The Jackson Journey

Being Still

2010-06-30T22:54:00.001-05:00

It's never been easy for me to sit still. If I'm sitting, my leg or foot is moving. If I'm lying down, my big toe is wiggling. Restless & fidgety...that's just how I am.

But right now I'm forcing myself to relax, to really relax. I'm hundreds of miles from home, sitting in one of my favorite spots, watching hummingbirds flitter around the feeder that hangs from the aspen tree outside my parents' place in Colorado. The air is cool and the view is breath-taking. My dad is out hiking with the boys and my mom is inside the house, reading a book. All is quiet except for the distinct "hum" of these amazing birds. I've realized that I have similarities with these hummingbirds. They are tiny and hyper...always moving and somewhat anxious!

Although the peace and quiet are nice, I really don't know what to do or how to enjoy it. Yet, deep down I know it's exactly what I need. Sit back. Relax. Soak in the sunshine. Watch birds dance. Look at the snow on top of Mt Princeton. Listen to the quiet. Breathe. Breathe some more.

Sometimes life is so very good. And sometimes it just isn't. Sometimes the enemy tries to steal our joy by deceiving us with his lies...and we let him. Sometimes the stress of reality can be too much to bear and we don't know what to do.

And that's why I'm sitting here watching hummingbirds while I breathe...and breathe again. It's why I'm choosing to be still, reminding myself that He is God. He is always good...even when life isn't.

Every Season

2010-01-29T15:51:00.006-06:00

This is a beautiful song that I've enjoyed a long time. For some reason, it seems to fit my mood perfectly today. Must be the cold, snowy, winter day we have here.

Life is all about seasons and I find myself in the dead of winter...literally, emotionally, and spiritually. So, the lyrics and footage about winter (and spring) are quite comforting and encouraging to me. God is so good to give us hope and comfort when everything feels like the cold and death have settled in for the long haul.

Oh how I need Him to be "teaching me to breathe"...and to be making me "newly purposed"!

Every Season by Nichole Nordeman

Every evening sky, an invitation

To trace the patterned stars

And early in July, a celebration

For freedom is ours

And I notice You

In children’s games

In those who watch them from the shade

Every drop of sun is full of fun and wonder

You are summer

And even when the trees have just surrendered

To the harvest time

Forfeiting their leaves in late September

And sending us inside

Still I notice You when change begins

And I am braced for colder winds

I will offer thanks for what has been and was to come

You are autumn

And everything in time and under heaven

Finally falls asleep

Wrapped in blankets white, all creation

Shivers underneath

And still I notice you

When branches crack

And in my breath on frosted glass

Even now in death, You open doors for life to enter

You are winter

And everything that’s new has bravely surfaced

Teaching us to breathe

What was frozen through is newly purposed

Turning all things green

So it is with You

And how You make me new

With every season’s change

And so it will be

As You are re-creating me

Summer, autumn, winter, spring

So Many Memories

2010-01-25T23:11:00.003-06:00

Everyone is in bed and the house is quiet...just the way I like it. I thought I'd read through some of the posts on my blog. Wow, I wasn't prepared for the wave of emotions that hit me as I did. Each funny story, hilarious comment and priceless picture reminded me how good life has been these last four years, for the most part. The birthdays, family visits, great times with friends, football games...so many memories.

It makes me smile, thinking about the wonderful times attached to the pictures and stories. But it also makes me sad because that chapter in my life has closed or is closing right now. Letting go of that life has been very difficult. So much so, that I find it hard to move forward. Part of it has to do with saying goodbye to some amazing people. Part of it is dealing with the regrets and unresolved issues. I pray that when the day comes that we drive away from here, God has given me the opportunity to make some things right. Either way...it will be a hard thing to do.

Life...Interrupted

2010-01-23T19:57:00.004-06:00

Life was so very different the last time I posted my thoughts here. I was so very different too. In many ways I miss who I was then, but not in every way. Although this last year has been relentlessly tough, for the most part I'm thankful for the lessons I've learned...and for the person I'll one day be because of those lessons.

Beth Moore endured a short season of her life she describes as the "dark night of her soul". Nichole Nordeman's words express it well..."when it's dark and it's cold and I can't feel my soul...when the world has gone gray and the rain's here to stay..."

Both these women have described how I've been feeling for quite a while. This is SO not like me. What I'm resolved to do, though, is trust that even though life isn't always good, God always is.

Project...Interrupted

2008-11-12T23:48:00.004-06:00

Well, I didn't just quit this project. Well, I sorta did. Here's the deal:

I was unsure what my 40th birthday celebration might look like. Being during a holiday, it was hard to imagine anyone pulling off a bash with great turnout. DeVon threw a wonderful surprise party for my 30th birthday, but she’s in Iowa…and we’re not! I knew my friends here could certainly host a great party, but would they approach James like DeVon did? Anyway, it was important to James that my birthday be special.

So in stepped DeVon! Their plan for my celebration has amazed me. I can’t imagine a more meaningful way to celebrate life, family and friends! This is SO much better than the series of posts I had planned!

So, here it is…

Friday, November 7th, DeVon “surprised” me by flying to Texas to begin a 40-Day Birthday Celebration! Starting that day, I’d be receiving a gift or message from a different person each day. EACH DAY for 40 days. 40 days of celebrating my birthday. 40 days of hearing from people who love me. 40 days of being blessed! Oh my word. Just typing the words brings tears to my eyes! It took a while for that to sink in. Do I have 40 people in my life who would do that? LOL!!

So, now, instead of reading stuff just about me, you'll have the chance to read about those I love. Perhaps you'll be inspired by their generosity and creativity. Maybe you'll decide to bless someone in the same way I'm being blessed.

As for what I've already written, I may consolidate into one post. I'd like to continue with the idea, especially since so many of the thoughts are written, just not posted.

I'd also like my wonderful logo button re-designed so it will fit the new focus of the series of posts. I'm really looking forward to documenting this incredible adventure of birthday blessings! But I promise, the gifts are not all sappy and girly. Some are downright hilarious!

The experience has been indescribable, but I’ll try to explain what has happened each day and what the gift and the giver mean to me.

31 Days

2008-10-28T19:29:00.001-05:00

Well, this is the week of our big PTO fundraiser, plus D brought the stomach bug home from school, so I haven't been able to get on my blog much. I'll try to catch up!

Things I Love About Where I Live

I've made some amazing friends here.

It only takes a couple of minutes to get anywhere in town.

It's quiet and laid back.

I've had the chance to get to know people who've lived in this little town their entire lives.

When you ask where someone lives, you don't get an address, you hear, "Well, you know where so-and-so used to live?"

Our undefeated varsity football team won the state championship last year. It was INSANE!

Wherever you go in town, you see someone you know.

The young Christian families are hungry for God and that has created quite a bond among us.

I can call the florist and say, "Perry, this is Jill. Can you send something to..." I'm pretty sure I'm the only Jill!

Half of the hometown crowd still has an account at the grocery store. They get a bill each month!

Most of the people here are down-to-earth farming families, business owners, and educators.

There are certainly more things I love about this little town, but I've run out of time!

32 Days

2008-10-27T20:52:00.004-05:00

More Things That Make Me Smile

sharpies - no, really
hanging out with little girls
and old ladies, too!
AE Drake Relay ice cream
AE party dip
going to son's school and getting at least 27 hugs from kiddos
proving that a woman can be a good pastor's wife & be REAL @ the same time
knowing I'm doing the very thing God told me I'd do back when I was 13
seeing Miss E run up my sidewalk every morning, grinning and giggling
hearing a nephew or niece say "Aunt Jill" for the first time
seeing the combines cutting wheat
listening to these cotton farmers tell their "stripper" stories!
the way the snow and mountains look at dusk at our family getaway in Colorado
hearing my best friend and her kids sing "Jingle Bells" because it's the first snow in Des Moines
hearing Brandon call me "Mr. Jills"

33 Days

2008-10-26T14:59:00.001-05:00

Things I Hated about Childhood

scorpions!
hearing young coyotes howling at night in the spring
doing Christmas at an ungodly hour because Dad had to leave for work (didn't happen every year though)
camping in "the bus"
hearing my parents argue
knowing older brother had messed up again, causing parents more grief
not ever knowing what older brother would do
having a big brother I loved, but feared at the same time
RIDING THE BUS!

34 Days

2008-10-25T16:31:00.002-05:00

Some Things I Loved about Childhood

camping with my family
going to church
having my brother as my best friend
finally getting a baby sister
my girlfriends
going to Dad's "firehall" on Halloween to be frightened half to death by other insane firemen!
looking at store Christmas window displays in downtown Fort Worth
attending Grandview Zebra football games
visiting grandparents - more of that later

35 Days

2008-10-24T06:19:00.001-05:00

Some Place I'd Love to Visit

Prague
Ireland
Israel
England
Italy
Canada
Alaska
Seattle
Chicago (especially the Chicago Art Institute)
Nova Scotia
New England in the fall
Savannah
Jackson Hole
Lake Tahoe

There are so many more, but that's all I could think of right now.

36 Days

2008-10-23T15:20:00.001-05:00

Bad Habits

not completing projects
not cleaning up after myself RIGHT AWAY
staying up too late
not listening well
procrastinating
hitting the snooze button way too many times
talking too much
neglecting relationships
telling everyone BUT hubby what the plan is

This is by no means the complete list. The rest will show up later, I'm sure. I'm just feeling very much like a SLACKER and need to find some chocolate to consume!

