So, I'm a day late...

Happy Father's Day!!! yep, I'm a day late in posting but we did celebrate on the right day. After church we headed to our local Mexican restaurant with some of our friends from church. Then last night, Michael cooked steaks for dinner. Mike did nothing since it was Daddy Day. He tried telling us it was Daddy Week but we didn't buy it, LOL!!

Oh Mike. Twenty three years ago, I never would have imagine that we would be celebrating him as a father. It's funny looking back at how far he's come! This is a man who wanted nothing to do with God and everything to do with Bud.

It's amazing what God can do with a person.

Anyway, Happy Father's Day Mike!! We love you!

What a difference a day makes

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WHEW!! What a day! Yesterday around 3:30am most of us in our sleepy, little East Texas town woke up to thunder storms. It was mainly the lightning that did it. After the tornado blew through here a couple of months ago, most of us are pretty leery.
Like I said, after the lightning and thunder lightened up we didn't think anything about the rain. After all, we need it!!!
I woke up around 7:20ish. Mike was pulling out of the drive but he was backing up down the road instead of going forward. You know, R for reverse and D for drive. I couldn't figure out what he was doing.
So me being the nosy person I am, I called and asked "what the heck are you doing"? He proceeds to tell me
that there is water backing up on our little piece of land. (pic. 4)
WHOA!!! Then I begin to look around while turning on the morning news. He's describing to me what he's seeing around town and not believing it.
The day before I had taken pictures of what our yard looked like, all pretty and put in order. NOW it was under water!!
Pretty scary, huh?? We were blessed and thankful that nothing happened to us.
Hhmm, let's see what happens tomorrow...

Back yard fun

I enjoy working in the yard. I guess I got that from Mom. She was either reading or working outside. Most of the items I have in my yard belonged to her. Above is a fountain that I had given her for Christmas one year.

The black table and chairs came from Mom. She has this in her kitchen at one time. I always told her that one day I was going to steal it and put it in my yard. She was ALWAYS taking things out of mine and transplanting it in hers!!! Notice the birdcage hanging from the fence. I'm sure it's a flea market find. The white cart belonged to my grandmother. Mom got it after Ma Ma died.

Here's another sitting area. I love the color RED!!!

See the small bunny hiding? I thought I'd post some pictures before it got too hot here and things began to turn BROWN!!

Defying Gravity

Guess what we're doing this coming weekend??? I'm so excited to be able to share this with Amanda!!!

Remember Me

Cloudy with a chance of brisket!!

WHEW! It's hot here in the Grand old State of TEXAS!!!  I woke up this morning to smoke blowing by the window and my husband sitting outside smoking brisket!!! Wooo Hooo!!!

Our church is hosting some women from an abuse center this evening. So we are cooking for them and kicking off the Memorial Day Weekend! Shucks! That means I have to share! LOL!!!

The past month, my nephew has been staying with us and homeschooling with Amanda. Thursday was their last day! All they have to do this summer is math. Then we'll begin again the last week of August. It'll be nice taking 3 months off!

We're planning to head to Kansas sometime in June to visit Mike's dad. It'll be nice to get away for a while.  Hopefully, they'll have the pool open by the time we head up there. I finally got our pool cleaned and ready! I wasn't sure it would be up and running by this weekend. I think I'll be taking better care of it this fall and winter though. You know, actually cover it and run that pump so all that goop doesn't build up!

Let's see, June 12th we are heading to Dallas to see WICKED!! Needless, to say I'm ecstatic!!! End of June headed to Kansas, July 4th Party at our friends house north of town, July 27th-JONAS BROTHERS CONCERT!! Needless to say, Amanda is ecstatic!!!  Then maybe we can head to the coast or something for our family vacation. I've never been to Galveston or Rock Port. Relax on the beach and enjoy spending time together. Not that we don't spend time together here. It's just different when you take off. There's a sense of freedom as you drive off and head into a new place.

AAWWW, SUMMER!!! I'm so glad you're here!!!!

What in the world???

