Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Anxious E.O.G.

This morning our two boys woke up very anxious. They were both stressing out about E.O.G. (End of the grade testing) week which officially began today.

Over the past four weeks they have been preparing for the E.O.G. through online practice tests and in the classroom. They know the material and both are so darn smart but this morning you still they were anxious.

I overheard our youngest son, Carson, asking Brody if he was "a little nervous". Brody said yes and I could see Carson breath a sigh of relief just by hearing his older brother admit that he was feeling the same way too.

I prayed with each of them as they headed out the door and gave them one of my "you'll do great" chants as I waved good-bye.

It's been a long time since I've taken a school E.O.G. but I'm well aware of feeling anxious about other "testings". I often find myself faced with an assignment that I've been preparing for and know full well that I'm familiar with the material. But, I still fall into the trap of wrestling with the thing while experiencing a knot in my stomach, sweaty palms, and a clenched jaw.

Just as I reminded my boys this morning, I remind myself over and over again; "Don't be anxious about anything but pray about everything." This has become my motto in 2010. I have encountered so many situations over the past 12 months that would have given me plenty of opportunities to worry. Yet, all of these circumstances were completely out of my control. Worrying about them wouldn't have solve a single thing.

For a woman who's lived most of her life anxious and worried just about everything, I've learned that stressing out is a complete waste of time and can only make my situation worse. My biggest problem has always been a need to be in control of my circumstances and those around me.

My prayer is that Brody and Carson will learn while they're young to approach each testing that awaits them with confidence - knowing the solution is not to become anxious first but to pray first.

When a situation arises in your life do you tend to become anxious right away? Even if you've had time to prepare for a project or test, do you still find yourself in the trap of worrying about it? Is your first response to pray about the situation or take control?

If you have any great suggestions on what helps you not worry so much, I'd love to hear them!

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Frappe Love

I never thought I'd be saying this but...I love to go to McDonald's!

I know what you're thinking and I use to think the same thing. Spotting the golden arches use to bring a frown to my face and a sour feeling in my stomach but not anymore.

Did you hear about the new Mocha Frappe? Oh my goodness...it is incredible!

Last week I promised Carson we'd go to McDonald's after school so he could get one of their hot fudge sundaes. As we approached the drive-thru lane, I noticed a brand new sign that totally caught my eye. There it was. A picture of this creamy, dreamy, delicious mocha concoction with whipped cream and drizzled hot fudge on top.

My mouth began to water. My eyes began to sparkle. My heart began to pound.

With all the excitement I must have blacked out because the next thing I remember was that Carson and I were heading home with my window still rolled down. He was chowing down on his hot fudge sundae and I was slurping my mocha frappe with whipped cream on my nose.

Over the next three days, we faithfully made a trip to Mc D's for our afternoon delights. I never thought I could get so addicted to something so quickly! I can't stop drinking them. I've become a Mocha Frappe Maniac! Yesterday I gave up lunch just so I could drink one and not feel guilty about the caloric intake. I'm thinking that if this keeps up I won't be able to fit in my jeans by next week.

The only downside I've discovered is that these frappes aways give me a brain freeze because they're so incredibly cold and I drink them way too fast!

Next time you see the golden arches, head for the nearest drive-thru lane, and pick up your own Mocha Frappe. By the way, they also come in caramel for those of you who don't like chocolate (can't even imagine that). Be sure to let me know what you think. I bet you'll get hooked too.

I asked one of the McDonald's employees just yesterday if this was a promotional item or here to stay. I told her how sad it would make me if they stopped selling mocha frappes now that I'm addicted to them. She smiled and assured me not to worry.

I think these things may start a revolution!