This is Me...

Remembering 9/11/01

2009-09-11T16:49:00.011-05:00

Do you remember where you were? Do you remember how you felt on the morning of 9/11/01? I can tell you exactly where I was. I can tell you how I sat and watched in disbelief and shock as it all unfolded on TV. To say that it was hard to fathom doesn't even come close to how I felt. I could go into all of the details of that morning, but I know that you all have your own stories and those are as memorable to you as mine is to me.

One thing I will mention about that morning is that it was the very first day of a new Beth Moore Bible study that was being held at my house. The.First.Day. Want to guess which one?! Ok, I'll tell you...the study was "Jesus the One and Only"!! How totally amazing was it that at that horrible moment in time for our country God had already ordained that me and about 5 other women would be meeting together that morning and begin our intimate study of Jesus Christ! I just now went and found my workbook for that study and sure enough, at the top of the introductory session I have the date 9/11/01. (I always d

ate the video sections for some reason) I tried to glance over that page to see if there was any profound piece of wisdom that could apply to that morning. Take it for what it's worth, but that first video session was about God putting his people in a state of "fasting", however it wasn't a fast from food, but a fast from hearing God!! I think that on the morning of 9/11/01, God wasn't putting us on a fast from hearing Him, rather He was screaming trying to get the attention of His people to turn back to Him.Which a lot did.For a while. I don't want to get into any philosophical debates on what God or doesnt allow. It doesn't matter. What matters is that in any and all situations, good or bad, HE is there and He will watch over us through it all. So, no I don't think that it was coincidence that our study of the life of Jesus started on 9/11/01. I think it was perfectly ordained :)

Ok, so now to the not-so-depressing part of my post today. I.Love.NYC. period. There is just something about it that absolutely has captured part of my heart! My first trip was in 2004 when I went w/my sister-in-law, Kayrene. I was excited to go but had no idea that it was the beginning of a life-long love of NYC! I'm pretty sure that the moment I set my foot on the pavement in Times Square a shaft of light shone down and time stood still for a second. I felt like I was "home"...weird, I know.

So that's how it happened. One trip.4 days.Forever in my heart. (not in a Christ sort of "in my heart" way) Our family of four was able to go back in 2007 to take Alix for her 13th birthday and I'm pretty sure the same thing happened to her because she is about obsessed w/it as I am!...well, maybe not quite as much, but still... :)

I'm including a few of my fav pics from both trips. I have a bunch and will show them to anyone who wants to see them and hear me tell about each and every little detail with so much giddiness in my voice that you wonder if I had too much coffee to drink!

So my question to myself is this: why am I not like this with my relationship w/God? He is sooo much greater than a city or a feeling. He is God. He is Creator.He is...I AM. Yet I don't know if I talk about Him and how HE changed my life like I do NYC. And have I passed my love and excitement for Christ, and Heaven, and eternity on to my daughters? It's heartbreaking if I haven't because THAT is what matters. And the good thing is that God is preparing a mansion for me in Heaven, since I am a child of His, that will be far more beautiful than a brownstone in Manhattan. I think I'll wait for that mansion! (however, if anyone has a brownstone they'd let me buy..I mean, stay in...I won't turn it down!!)

What is your NYC? What gets you giddy and excited to share to anyone who will listen?

Whew!

2009-07-30T22:35:00.004-05:00

July 31, 2009

Whew! Where has this summer gone?! My last blog post said that I hadn't forgotten about my blog and I haven't...I just haven't had time to post anything! It's been a fun summer and the thought of school starting in a few weeks is unbelievable! I'll try to highlight a couple of things, that way I will still have some other things to blog about!!

PINE COVE 2009

This was our second consecutive summer at Pine Cove, The Bluffs, and we had a great time as usual! It was our fourth time to go but we took a few years off before returning again last summer. The girls met up immediately w/friends from last year and found out who their counselors for the week would be. There is such a bond that forms between the counselors and students that is incredible! And the fact that these young college students love and serve God w/their whole heart and life is amazing. We LOVE our Pine Cove counselors each and every time we go! Overall it was a good week for us all. The theme was "Chasing What Matters"...a remarkable theme and one that hit home w/me...all of us, I think. What do we really chase after? Will it matter in eternity? We were challenged to take the thought home with us and make it part of everything we do and say...Chase What Matters.

Right after Pine Cove, Mike and I went back to Evansville, IN for our 25th high school reunion. That will be a whole other blog in itself ;-)

A tough decision was made by Alix a couple of nights ago. She has decided not to pursue her volleyball career anymore. After talking w/me and Mike, many tears and a lot of prayer, she felt that there were other things more related to what she wants to do after high school, that would be better for her to use her time doing. She loves volleyball, but clubs, councils, etc, would give her more flexibility to do things that will ultimately look good on a college application in fashion design. We're proud of her for the prayer and thought she put into the decision and know it wasn't easy for her, but she will walk confidently forward in that choice and thrive in the things that she loves to do :)

Shelby is already back in color guard practice, tryouts, etc and it's giving her a good workout!! She should find out tomorrow if she made the sabre line or the rifle line, either of which is a good thing. It's hard to believe that this is her senior year of high school. Where have the last 12 years gone?! I am praying that this year is memorable in a positive way and that she will see God's hand at work in her decisions, activities, friends, etc. Wow...I remember being a senior like it was yesterday and it's fun, scary, exciting, scary, freeing and scary all rolled into one! Say a prayer for her when you think about it that God would saturate her life and her heart and her mind.

That's all I'll do for now. It's getting late, I'm tired and I need to keep some info for another post soon!

Hope you are all doing well!! Let me know how things are going in your neck of the woods!!

I HAVEN'T FORGOTTEN ABOUT MY BLOG...

2009-05-07T21:59:00.002-05:00

I just have had other things taking the time that I would normally use for my blog! We've gone on some college road trips to look at campuses w/Shelby. That's been very interesting and eye opening! Things (costs) have sure changed since we were in college!

This week I took Alix to a spine specialist to have him check out why she continues to have her back pain. As expected, it's hard to pinpoint the root cause of most back issues (really?I never would have known that!) but his thoughts are that it could be something called "spondylolysis"...you can google it for a good explanation. Long story short, 6-8 weeks or more of PT 2x/wk and rest it through the summer. She wants to be in top shape for high school volleyball that will start in July so keep her in your prayers that she will rest it enough to have a great year in volleyball!

Mike has run in another 10k at the Fort Worth Zoo since the last time I blogged.

We went to IGNITE last weekend as a family. It was an outdoor "festival" w/Christian music artists and speakers. However, it poured down rain and even had some tough thunderstorms throughout the day so the performances were choppy and some didn't even get to perform! We were able to see Flyleaf (the girls LOVED them and got to meet the girl singer back stage), Kirk Cameron (Fireproof), David Crowder Band, Francis Chan (Crazy Love)...Chris Tomlin played at the end, but we left due to rain and lightening. We also got to hear a small talk from Zach Hunter (Loose Change to Loose Chains). All in all it was a fun day, despite the rain and mandatory evacuations!

There are numerous other activities going on, but if I were to list them all out, you'd get bored rather quickly! Suffice it to say that we keep very busy on a continual basis, as do all of you, I'm sure!!

I have some other things on my mind to "blog" about and will do it again soon. Once again it's having to do w/things I wrestle with in my mind and just have to get them out and see if anyone can guide me through my insanity!!

Better close for now. I have a lunch date w/my man in a little while :)

Later dudes!

WAS IT A HOLLOW OR SOLID CHOCOLATE BUNNY THAT DIED ON THE CROSS FOR ME?

2009-04-07T18:42:00.015-05:00

I have to admit that I'm struggling this year with how to remind our girls of the huge significance that the Easter holiday is in the life of a Christ follower. Being teenagers surrounded by the bunnies and chocolate (and my contribution to the matter!), I'm not quite sure they grasp the incredible love story that unfolded that Good Friday and Easter morning. Yes, they know the story, and yes they've seen clips of The Passion, but how do you help it be real in their lives? I fear they expect the Easter basket full of candy and even an Easter gift but why? What is the significance in all of that? Yes, we definitely have included gifts in their baskets each year but traditionally, they are of christian influence. A devotion book, a new Bible...things along those lines. But we can only buy them so many Bibles and devotion books seem to get lost in the dark corners of their bedrooms and all that's left is all of the chocolate and candy and eggs. I'm not opposed to the candy...I actually like the candy (until I can't button my jeans!) but that's what I shop the most for and the first thing that comes to mind when I think of Easter baskets. I'm embarrassed and tend to feel a little like Peter denying Christ, all for the sake of a bunny and chocolate.

I had Mike get our Easter "decorations" down from the a

ttic over the weekend. Sadly, all that's in there are plastic eggs, baskets and some bunny decorations. I think I'll get rid of all the decorations because the one thing in there that matters the most is a wooden cross that Shelby made years ago with her own tool kit :) She couldn't have been very old..under 10 for sure. But she wanted to do something for Easter so she got two pieces of wood, 2 nails and a crayon and

made this cross. She wrote on it "he is not here for he is rissun".

She had a desire to do that...she wanted to make something of significance in remembrance of Christ. I can't begin to tell you how much that cross means to me, let alone how much the cross means to me. Unfortunately I feel that over the years that they've grown I have taken for granted that "the church" will remind them of the significance of Easter, as if I too have outgrown talking about it with them. So as I type this, it's becoming clear what needs to be done. Whether they think it's silly or ridiculous, I truly think we need to sit down and discuss the Easter story. Not a big long dissertation, but what it means to each of them, to me & Mike, and how important this event is in the life of a christian. I can't go another Easter season assuming that they remember Christ's dying and resurrection on their own. How will it ever become meaningful in their life if it's not spoken of meaningfully in my own life?

The Bible study that I'm currently going through has me thinking of all sorts of things and I'm trying to go through it all w/o making it a facebook status or a blog entry because I could easily do that! But this is something for me to deal with and sort through and I guess this Easter issue is one thing that needs handled a little differently. By the way, the study I'm doing is called "One Month to Live" by Kerry & Chris Shook. How would I live my life differently if I knew there was only month left to live? How do I know that I don't have but one month to live? And what do I want to truly make sure that my girls and my husband know and remember about me? Heavy stuff, but it's causing a lot of discussion w/God and a lot of looking at myself so hopefully you will be able to see that I'm trying to change some things and make how I live my life actually worth the dash that is between my birth and death day...

2009-03-26T10:23:00.001-05:00

I'm trying out a new app. Let's see if it works!

