The Wilsons

An Old Friend

2008-09-13T15:50:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-11T10:24:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-09-10T10:57:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-17T13:30:00.001-07:00

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

2008-05-04T04:30:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-27T06:41:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-04-13T06:08:00.000-07:00

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!

We were pretty scared!

2008-03-17T18:30:00.000-07:00

I went back and read my last update and lot has happened since then. If I don't update regularly, so much goes on that it is hard to go back and catch everyon eup. Here is the scoop:

Grace is okay. She didn't have strep or mon, but a nasty virus going around that brings with it alot of symptoms that COULD be something else. It took has a while to kick it but she is doing very good now. However, this is our scare story...

Jessie caught the same virus about 10 days later. She came home on her birthday with a 102.5 fever! She was cold on the inside but hot to the touch. Bummer for her on her birthday! She ran a fever for three days when IT happened. TO make a very long story short, her fever had been down a little in the morning but was back to 103 that afternoon. Her stomach was upset due to fever so she didn't want to take any Tylenol. I told her that I would just keep an eye on her. HOWEVER, her tummy felt like it had to go to the potty but she was so lethargic from fever that I carried her in and set her on the toilet. She was burning up! All of a suudern, she started crying out in pain that her body hurt and she couldn't feel her legs. I was trying to get more info out of her but she was breathing hard and crying. I carried her to the bed, hollered for Grace to run her a cold bath, and tried to talk to her. She was stull crying out and then her legs got completely stiff , her toes pointed, and her legs turned blue. Then her arms drew up close to her chest and her hands curled up into claws and they turned blue! I expected any minute that she would have a seizure!!! I ran for my phone and called 911!!! They were here in 5 minutes and assessed her. To my great relief...she had hyperventilated! She was breathing so hard that her body filled with oxygen and the total body cramp and blue limbs were a result of that. Geesh! It didn't change the fac that she had a high fever, but once the EMT's started talking to her to sooth her, the feeling eventually came back into her legs and the color returned. It took longer for her hands. They left, we still put her in a cool tub and tried to recover. Grace was crying, Mike flew home after I told him EMT's were on the way, and poor Jessie!

Most of you know, she has serious germ issues so fer her to get this sick is an emotional rollercoaster! But in the midst of her "attack", her little heart cried out to the Lord and she said several times to God out loud, "I trust You God, I trust You God". If was the most precious thing and completely took me by surprise. She also told me that if she died, tell everyone she was sorry!

Mike was able to get her to the doctor that afternoon and he said it was that nasty virus going around and it just had to run it's course. She still had a fever for two more days and finally made it to school today. It was rough, and she still tires out easy, she is skin and bones, but she is okay.

But can you imagine, this precious little 11 year old had such an amazing faith during, what in her mind, could have been a life or death situation? It boggles the mind but blesses the heart.

Wilson Update 3/9/08

2008-03-09T15:24:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a while since I have done a familyupdate on both my e-mail and/or blog. So, I am going to update our family on the blog and send an e-mial to family to read it here!

Mike: Mike is right now, finishing up painting one of our bathrooms. I did about 3/4 of it last night and then he goes in in behind me and does the finish work. It looks great. He stayed home from church today with Grace who has been sick for about 4 days. More on that later. He went to Washington DC a couple of weeks ago with the Kentucky Broadcasters Association to talk to our local Senators and such about some possible legislation that would be negative to all stations in Ky, not just Christian. He LOVES politics and so really enjoyed being at the Capitol building. He is also the newly elected and ushered in President of our Football Boster Club. He runs the meetings and such. He is enjoying teh College Basketball tournaments on tv and playing Wii bowling.

Me: Okay, just a few minutes ago, I resigned as Aerobics Coordinator at my gym. I am still staying on to teach classes and personal train, but the time and "burden" of being the coordinator is something I can do without. I am excited and feel very relieved. I will no longer be in management and I am ok with that. Maybe again someday. Personal Training has taken off and I am loving that alot but again, the time factor plays into it. I try to schedule my clients at the same time I am already there for classes. And...I am launching a new Home Based Business . I am going to set The Body Shop aside as a reorder business only. But with Silpada, I can make twice as much in half the amount of time as The Body Shop. And...IT'S FUN! With as much as I work outside and inside my home, I am happy to keep some fun in my life. This will be a one year commitment only and if all goes well, I will keep going after that.

Sam: Is in a new band and loving it. He is drumming for that and also in one of our church youth worship bands. He also has a sweetie, LauraBeth. They are "in love" and it is the cutest thing ever. I could not have handpicked a sweeter more wonderful girl for my son. He is also prepping for the ACT test and will be taking that next month. And...he weighed in at 193lbs this morning! We have him on HGH (just kidding!) no, we have him on muscle building supplements that should add muscle mass. He lifts weights everyday in PE with his football coach so he is getting big and strong! Hopefully, this will help him get into college! He is still working on accumulating enough driving time so that he can get his license. We bought our neighbor's little Saturn so that I can give him my Grand Prix and drive the more economical Saturn. We think he'll have his license by June. Oy!!!

Grace: Had the flu a week ago and has been struggling with something else this week. We had her tested for strep and it was negative, but if she is not better by Wednesday, we are going to get her tested for mono. Sinus issues, cough, swollen glands, sore throat, loss of appetite, etc. We started an anti biotic today and hope she improves. She quit the track team because she had continual shin splints that has been a frustration and kept her from competing. But she (and Sam and Jessie) are in the middle of rehearsals for Cheaper By The Dozen which open March 27. She has a ball on facebook and writing her friends.

Jessie: Will be 11 on Tuesday! We had a few of her classmates over on Friday night for Wii and chocolate fondue! She is looking forward to getting her birthday money and going shopping. She is doing great in school and still struggles with her "germ" issues. But she does not have so much "seperation anxiety" as she used to so that is improvement. We are having some family friends, Keith and Lindsay, over tonight for more chocolate fondue. They are surrogate aunt and uncle-sort of type people.

That about covers it. I need to make some te before company gets here. Have a super week!!!

Reflections

2008-02-29T11:06:00.000-08:00

As of tomorrow, March 1, Mike and I will be married 22 years. That is 22 YEARS!!!

Each year about this time I reflect back 22 years and think to myself, "Little did I know that I would be here, doing this, etc., etc., etc." Little did I know that I would have the children I have, live in the Kentucky, working at a gym...and the list goes on. But I also ask myself, "Would I have wanted to know?". Honestly, I can say that I am glad that I didn't know God's entire plan for my life, and still don't.

I look at my kids and sometimes think that I can see the directions they are going in their lives. HAH!!! God's plan for them is as obscure to me as my own. They are probbaly going to go directions and take paths that I never would have dreamed or imagined. That will be exciting and, I am sure, painful at times.

Not to get too melancholy, but what if that plan or path means that they go to be with the Lord? I am sorry...seems wierd to be thinking about as I celebrate my anniversary. But I was listening to a talk show this morning where two sets pf parents were sharing their story. One set of parents had two daughters killed by an out of control shooter on a rampage, the other set of parents were the killer's mom and dad. One family had just left church and had piled into their van after service, the killer as in the parking lot and shot at them and two of the daughters in the van were hit with gunfire and died. The bottom line...you just never know! So, when I pray that the Lord will use my kids for His glory, do I really, really, REALLY mean it? This shooting has given both families the opportunity to talk about pain and forgiveness so God really has used this tragedy for His glory.

Well, all this started with me thinking about the path the Lord has lead me down so far. The next 22 years I will look back again each year and marvel at where the Lord has not only lead me, but my kids as well. It can be scary AND very exciting but I trust the Lord. I really do.

Mike and I plan to go to our favorite restaurant tonight, Longhorn, and I plan to eat whatever I want and not worry about having to work it off tomorrow. I am sure we'll talk about possibly buying the car next door, that is for sale, so that we can give Sam the one I am driving now when he gets his license. The new purchase will probably go to Grace in a couple of years when she gets hers. Jessie's birthday is coming up soon and we need to think about that. We'll talk about the play they are all rehearsing and their schedules. We'll also talk about Sam's gig tomorrow night and my work and Mike's work. We have much to talk about concerning our lives now and the last 22 years.

It was fun!

2008-02-22T14:00:00.000-08:00

Well, my brother Ron left yesterday about 5:00pm. He came through town, only intending to spend one night and leave early the next morning but an ice storm hit hich made the roads too slick the lave early the next morning. We had a great time with him playing Wii, laughing, playing Wii, eating dessert, playing Wii, drinking coffee, playing Wii...

You know that you miss the people in your life. People that you only get to see periodically due to distance and the busyness of life. Special people. You really notice the feelings when you get to see them and they ahve to leave again. That's when I feel it most.

I am not sure when I'll get to see him again. That makes me sad, but it also makes our reunions that much sweeter. I know that Ebby and the kids are coming through sometime in June (perhaps May for a family wedding) and they plan to stay for a couple of days. That will be sweet, too.

Love 101

2008-02-15T13:30:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day was yesterday-duh. But did you know it was also Single's Awareness Day?

You look at Valentine's Day in two ways: Either you look forward to it because you have a sweetheart or are at peace with your singleness and can "share the love" with your friends, or you dread it because your heart has been recently ripped out and stomped on or you are so frustrated by your singleness you wish the day would just fall off the calendar.

We had a fun day at the Wilson house. Even though one of our kids recently had her heart ripped out and stomped on, she was able to make the most of the day and shar3e the love with her friends. Our son, currently sailing on the "love boat", had a fun day even though his sweetie is on vacation in Florida. Jessie got a box of chocolate and a card from a boy in her class that likes her. Mike and I exchanged cards and then he gave me a gift card to a restauratn (which he KNOWS I'll use on him anyway) and a gift certificate for a foot massage. Fun!

Love 101 is tomorrow. THis is an annual conference that our church hosts in our area for middle school and high school students with sessions that deal with dating, relationships, personal relationship with God, etc. They usually bring in a very cool band and key note speakers. I am not a key not speaker but I have been asked to teach one of the sessions for girls. Grace is going to come with me and I will be spending tonight studying and preparing.

What is Love 101 really? Love God and love others. That's it in a nutshell. How dod we love God? Obedeince to his word. How do we love others? Put them before ourselves. It's not rocket science but it's not easy either.

I confess, I am defintely not perfect at Love 101. I don't always obey God and I don't aways put others before myself. In spite of that, God ALWAYS LOVES ME! Hooray! What an awesome Valentine He is!

Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!!!!!

2008-02-11T14:21:00.000-08:00

Our Wii arrived this week. We have been having a BALL! It comes with 14 games and two controllers and two numchucks (for boxing!). You can create your won little "Mii" people so that when you play games, you can have a little person taht looks like you. Jessie has been inviting friends over and Mike and I are trying to line something up for Saturday night. This truly is a game system that all ages can enjoy!

The Love Boat #1 has Sunk

2008-02-08T20:34:00.000-08:00

Well, the signs were there but we wanted to give Ricky the benfit of the doubt. But Wednseday night, he broke my daughter's heart when he broke up with her. He was honest with her when he told her that she did everything 100% right and it was all him. The bottom line, he was and is not ready to make a commitment and hanging out with his "boys" is more important. I don't fault the kid, really. We really like him and are still planning to do stuff with his parents since they are our friends. It's just been very difficult for Grace and because she is piece of my heart on feet, it has been difficult for me and Mike.

