Christmas Vacation...

Thank God for Christmas break! There is something about the insanity during the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas that makes me really need a break at Christmas time.

We have been planning to go away to S. Padre Island this Christmas break with some friends that we work with, Brad and Emily...everyone, including all of our kids! To some of you, this might not seem like a big deal. BUT, vacationing with friends can be great but it can also be really bad. We, of course, have our 2 kids that are still living at home...Josh (13) and Cami (5). Brad and Emily have 2 kiddos also...ages (almost)3 and about 11 weeks. With all that said...

We had an awesome time! NO problems AT ALL! The girls (Me, Emily, Cami & Gracie) drove down to S. Padre in one car and the boys (John, Brad, Josh & Bennett) drove in another. This was a great arrangement. We, girls, got to chit chat constantly! It was awesome. We stopped in San Marcos to shop a little...nothing major...just a little pit-stop.

We finally arrived in S. Padre at our condo, on Saturday evening. We pretty much unloaded the cars and got all comfy in the condo. And, the condo that we rented was great! It had 3 bedrooms, so Josh even had his own room to hang out in and just be his teen self...Bennett and Cami had some art projects that they were "dying" to work on. Color Wonder finger paint is THE BEST!



Then, we ventured out to see what was all around us on the island. We found a secluded beach and walked around. Saw some people riding horses in the sand. Beautiful scenery!



We worked it out with our friends to have a date night for each couple. We went out on our date one night and they watched the kids...and they went the next night and we watched their kids. John and I went to a nice dinner, did a little shopping and took a walk on the beach where we wrote our names in the sand! It was a really nice break for all of us. The guys even told Emily and I that they decided that we would start doing this more often (watching eachother's kids so that we can have "date nights"). Great job, boys!





We stayed up late every night, slept in every morning, cooked a great late breakfast and cooked awesome dinners in the condo every night. We just did what we wanted to do, when we wanted to do it. The kids had very, very few issues! This was wonderful! Cami can be a little stinker, to say the least...but she even did great. She must have even known that Mommy and Daddy really needed this break, even from her stubbornness!

Anyways...we bought a kite there on the island. We spent a day out on the beach and flew the kite, played football, splashed around in the water and just plain had lots of family fun.







We stayed until Thursday morning. Brad and Emily headed toward Tennessee to visit family and we headed toward Corpus Christie to visit some other friends, on our way back home. We finally made it home last night and were glad to sleep in our own bed last night...but I think this was the first vacation that we were not ready to leave! We are planning to go back next year again.

Happy Marriage...

Since I've been reading these Karen Kingsbury books, I've found some very helpful hints for life. Now don't get me wrong, I know these books are fiction. But they are very thought-provoking. In this particular series (The Redemption series) there are 3 sets of series'. Redemption (5 books), First Born (5 books) and then Sunrise (4 books). I am on book 3 of Sunrise...so I only have 1 1/2 books left!

I say all of that to tell you this: I read an interesting list called "10 secrets to a happy marriage". I thought I'd share...

1.) God has you here to serve one another. Love, acted out is serving.

2.) Women need respect and nurturing. Love your wife so she knows you'd lay your life down for her. Continue to date her and admire her. Share a hobby, find something you can do together to have fun.

3.) Laugh often!

4.) Be patient. Love crumbles quickly under the weight of unmet expectations.

5.) Spend more time trying to fix yourself than your spouse.

6.) Keep short accounts. The Bible says, "Do not let the sun go down while you are angry." Make it a habit to forgive.

7.) Determine up front that divorce is not an option. (I think this should be #1, personally...but I'm just copying this!)

8.) Learn about love languages. Not all people show love or receive it the same way. Love is better received when it is in the language that person speaks! Acts of Service - Time - Physical Touch - Gifts - Words of Affirmation.

9.) Words of affirmation are a love language for all men.

10.) Men are born to be leaders. He cannot lead unless she gives him the confidence to do so. If you love your husband, build him up. Confident men do not seek love outside the home.

