The Dancing Women

Let's get right to it...


Amanda and I headed over to mom's last night to watch our show. It's really mine and mom's show but Amanda wanted to tag along. Last night the women did their thing first. I secretly want to do this...but I have one thing holding me back...hubby, LOL!!!

Jane Seymour: who can forget her in East of Eden, Somewhere in Time, and Dr. Quinn. This woman is 56 years old and is so beautiful. She looks real, not made up or plastic. She reminds me of what a lady should be, prime and proper. Look under elegance in the dictionary and her picture will be there. She did very well last night! I voted twice for her.

Jennie Garth: I was never a big 90210 fan. I don't remember why I wasn't but I wasn't. She is adorable! I enjoyed watching her! I am now regretting not voting for her.

Josie Maran: I have no idea who she it but Bless her heart. I don't know what else to say except I think she will be the first to go.

Marie Osmond: I like Marie Osmond! She is so funny and has like 8 kids. When you have that many kids you need a sense of humor! She did so good and looked like she had a ball. I voted twice for her.

Mel B.: I don't know where I was when the Spice Girl invasion hit many years ago. I'm truly glad that I don't remember! Anyway this lady did a good job. Not much to write home about though.

This little girl, Sabrina Ryan, I do not know what a Cheetah Girl is and frankly I do not care. This girl rocked!!! She and her partner did a fabulous job!! Yes, she got in trouble for "hip hop" moves but the girl did a wonderful job! I think she will be in the final two if she keeps this up! Mom made the comment "She's a chunky little thing". Hey now, chunky little things are alright!

The only thing I could say was WOW!!

WOW –interjection 1. (an exclamation of surprise, wonder, pleasure, or the like): Wow! Look at that Cheetah Girl!

Mom and I were blown away, needless to say my last two votes went to her.

Let me once again say that I AM NOT A FAN OF THEIR CLOTHES!!! I am into the dancing part. I don't even pay attention to what they wear except for the heels, I don't see how they do it.

I know I could be blogging about something else. Something worth while, something that would inspire people, something that would make a difference in someone's life. I could but it's my blog and I want to talk about Dancing!!!

Tonight the men take to the floor. I'm sure I will have something to say about them! Until then...

2007 Homecoming Information

Melissa Sr. 2007

Michael Sr. 2007
Dreama Sr. 1985
Mike Sr. 1983

To my blog friends, and readers,

I thought I would pass along Homecoming Information. For the past couple of weeks the Ex's Association has been making plans for the Former students.

My job as secretary has been to "coordinate" the parade. So if you want to be apart of Homecoming here's your information.

Homecoming is Sept. 28-29. We will play Wills Point at 7:30 on Friday evening.

Saturday starting at 9am participants will begin lining up for the parade. Line up starts behind the Rodeo Grounds. Of course, we head down Market street and wind back to the Pavilion.

Following the Parade, if you head up to the New High school you can enjoy a meal for $10.00. There will be an auction going on too! All of the proceeds go toward scholarships for the seniors who apply. So there is a method to the madness.

Following is a list of the classes that will be participating in the parade. Maybe your class is already listed. If not, get some of them together and come on out for some fun!!

Class of ‘37
Class of ‘38
Class of ‘40
Class of ‘41
Class of ‘44
Class of ’46
Class of ‘47
Class of ’49
Class of ‘53
Class of ’55
Class of ’57
Class of ’62
Class of ’64
Class of ‘67
Class of ‘68
Class of ‘70
Class of ‘71
Class of ‘77
Class of ‘82
Class of ’83
Class of ’85
Class of ‘97
Class of ‘98

Random thoughts dancing in my head

Today is my honey's birthday...Happy Birthday!! I have known this dude since I was a Sophomore in high school. We started dating then and were "High school sweethearts".

I really can't think of to many of my classmates that have stayed married to the same person for 20 or more years. Now days that is a colossal achievement.

Now don't think that everything has been a "bed or roses". Of course we have wanted to string one another up at times but have refrained from doing so. Only because of the children.

I have known him since he was 18 years old. WOW!! and now he's ??? I've seen him at his worse and his best. It makes me really proud to have him by my side (not in front or behind) and that he is willing to deal with my issues. Not that I have that many, mind you.

Anyway...Happy Birthday, I love you!!

Now on to the important stuff...LOL!!

School. School. School. Need I say more. We have been so busy! Tomorrow we will finish our first unit of Bible truths, Good bye Moses and Joshua. Man, it has gone by quick! Our next unit we will begin to talk about David. I'm excited about it!!

Place Value...ones, tens, hundreds, thousands...WOW I think she understands it. She made a 71 on her test over it. 70 is passing, right?? Have you ever had to write 43,743,821 in expanded form lately???

English will be learning how to write a personal narrative story. Of course Amanda will write about our Orlando trip. So maybe she will be excited about it.

Spelling, Handwriting and Reading...same ol' stuff.

Science will be dealing with electricity...in the science kit there is a big battery, wire and a switch. I have NO IDEA!!!!! I am scared!!!!!

And...has anyone been to the video store lately???

We went in last week to rent some movies for the weekend. Is it me or has anyone else noticed that the ONLY MOVIES they have to rent are SCARY, NASTY OR STUPID???????

It gives me chills to look at some of the covers! There are only 3 rows of "Family/kids" movies. You know...Sound of Music, Air Bud, Annie, Disney stuff. What is up with this??

It is very discouraging to go in and not be able to find anything to entertain me. I do love to be entertained!!

Speaking of entertainment...SURVIVOR begins tomorrow!!!
Then DANCING WITH THE STARS next Monday!! I am so excited!!!

I think I watch these shows because I secretly want to be able to do this...I'm a weenie and would NOT make it on Survivor. I hate bugs and I'm bossy...I would be kicked off at the first Tribal Council, if I lasted that long. I totally enjoy our AC and running water. Like I said, I'm a weenie.

And to Dance! I would love to be able to dance like those dancers. It takes an incredible athlete, discipline, and practice to be as graceful as they are. But the only thing holding me back is the "Birthday Boy". He wouldn't be caught dead doing that. He would rather have toothpicks shoved under his finger nails.