But we knew that this might and probably WOULD happen sometime. And if our job is to teach our kids how to have successful relationships, we have to allow them to have them. Sometimes we learn most during the hard times. It's going to take a while fore her to recover. She has some moments when she seems strong and then there is the meltdown. I remember those days.

There is still no doubt in our hearts that God allowed this young man to enter our lives. Maybe it's not about Grace and Ricky at all. Maybe it is. Maybe there is a much bigger picture. I don't know. But for now, she is spending the night with some girlfriends to distract her self. I am sad for her.

Oh, by the way...Mike bought us a Wii with our tax return. More on that later.

My Heart on Feet

2008-02-06T12:22:00.001-08:00

I once told Mike that with our kids, each one of them is a part of my heart walking around on feet. When they were little, the physical drain of mothering them was enormous. I didn't want them to grow up too fast, but I also looked forward to them being older and more self sufficient. Now that they are older and more self sufficient, parenting them has become more difficult in a different way. When their heart breaks, my heart breaks!

No, there hasn't been any relationship break ups yet, and for the sake of their privacy I am not going to go into details, but it has seemed like a 500 pound gorilla has been sitting on my chest all day because on of the pieces of my "heart on feet" is hurting. As a mom, the absolute hardest part of what I do is stand by and watch as my children go through emotional trials. Yes, I know, it's all a part of growing up and they MUST experience difficulties if they are to grow emotionally and spiritually, but geesh, this gorilla is getting heavy!

And again, God has reminded me that He experiences the same thing when I have an emotional hardship. He stands by and allows me to go through difficult experiences so that I will grow spiritually and emotionally. He has reminded me that, I, too, and HIS heart on feet. And so are you! God is so sweet to use my own parenting experiences to relate to me how He feels about me.

Wii and stuff

2008-01-29T11:36:00.001-08:00

Have you had the chance to play a Wii? If you haven't and you know someone that has one...schedule a time to go over and play Wii Bowling. That's right...invite yourself over and bowl. We have had several opportunities to play with some friends and my cousin, Scott, and it is a total HOOT! In fact, Mike and I are part of a Wii Bowling Tournament with 4 other couples and our teams are men vs. women. The women took the first round and we are going to schedule round two soon. The winner of two out of 3 rounds is the Champion Wii team and the loser has to cook, serve, and clean up dinner for the winning team. I'll take pictures at our next round and post them on the blog.

Wilson update: Sam is still on the church worship band but is no longer in the ohter garage band. Pity, but they called him up one day and just kicked him out! They asked a girl who is their friend to lead sing. She is more folky so I am not sure what they plan to do. He was crushed for about a day and has responded beautifully. Anyway, he has been playing more with the church band and starts play practice tonight. We had Laura Beth (his girl) and Ricky (Grace's guy) over for dinner Sunday night and played games for prizes. Ricky left as the big winner with a box of Little Debbie cakes and a Flashlight key chain.

Grace: Is getting braces Thursday. She got her spacers last Thursday and this Thursday she gets the whole enchilada. But the ortho was very optimistic and thinks it will only take about 18 months max to get her all straightened out. She is on the track team but is suffering from extremely painful shin splints. She ran one race on Saturday and had to quit due to inflammation and pain. She is taking a week off to see if we can get this under control. Grace also starts play rehearsal tonight.

Jessie: Starts play practice as well. She brought home her progress report and is thrilled to have almost all 100% in all her subjects. She is a social butterfly and goes over to her friend, Hope's house, every weekend and sometimes during the week. Hope has a Barbie room that is solely dedicated to Barbie's but don't tell anyone Jessie still plays with Barbies. She doesn't want anyone to know and think she is a baby. She is quite fascinated by her older brother and sister and their "friends". She is definitely the pesky little sister when they are over...can you imagine that?

Mike: has a wedding this Saturday. He has been busy at work with all the new radio station prospects. He is the President of the Football Booster Club next year and will soon be getting all the info and starting to take over. He and I are looking at a house thie Thursday night. No, we haven't officially decided to put our house up for sale, but we have seen something listed that has potential and if we love it, we may "Sell by Owner" this time so that we can control our showings, etc.

Me: I am busy...nothing new there. With Coordinating Aerobics and now personal training at the gym, I am there 5 days a week and sometimes twice a day. I really am enjoying working one on one with people and getting to know them on a more personal level. I love to see them progess and reach new fitness goals. I am still doing the Body Shop but am being careful to only do no more than two parties a month. Along with running kids here and there and all the other household chores to do...it seems I get very few moments to just sit. But they do occur here and there and I try to take advantage of them when they hit. In fact, I was just able to take a hot bath and plan to sit down now and have my quiet time with God.

Love you all tons and thanks for reading!

Huntington Beach

2008-01-20T11:33:00.000-08:00

Okay, so the pedicure went great and my feet are beautiful and massaged. I noticed something, too. For this past year, I have had a condition in my left foot called Plantar Fasciatis (sp?). Basically, the pain starts in the heel and radiates into the arch of the foot. My heel was extremely tender to the touch and there is not cure other than rest...which I DO NOT have the luxury of. So, for months on end, I have nursed a very sore foot. But since my massage from my friend and two pedicures, my foot feels 90% better. I am trying to convince Mike that future pedicures are medicinal and therapeutic and he NEEDS to "foot" the bill for the next one.

In my last entry, I mentioned that the words, Huntington Beach", evoke a sense of " ahhhh", and relief. The reason? While I was growing up, I spent most of my vacations and half my summers at my grandma's place in Huntington Beach. She didn't have alot of extra cash so our form of entertainment, aside from an occasional movie or ice cream sundae at Mc Donald's, was to go to the beach. We would sit on the sand, listen to the Angels or Dodgers baseball games on her transistor radio, and sun ourselves. I would get in the water, which ususally took me an hour to even get into because it was so cold, body surf courtesy of lessons from Uncle Frank, and we would walk along the shore and look for shells. She would visit "Jack's snack bar and bring back fried burritos and nachos with shredded cheese and a dipping sauce that tasted more like ketchup than anything else.

In my tumultuous childhood, Grandma's house and our trip to HB was really the only quiet and safe place I had. Fast forward to today, when we visit California, I HAVE to get to HB. It's as if it is there calling to me. My Grandma has since passed away, but the feeling of calmness and sanctuary still pours over me when I get my first glimpse of the Pacific and I take my first step into the sand. I LOVE going into the Hollister clothing stores with my kids because they have a LIVE feed from the HB pier. I can almost see my Uncle John's condo!!!

I have so many fond and wonderful memories of going to my Grandma's in HB aside from actually going to the beach. But my love for the beach has continued until now and I have may reminders around my house. Pictures, shells, "beachy" decor, etc. I had a recent guest in my home ask me if I loved the beach. In fact, there is a huge part of me, a deep longing in fact, to one day move to HB and live there for the rest of my life. I don't see that happening in the near future and the thought of that dream possibly never coming true is very sad to me. I know that the Lord and His plan may direct me down paths that take me farther and farther away from that dream. But then again, maybe not! Maybe someday it will be part of my regular routine to each day take a walk on the beach. Maybe someday I will hear the roar of the ocean from my front door or will be able to see it from my window. Maybe someday I will be able to hear the announcements from the lifeguard tower on the pier (just like in my grandma's back patio).

Huntington Beach-always in my heart and a part of who I am today.

Pedicures

2008-01-18T06:18:00.000-08:00

There are only a couple of words in the English language that evoke a great sense of relief and "ahhhh" when I hear them. One is , "Huntington Beach", and the other is PEDICURE!!! I will explain Huntington Beach in the next entry, but for today, let's talk about pedicures. I have ALWAYS loved having my feet massaged. I am soooo hard on my feet with all the aerobics I teach and just being on them all day at the gym or at home. My feet will start to hurt and ache and get tense and there is nothing that brings relief more than a pedicure. Ocassionally, I have been able to get Mike to rub my feet with my favorite lotion and he has done a fantastic job. I have also "traded out" with a friend of mine who is a massage therapist. She came over and massaged my feet and I got her a couple of her favorite Body Shop products. But with a pedicure, I get massaged feet AND beautiful toes. Now that I teach a couple of Pilates classes each week (socks and shoes off), I love having relaxed AND pretty feet. So last night, I called a local spa establishment in town (for which I have a gift card!!!) and scheduled myself a pedicure for today. I hate that it is so cold that I have to cover my potentially beautiful feet, but that's okay. I will show them off next week at my next Pilates class and I can look at them each night when I take my shoes off. I am looking forward to today!!!

Tiredness

2008-01-17T13:49:00.001-08:00

Today, I'm tired. But then again, I am usually tired on Thursdays. I have been spending ALOT of time at the gym consulting and training clients, teaching classes, cleaning, prep work, talking to members, etc. On Wednesday particularly, I was there from 8:30am, taught a class, and left about 1:30. I went home for about 2 hours and had to be back at the gym for two and 1/4 classes back to back and then I had a client from 7-7:30. After wrapping up paperwork, I didn't get out of there until about 8:00pm. I was ravenous from hunger and exhausted. I didn't sleep so well since Mike is recovering from a cold and he was coughing off and on for about 3 hours. This morning I woke up sleepy from interrupted slumber and stiff and tired from intense classes last night. I still had two back to back classes today, another client to train, cleaning for inspection, more paperwork. I finally left there close to 2:00pm only to come home to dishes, laundry, dinner, an awaiting grocery list, and phone calls. Sigh.

God Is Awesome and stuff

2008-01-12T11:00:00.000-08:00

I was driving home from the gym today. I pulled up at the stop light behind a car from Georgia. The frame which held the license plate read, "God is Awesome". I have seen this frame before but it has been a while. I sat there and thought to myself, "Yes, God truly IS awesome!". I thanked God in my heart for reminding me of that today by this simple licens plate frame.

Tonight we have a big event. 4 of the kids' friends, (one of them being Ricky-Grace's friend-boy) are celebrating their 16th birthdays together. Their parents have planned a huge party with about 140 kids at a local country club. Mike is going to donate his dj service for the evening and I am the "door checker". I check kids in and don't let them re-enter if they leave.

Because Grace is the friend-girl of one of the birthday boys, we went ahead and got her a new outfit. I am so happy that my daughter can wear skinny jeans. I will forever live my thin leg fantasies through her and Jessie! Anyway, we don't get started until 8:00pm which is already too close to my bedtime, and we wrap up at 12:00. I tried to take a nap already today but I had too much coffee and I just couldn't relax. Oh, well.

This week Personal Training has picked up. I have 3 clients starting on Monday and a couple of more consultations this next week. I am very excited!!!

Out for now!

Religious or Relational?

2008-01-07T10:50:00.000-08:00

What is your status with God? To be more specific...is it religious or relational? Our message at church and in Sunday school went hand in hand yesterday as they dealt with our status with God. Where do you stand?