REMEDY FOR THIS HEART TOUR

2009-03-23T12:05:00.009-05:00

Hey everyone! I wanted to post a little blog about a very important tour getting ready to start tomorrow, Tuesday. The pastors of our church, Trevor DeVage & Jeremy Peterson, are leaving on a 5 city tour spanning about a week. You can read about it here and I ask that you do read it: http://www.remedy4thisheart.com/

They have such a heart for homeless people that it has turned into a full blown ministry for them. In Trevor's message yesterday morning he shared a story of an event that occurred last week. He didn't share it to bring attention to himself by any means yet to show how by giving of yourself you show others how to give by following by example. There is a joy that comes from going beyond yourself and giving to those who have absolutely nothing. Trevor & Jeremy will be taking Kyle along w/them on this tour. Kyle is a homeless man whom Trevor & Jeremy have been ministering to and trying to help get off of the streets. He is the reason and inspiration for this whole tour. All proceeds of the tour are going to help Kyle start a new life off of the streets. God has blessed the group and the tour has been completely covered by personal contributions, etc., so you know God is pleased that they are being His hands & feet and spreading God's love and truth.

There's so much I could write about this and how it's bringing conviction into my life. Not guilt, but conviction. Do I have a heart or even a desire to give beyond myself or am I living selfishly in fear and ignorance? I don't consider myself selfish, but I also don't step out of my comfort zone very often to reach out to those who may not know Christ. Unless, of course, those that don't know him live w/in Trophy Club and have a home, 2 cars, 2 kids, a dog and are nice to me...otherwise, no, I don't reach out to love the ones that society deems as unlovable. Ugh...why am I like that? I truly think it's from fear and also from not even knowing how to reach out and love! Some of you may have read my last post about my having walls around my life so you can see how this could be hard for me! Ok, so it's not about me and that's not what this blog post is about...!

I hope that you will first of all, remember to pray for Trevor & Jeremy and their entourage as they travel over the next week, for their safety and for God's Word and message to be fresh and accepted to those who will be attending the shows. Also pray for the safety and well-being of their families who will be here carrying on with family responsibilities that couldn't be taken on the road at this time. I also ask that you please go and read about the story behind the tour. I pray that it touches you as it has touched me and that we will seek God for direction on how to be His hands and feet and how to live beyond ourselves.

Blessings ya'll!!

P.S. If you twitter, you can follow them at http://twitter.com/forgottentour: or you can see them on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2255778088: or you can read Trevor's blog at http://freshairpoetry.com/: or lastly, you can read Jeremy's blog at: http://jeremypeterson.wordpress.com/

THIS IS A LONG POST, BUT I NEED FRIENDS...;-)

2009-03-02T17:18:00.048-06:00

We had the privilege of watching along with all of America, Extreme Makeover Home Edition, a couple of weeks ago. The show was excellent, although I may be biased because our family and the Augustin family are friends. Amber & I are BFF's (wink, wink, Amber!) Amber took some incredible pics of Shelby a few summers ago and during that time she and I kind of struck up a friendship. Mike attended some men's meetings at our previous church, which enabled him to become friends with Peter. We were aware of Amber's amazing ministry and had seen pics of the precious babies that she had photographed through the years, but had no idea the depth of that ministry. I'll occasionally still hear from her asking for prayer for a family that she has just gone to see at the hospital It continues to move her (and me) to a point of grief and a sense of necessity to bathe the family in prayer...no matter the outcome. However, after watching the show last night it gave me a whole new appreciation for Amber's ministry & talent. She sacrifices her own personal family time to capture moments for other hurting families. Yet her family is then there for her when she comes home to share her load of heaviness with her. So many lives have been touched and I'm sure will continue to be touched since the airing of their story on EMHE.

One thing Amber said during the show that touched me to the core of my being in regards to taking pictures was this: "What would I want to remember about my baby? his toes, his feet, his shoulders-all of those things that you wish you could have seen more of but were so wrapped up in those precious moments to remember exactly what he looked like." Wow! Features we take for granted when we have "healthy" babies! Not that we really take them for granted but I don't think it's something we hold dear. I'm thankful for Amber, and others like her, who have the gift of taking these precious pictures because it is much more necessary than any of us realize.

After watching the show on Sunday, Monday my head and my heart was heavy and I wanted to hear what God was trying to say to me. The story really struck a chord with me and I couldn't quite put my finger on it. I know that there is still a lot He has to show me, but so far, this is what I think I've heard and I wanted to share it with you all.

In my "previous life", before choosing to stay home with our girls after they were born, I was a nurse-an RN and I worked in Pediatric Intensive Care and also in a newborn nursery. Those days all hold special memories for me and I wouldn't trade one of them. However, there were some really, really rough times that I would be working when a child/baby did not make it. I can't begin to tell you how hard that is, not only to watch a child's life come to an end but to have to watch parents world come crumbling apart. There were several times I remember going into work at the ICU and hearing the wailing of parents who had just heard the news about their child. It was heart-breaking. As a nurse in the unit it was our responsibility to get the child "ready" for the parents to come in for one last time. We would remove all tubes and machines and clean them up, dress them in "real clothes" and put a stuffed animal or something with them to make them look at peace. Again, I can't begin to tell you the difficulty in doing that but also in the fact that after that was all done the parents would go home empty-handed. We nurses had to continue working, though. No time to grieve, no time to gather our thoughts and express our emotions, but get a new assignment and keep working. It may sound harsh to some, but when you are surrounded by sick kids, you've got to keep taking care of them. It didn't have often but it happened more than I care to remember, however, I DO remember. One incidence in particular that runs through my memory every once in a while is one in which I worked in the newborn nursery. Most deliveries are routine with minimal complications and then some babies are born requiring a little more care, yet others are born very sick and need immediate, critical care. However, there are a very few families who came to the hospital knowing that their child would be born with very little time to live if any time at all. Those were the hard ones. Those are the ones that people like Amber have the opportunity to go in and capture their precious moments with photographs. But one of my toughest memories is of a little "friend" that my nurse friends and I got to love and care for until it passed away simply because the family rejected it knowing it was going to die. We were mortified that anyone could be that way with their child, even though we all knew it would not live beyond an hour or so! But how could we pass judgement on parents who started grieving even before the birth of their child? We didn't know what all they'd dealt with getting them to this point of hurt. So after the delivery we took little one to a back room and took turns holding it and loving it so it would know that it was loved unconditionally during its brief time on earth. It's life ended quickly...maybe an hour at the most. But the hour that I was there w/my fellow nurses loving on that baby is one hour in my life that I will never forget. So to think that there are parents who have to go through this and choose to have it documented in photographs, humbles my heart to the point of awe and gratitude for them being unselfish in their own love and hurt to make a "big deal" out of a small life. (I chose to call little one "it" for confidentiality, not out of rudeness)

A lot of those memories have sort of led me to a place in which I place walls around my heart and life. I don't make friends easily. It hurts too much when they aren't in your life anymore. Being a nurse, I learned all too well how to stuff my emotions inside and keep on going, not taking time to grieve loss. So as I step back and observe the big picture of my life, I realize that I'm no different than those parents who chose not to get to know their baby and turned their backs on it before its life ever started. I don't open up to people because I know it's going to take a lot of emotion on my part and yes, it may not last long and I may lose their friendship as our paths in life change courses so I'm not going to even open my heart a little. How selfish of me and how stupid! I've missed out on so much over way too many years!

So after all of that I think I've realized that I need to be doing something to help. Something to help heal the hurt of those losses I walked through as a nurse, even though they've been years ago. That's one reason I decided to share this blog w/you. When Mike & I first moved to TX I miscarried our first baby. It was very, very hard and very lonely emotionally. The hospital where I worked and where I lost the baby had a "grief" program for parents who lost babies. While I worked there I was able to help a lot of women who were grieving over their own miscarriages and it helped me move past my grief because I was getting beyond myself. My prayer now is that I can find something like that to do again. I would love to help in an organization like Amber is a part of, even if it's just stuffing envelopes or holding equipment or getting coffee for someone in the middle of the night. I want to do something to make a difference and not for any glory or honor on my part but in honor and memory of the families of the kids that I helped care for in the intensive care; and all of those parents who lost babies and I was able to pray with them at the hospital or when I just sat in a room holding their hand to help make their loss even minutely tolerable.

So I'm asking that you join me in prayer to help me find what it is that God wants me to do and to be obedient to that calling. Pray for Amber and the Augustin family that their work and devotion will be rewarded in heaven-where it counts the most! And most of all pray for all of the families whose lives are forever changed because of a moment in time with their forever child.

Thanks for reading and for not giving up on being my friend even when I'm not friendly :)

SO PROUD!

2009-02-28T22:15:00.004-06:00

Today, February 28, 2009, my wonderful husband ran his first 10k race and finished! Not that I didn't think he would finish but I thought I would just say that he finished so there was no confusion (: I am truly proud of him. He has worked hard to get to this point and yet has a bigger goal he's striving to obtain-a 1/2 marathon! Now, I personally don't see the fascination of running and running and running. It doesn't make any sense to me at all, but then again, I've never been a runner. Not sure why..probably the fact that I've never done it without losing my breath and my chest hurting w/in 1 minute of starting! It's just not "my thing". To be honest, I haven't figured out what "my thing" is in regards to exercise. I don't like it at all, although I know I should be doing something besides nothing. One day...

Mike and his good friend, Jeremy Peterson, were up and headed to Fort Worth at 6:30 this morning to be there for the start of the race at 7:30 a.m. Why do they have to start the race so early? I'd be a much better cheerleader if it was later in the morning! Unfortunately I did NOT go this morning for the race. I have been sick and in bed for the last 2 days so I didn't want to postpone my wellness by going out in the 30 degree windy weather that greeted the runners this morning. I did want to go and will plan on going for the next one and definitely for his 1/2 marathon but he was very understanding this morning. So since I wasn't there to get his picture crossing the finish line I got a pic of him in "uniform" with his bib number on...in our backyard :)

Mike just came in and told me that there were 18,000 people in downtown Fort Worth for the Cowtown Marathon! He said it was crazy packed with people. Hard to run with so many people and I'm sure very frustrating especially if you're behind slow people! He didn't come home scraped up or bleeding so he must have maintained a good speed and an upright position despite the mass of people!

I'll keep you posted on any other running activities he participates in and for sure when he does his 1/2 marathon! That will be quite exciting!!

