As I was running this morning I started to think about how fast summer is going by and then realized that even the second part of my summer is full already. With just 5 weeks before schools starts up again, my second part of summer is already taken up....
with one more baseball tournament, a church camp, and an IFL-Reformation Tour to Germany, Turkey, and Austria!
Where has the time gone? And how come my TO DO LIST never got pulled out this summer.
Things I should try to do before school starts again, but probably won't....
1) Rest
2) Visit Grandparents (some far and some near)
3) Clean Out All Cabinets in the house
4) Paint my living room
5) Paint the shed and make it look nice
6) Clean out the Office (this one I have been thinking about doing this week)
7) Go on a date with my husband
8) Go to Six Flags
9) Redo the flowerbeds (hey, I have weeded them a few times this summer)
10) Read a good book
So, I hope I do get at least 3 of these done before school starts! That would make me feel somewhat better, but we will see:-) But I do know something I have done this summer that I am so glad we have done....are these baseball tournaments and our spontaneous trip to Florida. These two things have been great for my family! Been spending lots of time with my husband and babies and these are far more important that all the organizational things on my SHOULD DO LIST;-)
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Saturday, July 10, 2010
The Signs of Our God and Answered Prayers
If any of you keep up with my facebook, you would have noticed that the last 4-5months of my life has been consumed of little league baseball! With two boys, Zander-8yrs old and Gabe-6yrs old, we have been to alot of practices, games, and tournaments! And I must say it has been ALOT OF FUN!
This past week, my oldest son Zander played in the Dixie 8U Coach Pitch State Tournament! His team is amazing and Zander has played his heart out all year long! He has a very successful year. He has hit 6 HRs! He is an amazing First Basemen! And he and his teammates NEVER QUIT!
The double elimination tournament started last Saturday. We played 6 games before advancing into the Championship game. We won our bracket and Prosper (a rivalry team just 15minutes away from Gunter---that several friends play on) won their bracket. The championship game was played on Saturday. It was a best two out of three game series.
So Wednesday morning, we played game one! We lost 5-3. We had cold bats and our defense was still in bed, it seemed. Bad news though! Not only did we lose, but rain was headed our way. The Dixie League Commissioner had said if our next games were rained out, that Prosper would automatically be the State Champs (for the THIRD TIME). Our first game was at 9:30 but our next games was scheduled for 5pm and 7:30pm. At 2:00 we all were in the hotel lobbies feeding the kids SPARKS energy drinks and oranges and watching the storms approaching the area. There was an 80% chance of thunderstorms!
At this moment I begin to tell the boys and Zander...to pray! Pray that the good Lord will give you the opportunity to play the next two games....give you a chance at winning the STATE TITLE!
My own personal prayer was...."Dear Lord, these boys worked very hard for this! Please be BIG and show them how you can work for them in this silly little game of baseball. Keep the rain away! And if it be your will....may they win this!"
We began our games at 4:30 since it was obvious the rain was just minutes away! And let me just tell you....it was so amazing just looking at those clouds. There were rain clouds on every side of us...but blue skies above us! Not only for game 2 but game 3 too!! It was as the Lord opened the skies so we could play ball right there on that field for 4hours! And would you know...we WON!!!! Our boys won game TWO 15-14 and game THREE 8-5. It was so exciting and so fun!
After the game...we were in the car driving and talking and discussing the game! At one moment I looked at Zander and asked "Did you pray?" and he replied YES... and I told him "that none of this could be possible without the Lord. He gets the Glory for win! He gave you the gifts and talents and the heart and drive to play good ball. And Zander did you realize, there was a 80% chance of rain today?" He said "Yes, Mom...it was supposed to rain but not a single drop fell.." At that moment...we saw two rainbows out of our car window. WOW! I said "Look Zander! Just another sign that God is in control!". We then start talking about rainbows, the FLOOD, etc. Then right then and there we see a diesel truck that is completely covered with signs that say JESUS CHRIST IS LORD! GOD IS IN CONTROL!
Now let me tell you....I have never seen a diesel truck with anything such thing written on it....and the timeliness of seeing this one rare truck was not accident! I know my God is in control! And I know He answers prayers in a big way! But on that big game day, I sure did appreciate how God totally showed my Zander how He was in control and He does answer prayers! There is no doubt in my mind or heart that Zander understands that now!
Now on to the WORLD SERIES:-)
This past week, my oldest son Zander played in the Dixie 8U Coach Pitch State Tournament! His team is amazing and Zander has played his heart out all year long! He has a very successful year. He has hit 6 HRs! He is an amazing First Basemen! And he and his teammates NEVER QUIT!
