Thankful Thursday

1. I am thankful that God gave me the energy to get up 4 days in a row this week to walk. I have been extremely lazy this summer and haven't exercised at all. Hopefully I will continue to have this desire to shape up.

2. I am thankful for a generous gift Skip and I received yesterday from some very dear friends. They were blessed with a gift, and immediately thought of us to pass it onto. When I tried to thank my friends, they just said to thank God because it was totally Him who provided it and led them to give it to us. Praise God!

3. I am thankful that when I don't see a way, God does! Thank you God for having the better way.

4. Annie is getting baptized or as she used to say, "babatized" next weekend. She asked Jesus in her heart a year and a half ago, but is ready to go public and get dunked. I am so proud of her, and pray that her love continues to grow for her Heavenly Father.

5. I am thankful for the health of my family. Skip is suffering quit a bit of pain in his right hip (not the replaced one), but he is managing the pain pretty well. My kids are growing like crazy, and Ashley has officially passed me up by a full inch, and I don't see signs of her slowing down.

6. Lastly, I am thankful that all my struggles with my home are teaching me to trust and rely on Jesus even more. We have changed Realtors, but it is still the same company, and I am excited to see what God will do next. We have received emails from so many people praying for this house, and I thank each and everyone of you personally right now. May God bless you for your thoughtfulness and support.

7. I am thankful that Skip and I had a fun time together last night at home. No details there. I just love that he gives so much to God, our family and our church. He just did such an awesome commercial that will be running for our new series this week. It is pretty awesome and I will hopefully post it for you to see soon. I'm praying we reach many people for Christ next weekend.


If you want to participate in Thankful Thursday or just want to read what others are thankful for this week, head over to Sting My Heart.

Some Much Needed Girl Time

My sweet friend Amy D. (in the pretty plum shirt)had some girls over today since our friend Amy A. was in town. Amy A now lives in Tennesse and I just found she has been home schooling for the last year. I'm so excited to have another home school buddy via the web. Amy A is in the black top and she is going to kill me for posting this picture with her mouth open, but it was either that, or show the picture of a full length unflattering shot of me. Sorry, I'm just a little vain that way. Shannon is on the far right and is being induced this next week with her 4th child. Let's just say that in the other photo, you couldn't tell who was about to deliver between she and I. Our friend Leslie was there too, but she left before the snapshots took place.

Just in case anyone wants a great recipe for brisket, I made my first one today. It was an absolute success. I can't take any credit, however. I simply followed this recipe to a tee. The only change I made was I only used a 5lb. slab of meat. My family devoured it like wild animals. We had mashed potatoes, a special gravy Skip made with some of the juices and a big salad. We finished off with blackberry cobbler and Bluebell vanilla icecream. Delicious!

Exactly What I Needed Today

I have been keeping myself so busy with the kids the last two days playing endless backyard baseball, board games, and other things to keep my mind off of my current situation. I know there are so many tragic things going on in people's lives right now, that I always hate to bring up my own trials. I have always tried to do my best on this site to be real, but also to be as positive as I can because I am a firm believer in "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things(Phil 4:8)." Therefore, I tend to retreat from friends and those most close to me when I am in need. I guess when you surround yourself with amazing christian women who live out daily such beauty and grace in their lives, it is hard to let them know that you are "one of those women" dealing with some pretty tough stuff. When I say tough stuff, it means that I feel I am in a pit. Beth Moore says, "...you can know you're in a pit when...you feel stuck...you can't stand up..and you've lost vision..." Unfortunately, I feel all these things right now. Thank goodness I didn't get rid of "Get Out of the Pit" after I read it months ago when I wasn't feeling this way at all. There is such biblical truths in this book, and over the next few days, I am going to ask God specifically to show me through his word and Beth's book, exactly how I can get out of the pit Skip and I are stuck in right now. We can no longer financially live in our current house on our new salary, and it is getter tougher week by week. I know God is right beside me, and I feel His presence so completely, but I just don't want to go on living apart from my husband for months to come. I want my house sold, and I want my family together. I am of course asking all this in Jesus' precious name.

