Monday, December 24, 2007

Christmas Eve

We are sitting here watching the Nativity Story. Our tree is surrounded in tons on gifts. Earlier we ate some Asado de Puerco and tonight we are going to eat some Pozole
(Pozole is a traditional pre-Columbian soup or stew made from hominy, with pork (or other meat), chile, and other seasonings and garnish, such as cabbage, lettuce, oregano, cilantro, avocado, radish, lime juice, etc.
)

Our families are going to be here. My mom made cookie and hot chocolate and Eddie's mom made the Pozole. I can't wait until everyone arrives.

Merry Christmas everyone.

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

New Again

Here's the link to the new country music video performed by Brad Paisley

and Sara Evans of their song 'New Again' depicting the crucifixion and

resurrection of Christ. It's very powerful and I thought you may want to

see it. The words are beautiful and the message is priceless.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NaSROohLzs

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Monday, December 10, 2007

A baby

Isabel told me the other day that she wanted a baby. I told her that she would have to ask God for one. Then she replied. "Can you have a baby by Christmas?"

Noooo I don't think that's possible. Maybe next Christmas.

Learning to Spell

Isabel is learning to spell and read the cvc words.
Last night she cat, then I asked her to spell rat.

Isabel: What's a rat?
Me: A big mouse
Isabel: rat. rrrr "R" aaaaa "A" tttt "T" RAT!
Me: Good Job, that was great.
Isabel: Oh man.
Me: What?
Isabel: I don't know how to spell mouse.

We both just died laughing.

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

My Dancing Elves

Check out my kids and nephew as dancing elves... This is too cute.
Dancing Elves

Monday, December 03, 2007

Gotta Van Again



2006 Dodge Caravan 27k miles $10k

Yeah!!!! I still have the car...we are getting rid of the truck.

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Holiday Ftiness Challenge

So I signed up for the "Holiday Fitness Challenge" at the Y So from today until Jan 12. I must loose body fat. I've been loosing a little weight, but I need to get on the ball and get on a plan. I've been eating alot better and I'm going to be going more weights, and I can't go all crazy eating during Thanksgiving and Christmas. I could possibly win a $100 gift card to Best Buy. I'll let you know how it goes. I've been taking a Zumba class once a week at the Y, and I love it. But my schedule prevents me from doing more. So I think I'm going to buy the DVD set. I was going to wait until Christmas, but I need them NOW. Hear that Eddie, NOW! I had to go buy Eddie a new iPod Nano, yeah the shuffle didn't work after all. So now he has the cool nano, which will go so unappreciated, I'm stuck the mini. I want the nano. Actually, I want the iPhone. I can dream right? I am gettin a Treo from work, so that will be kinda cool, I think.

Monday, November 12, 2007

Electronics and Water

So a year or so ago I washed my Belkin pc card... Took it out and let it dry and guess what it worked.
A couple of weeks ago I washed my usb drive....Took it out and let it dry and guess what it worked.
Saturday I washed Eddie's phone and ipod shuffle....Took it out and let it dry and guess what the ipod works, but we're still working on the phone.

Nursery Rhyme Confusion

So Emma was putting together a puzzle of a clown this morning..
When I asked her what she was doing she replied.
 
"Putting Humpty back together again."

Friday, November 09, 2007

Friday, November 02, 2007

Transformers

The other day, Emma who is 3 years and 1 month old amazed me. She picked up the DVD box for Transformers and pointed to each letter and started spelling the word.

EMMA; T - R - A - N - S - F - O - R - M - E - R - S spells transformers.

Saturday, October 27, 2007

"Vacation"

My week vacation is coming to an end. Where did I go you ask? Mexico? Florida? Nowhere. I stayed home and played mommy all week. Eddie spent the week building a desk with 2 workstations for the girls and a two bookcases with a center piece. Can't wait until everything is all done so I can take pictures. Without going into too much detail it took six people to install the top half of the bookcases. They are in, it took about 45 minutes to insall it. It looks great. Eddie still needs to cut and paint the shelves, so I can't wait. Then the office will be complete.

Other things that have taken place this week. I have potty trained Emma for the 2nd time this year. She's at least 90% potty trained.

Also I got all my laundry washed, dryed, and put away. At night I wash the clothes we wear for that day. Throw them in the dryer in the morning, and the fold. No more laundry build up.

I've watched Transformers at least a dozen times.

I helped put together out church carnival,

I need a vacation from my vacation.

Friday, October 12, 2007

My First Real Buisness Trip

Went to Madison, WI this past Wed night. Almost didn't make it. Right before boarding, my name was called. The lady at the counter said that there were only 50 seats and I was number 51. So they offered $250 and a hotel stay. Tempting but I had a 8:30 meeting in te morning, so I had to be on that plane. I suggested to my boss that he stay and I go. Thank God at the last minute one passenger didn't show, so we both got to get on the plane. When I got there, I immediately went to a gift shop and bought a sweatshirt, because it was 50 degrees outside, and I was wearing a short sleeve shirt and crop pants. Meeting went well and I boarded the plane to come home at 4:45.... On the descent, a little north of Frisco, my right ear started to hurt bad. I mean so bad that I couldn't bear the pain. After about 5-10 minutes, the pain subsided, but I couldn't hear well out of that ear at all, and my ear wouldn't pop. Got home and when I went to sleep I still couldn't hear right. I woke up this morning, able to hear, but the ear still feels like it needs to pop. I hope it gets better.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Men and Weightloss

Since May, Eddie has been seriously working out. Since August he's been seriously eating healthy. He's lost about 25-30 lbs. He went to his yearly physical this morning and got some great news. Last year his body fat was 29% this year 9%.
Way to go Eddie.

Tuesday, October 09, 2007

Madison WI here I come

Tomorrow I will be flying out to Madison, WI to my company's headquarters. It will be a quick there and back trip. I will literally be gone for 24 hours. I fly out at 7 and will get back at 7 the next day. Fun huh? I hear it's beautiful in the fall out there so I'll be sure to take pictures and post them. Later.

Thursday, October 04, 2007

New Rule, the Only Rule

So we now have only 1 rule in our house.. before yesterday we had many rules.
No biting
No fighting
No talking back
No mocking
etc.....

All point to the negative... Our new rule points to the positive.

Be Kind and Loving

That's it... if the girls are fighting I ask "Are you being kind and loving?"
if they are mocking each other "Are you being kind and loving?"
When I'm yelling at the top of my lungs because they are yelling at each other and can't hear me... "Am I being kind and loving????"

Confirmed... poop is funny

Isabel came around to Eddie and I saying that she had a secret.
So she whispered in my ear "Emma pooped"

Emma who likes to imitate her sister wanted to tell a secret too.
So she whispered in my ear "I pooped"

I died laughing.... this goes to prove Jeff's point... poop is funny.

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

Sunday school does pay off

So I asked Isabel to pick up her puzzles.
Isabel: "But I want you to help me."
Me: "No, I'm busy cooking you need to pick them up"
Isabel" "But remember at church we learned 'Help one another'?" So that means you have to help me.

At this point all I could say was "you're right" and I helped her pick them up.

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Smaller Cities

What I like about Odessa, TX. When you go to a grocery store, even the big one HEB, they still walk your groceries out to your car and load them in your trunk for you.

Thursday, September 20, 2007

What will we do now?