Okay, I'll admit it...when I first heard about homeschooling I thought "those" people where a bunch of weirdos. "Those" fanatically religious" people who kept their children in the basement and made them listen to Mozart all day long!
Well, now I'm one of those people but not one of "those" type of homeschooling people, LOL!!
Anyway...
 Before beginning school this morning, I was watching GMA. Much to my surprise, they were about to do a story on "unschooling".
Unschooling, hhmmm, unusual concept.
Around here we try to do hands on stuff, read and textbooks.
Unschooling requires no books, no rules, apparently it requires nothing...
Please click here
It's not really the whole unschooling thing that bothers me, those parents can teach or unteach they way they want.
What blew me away was the statement that one mother made:
"It's amazing when you broaden the scope of what you see as learning as opposed to worksheets," the mother said. "There is no hierarchy in our house, so there is no punishment, no judgment, no discipline. They get what they want for breakfast and eat whatever they want. It's all a matter of what feels right to them."
What has happened to us? When did we completely lose our minds?  No hierarchy, punishment, judgment or discipline...God help us all.

Thinking...

Guess I need to blog in April before the month is over! Three weeks ago we began homeschooling my nephew. He's a smart kid and can do the work, it's the social skills that he lacks. I can't believe a kid who's 13 years old has never developed or been taught those types of things.

It's been an eye opener for Amanda though. It's even lit a fire under her. She jumps in and gets her work done. I think she just wants to try and show Mason up...I guess a little competition never hurts.

April 15th was Tax Day but it was also Mom's birthday. She would have been 64. "Would have been", that's still so strange to say when talking about her. We all miss her so much!  But life goes on...

Mike has been extremely busy at work but received a really nice raise, Praise God!! Michael is still attending Criswell. He's been busy writing papers and taking test.


On the agenda for this week will be school, going to see The Lion, Witch and The Wardrobe on Wednesday, and piano lessons.

May will bring a trip to Jefferson, Texas for the civil war living history day. The Arlington Bookfair happens the second weekend in May, then, THEN it's clean up for our county. This gives everyone an opportunity to haul off all the junk you may have around your house! I'm so excited cause we're gonna get rid of the mess we pulled out of the attic during March.

The plants are beginning to bloom, my blue truck looks green with all of the pollen that's floating around and the pool needs to be cleaned.

We are trying to stay on task with school so we will be finished in June and be able to take July-August off. I've been going through a John Piper study with two other women. It's been a blessing for me and I hope for them. They approached me about doing a "Godly wife" study and I thought, "Whoa, you probably should have asked someone else"! LOL!!

I believe that all of us have benefited from it though. I've enjoyed getting to know them and hopefully lead them in the right direction.

Randomness

Whoa! it's been quite a while since I've been around. Since the middle of January, it's been such a mad house around here. We were in Kansas for about 3 weeks came home at the beginning of February, took off from school for about 3 weeks in March due to my father in law spending a week with us. Mike took off one week and we cleaned out the attic THEN Michael was off for Spring Break from school!!!

So much for my well laid plans!! Although the attic did need cleaning out! We had stuff in there from 1986, when we got married! We carried that stuff around all these years! I can't believe some of the stuff we found! Check books and registers from 86-2005, a bag phone from the 90's, kids baby clothes, old high school stuff WOW!!! I'm glad it's gone now!

Let's see...we went with friends to see "The Phantom of the Opera". Traveled back in time to the Civil War in Beaumont, Texas. Had snow in February and on the First day of Spring AND tonight is DANCING WITH THE STARS!!!!!

Now we have inherited my 13 year old nephew during the week. I'm homeschooling him with Amanda. Mason is a smart kid but needs some guidance, instruction and discipline. My sister is having a hard time and we've agreed to help her out with him. Ultimately, we want their family to be whole again.

The health care bill passed last night and our President will sign it tomorrow. Right now, all we can do is pray! Pray that God will open the eyes of people and pray that His will be done.

I've lost 4 pounds! We've cut out cokes, drinking more water, just trying to eat smaller portions and better.

I've finally caught up entering grades for Amanda from February and found time to jump on this thing to blog. I'm still trying to do my "Breaking Free" study but haven't gotten to far. I've been getting together with two other ladies and doing a John Piper study about the biblical roles of men and women. It has been wonderful so far!!! He's brought out so much stuff that I have never thought of. It's so refreshing when that happens.

