Just a Little Laugh For You

My husband and a few of the guys at church did this video last year for our Accelerate Series at church. It was Nascar themed and I personally thought this video was pretty funny. Skip is the one his hat sideways, Pony Boy Williams.

Warning: Watch at your own risk, it is pretty dumb.
*I couldn't think of anything to post about today and thought some of you might have a strange sense of humor as I do. I thought it was hilarious.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wrwcemb1iE

The Soundtrack of My Life

When I saw this meme from Bigmama who got it from DeeDee, I had to join in. As you can tell from some of my previous posts, I love music! This was fun, but hard because I love so many different types of music and my favorites change on a daily basis.

Favorite Song From Childhood: This is a hard one because there are so many songs that remind me of my childhood. I loved "You're the One That I Want" from Grease Soundtrack. I love Neil Diamond's "Love on the Rocks" because my mom always played this song from her 8 track. She and my dad did experience the "love on the rocks" he was singing about. I also loved "My Name is Michael" in my single digit years. Actually the title of the song was "Playground in my Mind", but I just found that out when reflecting on the words. My cousins and I have this recording on a cassette somewhere from when we used to put on shows for our parents.

Favorite High School Dance Song: "We've Got the Beat" by the Go Go's for a fast song, and slow dance would be a toss up between George Michael's "Careless Whispers" and Duran Duran's "Save a Prayer".

Senior Class Song: "If You Leave" by Orchestral Maneovers in the Dark. It was between that song and "We Are the World". This girl went with "If You Leave" because it was after all in the closing scene of "Pretty in Pink" my fav. show at the time.

Favorite Rock & Roll Song:"In the Name of Love" by U2

Favorite Disco Song: Andy Gibb's "I Just Want to be Your Everything" and I also love the Saturday Night Fever Soundtrack and Xanadu. Can you say sit and your room for hours on end singing along?

Favorite Country Western Song: This is so hard. In high school and college I loved Alabama and George Strait-All of their stuff. Now, I am a huge fan of Rascall Flatts and my favorite song of theirs is a toss up of between

Favorite Pop Song: Once again I love too many! I love pop music probably the best! I love Duran Duran, Maroon 5(Skip hates them), Matchbox Twenty(Skip hates them too),

Favorite All Time Love Song: "Everything I Do, I Do it For You" by Bryan Adams. This is probably not my all time favorite, but it is really special because it was our "first dance song" that played at our wedding. For my favorite fun love song that even my kids sing along to is an oldie, "Love Will Keep us Together" by the Captain and Tennille. That is just a fun song to sing along to. Am I right?

Favorite Break Up Song: "Missing You" by John Waite. This brings back memories of my best friend Melissa and I at the John Waite concert before our senior year. He was playing at Astroworld in Houston, Tx. and it poured down rain through the entire concert, while we screamed out, " I ain't missing you, I ain't missing you, I can lie to myself." We had our dates with us and believe it or not, we both broke up with them within months. I know- shocker!

Favorite Make Out Song: "Wicked Game" by Chris Isaak. Do you remember the video? Shame on you. It will be forever banned from my children. Oh, I can't forget "Crazy for You" by Madonna. Skip and I really don't require makeout music. Silence is oh so wonderful at this stage of life with 3 kids.

Song That Always Makes You Cry: "Because You Loved Me" by JoDee Messina. Go download on your ipod today!!! Think of singing it to Jesus and you will cry. Trust me, it is exactly what I feel about God.

Song That Reminds You Of Your Husband: "Love of my Life" sang by Donny Osmond. Written by Jim Brickman. You have to go find it and listen. It is just gorgeous and we claim it as Our Song. You can share it with us because I know a lot of you gals have some love going on too out there and you will love it. You have to listen to Donny Osmond's version because basically he rules on vocals. Don't laugh, he does!

Favorite Gospel/Praise Song: Since this is what I have mostly listened to over the last ten years, I have too many favorites so instead I will give a couple of my favorites that I will never get sick of hearing. I love Paul Coleman's "I'm Coming Home" the slow version. I love Newsboys "In Wonder". I was just crying and praising to it earlier today. I also love, love, love Hillsong's "All I Am". My friend Lindsey sang this at church one day and I think I was actually bawling out long. Lindsey has a way of singing from her heart that leaves no doubt that she is FULL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Favorite Ringtone on Cellphone: Believe it or not, I have no ringtone music. Boring, I know.

This was too fun, recalling all the music of my past. Join in if you have several hours to spare. Just kidding, it will only take that long if you have children stopping you ever 5 minutes for food and playtime.

