In His Love

2 Samuel 1:12

2009-10-06T13:43:00.002-05:00

I am so far behind in my current bible study that is not even funny. I have been so overwhelmed with sick kids, work, and just life in general that I have pushed my time with the Lord aside...shame on me!!! I need my Savior everyday! Without Him, I am a mess. I feel unworthy. I feel...incomplete!!

So, in my trying to catch up God has revealed to me something that I so needed to hear right now!! The bible study is called "Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed" by Priscilla Shirer, Beth Moore, and Kay Arthur. It is a study of David, a man after God's own heart!!! Can I say...Amazing!!!!! Totally amazing! (there went my 80's talk that seems to want to come out more and more)

2 Samuel 1:12 "They mourned and wept and fasted till evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the army of the Lord and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword."

Why does this strike me? What could this scripture possible have to do with anything in my life?? Well, I too mourn. I mourn over the losses that I have experience. My sweet baby girl. My amazing father. My wonderful mother. My precious grandmother. All of these losses have occurred in the last 5 years. My heart breaks just as David's did. He mourned. He wept. He felt the loss just as I did. But what really got me was the study note. I love study notes. They really help me to look more into the scripture than just what I see.

"David and his men were visibly shaken over Saul's death. Their actions showed their genuine sorrow over the loss of their king, their friend Jonathan, and the other soldiers of Israel who died that day. They were not ashamed to grieve. Today, some people consider expressing emotions to be a sign of weakness. Those who wish to appear strong try to hide their feelings. But expressing our grief can help us deal with our intense sorrow when a loved one dies."

Even though the deaths that I mourn over happened from 5 years ago to almost 2 years ago, my heart still aches. My sorrow is still intense. I want to be strong, but why? Sometimes you just have to show your grief. Sometimes, you just have to cry. Sometimes you just have to crawl into the Lords lap and allow him to comfort you, to wipe your tears, and soothe your heart.

So, today I am crawling into my Lords lap and asking Him to help me. I am allowing Him to be my Comforter. My Shield. My Healer. I miss my mother so much! I miss my father! I miss my grandmother! I miss my angel baby girl! Oh how I need His arms wrapped around me this week. Please Lord! I need you!!

2009-10-05T21:38:00.001-05:00

This is a sweet picture of my mommy holding my girl! This was at Autumn's 5th birthday party! What a wonderful fun day it was! Just reminiscing about my mom :/

All Stars

2009-06-21T22:11:00.005-05:00

My All Star Boy!!

This was Rudy's first year to play All Stars! We had a blast! The coaches were
amazing with the boys and the families were all so
sweet and wonderful!! Expensive...oh yes...worth every penny???
You tell me...does that smile say it was worth it!?!
I would have to say...ummm...YES!

I have to brag a little...
My son really has a natural talent for baseball.
And the fact that he loves it makes it all that much better!
He really shines out on the field. He is loved by all his team mates and
really tries hard to encourage them and up lift them. A real team player :)

I am really proud of my son!! Even though we lost the first 2 games
and are now out of the tournament...

He will forever be My Little All Star
and
Number 1 in my book!!!

Update on Operation Attitude Change

2009-06-12T14:19:00.005-05:00

Well, we had to move the cleaning outside! The attitude is just getting worse. Not that the inside of my house is clean, just thought they would get a little more out of some sweat and harder manual labor. We have a large front yard. We have a total of 1.5 acres of land and most of it is the front yard. So we thought push mowing would help do the trick. They took turns mowing. Around and around they went.

We have riding lawn mowers that we share with Trey's parents who live next door...and total we have 6 acres that we take care of. So they pushed and pushed. Really didn't take them long to mow the area that Daddy chose for them. And guess what??? They enjoyed it!!! Are you kidding me??? Even the friend that was over at the time wanted to help. What is wrong with them??? I guess I thought it was fun when I was little too, but, man that didn't work.

So, we moved inside again. This time to the bathroom.

Scrubbing the toilets!! Yucky!! Seems to be working. The attitudes are changing...we seem to be getting along better....we seem to be kinder....

UNTIL.....

Mommy got tired. Mommy got really tired. I slacked off. I started threatening to wash instead of making them wash. My fault completely! I have learned that I can not be distracted when it comes to the discipline of my children. I must stay on course. I must fight the fight. I must finish the race. No matter how tired I become. I can't get distracted by other things. Like...VBS...I was so stinking tired this past week with VBS and the late nights, that I didn't keep the course. I failed. BUT, I am back. Mommy is losing her mind again. Mommy wants to know what happened to my children...were they abducted by aliens and replaced by mean, rude little turkeys??? So, today, we are scrubbing again. Scrubbing the kitchen floor and the front door and entry way. Maybe we will be able to get back to where we were. Still praying for God to use me as His tool.

Oh, and lots of new ideas from some amazing friends. We are going to start them this week as well and I will try to post soon how they are working out. I am ready for a CHANGE!!! :)

Mommy's Going Crazy!!

2009-05-27T13:11:00.003-05:00

Ok, ladies...it is only the second week of summer vacation and I am already going crazy!!! What is it about my kids?? They argue all the time. They don't mind, obey, listen or anything!!! I am just about to...be put away in the loony bin!!!!! Oh, and the attitude...oh my goodness! I can't stand all the attitude towards me or towards each other. Can you believe they even had the nerve to act up in Sunday School last week!?!? OH NO!! And was it this attitude of I want more, or what you offer is not enough for me...is what I have to give to them ever going to be enough?? Like for instance..."Mommy, can I have a piece of candy?"...."Yes, you may have one piece of candy."..."can I have 2?"....really? One is not good enough??? You want more? It is that way with everything!! We are not made of money. As a matter of fact we barely have enough right now to pay the bills and eat but they are still playing baseball and taking piano. We make it work because they enjoy those things. And heaven forbid if you tell them that they are going to miss a practice or a game...they act as if they are so miss treated. Urg!!!! I have had enough!!! I can't take it anymore! So, I have decided to deem this summer..............

Operation Attitude Change

If something does not change, I will totally lose it!! So, I was talking to Autumn's sweet piano teacher about how much they fight and she shared with me what her mom would do to them. If they fought they had to clean all the baseboards in the house! All of them! She said they had the cleanest baseboards in the whole town!! So, I was inspired!! Could that really help? Would that make a difference in their life...well, it is worth a shot right!! We have chore charts. They don't always work. But see I don't reward for the chore charts, maybe that is part of the problem with them. I feel that if I am expected to cook, clean, wash clothes, make lunches, and drive them around doing extra stuff...then they should be expected to help as well. I don't get paid for what I do, right? Anyway...we started on Monday. The attitude began and so did the cleaning!! They finished their chores and then more attitude from the seven year old. He seems to think he does not have to answer his sister when she is talking to her. Just ignore her. ALL THE TIME! So he had to scrub the kitchen floor on his hands and knees with a couple of wash rags. Yep, that's right! About 1/4 the way through he wanted a break...ummmmm...no way!! He worked and scrubbed until the floor was clean!!!! My kitchen floor is now sparkling!!

Tuesday...more daily chores...and then more attitude. This time from the nine year old. For some reason she just thinks she can be rude to her brother all the time!! Arguing over the Wii, just plain old attitude!!! She ended up having to clean the inside of the refrigerator! Yep that's right! My shelves inside my refrigerator are sparkling!!

!
She did a really good job! Then I got a really nice letter from her saying how sorry she was and she would try really hard to have JOY ( Jesus, Others, Yourself)!! Wonderful! Very sweet! They are now grounded from video games, or tv for 2 days for fighting over the Wii. *sigh*

Wednesday...today....here we go again. I had to go up to the church for an evaluation and they started out really good! No fighting, no rudeness! But, it did not last long! Today is the day to test if I have to obey all the time or just some of the time. You would have thought they had been raised in a barn!!!! Craziness consumed my nine year old! I had asked her 3 times to settle down but no! And then when we got home she was so tired that the rudeness to her brother showed up. She didn't listen to him at all. He asked her 2 times to stop and she just kept on!!! I was sitting right there too!!! REALLY!!! Come on!!! So you know that wall behind the trash can that get absolutely yucky with food splatters...well it is clean now, along with the outside of both refrigerators! My house will be really clean by the end of the month :)

I can't tell you how it is going to work out. I just asked them if they could tell me why they had to clean and neither one of them could tell me. *SIGH* Dang! I will continue. I will continue to talk to them, encourage them, share scriptures with them and anything else I can come up with. I am at my wits end! Spankings don't work well...they do but just for the day. Washing the mouth out with soap works for the day as well...BUT I need something long term. Something that will last. Something that may change how they view themselves and how they treat others. I am possibly going to plan a service they can do. Volunteering may help change their heart. I know that God is in control. I know the He is the only one who can truly change a heart but I am praying that He will use me as the tool to do so!!!

The last picture is of them writing sorry notes to their Sunday School teachers for the behavior that they had at church. We will be writing these notes as long as it takes. I need them to take "ownership" of the behavior that they choose to have.

Praying that this helps us out. Praying that God moves my children in a might way!! Will you pray with me? Will you ask God to move my children in a might way?? My hearts desire is that they will seek Him in all they do! Including how they treat others. I want so desperately for them to set the example for others to follow instead of always being the one following!!!!!

Hope your summer is starting off better than mine! Happy Sunshine Days :)

Memorial Day

2009-05-24T15:21:00.009-05:00

I want to share with you all the scrapbook that I made for my father...it is not just an ordinary scrapbook...it is one to honor his days serving this country :) It was given to my father on his birthday. The birthday before we found out that he had cancer. The first picture is at his party! It is the last picture that shows my dad truly happy!! He is wearing a Airforce hat and bomber jacket that we gave him as well....which is now hanging in my closet.

(I am sorry if it looks grainy or not quite right...it is a picture of a picture.)

My father was really proud of this country and serving it was an honor!! I remember lots of stories that he shared...if only I had written them down!! The next several pictures are of the book. I hope you can see them okay, I had to turn the flash off because of the glare off the plastic covering.

Ok...I loved making this book for my dad and now my children can enjoy it as well :)

Thanks Daddy for serving your country and willing to die for it! We all thank you for your service ♥

Piano Recital

2009-05-19T23:41:00.003-05:00

My oldest had her first Piano Recital on Monday! She was so nervous. I am so proud of her...she did a great job! Her teacher tells me all the time how impressed she is with Autumn's ability. Autumn has been taking piano lessons since February!! That is 3 months of lessons and then a recital, really? She is really fast learner and loves the piano so much...actually she loves music!!! It moves her in crazy ways :) Her teacher told me at the recital that Autumn can teach me the things she is learning, and I laughed. She has already tried to teach me somethings and gets upset with me when I hold my notes to long!!! Her teacher, Ms. E, told me that didn't surprise her one bit...Autumn will almost argue with her about whether or not she play an A or a B note...surprising??? No way!!! That's my girl :) Anyway, I just wanted to show you some pictures of that day. My beautiful little girl is growing up!!

Remember!

2009-04-18T16:44:00.003-05:00

I love changing my blog to go along with the Holidays that we will be celebrating that month. But as May comes close, I was trying to decide if I wanted to celebrate Mother's Day or Memorial Day. This Mother's Day will not be easy for me, 2nd year without my mom here, so I decided to focus on Memorial Day. Let us not forget how we got our Freedom!! The men and women who give their lives for our freedom everyday, need to be remembered and thanked for their love of our country. My father served in the United States Air Force. He flew in WWII and the Korean War (Conflict)!! I am thankful that he chose to fight for freedom. I have several family members that have served in the military. Where would we be if they did not love this country so much?? I shudder at the thought!!

I am proud to be an American, I hope you are too!!

(I have to warn you about one of the songs playing...Toby Keith as a few choice words in the song "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue"...I love this song. You can skip it or just turn it off) :)

Prayers

2009-04-05T15:59:00.003-05:00

Well, it has been a while since I have posted anything. I haven't forgot about my blog. I just have not be able to post in a while and still may not be able to post anything else for a while.

I have here to ask my bloggy friends to pray for me.

Not saying exactly what for.

Just know that I need prayers...lots of prayers.

Thank you prayer warriors!!

He Didn't Have to Be!

2009-03-09T21:43:00.005-05:00

I am sure you have heard the song "He Didn't Have to Be" by Brad Paisley.

What? You haven't?

Oh, you must hear the song!

I know that the song is really a song from a son to his dad, but I really think of my dad when I hear the song.