Thank you so much to all of you who continue to pray for me daily and send such encouraging emails to me. I know God will use all of these struggles to grow me and Skip. I also know that the last thing Satan wants is for Skip and I to be together serving the Lord in our new church. I pray that God is allowing this to happen to bring more glory and praise to Him in ways I could never fathom.

After the kids were sick of me today, I went around to get inspired and refreshed by all of you lovely ladies out there. What I found was inspiration, humor and two special awards that I had no idea I had received. One was from "N" at Mayhem and Miracles. The blogger reflection award has been going around for quite some time, but today it was for me. I'm sure she had no idea how much it blessed me, but I am smiling from ear to ear. This award is for "someone who is an encouragement, a source of love, someone who has impacted you in some way, and has been a godly example to you. " Thank you "N" for thinking of me, and I want you to know I feel the same way about you.
As I was going by one of my favorite sites, I realized that I had never read this post from Bev at Scratchin the Surface. I was so touched that she included me in her awards for "Nice Matters". Thank you Bev, and I know you think I look young on my photo, but believe my there are wrinkles everywhere. I'm almost 40 for goodness sakes.

With both of these awards, you are to find 5 people to pass the award on to. I am such a loyal, middle-child, hates to leave anyone out kind of person, that I just can't choose only 5 for each one. I love every blog I go to daily, and each one is special and unique. You know if I come by and comment regularly that I am touched by you and your blog. Besides, my daughter is kicking me off the computer right now so she can IM her Bff or whatever they call it. I am so out of the loop.

One Word Meme

"Borrowed" from Chappyswife over at Journey to the Prize. Answer the questions using a one word answer.

One Word Meme

1. Where is your mobile phone? call-it

2. Relationship?Oh-yeah!

3. Your hair? Next

4. Work?Neverending

5. Your sister(s)? Debbie

6. Your favorite thing? Carnations(HeeHee)

7. Your dream last night? None

8. Your favorite drink?Caramel-Fraps

9. Your dream car?Runs

10. The room you’re in? Bedroom

11. Your shoes? Barefoot

12. Your fears?2Many

13. What do you want to be in 10 years?Published

14. Who did you hang out with this weekend?Kiddos

15. What are you not good at?Listening

16. Muffin?Blueberry-cheesecake

17. Wish list item?House Sold

18. Where you grew up? Victoria, Tx.

19. The last thing you did?Marinated

20. What are you wearing?Shorts

21. What are you not wearing?Shoes

22. Your pet?None4now

23. Your computer?Lame

24. Your life?Unsettled

25. Your mood?Okay

26. Missing?Hubby

27. What are you thinking about?Hubby

28. Your car?Gray Tahoe

29. Your kitchen?Red

30. Your summer?Transitional

31. Your favorite color? Pink(Duh!)

32. Last time you laughed?Today

33. Last time you cried?Today

34. School?Ready

35. Love? JESUS!!!

*Just in case you were wondering what I was marinating, THIS is what I was marinating. Skip is going to be one happy man tomorrow.

Thankful Thursday

In this world we can usually find something to complain about, but today I am going to choose to be thankful for all God had given to me this week.

*I am thankful for my friend Terri who let me vent for a while about my house not selling, and tried to help me change a few things to appeal to the eye of the buyer. She also brought me this plant to put behind my couch. I am not very good with live plants, but we shall see.

*I am thankful that I got to visit with sweet Lindsey at lunch on Tuesday. This girl is so wise beyond her years. I am old enough to be her mother, of course I would have been a mother at 15, but she teaches me something new every time I'm with her. She and I are both about to teach Shaunti Feldhahn's "For Women Only", but in different cities. Pretty cool, and we didn't even know until we started visiting.

*My friends who are having b-days this week. I'll try to get cards in the mail today for Tammi, Cindy, Monica and Jessica.