I fall in both categories. I have a growing relationship with Jesus, but I find that I fall into religion quite often. You know, the "do's and don'ts" of being a Christian. I have mentioned before and I will mention again that I have a religious code. It's called "The Deanna Code" and it is my own rules and standards that I have created through the years that have been my guideline for living. What did I use to form these rules and guidelines. I don't know. Or maybe I do. Maybe it has been all the "How To" books that I have read through the years (How to: pray, be a good wife, mother, pastor's wife, leader, Bible study teacher, organizer, meal planner, blah, blah, blah). I have only wanted to do things the right way but somehow came up with an impossible standard to live up to. My intentions have always been that I wanted to be more pleasing to God and more effective as a wife and mother and everything else that I might be involved in. The "Code" has been my own personal standard and my worst critic.

But God has made it so clear to me this year that no matter what I do, I DO please Him. My behavior may not be stellar, but I am always loved and accepted by Him. I will be a disappointment, at times, to those I love and who love me. I will blow it, stick my foot in my mouth, sin, fall short, but my Jesus who died on the cross for me will never be disappointed in me. I am valuable to Him...period. His Word is the only standard that I need to live up to...period. Oh what freedom I feel as I write this!

I love that and I love Him for continuing the work He began in me 30 years ago.

First Loves

2008-01-04T12:51:00.001-08:00

Do you remember your first love? I do. I was in the 8th grade and got to know this boy on the track team. He invited me to a dance and the rest was history. I proceeded to date him off and on for about 5 years before we finally went our seperate ways. Although I am HAPPILY married, you never forget that FIRST time you give your heart away. Well, here we are at the beginning of 2008 and my two oldest children are on their way to what could possibly be their First Loves.

Mike and I have always had this rule that our children would not start relationships until they were 16 and even then it would be modified courtship. Sam, now 16 nas never really been interested in pursuing a relationship with a girl and so it has been no big deal. Grace, now 14 and 3/4, , however, has had issues with this rule since she was 12. We had determined to stand our ground because from personal experience and observing other young teens, kids are just not ready for realtionships. They are already going through so much from hormones and changing that to add relationships on top of that is just asking for trouble. They aHOWEVER...

Several weeks ago Mike and I noticed that Grace was periodically talking to one of Sam's friends when we would be in group situations. We know the family well and have had talks with the parents about Grace not being able to date, etc. They began to "facebook" each other and before you know it, they process to have a mutual like. In the meantime, Mike and I began to have a change of heart. We truly believe it is the Lord because neither of us was going to budge ont he whole dating issue and yet one night, we began to compare notes and we were feeling the same exact thing...if we wanted out kids to have successful relationships as adults then it is our job to TEACH them to have a sucessful relationships. It is our job to help them navigate and do things the right way. Cut back to Grace and her friend, Ricky. He knew that she was not allowed to have a boyfriend and was going to totally respect that and the fact that we didn't allow phone calls. But he did ask her if she might ask her parents to reconsider. We did and she was floored! After about another week, Ricky sat in our living room under the scrutiny of Mike and I and fielded questions regarding his faith as well as enduring about 45 minutes of lecture from Mike and I (plus a page and a half of notes ) regarding what our boundaries are and what we expect if he wants to spend time with our daughter. He took it like a man and I am very happy to say that Grace has a friend-boy. Ricky Adams is an accomplished athlete and student, believes God is the center of his life, and is quite smitten with Grace, according to his mother. And by the way, I spoke to his mom at the very beginning and they were and are totally and completely supportive of our boundaries and guidelines. Cool

In the meantime, Sam met a young lady at one of his band gigs. In fact, her daddy is the pastor of the church that they played at. They began to facebook and before we knew it, our son was very muc interested in Laura Beth. We has moved slower than Grace and Ricky, however, they have now professed mutual like and he is going over to her house tonight to have dinner with her family and to ask her father permission to spend more time with her. Laura Beth is a beautiful homeschool girl who sings and dances and plays violin. Mike knows her dad pretty well from different pastor related events in the community. Once Sam meets with Laura Beth's dad, we plan to have a little heart to heart with them as well and spell out our guidelines if they differ from her dad's.

We have gone from NO relationships to TWO! Mike and I told the kids that this is all new and that although we have lots of ideas of how we want things to go, they still need to understand that this is uncharted territory and they need to be patient with us. So far, so good! This is definitely modified dating/courtship. I guess it's not really courtship yet because they are all still in the "getting to know you" phase of things. It is still all about group situations and NO touchy feely stuff. But I am excited. It has really brought the best out in both the kids and Grace and my relationship has improved 100%.

The next step is for Mike and I to get to know the friend boy and girl better. We plan to have game night soon so that we can hang out and just see how they all interact with one another.

Tonight, Sam plans to go to Laura Beth's for dinner and meet her parents and hang out with them. Mike and I and Grace plan to meet Ricky and his parents and some other friends at the Greenwood Basketball game. They plan to play one of the cross town rivals and it plans to be big. Jessie is spending the afternoon/evening with her friend Hope.

First Loves sometimes mean first heart breaks. But we plan to help them navigate that successfully, too, should that be part of our future. I always dreaded this time coming into our lives. But now that it is here, I have peace and joy as I watch my two oldest babies take the next step toward adulthood and maturity.

Happy New Year!

2008-01-03T11:02:00.000-08:00

We made it home safely from the Kitsteiners. we so enjoyed our time with our long time friends and it was so great to be able to be together and feel like we had never spent any time apart. We miss them terribly! It took us about 8 hours and the drive was relatively easy. We were happy to get back to our pest and beds. Of course, it was Monday night so Mike promptly parked himself in his chair and turned on Monday Night Football. I am really going to miss it when it's all over!

I headed to the gym the next morning and taught two cardio classes back to back. I went from doing nothing for a week to lots of classes. In fact, I will have taught 8 classes in 3 days! Not all of them are cardio, but about half are and the other half Pilates and weight training. I am one pooped mommy but I have about 5lbs of holiday weight gain to deal with, too!!!

Anyway, New Years, Eve was one of the funnest I have had in years. We went to some friends who have a Nintendo Wii and after snacks and talking, put together some Bowling Teams and had a ball. We decided that we really like this bowling because you didn't have to put on skanky shoes, stink like cigarette smoke, and deal with irritating people next to you! The kids were all in the game room playing video games and hanging out while the adults played video games down stairs. It was a HOOT!!! Jessie actually spent the night with a friend so that worked out for everyone. So Mike and Grace and I got home about 3:00am New Years morning and wouldn't you know, I woke up at 6:30am? What is with that? I stayed in my jammies all day and loved that! The Rose Parade was really beautiful this year and we all enjoyed just hanging out. I had to do laundry to get us ready for school the next day and as well as get some workout routines put together for all the classes ahead of me (now in progress!).

As far as resolutions, I would like to drop the 5lbs I put on plus another 10. I would like to get much more cut and definition since I am personal training now and feel that I should look more the part. I also want to be home more for the kids so I am going to do the minimum amount with The Body Shop. I want to spend more time reading my Bible and praying and reaching out to others. But my other resolution is not to beat myself up if I don't live up to all my expectations!

I am excited about this next year. The kids are and still will be going through lots of "firsts". We have track meets, plays, and football ahead of us. We have a great church and new friends and fun jobs. I plan to enjoy the good times while they are here because you never know what tomorrow holds.

Happy New Year to all who read this and may the Lord fill your lives with knowledge of His love.

Fun in Florida!

2007-12-29T09:51:00.000-08:00

We have been inFlorida almost a week now. Mike's parents celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary and invited all their children and families to celebrate with them in Florida! We stayed in a beautiful 6 bedroom house with a pool, jacuzzi, and game room, that was just a few miles from DisneyWorld. We visited MGM Disney, the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Animal Kingdom in 3 days, with enough time to swim, go out for dinner, and just hang out. We had a wonderful time with our extended family and with just Mike, the kids, and I. Mike's oldest son, Michael and his wife were there as well and the kids got to spend time with their older brother who is still a big kid at heart. All in all, it was a great time for us but most importantly, a time for his parents to cherish a time with all their kids and grandkids together. We missed Mike's oldest daughter, Dawn, and were sorry that she never made it. The weather was fantastic and soooo loved not having to wear a coat.

Today we find ourselves in Eglin Air Force Base with our long time friends, John and Wendi Kitsteiner. We all met 10 years ago when Mike was pastoring and John and Wendi brought us dinner after Jessie was born. Somehow this young couple and our family clicked and they have been cherished friends and the god-parents of our children ever since. They have relocated a couple of times since Kentucky, but by God's grace we get to cross paths every once in a while. The weather here today is cool and rainy and we are disapointed that we can't "go out" to the beach. But we are going to drive into Destin and look around and find a quaint place (and a Starbuck's) near the beach to eat. John is a doctor and is on a tough rotation right now so we won't see him until later when we can take him dinner.

They have a beautiful Dalmatian, Scrubs, that the kids have had a ball playing with and their on base housing is actually quite nice. John cooked us a fantastic steak and grilled vegetable dinner last night and Sam has already been eating leftovers today. The boy loves beef!

We head back to Ky tomorrow. We would try to stay another day but it is important that I get back to the gym as January hits and all the "New Years Resolutioners" flood through our doors. We alss want to have a day to rest and do laundry and prepare for the kids to return to school. As far as New Years, I THINK that we are getting together with some friends and let all our kids hang out and play games while we adults do the same.

We have had so much fun in Florida. We probably won't get to head out of town again until...who knows? The kids have a play over Spring break and Sam has football all summer. I will post some pictures once we get back home and get them loaded on the computer. Blessings to all and much love!

New Hair

2007-12-17T20:29:00.001-08:00

As you can see, Grace got a new "do". I dyed it last night a pretty chrstnut brown with a hint of red. The red doesn't show up REAL well because I should have used TWO bottles instead of one and had to make the ONE work for her huge mane. Anyway, I took her to the hair lady taht I have used since the day we moved to BG. She has had lots of experience with thick curly hair since she and her daughter both have it so she has been great whenever I have taken Grace in. Grace has been straightening her hair quite a bit this past year and we thought that since she is going to al lthe trouble, why not get her a style? This is what we came up with and she is thrilled. I love it, too.

Tons going on!

2007-12-15T11:41:00.000-08:00

I ordered Sam's class ring this week. I can't believe Josten's is still in the Class ring business but then again, rings cost so much that there must be a great profit in there somewhere! We are actually on the payment plan with coupons to send in and everything. Unbelievable. The ring arrives in either May or August so that he'll have it for his junior and senior year. Driving is going okay. He is kind of herky-jerky when he drives and neithe rMike nor I are comfortable with him at this point. We plan to let him drive some on our way to Florida but with the whole family in the car...I don't know.

We have an appointment for Grace to get started on braces. She is ready but also dreads having them. She and Mike and Jessie are in their last weekend of their play...thank God! We are all ready for this to be over as much fun as it has been as well. We had an early Christmas last night when they got home from their show. Since we leave in a week to go to Florida, we opened gifts last night so that they could play their new video games, use new things they needed, etc. It was very sweet and fun but we plan to save their stockings and one gift (per Mike's mom's instructions) to take with us so that they will have something to open Christmas day.

Jessie is setting up a "wedding" chapel in her bedroom for her mechanical stuffed pig and for her class' mechanical stuffed pig which she brought home from school-Essie and Choncho. She even created a wedding gown for Essie with a jeweled tiara for her head...too cute! Che is going through a growth spurt right now and is getting taller by the day. I don't think she'll be a "tall" girl per sey, but she is getting taller for HER.

