Greatness

There has been a tv commercial running lately that I have really liked.  The coach in me actually paused it, rewound it and wrote down exactly what it said.  It is RG3's commercial about greatness.  The opening line goes something like this "Greatness is not given, it's taken..."  At first, I was like that is so dead on.  The coach in me thinks how true, that no body is going to give you anything - you have to work to achieve any and every goal that you have. 

While that may be true...I really began thinking about what it said ...I now believe this statement could not be more wrong. Greatness is given...God given.  Any and every talent a man or woman has is a gift GIVEN from God.  I could go out everyday and do RG3's workout and I would never be as good as RG3.  

Also, sometimes, success is all about being in the right place at the right time.  That's God's hand on your life.   I know for a fact I would not have played college ball had I not played AAU.   Right place...right time.   

Third, to have a desire to work hard or be the best comes from somewhere.  Whether its self-motivation or an outside factor - it comes from somewhere...something somewhere inspired you...given not taken.  

Not sure what prompted this but thought I would share :)  

What would James Naismith think?

I found this on my computer - something I wrote a while back - a good reminder for the upcoming season...

From a simple game created out of peach baskets to give his students something to do in the winter months to total humiliation and embarrassment of another team.  Where did it, or better yet, where did we go wrong?  At what point did it become acceptable to teach young people that beating and annillating another team 100 to 0 was honorable and something to be proud of?  Now don’t get me wrong, I firmly believe in winning, but at what cost?  If it’s just a game than why keep score, right?  Again, at what cost?  The beauty of it all is that it actually is more than “just a game.”  Being a coach is more than just winning and losing!  Being a coach is being a teacher of “life lessons”.  I pride myself in teaching my athletes that hard work does pay off, that you do have to be accountable for you actions, that you have to put others before yourself and that a team is a group of people working together to achieve a common goal.  I cannot fathom the idea that a team’s common goal is to humiliate another team, no matter how bad or terrible they are at a particular sport. What good comes from that?  What lessons are learned?  How is that helping these children prepare for life?  I have been on both ends of the spectrum, and now being a small bit wiser; see how it truly affects people.  And after all, that’s all we’re dealing with - people.  That’s why we do what we do – because we love people.  I heard a coach recently defend himself of his actions like these (beating a team 40 to 4 in the second quarter and still full court pressing) by saying “it’s just what we do!”  I’d hate to be there when he gets his – because what goes around comes around.  And somewhere, someday – he will get his.  I am a firm believer in that we will all have to answer for the things we’ve done.  Maybe not to anyone that matters in this world but one day to a higher power!  Many times, the students we play against now will one day be coaching against you – do you think they will forget?  I understand that in the grand scheme of things none of it really matters but I just hate to think that this is what we’ve become.  This is what we amount too.  Those peach baskets mean so much more than just putting the ball through more times than the other team.  There are valuable lessons to be taught and learned.  Humiliation and embarrassment are not what James Naismith had in mind.    

Starts and Ends...

Our move to Avinger has been a little frustrating...not in the school, but in the response we get from people when they find out where I am teaching and that my kids go to school there.  I really don't like the looks people give me and its starting to annoy :)...

Avinger is tiny...120 kids in the entire school...my class sizes are 12, 9 and 7 and I love it!  It is so manageable and they get all my attention, as opposed to having 22 in class and only dealing with the toots.  My kids are doing work that is challenging and they are in a small school environment where I can walk down the hallway or into the gym and I get to see them...EVERYDAY!  The people are friendly and accepting.  Yes, they are behind the times a little but I'm not so sure that's a bad thing (watch today's media or entertainment and you'll know what I am talking about).

When people judge or make faces it makes me more determined to put that school on the map!  Kind of like when I had certain teachers in high school ask me why I was in an honors class...I so want to prove people wrong...I'm sure that comes from my father :)

David and I STRONGLY believe education starts and ends at home.   Even as a teacher, I can't teach every kid everything they need to know in the 45 minutes I have them.  Parents have to help some too and that's what we do.  Our kids will be smart because of:
1. what God has blessed them with
2.  what we talk about, watch and listen to
3. what we expose them to (travel, etc)
4. what our expectations of them are (not going to college is not an option..even if they were to be drafted by a profession team of some sort, college would still be on the list for them)

I've seen kids at the "best" schools who are idiots (in more than one way) and I've seen kids come out of not so great schools who end up being neurosurgeons...so you tell me - where do they get it?