*I'm thankful for my HEB Cafe Ole' Snickernut Cookie Coffee, and my hazlenut creamer. It brings a smile to my face everytime I take a sip. I told this to Skip earlier, and when he took a sip, he stuck out his tongue and said, "Yuck!" To each his own. He takes his tea in the morning hot with splenda. He thinks he's English or something.

*I am so thankful for my babies. They surprise me everyday with how smart and creative they can be. Skip is definitely the creative one, so I'm so blessed that they have that gene from him.

To learn more about Thankful Thursday, go here.

*Update- One more thankful just came in the mail today. Thank you sweet Liana! She sent me a cash gas card to use. Very needed and very appreciated. Next time you come to visit- we will give you and Clint another special dinner. You're awesome!

That's My Man-Sad I Know

Skip called me this morning telling me he woke up in the middle of the night after a nightmare, and he couldn't go back to sleep. I was so concerned for him, because he rarely dreams, and rarely is that upset from a dream. Waiting to hear the worst thing ever, Skip told me that in the dream he was sweeping the floor in a big room of a restaurant and our son Seth was with him. In the crowded room there was a tv playing ESPN Sportcenter highlights. As he and Seth took a look to see how the Cowboys faired in their game against the Washington Redskins, he heard that T.O. had completed 15 passes for only 13 yards, and the Cowboys were dismantled 34 to 31. Skip woke up at that moment and that is why he could not go back to sleep. Something about this is very disturbing to me since the official football season has not even begun.


Now, don't even get me started about his obsession with Bigfoot which he posted about today.

Miracles Do Exist: Example 2 (Part 2)

I'm back now, but if you haven't read Part 1- go here first.



Having Seth gain weight, was awesome, and to finally see chubby checks emerge was the best. In the mean time, during the first 7 months, we had regular visits from a physical therapist to our home who was helping Seth reach milestones in which he was severly behind in comparison with children of his age. The nutritional issues were of no help to the situation. His pediatric orthopedist had put Seth in a type of cloth brace which he wore for a few months, and then at about a year he began crawling. My daughter Ashley starting walking at 8 months, but you never saw a mama more proud when he Seth got up on his hands and knees for the first time. He continued to thrive on his new diet and he got stronger too. At 16 months, it was time to go in for an anticipated surgery that we knew was coming. This time it was to put Seth in a cast to help his hips seed in place. They were still very loose and out of the sockets. Two weeks before we went in for surgery, the surgeon had us come in for x-rays to get a good idea of where we were at, also he talked about the fact that he would also be doing a muscle biopsy on Seth's thigh to determine what type of syndrome or myopathy Seth had. At this point, we didn't know Seth had CCD, we just knew that he had something similiar to Skip and Skip's grandfather. At the appointment, the surgeon told us the best case scenerio would be that Seth would were a cast from the waist down for 6 weeks. Understand here, that he was only going to have an opening in the bottom for diaper changes, and there was basically no way to keep all the area clean. We had a pro on the subject since Skip's mom had dealt with Skip in a cast as a baby. Only Skip's condition was way worse. She knew what we were in for, but was there to help us. The second case scenerio was that if the hips were not going easily into the sockets, they would have to operate and cut bone to adjust the hips into the proper place, which would require much more time under anesthesia and a much longer recovery. I wish I could remember all the technical terms that were used, but I was so in shock as to what my baby boy of 17 months was about to go through, that I just needed bottom line talk.

