Thankful Thursday

*Update: This afternoon Nonnie passed and is now with her heavenly father, the creator of the universe, the beginning and the end, our King, The Lord Almighty, The Great I Am!


"Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."


Todays Thankful Thursday is all about a very special lady that will be entering heaven's gates within hours or even minutes from me writing this. Her name is Evelyn Hill and she is one of God's most beautiful creations. Though she is not my natural grandmother, I have been blessed to call her Nonnie for the last 16 years. She is 92 years old, has 3 children, 7 grandchildren and if I'm not mistaken 13 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandson.

I am thankful that yesterday I was able to stand with my husband's precious family and pray over this wonderful lady, and to sing to a hymn to God with full knowledge that she is a believer and will soon be in paradise. God is so good to have given my mother-in-law and father-in-law the last couple of years to care for Nonnie, and to allow my children to see all the wisdom and love that Nonnie holds. Over the last year, Nonnie has shared so many stories of her early years with me and the struggles and trials she faced as a young girl. There is not a tougher lady, and watching her cling to life yesterday made me truly break down. Thankfully, she is not suffering and will only have to endure her earthly body for a brief time.

The picture I keep imagining in my head is the welcoming party that will greet Nonnie as she enters heaven. Because of her age, so many loved ones are already waiting. From her parents she lost at a very early age, to her sisters and her brother, and finally her precious husband who left this world 22 years ago, what a reunion it will be! I'm sure he will be eager to call out the nickname he used for her, "Angel" as they finally see one another again.

Here is Nonie about a year ago with my Annie.

If you have a Thankful Thursday post to share, please go here and leave your link.

Prayer Updates

*Thank you for praying for Skip's grandmother yesterday. She did not break her hip, but unfortunately she is still not doing well. She was sent home and we are not sure how much longer she will have with us. All the restlessness has been diagnosed as Terminal Restlessness. I had never heard of this term, but I did my research yesterday and I think I have a good
understanding now.

My mother-in-law's best friend came to stay with her yesterday so that she could rest. I am so thankful because I know how tiring it has been for her the last week. Please continue to pray that these last moments that Nonnie has on earth will be free from suffering. She is not communicating at all and not eating, so I can't imagine it will be much longer.

My friend Debbie's daughter, who I told you last week has been diagnosed with advanced leukemia, has begun chemo and has responded well to the drugs. She had fluid in her lungs, but they seem to be draining on their own, and she has been blessed with wonderful doctors and treatment. She is in ICU and still needs your prayers to have strength and healing. The family has passed on the message that they see God at work and trust him for Amber. Continue to pray!

Tragedy Often Follows Times of Celebration

Our family had the most wonderful time of celebration this week as we watched our nephew Matt hit the big screen. While we were celebrating and laughing with joy over his accomplishments, Skip's mother was sacrificing her sleep, her energy and all her strength to care for her sick and aging mother.

I haven't written much about Nonnie (Skip's grandmother), but over the last few months, her health and mind have been deteriorating at a rate which is very hard to face. We are safely resting in our home an hour and a half away, but Skip's mother and father have been awake, serving, comforting and caring for Nonnie who is 92 years old and lives with them.

I am asking for your prayers this morning. Nonnie had a rough weekend and (Linda)my mother-in-law has not slept for more than a couple of hours all weekend. Hospice is involved on a small level, but Linda had been the primary care giver. We think Nonnie may have broken her hip yesterday and she is at the hospital right now having x-rays and they are trying to alleviate the pain. She is not coherent and we know she has had very little rest.

When I talked to Linda last night she was very down and so tired. I wish I could just jump in my car and be there. I'm not sure what I could do to help now, but I know when I find out, I will do it. We were planning on going to Victoria Friday for our traditional trick or treating with the grandparents, but we may be going earlier.

My prayers are for Linda and Otto more than anything. I know the emotional stress in caring for an aging parent can be overwhelming. I saw it with my daddy and his wife as they cared for my Popie we just lost last month.


