The Christmas Sweater

A few weeks ago I was in Wal-Mart and decided to look at books to see if anything caught my eye that I might would want to read. There were many selections, one being the Twilight series that everyone is going crazy for. The other that caught my eye was the new book by Glenn Beck, "The Christmas Sweater." I decided on the Beck book. I just felt like it was going to give me something more than the love lives of vampires that Twilight would give.

Glenn Beck is one of my favorite people on television today. The Glenn Beck Program that airs on CNN is one of the better things on television. He interviews a wide range of people in the public eye today. I think what I like best about his program is that he is not afraid to speak about his faith in Christ and we all know in the Hollywood set that is so taboo. Therefore, I knew that even though this book was a short read it would have some meat to it.

This book was a life experience for me. Things that are touched on in this book are places I have been in my life. I know we have all been in those "cornfields" ( you have to read the book to know what I am talking about). There is one quote in the book by one of the characters that I think struck me the most.

"At some point you have to realize that everything happens for a reason. It is up to you to find that reason, learn from it, and let it take you to the place you're supposed to be-not just where you have ended up. You can either complain about how hard your life is, or you can realize that only you are responsible for it. You get to choose:Am I going to be happy or miserable? And nothing will ever change that."

I think sometimes I forget this and I have to remind myself, "You can't do this on your own, no one is meant to do this on their own." We are meant to do it with the help of Jesus Christ, the son of God.

So as we gather with our families today and open our gifts remember the greatest gift was given to us by our loving Father in Heaven. It is the only true gift ever given to all and yet opened by so few. It is the gift of redemption and atonement and it sits largely untouched by so many. We are so busy with our lives during the season that we miss the true meaning of it. It is what that infant, boy, and then perfect man did at the end of His ministry that makes the birth so special.

Without His death, the birth is meaningless

So with this gift that Christ has given us, what will we do with it? Do we open that gift, look at it and say, "Oh, that's nice" and then push it to the side? When your day of judgement comes and you have been one of those that have pushed the gift of Salvation to the side are you prepared to stand at His feet and see Him with a hurt look in His eyes as he asks, "Is that the gift I gave you?" As Glenn Beck says, "Pick up your redemption. Cherish it. Wear it. Share it. It has the power to transform lives. It has transformed mine."

MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIENDS!!! MAY GOD BLESS US ALL.

Hayden's Last Day

Hayden and Mrs. Trent. She is a great teacher that Hayden and Zach

both had for 2nd grade.
Crazy 2nd grade boys


Hayden showing off his gingerbread house masterpiece

Well the time came for Hayden's last day of school at Shallowater. He seems excited about going to Frenship. It has been a great change for Zach so I hope it is the same for Hayden. We will always be grateful for the time that they spent there. We made some good friends and we will be keeping up with lots of kids from there as they grow.

Do You Have Facebook?

I was all prepared to blog about something else today until I read a message I received on Facebook. It was from one of my childhood friends, Amber. We found each other on Facebook a few weeks ago as I have found several of my other childhood friends.

She had made a comment about being in the hospital with her mother and that things didn't look good. I left a message for her to find out what was wrong with her mother. I turns out that her mother is very ill with colon cancer according to the message I received today. This struck a cord with me.

In my primary school days, Amber and I were very good friends. We spent a large amount of time with each others families. Once in high school we grew apart as boys and activities drew us different directions. I really can't tell you when I saw her last. Maybe graduation, maybe our 10year class reunion, not sure. Even though it will soon be 20 years since we graduated from high school, receiving that message about her mom stirred some emotion in me. She sent her phone number to me and wants advice about what is going on with her mom. It is amazing after 20yrs, we still have a connection and concern for each other. I am also discovering this with many of my classmates. To think, even with all the evil that can go along with it, if not for Facebook, we would probably not have made the connection.

New Link for Tanner

Sorry that I haven't updated in awhile. I've been under the weather a bit. For those of you keeping up with Tanner Cook that has been a care page set up for him. Go to http://www.carepages.com and it his care page is Tanner24. If you never have visited carepages you will have to go through a brief registration process. There is some great info on him. He seems to be doing much better. Thanks for the prayers, we can tell they have made the difference.

