December 27, 2007

The actual "Christmas Day" is over, but I am still in the birth of Jesus celebratory mode! This year, more than before, I'm aware and in awe of what Christ did for me by coming to earth in human form. It goes beyond my imaginative grasp, but I'm thankful!
We had a great Christmas w/my family from Houston and my grandmother from Indiana. It was so good to get together again and see each other and laugh. Our house was full, but it was a good kind of full ;-)
Christmas Eve at my Mom and Dad's house was great, too. It seemed more relaxed this year, not sure why, but it was good. Christmas Day morning was just the four of us reading the Christmas story and opening our gifts. It was the first time in a long time we'd done that, but Betty and Bob wanted to spend time with Ryan (and Kayrene and Jeff!) for his first Christmas morning. That afternoon we went to Jeff and Kayrene's to have Christmas celebrations there. More food...we got to play with Jeff's new Wii. It was a lot of fun! I wasn't sure it would be that big of a deal, but it was fun. Our family now wants one when the price and novelty wear off a bit!
Now we are spending time w/Betty and Bob before they head back to Indiana on Sunday or Monday. Getting a lot of movie watching in!
The girls are gearing up to go to Colorado on Sunday. Shelby is excited, Alix is hesitant as usual ;-) I'm excited for them and know they will have a really good time. I can't wait to hear all of the fun things they do while they are there!
That's what we've been up to. How did you all survive the holidays?
I look forward to hearing from you!
m

Christmas

Hi to all who are reading my blog after getting our Christmas card! I hope you are all doing well, staying warm and getting ready for the blessed Christmas season!

I try to keep this updated at least weekly. My intentions were to do it daily, but with homeschooling, it's gotten pushed aside! And yes, you read that I am homeschooling. Shelby and I are spending some quality (?!) time together this year before she heads back to Northwest High School in the fall. It was a HUGE decision for all of us and it's a HUGE step, but hopefully we are getting her where she needs to be to go back and not be totally in a fog. It's a good thing, although somedays I may give you a different answer! Shelby also got her drivers permit this year and is working part time in the cafe that is located in the building where Mike works. She enjoys the job and gets to see some "stars" in the making in the theater class that is held there. That story in one of the older blog archives if you want to look for it! It's about Cody Linely. (if you have tweens, you'll know who he is!) She's very involved in the youth group and loves to go to any and everything that they do!

Alix is very involved in all the activities she can be in while in the 7th grade. She was on the volleyball team, she's cheerleading (like mother, like daughter!) and she's wanting to get into National Junior Honor Society. She's received straight A's for the first 2 Six Weeks and she studies hard so she can do well. She also LOVES to spend time w/her friends, especially going to the movies. It's a good year for her so far and her schedule has kept us all pretty busy.

Mike and Shelby spent some time in Honduras in June. They left the day after school got out for the summer and came back the day before Shelby's birthday. It was a life-changing experience and they are both eager to go back! We have some friends there who are missionaries and Mike and Shelby went to help out for several days. They have quite a few stories from their experiences and are always eager to share if you want to hear about them!

We all went to several concerts this year which is unusual for us! It seemed like we were going all of the time! We went to see Kenny Chesney (country singer) who also had Sugarland and Taylor Swift as opening acts. They were at Pizza Hut Park which is an open air venue and it poured down rain most of the night! What's cool is that they all won BIG CMA awards this year so we were glad we saw them all in one evening! That's a whole other experience, let me tell you! (I will if you want to know about it! )

Mike and I went to see Martina McBride (country singer) who had Little Big Town w/her. That was a great show-loved both acts! Oh, and I won those tickets on the local country radio station! Mike, Shelby and I went to see Chris Daughtry (former American Idol contestant-bald rocker, same season as Carrie Underwood). He was great! That concert was at the American Airlines Center in Dallas after the Texas Stampede and Rodeo. Lastly, Shelby and Alix went to the very infamous Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus w/the Jonas Brothers concert in Fort Worth. Of course, tickets were sold out and selling for thousands of dollars, but we were able to get some from Ticketmaster the night before the concert for face value of the ticket and they were great seats! They had a blast-the highlight of their year! Alix actually tried to see the Jonas Brothers at the Texas State Fair when it was Public School Day and all kids get free tickets. It was hot and totally packed and she was so crowded in that she almost passed out! Oh, and Mike went w/Shelby and one of her friends to a Six Flags concert to see Skillet, Grits and Kutless (Christian rock bands). Mike showed his age by wearing ear plugs =-) I know there are more that Shelby went to, but those are the highlights! Way too much money on concerts this year, huh?!!

We welcomed a new nephew/cousin in July. Mike's sister, Kayrene, and her husband Jeff, had a precious little baby boy, Ryan Jeffrey. He's a sweetie-smiles all of the time (well most of the time!). He's a doll and we are so thankful to have him in the family.

Our big highlight of the year was going to NYC in October for our family trip. It was suppose to be Alix's 13th birthday trip and we all got to tag along. We had a blast, but needed much more time there! There's so much to do and see that it's overwhelming. We came back thoroughly exhausted, but so glad we went. We saw Mary Poppins the Musical on Broadway which was fabulous and of course hit most of the tourist traps. If you've never gone, you need to. You'll love it!

We are getting ready for the holidays now. My grandmother, Nanny, is coming in town this Wednesday and staying w/us until Saturday. I don't think she's ever stayed w/us so it should be interesting! Mike's parents are coming next weekend and will stay the first leg of their trip at Kayrene's so they can spend time with the grandson and then will come here the day after Christmas. Shelby and Alix are going to Colorado December 30-January 5 w/the youth group (and Mamaw and Papaw are going!). They've never been and really want to try skiing, so they are heading out to see how they like it! Mike and I will be stuck at home, all by ourselves... =-)

We will be thinking of you all as we go through the season. If you sent a card, it's up in our entryway so we can see it daily and remember you all. Hopefully we'll see you all again very soon, but until then, MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

m

December 1, 2007

December already...what more can I say? Thanksgiving was good, it's over and now we are in the homestretch for Christmas! WOW!

Shopping for gifts is in full swing. I started the day after Thanksgiving...online! I wasn't ready to face the masses on Black Friday, so I got up at 5 a.m. and did some shopping online! I got a lot of it accomplished that day, but am still in the search for a few things. How about you? Still working on it, done, or haven't yet started? Now getting my Christmas cards out is a different matter all together! They are still in a nice, neat pile on my desk awaiting pictures to put in them. Trying to get the four of us together long enough to take some pictures is near the impossible factor, but hopefully we can get it done this weekend and get our lovely, smiling faces out to you all!

I haven't posted any pics for a while so I'll include a few that reflect our lives in the last month or so!

I pray that you all have a Merry Christmas season...don't let the scrooges of the world take your smile!