How?

Well, the song is so my dad! He started dating my mom, who was a single mom with 4 kids!! Not just one kid BUT 4!! He not only fell in love with my mom but also with ALL the kids as well. They married. He took the kids in, treated them like the his own, adopted them and gave them his name. I am amazed by that.

Why is that so amazing???

Well, my mom was 29 with 4 kids and my dad was 51!!! His other 3 kids were grown, married with families of their own and he loving took 4 kids...ages 2-8...and started raising them!!!

That to me is AMAZING!!! So this song is to honor my dad. Who didn't have to be a dad again. He didn't have to marry a woman with 4 children. He didn't have to have me. My dad's heart was so big and so sweet and full of love!!

I miss his laugh and the twinkle in his eye when we came over! His birthday was yesterday. He would have been 87. My dad was amazing! I, too, can only hope to be as good to my children as he was to ALL of his!!

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY DADDY!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVFmHHxXCVg
(go here to watch the video and here the song)

Jesus Has A Rocking Chair

2009-03-02T21:47:00.002-06:00

Be sure to pause the music playing before watching the video...oh and grab a box of tissues!

Remembering My Little Angel

2009-03-02T16:02:00.005-06:00

I spent sometime last night going through Evey's box. A box full of pictures, cards, prayers, newspaper articles, and the book from the funeral. I can't say that it is easy doing this. I can't say that one day it will be easy. Some may wonder why I would cause myself more pain by reliving what March 2nd, 2006 brought. I want to remember her. I want to remember all the wonderful things that God did for us on that day. I want to teach my children about the love that was poured out onto this family. If I push away those feelings, then I am saying that she did not exist. AND SHE DID!!! She may not have lived outside my womb but she still lived. She kicked. Her heart beated. All her organs worked...she was alive and still is alive with MY SAVIOR!

I miss her.

I often wonder today...

What color eyes did she have?

How tall would she be today?

Hair color? Blonde like the others?

What would her little voice sound like?

So many questions that I will not be able to answer. So many things I wish I knew. Only God knows my answers. He is holding her for me today. Loving her for me. He has more love for her than I could have ever had...how amazing that she went from knowing only my love to knowing our Lord's love!!!!!

As I was going through the box of memories, I came across something special. Something that I forgot I had. A great friend of mine spoke at Evey's funeral and she typed it all out and gave me copy of it to hold on to and cherish. I am so thankful that she did. I want to share it with you!

"I was honored when Trey and Shelly asked me to SPEAK at the service today. So, today I will be reading to you some scriptures.

1 Corinthians 13:13 tells us
'So now faith, hope and love abide, these three, but the greatest of these is love.'
Evey's life was about this Great Love.

Jeremiah 1:5
'Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you.'
It was with HIS great love that she was carefully and lovingly formed by God.

1 John 4:7 instructs us
'Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.'

This child spent her whole life knowing only pure, unfaltering love. Nobody had ever seen her, but just knowing her, they felt this love for her. Love from her brother and sister, Love from countless family members and friends. Can you imagine living for 5 months on this earth knowing ONLY LOVE? No hate, now hunger, no fear, no shame,-JUST LOVE! We all would have cherished more time with her but I do treasure the thought that Evey had a life filled with pure love and she went to be in heaven where our Creator reigns, the one who first loved us.

I would like to close my time reading a poem. I have to be honest, I wrote 3 poems until I finally found one I could read through without crying.

Look around and what do you see?
Everywhere is God's great mercy.

Do you feel the wind on your face?
That is the Maker sending you His Grace.

Do you smell the coming rain?
That is the Creator trying to heal your pain.

Do you hear the sound of rolling thunder?
He is calling out to you to not suffer.

Do you see the sunshine streaming through the clouds above?
That is Evey sending down to you all her love.

It's alright to grieve, It's okay to cry.
It is so very hard to say goodbye.

I know Evey will hear every word we say,
Because she is with God in Heaven today."

Thank you friend for such sweet words!!

So today, I will be remembering my sweet angel girl. I will be cherishing the cards and sweet words that were shared with our family during our hard time. I will be loving my other 3 little angels a little harder today...thanking the Lord that he allowed them to stay with me! I will be thankful that Jesus has a Rocking Chair to hold and rock sweet little angels in, like mine!

Today I MISS HER!!!!!!!!

Here is last years post about Evey...please feel free to check it out...her little hand and foot prints are clearer to see.

YUMMY!

2009-02-08T16:52:00.006-06:00

After church we had a bake auction...kind of like a cake sale but the cakes are auctioned off. We did this to raise money for a mission trip to Mexico. It was so much fun. We usually have this auction to raise money for the youth group to go to camp, but we decided to let them raise money for the mission trip instead. You would not believe how much some of these things go for!!! There was this one dish...it was Death by Chocolate!!! I wanted it! I called Trey in the room. We were ready! The bidding began! And it quickly grew out of our price range!!!!! When the price reached over $60, we stopped bidding! The final price for the dish...$200!!! Yes, I am serious!!!!!

So we settled for some cupcakes that looked like Elmo. Too cute! Of course we bought them for our little Elmo nut, Hannah! She tried to grab them out of our hand! Now, they are not perfect. Someone said they were left over from a party the day before, but we didn't care...they were still cute and I knew that my little girl would love it!!

So when we got home, we ate lunch and had a cupcake. Even Hannah had a cupcake. I was a little worried about the red icing...sometimes it just doesn't taste all that good. But these were suuuuper yummy!!!! Hannah loved hers so much.........................................

So, I bet you are wondering what we paid for the Elmo cupcakes...it went to a wonderful cause so the price is worth it!!! ($40) I tried to upload a video of her eating it but it took to long. I will try again later. She barely looked up from her cupcake...she was serious about her sugar!!

That's my girl!!!!

You know its bad when.....

2009-02-05T12:13:00.003-06:00

YOUR SECRET SISTER AT WORK LEAVES YOU THIS....

Shelly's Armor Against Sickness!!

I LOVE IT!!!

I thought it was so cute and exactly what we seem to need. My oldest, Autumn has had the stomach bug 3 times now!! Do you know how many missed days that is??? Lets not even count. This gift was all in a nice white sack with cute scriptures attached to it.

"My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto My savings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; Keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh." Proverbs 4:20-22

"For I will restore health unto thee, and will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord..."
Jeremiah 30:17

"What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye received them, and ye shall have them." Mark 11:24

"And the Lord will take away from thee all sickness." Deuteronomy 7:15

Is that not the coolest thing...and so creative!!! Thank you so much!!!

Watch out secret sister I am on to you!!!!!

WITNESS PROTECTION PROGRAM

2009-01-23T00:20:00.010-06:00

IN CASE YOU ALL ARE WONDERING...

WE HAVE BEEN WITNESSES OF SOMETHING HORRIBLE...

SOMETHING SO DISGUSTING....

SOMETHING YOU SHOULD NEVER HAVE TO WITNESS...

THIS HAS FORCED US TO GO INTO HIDING...

WE ARE NOW PART OF THE WITNESS PROTECTION PROGRAM...

WE ARE BEING HUNTED....

WE ARE BEING WATCHED...

GRAB YOUR CHILDREN AND RUN......

DON'T LOOK BACK....

IT IS............

THE STOMACH BUG VIRUS!!!!
he is mean. he is scary. he makes your children lie around in the middle of the floor moaning. he makes your children tell you things...gross things! he strips you of your freedom.

HELP!!!! SOMEBODY PLEASE!!!

SAVE US!!!

for now we are forced to hide our faces, lock our doors, and to not breathe on anyone!! if you see us...run! but we look different now. we were forced to put on disguises. we are contagious. don't talk to us or the bug chasing us will find you too!

if you see these faces....

RUN!

please be in prayer for our family. it seems as though the stomach bug has decided to settle down right here in our house. only the girls have had it so far, which means either the boys are immune or they are next to fall. i have been off work all week and stuck in this house :( hopefully next week will be a healthier week for us!!! thank you prayer warriors.

UPDATE:
TREY HAS FALLEN TO THE BUG!

WE ARE NOT ALL IMMUNE!

WHO WILL BE THE NEXT TO BECOME ITS VICTIM!!??

Next....Rudy stayed home today! He has been a real trooper! He may even go to school tomorrow! It is official...we have all had the bug...
Hopefully he is done with this family and will move out! Time to "raid" the house :)

ONE YEAR

2009-01-06T13:56:00.000-06:00

Can it really be?

Are we sure?

Did time really go by that fast?

One whole year?

Really?

Well, that is what the calendar says. It says that I have not seen or heard my moms voice in year!! UNBELIEVABLE!!! I lay wake at night trying to remember her laughter...her voice...the way she walked...the way she would smile when we came over...am I forgetting? Or is my mind blocking it to keep me from hurting more? Oh, how I would love to remember!! I have pictures all over the house to remind me of her smile and how beautiful she was. But the only little things are slipping away!!! UGH!! I was sitting here thinking the other day...do I still have her voice recorded on my old answering machine? Could it be there? Should I try to listen to it? What if it is not there? I decided that I would not try, I would be too upset if it wasn't there and if it was...well that would open a flood gate that I have been pushing to keep closed!

My mother was my best friend. I have a lot of close good friends but my mother was the one that I talked to everyday. Saw everyday, well maybe not every day but several times a week!

I miss her.

I miss our friendship.

My children miss her.

Oh my how time flies. My advice to you all...take time to enjoy each other!!!! Don't be so wrapped up in life that you forget to live!! Don't regret not doing something.

Has it really been one year?

I miss you Mother!!!!

A Place for My Mom!

2008-12-29T16:08:00.004-06:00

Christmas was going to be difficult this year. No way around it. All things were different. I don't think there was one thing that we did that was the same as last year or the year before. Without my mom here with us, it changed everything.

I told you all earlier that we were changing our Christmas Traditions this year. Hosting Christmas at my house was something I have never done before. I was up for the challenge. It was going to be different. Different than any other Christmas in many ways.

I wanted to honor my mom. I wanted it to look like something she would do. Pretty table, pretty dishes, pretty everything. I set the table to look like hers. She had given me her beautiful table cloth last year because it did not fit her table anymore. I used it, along with the napkins that matched. I used a Christmas tree that my Grandfather gave me, it had belonged to my Grandmother. He also gave me the napkin rings that she made her self, but I was unable to use them. I could not figure out how to make them look as pretty as my mom had in the past. Here is a picture of my table:
Pretty huh? Do you notice something in the first picture that looks strange? A picture frame at the end of the table? Well, I wanted to show that my mom was here in my heart. I wanted the family to see that I missed her. I wanted to feel like she was here. So, a sweet man from CBC sent me a letter with a poem. The letter was about how some people really hurt during the holidays without their loved ones here. It spoke to me. Then there was a sweet poem that he sent as well. Here it is:
I attached the picture of my mom and dad at the bottom. It is really a great poem. It is hard to read in the picture so........

I'm Spending Christmas with Jesus This Year

I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below.
With tiny lights like heaven's stars, reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular-please wipe away that tear.
For I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs the people hold so dear.
But the sound of music can't compare with the Christmas choir I hear.
I have no other words to tell the joy of their voices bring.
For it's beyond description to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me-I see the pain inside your heart.
But I am not so far away-we really aren't apart.
Be happy for me, loved ones, you know I hold you dear.
And be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I send you each a special gift from my heavenly home above.
I send you each a memory of my undying love.
After all, "love" is the gift, more precious than pure gold.
It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and help each other, as our Father said to do.
For I cannot count the blessings of the love He has for you.
Please have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear.
Remember- I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I can't tell you of all the splendor or the peace here in this place.
Can you imagine Christmas with our Savior, face to face?
I'll ask Him to lift your spirit as I tell Him of your love.
So then pray one for another as you lift your eyes above.

Please let your hearts be joyful, and let your spirits sing.
I'm spending Christmas in heaven; I'm spending it with the King.

Terri Kernicki

Wow! I love this poem! So, I used it to set a place for my mom at our table! It seemed as it was her Christmas card to us this year. She was dancing and singing with the heaven choir of angels on the most important day in history!!!! Can you imagine?? How could anyone be sad to hear that wonderful news!?? I know one day I will celebrate Christmas with her again but until then...I will continue to set a place for my mom!!!

THIS JUST IN......

2008-12-18T21:28:00.002-06:00

"To the Parents of Rudy,

I caught Rudy always being respectful. He listens very well and has very creative answers. I am amazed at his level of thinking and I really enjoy having him in class!