As usual, toward the end of the month, I am busy getting the next month's schedule ready, getting classes covered for girls who will be out of town, updating bulletin boards, meetings, e-mails, and getting ready for the influx of new members who are making New Year's resolutions to get in shape. I am doing better with perspective at work. Truly, I love my job and the women I work with. It's just getting used to mixing the little bit of bad with a whole lot of good and keeping that balance in my head when the bad gets BAD on somedays.

Speaking of the gym, the kids and I are headed over there so that I can get some stuff done that I couldn't get done during the week. Grace plans to run and then she and Jessie will end up in the whirlpool. I am dog tired from teaching 4 classes in 24 hours so I won't be working out today. This girl needs some recovery time!!!

More later...

Jesus was laid in a manger?

2007-12-10T12:39:00.000-08:00

Yes, yes, we know the story. Jesus was born in a stable and laid in a manger which is actually a feeding trough for the animals. With no immunities in his system, although He was the son of God, He was laid in a filthy bacteria ridden animal feeding trough. Even if Joseph was able to wipe the thing out, there was not way that it could be sanitized to meet ANY standard of cleanliness. The fact that the King of Kings was even born in a stable at all boggles the mind. That's no place for a King to be born and then reside. However, that was God's plan...and I like it. Here's why.

I love all the symbolism it holds. Jesus, the King of Kings, has come to "be born" in my filthy life and "rests" in my bacteria infested heart. The truly miraculous thing is that that's what HE CHOSE to do. As the scripture at the top of my blog says, "...I chose YOU...". He isn't offended or afraid of the dirt and muck. Since He is Omniscient, he knows all things so He knew what He was getting when He got me...and you.

Oh, I never tire of the Christmas story. This year it has brought another new insight to me about how great God's love is for humanity and for me personally. Thank you, Jesus, for choosing to come to me.

My birthday was a great day and work issues.

2007-12-06T11:41:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I turned 29 for the 15th time! Can you imagine? It was a great day and I got to spend it pretty much how I wanted to. It was very cold here with temps in the 20's and a wind that would whip right through you, but other than that, it was sweet. I received many special messages from friends and family (they really DO like me!) and I ended up at 9:00pm last night at Starbuck's by myself. No, I LIKE being by myself when I can be. I received belated wishes today and still have my Starbuck's gift card to spend since my coffee was free last night with the help of a dear Jessica who works there. It was her birthday gift to me...thanks!

Work has been difficult lately. As much as I love my job, I had thoughts today of exploring other options. It's not the job...it's policies handed down by management that I am not sure I want to deal with anymore. There is a policy that our aerobic classes have to average 8 participants or else they are cancelled the next month. During times like now...with the holidays upon us and people shopping and traveling, our class participation has been low and I have had to cancel a handful of classes. You may think that is no big deal but to the the few members that are still attending these classes, this is huge! I then become the p.r. person, the sounding board, the go -between, the one that has to keep on a happy face and then I go cry in my managers office. I understand that there is a budget and operating costs, I just think they can refigure some things to allow those classes to continue. Our lead sales rep said in our meeting yesterday that our aerobics program is his biggest selling tool.

I NEVER have thought about leaving my company until today. 4 of my regular ladies sent scathing letters to management. I knew this would happen. I TOLD them it would. And yet, I keep getting told that the numbers speak for themselves and if the classes were popular ones then this wouldn't happen. To some degree, he's right. But he is also wrong in that LIFE happens! People travel, get busy, and yes, let their fitness drop to the wayside. It's temporarily NOT the top priority. But to the few it is infuriating to them to be told that the next month their classes will be cancelled. Before leaving to day I told him that I was okay, that I would implement policy and procedres, and that I would be as positive as I can be to the members. But I really am not okay. I don't know if I want to continue to deal with this because it will ALWAYS be an issue since there is an ebb and flow to health clubs. Some seasons are busier than others. Oh, and I didn't mention the LOW budget they put my deparment on. If my payroll goes over a certain amount, I have to cut back classes there, too.

On another note, tonight Mike and the girls have a show and Sam and I will be attending his football banquet where he will receive his letterman's jacket. He is so excited. I also did more prep. training to start personal training members. I won't be certified tos tart but will hoep to get that in February. I am getting my advanced Pilates first.

That's all for today except that I hope to have some pics for you...

Just do the next thing!

2007-12-04T11:42:00.000-08:00

Today is my Sweetie's birthday!!! He and the girls have "school day" performances at the theatre and so he has spent the day doing 3 plays back to back. I have a pot roast in the crockpot along with red potatoes and carrots. iIwill add baked beans and a salad for dinner. and then tonight we plan to go to a local amusement park to see their advertised two miles of Christmas lights and then up at Sonic for a birthday chocolate shake. Fun, fun fun!!!

I got home from the gym about 2 hours ago and have been on the computer ever since just taking care of stuff. My counterpart at the other facility, Linda, was put into her position but without much training. Unlike me, she did not received the benfit of being trained as the coordinator and took on her position with out fully knowing all that was required. After today's meeting with her and our manager, she was feeling overwhelmed and behind. I went back through my aerobics files and was able to send her some more info she needed but also sent her a word of encouragement.

I was reminded of the Pastor's Wives conference that I attended when I got to hear Elisabeth Elliott speak. If you have never heard of Elisabeth Elliott, she has written several books one of which, Through Gates of Splendor, was about her life as amissionary wife in Ecuador. her husband, Jim Elliott, was one of the 5 missionaries that the movie, The End of the Spear, was based on. Anyway, this seasoned saint has gone through many trials and heart aches with the death of not only one husband but two. Now married for the third time, and for quite some time, she has traveled and been the key note speaker at many conferences.

This particular conference, for pastor's wives, was excellent and I was very excited about seeing and hearing Elisabeth. Her message that day was simple to these overworked and tired out pastor's wives, "Just do the next thing". Short, sweet, simple and yet packed full of wisdom gained through years of ministry and trials of life. Those words have echoed in my ears many times either by reminder of The Holy Spirit or the Holy Spirit through Mike.

I was able to share those words with Linda today. As she grasps all that her job requires as well as her Personal Training schedule and her roles as wife and mother, my prayer is that it will be exactly what she needs today. Maybe it's what you need today to. It's always what I need to hear.

The Latest...

2007-12-03T13:09:00.000-08:00

A little behind...again. I just think that some times there will be a post every day and sometimes a gap. When the kids are home, I can't near the computer between all three of them playing internet games and chekcking and chatting on facebook. Sure, I can kick them off but sometimes I would rather take a computer break and get on it on Monday. So, here's the latest...

Last Thursday Mike and the girls had their opening night for The Best Christmas Pagenat Ever. (Pics to follow). They did a great job and we are just happy that it is finally running since that will cut down on rehearsals. They have all decided that this will be the last time they do this play since this is year #4. The crowd has been low since there are two other Christmas plays in town right now so that has pulled some of the people away. Especially since one is The Grinch.

Friday night I "hit the wall" as I put it and was able to sit a couple of hours while the family did their show. Sam had band practice so I had a couplf of hours with the remote ALL TO MYSELF! I was able to watch a couple episodes of What Not To Wear and loved every minute of it.

SaturdayI had to teach a class, do payroll, other gym stuff, and then went to the Connexion where Sam's band played 4 songs. Let's just say it was very unorganized, there were too many acts, and it was scheduled to be done at 10:00pm but Sam and the band didn't even get on stage untuil 11:00. However, they closed the show, blew the church's sound system, and rocked it out. Their last song was , "Are You Gonna Be My Girl?" by Jet. It was awesome! By the time they broke all the equipment down we got home at midnight and decided that we needed to sleep in Sunday morning.

So we did. Jessie and I made a big breakfast, we had family devotions, and then Mike and the girls had another show. Sam and I were supposed to go to Scott's to celebrate his daughter's birthday but Scott was sick so Sam and I went Christmas shopping. We had a ball and so enjoyed our time hanging out. We met up with Mike and the girls after their show and went to our church Christmas show. It was so cute and done so well. I was supposed to be in it but with the family in the Christmas Pageant, it just spreads me too thin.

And today...I started getting ready for Personal Training. My Lead Trainer, Travis "the Beast", walked me through some things that I need to know, etc. I came home and took care of gym stuff on the computer and here I still sit..needing to shower, feed the kids, and go to my work Christmas party tonight. Whew!

We will celebrate Mike's birthday tomorrow and mine on Wednesday. I will blog on that later.

That's it for today. Enjoy the Christmas season...each day fo it. In fact, tell someone Merry Christmas today. Say it loud..say it proud!

I Almost Panicked, But I'm Okay

2007-11-28T12:10:00.001-08:00

Okay, so I wrote in my last blog that I am totally into the Christmas spirit already. I am 90% done with Christmas shopping, I have present wrapped and sitting in the place where my tree WOULD go except we aren't getting one due to the fact that we are going to Disneyworld at Christmas. But I almost had a meltdown and here's why...

As mentioned before, I start playing Christmas music the day after Thanksgiving. I don't care how many different versions I hear of Silent Night, I love each and every one and that's just the way it is. The problem was that I couldn't find my stack of Christmas cd's. I found 4 of them, but my favorites were missing. I'm talking Bing Crosby, Crystal Lewis, Kenny G, a compilation with all the oldies (Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole, etc.) and many more, no where to be found. I remembered that early last year, we had put our house on the market and I packed those cd's away to clear some of the clutter but I didn't know if I stuck them in a drawer or a box or what. After a couple of days of frantically searching, I finally found them in the garage. Oh, JOY!!!

Oh...'tis the season

2007-11-24T10:23:00.000-08:00

I went into town early today to get groceries. I just can't seem to get it done during the week these days and since I was up before everyone else, took advantage of the morning and headed out.

There is nothing that seems to usher in the holidays more than the ringing of the Salvation Army bell. Out side Wal-Mart, there is usually a bell ringer each Christmas season and sure enough, this morning was no exception. It brought a warm glow inside and a smile to my face.

Once I got home and got the groceries put away, Mike and I sat and had coffee while deciding what our plan was for the day. Yes, it still includes Christmas decorations. But after we all had our assigned duties, it dawned on me that the day after Thanksgiving is usually when I start playing Christmas music in the house and I was one day late!!! I ran and got my Christmas cd's and popped in The Carpenters Christmas. Karen is singing to me as I write. Oh, I LOVE this time of year!

"Unstuff"

2007-11-23T12:23:00.001-08:00

Well, I sepnt two hours at the gym undoing what I did yesterday! Our "Unstuff" class went great and although I felt sluggish and lacked energy, I made it better than I thought I would. I have some FANTASTIC instructors who are so talented and energetic and give great work outs.

Speaking of yesterday, it was a change for us not to be in Memphis with Mike's parents. the kids said a couple of times that they felt like it wasn't Thanksgiving since we weren't at Mamaw and Papaw's. But we had a splendid day, none the less, with our friends, The Jones' and our family, The Scott Rays. The food was amazing, the kids had a great time all playing together (we brought a couplehome) and just hanging out for several hours and talking was good for the soul.

