "The show must go on!"
I am thankful for a man who not only understands
but shares in my artistic vision.

From the kitchen...

Domino's - 2 medium 2 topping for $14....Sold!

I am wearing...

My shiny black flip flops, olive drab capris,
cream cotton button-up shirt over black tank
and my glasses (danged ol' allergy eyes = no contacts).

I am creating...

at warp speed.

I have made in the last week or am in the process of making:

For Trinity Spring Show

100 mic props for my girls,
huge backdrop foam pieces including:
program logo, two 6 ft guitars, a 6 ft microphone, 60s/70s/80s signs,
200 ribbon wands (I'm delegating most of this),
printed program,
choreography for 12 songs,
set/lighting design

For TROUPE drama performance

a four act original script,
set/prop/staging design

For Jadan's Renaissance Project

a Thomas More outfit
(that's his famous person),
a trebuchet
(Weldon is on this one, but I will probably have to help).

I am going...

to enjoy the adrenaline rush of the next several weeks.

I am reading...

um...not a whole lot of free time right now.

I am hoping...

for stamina by day and sweet dreams by night.

I am hearing...

Paddington Bear - there must be a movie night going on.

Around the house...

we are in the midst of springtime frenzy.
We are only home long enough to add to the stack of dirty dishes
and pile more clothes in the hamper.
There are much more pressing things than house keeping right now!

One of my favorite things...

is producing shows. It is SO much work
but I really enjoy the creative process.
I love it when a plan comes together! :)

A few plans for the rest of the week:

An after school dress rehearsal and putting finishing touches on the set.
Two performances of the play on Thursday,
plus dance recital rehearsal for Esther.
Friday night will be spent at the Civic Center for recital practice.
Saturday I will work on Jadan's Renaissance costume
and I have to do a photo shoot that evening.


Here is picture thought I am sharing...


Esther at her dance recital
Spring 2008

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Easter Sunday

FOR TODAY: EASTER SUNDAY
April 12, 2009

Outside my window...

a thick fog has rolled in after a day full
of ground drenching, garden watering, pollen cleansing rain.

I am thinking...

how crazy the weather is in East Texas.
The sky was black as night about 9:30 this morning and
we had to evacuate the upstairs Sunday school classrooms
and congregate in the auditorium due to a tornado warning.
I was surprisingly not as freaked out as I usually get
in "significant weather event" situations.

I am thankful...

for the celebration of Christ's resurrection,
and for the way the Spirit has touched my heart
with the "old, old story of Jesus and His love"
in a fresh and humbling way.
The beautiful thing about that old story is that
it is just as powerful and relevant today as it was for the early church.
May I never forget the power of the cross
nor take Christ's sacrifice for granted...
"My soul would be forever lost,
without the Lamb who died for me, without the cross".

From the kitchen...

lots of Easter eggs still laying around.
We had a lovely dinner at my parents house this evening.
Esther spent the afternoon with Grandma making
homemade breadand baking it in bunny shapes.
She also made "bird nest" brownies
with green icing and candied eggs.

I am wearing...

my pjs, house shoes and glasses.

I am creating...

choreography and props for the spring show at Trinity.
I am also creatively dreaming about a kitchen redo.

I am going...

to enjoy having an extended holiday tomorrow.
The house is reasonably tidy,
so I may indulge in a day off where I do fun things!
I want to sew a little and do some crafty things.
I may also hang out in the sunshine a while.

I am reading...

1,2,3 John, Jude and then diving off into Revelation.

I am hoping...

and trusting in Jesus.
He is always faithful to speak to me
when I seek Him and discipline myself to sit still and listen.
It is fitting how God chooses to teach me to trust Him
by allowing me to be tried in situations
that I simply cannot control.
He knows my weaknesses all too well...
thank You Lord for Your grace that covers up my goofiness.

I am hearing...

Gandolf crunching is kibble and him occasionally sneeze.
I have never heard a cat sneeze like he does.
Its as if he's allergic to himself.
Funny.