Since January we've been buying our dinners from the Dinner Station in the town that we live in. Just this week to my surprise I found out that they are no longer in buisness. The first words our of Eddie's mouth were "we're gonna starve" So now we actually have to plan our dinners. I'm distraut, even thinking about traveling 30 minutes to go to the next closest Dinner Station. What has this world come to?

Monday, September 17, 2007

I know I know

It's been awhile. Today was Emma's first day of ballet/tap. She was so excited to go. At the last 5 minutes the teachers call the parents back so that we can take pictures. I was the only parent without a camera. Bad parent? Oh well.

Friday, September 07, 2007

Crazy Week

On Tuesday I found out that my great-aunt passed away. So I decided to work from home on Wednesday, so that I could finish by 2:00 and pack and leave. Well guess what at 4:30 am our electricity went out. A tree branch fell on the power lines. We didn't get power back until 2:00 pm. Needless to say, I went to my sisiters house to work. I finally left my house at 2:00 to pick up my mom, we were just about to get on the highway when Eddie called to inform me that I had his keys, so I had to go back home to give them to him. So officially we didn't get on the road until 3:30. Also, the charger to my phone isn't working, so I bought another one. It charged a little and then stop charging. So I've been without a cell phone. I sure hope work hasn't been trying to get a hold of me. This could be a good case on why I need a company phone. My phone is just not reliable. I can't wait to get an iPhone. Anyways, today is my sister's 30th birthday. Happy Birthday Felicia. Gotta run.

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Friday, August 17, 2007

Best News Today

A Cheesecake Factory will be opening up by the Parks Mall in the Fall. 15 minutes from my house.... that's awesome.

Here is the source of the news

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Free WiFi in Texas

Want to know where to go for free wifi in texas, check this site out... Actually it'll tell you where there is free wifi nationwide, but the link I'm providing is just for Texas.

WiFi Free Spot

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Let Freedom Ring

If you can't see the video then go to this link.

A Coffin or New Hope

The Internet has just about everything for sale ... but this may top them all!!!
Weddingringcoffin.com is selling the proper burial of a "dead marriage." The homepage reads:
"Give a dead marriage its proper, final resting place. It's time to bury the past and move on to a new tomorrow."
No, this isn't an urban legend. For $29.95 you can purchase a six-inch coffin with room for "his" and "hers" wedding rings! Plus you have your choice of inscriptions which includes:Rest In Peace, Gone and Forgotten, I Do ... NOT!!!, Six Feet Isn't Deep Enough!

That little coffin reminds us that every couple desperately NEEDS hope - not a coffin. They need the hope that comes from the truth of God's blueprints, not a funeral for a dead marriage.

If your marriage is in need of hope attend a Weekend to Remember Conference. It'll be life changing.

Thursday, August 09, 2007

I see a flying pig

I'm working right now so I can get a head start for tomorrow. Not only that, I'm watching the Dallas Cowboys game, while my kids and nephew are outside getting wet with the water hose and my husband is mowing the yard....

Undo - Rush of Fools

My favorite song.

Street Beat

So I'm taking a street beat class at the Y. It's 1 hour long. It's a great workout. Basically the instructor shows you the dance moves 8 counts at a time. Then we put it all together. Then the music gets faster and we do endurance drills. That's the whole routine over and over again. Then we have a face-off. More fun. By the end of the class, I'm more than exhausted. Tuesday night I pulled a tendon. Not good. I don't see how I ever went dancing until 2 in the morning.

Friday, August 03, 2007

I've Lost It

"In life, losing things is a frequent occurrence. For someone with attention-deficit disorder, though, it's guaranteed. Money back, if you surprise yourself (and everyone else) by somehow keeping track of your stuff. ... If you have ADHD, there's virtually nothing you can do to avoid losing or misplacing something. "

I've lost my and had to replace my debit card too many times to count.

I've lost my cell phone for days on end.

I've lost my keys, and have found them in the girls bathroom sink mixed in with their toys
(yes I'm the one who left them there)

On Sunday, I lost my CF card for my camera, I could have sworn it was in my pocket.

On Monday, I accidentally threw my cell phone away because I had forgotten it had fallen in my lunch bag.

Today I couldn't find my husbands keys, I search my desk, purse, backpack... finally saw them peeking out from under the seat in the truck.

I just got a new bluetooth headset, I'm counting the days on when I will loose it.

Sweetness

Yesterday, my husband came home from work exhausted. I of course had to dash off to work. I left them with pancakes on the counter, Emma in her living room watching Diego, Isabel asleep, and Eddie on the couch wanting to sleep.

Eddie called me to tell me that around 8:30 the girls came into the living room because they were ready to eat. Then Isabel said the sweetest thing.

"Daddy, I came into the living room and saw you on the couch, so I went to my living room to watch TV"

How sweet was that, she let her Daddy sleep in a little.

Discrimination or stupidness

We know someone who works for the local ISD as a custodian. We found out yesterday that durning the summer months, if no one is utilizing the school (ie. children), then the air conditioners are kept turned off. Of course the office area is maintained cool and the computer room is maintained cool, but the rest of the building is HOT. The custodians who are there 8 hours a day durning the day or night have to clean in 96 degrees tempature or hotter, of course depending on how hot it is outside. I don't think this is right. Why can the office people who sit on there butts all day work comfortably in a nice air conditioned office. But the people who are really working hard and have to work with no AC? Well we are going to make some phone calls and try to get this situation turned around.

Monday, July 30, 2007

Home Projects

In our new house the girls playroom is half the size that it used to be. This has caused me to be creative with the space. I gave alot of big toys away and tried organizing well. The girls grandparents had bought them a toy organizer a couple of years ago. It worked fine for what it was, but the little baskets were sturdy would fall of the rack and would always look messy. So I got rid of it blessed someone else with it. I bought some more sturdy colorful baskets, and rolling bins. I had Eddie build me a custom shelving unit to hold everything. I can't wait to show you pictures......



Other projects in the future... #4 would be first on the list.

1. Guest bathroom: bead board on walls

2. Entryway: Have Eddie build a hall tree with a bench

3. Backporch: Tile it, install a ceiling fan, put in a metal shelving unit to hold a small tv and other stuff.

4. Girls rooms: Have Eddie build loft beds... Cinderella carriage for Isabel and doll house for Emma. The only mofifications I would make would be that there wouldn't be a bed under the dollhouse she would sleep on top. I would make the bottom a reading area. Same goes for the cinderella bed the bottom would be a reading area and Isabel would sleep on top


Friday, July 27, 2007

Y M C A

We joined "The Y" last week. I like it.. I take the street beat and zumba classes. And my girls like playing in the kid zone and swimming in the beach style pool. My husband is on a fitness kick. That's a good thing. Our girls drink organic milk (it's twice the price of regular milk). And we are eating 100% whole wheat bread. Also today we started counting our calorie intake. So far for me 290 for breakfast. Here is a great website (free) for you guys and gals who want to get healthy Intense-Workout.com. To count calories you can use Caloriecount.org.

Just for Fun

You could win an iPhone... yeah right what are the chances.. this is still fun.

Help pick the best gadget of all times.

Monday, July 23, 2007

Happenings....

The other morning my 2 year old locked herself in my room with our dog. As I proceeded to unlock the door, I could hear her singing "I Love You Lord". I decidied to just let her stay there and worship.