M

November 20, 2007

The Hannah Montana concert w/the Jonas Brothers was quite a hit w/the girls. They had the best time 2 sisters could have screaming their heads off for an entire evening! Seriously, all you can hear on the video they took is of the screaming for the Jonas Brothers! They each have their favorite, Alix likes Nick and Shelby likes Joe. Then they watched them on the AMA's and saw Joe trip and fall onto the broken glass that was part of the prop for the song! It was hilarious but I'm sure he was very embarrassed. I mean, come on...it's the AMA's! Funny stuff...you can probably watch it on YouTube somewhere!
We're preparing for Thanksgiving. Thursday we will be going to a restaurant in Grapevine to have dinner w/Kayrene and Jeff and precious boy Ryan. (I saw him today...so sweet and happy!). Then on Friday we will be going to my mom's house for Thanksgiving w/the Gant side of the family. Food and more food...just what I need!
I hope you all have a wonderful holiday and actually do take time to reflect on your blessings and be thankful for all that God has done in your life. He's so good, all of the time!
Giving thanks for all of you
m

November 14, 2007

Mike and the girls are on their way to the Hannah Montana concert! Yes, we got tickets late, late last night from ticketmaster! They were releasing some through the evening/night and we snagged some good ones! The girls were excited, Alix especially, but Shelby was just as excited! The Jonas Brothers are going to be there, too. If you don't know who any of these are, you must not have kids in the "tween" years!
I'm not brave enough to hit downtown Fort Worth w/ that many crazy parents on the loose! They haven't sold out the convention center like this since the year 2000 when KISS was here! 12,000 attendees w/700 parking spaces at the center! No way, but thanks!
I'll fill you in on the fun tomorrow!
m

November 12, 2007

So we went to the Texas Stampede/Rodeo on Friday which was followed up by a concert by Chris Daughtry (from American Idol). (The above video is of Chris-the sound wasn't the greatest and it was shot w/our still camera, but you get the general idea!) We had a really great time. It was Mike and myself, Shelby and a friend of hers. I always love the rodeo, except for the calf-roping. To me, that's cruelty to animals! Anyway, I love the bull riding, bronco riding, etc. One of the bull riders got thrown off and stepped on which scared the pooey out of us...He was down for several minutes, not moving. Eventually he got up and walked out. I read on the website that he got a concussion BUT he rode on Saturday for the full 8 seconds! What a cowboy!
The concert w/Daughtry was great. He did a great job. The sound wasn't the best, though. They didn't pipe it through the big main speakers but through the little sound system that Chris's band uses. It was just fun to see him and watch him perform after watching and voting for him when he was on Idol.
I think that's it for concerts this year! Quite the year! Although Alix is still working on getting to the Hannah Montanna concert this Wednesday! I'm listening to KSCS trying to win some. Who knows? I've done it before!!
Have a good one and I hope you're all doing well!
m

November 8, 2007

Not a lot of change on the homefront. Each day is busy in itself but I"m thankful for each day I get! It's never boring, that's for sure!
Trying to gear up for the holiday season, gift-giving in particular! It seems like we just had Christmas and now it's here again! Anyone else got a jump on their shopping? I have a couple of little things, but still trying to figure out gifts to give.
We watched the CMA awards last night. (that's Country Music Awards for those not into country music-shame on you!) Anyway, when it was all said and done, we realized that in one concert event we saw the Horizon Award winner (Taylor Swift), Vocal Duo of the Year (Sugarland) and Entertainer of the Year (Kenny Chesney)! How cool is that?! We know how to pick our concerts, huh?! Tomorrow night we are going to see Chris Daughtry who was on American Idol a season or two ago. Love, love, loved him then and continue to enjoy his music. Even though he's a rocker, his songs are good & clean. We are really looking forward to seeing him at the AAC after the Texas Stampede and Rodeo. I'll fill you in on it next week.
I guess that's it. Just sitting here waiting for Shelby to finish up her Geography lesson so we can review. (my least favorite subject =-(
Hope you are all well!
See you later!
m

October 24,2007

Ok, I could have swore that I had blogged since the beginning of October but I guess not! Yes, I keep that busy that I can't remember one day from the next! We went to NYC for a few days and had an absolute blast (if I haven't talked to you!). I've been playing w/the pics on Shutterfly trying to create a scrapbook of sorts. I thought it would be cool and easy which it was, but when I decided I could do the $39.99 book for 20 pages I didn't realize that I would have 43 pages! It's an additional $1.00 per page so I have a really nice $65 scrapbook! I haven't bought it yet, just look at it on the computer! Anyway, I'm trying to get in the digital scrapbooking era but it's all a little confusing. Part of Shelby's school is learning Adobe Photoshop so I'm going to have her figure it all out and then show me how to do it=-))

We're all the same...busy, busy, busy. Overall, things are good. Having 2 teenage daughters can take a toll on Mike and me, but we muddle through and pray for quiet time away from the constant chatter! We treasure it, though, because we know that one day (sooner than we think!) we will wish we could hear them chatter again!

Well, I'm off to get Alix and check in on Shelby to make sure she's getting her homework done.

Take care and I'll talk to you soon!
m

October 3, 2007

It's been a while since my last post. Homeschool, extracurricular activities, etc are keeping my days very busy! It's like as soon as the day starts, it's over and what have I accomplished?! It would be great to have someone to clean my house...I just wave at the dust on all of the furniture and will get to it when I get the chance! It's like having babies again...busy, busy, busy and tired, tired, tired!!

Homeschool is going pretty well. It's been a bit challenging for me (and for shelby!) especially since I have never taught anything in my life before! Trying to figure out how Shelby learns best, the best routine for the day, etc., keeps me busy 24/7 (just about!). We're getting through and will probably be at the end of the year before we finally feel confident about it all! I have to say that I'm learning alot! And all of that "stuff" that I didn't learn first time around in high school, I'm relearning (and I still don't care how you diagram a sentence!) I'm sure that's important to someone, but it's nothing that ever made sense to me!

Alix is busy with volleyball and cheerleading...and I do mean busy! I think it's wearing her out, but there was no telling her that she was going to be busy...she thought she could handle it so we let her go for it! She was complaining at the football game Monday night...cheering in TX in 90+ degree weather for 3.5 hrs is draining on a young girl! Anyway, she's really enjoying volleyball. Not getting as much play time in as she was hoping, but she's doing a great job and really working hard at it. (I know...I just ended a sentence w/a preposition which is a big no-no, but we haven't learned that yet in Grammar so I plead innocent!)

Mike's getting ready for the big #42 on Friday! YIKES! He wants to skip over it this year...not liking to admit his age as readily these days!

We head out for NYC a week from today. We're all getting very excited! I"m trying to finalize an itinerary but it's discouraging because there's not enough time to do everything we want to do!!

Better get the school work started. Just wanted to say "hi"!

Have a great day!

m

September 8, 2007

Another week of homeschool is past and I think I learned a little bit more this week in regards to organization, planning, etc. Of course, it always looks better on paper than it does when I put it in practice, but I'm diligently praying that it will work and will make things go a little smoother than it has been! We had a round of tests and Shelby did well. We were pleased and I think it helped her self-confidence as well.

My baby, Alix, turns 13 tomorrow, 9/9!!! When did she grow up and how quickly it happened?! Of course her BIG birthday celebration won't take place until October in NYC, but we're having a little family deal tomorrow, plus I'm sure that shopping at Delia's will be thrown in the mix as well! She is insistent on finding a dress or something to wear to a broadway show so her first stop is Delia's. I can't believe she's grown up this quickly but I guess time flies even more when you're older and when time applies to your kids!

I'd better get going w/my day. I have miles to go before I sleep and sometimes, it's a lonely, narrow road when you're a mom!!

talk to you later

m

September 1, 2007

Week #1 of school is officially over! so much can happen in 4 short days! Homeschool for Shelby and me went fairly well. It was overwhelming for me at times and had many tears in my closet after everyone was in bed (or still at work in Mike's case!) It was a scary and lonely feeling but we both got through, had some laughs, learned some algebra and English along the way and I'm pretty sure we'll make it once we develop a routine. Thanks for your prayers! They were definitely felt!
Alix had a good week as a 7th grader. She did drop band and her beloved flute is in the process of being sent back (boo, hoo!) but she did try out and make the volleyball team which was her ultimate goal of the year! She found out yesterday and was so excited! Between the volleyball games/practices and cheerleading games/practices, she's going to be a very busy young lady! And yes, young lady is in order since a week from tomorrow she will be 13!!! My baby, all grown into a teenager! Or maybe "oh no, another teenage daughter" might be more appropriate! Anyway, all is well on the school homefront for now.
Please just keep me in your prayers as we go through this whole homeschool deal. And any of you who are currently homeschooling or have homeschooled at all, I could use encouragement at just about any time, I guarantee it!
Have a good weekend! And a good Labor Day holiday!
m

Bee Gees Stayin' Alive

So I looked up songs from when I was in the 7th grade...here's a video (yes, they had video back then!) of one of the Top 100 songs of that era...and I thought he was sooooo cute!!

