Wonderful Winter

The end of fall brings many events.  Many of these events are highly anticipated by several of my children.  We have the ever indulgent Thanksgiving with all it's gluttony.  Then, of course is Dallas' birthday, not to be outdone by Tatum's birthday only two weeks later.


This autumn will certainly be one of the most memorable...to be continued

Super Son

My son, Dallas, loves superheroes. I had no idea this would happen. He happens to have a couple of t-shirts with Batman and other superheroes. He points to them and growls as if to know they are tough. We've acquired some stuffed, cuddly, baby-ish looking superheroes (sounds odd, I know) and walks around the house either cuddling them, or rocking them to sleep, or growling with them, making them fly. I see his wheels turning and it just makes me smile.

Growth

Sometimes life is hard. Sometimes things don't go my way. Sometimes I get sad. I wonder ''Why?'' But, more than that, I wonder ''How long will this continue?''

What I'm learning is that life's questions aren't that easy to answer. The answer is often found in the journey. Sometimes it's not even about me. But, many times it is. And it's about changing and growing and becoming more of the person that God sees in me. A better me. A me that He wants me to be.

It can be painful and not at all easy. But, then when you feel the pain, you know you're alive and you can sense a glimpse of what it must have been like for Christ to suffer.

So, going forward, I hope to focus more on loving others and hopefully that focus will distract me from my own pain. A less selfish way of being.

What Was I Thinking???

Two weeks ago my phone was having trouble with some web applications. To talk about it almost sounds snobbish or technically elite. Those who know me, know that I am neither a snob or technically anything. Anyway, when I tried to access the weather or movie application, my phone would look like it was "thinking" and then immediately, revert back to doing nothing.


Being that I'm on vacation and don't really feel like I have my bearings in order, I accepted a somewhat menial response when I called customer support. They said that there was an outage of some sort at my current location that should resolve within a day or so.

It's now two weeks later and it's really becoming the princiciple of the matter. Granted I don't NEED to access the weather or movies remotely, but since I pay for it and am supposed to have this "convenience", I thought that I should take care of it.

On our way to dinner, I decide that's a fantastic time to call in, assuming the problem would be resolved in a matter of moments. An hour and a half later, I am finally getting those peculiar applications up and running. Mind you, the agent on the phone had to "reset" my phone to get them to work. Well, now I have access to the weather and the movies. YEAH!!!


However, I unsuspectingly forfeited ALL other informtation. EVERYTHING on my phone has been erased. All 248 contacts, all 45 songs, every email account, all of my text messages, phone history... everything. For some who don't use their phones in this way, it wouldn't be a problem. But, as many of you know, I DO use my phone in every way possible and this is quite inconvenient for me--- wah, sad face.


So, here I sit at 11:30 on a Friday night, trying desperately to recover any scrap of information. And, the kicker is that I'm not even home. I'm on vacation. What was I thinking??? :o)

Week Two in AZ

As our first week of vacation drew to a close, we were surprised to find out it was not actually ending. To quote the Carpenters, ''We've only just begun...'' We were going to be enjoying the company of beloved family and friends for three additional weeks.

Hesitation slowly moved over me as the ''control freak'' in me panicked since this wasn't something we planned. I kept thinking of all the loose ends I had left untied thinking we'd we back in a day or so... There was gymnastics and piano. There were meetings and field trips, nail appointments and birthday parties, not to mention a much anticipated local mission trip. All of that would have to wait or be cancelled.

The whole vibe of our trip would change as well. People can feel differently when you are visiting for a month instead of a week. There isn't a pressing urgency to make the most of our short time. It becomes far more relaxed.

We had thoroughly enjoyed our first week aside from me having a cold. We went to dinner with family. We hung out with old friends and had sleepovers. We went to movies and swam a lot. We were already so thankful for the time we had.

But, now we would have even more time. Our second week included a birthday bbq party for my baby brother, a day trip to Tucson to see an observatory, my mom accompanying us to church, and more swimming.

