Queenies Little Kingdom

He was the baby I’d always dreamed of. I asked God specifically for a special boy and He went way beyond my human comprehension of special. On June 1st 1990, Gavin Lee Galloway was born. He was 8lbs. 6 1/4oz and 20 1/2 inches long. He was a fat little butterball of a baby and he was very sick. He spent his first 5 days of life in NICU at Lakeland Regional. We were unprepared for any complications. I did everything I could to be a healthy pregnant mom. I cherished the baby that God was creating within me. Yet here we were….watching as our sweet baby fought to breathe. God had big plans for him and he still does. Today is special to our whole family. Gavin’s life is just beginning. He’s turning 19 and graduating in 5 more days. Everything is at his fingertips!

If I had to list what I love about him most…..it would be just about everything I know about him. He’s that amazing and wonderful to me. It’s a mom thing, I guess. I still love hearing from other people how much they enjoy Gavin. He’s just a fun kid! He has a great personality and a crazy fun sense of humor. He keeps us all laughing! But that’s not all…..he’s a loving and obedient son.

Gavin — I have been so blessed to be your mom. I prayed for you and God didn’t cut any corners when He created you for my family. You are the son that all parents dream of having. You set out to be the best you……not for yourself…..but because you care about what God wants for your life. What an inpsiration you are! I admire you for your Godly character and the integrity that you live your life with. It is something that many people never pick up on. You have chosen that path for yourself and I am so proud. I pray that today is just one more step towards all that you dream of. May God bless you as you enjoy your special birthday! You’re 19!!! Wow! Just seems like yesterday, Sweetboy! I love you so much!
Mom

Gavin loves…..

Obviously capes… 🙂
BMW’s and other fine automobiles (foreign of course)
a girl named Allison
Top Gear, The Office, Hulu, Fox-n-Friends…etc
Playing the guitar & singing
Hotdogs (especially footlong chili dogs)
Hanging with his dad (playing something)
Being independant
His cell phone
Smart conservatives
Intelligent conversations
Movies as he goes to sleep
Southern cooking
Living life to the max!
Friendships
and Jesus!

There’s so much more he loves….but it’s late and my brain isn’t quite firing anymore. He’s well-rounded, brilliant, and a magnet of a person. He pulls you in and makes you love him. I hope he knows just how much we love him. I think he does! Thank you God for sharing him with us.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEETBOY!

I have no idea where that saying came from…..all I know is that I grew up hearing and using it. If someone was deathly ill in my family….they were “sick as a dog”! Sounds crazy, huh?

Our wild and spunky little poodle, Miss Lizzy woke up feeling terrible this morning. We cannot figure out what is wrong. She can’t walk or hold herself up. She’s weak and puny. It’s like she’s injured…but we can find no injuries. I had to carry her outside and then she couldn’t move to do any of her “business”.

I’m worried. This is not like her. She’s never been ill. We bought her as a 6 week old puppy back in 2005. So it’s not like she’s an old dog. If something doesn’t happen or improve we will be forced to take her to the vet. We want her to feel good again.

So, I’m a little more in tune with that “sick as a dog” statement after this morning. Poor Miss Lizzy! She’s sick as a dog!

MONDAY NEWS!!

Miss Lizzy is feeling back to her old self again! We can’t be sure…but it seemed to be something to do with her stomach! We spent Saturday morning cleaning up the results of what appeared to be a very upset stomach! Dang those neighbors throwing out rotten food! 🙁
Thanks to all who wished her well! That was very sweet, ya’ll!

I haven’t tried to hide my true self on this here blog, ever. I love being home! I work a full-time job everyday but come the end of May….I’m looking forward to a summer filled with lazy days and family time. In other words….I LOVE SUMMER!!!! I feel blessed to work in the education world and have summers off. It ROCKS!

Today is the beginning of finals at my high school (for all underclassmen). We run on block scheduling so the students only have 4 classes a day broken into 2 days…..equaling 8 classes total. So, they take 2 finals a day from today until Tuesday. And Tuesday? That’s the LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!! Yaahooooo! Do I sound crazy excited? Good, cause I am! Yay!

