My Two Favorite Men

This picture was taken several years ago, but I'm so glad I found it. These two wonderful men are so important to me, and I thank God everyday for them. On the left is my daddy. He and I didn't really start our father daughter relationship until I was in my twenties, but he is the most gracious, caring, smart and godly man I know. The way he has poured his life into his family over the last 20 years of his life has more than made up for a few rough patches we may have had while I was growing up. He didn't know the Lord then, but when he finally trusted in Christ, I have never seen such a beautiful change. He is the one I call when I have a spiritual question or I need advice on something, and he is the one I know will pray for me at a moment's notice. He loves the Lord so much and I am so proud of the man he is today. Happy Father's Day Daddy!

If you have ever read a single post I've done then you definitely know the other guy. The love of my life, Skip. He is by far the Best Dad EVER! He has so many wonderful qualities as a father and don't even get me started about how he shows his love for me. I would make you want to

puke for sure with my flattery. If you happen to ask my kids who their favorite parent is they would not hesitate to say Skip. He is the fun parent. I try my best, and it doesn't even matter that I spend almost every waking moment with them showing my love. He cooks better, he wrestles better, he's funnier, he hugs better, he's smarter, he's cooler, he tells way better stories. These are actually things they have told me. They always throw in "No offense mom, but dad is so much better at ..." Guess what? It doesn't bother me one bit. I LOVE how much they love him. I wouldn't have it any other way. I can remember when Skip and I were dating and I saw the way he wasn't afraid to pick up a baby and play a silly game with him or her. He would often help me babysit my niece and nephew and I knew that he would make a fantastic dad someday. He did, and he is still is! This weekend at church Skip is singing the Toby Keith song, "Love Me If You Can" to help wrap up our Generations Series on the role of the older man. It was such a beautiful father's day song, and the words that he sang were so fitting. If you want to hear Toby Keith's song on youtube, go here. Happy Father's Day Skip! We love you so much!

Fun Night, Lame Movie

Tonight Skip and I had another couple over for dinner, and two of our guy friends who had their wives out of town. I decided to make Barb's Pizza Spaghetti Casserole. Okay, technically it's Southern Living's recipe, but I found it on Barb's site. It was delicious and very filling with garlic bread and a big salad. We didn't have a lot of time to prepare the meal or really enjoy the company because we were on a tight schedule to all go see The Happening together. Guess what? The Happening WAS NOT HAPPENING! It was actually the worst show I've seen in a very long time. I love most of M. Night Shyamalan's movies, so I was extremely disappointed. Save your money...PLEASE.

We came back home and made a quick pound cake and drank some delicious coffee. Our friend's recently got back from an Alaskan Cruise and we loved seeing all the gorgeous pictures. The beautiful surroundings made Skip and I long to go to Colorado again. We haven't been in two years which is like forever to us. Estes Park is our favorite place on Earth. We have so many wonderful memories there. Skip fly fishes in the most awesome streams and brooks. We are trying to figure out how to get there this summer sometime after his surgery. In the early years of our marriage we would put money in a gas envelope for our trip. I remember thinking it was so crazy that it took $150 in gas money to get there and back. We figured on a calculator tonight that if we went right now, the cost would be about $800 for the gas. It sounds unbelievable, I know. Even worse would be airfare for five people. Wow, we better start saving.

Have a great weekend everyone!

It's Only Stuff

You know the scripture found in Matthew 6 that says, "Do not store up pretty glass items from Marshalls that kids will easily knock down while skating through the living room with a plate of food in there hands...?" Okay, maybe the scripture is a tad bit different, but I am trying to remember today that my stuff is only stuff. It's hard to remember this when it is the 2nd time in two weeks that my piece of crud entertainment center shelf has broken and sent the items crashing to the laminate wood floor. It's not like the pieces of stuff are worth anything, but it makes me so mad because these things are ones it took me a while to pick out and I REALLY enjoyed them. It's not like I have extra cash to replace them. I thought having older kids would make having a few nicer things out okay. Nope, the activities actually get rougher the older they get. Even Skip has been known to throw a ball or two in the house and break something precious to me.

Now after settling down, cleaning up the broken glass, and stopping to pray (there were a few harsh words for my little daredevil Annie who had just been told to take off the skates in the house), I am now realizing that the scripture hidden in Matthew 6 was written for years ago, yet it's meaning was written for me and for generations to come. My babies are my treasures, and I need to spend my time and energy on building them up and storing God's word in their hearts. In doing this, their treasures will not be destroyed by moth, rust or even roller skates.