It looks like I've got about 10 minutes before DWTS comes on...see ya later!!

Whirlwind Month

After four days of laundry, I am finished! For about three weeks we have been up in Kansas burying my husbands Mom. Oh the heart break that comes along with burying a parent. It was just a whirlwind of a time. The beginning of January, we were getting back into the groove of school, trying to get Co Op back up and running. Amanda turned 12 so of course, we had a house full of young ladies who stayed up til 6AM!!!

Carolyn's birthday was the day before Amanda's and I called Mike to remind him of it. She is buried at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. When Ted passes away he'll be there with her. It was really sad, they had her cremated and Ted made the comment driving over to the base that "this is the last time I'll be able to hold her". WOW! 53 years with someone you love and all you have and known is in a box. It is hard to phathom.

While we were in Kansas, we visited downtown Kansas City. We spent one day at Union Station, Science City and made our way over to Crown Center through the Link. Amanda saw "real" snow and spent time playing with her cousin in it.

Michael began his new semester of school. He ended up being home for 2 weeks while we were up north. He had to cook, clean and do stuff for himself! LOL!! He sent a text saying, "he either needed to find a wife or we needed to come home".

Now, it's February. Where did January go? Tomorrow we'll be getting together with friends to purchase PHANTOM OF THE OPERA tickets!!! WICKED tickets go on sale March 8th!! We are looking forward to seeing both shows.

Amanda has finished her math book and will begin her new one on Monday!! Praise God!! So far this year, school has gone pretty good! I'm so pleased with her progress! It is only due to God!

I'm trying to get back into my Breaking Free study and reading my Glenn Beck book. My place was lost in it now it looks like I'm gonna have to start completely over!! UUUGGG!!!

Anyway, please continue to keep Mike and his family in your prayers.

Changes

Don't you just hate change? Maybe hate is too strong of a word but dread change, annoyed with change. When Mike and I first married, we moved every two years. He worked in the oil field so with that a move or three was expected.

The past 10 years I had grown accustomed to my little corner of town with my little family. No drama just everyday routines that were followed. Losing mom almost 2 years ago made me aware that change will always happen and sometimes routines are not always followed. This week, Mike and his family learned about that type of change.

Mike's mom passed away this week. It breaks my heart that he would have to go thru that type of heart break and change. What is really the toughest part is his Dad will be completely lost. Carolyn did EVERYTHING for him. Pay bills, make appointments, laundry, cook, clean. You name it, she did it.

We'll be staying here for about 2 weeks or so to help him in whatever way he needs. This house is a tri-level house including basement. I can't imagine him roaming around this big house by himself. Everywhere you look you see Carolyn.

Mike is able to work from up here and of course, school can be done also. Amanda was thrilled beyond belief that we are able to carry our school stuff with us!! LOL!!!

She actually saw "real" snow! We rarely see the good stuff there in Texas. She and her cousin made a snowman and played in it for 2 days!

From Leslie's blog it sounds like things are going good in India. A newly married couple in our church found out they were expecting a baby, but now their not. See, change.

I know that none of this is a "surprise" to God. He's got it all under control.

Back to the grindstone

The tree and decorations are all put up and I'm exhausted! I need a break from the Christmas break!! Aren't we suppose to return back to school well rested??

Yesterday, we returned to our routine or at least tried to. We managed to get school going and head up to Co Op for Spanish. It's nice to be able to do school in your pajamas every once in a while!!

I've been trying to do some reading and the Breaking Free study by Beth Moore. It's funny, you go from studying Isaiah to reading Arguing with Idiots.

Christmas with the Sisters was good this year. A niece and nephew came to stay a week over the holidays, which was good also. The one thing that bothered me is that I've seen my niece wear a pentagram at Thanksgiving and at our family gathering. She says she's holding it for a friend but it worries me!

We talked to her about God while she was here. Not trying to "push" anything on her, just what we as Christians believe. Amazingly, she had asked Amanda some questions about God while they were taking walks around town!

Hopefully, the seed has been planted there.