Around the house...

things are still pretty tidy inside...
the garden is a different story.
I want to get out there and get my hands dirty,
but have been hesitant to because:

A. my allergies have been horrible

B. cleaning out beds = finding snakes
C. I'm not sure where to start

One of my favorite things...

is my little bungalow.
It is my oasis from the world; a place where I can unwind.
It is a place where I have the freedom to express my eclectic taste
and surround myself with things that bring me joy.
It is a warm place that is well suited for being at ease.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Holiday of happiness on Monday,
school days, piano lessons, drama "Troupe" practice,
church on Wednesday,
working on props and projects next weekend.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...


"The Sacrifice" Easter 2009

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FOR TODAY Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Outside my window...

Dark, still and quiet.

I am thinking...

how happy I will be when my family will all be together again!
The kids and I have been at church every night this week
rehearsing for The Sacrifice while
Weldon has been at the Civic Center being the Tech Man
for the Mavette rehearsals and show.

I am thankful...

to be able to be a part of "The Sacrifice" Easter production.
It has been an amazing experience to share with my children.
They weep during the crucifixion scene every time we practice.
It has been awesome to watch them grow spiritually
through the process.

From the kitchen...

Not much is going on.
We've been doing well to get breakfast, sack lunches,
and light dinners together this week...
our focus has not been on food.

I am wearing...

shorts, a t-shirt and house shoes. Woo-hoo.

I am creating...

choreography for the spring show at Trinity.
I'm trying to coordinate moves that even
the "coordinationally challenged" can manage.

I am going...

to bed...soon.

I am reading...

the gospel records of the Passion week.

I am hoping...

that Esther will feel well enough to be at dress rehearsal tomorrow night.
She has had a squishy tummy since Saturday and even
had to miss a day of school, which is rare for
Miss Perfect Attendance.
She was heartsick tonight because she was afraid
that she wouldn't be able to be in the show.

I am hearing...

myself sigh heavily, which must mean it's bedtime.

Around the house...

things are pretty tidy.
I got a lot done the day Esther had to stay home sick.

One of my favorite things...

is singing with a good choir.
I have so enjoyed the harmonic mix
as we "mingle" on stage.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

School tomorrow and Friday (unless Essie is still feeling yucky),
and Sacrifice dress rehearsal tomorrow night
and three performances over the weekend.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...


Azaleas and Bee from Spring 2008

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FOR TODAY Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Outside my window...

what a beautiful day it was today!
I am enjoying watching as my plants slowly emerge
from their winter slumber.

I am thinking...

about how much I got done
around this house in a few short days.
Spring break always makes me wish I could be home more.
There's just something about
having my "nest" in order.

I am thankful...

that my dad got blessed with the
awesome experience of going to Kenya!
He flew out of DFW to New York this morning
and will be on his transatlantic flight tomorrow.
He will tour Kenya for 8 days which will include
time out on the savanna on safari.
He put his name in a drawing for a free trip
at a conference he went to three weeks ago.
His name was drawn and off on another adventure he goes!
He went on a free trip to Cyprus back in November.
He told me that he knows that these trips are
not dropped in his lap by chance,
but are "divine appointments".
He goes looking for the opportunity to share his faith.
I am so thankful that God is blessing my Dad
for years of faithful service by giving him
one of the desires of his heart - travel!

From the kitchen...

I have been "Susie Homemaker" this week.
I have actually enjoyed cooking!
Tonight we had chicken spaghetti and a loaded green salad.
I even made some rice crispy treats for dessert.

I am wearing...

my pjs...I really should be headed to bed.

I am creating...

some organization in my house and
some happy Spring Break vacation memories.

I am going...

to Houston to visit Weldon's side of the family.
We haven't been down there in a while
and it promises to be fun...
the kids are really excited!

I am reading...

Hebrews.

I am hoping...

that packing will not be a huge pain.
I love to travel, but having to organize undies
clothes and essentials for four folks gets a bit grueling,
especially when I put it off to the morning we leave. :)

I am hearing...

a grey cat crunching his food.
wow, the house is quiet.