Please pray that Linda knows that she has served her mother as unto the Lord, and that God is pleased with her. Pray that God gives her rest and comfort to keep going through what lies ahead for her mother. Give her and Otto extra patience and good health to endure. And lastly, pray that if it is Nonnie's time to go, that her last moments on earth will be peaceful, that she will not be in pain, and that it happens surrounding those she loves. Pray also for my sweet husband who is extremely close to his Nonnie.

These verses are speaking right to my heart this morning. I am praying them over my family. If you are struggling this morning with your own trials and suffering, may you also find comfort through the Word.


Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Hebrews 13:5 “…God has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.”

Isaiah 40:28-31 “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless. Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings of eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”


Thank you dear friends!

My HSM3 Experience (In Way Too Many Words I'm Sure)

I have to begin at the very beginning if I'm going to give you the full behind the scenes feelings I had while watching HSM 3 on the big screen.

The year was 1990, and I was staying with my two year old niece Stephanie waiting for the call. Stephanie's mom (my sister) was in labor with her soon to be baby boy. Because it was July and I was home from college during the summer, I had been spending a whole lot of time with a certain best guy friend of mine. We loved going to movies, talking, listening to music and laughing. In addition to that, after 7 years of friendship, we started falling in love. This certain best guy friend of mine was Skip (my man). Since my sister was needing help to get things ready for her new arrival, Skip and I would often take Steph to the park or to a playground. Stephanie was the center of our whole family. The first grandchild who not only had beautiful blonde hair and big brown eyes, but she was the most talkative and fun toddler that could ever grace a family's presence. She was our perfect little girl!

The call comes and here comes trouble, I mean Matt. Dark hair, also big brown eyes, but also-100% boy, which means 100% opposite of our Stephanie. He was just as precious, but he was not about to let our attention stay for one minute on his older well-behaved sister. He was 2nd born, baby of the family all the way, and we LOVED him to death. He started entertaining us with Michael Jackson moves after Skip taught him to grab his diaper and say "Hee-whoooo!" Remember from "The Way You Make Me Feel" video: that was Matt. He was always putting on a show for us. However, he could get in control if needed. For example, Skip and I were married at a catholic church and Matt stood still for almost an hour, IN A TUX, not saying a word, and he was only 23 months old. No one could believe it. The same boy who would dive bomb us from the couch, throw fits if he didn't get candy every time at the grocery store, was now the most well-behaved obedient child we had ever seen. We should have known it then, HE WAS ACTING! Look at these sweet kids at our wedding. Matt and Steph look like Precious Moment figurines as our Ring Bearer and Flower Girl.

Matt continued being the little actor throughout the years. Here he is chasing my Ashley around at her first birthday party. He has always been the family clown, ready to make everyone laugh and put on a show. However, when our fun loving, comedic all American boy wanted to move to LA and become an actor, the entire family had reservations. There was so many sacrifices that would have to be made financially and emotionally-all for Matt. My sister and her husband made the sacrifices, made a commitment to devote two years to their son's dream and then finally things began to happen. Slowly, but steadily Matt made his way into the ranks.

About a year or so into their new life in LA, I paid a visit to Matt and his mom. They basically gave me the full Hollywood experience. We went on studio and celebrity home tours, ate lunch at The Ivy(where Matt and I met and took a picture with 50 cent), went to the mall with his friend Mitchell Musso, and bought expensive shoes for the girls at Kitson.

Here we are in front of the Kodak Theatre. I remember laughing with him and thinking to myself, "I bet one day Matt is going to get that break. It may not be an Academy Award, but one day I just know I'll see him on the big screen."

That day happened last night. I stood in line with my husband, my kids, and many friends almost an hour early to make sure we got great seats. When we walked in, I could barely hold back the tears. I sent Matt a quick text that said, "We are sitting in the theatre about to watch the movie with about 30 of our friends! We are so excited:)" He quickly texted back, "Text me after I need honest opionions, no family candy coating LOL. " Skip quickly sent him a text that said, "Here we go" just as the lights went down.