The double elimination tournament started last Saturday. We played 6 games before advancing into the Championship game. We won our bracket and Prosper (a rivalry team just 15minutes away from Gunter---that several friends play on) won their bracket. The championship game was played on Saturday. It was a best two out of three game series.
So Wednesday morning, we played game one! We lost 5-3. We had cold bats and our defense was still in bed, it seemed. Bad news though! Not only did we lose, but rain was headed our way. The Dixie League Commissioner had said if our next games were rained out, that Prosper would automatically be the State Champs (for the THIRD TIME). Our first game was at 9:30 but our next games was scheduled for 5pm and 7:30pm. At 2:00 we all were in the hotel lobbies feeding the kids SPARKS energy drinks and oranges and watching the storms approaching the area. There was an 80% chance of thunderstorms!
At this moment I begin to tell the boys and Zander...to pray! Pray that the good Lord will give you the opportunity to play the next two games....give you a chance at winning the STATE TITLE!
My own personal prayer was...."Dear Lord, these boys worked very hard for this! Please be BIG and show them how you can work for them in this silly little game of baseball. Keep the rain away! And if it be your will....may they win this!"
We began our games at 4:30 since it was obvious the rain was just minutes away! And let me just tell you....it was so amazing just looking at those clouds. There were rain clouds on every side of us...but blue skies above us! Not only for game 2 but game 3 too!! It was as the Lord opened the skies so we could play ball right there on that field for 4hours! And would you know...we WON!!!! Our boys won game TWO 15-14 and game THREE 8-5. It was so exciting and so fun!
After the game...we were in the car driving and talking and discussing the game! At one moment I looked at Zander and asked "Did you pray?" and he replied YES... and I told him "that none of this could be possible without the Lord. He gets the Glory for win! He gave you the gifts and talents and the heart and drive to play good ball. And Zander did you realize, there was a 80% chance of rain today?" He said "Yes, Mom...it was supposed to rain but not a single drop fell.." At that moment...we saw two rainbows out of our car window. WOW! I said "Look Zander! Just another sign that God is in control!". We then start talking about rainbows, the FLOOD, etc. Then right then and there we see a diesel truck that is completely covered with signs that say JESUS CHRIST IS LORD! GOD IS IN CONTROL!
Now let me tell you....I have never seen a diesel truck with anything such thing written on it....and the timeliness of seeing this one rare truck was not accident! I know my God is in control! And I know He answers prayers in a big way! But on that big game day, I sure did appreciate how God totally showed my Zander how He was in control and He does answer prayers! There is no doubt in my mind or heart that Zander understands that now!
Now on to the WORLD SERIES:-)
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
"Blessed"
The last couple of days I have been preparing for our next SUMMER SUNDAY LESSON for the Children's Ministry! As I was studying and preparing....I was reminded of how God's Word, even through a more simplified study, applies and speaks to me! This was God speaking and today I heard him loud and clear!
The good news...it wasn't one of those times where God got my attention, where I immediately knew I was sinning, or doing something wrong....
Instead, this time I was told to STOP-REFLECT-MEDITATE! How "JoYoUs" it was that I listened to God and actually took the time to see what He wanted me to see!
This week's SUNDAY lesson we will learn about THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT---or the BEATITUDES(Luke 6:21-26). We will study MANY things in this lesson, but what really stuck out to me this time was the word "BLESSED".
In one of the activities we will ask our kids to reread the scriptures to substitute "HAPPY" for the word "BLESSED". For some reason, when I went back to do this....I found myself at peace...and smiling! It felt good! These scriptures are promised blessings or happiness that Jesus made for the people who have unfair situations!
When I started rereading the scriptures and thinking of all the unfairness in my life or in the lives of others whom I love around me.....it really started to sink in! WOW! I am BLESSED! I am HAPPY!
Ten "Blessed" or "Happies" that I thanked God for today!
1. Happy am I that I am God's.
2. Happy am I that I am not rich in money or earthly possessions...but I am rich in God's love!
3. Happy am I that I have a mom who is healing after a cancer scare.
4. Happy am I that my babies are healthy and always near (and who like being near me)
5. Happy am I that I see that God has chosen me! It has been made clear to me after my last trip to Israel, that He has always chosen me!!! WOW! Just took me 34.5years to see it!
6. Happy am I that I am learning more and more each day that I can be comfortable and not be ashamed of being God's workmanship!
7. Happy am I that I choose to live my life to glorify my good God!
8. Happy am I that I have a best friend who is my husband!
9. Happy am I that I was chosen to study these scriptures this week:-)
10. Happy am I that this list will never really end.............
I am "blessed" and that makes me happy! Thank you Jesus for your promises!!!
The good news...it wasn't one of those times where God got my attention, where I immediately knew I was sinning, or doing something wrong....