Mrs. Stuart"

That is word for word!! I was stunned, shocked, happy and thrilled! WAY TO GO RUDY!! I guess I am doing something right! Praise the Lord!!

Christmas Traditions

2008-12-16T23:11:00.002-06:00

Well, things are going to be different this year. No running from house to house, making sure that we see all the family that we can. Nope, not this year...or any other year for that matter. I asked my mother-in-law if we could do something different this year. My kids were feeling the change several weeks ago. There was a lot of asking...what are we going to do for Christmas this year? They started to feel the loss of "Nana" all over again. They were stressing. Anxiety was being felt. I couldn't stand it. I had to do something. For them and for me. So, my mother-in-law agreed to allow us to have Christmas at our house this year!!! We will be having both sides of the family bless our home this year...and I am hoping that this will become a new family tradition. When my kids found out, I believe that it relieved some of the heart ache that they were having. Knowing that they did not have to go anywhere seemed to be what they needed. Me, too! I needed something to focus on, other than the saddness that was filling our home and hearts. So, I am going to throw a Christmas lunch that will honor my mother. She loved this time of year. Our lunches were always on nice plates, with good silverware, and real napkins. I say that because at the other Christmas lunch we went to, we used all plastic and paper tableware. Not that is was wrong or bad, it just was different than what I was use to. So, I will have a "pretty" table set for the adults and a cute table set for the kids...just like mom did!! I am planning now, you know, since it is next week. Wow, is it possible that Christmas is already here??

So, share with me what your family traditions are...I am curious to know what all my friends are doing to honor our Lord's birthday!! Merry Christmas everyone. May the Lord bless you and your families!!

SNOW!!

2008-12-16T22:58:00.002-06:00

Just thought I would share some more pictures of our "Snow Day"!! It sure was fun...hope to see some more white stuff this year :)

What do you do with a snowball anyway????

2008-12-11T15:39:00.003-06:00

This was Hannah's first snow experience!! It was so sweet. She loved it. We played in it a lot...we got really cold, came in, had hot chocolate and she was very upset when she was not able to back outside like the big kids!! So her sister made her a snowball and brought it to her. I thought it would be cute to see what she did, so I grabbed the camera...can you guess???

SHE ATE IT!!

TO CUTE FOR WORDS!! I remember eating snow as a kid...when we got it!! She started an eating frenzy of snow. The older 2 decided they wanted to know what it tasted like. YUM!! What a fun day we had. I will try to post more pictures...it takes a long time for me to upload pics.

My favorite Picture!!

2008-12-11T15:03:00.002-06:00

For those of you who do not have facebook...

A good friend of mine took some family pictures at Wolf Pen Creek! She did an amazing job!! Thanks Friend :)

This is just one of...I think...about 200 pictures that she took!!! But by far my favorite!! Hannah is a kissy girl. She loves to give "sugars", especially to her daddy!!!!

Don't you agree...the cutest ever!!???

She is doing something new!!!

2008-11-18T11:05:00.002-06:00

Well, it seems that my little princess is growing up! She is talking more and more...saying things like...mommy, daddy, no-no, mo-mo (Elmo), hi, you know cute little things like that!! She has been walking for a while but she starting to run...especially when she has something she is not suppose to have :) She love to pick on you as well. I have some towels that I hang on the oven door and she loves to grab them and run. Cute stuff! I have nick named her my little TURKEY!! Oh, and I am trying to teach her how to gobble!!! I think she is very smart too! She will grab the remotes, sit in front of the TV, point the remote at the TV and try to turn the channel! Wow, how things have changed!!

And then there is the newest thing!! She really started this yesterday and I saw it again today. We are officially throwing fits!!! Yes, temper tantrums!! She will throw herself on the floor...gently I might add...and start screaming, kicking her feet and watching...waiting...are you looking?...what are you going to do about it?...it is so funny!! Trey and I just laughed at her!! It was so funny!!

So, I guess we really are heading for the "terrible two's"!! AT 15 MONTHS!! Wow!!

Wow! I am behind!!

2008-11-05T21:18:00.002-06:00

Ok, so I am so far behind in this blogging thing it is not even funny!!

So, I am going to play catch up...I think!

I would love to post pictures of Rudy's birthday, but I can't! Why you ask?? Well, it seems I have a computer that does not like me!! I don't know exactly if what happened but the crazy thing will not turn on. I checked connections, plugs, and well just about everything and it just will not turn on. One day it works, the other...no!! I had put the pictures of Rudy's birthday on that computer :( I don't know what to do...can't afford a computer doctor...any ideas?? Anyone know of someone who might be able to help me fix a computer problem??

Rudy's party was fun! It ended up being a surprise party for him. We took him out to eat at Road House where they made him do the funniest thing I have ever seen. He was so embarrassed. We came home and his friends just started showing up! It was great! My sweet boy is now 7 and doing great in 1st grade ;)

Being a teacher was great fun, just exhausting!!

October is a blur!

The Women's Conference was amazing! If you have never attended a Women of Faith Conference, I strongly recommend it!!! They are coming back in November 2009!! Mandisa and Nicole C. Mullen rocked the house!!!! Strongly recommend their music! My kids love it :) Mandisa is amazing, full of spunk, and can I just wow! She has the most amazing voice and her songs really speak to your heart! If you don't know who she is, maybe this will help! She was on American Idol. I don't know which season. She spoke to me about my weight. She too is heavy and is trying to lose weight. I feel inspired by her to stay on track :) Nicole Mullen...oh dang! You have to have some serious energy to keep up with that woman! She can really dance and sing. She is doing some amazing things with a group of youth. She is investing in their lives...I can so relate to that!!! All the speakers were wonderful and all spoke to me in different ways. I am planning on going next year too!!!

Halloween was really fun! I am not one to hide from that day. I was raised to enjoy being a kid, dressing up, and get lots of candy!!! If you make it evil, then the day becomes evil! Anyway, we went to the Fall Festival at our church. Fun fun!! Everyone looked great!

Now we are getting ready for Autumn's birthday. She turned 9 on Tuesday. WOW!!! This weekend we are having a 70's Disco Slumber Party. We have invited 10 girls in her age group to come out to our disco. With some hard work and a little creativity, we have turned our home into a Disco Hall! I will try really hard to post pictures of her big night really soon...oh and Halloween Pictures too!!!

Well, I think that brings us up to date...I think :/

I am off for the weekend :)

2008-10-24T14:41:00.002-05:00

This weekend I am going to a womens conference in Houston with a group of ladies from my church. I have never been to a conference away from home...well not counting Baylor which is for work). I am very excited. I leave in about 1 hour 15 mins!!! Woohoo! Except my Hannah has a double ear infection, which means that Daddy will be dealing with a sick baby and 2 kids who can't seem to get along lately!!! Please be in prayer for him. Be in prayer for me as well. I am needing a fresh encounter with the Lord. Pray that He will reveal himself to me in a special way!! We have several questions out there, waiting for an answer...maybe this weekend He will show me an answer or two??? Only the Lord knows what He has in store for me! I will be home tomorrow evening, just not sure what time! I will try to post all of the wonderful things that happened to me very soon. :)

Happy Birthday Mommy!!!

2008-10-10T14:52:00.002-05:00

Today is my mommy's birthday!!

She would have been 63 today!!

She was an amazing lady!

I miss her!!!!!!!

So, I just want to tell my mom....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ONE OF THE MOST AMAZING WOMEN I KNOW!! HARD TO BELIEVE THAT YOU HAVE BEEN GONE FOR 10 MONTHS!! I MISS YOU SO MUCH! I KNOW THAT THERE IS A PARTY GOING ON IN HEAVEN FOR YOU TODAY...WISH I COULD CELEBRATE WITH YOU. YOU TAUGHT ME SO MUCH, I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU FOR ALWAYS BEING THERE FOR ME! FOR ALWAYS GUIDING ME IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION!! I STILL PRAY THAT ONE DAY MY CHILDREN WILL LOVE ME THE WAY THAT I LOVE YOU :)

Happy Birthday Graphic Comments

Struggling!!

2008-10-07T22:36:00.003-05:00

Okay...so I need some help...I need prayers!! Lots of prayers!! All my blogging sisters please be in prayer for me and my family. We are struggling! How you ask? Well...

I am not one to talk about this....

Not easy to say....

I know that I need to...

Only for prayers....

So....

We are struggling financially! Oh, I can't believe that I said it!! 2 years ago Trey was fired from a job that provided for us!! We didn't use the money wisely. We bought "fancy cars", spent to much money on things we did not need, and basically blew our money. Growing up we were never taught how important it was to save, budget, and spend wisely. Not that I am blaming my parents or Trey's for that matter! We just were never taught the importance of being good "stewards" of our money and as adults it is really hard to try to change the mind set that we have had all of our life. A little word of advice...start now teaching your kids about money or they will pay for it as adults.

Trey and I are praying for the Lord to show us how we are going to support our family in coming years!! At first I thought I was going to go to Nursing School. Start filling out the papers, got my transcript sent to Blinn, and then started Financial Aide. I was so excited!! I have dreamed of being a nurse for as long as I can remember. My heart is now labor and delivery!! Oh how I wanted to go!! Did you hear that??? How I wanted??? Well, one day I was in a bible study group and I felt the Lord asking me a question..."child, did you ask me if this is what I want of your life?" Oh!! I had not asked him, I had not prayed about it at all!!! I was disappointed in my actions! I asked the Lord to take this desire away from me if it was not what he wanted for me!! So, school is not in my future. I have not had the strong desire since that day!

Trey works at the City of College Station and is a Youth Minister. Those are his 2 jobs. Me? I work as a Preschool Teachers Asst. and at Moms Meals. Those are my 2 jobs. Together we still don't make enough to support our family. I have tried to save money...I am a coupon crazy girl!!! I love clipping coupons and trying to find a bargain. We have cut back in more ways that you can imagine!! And still...short!! We are seeking God's guidance in this. Is there something that we are missing?? Is it time to move on in the Youth Ministry?? Is Trey suppose to be full time Ministry...and if so...where? The church we are at is not in a position to support a full time Minister. Is God calling us away from the area??

There are so many questions to be answered!! Please be in prayer for our family!! We want to be obedient to God. Following Him is our main goal in life...where ever that may be!! We know that we can not continue on this path. We start every month in the hole and that is just not going to work.

As a mommy I worry about Christmas that is coming up!! And Autumn's birthday!! I want so much to allow my kids to participate in other things but just can not find any extra money to do so with. Please help us pray for guidance!! Pray for financial support. Pray for where he would have us go. We need a very clear answer. Will you join us in prayer?

OKAY OKAY!!

2008-09-29T23:50:00.002-05:00

I have been hinted by a few friends that it is time for an update...so okay already!!

My life has been so crazy busy that I just have not found the time to blog...okay...maybe I did have the time to blog, but I wanted to watch some of my favorite shows instead or maybe I was to busy trying to keep up with everyone elses blogs that I just didn't blog my self. So, here is an update!!

September came and blew by!! Can you believe that tomorrow is October 1st?? Where did this year go? I don't really know how I have managed this far...all I can say is that my Lord carries me daily!! So, lets talk about September. The month began as me preparing to be a 4 year old Preschool Sub. Teacher!!! Crazy I know. I loved it. I did however find out that you have to organized to get everything done that is planned. I found myself running around in the mornings trying to get things together, preparing my room and trying to get my mind ready for 11 4 year olds. I had done a lot at home the night before and still found myself running in the mornings. Luckily all the planning had been done by the teacher that I was subbing for, because that would have really been a mess if it had been left up to me. I learned a lot in my 4 weeks of teaching.

I learned that 11 4 year olds really are amazing...

that I love leading the classroom...

that I need to better prepare myself for the day ahead...

I am not as organized as I thought I was...

I can have patience even when I am dog tired...

when you allow little hearts to shine they really shine bright...

and...

that sometimes following a schedule is not the best thing for the day!!
(We were never on schedule yet the kids still enjoyed the day and learned!!)

Then there was Messiah's Ranch!! Wow that was so much fun!! We went there with our youth group for our Back to School Retreat. I loved it out there. I would not want to live out that far but it was a great get away!! Peaceful!! I will try to post more on that in my next post. I have pictures to share! We were trying to become UNITED..we did some trusting exercises...fun, fun, fun!!