Choosing My Words Carefully

One of the biggest struggles that I face daily is choosing the right words to say. I have messed up so many times by saying too little, by saying too much, or by saying something that has been misinterpreted. I love sharing with women and I love to help them in any way I can. The problem I often have however, is knowing when something personal should be shared. I hear so many great teachers and speakers say that your mistakes are your ministry, and that if you have overcome a sin or weakness that you need to share it to help someone else. I don't think this can always apply to someone in a leadership position. It is hard to talk about how you or your husband has overcome(......) when people are looking at you though unrealistic eyes. I have countless stories I could share about God's amazing work he has done on areas of sin in my life, but I am afraid that I will somehow not use the right words and people will not see the true miracle that has occurred. I know that God does not give us a spirit of fear, but I do think he gives us a discernment of when and how we should speak his truth to others.

As I sat at Beth Moore's "Get Out of the Pit" simulcast yesterday, I was given something that seemed to make the scales fall from my eyes(metaphorically speaking) in the "how do I share?" question I have been having. I have issues (pits as Beth refers to) that I have come out of over the last 10 years. While still sitting, God brought a pit to mind that my foot is still stuck in and I started crying thinking that, "It's not fair, I need to be able to talk to someone about this. I need to confess and share without judgement like all these other ladies around me. Just because I am married to a pastor, why can't I feel free in opening up?" As the tears began to well up, I was praying that somehow I would become invisible and no one would see me. Beth looked straight into the camera and said that she knew that there are people in leadership out there, pastor's wives and others that feel that they have no one to talk to. She said I know that you haven't shared because you want to be careful with your words and protect your church and those around you. Then she gave this scripture in Psalms 73 Verses 13-16 which says, "Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence, All day long I have been plagued; I have been punished every morning. (Here's a good part) If I had said, "I will speak thus," I would have betrayed your children. When I tried to understand all this it was oppressive to me."


It is confusing to look at the scripture out of context and not being there to hear it, but I assure you that I understand it so clearly. It was God saying to me, "Child, just bring it to ME! Bring it all to me baby! I understand and I won't judge you one bit. I know your heart. In fact, I created it. And there will be no misrepresentation. I love you and we will take care of this together, just Me and you." Can I just say - Praise God! Praise God! He is such a personal God to me, and I love the way that I can just cry out to Him in my need and He is always there.


I know my sweet 7 yr.old Annie is getting to know her God is there for her too. This morning as she hunched over the porcelain throne with a tummy bug, she cried out, "Mommy it hurts, pray for me, pray for me mommy. " Those are the sweetest words ever to a mother's ears.


After reading over this, the last thing I want is for any of you to feel sorry for me. I do share some pretty deep stuff with two of my best friends-one lives in China and one in Alabama. You know, however, in Texas we gals like to hug who we're talkin to. Amen!

Definitely a 5 Star Movie

Bridge to Terabithia was a wonderful movie for adults and especially for the kids. I am embarrassed to say that I don't remember reading this book as a child. I think I may have read it for a college literature class at A&M, but I'm not sure. We had President's Day off from school today, so the kids and I took in an afternoon matinee. Skip was a little disappointed that we didn't wait for him to see it, but I'm sure this will be on our Christmas DVDs to buy next year. Here is a great Christian review if you are interested.

Seth update:

Our morning consisted of a very long appointment at the gastroenterologist. He is doing several blood tests and a stool test to see if they can determine Seth's malabsorption problem. In the meantime, he suggested that we continue to give Seth smaller, more frequent meals. I am continuing to juice for him which I feel has helped him to feel better already. He weighed 54lbs. today at the doctor's office and he is 53 inches tall. That is pretty thin for a 10 yr. old boy. The doctor didn't seem that concerned about his weight and thought Seth looked overall pretty healthy from an outward observation. We will find out more at our next appt. which is scheduled in 3 weeks. Once again, thank you for the prayers and support.

Mr. Right

Skip and I on one of our 3rd or 4th dates. Remember that we had already been best friends for years.

Late 80's -Skip singing with his band

I saw this cute Valentine meme at Barb's site and thought I better
do it while we are still in the Valentine mood around here. Whoever came up with this idea, it is a great one.