Instead, this time I was told to STOP-REFLECT-MEDITATE! How "JoYoUs" it was that I listened to God and actually took the time to see what He wanted me to see!
This week's SUNDAY lesson we will learn about THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT---or the BEATITUDES(Luke 6:21-26). We will study MANY things in this lesson, but what really stuck out to me this time was the word "BLESSED".
In one of the activities we will ask our kids to reread the scriptures to substitute "HAPPY" for the word "BLESSED". For some reason, when I went back to do this....I found myself at peace...and smiling! It felt good! These scriptures are promised blessings or happiness that Jesus made for the people who have unfair situations!
When I started rereading the scriptures and thinking of all the unfairness in my life or in the lives of others whom I love around me.....it really started to sink in! WOW! I am BLESSED! I am HAPPY!
Ten "Blessed" or "Happies" that I thanked God for today!
1. Happy am I that I am God's.
2. Happy am I that I am not rich in money or earthly possessions...but I am rich in God's love!
3. Happy am I that I have a mom who is healing after a cancer scare.
4. Happy am I that my babies are healthy and always near (and who like being near me)
5. Happy am I that I see that God has chosen me! It has been made clear to me after my last trip to Israel, that He has always chosen me!!! WOW! Just took me 34.5years to see it!
6. Happy am I that I am learning more and more each day that I can be comfortable and not be ashamed of being God's workmanship!
7. Happy am I that I choose to live my life to glorify my good God!
8. Happy am I that I have a best friend who is my husband!
9. Happy am I that I was chosen to study these scriptures this week:-)
10. Happy am I that this list will never really end.............
I am "blessed" and that makes me happy! Thank you Jesus for your promises!!!
Monday, June 7, 2010
Sticks and Ball + Sweating Parents = Dirty Boys Playing Baseball
If you think about it, it's kind of a funny thing to be so excited about a stick and a ball and 9 boys standing in a field hitting the ball with the stick! HAHA! But it sure is alot of fun, too. Todd and I have enjoyed every minute of little league baseball this spring/summer. Both boys are playing coach pitch. Gabe plays on a 6U team and Zander is playing his last year on an 8U team! Both boys have had a great season...and a winning season. But I must say, Zander's little team is AMAZING! They are beating teams that are from the big cities, that play year round! They are winning big tournaments and just doing amazing things! We are expected to make it to STATE and even have a good shot of making it to the World Series! How cool would that be to have little 2A team make it big.
Right now they are ranked #1 in the Nation and State for USSSA.
We have alot more baseball coming up, as both boys are on ALL STAR teams and both are playing select too! But here is a video from our Celina-Gunter Tournament. Twenty teams and we finished second against the Texas Quick (who is a Kid Pitch team) and usually plays up a division, and has kids from the HEB area! WOW! Score 12-8.
Right now they are ranked #1 in the Nation and State for USSSA.
We have alot more baseball coming up, as both boys are on ALL STAR teams and both are playing select too! But here is a video from our Celina-Gunter Tournament. Twenty teams and we finished second against the Texas Quick (who is a Kid Pitch team) and usually plays up a division, and has kids from the HEB area! WOW! Score 12-8.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Florida- The simple things I don't want to forget...
The beach vacation was awesome! Three full days of water, sun, and sand....and my family! No cell signals, no chores, no practices, no work.... Just me and time with my family! Totally priceless! And I am so thankful that God had this nice trip planned for us!
I thought I would take the time to jot down a few things I don't want to forget... Mind you, these things may mean absolutely nothing to you, but they are very important to me! They are all SIMPLE but made me smile each time I witnessed them!
1. Gabe- He is always cautious and wants to stay safe...and wants other safe too.
***EX: We rode seados for two hours one morning. Gabe sat in front of Todd and Zander rode on the back. Todd said that Gabe asked every minute or so..."Dad, is Zander still hanging on? Dad, did Zander fall off? Dad, could you check to see if Zander is okay behind you?" LOL
***EX: There was a "outgoing" little 4yr old boy...who was quite the challenge for his mother playing near us on the beach. The little boy snuck off and Gabe came up to me and said "Mom, that boy's momma needs to go get him! He is going to drown. Could you please tell his mom about our boobie rule?"---We had a rule for our kids, don't go past your boobie marks (nipples) while playing in the water or you will have to sit out for 20minutes." LOL
2. Zander- He is sooo funny! Such a wise crack...especially with his daddy! They are so funny together. But one thing that Todd pointed out was the way he would laugh at himself the end of his sentences as he told us funny little stories or statements. I love his laugh!! The boy gets his wittiness from his daddy for sure! I really enjoyed just sitting back and watching Todd and Zander. I can see there is a special bond between the two of them. Love watching them joke around with each other and love watching them play Paddle Ball...which they did alot of!!!