We prayed so much during the week of Seth's surgery. We prayed that he would only have to wear a cast and they wouldn't have to do corrective surgery also. At this time, Skip had been called to ministry and was traveling back and forth every weekend to a little church known as Bay Area Fellowship which he had started working at when Seth was about 11 months old. He had not been a previous pastor, but the Lord worked on him so much through our son, and he knew he was sold out on serving the Lord who brought us through so much. We had all of our parents with us as we sent our little guy who was very scared and very upset into the operating room. It was one of the hardest moments of my life, just like last year when I watched them wheel Skip off to the operating room for his staff infection surgery following his hip replacement. However, about an hour into surgery, our doctor emerged. We were very scared because we anticipated the surgery to last about 3 hours. The doctor's first words were, "Whoever you are praying to, I suggest you continue." We didn't understand. We figured that he meant they just were going to only put the cast on, and we immediately started praising God for answered prayer. We were so wrong. When they did the muscle biopsy, they also shot a dye into the hips to see the exact position with an xray to determine what procedure would follow, and what they saw was Seth's hips had seeded in place on their own, what it was supposed to have done with 6 to 8 weeks or more in a cast. They didn't have to do one thing with my baby boy. We were at that point SPEECHLESS! All 10 of us in the waiting room, crying and speechless. Our surgeon was in his early 70''s and a very sought after orthopedic surgeon in San Antonio who had clinics everywhere and he said he had only seen a miracle like this once in his practice and it was on an elderly man. Our family immediately dropped and prayed a prayer of thanksgiving like we had never prayed before. Talk about faith building for all of us. Talk about a testimony to share as a pastor for Skip new in his ministry. Within a month Seth began walking, and we were praising God even more. He gave us even more than we ever dreamed of asking for that day Seth went in for surgery. Isn't that just like our Precious Father who gives us such good gifts? It makes me immediately think of the scripture that says, "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" Matthew 7:11.

If you made it through this post, I applaud you. It was probably my longest post ever, but one that I've been meaning to share with you for quite some time. I really needed to write this post today, because not only am I having PMS in the worst way, I also spent the day in tears with my friend Terri about my house situation and my struggle to get my family together in one spot. This post reminded me that God has such a better plan and I need to trust him once again that He is FOR ME. Thanks for hanging in there, and I hope you have many miracles of your own to share. Let me know if you do sometime. God bless!

Miracles Do Exist: Example 2

Last month I shared with you a miracle that I witnessed involving my dad. I thought it was time to share another personal miracle with all of you in need of some encouragement.

I don't often talk a lot about my son Seth's health issues, quite frankly because I hardly ever notice there is a problem. Seth was born with a form of MD called Central Core Disease. Many children born with CCD can have very mild symptoms which often go unnoticed until adulthood when they may encounter back pain or other joint pains. Seth, however, was born with some very immediate symptoms. He was born with dislocated hips, and he also had severe reflux(although not a related symptom, we happen to believe it is associated because Skip and Skip's grandfather also had this problem). Because Seth required 2 surgeries within the first two months of his life to correct the reflux, we kind of put on hold the dislocated hips. The doctor's felt it was secondary to the fact that we had to get food to stay down because he was only getting nutrition through a feeding tube, he had a central line for all his medications, and he had a very scary reaction to the anesthesia after his second surgery. For those of you wondering about the surgeries, he had what they thought was pyloric stenosis first. They did surgery for that, but after his reflux continued very violently, they had to do what is called a nissen fundoplication to solve the problem. He was in the hospital exactly 4 weeks, and then we took him home with a feeding tube and lot of prayers. He was a whopping 8 lbs. 11 oz. at birth which was a total blessing for all that he had to endure over that month. That was a miracle in itself since my girls were both only 7 lb. 11 oz. each. However, over the next 6 months, Seth was labeled failure to thrive. We had him on all sorts of formulas, I was pumping to also give him breast milk, but he would never take more than two to three ounces at a feeding.