Around the house...

things are looking good after a few days
of spring-clean-a-thon.
I will be happy to come home from our trip
to a clean house.

One of my favorite things...

Shopping with Esther and watching her
develop her "fashion sense".
She actually has pretty good taste!
We had a fun girls day out today and
bought matching flip flops!

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Packing in the morning, then driving to Houston.
Visiting with family, shopping, and
possibly going to the Houston rodeo!
Returning home on Sunday,
then back to school we go.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...


I'm ready when you are, Hydrangeas!
Spring 2008

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Girls Just Want to Have Fun!

So this is how I showed up at school today.

My children were only slightly mortified.

I like to keep the theme of our end-of-the-year show a big secret,

then announce it in a slightly theatrical way.

This year we are doing karaoke hits from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.

At the end of morning devotions, I had prearranged the cuing of

"Girls Just Want to Have Fun!"

I popped out and did a little karaoke of my own.

The shocked and highly amused faces of 200 students and staff were priceless.

I was living out my rock star dreams...

and I got a standing ovation.

FOR TODAY Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Outside my window...

the full moon shines brightly behind a veil of clouds.

I am thinking...

about how much daylight savings time annoys me.
It completely throws off my rhythm
and it takes me forever to get back in a comfortable groove.
Plus, waking up when its still dark is for the birds...
the early ones, at that.

I am thankful...

for my new church family. It has been a long time since
I have been embraced by a genuinely warm fellowship.

From the kitchen...

residual homework papers on the table,
a few dirty dishes lingering in the sink,
and a tired mama sitting in front on the computer.

I am wearing...

khakis, a brown and cream "peasanty" blouse,
and my faithful ol' brown Birk loafers.

I am creating...still....

a play for the drama troupe's spring performance
(we are writing our own rendition of "revenge of the nerds"),

the theme for Trinity's end-of-the-year production
(I have finally decided on a theme: "Karaoke Knights"
songs from the 70s, 80s and 90s),

and ideas for 4 weeks of art camp this summer.

I am going...

to work on getting more organized.
I need to work smarter, not harder at keeping things simple.

I am reading...

Paul's letters and a little Holmes.

I am hoping...

that the rain we are expecting this week
will come softly and not damage the delicate buds
on my azaleas that are just beginning to blossom.

I am hearing...

nothing. Wow...nice.

Around the house...

things will maintain the status quo until next week...
then the spring cleaning madness will begin...
I may even repaint some stuff...who knows.

One of my favorite things...

is hanging out with cool kids,
which probably means I'm well suited for my job.
I had two siblings (in grades 2nd and 4th) win the privilege of being
"Music Teacher for the Day" at our school's auction.
Today was "the day", and we had a great time.
They helped me lead the singing during devotions,
then we went to the kitchen to get coffee and orange juice.
They made lesson plans for and taught seven classes,
they collaborated on the spring show theme,
helped me design a t-shirt logo,
ate lunch with all the "specialty" teachers,
and were exhausted when they went home!


A few plans for the rest of the week:

School, two piano lessons and church on Wednesday,
Esther's "karate" class on Thursday,
Zumba on Saturday morning
and hopefully some gardening that afternoon,
church on Sunday,
and the beginning of spring break!!


Here is picture thought I am sharing...


Baby Mockingbird at my Mimi's House 2009

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FOR TODAY Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Outside my window...

it is dark. The sunset was beautiful this evening.

I am thinking...

how quickly this school year has gone by.
Spring Break is only a week and a half away.
I guess time does fly when you are having fun!

I am thankful...

that I was able to go to the Texas Music Educator Association
Conference in San Antonio a couple of weeks ago.
It was just the creative boost I needed.

I am also thankful that my kids had the chance to go
an academic competition this past weekend.
They both did very well, but the thing
I am most thankful for is their great attitude
about the competitive process.

From the kitchen...