37 Days

2008-10-22T15:08:00.001-05:00

What Would I Do With a Whole Lotta Cash

tithe to my church
pay off all debt, then invest, blah, blah, blah
buy hubby a pick-up and an awesome drum set
build a dream home...with a sound-proof music studio!
build a dream backyard for the boys...get those monkeys outta my dream house!
support the people, ministries, and organizations I've always wanted to help
help out some family members
anonymously meet people's needs
start ministry to pastors' families - providing vacations/retreats they couldn't afford, but desperately need
get rid of all my furniture and clothes...then start fresh
pay someone else to manage it all!

It's a Boy Thing

2008-10-21T22:40:00.003-05:00

This is what I discovered one day after the boys got out of the bathtub. Obviously, a very fierce battle had occured in the Land of Bafftub. The poor, headless snake never had a chance.

I immediately thought, "Do girl-moms find such things in the bathtub?"

Why do I love these pictures so much? They capture the essence of boy-dom, boy-hood, boy-ness...all things BOY! They make me laugh because the predator still has its kill hanging lifeless from its clenched teeth.

But most of all, I wonder which little testosterone-filled man-child left it on display in the corner of the tub?

38 Days

2008-10-21T06:46:00.002-05:00

Instead of continuing yesterday's list, I thought I'd go in the opposite direction.

Things That Drive Me CRAZY

female cashiers @ discount stores who've spent lots of money on their fake nails, yet wear no makeup and have skanky hair
seeing toothless, illiterate southerners interviewed after a tornado has destroyed their trailer homes
sitcoms that count on all things sexual to get ratings and keep our attention
hearing a news anchor report the death of someone famous by saying "John Doe, dead, age 72"
Disney and Nick shows (aimed at school-aged kids) that refer to girls as "hot"
watching my kids act appalled when asked to pull their weight around here
knowing people talk ABOUT my husband without talking TO him
the Obamas
Joe Biden
being micro-managed
feeling overwhelmed

39 Days

2008-10-20T14:54:00.004-05:00

Well, here we go. The first REAL day of this adventure! I thought I'd start with something easy.

Things That Make Me Happy

warm chocolate chip cookies (homemade, of course)
listening to articulate women speak - especially Southern women!
really good, gourmet coffee
all things autumnal
playing "White Rabbit" every month
Blue Bell ice cream (can't seem to choose a favorite)
Texas Bluebonnets
listening to my ipod without interruption
dessert @ Olive Garden with my girlfriends
my kids' laughter
drinking coffee on my front porch on fall mornings
slobbery kisses from babies

I have lots more, but I think I'll save them for another day! Gotta pace myself. 40 is a BIG number, you know! Ugh.

40 Days to 40

2008-10-19T19:06:00.002-05:00

Yep, that's right. 40 days from today, I'll be 40! 40...YEARS...OLD. I've heard myself say (without flinching) things like "I'll be 40 this year" or "This fall I'll turn 40". In fact, I like seeing people's reactions to the news...most of the time they're quite surprised. Maybe they thought I was much older! LOL!

But suddenly it feels...weird. That's the only word I can use to describe it right now. All this time I've laughed about it, pretended to dread it, etc. But today, it just feels weird.

For many, growing older, "ahem", hitting milestone birthdays, is cause for reflection. I'm no different. A good friend woke up the morning of his 40th birthday and suddenly felt overwhelmed with regret and disappointment. His life wasn't at all what he'd imagined it would be at 40. I really don't want that to happen to me. By the way, he didn't stay there long, because he began taking action and making changes.

So, I'm issuing myself a challenge. Being one of those very busy, no-time-to-slow-down kind of people, I don't make time for myself. Whether it's soaking in the tub, reading a book, going for a walk, or feeding my spirit, I usually put it off. Just too many other pressing needs. I neglect reflection, solitude, and creativity. So, my self-challenge is...blog 40 things about ME. That doesn't mean 40 straight days of blogging. It really means whatever I want it to mean. The last thing I need or want is the pressure of having requirements & restrictions on this thing. It's supposed to be fun, creative, silly, serious, authentic...ME.

It may seem a bit narcissistic, arrogant, self-centered, prideful...but really, it's just theraputic. I NEED to do this. (I hope this doesn't sound like a put-myself-first, Oprah-kinda-thing! I don't even watch that show!) It will be more like a journal. Some topics include:

Things I Love
Things I Dream About
Hopes for my Kids
Regrets
Loved about Childhood
I've Never...
Struggles
Bad Habits
Embarrassing Moments
What Makes Me Feel Old
What Gives Me Purpose
What Encourages Me
What Irritates Me

You get the picture. It's something a stranger can read and feel like they've gotten to know me. Something my boys can read someday and know me a bit more. But it's certainly not a eulogy!

Anyway, it should be fun. Feel free to comment. Agree. Disagree. Tell how you've dealt with that very thing. But please, PLEASE don't think I'm doing this so everyone can tell me how much they love me. That's not what this is about. I know I'm loved.

I just hope this isn't the only post in this series. That would be so very typical of me!

And, by the way, special thanks to Kacole for the cute logo!

What My Kids Got from Kacole...

2008-10-09T18:18:00.004-05:00

My sister loves making up new words and phrases. My favorite is "crappity crap". It really says so much about her personality and sense of humor! Well, I know she'll be so proud of her nephews when she reads this!

The other day, D was trying so hard to tell me about his day, but his tongue kept getting tied up. He said, "I was so tired today at school. It was hard to foc...concentr...focunstrate!"

I love it! Focunstrate has been used many times around here since then.

When you are almost five, some words are still hard to articulate, like "gespetti" (uh, that's spaghetti, in case you needed help). The mispronounced words have always been so cute, but there are fewer and fewer of them left in G-man's vocabulary.

When he recently discovered his brother and dad would be camping without him, his heart was understandably broken! He looked right into my eyes and said (with chin quivering, I swear!), "But I want to go on the Scubs Scouts Campout, too".

Oh man! It was pitiful...and effective!

He really likes his new Lightening McQueen tent! He stayed in or around it the 24+ hours the "Scubs Scouts" were gone! Since I wouldn't let him eat inside it, I had to convince him to pretend there's a campfire burning right outside the tent door. Everybody knows it's more fun to eat around a campfire.

And yes, we even ate s'mores!

So, Who's the Chick?

2008-08-16T08:07:00.001-05:00

Oh, it's just my nine-year-old SON!

Happy Birthday, Dude!

If You Give a Girl a Cookie...

2008-08-15T19:59:00.003-05:00

...she'll hang on to that cookie with one hand while holding a cell phone with the other! Even one-year-olds can multi-task!

Who can complain about returning to work when the day ends like this?

If You Know Where July Went, Could You Tell It to Come Back?

2008-08-14T09:16:00.002-05:00

I do this to myself every year! May becomes insanely busy and I begin dreaming of LABS, that’s “Life After Bible School”. In my distorted reality, the boys and I will relax, read lots of books, make Jesse Tree ornaments, play lots of games, blah, blah, blah. In all my spare time I will reorganize and purge throughout the entire house, catch up on my severely neglected scrapbooks, write on my own blog and read a few others, sit down and read books without guilt, get crafty and make a few things, blah, blah, blah.

Well, here I am, on the last day of my summer, looking at that list and shaking my head! (It’s my last day of summer because it’s time for teachers to head back to work, so that means I do too! Macho Man and Miss E come back tomorrow.) Let’s see, we relaxed some, read a few books (not enough), we made no ornaments, I purged and reorganized about ¼ of the house, my scrapbooks are still severely neglected – and so is my blog. I’m pretty sure no one caught me sitting down with a book in my hand during the day. But, oh, I did get crafty yesterday!

Getting crafty has its own challenges when you live in the middle of nowhere, 75 miles from the center of all things crafty! I bought the paper and letters last week while visiting my sister. The only problem is I forgot to get the decoupage solution. Come to find out, you can’t buy that stuff anywhere in our county, even at the Alco 12 miles away. I know, because I drove over there expecting to find some. They had 17 kinds of craft glue, but no mod podge. I was beginning to wonder if it was banned in our dry county, like alcohol is! If you want a six pack you have to drive over to Goree. Maybe there’s a little stand outside the liquor store where all other banned substances are sold – like mod podge! Would I need to call one of my Goree girlfriends to swing by there and pick up a stash for me? We’d have to start coordinating decoupage runs to feed our crafting habits! Does it sound like I know too much about obtaining banned substances in Knox County? LOL! Don’t worry. This little Baptist preacher’s wife is only going by things she’s been told!

So, what now? Wait until the next trip to the big city? Absolutely not! I googled the stuff and discovered I could make it myself with my own craft glue! So I whipped up my own stuff and got to crafting. It was so much fun! I ignored everything around me, except the kids, and had a ball. Now I just need to find some ribbon and I'm done.

Whew, what a productive summer!

Actually, between the reading of a few books, the playing of many games, the reorganizing/purging of way too much stuff, and the one and only craft project, we experienced an amazing VBS, went on a life-changing mission trip, visited family and friends, agonized over a major decision (more of that to come), and really enjoyed ourselves.

So now it’s time to get dressed and get busy. I’ve got lots of reading, scrapbooking, crafting and purging to do!

G-man Says, Part 4

2008-07-23T20:57:00.011-05:00

As is the case with most 4 year olds, G-man has a problem with whining. We've tried several things to train him to quit this annoying habit. I'm seriously considering this method:

Mom: "What do you think I should do if I hear you whine again?"
G-man: "Throw me out the window?"

He is his father's child.

Walking down the sidewalk this morning, G-man and I heard a bird make a noise in a tree. It was certainly more a squawk/screech than a chirp. G-man, in his very matter-of-fact way, says,

"I think I just heard a monkey!"

Where does he get this stuff? Oh, yeah, he's his father's child!

Seriously, I just went in to check on him one more time as he falls asleep. He was doing that thing he's done since he could control his own movements - sucking his thumb and gently touching his ear lobe with the first 2 fingers of his other hand (like a pair of scissors). Through these 4 years it has made me giggle and has flooded my heart with joy. He sucks him thumb only occasionally now, and I'm always strangely happy to catch him doing it, especially if he's doing the ear thing!