He's off to bed now...he looks exhausted. And I have a feeling that tomorrow afternoon will produce yet another opportunity for him to catch up on the sleep he ran away from early this morning :)

YES, FREERANGE IS ONLY REFERRING TO CHICKENS AND TURKEYS...

2009-02-18T18:01:00.005-06:00

After my post the other day about finding FreeRange blog reader/RSS feeder it all came crashing down on me. I was sooo thrilled with the application and how well it worked and was integrated with my desktop. That was until I tried to sync it the first time...no workie. After reading the message boards (one of my ways of investigating various things "techie") it appears that FreeRAnge is no longer in business. :( Very sad.

So, I've resorted back to Google Reader and am trying to make that work. I think I've said before that I'm all about Google. I am all things google-they're easy to understand and to work so anything I can use that has to do with Google, I'll do it! After about 3 days of using Google Reader on my desktop and my phone, it seems to be working fairly well!

I'm sure you're asking either "what is a reader" or "why does she need a reader"? I have several blogs that I like to keep up with. (I think I've mentioned that before) It was too much for me to have each one bookmarked and then go to them all individually to see if they had new posts or not. I wanted a centralized place that I could see all of them that I follow and could see if they had new posts or not. That is what started this whole reader search! Google Reader seems to do a very good job at keeping track of all of the blogs I follow and keeping them updated, so that was the number one thing I was looking for.

I also use it as my one-stop-source for catching up on news-local, national news, entertainment news, Nascar news, etc. I'm not one to want to hop around to various bookmarked pages-I like "page-at-a-glance" things, therefore giving me the necessity of finding an RSS reader.

I guess none of it is really a necessity enough that it eats up so much of my time. It makes me feel like I know what I'm doing and that the things I consider important are easily attainable in my day no matter if I'm home or in the car w/my phone!

Stay-at-home techie mom?

2009-02-16T17:09:00.006-06:00

As I spent most of the day today in front of my computer I started wondering what it is that I"m doing. I keep really busy at whatever it is I'm doing but is it "productive"? Probably not. Am I getting done what I stay home to get done? Probably not but then again, yes, some of it. Could I be doing more to accomplish my domestic diva responsibilities? Sure...but maybe this computer time is my "calling", my gift so-to-speak; to find easy ways for girls like me to become tech-savvy in a highly, technologically- advanced society where our kids know how to use multiple devices all at once to communicate, study and entertain themselves for hours! Yes, this could be my niche. I'm learning soooo much in my daily internet searches and discoveries. Things to help make my life "easier", to keep order and neatness in my routine, and all in a way that integrates my home computer with my new BFF, my Blackberry Curve.

I think this all started when I got my Blackberry back in October, November-whenever it was that I got it. I had this new gadget that could do almost anything and I wanted to figure out how to work it and use it to it's fullest capabilities. And since I'm not a gamer, except for Guitar Hero and wii Fit, I didn't want to load a bunch of games on that I would never play. I wanted to have my desktop/laptop all on my mobile device, so the searching began and it's been going strong ever since. I know there have been numerous times that Mike has come home and wondered what I'd done all day besides sit and play at the computer or w/my blackberry and to tell the truth, some days I'd done nothing! BUT, I'd figured out how to get songs, ringtones, wallpaper, themes and IM on my blackberry!! That's quite a feat for someone my age andwith my lack of technology education! THEN, I found the wonderful world of apps for my phone, how to check free memory space, install a new OS, and how to take pics and post directly to Facebook! Awesome!! And once I started using the Twitterberry app I could take pics and post to twitter so how cool is that?! Wait, I think I started getting ahead of myself when I started talking about facebook and twitter! I'll address those in another post!

As you can see, I've been spending a lot of time researching, experimenting, downloading and then removing apps, all to get me to where I am today! Today's task was to find an RSS Reader that was easy to use on my blackberry AND is integrated w/my desktop. I think I may have found one but not after trying at least 3 before this! For now I'm going to use FreeRange for Blackberry. It seems to do all I want it to do and it isn't hard to figure out at all! (I decided against Viigo, NewsGator and Google Reader in case you were wondering.)

I've been busy over the last few months with trying to learn about all of this technology and I know for a fact that I'm not even close to being done. So after saying that, I think I will try to start posting about different things I'm learning, either for my home computer or my Blackberry and maybe someone who reads this might learn something that I've worked at trying to figure out! And if I can figure it out, it can't be too hard and I should be able to break it down in simple terms and steps so anyone can begin to learn new things about technology and the world that surrounds us!

When I get to where I think I've mastered the easy stuff, we'll get the Mac that I am praying we get someday and my learning curve will have to start all over again!

It's time to take my computer geek hat off and put on my stay-at-home hat. I have to make it look like I've done something today so I'll start getting the things chopped up for dinner...foil dinner pack with sausage, potatoes and carrots and maybe some crescent rolls. And my sheets are clean, dishes are emptied out of the dishwasher and one daughter has been picked up from school...I'm doing ok, I think!

Until later...learn something new today!

February 12, 2009

2009-02-12T10:11:00.006-06:00

I'm starting to get into reading more blogs. I'm finding blogs of people and subjects that I want to learn more about but I'm having a hard time with where to keep track of all of these things! I am currently teetering between Blogger (here!) or Bloglines. Each of them have something I like but neither have exactly what I'm looking for. Does anyone who's reading this have a particular reader/aggregator that they use and if so, what is it that you like about it?

Here are my ideals or what I like about the ones I use:

1. Blogger-I like that it's what I use as my own blogging resource. From the dashboard I can see blogs that I subscribe to and can read them from the "all posts" or something like that but can't really tell from that page which ones have new posts, etc. I typically scroll through the updated posts which posts ALL of the updated posts and they're all mixed in together. Of course, I can click on each blog listed on the left to go to that particular blog for updates, but I want something a little more user-friendly, customizable.

2. Bloglines-This one seems a little harder to navigate or customize to me. Not easy to follow. What I do like is on the left side I can customize the view of the blogs I subscribe to. I can either have them all listed so I can see which ones have posts I haven't read or I can choose to only show the posts that I haven't read or have been updated since my last read. What I don't like is the main section of the homepage. It's plain and each time I go to Bloglines I get the same thing in that section...it's an overview of what they do, what you may want to look for, etc. What I would like to see is something more personal, more my taste or what I want to see on that main page. When you click on a particular blog to read it then kicks that blog over to the main section but again, it's plain and a little hard to understand. If you know me at all, I like customization and personality to my web experience. I'm all about cute and pretty and the ability to move things around, etc. So to just have black words on a white page leaves me wanting more from my blog reader.

My ideal: maybe a combination of the two plus some other stuff :) Here are some ideas of what I like or would like to see:

1. When you select a blog to read in Blogger it takes you to the nice, pretty homepage of that particular blog...sort of like clicking a link and going straight to the page. Say I have 3 posts of that particular blog that I haven't read. I can click on the one I want to read and it will take me to that post, not to the main homepage so I have to then navigate to the post I wanted to read. I LIKE THAT feature.

2. Bloglines lists the Blogs I read and then in parentheses it shows how many are new and how many I haven't read. BUT if I click on that particular blog, it takes me to the black and white listing (no pretty pictures or actual website) and then it marks them all as read. Maybe there are 5 listed and I only read 3, I still want the other 2 listed as unread but so far I haven't figured out how to do that. And it appears that once I click on a particular blog to read and it's opened in the main section of Bloglines, if I were to click the link from the left side to read the ones I haven't read, it shows an empty pane. Maybe I'm missing something but I really don't like that at all.

3. I would also like a section in a reader where I can add notes or save links to other things I may find interesting but want to look at at another time. For instance, if I'm reading Mike's blog and he puts a link in there to something I may want to read later, I can put that in another folder or something to look at later without having to find that particular blog of his.

4. It would also be nice for me to have my calendar and emails listed somewhere in this, too. What I really am striving to find is a one-stop place for all I want to look at in the a.m.-open up a page to see my favorite blogs and if they've got updated material; my calendar for the day; emails; facebook status updates and messages to me; twitters from people I choose to follow more closely and headlines from my news sources that I follow; and my Youversion daily reading link or widget to go to from this one page.

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY I want all of this to also be available in an app for my Blackberry!! I have something now that has potential for this and I may figure out that it does have all of this already, but it's still a little choppy and non-fluid for my personal preference.

I'm not sure if anyone can see my vision and desire for this, but maybe someone can and either knows of an app already like this for my computer or phone OR can create one for me (Mike). I'd appreciate any and all ideas, suggestions and I am more than happy to share anything else that may help you help me :)

Thanks for reading this! I'm wanting to streamline my most used things on my computer AND make it personal to me...and cute, pretty & customizable to me :)

February 9, 2009

2009-02-09T13:18:00.010-06:00

BIRDS OF A FEATHER...FLOCK TOGETHER?

Last week was an interesting week for me. Not that anything fantastic happened, but the sightings of some birds caused me to pause several times and try to "hear" what God was trying to teach me through these different birds. As ADD as I am, it took me all week to finally get a glimpse into that teaching, although I haven't figured out what it means. Interpretations anyone?!

So here's my week with birds (and remember, nothing out of the ordinary, just unusual for me). First up is the sighting of an owl...at dusk...on a highway sign. Mike & I were on Hwy 114 and this large bird swooped down and landed on a road sign. We both looked at each other and said "Was that an owl?!" We're extremely used to seeing hawks around. In fact, they're everywhere and for some reason I take comfort when I see one. I guess I think they're patrolling the land, you know, like in Pocahontas' time. Anyway, it was odd to see an owl when it was still semi-light out. (Please, if you are bird experts, just go with me on

this. I'm not stating that I know and understand all things bird related. This is just my peon brain and the limited knowledge of I have.)

The next day I was driving here in Trophy Club and spotted a beautiful robin...bright orange chest and beautiful. Growing up in Indiana we saw them all of the time. But when you DON'T see them on a routine basis, it's a treat and you realize how beautiful they are. I thought it was weird to see a robin here in TX, but again, I chalked it up to just another bird sighting.