Weldon suggested dinner out this evening(which never happens).
So, we went to Jalapeno Tree to celebrate the kids achievements!

I am wearing...

the clothes I wore to work: black slacks, pink blouse and black cardigan.
I 'm about to go get comfy...

I am creating...

a play for the drama troupe's spring performance,
the theme for Trinity's end-of-the-year production,
and ideas for 4 weeks of art camp this summer.

Esther and I are also working on piecing a patchwork quilt.

I am going...

to go to bed early tonight.

I am reading...

Paul's letters, notes from my music conference,
and Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
Esther and I just finished up Anne of Green Gables.

I am hoping...

and praying for wisdom in my walk.

I am hearing...

Movie magic in the red room. I think the kids are watching Wall-E.

Around the house...

We need to start thinking about "spring cleaning"
I got a new vacuum cleaner...exciting!!

One of my favorite things...

is being able to relax at home at the end of a long day.


A few plans for the rest of the week:

School, two piano lessons and church on Wednesday,
Esther's "karate" class on Thursday,
"Sacrifice" rehearsal on Saturday morning
and a chocolate themed supper club that evening.
I also need to make a trip to Longview
to pick up some new piano books...not sure when that'll happen.


Here is picture thought I am sharing...


Cute Kids 2009

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Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY Sunday, January 11th, 2009

Outside my window...

The sun is shining and the sky is blue.
One might almost think it was spring
until gazing upon the shriveled up dormancy in my yard.
Shhh...the plants are sleeping.

I am thinking...

How happy I am that tomorrow is a holiday.
It's like a belated Christmas present.
An added blessing is that my house is relatively in order,
so I don't have to spend my whole day off doing chores!

I am thankful...

for kindred spirits.
We spent all day yesterday (8:30 am to 10:30 pm)
with my friend Julie and her family.
We had a great time treasure hunting, looking at antiques,
sipping coffee, discussing music,
laughing at and with our husbands, children and beloved pets,
making plans and playing games.

From the kitchen...

My kitchen is clean...I really hate to mess that up.
I am boiling some water for a cup of tea.

I am wearing...

Comfort clothes:
my burgundy hoodie, grey velour pants and ballet slippers.

I am creating...

and beginning to brainstorm for several projects right now:
A few musical ideas with Julie,
a play for the drama troupe for our spring performance,
Trinity's Grandparents Day production,
Trinity's end-of-the-year production,
and 4 weeks of art camp this summer.

I am going...

and going and going,
which is much better than the alternative.

I am reading...

The second book in "The 39 Clues" children's book series.
It's a mysteriously intriguing, action-packed, who-done-it,
historical treasuring-hunting, to-be-continued
tale that has captured our attention.
I read the first one with Jadan and Esther
and we could hardly wait to get into the second one!
The third one is not due to be out until March...
the suspense is liable to drive us mad!

I also started my Bible read-through.
I began in John because I know from previous experience,
if I start in Genesis, by about Deuteronomy, I'm dragging.
Reading about the early church is inspiring...

I am hoping...

and hoping is a good place to be.
Because God "knows the plans He has for me...
plans to prosper me and not to harm me,
plans to give me hope and a future!"

I am hearing...

Mr. Biggs whining to get in my lap.

Around the house...

Most things are in their place and we are relaxing.

One of my favorite things...

is listening to Jadan read.
He interprets things so dramatically
and adds character voices and gestures
that make stories come alive.
He participated in a prose interpretation
competition at school this week.
He was hilarious and made his mama proud!

A few plans for the rest of the week:

sleeping in tomorrow morning, grocery shopping,
lunch with Lori to plan the play for "The Troupe",
a little chillin'.

Back to school and the normal routine which will include:
meeting with my PSIA Music Memory group on Tuesday,
two piano lessons and church on Wednesday,
faculty meeting and Esther's "karate" class on Thursday.

I will also be participating in the "Zumbathon" fundraiser
at Trinity on Saturday morning.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

The fountain at Marshall City Park
Winter 2008

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