Continue to Pray for Tanner

I just want you guys to continue to pray for Tanner and his family. He is now at Covenant Medical Center. I have alot of second hand information on his condition that I don't feel comfortable posting encase it is not accurate. What I do know is that he did suffer a concussion several weeks ago and then was cleared to play. The doctors do feel that his head trauma is not just from one particular hit but from the accumulation of hits over a period of time. This is a serious situation and we need to lift this family up in prayer.

Seriously, what was he thinking?!?!?!

Yet again, just another reminder of who runs this country, people who have the funds to. Makes me wonder was Gov. Blagojevich the first to try to sell a spot in America's government or did he just happen to be one of the few that got caught.

Just food for thought.

Prayer For Tanner

OK I am at it again, I am here asking for prayers again. This past Saturday night one of the areas outstanding athletes, Tanner Cook, sustained a serious injury during Idalou's playoff football game against Cisco in Snyder.

Tanner suffered a head injury and a C-7 hair-line neck fracture and was airlifted to UMC here in Lubbock. This is a serious injury and would like to ask you guys to take the time to keep Tanner and his family in your prayers. We all know the power of prayer so lets get those prayer chains rolling. Lets pull together for #24.

Thanksgiving Weekend

What a busy Thanksgiving weekend we had. Got a special visit from my nephew Cole. We haven't seen him in quite awhile so it was so good to see him. My boys stuck to him like glue.

Cole and Zach played in Zach's youth group football game, The Turkey Bowl, on Thursday morning
This is my favorite picture of the weekend. Zach enjoyed having Cole here. He will be moving closer after the first of the year. He will be as close as Snyder instead of the Dallas area. Hopefully we will get to see him more. I can't wait.

The rest of our weekend continued to be busy. Friday night we went and watched the Frenship Tigers continue their trek to the state championship when they beat Denton Ryan. It was a good revenge game. Denton Ryan knocked Frenship out of the playoffs in 2002 back in the Kendal Briles' days. They gear-up against Denton Guyer at Jones SBC stadium here in Lubbock Saturday at 2:00. We will see if they can pull it out.

On Saturday we continued our football quest. We went to the Tech game. We had seats that faced the sun so of course we got a little sun-burned. We only stayed until half-time, not because Tech was playing so poorly(which they were) but because the youngest, Hayden, had just had enough football. To be honest it was much nicer watching the rest of the game at home. I am glad Tech got it together and pulled out the win. Wonder what bowl game we will draw.

Sunday ended with church and lunch with friends and then me returning to work that night. All in all it was a nice weekend.

I've Been Tagged

8 Things About Me!

I've Been Tagged By Darla!

8 TV Shows I Watch

1. Extreme Makeover-Home Edition

2. Little People, Big World

3. The Local News @ 6&10

4. Any College Football

5. The Amazing Race

6. MASH reruns (yes I still love it)

7. ESPN

8. ER

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8 Favorite Restaurants

1. Joel's on the corner of Gary&Amherst

2. Harrigans

3. Tommy's Burgers on N. University

4. Outriggers in Seabrooke(does anyone know if it made it through Hurricane Ike?)

5. Yamagata on 82nd

6. Sonic(this is sad but I am a sucker for their drinks)

7. Rosa's(Taco Carbon plate all the way except for Taco Tuesday)

8. Any Hill Country B-B-Q joint

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8 Things That Happened Today

1. Got the boys up for school

2. Actually got the boys to school on time

3. Checked on the hubby's back. Got rear-ended on the Loop yesterday

4. Got a load of laundry going

5. Having some coffee

6. Checked other blogs and posting this one

7. Checked my email

8. Give me a break it is only 9am so I haven't done much

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8 Things I Look Forward To

1. Sundays at The Heights Fellowship

2. Getting to occasionally eat lunch with the hubby without the kiddos

3. Picking the boys up from school to see how their day went

4. Spending Saturdays watching College Football with all my boys

5. Occasionally hanging out with the youth group on Wed nights. It is entertaining watching youth interact with each other