Now for the record...I am NOT a fan of their costumes. Mine would have to have a little more material! Maybe some from Texas Tent and Awning!!! Shoes, couldn't do heels. I don't even own a pair of heels, I can't even walk in heels! And of course, I'm sure somewhere in there height would be an issue. So I would be dead in the water.

Well, I'd better be going so "Birthday Boy" can eat.

NICE....ME???

My friend, Julie over at God is was nice enough to add me to her nice list...Thank you. Now it's my turn to pass this award on to some truly nice people that I know.

Kenya at Uncomfort Zone

Michael at The best of all is

Mike at Shallow Mind

Leslie at Recovering Noah

Cousin Nancy at Not all who wander

Cherie at Heart2Heart

Melissa at Servant2Servant

Have a NICE evening!!!

Mothers and Daughters

Mothers and Daughters or is it Mothers VS. Daughters??? The bond between Moms and their little girls has always been a difficult relationship. I haven't experienced with too much turmoil with mine yet but it will come.



I know there have been times that my Mom and I have driven one another CRAZY!! We don't see eye to eye all of the time. In fact, there have been times when we didn't have a relationship. We come from a long line of hard headedness!!

Little girls grow up, change, develope and at some point have to figure out who they are. Girls have to find a way to deal with all of the changes that are going on with them and it can be overwhelming. Even for the Mom, especially for the Moms! And let's not mention that there will be "certain times" that NOBODY understands them!!!



Moms just want to help. It's our job to "make things better". It's what we do!!! Sometimes we need to stand back and let the girls "figure" it out for themselves. It is our job to make sure our daughters know that we are always there for them to catch them when they fall.

I remember a number of years ago, we moved to Duncan, Ok. from Dumas, TX. I called my Mom crying about not being able to find a house, my husband was at work, I had a little boy and we were stuck in a hotel room.

Mom never babied us. She loved us but never "babied". I was informed to get up and stop whinning. Go find yourself a place, no one is going to do it for you.

Needless to say, I minded my mom.

If I need something sewn or want to vent...MOM. We call one another on Mondays during Dancing With the Stars.

But for the Moms who are having a hard time seeing you daughter grow up and go through her "growing pains"

Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

And PRAY!!!!!!

Week 2 of homeschool

Well, week 2 of Cooper Academy is over. This week began with some extra curricular activities...We went to Six Flags with some relatives on Monday.

It was Labor Day, the weather wasn't too hot and there weren't that many people there either. We had a very good time and the kids had a blast!

Then on Tuesday we played catch up:

We finished our study on Moses and learned the books of the Old Testament. Amanda already knew these so it was a refresher.

In Math we finished reviewing addition and subtraction and made a 92 on the test!! Yes, I do give my child test. Next week will be a review over place value, OOOO Exciting!!!

We had our regular subjects throughout the week but added the "extra" stuff. On Wednesday Amanda resumed her spanish lessons from our friend, Liz.

Thursday, she and I both began guitar lessons. Yes, guitar lessons. Do you know how long it has been since I took any lessons of any kind???

I took guitar lessons in the third grade, I was 9 years old...WOW, I'm old!!!! The guitar was bigger than me at that time, oh how I wish I could say that now, LOL!!!! It's just learning chords basically and it's something that we can do together.

Next week begins cooking class on Tuesday afternooon for Amanda, not me. Although my husband probably thinks I need to attend this class since all we seem to do is eat out.

Friday was our first homeschool co-op of the year. I didn't realize how many kids would be there! The Co-op this year has different classes for the kids. Sewing, nutrition, PE and crafts. The kids range from Kindergarten and up. I believe the kids had a good time and that's really all that matters. See link in side bar.

This week we didn't have as many "projects" to make. I'm afraid next week we may have to hunt down bugs. I don't like bugs...that's why I couldn't be on Survivor. I'm to BOSSY and hate bugs!!!

Speaking of Survivor...it begins September 20 at 7:00pm. Dancing with the Stars starts September 24th!!!!

We purchased a copy of Microsoft Student with Encarta http://www.microsoft.com/student/default.mspx for Amanda. It looks amazing and will come in handy with Science.

This week was extremely busy and I'm thankful for the weekend! Just think, we get to do this all over again beginning Monday!!!

Our First Week

We have finished our first week of school. Only 35 more to go, LOL!!! We began our week by studying Moses. Of course, I rented the movie. I know it's 18 hours long but it's still a good movie. A lot of the information in it was useful to us especially the brick making scences. We use visuals around here and C. B. DeMille gave us a good one.



We did go ahead and watch the whole movie one evening since we will be talking about the plagues, the Ten Commandments and the parting of the Red Sea.
Math is a review for the first couple of weeks: addition, subtraction, place value. Manipulative's are used regularly in this course. Mom needs them! I also ran across this website http://www.cheqsoft.com/mathsown.html it's a free down load.

Spelling gets right into the lessons. Amanda had to start her journal, dictionary skills and a spelling test. She made an 88 which is pretty good since my child spells EVERYTHING Phonetically. She will even have to learn how to spell the books of the Bible this year, she missed Leviticus. "LAVITECUS" but that's OK.

In English we are taking my cousin Nancy's advice and beginning with writing. Amanda wrote a letter to her brother and in the process had to learn the 5 parts of a letter. Heading, greeting, body, closing and signature. Next week she will have to write a letter giving instructions about something using "Time Order Words". I know this will thrill her! How do you make English fun??

Her handwriting lessons this year of course will be cursive but her book also includes US state information. I am excited about this! And if you think cursive handwriting is easy, think again, especially the way BJU wants students to form the letters. I combine cursive and printing when I write.

In Reading this year it will help her, well, with reading??? Vocabulary will have to be looked up and written down. Skill Station day that will help with phonics, recognizing settings in stories, reading maps, tall tales, main ideas and morals of stories.

The first semester will be Science. History will be after Christmas. In Science we went over the origins of the moon. Creation and Evolution. Has anyone ever heard of the "Break away theory"? Of course we had visuals in this subject also. That's key words for soccer and tennis balls. Then we proceeded to make a huge mess by making a paper mache moon.