You may agree or disagree with one or more things on this list...but I thought they were at least worth writing down. Some are great pointers to pass on, or just keep in mind, I think.

Just a thought...

Aaaahhhhhh....

Do you ever feel like that? Ahhhhh.....

I know I do. Sometimes I just want to scream, thinking I might just feel relieved if I scream loud enough!

The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is insane around here. Basketball practice, Basketball games, Choir practices, late night Choir performances, shopping, preparing for the holiday, decorating for the holiday, etc... Don't get me wrong, individually, I love each of these things...it's just that, combined, they make me crazy! And, Thanksgiving break is over...so welcome to the madness I call my life and eventhough it is insane, I love it!

On another note...my family is NOT a morning family. We stay up really late and sleep in really late! So, all week this week, we were up until at least midnight...most nights later. And we didn't usually get up until noon. My kind of week! So, last night, I put Cami to bed at 9pm. I was thinking I was off the hook, because she actually went to sleep relatively easy. BUT THEN, 5:00AM...my lovely daughter was WIDE AWAKE!! "Mommy, I'm hungry". Are you kidding? Really? Do you have any idea what time it is? Oh my goodness! So, I've been up since 5am and I've been a zombie for a couple hours now. I'm thinking this is what jet lag feels like?

On the teen-front...oh my goodness. I didn't think it was seriously possible to transform a kid. Raging hormones, entitlement issues, defiance...you name it, we're there! I sure love my baby boy...that's all I have to say about that!

My newest countdown...19 days till Christmas vacation...in South Padre!!

Blessings and changes...

Once again, I am reminded of how blessed I am.

I have been reading some life-changing books over the past several weeks. Karen Kingsbury "Redemption Series", I finished...now I'm onto the "Firstborn Series", I'm starting book 4 today! I am hooked. I have read these 8 books faster than I've ever read in my life...they are soooo good. I encourage anyone...anyone...to read these. Boy, I wish my husband would read!

That brings me to the reason I wanted to blog tonight...not really to 'talk' about the Karen Kingsbury books, but I guess they are the reason for the way I've been thinking lately. I have wanted to make some changes in my life for quite some time now. I have finally been given the kick in the rear to DO it! God's kicks don't feel too good. But, they are unmistakable that's for sure.

I have done a lot of thinking about what I am thankful for...and that is all fine, but what do I want to change or add to my life to make it more fulfilling? A life God wants for me. A life God wants for my family.

Don't get me wrong. I have a great life. I have a wonderful husband. I have awesome children.

I am very wasteful with my time. I do not appreciate my husband as much as I should. I do not honor my husband as I always should. I don't always appreciate my kids. Sometimes I take the great things that God has given for granted. I don't always listen for that obvious voice of God in my daily decisions. I don't read my Bible the way I should, to be totally honest, I don't always want to. I watch way too much TV. I procrastinate...a lot! I could go on and on...but I'll leave it at that for now.

God has used these fictional stories, so carefully crafted, so work in my life! So, these are some of the areas I plan to get to work on. Now. Today (I am writing this after I've thought all day...lol).

I am not a good communicator. For anyone who knows me well, this may come as a suprise to you...because I LOVE talking. But there is a huge difference in talking and true communication. Big difference! I can always talk. But, I don't often really open up. And, I'm surely not going to just open up to anyone. So, that is one thing I plan to work on...my communication, with everyone in my life...starting with my God! Today, I cancelled some of the shows I normally TiVo...some because of the content that I shouldn't be watching anyway (yep, I was convicted) and some because I want to spend more time away from the TV!!

I am very sarcastic. In some ways this can be good. In some ways it isn't. One thing I do, often, is talk sarcastically to my husband and children. My words aren't always taken the way I meant them to be. This can lead to confusion and any mix of feelings from them. And, it can hint of disrespect. How can I expect my kids to respect others when I don't always treat others with respect? In no way do I truly want to disrespect my husband! I will work on showing him more respect. I am also working on showing my kids more respect. Today, I talked respectfully to both of my children and my husband!