Isabel got her 4 year old checkup the other day. After all the tests, her doctor made the comment that she should just skip kindergarden altogether. That made me smile.

Emma has been mentioning that there are monsters in her room. So what do we used to keep the monstors out? Baby powder. I spread it on the carpet around her bed, then Isabel comes and prays with her. I then turn the ipod on Baby Einstein Lullibies.

My favorites time in the morning in when at 6:00 am, both my girls wake up and come into my bed where we snuggle and sleep for 1 hour longer.

Right now, Emma went into the pantry, got some crackers and is now sharing with her sister and the dog.. Oh no, the crackers just went all over the floor. Isabel just commented that now all the crackers have to go to Loba. They are having a blast. Emma just said "Mama, I think Loba likes it."

Gotta run.. bath time, devotional time, bed time....

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Our Trip

All I've got to say is that we stopped 7 times on the way there and 3 times on the way back.
Took 6 hours to get there and 5 hours to get back.

Thanks to the 2 ladies who let me and Emma cut in front of you in the bathroom line.
And to the lady that was in front of you, how could you not let this adorable 2 year old go first.

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Movie Review





Transformers: This movie was excellent. I loved it. It had drama, romance, action, everything. I can't wait until it comes out on DVD. Bumblebee is my favorite.

Blood Diamond: Another good film. Sad that humans go through what they do just for diamonds.

Pan's Labriyth: Excellent foreign film. Loved it, my husband loved it.

Live Free Die Hard: Saw this one last night. Towards the end the film messed up for a good five minutes. Got free tickets. Typical action packed film. I liked it.

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Happy Anniversary Eddie

It's been 8 years... wow... can't wait until we get to go to Hawaii in 2 years....
Hope you have a wonderful day

Verse of the Day

Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.
Romans 12:12 NLT

Monday, July 09, 2007

Letter Games

Letter Search: Your child will have fun running around the house searching for letter cards you've hidden. Each time he finds a letter he must say it aloud. Once he finds all the letters he can be rewarded with a small prize.

ABC Hopscotch: Play hopscotch but fill the sidewalk squares with letters or letter tiles instead of numbers!

Mix 'n' Match: Make two sets of alphabet cards: one of lowercase and one of uppercase letters. The object of the game is to match the uppercase and lowercase versions of each letter.

Letter March: Place alphabet cards on the floor forming a circle. Now play marching music and invite your child to step on the cards while marching to the beat. When you stop the music he must freeze in place and say the names of the letter he is standing on. Remove that letter, as in musical chairs, and repeat until only one special letter remains.

Play Tic Tac Toe: Instead of an X and an O, play with lowercase b and d, which are among the more difficult letters for children to recognize because they look so similar. Or choose any two letters your child might be having trouble identifying, or let your child choose any two letters she likes. It's an engaging way to practice visual discrimination.

Thursday, July 05, 2007

Locks of Love

Here are pictures of isabel getting her hair cut to donate it to locks of love.


Tuesday, July 03, 2007

Your Daily Walk - Psalm 10-13 Wisdom vs Folly

A young child awakens and, for the next hour, resists all his parent's attempts to get him dressed, fed and on his way to school. If you were his parent, how would you feel?
The same child awakens, goes to his closet, selects his clothes and dresses himself without being asked. the net result is the same: He is dressed. But how do you as his parent feel?
A wise son obeys his father willingly; a foolish son only does so grudgingly or under compulsion. Which characterizes your obedience to your heavenly Father? Read Proverbs 10:1 thoughtfully. Then complete this sentence: Today I want to bring gladness (rather than heaviness) to the heart of God by gladly (rather than grudgingly) obeying him in the matter of _____________________. Now that's putting wisdom to work!

The opposite of ignorance in the spiritual realm is not knowledge but obedience.

Monday, July 02, 2007

7-Elevens turn into 'Simpsons' Kwik-E-Marts



It’s rumored that there are only two things in Texas, steers and The Simpsons!
6833 Northwest Highway
Dallas, TX 75225

I definately want to go see this one. Check out the article here

Damsels in Distress

On Friday, I was working from home. The girls and I were in the garage, they were riding bikes and playing with chalk. After about 2 times of the girls going in and out, I finally had to go in to get something. The door was locked. I had no keys and every window and other door was locked too. I only had my phone, laptop, and a pint size of water. I tried to break in but that didn't work. Then I called my husband and he had a brilliant idea of how to get in the house. He called our friend who is a fire-fighter as well to help out. 45 minutes later, he arrived and we were in the house. Thank you Steve.

Thursday, June 28, 2007

It's been awhile

I know I've been gone for a while. I've been really busy with work. Anyways here goes.

New: I started working from home on the days that my husband is on shift. Yeah

Good: Pastor went to MD Anderson and will have surgery to remove tumor from kidney on July 10th

Bad/Good: We have to pay the IRS $1,600 by July 11th, and we just found out 2 weeks ago. (we'll have the money thank God)

Humor: What's the difference between a rectal themometer and an oral themometer? the taste

Think On It: Children need to know they have secure love. Sometimes our love is incomplete because our children feel they constantly have to compete for it. We tell them we love them and then they watch us make decisions regarding our careers, our friends, or our pastimes that directly undermine our ability to invest the time in them that love requires. For example:
We might declare that we have HAVE to work as much as we do because of bills, but then they see us deliberately making poor financial choices.
They don't question that we love them; they simply feel that we love other things more.

Monday, June 18, 2007

Catch Up

It's been a while so here goes.

Humor: The other day Emma looked down my shirt at my chest and said "Oooh mommy, you got big muscles like Daddy. (Those aren't muscles)

Prayer: My pastor just found out that he has a cancerous tumor in his kidneys. Pray that they can take it out and that it hasn't spread.

New: Our company moved to a new building. I've got a new desk. Building is great. The only complaint is that you can hear airplanes flying overhead all day long

Finally: Isabel's ballet/tap recital is tomorrow. Yeah!

Wisdom: The more we count the blessings we have the less we crave the luxuries we haven't

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

2 Kings 6:16

Don't
be afraid
the prophet answered
those who are with us are more
than those who are with them. 2 Kings 6:16

It is not the darkness that blocks your vision so much as what is between you and God.

This will remind me of the importance of proper spiritual focus in my walk with God

Saturday, June 09, 2007

Legacy - My Goal

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest
You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all who's who and so-n-so's that used to be the best
At such'n'such ... it wouldn't matter much

I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an 'Atta boy' or 'Atta girl'
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trappings of this world

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace who
blessed your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

I don't have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthly list of all that I enjoy
It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile
Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon enough destroy

Not well traveled, not well read, not well-to-do or well bred
Just want to hear instead, "Well Done" good and faithful one...

Monday, June 04, 2007

Hint Hint


Disney Album

Are you planning a Disney vacation this summer? You won’t want to miss your chance to become a Disney Scrapateer for a day! Join us as we create a fun 20-page Disney-themed album that’s loaded with fun embellishments. Just add photos, and you’ll have your album completed in a single day. You’ll even get to make a set of autograph tags to take to Disney for Mickey and his gang to sign! $100
June 16th or July 14th from 9a-4p

What a great Anniversary Present, since we are planning to go to Disney World next year.

