Prayer Request for Addison

I was just about to post a prayer request for myself, when I saw at Barb's that Bev's granddaughter Addison is in need of prayer. Please go here to find out the details.

Love Those Dolphins, But Ants....Not So Much

Isn't this a cool picture. I rarely take a photo that I'm proud of, but I thought this one I took at the Texas State Aquarium turned out beautiful. That's Annie on the left, her friend Maddie in the middle, and Seth on the right. Ashley was busy hanging out with her friend talking on the phone to another friend or she would be in there too.

We had such a good time on our last day of spring break, other than Annie who is suffering from fire ant bites. She received about a 100 bites yesterday while playing in a dirt pile in front of a new home construction site. I was outside at the time, but at the other end of the cul-de-sac. She managed to get them off quickly and they didn't get past her ankles, but I kid you not, it is not a pretty site to look at those feet and ankles. The crying started last night at 1:00pm, which is the time they started forming those white postule thingys. I was googling like crazy to find a cure for the itch. We prayed, we cleaned the area and then we did something wierd. We made a oatmeal paste and put in all over the bites, gave her tylenol for the pain (I was out of Benedryl) and put socks on her feet to keep her from scratching. She actually slept about 4 more hours, and then couldn't take it and woke me up. She did fine today after I picked up more Benedryl this morning and some Neosporin+Pain medicine. That really helped. She was able to play at the aquarium and go to hip-hop class. She fell asleep extra early tonight, and I hope she makes it through until the morning.

Our school had an extra two days of Spring Break, but they go back tomorrow. I haven't had anyone come look at the house for this entire week. That really was a blessing since there was so much activity here with the kids home. My house will take a good couple of days of cleaning to recover. I am cranking up the Newboys in the morning and getting my broom on. Have a great week everyone!

Do You Like?

I am so excited about the new look Susie at Bluebird Blogs just gave me. I love it. She gave me exactly what I wanted and more. Thanks Susie! I can't wait to post again.

Friday Fun!

I can't sleep, so I'm posting very late. Spring break has me completely off schedule. I am one of these people that on the surface seems fine with change and being flexible, but actually I need my routine or I go a little wacky.

Highlights for the week:
We spent Sunday evening and all day Monday in Victoria. It is always nice to stay at my in-laws who love our kids to pieces. They are never low on ice cream sundaes or hugs. Skip's mom made us fried chicken, baked macaroni and cheese, some kind of cold pea salad(delicious), and french bread for dinner Sunday. I love the chocolate/chocolate chip brownies my sister-in-law Angie made too. I slept in late as my mother-in-law made breakfast for the kids. We then went to see my precious baby niece and nephew who are 18 months old now. By the cute chubby cheeks and bellys, you would never guess they were in the hospital for a month premature. They are talking up a storm and love to take walks with my mom who keeps them three mornings a week. I took my mom and my other niece Stephanie(who's 19) out to lunch for their b-days. I had missed both of them so much and we laughed and giggled for two hours at Johnny Carinos. We shared a family portion of chicken parmigiana and ended with a very large slice of turtle cheesecake(my fav.)

I rented two fabulous movies this week. I hadn't seen Casino Royale and Skip had not seen The Holiday. Both movies are must see! Daniel Craig is phenomenal as James Bond. By far this is my favorite Bond movie. Skip loved The Holiday as much as I did the first time I saw it. It is a chick flick, but your man will think it is great too.

Tuesday night our family went out to the new church building to meet as a staff for a quick fellowship. I am amazed that Skip started working at Bay Area Fellowship nine years ago when there was only about 25 people and now we are running over 4,000 a weekend and about to have our Grand Opening in our new building on Easter. Only God could work this miracle! I am so humbled to be a witness to so many people come to know Christ and lives being changed. It is truly awesome to watch!

Wednesday we took Seth in for his follow up appt. with the gastroenterologist. All the tests came back and everything looks great! The doctor isn't sure what was going on with Seth and says that there isn't anything to worry about. His blood work was better than normal, and there was not any indication of malabsorbtion as we thought there may be in the stool tests. We have been more intentional with giving him a healthier diet, and I know God has blessed us through our faithfulness and prayers. Can we just stop and say, "Thank you Jesus." I was really scared here , here, here, and here. I think I am just going to have to live with the fact that Seth is going to be a thin boy. Everything is checking out medically okay, and I need to accept that. I will continue to give him my best care, and pray for his health daily, but also I need to turn my fears over to God. He loves Seth more than I could ever imagine.