At seven and a half months, Seth had a horrible weekend. He was crying non-stop, and his tummy was as hard as a rock. He was literally skin and bones, despite a nutritionist working with us and a visit to the pediatrician's office weekly. We just couldn't get Seth to gain weight. I was exhausted, and that weekend I had to take him to the emergency room. Believe it or not, they said it must be a formula alergy and sent me home to try a new one. On Monday morning, Skip and I knew something must be done because Seth wouldn't take anything to drink, and he had stopped having bm's. When our peditrician took a look at Seth, he immediately rushed him to a nearby hospital and had x-rays taken which showed an obstruction. He said we could probably get to our surgeon before an ambulance could get him there. Our surgeon lived in San Antonio (forgot to mention that all his surgeries were there, while we lived in Victoria at the time(a 2 hour drive away). Our surgeon met us at the door, and did immediate surgery and found several blockages caused by adhesions. He said if he would have gotten to the hospitable even one hour later he could have died due to the adhensions which were on the verge of releasing toxins in his body. Seth stayed another week in ICU and then we took him home. I am still not to the miracle, but we saw God working in our lives like never before. When we brought Seth home, he still wasn't gaining weight. He was 10lbs. 6oz. at 7and 1/2 months old. Can you even imagine? We had some dear, dear friends (remember the artist friend and his wife that we stayed at their house this summer) who suggested we consult a nutritionist that they had used in the past to gain healthy lifestyles. We were up for anything at this point. The problem was the nutritionist that they used was in Tulsa Oaklahoma. No problem, our friends set up a phone consultation with this amazing man Dr. Joel Robbins, and they even paid for it for us. Within 10 minutes, he heard our story, shuddered at all our baby had gone through and then made his suggestions. We went full force with his recommedations which involved some very strange ideas to us at the time. He said first of all, get off all formula and find a goat. Skip, my very skeptical husband said, "Okay?" He also suggested that we juice for him twice a day (carrot, apple and celery combo), and only give him live foods. It isn't legal in Texas to buy goat's milk(at least it wasn't at the time), but we ended up getting some from a real goat. I'm not saying anymore, but we were sent an angel within two days of the phone call. The first bottle of live goat's milk we gave Seth, he guzzled 8 oz., which was 5 more ounces than he had ever drank before in his life. We were IN SHOCK! Within a few days Seth gained a whole pound. We were amazed! It was a miracle, but this still isn't the miracle I am writing about today. Stay tuned for part two... I have to go write a script for my kids who are putting on a play in the living room.

I MUST SHARE THIS!!!

If some of you want-to-be chefs have not seen this website, you are missing out. Skip tried out the bread pudding tonight and it was SOOOOOOO yummy. Go here to see a picture of why I CAN'T LOSE ANY STINKIN' WEIGHT THIS SUMMER.

Such Great Finds!

Skip and I are YouTube crazy people. We are not at all about the whole recording ourselves, or watching goofy people do goofy things(well sometimes we are), we just love to find hidden musical treasures on video. Just this morning we were watching this scene and this scene from "Into the Woods". Skip had played this part during college in a recital, but this is a broadway performance on YouTube. Our Ashley has always been a huge musical fan and she was mesmerized by this. I can't wait to get to Victoria because they have a wonderful community theatre and classes for youth. My all time favorite musical is Phantom of the Opera which I only saw off broadway in Dallas. Do you have a favorite musical?

Thankful Thursday Thirteen

I am combining my Thankful Thursday with my Thursday Thirteen. Hope no one minds.
Here are 13 things I am so very thankful for today.