We began today by making breakfast, Break away bread, which was part of our science lesson. Amanda helped cut the biscuits in half, dip them into melted butter and roll them into sugar and cinnamon. The picture of it looks gross but it was very good!

It was a very good week and I think Amanda enjoyed it. I'm tired and heading out to eat now. It's been rough week on Mom. I've added pictures from our week, hope you enjoy!

Oh, this picture is for Michael and Melissa...I didn't want to leave them out. Miss YA!!!

8 Things about me

Dale over at Riches and Grace tagged me so, here it goes:

The rules of Tag are:

Each person posts the rules before their list, then list 8 things about themselves.
At the end of the post that person tags and links to 8 other people
and visits those people's spaces and comments letting them know that they have been tagged, and to come and read the post, so they know what they have to do.

Eight things about me:

1. I am short.
2. I can wear a kids size 3 shoe.
3. I wish that I could sing.
4. I do not like going to Wal-Mart or the Post Office.
5. I wear a toe ring. REBEL!!!
6. I have my ears pierced 9 times, 5 on the left, 4 on the right.
7. I had a dog named Tiga.
8. I don't know 8 people I can send this to!

These people have now been tagged:
Cherie at Heart2Heart Conversations http://heart2heartconversations.blogspot.com/
John at His blog http://jssorc.wordpress.com/
Leslie at Recovering Noah http://www.recoveringnoah.blogspot.com/
Cousin Nancy at Not all who wander http://imransomed.blogspot.com/
Melissa at Servant2Servant http://melkrieger.blogspot.com/
Mike at Shallow Mind http://thoughtsfromashallowmind.blogspot.com/
Michael at The best of all is... http://mcoopjr.blogspot.com/
Kenya at Uncomfort Zone http://kenyablack.wordpress.com/

WoW, I guess I did know 8 people.

A little Self-Indulgence

It is 12:05pm in the afternoon, it seems like I have been spending quite a bit of time on this here computer since we have finished all of our home projects. Except for the back yard...I want the Garden of Eden back there and that will take some time.

Next week we will begin our 2nd year at Cooper Academy. I am so excited! probably more so than Amanda. Mike won't be at home on Monday to help begin our year, he was last year. He mentioned that we could start school early so he could pray with us then head off to work...6:00am??? I don't think so.

I have been going thru a Beth Moore study David, 90 days with a Heart Like His. I'm not finished by any means. I am on Day 31. It has been very insightful and I am totally enjoying finding out more about David. Of course we all know about "David and Goliath", "Bethsheba", keeping the sheep and being the youngest child. But there is more than those stories.

This past week, no, this WHOLE month has been really tough for me! Why, I don't know. I have some pent up anger, I am finding it hard to determine if my "perception" is reality or if it's off. Am I just imagining things or are they real??? I feel like I'm in a pit or cave and cannot get out.
Like I am being persecuted from all sides!

While going thru my study last night I read about David hiding from King Saul. And hiding, and hiding. Anyway I came across Psalm 142. In my bible it says "A Plea for Relief from Persecutors". It really touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes.

1 I cry out to the LORD with my voice; With my voice to the LORD I make my supplication.
2 I pour out my complaint before Him; I declare before Him my trouble.
3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, Then You knew my path. In the way in which I walk They have secretly set a snare for me.
4 Look on my right hand and see, For there is no one who acknowledges me; Refuge has failed me; No one cares for my soul.
5 I cried out to You, O LORD: I said, “You are my refuge, My portion in the land of the living.
6 Attend to my cry, For I am brought very low; Deliver me from my persecutors, For they are stronger than I.
7 Bring my soul out of prison, That I may praise Your name; The righteous shall surround me, For You shall deal bountifully with me.”

Then it dawned on me: I have been so worried about trying to find who I'm suppose to minister to, what I am "suppose" to do and with whom. Maybe I'm the one who has been persecuting myself?
I have a daughter and husband here at home that probably need to be ministred to. That can be my mission field. And as long as people see: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self control in me and my family then maybe I've done my job?

Now, is that self-indulgence or what a Mom is "suppose" to do?

After thought

P.S. Thought I would post a picture to show Wild Hair!

WOW WEE

GFA Headquarters in Carrollton
I'm thinking about putting signs like this up around our church!
Michael's new house
Man, what a week! I love roller coasters and this week has been one but it wasn't as fun as the
Titan! Saturday, Aug. 18th came faster than I expected! This whole week has been truly emotional, miscommunications, hurt feelings, true observations and sending my son off to GFA.

It is only 76 miles from my house to where he lives, One hour and 22 minutes. It would be longer for me since I would get lost. In fact by the time we got home Saturday, my head and stomach hurt so bad from the riding, road construction and the driving that my husband seems to think is a nascar race! I was totally praying for a fire proof suit! You know what I mean?

Anyway...

For 18 years Michael has been a joy...it isn't as though he still isn't it's just he isn't that little boy with the wild hair. Who was really kind of dutchy when he talked. Whatcha doing Michael? I'm wooking. Your what? I'm wooking out the window.

So many years it was just he and I. Mike worked a lot so it was us. I couldn't go anywhere without him. To the store, to bathroom, outside...NO WHERE!



It's really pretty funny since I do not want him to be a "moma's boy". I married one of those and for the first 5, 6 years of our marriage "the other woman" in my marriage was my MIL. That's another story...know what I mean?




I am hard on my kids. I will be the first to admit it. I love them dearly! I don't love one more than the other but I love them differently. I want to push them and make sure that they are not lazy, that they take the initiative in things, to be the best that they can be in whatever it is they do. To make sure they are respectful and loving.

I have recently read about Hannah and Samuel. How she longed for a child and prayed for one, finally God granted her what she wanted. She made a deal...If you give me a child I will give him to You. Haven't we all made deals with God at some point in our life?


I remember going into labor with Michael and saying "God if you get me through this I will NEVER do this again!!! I tried to keep my part of the bargain until 10 years later! It takes me a long time to forget pain!! LOL!!!
Anyway...