It's a strange and wonderful age. He's big enough to recognize a monkey's call when he hears one, but still baby enough to need that thumb sometimes.

Just as long as he still needs his momma, too!

Yep, Today's THAT Day!

2008-07-01T12:59:00.003-05:00

picture from allposters.com

Power Lab

2008-06-30T21:53:00.000-05:00

Energy to Burn

2008-05-07T16:27:00.007-05:00

Ever wonder what to do with preschool boys who can't go outside?

Well...jump off the furniture, of course!

Notice the caution in one, and the reckless abandon in the other. Very fitting of their personalities!

Oh, the Manliness!

2008-04-30T09:33:00.001-05:00

One day, Little Macho Man and G came running into the kitchen with their shirts off. "Look, we're little mans!" I had to laugh out loud at their pasty, white skin and little tiny muscles, not to mention the obvious misuse of the plural form of their kind!

They spent the entire day running around shirtless. Oh, they felt virile, masculine, and a tad bit chilly. So, I asked my little man why being shirtless made him think he was a man - especially since he NEVER sees his daddy walk around shirtless. His answer surprised me and embarrassed me at the same time. It wasn't one of my proudest moments. You see, Troy, in HSM2, takes off his shirt to play basketball. That's why it is the essence of manliness to go without a shirt...because Troy did it! I didn't dare ask his opinion of Troy during the "golf course dance scene." Not exactly macho.

That happened several weeks ago and these 2 still love taking off their shirts. I've had to make a new rule - shirts stay on unless it's rest time and you are covered with a blanket, or we are outside for water play. I swear these 2 would walk around naked all day if I let them!

Excuse Me...I'm Not Ready For THIS!

2008-03-28T09:31:00.008-05:00

Yesterday, Mr. D (who is 8 1/2) got a phone call from a GIRL! Well, she has called before, but he refused to call her back. But this time he did it! It's so funny because they spent the whole day together at school, so what did they have to talk about? (Did I just sound OLD when I said that?) Apparently they talked about NOTHING since he just sat there laughing. Come to find out, she thought it would be funny to flush the toilet during their conversation. She had obviously stepped into the "powder room" for this private phone conversation and just couldn't resist the temptation - to flush, that is.

Brooklyn's family is special to us. They moved to this tiny town about 8 months after we did. When you aren't from the small town in which you now live, you can feel very much like an outsider. So, these two hit it off from the beginning. Having been in the same classroom in 1st grade and now 2nd, they have spent a lot of time together. Last year, in Mrs. C's class, Brooklyn's desk was moved right behind Mr. D's. She later told her mom that she now sits behind the love of her life and can look at his red hair all day! Oh, the things that come out of that mouth! She is something else. The first time she came to our house, she glanced over at my iced tea (in an iced tea glass with a stem) and said, "Is that a martini???" Imagine...her pastor's wife drinking martinis in the middle of the day...with children around! Her parents don't even drink martinis and she has no idea what they are!

So, as I sat there, obnoxiously taking pictures, I couldn't help but think about the future. Will there be things about Mr. D (looks, attitude, personality) that girls will find attractive? Will he know how to treat these young ladies? Will they be young LADIES? And what will these girls be wearing? Will modesty and virtue be important to them? Will they be important to him? Wow, we have a big job here. There is so much to instill in that stubborn head of his! Experts say that most of that must be learned before age 9! That's August, people! No pressure here!

For now, I will trust the One who gave him to us and enjoy these silly and innocent moments - capturing and treasuring them when I can.

OK Girls...It's That Time of Year

2008-03-27T14:46:00.004-05:00

Little Miss E would like to remind all the girls out there that with the weather getting warmer, we mustn't put off getting that much-needed pedicure! Even 11-month old girls know how important it is that our feet look adorable...even yummy!

Just look at those toes! This has to be the cutest thing you've seen all day! I wouldn't trade jobs with anyone. I get to spend my day with my son, this little sweetie, and her very macho, very sweet big brother!

But...I REALLY do need to get that pedicure! My almost-40-year-old toes don't look nearly as cute as hers!

Please Don't Feed the Monkeys

2008-03-07T13:19:00.004-06:00

This morning the hubby returned from the grocery store with a rare treat. He just went for milk and juice, but found something else on sale - Mrs. Baird's Powdered Sugar donuts.

Well, these little monkeys at my house think that is just about the greatest thing ever. I have discovered that it is impossible for preschool boys to eat these things without wearing white powder all over their clothes. But, the best part is the aftermath left around their lips!

Winter in Texas

2008-03-02T15:51:00.003-06:00

It's 75 degrees outside. I just checked the forecast for the week, so I can organize meals and school clothes. What I saw on the page made me laugh out loud! There were 3 severe weather alerts for my area: tornado watch, red flag warning (both common this time of year) and SNOW ADVISORY!

Huh???

It's just like a Texas winter to be 75 degrees with a tornado watch one day, snowing the next, and 63 degrees and sunny the day after that! It sure makes laundry interesting. One load can include shorts and flannel, long sleeves and short sleeves...anything goes. The worst part about that is trying to organize the clothes. The summer clothes have been stored, so now we are digging in those, but we really can't switch out the winter clothes yet either.

But I am really not complaining (except for the managing the clothes part). I welcome any last bursts of winter. All too soon it will be in the high 90's with no breeze, bugs of all sorts, and air-conditioning running almost non-stop. Once those days are here, they stay for MONTHS and MONTHS...no end in sight...no relief!

I'll take whacked-out winter/spring weather anytime!

Encouragement

2008-02-15T06:38:00.006-06:00

Do you need some encouragement? Want to read something that really blesses you? Click here and read how good God is!

My friend's advice for dealing with stress and discouragement - watching video of babies! Well, if that's what you need today, click here! My nephew will make your day 10 times better!

God cares about our every need, whether it's a baby with fever, a battle with cancer, the death of a precious sister, or the need for a used van!

Life has seemed overwhelming to me this week. I needed His gentle reminder this morning that 1) I don't really know what "overwhelmed" is, and 2) no matter what, He is always good!

Why We Do What We Do

2008-02-05T19:27:00.000-06:00

Week after week, all school year long (and for one VERY intense week of the summer) the volunteers in our children's ministry are incredible. They show up, ready to guide, encourage, counsel, referee, and demonstrate what it means to follow Jesus. I am amazed at their commitment!

Sometimes I leave on Tuesdays wondering what I do to make a difference in the lives of these kids. Since I am co-director of the weekly ministry and the director of VBS, I am behind-the-scenes mostly. Tammie is the one who brings it all to life for the kids. The crew leaders are building relationships with the kids. Now, I know my job is important and the ministry wouldn't quite be the same without what I do. But because I'm not spending the time with the kids that the others are, I'm missing out on the struggles AND the blessings.

Well, today we were short-handed and besides getting to lead one of the stations, I spent time with the preschoolers during worship. Now, children's worship is completely different than the "worship service" that happens on Sunday morning in that very same room! It's lively, active, loud...you know, kids' worship. There are a couple of preschoolers who are ALWAYS all over the place. Keeping them from using the prayer alter as a diving board, keeping them off the stage and away from expensive equipment, and keeping them from filling out church membership cards each week is quite a chore! And there is almost always gymnastics of some sort. I know there are dearly beloved church members who are no longer with us who MUST be turning in their graves each time a cartwheel is attempted in "The Sanctuary"!! Sometimes I can just see the looks on the faces some of the older crowd in our church as I watch these little ones climb over pews and attempt to hide under the Lord's Supper table!

Cody was one of these kids today. Even the most active, engaging worship songs didn't hold his attention. He ran here, ran there, tried a few cartwheels, wrote his name on several pew envelopes, etc. I tried everything to get him involved. After the music, Tammie was trying to refresh the kids' memories a bit, reminding them how much God loves them, etc. Cody sat with a hymnal wide open, turning pages. Tammie asked "How can Jesus make us clean, take away our sins?" Cody began slamming the hymnal shut again and again as older kids try to answer, but didn't quite give the response she was looking for. Just when I thought there was no way this kid was listening, Cody said as loud as he could, "Jesus died on the cross so we can go to Heaven!" I looked at him. He looked at me and said with a huge grin, "I learned that HERE!!!"

That's why we do what we do!

This One Made Me Think

2008-01-26T22:00:00.000-06:00

Lately I've been reading a blog that I've seen here and there for a while. Yesterday, I read this post and it really has me thinking. If you have a few minutes, check out what she has to say. She uses a quote from George Barna that I found quite convicting. Since reading her post, I've found a few more of his quotes that are worth pondering. These quotes are found in different parts of his book:

Having devoted more than two decades of my life and all of my professional skills to studying and working with ministries of all types, I am now convinced that the greatest hope for the local church lies in raising godly children.

Various studies have confirmed the results of some of our data: By the age of nine, most of the moral and spiritual foundations of a child are in place. From the time a child is born until he or she is in the early primary grades, the child is voraciously consuming cues and lessons related to each of the developmental dimensions. It seems that by the time he or she is nine; the child shifts mental gears and begins to use the cues he or she receives from that point forward to either confirm or challenge an existing perspective. It also appears that by the time the child has reached this age, it is much more difficult to change an existing view than to form a new view.

Our national surveys have shown that while more than 4 out of 5 parents (85 percent) believe they have the primary responsibility for the moral and spiritual development of their children, more than two out of three of them abdicate that responsibility to their church.

One of the lessons that wiser parents than I have learned is to remember that God cares a lot less about what we achieve that draws applause from the world, how many consecutive profitable quarters we led the corporation to amass, how clean and organized we kept our home or how many educational degrees we piled up than how we raise our children.