We'll do leftovers tonight, although not the same portion sizes! I have laundry to do, a grocery list to make, and I need to start working on the January schedule at the gym. I think I have convinced Mike to take me out to Starbuck's later for coffee. It makes me feel festive! And...I will do my best to get him geared up to put up the Christmas decorations tomorrow, too.

I am thankful for so much...

Thanksgiving Dinner Calorie overload!

2007-11-20T13:06:00.000-08:00

I just took a little on line calorie test. I was to put a check in the box next to food that I plan to eat on Thanksgiving day. Not ALL the foods I plan to eat were on the list AND the serving sizes were much smaller than I plan to eat. Even so...the meager meal that I checked off on the test was already at an amazing 1200 calories! Yikes! An after dinner Thanksgiving walk might be in order.

Our gym is also having a fun class called "Unstuff". I have 4 different instructors taking a 20 minute segment and teaching something different like, step, turbo kick, weight training, stability abll, and I will end with stretching. So...I plan to eat all I want and not feel one bit guilty with the goal of working it all off the next couple of days AFTER Thanksgiving. Sweet Potato Calsserole, here I come!

It's been a while...again

2007-11-19T11:36:00.001-08:00

Hopefully, I can keep up a little more these days. I should be mopping my kitchen floor right now but it should only take me about 30 minutes if I "turbo" vacuum and mop. Another great way to burn some more calories.

Since the last blog, Sam's team lost their first play off game. I won't go into detail but it was a heart breaker after they play so hard all night long. We all cried but are releived it's finally over. His leg should get to heal completely while we wait for track to start.

Grace, Jessie, and Mike, are all busy rehearsing their play at the Public Theatre. Opening night is Nov. 29th and I plan to be in the front row. Grace was sick three days last week with a pretty good sinus infection with fever and everything. I am hoping she'll get caught up during Thanksgiving break.

Speaking of Thanksgiving, we are headed to our friends, the Jones'. We had planned on having Scott and the kids over but my friend, Virginia, invited us all out since it was only going to be her and her parents. Now, the parents aren't even going to be there so it will be 5 adults and 10 kids. It is supposed to rain but I hope to get the kids outside for alittle running around. We were going to go to Myrtle Beach to see my brother and his family but since we have a big trip to Orlando planned next month (Christmas at Disneyland-courtesy of Mike's parents) we felt we should try to save as many pennies as we could for that trip.

With the busyness of life, we don't get to hang out with people hardlya t all anymore and I am really looking froward to just "being" with people and not just passing by them, you know?

Anyway, I am excited about Personal Training in January and I am getting my Advanced Pilates certification in January as well. I am going to need to back off The Body SHop because I feel pulled in too many different directions and I just have to streamline my head. I want to hang onto it so that I can but the products we use, but not as a source of income.

We had a great service yesterday at church and it was a great reminder of keeping focused on the purpose of living a "missional life". We had a talk with the kids last night about being "missional" as they go to school each day, enter college, get jobs, etc. Not sure how much sunk in, but I told them that we would probably have this talk many more times before they leave the house. I know that I NEED to be reminded periodically, too.

Okay, so the kitchen floor needs to get done NOW. Blessings!

It's been a while!

2007-11-09T11:42:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's been a little while since I have written or read a blog. I am a little behind with everyone so if anyone has anything exciting that you have written, send me a note please!

Sam got his permit today. Yep, as of 9:28 this morning it is a little less safe on the highways of Bowling Green, Ky. I am okay with it. Not emotional at all which surprises me. It's all good. And, he has his first play off football game tonight which we are excited about but not excited about the cold.

The girls are great and busy with rehearsals for the Christmas play they are in. Grace has the lead role as the daughter and narrator, Beth, in the Best Christmas Pageant Ever and Jessie has a role as the youngest and toughest Herdman child, Gladys. She is so funny and Grace is poised and professional. Mike is also int his play as the dad, a repeat role for him. Opening night is November 29th.

Aside from Coordinating Aerobics at Total Fitness Connection, I am also going to start personal training. I am not certified yet, but know alot already and will undergo some training until I CAN get certified. I am kind of excited but there is alot to know and I don't want to blow it! The Body Shop is going great right now and I am staying busy with that , too!

Thanksgiving is two weeks away and we are still uncertain of what we are going to do. we had planned on going to my brother's in sunny Myrtle Beach, SC., but now there are several question marks hovering over our heads and we probably won't know for a couple more days as to what our actual plans are. He really hope it works out.

That is about all I can blog right now. I have GOT to shower and get some food ready before Sam has to be back at the school for warm ups. His took another two weeks off due to his leg still hurting badly, this time in the muscle but he said it is feeling pretty good now. Yeah! He won't be starting in his usual positions because of his two week break, but feel he will get some playing time. He did earn his letter and will get his letterman's jacket in December at the banquet.

Love to all!

Being the "Bad" Mom, Standing my Ground, MIsunderstood, or All of the Above

2007-11-02T12:30:00.000-07:00

Have you ever felt like a punching bag? I mean, have you ever had one of those days that FELT like you had to do battle on several fronts? By battle, I mean knowing that you are the unpopular opinion, the wet blanket, the bubble burster, the enforcer with your kids? I know that some of you reading this don't have kids or have them yet, but I am sure you can relate to the fact that you have to confront and issue, make a stand, enforce a standard, and all the while, although you are doing what must be done for the greater good, feel like you're thought of as the enemy, the bad guy (gal), the wet blanket.

I had a day like that yesterday where it seemed with each one of my children there was a confrontation, battle of the wills, enforcement of a standard, or worse...enforcing the restriction that was earned! When the kids went to bed last night, I sighed and told Mike that I felt like a human punching bag! I felt beat up emotionally and was exhausted. James Dobson titled his book correctly, "Parenting Isn't for Cowards."

Mike reminds me and I remind myself, that there is no way they can even begin to understand our role as their parents and because they are still kids and lack life experience, they can't see that any way other than their way is right. Sometimes ungrateful, self focused, discontent, they see us as the ones who are keeping them from all the fun in the world and we don't work hard enough or make enough money to give them all the things they THINK will make them happy. OY!

I wonder if God feels any different? I know that within the last year I have been all those things and felt all those things towards my heavenly Father. Do you think HE ever feels like a DIVINE punching bag? He teaches me so many lessons about myself as I parent two teenagers and a pre-teen. But He teaches me so much more about what a good parent is as He parents me. Sometimes to be a good parent is to be the bad mom, stand my ground, misunderstood, and yes, the punching bag. I know my "thoughts are good" toward my children just as His "thoughts towards" me are the best. Jeremiah 29:11.

Book Club

2007-10-29T19:28:00.000-07:00

I just got back from meeting with a Book Club from church. Since I am ridiculously busy and can't seem to commit to a weekly Bible Study, I signed up for this book club since it meets once a month. I love reading and thought it would be good for me to read random books that someone else picks and then get together with ladies from church for great discussion on what we liked, didn't like, etc.

The book we just finished, Jacob's List by Stephanie Whitson, was tough at times because it deals with parents who lost their 18 year old son in a freak accident. Neither parent is a Christian and it talks about how they deal with their grief, a broken marriage, saved and unsaved friends, and ultimately, how they come through this time. Next we are reading About Jane by ??? Moser which is a bio-novel about Jane Austen. I am sooo looking forward to that one.

Anyway, there were only 4 of us which surprised me since there are so may people that attend Living Hope. But it made for intimate talk and great conversation and enabled me to meet some new ladies and get better acquainted with some I already knew. The coffee was good and it was just a very pleasant couple of hours with women. Something I haven't had in a while and miss terribly.

Camouflage Convention at Wal-Mart!

2007-10-28T11:44:00.000-07:00

Just in case you have never lived in Bowling Green, Kentucky but plan to visit someday, heed this warning, DO NOT go to Wal-Mart on a Saturday afternoon. I have lived here long enough to know better and yet I though that just this once it might not be crowded.

Last Saturday, about 2:00pm I headed into town for groceries. Town for me is across the mall parking lot since I live one street over from all the main shopping. I usually do my shopping during a week day because when Mike and the kids are home, I try to BE home as much as possible. It has been a very busy week at the gym with meetings and transitions with my new manager, as well as preparing for the new month, and I just wasn't able to get my shopping done until Saturday. I go to Aldi first and get 90% of what I need and then to Wal-Mart. I guess I didn't get the memo (and why should I?) but there seemed to be a Camouflage Convention at Wally World. In case you didn't know, there ARE different types of camouflage. This wasn't military camouflage but HUNTING camouflage. I have never seen so many men wearing camo. hats and shirts, TOGETHER, in all my life except for one time when Mike took me to Rack's Sporting Goods. It was a Planet Camo!

I don't hate camo. I am married to an ex-marine and have a son that wants to go to a military college. I even bought, on clearance, a cute little camo. windbreaker with some feminine detailing to it. But Wal-Mart last Saturday was where all the hunters wearing camo. decided to congregate and where I found myself, reminding myself, that I am not in California anymore as I cruised the aisles still wearing flip flops in October.

Working Out

2007-10-26T12:33:00.001-07:00

As most of you know, one of my passions, hobbies, joys is working out. It really is a part of who I am. As a child I was an athlete and tom-boy from the get go and continued that through high school and one year of college where I was the starting third baseman. By God's design, I quit college and worked fulltime but the work out bug never left me. For ten years now I have been an aerobics instructor but even before that sports had played a major role in my life with softball and volleyball leagues. I truly believe that we MUSt take care of God's temple which He has entrusted to us. I know that some of us are plagues with chronic health issues which prohibit our ablility to get active, but we still need to do the best we can where we are atl, that's all I am saying. It seems that we entrust everything else to the Lord and take our stewardship very seriously until we come to our bodies. Somehow, we think that good stewardship it not so very important. In fact, many peoplwequote this scripture which I read today, "discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present and also for the life to come". 1 Timothy 5: 7&8.

Far be it from me to argue with the inspired Word of God!!! But people use that as an excuse to NOT take care of their bodies and that is not at all what it is saying. In COMPARISON, disciplining your self for the purpose of godliness is MORE profitable because it "holds promise for the present life AND for the life to come, while disciplining your body only profits you here and now and later as you age.

And don't think I am "holier than thou" when it comes to taking care of my body. I splurge just like the rest of you. In fact, Grace and I made these chocolate souffle's last night that oozed warm chocolate when you cut them open and then paired that up with Breyers French Vanilla Ice Cream! To die for! This scripture, however, just hit me in a new way today. As much effort as I put into working out, I need to put more effort and focus into growing spiritually than I do in working off those calories I ate last night, not that that's not important, as well.

But let me ask the questions which you can answer to yourself or write me: How much effort DO you put into working out your body and/or your Spirit? Have you been neglectful of one or the other?

Gig Photos

2007-10-21T17:30:00.000-07:00

Sam's band, September Sets Fire, played at The Connexion. This is actually a church which opens up as a coffeehouse and allows kids to come in and have a place to play their songs. Some song were Christian, some weren't. There were all kinds of acts, Stand up comedy, violinist, etc. But geared towards the young generation and very casual come as you are as most coffeehouses are. I had never heard of this place before but Mike knew the pastor, nothing new there! It was very cool and the food and drinks were free.