Just about every day I am awakened to the sound of a Cardinal chirping out our bedroom window. That's not unusual and I always smile when I hear it. Well, most of the time I smile unless I'm really tired and the thing just won't quit chirping! I've come out to the kitchen on numerous occasions to try to find the Cardinal to see what all the chirping is about. Most times it's a momma Cardinal watching out for her babies or telling them that the "bath" is ready so they need to come and wash up. Even though our birdbath doesn't hold water very well, it holds it long enough for me to sit in the kitchen in the A.M. and watch the birds take their baths. So cute the way the dip their heads under water and then shake all the water through their feathers. They look so fluffy and clean when they're done and it's comforting to know that they feel safe enough and trustworthy enough to come to our house just about every day for their bath time :-)

On Tuesday I was coming home from our women's Bible study and out of an empty field flew a quail! Natural instincts were to duck to keep from missing the flying bullets of the hunters that reside in the state of TX, but no gunfire was heard. Again, because I don't hunt and am not familiar with birds I thought it odd that a quail would be in town and not hiding somewhere more safe. It just struck me as odd for some reason, but I went on and didn't give it a whole lot of thought.

As the week progressed my mind began to recall all of my bird sightings and encounters through the week. When things like that happen I usually tend to think that there's a spiritual lesson that God is wanting to share with me. I'm a visual learner and learn much better by visual aids vs. reading (probably goes back to the felt story boards in Sunday school class :P ) Anyway, I started praying about it to see what I could hear from Him. I wrestled in my mind about it referring me to Mt. 6:26&27, how God cares for the birds even though they don't sow or reap or gather food. God gives them what they need for that day, nothing more and nothing less. I know that...I get that, although I'm sure if it came right down to me living it out like some of you are doing, it would probably take on a whole different meaning. No, I knew there was something else I was suppose to get from this so I continued to pray and seek God.

Here's what I think I finally "heard" and it sort of DOES go along with the verses above, but I think there's more to it than what is at the surface and that's where I'm not fully sure what it means. With the exception of the Cardinal, to me and for this purpose, the other birds were out of their "natural" environments. Owls are night birds, not dusk birds. Robins tend to be more from the north than down here in TX and quails aren't typically in the city (and aren't they in a group called a "covey" or something?) Anyway, even though they were out of their natural environments and geographical locations, God still met their every need, no matter where they were. He doesn't only care for the owl at night or the robin in the north or a quail in a covey...He cares for them and provides for them at their point of need. Period. Does that mean that our family's geographical location is going to change? Not that I'm aware of at the moment. So I'm still pondering the lesson from the birds last week. I'm sure that over time it will be revealed to me but for this moment I'm holding on to the fact that He provides for us at our point of need. Period.

In the words of one of my favorite singers, Norah Jones, "Fly Away With Me"... and keep your eyes open to see if God is trying to show you a lesson through nature!

(on a side note which I thought was funny-yesterday's message at church was called "The Never Ending Story" and my first mental picture is of the children's movie with the same title and what does it show on the front?! Not a bird per se, but something with wings-and catch the phrase at the top...interesting)

February 3, 2009

2009-02-03T16:51:00.002-06:00

Welcome to my world! After that big long post last week about wanting to blog everyday, I failed the first day after that! Obviously I'm not as organized as I thought I was, at least not at putting my thoughts together long enough to do a worth while blog! And after thinking about that post for a few days I have to admit that I'm just going to do a post about whatever comes up! I can't be like others out there and post something meaningful every day. Just not that together yet..

So, that's about all I have today. Just wanted to clarify that so you weren't expecting a blog miracle from me!

February 1, 2009

2009-02-01T13:15:00.003-06:00

Friday must have flown by since I didn't post my "Favorite Friday" blog! Honestly, I'm doing this for myself...it helps me to reflect and ponder things that I usually take for granted. The fact that some of you choose to share in this with me by reading my blog is a good thing. (:

Favorite #1-this is seasonal, but when it's "in season", it is my favorite thing to do every weekend...

FOOTBALL!!! I LOVE to watch football on TV. The fact that today is Super Bowl Sunday is a little depressing since I won't have my favorite past time until August-ish. So I'll carry my tissues with me to mourn the passing of yet another football season, and another football season that the Cowboys did not advance...

Favorite #2-another fav of mine these days are sweatshirts (: They're big and comfy and warm. They usually go well with sweat pants but I don't have those so jeans are a close second. In the fall and winter, sweatshirts are the top of choice.

Favorite #3-my Blackberry Curve phone! I absolutely love this thing and carry it with me everywhere I go. I can't explain why I am so obsessed with this technological advancement, but I am. Maybe it's because it makes everything so accessible to me no matter where I am. Just about anything I can do at the home computer I can do on the Blackberry only on a smaller scale. A stay-at-home mom with a Blackberry seems idiotic to some, but to me it's perfect!

As the song goes, "These are a few of my favorite things!". Nothing substantial or eternally significant but they make this life on earth a little more pleasant (: I know there are sooo many people out there who don't even have food or water and I'm talking about inanimate objects as favorites. I get that. But for now, on this particular day and this particular blog, I'm writing about these silly things...

Think about your favs...what do you absolutely enjoy having?

Until next time

January 29, 2009

2009-01-29T15:12:00.008-06:00

TV THURSDAY

It seems that a lot of bloggers these days address specific topics or are "gifted" in a particular area and share that knowledge with their readers. Me? None of the above :) I am starting to enjoy this (whether anyone reads it is a different story!) blog writing. If I could get paid to do it I would, but the likelihood of that happening is slim since there are sooooooo many bloggers out there, some of whom I follow in my blog roll or on twitter. They're all very good and I get inspired by most of them. I don't ever see me being able to write that eloquently or knowledgeably (not even a word) but I write from my heart and my experiences. I'm going to try a few things, see if they work. Trying to get a groove going, I guess. So if you have any suggestions or ideas or something you'd like to know, I'm up for the challenge! So with that being said, I've dubbed Thursday as TV THURSDAY!

Last night was another new episode of LOST...and I was very lost with all the twists and turns it showed last night! My goodness! I have my favorite part...my "a-ha!" moment and then there were some scenes that made me wonder why they gave us that bit of information. But as a devout LOST follower, I know that the insignificant pieces always have significance at some point! The time swap, or whatever it's called, is totally confusing me since it's hard to tell what time period they are in on the island, off the island, etc. I am proud of myself, though, that I remembered way back when that Richard visited Locke as a child and told him he would be a leader! But why didn't John remember that until now? Maybe it's all starting to fall into place in his brain now, too! I'm anxious to see next weeks episode, but I may have to rent some past seasons and watch them and look for clues...(thanks for the idea J&J!)

We don't sit and watch TV all that much and when we do it's usually what is on the DVR so we may be a day or a week behind. Just to give you an idea of what I watch/record, it would be The Bachelor (guilty pleasure), House (just started watching this year), LOST, Life on Mars, Gilmore Girls (in syndication on ABC Family), King of Queens (in syndication but we never watched it until now..funny stuff!), and of course American Idol. That's a start, I guess. I won't review them all, but just so you don't think I'm pulling thoughts out of left-field... :)

I watched the most recent episode of The Bachelor last night. I don't know why I watch this, but I do. And every year I say I'm not going to watch again because I get so wrapped up in it that when it doesn't work out after the show, I'm devastated! It's a girl thing, emotions and holding out for "true love"...like that'll happen in 6 weeks with cameras following your every move! Anyway, I thought I had it picked out who J would pick and then I went to the message boards today and was totally wrong!!! They're all saying that he picks Melissa (good name, BTW, and she's from Dallas!) or Jillian. I'm not a big fan of Jillian's for some reason. She just doesn't seem right for him. I thought he looked the most comfortable w/Molly this week. My first pick was Stephanie but they're really playing her up since she's got a child, so I'm guessing she's not his pick. So, I guess time will tell what happens. I think I read that the FRC (final rose ceremony) is March 2.

I've got House from this week to watch and the first episode of this season of Life on Mars. If you haven't seen that show it's a good police show. Same people that do Lost also do Life on Mars so there's a twist (of course). The main guy is hit by a car in current day and age and is then transported back to the 1970's. It's interesting to see how far our country has come in 30 years! Things we take for granted now hadn't even been thought of back then! He tries to convince the precinct officers that he really is from the future and at times he has visions of his friends and family from the current time. It sounds confusing, but it's a good show. A little rough like NYPD Blue was, but good none the less.

That's pretty much all I've got right now. Everyone is starting to come home after school and work so my train of thought has been derailed.

Tomorrow=Favorite Friday (or something like that)

stay warm!

January 27, 2009

2009-01-27T14:07:00.014-06:00

A TIME TO GRIEVE FOR THOSE STILL WITH US

You always know days like this will come. Days that sort of take the wind out of your sail and bring memories flooding in out of control. But why do we always seem surprised, even mad sometimes, that life takes a turn like this? It doesn't have to be the passing of a loved one or friend, but even just the letting go of a dream, of what you expected the outcome to be in a certain situation. And sometimes the hardest part is still having to look at these situations head on, straight in the eyes, and know that memories of the past are what remains. Moving forward seems to be in slow motion and your world seems to be muffled, even distorted at times, as you try to grasp the reality of the current situation. I find that in these times, God is my ever-present help and comfort.

If you follow my facebook at all you know that I posted a prayer request last night for my grandmother and my uncle, both of which have life-changing illnesses that are leaving all family members uncertain and hurting. Please continue to pray for everyone involved that peace will be the common denominator amongst them all and that God's will be done. His will may not even come close to resembling our will, but His love remains the same and His plan is for us is good, not to harm. (loosely translated from Jer 29:11) So with that being said, here is a very brief look at who I'm asking prayer for and who I miss, even now, and even though I hardly ever see them.

1. My Uncle Ray-my dad's brother: will forever be known as Bread Ball Boy :) When I was a child he would always show me how to make the best bread balls by rolling a piece of bread between the palms of his hands until the bread was tight and moist. He also would tell me it was a great way to clean your hands, too, but I didn't understand that as a young child :) Now, I do & I think it's gross, but I wouldn't trade those memories at all! LOVES basketball, especially college if ISU (Terre Haute, IN) is playing or IU (Indiana University); larger than life (literally sometimes!); always smiled and always laughed.

My dad got a call last week from my aunt that Uncle Ray is now in a nursing home. He doesn't remember anyone, not even family. I guess there were other physical issues that escalated this problem but it has gotten to this point and there's no reversing it. So, I grieved last night for my uncle who's still here but doesn't know it. Of my uncle who I probably won't see again and even if I did he wouldn't know me. And of all the times he made us laugh and made us bread balls...that's what I miss already even though he's still on earth. Eternal future? Unsure...