Thankful Thursday

My list today is all about the things I'm thankful for this summer.

Nephew Conner, Annie, Niece Shelby and Ashley

1. Staying up late and sleeping in.

2. Watching how each of my children likes to spend their free time. Ashley is all about writing and designing. She is constantly writing lyrics to songs, stories and always creating designs on Polyvore.

Seth is ALL ABOUT MUSIC. He started piano lessons last week and Skip is teaching him guitar. He basically sits at his keyboard or plugs into his amp 24/7 unless I tell him to come eat or that we are going swimming. I really wanted Seth to find his nitch in life early since sports are not his thing. Praise God the boy takes after his father.

Annie is all about having fun playing games and activities. She loves card games best. She and Skip have their daddy/daughter time at the kitchen table with the poker chips almost every other night. Yesterday I heard her ask Skip, "Daddy, were you ever a dealer before you were a pastor?" I thought that was hilarious. And no, he wasn't BTW.

3. The smells of sun tan lotion and barbeque grilling.

4. The beach and the pool.

5. Reading while watching the kids swim.

I can think of many other things, but it's more fun to go read what everyone else is thankful for at Sting My Heart. If you would like to join in, then go here and leave a link.

Leave me a comment of what you are thankful for this summer. I'd love to hear!

My Future Rocker

Seth actually wanted me to post about him tonight which NEVER happens. I think he is following in his daddy's footsteps. What do you think?

I Don't Do Mornings!

Skip has always said that I am such a morning person. This does not in any way mean I get up early, but instead it means that I am happy, talkative and very irritating to anyone who is grumpy and quiet when they wake up. Our home contains both kinds. Skip and Ashley fall into the "Don't talk to me and I won't bite your head off category". Seth and I are annoyingly happy and extremely wordy once we're up. Annie can go either way depending on the time she went to bed.




The reason I bring up this random post today is to tell you there is a big difference between morning people and people who get up early. I am NOT a person who rises with the chickens. Mainly because when I married my husband almost 16 years ago, he lived like a rockstar (schedule that is). It's funny because he hadn't had a gig since the college years, but he stilled stayed up super late. If I was going to be the fun, spontaneous wife that I had fooled him into believing that I was when we were dating, then I knew I had better keep it up for the rest of our lives. It has turned out really great because I've been a stay at home mom for the last 11 years and we've been blessed beyond measure with children who have always slept late. I hear that is a rarity with young ones. In fact as I'm typing this post at 8:45AM, they are sound asleep. I love the peace and quiet they give me. I would absolutely love to be joining them, but for some reason I'm not today. In fact, I did wake up with the chickens-at 7:00AM!!! This is basically like 4:00 AM to a normal early bird. Would you like to meet these chickens that woke me up.

Chicken 1-Conner

Chicken 2-Shelby
Don't let their precious smiles fool you!

Procrastination is My Middle Name

I'm not sure how this name change came about for me, but it has definitely become a way of life over the last couple of years. Do you struggle with putting things off? I don't like it and I'm really ready to do something about it. I mean as soon as I type this post, check the bazillion blogs I read, and call a few friends to see what they have been up to this summer. Oops, see that's how easy it is for me to get off task. Here are the things I am going to attempt to accomplish this week:

* Do two math lessons with Seth and Annie. We still have to finish a few more chapters.
* Finish the registration papers for all three kids for their schools.
* Have some fun with my niece and nephew who are staying with us for 3 days.
* Dust furniture and clean mirrors- sounds easy, but I loathe doing both.
* Find some time to go through some of my writings before the She Speaks Conference
* Pray (this should be number one) a lot!
* Give myself a pedicure.
* Call to set up dentist and doctor visits.

The list could go on and on, but this is what I'm shooting for this week. Is there something you are putting off? I'd love to hear what it is and how you are making sure to get it done.

Catching Up

This was a very emotional week for me and for so many people I love. Not only did I lose a very close friend and mentor of mine, but her two daughters are some of my dearest friends. I was so close to going into a deep selfish state of sadness, all the while trying to be strong for those sweet friends who were struggling to grasp that the center of their world was now gone. Jeannie's sweet spirit affected so many young ladies at my former church, and to hear them share their stories of her influence touched me immensely. Though she is no longer here, her genuine love for her family, friends, and especially the Lord, will be remembered always.

Yesterday we went with some of our fun new friends to a nearby pool with water slides. Ashley is getting so tall. She is less than a month from turning 14 and is 5'7'' and still growing. I can't believe my oldest is starting high school in 2 and a half months. Where did the time go? Here are two of Ashley's new friends she has made since we moved back. These are great godly girls that we have really enjoyed getting to know.
Here is Seth with his new buddy Will. They both love PS2 and guitars. I really prayed that Seth would find some new friends quickly and God has provided.