This Friday will be my baby's 12th birthday! TWELVE years old! Where did the time go? She's growing up way too fast! Seems like yesterday that she was wagging around 3 pacifiers on her string. Amanda had a clip that attached to her clothes so she wouldn't lose her pacifier. On that clip she had 3 pacifiers, when she tired of one she'd swap.

A group from our church is headed to India this weekend. They're headed over there to help out here. Please be praying for them. I know that some are NERVOUS leaving the USA and heading to a different country.

So much for my first post of 2010! So much excitement!!

We Three Kings

Tis the season to...

Whoa! Christmas Day will be here before any of us know it! The lights and tree are put up and gifts are being bought.

A niece and nephew will be spending the Christmas holidays with us this year. It's quite a shock since they belong to the sister who doesn't really like me much. So it has to be a God thing. Or she just really wants to get rid of her kids for 2 weeks.

In this last week I know of 3 families that have lost a love one. It's so hard to think that those people were only allotted a small amount of time here on earth. One was a year older than me, one about 2 years younger than me and the other was probably 5 years older. It makes you stop and think about what it is your doing with your life.

I read an article on CNN called Don't take life for granted By Ruben Navarrette Jr.

It's about the movie "Blind side" and his take on it. I happen to agree with what he said and wanted to share it.

So much in life you take for granted. We've forgotten how lucky we are, because we're busy cursing fate. We've stopped being grateful for what we have, because we somehow find it more satisfying to complain about what we don't. Until we meet someone who has much less than we do.

So much in life you take for granted.

As Americans, we've become victims of our own success. We've strayed so far from the example of our immigrant parents and grandparents that we bear no resemblance to that model.

Weighed down by own bloated sense of entitlement and self-importance, we've lost our appetite for competition and we prefer to talk instead about what we think we "deserve." At the first sign of adversity, we play the victim, give up, or fall apart. With all the blessings that come with living in the world's most remarkable country, still we complain. We retreat. We whine.

Click here for the rest of the article.

So sad, yet so true. Take this holiday season to make everything count! You never know when it'll all be gone and if you stop and really think about it, you really do have everything you need.

Weekends go by so fast

Has anyone noticed how fast the weekends go by? I mean, today is already Friday and Monday morning will be here in a blink of an eye. Next week will be our last then we are taking off for Thanksgiving.

THANKSGIVING!!! Where did that come from??

We'll be having our second Thanksgiving without Mom. I don't think there's been a day that has gone by that I haven't thought about her. It still freaks me out when I see a truck like hers drive down the road. So many times I have wanted to pick up the phone and call her.

Our little town now has 4 lanes running through it! They've been widening it for about a year or year and a half now. It's strange how it makes everything look so different. I can remember when that street was lined with trees, only 2 lanes and a 4 way stop.

Amanda will be finished with her teaching textbooks math the week we brake for Christmas. Looks like I'll be ordering her next grade level over the holidays. So far so good with school this year. We've had a few moments when we've had to stop and pray for attitude help. God always seems to get us through it.

She's coming right along with her Christmas song for her piano recital this year. This will be the first year she's participated in something like that. She's done really well!

Tomorrow will be her LAST two soccer games!! Praise God from who all blessings flow!! I truly thought fall season was going to run into spring season!

I've been trying to keep up with keeping our church organized and making sure we have the items we need. We have been going through parts of the Old Testament the last 13 weeks at church and in our lifegroups. We are about to switch lifegroups again. It's such a scary thing but exciting at the same time.

I mean, for 13 weeks we get to know and become comfortable with the people in our group then we up and move. One of the couples we were in group with are so funny! By looking at them, you would NEVER know how funny they are. We would laugh and laugh with them. I will miss that during the week.

This way though, everyone gets to be with one another and learn along side each other. Plus it's not likely that any "cliques" would develop only strong friendships. Cause there's nothing worse than stepping into a church and feeling like everyone has "paired" off with their group and you're the odd man out.

Michael's former girlfriend now has a new beau. I ran across that tid bit of info through Facebook. Honestly, it broke my heart. Don't get me wrong, she is sweet and precious. But some of the reasons she gave for calling it off with Michael I so wanted to post. Yes, sometimes the flesh wants to take over! or at least post: "Yeah, he's cute. Not as cute as Michael though".
I know it upset him too. Stay away from those Evil Women, Son!!! LOL!!!