6. Going to Zach's sporting events

7. Listening to Hayden tell stories with his hands. He is so animated

8. Having coffee with my mom

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8 Things I Wish For

1. For my kiddos to be happy, productive, Christ-following adults

2. Continuing to have a great life with my hubby

3. The boys to cont. having a good school year.

4. Our country to come out of its recession

5. The Republican Party to have a worthy opponent to run for President in 4 years

6. That more people come to know Christ and are obediant followers

7. Coach Mike Leach to stay at Tech and build a legacy

8. That the hubby's back get better

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8 People I Tag

1. Jessica

2. Teresa

3. Aunt Jackie

4. Amy-Rose

5. Carol

6. The Bishop

7. Chritsy

8. Whoever else wants to play

Not A Complete Loss

Hayden working hard

Hayden enjoying his work

The finished project!

The weekend was not a complete wash with the Tech loss. Zach had a great time in his Disciple Now weekend. He is still completely exhausted. Hayden and I had the fun of putting together Operation Christmas Child boxes. We decided on the age group of 10-14yr-olds. We did 2 boys and 2 girls boxes. I wonder where they will end up?

Who Will Have The Heisman Moment?

Graham and Crabtree

Well the time has arrived for Tech's next biggest game in their history. How I wish this game was being played here in Lubbock because we tend to be able to handle them here. However, I think Tech has a date with destiny. I have this really weird feeling that this group of scrappy, hard-nosed players are going to make it to the Big Show in Miami. Can't explain it, but it is there. This group is not like Tech teams of the past. They seem hungry yet in control. There is a calmness and business-like attitude with this team. I feel very good about their game.

Unfortunately, I feel the outcome of this game is going to determine the Heisman trophy winner. If Tech wins, even as good a Michael Crabtree is, I believe Graham will walk away with it with Crabtree getting an invite to The Big Apple. If Tech loses this game I don't think Sam Bradford will win it. I think it will come down to Colt McCoy or last years winner, Tim Tebow.

One thing we know for sure, Tech holds their destiny in their own hands and the Heisman is Graham's to lose. So lets support Tech. This is the best thing to happen to West Texas since the women won the basketball National Championship.

LETS GO RED RAIDERS!!!!!!!!!

Out With The Old...

Shawn showing his shoveling skills
Hayden is such a good helper

Leaves in the yard are Shawn's
pet peeve


Zach's new school-
Terra Vista Middle School

Out with the old. Over the past week that has been our theme. After much prayer and debate the decision was made to change Zach's school. He was checked out of the neighboring district on Friday and we checked him into Frenship Terra Vista on Monday morning. For his electives he signed up for Art, Pre-Athletics and he is repeating the dyslexia program. All of the staff was very helpful in getting him enrolled and helping with his special-ed needs. The also run on a block schedule so the only classes he has everyday is math and athletics. He likes this. So far so good so lets hope it continues that way.

Shawn and Hayden took the time to clean up the front and back yards this past Saturday. It was such a nice day. The air that day was a little cool but the sun made it feel so good outside. They got all the leaves cleaned out of the front flower bed and planted some new pansies. It was a good day until Shawn's back began to hurt again which has made this week an adventure. More on that later.

It's Not Goodbye

See Ya Frenchie
LICU and Antepartum Girls

Last night we got to say goodbye to one of our co-workers that some of us have worked with for around 8 years but it was also to celebrate a great opportunity for her. We all started working together in L&D @ UMC and have migrated together to the Antepartum Unit @ Covenant-Lakeside. Melissa now has a great opportunity to get off the night shift and work a normal day job with one of our high risk doctors. This will be great for her and her family.

Fenchie we will miss your expertise and nursing skill but mostly we will miss your smiling, great personality(even though we know the mexican can come out in ya! lol). I know we have all been blessed to have you in our lives. I know Lisa almost killed ya with the pineapple but that doesn't mean we don't want to stay in touch with you. Us Ol'UMC girls have a way staying in touch. I guess because we are family. So, take care of yourself and don't be a stranger. We love ya and will miss ya!