1. The tropical depression completely missed us. I know we have Hurricane Dean brewing, but I am thankful for now we are safe and dry.
2. I'm thankful Skip came home last night to be with us just in case things got a little crazy with the weather.
3. I'm thankful that Annie is at a friend's house for the day. Does that sound mean? My friend Dena's daughter and Annie are the best of friends, and they needed some together time today. Okay, if you must know I needed a little break from my baby(my 7-yr old baby).
4. I'm thankful that I had a showing this morning, despite the fact that they were 30 minutes early and my house was not totally together. We'll see if they liked it. We also had a showing 2 days ago. Please continue praying for us.
5. I'm thankful for God's provision. He amazes me that He gives us exactly what we need. By the way, I really need my hair colored and cut. Just kidding.
6. I'm thankful for my friend Tiffany who met me for lunch yesterday, just for some girl talk. However, we had to eat our Chick-Fil-A sandwiches and fries without a drink because of the water restrictions in our area. We didn't understand why they couldn't just go buy some cokes from the local HEB grocery stores and sell them.
7. I'm thankful for two special phone calls today. I visited with my high school friend Deanna who is also a pastor's wife leaving in the Houston area. We had a great talk, and will try to meet up this weekend when she's in town. I also got a call from my dear friend Sara from Alabama. Heeeeyyyy Sara! I love her accent! Even though she is from Texas, she has lived in Alabama long enough to have the southern draw down perfect. I miss her so much, but everytime we talk we just pick right up where we left off. She is also a pastor's wife, a professional counselor, a super mom, and a supportive wife to her sweet hubby. Enough already, you get the idea.
8. I'm thankful for Mrs. Baird's cinnamon rolls. I'm sorry I couldn't resist one, or was it three this morning with my coffee.
9. I'm thankful that while looking through some of my old bible studies two days ago, I came across Elizabeth George's "Experiencing God's Peace: Philippians". I had only done the first chapter, so it is like brand new to me. It is so perfect to be doing right now in this season of life. I love it!!! Actually, I'm sure it would be good for any season you happen to be in right now.
10. I'm thankful for this past weekend. We celebrated my father-in-law's 60th b-day, and my Uncle Leon's 70th b-day. Both were surprise parties. Such fun! What was even more fun was that Skip got to attend both because there is no church on Saturday night and they were both in the Victoria area.
11. I'm thankful that my mom goes to church every Sunday with me in Victoria. She also joined our church 3 weeks ago, and that is such a blessing. She has been a Christian forever, but wasn't attending church. I am praying that her husband (my step-father) will one day put his trust in Christ and come to church too. He is a wonderful man, and I can only imagine what God could do with his life.
12. I'm thankful for my sweet blogging friends. I know I say this all the time, but your support and encouragement is so important to me. I wish I could personally meet each and everyone of you. I'm thankful that some of my real life friends have joined in with blogs which makes it so nice to keep up with their wonderful families.
13. I am thankful to have a couple of more weeks before home schooling starts because I am soooo not ready yet. I am going to try my best to take it in stride this first year, and just do the best I can.

What's Up Wednesday

I'll tell you what's up this lovely Wednesday morning.

*Hubby's in Victoria
*E-coli bacteria was found in our city's water so we were issued a boil water notice, and there is no water to be found (at least I have a few gallons from the bird flu scare)
*Tropical Depression headed our way

It is a good thing I read these verses this morning in my one year bible:

Psalm 34:1-8

I bless God every chance I get; my lungs expand with his praise.
I live and breathe God; if things aren't going well, hear this and be happy:
Join me in spreading the news; together let's get the word out. God met me more than halfway, he freed me from my anxious fears. Look at him; give him your warmest smile. Never hide your feelings from him. When I was desperate, I called out, and God got me out of a tight spot.
God's angel sets up a circle of protection around us while we pray. Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see— how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him.

This version is from The Message.

*Update: My kids just informed me that I must share that it's only 2 more days until the premiere of High School Musical 2 (in case 2 or 3 of you out there were unaware of this fact)

Spreading Some Love to the Hubs

Have you told your husband lately how much you appreciate him? How much you respect him? How much you desire him? These are three of the most important things that I have found to be at the heart of my husband's needs. I think with Skip and I being apart so much this summer, I have really had to make it a point that when we are together, I am affirming him.

Even though we have dropped in salary quite a bit(our choice) since changing jobs, Skip has worked his booty off to make ends meet despite our home not selling. He has drummed up so many little jobs to keep us afloat, and I feel so overwhelmed at times because I am in awe of his service to our family. Just this month Skip is doing two weddings, several card designs for businesses, flyer's, and other graphic art designs. He is constantly trying to find extra sources of income until we sell our house. I just cried to him on the phone today thanking him for all he has been doing. He is so tired, but he still manages to come home and cook for me, do the yard work, iron his own clothes, not to mention leading worship at church each Sunday to a level that I know people are experiencing true communion with God. He also makes worship time fun! My prayer for Skip is that he will not have to wait much longer for things to settle down. I pray that he will find inspiration to keep going, to keep trusting, and to keep following the call to reach the lost.

I love this picture of us at last year's Fourth of July party because you can see his silly, mischievous smirk, and you can also see the love I have for my man. Have you told your hubby today how great you think he is? Go do it right now!