From the moment Matt hit the screen, I had to hold back those proud, aunt tears. He did FABULOUS, and I'm not just saying that. He was funny, a natural, and he was doing what he was made to do. My friends were all almost as excited as me. They all feel like Matt is their nephew too! He has no idea how many of my friends are praying for him to succeed and to stay true to his roots.

After the movie, we jumped in the car and phoned Matt. We were sure we would be leaving a message, but he answered right away. All six of us (Ash's friend was tagging along) took a few minutes to tell him what a great job he did and what our favorite parts were. They were all scenes that included Matt, of course!

On the night his first motion picture hit the big screen, he still had time to chat with his family. I hope this great kid (sorry Matt-ADULT) truly does continue to follow the dreams that God has placed inside of him and manages to do it without changing from that precious, full of energy, joyful Matt we all love. You did it Matt- You did it, and I for one could not be more proud!

We Have a Winner!!! Matt Giveaway

Well, we have a winner for the giveaway. I numbered the entries and then used the number generator.
Put in the total number of entries and ta-da, we have a winner. Congratulations Karen! I will be emailing you and then getting your information so I can send you your prize and set up a time for Matt to call you.

Thanks to everyone who entered and enjoy High School Musical 3! Don't forget to come by and let me know what you thought!

Giveaway Ends Soon and Reviews Are Coming In

HSM 3 (Mondays with Matt) Giveaway Ends at noon today. Don't forget to go here and enter before noon CST.

Just read a few reviews and so far so good. I really liked this one because the writer said his favorite character was Matt.

I'll be back sometime after noon with the results of who gets the first ever giveaway at a Pink Carnation in Bloom.

And don't forget to go see HSM 3 soon and let me know what you think. Only good comments allowed!

Matt At the HSM 3 Premiere in Toronto

Very sharp look Matt, and love the shorter hair.

How cute are you both? Very, I must say!
Purple and Leopard? It works for her, but I could never!

"I'd like to give a shout out to my Aunt that rocks!" What? You don't believe me?

Some of the cast poses with director extraordinaire Kenny Ortega.

I am dying to go to the 12:01 AM showing tonight even though we have tickets for tomorrow. Anyone willing to tag along with me? It's such a crazy high school type thing to do, but how fun!

Prayers for Friends (Real and Internet)

Tomorrow is a day of celebration for our family as Matt role in HSM3 hits the bigscreen. I could not be happier for him, and to see where this role may lead his career. Don't forget the deadline to enter the GIVEAWAY IS TOMORROW AT 12pm CST. At the same time, my heart is not fully in joy mode as I see so many suffer nearby with sick children.

My friend Debbie's adult daughter Amber has been diagnosed with advanced luekemia and is just beginning chemo via the last update I received. Praise God at this point she is not needing a bone marrow transplant. Keep Amber and her husband in your prayers, as well as her very special mother.

Another very sick child is Ashley Adams. I have been following her story here for over a year, and it is probably one of the most incredible stories of perseverence and strength through trials that I have ever seen. Please keep this little girl who is suffering in your prayers.

My RL friend Lori is also going through a pretty amazing trial. She is desperately wanting God to bring her adoptive son home to her soon. You can read about her journey here. I know the story up close and I can't wait to see her prayers answered soon.

Lastly, this blogger friend of mine absolutely has the best attitude of anyone I have ever seen. She also has a beautiful, spuky and precious sick baby boy. I look at what this family has gone through and I am amazed that they have the most fun and adventurous life despite their not so normal situation. Fletcher, Denise's son, has become one of my biggest inspirations. He almost always has a smile and to watch him grow and develop over the last two years has been a true privelege.

The thing that most hits my heart is not just these awesome mothers and the sacrifices that they make each and everyday, but also the challenges that face their husbands and children. What life has brought does not change the fact that they love and serve God to their fullest, and always praise him name through each new storm.

Please join me in keeping these families in your prayers.

