Mondays With Matt-It's Only 4 Weeks Away People

I went home to Victoria this weekend for my sweet Popie's funeral which was much easier than I thought it would be. Seeing all my family was great, but knowing that my Popie is in Heaven and in no more pain is the BEST.


After the visitation Friday night, I was hanging out at Skip's parents while my kids and two of my nieces were dancing and making up plays to perform for us. We had the tv on the Disney Channel, of course, and all of a sudden someone started screaming, "Matt's on! Matt's on the tv!" We all ran to the screen and saw this. Wow, it was awesome to see him talk on tv, and to see him in some of the scenes. It seemed very normal, yet we were all excited and screaming (including my mother-in-law).


I immediately had to text him and tell him he was on tv, like he doesn't know or something. Actually he didn't know it was on yet, and I had to share with him that my son Seth(his mini me) was sporting some new skinny jeans and a hoodie. They may only be from Target, but every one's fashion style has to start somewhere, right?


Here's our brief texting convo:

Me: "Hey Matt! Just saw u all over the place on the Disney Channel! It looked awesome and so natural."
Matt: "Ha ha no way? That's awesome" (As you can see our family takes a liking to the word awesome)
Me: "Seth wore skinny jeans and a hoodie to the visitation tonight. Just like u."
Matt: "He's growing up to be soo cool. lol"
Seth told me later that he isn't trying to dress like Matt. He has his own sense of style. I don't think I completely believe him because as Seth walked away, I could see his boxers hanging out at the top. That is definitely a Matt thing.

Seth and Matt (Christmas before last)

Back to The Forgiving Thing

I love the comments and emails I received on the "Forgiving and Forgetting" post I wrote a couple of days ago. It's funny that one of my comments refers to the book The Shack by William P. Young and I just so happen to be reading that book. It has taken me longer than normal to finish because it is really challenging me in a lot of my thoughts about God and how much I still live in wonder and always will about His ways (until Heaven of course).

Last night I picked up the book up to try and finish the last few chapters, and guess what topic the chapter I was reading was dealing with? Yep, forgiveness. I love the way it was presented by God to the character in the story. It really made me look at forgiveness in a new light.

Some of my favorite quotes the author used in explaining forgiveness are:

"Forgiveness is first for you, not the forgiver to release you from something that will eat you alive, that will destroy your joy and your ability to love fully and openly."

"Forgiveness is not about forgetting. It is about letting go of another person's throat."

"Forgiveness does not excuse anything."

"...forgiveness does not create a relationship. Unless people speak the truth about what they have done and change their mind and behavior, a relationship of trust is not possible. When you forgive someone you certainly release them form judgement, but without true change, no real relationship can be established. "

There is so much more, but aren't you intrigued and impressed with these statements? I was very excited that God personally spoke to me about this through this book, but I'm more interested in God's scripture and His ways of healing the heart through forgiveness.

I woke up in the middle of the night, as I often do when God needs me to listen to something I've been struggling with, and things just started to click. I needed to forgive some things I wasn't even aware of that were interfering with my relationship with God. I said it out loud and declared it. I do forgive even if I can still remember the hurt. I also asked God to help bring to mind any thing that I need to ask forgiveness for too. Unfortunately, that was a list a little too long to deal with in one evening. I did the best I could, and I have a feeling there will be opportunities throughout the day that will remind me of other areas I need to work on. I love that our God is able to wash away the sins, the pain, and the guilt for all of us.

May you find peace and blessings through forgiveness today. God is ready and always there to hear our prayers. Just let him in.

*Thanks John and Susan for letting me know about this really great treasure of a book.

Not the 400th Post I Was Hoping For Today

My Popie (my dad's father) passed away yesterday afternoon following a very difficult 5 months of sickness. I first mentioned his struggles here, and it has been a tough battle ever since. His name was Charles William Terry Jr, and he went by CW. My daddy is Charles William Terry III and my brother is the IV. Pretty cool!

He lived a wonderful life, full of family and happiness. I am so sad for my Nonie who had shared over 65 years of marriage with this great man. Popie had 5 children, more grandchildren and great grandchildren than I could count and even a great great grandson (my niece's son Deacon).