Family Day

Yesterday, we hosted Family Day at our house. Our church came over and we had a ton of fun. We started off with games and then we ate fajitas, rice, beans and tortillas. For desert we had Arroz con leche (a favorite of mine). Durning the game segment, I got out the water gun and went on a shooting spree. Then my sneaky pastor went into my kids playroom stole a bucket, filled it with water, and threw it over my head. The war was on. I took his wife hostage and she became the next victim. By the end of the day everyone was attacked, we had no mercy on anyone. My sister even locked herself into my bedroom, but we managed to breakin and pull her out. She put up a good fight, but we got anyway. After everyone left a few of us hung out made nachos and watched Apocolypto. Let's just say that I didn't want to wake up this morning. I slept in which is like 6:45 for me, and then took my time leaving the house. It was a fun-filled day yesterday.



Saturday, June 02, 2007

More Re-Organizaing

Here was what I tackled today. See my church is coming over tomorrow, so I wanted the house to look it's best. I organized the office, which is a project and Eddie and I started last weekend. Then this morning I brought in my wicker furniture from outside, painted it white, brought some new pillows and put it in the area of the kitchen where a dinette set would go. I gave up on buying a dinnette set, I just buy some bar stools next month and eat breakfast on the island.


Cleaner Office

New Sitting Area

Thursday, May 31, 2007

Our Schedule - to be modified as weather permits

For two days out of the week this is what I have planned for the girls while I work.

6:30 – 7:30 – Sign in and work uninterruped
7:30 – 8:00 – Make and Eat Breakfast (no work)
8:00 – 8:30 – Dora the Explorer Show
8:30 – 9:00 – Free play in play room
9:00 – 9:30 – Learing crafts and activities
10:00 – 10:30 – Little Einstein Show
10:30 – 11:00 – Outdoor play
11:00 – 11:30 – Eat lunch (no work)
11:30 – 2:00 – Nap Time
2:00 – 2:30 – Pool Time
2:30 – 3:30 - Movie (sign off at 3:30)

I tried this yesterday, and it worked. Not the pool time of course it rained, but everything else. I got alot accomplished and the girls had fun. Had to stay home yesterday, cause Eddie was working and Emma had a low-grade fever. You know how that goes. She slept late, took some Motrin, and played hard the rest of the day.

Sunday, May 27, 2007

A Shining Star

From Beth Moore:

Dearly loved one
You’ve been called by God
To shine like a star
In a dark, depraved world
Don’t blend in
Refuse the daily temptation
To be absorbed in yourself
Take interest in others
Deliberately humble yourself
And live the life of a servant
As you live in the crisis
Of “continue to”
Keep working out
What God is working in
Watch your mouth
Choose words of life
And one glorious day
You will see the face of Christ
And He will show you
Every good purpose
He fulfilled through you
And there will be delight
Even if you are despised or ignored
You are Christ’s star
Go forth and shine

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.
Isaiah 60:1

Thursday, May 24, 2007

Beginning the week of June 25

My new boss has allowed be to begin working from home on the days that my husband goes to work. Which is about 2 days a week. This is good, because the girls will be home all the time, and won't have to go to daycare. Granted they were only going 6-8 days a month, but they would rather stay home, and we'd rather them stay home. Being a web developer, I'm not tied to the phones, I'm just tied to my computer, so this is a possible thing to do. I've already got a schedule written out so that, I can keep the girls entertained for periods of time. This will give me plenty of time throughout the day to complete my dev tickets. Another good thing is that my company has given me a work laptop. Everyone in our department got one. It's a cute little Dell one.

In other news...
Eddie and I decided that the girls are going to be going to public school. All along we had made the decision to send them to a Christian private school. But after the parenting conference we went to and the books that we've been reading, we changed our minds.
Basically it comes down to this. We will strive to raise strong kids, not safe kids. We will do our job at home instilling the moral and ethical principals of the Bible, so that in any situation that our kids face they will be able to stand their ground and do the right thing. I would love my kids to be in a ultra-safe enviroment, learning about the word of God, but in reality we can't shelter them from life. School will be a great mission field for my girls to share their faith with lost kids. Plus over the course of 12 years for both girls we'll save $100,000. I know plenty of kids who went to public school, who are men and women of God. Your parents did a great job. My mom did a great job. We will strive to raise our girls for true greatness.

Monday, May 21, 2007

Highlight of my weekend




I get to park my car in the garage. Yes! We finally had the time to organize the garage and get everything off the floor (ok everything except the lawnmower and wagon). The Lord allowed us to do this by keeping our girls asleep on Saturday from 1 pm - 4:30 pm. Hallelulah!

Friday, May 18, 2007

Pictures from Isabel's Birthday Party


Strike a pose


Ballerina at heart


Her first pinata


Dancing Ballerinas


Sitting Pretty


Cake my mom made

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Morning Conversations

While at home:
Isabel: Mommy, can we go get those little donuts?
Me: Oh, (looking at the clock knowing we don't have time). Daddy didn't leave me any money. We'll get some tomorrow.
Isabel: Why didn't Daddy leave you money?
Me: He forgot.

In the car:
Isabel: Mommy, do you have a card?
Me: (Card? Debit card?) Yes, I have a card.
Isabel: Does it have money?
Me: (clever little girl) Yes it does.
Isabel: Then get some out.
Me: (trying to change the subject) Guess what? I got you some pan dulce for breakfast.

Still in the car:
Isabel: Is it Sunday?
Me: No, it's Tuesday.
Isabel: Nu uh, I see the sun, so it's Sunday.
Me: Ok, (defeated)
Isabel: Then why did you say it was Tuesday?
Me: Cause it is Tuesday, but if you want to say it's Sunday, that's fine.

Monday, May 14, 2007

Blessed

In January I was looking for a dance school that Isabel could attend. I started calling around. My friend has her kids at "The Dance Workshop", and I knew I didn't want my kids going there. Too competitive. I've heard horror stories of her kids practicing 3 days a week right before the recital, and all the trophies that that's studio has won. My child is only 4, I want this to be fun. So on I went to look for the perfect studio for us.
I called "A Step in Time" which is in our city. They told me it was too late because costumes for the spring show had already been purchased.
I then called "Divine Arts" 20 minutes away. I asked if it was too late and they said no, not too late. Great I signed her up and she started in Feburary. Well in March there was talk about the recital in June. I asked the teacher if she was going to be able to perform and she said "no, because they had ordered costumes in October". Talk about a bubble being burst. I was disappointed. In April, I called the owner and addressed my concerns, I told her I understood why she couldn't perform, but that if there was any way she could, it would just make my day. She mentioned that there was a little girl who had purchased the costumes, but no longer attended. So she was going to double check, and maybe Isabel could have those costumes.
On Saturday, I got the 2 costumes. Yeah! She will be in the performance. This is so cool, cause it saved us the cost of the costumes, and the cost of the recital fee.
At least $160. Thank you God.

Happy Mother's Day

This is a late post, but nevertheless.

Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers out there.

Single moms
Stay-at-home moms
Working moms
Moms of infants
Moms of toddlers
Moms of teenagers
Widowed moms
Teenage moms
Moms of more than 3 kids
Grandmas

You are all very special. Thank You for all the work you do.

Friday, May 11, 2007

Patience with Imperfection

Patience with imperfection
by Jon Walker

“Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love.” (Ephesians 4:2b NLT)

Humorist Dave Barry says, “A perfect parent is a person with excellent child-rearing theories and no actual children.”

The same could be said of a perfect world or the perfect family. Created by God and guided by his perfect instructions, there’s only one way to mess things up: People!