Decisions of Parents

Do you guys find as parents that some days are harder than others when it comes to your kids. Man, I know the past couple of weeks have really grated on me when it comes to my oldest one. It has been discussed many times on this blog about Zach's academic struggles. We all know that school will never be his strong suit, however, sports are. He really wants to be able to play baseball or football on some level of college but then again, there is the academic side.

For the past 41/2 years Zach has transferred into a neighboring school district that has done a fabulous job with his dyslexia that his home district did not even recognize that he had. He has had a wonderful experience for the past 4 years then came middle school this year. I wonder, is it just the age. I remember jr. high, what at nightmare. It is hard for everyone but add a learning disability on top of it and it has become Jason, Michael Myers and Freddy rolled into one for us.

Then you take his athletic prowess. It has gained him a large amount of attention in the past few months from his home school district. Then it so happened that his coach is an administrator at the jr high he would attend. I explained the reasons we had left the district to begin with and we have discussed our options and how things have improved within the district. Ultimately we have left the decision to Zach. We have had many conversations and lots and lots of prayer. It would be easier on us financially and convince wise for him to come back to his home school. This decision not only effects him but also the younger son. There has been an answer for every question we have had about this change. It is just so unsettling, you don't want to make the wrong decision. Keep us in your prayers.

Well America, You Wanted Him, Now You Got Him, God Help Us All

Well it is official, Barack Obama is the new president-elect for the United States. It is no secret that this is not how I wanted this election to turn out. I have great concern over the results.

As we sat in our living room last night helping Zach color in an election map, blue for Obama and red for McCain, it became evident what the results were going to be. The feeling in our home became very heavy. My boys were even saying, "Mom we want McCain to win." Thought the hubby was going to have either a stroke or a heart attack. However, it is what it is. So now what?

As the christian woman I claim to be I have really reached for God this morning seeking how to handle this situation. I feel that He as made it clear to me through Bible verse and by listening to others that He is in control of all. This is part of a grander plan. That even though we have a new president, Jesus is still the King.

I have drawn great comfort this morning form Isaiah 40 and 41. Take time today to read through these. Maybe you will draw some comfort too. I take from it, just keep on keeping on because He is there for us. He will not falter and He will not grow weary. Stay steadfast America. We know it is in His hands.

"I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, 'You are my servant'; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:9-10

Best Youth Sports Program

I would like to give props to probably the best youth sports organization we have ever been involved with and trust me, we have been involved with many. Frenship Youth Football is only in their second year but this group of board members along with Frenship High football coach, Brad Davis, have put together a top-notch organization.

This league is patterned after the Southlake Carroll youth football program. There are 4 different age groups. All teams are Frenship Tigers they just have a color assigned to them, example: we are the Tiger Black team. All players must live within the Frenship school district lines. A simplified version of the high school playbook is used so that these kiddos can learn the terminology that they will hear once they hit 7th grade. This will do nothing but strenghten the already strong Frenship football program.

The leadership of the board is outstanding. Unlike other leagues in Lubbock, the board is approachable and they don't rule the league like Nazi's. The atmosphere is very positive and you see the kids flourish under this type of structure. This is a big thanks to this league for making Zach's last year of youth football a great, positive experience.

Our team finished the regular season in 1st place with a record of 5-1. Our playoff game is this Sunday and if we win we will play in the Tiger Bowl next Sunday. I believe we can take it all.(Promise to get some pics up next week)

ESPN's College GameDay in town

The biggest thing to hit Lubbock in a long time will occur this coming Saturday. ESPN's College GameDay will be on the Texas Tech campus. College GameDay usually is on set for the biggest game of the week. This week the biggest game in the country is here in Lubbock. It is between 2 undeafeated teams. The #1 rank Texas Longhorns and depending on which poll you look at the #5,#6 or #7 Texas Tech Red Raiders.