2. My mom's mom whom we call Nanny: She's lived in Indiana almost her whole life but was just moved to Houston, TX to be close to the majority of her children. The move was not something she wanted to do, but she did it and was moved into a nice semi-assisted living home/apt. My mom is in Houston at this moment helping her brothers move their mom from this apartment to a full-fledged nursing home. Nanny is beginning to have signs of Alzheimer's and is requiring 24 hour care of which is way to expensive to justify at her current residence. However, a choice was made to move her to the nursing home without telling her and without even telling her when she left her apartment last night that it would be the last time she'd be there. Nothing. Zip. Zilch. So she awoke today not knowing how drastically her life is about to change. Moving from semi-independence to a room with a bed...that's all, a bed. Being totally stripped of independence, I'm sure, has got to be humiliating and depressing. That life has come down to laying in a room, going out to occasional activities w/in the home and waiting for people to visit. What motivation is there to live?!

So I grieve for my Nanny, who is still living here on earth, that she's not the grandmother that I used to know and used to cry to stay with every single time I would leave her house in Terre Haute to go home to Evansville. I loved her then. Over the years there has been somewhat of a falling out between her and all of the rest of us based on choices she made, but the memories of my life as a little one of her and my papaw are still in the recesses of my mind. That's what I'm grieving about, I guess. The memories that were, and that no longer will be. She stayed with us Christmas '07 and that's the last time I saw her. I'm not sure I can handle seeing her now...like this. It's just so not her. But, like I said at the beginning of this post I have to grasp the reality of this situation as part of life here on earth and walk forward, trusting God at His word and knowing that I do have the hope of seeing her someday in heaven. Hopefully by then she will have found the peace and joy she's not found in her journey here on earth.

So, that my friends, is where I'm at today. Quiet. Contemplative. Grieving. Praying. Remembering...and mostly, thanking God for the memories that I do have of both of these people who have been a part of my life since the first breath that I took.

January 26, 2009

2009-01-26T07:34:00.005-06:00

GOD CRACKS ME UP!!-

No one can ever tell me that God does not have a sense of humor! I was reading through one of my devos online and came across Proverbs 2:2-3 (NLT) and this is what it said.."Tune your ears to wisdom and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight and ask for understanding." Now that may not seem funny to you at all but what cracked me up was the word "concentrate". Depending on your personality, I guess, you can read that several ways but given my ADD, I could just hear God saying, "Concentrate! Come on you can do it! Focus! Just concentrate on understanding!" There are days (most of them actually!) that my mind goes from one thing to another to another and I can't remember what that first "one thing" was! Today must have been one of those days for me so God threw this verse in front of me to start my day with!

Thanks, God, for caring enough for me to know when to tell me to "concentrate" and not get distracted by meaningless worries and activities!

That's all for now..I just got the biggest kick out of that and wanted to share it with you in case you need to concentrate today!

January 23, 2009

2009-01-23T12:59:00.010-06:00

BATHROOM REMODEL PROJECT -

We have been very blessed to be living in our home for the past 6 1/2 years. It's a great house for us and when we moved in there wasn't much to do for it to be move in ready. Shortly after we moved in Mike painted like the entire house because I can't stand white walls (no offense to those who have white walls!). It drives me nuts, so he painted the main living areas one of our favorite colors. He painted the kitchen, our bedroom and the upstairs bonus room. There's still one room, the guest room, that is still white so if anyone is planning on coming for a visit, give me a heads up so we can get it painted!

However...the master bath has been a source of contention between us for the past, say 6 years :) I hate it... plain and simple. It has wallpaper (YUK to start off with!), gold shower door trim, carpet and no tile on the floor at all and totally worthless cabinets, much less the fact that the faucets are 2-toned (again, YUK but no offense if that's what you like!). It's all builder grade materials and it's boring. I wanted a nice, serene master bath-a place of tranquility...it's a girl thing I guess. So, for 6 years we've been in "planning" mode. Every year it's at the top of our home improvement project of the year and then usually gets bumped to the bottom, year after year after year. The economy has not helped out my bathroom remodel cause at all either. The money we would put aside for that has had to be used to cover "needed" expenses. One thing I should point out, too, is that we want to do this without going into debt. We're debt-free and have been for years and will continue to be for years to come. That's the rub. It's hard to save that much $ to do a remodel when you have teenagers that start driving and college just around the corner. I continually look on craigslist for "deals" and have found plenty...just not for a bathroom remodel!

A friend of mine and I have bumped the bathroom remodel to the top of the list for this year and I really would like to get it started. Which brings me to my current dilemma...what I really want to do in there to remodel! It's not a huge gutting of the room nor any re-plumbing, etc. Here's what I'm looking at doing: paint, tile (floor and shower/tub), new cabinet and new faucets for 2 sinks, tub and shower. Not a big deal, right? But I've put the thought of a remodel so far out of my mind that I don't know where to start looking to find what I like! I have general ideas, but nothing specific.

SO, I took some pics of the bathroom to give you an idea of what we're looking at needing to change. Now I didn't clean off the counter-tops or anything so don't be checking out the product placements on the counter and in the shower! I just wanted a few shots of the room to post on here. Take a look and tell me what you think and if you have any suggestions on what to do, where to look for ideas and good places to buy materials at really good prices. I'll write a little more below the pics so make sure you scroll on down..

This shows the cabinets and faucets and the huge mirror..the space where the trash can is sitting is totally wasted space so I know that I want something more functional in its place. Yuk-2 tone faucets :(

Love the lighting, don't you?! :( gross...and again, so much wasted space above the mirror and all around the bathroom for that matter. There are tall ceilings in there so there's a bunch of dead space that I'm not sure what to do with.

Ah..the lovely gold trim on the shower :( And can you see the wallpaper in the background? It's not hideous, but I don't like it so that's all that matters, right?! Will probably take out that bench in the shower...don't use it and it's wasted space...can you tell I'm not a fan of wasted space? It would make the shower much bigger, too.

And lastly, you can see it's a tub/shower combination. I don't use the tub that often so I've considered taking it out and putting a window seat/bench there w/storage underneath...maybe the big baskets that slide in under the seat of the bench...? And a window treatment suggestion would be nice, too :)

Ok, so there you go. Put your thinking caps on and send me ideas or suggestions. Oh, and if you can put it in an Excel spreadsheet Mike would be thrilled! He can't function without a spreadsheet or pie chart...the project is just not doable without one :)

In the meantime I'll continue scouring craigslist for the bathroom remodel bargain of the year and maybe start peeling off wallpaper a little bit at at time :) Shhhh...don't tell Mike!

January 22, 2009

2009-01-22T11:24:00.013-06:00

Those of you who know me know that I'm not a professional writer, blogger or knower of anything specific. I blog for myself and to share me with you. So many things cross my mind during the day that I decided to try to start writing it down somewhere-sharing what I'm learning in Christ and what I'm learning as a wife and mother. Notice I said "learning" and not "have learned" (I don't use "air quotes" as poorly as Joey did on "Friends" do I?!)

Just 3 weeks into 2009 the eyes and ears of my heart are being opened. Opened to things that they should have been opened to long ago but for one reason or another I've chosen to keep them closed. I sense that I'm learning to become more aware of God in my daily routine. I'm really trying to be still and listen to that still small voice yet I hope I'm not using that as a reason to not get my regular things accomplished here at home :) I want to be close to Him, to hear His voice, feel His heart beat. My life is just a blip in time here on earth yet I feel that sometimes I live more for the here and now. No, I won't neglect what He's given me here on earth, but what I say and do should take me closer to the throne and should be an encouragement for others around me to do the same. There is such a peace that comes from closeness w/Christ.

So with all of that in mind I have something that has been resonating in my head over the last week or so. Last week was when the US Airways flight 1549 actually landed in the Hudson River in NYC...yes, landed in it and no one was killed...none of the 155 on board died. Yes, it truly was a miracle. But what is continuing to run through my brain are some words that I heard people say about the captain..Captain "Sulley". His sister, as well as some life-long friends, made comments that they were not surprised at all that Sulley was able to make that landing so perfectly. He's trained for this all of his life so he was prepared to do it. Those are the words I keep hearing. None of those people doubted him at all, nor were they shocked at his abilities. They knew that if anyone could attempt a feat like that and be successful it was "Sulley". So that caused me to ponder this: when I get to the end of my life and am ready to step into heaven, will people say the same about me? That I had "trained" for this all of my life and I was prepared to go? I'm not trying to puff myself up by any means. But I wonder if my daily walk in life w/God has shown others that I'm 'in training'? I haven't arrived at my final destination but when the time comes to finally put that training into action, no one will be shocked to find out I was a Christ-follower but that knew full well that I had done all that I could possibly do here on earth to be Christ-like.

This may not mean as much to you as it does to me but I wanted to share it anyway. It gives you insight into my thoughts the past week and to the questions w/in my heart.

I don't want my life to be a "crash landing" but a "life-in-training" ready to be made into an incredible miracle!

Living life as a training simulator-

January 17, 2009

2009-01-17T14:31:00.005-06:00

FIRST OFF...

Let me say "Happy Anniversary" to my brother, Chuck, and his wife, Carrie! 17 years I believe they've been together! Congrats and many, many more!

Well, yesterday (Friday) was a little nostalgic for us as a family...if that's the right word. We had to make a tough decision on what to do about our dog, Rosie. We've had her for about 8 years now...she's a Jack Russell Terrier..enough said if you know anything about that breed of dog! They're very high maintenance but highly intelligent. Overall she's been a good dog...several quirks that would drive me nuts since I was at home w/her every day, but not a bad dog by any means.

She started developing some "issues" in the last several years or so having to do w/her "backside". We probably put almost $3000 in her over the last few years and the problem kept persisting. It had come to the point that we were having to "dump" (hee, hee!) $350 every other month in order to keep things in a natural order. We can't do that financially, and we knew that there was no other way to care for her by our own means. Mike informed our vet that we were NOT going to be able to pay for a surgery that might or might not work nor can we put that much money in every other month to take care of her. We thought our only option would be to put her down. That's such a hard decision, especially if you've seen "Marley & Me" :( I couldn't honestly give her to anyone, either, knowing she had "problems". So, as a last resort, our vet suggested that we turn her over to the hospital and they would take care of her and then find a home for her. To us that was an answer to prayer! We didn't have to put her down, nor did we have to find a good home for her! That was the "bridge" that I mentioned on my facebook page, if you follow that at all.

So, Rosie's gone. It's a little quieter around here and Archie sure misses her, but I'm relieved, I guess, that she'll be taken care of and maybe, just maybe my days will be a little less chaotic and sane! She's a very good dog...her big, brown eyes always won in an "argument"! The 8 years we've had her have been interesting and always insightful with her! So, thank you, Rosie, for opening our eyes to the world of Jack Russells and for being a very good companion, friend, walking buddy, blanket warmer, food stealing, cat-poop eating, bark-at-everything, big, brown-eyed buddy. We know that someone will love you the rest of your days and you will bring joy to whomever you're with!