So, Sam's band gets up there in the second half of the "show" and I just didn't know what to expect. I mean, I REALLY never thought they would ever play anywhere and it would die out before too long. The band gets started and Sam starts to sing and... HE"S PRETTY GOOD! He has a real nice tone quality and was on pitch the whole time except when he went into his head voice a few times. He acts as if he has been doing this all his life and that it was not big deal at all. I look at Mike and he looked at me and we both started to giggle and just sat there truly amazed! They did two songs total and then we took off. There were a few acts left that had already played in the first half and it was already close to 10:00. Anyway, here are some photos...it was very cool and as you can imagine we were very proud!

Sam's Gig

2007-10-20T13:51:00.000-07:00

Great news...Sam's high school football team won first place in their district! This is the first time in the school's history that this has happened so we are all thrilled. They still have one more season game (not district) in two weeks and then play offs. We sure want them to go far but we ALSO want to go to my Ron and Ebby's for Thanksgiving.

However, on the side, Sam has been in this garage band called September Sets Fire. They have practiced a few times and I honestly didn't think it was going anywhere. To my surprise, they have a gig tonight! Sam is actually the lead singer and doesn't play any instrument in the band. Now, it won't be House of Blues, but they will play at a place called The Connection and do a couple of cover tunes. I will take Grace's camera so that we can put some photos on the blog.

Reflecting

2007-10-15T18:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Sunday, I was invited to come and lead worship for Calvary Chapel Bowling Green. Yep. It's the same Calvary Chapel Bowling Green that we started 14 years ago. I hadn't been back to the building itself for quite some time. The last time I think I was there was for Bethany's birthday celebration which would have been 2 years ago.

There were only a handful of people. Ryna, the pastor, said that a few were out of town for fall break. But their congregation is small but Rayn is content and really seems to be focused. I am glad. As I sat there during his message, I began to look a round a bit. On the wall behind the pulpit is the styrofoam-faux granite painted dove. I remember the couple that volunteered to paint that dove. Along the wall on the stage sat the timbalis (sp) that I saw my brother skillfully play hundreds of times, the green chairs that a local pastor gave us a great deal on, the pink women's bathroom that still hasn't been painted (I laughed at that one), and even framed pictures of Mike on the wall from when we did a baptism at Kenny's farm in the creek. The classrooms, the playset outside...so very much was the same. And yet, Ryan and his wife made some minor decorating changes to make it more homey and inviting. It was nice.

What made it the nicest of all is that for the first time since Mike resigning, I could be there without any wierdness or negative feelings from previous hard times. I only remembered good times and great people that the Lord allowed to come into and, often, out of our lives. I wasn't sad or melancholy, just really at peace and glad. GLAD!

They asked me if I wanted to come back everyonce in a while to lead worship. I am not sure at this point. But I know that if i do go visit from time to time, it will be okay and even a pleasure.

Techno-challenged

2007-10-10T08:48:00.000-07:00

I admit it, I am techno-challenged! My kids can run circles around me when it comes to knowing how to work a cell phone, computer, game systems, even the VCR. Creating this blog has been a major miracle and I am very proud of myself!

We finally let the older kids get a "facebook" page, and we let Jessie get a Webkinz. We have really avoided all this on line "stuff" due to the fact that there are so many predators out there. We know the kids have been taught about on line predators and cyber bullies, but our thoughts were always, "Why take a chance?" You hear on the new almost weekly about another young girl who has run off with some freaky guy she met on the internet. They are so manipulating and cunning that they can convince kids they are ok when they are perverts. Not to mention that with "social internet sites" that you can't always monitor what comes in and is written on their spaces. Since I don't understand how the computer is even hooked up, I just ahven't been able to wrap my mind around all this techno stuff and had, in the past, thought that to avoid it all is the best route. Until this week.

Mike and I relented and let Grace do "FaceBook" and then let Sam create on, too. We guaranteed them that we will be regularly checking, don't let anyone elses friends join your circle unless you KNOW that person, don't write anything that you would be ashamed of or would be dishonoring to the Lord, etc. Within a day the kids had "umteen" kids join their "friends" network. Oy! Then we let Jessie do Webkinz, an online virtual pet where you can create a house, play games, and talk...very restricted...to other Webkinz on line. It has major blockings and monitors. But, we have family friends that have Webkinz and when they are all on line together they can play and visit. Interestingly enough, we just heard a segment on Focus on the Family all about parents and kids and all the internet stuff and techno gadgets. There is a book called, Plugged In and Tuned Out by Vicky Courtney, and it is designed for the unsavvy techno parents-like me. It's on sale at the bookstore and I plan to get it this weekend to not only educate me but to give me more confidence in parenting kids that know more about stuff than I do.

On that note, I need to get cleaned up and take Jessie to a friend's house. We are on fall break and she had been sick on the couch for two days. She is feeling much better although there is residual stuffiness and throat crud going on.

First Day of Fall Break

2007-10-08T14:48:00.000-07:00

Isn't this October 8th? Is it REALLY 91 degrees outside? Uh...yeah! We have set new heat records again but tomorrow it is suppsed to cool to the 80's and then 70's after that. Whew!

We have no major plans this week. Sam has practice (JV game tonight), I have to work, sleeping in slightly. It's just great to not have to rush, rush, rush. Jessie is suffering from a RAGING head cold so we stayed home from the game tonight to give her some rest.

Other than that...nothing much today. Actually, I am going to join the Book club at church. I don't know much about it at all and I am told that it is very sad, but I think I want to plow through it and meet with the ladies at the end of the month for dinner and discussion. I so miss fellowship on a regular basis although I am getting to meet the football moms a little more and I talk to my buddy, Toni, fairly regularly. I just want to connect with some women at church, too!

BLessings!!!!

Out of Control

2007-10-06T13:15:00.000-07:00

How much of the time do we think that we are REALLY in control of our lives or the lives of our children? Every once in a while, the Lord reminds me just how NOT IN CONTROL I am. As I think back, I can recount how each one of my children COULD have died. All three by drowining. As a toddler, Sam was leaning over the edge of my mom's pool and quietly fell in while there was complete adult supervision. Thank God for my uncle John who happened to walk by the pool and saw in underwater. Another time I was in the back yard working in my garden and I had one of those large outside tubs that we stored out door toys in. One hot day I filled it with water for the kids to splash in and toddler Grace fell in head first. It is a miracle she was able to pull herself out and I only knew what happened because her hair was all slicked to one side and her clothes were soaked. And then my toddler Jessie had crawled out the bottom of the broken screen door at my mom's, threw her favorite bunny in the pool, retrieved it herself going down the pool steps, and then was standing outside the same screen door looking in when we found her. Once again, the Lord reminded me this weekend that He is watching over my kids even when I think all is well. No, there were no near death experiences.

Sam had a football game about an hour and a half away. Grace was going to a sleep over and I boldly invited Jessie over to a friend's house so that she didn't have to go to the game. She hates going anyway and since this was going to be a late night, I figured it would just be easier to have her to go to a friend's house. THis is what I found out today.

Grace came home and began to tell me about how disrespectful her friend was to her parents. Yes, Grace gets a 'tude sometimes, but once I call her on it she will back down. She doesn't like to say she's sorry but that is another issue. Anyway, she began to recount things that were said and her friends' parents lack of correction or discipline. She just couldn't belive it. I was very pleased at the fact that she got an eye witness account of total disrespect so that she could see how truly ugly it is. She went ahead and stayed the night but she was so ready to leave and said she will look for an opportunity to talk to her friend about it.

Jessie, on the other hand, came home today after she and the friend and the friend's mom came back from the mall. I KNEW ahead of time that these parents were probably not Christian. But Mike had met them once and her friend is in her class and I figured it would be ok for one night. I should have done more homework. My first clue was that I didn't even know the little girl's last name! But I gave Jessie a pep talk and we went over the basics: call us if you feel uncomfortbale or if there is something going on that you know is not right, etc. She even called a couple of times and talked to Mike and I and we questioned her about how things were going. After she was dropped off today and I began to ask her about some things did I get the whole story. This little girl's mom and BOYFRIEND are LIVING together not married. They both smoke and the boyfriend cusses when he gets mad. Oh great! And the kicker is that Jessie was okay with it all!!!

There were several things I learned from this:
1.) As I wrote, I am so not in control and I am so thankful that when I don't see all things God does and His eyes and His hands are on my kids.
2.) It is better to suck it up and take the kids with me even if I know it may be a difficult night because they don't WANT to go with me.
3.) Just like when they are little bitty, they don't see the dangers around them. Their judgement is immature and that is why the Lord put us as guardians over them.

Well, I feel horrible. But I am so glad that they are okay and we can all learn from this.

Just don't ask about the football game. I'd rather forget it..although Sam did great and his leg is doing fine.

Way Behind

2007-10-04T20:02:00.001-07:00

Well, my mom went home yesterday and our unexpected visitors, Bob and Amy went home today.

We all had a GREAT time with my mom. She was able to see lots of football, celebrate Sam's birthday with us, meet lots of people, come to church with us, etc. We kept her going but didn't quite run her ragged. We ate out quite a bit, something I hadn't planned on and so my stomach has been paying for it for a day or two. We love her and miss her when she is not here, but it is always good to get back into a schedule.

Our long time friends, Bob and Amy, came in for an unexpected visit and we are so glad they did! We get to see them about once a year since they like to take an annual trip east and south in the fall to visit family and friends. Their original plan was NOT to come into BG, but things changed and they popped in. It was a quick visit, but so good to see their faces and to catch up.

However, due to all the busy-ness, I am behind on blogging and won't try to catch you all up but here are the latest goings on:

Sam's football team is 4-2 now. He played alittle in the varsity game Friday night and almost the whole JV game Monday night. His leg is feeling good and he is running well and making his way back onto varsity more.

Grace was cast as "Beth" in the play, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. She got the lead role with the most lines and we are very excited for her this year. She also made All-State Choir which means she gets to participate in a state competition in Lexington. She had to audition and we are proud to say she was selected from her school.

Jessie was cast as "Gladys", the smallest Herdman who is a terrorist in the community and to ehr older brothers and sisters. She played this role about two years ago and was really wanting this part again. we are also very excited for her.

We enjoyed an evening home tonight and watched the football movie, We Are Marshall. Very good...may make you tear up a little but soooo very good and based on the true story of Marshall University Football team of 1970.

The Body Shop is picking up and I have signed up another consultant. I am hoping to get two more before the end of the year and that will promote me to the next level. Little more $$$.

BLessings to all who read here!

My Baby is 16!

2007-10-02T07:18:00.000-07:00

My oldest baby is 16 and since the day he was born, my life has never been the same. Sam was born by c-section and I remember it all as if it was yesterday. The scar on my body has faded over time, but the impact it has made on my heart will last as long as I have breath.

I cannot possibly find the words to describe all that it means to be his mother...and not only his, but also the mother of two beautiful and precious daughters. They mean no less, it is just that he, being the first, will bring us many, "firsts" in life. He is the first to turn 16.

I have realized something that many have already known and come to experience, you only have them as children for about 10 years. At 10, they begin to prepare for puberty as their bodies begin to change and you realize that time is moving way too quickly. Looking back and looking ahead, I only have him two more summers which means I only have my family two more years as I know it NOW. That brings a huge lump to my throat and yet I know that is how God designed it to be.