The rest of the week has been filled with sleepovers, board games, snacking way too much(on my part), jumping on the trampoline, soccer in the backyard, and the list goes on. We didn't spend a dime this week (unless you count the blow up pool and gas to Victoria) and I feel it was a great spring break. Exhausting but fun none the less.

****About an hour ago, I read the best post yet from my favorite mentor of all. If you haven't put her in your favorites yet, you are missing out. She indicated that she is going to start writing more frequently so you better check her blog out. Liana, you are an absolute blessing to me and I can't wait for others to meet you too!****

Skip Is Such a Pushover!

My kids started begging early this morning for a blow up pool. They desperately needed one, or their spring break would be forever ruined. I said, "No, we don't need a blow up pool, just go turn on the sprinkler system ...again." They persisted, and persisted and I held strong. It is only March for goodness sakes. They continued to beg, even say things like, "We will do ANYTHING!!!" I should have taken them up on it(pulling weeds, cleaning out the garage), but I continued with something like, "No means no. If you keep begging there will be consequences." They then proceded to do what every good, sweet, obedient child of mine would do...They called Daddy. They must have used their "I love you" charm" (which I must admit I often use on him too), because two hours later this was what was happening in our back yard.

Spring Break?

Spring break? Says who? I definitely don't think it is a break for parents. I actually think it is a very big hint for parents who don't have a serious plan for summer yet, TO GET ROLLING ON IT. I have played Disney Scene It, visited grandparents, sent the kids with dad to the zoo, played basketball, played Clue Jr., helped clean out closets, visited Sonic drive in twice, watched Ice Age 2, played in the sprinklers and we are only into our second day. I'm exhausted! I decided this morning to have everyone read or work on any school work they had for the week, and it was a nice quiet break. It only lasted about an hour and they were ready for the next activity. It's raining today, so sending them outside to play isn't an option. If I don't blog for a day or two it's because I have officially been worn out by my children. I hope you all know I'm not really complaining. The kids are a joy, and I'm sure a dance competition will be happening shortly in the living room so I better say goodbye for now. Happy Spring Break.

P.S. Oh, by the way, I am also trying to keep a house ready to show at a moment's notice if someone calls. Arrghhh! I guess I actually am complaining a bit now. Sorry (0:

Bloggity Book Club

I'm joining Robin and Boomama for the Bloggity Book Club. This is the first book review they have done and they picked an excellent book. We read Beth Moore's "Get Out of the Pit." I thought it was an amazing book full of truth and help for those of us who are struggling "in a pit". I loved the practicality and the scripture filled steps to finding freedom out of our pits. It ultimately came down to relying on God to heal and help us onto solid ground, as only He can do. I would strongly recommend this book, in fact, I've already loaned my book out on Thursday. If you want to hear some great reviews stop by Robin's post to learn more.

Friday Fun

First of all, anyone of you dear ladies that has a chance to do the Daniel study by Beth Moore, please do! It is so incredible. We are only on the third week, and my group is literally in awe of how good it is. We don't want the dvd to end each week.

Ashley ran in her first track meet this week and came in last place in her 200 meter heat. I am so proud of her because she loves to try new things despite not doing well. I love that about her! I am always afraid of failing, and its almost like she could care less. She ran her best and that is all that matters. To put it honestly, it is almost always about hanging out with her friends and having fun. She is such a social butterfly.

Annie is our little princess, and she tends to say the funniest, yet dingiest(is that a word) things ever. Yesterday I had to laugh when out of the blue she said, "Mom, when is the Fourth of July." Remember this girl is seven now and making straight A's in school. With the most serious face and voice I could muster I replied, "Well sweetie, I 'm pretty sure it is going to be on the fourth of July this year." I quickly shot a "you better not say one rude or degrading thing to her" look at the older sister and brother. Believe me their mouths were ready for a comeback. Annie quickly rethought her question and saved the day by saying, "What I meant was, where are we going for the fouth of July this year?" That's my Annie. Skip always says this about her, "Well, at least she's beautiful."

I would love to once again ask for prayers for the sale of our home. It has been on the market for 3 and a half months now, and we have decided to lower the price a bit. We really want to move to another house by summer, so we feel that this is a necessary decision to speed things up.

May all of you have a great weekend and a safe spring break for those of you traveling. God bless!

My Early Christmas Gift

I already have the perfect Christmas gift idea for myself this year. It is verbal filter for my mouth. Do you know if there is such a thing in existence? I often say the wrong thing, say too much, say not enough to explain myself, or worse, I say nothing. If I had a filter I could simply know when to speak or when to (sorry ladies) shut up! Since the human mouth filter is not yet been invented, I do know of an alternate device. It is one that I already have access to, but often forget it is available for the asking. That would be the HS series which has been on my soul shelf for many many years now. I am refering to the Holy Spirit which is with me at all times. It can direct every word that leaves my tongue if I will only just stop before speaking and turn it on. I would avoid so much guilt, embarrassment, and worry if I put this amazing HS series into practice.