Ok...I gotta go..the dust in this place is causing my eyes to water and I got something caught in my throat that feels like it's choking me :-?

(dang-why did I have to get nostalgic like this?!)

January 16, 2009

2009-01-16T12:28:00.004-06:00

OH WHAT FUN...

So, I had my mammogram yesterday. I hate those things. I'm thankful for the technology that it incorporates to detect cancer early, but my word, I'm pretty sure a guy developed the idea in honor of an ex-wife or ex-girlfriend! And the radiology building where I was tortured at was so "proud" of their new machine because it was " all digital"..woo hoo and hallelujah, but can you digitize my body part in question and use that instead of the two monster plates of discomfort I had to become one with?! How can one be proud of a torture device? And the technician was a woman!

The upside to that visit, though, was that I didn't have to get weighed...ahhhhh, the trade-off for not having to see those numbers that would teeter between where I should be and where I am...

I think I'd rather get weighed.

January 14, 2009

2009-01-14T13:34:00.005-06:00

TESTS

First of all let me start by saying that I got a text from Shelby today (shock! texting at school?!) and she got an 84 on her Spanish final! She was very excited, as was I. I think I pulled something doing the "happy dance" for her :) Alix seems to be doing well on her exams, too. She got a 110 on a test in a computer class (can't remember the specific name of the class) and is doing very well in the other tests she has completed. I know they have both put a lot of time into preparing and I know God sees that and rewards it. Girls-I'm proud of you!! We may even have to celebrate at Sonic!

I've been going at a slower pace today, partly because I'm still not 100% from being sick (but then again, when am I ever 100%?!) and partly because I'm trying to listen to God. It's not easy to do, seriously. I really don't know how my brain goes a hundred miles an hour, but it does. Sad thing is, don't ask me what I'm thinking about cuz I probably can't tell you that either. I've got to work on that! Anyway, I did sit down and try to find some scriptures to go with my previous post. So far I've only come up with one. I wasn't sure how to even go about looking for scripture. I didn't want to use the "new creation" one...I've been a new creation for a long time! So I prayed about what it is that I blogged about that causes me to go through mental boxing matches and I came up w/disorganized, etc. Sooooo, here's the verse I found:

Ezekiel 11:19 (NIV)
19 I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.

You know, as I thought about it, the "undivided" part made sense, but I didn't feel that I had a heart of stone. HOWEVER, this is what I felt I heard God say...if a heart is divided, it's not a whole heart. There are pieces of it in many different directions so how can it live, broken in pieces and divided between God, me, others, time, etc? In order for me to have a "heart of flesh", it has to be undivided, whole, so it can function as God created it to function. So for me to live as Christ created me to live, I have to have an undivided heart in ALL that I do. make sense?

I guess what I need to understand better now is the difference between "waiting on God" and being lazy :)

January 13, 2009

2009-01-13T19:39:00.011-06:00

FOLLOW UP

I challenged myself last week to write down something that I've been mentally beating myself up over lately and then to find 3 verses to help me deal with this issue. I've thought long and hard about this, but haven't looked for scriptures. That's the beginning of my problem-not seeking the Word first. But by the time I would have walked from the kitchen to the living room to get my Bible, something else would have grabbed my attention or I would have completely forgotten what I was going to do and it never got done. Excuses? Probably. But as I'm beginning to see through my own reflection (still no scripture ): ) is that a lot of my problem stems from lack of focus; and ADHD of sorts for adults and in my case it's for Alone-time-with-God Deficit & Hearing- God's- direction Deficit. Ok, so I stretched the acronym, but you get the point. I've created a monster in myself all in the name of busyness and organization. If I can't walk from one room to the next without forgetting something then I'm trying to do too much or have too much on my mind. Don't get me wrong. I'm all about keeping my house clean and orderly and my family fed and shuttled, but to actually have "make a to-do list" on my "to-do" list is a little over the top!

Anyway, what all of this madness has caused me to consider is who am I really? I'm lots of things to lots of people, but who am I? I try to "act" like the person people think I am so as to gain acceptance. But somewhere between growing up and life, I've lost who I am. I know I have a husband who I love completely and who loves me unconditionally and 2 daughters that I love dearly. I'm pretty sure that they see me for who I am and sometimes it's probably not very pretty. That's why the masks go on when I leave the house so I can be anyone else other than me. Crazy? Maybe and probably, but I don't think I'm alone in this.

So as I type this I'm on a voyage of self-discovery. I want peace and contentment in all areas of my life beyond my family. I don't want to just be the made-up version so everyone thinks I have all the answers. I'm still "me" but I think the "inner" me, the core being of "me" started hiding and taking on multiple personalities (not literally-figuratively) years ago just so everyone would like me and I would be accepted wherever I was. It won't be an over-night discovery and restoration, although I know it could be if God so chooses it to be.

I will find myself again and will probably be a much better person-content in all things and not afraid to be who God created me to be, not who man has tried to make me to be.

So, that's a start. Now I MUST find the scriptures to stand on and rediscover who I am and who God wants me to be.

Thanks, guys. I know this was a little more "serious" than usual, but I wanted to be forthright and ask for your prayers, too. Oh, and you can follow my daily journey of self-discovery on www.twitter.com/hsmsmom If you choose to follow me I'll have to accept your request so just ask!

Talk soon! Next post I will have those scriptures ready!

January 12, 2009...again

2009-01-12T13:21:00.002-06:00

So I was trying to blog on another blog site, but me being the google girl that I am, came back to my blogger blog. I lost track of it sometime last year but I hope to keep up with it a little more routinely. My initial thought when I started this last year was to post something that happened in my life or something I was learning EVERY DAY. I think that after trying to do that for say...a day or two, it because too overwhelming and it slacked off little by little. Bear with me as I try again. It's not a big informative blog, just an insight into my life and thoughts which doesn't take much time given that my thoughts are few and far between and my life is fairly mundane (but I wouldn't change it for anything!)

Today I'm not feeling well at all. SOO nauseated, but definitely not pregnant so don't ask :) I don't feel like this very often and so I'm not handling it well. .. And there are no saltine's in sight and buttery Ritz don't help. I'm really not a whiner. I've had more than my share of days not feeling well and have come through them victorious in Christ. I think that my not feeling well today serves as a reminder for me to be thankful for where I am and where I've come from physically. Some know my "story", others don't, but suffice it to say, God is good and He is faithful and feeling a little nauseated today is nothing.

See, I've knocked some sense into myself just by typing this blog. Like I told a friend of mine, blogging is cheap therapy! And a way to share a small bit of myself so you can all see how normal your life really is :)

See ya later!

January 8, 2009

2009-01-12T13:14:00.002-06:00

WORK IN PROGRESS

I'm still trying to get my whole "blog" thing set up so there aren't any pics in my album and I keep changing the colors, layout, etc. So, it may change as much as my mind changes subjects on my husband (which can totally throw him off at times!)

I read the below in one of my devotional studies this morning and thought I'd share...I haven't done it yet. I know I will but I need time and quiet, which you'd think I'd have plenty of being a stay-at-home mom. Some days, yes, but most days "no". today was a "no" day. So here it is:

"Write down something you've been mentally beating yourself up over lately. Find 3 verses that deal with this issue and commit to praying these scriptures into your situation. Stand firm on God's solid truth that you are a godly woman/man who will face this circumstance in a godly way." (www.proverbs31.org).

There's a lot I beat myself up mentally for but I'm coming to realize (slowly) that I don't need to do that. By holding on to whatever it is that I think is controlling me is in a way a form of pride. Follow me for a second...if I truly want to get rid of it, I need to turn it completely over to God and let him take it for me. I know this...I've grown up in church and youth group, but some things I continue to hang on to. But by hanging on to it, it still has control of part of me because it's in my hand. I don't want to let it go because then what will I have to push blame off on, or to hold over someones head? When I choose to completely let go of it and truly commit it to God, I will then have both hands and arms free to raise in worship of the King of Kings who took away all beatings I could ever incur on myself.

I'll let you know what I come up with (unless it's just a little too personal!). I think that's part of letting it go.

January 7, 2009

2009-01-12T13:14:00.001-06:00

MEMORY

Mike & I have been re-connecting with friends from high school, which is farther back than I care to discuss. Let's just say that it's more than 20 years. That alone makes me feel old. Sure, I have specific memories of all of these friends, some more than others. I can probably tell you a story or two about each one. However, I'm finding that I'm either totally blond (no offense to whoever is a TRUE blond!)and clueless or there are certain things that I just blocked out of my mind for some reason!

One of my fellow cheerleading buddies has proceeded to tell me of something I supposedly did, in the area of sneaking away from church camp for a day! Of course she's mistaken...I was the "good girl" of the group (stop choking, some of you who know otherwise!). Then others appear to be speaking a foreign language when they ask if I remember certain other things that I was supposedly a part of! What's wrong with me that I can't remember?!! I am thoroughly enjoying talking w/"old" friends again...I just wish I could remember who they are!

January 6, 2009

2009-01-12T13:13:00.001-06:00

I haven't blogged for a while and the last blog I did was on a different site. I found this one and thought I would try blogging again. Sure I'm in my 40's but I'm trying to stay current on the technology of today. Notice I didn't say "cutting edge"...I'm not as sharp as I used to be ;)

I'm twittering, facebooking, blogging and...what else...oh, yeah, living a real life in a real world! It makes me feel important and knowledgeable to use these things, but I have come to the realization that no amount of technology available to us today can compare with the worth and significance I have in Jesus Christ. Why would I ever want anything more? I don't know...I don't want anything else...all of this "stuff" keeps me in touch w/friends and family. I need to put as much time and effort into keeping in touch w/the One who gives me life. I know I will find a balance and then when I do, He'll probably call me home

September 15, 2008

2008-09-15T09:42:00.001-05:00

If there's anyone out there that still reads this blog to keep up w/me and my family, I'm doing more w/facebook these days so that's probably a better way to find out how we're doing! You can find me under Melissa Gant Jones and send me a friend request and we'll go from there!
Talk to you soon!
m

August 28, 2008

2008-08-28T09:28:00.003-05:00

Back to school!! Wow! I can't believe it's finally here. The girls have been in school for 2 days now and it's been nice =-) It's quiet in the house and the pitter-patter of big feet is gone for now. They're both already getting busy w/things at school. Alix is having volleyball tryouts this week and Shelby is completely absorbed w/color guard as they have a football game this Saturday at Texas Stadium. Keeping us busy, but it's good to finally be in that place again. No regrets w/homeschooling Shelby last year, but very thankful we're not doing it again =-)

Here are they're First Day of School pics...