And yeah...that was September! Besides sick kiddos, my husband having knee surgery..that was pretty much it. Just busy being a mom, teacher, wife, youth group leader, and a friend. That is enough to make anyone tired!!!!

Just a little side note...my moms birthday is coming up on the 10th...say a little prayer for my family that day...already starting to sense what it is going to be like!

AMAZING!!!!

2008-09-08T16:55:00.000-05:00

There is a first time for everything!!

2008-09-01T13:24:00.002-05:00

Well it was bound to happen soon or later, and I guess I have been pretty lucky so far...but it happened last night!!! I ran over my first animal! :( We were on our way home from taking one of our youth home...it was dark...they live out in the country...I had my brights on...I didn't see it!!! Another car was coming...turned off my brights...and out of nowhere this....dark fuzzy thing darted out from the bushes...and....bam!!!....right smack dab in front of my car!! I was very proud of myself...I didn't panic and swerve out of its way...I just gasped and killed it!!!!!! Trey looked at me and was smiling asking me if I was okay...yes I am okay....what was that??? He said a raccoon. I thought for sure it was a cat! We are a crazy family....we turned around to go check it out!!!!!! Yes you read that right!!! The kids were so excited. They wanted Trey to get out, pick it up, take it home, skin it, and make a coon hat out of it!!! We are so redneck!!!! I kept saying NO, NO NO. They were arguing with me...even Trey was! I am I the only one in this family that has any sense about me??? What is wrong with my husband and kids??? I felt the Beverly Hill Billies...you know Granny, scooping up road kill for road kill stew!!!! WHAT?? No way!!!!! We turned around, and sure enough it was a raccoon!! Big one too! Trey said it was healthy! The kids were all hanging out of the windows, hooping and hollering!!! We turned back around and headed home. And for probably a mile or so they were still arguing with me to turn back around and get it....Help!, my family has gone nuts :}

Oh, I will be posting the Date Night and Rudy's party stuff soon...I just want to share how crazy my family is first!!!!!!

Happy Anniversary

2008-08-28T09:15:00.002-05:00

15 years ago today, Trey and I committed our lives to each other under God. I am so thankful to God that he lead us together...we really do make a great team!! 15 years together seems like forever but really it doesn't even feel like 7 years either!! In the past 15 years we have moved 8 times, lived out of state (but only for 7 months because he couldn't stand to be away from Texas or his mom), had 4 children, lost 9 close family members, changed jobs countless times, made some wonderful friends, lost some friends, witnessed countless miracles, loved a lot, and the list could go on and on. We have truly been blessed by the Lord!! I really didn't know how we were going to make it after year 2!! Oh man was it rough!!!! But, with the words from Tim Skaggs..."there is nothing that you can't get through if Christ is the foundation of your relationship." Even though in the begining we were not strong in our faith, we still believed that God had lead us together and that was more important than what was going on in our lives at that time....no matter how much we didn't like each other :) There were times when I told God..."if something doesn't change, I am going to kill him!!!" HaHa! Not really, it just felt like it. Being married at 18, was difficult...but I would do it all again!! My man is AMAZING!! He makes me feel so special and he is the only man that can make me beautiful!! So, I am going to list 15 things about my honey that I love....here goes:

1. His faith in Christ

2. His willingness to serve Christ no matter the cost

3. The love he has for his children

4. His selflessness when it comes to helping others

5. His commitment he has for his family

6. His crooked smile

7. His mullett (really it has not changed in 15 years)

8. His country boy accent

9. How he is ALL REDNECK!!!!

10. The was that he looks at me...especially on Sunday mornings!

11. The way he looks in Wranglers and his cowboy hat....oh dang!!!!

12. How he calls me 4 or 5 times a day! (every break he gets he calls!)

13. How he holds me at night

14. The way he kisses me

15. All the love notes he leaves me in the mornings!! (like he did while we were dating)

That is only a few of the reasons my honey is so special to me!! I can not imagine my life without him! I love him so much :)

Date Night!

2008-08-25T22:52:00.005-05:00

This picture was taken at Astroworld in 1994! It was the first time I rode a roller coaster!! We had been married for almost 1 year! Look at us!! FUN, FUN, FUN!!!

HEEELLLPPP!!!!

I am so excited!! Our anniversary is in 3 days and we are having a date night!! Trey has already arranged for the kids to spend the night with his mother, so we are head out to spend some time together. Time together as husband and wife, without all the little people pulling and tugging at us!! The only problem is not knowing what to do or where to go!! We were thinking about going out to eat, but not sure where to go! Then what??? Movie? That does not sound like quality time together. So.......I am seeking help! Where do you suggest we go eat? Then what?? Have you done something with your hubby that was so much fun that you think we should try also?? I think that we have become "dull", it is always the same old thing with us and I want to try something new!!! So ladies....help a sister out!!!!!!

UPDATE!!! Trey and I are on a budget!! We want to have fun, so lets keep the cost as low as possible! We never had a honeymoon and hopefully some day that will happen for us, right now we are just looking for a new "date night" :) THANKS!!

Our Engagement!

2008-08-19T12:30:00.003-05:00

Trey and I met in May of 1992. After about 3 months of dating, I asked a very strange question...don't know exactly why I thought I needed an answer to this question right away...it may have been because all the other guys I dated told me this and then it didn't happen...maybe I was trying to find out if he was really different or just like all the others...I DON"T KNOW, okay! I asked him one night if he was going to marry me....ok, ok, ok....I told you I didn't know why I thought I needed to know!! With out hesitation he answered very firmly....YES! What? Are you serious? Really? What? NO? Really? I was officially scared!! All the other guys told me that without me asking, and you can see how that turned out!! He was really like all the others. His nice country boy charm was fake...he was going to break my heart and run away just like all the others!!! WHY??!!! I was devistated and scared all at the same time. I wanted to run inside, lock the door and never come out again...but he would not let me. He grabbed me, looked into my eyes and told me that he knew that we were suppose to be together...he has known for a long time. He said that he knew the first time he saw me. He told all his friends that he was going to marry me someday, they all laughed and said she is way out of your league!! I couldn't tell you the first time that he saw me, I don't know when that was. He said he watched me grow up...huh? (I told you that I married my stalker didn't I????) He told me that it was as if the Lord revealed to him a long time ago. So, some how I guess that calmed me down...not sure how...I think I should have been even more scared :) Anyway, in April on 1993 he proposed. He took me to the Bryan Golf Course. If you know Trey that should not surprise you!!!! There is a long peer over the "lake", we walked to the end of it and sat down on the rails. It was beautiful night...the sky was clear and the stars were like bright shinning diamonds. I can't tell you the words that he said. I think I was very distracted by how amazing he looked that night and how I was actually going to plan a wedding and become this mans wife!!!! I do remember him telling me that we went to my dad and asked for permission first. Yes, he is old fashioned but I love it!!! My dad told him 3 things....1. she is spoiled....he agreed and said that he helps in that as well 2. she is over weight....he said that does not matter to him, he sees me differently 3. ???? I can't remember the third thing??? I think I was so blown away by the first 2 that the 3rd didn't matter. I was not upset by what my dad said (if you knew my father, you wouldn't expect anything else). I was more surprised by Trey's responses!! He wasn't going to let anything my father say change his mind! So, that was it! Engaged at age 18, a Senior in High School!! I was graduating and planning a wedding all at the same time! Whew!

2008-08-18T22:26:00.001-05:00

54 words

Speed test

1930's Wife Quiz

2008-08-14T23:29:00.000-05:00

As a 1930s wife, I am
Very Superior

Take the test!

Shelly's Senior Year

2008-08-13T17:08:00.010-05:00

SADIE HAWKINS '93

i love these picutes!! I met Trey my Junior year of High School. A friend had already asked my to my Junior Prom like a week before I met Trey! He was so angry when I told him that I would not break it off with my friend...so deal!! He followed us around that night...he truly was my stalker!!!! And I married my stalker :) So we dated all of my Senior year and became engaged in April of 1993.

PROM '93

He loved taking me to my Senior Prom!! We were good after the prom and went to the 'school' party. It was at Aerofit...those were fun times!! I remember so much from our dating in High School. He was so sweet. Some days when I got out of school I would find roses, poems or just love letters on the windshield of my car!!! I love that...and sometimes he still does it!!! I also remember one night, he came over and placed a balloon, card and roses on the doorstep...rang the door bell...and RAN!!!! He was always doing things for me like that. He really knew how to win my heart.

Thank you Lord for my husband!!! He is really a wonderful man that I feel blessed to call mine!

Blast From the Past

2008-08-11T22:57:00.002-05:00

oh my!!! That seems so long ago!! Look at Trey's face....he has such a baby face!! Do you remember taking pictures in the little booths? This one was taken at Manor East Mall, by the movies....that place doesn't even exist anymore!!! Isn't he cute??!!!

It's Party Time!!

2008-08-10T01:17:00.007-05:00

Today was an exhausting day, but at the same time it was so much fun!! I have a ton of photos to share so bear with me!! Here we go:

This was first thing in the morning. When you ask Hannah how old she is...this is here response! I am such a proud mommy! She is so smart

Here is my cake!!! I love it! I am not a professional but I think it turned out really cute...thank you to my special friend for coming over to help with the cupcakes and leaving all her tips and stuff for me to decorate my cake with it :) Here are a couple of more pictures fo the cake and cupcakes!!!

I love birthday parties!! Decoration is one of my favorite things...so here are some of my decorations!!

This is Hannah's garden! It was a ladybug garden theme. I created a little garden with easter grass and some flowers made from construction paper!! We also had a bubble machine going...which the kids loved!!... and I had a CD playing of birds singing to try and give you the outside feeling without actually being outside melting!!

Hannah had so much fun! Even thought she had no idea that the day was all about her, she was totally loving it! I had a wonderful friend read the "Grouchy Ladybug" to all the kids. It was so sweet! All the kids gathered around to hear the story and Hannah sat in the middle of all the kids watching, listening, and entertaining everyone as well. Then it was time for presents. You would have thought that she had done this before. She dove right in, pulling out tissue paper and emptying the bags. Precious little girl!! After all the present fun was over, it was time to sing Happy Birthday and watch her devour her cupcake. Now, I am not a mom who freaks out over the thought of my baby having sugar. As a matter of fact, I had been warming her up to it so that she would grab it and yummy it up! She didn't really want to touch it...you know...seeing how it was so pretty!! But once she found out what exactly it was, there was no stopping her from eating the entire cupcake and cookie too I might add!! Thats my girl!!!

I love these pictures! Hannah is so much fun!!

You know clean up is a lot of fun too!!

I think we had an amazing day!! I lot of hard work and a lot of love went into my babies first birthday!! She is such a blessing in my life!

Children are gift from the Lord. They are a reward from Him!!"

I truly believe that scripture!!! I believe that each of my children are a gift. A precious, priceless gift! Thank you Lord for this amazing little girl that you trusted my in raising! I pray that you would wrap her in Your arms and keep her in you love at all times. Protect her and guide her in the direction that you would have to her to go. May I be the best mom that I can to her. I pray that you would guide me in teaching her your ways and that your love would pour out of me onto her!! Thank you again Sweet Jesus for all that you have blessed me with!!!-Amen

Well, that is one down and 2 more to go!!! The planning for Rudy's party has begun...stay tunned for the exciting Seven!!!!!!

WHEW!!!!

Happy Birthday Hannah

2008-08-07T20:33:00.002-05:00

I have been having problems with my internet connection...whew...it is fixed!!

Okay...today was my little baby's birthday! Hannah turned one today!!! What a true blessing she has been. Just another ray of sunshine in my life :) This Saturday we are having a party, so I will be posting pictures and fun stuff from the party!! Stay tunned!!!

August is Amazing!!

2008-08-01T13:07:00.002-05:00

This whole month is going to be amazing!! We will be celebrating Hannah's First Birthday, Rudy's 7th Birthday and our 15th Wedding Anniversary...Whew!! I will be posting a lot of gushy, mushy, love posts this month. I feel very blessed by God is so many different ways and I want to share!!! So, keep watching...funny pictures coming...you know the blackmail kind from your past! Well, I have some and I am going to be sharing!!!!! You hear new songs as well, they are all my songs to my honey!! (except the last one...its a Happy Birthday song to Hannah and Rudy)...................................

SO BIG!!

2008-07-31T11:49:00.006-05:00

"LOOK AT ME! I CAN STAND ALL BY MYSELF!"