Have a wonderful week y'all!!!

Getting back into the groove

Alrighty! I'm seriously gonna start blogging again! I mean, I'm gonna try to start blogging again. The whole Facebook thing is becoming "old". It's been fun getting in touch with people I went to school with but there are a few things I've noticed. There's a few things that I have asked myself over the past couple of months posting on FB.
1. Does anyone actually stop and pray for those requesting prayer?
2. If your on the way to a hospital or some sort of accident is happening, Why are you posting it at that time?? Shouldn't you be taking care of that?
3. Are you being real? or is it for show?
4. When you post is it just for the reaction from others?
5. Is blogging or FB being used for self gratification?

These are a few of the questions that have been brought to my attention. I'm just sayin'...

This weekend is a special one for us. Today my baby is turning 21 years old. 21!!!! I was 21 when I had him. Michael was born a day before our 2 year wedding anniversary, hence, the family picture. 23 years of marriage has brought forth a 21 year old son, an 11 year old daughter and many gray hairs for Mike. For me, it's weight...

A week ago, Amanda and her friend Lauren dressed up in my old cheerleader uniforms. Yes, I still have them! If I could have made a career out of cheering, I would have!!! Anyway, I realized that I was indeed a small, petite girl back in the day. Which depressed me. Not to mention that we've been watching "The Biggest Loser" only because a woman from this area was on it. To see those people lose all that weight has really inspired me. Now that I'm inspired, I need to do something about it.

But not until after the weekend celebration. Brisket, homemade potato salad, beans, birthday cake!!

Amanda is doing well in school. I think she's at that point to where the though of attending public school again is crossing her mind. Which scares me! Mike has stated that if she wants to go, this is the time to do it because she will not be attending public high school.
I'm praying that urge to go back will pass!

In a week, it will be time for our church to realign lifegroups. Every 13 weeks we switch groups. It's fun and scary at the same time! I've really enjoyed getting to know the couples in our group the past 13 weeks.

Looks like Hubby is preparing the brisket to go on the grill!! Yummy!!! Guess I need to get off this to make the potato salad and birthday cake.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Dustin' off the blog

If you're wondering why I haven't blogged in awhile...take a look. I've been trying to do school, get grades in, run Amanda to soccer, reorganize our church, keep a clean house and dinner. You name it, I've tried to get it done!

I have completely ignored my blog. Not that I haven't had anything to say! It seems as though Facebook is so much easier to get to with my phone. I enjoy leaving little "pithy" comments on peoples pages and it's been fun to catch up with old friends!

I have to admit...I've become addicted to FB and Glenn Beck. Yes, I hate when I miss his show!!! He is so funny and sarcastic!! I really think that's what I enjoy about him. Not that I believe everything he says but if he's right, our country is in deep trouble.

This weekend Amanda has a soccer tournament in Dallas so most of our Saturday is spoken for. This season of DWTS has been alright! I've been disappointed in Michael Irvin. I really thought he would be a better dancer than that. I've really enjoyed watching Kelly Osborn!!! it was great watching her dance to "Crazy Train"!!

I guess for the men, I hate to say it, but Donny Osmond has been really great! I've made the family watch "The Biggest Loser" due to a lady from this area being on it. I watch that show and think, "Wow! if those people can do it, I can"!! then I head to bed when its over not thinking about exercising til the next week!! The one thing about that show is the lady trainer, Jillian. I think that's her name. Anyway, she is beautiful! She has the most amazing eyes! I can't say that though about her mouth!!!

I guess if cussing people in order to motivate them to work hard and lose weight works then, why not??? I'm not sure how motivated I would be. I'm just sayin'.

Well, I can't believe that I actually found time to sit and blog. Hopefully, I will be able to do it more often!!

World Wind Weekend

We have been all around this weekend. As you can tell from the pictures we hit a wedding, Oklahoma City Memorial, The Roman Coliseum, Big Ben and a little dissecting before taking off.