Here are all the girls hanging out in the back of my car after we had a picnic lunch.

I have also been able to make some new friends of my own. Here is one of them. Won't you stop by and welcome Lori to this wonderful world of blogging.

Lastly, I am watching my sweet two year old twin niece and nephew Monday through Wednesday. I'm sure they will give me plenty to blog about. Ready or not, here they come!

Heavy Heart

I never truly understood what people meant with they said the expression, “I have such a heavy heart for ....” Last night I found out not only what that really means, but also how it feels. I felt it to my very core as I heard the news about a dear friend. My sweet sister in Christ left us yesterday to enter the presence of our Precious Maker, our King of Kings, our Great Physician, our Everything!

When I first got the call, I was immediately thinking that there was a mistake and we all just need to calm down and pray. God can do anything and maybe this was not true. My friend is still in her 50’s and last time I talked to her, she seemed fine. Unfortunately, she was not fine, and did pass away leaving behind a devoted husband, two beautiful godly daughters, a handsome son, 4 sweet grandbabies and one on the way, and so many other family and friends who have loved and cherished her very presence.

I will miss most the way she spoke of the Lord to me. She knew immediately when I was struggling with an issue of trust or fear. She once called me out of the blue before Skip was going in for his first hip replacement. She said, “Susie, I know that right now you are scared. I know that you are worried about the outcome. Susie, God has given me a peace that I am to pass on to you about this situation. Everything is going to be okay. Skip will be fine. Do not fret or be anxious because God has assured me that this is going to go fine.” For some reason, I knew she and God had talked extensively over me, and her prayers were answered in my behalf. I finally felt that peace that I had been longing for when she spoke those words.

I will also miss that hunger she had for knowledge. She would dive into a bible study like it was a Christmas present. Knowing the Lord for years and years only increased her desire to know every single thing she could about His Word. When we decided to do the Beth Moore Daniel study over a year ago, she became speechless with excitement. That would be the last study I did with her, but she never stopped learning and absorbing up until her passing.

I can’t even get started about her love for her children and grandchildren without the tears pouring down. I was so jealous at times the way she attended every program, every school party, every field day, every oral book report given. Her daughters are some of my dearest friends, and she would never miss their children’s activities. I always wanted a mom nearby to come to these things for my own children. Actually my kids and her grandkids were often in the same classes, so in way, she was that for me too.

My friend was like a mom to me and to so many others. Besides always knowing the exact thing to say when we were unsettled about something, she never hesitated to say I love you whenever we said goodbye to her in person or on the phone. That is what moms do and my friend was that to so many ladies in her church, and in her bible studies.

The pain is so real and so strong at this moment, but our friend is literally at the feet of Jesus. She is dancing, singing, rejoicing, praising our Lord! How exciting and beautiful! She is exactly in the place she always longed for and knows all the things she longed to know. There is no more pain for her, and no more sadness. She is with God!

The days to follow will be unbearable for this tender family that has felt cut short of so many things. They have so many phone calls and so many arrangements to make. They have no sweet mother to keep it all flowing and to pause along the way for hugs and tickles. But …they do have church families, they have friends and family who are going to come in and take over to meet the needs. They will have peace that only comes from above. Most importantly, they have the reassurance that my dear friend is with her Heavenly Prince in paradise.

Please lift the family and friends of Jeannie De La Garza up in prayer. We will all miss her so much.

*Jeannie was also a member of a writing group and here is one of her devotionals she wrote.

Susie's May Movie Reviews

Have you been to the movies lately? I'm almost embarrassed to say that I've been 4 times in the last 3 weeks. Let's just say it's been a while, and my family and I are huge movie buffs. By no means am I am movie critic, so please read these reviews with that in mind.

First movie up is Prince Caspian. Loved it! We had just finished ready the book as a family so the kids were very excited to know the characters and the basic story line. There were many differences in the book and the movie, but the kids followed everything really well. I thought the battle scenes were pretty intense, but my kids were not even phased. Probably not such a good thing. Anyway, I would recommend the movie for kids over eleven, or if there like mine, over 8 is fine. This is a must see for theaters unless you have an awesome sound and theater system (we don't unfortunately).