Hannah is so proud...she is learning to stand all by herself and is starting to take 1 step! woohoo! She is so cute! When she pulls up, she looks at you, smiles, lets go and gets this look about her that says...."look at me! Do you see what I am doing?" Fun, Fun, Fun!!! She is getting so big. Her birthday is next week. Can it be true? My baby is turning 1! It has been a whirl wind of a year but a major blessing all the same :)

Drugs??

2008-07-23T22:58:00.002-05:00

Ok...just a little funny from an 8 year old!!

We are driving down 29th Street, we pass Bryan High, and she is just soaking in all the scenery.

Then it happen!! The funny!!!

I hear from the back seat:

"Mommy?"

"Autumn?" (that is how I have started to answer her...do you know how many times I have heard my name said that way since summer vacation began???? UUGGHH!)

"Appletree's sign says DRUGS! Why are they selling drugs???"

insert me laughing!

"Autumn, they sell drugs that the doctors says is okay to take not bad drugs!" me still laughing!!

Thank you Lord for her!! She is so funny sometimes and I needed that reminder!!

Ok, this all came from Trey's work...the drug thingy. He did a major booboo at work on Monday...took out some power lines, snapped a power pole, and knocked out a whole power grid. Well, he called me to say that he was okay but they were taking him to get a drug test. Autumn heard this conversation and was alarmed!!!

"Why do they think daddy does drugs? My daddy doesn't do drugs!!!"

I explain to her that it was a rule any time there was an accident at work. She said ok, but I don't think she was truly convinced! I believe that she thinks the people that her daddy works with thinks he does drugs....oh to be 8!!

SAVE THE DATE!!!

2008-07-20T20:22:00.001-05:00

You know it's bad....

2008-07-18T17:05:00.002-05:00

Ok, all you couponing women out there...this is for you!!

You know your couponing is bad when...

1. You take your coupon book with you on vacation (this is from Trey...yes I took my coupon book with me on vacation, and no he did not let me use it!!!!!)

2. While on your vacation you demand that you go to the local convenient (sp?) store to purchase the local Sunday paper to see if there are any good coupons in it!!

3. While traveling down a busy highway you hear your daughter yell from the back seat...."Hey mom, there is a CVS!!" Yes, it did happen!!

4. Your son asks if he can watch the "Houston Chronicles" instead of the "Spiderwick Chronicles"!!

AND...

5. Your kids whine because you won't go straight home after church because it is coupon day and you have to find a place to buy the paper first!!!!!!

If you have any other funnies, feel free to share :)

Cute bag give away!!

2008-06-30T11:39:00.001-05:00

You have to the website below and check out this adorable bag!! And she is giving it away!!

http://melissaroddey.blogspot.com/2008/06/did-someone-say-party.html

Go...enter...and maybe you will win :)

I am a SURVIOR!!

2008-06-28T23:32:00.002-05:00

Praise the Lord! All glory and honor to Him!! I survived Youth Camp :) We left on Monday the 23rd and returned on Friday the 27th. It was a long week but a great one at that! We truly have an amazing group. There were a lot of conflicts with the church group that shared our cabin but our girls really allowed Christ to shine through them. I am so proud of all our kids!! We received so many compliments on our kids...they were polite, good sportsmanship, and Christ like!! woohoo!! I am so glad to be home! I missed my kids! We are trying to recover and when we do I will post more on our awesome week at Pineywoods Baptisit Encampment expierences!! For now, here is a picture of our whole group on the last day!!!

She is ENTERED!!!

2008-06-21T13:38:00.012-05:00

Ok all you guys and gals....it is time to vote for my baby to win the ultimate grand prize!!! If you have not already done so...please go to the website listed below and cast your vote. We are trying to win a chance at the Cover of Parenting Magazine!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.parents.com/app/sharemy/photoDetails.jsp?photoId=213900439

And the Winner IS??

2008-06-19T22:42:00.006-05:00

You voted...

and the votes were tallied....(no hanging chads reported)......

AND THE WINNER IS.....(drum roll please)

Baby licks flower!!!!!!!!!

I will be sure to add this to the upload of pictures for the contest!! I can load up to 6 photos. Wish us luck!!!

I can see her face on the cover of a magazine....can't you???

Our little Love Bug!!!

2008-06-17T12:30:00.002-05:00

I LOVE THIS PICTURE!! A friend of mine came down to visit the other day and we decided to take some pictures of Hannah. I bought a lady bug costume when I was pregnant...not sure if it was going to fit since she is growing so fast. I put it on and she was just about to bust out through the feet!! I got her all dressed and headed outside...yep outside!! It was hot and she was in a Halloween costume BUT she did not even whimper!!! She is awesome. We placed her in the garden and when it was all over, my friend had taken about 65 pictures. I love them all!! I decided to post a few of my favorites.....ENJOY OUR LITTLE LOVE BUG!!!

So, let me know what you think...I am thinking about entering her in a photo contest...do you have a favorite?? Let the comments flow!!!!!

Dinner Prayer

2008-06-16T23:30:00.002-05:00

Rudy desperately want to bless the food tonight at dinner, which his daddy usually does. So we let him. It was precious!!! Here is Rudy's prayer:

"Dear Lord, Thank you for the sun, moon and stars and all that you made for us. In Jesus name, Amen."

He looks up...all our heads are still bowed...

"Oh yea, thanks for the food that my mom and dad made for us....Amen"

Too, cute!!! But wait...daddy didn't make that meal...I did!! I guess he gets credit for setting the plates on the table :)

OH How I LOVE THAT BOY!!!

What is wrong with this picture???

2008-06-09T13:14:00.004-05:00

Look closely at this picture!!! What is wrong with???

Crazy kiddos!!!

I took out pots, pans and a spoon for Hannah to play with while I was cooking dinner. When I turned around I notice that Hannah was not banging on the pots and pans but I could still hear the noise of it. What?? Are you kidding me?? My 8 and 6 year old were playing with them instead....I guess somethings you never out grow :)

The Coolest Tree EVER!!!

2008-06-02T22:42:00.003-05:00

I was driving down the street in my neighborhood today and found the coolest tree ever!! It must have been a new hybrid tree...I have never seen one before. I can't say exactly where I saw it, it must remain TOP SECRET!! I don't want all my friends trying to steal my fortune!! You will never guess what grows on that tree....not fruit...not veggies...not nuts...you will never guess.............................

Yep...it was a coupon tree!! And my dad always told me that money did not grow on trees!!! Woohoo!! Have you ever seen a tree like this one before!! I really is the coolest tree ever!!

Thanks coupon fairy tree maker!!! YOU ROCK!!! Let me know when the new blossoms bloom...I want to be there for the first harvest :P

I am a FANATIC!!!

2008-05-26T12:58:00.003-05:00

Ok...like most I have never been a coupon clipper. Didn't see any need for it...all the coupons that I saw was for other brands...not the ones I was use to using. I always just threw away the coupons and sale adds. I wanted to save money, I just didn't think that was going to be the way to do it. BUT now...

I AM A BELIEVER!!!

I have been collecting and sorting coupons for about a month now. My friend shared her strategies with me, how to organize, and how to really combined to save. And what a blessing it has been. I have started a little stock pile. I say little because I know some of you have a LARGE stock pile going on.

A lady in Krogers the other day questioned me about my notebook. When I started to tell her about what I was taught, she became excited. She was worried about the time that it took to get the notebook organized after all the clipping and searching for coupons. I told her this was my part time job. My husband is the major bread winner in our family so that I can stay home with the children. I feel as though I am contributing to our financial situation now. I do work parttime at CBC, but we are out for the summer and I was concerned on how we were going to make it through the summer months without my income...and now....no worries!!! I prayed that God would send some help...whatever form of help that would be. I am thankful for Him showing me that he has given us all that we need...I just need to be more frugal. I needed to be more aware of what I was spending and where. I believe that he sent me the help that I needed through friends who are trying to be good stewards of what the Lord gave to them. All the glory goes to God!!!

I am sure some of you are wondering...just how much you can save with coupons??? Let me tell you, some days are great saving days and some are not. My best shopping trips are at Krogers. The first time I really used what I had learned my saving were amazing !!!

Before sales and coupons

Total $299.00

After sales and coupons

Total $182.00

Savings $117.00 Almost 50% of my bill!!!! WooHoo!!!!!!

The other day my budget was limited...should I say very limited!!!! I only needed a few things to get to payday, but I wanted to try out a new plan!! I walked out of Krogers with 26 items and paid $26.00!! It was a savings of 55%!!! I had toothpaste, makeup, shampoo, conditioner, milk, cheese, lunch meat, deodorant, and other stuff as well!!! UNBELIEVABLE!! I am so happy!! But I have to tell you that it takes some serious time. I spend a lot of time clipping and organizing coupons from the newspaper. I spend a lot of time on the computer searching for deals. There are a lot of websites out there that will help lead you in the right direction. I am going to post some of the links soon!!

With the price on living constantly on the rise, especially gas prices, we all need to find ways to be more frugal. Be aware of what God has given you...He always supplies just what you need...then it is up to you on what you do with it!!!!!!

Thank you all for your help and thank you Lord for providing for your children :)

HOLLYWOOD!!

2008-05-17T21:56:00.002-05:00

Oh, how I love this child!! We were at her sister's softball game, it was sunny, she was restless in the stroller, need entertainment...so I put my sunglasses on her. She loved it!! I took several pictures, this is one of my favorites. We call her "Hollywood" when she wears sunglasses...not sure where the expression came from but we think its cute. (No, we don't want her to join Hollywood one day...it's just an expression.) Just wanted to share this with everyone. She is growing so fast, sometimes I am afraid that I am going to miss something.

Mommy's Day

2008-05-11T21:34:00.002-05:00

Mommy's Day...what is mommy's day anway?? It is a day that is set apart for familys to treat their mommy's like queens...right? Shouldn't we be treated that way every day??

Today was not a great day for me. I had no mommy to shower. No mommy to call. No mommy to hug. No mommy to say I love you to. I didn't even want to celebrate. Nothing special for me please. Just wanted to enjoy my family. After church we went to Trey's moms and gave her the presents we had for her. That was it. One trip. No where else to go. I didn't want to stay home either. Technically it was my day and I knew if I stayed home I would have to do some kind of cleaning...nope...we decided to run around instead. Not that, that was a good idea either...gas prices are too high just to be running around town. We went to the mall. Bath and Body was having this great sale on Anit-bacterial hand soap, so I picked some up for a friend and some more for me. We got the kids some new shoes, bought a part for the lawn mower, looked at the puppies, and yeah, that is about it. Left the mall, went to have dinner...my favorite...Johnny Carinos...LOVE IT!!! Then to blockbuster...rented PS I love you...then to CVS...wanted to cash is on some deals and earn some ECB's. Then home.

Yep that was my day.

Nothing exciting or special.

I don't feel like celebrating.

I miss my mommy!!!

So, Mommy in Heaven..............................

Happy Mother's Day! I wish you were here to hug. I love you vey much. I want to say thank you for all the wonderful things that you did in my life. I hope that I can be all that you were to me, to my children. You were amazing to me and I will try to live my life in a way that will make you proud. I know that you are having the greatest time in Heaven and knowing that you are there does bring my heart some peace. One day when I join you, we will hug again....until then...I love you!!!!

Happy Mother's Day to all my mommy friends!!

One Year Ago Today

2008-05-07T21:43:00.003-05:00

One year ago today, I said good-bye to one of the greatest men I have ever known. I watched for 5 months as he wasted away to practically nothing. Begging daily for us to let him get up. Even so much as asking for a beer and cigarette (he had not smoked or drank beer in over 15 years). I watched as he lost the ability to do anything for himself...and I mean anything!!! He relied on mom and I for everything. We take for granted everyday all the simple things in life that we are able to do for our self....like getting a drink of water. I still hear him at night....water....I need water. The last days of his life was so hard. You know he is leaving. You know your time is limited. What do you say?? Do you talk about it?? Do you ask questions that you have had for years?? He made it clear that he loved me...I made it clear to him that it was ok for him to leave us here. He made it clear to Trey that he wanted Trey to take care of mom and I....Trey made it clear that he would do so lovingly. My dad was one of the strongest men that I know. He was 85 and up until a year and a half before he died he was still mowing the yard, fixing things, and was still able to do somethings that some 58 year old I know think they can't. Watching my dad pass from this life, into the next life was both horrible and wonderful. Knowing that he was meeting Jesus, being able to get out of the bed and walk, knowing that he was no longer in pain was a great feeling. BUT, on the other hand....knowing that I would not see him for a very long time, knowing I would not hear his voice again, knowing that he would not be able to see his new grandchild was almost unbearable. Would I have wanted to be anywhere else a year ago?? NO WAY!! My father took care of me from the time that I was born to the time that he died....And I was going to be there to take care of him...even if that meant that I would be taken away from my husband and children. I believe that God intended for us to take care of our parents. Some say that they would not be able to handle that, and yes I had family members said that they couldn't...I say " I can do ALL things in Christ, for which he gives me STRENGTH" Philippians 4:13 I miss my dad. It is hard to believe that it has been one year today....time flies...take advantage to the time that you have with your loved ones...stop...enjoy them....experience all that they have to offer, because one day they won't be here and you will wish you had!!!!