Though it was unplanned, our additional vacation time here has turned out to be quite a blessing.

At this point, I just hope Texas doesn't forget us... :o)

Wrestling a Small Bear

I don't know what I was thinking as a I planned and booked a trip to visit family without my husband. I know that in summer he is super busy and unavailable for travel. The kids and I start missing the cousins and grandparents and are willing to be without Daddy in order to see them.

The flight was booked for mid-day without thought of the nap schedule. Really though, it wouldn't have mattered since any flight would interfere with a morning nap or an afternoon nap. After being dropped off mid-morning, I thought I was a genius to feed my darling children in the airport before boarding the plane. Turns out the Uno pizza was too hot and so was the soup, so we packed it up and headed to our gate. Amazingly, we were able to board first since we were traveling with children under the age of 5... YEAH!

We got situated and comfortable in our seats. I don't usually look around to see who is sitting near me to avoid any dirty looks directed at the person who dares fly with small people. Well, the take-off was great and the kids all sucked their candies to alleviate the pressure build up in their ears. And, once we were at proper altitude, they were able to watch their movie, listen to their music, play their games and eat their food.

All was going well, except for the small creature that was being "contained" on my lap. He is 1 1/2 and VERY active. He was not sleepy and is not docile. He wants to grab all the magazines in their holders and tear the pages. He wants to smile and wave at all the business passengers next to us. He wants to play peek-a-boo with the gal behind us. And, he wants to grab the ball cap of the guy in front of us. My heart is pounding and my forehead is covered with sweat. I inwardly beg in a whisper, "Please, please, calm down. Please, just be still for another hour and a half..."

To no avail, the beast keeps on. It was an uneventful flight in the way of turbulence and aircraft mechanics. But, it was quite busy for the mom trying to wrestle the small bear in seat 17D.

End-of-Year Shenanigans

Today was supposed to be our last day at the all-famous, most renowned private school in North Texas, "Yuen Christian Academy". I know that's not a very creative private school name, but I've been working on it for the last eight years and can't seem to decide on the perfect one.

Okay back to the topic at hand--- school and the ending of it. My very persuasive 12 year old convinced me that it would be fine to just end school last week. I don't know who was more desparate to start summer- him or me. Because it didn't take long after he started pleading his case, that I quickly said, "Sure, why not." I bet he was glad that he asked.

Well, our week started out lovely, we spent an afternoon poolside and just soaking up the sun. Such a beautiful time listening to my kids giggle and chase eachother around the water. The following day, we spent more time in the sun. I decided to take them to pick strawberries at a strawberry farm. Can you even imagine how precious that was watching them wander from row to row with the white butterflies prancing from flower to flower? Have you ever smelled a strawberry farm? It's an amazing scent that beats any BathNBodyworks room spray (no offense BNB, I do love your stuff.) But, truly, nothing beats the real thing.

The following day, my son had a party with a bunch of guys friends and they spent time eating pizza, playing games and hanging out. I love knowing that he is enjoying himself. Meanwhile, Sissy and I had friends over and we went back to the pool. More sun, more sunscreen, more giggling. What a gorgeous day that was! The high was 82, but it quickly warmed as we sat in the scorching sun. Too fun.

Today, we had more fun and running around (another party for Wyatt and more playing for me, Tate & D). This weekend is Memorial Day and then we head to Arizona to visit the family. We are all so excited to see cousins and aunts and grandparents. We are so glad that school is over and summer has started :o)

ps. if you think of a great name for my private school be sure to tell me...

Rock'n'Rain

What do you think of when you hear "Easter"? Pretty dresses, colored eggs, yummy food, and of course church. How about rain-drenched hair, pyrotechnics and Skillet???

Well as an homage to my son's voyage into teen-hood, his Easter present was tickets to a rock concert. He was pumped and so was I. I love the bands (Skillet, Decypher Down, Red, and Disciple).