Some of my favorite things about my Popie:

*Many years back he found out that he was part Italian, so he started learning the language and would always speak it to all of us when we came over for a visit.

*He loved to talk and compliment the girls in our family. He called my daughters "Bella" every time they walked into the room. He was also a great story teller. I think he was telling a story in the picture above.

*He hated being cold and most of his life he did not have central ac in his home. If it was 80 degrees, he needed a sweater and socks. Right after Skip and I married, Skip painted my grandparents a picture of a snowy winter scene. He told Skip, "I can't even look at that picture without having to put on a jacket." Too funny.

*He showed what it was to put God and family first in all he did. I am so thankful to see such an example, and to have that heritage.

We will miss you Popie. I am so happy for you to be sitting with Jesus face to face and to finally be warm in God's light for eternity.

Forgiving and Forgetting

Please tell me I'm not the only one who struggles with this. The forgiving is usually a little bit easier than the forgetting. But then if I haven't forgotten, have I totally forgiven? It's gets really confusing to me, but God's Word is so clear on forgiveness. Here are my favorite scriptures in dealing with the topic of forgivesness. Maybe they will help you if you are stuggling in this area too.

*For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. - Matthew 6:14

* But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. - Matthew 6:15

* And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” - Mark 11:25

* Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” - Matthew 18:21

I think that most of the time the forgiveness is the hardest when someone has done something to someone I love. "Do something to me, but don't mess with my husband, my kids, my family or my friends," is often a thought that comes to mind. Jesus doesn't have exceptions to forgiveness, we must do it regardless of whose is hurt. I'm struggling with this, but I am not left alone with these feelings. God is there and he will help me to forgive and forget.

Mondays With Matt and 5 Great Finds

This is my favorite picture of my nephew. He has such a great smile in this and reminds me of his personality most of the time. It was taken a couple of years ago, way before he got Hollywood skinny. I don't like Hollywood skinny on him, even though it makes for great photography and film shots.

I haven't heard from Matt much since he is too busy going to Teen Vogue parties (see here), doing important things like playing video games with other celebs (see here), and getting free game systems (please hook your cousins up with your leftovers!!!). Seriously, I am so excited for the chance of a lifetime he is living right now, and I don't expect anything. In fact, if I were on a full page of the new "Cutest Crushes" edition of PopStar Magazine, I might not call my aunt and check in either. He did however have a very brief phone text conversation with me. I'll let you in:

Me: Hey Nephew! Saw u stylin in ur pic at teen vogue! Very cool and u are officially on the girl's poster wall. Prayin 4 u! (impressed with my texting skills?)

Matt: haha thanks:) that outfit was soo comfortable:) uh oh the poster wall? tell them I am honored! and thanks (who knew Matt used all lower case and smileys?)

Me: Will do(:

* Don't forget HSM3 starts October 25th! Get your tickets early guys!



Changing the subject, I have to share my latest top 5 finds with you. I don't think it is good that 4 of them have to do with food. Anyway, I hope you enjoy these.

1. Paula Deen's Lemon Blossoms- Melt in your mouth goodness! Find the recipe here. Great for a shower or a brunch. Actually, they are great if you are trying to gain weight, which I'm not.

2. Pioneer Woman's French Bakery Puffs All I can say is, DELICIOUS!!! I am not such a great cook, but I do pretty well with baking. Okay, honestly I can't really bake that well, but these made me look like I could.

3. YouVersion This is amazing! Go check it out right now. I know I will use it a ton as I begin a new bible study. Thanks LifeChurch for coming up with it and for Robin letting me know about it. I'm assuming her high tech husband had something big to do with it.

4. Don't you love when you are walking through your grocery store and you find something new and fabulous looking. I found this yesterday, and I made them this morning. It's a twist on the cinnamon rolls I love by Pillsbury. Don't let the picture fool you. They are only about 5 inches long and definitely not as good as a Shipley's cinnamon twist. They are good though and easy to make.

5. Move over hazlenut! I have found a new love in the form of Internation Delight Belgian White Chocolate Macadamia. Oh yeah baby!