August 27, 2007

Prayers please! Tomorrow is the first day of home school w/Shelby! I know it is the best thing for her at this moment in her life but it's a little overwhelming and daunting at the same time. She's still "cool" with it but unsure of how it's going to work, etc. She did find out that a new "friend" of hers is homeschooled so that helped ease the pain a little =-)

Alix is ready to head back to middle school...ugh! Who in their right mind wants to go back to the 7th grade? Hands raised anyone?!! Not me, especially in this day and age. All of the drama that is involved with being a girl in the 21st century!

Question for you guys, too...anyone have any secret weight loss tips? For some reason I've put on a few pounds and I'm miserable and want to get rid of it! It's a long story but unfortunately, I'm not sure I can get rid of it very easily. I could go into all of the details of my medical history as to why I think it's harder for me to lose weight, but it could take all of the Google airspace in order to do that! Anyway, if you have anything that's working for you, please let me know!

Ok, here goes...I'm off to get ready to be Homeschool Mom of the Year! (at least on McKenzie Dr. in Trophy Club!)

Help!

m

August 23, 2007

Can you believe it's time for school already?! The summer went so quickly...at least for me! The girls think it drug on and on, but I'm just in shock that school starts next week! Alix and I went to get her schedule, ID, etc this morning at Medlin Middle School. It's hard to see my little baby girl going into the 7th grade and making decisions like a mini-adult! She's excited for the upcoming year. She's going to be doing cheerleading and volleyball. Unfortunately, she's decided to give up band and playing the flute. She did such a good job with it and was on her way to becoming really good, but one look at the rigor of the Wind Ensemble requirements and all that lies ahead for her, she decided that was one thing she could cut. Sad =-(
Shelby and I are gearing up for the home school adventure! We've both got such mixed emotions but are both confident that this is what we're suppose to be doing right now. She's having a little bit of a hard time listening to her friends talk about going back to school, etc but she'll see that she's not missing much once we get started. We've talked about it so long that we're just ready to get started. I've been getting in deep with the school calendar, etc and also trying to re-learn a lot just so I can help her understand! It will be a good mental exercise for my mush of a brain!
I hope you are all doing well. Let me know what's going on in your lives as your summer winds down!
Talk to you all later!
m

August 14, 2007

Hi guys! It seems like it's been forever so I thought I'd hop on and say "hi"! I've been enjoying the new little nephew, Ryan Jeffrey. He's so cute and such a little cuddle-bug! He just scrunches down and snuggles =-) I'm still the the midst of running Shelby back and forth to drivers ed. This is her last week, finally! She has received her permit, but hasn't officially started the driving part of the drivers ed. She also started a job this week and she's excited (I think-as much as a teenage girl can get over a job!) She's working at the cafe that is housed in the same building that Mike works. She runs the cash register, etc, and it's $! Pray that it lasts and she enjoys it. It's good for her to get out and not be stuck at home all of the time!
And, I guess the big news is that we are going to NYC in October for Alix's 13th birthday! She was so excited when we told her we were going. She's on the computer every day looking for places to eat, things to do, etc. It's going to be a quick trip, but she will be able to say she's been there and then be able to have a better idea on what she wants to do on an extended stay!
I've been working on home school stuff all day. It's draining mentally! I'm going through the books and trying to put together a timeline/lesson plan, whatever you call it! I'm going to be learning alot this year =-) Pray for me as you think about it that the year will go well and we/I will accomplish what I feel God has called me to do in regards to Shelby's education. Just pray that she learns what she needs to learn to have a good, solid foundation on which to continue to build her academic studies on!
That's about it for now. Just busy, busy, busy-but then again, who isn't these days?!
Talk to you later
m

July 9, 2007

Yes, I'm still around. I've been sick for a while and not out of bed. I'm now up and around the house trying to figure out how to get my routine established again!
I'll check in later and fill in the blanks of the last few days!
Later guys!
m

August 2, 2007

Today marks 21 wonderful years being married to my hubby, Mike =-) It's hard to believe it's been that long of a time but it also seems like we've always been. Know what I mean? I can't imagine my life ever without him and am so thankful and blessed that he is the one that God chose for me!
Here's to another gazillion more anniversaries!
m

July 29, 2007

Hey =-)

Not a lot to post today. Been a rather quiet weekend compared to most. We did go to the Sunday A.M. service this morning at Aurora Baptist. We usually go on Saturday night and enjoy the Saturday casualness. This morning was nice...I'm sure if we went routinely we would really be able to make alot of friends.

Shelby starts her drivers ed tomorrow afternoon. Am I ready? NO!! I'll be sure to send out a warning whenever she starts driving with us in the car =-)

I haven't seen Baby Ryan since Thursday. I'm missing him, but hear he's doing well. I talked to Kayrene yesterday and it sounds like they are doing well adjusting at home.

That's really about it. Like I said, quiet weekend. I guess it's getting ready for the extremely busy weeks that lie ahead gearing up for school.

Talk later...

m

July 26, 2007

Baby Ryan is doing pretty good. He had to stay an extra night last night due to being jaundiced, but they put him in a "glow worm" blanket to help bring his bilirubin levels down. They should go home this afternoon. Kayrene is doing well and is anxious to get home in her own environment and get a "routine" established. Jeff had to go back to work for 1/2 day today BUT Grandma Jones got in town last night to spend 3 weeks w/them so she'll be available 24/7 at their house! She was thrilled to meet the new grandson last night. He's so cute!! (in case I hadn't said that before!)

It's grocery day today so I'd better run for now!

m

July 24, 2007

It's been a few days since my last entry, but I have great news! I have a new nephew...Ryan Jeffrey Janak! He was born yesterday, July 23 and I was honored to be able to be there to see him born. He's soooo cute! However, I've lost my "biggest baby of the family" bragging rights. Kayrene beat me by a long shot! Ryan was 9 lb 14 oz and was 21 1/4" long...and delivered naturally!!! I bow to her =-) She did really well, as did Jeff. They are very proud parents of an adorable little boy. The girls are proud cousins and have just oooh'd and aaah'd over him since they first saw him. Grandma Jones gets to come to town tomorrow, Wednesday to spend a few weeks with baby and her daughter. She's anxious to get here!

We're all so happy for them and can't wait to watch him grow like my other 3 nephews have grown so quickly!

See you later...need to go see baby Ryan again this afternoon!

m

July 18, 2007

I still haven't heard from either of the girls while since they've been gone. I don't know whether to be glad or worried! I'm going for the "glad" since we as Christians aren't suppose to worry! They get back tomorrow so I'm sure I'll hear all kinds of stories at that time.
Mike and I have been enjoying our time together (and not in the way you're probably thinking, dirty minds!). We don't realize how hectic life really does get when there is so much to do with the girls, plus they command alot of attention that we lose track of our own time together. I think it's always good to have a few days here and there to spend w/your spouse without interruptions or cares of the world and reconnect. Try it!!
I had lunch w/Kayrene, my sister-in-law that's pregnant. She's going in Sunday night to be induced Monday morning. She's ready..but not. It's scary when it's your first one. You want to do everything right and try to be relaxed about it all as well. I sure remember that feeling! However, I think that we are still struggling with the "first child" issues as to not knowing how to handle things that we haven't had to handle before. Poor Shelby...she gets to be the guinea pig and she really doesn't like that role! Pray for us, seriously, that we can work through things with her without driving a wedge between all of us. She wants to grow up and we want to keep her safe and protected and haven't quite struck a deal on how that works the best for all of us!
Getting ready for dinner. I decided on chili tonight since it's only in the upper 90's vs the 100's =-) That with a good glass of wine and I'm settled in for a nice, quiet, last evening w/Mike.
Reconnect w/your spouse...it's sooo worth it!
m

July 17, 2007

Hello all =-)

Both of the girls are gone for a few days and yes, I'm missing them. Missing the drama and constant tension and tears that are normal at our house these days...NO! But I am missing their laughter and their hugs and seeing their sleepy faces in the mornings. I haven't heard from them, but I'm sure they're having a good time or Alix would have called by now! They're going to Hurrican Harbor today and neither have been before so I'm praying for safety and that they not get totally burned! They took sunscreen so hopefully they remember to use it!