We were about 1/2 way through the concert when the drizzle changed to torrential downpour. Everyone around us scattered like mice at the sight of a cat. Being ever prepared, I got us both out a disposable poncho and we kept on rockin'. (Initially, I kind of felt dumb and homeschool-ish bringing ponchos into the concert. Not after the rain started.) All the teenagers around us made comments like, "Wow, you're really prepared" or "Where did you get those?" or "We should go get some like that." The music was amazing and the show was super fun.

The rain turned out to be a hazard because they stopped the concert and made everyone leave. The lightning and thunder rolled on as we were all herded out like cattle. Waiting on "the bridge" as intructed by security was hilarious because of all the passers-by. Many were just wanting to get back to the concert and were singing their own song versions. TOO FUNNY!!!

After about 40 minutes, they finally ushered us back in and we were phyched! Seeing that many seats were freed up by the less brave conert go-ers, we decide to crowd-jump. Our seats were not bad originally, just in the upper section. We mosy'd down to the lower section, about 10 rows from the stage. They were amazing seats. We were fully prepared to be escorted back to our seats if we were in someone else's. But, they were empty and no one ever claimed them. Therefore, we took full advantage of the view and sound.

By the time, the headline band, Skillet, started, it was past 10pm and my hubby and two little ones were waiting in the SUV. I had to borrow some couple's phone to call hubby and let him know of the delay because my phone died. Isn't that how it always is? When you REALLY need your phone, it dies. Oh well, thankfully, my concert neighbor had one. And, we stayed 'til about 10:30. The music was loud, but awesome. The musicians were amazingly talented (cellists, violinists, etc.) There were fireworks on stage and flashing lights. The rockers were doing flips and climbing up stage columns. It was an awesome show!!!

My son had a great time. And LOVED his rockin' Easter present :o)

Pride Comes Before a Fall

I'm a naturally competitive person. Not over the top, step-on-others competitive. Just put-my-best-foot-forward competitive. So, that's what brings me to my severe pain and having to keep my foot elevated and iced.

It all started as good, clean fun. I had waited all day and was so excited. I had made sure that all my chores were done, dinner was made, the kids were fed and ready for baths. When Scott walked in the door, it was like a relay race. I passed the baton and left him to take over parenting duties. I darted out the door and hurried to my newest fitness passion...ZUMBA. ''What is zumba?'' you may ask. Zumba is defined on the gym schedule as ''a latin inspired dance class infused with samba, merenge, salsa, cumbia, and more.'' It's so much fun and moves very fast. With all the excitement of the music and anticipation of a thinner me, I jumped right in. Not only was I bouncing and hopping around, I had the gall to try EVERYTHING the instructor was doing with the same speed.

After a while, I could almost hear my legs telling me to slow down. But, I am force to be reckoned with and can not be stopped--even by my own common sense. My legs actually started yelling at me, begging me to take it a little easy. By now, I'm only thinking with my pride (oxy-moron) and refused to be put down. So, just then, I kept moving and my foot did not. I'm not sure if it was the embarrassment or shear pain that had me pass out on the way down. All I remember was blacking out as I was falling hard and fast, first landing on my hiney, then rolling on my back, coming to finally rest on some yoga mats in the back of the classroom. I was sad. I was mad. I was hurt. All that preparation that goes into getting to the gym. The planning of the evening, the meals, the kids, the hubby's schedule. For what? For me to spend the last 20 minutes of class lying on the floor in the back of the room with a bag of ice on my ankle. Next time, I hope to not let my pride get the better of me. I hope to slow down when necessary and not try to keep up with the instructor. Afterall, some workout is better than no workout, right? That's what I keep telling myself as I am trying to keep my foot elevated and iced. "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." Proverbs 16:18