I really like both of these teams and they are both loaded with alot of talent. Texas is led by quarterback and Heisman hopeful, Colt McCoy. I really like this kid. He has tons of talent, good leadership and is a strong christian young man. It doesn't hurt that his from Texas (Jim Ned High School outside of Abilene). We got the privilege of getting to see his last high school football game when Jim Ned was defeated by Canadian here in Lubbock. He is a quality young man.

Texas Tech's high powered offense is led by another Heisman hopeful, Graham Harrell, another Texas schoolboy out of Ennis. Tech has a slew of receivers led by Michael Crabtree and Shallowater's own, Eric Morris.

What I think this game will come down to is who has the better defense. There is no doubt that both offenses can score, however both defenses have had their troubles this year. I think this will be the classic everyone is hoping for.

As far as College GameDay, Zach really, really wants to go down and check it out. However, I am afraid that it is going to be so packed and crazy that is will be much safer to watch it from the comfort of our living room. We will see how it goes. Although it would be great to see Chris, Lee and Kirk in person.

Who is my pick you ask? I think the Big 12 South will be a winner either way. With a Tech win, it could do great things for the program as well as shine some positive light on Lubbock and West Texas. I think this will be a close one but I think Tech has less at stake because no one expects them to pull it out. My pick---Tech 42- Texas-38.

Good Weekend

Hope you all had a good weekend. I had a nice time with my family. Zach had football and scored a touchdown, made the weekly trip to Wal-Mart, watched the Red Raiders and the Longhorns take care of business on the football field and Hayden, Shawn and I put together a Halloween Haunted House. Hayden had been driving me crazy for weeks to get one. It was fun to put together and Hayden was very proud of his creation. Here are a few pics of Hayden's creation. Have a good day all!

The Voice of God

For the past several weeks my mom and I have been going to the Women's Fall Bible study at The Heights. The study we have been doing is "Discerning the Voice of God" by Priscilla Shirer. In the past couple of weeks I have come to realized through my life how many times that God was trying to speak to me but I just didn't or wouldn't hear.

I go back to when I first realize that I didn't hear God or just wouldn't. I think the deaths of people starting during my junior high years began my destructive cycle that continued through high school and into college. There were deaths of classmates, classmates parents and my own sister, Melinda. We lost Dion, Randy, Robbie and Perry. Then there was my brother-in-law Steve, Shawn's mom, Sue and sister Alicia. Then adult friends of Shawn and I, Casey, Carl and Shane and my step-dad, Jerry. Then ultimately my dad. When I look at this 20yr period of time in my life it was not that I did not believe in God and not that I was necessarily angry with Him but that I just ignored Him.

There were so many times that I know He was talking to me and trying to help direct me but I thought I knew what was best for me. Hanging out with friends, going to parties, just staying busy was my way of dealing with things and helping me drowned out what He was trying to let me know. The ignorance of youth. It is amazing that more of us don't get lost forever. It is only by the grace of God that we make it through. I am so thankful to Him for not losing me forever and now days I listen, I hear and I really try to do what he is directing me to do. I am trying to remain obedient in my walk even though I know I stumble sometime, I know he is there to help me up.

"Obedience will always produce benefits that far outweigh the consequences of disobedience." Priscilla Shirer

Don't Be Silent

My family and I were just discussing the other day how we are not seeing political yard signs or bumper stickers displaying individuals choices in this presidential race. Is it that people are that unsure or just too embarrassed to let others know who is the candidate of their choice?

Well, I have made the decision not to be one of those silent few. Have I been overly excited about the 2 choices for this election? No way. However, after studying and reviewing what these two individuals represent and stand for, I feel my choice stands alone, John McCain.

I know that it may not be the popular choice, but for me, it is the correct choice. I know I may catch some political backlash for this choice but that is what makes America great, we have a choice.

During this time of uncertainty, pray for Americans to make the choice He wants to lead us to. Be Strong and don't be silent.

Disappointment

Those of you who have read my blog often know about the academic struggles of my oldest son. Zach is a severe dyslexic that struggles daily with reading and math. We managed to get through the TAKS hell of last year just to move in the uncertain world of junior high (we all remember those horrific days).