His age: 39
How tall is he? 5' 11"
How long have you been together (married)? We will be married 15 yrs. this June. We have been best friends since we were 15, but did not start dating until we were 21 yrs. old.
How long did you know each other before you got together? Friends for 6 years and then one summer we saw each other as something more and then we were inseparable. We married two years later.
What physical features attracted you to him first?: It was either his gorgeous eyes or his red mitsubishi eclipse sports car. Just kidding, definitely his eyes and his smile.
Eye color: Green and my girls were blessed with the same color.
Hair color: Dark brown at the moment, but I will tell you without hesitation that he has changed his hair color more than I have. He's a rock star after all.
Hair Style:The cut rarely changes. I would have to say it is something like Simon Lebon's New Moon on Monday style. Eighties all the way baby!
Normal Outfit: I guess he usually goes for a jeans and t-shirt look, however I love when that he dresses the t-shirt up with a casual blazer when we go on dates.
How did you meet? Driver's Ed, the summer before our sophomore year. Instant friends!
How serious is it? What do you think? I think I'll keep him around.
Do your parents like him? Definitely!
Do his parents like you? They are the sweetest in-laws ever, and Skip's mom tells me all the time how much she loves me.
Do you trust him? Not with my Red Bull.
Would you share a toothbrush with him? Actually we have shared on vacation before, but I like my own thank you very much.
Would he let you wear his pants? Do boxers count? I wear those all the time to bed.
Do you have a shirt of his that you sleep in? I have several that I steal from him to sleep in, but he prefers me to wear my own. Let me rephrase that, he likes me to wear the ones he has bought for me. Need I say more.
Do you like the way he smells? Oh yeah! I pick out his cologne, but he smells yummy without it.
Can you picture having kids with him? Oh my goodness, he is the best daddy ever! I knew he would be because of the way he acted with my niece and nephew before we got married.
What bothers you the most about him? Probably that he is good at everything.

Does he have a temper? No, that would be me.
Are you happy to be with him? Very happy, mama likes!

Does he embarrass you in public? ALWAYS!

Does he have any piercings? No

Any tattoos? No

Does he have any scars that you know of? Yes, most recently from his hip surgery last summer.

Is he a Party dude or Stay at home? He prefers to stay at home for sure!

Is he Outgoing or Shy? He is a complete extrovert and everyone loves him! Strange that he likes to be at home, yet he is completely the life of the party when we are out with others.

Does he love his mama? Yes, as a matter of fact, he called her today.

Would he hang out with you and YOUR friends? Not by his own will. He can only take girl talk for about 5 seconds and then gets that glazed over look. He does, however, love to hang out with me, thank goodness!

Sing? Oh yes my honey sings! He has one CD out and many other songs which he has played at church. He won a songseeker award at Saddleback church 3 years ago for his song, "I Want To Be Like Jesus." He was just singing Neil Diamond favorites to me earlier tonight. He found Neil Diamond karaoke on Itunes this evening. Pray for me.

This was so much Fun!

Feel free to borrow this to tell us all about your man.

Skip's Response

Wow! I was suprised. She is so good to me.
The end

(just kidding, I will post on my blog)

Happy Valentine's Day!

My sweet Annie made this card for her brother and sister at school this week. Isn't it just precious! I love Valentine's Day, not because of what I get (which is usually dinner and a card), but because I try to make it so special for those I love. It is so fun to give! Don't you agree? I tried something very different for the hubby this year and I can't wait to hear his reaction. I secretly broke in his office last night and decorated it with hearts, love notes and balloons. He has no idea, and I wish that silly boy wouldn't have decided to sleep in and go to work late today, so I can hear his reaction sooner. I wrote about 50 notes on hearts that tell him why I love his so much. He is a total "Words of Affirmation" guy, so I am so getting some "Quality Time" with him later.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Monday Monday

I just started to hum that old Mamas and Papas song for some reason and the only words I could remember were "Monday Monday". Of course I had to go look up the rest of the lyrics and had to laugh. It is kind of a happy, yet depressing song at the same time. While on a Mamas and Papas website, I just started listening to all kinds of other songs from that era and I came across my alltime favorite voice. Do you want to know who it is? Karen Carpenter!!! It may sound chessy, but I just sat and listened to "Close to You" and started to boohoo cry. I love her voice and I love that song. It reminds me of when I was a little girl and my mom used to sing it to me, my brother and my sister. This time I started listening, and I thought of my sweet hubby. It is so close to V day so I've been kinda mushy with him lately. I thought I would share these sweet lyrics with you and bring you back down memory lane. Those of you who are old enough(Ahem) to remember this precious song.

Close to You

Why do birds suddenly appear
Every time you are near?
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you.

Why do stars fall down from the sky
Every time you walk by?
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you.