I am a decent housekeeper, but not the best. I want to work on getting things done better, quicker. Not let dishes sit in the sink. Not let laundry sit in the basket. How can I expect my kids to do things that I, myself do not do? Today, I washed, dried, folded, hung up and put away 5 full loads of laundry!! Today, I kept all dishes washed, dried and put away...all day!! Today, I dusted my house. Today, I have done good! Tomorrow, I'll add making the bed!

I dwell on the past. I am horrible about this. I have been working on forgiveness (of myself and others) lately. I think that's where a lot of these other things has originated from, honestly. I am working on this. I am doing better...all with God's help of course. I couldn't do it myself. It is definately not human nature to forgive...it is human nature to remember! I am working with God and against human nature...we'll see how this goes, it is also an ongoing project!

I am trying to get more excercise. I lost a little bit of weight over the past few months and it has felt good. I know that my body is a temple that God gave me to cherish. I need to take care of it, honor my body, treat it the way God wants me to. I am walking at least a mile or two every weekday...to start, I'll work my way up from there. That is another ongoing project!

I think that's plenty to work on for now...please pray for me. I am also wanting to increase and improve my prayer time. God deserves more of my time (and that great communication that I'm already so good at!).

I welcome any comments and/or advice if you want to share with me.

Thanksgiving is coming...

With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, (I can't believe 2010 is nearly over already!) I am reminded of things that I am thankful for. I think many of us think along these lines at this time of year (I hope so anyway) but oftentimes I fail to truly thank God for all the many blessings in my life. And, to thank those in my life for the many blessings they provide.

I am thankful for God, in all His infinate wisdom and power...for sending his one and only son to die for ME!

I am thankful that I live in the United States. That I was given the freedom to worship God and have the freedom that so many military men and women have died to help provide. That this country still stands on the principles that God provides, through His Word.

I am thankful for the husband that God gave me. That I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that we were meant for eachother! I love my husband.

I am thankful for how my husband treats me. He helps out around the house, he puts laundry away, he's not afraid to do the dishes, he's not perfect...but, he's perfect for me!

I am thankful Josh. I am thankful for the sensitive, charming, blessing that he is in my life. When I look in his eyes, I am reminded of the great responsibility that God has given me. I love my boy.

I am thankful for Lace. I am thankful that she accepted me, with open arms, and we never had the stereotypical "step" relationship. She has grown into a beautiful woman, inside and out. I love Lace.

I am thankful for Julian. I am thankful that he is such a perfect fit for Lace. They are such a great match. I am thankful that they found eachother and that he didn't let us run him off when they were teenagers!

I am thankful for Cami. I am thankful for that second chance at being a mom. When I thought I'd never have that 2nd chance, Cami came along! I look forward to every growing moment with her. She blesses our lives, daily. I love my princess.

I am thankful for my Gram. My dad's mom, who I lived with for a while as a young child. I am so very close to my Gram. I am so thankful to have her in my life, to learn from, to visit with, to confide in. I love my Gram.

I am thankful for my parents. I wasn't raised in a Christian, church-going family. I always knew about God. I always knew that my parents did their best for me. Eventhough my mom and dad were divorced, they always thought of me first. I never had to wonder who my dad was or whether they loved me or not. They weren't perfect, but I was made for them and I love them!

I am thankful for my husband's family. I just love them! Their whole family is just awesome!

I am thankful for my siblings...Lauren, Jamie, Jason & Cody. Lauren, I never imagined I'd share the relationship with her that I do...she is truly a blessing in my life. Jamie, we were pretty close when we were little...not so much since we've grown up...but I am still thankful for my older brother! Jason, my baby brother...I love that boy and am so thankful he's mine! And Cody...we were only a part of eachother's lives for about 8 or 9 years, then we lost contact until recently...I am so thankful to have found him again! I love them all!!