I feel convicted on so many levels! Why am I not more intentional about teaching my children those things that are my responsiblity to teach them? What kind of example am I setting for them regarding disciplines of my faith - prayer, Bible study, solitude, etc? Do they see me "practicing my faith"? How intentional am I about raising godly children? Am I more focused on managing our home than training their hearts?

Deuteronomy 6:5-9 (New Living Translation)

5 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. 6 And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. 7 Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. 8 Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. 9 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

What about you? Please tell me how you are intentionally training your children. Are you leaving spiritual training to the church? What are God's standards for parenting as defined by the Bible? How are you practicing the passage above in your home? Are you making decisions in your home based on what Scripture says or what society will think? What are we teaching our children if we give them everything society tells them they need? Are you mimicking the world, but in a cleaned-up format?

Lots to think about.

G Says Part 3

2008-01-22T19:48:00.000-06:00

"I didn't kick him. I hit him with my leg."

You Can't Be 14!

2008-01-19T14:43:00.000-06:00

I can't believe that 14 years ago today, all Kacole and I could say was "Today, we're gonna be AUNTS!!!!"

Happy Birthday Nephew! You are a super kid and I sure hope my boys grow up to be like their very cool big cousin! Your brother may be "the LEADER" but God has big plans for your quiet, gentle nature and incredible intelligence. You stole our hearts all those years ago and you still have a very special place in mine.

Guitar Hero

Just the CD he wanted

Speed Demon

Snow Day

2008-01-18T06:54:00.000-06:00

The other day it snowed for about one hour here in the big city. My son has experienced lots of snow in the last month, but our little friend hasn't. Not one for bundling up, D didn't seem to mind hat and gloves on this day!

Look How We've Changed

2008-01-17T06:45:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I posted a picture of my brother and me when we were kids. The other day, our cousin posted some pictures on her blog. One of those photos is of the four of us girls in the family: ShelleyRo (cousin), me, JAR (sis-in-law), and Kacole (sister). So, if you want to see what we looked like almost 20 years ago at my bridal shower, then click here!

Happy Birthday JRR

2008-01-16T16:19:00.000-06:00

Today is JRR's birthday! That's us back in the mid-70's (obviously) at our Mammaw's house. Yep, we're Southern, we had a couple of "Mammaws". (Reminds me of a Hannah Montana episode! That's so sad.) This picture cracks me up because it is just like JRR to have his shirt tucked into his belted pants. So neat and orderly. It's just like me to need to adjust my pants - so not neat and not orderly!

JRR is very creative (check here and here). He is also quite hilarious! If you don't know him and weren't reading my blog this time last year, you can read more about him here. It's a much more serious and moving tribute to the brother!

I wish we could spend time together today. It wouldn't be anything terribly exciting to most people. I might possibly bring some of this and some of these - just for fun! But most likely we would probably drink coffee and talk about politics. Well, I would ask questions and he would explain and give his comments about politics. We might also talk about how much fun we all had in Colorado last month or how we can make sure the sister ends up taking in the parents when they are old and feeble. That last part would be a sham, since I'm sure that's what they talk about when I'm not around!

In honor of this special occasion, I have a story he will think is funny. He thinks most things this kid does is funny.

The other day, G said "Daddy, put down that remote and play with me".

Needless to say, that's just what the daddy did!

It's a Cookie for Pete's Sake

2008-01-15T06:56:00.000-06:00

Why is it necessary for a Chips Ahoy chocolate chip cookie to sing, "If You Think I'm Sexy" in order to sell cookies?

Unbelievable!

Huh?

2008-01-11T13:38:00.000-06:00

Does anyone have any idea what Ron Paul is talking about? Really, at any given time, do you have any clue what on earth his point is?

Please, fill me in. I just don't get it!

G Says, Part 2

2008-01-06T17:06:00.000-06:00

It's been a while since I posted some of the funny things my four year old says. Here are a few things he's said lately:

Upon the return from our incredible trip to Colorado (where we played in the snow, sledded, saw mountains, you know, CO in the winter):

Mom: G, what was your favorite thing about being in Colorado?

G: um, sleeping on Grandma's couch! (Ok, he didn't sleep on a couch - it was a trundle bed set up as a couch for daytime use. When he slept in it - it was a BED.)

This isn't really something he says, it's something he does. We read lots of Dr. Seuss books. It never fails, when reading him one of the books, he always answers the questions. You know - there are lots of rhetorical questions in those books! My favorite one is at the end of The Cat in the Hat. "What would you do if your mother asked you?". Well, D NEVER answered that question. He just grinned! G, on the other hand, tries to explain just what he would do in that situation. While ago the Daddy was reading the one about choosing which job you'll do one day (can't think of the title). After every occupation, G would respond "yes" or "no".

Man, it takes a lot longer to read those books if the kids actually participates!!

Colorado Vacation

2008-01-05T09:36:00.000-06:00

Back in November, after celebrating Thanksgiving, I remember thinking that December might not be as crazy as usual. We would not be traveling to do Christmas with anyone. There would certainly be parties and shopping, but it looked like our weekends would be sane.

Well, I was wrong. Every weekend between Thanksgiving and Christmas, our varsity football team was in the playoffs. On December 22nd, they won the state championship. It was all terribly exciting, but EXHAUSTING!

The next thing I knew it was Christmas Eve and I was completely stressed out. Not only was Christmas the next day, but we were leaving at oh-God-hundred on the 26th for a trip to Colorado. You know, you don't just throw a few things in the suitcase and head to the mountains. It takes planning and purchasing! Everytime my dear husband headed to one of the cities, shopping for Christmas, his list included just as many things for the trip as for Christmas. Half of the gifts our boys opened on Christmas morning included winter gear of some sort!

Anyway, we left for CO the morning after Christmas - very excited and ready for a vacation! It began to snow before we drove out of our county. The boys were so excited about every bit of snow they saw. We kept telling them that this was nothing compared to what was ahead. After 14 hours, we arrived at my parents place near Salida. My siblings and their families had all arrived that day too. My parents had been there a while already.

For the next several days we played in the snow, ate, played games, kissed on the baby, ate, opened gifts, and played in the snow some more. There isn't much we could have done to make it any better. The mountains were gorgeous, especially at twilight. Everything turned blue-grey and it was breathtaking. We left the youngest kids with the grandparents and headed to a favorite coffee shop in town. The couples took turns planning the meals each night, but we all shared the load of cooking and cleaning. We played with each other's kids and enjoyed watching the cousins reconnect. Oh, and we drank coffee...lots of good coffee!

Thanks to my youngest, we even had our own themesong!

I'm still working on putting my pictures in a slideshow, but you can check out some here and here. But if you have a few minutes, please check out the video my brother put together. It is a wonderful recap of the trip. You'll be glad you took the time to watch.

Media Bias?

2008-01-04T07:18:00.000-06:00

Have you noticed the "preference" in the coverage of the caucus results? If the news agency is more liberal, the headline is "Obama, Huckabee Win Caucuses". But the more conservative (OK, Fox News) reports "Huckabee, Obama..."

CNN ran the speeches from the winners this morning. Guess whose speech ran first?

You may wonder why on earth I was watching CNN. Pure curiosity!

Misplaced Iowans

2008-01-03T18:38:00.000-06:00

Anyone who knows the Jacksons knows that we love Iowa. God sent us there (almost kicking-and-screaming) and then blessed us beyond measure. Iowa got in our blood! Yes, it's far from home. Yes, the winters are HARSH. Yes, it can be a challenge finding good Tex-Mex, but it became home to us. We loved our life there. We liked who we were there. There are still times when the regret of leaving is so strong it's hard to breath.

For the most part, Iowa stays low-key. Not much newsworthy happens there, with a few exceptions - like the McCaughey septuplets or the Butter Cow Lady at the State Fair! One might think that life there can be dull and uninteresting.

But, every few years all eyes are on the Hawkeye State - if only for a few days. All the political pundits and talking heads converge on Des Moines (and other cities) to analyze the bizarre ritual know as a caucus. Suddenly, what Iowans think is VERY IMPORTANT. These salt-of-the-earth, patriotic voters from the Heartland somehow represent what the majority of the nation thinks. I'm kinda proud of that. No, the caucus results seldom predict the parties' nominees. In fact, Bush lost the caucus, Kerry won his party's caucus. But it is the beginning of a very long, sometime boring, sometimes fascinating process that leads to electing our President. I might sound like the brother, but that gives me chills.

We only lived in Iowa during one presidential election. I was 8 months pregnant with D (right before the Straw Poll - over a year before the 2000 election) when a friend and I went to hear Elizabeth Dole speak at a hotel. We spent time chatting with her and shook her hand. It was a thrill. Not because of my feelings toward her necessarily. It felt like I was doing something so important, something that is a privilege and honor. I was listening to someone try to convince me why she should be the next President of the United States. I figured she would not receive the nomination, but that didn't matter. I had taken part in the political process and it was a thrill. Much the same way I feel each time I vote.

The point of this post isn't to get all patriotic and mushy. I really just want to say how cool I think it is that every major news channel has people sitting in restaurants all over Iowa, freezing their butts off, asking "Why Iowa?". I wish I still lived there so I could take part in a caucus tonight - and I would, just for the expericence. I just wish I had done it 8 years ago. Last night Hannity & Colmes did their show from the restaurant across the street from where I worked in downtown Des Moines. I've eaten there several times and remember it well.

I just think that's cool!

Maybe it just doesn't take much to impress me!

Happy Birthday Payton

2008-01-02T09:30:00.000-06:00

Payton Chumbley turns 4 today! He should be home from his 10th round of chemo, but I haven't called to see if that is how it worked out. If you haven't been able to keep up with the latest on Payton, please check out his site. He is quite a kid!