August 18, 2008

2008-08-18T16:07:00.002-05:00

Well, I joined the ranks of Facebook members=-) I wasn't quite sure of the fascination of it, but since I started using it more, I've found some old friends from waaaaaaay long ago! It's been cool finding out how people are doing, what their family is like, etc. It's cool! If you've got a facebook, let me know and I can add you as a friend and we can keep in touch!
My birthday went by quietly, which I am thankful for. Mike did a lot to ease my load that day and treated me like a princess...the girls even remembered me and gave me cards and gifts. It was good and I'm thankful for each day that God gives me =-) (which is approaching MANY days!!)
m

August 6, 2008

2008-08-06T10:38:00.004-05:00

Our anniversary "staycation" weekend was great! We had fun doing things and going places we don't normally go, ie; Dallas Farmers Market. They had a melon there that I hadn't heard of before called and "Israel Melon". I'm not sure where the name comes from but my goodness, was it good! Very sweet and sort of a combination of cantaloupe and honeydew. Good stuff.

We also went to the botanical gardens in Grapevine and took some pics. It was fun...extremely hot, but fun! I've put a couple on here for your viewing pleasure =-) We also went to Central Market in Southlake on Friday evening for dinner and listen to a live band. It was cool...not in the "weather-sense", but just the whole experience.

We have Mike's cousin, Stephanie, coming in tomorrow. She lives in Michigan and is here visiting her dad. We haven't seen her in years, so it'll be good to catch up and spend some time with her. We may need a trip to Sam Moon's while she's here, though!

Have a great one!

July 30, 3008

2008-07-30T23:14:00.003-05:00

Not much news. Trying to wind down to get started again for school! The summer is flying by! Mike and I will be celebrating our 22nd anniversary this weekend. Not any big plans, but just time together going places that the girls don't normally like to go!! Like the Dallas Farmers Market early Saturday morning...Old City Park in Dallas, places like that. Anyway, I'm ready for a break.
Later-
m

July 15, 2008

2008-07-15T18:06:00.007-05:00

WE'RE BACK FROM PINE COVE FAMILY CAMP!! Wow, what a great week we had there in Tyler, TX. We met a lot of new people and got to hear an amazing speaker, but most of all we were able to reconnect w/one another and w/God. Personally, I feel that I've been in such a drought lately, but being away from everything and spending time w/God and hearing His word on a daily basis was just the shot in the arm I needed.

The central theme for the week was "First Impressions"...what spiritual truths do you impress upon your children and what is their first impression of you, their parent? The central verse for the week was Deuteronomy 6:4-9. The week ended with some spiritual and family challenges for parents, but mostly the dad's and their role in keeping the family all together and strong in the Lord. Anthony Evans, Pastor Tony Evans' son, did a little mini concert on Thursday night. He used to be a counselor at Pine Cove several years ago and they asked him to write a song to go along w/"First Impression". He did and it is called "Reflections of You". It's an awesome song and we were thrilled to be able to hear it directly from him! Another great song he does is "I Choose Now"...look it up on iTunes if you can...it's awesome!!! In the video clip below, he's singing "Wonderful Savior"..

Now we're back home, trying to get in the swing of things and keep that camp "high" that everyone gets after spending a week totally devoted to spending time w/God. Pray for us as a family that we not let go of what we learned or what we were challenged with and that we stay strong together as a family to share God's love w/each other and w/others.

That's about it, I guess. I'm sure I'll add more over the next few days, but for now, I'll close.

Be blessed!

July 5, 2008

2008-07-05T10:25:00.002-05:00

Happy Independence Day! I'm so thankful for the freedom that we have and for the country that we live in, no matter how flawed it may be. But most of all I'm thankful for the freedom I have in Christ and all that He set me free from. No amount of gorgeous displays of fireworks can compare to the beauty of my salvation through Christ Jesus.

We are blessed!

Have a good day!

June 29, 2008

2008-06-29T14:16:00.002-05:00

Ok, so I've made my laundry soap and Mike is getting the cement poured for my clothesline as I write...I'm so proud of myself =-) The soap seems to be doing a good job, as far as I can tell! And I used the clothesline a few times last week but it started leaning more and more so it needed to be cemented into the ground. It's amazing the short amount of time it takes to dry the clothes on the line! Yes, they've been a little stiffer than I like, even w/softener in the wash load, but I just put them in the dryer for a "fluff-time" of about 10 minutes and it seems to help a lot! You can't be in a hurry, though, if you're line-drying the clothes and I've found I have to sort of plan my time according to daylight, weather, etc. I'll get it worked out and hopefully we'll see at least a little bit of it's usefulness in our energy bill =-)

Shelby got home and we still haven't seen much of her! She's leaving the nest a little bit at a time which is hard, but she's growing and maturing a lot and she had a great week at camp.

Alix is sewing, still, and also got some "fashion drawing" books from the library. She wants to design clothes...and move to NYC...and be famous...if anyone can do it, she can but I'm trying to stress more importantly is her walk w/Christ and how that will impact forever vs. all of our energy on things that will not last and are only beneficial in the short time we have here on earth...

ok, sermonette done!!
m

June 23, 2008

2008-06-23T10:49:00.003-05:00

No new HTML on here yet. I took a "brain break" last week so I may try to start working on it again =-) Shelby is gone to camp this week so I may have a little extra time to get on the computer! Between her and Alix, I get little time on the computer...at least the one that I can use to upload pics, etc.

I'm in the midst of possibly buying a clothesline...my "go green" item of the month =-) I found it on Craigslist over the weekend. After receiving our energy bill last week and seeing that it has jumped significantly, I thought "why not?" in trying to hang clothes out to dry. My biggest complaint is that I want my clothes to still be soft and smell good. No offense, Mom, but I remember her hanging clothes out to dry when we were kids and they were stiff and didn't' smell good. I'm hoping to be able to get the clothesline and also be able to "master" the art of hanging clothes and having them still be soft. Any ideas or suggestions? Mike suggested a clothesline a few weeks ago, but he didn't make it sound "cool" and present it as a "go green" idea, so I dismissed it. Sorry, Mike! You're so cutting edge that I don't even realize it...=-)

I did find this little blog entry from someone else and thought it appropriate:

Clotheslines are the new cool
And just like that, drying clothes on a line is hip. It will help save the planet and it's a way to make a green statement.
Funny, just a few weeks ago, I considered it trashy. I saw my neighbors drying their kids' clothes on a fence and I thought: "How country." And not in a good way.
Then after last week's Live Earth: The Concerts for a Climate in Crisis, I saw my other neighbors doing the sun-dried clothing thing and I thought: "Tres chic."
You can find really cool clotheslines at Gaiam. You've got a choice between the Retractable Clothesline for 20 bucks, the Large Drying Rack for 89 bucks, and the new Breezecatcher Umbrella Drying Rack (pictured) for a 169 big ones. That's upscale, right?

Will keep you posted on the clothesline, if/when we get it. Hopefully it will be today and I can start playing with it this week!

June 16, 2008

2008-06-16T15:56:00.002-05:00

Be watching ever so closely to my little HTML/CSS changes I'm working on for my blog page =-) I have a "dummy" page that I practice on and it's looking pretty good. My poor, 40-something brain is toast but I'm determined to figure it out!!! It's taking up a lot of my time but hopefully it'll be worth it. How? I don't know!!

m

June 12, 2008

2008-06-12T18:49:00.004-05:00

On Tuesday Alix & I had the privilege and honor to welcome home a 90 yr old WWII veteran at DFW Airport. It's a rather long story and I'll provide the link to the whole history of why he was returning from Paris.

Anyway, I can't tell you in words what it was like to shake his hand and tell him thank you. Our whole world was shaped by the actions of him and his fellow service men on D-Day in Normandy. Mike & I watched the HBO special series "Band of Brothers" (on DVD) a couple of months ago. It was a little rough, language-wise, but it's true stories of a parachute troop and all they encountered during the time from their air-drop until they headed to the Pacific. It put it all in perspective as to what they faced and now, in the 21st century, they're all but forgotten, let alone honored (those that are still alive). If you get the chance to watch that series, I highly recommend it. Like I said-beware of a lot of strong cussing, but it was war...

So here are some pics of Pilot Mr. Moreland who actually flew on D-Day..and the link to his story. I am so glad we took the time to go and welcome him home!

http://www.star-telegram.com/804/story/682508.html is the first article and then this is the link to the article after the homecoming

http://www.star-telegram.com/metro_news/story/693356.html

God bless the USA (especially during this election year...)

June 11, 2008

2008-06-11T17:49:00.005-05:00

It's sooo hot here in TX. I know we're not the only hot place on the planet, but it just sucks the life out of you it seems! Our summer break has officially started and so far, I haven't heard the "b" word (bored)! Shelby's driving and has a correspondence course to take over the summer so she's working on it a little bit at a time. Alix is sewing...and sewing...and sewing! She's getting some private lessons from her Consumer Science (Home Ec) teacher through the summer and she's in the beginning stages of starting a dress. I've bought fabric for her to make my "go green" cloth napkins!

I'm taking it upon myself to try to learn HTML & CSS...at this point, I know enough to be dangerous but not enough to make a cute blog page =-) Yes, that's the only reason I want to learn to code is so I can make "cute" blog pages! I think there's a little potential income there if I can just get it up and going. I went to the library yesterday and loaded up on the "dummies" and "idiots" books so we'll see what happens! If anyone knows any tricks or the best (easiest) way to design blog pages feel free to clue me in!!

I'll put up a couple of pictures from Shelby's party. It was fun and she had a good time which is all that matters, right?! My brother, Jordan, drew the backdrop for pictures at her party. Cool!

Hope you are all well...I'll chat more later!

June 4, 2008

2008-06-04T21:12:00.003-05:00

Well, tomorrow is Shelby's 16th birthday! I have been reflecting on it all evening as I'm here by myself and writing out a birthday card for her. Where does the time go? I'm so excited for her and this new time in her life, yet scared to death of the big world that lays before her. I'm finding that trusting God is going to be the only way to get through these years and each time that she leaves the house. I choose not to live in fear and "what if's" when she drives but to place her securely in her Father's hands and know He will care for her. It's such a great time in a girls life-turning 16. It's such a huge milestone and turning point in life. I'm praying that she continues to enjoy her life and friends and youth group and that somewhere along the way (when she's much, much older =-) she will run into the man of God's dreams for her and she will continue to trust God to bring him to her.

