Hello Praying Mantis, welcome to our home!

On AJ's first day of school for 1st grade, this little praying mantis appeared on our front porch.

As of this date, the little insect is still here! I believe it has taken up residence! It is the cutest thing (if you like insects that is). They are some of the fiercest hunters in the insect world! Did you know that the habit of holding its front legs together like someone at prayer earned the praying mantis its common name? Well little mantis, you are welcome to stay for as long as you wish and be our little prayer warrior. Lord knows we need all the prayers we can get.
For the past few days the mantis has stayed close to the bird bath for some reason. This is a special mantis as it lets us pet it and as you can see it got real friendly checking out my new haircut sweet Barbie gave me at the famous AGentle Touch Salon & Spa.

I usually pet it at least once a day, rubbing it gently on its back. Sometimes I hit a spot that must be ticklish because it jumps quickly and startles me!Enjoy the pictures:)

6:05:00 PM
by Juju

Time's ticking away!

My little handsome AJ starting 1st grade last week. Times have sure changed (check out my school picture). I already feel that he has a wonderful teacher. Her room looks awesome (jungle theme this year). He will start going to his dad and step mom's every other week starting this Friday. Boy, is that going to be an adjustment:( Okay, I realize that his mom and dad have needed to play an active role in his life. It is just that he has been with us full time for most of his life. I knew this time would come, so I had already begin to pray about it. And at least his dad lives within 3 miles of us. I am grateful that we have a good relationship with each other (you don't always see this when there is a divorce).
I start my new job on August 24th! Just three more days of working in my current department. Please continue to pray for the department I will be leaving. Staff are concerned that it will not be as "positive an atmosphere" when I am no longer there. They say things like "we know we can always count on Juju to cheer us up". Isn't that sweet! I really worked hard at including 200+ employees in encouragement, listening and just letting them know how much I loved them. I will miss them too, but at least I will be at the same campus and I am sure to still run in to them from time to time.
"Sweet thing" is working on insulating his little shed so he can play this winter in there with all his tools. I am helping him between doing my chores inside. I am sure he will be calling for me anytime now. He is good at this kind of stuff, and we make a good team when we are working together on projects. Opps, I spoke too soon, I hear him paging me for help! Yall take care and have a wonderfully blessed day!
Smile, it does make a BIG difference!
Juju

Trying this again

After the frustration of the effects of "half timers", I give up trying to remember information I had used to get started. Well, this time I have certainly took notes so this will not happen again! Anywhooooooo, I hope that everyone is doing quite well.

What started out to be a tough July in my career has ended up with me seeing just how much God loves me. Without going into a lot of detail, after working under the same Director for almost 13 years, I have applied and been selected for another less stressful position. I am sooooooooooo excited! Please continue to pray for me as I start this new role. Also pray for the department that I will leave behind.

I had two weeks of vacation in July. My husband (Robert, aka sweet thing to me), our grandson (AJ) and I went to Orange Beach at Gulf Shores. We had a wonderful time and stayed at the beautiful Enclave. The jellyfish got a little too rough with my AJ, so I kept the spray vinegar close at hand. The last two days we were there, red flags were posted indicating strong under current. Sweet thing was attacked by a strong wave and lost his glasses and cap. I got up early (with coffee) and stayed out late (enjoying a margarita) on the balcony listening to the most wonderful calming sounds of the waves. The stars were beautiful, even the couple of storms that came while we were there were a site to see. Oh how often I thought of God's awesome power!
As soon as I can figure how to do it, I will include some pictures.
A smile to you! I