The year started promising enough. Zach finally got the amount of homework under control and has some decent grades going for this six weeks. However, last week he got his big first disappointment of the year. After a reading screen the school does, Zach did not score as well as they would have like, tell us something new(this is not our first rodeo). The school decided that he would have to take a reading intervention class. Zach is ok with having to do this but what he is not ok with is that he had to be taken out of band to do it. This pretty much devastated him. He really liked band. Zach realizes he is different then other kids. His disability can not be seen by looking at him. Trust me, he knows he is different.

When Zach was younger it was a little easier to reason with him. Now that he is almost a teenager, man he is angry about this. We have discussed how it is just how he was made. That we just have to work through it. He questions why he was made this way even though he will tell you he knows this is his testimony but he said he just doesn't know how it will all come together for him. He has told me a number of times that he would trade all the athletic ability that he has been blessed with just to be able to read well. That is a huge statement coming from a soon to be teen boy in this crazy for Friday night football state of Texas.

I know in the end it will all work out for him. It is just hard as a mom to see him struggle through it but having the understanding that he has to face this struggle and overcome it. Even though I can help and pray him along the way, this is his fight he has to face and win. I know I won't always be there to help.

SYATP 2008

This morning was the annual time for See Ya At The Pole. A grassroots movement of America's youth coming together at their school's flag pole to pray.

Zach has been ready for this for weeks. I worked last night but I have some wonderful co-workers who allowed me to leave a little early so that I could get him to Shallowater for the 7am gathering. (Thanks ladies).

It was great to see so many teenagers taking control of their salvation for their generation. It was encouraging to see so many adults there to support them. Zach and I discussed the presence of God there but we also felt Satan was doing his best to throw some kinks in. There were giant mosquitoes that I am sure could eat a small child all over. However these young people stood firm in their convictions.

I have such hope for this generation rising to the occasion in bringing the following of Christ to the forefront of society. Stay strong in your convictions and faith and thank you for letting me be a part of it.

100 Year Flood

The 100 year flood Lubbock experienced last week was impressive. Luckily I didn't really have to get out in it on the initial day. However last Friday I did attempt the Wal-Mart on 4th street knowing even before I got there that it would have some water issues. It has always, even from the beginning.

This particular Wal-Mart was built on the former Treasure Island golf course. It was a great little 9 hole, par 3 course with lots of trees. It was much more appealing to the eye than Wal-mart is but I guess that is growth. This Wal-Mart was built when I was pregnant with Zach. The first big rain we had after it was built, before it even opened, the store flooded. Not just the parking lot but the whole store. Flooding will always be a problem in this spot and I always wonder how much money is washed away for Wal-Mart since there is such little parking available during these times. Not that they can't afford it.

Sept. 11th--Mixed Emotions

These flags are placed every September at Kastman Park here in Lubbock by Murfee Elementary students. I know it is only a small gesture but I am glad that American State Bank makes it a point to do this each year in remembrance of the 9-11 victims. These flags are an awesome site as you drive along South Loop 289 in Lubbock. It is a beautiful site but then you remember that each one of those flags stands for a lost life and it is very humbling.

I remember the initial Sept. 11th. As I took Zach to kindergarten there was the report of the 1st plane hitting the World Trade Center. I thought to myself, " I guess some small plane must have had some mechanical problem." Then I got back home just in time for the 2nd plane. I was then mesmerized in front of the television just trying to make sense of what was going on. Then in late morning I get a call from Shawn, "Hmm, Happy Birthday" in an unsure voice. Yes, everyone, my birthday is Sept. 11th. The rest of the day, as well as the next several weeks was spent in front of the television with the rest of American trying to make heads and tails of it all.

As the years have passed, I have received unusual responses when others find out it is my birthday. Most of the time the response is, "Oh, I'm sorry" or "What a day to have a birthday." I guess for the first couple of years these responses bothered me. But now my response is that it was my birthday long before it was a national tragedy and to be honest even though my birthday is know as one of the worst days in American history, I look at it as a privilege to share that day with such people who gave their lives.