Happy New Year

2008-01-01T18:51:00.001-06:00

Continue to Pray for Payton

2007-12-17T19:38:00.001-06:00

I haven't posted an update on Payton in quite a while. A couple of months ago he had surgery to remove the tumor on his ribs. The surgery was quite successful and he has been healing and coping with chemo since then. As the treatments go on, his little body is having a more difficult time recovering and bouncing back between treatments. Here is a message Terry left on their caringbridge site yesterday:

The Blood Count Lottery……………..

As you may know, Payton has blood drawn twice a week to monitor his counts; white blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin, etc. It is very similar to playing the lottery. The clinic calls us back with the results: hemoglobin 10.8 (great number), platelets 180,000 (alright ….. one more number and we’re good for the next round), white blood cells 500 ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh, so close but no good. Payton had to have a blood transfusion earlier in the week because his hemoglobin was so low. The transfusion took care of the hemoglobin. Then Sunday he really started feeling bad and running a temperature. So we were off to the ER at Cook’s again. They took his counts there and they were all low, except the hemoglobin. We were admitted late Sunday and Payton received platelets early Monday morning. So now his hemoglobin and platelet count is fairly strong, but his white blood count is VERY low. He is going to stay in the hospital until his white cells are high enough to fend off illness. We have no idea how long that will be, but we know he will not start the next round of chemo until he is much stronger. That will probably not be until after Christmas. Please pray for his little body to bounce back quickly this time and for each remaining round of chemo. It appears to be harder and harder on him each time and some of the side effects that were not having are now starting to rear their ugly heads. Thanks for lifting up our little boy. We appreciate your ongoing prayers.

Have a very Merry Christmas!

What a Moron!

2007-12-17T13:43:00.000-06:00

*Disclaimer: If you are one of the precious, more mature ladies of my church, you may want to stop reading right here. Trust me. If you continue to read, I apologize if the language or content of this post offends you in any way. Remember, I warned you.

The Munday Moguls have advanced to the state championship game that will be played this coming weekend. We decided not to attend last week's game because, frankly, we're exhausted! Between soccer games, holidays, and December playoff football games, we haven't been home on a Saturday in months.

So, we listened to the game on the radio, from the warmth and comfort of our home.

Well, one of the senior players is a member of our church. Sunday morning I congratulated him on the victory and then, knowing that the playoff games have been tough and intense, tried to say something like "Did you get roughed up very much?" or "Did you get knocked around pretty good?" Instead I said,

"Did you get knocked up?"

I quickly corrected myself and walked away in complete humiliation. He must have been thinking, "Did our pastor's wife really ask me if I got knocked up on the football field???"

Of course, I told his sister, mom, and everyone else around me just what I had done - and then had a huge laugh! It's not even a phrase I use. My brain was working at a different rate than my mouth!

Go Moguls!

2007-12-03T16:21:00.000-06:00

Today I was trying to describe Texas high school football to someone who lives in Iowa. There is no way she'd ever be able to wrap her brain around the phenomenon - unless she moved here and experienced it. But even then, being a Midwesterner, I don't think she'd ever really get it.

Our little town's varsity football team is undefeated and just became the Regional Champs. Even though only 1500 people live in our small town, there were 4000 fans at that game Saturday night! It's a good thing no one back in town needed emergency services, because our cop and volunteer firemen were ALL at the game!

I missed the whole first quarter because I was turned around backwards in the stands painting faces. Kids just kept coming!

It's My Birthday!

2007-11-28T06:55:00.000-06:00

Today I am 39 years old. Wow. I don't really mind that number, but what I keep dwelling on is that this is the first day of my 40th year. That has a completely different feel to it. When I was a kid that sounded so old, but I don't feel old. For all of my adult life, I've been the youngest. My friends have always been a few years ahead of me. But since moving here 2 years ago, my girlfriends here are younger - like 5 to 10 years younger. Since our kids are the same ages, it feels like we're all the same age. Except when playing trivia games with them at game night. KD has a hard time answering questions from the 80's since she was only in elementary school!!

I'm not feeling all that reflective today, as I often am on my birthdays. Maybe that will come later, after my second cup of coffee.

But I do have one question. Why is it that on your birthday, your first priority after looking at your face in the mirror is hair removal? I'll just leave it at that.

***Update***

So far it's been a wonderful birthday! One friend brought me a homemade lasagna, 3-Layer Pie, a cookbook and a Willow Tree to add to my collection. Another friend brought me a gorgeous silver bracelet. And a woman in my church sent me beautiful flowers! Plus I've received lots of cards, phone calls and text messages! Oh, and hubby picked up DQ for lunch. (There ain't too many options in this town!). Later weevilwoman stopped by with some coffee goodies.

This afternoon I had to make my own birthday cake. Only because my boys really wanted cake! Anyway, we ate the delicious lasagna, had birthday cake, and opened a few more gifts. My older child had picked out a candle for me and was very proud of it! In fact, he kept trying to get me to say it was my favorite gift! But, it's hard to compete with a homemade lasagna!

This one-more-year-til-I-HAVE-to-have-a-mammogram girl feels very special and blessed!

Why Clowns Should Avoid Crack

2007-11-17T21:57:00.000-06:00

Last month I posted a picture of my son's school spirit. I got lots of kudos on my job as face painter and how it was hard to recognize D.

Well, not every picture turned out that great.

This Post is in Honor of Conbob and ShelleyRo

2007-11-14T13:15:00.000-06:00

When I was a kid, we didn't recite the pledge to the Texas flag. Until my own child started his public education career in the great state of Texas, I didn't even know what the words were.

The pledge of allegiance to the Texas state flag is

"Honor the Texas flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible."

Kristy, who teaches 4th grade, had a student who had struggled and worked hard to earn the privilege of leading the school in the morning pledges over the PA system. Well, the morning came last week and there he stood at the mic. Kristy was so proud of her student. He started with the Pledge to the American flag and then followed with the Texas Pledge. But what started well certainly didn't end well (but I guess that depends on your sense of humor).

This is how he ended it, "...one and indivisible...CHICKENBUTT"

Silence.

Apparently the principal kept her cool until all announcements were over, but I don't know what happened to Kristy's student after that. I doubt he gets that privilege again!

By the way, the reason this post is in honor of Conbob and ShelleyRo - Conbob is my aunt and is a school teacher. Not only will she love this story, but she's probably had several dozen kids who would have done the same thing. Her daughter ShelleyRo and I have been calling each other "Chickenbutt" for YEARS! We won't discuss the other nickname we have, though!

White Rabbit Monkey Boy Chick Magnet Turns 4

2007-11-01T14:53:00.000-05:00

Birthday Pancakes Make a Wish

Trick or Treat!!!

2007-11-01T06:40:00.000-05:00

My boys with our good friends Brandon, Courtney, and Christina
Brandon pooped out early...
...and his head ended up in his trick or treat bag!

Yes, he's sound asleep with his head in his candy!

Pumpkin Carving

2007-10-31T13:49:00.000-05:00

Boo!

2007-10-31T06:24:00.000-05:00

This is appropriate for Halloween.

Now That's School Spirit!

2007-10-25T13:35:00.000-05:00

High School Football is HUGE here in Texas, especially in small town West Texas! Each Friday there is a different theme for the pep rally and the kids dress in that theme all day. My 2nd grader had really wanted to get dressed up last week for "Tame the Wildcats" circus theme. Being close to Halloween, finding makeup and wig were no problem. So, we got up early and started putting on the clown face - something I've never done before!

Now, I'm all for school spirit, but I don't know if I would have gone to school like this! He had so much fun! When the kids in class saw him, they thought it was perfect for the class clown to dress like one!

Look at That Old Lady

2007-10-24T13:51:00.000-05:00

Last month I was in the doctor's office, waiting for my yearly exam. (Sorry brother, you probably didn't want to know that). The other patients in the room were pregnant. One was barely showing and had obviously just moved to town (they were a military family). One was probably fairly close to her due date and having contractions. One woman came out from having seen the doctor carrying ultrasound pictures of her TWINS. I just sat there reading a magazine for first-time parents who haven't a clue what they're doing. I didn't say a word to anyone, I just listened and observed. I quickly assumed that all the women there were first-time moms. I wondered what they were analyzing as they looked at me. Did they think I was pregnant, too old to be pregnant, beginning menopause? Did they think, "Oh, I hope I'm not having kids when I'm that old!"? Facing my 39th birthday soon, I kinda hoped they didn't think I was too old to have a baby. There were moments that morning that I felt that longing to have just one more baby. Going to the doctor is the fun part - hearing the heartbeat, etc. (Not fun at the end, though! No one likes getting checked, thankyouverymuch! )

Everything in the room was fairly quiet, except for one mom. She received a phone call and proceeded to talk loudly about her baby and what they will name her. "We really like Lily Kate, but we really haven't decided." I found myself quite annoyed at her lack of respect. So much so that when I got a phone call from hubby, I went to the farthest part of the waiting room and spoke softly. He was out shopping for our son's soccer shorts and shin guards. He needed to ask me about some sizes, etc.

When the call was over, I had to chuckle at the stage of life I find myself in right now. Although being pregnant is a terribly exciting time of life, so is being a "soccer mom". My boys are growing up, becoming more independent, becoming little men. I love this stage. I don't miss the baby years. They were sweet at times and I loved them, but I'm embracing this stage too!

So, I find myself with a very typical job description that I'm really OK with. I'm a minivan-driving, work-at-home, President-of-the-PTO, soccer mom.

Cartoon Evangelism

2007-10-07T15:46:00.000-05:00

This morning I picked my almost 4YO up from Sunday school. They had been discussing the importance of church, what the church is, church attendance, etc. On his activity sheet there was a picture of a church building he'd had to circle.