And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of the LORD in Shiloh: and the child was young. (1Sa 1:24)
And they slew a bullock, and brought the child to Eli. (1Sa 1:25)
And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD. (1Sa 1:26)
For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him: (1Sa 1:27)
Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there. (1Sa 1:28)

It's time to let go, I know...he's 18. But he will always be that cute little boy with the wild hair and a little dutchy!!!


Everything will be alright! He's only 76 miles, one hour and 22 minutes away. I Love ya, Michael and if you need to come home I'll be there asap...I mean, Dad will be driving up there asap. The next time I come up I'll have to take Dramamine!

Elvis is dead and so is my grass...

Everyone remembers where they were on 9/11. People remember where they were when Kennedy was shot. I remember being 10 years old sitting in front of the tv watching reruns of "The Dick Van Dyke Show".
Mind you, they were RERUNS, in black and white. The year was 1977 and school was about to start in a few weeks. While watching my wholesome entertainment the show was interrupted to bring me this terrible news...Elvis has left the building for good.
Now, lets keep in mind that I am 10 years old, aka Drama Queen. My best bud called, she had just heard the news also. We sat on the phone for quite some time crying...until our moms made us get off. We were both Elvis fans, we had him on our walls, on the record players. You know, the big black CD's.
To this day, I laugh about that! I cannot believe we were so into Elvis at the age of 10! I look at my own daughter and she likes High School musical and stuff like that. But as far as having boys posters hanging in her room?? Nope or even having a crush on anyone...we can Thank God for that. I don't think I can do that just yet!

Now onto my grass...it is dying and the city insist on tearing up my lawn every chance they get! First it was putting in the new hydrant, now it's to run pipe from the hydrant, under the road and up the street.

These guys have had it rough! This week the temperature has been in the 100's plus the humidity makes it unbearable!
See the brown places in the yard.

Here are a few pictures of a Praise and Worship band here around town called Common Saints . They are pretty good so if you get a chance to check them out, please do so! You will be blessed by their music and meeting them. Not to mention the boy playing the bongos was so cute!!!

Keyboard, Mouse, Keyboard, Mouse

For the past two days we have been without Internet service! Keyboard, mouse...help me!

I have had withdrawals!!!! I had so many emails (mostly junk) but still it's always nice when the homeschool websites send me something!!

Tonight is the first scrimage between Dallas and Indianapolis! Go Cowboys!

We have one week until we take Michael to GFA. Guess I need to google his new address and make sure there are no "predators" around his area! Ok, that's too much Momma, isn't it? What is that called "helicopter mommy" because they "hover". LOL!!

This is cool and thought I would share it: My mom works for a school district around here and a new woman started this week with mom. She happens to be a preachers wife and graduated from Criswell College plus got her Masters from Texas A&M. Now how good is that? a Godly Aggie!!!

Anyway, she was talking to mom and mentioned that she wanted to find a missionary to support. Well, Mom being the proud "nana" that she is told her about Michael and Gospel for Asia. Lo and behold, this woman who has NEVER met Michael is going to send money to support him. I did meet her one day, she seems like a very nice lady. Mom said she's glad to get someone like her in the office and she thinks they will be able to work good together.

After some fine tuning...here is what our 2007-08 Homeschool Schedule looks like:

I know, it looks kind of BORING but during those hours many different things will be happening, projects, computer games, learning, we even have to make bricks from mud and straw in our Bible lesson. Not to mention the Co Op all day on Fridays.

We are only doing 4 subjects a day...it's all I can handle!

I really want to try making a lapbook, Amanda really likes to make things/crafts so maybe this would be a great way to do history or science.

I truly think Amanda will break through this year. I will continue to pray Blessings over her so she can actually witness her progress! Lord, just don't let me mess her up!

OOOPPSS, Cowboys are back...see ya!

I can't even imagine

Can you imagine that in one moment your whole life can change?

I can't even imagine and don't ever want to. Tonight a wife and mother will spend a night alone in her bed. Wake up and think, try to go back to sleep only to wake up and think some more.

Tonight a young woman who is two weeks from going off to college is without a Dad. It breaks my heart that this friend of mine is going through this. I didn't hear about it until today and ran out to see her. I just had to find out if there wasn't some kind of mistake or if I could do anything.

I would have been there sooner but I got lost...what a goof!!

I don't know if he was saved or what he believed or if he even believed in God. It's odd that when someone is gone that question pops into your head. Shouldn't that be asked at some point before death? Some people would even say that it's none of your business.

But I can't help but wonder. I see Carolyn and pray that everything will be alright. I totally lost it in front of people tonight asking for prayer for her and her daughter...I don't normally do that...loose it.

I guess maybe in my old age I'm softening up. Maybe I look at my own children or husband and I can't even imagine one of them not being there. It would be like an arm or leg missing, well, not really but a huge chunk would be gone.

In one moment everything changes...

Please keep the Bolding family in your prayers.

1 Year Blog Anniversary

Tomorrow will be my one year blogging anniversary. Can you believe how fast a year goes by?

My oldest graduated in May and will be leaving for Gospel for Asia in 2 weeks. We bought him sheets, towels, passport to go to India, my little boy is grown up. Oh, in case you have decided to sponsor Michael, please do so and send in your $$$$$. As of right now he will be able to stay for 4 months!!
Gospel for Asia

We will begin our 2 year of . We have a schedule ready, lesson plans and I am so looking forward to it! Yes, it is scary and at times you want to pull your hair out! But when your child FINALLY gets something...it is so AMAZING!!!

So much has happened in a year...where do I start??? I began this "blog" as a way of keeping up with the kids, it was MY secret. A way of putting down feelings about anything and everything, a way of venting, a brain dump. Now come to find out there are more people than I thought who have blogs and I have been fortunate to be able to add them to my links. There goes my secret, LOL!!!

1)Mike is still doing the DBA thing
2) football season is about to start with NO marching band for us, boo hoo.
3)We got carpet!!! and painted the entire house.
4)Michael and I fixed the little storage building roof and floor.
5)Cornerstone is stronger than ever! Thank you God!!!
6)VBS turned out to be a wonderful time!
7)I have made new friends and hope to get to know them all even better.
8)We have LIVE music at church!!! BLESSING!!! Michael got to play the drums in the praise group, I knew those hours of drumming would pay off somehow!!!
9)Amanda has made new friends, which she is excited about! And most of them are homeschooled also.
10)Mike is coming together with like minded men who have become great friends and accountability partners.
11)and how could I forget...Melissa
Wow!!! That's just 11 and I could go on!!!