Do you have a new find you can share? It doesn't have to be food, but that's always a bonus.

Thankful Thursday

1. I'm so thankful that my family and those I love were protected from Hurricane Ike.

2. I'm thankful for a weekend with my husband AT HOME. The first in a long time. We cancelled church this week in anticipation for the storm. Even though the storm went far from us, it was such a blessing to have my pastor hubby home for a whole weekend. We had the best day!

3. I'm thankful that my husband and I have decided to start doing the things that we enjoy but have somehow stopped doing because of lack of time. We are making the time and not focusing our whole life on work and school. It has really helped his stress levels. Still praying for his blood pressure which was high a little last week.

4. I'm thankful Skip's grandmother is doing better after a health scare two days ago.

5. I'm thankful for the godly women and men in my life who strengthen and encourage me. My mother-in-law has taught me so much about patience and selflessness as she cares for her aging mother. My daddy and step-mother have shown me how to be more Christ like as they completely altered there life over the last year to care for their aging mother and my very sick grandfather. They give and give because they are daily strengthened by the Lord. My kids are so blessed with all their grandparents!

6. I'm thankful that Skip and I have started a couple's blog recently that keeps us even more connected, and hopefully is a blessing to others in the process.

*A Very Special HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my Daddy! I love you so much!

If you would like to join in on Thankful Thursday, go to Sting my Heart and leave a link.

Fall Is In The Air

I woke up this morning and walked out to a temperature of 69 degrees. Oh my, fall is here in Corpus! We all know that it will probably end by tomorrow, but I am enjoying it while it lasts.

I lit my new pumpkin pie scented candle,

munched on a few of these,


decorated my living room with my fall treasures,

and finished off the evening with a ride in a golf cart with my hubby as he played a quick 9.

Yes, fall is good!

* To top off the night, Skip and I did another post at He Speaks-She Speaks. Watch the video!

Safely at Home

Just wanted to say thanks again to all of you who were praying for us. We didn't get a drop of rain until today (Sunday). We know how God has answered this city's prayers and we are so grateful! I continue to pray for the families in the areas that were hit and hope that we can all do our part to help those in need.

We spent a few days in Wimberley, Texas as a family and made some wonderful memories. Our kids continue to crack us up with their different personalities which could not be any more different from each other. I have a few pics posted on our couple's site He Speaks-She Speaks and discussion on what makes a great vacation. I'd love to hear about your favorite vacations or what you think makes a great vacation.

Insert Huge Sigh of Relief

Well folks, it looks like we may be slowly slipping away from the projected path of Ike. I am so happy that Corpus looks better by the hour, but that means a large number of people on the coast are falling into the danger zone. We are still keeping a close eye, but we can relax a bit that we most likely will be on the southern side of things.

For the first time in the history of my cell phone, I had to recharge 3 times. I must have checked on friends and family way too much. No one was sure if they were leaving or not, and trying to get rooms reserved in case of evacuation is pretty tricky last minute. When our schools decided to close for the weekend, we decided that either way, we were leaving for a mini vacation. My kids are so excited to have a four day weekend, and Skip picked a really cool place to stay. I'll update with pictures and location when we return. He originally wanted to go to Colorado, but I had to draw the line on a 20 hour drive just to get to a safe place. I think it might have something to do with fly-fishing, but he said it was really the only place with a vacancy. Ha Ha! We are staying in Texas much to his dissappointment.

Thank you so much for your prayers! Continue to pray for everyone on the gulf coast.

Today at one point I got very emotional thinking about all the friends I would have called and checked on last year from bible study and from church but because of all the changes we've gone through, we no longer hang out and talk. It made me a little sad, but I hope if they are reading this that they know I will always hold them dear and only want safety and blessings for them.

I Think Prayer Is The Word For the Week

No matter how I look at this recent map on Weather.com, it's not looking good. Last report I heard, it was probably going to hit somewhere between Corpus and Houston. Guess what? I live in Corpus, and just north about 90 miles from us is Victoria where all of my family lives. I'm not worried about our safety because we are prepared to leave as soon as we know the track a little better, but I hate to think that anyone I love may be hurt or their homes damaged. Also, my sister and her husband live in Port O'Connor, just a mile from the beach. He is a custom home builder there, and all his properties under construction are in the direct path of the storm.

