An Old Friend

This has been a pretty good day. I am still wrestling with this head cold and the medicine that won't let me sleep. But Sam's team won their game last night so that made today better. Grace went white water rafting with the church and Jessie went to Holiday World with a friend. Mike, Sam, and I went to Culvers around 11:00am for the Mark Nelson show (our head coach and a local radio station) discuss the previous night's game and interview players. I then went to the gym and gave myself a good work out since I have felt to crummy the past couple of days that my work outs have suffered. Laundry, took a nap, and then sat down to recover from the nap on the couch. As I flipped around the tv channels while Mike was on the computer, I came across the Harvest Crusade on TBN.

I couldn't believe that he was actually DOING this crusade after having lost his oldest son just a couple of months ago so I had to see if this was a repeat or something. But no, Michael W. Smith was singing and it was the real deal. Then they showed a short video about the life of Greg's son. Then Greg stepped up to the podium and I lost it. I really couldn't believe that he was able to stand there and share the good news of Jesus Christ while he was still grieving his son. But Greg started speaking and it was like an old friend had just stepped into my living room. Of course, they hold the Harvest Crusade at Anaheim Stadium so that was familiar and wonderful. But the familiar and soothing voice and encourageing words of Greg Laurie just moved Mike and I. Oh, how we miss Calvary and God's ministry through it. I was reminded through Greg's sermon of how much insignificant stuff I let take up so much of my thoughts and energy. The things I spend time thinking and worrying about is ridiculous. RIDICULOUS!

Mike and I decided that when we go to California in December, we are going to look at the calendar at Calvary Costa Mesa and take the kids to something there. We want them to be exposed the Calvary ministry and worship. Yes, it's about God and not the "church". But it is still like a breath of fresh air to my soul and God truly, TRULY has used this ministry to reach millions of lives.

Greg Laurie...an old friend that I have actually never met. Thanks for dropping in on us this afternoon.

Head Colds

I despise getting sick! I mean...D-E-S-P-I-S-E! I can't think of one person I know that LIKES getting sick unless he gets to stay home with paid sick leave. Then it's not so bad.

I am rarely sick. When my kdis were smaller and in the church nursery, I found I was sick a couple of times ayear with whatever they brought homw. But now...we Wilson's take pride in what GREAT immune systems we have. Except for Sam's bi-annual sinus infection that is allergy induced, we hardly ever get sick. But somehwere along the way, I picked up a head cold virus that is kicking my tail.

It toyed with me for a couple of days but then hit me full force today while I was teaching water aerobics. By the time I started my Pilates class 30 minutes after water, I was miserable. The sinus congestion isn't the worst part...it's the EXTREME FATIGUE! You can take a pill to help with cold symptoms, but the fatigue on your body can't be helped at all. You just have to sit or lay down and I am behind on responsibilities so much of the time now that to sit still and let things wait is just too hard on my mind. So, I think I will take a shower and focus on laundry where I can sit in between loads.

I am not sure if I mentioned last time that Sam is being inducted in to the National Honor Sociaety tonight. Apparently, there is a little ceremony and then they will have refreshments. We are very proud of him but are having to watch his grades carefully this year since his classes are much harder.

I just tried adding some photos but it didn't work. I am going to try it gain and if you don't see them...then I just don't get it.

Well...I got one on...enjoy.

The Latest...

I didn't have to work today. Good and bad. Good...because I can catch up on laundry and blog reading and e-mails, etc. Bad because that is a few bucks that won't make it into our pockets. Sometimes, the time is more valuable than the money.

So much happens in our lives from day to day that it is difficult to play catch up. But here are some highlights:

Mike: Has lost 14lbs thanks to South Beach diet! The "shed" is getting smaller and he is very proud of himself. He is working on getting things together to start Sam's website and staying on top of the kids' grades. He has been a trooper to cover many dinners and to help keep up with housekeeping while I was rehearsing and performing in Grease.

Deanna: Finished as Miss Lynch in Grease at the Capitol. Is no longer selling silver jewelry, is no longer personal training, but is now working as a physical Therapy Tech., and still teaching aerobics and staying active as a Consultant for The Body Shop at Home. I am helping coordinate tailgating for our home football games and have also lost 10lbs on Southbeach. And...I will be transitioning in as Chaplain for the WKU women's Softball Team (as long as it is approved).