Just outside that church building G had drawn a little Spongebob. You may recall his recent fascination. Maybe his teacher had mentioned the importance of bringing friends to church. Or maybe it's the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Or maybe he's just simply obsessed with the stupid little yellow sea creature!

Chumbley Update

2007-10-04T21:02:00.000-05:00

Landry Andel Chumbley arrived this afternoon! Mother and daughter are doing very well. I tell ya, nobody has babies like Robin! She's a champ! I talked to her on the phone tonight and she doesn't even sound tired. She's quite amazing.

Please take the time to read Terry's post on their caringbridge site. You will laugh and cry. It was quite a day for him!

Prayer Requests

2007-10-03T22:04:00.000-05:00

***UPDATE*** Thank you for praying for Kati. She did miscarry her baby last night. Please continue to pray for her physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.

Last month we found out that our niece is pregnant. She's 24, single, and had no plans of starting a family. She didn't really want to be pregnant, but she is. So she made her announcement to the family, will have the baby in the spring and get married sometime after that. Of course, it's a much longer story than that, but that's the nutshell version.

Well, tonight it appears she is miscarrying. She's on bedrest and may not know until Friday what's happening to her baby. Although she never planned this, I would imagine that in the last few weeks as she has been trying to wrap her brain around the reality, her heart has already begun loving and dreaming and breaking - just like all mother's hearts do during pregnancy. Please pray for Kati.

It's been a while since I posted about Payton Chumbley. I try to keep everyone updated through emails. He has finished Round 6 (of 14) of chemo and has a couple of weeks off. Then they will redo all the tests to see how big the tumor is. Of course, the hope is that the doctors will be dumbfounded when there is NO TUMOR! Our God is huge and we are trusting Him.

Robin, Payton's mom, will deliver Landry tomorrow. This is great because we want Robin to be well on her way to recovery when Payton has his surgery in a few weeks. Tomorrow's event is doubly sweet because it is Robin's birthday. She will share her birthday with her only little girl (for now!?)

I'll post all the good news tomorrow!!

You Know What Day It Is!

2007-10-01T19:33:00.001-05:00

MissyMom

2007-09-18T14:02:00.000-05:00

I actually have 2 sets of friends who are missionaries in Prague. I've blogged about the Chumbleys, but I've not mentioned the Barnwells. They have been in Prague longer than the Chumbleys and have an adorable family. Tina and I worked together for a couple of years at the seminary while our husbands were students and I wouldn't trade that time together for anything! She is funny, sweet, creative and a lot of fun.

After dealing with infertility for a few years, Jerry and Tina adopted a beautiful little girl they named Karis (that's Greek for "Grace"). By the time the big "Gotcha Day" arrived, Tina was pregnant - WITH TWINS! God must have been chuckling as they realized she might actually be pregnant!

So, by summer of the next year they had 3 kids in diapers! They are a beautiful family and I can't wait for them to return to the states so I can meet these kiddos!

Well, Tina has her own blog now that I'm really enjoying. I'm so glad I can keep up with her and stay connected!

Funny Kiddos

2007-09-10T13:49:00.000-05:00

Here is a sample of G's latest artwork. He is going through his "abstract on markerboard" stage. Can you guess his subject?

This summer my niece shared her favorite movie with D. Now he is obsessed with High School Musical and HSM2. Last month we taped the first movie and he has watched it many times. This weekend we taped the Dance-Along version of HSM2 and the boys have been been practicing their moves! Since Dad has been known to tape something for D and then eventually tape over it (much to D's disgust), D made the following statement:

"We're never, NEVER until I'm DEAD taping over High School Musical 2!!!"

I imagine in the next few years, he will be very embarassed he ever made that comment!

2nd Grade

2007-08-27T09:25:00.000-05:00

This is our 3rd year to pose in this spot. I love that picture behind him - he was one week old!

Such little monkeys!

Saying goodbye to little brother

I think he was a little embarrassed that his mom was taking his picture, but I didn't care! He should know by now that I take pictures of everything.

Another Picture of Caden

2007-08-24T15:38:00.000-05:00

My sister has posted the cutest picture of Caden. He has a cleft in his chin and now we know why God gave it to him!!

Fun at the Park this Morning

2007-08-22T13:36:00.001-05:00

He's Eight!!

2007-08-16T10:52:00.000-05:00

Pictures of Caden

2007-08-14T19:38:00.000-05:00

The boys and I just returned from a wonderful week loving on Baby Caden. He is a sweetie and he completely stole our hearts! We miss him terribly and we are certain that he misses us too!!!

D loved holding Caden. Being a big brother, he seemed very natural holding a baby. G was quite the monkey. He adored Caden, but sometimes got a little too close. Fortunately, Caden still has both eyes and his nose is still intact!

More pictures to come.

If you haven't been there yet, check out the new mommy's blog.

He's Here!

2007-08-09T12:23:00.000-05:00

Caden Ford Caldwell arrived yesterday morning at 3:16. He weighed 7 lbs 4oz and is 20 inches. I spent the night at the hospital with K and Caden last night, trying to give her an extra hand. I got to spend a lot of time holding him, kissing him, and thanking God that He gave my sister and brother-in-law this gift.

Everything went very well and mother and son are perfect. He has a little bit of sandy brown hair and has a cleft in his chin!

I will be staying with them for a few days, hoping to cook meals and get some future meals put in the freezer. Our mom is here to help out, which is something I'll always cherish from my days of new motherhood! There is something so sweet and wonderful about helping the women you love the most transition into motherhood. Boy I needed help 8 years ago and I really hope to be a help to my sister.

The brother and his family will come down Saturday to meet Caden. I'll post pictures later.

The Time Has Come

2007-08-07T16:12:00.000-05:00

She's in labor!!!!!!!!

The Chicken Fairy?

2007-08-06T10:00:00.000-05:00

D's friend Courtney spent the night the other night. She cracks me up. One time she spent the night and I made homemade buttermilk pancakes for breakfast. She took one bite and was somewhat disgusted. She stood up and announced that her mom just takes the pancakes out of the freezer and microwaves them. In her mind, her mom's method was superior to mine! Being great friends with her mom, I called her at work and told her the story. She immediately said she was going to kill Courtney for being so silly for turning down homemade pancakes!

Anyway, Courtney lost a tooth and the fairy didn't come until the second night. I asked her if she thought the tooth fairy had just forgotten (she does that sometimes). She said, "No, I'm pretty sure she got delayed in Africa - delivering a chicken to someone."

Huh??? I guess kids in Africa find chickens much more useful than money or trinkets!

Oh, that kid cracks me up!

It's That Time Again!

2007-08-01T07:38:00.000-05:00

White Rabbit

Doesn't Every Family Vacation in Des Moines?

2007-07-31T15:36:00.000-05:00

Wow, the month of July has gone by so quickly! We left town on the 2nd for a week of vacation. As people would ask where we would be going on vacation, I would laugh at the looks on their faces when I responded, "that very popular vacation destination of Des Moines, Iowa". While there, we visited friends, went to the science center, saw the I-Cubs play baseball, saw fireworks, watched a 4th of July parade, swam, ate CORN, and a thousand other things. We really enjoyed ourselves. It seemed to mean a lot to D to see the place where he was born and lived as a baby. Everyone at church loved seeing how much he'd grown.

After returning from vacation, the boys and I headed to my sister's house for a few days. Her friends hosted a baby shower at her house. It was a great shower and we had a wonderful visit. I can't believe that the next time I see her she will either be laboring or she'll be holding sweet little Caden! She went to the doctor last week and the process has begun! Now that she is full-term, it really could be anytime. She's not due for 2 1/2 weeks, but who knows! Here she is below, opening one of her gifts. Sorry about the red-eyes!

Besides traveling, life has been pretty lazy. We're convinced that D will need to go back to 1st grade. Surely he's lost millions of brain cells watching this show everyday. We've put him off as long as possible, but several of his friends watch this show and now he's obsessed. It really has to be the dumbest show on TV, but I must admit there are some funny spots. Well, I say that about his brain cells, but the child has quite an imagination. In fact, I find myself "listening" to his made-up adventures with my eyes glassed over and screaming "Lord have mercy" on the inside. Several times a day I have to endure another tale - and it makes me want to cry. But then I remind myself that having a big imagination is good!!

Well, that's all for now. I'll try not to go another month without blogging!

Bedtime Conversation

2007-06-30T08:20:00.000-05:00

We'd been talking about our dog, Max.

D: I'm not really a DOG person.

G: I am.

Mom: Yeah, for D's birthday, he just needs a turtle and a fish.

D: Yes! I want a fish!!!

G: I want a duck!

The Latest on Payton

2007-06-29T10:45:00.000-05:00

Here is the update from the Chumbleys blog.

I just talked to Robin and found out they will be repeating all the tests Payton had to endure in Prague. I understand it, but so wish he didn't have to have another round of tests. He is having a CT scan right now and will have MRI and bone marrow next week. Chemo treatments might begin late next week.

Please continue to pray for Payton.

It's Been a While

2007-06-26T15:36:00.000-05:00

The boys and I just returned from a weekend in my hometown. It was my sister's baby shower and we had a great time catching up with everyone. Little Caden is growing and growing and it really won't be long now. Well, not to us. To K, it seems like an eternity! I remember being 7 months pregnant and convinced that I couldn't get any bigger and 9 months was entirely too long to be pregnant! She got lots of the bedding for the nursery, so I imagine she will be having a good time this week getting the nursery ready!

We spent some time with the brother and family, too! My very health-concious SIL served chili-cheese dogs and ice cream! No salad - nothing green! The tea had artificial sweetener! The dogs were all beef - not soy or tofu! We gave her a very hard time and had a blast eating it!