Melissa is Michael's "friend"...I am secretly betrothing them...don't tell them!!! She is a wonderful, precious young lady that I have known since she was in the 7th grade. They "went
together" in Middle school. They were "team supremes" together for the white team and started hanging around again their senior year. If it is meant to be then God will get them to the point where they need to be. But I'm still secretly...Hey, one day I will be a grandma and I intend on having pretty grandbabies!!!

We would all go to Whataburger after football games and eat. She usually would get a pancake while we were "pigging" out. She will be attending DBU this year and will leave about 4 days before Michael. So be sure to keep her in your prayers.

It seems like everything is finally working the way it should. Mike mentioned today that "pioneer Buddy" wants to begin a class on Wednesday nights, which would be wonderful. I did mention to him that between all of the ministries, lifegroups and Oak street that he shouldn't forget his ministry at home. I know I'm being selfish again but he wasn't around and sober all the time when Michael was growing up. I just want stability for Amanda and a good relationship between him and his little girl!! I probably want that most of all for her, since I didn't have it.

One thing we decided to do as a family is take time in the evenings at 8pm to read a book together. We began reading With Daring Faith by Rebecca Henry Davis. It's a biography of Amy Carmichael. If you ever get the chance to read it, do so. This woman had DARING FAITH!!!
We haven't finished yet and I'm anxious to see what happens.

The next book on our list is John Bunyan: The Tinker of Bedford by William Deal. He is the man who wrote Pilgrims Progress.

The one thing I would like to figure out to do is design websites...it can not be that hard!! All you need are the right programs. Then I can make my blog "pretty"!! You see I'm cheap and don't want to pay someone to do it for me. But I am all about "pretty"!! Maybe during the course of the school year I will be able to achieve that.

Anyway, God has been so good to us! We are so fortunate to be where we are! We will see how fortunate we are after the first week of school and we are back to our routines! We've been staying up late and getting up late...I am WAY TO OLD to do that!

This week I have been worthless and I am totally regretting that feeling! Beginning Monday, we are getting back into the swing of things. So much happens in a year, wonder what I will be blogging about in August of 2008?

Lesson plans, up late and prayer

Wow! We officially have 5 weeks until school starts. I have done lesson plans from Aug. 27th to Christmas break. The only problem is, How do you make English fun? This year will be our 2nd year to Homeschool and I am worried about English!

Simple sentences, declarative, interogative, nouns, verbs, writing....doesn't sound like too much fun. I know that if I teach Amanda the Bible and what God wants, everything else will fall into place. English, Fun???

Our homeschool Co-Op will be a little more involved this year. The name of it is Lake Area Christian Homeschoolers. I truly think the kids will have a good time and learn some interesting things! I'm looking forward to it!

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday our church will have it's first VBS. Are we ready? probably not but it's all good and things will work out. I am doing the games with another woman and we have come up with some cute games! I'm so into cute! Anyway, the theme for VBS is Pioneer Days. There were many Pioneers in the bible: Moses, Abraham and Jesus just to name a few.

Tonight we had the elders and their families over to pray for the church, to lift up friends, concerns, kids, ministries and anything else that was on our hearts. I do not pray out loud. Most of the time I do not lack for words but when it comes to praying out loud I am very self conscience. I am FAR from eloquent, I get tongue tied, I sound STUPID and I will end up bawling!!!! So it's best that I pray silently.

I so enjoy being around the new people that God has brought in! They are a joy to be around! Not to mention, funny!

I found out tonight that the other Lifegroup that meets on Tuesdays will be splitting! Isn't that fabulous! So now we will have 3 groups meeting on Tuesdays and 1 on Saturdays. Each group will continue to grow and split. Then we all meet on Sundays to celebrate!

The only problem I see with this is I don't think the group I'm in will ever get to split. I know...I am SELFISH!!! or maybe jealous. The other groups will be going to different peoples houses, inviting people, seeing friends. All of that so appealed to me and yes, I am whining! It's my blog and I'll whine if I want to...

I feel so out of place in the place I'm in, if that makes any sense. I don't know what to do! I hate being taken out of my comfort zone because I don't know how to react. Lord, help me through this!!!

This week I got the BIGGEST Fever blister! It looked like Mt. St. Helen's! My top lip was so swollen and it hurt. According to what I have read, causes for fever blisters are: stress, lack of sleep or a virus.

I didn't really feel sick, my stomach was a little queasy, I never lack sleep and stress, well, that maybe a different story now that I think about it. Maybe I'm stressing over this uncomfortable position I'm in. I didn't think about that until now.

Now if I don't get to bed soon, I will be lacking sleep.

Good night!

2 bits, 4 bits, 6 bits a dollar...

Ok, I saw this on another blog and couldn't resist. This post has absolutely nothing to do with church, kids or homeschool. Sometimes it's just fun to remember !!

1. Who was your best friend? Dawn Howard, she now lives north of Dallas and we only see each other at reunions

2. Did you play any sports? Of course! I loved basketball and softball!!

3. What kind of car did you drive? at times a little blue ford escort or big white Lincoln continental

4. It’s Friday night. Where were you? Out with the boyfriend at a party.

5. Were you a party animal? I don't know if I was an animal, but I was around.

6. Were you considered a flirt? Oh mercy I hope not, I had the same boyfriend most of my high school career...I married him.

7. Were you in the band, orchestra or choir? None of the above.
8. Were you a nerd? Absolutely not, an athlete and cheerleader!!

9. Were you ever suspended or expelled? No, but I did receive licks from some of the best teachers at MHS.
10. Can you sing the fight song? Yes, Oh, give three cheers for Mabank High, the fairest in the land, LOL...maybe I am a nerd.
11. Who was your favorite teacher? Mrs. Lundy and Mrs. Beck, Mrs. Beck is STILL there.
12. What was your school mascot? Panthers
13. Did you go to the Prom? yes, four years in a row.
14. If you could go back, would you? no way!!
15. What do you remember most about graduation? Receiving a ring from my boyfriend.