Sam: Football, school, Laura Beth. He leads his team in tackles and is on track to break the school record. His grades are pretty good although could improve some. And he took his girl out on their first "date" a week ago for her birthday. Until now, their time together has been church, her house, or our house. But he was able to pick her up and take her out for lunch and hanging out at the mall. I cried! His relationship with the Lord continues to grow and I am amazed at his matureity for his age.

Grace: finished as Marty in Grease and was fantastic! She is still seeing Ryan and he will be coming over for dinner tonight before church. Her mission trip to Scotland is rapidly approaching and I am so very excited for her. Her grades are GREAT and will be taking about 8 weeks of voice lessons so that she can, hopefully, land the lead role in the next musical she auditions for. we will being looking at colleges this weekend (on line for now).

Jessie: Is doing great in school and is going to apply to be a tutor for special needs kids at her school. She is taking hip hop lessons and still designing outfits for her dolls and herself. She is going to Holiday World with her friend, Hope, this Saturday.

That is all for now. I will TRY to stay more current!

Update for my Mom

My Mom has finally entered the 21st Century...she got a home computer! So, HI MOM!!!

It is a beautiful afternoon, the Olympics are one. Mike is napping in the bedroom with the news on, Grce and her Sweetie are out for a walk, Sam went to Jessie's show with his Sweetie, and I am updating quickly before we all go to a cook out.

Jessie's show, The Aristocats, is going great! She is Duchess, the momma kitty. Today is the last show except for a school day performance on Thursday, I think. I am getting a couple of dvd's that I will share with my family once they are in our hands. School is going pretty good for her...in the 6th grade. She still doesn't like to go...but no major drama yet. She is still very petite and at age 11, only wears a size 8 in jeans while her friends around her are starting to blossom. It bothers her some, so I try to remind her that she is in God's hands and will blossom in Hs timing.

Grace and I are rehearsing for Grease. For the sake of any readers who don't get my family e-mail, she is Marty, one of the Pink Ladies. Her role in the stage play is bigger than the movie so she has her own solo and more of a prominant part. She is perfect for her role!!! The show is coming along well and by the time we open, Sept 4, it should be really REALLY good. She has been seeing Ryan for a few months now and they seem to be " in love". He treats her like a queen but keeps her on her toes and it just a great kid. he has been coming to church with us and then hanging with us on Sundays.

Sam is doing pretty good with football. He has his second scrimmage this Thursday night. He continues to develop physically and mentally and his game is really coming on strong. We have hired someone to film him at his games and we plan to start a website where we will post his stats and film footage for college recruiters. He has been seeing his Sweetie, Laura Beth, for about 7 months now and feels like she is "the one". But time will tell, of course.

Mike has been working hard at WCVK but also as President of the Football Booster Club. Little bits of parent drama here and there but nothing major. He has been doing more djd gigs which has been helpful for our budget. And...he and I started South Beach diet this past Monday and he has already lost 6lbs! His goal is about 30. I also went on it and lost 6lbs and my goal is another 8.

The cookout we are going to today is for a friend of ours whose daughyter leaves for colleg on Tuesday. Just a few close friends. I think we are playing "cornhole" and hillbilly golf. It should be fun afternoon.

All for now...gotta finish a couple more things before we go. I hope to update more often! Oh yeah...my BFF Toni in California is getting remarried...yiiipppeee!!!

Sunday-Blog day

I guess Sunday morning is working out best to be my blog update day. It's early, everyone is still sleeping, and it seems I can hardly sleep past 6:15am anymore so I might as well make wise use of my time.

Tidbits: The weather has been beautiful. Aside from some storms that have passed through, which for us were not severe, it has been perfect. The other day I was homesick for So. California because it was just one of those weather days that reminded me of home. BY the way, I am planning a little business trip there in October. I have at least two friends who are planning to do jewelry shows for me. I plan to talk to Mom and Molly about doing the same so that I can make it VERY profitable and so that I can stay a little longer! One of those friends, Toni, has been my life long buddy and at long last, has found a prince charming. She went through and painful divorce and separation several years ago and the Lord has blessed her with the most amazing guy. I can't wait to meet him and share her joy with her.

Mike and I are going to be hosting a Wednesday night drop in for the igh schoolers for the summer. For whatever reason, our church cuts back on youth activity during the summer when we think it shold increase. So, we are going to open our doors and invite the kids over on Wednesday nights for games, food, and a short deovtion time. Our High School ministry director is thrilled and wants to drop in as well and for once, just "hang" with the kids. Themore the merrier.