"Father, forgive me when I use my words carelessly without thought of You first. I want to be honoring in my speech so that everyone knows who I belong to and to whom I serve."


"Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear."
Ephesians 4:29 (NASB)

Monday, Monday ...

What a great weekend! I really didn't want it to end. On Friday night Skip and I went to see "Music and Lyrics" which basically will now enter into my top 10 best movies ever. I know I've heard a few people (a very few) say that it was just okay, but it you loved the 80's or just comedy in general, you will laugh from the beginning to the end. Hugh Grant is the best! I liked this movie most of all because it reminds me of any typical day of the week at my house. Skip is always writing music and recording it and then saying to me, "Just go write me some lyrics." Please take a chance, and go see it. It is precious. My in-laws saw it before we did, and also loved it.

After the movie, which was a 5:20pm showing, we took a drive by the bay and the water was beautiful. Skip wanted to show me where he had fished earlier on his day off. I am so glad he has a friend with a boat willing to take him. I am really trying to encourage Skip to go do more of the things he loves. After our drive, we took a 30 minute trip to Port Aransas and ate at Seafood & Spaghetti Works. We each had a salad bar, shared an appetizer of crab stuffed mushrooms, shared an entree of tempura battered fried shrimp, and we finished with delicious bread pudding. It was such a perfect evening. Of course then we came home to a crazy messy house with children completely mad that we didn't stay out longer. They love their babysitter and felt they needed to play longer. Did I ever mention how much I love our babysitter Sara? No, you cannot have her number, she is MINE!

Saturday, we hung out at the house. The girls had friends over, and then we went to watch Annie's friend play basketball. It was the cutest thing ever! Seven and eight year old girls playing sports in general is pretty hilarious. Their little personalities came out as they dribbled and shot blindly at times. I would love for Annie to play next year, but she said, "No way, I want to be a cheerleader." My girl knows what she wants. Seth had a chance to watch his friend play at the other half of the court. I wish he would give it a try, too. I know he lacks in strength and speed, but he can shoot very well. He has practiced everyday since we bought a basketball goal at Christmas.

The best part of the weekend was definitely our church service. The series is called "Words" and Bil's message was amazing. I was totally tearing up at the end. You can watch it online if you have an extra 4o minutes of your life to spare. The band played a Nickelback song "If Everyone Cared" which was phenomenal. You'll have to take my word for it because we can't put copyright music online. After church the kids and I indulged in a little KFC, well actually a lot of KFC. I know, not healthy but it was finger-licking good. Skip and I did a little yard work with all the beautiful sunshine we were having. I am so ready for our grass to be green again. Okay, I think I have officially bored you enough for one day. I have to go do some exercising. It has been 3 months of nothing, and my body is telling me that swimsuit season in Corpus is beginning in one week. Happy Week to all of you. May God be glorified in our lives today and always!

Friday Fun

Here is Annie at her 100 Days of School Celebration this morning. They had all different kinds of activities and fun. Annie is finally getting the knack of jump roping. The picture on the right is Annie with her friends Lauren and Abby.

I want to wish my brother-in-law Mark and my step-father Bobby a very Happy Birthday today. I also want to tell my sweet sister-in-law Angie Happy Late Birthday. I completely forgot her birthday was Feb.20th. Oh well, I think if you are family, you have to forgive certain relatives(that would be me) who completely can't keep track of even what day it is sometimes.

Lastly, I am so excited to go see "Music and Lyrics" tonight with my hubby. He has watched about every clip that there is on Youtube, and has a video from the movie on his blog right now.

FYI: If you want a romantic show to watch with your hubby this weekend, there is a great dvd out called "A Good Year" with Russell Crowe. Skip and I both loved it. It makes me want to go on a vacation to Europe. We also rented "The Prestige" recently, but I fell asleep while watching it. It was 11:00pm when we put the video on, so it was only because I was exhausted that I couldn't watch it all. I am going to go pop it on I can finish it while I fold my mounds of laundry that I have staring at me. By the way, Skip said it was a really good movie he would recommend.

Looking forward to a great weekend. Blessings to all of you!

Just a Little Laugh For You

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

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

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

The Soundtrack of My Life

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Choosing My Words Carefully

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

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


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


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


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

Definitely a 5 Star Movie

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

Seth update:

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