On the day that you were born
The angels got together
And decided to create a dream come true
So they sprinkled moon dust in your hair of gold
And starlight in your eyes of blue.

That is why all the girls in town
Follow you all around.
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you.

On the day that you were born
The angels got together
And decided to create a dream come true
So they sprinkled moon dust in your hair of gold
And starlight in your eyes of blue.

That is why all the girls in town
Follow you all around.
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you.

Just like me (Just like me)
They long to beClose to you.
Wahhhhhhhhhhh, close to you.
Wahhhhhhhhhhh, close to you.

If you get a chance, go download it. It is rare to find such a pure voice. I also love her version of "I Just Fall In Love Again", "We've Only Just Begun", "Rainy Days and Mondays", and "Top of the World." I know I am so cheesy, but I seriously want to download ever Carpenter song and make a CD for Skip. Hey, this may be his valentine gift. Shhh! Happy "Monday, Monday..."

Some Answers and More Appointments

First of all, PRAISE GOD that no adhensions were found. I just received a call from Seth's doctor and he has basically said that Seth is suffering from malabsorption. I told you that he was having some reflux, but he thinks it may be caused from the stomach not emptying properly due to the absorption problems. We will be vistiting a gastroenterologist next week to see what our next step is going to be. We have known all along since Seth was only a few weeks old that he did not digest food normally. He eats like a horse, but doesn't gain weight-ever! We have a feeling that he will need to be on digestive enzymes again and stick to a pretty strick whole foods diet. I need some serious help from the Lord on this girls! It is hard with our very Americanized Diet, but I will do whatever it takes. I don't know if you know how hard that surgeries on the stomach and intestines can drastically affect your digestion of food. Seth has had 3 to date. It robs our natural intestinal flora that we need so desperately to aid in digestion. I am not a nurse, but I have learned so much through Seth's struggles about nutrition and our bodies need for good live foods. Since Seth's favorite food is Pork Ribs, Beef Ribs, The MCRib, and so on... I will have to make some serious changes in his diet. I feel a little guilty(well a lot guilty) of how I have failed as a mother in the health dept, but God is showing me that I can change with his guiding and prompting to get my son the help he needs. I have already started juicing for him each day and he is feeling better. He hasn't thrown up once since last Friday, except at the radiologist office two days ago (can't blame him-I would have too after the crud he had to drink). Please keep encouraging me and lifting Seth up in prayer. It means the absolute world to me to have your prayers. God Bless all of you!

Cute and Cheap

Another completely shallow post is about to happen. Are you ready? I wore my first pair of open-toed sandals today because it is basically summer here in Corpus. I love these shoes for two reasons. One, they make me look tall. Two, they were $4.98 at Target. I received several compliments on them at bible study this morning, despite my funky toes. Do you have funky toes, too? My second toe is longer than the first and I thought that was normal. I am suddenly feeling toe envy since only one other girl in our group had the same design by God. I am trying to meditate on Psalm 139:14 "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." I hope you all know I am just being silly. This brings up a completely non important question: Do you like your toes? Your feet? I am just trying to stay joyful while waiting to hear some news from the Doc about Seth. Feel free to comment.

Another Update

I just got back from the Radiologist's office. Seth had his upper GI procedure this morning starting at 9:45am and it is now 3:00 pm. He had pretty severe reflux when they did the sonogram type x-ray of his stomach and Skip was able to see where it was stopping in the digestive tract. He had to drink the chalky milky drink within 45 minutes and then they took x-rays. For some reasons his stomach contents are not emptying normally. We had to do x-rays about every 45 minutes to see the progression of the liquid. Seth ended up throwing up all the milky crud, but they said that he still had some in his stomach so they could watch it's progress. We will hopefully hear from our doctor after the radiologist looks over the x-rays and scans he did. We have no answers, but I am trusting God with my son once again.

I was driving earlier on the way to the appt. to meet Skip and Seth and a flood of old emotions swept over me. I remember sitting and waiting for Seth's first upper GI when he was one-week old and how the doctor came in and shared that he was going to have to operate. I was so afraid and unsure of what was to come, and now 10 years later to the date, I find myself in the very same position. The difference today is that I can now reflect on how God was there with us every step of the way, and how he never left our side through the months of uncertainty and fear. I am stronger now, though still a little afraid. I am praying for there to be a cure for his problems without surgery. If this is not God's will, I am praying for Seth to have the strength and endurance to handle whatever is in the future. He is 4ft. 5in. and weighs only 55 lbs. He is very thin and I know how much anesthesia and surgery can take it's toll. I pray that we will have all Seth's health issues under control someday. It is so hard to see your child suffer. I will update more as soon as I receive word from our doctor.