Ok...I just heard the garage door open so I'd better close this! She'll want on the computer!!

Later!
m

June 3, 2008

2008-06-03T19:50:00.003-05:00

My "green" goal for the week...finish up using my paper napkins and try to use cloth napkins to cut down on the amount of paper that is thrown away. I'm hoping to hit up some thrift stores to see what they have in the way of cloth napkins. If nothing, Alix is really into sewing right now so how hard could it be to cut out squares and sew the rough edges to make them clean edges? (I obviously don't know the "correct" sewing lingo, but I'm sure you get the idea!)

Shelby and I watched Ryan, my nephew, today. He's sooo cute and soooo good! He had me laughing quite a bit! He's a good boy, but he sure is busy!!! Whew! Maybe this Shelby-getting-her-license-thing isn't so bad now!! =-) Love you, Ryan!

Getting ready to work on my grocery list/menu for the next week. I always feel stuck in a cooking rut so if anyone has any good recipes they're using right now, feel free to share! We love to try new things!!

Better get to working on it..ugh...
m

May 28, 2008

2008-05-28T22:26:00.003-05:00

Ok, so I've been very neglectful in my blog-keeping. The homeschooling totally kicked my backside and I could barely keep my head above water, but hallelujah, we're about done!!!!!!! It's been a long year, but I don't regret a bit of it. Sure there were times when Shelby and I couldn't stand each other, but overall, I think it's been good for us to get to know each other a little better. She's still Shelby and I'm still me, but it's ok. We'll get through (even though there were days I wondered!) Her 16th birthday is next Thursday so we're gearing up for that. The party, the drivers license, etc. So far, no "dates" lined up, but Mike and I are totally not ready for that one bit!!!

Alix is winding down at Medlin. She's currently got a cast on her right hand (her writing hand!) for a torn tendon in her thumb from playing volleyball. She had big plans for volleyball camps this summer, but those are not going to happen. She has to keep it immobile for close to 4 months, so all summer long =-( She's also looking at places to do community service (no, not because she got in trouble!) for National Junior Honor Society. She and a friend are looking into various things to do, plus it'll keep her busy and not so "bored" all summer ;-) Paula C, she needs to come down and hang out w/you guys for a while so she can keep busy!!

Ok, so here's the deal. I'll be able to tell if anyone is reading this...I'm trying to "go green" as best as I can and doing a lot of research on it. I don't want to go crazy w/it, but at least be responsible in things and using what God gave us as natural resources, etc. So, is anyone on this journey, too? I know Paula C. has been "going green" as long as I've known her! She's always had a garden, etc. We actually have 3 tomato plants and a green pepper plant potted on our back porch and we have our first tomato!! We've never done anything like it, so it's so exciting. I don't think they'll allow cows or chickens or pigs in our backyard here in Trophy club, nor could I butcher them to get my "free range" meat, but I'm trying to be more aware of things.

Thoughts, ideas, suggestions on things that are working for you? I'll try to keep posted things that we're trying to do. One thing we do is "recycle" our paper...sort of. If we print things out, we reuse them and print on the other side so we're using both sides. It may seem minor to some, but to us, it's a step in the right direction!

Gotta go..time to shut the computer and peripherals down for the night to cut down on the phantom energy stealers through the night =-)

April 10, 2008

2008-04-10T09:28:00.002-05:00

Yep, we're still here! As the school year begins it's descent to summer, I've been busier than usual trying to get Shelby ready for next year and make sure things are on track for her return to NHS. We had a meeting this week w/several "higher-ups" at the high school to get this year started off on the right track. Pray for all of us that the year will be much better than the last year she was there. She will have to do well in her classes and stay on top of things to graduate in 2010 as planned but she can do it!

Alix is busy w/volleyball again and loving it. They have a cool coach...she's a junior at NHS so she's "cool" and current w/what's required in the high school level. She's also keeping busy w/NJHS and all of the things she does w/her friends.

I'll try to put more on later. Just wanted to update while I had the chance!

Talk later!
m

March 16, 2008

2008-03-16T11:51:00.003-05:00

As we get ready to head into Spring Break 2008, here's a little of what we faced about 2 weeks ago... SNOW! We couldn't believe it! One day it's in the 70's and the next we have 5-6 inches of snow! It was so pretty and the girls (and Mike!) had a lot of fun making a snow man and throwing snowballs!

No big plans for spring break. Just trying to figure out some things to do in town.

Will fill you in later if we do anything fun!
m

February 24, 2008

2008-02-24T13:27:00.004-06:00

Yes, it's been a while since my last post...life gets away from me and my blog comes in last place. Anywho, how is everyone? I've heard from some of you but I'm wondering how the rest of you are doing! Life continues at warp-speed here =-) Trust me when I say that once you have teenagers, your life is no longer your own! I'm trying to remember that these times will go by quickly and to enjoy them as much as I can while I have them!

Shelby is driving more and more. She still has just a learners permit, but asks to drive more frequently. She's really taken a liking to the BMW and says it's "her car", so that's what she likes to drive around in. Mike got a new (used) truck a month or so ago as we prepare to become a 3 driver family. He's missed having a truck since he got rid of the last one. This is a cute little Ford Ranger, 1999 I think. So he has fun driving that, Shelby the BMW and I'm still enjoying my Toyota. Still not quite sure if I'm ready for the whole Shelby-driving thing, but it's coming up rather quickly!

Alix got into National Junior Honor Society this last week. They had their "induction" ceremony and got their NJHS pins. She was so thrilled to get in and we are very proud of her accomplishments academically to get her to the point of being accepted. She's wanting to start taking a dance class so we'll be looking into one at Southlake this next week. Of course, Shelby wants to take a dance class, too. It's always a competition with the two of them these days. It doesn't bother me or Shelby much, but it drives Alix absolutely nuts!!!

That's about it for now. Still trying to find a church where God wants us all to be and be able to minister in. We are getting ready to start the Financial Peace course by Dave Ramsey at Aurora Baptist church. That's been our home-base church for now, but not sure that's where we will end up. Great church but it would be nice to have something a little closer to home.

Take care of yourself and I'll try to post again soon!

January 3, 2008

2008-01-03T15:13:00.001-06:00

It's quiet around here these days, but that's ok! The girls are on a ski trip in Colorado w/a youth group so I've got the house to myself! It's so peaceful, but I miss them just the same...too quiet, I guess. Mike's back to work so it's just me and the dogs + cat.
Alix keeps in touch about once a day to let me know how things are going. She had fun skiing yesterday but had a tough time stopping! It's very cold and slippery, she said, so she's slipping and falling a lot! She says Shelby is caught up in whatever drama happens to be unfolding and Alix is trying to stay out of it...sisters...
That's all for now. Getting ready to head out to grocery store...ugh
m

December 27, 2007

2007-12-27T21:53:00.000-06:00

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

2007-12-14T17:32:00.000-06:00

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!

December 1, 2007

2007-12-01T14:43:00.000-06:00

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!

November 20, 2007

2007-11-20T22:48:00.000-06:00

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

2007-11-14T16:24:00.001-06:00

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

2007-11-12T15:11:00.000-06:00

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

2007-11-08T12:50:00.000-06:00

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

2007-10-24T15:26:00.000-05:00

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

2007-10-03T08:23:00.000-05:00

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!

September 8, 2007

2007-09-08T09:36:00.000-05:00

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

September 1, 2007

2007-09-01T10:33:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-27T20:46:00.001-05:00

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

2007-08-27T20:19:00.000-05:00

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!

August 23, 2007

2007-08-23T17:17:00.001-05:00

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

2007-08-14T22:56:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-09T20:36:00.001-05:00

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

2007-08-02T09:58:00.000-05:00

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

2007-07-29T17:34:00.000-05:00

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...

July 26, 2007

2007-07-26T08:24:00.000-05:00

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!

July 24, 2007

2007-07-24T10:48:00.001-05:00

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!

July 18, 2007

2007-07-18T17:53:00.000-05:00

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

2007-07-17T08:46:00.000-05:00

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!)!

July 14, 2007

2007-07-14T11:26:00.000-05:00

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

2007-07-11T23:45:00.000-05:00

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

2007-07-11T14:43:00.000-05:00

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

2007-07-10T20:33:00.000-05:00

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

2007-07-07T15:18:00.000-05:00

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

2007-07-05T12:50:00.000-05:00

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...

July 1, 2007

2007-07-01T22:49:00.000-05:00

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

2007-06-29T09:17:00.000-05:00

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

2007-06-26T11:14:00.000-05:00

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

2007-06-25T10:04:00.000-05:00

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!

June 22, 2007

2007-06-22T15:27:00.003-05:00

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

2007-06-20T18:53:00.000-05:00

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!

June 18, 2007

2007-06-18T21:29:00.001-05:00

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

2007-06-14T21:41:00.000-05:00

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

2007-06-13T15:38:00.000-05:00

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!

June 12, 2007

2007-06-12T12:29:00.000-05:00

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

2007-06-10T22:45:00.000-05:00

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

2007-06-09T13:57:00.000-05:00

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 =-)

June 8, 2007

2007-06-08T09:42:00.000-05:00

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

2007-06-06T09:36:00.000-05:00

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

2007-06-04T16:27:00.000-05:00

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

2007-06-03T21:38:00.001-05:00

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

2007-06-02T16:13:00.000-05:00

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

2007-06-01T21:16:00.000-05:00

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!

2007-05-31T21:09:00.000-05:00

Alix is enjoying Baily's puppies!

May 31, 2007

2007-05-31T20:19:00.000-05:00

Well, here I am trying another blog site. The last one I used wasn't very user friendly (at least for people like me!) so once again, I rely on Google to help me out! Hopefully I can keep this one up easier than the last one!

Alix and I went to get pedicures today in Boyd with my mom. We had a good time, but it took forever! Now we're all "pretty in pink" and purples with little flowers...so special!

Mike and Shelby are still in Honduras. I miss them terribly! They're working hard every day and are worn out at the end of the day. I'm sure their time there is a blessing to Mark and Paula Colbath and time that won't soon be forgotten by Mike and Shelby. I can't wait to see them on Monday!

That's about all for now. I just wanted to see how this worked and how easy it is to navigate through!

Later!