The fact is, living with imperfect people requires patience. And I say this as a friend, but you are one of the imperfect people who require patience! Unfortunately, I keep learning that I’m an imperfect person too.

The Bible teaches that patience is the solution for living with someone else’s imperfections. This patience is to flow from the kindness God shows us, so we’re (not so simply) following God’s love.

Colossians 3:12-13 says: “As holy people whom God has chosen and loved, be sympathetic, kind, humble, gentle, and patient. Put up with each other, and forgive each other if anyone has a complaint. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (GW)

The word translated “patience” also could be rendered “longsuffering.” Patience means putting up with one another when we’d rather lose our temper; it means forgiving one another when we’d rather hold a grudge.

It is love in action, for “love is patient.” (1 Corinthians 13:14a NIV)

In addition, patience muzzles our mouths, stopping the murmuring and complaining that so naturally flow from the human tongue. Paul says, “Let us stop criticizing each other. Instead, we should decide never to do anything that would make other Christians have doubts or lose their faith.” (Romans 14:13 GW).

With patience ruling the day, we become stronger through our differences and we develop a godly diversity in our relationships. We no longer require that everyone act and look and think exactly the same way.

Paul saw this as an exciting model of God’s Church: “Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don't see things the way you do. And don't jump all over them every time they do or say something you don't agree with – even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently.” (Romans 14:1 MSG)

So what?

Patience and a critical spirit are mutually exclusive – Even when your complaints are justified, patience pushes and pulls you toward forgiving and forgetting: “A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.” (Proverbs 19:11 NIV)

You are imperfect – Living with an imperfect person requires patience. You, my friend, are an imperfect person, and there are some people who require patience to live with you! (Think about who they are and thank them today.)

Let love lead – “Most of all, let love guide your life, for then the whole church will stay together in perfect harmony.” (Colossians 3:14 LB) How open are you to other believers who don’t see things the way you do?

Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Interview by a Tammara

1. What is one thing you did in high school that you really, really wish you hadn't done?

I was really good in high school. I regret hanging out at the "spot". An area where everyone parked their cars, drank beer, and smoked. Why do I regret that, because later I realized it was a church parking lot. That was totally disrespectful. And for the record, I neither smoked or drank. I found those two things disgusting.

2. You can learn to do one thing - anything - expertly in one hour (like Neo in "The Matrix"). What is it?

A writer of best-selling book on parenting. So that I could write one book sell a million copies and retire.

3. By what adjective to your children occasionally call you now that they will be grateful for you being, once they are adults?

My kids are 2 and 4 so the only thing the 4 year old has called me is mean.

4. Is there a quote or saying that you live by (intentionally or not)?

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4

5. If you could have a photo of some event that was not photographed, what would it be?

My 30th birthday party, I don't remember taking pictures.

Strawberry Quick

http://www.snopes.com/horrors/drugs/candymeth.asp

There is a very scary thing going on in the schools right now that all need to be aware of. There is a type of crystal meth going around that looks like strawberry pop rocks. It smells like strawberry also and it is being handed out to kids in school yards in AR. I'm sure it will make its way around the country if it hasn't already. Kids are ingesting this thinking that it is candy and being rushed off to the E.R. in dire condition.

Please instruct your children to not accept candy that looks like this even from a friend and to take any that they may have to a teacher, principal, etc.

Please pass this around it could save some family a lot of heartache! That is what they are calling strawberry meth or strawberry quick.

Thought you'd want to know.

Kathy Johnson, RN
School Nurse, McNeil Elementary
McKinney ISD

Happy Birthday Isabel

Isabel turns 4 today. As my little girl grows up, one of the things we want to instill in her is the act of giving back to others who aren't a fortunate as she is. Also that beauty is who you are on the inside, not merely what you look like on the outside.
Yesterday I thought about my friend Dixie who grows her hair long only to chop it off to donate it to Locks of Love.

Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children under age 18 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. We meet a unique need for children by using donated hair to create the highest quality hair prosthetics. Most of the children helped by Locks of Love have lost their hair due to a medical condition called alopecia areata, which has no known cause or cure. The prostheses we provide help to restore their self-esteem and their confidence, enabling them to face the world and their peers.

I showed Isabel the website and the pictures of the kids with no hair. I told her this morning that since she got alot of presents for her birthday she needs to give a present to someone else. I talked to her about sharing and giving to others who don't have. My hope is that she will make the decision to give back.

Monday, May 07, 2007

Annual Wish List

Ok, with only 3 days to shop, here is my annual wish list.

1. iTunes Gift Card (to buy music)
2. Fry's Gift Card (to buy a pcmcia network card)
3. Amazon.com Gift Card (to buy books)
4. Starbucks Gift Card (to buy a Cinnamon Dolce Latte)
5. Visa Gift Card (to eat at any restaurant I want)

Scholastic Spring Sale



Click here to find the sale near you.

Sunday, May 06, 2007

Raising Truly Great Kids

We went to a conference on Saturday given by Tim Kimmel author of several books on parenting. It was a wonderful conference and we were able to acquire several resources that we will be reading over the next couple of weeks. I will be blogging about the things that I will be learning as I read and also I'll blog about the things I learned this weekend.

To begin on Raising Truly Great Kids

"The biggest part of our job as parents has to do with our influence on our children's hearts. The tool that God offers us that empowers us to connect to our children's hearts is God's wonderful gift of grace."

During the next couple of days I will give you guys an overview.

Think of a house.

Roof Aim them at True Greatness (rather than success)
Second Floor Build Character into their hearts
First Floor Create and Maintain a daily atmosphere of Grace
Foundation Focus on meeting their inner needs

Thursday, May 03, 2007

Ways to Maintain A Healthy Level Of Insanity

1. At Lunch Time, Sit In Your Parked Car With Sunglasses on and
point a Hair Dryer At Passing Cars. See If They Slow Down.

2. Page Yourself Over The Intercom. Don't Disguise Your Voice.

3. Every Time Someone Asks You To Do Something, Ask If They Want
Fries with that.

4. Put Your Garbage Can On Your Desk And Label It "In."

5. Put Decaf In The Coffee Maker For 3 Weeks .. Once Everyone has
Gotten Over Their Caffeine Addictions, Switch to Espresso.

6. In The Memo Field Of All Your Checks, Write " For Smuggling Diamonds"

7. Finish All Your sentences with "In Accordance With The Prophecy."

8. Don't use any punctuation

9. As Often As Possible, Skip Rather Than Walk.

10. Order a Diet Water whenever you go out to eat, with a serious face.

11. Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is "To Go."

12. Sing Along At The Opera.

13. Go To A Poetry Recital And Ask Why The Poems Don't Rhyme?

14. Put Mosquito Netting Around Your Work Area And Play tropical
Sounds All Day.

15 Five Days In Advance, Tell Your Friends You Can't Attend Their
Party Because You're Not In The Mood.

16. Have Your Co-workers Address You By Your Wrestling Name, Rock Bottom.

17. When The Money Comes Out The ATM, Scream "I Won!, I Won!"

18. When Leaving The Zoo, Start Running Towards The Parking lot,
Yelling "Run For Your Lives, They're Loose!!"

19. Tell Your Children Over Dinner. "Due To The Economy, We Are
Going To Have To Let One Of You Go."

20. And The Final Way To Keep A Healthy Level Of Insanity.......

Send This To Someone To Make Them Smile.