I have never made a single decision about where me or my kids would go to school without prayer.  God has been faithful in guiding us each and every step and we don't regret a single place we have been to.  We have made not just friends but family in these schools and lasting memories.  Is it hard sometimes to start over..yes of course...but we adjust and adjust well.

So, if you are reading this and you have made a face - please know that I noticed and that I am asking you to please not judge us any more.  We like Avinger!  We plan to stay at Avinger for a while!  We plan to put Avinger back on the map!

If you are reading this and you haven't judged, than thank you!

Have a great week!  God is good...all the time!

Snakes in the building

This week was a first for me.  As my class and I were  coming back from the library, we stumbled upon a guest in our school that did not belong...a snake.  He was headed into MY CLASSROOM!  A student accidentally kicked it and that's how we discovered it.  Well, needless to say, we were on a mission to get rid of it.  I got the teacher across the hall out of her room and then we decided the AG teacher would be the best person for the job, seeing as how he has tools and such.  One of my students ran, and I mean ran, to get him.  We kept the snake corralled while we waited.  And then here he came, Mr. Watson, with shovel in hand.  He ever so gently and calmly began scooping the snake towards the door.  He wasn't trying to kill it or hurt it just get it out.  Well, when we got to the door, the snake did not want to go outside (I guess bc it is so hot) and he started to put up a fight.  Mr. Watson had to do the inevitable....kill that snake, chopped it right in half.  That was a beautiful moment for me because I HATE SNAKES!  The entire time he was scooping it I was whispering in his ear, kill it, just kill it, kill it please.

The next day, the kids found two more in the surrounding buildings.  Luckily, I was not near them nor did I see them.  The beauty of working in a small country school.

Anyway, this got me thinking.  This is kind of like our lives.  The snake enters, tries to go un-noticed.  Once we realize he's there we try to shoo him away, taking baby steps to eliminate the problem.  But you know what...sometimes....you just have to cut that snake in half and kill it!

I've recently learned, not that I didn't already know - but I guess just assumed it would happen to other people - not my family - you all know that feeling - that Satan will attack in ways you never thought possible.  Be prepared...all the time...shovel in hand!

     This week, we finished our first week at a new school...again.  Hopefully...this is the last time.  I know I have probably confused some people or let them down (especially my family) about the fact that I decided to get back into coaching.  The reason I got out was to be with my kids more - however, this past year didn't quite play out like I thought.  I taught high school English at a 2A, had 120 students and 3 preps.  EVERY Sunday was spent grading essays or preparing lesson plans.  Not coaching was taking up just as much time as when I did coach.  Another factor in my decision was the fact that I did not get to have the same kind of connections with students like I did when I was coaching.  I believe we all have gifts/talents and I definitely feel mine is having those connections to hopefully inspire or change young girls in a positive way.  I'm not saying that every athlete I ever had liked me or looked up to me, but I know this - coaching and teaching - is what I am supposed to be doing.  I get to see my own kiddos at random times during the day which I love!  They are so excited about being coach's kids again (however I must admit that James Bowie spoiled us by giving them pretty much whatever they wanted from the concession stand during bball season so now they are expecting that again :O)  As parents, David and I did not anticipate how much it would affect our kids not being coach's kids.  We didn't think about the fact that having that title was all they had ever known.  They were used to having instant friends and having people know who you are.  So last year was an adjustment for them - not sure if it was a positive one.
     We have moved to a small 1A Division 2 (which is like the smallest of the small) and so far...we love it.  The only sports they have are cross country, BASKETBALL, tennis, golf and track.  For a family of basketball junkies it is perfect.  I have 12 girls in junior high athletics and 12 girls in high school athletics. B has 11 kids in his grade (not class but GRADE), K has 8 or 9 and R has 11.  They are getting great one on one attention and have already brought home some challenging homework assignments.  I am teaching 7th and 8th grade reading and writing.  The 7th grade has 7 students and the 8th grade has 9.  It has been great!
     David is super busy selling insurance!  He is on the road a lot, which is good because it means he is meeting new people which he loves doing.  They doubled the size of their office this summer so they are growing the business which is great.  I, under the persuasion of the above named insurance seller, got my  insurance license as well.  I have no interest in selling - EVER - but thought it was a good idea so that I could help (in the summer) if need be.  I hope the need never be :)
     A lot happened at the end of the year and this summer.  1. B competed in a group called Destination Imagination.  We weren't sure what it was, went to a competition in Dallas, place 2 and advanced to the state level in Corpus Christi.  Well...we won there and advanced to the Global level in Tennessee.  It was wild!  They competed against kids from 17 different countries and like 150,000 students.  THEY PLACED THIRD OVERALL.  It was so cool and such a great experience for him.  With that being said, I am also the GT teacher at Avinger and will begin the Destination Imagination adventure with those kids - so excited!
     The kids all did great in school - all A's, all six weeks! So proud of them!  We traveled to Branson, MO and loved it. It was so family and God and country oriented!  Definitely want to go back.
     We got a new niece this summer and are expecting another nephew in December (Stephanie had baby #6 and Keith and Mer are execting #2).
     I will try to update  more regularly (not as good as older sis #1, baby sis is like me and never posts and sister #2 just started a blog so we'll see how hers goes!)  Super excited about this year and everything God has in store for us.