Drowning!!

2008-05-06T23:08:00.002-05:00

I feel like I am drowning in a sea of dirty laundry, dirty dishes, a dirty house, softball, baseball, graduation invitations, work, youth group stuff, and sick kiddos!!!! Calgon....take me away!!!! I feel as though I will never catch up, and never be able to fully rest. Will the madness ever end?? HHHHHHHHEEEEEEELLLLLLLLPPPPPPPPP!!!!!!

Mattew 28:18-20

2008-04-30T21:23:00.003-05:00

"Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age'"

I am so amazed at my daughter. Her love for Christ is so evident in her actions. I am praising the Lord for her daily :) One of my earlier posts showed how she was without fear to read her bible in school. I saw in her book bag today that she is taking her bible to school daily. I wasn't sure how long it would all last, but apparently it is lasting longer than I thought it would. She loves her God and is not afraid to tell the nations about it. Trey and I often wonder if God will call her the mission field one day. She is just so not afraid to tell the whole world what a wonderful God she serves and all that he has done for her. Her heart is overflowing with the love of Christ and it is pouring out on all she meets. On the second practice for softball this year she very blantently asked her coach if he believed in the Lord Jesus as his Savior!!! What courage she has...I don't think that I was ever able to do that. Her teacher was so shocked when she started inviting her sons to the youth group and all the activities that we had going on. I talked to her teacher one day and she said it was sweet of Autumn to want her boys to join in the activities. I told her that she was not worried about whether or not they had friends but she was more worried about their salvation. Shocked was the response that I recieved. I don't think that Autumn realizes that the bible states 366 times "Do not fear..." , because she has already mastered the fear factor. Tonight she displayed that again. We were at blockbuster returning some movies and getting some new ones. I was a little displeased with the releases that came out this week....golden compass being one of them. I was talking the the lady that was working about and I told her that we would never be renting that movie...ever!! She looked at me and agreed. I told her it was a spiritual thing for me...again she agreed. This lady was so sweet and very genuine. When we got in the car and started talking about it, Trey mentioned that we should have invited her to church. I said maybe you should take her a flyer (it was one that we were passing out to neighborhood about upcoming events at our church). Trey looked at me like....me?? Then we heard Autumn from the backseat....I will take it!!! She grabbed the flyer, went inside and told the lady that we had some things at our church coming up and that we would like for her come!!! The lady was also shocked. Autumn said her response was..."Who, me...ok." I am so proud of Autumn, she is just so willing to get out there and love people and spread the Good News!!! Please join me in praying for my little girl as the Lord grows her for His kingdom...pray that she will never lose that passion for Christ!!!

Baby Got.....BOOK!!!!

2008-04-23T22:03:00.002-05:00

I saw this video at a friends house, it is so funny. It is really hard to sing if you know the orginal song that it comes from. We have heard it so much that even my kids know the words...umm...the words to the revised version...you know, the clean version. Some of you may have seen this before but I hope you enjoy it anyway. LOVE IT!!!

A Very Proud Mommy!!

2008-04-17T15:49:00.003-05:00

Oh, I think that I am the proudest mommy ever!! Monday night my oldest, Autumn, asked if she could take her bible to school. I was a little taken back by this question...why would she ask that? I told her that she could take her bible anywhere she wanted. Why are you asking...did you think that you were not allowed? "No, I was just afraid that I would get into trouble." Trouble??? Is that where we are at...a second grader afraid to take her bible to school?? Oh my!! I told her..."Autumn, this is the best and greatest History book of all time and if you want to take your bible to school, you should not be afraid." I mean, isn't that one of the most important lessons of the bible..."Do not fear!!" I told her that she could only take it out when she had free reading time and that if anyone said anything to her, to have them call me. So, on Wednesday she packed her bible and took it to school with pride. I was so amazed at her!! After school I asked her how it went. She was so excited..."everyone wanted to look at it with me!!'" Praise the Lord!!! My second grader is sharing the good news without fear!!!!

She packed her bible again today with more enthuseausim then I have every seen. Upon picking her up from school, I noticed that she had the biggest smile on her face. Again, excitement for the Lord was pouring out of her!! She jumped in the car and said..." A friend brought his bible to school to also!! And tomorrow another friend and I are going to read our bibles together!!" Hallejulha!! Thank you Lord!!

I think we are starting a bible reading epidemic in SECOND GRADE!! I wish we were all as excited as my baby girl to share the good news of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!! I ask that you all join me in praying that some way this will bless not only the students that are bringing Gods word into the school but all the others watching as these fearless kids try to make a statement for Christ :)

Daddy's Hands

2008-04-07T21:09:00.002-05:00

I love this song!!! I have always thought of my dad when I heard this song and now that he is gone, it really reminds me of him. My dad was never really "tough" with me, seeing how I was his baby :) He did work hard for his family and made sacrifices so that we could all do our extra stuff. He lived a long life, and a full one at that!! I remember sitting beside his bed, holding his hand, and trying to burn an image of his hands in my memory so that I would never forget the hands that taught me to read, throw a softball, and ride a bike. I never want to forget the hands that taught me how to write my name, how to use the lawn mower, how to swim, how to change a tire, how to drive, and how to love. I never want to forget!! This song helps me to remember all that he did for me. I love my Daddy and miss him terribly.....

Here's to you Daddy!!!!!

Let the games BEGIN!!!

2008-04-06T22:27:00.003-05:00

Well, baseball started Saturday! We spent all morning at the fields taking pictures, opening ceremonies, and then Rudy's first game!! I love this time of year even though it is crazy and gas prices are so high!!

I have to admit...I am a little nervous. Last year Rudy was playing T-ball. We did sign him up for T-ball again because of his age, but because of his size we let him try out for the Junior Minor Teams. Well, he was drafted!!! My little man is now in the big leagues (so to say)!! He is the same size as most of the little guys on his team but he is not on the same playing level as they are. SCAREY!!!

During his scrimmage the other day the coach put him on the pitchers mound. Hey...don't you know that is a dangerous place to play...how can you put my little man there...he is going to get hurt...what was that coach thinking....whew...he did good and no line drives coming at his face!!! woohoo

So the season started Saturday. Rudy played left field. He did good. Stopped one and one got bye...but all in all he did great. He got to bat 3 times... 1st time...struck out 2nd time....struck out 3rd time...he got a hit
GO RUDY!! Mommy got so excited...now it wasn't some spectacular drive...but to me I was the proudest mommy there!! So he made it to first base...then second base...he was so excited and seemed to be having a great time. And our team did win the opening game...Go RIVERCATS!!

Mirror, Mirror

2008-04-06T20:40:00.003-05:00

"Mirror, Mirror on the floor....

Tell me who is the fairest one they all adore??"

Mirror replies:

"Oh sweet princess, you know that it is you!!"

Who could argue such logic??? Just look at that sweet face! And all those delicious rolls!! Oh I just can't get enough of her!! Thank you Lord for blessing my life so richly. All three of my children are such a wonderful gift from you...thank you...thank you...thank you!!

OK...

2008-04-01T10:57:00.002-05:00

This is not one of those posts that I was planning on posting...not one of those great ideas that have now been forgotten...just a simple post for prayers.

Yesterday Hannah woke up with a small cough. Nothing to bad, just bothersome for her. Around 2 pm she seemed different. Not her bubbly self. I decided to check her temp....100.7, not bad...gave Tylenol. I had already called the nurse about her cough and was waiting for her to call back. 2:30, Nurse calls. Confirms all my thoughts, not worried. 4:30, check temp again...102.8...ok...starting to worry...Tylenol is not working...can't give her anymore yet....HELP! She is really fussing and seems to be getting warmer and warmer. We snuggle. 6:00, check temp again...103.6...YIKES!! Mommy freaking out now!!! Start searching for Motrin...where is it??? can't find it??? My baby needs it now!!! whew, found it...gave Motrin. I called a friend...she walked me through what needed to be done...bath time!! It is amazing how baths work little miracles. She immediately starts playing. Smiling! Laughing! There is my love bug!!! After bath temp....103.9...what??? Don't freak out!! Breathe!! Okay...give it time...it is not going to make a difference yet....more playing and snuggling. 7:15, temp....103...yeah...coming down. Whew!!! I know that they say that is ok and and not harmful, but for me I can't take it. My mind just starts thinking all the bad possible things that could happen to her. She did pretty good the rest of the night...fever came down to normal...and she slept on and off (between the coughing). Alarm goes off at 6:15 am....not yet...need more sleep!! Trey comes in with Autumn..."I don't think she can go to school today...she has a rash all over her". I get up...look at it...Fifth's disease! Well, Hannah already has a doc appt...now Autumn is going too!! Yep, confirmed she has it!! And maybe that is what Hannah is fighting as well. HELP!!!! I know it is really no big deal. It is treatable with lotion, Tylenol and Motrin. But why us?? She is not contagious anymore... but she was a few days ago. Sorry for anyone that was around her and has now been exposed. So the girls are home today with me. Hannah is sleeping ( why am I awake??) and Autumn is watching a movie.

Yep, that was my night!! FUN FUN FUN is the Schultz house!!!

Where have I been???

2008-03-26T15:42:00.002-05:00

I am not doing so good at this blogging thing lately. I have so many ideas and yet don't seem able to post them.

Easter was hard.

Was it really Easter??

Already??

Guess so, I feel as though I missed it. We had an egg hunt on Saturday, but Rudy ended up sick that night so I was unable to go to church and celebrate the best day in history. Then there was the fact that we were missing 2 important people. I tried to get some of my family together but they had other ideas and were not feeling up to celebrating either. I really don't feel as though I enjoyed the day that my Savior rose from the dead. Even my children had a hard time. Tears were shed, hugs were given, and we all tried to love each other.

Baseball and Softball season have begun.... I am hoping that it will be a little bit of a distraction for me. If I can remember where we are suppose to be...at what time!! I feel like my mind is shot. I can't remember anything.

Well, Just want to say that I am here, I am living, I am healing (I think), and I will be back.

Yesterday

2008-03-13T21:05:00.010-05:00

My Hannah, oh so sweet Hannah!! I love these pictures we took of her yesterday. She is such a joy and a blessing in our lives. I can't believe it has been 7 months now that she has been with us. I look back a the pictures of her first days and can't believe how much she has grown and how much she has changed!!

She was so cute, rolling all over the living room floor. She rolled and rolled until she was under the chair. It didn't really phase her thought. I think she actually thought it was funny. Especially when she started getting all the attention that came along with it :) Then brother came into the room to see what was going on. Well,what a perfect opportunity to see what brother tastes like...actually that is how she kisses you. Mouth open wide...and all she slobber that she add to it!!! I love these pictures so much. You can tell that my children absolutely adore her. Rudy had her laughing so hard today that she ended up with the hic-ups...priceless!!

Then of course he wanted to show his love for her. It is a mushy mess over here all day long!! All the kissing and hugging going might make the weak feel sick. But that is us...just a mushy messy family :)

It really was a wonderful day. Just relaxing. Enjoying my kids. I was not sure what Spring Break would bring. All 3 kids here with me all day for 7 days...I have to admit I was a little scared. But...my kids are awesome. We have done bead art, puzzles, played on the computer, worked in the garden, had some friends over to play, and tomorrow we are going to Katy Mills Mall with some friends. Really it has been a great week!! (I am still looking forward to school starting up again...they are getting bored really fast...harder to entertain :)

And look what she has learned to do!!! Go Hannah!!
She is not to steady, but she thinks she is really a big girl and loves to sit and play.

(Look at her knees...so chubby...she has a roll on her knees...my mom would have love that....looks like a little padding for when she starts crawling....so yummy!!)

2008-03-08T12:56:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday Daddy!!