Thank you for praying for Beighly yesterday. Her surgery was successful and they ended up having very little to do once they got a look inside. Her family is believing it's a miracle and I do too. God is so good!

A Little of This and a Little of That

I cannot believe it is already February 6th. This year is flying by too quickly. We have had several beautiful days in a row and I am loving it. Seth and I have to play one on one every day for at least 30 minutes. He insists! It is quite a workout since I am always chasing my ball into the street after a lousy shot I make. Speaking of Seth, I finally was able to get him into his pediatrician's office this morning, and tomorrow we are having an upper GI. His symptoms went away for a few days, but then resurfaced. We hope to have some info. as to what is causing his reflux and digestive problems. If you could continue to pray for him, I would appreciate it very much.

Another prayer request is for a sweet girl named Beighly in our youth group. She had back surgery today due to some back issues she has been having since the summer. They removed some bone from her L-5 vertebrae to take pressure off her nerves and spinal cord. There is some fusing of bones, and basically it is all very confusing to me. She has come out of surgery and it went well. Praise God!!! The recovery however is pretty intense. She will be out of school from 6 to 8 weeks. She is the cutest little thing you've ever seen and a hoot to be around. Skip is always teasing her, and she is one of the few who can take it and beat him at his own game. Her nickname is Bug. Isn't that sweet?

Lastly, I am starting my new bible study this week in my home on Thursday. I am beyond excited about it!! We have decided to do Beth Moore's Daniel. I have heard wonderful things about it, and I can't wait to dig into scripture. Most of all, I can't wait to be around the sweet ladies in our group again. We have such a special bond after spending over a year together, and we truly are there for one another. Our last two studies have been fairly light on the homework load, so I am praying for time and desire for all of us to fully commit to completely the study each week.

I apologize for not commenting more on all of your blogs. I can't seem to keep up with everything. I will say that I am having lots of family time which is such a joy. Hope you all are having a great February! Valentines Day is only a week away. Yipee!!!

Spa Party and Fishing Supplies

We had Annie's precious spa party yesterday afternoon and it was a big hit with the girls. She invited 6 of her best friends over to receive facials(colored coolwhip and cucumbers), pedicures, foot massages, manicures and makeup. We crammed a lot into 2 hours and they had a blast. I overheard one of Annie's friends say to another older friend of Annie's(older meaning one grade), "Isn't this the best party ever?" To which the friend replied, "Well, I will have to let you know later because I am going to my neighbors sleepover after this party." My, these little girls have a social calendar already. It was too cute. Annie's cake was made by my friend Shanda. I have been off my Daniel fast for only a few days which could taint my judgement a bit, but I would have to say that THIS CAKE WAS PURE HEAVEN!!! I was already completely overwhelmed with what a great job she did on the presentation, but then when it literally melted in my mouth from such a yummy taste- she took it over the top. She has 5 kids so she has no time to start a booming business, but I think someday she may be on one of the Cake bake-offs on Food Network. She even wrote the names on individual cupcakes. I wish the picture I took did it justice.

After all the girls were picked up it was time for Friday date night with the hubby. We went and had our favorite-Joe's Crabshack coconut shrimp and twice baked potatoes. We are easy to please. Then my husband took me to the most romantic place HE could ever possible dream up. He wisked me away to Paris for a week long vacation....Oh, sorry I started daydreaming. He took me to his favorite get away. We spent over an hour looking for the perfect lures to fill his new fishing tackle box. What is sad is that the man, I mean my sweet hubby, was fifteen minutes late beginning our date tonight because he was picking out his new fishing rod from you guessed it, ACADEMY! You should have seen how interested I was at the electric chicken fishing lures, the 10 minute lecture he gave about all the different size bullets each of his and his dad's shotguns take, and then of course I can't forget, the new Big Bertha. He couldn't leave without taking a few practice swings to show off to his very embarrassed wife who realized that everyone in Corpus Christi hangs out in Academy on Friday nights. Actually as I reflect on last night, I easily could have won an Academy Award for my performance tonight. In the category of MAKING YOUR HUSBAND AS HAPPY AS A KID IN A CANDY STORE, the Oscar goes to...........Me!

I really did have a fun time and I cherish all our date nights together. And there's always next week when I'm sure I'll have a good chick flick lined up for him.

Wishing all of you a Blessed Weekend!