Get out of the Judgment Seat

This is straight from Max Lucado - I claim nothing :)

     We condemn a man for stumbling this morning, but we didn't see the blows he took yesterday.  We judge a woman for the limp in her walk, but cannot see the tack in her shoe. We mock the fear in their eyes, but have no idea how many stones they have ducked or darts they have dodged.

     Are they too loud?  Perhaps they fear being neglected again.  Are they too timid?  Perhaps they fear failing again.  Too slow?  Perhaps they fell the last time they hurried.  You don't know.  Only one who has followed yesterday's steps can be their judge.

     Not only are we ignorant about yesterday, we are ignorant about tomorrow.  Dare we judge a book while chapters are yet unwritten?  Should we pass a verdict on a painting while the artist still holds the brush?  How can you dismiss a soul until God's work is complete?  "God began doing a good work in you, and I am sure he will continue until it is finished when Jesus Christ comes again" (Phil 1:6)

Just thought it was that good to share:)

One week

Our preacher started his sermon today by asking "If you knew you had exactly one week to live, what would you do? Would your act different, would your conversations be different?"  A lot to think about!  Just want to know yours

The Right Thing?

As parents, we try to make "the right" decision.  We try to see the big picture, outweighing the positives and the negatives.  Most of the time, the decision involves what we think is best for our children.  We have moved around because of coaching but in the past few years, the moves had other agendas, better education for our babies - better opportunity for them.  Were there coaching jobs attached  - yes - but ultimately the decisions were based on if my children were going to get a better education.  Our philosophy on education is a little different.  We think that children are smart or educated or like school based on what they get at home.  There's no educator that could "dumb down" my children.  We challenge them at home.  However, I have learned this year, that educators can begin to alter a child's personality and their perspective on how they see school.  I have one, and i won't say which bc he wouldn't like that too much, but i have one who has had a rough time this year.  And it breaks my heart.  Because he says things like "I'm just going to go unnoticed from now on.  i'm  not going to stand out for anything."  We have talked about how as Christians we are not meant to hide or go unnoticed.  And I know that life won't be easy for them all the time (even though I would dearly love it to be).  i know that we grow through our challenges and hardships.  I guess I just didn't think it would happen this early.

A Few Firsts

This weekend brought on a few big firsts in our house.  #1 Bryson push mowed part of the yard.  He will soon be taking over my job, even though I don't consider it a job.  I would rather mow than clean house ANY DAY OF THE WEEK!  #2 My boys rode their bikes to the store.  I was tempted, really tempted to follow along behind them in the car.  It was cute though to see them riding up on their bikes, bag dangling from the handle bars and to learn who went in and who was on bike duty (the guarder of the bikes!)  #3 I learned that boys clothes MUST be washed in hot water.  They say they will never wear anything but bball shorts and t-shirts to school - we'll see how long that lasts!  #4 All three of my kiddos went running with me and no one quit.  The whole time we were running, Rileyn would randomly say to herself but out loud "I'm not a quitter, I'm not a quitter!"  I wonder if anyone who doesn't know we used to be coaches think we are like some dictator cruel parents??  #5 The boys attended song leader camp yesterday and learned some tricks of the trade :)  Then at tonight's evening service they each sang two songs, but had to find songs that fit the theme of the preacher's message.  I am so glad they enjoy it and have the courage to get up in front of the congregation (I sure don't)  They worked very hard and are encouraged by our church family! #6 My hubby offered to get a house cleaner.  Most women I think would jump at the opportunity but I however was offended by it.  He said it wasn't that I didn't do a good job just not time for as often as its needed.  I'm sure I'll break down and say yes but for now its a no....I'm just a little stubborn :) Not a first, I have piles of papers to grade, end of six weeks was Friday, but yet I keep finding myself doing everything but!  Including blogging :)  I hope everyone has a great week, say a prayer for the test takers that they will have no anxiety, no stress and a ready recollection of everything their teachers have taught them and what they know!  Enjoy the beautiful weather we are supposed to have.  Oh yeah, I forgot...Bryson's DI team for GT got 1st place at STATE and advanced to the global competition in Knoxville, TN!  And yes, it really is global.  He will compete against Canada, Japan, China and the US!