Oh, I could go on and on and never be done because there is so much feeling and emotion going on on this day. Memories, triumphs, challenges, failures, laughter, tears, goals, dreams, excess, want, etc.

I am celebrating this day with a tear in my eye and pride in my heart for things accomplished as well as hope in my heart for things to come. My baby is 16 today.

Ron's Birthday

2007-09-27T18:05:00.000-07:00

I picked up my mom today from the airport. We figured out that she had been in 5 states in one day! Anyway, I was caught by surprise, sort of. I expected her to get here on Friday so it was a very good thing that I called her yesterday to check on her flight information. My brother, who she had gone to visit first, informed me that she was leaving hs house and arriving here TODAY...one day earlier than expected. Needless to say, I had to kick things in high gear to get the house somewhat tidy and groceries and Diet Coke in the fridge.

On my way to the airport, I called my little bro to wish him Happy Birthday. I found it amazing that I was driving TO the airport to pick my mom up, he was driving home FROM the airport after droping her off and here we were talking on the phone. Modern technology is something, ain't it?

Anyway, tonight was Sam's football pasta partythat they have weekly on Thursday nights before their Friday night games. Let me just say that we have some awesome cooks amoung our football moms and there is one lady who makes a MEAN alfredo sauce-oy! I DO NOT eat pasta because for one, I can't stop once I start, two, I get way too sleepy afterwards, and three, it packs the pounds on me quicker than anything. But this alfredo sauce is way too good to pass up and I was actually able to control myself. But those Turtle Brownies...now that's a different story!

We aren't sure if Sam will actually get to play tomorrow night. He has only practiced three days and is the low man on the totum pole now since he has been out. But I am hopeful. It's the Homecoming Game and will be packed with people and very festive and fun!

As I mentioned, today is my brother, Ron's birthday. Happy Birthday-Ronnie! I love you!!!

Sam is released and other info.

2007-09-26T13:05:00.000-07:00

As of Monday, Sam was released from the doctor to play football!!! Although he still has some occassional tenderness, he can run just fine and is very anxious to get back in the game. We had a custome pad made for his leg yesterday that will act as a shock absorber in case he is hit in that area again...which probably WILL happen. He is a little sore from conditioning since he hasn't done anything for a while. Oh yeah, he informed me last night that he also wants to be a body builder when he gets older. Now, not many people know this, but I have ALWAYS wanted to be in a women's fitness competition. NO, I don't want big hulking muscles, but I would love to get very cut and defined and compete. I even started looking into it this year but the cost is more than we can afford right now. Anyway, like mother-like son!

Jessie is struggling with a sinus infection that I took her to the doctor for today. Jessie taking medicine is a whole other story. Bottom line, I had to return it to pharmacist to get it flavored or she just chokes on it. Ugh!

My mom gets hrere tomorrow...hooray! I actually thought it was Friday so good thing I called her at my brother's today to get the actual arrival date. Otherwise, she would be steaming mad, waiting for me at the Nashville airport! She is coming in to see Sam play football and for his 16th birthday. That's right...my baby will be 16.

Grace is good! She has a choir performance while my mom is here as well so she'll get to show off a little for grandma. She will have to give up her room for grandma, too, but I dont' think she minds. She gets along great with my mom...I think they're alot alike!

Gotta fly...I have to leave for a meeting and then teach a Pilates class. Have you tried Pilates?

Canned

2007-09-25T11:52:00.000-07:00

NO, not me...my immediate manager. One thing I so love about my job at the club is that we are family. The staff at my gym is pretty tight knit. We don't vacation together or anything, but we really enjoy each other and as time goes on we get to know each other a little more. I got a call yesterday afternoon that my manager was no longer with us and got the pat answer, "management is going a different direction". I know that there is much that has gone on on both sides and I know my owners well enough to know that they do not do something like this quickly. None the less, I will miss James. He has been great to work for and has done alot for me and to advance our aerobics program. I have a meeting with the new Chief Operations Officer today who will be taking the place of James. Ultimately, God is in control of all this and I know that. It's just sad.

Dark Chocolate

2007-09-24T09:37:00.000-07:00

For those of you who know me know one thing is for sure, my hair is an ever evolving creature! I cut it, color it, cut AND color it, try to let it grow out, cut it again, etc. It became a joke amoung my friends for a while. As soon as I would tell them that I was letting my hair grow out, they could count two weeks to the day and I would be cutting it off!

Well, I am NOT going to say that I am going to let my hair grow out, but I will tell you that I changed the color with the change of season. Although, you wouldn't know it's fall since it will be another record breaking day in the heat category! Anyway, my hair is now VERY DARK! In fact, think of dark chocolate and that would be my hair color. It's probably as close to my natural hair color as I have ever gone, probably a little darker. It has taken a couple of days for Mike to get used to it, but I like it! In fact, I have got soooo many compliments and the kids love it! I posted a new picture of Mike and I and you can see it a little in the photo. That's all fo rnow...I am SLAMMED this week withmuch to get done before my mom gets heres!!!

Sunday Morning...all is quiet.

2007-09-23T05:24:00.000-07:00

Good Morning. It is about 7:25, just about time to get ready for church. I thought I would slip into the shower early but then I was tempted, while fishing clean panties out of the laundry room, to just slip into the computer room and check e-mails and blogs. I wasn't going to post a blog but then my dear family encouraged me not to slack off so here goes.

We had a full and busy weekend. I am happy to say Sam's football team wond Friday night! We are now 3-2 for the season and in league play, 2-0, tied for first place! Sam is dieing to get on the field and play so he has a doctor's apoointment Monday, a fitting for hiw leg pad Tuesday, and we HOPE he'll be well enough to play Friday night when my mom is here.

I didn't go to the game because I "did" a little girls spa birthday party. It's just another little way that I make $$$ and since Sam wasn't playing, he didn't mind at all that I didn't come to the game. I took Jessie with me, Grace was at a sleepover. Jessie was a great assistant and earned alittle cash. Wwe came home afterwards, snuggled in the big chair and watched a favorite movie.

Saturday was full with a Girls' Morning Out Facial party @ 10:30 and some training out in Leitchfield at 3:30 for The Body Shop. Grace was still at her sleepover, Sam and Mike did a DJ gig, and Jessie went to play at a friend's house., We finally all reconnected about 7:00pm last night and Mike took us out to dinner. We sat outside. The evening was balmy since things are heating up again into the 90's. The kids were mostly civil to each other and we had a very enjoyable time.

Needless to day, we are all a little tired this morning but look forward to going to church and worshipping the Lord corporately. Then...football on tv and laundry this afternoon. Sam needs to start running to build his endurance up so I may take him over to the club for about an hour. Then I have choir tonight at 5:30-7:00pm. As long as I get a couple of hours where I can lay down I am usually good to go again. Here's hoping it works out today! Gotta' shower and get things moving. Much love!

Do you recognize this hacker?

2007-09-20T11:38:00.000-07:00

Yes, friends, appreantly I have been hacked! That is not to say that I am "hacked off", although ti doesn't take much for that to happen either! If you see this person, report her to the authorities immediately -mainly-ME!

Mwahahahahaha!

2007-09-19T14:41:00.000-07:00

HA! I am the stingiest person ever! I figured out my own my mothers password and have secretly began an entry on her blog!! YES!!

Okay, so since i have decided to post something I guess I better talk about something. Well, I think I'll let you all know some exciting news! I made All-State Choir! it is a choir where anyone in Kentucky can try out and they select a few people to be in it! I was notified a couple days a go at school that I was chosen, as were some of my friends! YAY ME! This is gonna be fun!

I think that instead of being self centered and just talking about myself, that I should talk about my siblings as well. Sam is doing good now, except we were both extremely mad Friday night when our Varsity team lost to our arch rivals in football. It was the saddest thing that has ever happened to Greenwood (my school). So now everyone hates the varsity players! I thought I was going to cry Monday night when our JV lost to the same school, because our JV are better than our varsity! it was sad. but Sam will be playing soon, we hope, in time for when my Grandma comes!

Jessie is doing good as well. She is actually yelling for me right now to come help her with her homework, but nooooooooooo, I am not done with my evil blog stealing plan yet!! Mwahahahaha! okay, anyway, she is still the little homebody she's always been! She really doesn't do anything else but go to school and go to her friends' houses.

Okay, I'll get off now, although it has been fun! I guarantee you shall all see me again in the near future!! When you are least expecting it, I will come and make an entry! Ha ha!

-Grace

The Watermelons Are Gone!

2007-09-18T11:16:00.000-07:00

There are few foods that all 5 of us like at the same time. Each day is a challenge for me to cook breakfast, make lunches, or prepare dinners that everyone in the family will eat. I can't keep straight what everyone likes or dislikes anymore. My mantra, while the kids were little, was, "Eat it or starve!". Now it is, "Eat it or make something else.". The problem with that is that what they fix is not necessarily the most nutritious food. I have stopped telling Grace what to eat altogether because she is the pickiest and more often than not, I would get mad at her for not eating what I fixed and then choosing something junky. That aspect of it hasn't changed, but she is open to my suggestions and is willing to take vitamins.

Anyway, there is one food that I know that all my family loves and that is WATERMELON! This summer the watermelons have been delicious and I have mastered picking out good ones. I chose the seedless which tend to be smaller so I would pick up two at a time. I usually cut them up within a day of bringing them home from the store and they would be consumed within hours-one earlier in the week, one later.

But now, all the watermelons are gone. The season is over and we are saddened. However, we are entering pumpkin and apple season so my taste buds are starting to crave pumpkin scones, pies, muffins, and pancakes as well as apple pie, butter, and crisp. I am going to have to pace myself!

Jingle Singers

2007-09-16T14:29:00.000-07:00

Do you ever wonder what it would be like to be a jingle singer? Maybe you haven't but I have. I have wondered how much money they really make singing jingles, what do they look like, do they sing professionally, that kind of thing. No, I don't have too much time on my hands!

Here in Bowling Green, Ky., we have alot of privately owned businesses that produce their own commcercials. Some have catchy jingles, some are the stupidest things you have ever heard. There is a line in a "Minute Mart" commercial that says, and I kid you not, "You can feed your car while you feed your face"! There is a local singer that has her voice on a commercial. And, I have actually sung a jingle on WCVK before school started that actually made it to the tv although that wasn't our intention. And no, I didn't get paid.

Anyway, there is a current commercial out and I believe it is national so you may have seen it. In fact, it usually plays quite frequently during football games because it advertises Viagra. Now, this IS going to stay clean so you are safe to read on! The first time I heard the jingle I wondered if the singers had to rerecord it dozens of times because they burst into laughter each time. If you haven't heard it, imagine the tune to the Elvis song, Viva Las Vegas and replace Las Vegas with Viagra. Yep. VIVA VIAGRA!!! It even has the big ending, just like Elvis' version. The first time Mike and I heard it we both howled with laughter. It is just so funny!

I think jingle singers must have a great sense of humor and alot of fun at their jobs.

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday!

2007-09-16T11:11:00.001-07:00

There is a familiar sound in my front yard. Wait a minute, it's the lawn mower!!! We have not had to mow our yard for a couple of months now since we have had so much hot, dry weather. Last week we had a bit of rain, not much, but enough to make the grass turn from sage brush brown to faded out patchy green, and, to make to grow just enough to need a trim. Sam is the lawn barber today.