It feels fantastic to be at the end of a grueling year. Lots of changes took place in our lives this past year……jobs, administration at my school, friendships, churches, finances…..stresses of all kinds. To be honest, surviving this busy school year feels like a victory! I’m happy to see it come (don’t get me wrong…I’m still sad my Sweetboy is graduating). But I cling to the upcoming summer break with all the fervor of my being!

Here’s to 3 1/2 more days! Yipee! I can do it! I see the light at the end of the tunnel! Come on SUMMER BREAK!!

I love Wednesdays! Why? Well, for many reasons. One, it’s “hump” day! Which means, I’m almost to my weekend….and people….I LOVE MY WEEKENDS!! Two, it’s the day I love reading all the great advice that’s out there in blogland USA on What Works For Me Wednesday! If you haven’t heard of it…bummer for you! Go check it out! You will find so much good information to make your life easier and may even find a few new blogging friends.

I guess you’re wondering what is working for me these days, huh? As I sit here thinking….life’s been a little hectic for me lately and it seems like not much is working necessarily. I’m simply managing to tread the water (most days) and survive. Hey, I’m barely hanging on right now. In five days…my oldest will celebrate his 19th birthday and then five days later walk across the stage to claim his high school diploma!

Do I need to say anything more? I’m flipping out, people! How did this happen so fast? Where did the time go? I’ve been so busy….being a mom! I’m filled with mixed emotions…excitement, nervousness, pride and gratitude. It’s been a pleasure being his mom. I know that he is ready….it’s just me that’s struggling here. I’m having trouble putting it into words. One minute I want to cry and the next I’m jumping up and down with the yahoo’s!

So….here’s what I know will work for me. PRAYING! There is no greater resource (except for the Bible) for the follower of Christ than prayer. It’s the ultimate in therapy and mental management (for me). I also like journaling. Writing stuff down really helps me gain a better perspective. I tend to be a “thinker” type person…..and I can think something to death if I’m not careful. So, writing it down helps me focus on a more balanced level. Like….it makes more sense and seems way more attainable when I look at it on paper. Sound crazy? Maybe so. I’m a little weird….I admit it.

What works for me? Handing it over to God! He’s got everything under control anyway….why do I need to worry and fret? It’s pointless. For the next 10 days….I’m going straight to the source when I feel overwhelmed by all that’s happening in my family’s life. You can too! Try it!

DUH!!

Congratulations to Tyler & Allison! This weekend was their big day! I bet it’s safe to say that they’ve been anticipating May 23rd, 2009 for a long time.

Graduation day is like no other. You’re filled with a variety of emotions. You feel excitement and nerves all at the same time. Some have said that they didn’t feel a thing. I remember mine as a sort of numbness. The reality just doesn’t sink in on that day. But not much longer down the road the realness of the whole event slaps you hard right in the face.

No more high school! It’s over! Time to grow up…whether you’re ready or not. Decisions that are made from this moment on are of utmost importance. Why? Because your future depends on it.

Don’t worry! You still have a lifetime of good times ahead. It’s not like the fun is over. It just changes a bit. Now you have to start living as a productive adult….someone that contributes to our world. You’re ready! Go enjoy it!

How do you say thank you for such a thing as freedom? I, along with millions of other American’s walk around everyday without a care in the world for physical safety. Yet, across the continent there are people (actual breathing humans) that cannot feel that same security. They live in fear….fear of their own government! Fear that if they say or do anything that is against the rules….they will be killed for it.

I’m aware of the blessing it is to be an American! Are you? I find it hard to tolerate ignorant people that disrespect this country and all that it stands for. Young people lashing out against the flag or the pledge of allegiance. Ridiculous! It is a privilege to live in the USA and it wouldn’t be possible without the many who serve and have served in our military.

I stand proud today…..to call myself an American! I hope that wherever you are…..celebrating your freedom that you are mindful of why you are able to do so. May God bless our military and all the families that have sacrificed a loved one for our freedom. Thank you!