I am thankful for great friends. Tonia, who has been my best friend since high school...we have, literally, seen eachother through thick and thin...I love Tonia! Emily, who I vent to, confide in, share crazy job stories with, and just enjoy being with! Buffy, who I know I can call on anytime I need to pray or a 'pick me up', she's a blast to be with too! I can't name everyone...but I love and thank God for good friends!

I am thankful for all of the kids in my life...my kids at work, the kids we've had at work in the past...Christopher, Hailey, Erika, Justin, Devin, Sophia, Letty, Shelby, Erin, John, Dylan, Andy, Sean, James, just to name a few!

I am thankful for my job. I never thought I would be able to work with my husband, but it works. Knowing that we are doing God's work, makes it that much better. Without God, we couldn't do it. We love our kids, our co-workers and the ministry that we are a part of at "The Hill"!

I am thankful that through my job, my kids get the privilege of a Christian, private school education. This, is invaluable to me! A huge blessing in our lives, something I hope will enrich their lives for years to come.

I am thankful for modern technology...the automobile, electric stove, oven, microwave, washer, dryer, HDTV, TiVo, water filter, electric coffee pot, cell phones, text messaging, computer, internet, etc...all the simplicities we typically take for granted these days.

I am thankful for the gift of forgiveness. It mends hearts...of those giving and recieving forgiveness...it is truly a God given thing!

I am thankful for the grace that God shows me daily.

I am thankful for my health and the good health of my family.

Oh my goodness...I am overwhelmed by everything I am thankful for! This is only a fraction of the things flowing through my heart of the thing that I feel I should thank God for. But, I need to get off here...so I should end now.

Fall Fun...

I am SO glad Summer is over! That is, until it gets TOO cold...then I'll change my mind.

Since we work where we do, our individual time with our own children is a little different than the ordinary family. In some ways, it's better and in other ways, it's not so wonderful. But, we love our job and the way it all manages to work together...most days!

I have about 2 1/2 hours every afternoon that I get to spend alone with Cami. Unfortunately, she tends to be a little cranky at this time. I can't let her nap, or else she won't sleep at night. So, I just deal with and love my cranky little girl every afternoon! I am trying to figure out some creative, fun things to do with her on these days. Today, we make hot chocolate and topped it with colorful marshmallows! She had fun, but it was only a project...she didn't like the drink. I'm not too disappointed, since I'm really trying to get her back into the healty habit of eating good. When she was really young, I was so particular about what she ate. Lucky for me, she's not too bad about junk as it is...thank God!

We took all of the kids to the park this past Saturday. We had a lot of fun. Josh and the rest of the boys played football with some other kids that were hanging out there. I took pics of the boys playing, but I am not allowed to post pics of our 'farm' kids on the internet. Cami and I played around, I swung her on the tire swing, we piled up leaves, then Cami picked them all up and tossed them in the air!!





We had Josh's 13th birthday party last weekend. I cannot believe my little boy is 13 years old! We had planned to take him to ride go-carts, but it rained. So, we went to Main Event. We played Laser Tag and all sorts of other games. He brought a friend with him, so he and his friend went and did 'their thing' and played around most of the day. I really enjoy the time I get with Josh. These days, he doesn't enjoy just hanging out with Mom and Dad too much. Luckily, he doesn't think we're complete idiots (yet). I wish I could rewind time with him. I feel like so much time has just literally flown by. I love and adore my little boy. I love how beautiful his piercing blue eyes are. I love his genuine smile, it melts my heart. I love how he still has no problem hugging and kissing his Mom and Dad goodnight, every night. I love how tenderhearted he is. I love that he accepted Christ into his heart at the young age of 6. I love his eagerness to be good and kind. I pray for many things for his life. I pray that he will succeed in school. I pray for him to excel in whatever he chooses to do after High School. I pray that he will grow up to be an honest, loving, kindhearted, God-loving, God-seeking man. I pray that he will fall in love with a Christian girl. I pray for his future wife. I pray for his future child(ren). I pray that we never part ways while here on this earth. I pray that we will always be close. I love my boy and am so thankful that God chose me to be his Mom!