I used my day alone yesterday to get caught up on surfing the computer time! while they are home during the summer my computer time is limited so I think I sat here a good part of the day copying CD's to my yahoo music and burning mix CD's to play in the car. Yes, I did my "work" here at home to but had fun just chillin' and playing on the computer. I don't think I'll spend as much time here as I did yesterday, but it's nice to sit down and not have to give up time to 2 little computer hogs!

Enjoy your day! I know I will (even with thoughts of my girls in the back of my mind!)!

m

July 14, 2007

The concert last night was the best one I think I've ever been to! Little Big Town and Martina McBride all did an awesome job and sounded fabulous! Mike and I had a great time and were very impressed with the whole thing! I highly recommed seeing them if/when they come to your area!
I'll post pics soon. One of the girls from Little Big Town is touring pregnant... 8mos 3 weeks pregnant at that!
Later dudes
m

July 11, 2007

I won tickets to see Martina McBride and Little Big Town at Nokia theater this Friday night! Mike and I were listening to KSCS while fixing dinner tonight and they asked for the 10th caller to call in and win 2 tix and I got through! I almost didn't call, but just sort of picked up the phone and called and won!! So excited! Alix bought me Martina's newest CD for Mothers Day. The deal is, the girls don't know about it yet. Alix will through a fit about wanting to go and I only got 2 tix and having a date night w/my hubby!

Anyway, thought I would share that bit of info! Woo-hoo!

July 11, 2007

Day after first workout-

Not too bad, although my arms are slightly sore. I guess I didn't push it hard enough so I'll have to up the weights when we go back. I really don't want to feel really sore, but from what they tell me the soreness means you really worked out and stretched your muscles(?)!
So, I'll try another workout tomorrow &/0r Friday and see how those work out for me...
Have a good day...
m

July 10, 2007

My first day of working out-

The girls and I went to Mike's place of employment which also houses a work out facility. The girls and I had talked about it for a while but today we decided to go for it. We got there and Mike had begun without us thinking that we would not last the whole hour or so that he works out...he of little faith =-) I think we were actually there for an hour, thank you very much! He showed us how to do the various machines and then left us on our own. I think I made the girls laugh so hard that they got their workout from laughing!! It's a funny story, but with my not knowing the correct terms of the workout equipment, etc, it wouldn't be as funny in a blog! Just put it this way, the girls will have a great memory of their mom working out!

Anyway, I "breezed" through the workout session and walked a mile on the treadmill. I'm sure I won't even be able to get out of bed in the morning! It's been ages since I've worked out like that but I really do enjoy it, working out with the weight machines! Plus I get to see my hunk of a husband working out and looking really good all sweaty!!

The girls, especially Alix, like to go there because a famous teen TV/Movie star is there a lot. His name is Cody Linley. He's on the infamous Hannah Montanna Disney show and he's been in the movie "Hoot". Anyway, for a 16 yr old, I guess he's "hot"...Alix is all dreamy about him. His mom teaches acting classes there and when he's not on location or filming he comes to the building to help teach classes. For some reason, Alix feels a major calling to learn acting =-) That's the only reason she likes to go work out. Here's a pic I found of him when I googled him.

So, back to my workout. Right now at 9 p.m, I don't feel too bad. Look for my post tomorrow, Wednesday, to see how I am. If there's no post, I was too sore to even type!

Later guys!

m

July 7, 2007

This is an organizational weekend. Trying to clean out closets that I never go in, set up filing cabinets for the upcoming school year and work in the guest room trying to spruce it up a little bit. You know, all of the "fun stuff" that you just never get around to doing =-) My plan is to scrapbook tomorrow for quite a while...I hope to do it. I'm so far behind that I think I'm caught up! I really, really miss it, but I just don't take the time to do it anymore.
Alix spent the night at mamaw and papaw's house last night and is having a fun time with them today. She's been playing with Jordan's little puppy (ies) and having a fun time with that. She's also helping paps paint their bedroom and helping mams pull weeds and dead flowers off of the rose bushes. Keeping the little one busy!
Shelby's been home with us. We had fun playing dominoes and Hearts last night until she got tuckered out about 10:30 p.m.! What's up with that?!
Mike's been working outside washing the cars and playing in the yard. He loves it although he complains an awful lot about the heat, etc. It is starting to really get warm and the sun is finally shining again! Still very thankful for the rain we've been having and won't complain a bit!
I guess that sums up the weekend. Going to church tonight and then around the house and stuff tomorrow. The girls have choir practice for WBYC which is a week from Monday. (World Baptist Youth conference)
Take care and enjoy your time off this weekend!
m

July 5, 2007

Happy 5th of July! I'm a day late on the 4th of July greetings, so I thought "why not the 5th of July"?! I hope you all had a good day of celebrating our nations independence. We had a really good time w/some friends and family. We went to Kenny & Brenda's house/ranch about 60 miles north of here. They have 160 acres w/cows, dogs, etc. We took fireworks and lit them about 10 p.m. We all had a fun time, getting to know new people and laughing at all kinds of things! They took us on four wheelers out to see the cows. It's beautiful up there and the cows were so funny. They even have a little jack russell who runs all over the place but when the four wheelers come out, he jumps on the back! or her runs after them until they stop and let him on! It was so cute!

Alix wanted to learn to drive the four-wheeler. Our little daredevil! She ended up taking Shelby for a ride and when they came back, Shelby was driving! We could hear them giggling on up the driveway from where we were! It was fun =-)

We found out that my sister-in-law, Kayrene, is scheduled to be induced on July 23 and bring that new little baby boy into the world! Betty is coming down on the 25th to spend a few weeks with them, helping Jeff and Kayrene get settled into their roles as new parents! We're anxious to meet the little guy whose name is "Peanut" at the moment =-))

That's about it. I am taking my two daughters to the movie so they can spend some quality sister-bonding time together. How sweet...

m

July 1, 2007

Just a quick shout out to say HI..another fast weekend. I just don't know where they go! Anyone have any big plans for the 4th of July? We'll be going to a big 160 acre ranch north of Decatur so we're anxious to see what country ranch life is really like!
I do have a couple of prayer requests, too. First, our friend Paula, in Honduras is sick and in the hospital there. Please pray for her healing and for her to find a dr. who knows what he/she's doing and can help her. It's a long story but you can read it on their website.
Also, major issues this weekend w/our daughters. Please just pray for understanding and peace to be in our home. We understand that our battle is with the enemy, not w/our girls, so that is what we are wrestling with. They're both great girls whom we love dearly and want to protect and guide in God's ways the best we can.
That's about it. No funnies today..just tired after the weekend of running!
Talk later!
m

June 29, 2007

From rain saturated Texas...hello! Wow! I can't believe all of the rain we keep getting! It's totally unreal. I don't remember it ever being like this since we've been here! Even SixFlags was completely flooded! We're still no where close to being flooded at our home, but there are so many people that are going through total losses around the area. Pray for them when you get a chance. They're mostly low income families that don't know how they will be able to replace what they've lost. It's sad. Thankfully the Red Cross (yeah, Debbie!) is on hand helping them sort through and take steps forward.

I guess one of the biggest pieces of news is that a "friend" of Shelby's who has been a thorn in my side, went to church w/her on Wednesday and accepted Christ as his Savior! He even told us about it and said he was just so "stoked" =-? He's got a long way to go, but we all have a long way to go even if we've been Christians our whole lives! I am praying that he is able to blend in to a group of guys at the church and they will encourage him and help him begin and maintain his walk w/the Lord. His name is Ryan, by the way, if you can pray for him!