If I'm not "Scary Coach Schubert" then who am I?

That was the question that bothered me for most of the summer months and the beginning of the school year.  Well...I finally have an answer.  I am the teacher that...
1.  greets every student at the door everyday and says good morning or good afternoon to them
2.  starts each class with a good morning and I make them say it back to me (yes, like a preacher does)
3. plays fun upbeat music in my class on Fridays (like Mandisa or Jamie Grace)
4.  Tells them that God IS in EVERY desk in my room
5.  Insists that there is more to life than partying
6.  Finds a lesson in every story and tries to let each student tell their's
7.  Takes them outside to do jumping jacks and turn cartwheels when discussing how to essays
8.  Is happy everyday - even if i have to fake it - because they each have their own set of baggage, they don't need mine
9.  doesn't panic when the principal walks in bc we are gonna do what we do and keep going
10.  is real and honest with them

It took some time. I worry about them and pray for them and want the best for them, even if I've only known THESE students for 8 months.  It makes me sad when I see former students and athletes making poor choices when I know that they know better.  I worry about my own children and it scares me what some of these kids have become exposed to at such young ages (not just exposed but are knowledgeable about)
SO...that's who I am when I'm not scary Coach Schubert.  The love and concern for the kids is the same - it just comes out a different way.

Things Kids Notice

My kids and I have a morning playlist.  We drive 25 minutes to school - so its a good time to visit and listen to music that gets our hearts and our minds focused on God.  This also puts us all in good moods. Well, I guess it has rubbed off.  I had a student ask me in 4th period yesterday right as class was starting "Do you like your job?" I thought this was odd and a little random. I said "Yes, most days, why?"  She said "you're always just so happy.  I couldn't be that way if I was a teacher." This was the best compliment any student could have given me.  That means that she's noticed something different in me - that's exactly what I want. For my students to see that I act and react differently, that there is something in me that not a lot of others let out. I want them to see the joy of Christ without me "preaching" to them.  Our preacher once said "Some of the greatest sermons are those without words!"  How true!

On another note, Rileyn and I are having conversations lately that I didn't think would happen for another 10 years or so.  I have a burning passion for young girls to know that having a boyfriend does not need to be what defines them.  I could write on this topic ALL DAY but I'll save this for later :)  for now though, I was talking to her about "crushes" and how it will be ok NOT to have a boyfriend but to go out with lots of friends, guys and girls.  That she needs to be careful with words like "I love you" so on and so on.  I told her how special her husband would feel if she were able to tell him that besides her daddy he's the only man/boy that she has told those words to.  When I finished, she asked "Were you popular in school?"  I said "what do you think"  and her reply "No, probably not."  Really.  That's what she got out of that?  Are you kidding me?  Well, I then continued with it's ok not to be popular and really its not that important and how that being a Christian doesn't always mean doing the popular thing or being popular.  I just hope some of it sinks in.  My goal - to have her completely brainwashed by the time she's 16 :) HEHE!

Have a fantastic Easter weekend - Because He Lives!!!

What's so special about this place?

Last night, we had gone out to dinner to Papacita's.  While we were eating, prom kids kept coming in dressed in their fancy dresses and tuxedos.   After a while, Keldyn says, why would you bring your date here, what's so special about this place?  We didn't really have an answer other than it was good.  I asked him though, Where would you take your date?  He smiled and said McDonald's - they have fries.  I couldn't help but laugh.  Its all about perspective isn't it :) - Have a blessed day!

From the mouths of babes

Seems like I've had that title before - maybe because my kids say honest things or because they say funny things - either way...this was an honest one.

My oldest asked me the other day "Mom, why do you watch the bachelor?"  I replied "I don't know - I guess its entertaining."  His response "Well, didn't you say he wasn't even a Christian?"