My Kids in the Headlines (Well...kind of)

Matt made it into the Houston Chronicle and so did the mention of my kiddos. Here Matt was talking about landing the role and how his little cousins (my kids) freaked out. The only sad part is that my kids really didn't get to talk to Zac ...yet. I think the interviewer might have misunderstood, but the kids have been able to talk to Mitchell Musso, Miley Cyrus and Aly and AJ. All of them were super sweet on the phone and made my kid's year. However, a phone call from Zac someday would be DA BOMB!

*Don't forget that the HSM 3 Giveaway is still going on until Friday at noon CST. Oops gotta run, Zac Efron is on Good Morning America and I heard there is a clip with Matt on it.

Moving Again!

Did my title catch you by surprise? If you've read this blog for any length of time, probably not. Actually, my church campus is moving to a new location in just weeks. It is only 6 miles from our current location, but the same distance from my house.

This week I've had the privilege of helping pack boxes and load up trucks. It is so true that you get to know new people by serving together. There is such a great group of girls and guys that are giving so much time and effort to reaching a new community that it warms my heart. I live in a large city with so many great churches transforming lives at every corner. It is awesome that Corpus Christi even means the Body of Christ.

This move makes me wonder just how long you have been at your church? How would you feel if you had to move 6 miles down the road?

Time's Up- Mondays With Matt - Giveaway Time!!!

First things first, HSM 3 hits theaters this Friday, October 24th!!! It is going to be fun, entertaining and phenomenal (at least that is the word I hear from a firsthand movie goer(Matt's mom and my sis).

Matt is in Toronto this week promoting HSM 3, but he wanted to help me out with a giveaway for our last Mondays With Matt post. Here is what the winner will receive:

*A signed copy of People Magazine: Special HSM 3 Edition by Matt Prokop, one of the newest East High Wildcats.

*The HSM 3 Soundtrack on CD, also signed by Matt Prokop!

And last, but certainly not least:

*A BRIEF PERSONAL PHONE CALL FROM MATT PROKOP SO YOU CAN ASK HIM ANYTHING YOU WANT TO KNOW!!!

To enter just leave a comment to tell me who you are most looking forward to seeing in HSM3 and make sure I can find you. If you don't have a link back to you through a blog, then at least enter your email address in the comment. I'm going to use the random number generator to find a winner. Enter one time only please! Pass this on to friends that might want to enter, and the drawing will take place this Friday, October 24th at noon CST.

New York Times?

Oh yeah, I warned you it is going to be a HSM 3 Week

Go here to see!

Just a Taste of What's To Come

I hope Matt is ready. Because this is what he has to look forward to hearing everywhere he goes once HSM3 hits theaters. Scary. BTW-make sure you turn your volume down, or you will hurt your hearing.

"A Night to Remember" for Matt and His Family

HSM 3 Premiere took place in LA last night and my sis was there to give me details and insight into the fabulous evening.


Matt looked smashing in his black Dior suit. He arrived late due to traffic, but he was able to do some interviews with E! News, Access Hollywood and Extra before heading in to watch the movie. My sis rode in a limo with her husband and daughter and even walked the red carpet, as well as going backstage to talk to all the young stars. Stephanie (my niece) is only 20 yrs. old which is the same age as many of the cast members. Debbie (my sis) said the movie was amazing, especially the dances. She said many in the audience cheered after each dance number. Matt was hilarious and she can't wait for everyone to see his performance. I can't wait either!!!



Here is Tony (Matt's dad), Debbie (Matt's mom and my sis), Steph (my niece-Matt's big sis) and Matt, of course. Don't they all look great!

Matt on the red carpet. No funny face making here. He looks very sophisticated and mature. You can't fool me Matt, I know you're cracking up inside.

There's that smile again. The interviewer is asking, "Hey Matt, who is your favorite aunt?" Matt said, "Well, of course it's my Aunt Susie who I'm going to thank when I get my first Oscar." Ha ha, maybe that's not exactly how it went. Anyway, he looks like a pro.

Here is the cast of HSM 3 and the Director and Producers. What a talented bunch! My sis said that we will all love it!