Alix is teaching Shelby her cheerleading dance routines and they perform them for us. I think Mike and I might even join in for a good workout! Of course Mike tries to ham it up for them and they end up in a heap of giggles =-) Not me, baby...I need the work out! My life has turned into nothing more than slug-material. I'm not motivated enough to do anything, yet at the same time I am. I like to walk but not in the heat, humidity, rain, etc...I guess in an air-conditioned controlled environment! The girls want to get a membership somewhere to work out, either in Roanoke or at the facility where Mike works. All I know is that I need to do something to get in shape and to hopefully lose a little bit of weight. Actually a lot-a-bit of weight would be good but I'd settle for 5-10.

Is anyone in the midst of a good Bible study? I'm using various things each day, but want to focus more on one thing. I haven't been in a structured Bible study for a while but love to study here at home. We did just get a new software program for home...for the schoolyear w/Shelby, too, but it looks really cool. It's called iLlumia. If you're interested in seeing how it works here's the link: http://www.ilumina.com/home/default.asp We ended up getting it from Christianbooks.com which is where I get alot of things these days! Anyway, I may check that out, too, especially if I don't hear back from anyone =-(

I'll close for now. The day is just starting and I have a lot to get done! Wish we could sit and talk over a cup of coffee =-)

June 26, 2007

Raining...again. I'm not complaining at all, mind you. We have had many summers that have had drought-like conditions and our summer hasn't even gotten into full swing yet so how can I complain?! I know some of you are experiencing drought conditions. I am praying for you because i know how tough that can be. He will provide rain...we just have to trust Him that He knows the exact time it needs to come.

I was reading Psalms 66 today and vs 1-4 were a great way to start my day. Read it when you get a chance. Put it this way...I want to be a shouter!! Any scripture meaningful in our life right now? Please share!

The day is still ahead of me. I've been trying to get the girls up and going. I guess I need to get them up at the crack of dawn so they go to sleep at night! Night owls!

With the rain outside it makes for a good day for reading...or scrapbooking...not for cleaning the house =-)

June 25, 2007

It's been a few days since I last posted. The weekends go by so fast and have so much packed in them that I run out of time!

Shelby got home on Friday and had a friend from camp spend the night. We didn't get much "talk-time" in while the friend was here. I guess they were having "withdrawals" from camp already and didn't want to let the camp feeling go. She had a great time, rededicated her life to Christ and accepted a calling on her life for missions. If you think of her at times, keep her in your prayers that this will not all die out after a month or so and that her new commitment and calling be strong and real in her life. I don't doubt for a minute the genuineness of any of it, but I've also had those great mountain-top experiences at camp to only have them fade after a month or so. I know and believe that with prayer she will walk through this victoriously and let her light so shine among men! Today, Monday, she is at her first day at the Roanoke Animal Hospital w/a vet friend of ours. She's letting Shelby shadow her on surgeries and exams so Shelby was very excited about that!

Alix is back to a more normal routine after 2 weeks of camps at the high school. Now it's just cheerleading practice on Monday and Thursday mornings-whew! She had a good time at volleyball camp last week. Yesterday at Kayrene's baby shower, Alix was able to meet some of Kayrene's friends who all still play volleyball and one is a coach at L.D. Bell high school. Talk about some tall people! I was dwarfed tremendously in their presence!

That's about all for now. I'll share about my sister-in-laws baby shower in a separate post. Just wanted to pop in and say hi to those of you who are reading this!

Have a good one! We're preparing for the onslaught of rain again!

m

June 22, 2007

Shelby comes home today!! she's been at camp and we haven't been able to talk to her at all! so glad she's going to be home in her bed tonight. It's been too quiet!

June 20, 2007

It's beginning to turn "summertime" in TX! Hitting the 90's already and 70's at night. Yes, it's still raining off and on but it's suppose to slow down for several days. It's funny how we get soooo much rain, the ground gets saturated, yet the plants act as if they haven't seen water for days! Maybe it's because they are hanging plants. I'm plant-challenged and don't really take the time to learn, either! Any ideas on why my rose plants are growing like crazy but not blooming at all?!! Not one bloom. I'm thinking it's because they don't get a lot of sunlight?! If anyone has any ideas on what I can do besides replant, can you let me know? Oh, and it's not the rose bush that I posted a picture of earlier...I have 4 others on the opposite side of the porch than that plant.

I haven't heard from Shelby since she's been gone. I miss her =-( It's so quiet with her gone...I'm praying for her week at camp that she will come back revived and re-energized. I know God has big plans for her it's just getting her to the point to see the same thing!

Not much else going on worth blogging about. Just hanging out w/Alix and Mike and trying to get caught up on things that I have let go for far too long. Hope everyone is doing well. Come and visit us if you're out-of-towners!

Chow! Or Ciao! or whatever else you can think of to say good-bye!

m

June 18, 2007

What a weekend this has been! Actually, just the last 24 hours have been interesting! We had some pretty bad storms move through here last night. Thankfully we didn't sustain any damage but a part of Trophy Club did flood and the street buckled from the flooding. It was worse just south of us in Haltom City and north of us in Gainesville. The whole city of Gainesville was pretty much flooded and a mobile home park in Haltom City took the brunt of the flooding there. We had a hard time going to sleep last night because of the winds, the lightening strikes and the rain was horrendous! Anyway, right around 2 a.m. the tornado sirens went off so we were up trying to find a news station to fill us in on the details. They first said that there was rotation over Trophy Club but by the time we heard about it, it was over. Pretty much, it was the flooding that was in issue. Mike talked with a friend of ours this evening and he said that the houses that back up to the creek were flooded. The most damage here was to a little league baseball complex right behind the Tom Thumb and Starbucks. The picture that I've tagged on this blog is of the baseball diamonds, but I took it with my phone camera so it doesn't do it justice. Anyway, long story made long =-), we are fine but other areas around us will have alot of cleanup and rebuilding to do.
We went to our big Kenny Chesney concert on Saturday night. That's a whole blog in itself! Let's just say for now that I would love to see him again, in a different venue when the concert isn't sponsored by Cruzan Rum =-( I'll work on that blog another day! All in all we had fun, but it poured down rain and we were drenched the whole night!! I'll try to put a few pics of the concert up, too. Shelby and Alix loved Taylor Swift and I really enjoy Sugarland but Kenny is the main reason we (I!) went! Love him!!! (but not like that..you know what I mean!!)

Shelby is in Clayton, OK at church camp this week. Her youth leader nominated her and 2 others from the youth to be a part of a leadership training program while they are there. That is a huge answer to prayer so when you think about her, pray that God will really call her and use her in the capacity and role that HE has called her to be. She's so close to truly living a life worthy of her calling but it's still so easy to hang onto that little bit of world that seems to be worth holding onto. We all have that piece we hang onto I guess. I just hope that my piece has been downsized to just a particle under my fingernail =-)

Alix is in volleyball camp this week. That's her true passion. The "head coach" told her today that she is a "setter" and she has a great (or good, one of the two!) serve. She was happy w/the attention and the compliments. Her Aunt Reenie (who still plays volleyball) says the setter does the most work but it's a great position to play.

That's about all in our neck of the woods. It's sure been an interesting ride this weekend but I'm so thankful for God's faithfulness and goodnesss to carry us through floods (literally), storms and concerts flooded w/rum & beer ;-? Maybe that's why we had such a huge rain here...to wash away all of the filth that we was around us at the concert on Saturday night!

Take care one and all!
m

June15, 2007

Being a city girl, it takes a lot for me to appreciate anything "outdoorsy" =-) However, as I sit each morning at my kitchen table for quiet time with my Heavenly Father, I see my rose bush outside my window. This picture is of one morning when there were several blooms on the bush and it was beautiful to look at first thing in the morning! It is such a reminder of the blessings that God gives us every day in even the smallest of things! How "cool" of Him to put the colors of pink and green together to give us a beautiful rose bush! He knows how attracted we women are to soft colors, so he chose that particular pink for the rose bush in my backyard! I want to be thankful for each and every blessing, even if it comes w/thorns...the thorns protect the beauty of the rose and preserve it. You can draw your own conclusions on "thorns" and 'beauty" in relation to Jesus and us...let your thoughts go to Him and be thankful for the thorns He endured to protect us and preserve us for eternity.