Iron Man was so AWESOME!!! This was adult only(lots of explosions and violence), but amazing! There were so many things I loved in this movie. Mostly, it was great acting on Robert Downey Jr.'s part. He is in incredible shape and very hysterical. I can't believe he is a 42 year old super hero in this, but it works! Your man will love this, and love you for going with him to see it.

Next up is Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Another yes!!! Now be warned...Very scary part at a grave yard. However, once again, my kids saw it and loved it. Don't stop reading my blog and think I am just a horrible parent. Instead you can blame my husband who has made my children huge Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Lord of the Rings fans. Okay, I must admit it's my fault too. I love adventure, good triumphing over evil, and the special effects in all of these blockbusters. It was so great to see Harrison Ford again. That man is a classic! And can I just say that Shia LaBeouf is my new favorite young actor. He was great in Transformers too! It is just hard to believe he is the same kid from the Disney's Even Steven's show. Please don't miss this one. It's great!

Last up is Baby Mama. What? Susie saw this? Never! Actually my friend Tiffany dragged me and I had no choice. I tried to beg her to see something else, but she said she would never go have coffee with me again if I didn't. Okay, so maybe it was me that dragged her and begged a little. Who cares? Why place blame? Anyway, we were two of about 6 in the theater and we literally laughed our heads off. It was hysterical. Yes, there was some language, some raunchiness, and yes we were very disappointed at lot of the story line choices, but overall it was so stinkin' funny and a great chick flick to see with a friend. It really would have made Skip crack up too, but I didn't want to torture him by walking into a show called Baby Mama.

That is about it for now. Please stayed tuned for my June and July Movie Reviews. I am looking forward to The Happening (love M. Night Shyamalan movies!), Kit Kittredge:An American Girl, Hancock, and The Dark Knight. Looks like I need a good chick flick thrown in there somewhere. Ooh, I forgot about Mama Mia and Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2. Okay, I better get a summer job for all these movies I want to see.

If you've seen any of these, let me know what you thought. If you saw something else that you really enjoyed, let me know that too. Don't forget in October, everyone of you better put HSM3 on your must see list. It is going to be family friendly and full of song and dance fun! Support my nephew's first motion picture if nothing else.

Trying to Expand My Salad Choices, Not my Waistline

Since the whole low-carb thing has reached somewhat of a plateau, I am trying to now go more raw fruits and veggies without completely gaining back the 8lbs I've lost. I could keep going low-carb, but I don't feel that healthy eating a bunch of eggs, meat and cheeses. Over the last two days, I've been trying out some new salad options, and I'm loving them. So far, no weight gain, but I've haven't lost anymore either. Two of my favorite salads right now are grilled chicken Caesar, and then a combination of a spring mix of greens, walnuts, mild crumbled feta, and raspberry vinaigrette. Skip basically looks at me and says, "Are you enjoying your leaves and twigs." He's not so much a salad guy. Can you tell?

Here is my request...Since all of you have done such a great job giving me book titles last week (please keep em' coming), now I would love to hear some of your favorite salad recipes. If your not much of a salad person, but do know of a healthy low carb entree or side, send that my way too! I'm not ready to venture into the land of breads and starches yet, so keep that in mind. It has taken me three weeks to get over the dreams of warm Texas Roadhouse rolls filled with honey-butter, and Crispy Creme doughnuts. I'm not going back there for some time. Maybe when I reach my goal, I'll have a crouton. A girl can dream, right!

*I almost forgot to mention that this is my coolest new find. I only need 4 or 5 sprays, and that means only 5 calories. I've only tried the Raspberry Walnut Vinaigrette, but when I went to their website I found many other choices. And for a bonus, they have salad recipes to go with their dressings online.

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful that our Lord answers the prayers of His children. No matter how small or insignificant they may seem when we ask, God listens and responds to each and every plea we make. Though the answer is not always answered how and when we would like, He answers and therefore I praise Him!

*I'm thankful that I have a decision about the kids education for next year, and that I have a peace in that choice. Now I'm just praying that he will provide the finances needed.

*I'm thankful for the beautiful weather we had over the Memorial Day Weekend and the fun times we shared with friends and family.

*I'm thankful that God has given me the willpower I need to keep on my diet.

*I'm thankful my sweet friend Laura is having a boy in October. She had her ultrasound yesterday and things are looking good.

*I'm thankful for the upcoming writer's conference in June. I'm not sure what to expect, but it is a first step in a commitment to pursue my dreams of writing.

*I'm thankful Skip is home safe from his trip and had a marvelous time in Georgia. Please continue to pray for his upcoming hip surgery in Houston. The date was moved to July 7th and he is really struggling with pain. I am already praying consistently for this doctor and for the entire procedure. Please continue praying for my guy, and for a quick recovery when it is over.