My Sis Is Too Cool!

My sister that lives in LA called me tonight to rub something in my face. You see I am a huge House fan, and my sister was an extra on their set today. She sent me the following text about 7:30 pm her time, "Hugh Laurie bumped into me and said excuse me!" To which I lovingly replied, "You dog!" Seriously, I am so excited for her to get to do fun stuff like that every once in a while. Since I basically watch no tv except House, AI and whatever is on Disney Channel, I was so physched to hear she did this little job especially for me and my little obsession with this medical show. Well, I think it was pretty cool for her too!

Did you guys watch the Cowboys tonight? They are looking good! It is so funny that my whole family is sitting at the dinner table watching the game, eating fried trout(Skip makes the best), and all wearing our Cowboys shirts and jerseys. Why? I have no idea. That's our family for ya!

What's Up Wednesday

Well, I haven't been able to send out emails to all the sweet people that commented on my special prayer yesterday, but I am thanking each of you right now. It is such a blessing to have so many friends in this community of blogging.



Here is some things that have come up in the last week or so that totally ROCK, therefore I must share.



1. I listened to my old pastor preach one of the most fired up sermon's I've ever heard him preach. If you want to get fired up about serving Jesus and your church, THEN GO WATCH IT!!! You need to go here and then click on View message. Oh, was I pumped!

2. Several new ladies have joined our blogging world. I love it because now I can keep of with 3 of the pastor's wives from BAF. Introducing April, Leslie, and Lindsey. Stop by and cheer them on for me.

3. Tonight is Wednesday Worship at Parkway Church. I am so excited to spend an evening worshiping God through music and communion. I had to miss last month, so I'm so excited to go tonight.

4. Yesterday, I spent the afternoon with my dad and the girls visiting my aunt in the country. She has a beautiful home and raising about 30 miniature horses. The girls had so much fun feeding them hay and petting them. The land has a pond and the prettiest oak trees everywhere. I can't wait to take Skip out there some time. My cousin Amy was there with her new twin boys. Too sweet!

5. Skip and Seth were in heaven yesterday as they had the opportunity to go watch Dallas Cowboy training camp in San Antonio. Skip's coworker was able to get press passes so they were up close and personal with many of the players. To hear my son call me in hysteria saying, "Mom, T.O. is throwing passes to Romo right in front of me!" was music to this mama's ears. Seth is a football nut right now, and is memorizing all the players and stats. He has a world of info that is only understood by the race called MEN. I just don't get it, but I love that little boy of mine. What memories were made yesterday!

6. I finished "The Englisher" by Beverly Lewis this week. I love this author. The Amish are an interesting bunch. There is one more in the trilogy that I have to look for at 1/2 price books. I also finished "Sophie's Gift" by Lori Wick. This is the first book I've read by her, but I truly enjoyed it. It is so weird because I usually don't read fiction. That's all I've read this summer. I guess I'm needing an escape from the house woes.

That's about it, other than swimming at our friend's pool while we've been staying in Victoria, and visiting with friends. There's a busy weekend coming up for us, and hopefully some house hunters in the mood to buy.

My Prayer for Today

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. James 1:2-7

Dear Heavenly Father,

I need these words to sink in today to the very depths of my heart. First, I want to praise you God for all the blessings and answers to prayers you have given me over the last few months. Though it may seem that a lot of cards are stacked against us right now, I know that you have shown me time and time again that you are at work. I have lived this summer in the best attitude I possible can live in, but I am reaching a point where I am faltering. Lord, I need you to come into these unsettled parts of my life and settle them. Lord, you know my situation inside and out. I want my family together, and I want our own permanent place to come to each night. I pray most of all for my husband. I pray for his patience and endurance to be strengthened by your power. Lord, bless him with your presence and show him that you ARE GOING TO WORK ALL THINGS FOR GOOD. Give him a peace and joy throughout his day. Father, I thank you for his gifts and talents which are amazing in every way. Let him see that obstacles are nothing to you, and if you give them to us, they are for a reason. Help me to be the wife he needs right now. Help me be a joyful mom. Most of all, let me shine your light so that others may know of the great and awesome God I serve. Forgive me Lord for not being content in all circumstances. I just know you have more in mind for my family and we want to be in on it. Help us throw off doubt and fear, and move to a confidence of trusting you completely. I pray this in your Son's precious name, Amen