Its Called ..... therapy!

Happy Feet

Last night I downloaded the soundtrack from Happy Feet to my ipod. The girls love it. I love it. This is one of my favorite parts of the movie. Brittany Murphy does an awesome job at singing as Gloria and Robin Williams does an awesome job at playing Ramon and Lovelace. He is the one who sings "My Way". I love that song...
Anyways if you haven't seen this movie enjoy this clip.

Tuesday, May 01, 2007

Microchips for your pets $20

Microchip Clinic
All 3 SPCA Clinics

You and your beloved pets are invited to join the SPCA of Texas on May 12, 2007 as we microchip furry family members for the discounted price of $20 at the Dallas, McKinney and Village Fair clinics by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call 214.742.SPCA (7722).


Dogs and cats should be microchipped and tagged to make sure they can be reunited with their human companions should they become lost. Micro-chipping is a quick, non-surgical process which involves injecting a sterile microchip—about the size of a rice grain—between a pet’s shoulder blades. Each chip has an unalterable ID code that enables animal shelters to locate owners should pets become lost.

Date: Saturday, May 12, 2007
Time: 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM


This event does not require an RSVP. Registered users can request event reminders.
SPCA

Sunday, April 29, 2007

Best Buy

I just found out something cool. If you take your 8mm camcorder tapes to Best Buy, they will put them onto a DVD for you for about $20. So now I am going to pull out all those tapes that were never transfered to VHS to Best Buy and have them work their magic.

Wireless Finally

After hours and hours, I finally got my wireless connection to my router. I think I need a new network card though, because I can't seem to get it connected anywhere else outside this house (ie Starbucks). Anyways, I'm glad it's connected at home, so that I'm not tied to the desk. I shall investigate the venturing out of this house with my laptop at a later time.

Friday, April 27, 2007

Butterflies

We have tons of butterflies in our backyard. Over the past couple of days, Eddie has caught a few for the girls to observe. He learned from Go Diego Go, that butterflies like to eat soft fruit. So he caught the butterfly, put it in a jar and gave it chewed up banana to eat. It was in heaven. I said that poor butterfly is going to die from over-eating. We drove about 20 miles to church, and I finally convinced them to let it go. Poor butterfly, now in a strange place miles away from home. As I think of the butterfly flying away, I'm reminded of the young people that will spread their wings and fly miles away from home at the college of their choice. Carlos (my god-son), as you venture off to new experiences, please remember the wisdom of your parents, study hard, and have lots of fun. On a side note... Bianca, as you spread your wings at driving a car, remember keep your eyes on the road, don't talk on the phone, don't text message anyone (remember the story of the lady flipping her car)... and drive safe.

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Potty Trained (for the most part)

Well Emma is potty trained for the most part, she is telling us when she needs to go. I'm still working on the at night part though. If she is dry the rest of this week at school which is just Friday, cause she is home the other days, then the price will drop, which will save us $20 a week. That's $80 a month. That's great. Anyways. I'm glad we passed this milestone. My baby is growing up!

Monday, April 23, 2007

I'm sick

I feel like crap today. My body aches, my chest hurts, I feel like my head is in a vice, and my nose is not working to well. What is it you ask? Allergies. I've been suffering since Saturday. Last night I went to my mother-in-laws house to score some drugs. Nasonex and claritin (I prefer Allegra, but beggers can't be choosers). She hooked me up to last me a week. I canceled the dental appt I had today, I just can't imagine going through more pain. My husband is here at home. I laid in bed as he cooked breakfast, and he is now cleaning the kitchen. The good thing is that lunch and dinner are already prepared. I'm just going to lay in bed and sleep, so that I can be 100% tomorrow. Did I mention Isabel started her allergy attack last Monday. She's on a nebulizer everyday now, and takes 2 other drugs by mouth. Fun. Ok, gotta go back to bed now. Laterz.

Friday, April 20, 2007

The tradition continues

Each year I send out my birthday wish. This year I have passed the torch onto Isabel. Here goes..

1. Classic Etch A Sketch


2.
LeapPad Book: Disney - Princess Stories

3. The Princess Bride (book)

3. DVD's

Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella


The Neverending Story


The Wild

Keeping my fingers crossed

Today Eddie is supposed to attempt to build the Mount Forest II. He has until 2:00 before he has to go to work. So I hope he's up and at it. Even if he doesn't finish today, which I'm hoping he will, I give him thanks because he washed and hung a ton of clothes yesterday. Thanks Eddie. You Rock!!!

Monday, April 16, 2007

After much research...

This describes last night and previous episodes to the T.

What are night terrors?
Night terrors occur in at least 5 percent of young children, and can start as early as 9 months. These mysterious disturbances happen during deep, non-dreaming sleep. A child in this state will cry, whimper, flail, and even bolt out of bed. Though his eyes may be wide open, he's not awake and isn't aware of your presence. Once the night terror (which can last anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour or more) is over, your child will return to a sound sleep and have no memory of the incident in the morning.

How are night terrors different from nightmares?
Nightmares happen during rapid eye movement (REM) or dream sleep. A child who's had a nightmare is likely to have a fairly clear idea of what scared him, though he probably won't be able to articulate his fright until he's about 2. He may also be afraid to fall back asleep, and in the morning, he'll probably remember that he had a bad dream.

What should I do when my toddler has a night terror?
Of course, your first instinct will be to comfort him, but your efforts will most likely be futile (remember, he's not really awake and he's not aware of your presence). You just have to wait it out and make sure he doesn't hurt himself. Don't speak to him or try to soothe him, and don't try to shake or startle him awake or physically restrain him — all of which could lead to more frantic behavior. In 15 to 20 minutes, your child should calm down, curl up, and fall into a deep sleep again.

Fears

Last night Emma woke up on the floor at the foot of her bed, screaming her head off. I would that thought that something was broken, but this has happened before. She screamed bloody murder for like 20 minutes. She wouldn't let me hold or touch her. She was just kicking and screaming. Finally at 1:00 am she calmed down and went to sleep on my bed. I've got to research this one. This is like the 3rd time it's happened this year.

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Our own park

We have a huge backyard. Currently the girls have a small toddler slide, two small exercize trampolines, cones set up to play soccer, and a picnic table. Well just this past weekend we bought them a Mount Forest II outdoor gym set.


We got it from Toys R Us. Originally $899 on sale for $699, then got the credit card to save another 10%, which came to $594. (Yes we will pay the card off at the end of this week). My girls are going to love it. I will soon add a volleyball net to our backyard and a basketball goal to the driveway. We are going to have a blast this spring and summer.

Monday, April 09, 2007

Goodbye Jeff

Well Friday is the day. My manager of almost 4 years will be leaving. All of us are so sad to see him go. As the dynamics of this company change and we become more entrenched in the corporate world of our parent company, we have seen many changes. We will be moving to a new "hipper" building in June, and instead of wearing jeans everyday, we now have to dress up. Yuk!!!!

Now back to Jeff.... Let me just tell you what a blessing it has been to work for him. I was a month pregnant when I was switched over to his department. I had a tough pregnancy, I was always hungry and tired. But he made it just a little easier.
When I came back from maternity leave, he let me use his office so that I could pump. He would walk by my desk and say "Michelle, it's 2:30".
After I had Isabel, I asked if I could work less hours so I could spend more time with her, and it was granted. I thought he would have a heart attack when 7 months later I told him I was pregnant again, but he congratulated me with a smile. I have many more stories like this, too many to tell. What is cool about working for Jeff, is that he is a servant-leader. A leader with a servants heart. Everyone in this department has great respect for him.