We plan to go to Memphis for Mother's Day. Unfortunately, it has been a very long time since we went to see Mike's folks. We plan to drive down Friday night and then drive back Sunday. One of the last times we were there we went to Sun Studios for a tour and then Graceland and the kids LOVED it! THis time we plan to go to Soulsville Studio-the black version. Remember? SEGRERATION! But different black artists and groups recorded there so it will be very cultural and interesting. I got an early Mother's Day gift...an ipod shuffle. Mike and the kids all pitched in and got me one so that I would have some work out tunes. I had been wanting one for a while so it was perfect!

The kids have had a pretty good week at school. They have been doing their required state testing so that has menat that they have not had homework. Only three weeks left of school and we are all very excited.

Grace is going on a mission trip to Scotland this fall! We already have her passport. The trip is only $800 with the high school ministry and I am so proud of her for taking the initiative to go. The church will be doing different things to help the kids raise money so we may not have to ask our friends and relatives for support. But I know from my own experience that she will get just as much out of it, if not more, than those she goes to minister to.

I am reading and excellent book right now called, "Dare to Dream and Work to Win" by Dr. Tom Barrett. The subtitle is, "Understanding the Dollars and Sense of Success in Network Marketing". I have only read through the Introduction and Chapter One and already I have learned so much. You see, I plan to really work this business so that one day, is works for us! My goal is that in two years, after Sam graduates and before he heads off to college, to take us all to Hawaii for one big last family trip. My jewelry business has started off slow and I think a big part of that is that I started at probably one of the busiest times of year for people. For example, yesterday as Derby Day AND Prom Night for most of the county. Parents not only ahd all their soccer and baseball commitments for kids, but then there were Derby Parties and kids to get ready for Prom which takes all day. I did a show with a woman and she ahs invited about 70 people andonly 3 showed up. It just so happens that one of those ladies is going to sign as a Rep on Thursday night of this week! However, all my Saturday parties have done this so I am steering clear of Saturdays all together for a while. But in this book, it quickly reminds the reaader that slow and steady becomes sucsessful. Its' the "pack horse", not the "race horse" that builds a successful business. Consistent effort, duplication, and giving it enough time are the keys to building a successful business.

That's all for now. I am going to make some coffee, get a shower, and make some homemade muffins for breakfast. Then I plan to head out after church for another party, that I pray, will be a little more profitable today.

My love to all!!!
Deanna

Sunday again

Good Morning,
It's Sunday again. The family and a few other kids are sleeping right now. Wuick update ahead with tidbits:

I went to Bethany's Briday shower yesterday. It was a "personal" shower and she received several beautiful nighties and such for her honeymoon and there after. It is just freaky wierd talking about honeymoon and marriage with Bethany. It is hard to see her as an adult woman now with a house of her own and yet I still see her as a 12 year old. But it was sweet and fun and great to see some friends I hadn't seen in a while.

Afterward, I took Grace and a friend shopping. Grace has $200 in birthday and babysitting money and she was on a mission to get some shorts and tops for summer. Poor girl was desparate! But she did great and while we were in Hollister we called Uncle John. As most of you know, Hollister has a live video feed in their store of Huntington Beach. One wall shows the sights off the pier in one direction, the ohter wall shows the sights off the pier the other. My Uncle John lives in HB and every time we go in there I can't help but get homesick and call him. It was great to hear his voice!

Sam won first place in one of his weightlifting events at a competition yesterday. He "cleaned" 295lbs which was a new personal best for him and he bench pressed 265lb which was also a personal best. He brought home a little trophy and was really pumped about it.

we are also looking at colleges. He wants to go into engineering but hasn't specified what area. At first he thought aerospace but not so sure now. His top college choice is Ohio State which has one of the top football programs in the country. Wouldn't it be something if he could play for them someday? It is a HUGE dream but that is all it is for now. There are ALOT of pieces that have to fall into place and he, quite frankly, has to be good enough! So...we are going to send him to a football camp there this summer and also hire him a personal trainer (I get a discount at the gym) who can work with him individually. Mike and I are considering this an investment into his future and if he DOES get a scholarship at least somehwere, the money we spend now is a whole lot cheaper than college tuition! Sam also has other choices and we will explore those options as well.