Being Kicked Out

The funny thing when you're a parent, you'll do just about anything for your child. In an effort to bring more comfort to our sweet baby or possibly the desire to alleviate any guilt associated with having to say that he sleeps in the closet, we decided to transition him to his very adorable Pottery Barn crib with a quite luxurious mattress. The very first night, our sweet little ''D'' awoke at 3:40 and 5:30am. Some parents might not even squawk at a one year old waking two times in one night. We, however, are somewhat spoiled when it comes to our kids' sleep habits. So, the next day, we weren't very functional from our fragmented sleep cycles. Being ever resourceful, I recommend that for a few nights, just while the baby gets used to his new sleep spot, we resort to sleeping in the living room. I can take the couch and hubby can take the la-z-boy. We are now on our fifth night and neither one of us has mustered the gumption to suggest that we brave the waters of baby night wakings, again. The truly funny thing is that our little ''D'' hasn't woken in the middle of the night since that first night. So here I type on my phone while getting ready to fall asleep in my living room. Maybe tomorrow we'll be courageous enough to go back to our bedroom. How can 20lbs of cuteness rule our world... How can he not. :o)

I-wanna' blog all niiiiight, and party everyday

Not really, just had that song in my head. My kids rock :) Here's an update...

So, this week, my youngest son has been responding to us with a tilting head sideways and a high-pitched "Hi-eye." Soooo cute! He even plays with his little plastic phone and puts it on his ear to say it. It just tickles all of us to death. He is also loving to say his word for bread, which we hear as, "Bob." haa haa haa. Sooo cute!

My eldest son was recommended to be a part of something called M4. He will be going on a student retreat next weekend called DNow. It's an awesome time of learning, worship and fellowship. During that weekend, he'll get some extra opportunities for learning... "a group of eight students will get to spend some additional face time with the guest speaker from England. (Paul has described him as the best speaker he has heard in his lifetime.)This is designed for those individuals whom have demonstrated an intensity toward reaching out to others with Christ's love - whether that be in their schools, home-school groups or neighborhoods. I'm so happy for him and I'm so proud of him. He doesn't let age be a barrier. He just is who he is. I think he is a wonderful person!

And, my crazy little lady. She's so precious. She has her second gymnastics meet this Sunday. Sad that it's during church since we are ALWAYS there. She doesn't have a knack or passion to practice her craft. She does have a bent towards "messing around" and she's a professional at that! So, this week, I've been trying to encourage her (without yelling or threats) to practice. She has been doing a better job. Hopefully, she'll have a blast on Sunday and do relatively well. She loves winning, but hasn't quite the maturity to connect practice with excelling. :o) She'll grasp that someday.

To Nurse or Not to Nurse

How do we decide when we are done nursing?

I always plan to nurse for at least a year. Of course, I hope that it falls in line with God's plan ;o) A month before Dallas turned one, he seemed ready to be done. There was little interest. He was just too busy getting around and into stuff to stop and enjoy a little rest time. I thought that was a good time to stop, however when I tried, he had other plans. Little Mr. D insisted. So, now as he approaches his fourteenth month, I can't help but wonder if he's ready. I feel like a contradiction. It sure hurts when his little teeth get the better of me. But, I love the intimacy I still have with him when I can look down into those eyes that resemble beautiful brown pools of utter love.

The quandary continues... To Nurse or Not to Nurse :o)

My Silly ole Puter

Well, from my other posts, you may have read that my 'puter crashed over the summer. Being too broke to buy a new one, one of my friends (who shall remain nameless, Kristy :o) tried to fix it. Unfortunately, "fixing it" only made it worse. It took me about 1/2hour to wait for it to start once turned on. Then, if I wanted to look anything up on the internet, that took another two hours. It was not pretty and tested the fruit of self control (to not throw the thing threw the window or use harsh words.) Low and behold, kind friend that she is, Kristy is lending me one of her old computers until I get a new one. Thanks to her, I can now resume blogging (among various other important online activities such as research for my homeschool junior high son's papers). YEAH!!!