16. Where were you on Senior Skip Day? We didn't get to do that.

17. Did you have a job your senior year? no, I was a bum!!!
18. Where did you go most often for lunch? My freshman year, they closed campus so we couldn't leave!!!

19. Have you gained weight since then? Well...unfortunately, yes.

20. What did you do after graduation? got married and had 2 children.

21. What year did you graduate? 1985
22. Who was your Senior Prom Date? a friend named Cody
23. Are you going/did you go to your 10 year reunion? Yes, I went to the 5, 10 and 20... I had to since I helped put them together!

Have a good evening,

Dreama

King of Sweetness and some of my own

Isn't this amazing? How sweet is this picture? When you think about a daddy and his baby, is this what you see? God has made us all unique.



These are my two babies...Ain't God good?

I see myself in her...

Yesterday a young mother showed up at church. We know her and the family she married into. Apparently her husband (we know his parents) has gotten into drugs and tried to harm her. This horrible thing happened in front of their young son.

I have done nothing but think of her and pray for her. I can relate to her because I have been in her shoes. I know exactly how she feels. I want to reach out to her but I don't want her to think I'm being nosy. I truly feel a need to be there for her...just to listen.

Our church has an outreach that we support. The family that runs it opens their house up to people who have been in trouble with drugs, alcohol, or just need help. THey all come to our church on Sunday and we now have started a lifegroup over there on Tuesdays. I have to tell you I wasn't at all happy with having to change groups. I barely got to know the people in the first group. I know these people need to be ministered to and they need Jesus. But I don't feel the same need to reach out to them as I do her.

I'm not comfortable stepping outside of "my box". It's hard to relate to people that you have nothing in common with. I have never had a problem with drugs or alcohol, I am too much of a control freak! But I am married to someone who did have these problems.

That is why I see myself in her...here is a young mama who has had some of choices taken away by her husband. She didn't ask for all of this to happen, she didn't want it. The selfishness of her husband has now put her in this position.

I know, "society" has deemed these addictions as a "sickness" but it all started as a selfish act in order for him to "escape" with no thought to his family! And she had no choice in the matter.

Please pray for this young family. And the people at the outreach, they all need Jesus.

Ramblins

As I sit here listening to the guys who do our music at church I am struck by how God uses people. To have enough talent to pick up at guitar or drumstick and play praises to God.

The only thing I play is the radio! I know God says to make a joyful noise but it sounds so much better when people who have talent do it!! Halleluia, Your love makes me sing!

As christians, should we only listen to praise, worship and hymns? Can we listen to country, rock, rap? If we have christian brothers and sisters who do listen to other forms of music, are we to confront them about it?

Is classical out? What about musicals? Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King, Wicked, concerts???
These are just a few of the questions that have been brought to my attention in the past few hours.

I truly wish I could somehow capture the music being played in here and post it. "You are holy, holy, holy and I want to be holy like You are"!!

I know that we are to do only those things that honor God. Whether it is music, movies, tv.

I have to admit...I love tv! I have 2 shows actually 3 that I watch. Dancing with the Stars, Survivor, and General Hospital. I have to admit, I like watching these shows! I'm also a news junkie...I'm into fox news! HGTV!

Okay, maybe I have a problem but it's not like I can't miss them. Okay, okay, I make sure I record them if I'm leaving the house that night.

Last month my husband did away with our cable!!! I had a fit!!!! I went out and bought "rabbit ears" for 4 tv's.
So now ALL we get is about 5 channels, not all channels come in in all of the rooms. We do get about 3 spanish channels really good!! and PBS.

Now my tv's have those little metal rods coming out of them. I am dying to put foil on the ends, it's so retro!

Anyway, life goes on!

Ice Cream always brings things into perspective!! Hello DQ!!!

Have a fabulous weekend!

Happy 4th of July!!!

Excerpt from an Independence Day message from Col. Oliver North (Ret.):

"Two hundred and thirty-one years ago this July 4th, a committee of five patriots, headed by a young farmer from Virginia, presented the final draft of the Declaration of Independence to 55 of his colleagues in the Second Continental Congress. After making relatively few changes to Thomas Jefferson’s work and then, pledging “to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor,” all 56 members signed their names to this Declaration of Independence. In so doing, they created something that was then unique on the planet earth: a country based on the concepts of individual liberty, religious freedom, private property and democratic government.

Since then, the people of this nation have taken great risks to offer others the hope of that same freedom.

As Americans celebrate our 231st Independence Day, we do so with more than 150,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen, guardsmen and Marines in Iraq and over 27,000 in Afghanistan. Those who celebrate this Independence Day on lonely outposts in Afghanistan and Iraq are a magnificent reflection of who we are as a people."

Without the sacrifice of these young men and women, we would be unable to enjoy the freedoms that we have and continue to celebrate additional independence days.

WISHING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A SAFE AND HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

When it rains, it pours and keep your mouth shut!

When it rains, it pours and pours and pours and pours. People here in Texas have been getting hammered by the rain, they have been displaced and some have lost everything. We so desperately needed the rain! Our lakes were so low and we were in a drought. Now our yard is a swamp!! Bugs are horrible and huge!!

Not to mention that we were SUPPOSE to get our carpet put in tomorrow...forget it...too much rain.

Guess we should be careful for what we pray for? Lord, Thank you for all of the rain you have sent to help us. Please Lord, let it move on over to Florida, they are in a drought and need some of your refreshing rain!
Also, watch over those that have lost all that they had and keep us all from danger and rising waters!

I know I have mentioned that our church has been going through some changes. God has moved people around and brought people in to achieve His purpose. Our "lifegroups" meet throughout the week and on Saturday nights. The first one we attended was at my cousins house. We were there so my husband could see how to facilitate the group.

There was a question about how do you love one another especially if that person is hard to love?