Today would have been my dad's 86th birthday!! He was an amazing man that I miss very much. The picture here is at his 83rd birthday. That was the year that I made him a scrapbook in memory of the years that he served in the Air Force. We aslo found a United States Air Force bomber jacket and hat. He was so thrilled and loved his book. The book is now here at my house for my kids to look at and the jacket and hat are hanging in my closet. I love this picture...it was one of the last times that I saw my dad truly happy. Oh man, I miss him!!! I love you daddy!!!

One More Round

2008-03-03T21:33:00.003-06:00

This "video" really isn't a video...it is the CD cover with the song playing. I wanted to post the words, but the song is so much better when you hear. I so feel like this. I feel as though I am in a ring fighting and fighting. I keep getting knocked down and I keep getting back up just to be knocked down again. Frustrating!!! BUT, I will not let Satan knock me down for the count. I will continue to get up and fight.

"I may be bloodied and bruised, but I am here to tell you, that I may be knocked down but not for the count... So take me one more round, I'll just keep fighting, one more round, you messing me up but I'm still here... one more round...I'll come out swinging...one more round...I'm telling you I'm not gonna lose it, I am not defeated"

This whole CD really talks to me...song after song...me...me...me!! I strongly recommend this CD to everyone.

Tomorrow

2008-03-01T22:58:00.016-06:00

March 2ND, just any other day to most. Nothing special, just another busy day in their life. Go to church, lunch, back home, rest, and get ready for another day. But for some it is a day of remembrance. A day that is not celebrated. A day that is not exactly joyful. For me March 2ND is a day almost to sad to remember. For me, it was the one and only time that I was able to hold my baby girl. The only time that I was able to count her fingers. The only time I was able to kiss her little feet. The only time that I was able to stroke her little cheek. For me, March 2ND is not her birthday...but what I have decided to call "Evey's special day". It is special for two reasons...it was the only day that Trey and I were able to hold her and it is the day that we say that she went to live with Jesus. So tomorrow, I will go and put spring Tulips on her grave. I will remember how tiny she was but how big her little life touch so many. I will remember how excited we all were about her joining our family. I will remember all the wonderful things that were done for us when we lost her. I will remember the last time I felt her kick me. I will remember the last time I heard her heart beat. I will remember how much I wanted her. I will remember how much I love her. I will remember the pain. I will remember the love that was shown to our family during our grief. I will remember. I will be thankful for the short time that I was able to have her inside of me. I will be thankful for the other 3 little lives that God has blessed me with. I will be thankful.

Little Angels

When God calls little children to

dwell with Him above,

We mortals sometimes question the

wisdom of His love.

For no heartache compares with the

death of one small child,

Who does so much to make our world

seem wonderful and mild.

Perhaps God tires of calling the

aged to His fold,

So He picks a rose bud before

it can grow old.

God knows how much we need them,

and so He takes but a few,

To make the land of heaven more

beautiful to view.

Believing this is difficult

still somehow we must try.

The saddest word mankind knows

will always be "Goodbye".

So when a little child departs

we who are left behind

Must realize God loves children,

and angels are hard to find.

Isn't this week over yet??

2008-02-20T23:33:00.007-06:00

Oh my goodness...will this week ever end. I am so tired!! Why do I want this week to be over, it is not like the weekend will be filled with peace and quiet anyway. I have had a pretty rough week emotionally. As a good friend put it...to many open wounds that have not had time to heal. And who suffers for it...hubby!! We have been struggling all week. He doesn't understand why I am so distant from him and no one else. I tried to explain to him that it is easier to pull away from him than the kids. The kids will not understand why mommy doesn't want to play or snuggle and watch a movie. I try really hard to connect with them so that they are not thinking that I don't love them or that I don't want to be with them. Hubby is older and can understand more than they can...or at least that is what I thought. Appartently I was wrong, I had to explain it to him. Now I think that he gets it, I hope. I am hoping that next week will be better for me. I feel like I am on a roller coaster ride that is out of control...

Lord please help me find balance in my life. Help me to seek you, even when it is really hard to concentrate. I need you in my life, holding me, comforting me, loving me!! I pray that you will pick up the pieces of my heart and mend them in a way that only you can. And I pray that one day I will be able to look back and see your hand in all that has gone on. Thank you for loving me when I don't deserve the love. Thank you for saving me so that one day I will not only be reunited with you but also with my parents and my little angel. Guide me, keep me....amen :>

There he goes again!!

2008-02-19T22:01:00.002-06:00

As an update to my last blog....

Upon leaving work on Monday, I found something very interesting on my car....what could it be?? There goes my honey again....on his lunch hour he went to the store and bought flowers and a card, and left them on my windsheild!!! How sweet??? Yes he had a purpose for doing so, but does that matter?? I think not :> He does get brownie points though!!

So, you think your hubby rocks??

2008-02-12T14:11:00.011-06:00

I have been reading several blogs lately that claim that their husbands are the best. I have stood back and let you all go on and on about how your hubby is the best and how he deserves an award for his unfailing love and devotion. Well, let me tell you all that MY MAN is in the running!!!

I want you to meet Trey. He is a very simple man, a country boy. (ok Becky...a redneck :>) For 14 1/2 years I have had the pleasure of calling him my husband. When we were dating it was poems, flowers, notes on my car, late night phone calls, songs being dedicated to me and I could go on and on. I have to say that after we were married some of those things were forgotten. But now he is topping all of those wonderful things with more amazing things.

Let me ask you....

will your husband paint your toe nails..even if you are not pregnant?

Does your honey run you bubble baths with candles lit all over the bathroom when you have had a rough day with the kids?

Does he come home after a long day working, and offer to cook so that you can just sit and breathe?

Does he put flowers on the bed to show his love for you?? (this was my birthday a few years ago...sweet!!)

Does he do the laundry on his day off?

Will he scrub the toilets?

Does he do the dishes at 6 am so that you don't have to wake to a dirty kitchen?

Will he go to the mall and spend hours shopping with you?

Would he go get a pedicure with you, if you couldn't find anyone else to go with you?

These are just a few of the amazing things that my honey does to make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside!!

Okay...

now does your honey admit when he is beat??
And then allows everyone to know about it??
Does he let the moment get captured by a photograph for all to see?? Yes ladies, he is really kissing my feet!
That is just some of the things that he does for me.

Now lets move on to what he does for the kids.... gets the up every morning for school, feeds them, packs their lunches, makes sure they brush their teeth, and then takes them to school...all while I lay sleeping...at least on Tuesdays and Fridays. He plays ball with them, takes them on bike rides, plays games with them, watches movies with them, and will occasionally read to them (not his favorite...you know...he has a Bryan High Education :>) And when it is hunting season he will get the kids up at 5 am and take them to to sit in a deer stand or duck blind for the morning hours (and for those of you who have ever been hunting with little ones...it is not easy) But the most important thing he does for them is showing them the love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!! He reads scriptures with them, helps with memory versus, and guides them to serving the Lord whole heartedly. He is teaching them that serving the Lord does come with sacrifices on our part but with the right heart they are not sacrifices in our eyes...just the eyes of the world. What may be important to others...you know...cell phones, ipods, fancy cars, big expensive house, the clothes that they wear....are not as important as doing what God has instructed you to do. Just him following the Lord in his own life, no matter the cost, is teaching his children that Jesus is number one above all things.

And that is just what he does for his children.....what about all the other children he teaches?? He makes sacrifices for his "other children" as well. Other children??? Well what about he Youth that he teaches. Every Sunday and Wednesday is trying to lead other peoples children to love and know Jesus more. Not to mention all the camps, DNOW's, SNAC's, fun trips, and any other activity that he plans with them. He has taken on a very vital role in our children of tomorrow. He is worried about the leaders they will become with the Lord in their lives. His mission statement is.....giving the youth of today the foundation that they will need to stand strong as the adults of tomorrow!! He take an active role in their lives when their own parents won't.

He does have two other children that he has taken under his wings...his niece and nephew. When his sister died, he decided that they were going to need him more now then just any average uncle. So he takes them and tries to instill in them the values of the Lord as well.

If these things don't qualify my hubby for husband/father of the year....then this world is in some serious trouble.

So you think your hubby rocks....Have you met mine???

What a MAN!!

2008-02-10T15:39:00.000-06:00

There is no sound to this video. I remember recording it with my digital camera, I was pregnant with Evelyn at the time. This is so funny...my husband the kid!! That is only one of the many reasons that I love him so much!! ENJOY!!

Look how happy she was!!

2008-02-10T14:42:00.000-06:00

I was going through my camera just looking at all the pictures that I had forgotten about and found all the pictures from Christmas. I came across this picture. This is my mother...look how happy she was. My brother asked her what she wanted for Christmas and her reply was "a red toaster". That is what she got. She was so happy and excited over that red toaster!! I just wanted to share a memory that I have of the last few times that I saw my mom.

Has it been 6 months already?

2008-02-10T14:05:00.000-06:00

Oh my goodness...my baby is 6 months old!! I took her to the doctor on Thursday for her check up...and oh my...she weighs 21 lbs 12 oz and is 28 1/2 inches long!! She weighs the average size of a 11 month old and is the average length of a 12 month old. So I determined that what he was telling me was that my daughter is not AVERAGE!! I could have told him that...none of my children have ever been average ;)

As an update for "She's on the move"....She has started pulling her knees up under her, stretching, reaching, and trying so very hard to move forward. Mind you, she is not on her hands...her face is buried in the floor and her hands are out stretched in front of her. But she is trying!! Also, she is now rolling around in her crib...Trey put her to bed the other night on her back and when I went to get her the next morning she was on her stomach. Things are going to be changing around here!!

OH the PRESSURE!!

2008-02-04T13:20:00.000-06:00

I guess it was going to happen sooner or later, I was just hoping it would be later than sooner!! I am now feeling very icky :< I have so much sinus pressure that I feel like my head is going to explode! Then there is all the drainage...yuck! This Texas weather is to blame...cold...warm...and then warmer and warmer. What is a person to do??? MOVE??? I don't think so. I have been fighting this for a while now and just can't seem to lick it. I stayed home from work today to rest...with a 6 month old in the house??? I have a wonderful baby!! When she woke this morning around 7 am, I decided to go ahead and feed her. She ate and played for a little while, then mommy was ready for a nap. So together we climbed in my bed snuggled, and fell asleep. WooHoo!! I slept off and on, you know how you sleep with a baby in your bed, till 11:30! It was wonderful. She ate lunch and is in her bed resting again until we go and pick up the other two from school. I am feeling so blessed right now. Maybe I will go get some rest too.......

She's on the MOVE!!

2008-02-03T21:22:00.000-06:00

Well, it official....Hannah has become mobile.

I was worried about her not rolling over by 4 months, so I asked the doctor about it. He said there is no "thou shalt roll over by 4 months"...don't worry she will. The nurse said it was going to take a lot of engery to move all that over...have you seen Hannah lately...Well she decided to roll over from back to tummy about 1 week after seeing the doctor...and from tummy to back 2 days later. We really hadn't seen her do it again in a while.

Well this weekend I believe something clicked. It was as if she said "oh yeah, I remember!" And now at almost 6 months she is rolling everywhere. She rolled over and over till she hit the couch and became upset when she couldn't roll any more...she is definitly showing her displeasure with things lately. So, it is time to baby proof :> I will be moving things to a much higher level around here. Just wanted to share my excitement with you all. My baby is growing faster than I can keep up :>

The House is Almost Empty :o(

2008-02-01T16:42:00.000-06:00

Well...today after work I went by my moms house just to look around.

Its almost empty.

I feel sick.

I want to scream.

It still smells like her.

My heart is pounding.

I MISS HER!!

Things are in boxes on the floor, wrapped up ready to go.
Everyone has been in and out taking things they wanted. Just a few items remain. Part of me wishes I could have taken it all. I really wanted to just bubble wrap the whole house and move it out here...we have the room...then I could just go over there when I wanted. Not realistic??? I know. Stinks!! I want to call her....I want to hear her voice...I want to feel her hugging me!! Is she really gone? Isn't this just a dream? A nightmare right? I always thought that I would be devasted when my father died...you know, I am such a daddy's girl. But I guess since I watched my father waste away to practically nothing, and suffer such pain that it was a blessing to know that he was in Heaven walking again. But my mom?? No time to prepare...no time to say good-bye. No time to say how much she meant to me...no time to tell her what an inspiration she was to me. NO TIME!! I know that she knew that I love her, I told her that just about everyday. I look back and wish that I had went to see her the Saturday before she died. I wish I had taken the time to drive over there and visit with her....I know she wanted me too, I could hear it in her voice...but I didn't. Oh stupid me!! I am reminded of the song by Garth Brooks...If tomorrow never comes...