Our friends, the Chumbleys, have traveled home from Prague to begin Payton's cancer treatments. His first appointment is this Thursday in Fort Worth. After flying all day Friday, they arrived safely in TX around 7:30 PM. They were tired and overwhelmed, but in good spirits. I spent some time with them Saturday while they relaxed and waited for the rest of their luggage to arrive. Everyone looked great - but tired. Payton was full of energy - you'd never know he has an aggressive bone cancer! Robin and her mom came to the baby shower Sunday. Most everyone there knows them and were anxious to hug them and remind them they are praying for Payton. My aunt took a great picture of me and Robin and I'll post it later.

Life is busy around here. We will be leaving on vacation next Monday! We are heading to the big vacation destination of Des Moines, Iowa! We lived there - our first child was born there - and we haven't been back as a family! Most of our friends haven't seen D since he was 2 and they've never seen G. Contrary to what most might think, there is a lot to do in DM and it will be a great trip!

Payton's Test Results

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

From Terry's email this morning:

We just returned from our meeting with the oncologists at Motol. Here is a brief update of where we are:

Payton has Ewing's Sarcoma (PNET), which is a very aggressive form of bone cancer. The doctors are recommending chemotherapy every 3 weeks (3-4 days at a time) for around 18 weeks.

They will then redo the CT scan/xrays/MRI/etc. to determine if the tumor has shrunk enough to remove it by surgery. Due to the location of the tumor (1st rib near major arteries), they are doubtful that surgery will work at that time. They feel that he will require radiation treatment to try and further shrink the tumor and then attempt surgery.

They also feel that Payton has a 65-75% of completely being healed. (Luckily none of that is up to them) We will send all results back to the states for a second opinion and further consultations.

Our advantages:
1. Payton is young and can bounce back from treatments.

2. The tumor is small and if we start treatment soon we have the advantage.

3. Payton inherited his stubbornness from his mother and her side of the family.

4. Payton has a prayer army like none other.

We love you all and have felt your prayers stir the comforting of the holy spirit in our lives.

Thanks..........

For the Kingdom,

The Chumbleys

Heres a link for more info:

http://www.curesearch.org/for_parents_and_families/newlydiagnosed/

Lastest on Payton

2007-05-29T16:03:00.000-05:00

Terry has updated his blog. It's so sweet and heart-wrenching at the same time to read this daddy's thoughts on his son's condition.

By the way, Payton loves getting mail. If you want to send him a card or note just let me know and I'll email you his address.

Update on Payton

2007-05-28T08:52:00.000-05:00

Payton's tumor was removed this morning and it appears to be malignant. The official lab results will be available later today.

Please continue to pray for Payton as he recovers this week. The doctors will meet with Robin and Terry next week to plan their course of action.

As I look at G, who is 2 months older than Payton, I try to imagine what it would be like for him to have surgery, to have a tumor. It's agonizing.

Terry posted this on their blog yesterday, explaining how he felt about the upcoming surgery. Please take the time to read it.

**Update from Robin this afternoon:

The doctors say the tumor looks malignant. They were unable to remove the whole tumor because it is too close to major veins and such so they only did a biopsy. They will know more next week and find out the treatment plan. No sign of any other tumors.

Please Pray for Payton

2007-05-25T12:24:00.000-05:00

My precious friends, the Chumbleys, are serving as missionaries in Prague. They have 5 boys and Robin is pregnant with a little GIRL, due in October. Payton is almost 3 1/2 and needs our prayer. The following is a message from Terry:

Payton was diagnosed with a tumor in his chest earlier this week. He has been through many tests and the results have been about as good as they can be. The tests showed no additional tumors. His bloodwork was clean and the bone marrow test came back negative as well. He is scheduled to have the tumor removed this coming Monday morning and will be admitted at the University Hospital in Motol (Prague) Sunday afternoon. Try to envision what you think a communist hospital looks like and you have Motol. It is colorless and old, but the care that Payton has received has been very good. All of those tests were run in the morning and the results were back after lunch, very efficient. They are very conservative with their healthcare and Payton will have to stay a minimum of 5-7 days, if additional treatment is needed it could be longer. The doctors have been great and impressed with the 'spirit' of both Robin and Payton. Of course the news was devastating, but we are blessed to have a peace that passes all understanding. The doctors commented on how most parents become angry, pass blame and can really lose control at a time like this. They have been calling Robin 'Supermom' because she has not fit into any of those categories. It is a great opportunity to let our faith shine.

The response we have received has been incredible. As I said before, we have had no way to communicate with our family in the states for most of the week. I was able for a small period of time to Skype Robin's parents and have them notify our family of what was going on. Four hours after I sent that Skype, our French teacher came to the school and wanted to know how Payton was doing. She had received an email message from the International Mission Board in Virginia about a prayer request for a 3 year-old in Prague. WOW!!!!! What a testimony to prayer and prayer warriors. Please continue to pray for Payton and his family this week. Say a special prayer for Robin as there are certain parts of the hospital she cannot be in. One of those areas is the children's oncology department. We pray that we avoid that department, but if the tumor is malignant, Payton will be transferred there and Robin can have no contact with him for possibly the rest of her pregnancy (early Oct.) We will cross that proverbial bridge when we get there.

We have also received requests about medical expenses. To be honest, we have no idea how much this will cost. Our insurance will cover much of it, but I have not received the final notice from them of how much will be covered. If the tumor is benign we hope that is the end of it, otherwise we are looking at a long term situation. We will try to keep you posted as we find out what is going on.

Thanks for your support and prayers...........we definitely feel them.

The Czech Chumbleys

Special Visitors

2007-05-17T11:43:00.000-05:00

Hubby's mom and niece surprised him by showing up for his 40th birthday party. It was a wonderful visit, but way too short!!!

Mother's Day

2007-05-13T15:43:00.000-05:00

A tribute to the women I come from - I love them so very much and they have influenced me more than I can express.

Happy Mother's Day!

This is Mimi, my maternal grandmother, and my mom.

This is my mom, pregnant with me in 1968!

This is me with my great-grandmother, my aunt, my grandmother and my mother! This is one of my favorite pictures. I'm sure my aunt and mom cringe when they see themselves in the 70's clothes, but I love how Mimi looks in her rhinestone-studded glasses and pointy collar!

It's funny, even though I'm 38 years old, when I think about my mom and her picture pops up in my mind, this is the face I see. The 30-something face - not the 60-something face. Don't get me wrong, my mother is a beautiful 60-something. Maybe that face is what I see because it's the one that mothered me, corrected me, nurtured me, shaped me.

Makes me wonder what face of mine my boys will remember!

Bedtime Snacks

2007-05-07T21:13:00.000-05:00

Tonight was baseball night. That means concession stand food at best for dinner. After the game the boys go straight to the bathtub, then they have a snack supper. Tonight I went all out and served cereal.

D chose his standby, Corn Chex. Here's how my conversation went with G:

Mom: G, do you want this kind? (Chex)

G: No

Mom: Do you want O's?

G: No

Mom: Well, what kind do you want?

G: I want the chicken kind!

Mom: (with disgust) What??!!

G: I want chicken cereal!!!

Mom: What on earth is chicken cereal??

G: (louder) I want chicken cereal!

Mom: (light bulb moment) Do you mean Corn Flakes, the kind with the chicken on the box?

G: Yeah!

Mom: Sorry, we don't have that kind anymore.

G: Ok, I'll have D's cereal.

As BooMama says - "Oh mercy, Mama needs a nerve pill!"

Cha-Ching!

2007-05-03T14:42:00.000-05:00

Wouldn't it be great to get this for mother's day? Not just as a token, but as a real check!!! But, I have to admit, I was disappointed there was no category on the list of mother's jobs that included "reading blogs"!! Maybe my hours would more closely match the national average if I didn't sit on my behind reading what's going on in other people's lives!!!

80's Party

2007-04-24T19:57:00.000-05:00

Hubby turned 40 the other day! I knew I couldn't pull off a surprise party, so the theme was the only surprise. Being a teenager in the 80's, it just seemed like the perfect party theme. So, for weeks I'd been searching for clothes, music, costumes, trinkets, etc. to have at this party! Well, it worked out GREAT!!! His cake reminded him we think he's "Totally Awesome"!

His favorite 80's movie is Top Gun, with Ice Man being his favorite character. So I found a t-shirt for him to wear. That isn't a dead squirrel on his head, it's actually a hideous mullet wig!

My get-up ended up being a combination of some very bad 80's fashions! Cyndi Lauper wig, bright plastic jewelry, pants that were almost like parachute pants, and jellies for shoes! I'd forgotten how hot those shoes were!
Some of our friends had a great time dressing up. C looked great with her side ponytail and leggings, K's hair was BIG and her jeans were rolled perfectly, M's dress looked just like what she wore to church back in 1984 - in fact, it was! A was perfect head to toe - big hair, layered pastel shirts, a belt with a bow, and jellies. Her hubby wore his Moguls jersey from his days in MHS. We played 80's trivia, including video trivia mostly from one-hit-wonders. We'd forgotten A LOT! We had 80's music playing and rubik's cubes on the tables. Every time a new song would come on we'd all say, "Oh, I love this song. Now, THIS is the 80's"!! And, of course, it wouldn't be a throwback to our teenage years without pizza and cokes!

One of the highlights of the evening was the video ipod we surprised him with. The other surprise was his mom and niece coming in for the party.

The evening was a ton of fun and Hubby was very happy with the party. It was the perfect theme, but I'm glad we didn't have to stay back in the 80's!!!!

One Year

2007-04-19T21:19:00.001-05:00

One year ago today I started this blog. It's funny how, even on day one, I seemed obsessed already! Reading over last year's entry, I realize I haven't learned anything and I'm still just as obsessed reading everyone's blogs - only one year later I have tripled the number of blogs I read regularly. Maybe during year two I'll actually write more blog entries than I read!