Have a great day everyone!

June 13, 2007

Ok, so the waking up at 6:30 or 7:00 a.m. timeframe isn't working out very well =-) It's hard to get up that early when you don't go to bed before 1 a.m.!! So, my prayer this morning was that God would help me to use my time more wisely and go to bed earlier so I can get up earlier. I just can't get everything done in a day that I need to when I get up late! Although 9a.m.-10 a.m. has always been my time-of-choice for getting out of bed!!

We got some sad news today. A friend of Mike's and his sister, Kayrene, passed away yesterday. Tom Riddle grew up across the street from Mike and Kayrene and they all knew each other very well. He was even an usher in our wedding. He suffered from seizures and it appears that he had one while driving and ran off of the road, through a fence, etc. He has a little boy, maybe 3 or 4 yr old and Tom was an only child to Dottie and Russ Riddle. I'm sure the family is devastated beyond what I can comprehend. Please remember to pray for them all as they go through this really hard time in their life. And yes, he was a Christian so there is hope of seeing him again one day!

I also heard from another friend in Indiana today who we haven't seen in years! We keep in touch via Christmas cards every year, but we exchanged email addresses and she sent an email today! It is Daniel and Suzanne Amling from Valparaiso, IN. We lived across from them at Purdue and Dan and Mike were RA's together. It was great to hear from her and hope to be able to keep communication open again! We had some great times during those last couple of years of college at Purdue w/Dan and Suzanne! (pic below is an aerial view of Purdue)

God is continuing to do a good work in our lives. Again, I'll have to fill you in via email if you're interested! It's cool to see how prayers seem to be answered as the words escape our lips! God is good, don't you think?

A hello to my "peeps" in Nebraska and Michigan! Hope all is well in the northern part of the USA!

Time to get dinner in the works and get the girls ready for church tonight. Alix is pooped out after day #2 of cheerleading camp. Sounds like they are really working their tails off! It's good for her. Maybe she can teach us what she's learning!

Have a good evening!

m

June 12, 2007

With this week already into full swing, I feel my head spinning and my thoughts wondering how it's all going to work out. I have to take one to the high school from 10-3, pick her up, get home (about 20 min away-one way), fix dinner (hopefully with everyone in attendance but Mike is working late these days), and getting both girls back out to Aurora to attend the Teen revival that meets from 6:45-8:45 p.m. Since that's about a 30 minute drive one way, what do I do? Do I stay there and just hang out, go home to only have to turn around and come back, or go bug my mom for a couple of hours?! Head home after the revival is over and get back around 9:30 p.m. to get everyone ready to head to bed and get up to start it all over again! I know it's not as busy as some, but there are times that I wonder how it's all going to get done and when I'm going to have a chance to get done what I want to get done! Needless to say, I grumble before God.

Yesterday my quiet time was spent reading about the Israelites grumbling after their Exodus from Egypt. I know most of you are very familiar with that story but it hit me more so yesterday. I was the one grumbling like the Israelites because things weren't like they were in Egypt! Things for me aren't like they were when both girls weren't as involved w/everything and I had more time to myself. Things for me aren't like they were when the girls were at home all the time and took naps and didn't argue with me! Things were better when they were younger! WRONG!

God was faithful to show me that even though I wouldn't trade a moment of time when the girls were younger, it wasn't all fun and games and moments of solitude! Most of you know my health condition from when I had Alix up until she was about 2 or 3 yr old...I couldn't do anything for myself, I was going back and forth for labwork 3x/week; I was going to PT 3x/week or more; I had to have people walk me to and from wherever I needed to go and I couldn't sleep horizontally for quite sometime and I had 2 babies to care for! What was I thinking that things were so much easier then?!

God has also been faithful to deliver me from most of those ailments, at least from the severity of it. I am frequently thankful that I am able to take my kids where they need to go, walk without the assistance of others and only visit the doctor during those really bad times that aren't nearly as frequent as the past. I am thankful that I have two healthy girls who are able to be involved in the various things that they are in and keep my busy running all over the place! Why am I grumbling? God has provided for me!

I read this from Max Lucado that sort of hit the nail on the head for me so here's a link to it and I hope you take a moment to read it. It's not long, only a minute or two.
http://www.crosswalk.com/11540425/

I encourage you to look for the manna that God is faithful to provide for you. Don't take it for granted and don't try to store it up for later when you think you'll need Him more than you do now...it'll stink by then and you won't have had the opportunity to thank Him for supplying your every need!

Thankful to be dew-soaked...it means God loves me!
m

June 10, 2007

This weekend has flown by for us, how about you? It's like Friday evening comes and the next day is Monday morning! And of course, all activities begin on Monday so it all starts all over again! How about all of you guys? Any plans for the summer, vacations, company visiting, moving? I know some of you have already been out of town and some are tied here like I am but it's good to just have some time not running back and forth to school!

The race last night was fun. All three "girls' that raced finished and didn't wreck at all. Danicka Patrick finished 3rd if that means anything to anyone! Again, I'm more Nascar but it was fun just the same. There was the typical flyover before the race which always gives me goosebumps! I love that! Then there were 3 parachuters that landed in the speedway and that was cool, too! I say that I'd love to do that sometime but not sure that I'd ever be brave enough to follow through! So, I've told my girls that when I die to throw my ashes from an airplane so I could finally "skydive"!

My jetsetter, Shelby, is gearing up to go to church camp leaving on Father's Day. This time she's only going to Clayton, OK, so not quite as far as Honduras! This coming week starting tomorrow, they're having a teen revival at Aurora Baptist Church so the girls will be out there every night. Alix is still a little hesitant about meeting new people (who does she get that from?!) but hopefully she'll hook up with some girls and start to build some friendships. Anyway, Shelby is still ready to go back to Honduras! I ask her what it is that she misses and she says "I don't know, I just do!" Maybe the simplicity of the lifestyle, the structure and routine or maybe just being away from home! Whatever it is, I am praying that God would use it to stir up ministry of some kind in her heart. I think that she feels that she needs to be out of the country in order to experience "mission" work which is more of an opportunity. But we can't always be out in the front lines of another country so Shelby needs to be alert and aware of mission opportunities where her mission field currently encompasses. Pray for her when you think about her that the work that God is doing in her life will continue to grow and flourish and that she will be open to receive the guiding and direction for her life.

Alix starts her cheerleading camp this week at the high school. She's excited about it, I think, because she'll be around the "high school cheerleaders" and she'll feel like one of the hot shots! She's really been getting pretty good workout at her practices so now she's ready to focus on the routines and dances that they'll use in their cheer season. Then the next week is volleyball camp AND cheer practices so that will be a busy week, too! I ask for prayer for Alix in the fact that she isn't as ready to jump into a church or youth group and that her walk with God seems to be on Sunday's. She reads her Bible and we're getting ready to start a study for the summer here at home, but she's very into "stuff" and "things" and she has such a desire to be famous and rich...It bothers me at times that her sights are focused on things that are temporary and fleeting at best when she already has in her life the only thing of lasting value in her relationship with Jesus Christ. Right now I think she sees that relationship as something you just do because that's what your parents do, it's not a meaningful relationship. I talk to her daily about chasing after "things" and how you're always striving for one particular thing and when you get it it doesn't mean as much the next day and you're on to the next thing that you "have to have". She listens and I know she hears me. And I hope that there isn't anything that I have encouraged her in to get her to be semi-materialistic. We haven't caved and bought her the $300 Coach or Dooney & Burke purse that she thinks she has to have because all of the 12 yr old girls have one! Can you believe that?!! They even carry Chanel bags to middle school!!!! How ridiculous! (sorry if that offends anyone...I just think it's crazy!) Anyway, I guess you get a general idea of where she is in her life at the moment.