Please not only pray for me and my family in Victoria, but also for all our friends who live right on the coast. God is in control and we trust Him for our safety and security. Pray that we stay focused on that truth and not our circumstances. Worry is so easy to fall into, especially when your whole town goes into panic mode.

I just went to our local HEB grocery store earlier, and I saw a lot of fear and irritation of the faces of frantic shoppers. I also saw a whole lot of baskets full of water, batteries and canned meats. What made me really laugh though was the fact that I, along with many others, tend to use hurricane preparation as a time to eat all the junk food I normally pass up. I never saw so many snack items flying off the shelf. I asked one woman if she noticed how the only crackers and soups that were left were the reduced fat and low salt versions. We laughed as we looked at each others baskets. Do I really need a whole box of Mrs. Baird's cherry pies or a box of Honey Buns if the power goes out?

Mondays With Matt- The "Mother" Load

I'm changing things up a bit today, and getting the scoop from Matt's mom. My sister Debbie is where the real scoop comes from when Matt is too busy hanging out with his Hollywood friends to give his auntie a call. Just kidding! Matt is awesome and always ready to talk to me. Right Matt? Here is Debbie, my beautiful older sister (just by 2 years) and her insight into Matt's life and her own.

How did Matt get started? He was a performer since the day he was born. When he was about 12, he started begging me to let him get into the business. A person from Millie Lewis came to Victoria and had an open call. They loved Matt and invited us to their convention in Dallas. Matt and I went and he performed in front of a lot of LA and New York agents. At the time he had braces and really short hair. Two NY agents loved him and wanted him to come to NY as soon as the braces came off and they said to let his hair grow out. My husband, Tony, said no and that was the end of that. My daughter, Stephanie, had always wanted to go to LA, so we planned a spring break trip there in 2005. We stayed in Hollywood at the Renaissance Hotel. It was right next door to The Kodak Theatre and across the street from The El Capitan Theatre and Jimmy Kimmel. Being there really got Matt going again. He begged me to bring him back there in the Summer. Tony and I had a long talk and agreed to let him go with me the week after school got out. While we were there we met with a company called Image Development. One of the ladies there was Barbara Cameron (Kirk Cameron's mom). They were Christian ladies and they loved Matt. They agreed to work with him and monitor his progress. We came home and found an acting coach in Houston, Mari Ferguson. She started working with Matt and they hit it off immediately. She thought he really had a wonderful look and wanted to work on his acting. They worked together for 6 months and then Image Development brought Matt out to LA to meet with agents. He signed with an amazing agent and manager and the rest is History!

What sacrifices were made? I had to leave my husband and my daughter. I was miserable without them. Stephanie was about to celebrate her 18th birthday and was about to graduate from high school. She was at that age where she didn't listen to me much and our relationship was a little strained. Tony was very busy and I left him to do everything on his own. He had the hardest time of all.

Would you do it all again? Yes!!! Believe it, or not, it strengthened my relationships with Steph and Tony. Steph and I talk multiple times a day and she is my closest friend. Tony and I have learned to value each other so much more. I grew so much over the two years and I think for the better. I was very judgmental and strict. I softened a lot. I started seeing people as God sees them and became much more loving to those who are different from myself.

What is it really like in LA? Fun!!! For me, that is. It is a very busy city. There is always something going on. I lived in Downtown Burbank and I could walk everywhere. I literally had a movie theatre, mall, post office, bank and restaurants all a 5 minute walk from me. It is a very liberal city, but there are a few conservatives mixed in. The traffic is horrendous! I learned to avoid the freeways if at all possible. Everything is more expensive. Movies are $10.50 per ticket, bread was almost $3, and milk and eggs were at least $1 more than here. I really don't know how people can afford to live there. Our two bedroom, two bath apartment was $1,850 per month. Yikes!