We left out on Thursday for Kansas City for our niece's wedding this past Saturday. We had to get school completed before heading out. Lesson 3 of Apologia Botany calls for the students to dissect a flower. I can't remember ever doing that in school but it was totally AMAZING!!! Amanda dissected it and found all of it's parts, labeled and put it in her notebook. If you ever get the chance to use Apologia Elementary Science, do it!!

As soon as Michael got home from school we took off on our journey. We arrived in Kansas City on Friday and didn't stop! Wedding rehearsal and dinner that evening, staying up late, getting up early the next morning to decorate and do flowers. Needless to say, we were exhausted!!

On our way back we stopped by the Murrah Federal Building. Or at least where it use to be. It's mind blowing to think that people want to do others harm. Especially people who are your own people!! I showed Amanda the before and after pictures of what happened on that block. Probably the most touching and heart wrenching picture is that of Bailey and the Fireman. I can't even imagine!!

In southern Oklahoma, you might even see the Coliseum and Big Ben!! LOL!! Ok, not really, it's a casino. I couldn't resist!!

Updates from the homefront

Has anyone watched DWTS the past two nights??? I couldn't believe Kellie Osborn! WOW! She did great!! I was so dissappointed in Michael Irvin. I guess I was expecting Emmitt. But it's just the beginning of the season so maybe he'll get with it. So C'mon all you Cowboy Fans out there!!

Anyway, Amanda has begun soccer. It's been years since she's played and she's on an U14 team. She's the smallest on the team with the least experience. Last Saturday was the first of 9 games to be played. Bless her heart, she was completely unprepared for the postitions she had to play. Needless to say, Daddy started coaching from the sidelines and brother sat on the bench with her explaining all of the postitions to her.

It was a very stressful situation! LOL!!! Just as long as she has fun and learns the game, we'll be alright.

Ok, let me preface this with: I don't like vegetables. I never have. If it's green, it's probably not going to pass these lips!! I actually held broccoli for the first time on Sunday. I mean actually picked up the little tree type plant and washed it. The reason for the green little trees was a baby shower food tray. You know, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower along with the ranch dressing!! I just wanted people to know that I did indeed brought the rest home and steamed them. The carrots and cauliflower were delicious!!!

This year in Co Op we are going thru Apologia Botany. This week we are reading about flowers. Luckily, we had some hibicus blooming and were able to dissect one. Going thru step by step and seeing each part of the flower was amazing!! Somehow I don't remember this type of stuff from school. I know I've learned so much from the Apologia books, I just hope Amanda remembers it all!!!

I've been ignoring my blog...

WHEW!!! I'm sitting down, watching GH and finally blogging! It seems like we've been blowing and going for the past couple of weeks and I haven't had time to give my attention to this here blog!!

Let's see, Homecoming is tonight. The parade is tomorrow. Then there's Amanda's soccer game. Mike's Birthday is tomorrow so we'll be heading out for dinner. Went to the store early this morning, piano lessons, spelling test and church on Sunday. Wow! I'm exhausted already!

Not to mention, I think I'm a Facebook addict. I thoroughly enjoy looking at everyone's pictures!

On Mondays, we've started meeting for Co Op. It's the second year that we've done this. We've been going through the Apologia Science for Elementary students. I'm telling ya, I've learned so much! I truly hope the kids have too! We've split the entire year up between Science and Spanish. It's strange having it on Mondays. Though it seems to work well for all the families involved. Here at Cooper Academy, we still try to take off of Fridays.

I've also been reading. I finished the one on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood. The one I'm reading now is Practical Theology for Women. Someone asked, "Soooo...is theology for women different than theology for men? just wondering..." How funny!!!

No it isn't but this book puts it all in terms I can related to. I don't need to attend Seminary to understand it. In fact, no one does.
For instance, there's a few quotes in the book that really blew me away.

Many Christians in today's churches seem much more convinced of the reality of their problems than the reality of their God.

Isn't that so true??? We tend to make everything else bigger than God. Anyway...

Dancing with the Stars begins Monday!!! Wooo Hooo!! So far school is going good for Amanda. I pray that she'll continue to learn and comprehend all of the material we go over. I fear that at times. I'm just saying...

Now it's off to finish laundry and do something with this hair!!!

Have a great weekend!