I've probably rambled on and on about nothing interesting. That's why I love this thing...I can go on and on and "think" that someone is listening (reading) when I never really know if they are! At least I get out some things that are on my mind and you get to sit and go through each day with me, seeing it from my point of view!

If any of you decide to do a blog, fill me in on it! I love to read them to keep up with people that I don't see on a regular basis. I read about our friends in Honduras as they post on their website. Pray for them as they have such a heart for the boys that they have and the culture of people that surround them. I know God is using them to impact the boys life for eternity, whether the fruit of their labor is shown now or later only God knows. If you want, you can check out their blog and website. I have it on one of the links on the right of the page or you can link to www.jesuslovesthelittlechildren.org to see what they're all about!

Better go for now. I still have some things to get done and it's 11 p.m. I'm trying to start getting up between 6:30 a.m. and 7 a.m. which is HUGE for me. I know some of you are up much earlier than that, but for me, anything before 9 a.m. is "early"! I get so much more done when I get up earlier and I especially get that one-on-one time w/my Heavenly Father that is so much sweeter before all the activities of the day begin!

Have a good day...rest and be blessed!
m

June 9, 2007

Psalms 15 was the scripture I mentioned previously. I think it clearly outlines what kind of person I need to strive to be and boy do I have a long way to go!

Mike and I are going to the IRL race tonight at TMS. I haven't seen Indy racing since we lived in Indiana! We're hooking up w/my mom and dad so it should be fun and interesting! I prefer Nascar (go Kasey Kahne!) but I'll watch Danica Patrick race, even if she is being a brat right now!

Not alot to post today. It's the weekend so I have limited access to the computer with everyone being home! Oh, I am excited that a week from today we're going to see Kenny Chesney in concert at Pizza Hut park in Frisco! I love him! He's going to be there w/Sugarland, Sarah Evans and Taylor Swift. Our first family concert outing...and Kenny's the Entertainer of the Year (for country music!) for his third straight year so it should be a great concert!!! (p.s.-that's whose pic is at the top of the blog, btw)

Take it easy and stay cool...like me =-)

m

June 8, 2007

I'm bouncing through all of the activities that have resurfaced now that my complete family is home! I'm glad their back! Their time in Honduras was life-changing and Shelby is ready to go back! I'm not sure what it is that is drawing her back but I am trying to really listen to her and her heart and find out why...she loved the kids there and she thoroughly enjoyed Mark and Paula...maybe it was just something different, where it seemed that being totally dependent on God is a necessity rather than seeing it as an "option" while she is at home. I'm not sure but we'll talk about it more as the days settle in.

Alix is having 2/week cheerleading practices and it's kicking her backside!! She loves it, though. She loves working out (yuk!) and feeling a difference in how she feels. I guess I need to do some kind of working out. I like to walk, but w/it being in the 90's here already and not cooling down much in the evenings, I don't like walking outside. Maybe a treadmill...?!? I doubt it. Then I would complain that there's nothing to look at while you're walking like there's so much to look at when you walk outside. I hear that you're fully committed to things you want to do, so maybe I'm not fully committed yet! Pray for me that I figure out some form of exercise since I need to do it not only to decrease my weight capacity but to feel better and look better...I'm getting really close to having those arms that wave in the wind without having to move my arm at all!

I have an answer to prayer. Some of you may know about the situation, but most may not. I'll just say that Shelby did make a huge decision in the form of a positive choice this week that I know was very hard for her but we feel God is really trying to grab ahold of her and bring her back to Him. It's a rather long story, or maybe uninteresting to most, but suffice it to say, it's a huge step for her and a decision that will have a forever life blessing and have far greater impact on her than what she was opting to choose before. If you want to know, I'll share w/you individually, but just remember that we do serve a mighty God who is bigger than anything or any situation that we think he isn't concerned about or that He doesn't have time to deal with!

Mike's trying to get back in the groove of things at work. He thoroughly enjoyed his time in Honduras and speaks of it frequently yet I think he's glad to be back to a nice, air-conditioned, sit-down job! He said he doesn't see how Mark and Paula do all they do on a daily basis but he's so thankful that he got an opportunity to go for several days and I'm sure he'll be going again with Shelby in tow!

I'm going to close for now. No humor today, sorry guys! Still too tired from catching up on all of the sleep I didn't get while Mike was away! I guess I just kept going because I knew I had to but now that he and Shelby are home, I'm wiped out!! I will post a scripture or two later. I'm doing a Bible study of sorts w/Shelby (and trying to get Alix to do it!) and am finding familiar scripture in a whole new light! Check back later to see what I'm finding in God's love letter to me!

Good day, mate!
m

June 6, 2007

Yesterday was Shelby's 15th birthday. Does time fly or what?! It has been a little crazy since she got back from Honduras on Monday night. They ran into problems getting home and didn't make it into DFW until about 11 p.m. She had a long day, stuck on an airplane but seemed genuinely glad so see Alix and me at the airport! She talked alot and wanted to share so much but we were all so tired. However, when she got home at 11:30 p.m. (or later), she and Alix had to watch the infamous "Papaw's video" which is quickly gaining great reviews from those who have seen it!! I think they watched it about 10 times, laughing their heads off! It was music to my ears and they had a great time reuniting. A Norman Rockwell moment...!?!

Then yesterday hit and everything was back to normal...fighting over computer time, nothing is "fair" as far as Shelby is concerned and Alix was left out in the cold-left for Shelby's "friends" and left out so I/we could handle issues w/Shelby's birthday, finding a routine again, etc. I felt bad for Alix...we had 10 great days together, one-on-one time and then she's immediately on her own again because at times, Shelby is rather demanding of our time =-(

We hooked up w/friends and family at DoubleDaves in Keller and Shelby met 2 of her friends from school there. Of course, being 15, she was more into her friends than the rest of the people that showed up for her birthday, but isn't that what being 15 is all about?! Thanks to those of you who were there. It was good to at least be in the same building with you even if we didn't get to chat as much as I would have liked to! We'll make up for it in the summer, shall we?!

I sort of felt Shelby's birthday got the short end of the stick and feel bad about it. Everyone was glad to see everyone else, wanted to hear about their trip to Honduras, and it was just plain crowded and noisy. It was rushed for one reason or another and it wasn't what I was hoping it to be...nor was it for Shelby. I could tell she was like "this is my birthday party?"...I don't think she was disappointed, but it wasnt' one of her better parties, either. It was hard to pull it all together since I don't have alot of her friends from school's phone numbers, etc (or we don't approve of the friendship) so I couldn't get friends there for her. I'm not going to beat myself up for it, it's just one of those things you wish you could do over again, but I'm not sure how I could have done it any differently. I guess I'll just have to make sure that next year, Sweet 16, is a good one for her. She'll be fine and will move on probably long before I get past feeling like I let her down =-(

Ok, enough of my whining...today is a new day and I spent my fair share w/my Heavenly Father last night to hear him tell me to look at James 1:5-8:
"Now if any of you lacks wisdom he should ask God who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. An indecisive man is unstable in all his ways."

I do lack wisdom in many things in regards to life w/a teenager right now but I am confident that I don't want to be like a surging sea tossed by the wind nor do I want to be unstable in all my ways. I want to ask in faith, without doubting, that God will guide me all the days of my life, especially those that involve teenage daughters!

Thanks for listening (reading)...I knew you would =-)

Thankful for a new day-
m

June 4, 2007

It was the train again...for some reason, after 5 years of living here, I hear the train all of the time! And as I try to think why in the world he/she has to blare it's horn in bursts of 10-20 honks in the same amount of seconds, I can't figure it out! I think through the track route that I know of in our neck of the woods and for the life of me, I don't know why they do it! I'm on a mission now!