You have a love of acting too, what kind of work have you done? I started doing background work last September and loved it! I worked on almost every TV show that films in LA including Grey's Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, Eli Stone, House, Criminal Minds, CSI and Boston Legal. I actually was in the trailer and shown prominently on the tornado episode of Desperate Housewives. I was also in the movies Hancock, Step Brothers and Tropic Thunder. I was also cast in four student films and a documentary that is airing on the History Channel. If I could act where I live now, I would do it in a heartbeat!

You were on the set with Matt the entire time he filmed HSM3, so can you give us an insider look on what we can expect? It is going to be amazing! Lots of dance numbers, a prom and a graduation. I'm still under a gag order, so I can't say a lot. I will say that Matt's character is hilarious!

Who was your favorite cast member on the set? I loved Mo Mo (Monique Coleman). She was one of my closest friends. We went to dinner together several times and had some good heart to hearts. I miss her so much! The whole cast was great though!

What is it like to be the mom of an upcoming HSM3 star? Surreal! I am so proud of him, but worried at the same time. This is really going to change his life. He seems ready though. He is really good friends with Miley and Zac and he has seen what their lives are like. He has gotten some really good advice. It's crazy how many people know me already because I'm his mom. I can't even imagine what it will be like after the movie comes out.

What would you say to parents who have a child who wants to be an actor? Do as much local acting jobs as possible. Find a great acting coach and learn as much as you can.

What does Matt want to do now? All he wants to do is Act!

How can we pray for Matt? Please pray he stays safe and makes Godly choices.

*Thanks Debbie for your insider's look! If any of you have questions for Debbie or Matt, feel free to ask in the comments.

I Love God's Surprises

My daughter Ashley and I were talking yesterday about how awesome God is and how his plans far surpass anything that we could dream up. For example, last year Ashley really struggled during our home school year. She is so social by nature, and to be stuck home with me and her younger brother and sister was literally torture at times. It's not that we didn't have wonderful moments sprinkled out through the year, but at 14 years old, she wanted more friend time. When we felt led to put her in ACA (her christian high school) this year, we were a bit concerned that she wouldn't know anyone and could possibly have a hard time making friends being the new girl. I immediately started praying that God would just bring one girl into Ashley's life this year. I also prayed that she would never feel like an outsider coming in when many of the kids already knew one another.

Well God just so happened to bless Ashley more than she could have ever hoped! A few weeks before school started, we found out one of the girls that went to school with her at her previous school decided to come to ACA. She lives right around the corner from us, and they ride home together every day. When Ashley finished out the first week, she had 3 invitations to parties and get togethers. She said everyone is friends with everyone, and no one is left out. I don't know about you, but I didn't go to that kind of high school. It is a pretty small school and extremely challenging, but Ashley fits in and I could not be happier.

Yesterday Ashley went to a swim party for a fellow freshman where she got to ride in her first limo, took her first chartered boat ride, and then later attended a sweet sixteen that an upper classman had invited her and the entire school to attend. I, on the other hand, ate some take out fried chicken and watched my 8 yr. old Annie put on a fashion show with her Webkinz. What a social life I lead, I know.

It has been so hard for Ashley to be patient and wait on God to bring her friends, but when He did, He did BIG TIME. I am so thankful and so happy that Ashley learned such a beautiful lesson this year. I learned a lot too! God is at work, and we should never doubt his timing or his outcomes. He is God!

Psalm 38:15 "I wait for you O Lord; you will answer, O Lord my God."

Ashley and her friend Allison

Announcing New Blog!!!

It has been quite a while since Skip and I have shared a blog. He quite frankly has so little time to keep up with one, but I have convinced him to fulfill my dream of having a couple's blog. Skip and I have been married for 16 wonderful, bumpy, adventurous years, and we want to share a little of what we've done right, done wrong, and what we'd love to do better. I am still keeping my personal blog because I love having my own place to journal about my family, about life, and about my Amazing God.

My Blogging friend Christina has designed this spectacular format for us! I love it! Please come on over to HeSpeaks-SheSpeaks and join in the conversation...if you dare!

Are You Ready Girls and Boys?

Can you feel it in the air?



You know your home life is about to change.



There is an excitement!



There is anticipation!



There is concern, yet confidence!