He's right.  Why would I watch it if I wouldn't want my own children to do it - to be apart of that - to be "dating" 24 women/men all at one time.

It just goes to show you that what we do makes much more of an impact than what we say.

PS - I will no longer be watching the Bachelor :/

Its worth it

From the title, you would think that this is going to be some deeply motivating blog - well, you might be wrong.  Deep in the sense of me asking myself "what am I going to do with this one?"  So here's the story - the other morning Rileyn was in the bathroom with me while I finished up getting ready for school.  She was attempting to fix her own hair.  Side ponytail.  She couldn't quite get all of the hair up.  I told her to lean to the side and it will make all the hair fall over.  She did for a little bit then stopped.  She got frustrated doing it her way.  Then she leaned over again and said "It hurts my side to do this, but it's worth it for cuteness."  She is 6 people.  What in the world.  If you know me well (which I'm guessing you do if you are reading this) then you know this is NOT how I am.  Plain.  Simple.  Very minimal makeup hair etc.  I like fashion.  Don't like shopping for fashion but I like outfits and such.  But this - COME ON!

Where I Belong

This is my new favorite song. Building 429 "Where I Belong"  I know its not "new" but I heard it for the first time this weekend and really like it.  As Christians, we are called to be in the world not of the world.  As humans, we try to fit in - the right clothes, the right school for our kids, the right job, the right friends and so on.  I am guilty of it.  I don't want people looking at me and thinking I am weird - but shouldn't I.  I should have something different that people notice.  We are called to let our light shines - to be different.  Read the words, then google the song and watch it and listen to the words and the music- its really good.

Good stuff :)

Well - today's a first!  I am staying home to grade papers.  :)  I got a small taste of what it would be like to be a stay at home mom and see the family off in the mornings.  I have to admit it was kind of nice.  Trying to figure out how my parents did it.  Don't get me wrong - I enjoy my job - most days; however - feeling a little overwhelmed. And of course today - my Bible study title is "Overwhelmed is Underprayed"  Great - it actually was just what I needed.  Not sure this is my calling - to be an English teacher - not that I'm not good at it or try to be the best at it or don't enjoy when my students achieve something they didn't think they could - but I just feel like there is something else - that what I see as my talents/gifts from God are not being used fully.  Deep inside, I want the job that doesn't start until 9 and ends by 3 so that I can get my kids to school and be there to pick them up :) If you know of that job - please let me know :)!
We recently watched the movie Courageous.  I've seen it twice now and both times I got something different from it.  The first time I saw it, I saw how huge not just a dad's role is in the family but how huge the family is. I see on a daily basis kiddos that come from broken homes, girls without dads, guys without dads and some without either and it breaks my heart.  It's like they have a huge hole missing inside them and they look for other things to fill it.  The second time I watched the movie, one key line has stuck with me "My good outweighs my bad"  This is so true - for me at least - not that I do anything "bad" per se but hoping that my good will outweigh my bad.  I find myself comparing myself to others.  Not in the sense of I'm better than her, etc., but more of wow, she does so much more than me, there's no way I'm getting into heaven, I don't do half of what she does.  Anyone else feel this way?  My resolve then is to read, and study and spend time in pray and make that conscious effort to be more Christ-like.  This is out of character for me. I am not flamboyant, or chatty or outgoing.  Very quiet, and reserved and keep to myself (unless you are a referee or a sister and then its a different story)  But if I want others to see Christ in me than he has to be in me and my life would and should be a mirror image of His. And I can know his from reading the word.  I saw a quote the other day (probably from a book - but can't remember which one) that its not how well we know God but how well he knows us.  How true is that.  I know I have seen people that could spit out scripture like it was nothing but were so far from God and it was confusing at the time.  But I soon realized, that just because you know the Bible/God does not mean that He knows you.
On a lighter note, I have lots of pictures to upload, but haven't figured out how to get them from my phone to the computer without syncing the whole thing.  Here's what's going on though:
Bryson is super active in school right now.  He just got added to the student council which is pretty cool.  He still loves to draw and READ!  He reads all the time. He is involved in GT and they have a huge competition coming up in Dallas called Destination Imagination - all I know is that they practice...A LOT!   He is also huge into bball if you can imagine!  Keeps saying he wants to be in the NBA - we do have a back up plan in mind though :)
Keldyn is still as active as ever.  He has developed a love for reading, which is good bc I didn't think he would ever like it.  He and Bryson have both been playing little dribblers and have enjoyed it.
Rileyn is definitely "my girl"  when asked if she wanted to play little dribblers she said no I want to hula hoop.  so that's what she does.  She loves clothes and fashion and playing games (go fish, war, old maid)  She is so animated when she reads - she literally yells when she sees and exclamation mark :)  She has the biggest heart for people!
David is loving his job.  His office just got selected business of the year and insurance agency of the year by the local paper - readers vote.  He is working very hard at learning the business and being the best at it.  He mentioned in passing that he wants all his customers to know he's there for them and that he thinks of each one of them as his grandparent sitting on the other side - and he treats them like that.  He definitely has a heart for people!
OK - a lot to take in - but hey - first time I've had a chance to write :)