Kids, Family, etc...

You know, it seems that no matter what age you are...childhood seems like yesterday. It feels that way to me, sometimes, anyway. I lived with my Gram & Papaw (my dad's parents) for a while when I was very young and I was very close to them. Much closer than typical grandkids, I think. I try to get over to Gram & Papaw's house as often as I can (it's a 5 hour drive). My Papaw is in his 80's and my Gram is in her late 70's. Neither are in pristine health. Over the past year or so, I've come to the grand realization that my grandparents are not going to live forever! This has been very hard for me. I can't imagine not being able to pick up the phone and call my Gram. I can't imagine her not being here to see pictures of my grandchildren. It is just so hard to think about. But I know that they are both Christians and I know where they are going for eternity, when they are no longer on this earth with me. I guess that's where God's comfort "surpasses all understanding".

I look at my own kids. Lace, Josh & Cami.

Lace makes me so proud! I have only been in her life since she was 12...but, wow, all that has happened in these almost 10 years. She has grown from an indecisive, insecure, young girl...into a decisive, secure, sometimes overly opinionated (wonder where that comes from) beautiful woman! I am very blessed to have her as, not only a daughter of mine, but a friend. Now, I just can't wait until her & Julian have kids of their own...in their own time, no rush...but, they will be fantastic parents!



Josh is my miracle baby! There is no doubt in my mind that God spared him for a reason. According to doctors and 'modern medicine', he shouldn't be here today. He shouldn't have gone beyond 8-10 weeks gestation. Then, with pre-term labor a serious concern...he 'tried' to come, 'tried' really hard to come constantly between weeks 22-34! God was protecting him. My full-term baby was born on Thursday, October 24, 1997 at 4:12pm...8 lbs. 3.5 oz...23.5 inches long! I love that boy more than words can say. He has been with me through thick & thin...literally. I truly believe God has great things in store for him. I love to watch him play football, even though I'm the mom, sitting in the bleachers, saying "ooh, don't hit my baby"...lol...John thinks I'm crazy...and I embarass Josh...but the thought of my baby boy, hurt, just hurts me. We rarely see eye-to-eye, mostly because we are so much alike. The memories we are making with him are priceless...he is getting in a habit of praying at night...John prays with him every night at bedtime. He is the most thoughtful kid, ever. He has the biggest heart...though, he doesn't just show it to anyone. I just hope that one day he knows how much I love him, from the bottom of my heart, I love him.



Camille...my little monkey! My my my...she is how I know that God has a sense of humor! I begged and begged for another baby, even.after I knew that I would not be able to carry any more. I still knew there was some way to make it happen. It happened...and she's ours. And, boy, does she keep us on our toes. God must know that I need a challenge...I don't always like a challenge...but apparently God thinks I need challenges! Cami 'can be' a sweet girl. I am so very thankful that she is ours, we love her dearly...she most definately completes our family. She provides us with so much laughter. She loves to read books...she's learning her letter sounds, so she's learning to put them together in books...she'll be reading to me before too long! She brings so much joy to our lives. I hope, one day, that she will know how we longed for her, how she truly completed our family.



Finally, my sad thought...my kids don't have the privilege of having a relationship with their grandparents like I did. John's parents are awesome, but they live far away...they will always be a part of the kids' lives, but they are not in their day-to-day life. My dad & Kayla, pretty much the same thing. They adore the kids...but they are a good distance away, and Kayla (having MS, it limits her) does what she can, but isn't able to travel much. My mom isn't far away, but isn't really the 'maternal' kind...sorry mom, if you're reading this. My mom is one of my best friends, I love her dearly...but, you know it's true. My kids simply don't have the grandparent influence that I did, as a child, and that makes me sad...because I know how much joy my grandparents brought to my life...and still do. I look at some of the ways that I do things...I took a lot from my Gram. My kids only have me to look up to. I'm okay with that, but it still makes me a little sad.