Since beginning this blogging (today), I have found it very time consuming! Nothing else is getting done! My baby has been neglected. Every once in a while I will get up and make a bed, vacuum something, or pay a bill, but after each chore I run back to the computer and read another blog written by people I don't even know! Does anyone else find this bizarre, yet wonderfully satisfying? I try to read what heartsjoy has to say because I have known her for about 10 years. I can hear her voice as I read. But I get distracted on her blog because I am checking out all her buddies and what they have to say! I really like supermom. She says just what I am unable to articulate. I love that!

A few minutes ago I heard my husband come through the house. We live in the parsonage, so he walks over to the house quite often. You may think, "how nice", but sometimes it startles me (and annoys me). When I heard him coming, I switched screens to make it look like I was deeply involved in planning VBS! He would love the idea of my blogging, because he is a writer and reads blogs all the time. He is the one who should be blogging! But I feel guilty when I am on the internet when I should be doing other things!

I'm getting off the computer now. The baby is asleep and big brother is at school. Hubby has returned to the church. I should go do my pilates!!!!

Distractions

2007-04-19T12:59:00.000-05:00

I did something wonderful yesterday. Something I've needed to do for a LONG time. Something I should have learned from JRR's wife a long time ago, since she has done this many times before. I got rid of everyone and cleaned my house! I worked from one end to the other and it felt so good! I'm prone to distractions and seldom finish anything I start. My house is NEVER clean all at the same time - except last year during our Christmas Open House. I'm not saying it's perfectly clean now, but the major clutter is put away.

The remarkable thing about it is that I was actually able to concentrate and get it done. Concentration is something I struggle with everyday. I'm very easily distracted. With 3 other people needing me throughout the day, sometimes at the same time, I find it very hard to keep up. So, yesterday's accomplishments were great for my confidence. I really may not be losing my mind!

Now that cleaning my house is out of the way, I can once again focus on hubby's 40th birthday bash Saturday, and VBS training Sunday! I can't believe these 2 events are back to back. Maybe I AM losing my mind!!!

Check it Out!

2007-03-23T12:57:00.000-05:00

My sis has big news!

I guess God thinks we need one more. Next time it will be twin girls! It will need to be quad girls to get caught up with the boys!

G Says

2007-03-20T10:56:00.000-05:00

Mom: "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

G: "Hungry"

No surprise there!

I'm Still Here

2007-03-02T10:52:00.000-06:00

In January I began a new Bible study that asked us to give up something for a season. Since blogging and reading blogs is a huge distraction for me, I've scaled back. One day soon I will be back full force blogging about my life and reading everyone else's blogs regularly - hopefully with some resolve to limit my time!

Just a quick story about G...Yesterday I made him a cup of "choca milk". When I handed it to him I said "This is very chocolatey" and he said "and milky!"

Too cute!

I Love this Game!

2007-02-01T09:44:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday JRR!

2007-01-18T15:25:00.000-06:00

I'm a terrible sister! It's not that I forgot his birthday, I just let life get in the way! I had every intention of writing a moving tribute before his birthday, but...

Most of you who read this blog know my brother personally. In fact, you've known him a long time. But some of you have never met him, so let me tell you about him.

JRR was born 13 months after me. Growing up, we were very close. By the time I left for college, we were the best of friends. We genuinely enjoyed being together! Soon after I got married, JRR got very sick. He was stricken with a debilitating disease that almost took his life. The next couple of years were difficult and strenuous, but he survived! In fact, at his wedding, he walked his high school sweetheart down the aisle - something very few people would have predicted he'd be able to do! He has an amazing amount of strength and faith in God.

He is a great husband. I don't know how his wife puts up with him sometimes, but those two really love each other! They have a beautiful marriage. JRR is also a wonderful dad to 2 hilarious boys and one very special girl. Parenting hasn't always been easy, but he and J desperately depend on the Lord and His plan for their family.

Besides politics, JRR loves history, music, Lord of the Rings, Braveheart, and Star Wars!

J and J had their kids a few years before I had mine. Kacole and I got to spend lots of time with L, H, and L when they were babies. So, when the time came for me to become a mom, we lived far from home. After the grandmothers had done their duty with me and headed back home, JRR took his vacation, stayed home with his preschool/toddler kids, and flew J up to Des Moines to be with me. He may think it was so we could catch up on girlfriend time. But it was so much more than that! She helped me figure out this new thing called motherhood. It was one of the greatest gifts I've ever received.

Now, I've made him sound like a saint! In everyday life, he's sarcastic, obnoxious, hilarious, and did I say OBNOXIOUS!? Spend anytime with JRR and there will be eye-rolling, hearty laughter, and thought-provoking discussion. I wouldn't change anything about him!!

Obsessions

2007-01-15T11:49:00.000-06:00

D is OBSESSED with Star Wars!!!!! Because he has recently been granted the privilege of seeing the first (or is it the 4th?) episode - you know, the one from the 70's - and he has the Lego Star Wars PS2 game, he can think of nothing but Star Wars! He's home from school today, so I get to hear all about it. AAAAAAHHHHHHH! He's eating lunch right now wearing not one, but two lightsabers - although I think he calls them lightsavers!

So, surely there is a name for this rite of passage into Star Wars mania - right? And what is the treatment for this irritating condition that I have as the one in the house without any desire to watch the movie. I didn't like it in the 70's and I don’t think there’s much of a chance I’ll become a fan anytime soon.

D’s not the only one in the house with an obsession though. Little Brother can’t get enough Blue’s Clues. I have no problem with this. It’s so innocent. There’s no violence. Blue doesn’t attack Magenta. She doesn’t bite Green Puppy when he knocks her blocks down. Mr. Salt doesn’t try to harm Mrs. Pepper. It’s good clean fun! I can live with his obsession!

So what do I do? There should be a formal name for this condition. And, what’s the treatment?

Great News!

2007-01-03T20:13:00.000-06:00

It's been a while since my last post, but that's how it is during the holidays! I just want to share some exciting news with the handful of readers out there. Most who read this already know, but just in case...my sister is pregnant with her first baby!!!!

She will have her first baby eight years (almost to the day) after my first! We are all so very excited. She and her hubby will be wonderful parents!

It's hard to believe that Christmas is over. It seems like D just got out of school for the holidays, and now he goes back tomorrow. I sure will miss him during the day, but I look forward to having a routine around here.

That's all for now. Must get little ones to bed.

Happy Birthday Beaver!

2006-12-11T09:21:00.000-06:00

Beaver is my oldest friend. Not that she's old. I have friends who are older than Beaver. In fact, I'm older than Beaver. It's that she has been my friend longer than any other person in the world - except my brother, and he doesn't count!

Beaver and I have been friends since we were in the nursery at our church - more than 35 years! Ahhh, did I just type that number? Wow, I feel ancient! She has 4 wonderful kids, a handsome hubby and the voice of an angel! She has the best handwriting of anyone I know and is extremely creative. When we were in college, she came to visit me for the weekend at HPU. The next week was my birthday. I got a package in the mail from her - an outfit she had just "whipped up" for me! It even included matching hairbows (it was the 80's)!!

I wish I could say that Beaver and I have remained close all these years. Living far away from each other has made it harder to stay as close as we'd like. But time and miles haven't changed the fact that she is one of my favorite people and I'm so glad she is a part of my life. I would post a picture of her from when we were growing up, but I don't dare. Beaver has an arsenal of old pictures too - and she's not afraid to use them!

Happy

Birthday Beaver!

Heartsjoy's Birthday

2006-11-21T09:16:00.000-06:00

Today my sweet friend celebrates her birthday! And, being a twin, so does her sister, Literature Lover!

I won't tell you her age, but I'll let you do the math. This picture was taken in 1997. If you can see the candle, you can see which birthday we were celebrating.

Heartsjoy - you are one of my favorite people in the world. You are so sweet and funny and you have been a blessing to me for more than 10 years! God bless you today!

I love you!

Lost Withdrawals

2006-11-15T11:53:00.000-06:00

I already miss LOST. This is Wednesday, the night the hubby records JERICHO and LOST. After church and after the kiddos are in bed we stay up as late as we need to in order watch both shows. I guess tonight it will just be JERICHO.

How sad!

Urgent Prayer Request

2006-11-06T16:01:00.000-06:00

Please visit my sister's blog and read about this military family. They are in desperate need of our prayers right now and for the next few days.

It's Official...

2006-11-03T22:27:00.000-06:00

I'm allergic to cotton! OK, not the kind you wear, the kind that grows in the ground. The kind that everyone out here in West Texas grows! The kind that provides for the livelihood of the families of our church. You might say that cotton pays for my husband's salary! And I'm allergic to it! What's funny is everyone here tells me that this is the allergy capital of Texas. Funny, that's what they say no matter where you live in Texas. I know, because I've lived everywhere!

This is cotton-picking time and I guess it's just in the air. We're still new here, but I'm told that just about everyone here suffers during this time of year. The cotton and the chemicals (yuck) wreak havoc on everyone. After suffering for 2 weeks - and being miserable after football games and trick-or-treating, I was told to "go get a shot" like everyone else does. I kept thinking it would just go away, but they still said, "go get a shot". But I don't have seasonal allergies - my mom and my sister do, not me.

I can't believe I'm blogging about nasal passages and itchy eyeballs, but I'm just so glad to get some relief. I got the shot (along with a flu shot) so, now I'm on Zyrtec and Nasonex and life is much sweeter.

I know you must be so glad that you just read a blog entry about seasonal allergies! What a waste of time!

He's Three!!

2006-11-01T09:38:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday little monkey!

Birthday Pancakes

Here are some pics from his party-