If tomorrow never comes
Will she know how much I loved her
Did I try in every way to show her every day
That she's my only one
And if my time on earth were through
She must face this world without me
Is the love I gave her in the past
Gonna be enough to last
If tomorrow never comes

I've lost loved ones in my life
Who never knew how much I loved them
Now I live with the regret
That my true feelings for them never were revealed
So I made a promise to myself
To say each day how much she means to me
And avoid that circumstance
Where there's no second chance to tell her how I feel

Tell that someone that you love
Just what you're thinking of
If tomorrow never comes

There I go again thinking of songs...musical person remember?? So take heed...read these words...let them speak to you!! Don't let today go by without telling your loved ones how you feel. Don't live with the regret of not saying how much they mean to you. Trust me...I would have never thought that tomorrow would never come.

The house is almost empty and I want to scream.

Poor Rudy!

2008-01-31T11:44:00.000-06:00

Today is Rudy's 100th day of Kindergarten and I was suppose to go to the school and help this morning. But not knowing if Hannah was going to be running a fever again, I decided it would be better if I stayed home with her. He was okay with it last night but this morning was a totally different story. Today he had tears well up in his eyes. Poor Rudy!! Sometimes he just doesn't understand that mommy has to take of baby just like she stayed home and took care of him last week. Hannah slept really good and when she woke this moring (at 9 am!!) she did not have fever....woohoo!! She is a very happy little girl. POOR RUDY!! I guess I could've gone after all : (
I sure hope he had a great day.

Will the Maddness Ever End!!

2008-01-30T16:59:00.000-06:00

"O sweet Hannah, O sweet Hannah, how I love my sweet little Hannah!" Hannah has been very happy all day. She played and play at Mother's Day Out, not really fussy, so it seemed odd to me that she was running a fever. Yes you heard me correctly, a fever. When we go home, I was snuggling with her...you know catching up on all the kisses that I had missed today...and noticed that she seem offly warm. So, I checked her temp...101.1!! I know that is not as high as some fevers have been lately, but still concerning. I called the doctor...if she is still running fever in the morning they want to see her. I think I am going to have to take my friends advice and move out of our house for a while and set off some kind of Lysol Bomb to kill all the little germs that are thriving in our home.

Another Sick Child!!

2008-01-29T12:21:00.000-06:00

Well...Autumn woke me up around 1:30 this morning, she had just thrown up!! YUK! She is such a big girl. She said she was okay and that she had made it to the bathroom. She ended up getting sick 2 more times. Needless to say, she is home from school today. Are we ever going to get well?? This seems to be the year for us to get sick. Anyway, Prayers please!! I am ready to have a healthy home again.

I miss my hero!!!

2008-01-28T20:51:00.000-06:00

I guess I am in a video mood the last couple of days...sorry. I have been searching for a song that would speak to me about my mom. I am a very musical person...no I don't sing or dance or play any instrument...I just love music. This song that I found really speaks to me...my mom was my hero. She was, in a word, AMAZING. When she went to be with the Father, I felt as though I had lost my best friend. We talked daily, we shopped together, played games together, watched movies together, sewed together, and yes we even scrapbooked together!! I went to her when I needed advice and I could tell her anything without her judging me. She truly was my hero. I too, look at pictures from my childhood and say...How I wish I could be like her. She wasn't perfect, but she was to me. I miss her deeply and I long for the day when I will see her again.

LOVE THIS...It is so me lately!!!!!

2008-01-28T20:11:00.000-06:00

I have a friend that showed me this not to long ago...I had totally forgot about it!! I just stumbled across it and thought that I would share. ENJOY :>

I need you to love me...

2008-01-25T14:31:00.000-06:00

This is just another song by Barlow Girl that I wanted to share...I really love the way their music ministers to me...hope you enjoy it :>

Here's my Life...by Barlow Girl

2008-01-25T14:07:00.000-06:00

I tried to figure out a way to post this song on my blog but have not figured out how yet. So I decided to just post the words for now. I love this song...it so sings to me!! I hope the words will bless you as it has me :>

once again i said my goodbyes
to those i love most
my heart feels that familiar pain
as i long for hope
cause this road is hard
when i feel so far
Chorus: And God i'm crying out tonight
cause i've givin you my life
but im tired and im missing whats behind
so once more heres my life
on the day that you called my name
all that i knew changed
I found when i said yes
that i would never be the same
though the call is hard
you are worth it all
Chorus and God Im crying out tonight
cause ive givin you my life
but im tired and im missing whats behind
so once more....
even when the tears are falling
when i find i fear the calling
you remind me, (yeah)
words you've spoken over my life
promises ive yet to see
you comfort me. (yeah yeah)
(you comfort me)
(yeah) (you comfort me)

Still Sick, Sick and more Sick

2008-01-24T16:35:00.000-06:00

ok...day two...went to the doctor...because you know that is what the nurse said...still running fevers, feeling yucky, then we need to see them tomorrow. Well today is tomorrow. They were still running fevers last night and Hannah screamed and screamed and screamed for 45 minutes (of course hubby didn't hear a thing... how is that possible...we live in a double wide mobile home...walls are thin...but he just kept on sleeping...). Finally she feel asleep. oh the quiet! Anyway, six o'clock this morning hubby awakes, tries to move Hannah to her play pen for me....and let the screaming begin!! This time it was short lived. So, I call the doctor's office, get an appointment, go in, and guess what...they have a virus!! A VIRUS??? I could've told them that and I don't have a medical degree. So, nothing to do but wait it out. Rudy is going to school tomorrow, and I am going to work....at least that is the plan! (oh by the way...showers didn't exactly work this time...darn!)

Update...Rudy started running a slight fever again...100.3...what is going on with this virus??? He didn't have a fever all day and now he does. Not sure what to do, I guess I will have to see how he is in the morning. He is sleeping fine...my kiddos usually do sleep good even though they are sick. I hope this bug dies fast. I want my happy go lucky, little man back :> Hannah seems to be doing fine...runny nose, coughing, no fever, not screaming, sleeping well right now. She is always happy even when she is feeling yucky :>

Sick, Sick and more Sick!!

2008-01-23T10:09:00.000-06:00

Well I guess it is that time a year again. All the germs being spread around by little noses sneezing, little hands rubbing little sneezing noses and sooner or later you will come in contact with the little hands that does all the rubbing. Not to mention this crazy weather. Have you seen the forecast for the week? Cold, cold, cold, then warm, warm, and warm. Are we living in Texas or what?

Autumn was home last Wednesday with sore throat...took her to see the doctor and sure enough it was strep throat. YUK!! "Stay away from the baby!", was all I could say. Now this week, Rudy was home yesterday feeling icky, you know watery eyes, coughing, runny nose, the usual. I was hoping that he just need a day of rest and that would be good medicine. NOPE! He started to run a fever last night. So he is home again with me today (not working as you can tell). AND, yep you guessed it Hannah is next in line... oldest, middle, youngest. Yesterday afternoon she sneezed and brought on a flood of drainage. She didn't sleep well last night, which means mommy didn't sleep well either. She coughs a lot. Then this morning start running a low temp. What is a mother to do??? I know, call the doctor!! Not much help there. The advice I received was watch them today and if they are still feeling yucky this afternoon, call back and we will see them tomorrow. TOMORROW??? Oh-Man!! Isn't there so magical cure, some wonderful medicine? NOPE...just time and no sleep for mommy. I am by no means a germaphobic...but I just wish that hand washing was a bigger priority for some.

So please pray for me and my family. Trey seems to be doing well. He is working outside in this crazy weather so I really believe it is a matter of time before he comes home feeling yucky. And me, no time to feel yucky!! (but I do...itchy throat...cough...runny nose....yuck!)

"I had a dream...."

2008-01-21T22:46:00.000-06:00

No pun intended...

Ok, all you moms have probably heard at one time or another one of your kiddos say..."Mommy last night I had a dream...." Well lately that seems to be the hot topic at our house. I am never sure how the sentence will finish or even if I want to hear it. That may sound horrible but it is true. I have heard so many dreams lately that I couldn't tell you if I was dreaming or not. Then there are those that just touch you and you will remember forever. Well that is what happened yesterday after church. We are in the car headed home and this little voice could be heard from the back seat saying..."Mommy I had a dream last night..." I sighed thinking it was going to be about some monster eating the house or some crazy story about what happened at school. Reluctantly I responded.."Oh really...what was your dream?" My oldest, Autumn, began telling me about a dream that I believe everyone in the family has had recently but no one was brave enough to share. She said..."it was about Nana (my mom). I dreamed that she came back alive and told me that something was broken inside her body but the doctors fixed it and that she was all better now." My heart just sank.. I think I had the same dream every night since the 6th. Bless her little heart, she misses her Nana so much!! Trey and I looked at each other, smiled, and reassured her that it was just a dream. Nana's earthly body was "broken" but her heavenly body was alive and well in Heaven with Jesus. Even though this past 2 weeks have been hard, I have been finding many opportunities to minister to my children which in turn ministers to me. So the next time your little one says "Mommy, last night I had a dream..", listen carefully. It maybe a perfect opportunity to share God's perfect plan with them :>

Hollywood here we come!!!

2008-01-20T18:33:00.000-06:00

OK...our church has decided that we need to reach the community better. So some of you may have seen some commercials over the Christmas Holidays with our pastor in them. Well he decided that we needed to see more of the church in these commercials..to show all of what we offer. Well today was the day. Not sure when the new commerical will air...assuming it will be on Sudden Link cable for those of you wondering. Now that my acting career has take off I should be hearing from some big producer who just has to have me for the lead role in his major film this year....most likely an Ocar nomination will come of this for me...yeah right...just kidding!! The only line we were allowed to say was "We have a place for you (with excitement)"! Everyone except Hannah will be on TV real soon...they said she was too pretty and that she would steal the show, hehehe!

Have you ever felt like you survived one problem just to be swept away by another?

2008-01-19T00:40:00.000-06:00

2008-01-19T00:22:00.000-06:00

Its late...all the kids are asleep...even the one that I rescued from my friend who lost her mind...husbands asleep, the dogs are even asleep.....aahh the quiet!! Wait it is almost to quiet...my ears are humming with the quiet... what is a mother to do???? I know relax. Sit back and enjoy. It isn't going to last forever... just 7 more hours untill they are all awake and I am wishing for peace and quiet....

Feeling Blessed Beyond Belief!!

2008-01-18T13:35:00.000-06:00

okay...so today was my first day back to work since my mother passed away. I was a little reluctant but went anyway with a smile on my face. I was doing OK until a friend came in my classroom and gave me a surprise. She reached into her purse and pulled out an envelope with my name on it. I could see through the envelope and knew right away what was inside. She turned to leave and all I could say was "NO WAY!!". It was so overwhelming to me that I began to cry then sob. Inside the envelope was an answer to a prayer that I had just prayed yesterday. After reviewing our bills and upcoming paychecks, it became apparent to me that we would be short for the month. Since my mother passed away so suddenly, there was no time to plan for time off from work. Trey took the whole week off knowing that he did not have anytime coming... no vacation left... no sick days left... nothing. He was just willing to take a cut in our pay for me. I needed him! He knew that, and he told me that he was relying on God to make it happen. Everything has been a blur. I really have not had anytime to think about anything other than my family. And yesterday I prayed to God asking him to send what we needed to get through this month....AND HE DID!! Our God is loving, compassionate, all knowing, and a wonderful provider. He knew we would need help before we did. He knew that we would be relying on him to provide. He knew the day that my mother was going to come home before we did! How amazing that He had already worked things out before I even asked. Our friends are so amazing and faithful to God and those who serve him. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for all that you have done for us...the love that each of you have shown is felt and appreciated. I pray that God in return blesses each of you for your kindness and generosity.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Oh my!!

2008-01-17T15:58:00.000-06:00

I can not believe I am doing this. My friend keeps talking about all this blogging going on and I just keep thinking to myself "not for me", and here I am blogging!!!! I guess after reading a few blogs, I have realized this could be an outlet for me. Sometimes I have a hard time expressing how I am feeling and maybe this way I can. Who knows... it is worth a shot right?? I feel sooo.... what is the word....high tech! Go Me!!