I will be the first to admit, I have a problem with those that are hard to love!!! I try, but the "flesh" gets in the way!
My husband started talking about his mom, who by the way is an alcoholic. He turns to me and ask for a word to describe his mom...this is where I need to learn to look lovingly and smile.

The only word I could think of was:evil. Sorry, that was the only thing that came to my mind. I have come a long way when it comes to my mouth. It is still a work in progress.

I know that it bothers my husband that his mom is mean and nasty. She is his mom and he does love her. She doesn't know the Lord and he is afraid of her dying and going to hell.

I know that the only thing that we can do is love her. But how do you love someone who is totally negative, mean, nasty, deceitful and feels that the whole world and everyone in it owes her????? She is such a bitter person.

What in her past has made her so angry? The really sad part about this is: she isn't the only one in this world like this. So many people are so messed up and they keep creating their own gods to their life and for their purpose.

This week in our groups we will be talking about bearing one another burdens. If I should be asked anything I pray that I will be able to smile, look lovingly and keep my mouth shut!!!

Pray for those in the flood watch and those who have lost everything.

Have a wonderful and hopefully dry weekend!!!

Dreama

Light at the end...

I think I finally see the light at the end of the tunnel with our home projects. We, Michael and I have 3 more rooms to paint. Next Friday we will be getting carpet put in the house!!! CARPET!!!! Praise GOD!!! I know that sounds silly but we soooo needed carpet and without HIM we wouldn't be able to get it!

I have 2 more subjects to purchase for 4th grade next year. Next month I will begin planning our projects and field trips. Monday our Homeschool group will be getting together to plan next year.

Michael will be leaving for Gospel for Asia in Carrollton in August. Lord, please provide him the means for him to be able to go. I know he has spoken to some people who will be sponsoring him but he probably needs to make more contacts. He needs $700.00 a month for support.

We have started our Home church. Sunday was WONDERFUL!!!! I believe everyone loved it. We all stayed and ate afterwards. Last night we met in my cousin's house for our first "life group". Each week we will meet in different peoples houses and learn.

I'm sure some people will think it's cultish...but they met this way in Acts. The church isn't a building, it's the people. I do know we have some good food and snacks. We might just have to start an exercise class!!!

God is good!!! I'm sure things will be getting even better. I am so very excited about the changes!!!!!

Have a blessed week!

Dreama

Fixin' things up

WHOA!!! I am so tired!



Since we have finished school I have started redoing parts of the house. So far I have painted the living area, hall way and now the bathroom. We pulled all the old wall paper down, scraped the ceiling, painted the ceiling and tore down the wall around the tub.



I mean since it was falling down anyway might as well replace it, right? We are installing a tub surround piece. Hubby thought of this after looking at the hole in the wall that I had made.


I really enjoy doing home projects! The reason for all of the painting, papering and tiling is NEW CARPET!!! NEW CARPET!!!!


This past winter was the coldest we here in my part of Texas have had in a while. We have hard wood floors in our house and we froze!!! I ended up putting blankets down on the floor to help keep the house warm. Our house is also a pier and beam house.


When we bought this house 12 years ago there was green carpet through out the house. Between kids running in and out, 2 different dogs living with us at different points in our lives, Dr. Pepper spills, that carpet was SHOT!!!


So, I get the bright idea one Spring Break to take up the carpet with plans to redo the hard wood floors. That's been about 3 years now and it ain't happening!!!


Hello Lowe's and carpet!!! Not to mention some other home projects that need to get done.


Our church is also going through some redesigning. When this church began Mike wanted it to be like a New Testament church. Back then people would get together at each others houses and have church. Men or Elders would teach the others that gathered. We will begin this type of learning this week. On Tuesday night we get together and have prayer and worship. Everyone brings something to eat and believe me no one goes hungry!


During the week we will have "life groups" at someone's house then come together on Sundays and worship, eat and fellowship. I am truly excited!! We have new people coming, Buddy, Sherry, John, Linda, Trace and Gina.


It is truly a miracle that Trace and Gina will be joining us on this adventure. Gina grew up in a church here on the lake and has never been any where else.


Buddy can play any instrument and his wife can sing. Now along with some others at the church our praise and worship should be awesome!!!

God is about to do something mighty and we are apart of it. It is so exciting!!! Praise God for all he is doing!!

We are finished!!!

Our first year of Homeschool is over. We will be having a party and passing out rewards this week! Amanda did a wonderful job and I am so proud of her!

I made her certificates and a report card so that she would have somethings to remember our first year. We both learned a lot!! I believe I have learned that you can teach your own child and anyone can be a teacher if you try hard enough.

Yes, there were times that I thought we wouldn't get through but God was there for us!!! We plan on doing this again next year. I have already started buying BJU curriculum and have planned out most of our year. Except for field trips and projects.

I have decided that we will be going to school Monday-Friday and concentrate on 4 subjects that day. Our co-op will be meeting on either Monday or Friday.
Our Schedule will look something like this:
Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
9-10am Bible Bible Bible Bible Spelling Test
10-11am Math Math Math Math Science/Hist
11-12 Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Typing/Comp
12-1 Spelling English Handwriting Reading Co-Op
1-2 Free Time Spelling Spelling Spelling Field Trip


Free Time will consist of reading anything she wants! I am very excited about next year! I just hope she is, LOL!!! I do know that her ATTITUDE has gotten much better!!

Have a great Monday!!!

A long time ago...

A long time ago...1977

In a galaxy far, far away...Dallas, TX...

I was 10 years old when "Star Wars" came out. I remember my best friend, our moms, my sister and I stood in line to see this movie. It was a pretty long line too!

You were transformed to another time and place. You were scared of Darth Vader, thought C3PO and R2D2 were cute and wanted to have them for pets. You wanted Luke and Leia to "be together". Who knew they would be brother and sister!!!

And let's not forget...Han Solo!!! What a dream!!

Star Wars is the ultimate good versus evil story. The magic of movies, especially when you're a kid is such a cool memory. Today, my children enjoy watching them.

Do you realize that only 2 of the actors have been in all 6 movies? R2D2 and C3PO, Anthony Daniels and Kenny Baker.

For more Star Wars trivia visit: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0076759/trivia

Have a great week.