Speaking of Sam, our high school football team got spanked last Friday night. Yep, they tanned our hide 56-0. It was our big rival, too, so it made it even hardr to swallow. I won't go into the complete run down. They didn't play bad, but they could have played harder and the other team has some of the top college recruits in the state. At least it was not a district game that counts towards our chance at playoffs. For now, we are 2-2 total wins and losses. Sam is having a complete cow not playing and wants to try to move up his doctor's appointment so he can play. We'll see how this week goes.

He and Mike went to E-town this past Saturday for Academy Day. This is where boys that are interested in attending a Military College attend a reception and hear representatives from each adacemy talk about his college and what it offers, etc. Mike told me that it was very well done and that they got to meet our congressman and the reps. from Anapolis. In fact, one of the board members on the selection committee goes to our chruch as well as our congressman's secretary here in BG. The bottom line is that Sam was interested in Anapolis, but now he is sure that is where he wants to attend. Of course, we'll have to see how the next couple of years go with ACTs and SATs, we must apply with our Congressman and then Anapolis directly. Once he graduates he would then go into the Marine Corp. as an officer and further his training as an engineer. I don't know what his "emphasis" will be as far as aeronatics, aerospace, or if they are all the same thing. But that is the plan for now-wow.

Grace is deciding what clubs to join at school. She joined the "oar" club (think pep club) and I think is going to join Jr. Beta which is invitation only. They do public service in the community. We are already talking about beginning the process of looking at colleges that offer a degree in film acting. There are many with Theatre majors but that is not what she wants. We are still pretty ignorant as far as what is out there so we are just starting to investigate.

Are you ready for this one? Jessie is "starting" puberty. For her sake and my readers, I won't go into detail but she is 10 and in the 5th grade which is when "things" start to "develop". She is still so much a little girl and yet I see changes in her physique and way of thinking. She is still very sensitive and I had an e-mail discussion with her sicoal studies teacher this week about some frustrations that Jessie had with his desciplinary methods. Basically, she got busted a couple of times and she didn't like how he talked to her. Who really knows the actual truth because it's "he said-she said". But I felt it was something I needed to do to let her know we care and to let him know that we are "watching". The rest of her week went great.

Today will be catch up day for me...laundry, getting things tidy and organized before tomorrow, and trying to fit in a little rest. My allergies are in full swing right now and I think I am going to skip the church picnic and stay inside. I speak for MOPS tomorrow night and then have my monthly aerobics meeting Tuesday night. I have much to prepare the next couple of days.

~Deanna

~Deanna

One Shot

2007-09-14T11:59:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

Another beautiful day in Kentucky. It started off cloudy and I thought we night get some rain. But it's 2:00pm, the clouds are clearing out, and the sun is beautiful. It's supposed to be in the 40's tonight so I think I'll need a sweatshirt at the football game tonight. Yes, this is a biggie. Chances are we are going to lose. But we at least our team plays clean and makes them earn that win.

I became aware today of an issue. A "friend's" child has been secretly making some very unwise decisions. In fact, decisions that will forever alter this child's life. To the parent, the child has been sweet and kind and appreciative, but secretly, this child has been sneaking around and doing some things that she knew, and has been taught, are completely unacceptable. And these were no small things. These were BIG things. My heart is broken because we know the family well and are so sad for them all. Another situation where Paths Seperate (see prior post).

What I was reminded of today, is that we have ONE SHOT at this life. One...ONLY ONE!!! When we are young, we can't even fathom that concept. We only live for today and often can't think past our heart's desire at the moment. I know, I've been there. We want what we want, when and how we want it, and will find a way to get what we want.

Tonight, win or lose, Mike and I are going to sit down with our kids and talk. We are going to share our friend's devastation and use this whole thing as a teachable moment. Because they know this friend, we know that it will break their hearts, too. No, not to dig out someone's dirt, but to show them real life consequence of real life bad choices based on selfish desire. The Lord did that with us in His Word. He inspired the authors to write about the mistakes of our ancestors in Christ so that we might learn from them and not walk down those same paths.

Being reminded that I only have one shot at this life makes me want to live it to the fullest. Dance, sing, laugh alot, be goofy and silly, but also focus on what is important and worthwhile, hug my kids more, kiss my husband more, tall those around me that I love and appreciate them, serve God with all my heart, live with purpose.

~Deanna

Can you say, "Ahhhhhhh"?

2007-09-12T06:16:00.000-07:00

This has been one of the longest, hottest summers that I can remember. In fact, we set several new heat records this summer-106 degrees, not including heat index. For those of you that cook, think about your oven being set at 400 and then putting your face close to the door and opening it. That's what it felt like when you walked outside and it would still be 90 degrees at 10:00pm. Crazy! Now...I am not complaining, just stating the facts because I would much rather it be 106 than 6!!!!

But today, sunny, crystal clear, and the high is going to be 75 degrees. Oh what a relief it is. I am sitting at the computer in our little office and the window has been thrust open and I feel like life is sinking back into me. I love the seasons but I really do dislike the fact that we have to keep windows closed alot of the time due to heat or cold. BUT NOT TODAY...ahhhhhhh.

Here comes Percy, the cat, also known as Fat Boy, Buford, Lead Butt-Buddha Belly-Cow Cat, Mr. Furry Buns, hoisting himself up into the window sill so he can enjoy the outside, too. I don't even care if the window sills are dirty and full of dead bugs and webs.

Today I am putting the finishing touches on a study that I am preparing for a MOPS (Mother of Pre-Schoolers) group on Monday night. They graciously asked me to come share with them about mothering pre-schoolers but also whatever the Lord lays on my heart. I am teaching from John 17:6-19 which is a passage that I have prayed for my kids through the years and used as a guideline in parenting. As it usually happens when I am preparing to speak, there have been a couple of "fiery darts" that Satan has thrown my way to distract and/or discourage me. I thank God that He has given me the eyes to see them for what they are and to keep moving forward in each situation. It is also very humbling to speak about being a successful mom when I can look at my parenting and see so many flaws. But I can also look back at some "things" that Mike and I did when the kids were little that I think are so valuable and practical and worth passing on to moms. I am excited to speak because it has been a long time but I am sure I will get emotional. Just get me talking about my kids or Jesus and it's a sure bet that I will tear up.

Update on Sam:
Sam is doing very well. He walked all day long at school without his boot yesterday. He said that he got an occassional twinge of discomfort, but all in all he did great. His calf muscles were tight to start with so I showed him some stretches that he could do help and it's feeling good. He wants to see if he can run a little on it on Monday but it is sooo hard to pull him back when it's starting to feel good. I made him a follow up appointment with the doctor on Sept 24th. If the doctor gives him the green light, his Grandma JUST MIGHT get to see him play while she is here visiting for his 16th birthday. There is a Mother/Son Pasta Party this Thursday night for the Varsity team and Moms that we are going to before the BIG game Friday night against the local powerhouse: Bowling Green High School. We PROBABLY won't win, but then again, think of the college game two weeeks ago of Appalachian State vs. Michigan St.-anything is possible.

Blessings!

~Deanna

Tid Bits

2007-09-10T09:29:00.000-07:00

I have several things that I wanted to comment on or about-that's why this is called "Tid Bits".

1.) I DIG my pastor! He is very real with the congregation and very contemporary and current. He usually doesn't wear a tie and just says it like it is. Do I agree 100% of the time? No. Is he perfect? No. Just real. I like that. Visit his blog when you get a chance.

2.) Grace and I went to see "Hairspray" yesterday. What a FUN movie!!! The message is great although the only obvious Christian is a psycho mother who quotes schripture and then acts like a raving lunatic. The music and dancing are fantastic and the cast of well known actors is fun to watch. Go see it if you like musicals.

3.) Scott Ray is having lunch with Jessie at her school today for Grandparent's Day! Since she doesn't have any grandparents nearby, we asked her if there was someone special that she would like to invite instead and she picked Scott. How fun is that? He has been very excited about it for a week! I can't wait to hear the report. I wish I was a fly on the wall (or lunch tray).

4.) I have a possible job position change in my future. To make a long story short, my bosses at work want to have me work more but have been very respectful about the fact that I have a family and commitments. In an inpromptu discussion in a meeting the other day, they made it very clear that they are willing to work with me on a schedule that works for our family, give me flexibility, etc., if I can work more. I am writing up a "proposal" today and we'll see where it goes fromthere. I am excited but nervous about it, but also at peace that I DON'T have to take the position either and just stay where I am at. We sure could use prayers for wisdom and guidance.

5.) I'll post some pictures soon of all of us and the pets. Blessings! ~Deanna

Paths that Seperate

2007-09-08T09:43:00.000-07:00

The Greenwood Gators won last night! Their record is now 2-1. Sam watched from the sidelines as his stress fractured fibula heals. Not quick enough for any of us but God's timing is perfect!

The Lord is always able to take unfortunate circumstances and use them in our lives to cause us to grow and mature in Him, emotionally, mentally, etc. This fractures leg has been no exception. It has given us the opportunity to talk to Sam about what really matters, character, leadership, trusting God, and so much more. It has caused Mike and I to remember that our children are His and that He has a plan that may be, and probably is, so much different than what we expect or plan for.

We have also talked to Sam about the fact that as he continues through High School, he will begin to see some of friends begin to make choices that are destructive and will head down the wrong path. It has broken our hearts this year to see and hear about kids that we have known, since they were little fellas, begin to make sometimes stupid choices. Kids stealing, partying, and quitting. The quitting part isn't so bad unless they are quitting because they don't get their way on the football team. Although, we have taught the kids that once they begin something they CANNOT quit until their commitment is over.

But my whole point is that we are beginning to see the paths of some of the kids seperate. It's kind of sad but that is the reality that we knew would happen. We know that these kids will look back on this time in their lives someday and probably regret the choices that they are making today. Mike and I both look back to our high school years and have many regrets over the stupic choices that we made. We know that our own kids will probably make some bad choices that we nay never know about until much later because they will have hid it from us. And they will regret those choices, too. Could we make a difference in the lives of the ones we know if we know they are going to make bad choices? Sure! That is my encouragement to Sam now. Encourage your teammates while you are ont he sidelines. Be their biggest cheerleader. If you know someone is going to quit, make sure you encourage him to stay. But that can also carry over into the other areas...stealing, drinking etc. Paths may still deperate, but at least you've tried. ~Deanna

First Try at a blog

2007-09-07T12:44:00.000-07:00

Okay, here goes. This is my frist try at a blog. I have avoided blogging because it was one more thing to have to do on the computer. I already have 3 other email addresses that I check several times a day. I am not that computer savvy and so avoid spending more time on the computer than what is absolutely necessary and I am a horrible typist. But, I have friends and now family that have blogs and it seems that is the only way to stay in touch with them these days. My pastor has a blog, too. I usually send out a weekly update to family that covers all the basis of our life but I recently got an e-mail from an old friend (old being in time, not age) who wanted to know what was up with us. I waited to send the update because there was so much to share with her and, again, I was avoiding extra time ont he computer. So, I guess blogging may work. It gives people who really want to know what is up with us a place to catch up. That' s probably about 3 people other than family. But what does it hurt? Just a little extra time here and there, at the dreaded computer, to share what is going on with us. ~Deanna