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.

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.

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.

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.)

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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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.

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.

Forks are overrated

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Scenes from a horror movie

So, I'm not one to wear high heels or dresses for that matter. Heck come winter, I go on hiatus from shaving (TMI?). Either way it's starting to get warm, so I decided that I need to lady up a bit. Also since we are having to dress up at work now (yuk), I needed to buy some nice shoes for my khaki's and dress paints. I was on a mission. I bought two pairs of shoes, black and brown. Cute too. The only problem is that the "blacks ones" had a bit of a heel, which I am not used to wearning at all. If you know me, you would know that I wear my sketcher sandels, skecther boots and tennis shoes. That's it. So when I tried them on at the store, I said to myself, "Self, I think these will work"....Five hours later I'm showing them to my husband and became a little concernd when the words out of his mouth were "Are you sure you can wear those?"... Well the next day I wore the "black ones", a little tight, but maybe my feet were swollen. After about 2 hours, I was hurting. How can women wear these for 8 hours. Every chance I got I took them off under my desk. By the end of the day I could only walk for 2 minutes at a time. Torture, just plain torture. I've gotta go and buy me some flats.

This morning I was going to put on my sketcher sandals and thought I should probably paint my toe nails RED. I picked up the nail poish and started shaking it. Immediatly the top flew off and there was red finger nail polish on the side of my tub. Oops, hmmm funny I don't remember opening the bottle. Anyways I cleaned it as good as I could without finger nail polish. Then I looked in the mirror. Seeing that I had just gotten out of the shower, I had yet to put on a shirt. My chest look like some killer from a slasher movie had slashed me, and I had no finger nail polish remover to remove it. At this point. I don't know when I'll ever make it to the store to get some, it could be days. I hope it doesn't scare my husband.

Steve Harvey Introduces Jesus Christ

Thanks to Kilikina for passing this one along.

So when is your birthday???

This time of year is crazy. I have a friend who's birthday is Feb 29th, so I never know when to say happy birthday, either before of after. We were having a discussion in the office about how we should steal 6 hours from the 28th and the 1st to create the 29th every year. That way those people born on that day chould celebrate on that day.
My grandpa's birthday is March 1st. I made the mistake of calling him yesterday and wishing him a happy birthday. Not once did he say "It's not my birthday", he just played right along. Later that evening I speak with my grandmother and she told me that I had called and wondered why I was wishing him a happy birthday when his was DAYS away.... "Sorry dear, February is a short month, your birthday is tomorrow" she tells him....
I don't feel silly anymore.