Jeff, I will truly miss seeing you on a day-to-day basis, but I know that the Lord has great plans for you. May he continually bless you and your family.

Tuesday, April 03, 2007

Tornado Warning...or not

Just about to go to bed. Around 8:25, a tornado warning showed up on the T.V. saying it would hit Mansfield in 15 minutes. I grabbed a blanket and all our pillows and made a bed for the girls in their bathroom, which happenes to be in the center of the house. I was so grateful that they cooperated by putting pillows over their heads. Then the sirens went off. I had the T.V. on in the office loud enough for me to hear the news. Finally at 8:50 the tornado warning was called off. Thank God. And thank you friends and family that called to check up on us. As we were leaving the bathroom, Isabel said "Is the tomato gone?"

Life is a fairy tale

Isabel put on her "Belle" dress when she got out of the tub today.

Isabel: Mama, did you know Belle has a Beast?
Me: She does?
Isabel: Yeah, so you be the Beast and dance with me.
Me: (Laughing my head off) Ok.

Friday, March 30, 2007

Do you have a daughter? A must read...

I definately want Eddie to do this one...
I was laughing as I read.

Guarding Our Daughters’ Moral Purity

Road Bully

I love to drive my husband's truck. I miss the feeling of sitting up high, and being able to cut in, because I can. A little history about the truck. It's a 2001 Dodge Ram (black). Back in Dec, Eddie wrecked both back ends on the same day. for like 2 months I didn't quit understand how. What happened was that he had the trailer hooked up and jack-knifed it on both occasions.
Fast foward to this morning....
I was exiting Brown Blvd to come to work. The worst exit ever, because no one on the service road seems to yeild. As I was coming off I was stuck until the light turned green. Some rinky dinky car had the audacity to try and not let me in, to which I ignored. I said to her (of course she couldn't hear me) "I bigger than you, I'll run you over, and I don't care if you hit me." I was being a road bully and loving every minute of it.

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Balance

Who knew that the day I went to my gynocologist would open up a huge can of questions about my life.

Do we want to do something permantely where we won't have anymore kids?
Do we want another baby?
If we have another baby, do I quit my job?
Can we afford for me to quit my job.
If I quit my job, I can't afford to send my kids to private school.
Do I home school, can I afford that?
Do we stay where we are in life and just make it better?
Can there be a balance? Yes
What is that balance? I don't know.

But the biggest question of all is God what are your plans for our family?
What are your plans and purposes for me, for my husband for our children.
Lord I pray for wisdom, I thank you that you have put people in my life to guide me. I pray for balance. I pray for your will.

Monday, March 26, 2007

300




The the movie 300 this weekend, and it was so good. I really enjoyed it. It is a ficticious movie dipicting the Battle of Thermopylae.

In the Battle of Thermopylae of 11 August 480 BC, an alliance of Greek city-states fought the invading Persian Empire at the pass of Thermopylae in central Greece. Vastly outnumbered, the Greeks held back the Persians for three days in one of history's most famous last stands. A small force led by King Leonidas of Sparta blocked the only road through which the massive army of Xerxes I could pass. After three days of battle, a local resident named Ephialtes betrayed the Greeks by revealing a mountain path that led behind the Greek lines. Dismissing the rest of the army, King Leonidas stayed behind with 300 Spartans and 700 Thespian volunteers. The Persians succeeded in taking the pass but sustained heavy losses, extremely disproportionate to those of the Greeks. The fierce resistance of the Spartan-led army offered Athens the invaluable time to prepare for a decisive naval battle that would come to determine the outcome of the war.[1] The subsequent Greek victory at the Battle of Salamis in September left much of the Persian Empire's navy destroyed and Xerxes I was forced to retreat back to Asia, leaving his army in Greece under Mardonius, who was to meet the Greeks in battle one last time. The Spartans assembled at full strength and led a pan-Greek army that defeated the Persians decisively at the Battle of Plataea on 27 August 479 BC, ending the Greco-Persian War and with it the expansion of the Persian Empire into Europe.[2]

The performance of the defenders at the battle of Thermopylae is often used as an example of the advantages of training, equipment, and good use of terrain to maximize an army's potential,[3] and has become a symbol of courage against overwhelming odds.[3]
Taken from Wikipedia.

A Weekend to Remember

Eddie and I attended FamilyLife Today's "A Weekend to Remember". It was hosted at the Gaylor Texan Resort. The hotel was huge and beautiful. The conference was awesome. I highly recommend that everyone should experience this conference. They will be back next year around June.

Also if you live in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, there is going to be another conference on parenting, given by one of the speakers from this weekend.
The conference is on May 5, 2007 from 8-3pm at Fellowship Bible Church in Richardson.

Raising Truly Great Kids

I don't want to go into detail but this conference has truly made me see what God's plan is for marriage, opened my eyes to the things that I need to do to make our marriage great, and has given me a longing to please God through my service to my husband and kids.

Thursday, March 22, 2007

National Goof-off Day

Yes it's that time of year again. Too bad I can't take full advantage of it. What will I do today? Invite a co-worker to play online Wheel of Fortune. Have fun goofing off. (Yes, I know my boss reads this.)

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Just the way I like it.



When the Ranger Statdium became The Ballpark in Arlington, I thought to myself "what a dumb name, that's so generic". But over the years the name grew on me. Then in 2004, the Rangers sold out and gave the naming rights to Ameriquest. No way was I ever going to call Ranger Stadium, "Ameriquest Field". Well this morning, I heard on the news that the Rangers took back the naming rights, and it is now called, drum roll please........

The Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.

Monday, March 19, 2007

Latest Picture


Emma (2), Jacob (6, my nephew), Isabel (3)

It's a Monday


So I've decided to buy this book.

ADD-Friendly Ways to Organize Your Life

I so need it. I've had ADHD all my life, looking back to my childhood, adolescence, and so forth, I clearly see it. I took one of those online test and passed with flying colors. Then I went to a doctor and got an official diagnosis. So what does this all mean? Well, I'm not lazy like I've been told. I now know why I do the things I do. Not an excuse per say, just a better understanding. I opted not to take drugs. I instead recieve a newsletter from an ADD coach, and I strive to learn more about this condition. See right now, I should be working, but can't stay focused, instead I'm hyperfocused on writing this blog. Anyways, I found this book and will buy it at the end of the month. See already this morning, I left my lunch at home, yesterday I left my purse at home and who the heck knows where my daughter's 3 pair of jeans are at. I think at the daycare, but not totally sure. One thing that I have done to simplify my life is dinner. See I hated cooking dinner. Constant internal struggle. What am I going to cook, will my family like it, do I have all the stuff? I discovered The Dinner Station, and well lets just say that's one more thing I don't have to worry about.

Here's a little insight about ADHD and change.
Everyone knows that people with ADHD thrive on change. We're impulsive, after all. And when you're impulsive, change is a given.

In my opinion it isn't so simple.

I believe while adults with ADHD do adore some types of change, we find other
types of change disturbing.

Put simply, we adore changes that WE instigate. Yet people with ADHD don't as
easily accept change imposed by someone else.