We are starting to look at schools for Grace as well. There aren't any colleges that we ahve found yet that offer a Film Acting degree. So whe will probably hve to major in Theatre but take as many film acting classes as she can. That is still her dream. However, she has also toyed with the idea of hair and make up in the film industry as well. We hope to start her in voice lessons in the fall. She has been teaching herself guitar and writing songs. She sang one for me the other day that was very good for her young self!

Jessie...gets herself in trouble because she won't take "no" for and answer. That is our latest lesson with her. She went to a little cheerleading session with a friend yesterday and of course, wants to do cheerleading now. We told her that we would look into it for her but I am not so sure that is really "her".

Gotta go'. Mike has coffee ready and I have to get ready for church. Love you all tons!!!

EEEEGADS!

Sunday morning and all is quiet at the Wilson home. The family is sleeping, the pets are fed, and I am finally updating our family blog. I can't hardly sleep in anymore. I have been awake since about 6:10am but finlally got up about 6:30. I had some quiet time and prayer with the Lord and took care of a couple of business things. I went through my new jewelry catalogs to pick out some Mother's Day bling for my mom and Mike's mom. I logged onto the blog and updates some profile stuff and now...and sending out a family update.

As usual, we are busy! The kids are finishing up their final performance today of the play they are in at The Public Theatre of Kentucky, Cheaper by the Dozen. They have done such a great job and are continuing to grow as actors. THis will be Sam's last play since he really needs to focus on football and school this next year. Since he is also in the youth worship band at church, that adds alot to his schedule. He has started spring football practice which will now continue through the summer except for a two week break. In the meantime, once school is out, he will get a part time job so that he can have some spending money but most importantly, pay for gas once he gets his full driver's license. He took his first ACT yesterday nd then his girlfriend, Laura Beth, came over. I will see if I can download a picture of her. She is absolutely gorgeous and the sweetest thing EVER! I could not have handpicked a more perfect girl for him. We are blessed.

Grace is having fun with facebook. She's and addict! She has several friends that she will talk to at one time...mostly boys. They are all her buddies but in the last 8 weeks, 4 boys have told her they "like" her. One boy had potential but that fizzled out so they are all friends at this point. She is loving being in this play and has been going to the gym more and more with me. She wants to get a summer job but cannot work until she is 16. By the way, Miss Grace will be 15 this Wednesday!

Since being sick, Jessie has been doing very good. She still wrestles with germ issues and worries about getting sick, but all in all, she deals with it pretty well. The older kids just don't get it, but she is who she is and we do the best we can to educate her and reassure her that she is normal. She is doing excellent in school and CANNOT wait for it to be over! She is such a homebody. While I drive Sam and Grace to all their "Stuff" Jessie stays home with Mike and they have a great time. She also goes to her little friend, Hope's, house often. Hope has a "barbie" room so the girls have a ball.

Speaking of Mike, theyjust finished their Spring Share-a-thaon. It didn't go as well as they had hoped. But, the Lord continues to provide as they go. The booster club for the football team was supposed to have a fundraiser "Golf Scramble" today but it has turned cold and expected to only reach the low 40's so they rescheduled it. So he is snoozing right now.

Me...well, I stepped down as Coordinator of the aerobics program at the gym and am loving it! No regrets at all. My jewelry business is starting off great! I have done two shows and have the next 3 Saturdays and one Sunday booked. I have one recruit starting this week as well. I am personal training about 7 clients and teaching 10 aerobics classes per week. Don't freak! Two of those are Senior Toning for 30 minutes, two are 15 minute Ab classes, one is a 15 minute stretch class, 3 are 45 minute Core classes, and only TWO Cardio Classes. I then try to get my own weight work out and cardio in between. People have told me that I have lost weight. I have probably lost some inches, but not alot of weight because I am working with weights and building muscle. Oh, yeah, I am not dark and lovely anymore. I have highlighted the hair with the changing of seasons-my normal routine.

We are very excited about the summer and seeing Ebby and the kids as they pass through to Rochester, summer camps for church, visiting John and Wendi and Baby Kit, sleeping in, etc. It's just around the corner.

So for now...I will sign off and go make some coffee, start some laundry, eat a little something as I wait for the family to get up and then I plan to make a BIG breakfast. We plan to have church at home this morning.

Hugs and kisses from the Wilsons!