Stay tuned for the last "Mondays with Matt" this coming Monday because I have a surprise giveaway you mom's of teens and tweens won't want to miss!

Most Embarrassing Moment of my Life

Have you had a most embarrassing moment? Up until last night, it was when I walked through a sliding glass door screen last year and knocked it off it's hinges. It was bad, but funny.


Last night my most embarrassing moment was not funny at all. I got sick. I puked actually. Oh, it gets better. I puked in one of our pastor's wives nice, clean van. In front of 5 other pastor's wives I am just getting to know! Great impression I made, huh? It was the kind of "Can you pull over I feel sick? Blahhhhhhhhhhhhh!" I can't believe how out of control it was, and I was only a mile from my house.


They were so sweet and tried to make me feel it was not a big deal. But it was a night I'd soon like to forget. How did it happen? I made the horrible mistake of giving up caffeine yesterday when we had a big night planned. I didn't know I was that addicted, but around 5:30 pm yesterday, I starting getting a headache. The headache got worst through the night and we were having a chef teach us all how to make a gormet meal. I can't even write about what we had or I will puke again. It was really fun and different, but all I could focus on was my pounding headache. This morning I decided it might be a better idea to have a cup of coffee and GRADUALLY wean myself.


So I have two questions you can chime in on-pick one or both. Do you have a most embarrassing moment? Are you addicted to caffeine? I can answer both-YES!!!

Here is all of us many hours before the dreaded incident mentioned above occurred. I hate this picture of me, but everyone else looks so cute that I had to post it.

More of Matt

Matt with fellow HSM3 cast members at Miley's Sweet Sixteen at Disneyland.

I don't think you've arrived in the Disney Ranks until you've made a "Your Watching Disney Channel" promo. Pretty cool and I found this one myself even though I haven't seen it live.

Click here to take a look.

***Tomorrow is the HSM3 premiere in LA and I'm sure Matt is nervous, exciting and beyond ready to see everyone's reaction. I wish I was going there so bad! I'll let you know how it went after I hear from Matt. I'm sure it will be a huge celebration. It opens nationwide on Friday, October 24th. My friend Dena and I are taking our girls, and even our friends Jim and Karissa are joining us who don't even have children yet. Skip is even going too, not that he had a choice.

BTW- We have found out why Skip has been having so much recurring pain in his hip since the surgery. He has a strained IT band and is now going through some pretty intensive physical therapy in hopes of alleviating the pain. Praise God we have met our out of pocket and insurance covers everything.

Mondays With Matt

Hey Wildcat Fans! The premiere of HSM3 is happening this Thursday, October 16th and though I won't be there to get the scoop, Matt's mom(my sis) will! Matt has been super busy with press interviews and hopefully we will all be able to see a few of them in the upcoming weeks.


It's funny how my kids are getting use to seeing Matt on tv clips and in magazines. A year ago they would have been screaming and jumping up and down to see him in a magazine, and now they just say, "Cool." Well, I still jump up and down and scream a little. It is fun and exciting for him to follow his dreams and then actually see the results from all the hard work.

Here is the HSM3 Edition of People Magazine. Matt is inside a few times with a short interview. PopStar and other teen mags are fun, but to me People is the big leagues.


Here is Matt doing a pose. Look, messy hair works. Maybe I shouldn't be so hard on my son in the mornings to comb his.

Now we have some of the new faces and the supporting cast of HSM3. Matt is 2nd from the left. His mouth is always open making a face. That is just Matt-Mr. comedian.

Lastly, the supporting cast again inside an old time car. Matt has on the blue t-shirt, again making a face.

The rest of the magazine highlights the stars and it's fun to read about their thoughts on this musical which has had such a huge impact around the world. I think it is great to see kids dancing and singing. I wish we would have had something besides Grease when I was young.

Updates will follow throughout this week. Hopefully some fun pictures too!