As this day continues please remember and pray for our troops as they do the duty they need to do for our country and show respect to those families who have lost loves ones. Never forget what they have done for us.

Who Will You Vote For?

You will be pleased to know that I am not a huge political person. Politics is usually something I don't venture into. However, in this political season I have had a heavy heart. There are so many things that I have concerns about. I was actually at the point of thinking not to vote at all.

Society spends so much time trying to make a big deal about separation of church and state. I can understand that to some extent. However, it dawned on me, you can have separation of church and state but you cannot have separation of God and state. That is what this country was founded on. With this thought, I decided that I had to turn this over to Him and have him guide the choice I make.

After all, God is the maker of all this. We are just players in it. During this presidential election we must ask ourselves, "Who are the players and who are the pretenders?" Trust me, there is both in this election. So what I ask dear ones, be wise in your decision making. Know the game, know the players and where they stand. Figure out who is for real and who those pretenders are. Stay strong my friends!

GOD BLESS AMERICA------------IN GOD WE TRUST!!!!

Last weekend of Summer, 1st Day of School

Well, we finally had the last day of fall baseball. We didn't have alot of wins but I feel that some of the boys that wanted to learn the game did. Now that we are done with that it is time to turn our focus on football and school. Just more busy days, Whew!

Had a busy morning. Worked last night until 1130, came home got to bed @ 100 then up by 530 to get ready to get Shawn to the surgi-center. Left him there and ran back home to get the boys to school. I was very proud of them, they were up and ready to go for me. Drove them to Shallowater and then back to town. Made back just in time to see Shawn before he went in to get his umbilical hernia repaired. He was pretty loopy from the Versed and just being a comedian for everyone. The surgery only lasted about 20min. Recovered for about an hour and got him home. He is taking a nap now.

Ready to go get the boys later to see how the day went. Zach in middle school, scary thought. He was excited that he had band 1st period instead of a regular class. Hayden didn't even want me to walk him in this morning. He is growing up so fast and is so sure of himself. I will let you know how it went.

It Is Official, I Am An Olympic Junkie

Maybe I need some rehab because I am addicted to watching these crazy Olympic Games. Those of you that know the crazy routine I keep know how little sleep I already get, now just add some more sleep deprivation to that. I really cannot help myself, I love the excitement of it all.

I know it all started with the Winter Olympics of 1980 when the American Hockey team won over Russia. I was sitting in my grandmothers living room in Goree, Tx watching that game. It was so awesome. With every Olympics since then, I am watching.

This Olympics has been so entertaining. Michael Phelps has been a one man wrecking crew,the men's and women's gymnastics have offered some excitement and the Redeem Team seems to be taking care of business on the hard wood (Go Coach K), but I really enjoy getting to see sports that only get air time during the Olympics. Who knew that Ping Pong could be so entertaining or the lighting of the heads of the fencing team could be so bizarre.

The setting being in China has been intriguing all its own. That reminds me, we have a team leaving Aug 30th to go to China to spread the gospel. These 2 men and 2 women are setting out on their own form of the Olympics. Please keep them in your prayers and hope they can bring the message to those whom are ready to receive.

Go USA and Team Heights. Conquer all you can in China.

Hayboy Turns 8!!!!!

Hayden turned 8 on Friday, Aug 15th. He has been so excited about his birthday for the past couple of weeks. Even though I worked Thursday night he really wanted to go to the movies on Friday. With Zach going to the lake with the youth group, that left Hayden and I to the movies all by ourselves. We decided on Journey To The Center of The Earth-3D. I am happy to say it was really, really good.

On Saturday we were busy with baseball as usual. Two games in 1 day but Hayden even got a gift from one of Zach's teammates mom. Lots of candy and alot of little play things. (Thanks Liz).

The rest of the day was spent getting ready for company for Hayden's party on Sunday.