Memorial Day 2007

I know it's not actually Memorial Day yet...but thought I would post this in case I wasn't around a computer on Monday.



Never in the history of the world has any soldier sacrificed more for the freedom and liberty of total strangers than the American soldier.

And, our soldiers don't just give freedom abroad, they preserve it for us here at home. For it has been said so truthfully that it is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us the freedom of the press.

It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the agitator, who has given us the freedom to protest.

It is the soldier who salutes the flag, serves beneath the flag, whose coffin is draped by the flag, who gives that protester the freedom to abuse and burn that flag.

*Democratic Sen. Zell Miller, of Georgia, gives the keynote address at the 2004 Republican National Convention.

God Bless You!!!
Dreama

Need I say More????

WOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! Had to miss the show due to my son's Graduation. Now I'm waiting on Graduation Pictures so I thought I would post this until then.

U R A TEXAN IF:

Thought this was cute!!!

U R A Texan If: 1. You can properly pronounce Corsicana, Palestine, Decatur , Wichita Falls , San Antonio, Burnet, Boerne, Nacogdoches , Mexia, Waco , Amarillo , and Waxahachie.

2. A tornado warning siren is your signal to > >go out in the yard and look for a funnel.

3. You've ever had to switch from "heat" to "A/C" in the same day.

4. You know that the true value of a parking space is not determined by the distance to the door, but by the availability of shade.

5. Stores don't have bags, they have sacks.

6. You measure distance in minutes.

7. You go to the lake because you think it is like going to the ocean.

8. You listen to the weather forecast before picking out an outfit

9. You know cow-pies are not made of beef.

10. Someone you know has used a football schedule to plan their wedding date.

11. You aren't surprised to find movie rental, ammunition, and bait all in the same store.

12. Your "place at the lake" has wheels under it.

13. You know everything goes better with Ranch dressin'.

14. You actually understand this and you are "fixin' to" send it to your friends.

15. Finally, you are 100% Texan if you have ever heard this conversation:
" You wanna coke?"
"Yeah."
"What kind?"
"Dr. Pepper!"

WOW!!! I can't believe that Yau Man didn't win!! I so wanted him to! Thanks to Dreamz! Can you believe that he lied like that on TV? I couldn't believe that. I mean a lie is a lie but what made that worse was he recieved something. Yau was the honorable one and didn't take the truck back.
What people will do for money. I know...he was homeless but isn't there still something as honor?



APOLLO!!! Whoa! I was totally blown away by his dancing. They were great!! I only wish Ian and Cheryl were able to make it to the finals. I believe that I said that either Apollo or Joey would win...I hope it's Apollo!!

We have Senior Assembly this Friday, Baccalaureate on Sunday and Graduation next Tuesday. Michael has been accepted to Criswell College and Gospel for Asia. He has chosen Gospel for Asia, he's going to call Criswell and see if he can delay his entry there. God has given him the opportunity to do either.

I pray he is choosing the right thing. Gospel for Asia is a one year internship with a 3 week trip to India. My baby going to India???!!! Guess we need to get the passport renewed.

Amanda has finished her bible study book, english book and almost her handwriting book. We still have until the first week of June for school. By then it will only be spelling and math.
Praise God, we made it. I have made her some awards and thought I would do something special that Friday, like have a PARTY!!!! I think we both deserve it. Considering we didn't have a clue as to what we were doing.

Have a good Wednesday, hope you all make it to midweek services!!!

Blast from the past

Field Trip to Jefferson, Texas




This weekend we headed to Jefferson.
The town has a Civil War reenactment the first weekend in May and we decided to head over for Living History day.
We are about to begin our studies on the Civil War and I thought this would be a good way for Amanda to see some things up close.
Tents were set up and people dressed up in period outfits. We saw how things were done during that time...I know I would not want to have lived during that time.



The town of Jefferson is great and the people are so friendly!! You have to check out the General store while you are there. We also toured some of the homes. We went through one named "Homestead". The lady who lives there is 97 years old, she moved into the house when she was 7. Everything in the house was orginal. It reminded me of my great grandmothers house in Missouri.




We were also able to tour the GWTW musuem! The woman who owns it has a magnificent collection. She has things in English, German, Spanish, Dutch. It was amazing! I have a pretty good GWTW collection myself but not enough to warrant having a house to place it all !







During the Civil War, the women made the clothes for their family. If you were lucky you had a sewing machine. The children would be the ones who turned the crank so that the needle would go up and down while Mom guided the material through. Can you imagine having to do that? We are so spoiled!! I like being spoiled!!!

Not to mention if you were

wounded during a battle the doctors would seperate you according to your wounds. You didnt' have much of a chance if you were shot anywhere on the torso.

If you were hit in the arm or leg, doctors might use such tools as spoons, knitting needles, their fingers to remove bullets. Many times they had to just amputate your limb with a saw! Yesterday that doctor may have been using it to cut down a tree then turn around a have to use it on a patient.

We had a wonderful time and Amanda got a chance to see some of what people of those times did.
While we were at the battlefield site, some of the men fired the cannon. Have you ever heard anything like that? Oh my goodness!! It totally freaked everyone out! We saw have they washed clothes by boiling them and using lye soap and the scrub board. I am so glad we are spoiled!!!! Women backed then worked extremely hard! I am such a wimp!
There's a woman at church that has 2 boys. The oldest has been diagnosed with dylexsia and the youngest whose in Kindergarten was been having problems. She has been praying and researching Homeschooling. I have sent her websites that I have run across and magazines. I did the same thing she is doing. I told her the praying was the most important first step.
I took her to a friends bookstore here in town. She has a coffee shop, christian bookstore and she sells homeschool curriculum. Hopefully, Julie will make the right decision for them.

Just a few more weeks of school and until graduation. Michael got an acceptance letter from Criswell College in Dallas. He's still waiting for Gospel for Asia. So we will see what he chooses. This week should be pretty stress free...except for the weather. I am praying for the weather around here to calm down. The tornadoes that went through Kansas and Oklahoma destroyed towns and people's lives. They will need our prayers!!!

Have a blessed week!!
Dreama