Eddie, that's why I change my mind so much...

Friday, March 16, 2007

Chicken Red's

We went to a new restaurant in our area called Chicken Red's. I loved it and my kids loved it. The food was good and the outdoor play area was awesome. They had an small indoor play area as well. I'm thinking this would be a great location for a birthday party especially one falling on a weeknight. They had great icecream too.
We will definately be back. When we went yesterday there were alot of kids, and I'm hopeing it was because of spring break, but I have my doubts. This place is kid heaven. The problem that I observed was that the bigger kids would overrun the little kids. My 3 year old tried 3 times to go up one on the ladders and each time a bigger kid would cut in front of her. Finally I had had it. The next kid that I saw trying to pull that stunt, I told him that she was next and that he had to wait his turn. My 2 year old was going up a different ladder. She was like on the 3rd step, when 3 other kids were trying to climb up the same ladder as well. I don't think so. I had to tell them as well, to wait their turn. Me and another parent commented on how disorderly some of the kids were. I had no shame telling those other kids what to do. I'm used to it. I tell kids what do at church all the time. Besides, I was protecting my girls. I, in turn, have no problem with another adult correcting my kids if they are misbehaving without my knowledge. I expect it.

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Distractions

The other night the girls were playing the their headbands. The little one insisted that she wanted Daddy to have one on too. The older one insisted that boys don't wear headbands. So the fighting began. The little takes the headband and starts running around the house with the older one not far behind, screaming and yelling. Me and Hubby were too busy watching American Idol to care. As long as there's no blood, right? We hear more screaming and yelling, to which Hubby ask me to check on them. Why me? Anyways, they come back running into the living room. The older one somehow distracts the younger one and takes the headband without her noticing. We tried to give hints to the older one that she should run and leave the room to hide the headband before the younger realizes what has happened. As she leaves, Hubby opens his big mouth and says look (there's something on the TV). He did this to distract the younger one from seeing the older one leaving. What happened was that the older one thought that Daddy was talking to her and walked back into the living room. We're yelling "Leave Leave, get out while you can" The younger comes back from T.V. hypnosis and boom she sees the headband in the older one's hand, grabs it and takes off running. The cycle began again.

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

My playlist (inspired by Amanda)

"Different Now" Out of Eden
This is the song that you roll down you window, crank up the base and dance in the car to. Love the lyrics.. Being different is so cool.

"Staring Back" Pillar
Good rock song...Really take a look at yourself from the inside out.

"Friend of God" Chris Tomlin with Israel Houghton.
Love this rendition. My girls love it too. We have hand motions and everything.

"Those Who Trust" Salvador
Great beat. Love the beginning guitar and drums, and love the message. Those who trust in the Lord... will not be moved.

"Hypnotized" Pillar
Pillar was the headliner band at last year's Acquire the Fire. I've loved the song eversince. Bought a t-shirt that says Piller (looks like the Miller sign) and had it autographed by the guitarist.

"You Make Me, Me" MXPX
Really fast and upbeat. You make me SMILE. You make me SING. You make me EVERYTHING

"Never Alone" Barlow Girl
It's Barlow Girl, need I say more. Even though you may not see God or feel Him, he is always there.

"Stand in the Rain" Superchick
Girl rock band, love it. Talks about standing strong in the midst of problems.

"Heaven" Live
Don't have to convince me that there's a God... just look at my girls.
For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Romans 1:20

"Glory" Selah & Nichole Nordeman
This is all about giving God the Glory. Love this song. Will sing it at church in the coming month, as soon as some of it can be translated into Spanish.

"I need you to love me" BarlowGirl
Shows how it's doesn't matter how much you've messed up, God still loves you.

"His eye is on the sparrow" Selah
Eversince Lauren Hill sung this song on Sister Act 2, I've been hooked.

"Un dia a la Vez" Salvador
"One day at a time".. a timeless hymn. Used to sing it at my grandma's church as a kid. This version is acoustic and beautiful.

"A Dios le Pido" Juanes.
Another upbeat song. Title translated to "It's God I ask".
He IS our provider.

Saturday, March 10, 2007

Identity Crisis

Isabel said this to me today...

"Why is your hair still short? Go to the dentist like I say and get your hair cut long"

Also for the longest she wanted to be a ballerina, we signed her up in Feb. She's gone to class like 4 or 5 times. Now she doesn't want to be a ballerina anymore. She wants to be a football player (she really means soccer). That's because she saw kids playing soccer at the soccer fields by our house. What do I do? Do we pull her out of dance? Do we do both? Is she really sure she doesn't want to do ballet and tap anymore? I always said I wouldn't force my kids to participate in activities that they didn't like, but I spent $78 of dance stuff and it's only been a month. And to top it off, I found out today that she wouldn't get to dance in the recital in June, because they ordered costumes back in November and it's too late. So that's very disappointing too.

Friday, March 09, 2007

Credit Card Debt Free!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can't believe it... We've paid off the last of our credit cards. It's such a great feeling. FREEDOM!!!!!!!

In other news....
I went to the Dinner Station last night and prepared 8 meals with my mother-in-law. It was alot of fun. Tonight will will eat Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas. I'll let you know how I like it.

Thursday, March 08, 2007

Online Women's Conference

I've been dying to go to a women's conference, I just don't have the time. I'm wanting to go the the "Weekend to Remember" conference with my husband, but don't think we'll be able to, because we may not have a babysitter. Time and resources, that's what's lacking.
Well I found this online women's conference. And it's wonderful.
Celebrate Moms

Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Visual DNA

Happy Birthday Irma

This posting is a day late, but better late than never. Right?
My aunt Irma turned 49 yesterday. As a child I remember alot of things about her. She is my favorite aunt. Well, she's my only aunt.

I remember at Christmas, she would bring out the JC Penny catalogue and let me circle everything I wanted. I thought this was the coolest. Even though I of course didn't get everything, just being able to window shop was awesome.

I remember I got on a plane at the age of 6 with a friend of hers and her friends daughter to come to Dallas to visit her. My first trip "alone". We went to Six Flags, Show Biz pizza, Chuck E. Cheese, Sesame Street Place. It was so much fun.

I remember she gave me her first computer. A TI-994a. She was a computer programmer which inspired me to become the same.

I remember when we moved down her the summer before my 10th grade year, her and my uncle took us shopping for school clothes. We it was actually my uncle. That tradition continue through high school.

I remember her letting me borrow the money for the down payment for my braces. Which I paid back.

I remember her co-signing for me for my first new car.

I remember her letting me borrow the money for my first semester at UTA, the cost was so much higher than TCJC I was in shock. I paid this back as well after I graduated.

I now live 5 minutes away from her which is purely coincidental.

She does have a great pool, which I'm hoping to get use out of this summer. Previous summers we've gone maybe once a season. (hint hint)

Irma, thank you for all the things you have shown me and done for me throughout the years. Love Ya.

Tuesday, March 06, 2007

Skin Care

So my sister has begun selling Arbonne. She gave me the NutriMinC® RE9® kit. I've been using it for the past couple of days and I like it. This morning I started the 6 step process which takes about 2 minutes to do. After I finished I thought to myself "I don't remember using the eye cream."
Well I had used the eye cream, I just used it all over my face. Hmmm that can't be bad right?

In other news... my 3 year old started taking showers instead of baths this week.
I love it.