Friday Fun

Last night I had a bad dream and I woke Skip up to tell him about it. He was telling me to go back to sleep and don't worry about it. All of a sudden Annie(my 7 yr. old), who we didn't even know was in bed with us, said, "Could you guys keep it down in here." We died laughing. She must have come in our bed sometime in the middle of the night. Too funny.

I am so excited to have my mammogram over. I did it this afternoon and they will send a letter with the results. I feel really good about it though. Thanks again for all your prayers and well wishes.

Our sweet friends in Victoria have offered us their home again for a week while they go on another trip. I'm not sure if I told y'all about these friends, but they are the best. Mark is the best artist I have ever seen. We have this print on canvas in our home, and I LOVE IT. Look at this picture of Jesus he painted. Too cool. I am so excited I don't have to clean my house for a week. I mean I do have to clean theirs, but it is different to clean someone else's. Skip and I are going to try to have a least one date together, but there's church, work for him, etc...etc... I am in desperate need of some spoiling. Too many alone hours with the kids.

About our house, we have been consistently showing it at least every three days, but still no offer. There are some people interested right now, but they are getting their pre-approval stuff done. Hopefully it won't be too much longer. Have I been saying that forever, or what? It is okay, God's timing is way better than mine.


I had a great time with my friend Tiff yesterday. We took our frozen mocha's to the mall and tried on tons of stuff we didn't buy. I did find one cute shirt at New York & Co. We just got a Forever 21 at our mall, and I do not buy into all the hype. I know they have tons of clothes, and all very cute, but this women does not do well with all the latest trendy clothing. I think it may be because I'm not a 2, or a 4. Okay, if you must know, I'm not a six either. But I will try my best to be one by my 40th this December. Yeah, right. We had the most fun looking around at Kirkland's. Now, there's a store I could spend some time in. Such pretty things!

I hope all of you are having some Friday Fun today with family or friends. Adios, Amiga's!

A Little Scare...A Big God

On Sunday night as I was getting ready for bed, I started having pains in my left breast. I tried to put it out of my mind, but when I looked in the mirror it was red and raised a bit. It was hurting like the time I had mastitis while nursing Annie 7 yrs. ago. When Skip took a look, he thought it looked more like a bug bite of some kind. When I woke up the next morning it was still hurting and warm to the touch. When I checked my email, I had received a forward to watch a video on IBC (inflammatory breast cancer). I usually just delete my forwards(sorry if you are one who sends them to me), but this time I watched in horror the stories of several women who have had what appeared to be a bug bite then turn into a deadly form of breast cancer. At this point, my mind started to worry a little more about this red sore area that I couldn't quite explain. I seemed to have a lot of the same symptoms, and then I read several blog entries that told of many other ladies who were battling this strange cancer that I had never heard of previously. I prayed and then I called my doctor for an appointment. He was able to see me today.

Praying for a solid two days, I am so happy to say that the area is almost completely gone. I have absolutely no pain. The doctor had a hard time even seeing it today, and when he did he said that I should not worry at all. I may never know what it was. I am going to have a mammogram on Friday just for peace of mind. I am so sorry for all the lives lost to IBC, and for all those who are battling for their lives right now. I know that I will never forget the stories I've heard, and the need to educate women about this dangerous cancer. In the past I've always been told that you have to have a lump to have breast cancer. Now I know otherwise. If you don't know about IBC, go here to inform yourself and watch a shocking video about this horrible disease.

This scripture just warms my heart today and I want to pass it on.
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16

Praise you Jesus. I am SOOO thankful for this good news you've given me today. Help me to know that even if you do allow something painful in my life, that I can still give thanks knowing that you will use it for Your glory.