If you would like to share what you are thankful for this week, please go to Iris's and leave a link to your site.

My Love/Hate Relationship

Don't you hate blog posts that are too personal, and no one really cares about the subject matter of that particular person's situation when there are serious issues out there to discuss. Do you? Well, then you better read no further because this is one of those posts.

Here's the deal: I am doing a low carb diet. Yes I know they are not long term, I know once you have that one potato chip you gain 7 lbs immediately, and yes I know that it is completely unrealistic and not very healthy eating a bunch of red meat and sugar free jello. BUT and that is a big BUT (no pun intended), this diet seems to jump start my weight loss like no other diet I've done before. It would be so much healthier to go to mostly raw foods like I have done in the past, or simply cut my portion size. I can do this, but I have some serious pounds to drop and summer has already started here in CC. Long term, none of these diets are that fun. I know I could join weight watchers, but I'd really rather get a pool membership for my bored kids instead.

Okay, here is the hate part of the relationship. I hate going to Herb's burger joint (which is awesome) after church and watching everyone around me chow down on juicy burgers, stringy onion rings and crispy fries while Ms Susie Low Carb sticks to a grilled chicken salad. It was great, but my mouth was drooling over the cheeseburgers. I also hate that summer will be filled with get togethers involving sweets like homemade ice cream, cookies and sweet tea(none of that fake stuff for me). How in the world am I supposed to eat a fajita without a flour tortilla? I hate those nasty low-carb ones.

Now, for the love part of the low-carb diet. I have already dropped six pounds in two weeks and my tight clothes are starting to fit. Within another two weeks, I'll possibly be able to wear my favorite jeans and shorts again. I can also make it some what healthy with salads and grilled fish and chicken. I also found a low-carb butter pecan icecream that's not half bad.

Back to more hate: I went to see Prince Caspian the other day and couldn't have my buttered popcorn and chocolate covered almonds. The movie was great, but it could have been a 10 with my favorite treats accompanying the experience.

Is this what normal 40 year old women talk about? I'm just asking. It is a sad day that I have had to result to such drastic measures, but when the weather channel says its 84 and feels like 94 with 77% humidity, this girl has to wear a pair of shorts, not to mention the dreaded swimsuit. (Like my run-on sentence).

Okay, I'm done with this truly awful post and my kids are at a friend's house, so I'm off to do something just for me.

You Lucky Man!

I'm trying my best not to be jealous of my husband right now. He is here and having such a wonderful time checking out the Hartwell, Georgia campus of Real Life Fellowship. He said the southern hospitality is off the charts, and he has even tried boiled peanuts for the first time. Actually, I'm not jealous at all. My husband deserves to be looking at God's beauty and enjoying himself. He has had a crazy year, and he is about to have one crazy summer with his next surgery coming up soon. I just hope he doesn't decide to move us there-Ha Ha! Two moves in 7 months is quite enough for this gal.

Thankful Thursday

I can't believe it's been three weeks since my last Thankful Thursday post. I have been enjoying myself so much being back in Corpus, but I don't want to forget to take time to give thanks for all the blessings that God has given me.

* I'm thankful we were able to find a rent house for the nine months until the lease is up on OUR home. It is small, but just perfect for our family.

*I'm thankful that Skip has found such joy in his new job, and is making some wonderful friendships.

*I'm thankful to God for holding my family and I up over the last year when so many times we were about to fall apart.

*I'm thankful that my ninety-two year old Popie is still fighting the fight. He has been in the hospital for so long now, but he continues to hang in there. My daddy and step-mom have truly shown me what true sacrifice looks like as they care for my Nonie so unselfishly. Their lives have been on hold for about 2 months, and all they do is continue to trust God for strength and endurance.

*I'm thankful that my sweet niece Stephanie, who is due with her first baby in less than a month, is doing so well.

*I'm thankful that God has given me will power over the last two weeks to eat better and take care of myself. Food was definitely my comfort this past year.

*I'm thankful that God has a plan for all of us, and when we walk in obedience, he is faithful to guide and direct our paths.

Quick Prayer Requests

*Skip is traveling to RLF Hartwell, Georgia campus for several days.

*One of our dear pastor friends has been diagnosed with ALS and we are asking for prayers for him, his family and his doctors. To read more, go here.

*A close friend of mine's son has scarlet fever.

*Pray for the family of Steven Curtis Chapman for their tragic loss.

If you would like to post your own Thankful Thursday, go to Sting my Heart and leave a link to your post.