Sunday started as usual with church when we received a call from Shawn's dad. They had had a fender binder in Tye and decided not to come and Nanny Sue was unable to come due to flooded road conditions. That left us and aunt Christy to celebrate but we had a really good time. Hayden had another little party with Granny today due to her work schedule and now will have another on Sunday with Shawn's dad. He is really cleaning up on the birthday parties.

Hayden is such a fun kid. I think he gets his strong will from Shawn but he has a free spirit that he gets from my older sister, Melinda. I think these two would be two peas in a pod. Wish he could have known her. I know how much they would have gotten along. Happy Birthday Hayboy. We all love you so much.

Battle Scars of Youth: lessons learned

Beware of the microwavable raviolis. We found that out late this past Saturday night. Zach had his first baseball game of this second season and we didn't get home until late. I put some hotdogs on to cook and we went outside to sit, unwind and discuss the first win of the season (check out Lubbock Grays blog). Unbeknownst to us our very independent, hard-headed, soon to be 8-yr-old decided that he didn't want to wait on the hotdogs and opted to cook the raviolis.

Shawn happened to walk in the house shortly after the "accident" occurred. It appears that Hayden had decided to get the raviolis out of the microwave himself and spilt them on himself. Immediately we had his hand under the running water when I realized he had spilt it on his feet as well. Off to the bathtub we went. In the end I realized his feet were ok. The part that took the brunt of it all was the left thumb. It was really red with no blisters, so being a nurse I covered it in aloe and dressed it in gauze for the night.

The next morning before church the thumb appeared the same, no blisters. It was not until late Sunday evening that the blisters appeared. I took him in to one of our pediatricians partners the next day. I have know her since she was a lowly medical student back in the day. She told me many years ago that burns to kids on their hands and feet were an automatic admission to the burn unit. She said silvadine cream should do the trick and told Hayden his masterpiece of microwavable raviolis was no more.

Thank God that it turned out to be a minor thing that could have been major. Watch out for the raviolis.

Red Box to Red Letter

I have to tell you about my newest, favorite thing--Red Box. Know what Red Box is? It is the newest way to rent movies. They are located here in Lubbock @ the entrances of Wal-Mart and United Supermarkets. For a dollar a day you can rent recent releases from the big red vending machine. I love the convenience it offers.

The convenience of it makes me think of the convenience of Christ's love. Like Red Box, Christ is standing there waiting for us to turn to him and accept him as our Savior. Why is it that so many of us choose to walk right past Him. Or, for those of us who do believe, we sometimes choose to walk past Him in order to do things our way rather than his. I know I still catch myself doing that, not setting aside quite time, being distracted by daily life, thinking, doing or saying things I shouldn't.

I have tried to make it a point to let the Red Box remind me of the Red Letters. I spend enough time in Wal-Mart that I should be reminded often of the convenience and readiness of His love and to allow myself to fall into the arms of His grace.

"Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because he always lives to intercede for them." Hebrews 7:25

Notre Dame to Ratatoullie

I have good news in the house. Shawn finally got his steroid injections for his back on Thursday. He feels that his back is much better. He had taken all of last week off before his procedure to paint Zach's room.

I guess I am the one to blame for Zach's love of Notre Dame. I became a big fan in the 80's and even though they have had some rough years of late, I still love this team. I know alot of it is the tradition of the school and part of it is living in Texas, it drives people crazy that I like them. It is what makes college sports so much fun. Zach has the dream of playing for the Fightin' Irish someday. I hope his dream comes true. We plan to send him to football camp there in a couple of years.

Now to the rat. I promise yesterday we did not have a plan of purchasing a rat. We took Hayden to PetsMart to see the kittens. He wants one soooooo bad. He wants something he can hold but we explained to him that kittens are not that way and then they turn into big cats. We were looking at hamsters when the lady working there started telling us about rats. They don't bite, they learn their name, they use a litter box, and you can train them to do tricks. Well, meet Pyxie. She is a hoot. I never thought I would like a rat but she already responds to her name and see makes noises back to you when you speak to her. We will keep you informed on the Pyxie adventure.