So, it was no "glorious" morning this morning...just frustration at being woken up at 6 a.m. I went in to the kitchen for my quiet time and coffee (great combination by the way!) and realized that today is finally the day that Mike and Shelby come home! It seems like they've been gone forever! I'm so thankful for most of modern technology especially when it keeps you in touch w/family and friends. I think back to when missionaries would leave to go to the mission field and it would be weeks or months or even years before their family heard from them. Now..IM'ing is the way to go! Of course, when it's one of my daughters (ahem-Shelby) who is on the computer for what seems like hours IM'ing I wish the thing had never been invented!

Speaking of children on the computer...I came up with a sign-up sheet for the summer for the girls to "sign up" for their time on the computer. I know...I'm weird and way overbearing, but I'm hoping it keeps some of the peace! They can sit here for hours and hours and when asked to get off say "But I just got on!" because they lose track of time (uh, huh-right) So, playing with my new found best friend of a spreadsheet program, I devised a sign up sheet in half hour intervals for them to duke it out for time =-) And yes, I do have a limit on it per day. Just call me the "mean mom" but I think there are better things to do w/your time than sit at a computer and type randomly about absolutely nothing...oh yeah, right...that's what I'm doing now!

I'll get off before my "mean daughter(s)" kick me off for their social pleasure!

Anxiously awaiting the arrival of my hubby and oldest daughter!
m

June 3, 2007

I was awakened early this morning to the sound of clapping thunder and the crack of lightening strikes all around. It was extremely windy blowing our trees in the backyard around like rag dolls! Needless to say, I tried and tried to go back to sleep but it was to no avail. Between the thunder, wind and train (yes, I meant "train" and not rain), there was no rest for my tired body. I got up to check on things (being as I'm "in charge" since Mike's gone!) and heard the hail start in. It was so loud and pounding that it sounded like it was coming through the roof! At that point a groggy Alix arrives in my room carrying her bodyguard, Archie, and they crawl into the warmth and security of my bed while I trudge onto the kitchen. No going back to sleep for me but Alix didn't have a problem drifting off nor did Archie once he got in his favorite spot under the covers!

I was ready for the long haul having my crank flashlight/siren/radio in hand and coffee brewing when as quickly as the storm arose, it subsided! Ugh...no excitement and I'm wide awake! Maybe it was God trying everything He could to awaken me to spend time with me and it took thunder, lightening, hail...and the train! He'll do anything to spend time with me :-)

I had some great moments alone with God this morning while I hung onto alertness with the warmth of the coffee mug in my hands. He really is an awesome God and continues to amaze me at how caring and faithful He is, even in the little things. Funny-He' probably always that way, it's just that I'm coming around to seeing that again. When I take the time to thank Him for the answers to my prayers and recognize the numerous blessings He bestows on me on a daily basis, I am truly stunned. How can I ever take that for granted, His love and care for me? And why do I think that I can trust Him for awhile and recognize His greatness only to drift away ever so slightly or to take it for granted? He's patient and He's jealous for me so He would rain down Heaven and set His alarm clocks of "thunder and lightening" to bring me out of slumber and into His presence just to tell me He loves me so =-) I'm grateful and in awe.

Staying close to my Father-
Melissa

June 2, 2007

Ever have one of those days recently where you just didn't feel like doing anything? Just didn't feel good but couldn't put your finger on it? That's my day today...not sure why I feel so yucky, but I do. Part of it is soreness from bowling yesterday...yes, bowling =-) Used some muscles I haven't used in a while! Then, I'm just tired, foggy and just not all here. Alix abandoned me to go hang out with Mamaw and Papaw since she knew this was another day at home! Just glad she can get out and have something to do!

She keeps text messaging me wanting to get a puppy =-( She's in Decatur w/my mom and dad and every weekend in the Walmart parking lot, people bring their puppies, kitties, etc to be given away or sold. You'd think she'd know better than to put that temptation in front of her, but NO, she thinks she has to have this one...it's the cutest one ever (since the last time she was there!) Poor Archie's getting thrown under the bus for a cuter, younger model. But he's such a good boy! Now Rosie, on the other hand...where is that bus?!! (JK) Of course I told Alix absolutely NO on the puppie yet she keeps texting me with all of the "I'll pay for the shots, I'll train it over the summer, etc" It seems I've heard this before-no, wait-I still have the paper she wrote up when she wanted to get Archie and I dangle it in front of her face every once in awhile showing her all of the things she "promised she would do" if she got him. Ah-ha! Got her on that one!

We'll be going out to Aurora Baptist tonight for their service. It's very small in attendance on Saturday nights, but that's not so bad. At least you're recognized and called by name by most! After church we're going to Zio's. I've got my free dinner coupon that they gave out on Mother's Day when we were there. Nothing like a fairly cheap dinner! Nothing like pasta to sit on your hips for the next several years!! Well, it's good anyway so we'll enjoy it tonight and pay for it tomorrow =-)

That's about it. Just a lazy, don't-feel-good kind of day yet assured of the nearness of my Savior and the comfort that He gives in the quiet times.
Smiles and hugs

June 1, 2007

Today has been a rather interesting day. Nothing spectacular, but it was fun. Alix and I went to Main Event in Grapevine and bowled for an hour. Our scores weren't the best, but we had a good time, got tickled at silly things and got a HUGE kick out of the "older man" next to us who had to hop right before he bowled! It was funny. You'd think he was a professional bowler since he had his own "cool" ball and shoes, but I think Alix and I did better than he did!

Somehow while doing my "bowling face" I bit my lip and I couldn't get it to stop bleeding! I used napkins and ice trying to get it to stop. People kept looking at me like I'd been in a fight or something! After it stopped bleeding, it was swollen some. so awkward! It still hurts and is tender tonight but hopefully it'll heal itself during the night.

My car was filthy so we decided to take it to a car wash and have it washed an vacuumed by someone other than ourselves! Needless to say, it was Friday afternoon, the sun was shining and the weather was gorgeous so everyone else had the same idea! I decided to go ahead and pull in but wasn't sure how much it was going to cost. I pulled up to try to see a price...$69.99!!!!! I wanted to back up and leave but was already boxed in by other people wanting their car washed! As the guy approached me I was trying to think of how I was going to gracefully get out of this situation without sounding cheap! Well, the sign I saw was just an advertisement of sorts for one of their hand wax specials. He had a laminated sheet with him that gave the various prices so we went for it! Alix was fascinated with it all but wondered how we would know they were done with our car and how they would know we were the actual owners. It's the simple things we take for granted I guess! The car looks great but as we were pulling out of the parking lot the weather on the radio says "chance of rain this afternoon and the weekend"...Alix busted a gut laughing at me! As of now, 9:25p.m., no rain =-)

I'm working on a Bible study of sorts to work with the girls on this summer. It's a book Shelby got called "Teen Virtue-A Christian Girls guide to Relationships". It has several chapters, or studies and a few questions at the end of the study. I'm going through and trying to turn it into a Bible study/mom&daughter type of study. I feel that the girls are constantly being bombarded with the WRONG WAY to approach dating, guys, relationships, etc and what have I done to steer them otherwise? things are sooooo different than when I was in school so at times I feel like anything I say will be irrelevant so why say anything at all? This book is GREAT and speaks in their language (whatever that is!) so I can use her words to spark discussion for the three of us. It's sooo important to me that the girls realize that they are worth sooo much more than they realize and that they deserve to be treated with respect and care, not as just "objects" like everyone else they are around. Why is that so hard to teach a girl? She wants to be noticed by a guy and at times will do whatever it takes to get one to notice her. What she doesn't realize is that if the guy "notices" her, what will happen when she doesn't look like he wants her to look? Those are the things I pray God will help me teach the girls. I pray that they both have hearts to hear and ears to listen to what God wants to say to them whether through me or through another Christian leader...just someone positive that can speak life into them instead of lies.

Ok, off my soapbox now. I just have so much I want to teach and share with my daughters and I feel like time is flying by way too quickly to get it all in!

I'll close for now. Thanks for sharing my life w/me and keeping me in your prayers!

Puppies!

Alix is enjoying Baily's puppies!