Here Lately!

Lately, I have really been struggling emotionally.  I do not regret the decision I made to get out of coaching.  I know that God was calling me to give more of myself to my own children. However, it has been tough. It has been tough because for as long as I could remember all I wanted to do was coach. And if I wasn’t “Coach Schubert” then who was I?  It has been tough being in the classroom for 10 periods a day, when I am so used to being active and outside. It has been tough not being known as the tough coach and merely as the “new English teacher.”  It has been tough seeing my former team have so much success without me.  If I had to describe a perfect day – it would be winning the state tournament with my daughter as the MVP – or is it?  My wish for my children is that they know Jesus and his love and his works.  That they know what family means.  That it’s not ok to sacrifice family time for things that will tarnish and fade.  Holding on to the things that last (from 8 seconds the movie)  This week has been really tough because my old team went undefeated in district and are heading into the playoffs – without me.  But last week, God put some morning devos in front of my eyes just at the right time.  And today, I got the Proverbs 31 devo and it is absolutely perfect:

·      My daughters (children) will be gone all too soon.

·      These years they’re in school will be mere memories before I know it.  I want me listening to them, giving them my full attention, to be a part of those memories.

·      It’s so important we take time for talking, listening and parenting well.

·      Investing in children is a privilege.  Whether they admit it or not, they want us to hear their stories and learn about their days.

·      Pour through me to love on them.

Affirmation that I made the right decision.  That God knew that my kids needed me.  I need to be “MOM” for them.  I need to be there for homework, and talks and girlfriends and practices and dinner on the table – every night!  All the energy and focus I would have put into basketball needs to be put into them – and even though I feel like I haven’t done much of that – I need to put down the papers, get off the computer or the phone and BE THERE for them.  They deserve the best of me for the short period of time that they are with me.  To play with, to laugh with, to grow with.  It won’t be long before they are gone and I am left wishing I had one more day with them.

High Fives for English!

I am working with some students for extra help on their TAKS writing tests....today, I had a couple of boys who were being stubborn "I hate writing - this is boring!" etc, etc.  Then once we got into the activity, they had a change of heart....they were creating a story using hyphenated-modifiers (like...she gave me that oh-no-you-didn't look)  when they finished, they high fived each other.  I stopped them and said "You realize you just high-fived each other over English."  They could see what I was wanting them to get out of it.  THAT'S what makes it worth it - that look of when they get it!

This week - MY OLDEST TURNED 11.  OH MY - totally doesn't seem like it has been that long.  He swears though that he is not 11, he is going to stay 10.  He said turning 11 just means one year closer to having to move out :(  Either I've scared him into the day he turns 18 that I am going to kick them out OR he LOVES us and NEVER wants to leave.  I like the 2nd one better :)

Gifts

This little cutie got in trouble yesterday at school....for talking....two times.  Needless to say she was in big trouble.  We don't do the get in trouble at school thing.  But then the mom in me started wondering.  What if she grows up to be a mute bc she got in trouble for talking when she was little.  I know, I know a little drastic but I want to nurture her into the woman God wants her to be.  SO.....after much thought of how I could handle this, we talked about how people all have different gifts. How her's was obviously talking and how God gave her that big 'ol voice for a reason - that she will one day do mighty things with it.  Later in the evening, she brought it up again. She said she could use her voice for preaching or being a doctor or a vet because you have to talk to people in all of those jobs or even an insurance seller like her daddy bc talking was his gift too :)  So glad that she was able to get that out of our conversation.  We also talked about how at school when the teacher is teaching is NOT the time to use her talking gift :)  Sure do love this girl!