There is nothing you can do but join in the madness of it all.



You say you will not get sucked into this world of manly things.



You do every year, and you like it.



Can you guess what is about to start?



Are you ready...?









It is called the NFL and it is starting TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dallas Cowboys Vs Cleveland Browns

Since I am married to this man, such will be my life over the next months.

This Is Why I Should NOT Do Facebook

I am going to try to make this story short, but "short" is just not one of gifts. First of all, Skip and I decided a couple of months ago to venture out into the world of Facebook. I guess it is an(over 40) acceptable form of MySpace. Whatever, it is a fun way too catch up with old friends, new friends, and friends you would love to meet someday.

I've only stepped into the baby pool of Facebook, not wanting to go over my head in the deep end with things like "pieces of flair", "pets", and "compatibility quizzes". I am just not that tech savvy, nor do I have the time. Well, things have been progressing nicely. I check it every day or so, and add friends here and there. Last night as Skip and I were sitting at the kitchen table with our laptops side by side (how romantic I know), I decided to comment on a picture of Skip. It was a picture of him and his friend in high school acting very goofy. I commented, "And you wonder why I never dated you in high school." What I neglected to realize was that I was not commenting on Skip's site, but instead on his friend's site (the one who posted the picture). So basically it looked as if I was telling Skip's friend that instead of Skip.

Here is the conversation that followed.
Me: Oh my gooodness! I'm so embarrassed.
Skip: What did you just do?
Me: Um... I think I told your friend Greg(who is married) that he should wonder why I never dated him in high school.
Skip: Honey! That is his site.
Me: I know. I know. What do I do?
Skip: Delete the comment.
Me: How? I don't think you can. I think it is there for eternity.
Skip: Honey!
Me: I know! I know!
Skip: His wife is going to think you are trying to flirt.
Me: What! Oh my goodness! Honey, you have to comment for me and tell him I'm sorry.
Skip: No!
Me: Please!
Skip: No!
Me: I'll do anything!
Skip: Okay.

Skip decided it was in His best interest to comment back to Greg and tell him that I thought the picture was on Skip's site and not Greg's. All is well in the world. However, I am going to be much more cautious using Facebook. The internet is not to be taken lightly. Words can be misinterpreted and all there for all to see. I think this girl needs to stick with blogging. How about you? Have you every had a bad experience with blogging, facebook, myspace, etc?

Mondays With Matt

Hot off the press!  Here is Matt in the new October issue of Pop Star Magazine.  I think it looks great!  Over the last couple of weeks Matt has been busy auditioning for movies and television, as well as taking more acting classes.  

Today's interview is all about FASHION!  When Matt was a preteen, he was always found in a t-shirt and basketball shorts.  Where did that young boy go?  Today, he is dressed in jeans that cost more than his aunt's entire outfit with a purse.  

Me:  Matt, I always see you in a different pair of sneakers.  Exactly how many pairs of shoes do you have?

Matt:  Well, I think last count it was 28 pair.  Tennis shoes, that is.

Me:  That's not too many.  I have two.  

Matt:  Sorry.

Me:  What are your favorite brands.

Matt:  Nike and Vans.

Me:  Do you pay for them.

Matt:  Sometimes.

Me:  Can you hook up my kids?

Matt:  No.

Me:  I see you wearing this black hat a lot.  What kind is it?

Matt:  It's a Fedora, and I love it.  I wear it all the time.  It's so awesome!

Me:  Yea, I'm kinda liking it too.  

Matt:  I've worn it almost everyday since I got back from filming in Utah.

Me:  Do you think they(Fedora) will start giving you free stuff?

Matt:  I wish.

Me:  What is Matt normally wearing on a typical day?

Matt:  T-shirt, hoodie, skinny jeans and vans.

Me:  And the Fedora hat.

Matt:  You know it!

That's it for today.  I am suffering from a horrible sinus headache and I feel like my head is going to explode.  Hope everyone is enjoying the Labor Day Holiday!

Guess what friends?  Only 53 more days until HSM3.  Don't forget to catch up on the latest HSM3 news at HSM3 Website on Disney.com.