He Just Couldn't Wait

***Update***Baby "Eli" Elian Manuel Emmons was born about 9:30 a.m. this morning. He is a healthy 5lb. 11oz., 19 in. long baby boy. Congrats Eric and Laura! Thanks for the prayers!

One of my bestest friends gave me a call in the middle of the night to tell me someone was coming early. Laura isn't due until the end of the month, but her little bundle of "boyness" couldn't wait.

Her water broke and she is definitely having her little guy sometime today. Please say a prayer that the delivery goes well, that "he" is plenty big, and that mommy, daddy, and baby do fine through it all.

Laura was hoping he would come a little early due to her husband's job. He is in charge of all the sound, stage and lighting for one of our new church locations opening up the first week in November. However, she wanted the little guy to be fully healthy and ready if he did show up. God answered her prayer, and I know he can watch over this miracle day.

More Than One Star Nephew

This is baby Deacon, who is Matt's nephew and my great nephew. He is going to be Tigger for Halloween. I wuv him so much, yes wuv.

If You Don't Care About HSM3, Stay Away From This Site For the Next Two Weeks

I cannot help myself as Matt's aunt. I am so excited for him, and I want as many of you as possible to meet this great kid, well I guess 18 is considered an adult. Anyway, Matt did a lot of press today in Houston. He is in our hometown newspaper, and has a few appearances in the new HSM3 Edition of People Magazine. I haven't been able to buy it yet, but I'll be out looking tomorrow for my kids a copy.



Here is a great opportunity to meet Matt and to learn about his HSM3 character. Pass on some good wishes to him, and I'll send him this way. Isn't he fun?

*Skip is traveling to Houston today for a doctor's follow-up. He is still having hip issues. Please pray for safe travel and for some understanding of what's happening with recurring pain.

New Blogs, New Adventures, and New Intimacy With God

This is what I see going on around me this week. Lots of new things starting up.

*New LifeGroups starting left and right at church. That is our small group or bible studies. I'm leading "Anointed, Transformed, and Redeemed" and I am blown away by the girls God has put in this group. They inspire me so much and it is only our 2nd week.

*Two new blogs have started, so please go by and encourage them on this new endeavor. One is Days With Deacon. This is my precious niece who is a new mom and just starting the adventure of motherhood. The other blog just beginning is Oak in the Acorn. This is sure to be one of great wisdom. Theresa has a heart for encouraging women and for writing. Her true passion right now is encouraging young girls in their walk with the Lord. Blessings to both of you new bloggers!

*I have a few friends in the process of adopting right now, and my heart aches for them all. I can't imagine waiting for the calls, the paperwork and the bumps that always seem to occur along the way. My friend Lori, my pastor's wife, has a trip coming up to Ghana soon to pick up her little boy, Apollo. I don't think I have ever seen someone so excited to deliver (well, you know what I mean). Please pray that all will go well, and in a month she will be bringing her precious child home. Also, pray for Lindsey and Elisa who are also in the process of adopting.

*I heard something in my bible study this week that is so simple yet so profound. You've heard it and I've heard it tons of times, but really let it sink in. The more you know God, the more you will be able to hear Him.

One of the ladies in my study yesterday was talking about a situation and she said, "The Lord told me..., and so I've ... and then I want to go to the next step of ..., but he hasn't told me to move on that yet." I'm leaving out the details, but to hear this wise woman speak (years of walking with the Lord), I was jealous. Jealous that the Lord is directing her paths in specific ways. She is so intimate with him that he gives her specific details for the plans he lays out for her, just like the Lord did for David that we are studying. This is not something new for her, it is how she lives.

Now, I know God speaks to me too as a Christian throughout my days. In fact, I have seen him heal, turn situations around, bless my family, change lives, and the list goes on, but it it is not like the intimacy my new friend has. That is something different. I want that! And guess what, I'm asking for that. It is completely available to me as well as you. What is it going to cost? I'm not sure exactly, but what first crossed my mind was more time, more prayer, more giving, and more obedience. Actually, I don't think it is that at all. I think it is fully surrendering my life and agenda to His, and all those things will follow out of love. Are you ready to step your walk up a notch too? Let's be the passionate people God anointed us to be!

*One more thing, please pray for my friend Susan whose husband is going in for a double by pass heart surgery tomorrow morning at 6AM.

Too Dark?

I love highlights in the Summer and going back to the natural in Fall. What do you think? Too dark? I guess it's too late now. I think I'll keep it after I spent my week's grocery money. Hee Hee, just kidding, well kinda.

Mondays With Matt - Get Your Tickets Early

Only 18 days until HSM3 and I still haven't bought my tickets online yet. What am I thinking? I am too busy worrying which friends the kids are taking and which show everyone wants to go to together. I think I'm just going to go to a matinee when the kids are in school first so I can watch it without my kids interrupting me with screams and talking. Anyone want to join me???


Matt has been pretty busy lately, so I haven't wanted to text and bug the guy while he has enough people asking him questions with the press leading up to HSM3 debut. I have been able to catch some glipses of him on Disney. com with the movie surfers to HSM3 that are airing daily. My favorite one shows Matt and the two other new cast members give a tour of the set. You can find it here. Here is another great promo for the new guys. Also, Matt recently went to a benefit for Saint Jude's hospital and here are some pics from the fundraiser. You moms out there may not know the other kids in the pictures, but your kids will probably know a few of them. Looks like someone got a new haircut. Looks great Matt!

I also heard someone was invited to a big sweet sixteen last night at DisneyLand. Hope to hear all the details from the star studed night soon. Maybe I'll even have a picture or two to share.

That's it for this week's installment of Mondays With Matt. I do have the insider's scoop that Matt will be doing some HSM3 promotion in Houston this week. I won't get to see him this time around, but I'll be looking forward to seeing him on the big screen on October 24th-Mark your calendars!!!

Thankful Thursday-Proud of My 1st Baby

This Thankful Thursday is all about my thankfulness for God's provision for my daughter. I've already mentioned several times how much I love my daughter's high school and the way God has given us true answer to prayer where her education is concerned.

Last year when I set out to home school, I knew it was what the Lord wanted for us at the time, but I was unsure of the effects it would have if she went back the next year to formal education. Would she be on level? Would she be able to get back into the study mode? Would she pass? Many friends told me that whatever I was unable to provide for her, that God would fill in the gaps. I knew in my heart He would, but I doubted with my mind. Well, God showed me that he is all about filling in gaps, and MORE!!!

Ashley got her first progress report, and she is definitely not failing in this challenging, classical Christian school. In fact most of her grades are A's with a few B's in the subjects that I probably wouldn't even pass. Here is her freshman course list: Greek(by the way she loves this class and has a 99 right now), Ancient Literature, Ancient History, Bible Doctrine, Trivium 1(still don't fully understand what this even is, but I know it has to do with grammar and logic), Algebra 1, Biology, Drama, and Journalism.

Ashley is on a 3 day retreat right now with her classmates in the the Hill Country. Their theme this year is "Solus Christus-Christ Alone". I wish I was going! Maybe next year I can be a chaperon. Please pray for their safety and that they will have a time of growth and fellowship like they've never had before.

If you would like to join in Thankful Thursday, just head over to Grace Alone and leave your link. Have a very blessed Thursday!

TV, Computer, and Phone

These are three of my biggest distractions. The computer is probably the worst distraction of all. I can pretty much keep up with cooking, housework and my family and still indulge in the fun three forms of entertainment above. However, if I want to work(write), exercise, study God's Word, and invest in the lives of others, I have to let something fun go. TV will probably be the easiest since I'm only interested in a few shows-CMT-Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, House and American Idol. I'm trying to limit my time on the phone with friends too-see Tiff I only called you 3 times today. Hee Hee. Yep, the computer is definitely my biggie. I have had to go without it a lot more lately because Skip and I are sharing a laptop. His work is kind of more important than me catching up on Facebook and blogging. It does sort of pay the bills(:

So tell me, what are your biggest distractions at the moment?