3. Addison- This could be the last year that my little girl looks like a little girl, as I have noticed she is growing so fast. She is changing quickly. And before too long she will be more of a lady than a girl! YIKES! But she still loves being around me...loves time with me....and thinks I am the best! We spent lots of time floating out further than the boys would like to go! But it was nice...just being with my daughter! Playing, singing, and laughing! I know this may never come to an end, but I also know that with the teen years fast approaching, there will be much less of that happening! So sad:-( She is such a sweet and caring little girl! And did I tell you...she loves to shop too:-) LOL
4. My husband- He is just GOOD! Love that man so much! And I know he loves me too! I can tell...:-) This trip, I was reminded of what first attracted me to him physically---those BLUE EYES! Being near the blue water and sky, boy-those eyes sparkle! But my man seems to always impress me with how he enjoys the simple things! I loved every minute of sitting on the beach with our feet in the sand together, as we looked at the beautiful beach and our kids who played on it. And those evenings when we went down to the beach before sundown....just to put our feet in the water, needed no chairs or towels....and then watched the sun go down as we talked and walked along the beach with our babies! Simple things...but such good things!!!
What a great three days I had to be able to slow down and really absorb my family in! Thanks to my God for having this trip planned out for us! Thanks to my God for showing me your love...
I thought I would take the time to jot down a few things I don't want to forget... Mind you, these things may mean absolutely nothing to you, but they are very important to me! They are all SIMPLE but made me smile each time I witnessed them!
1. Gabe- He is always cautious and wants to stay safe...and wants other safe too.
***EX: We rode seados for two hours one morning. Gabe sat in front of Todd and Zander rode on the back. Todd said that Gabe asked every minute or so..."Dad, is Zander still hanging on? Dad, did Zander fall off? Dad, could you check to see if Zander is okay behind you?" LOL
***EX: There was a "outgoing" little 4yr old boy...who was quite the challenge for his mother playing near us on the beach. The little boy snuck off and Gabe came up to me and said "Mom, that boy's momma needs to go get him! He is going to drown. Could you please tell his mom about our boobie rule?"---We had a rule for our kids, don't go past your boobie marks (nipples) while playing in the water or you will have to sit out for 20minutes." LOL
2. Zander- He is sooo funny! Such a wise crack...especially with his daddy! They are so funny together. But one thing that Todd pointed out was the way he would laugh at himself the end of his sentences as he told us funny little stories or statements. I love his laugh!! The boy gets his wittiness from his daddy for sure! I really enjoyed just sitting back and watching Todd and Zander. I can see there is a special bond between the two of them. Love watching them joke around with each other and love watching them play Paddle Ball...which they did alot of!!!
3. Addison- This could be the last year that my little girl looks like a little girl, as I have noticed she is growing so fast. She is changing quickly. And before too long she will be more of a lady than a girl! YIKES! But she still loves being around me...loves time with me....and thinks I am the best! We spent lots of time floating out further than the boys would like to go! But it was nice...just being with my daughter! Playing, singing, and laughing! I know this may never come to an end, but I also know that with the teen years fast approaching, there will be much less of that happening! So sad:-( She is such a sweet and caring little girl! And did I tell you...she loves to shop too:-) LOL
4. My husband- He is just GOOD! Love that man so much! And I know he loves me too! I can tell...:-) This trip, I was reminded of what first attracted me to him physically---those BLUE EYES! Being near the blue water and sky, boy-those eyes sparkle! But my man seems to always impress me with how he enjoys the simple things! I loved every minute of sitting on the beach with our feet in the sand together, as we looked at the beautiful beach and our kids who played on it. And those evenings when we went down to the beach before sundown....just to put our feet in the water, needed no chairs or towels....and then watched the sun go down as we talked and walked along the beach with our babies! Simple things...but such good things!!!
What a great three days I had to be able to slow down and really absorb my family in! Thanks to my God for having this trip planned out for us! Thanks to my God for showing me your love...
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Vacation and Two Piece Bathing Suits
Tomorrow about 10am, we will pull our kids out of school early and head to............DESTIN, FLORIDA! YAE!!!! I am so excited! And guess what, I went to Dillards yesterday (twice, as I drove all the way there to realize I left my wallet at home :-/, and had to drive all the way back home to get it). I went straight to the bathing suit area and felt soo stressed just looking at all the cute suits.
See, they are all cute on the hangers, models, and posters all over the place. But somehow the mirror never reflects the same images:-) LOL! Anyhow... I seriously tried on at least 50 suits. But guess what???? I actually found SEVERAL I liked...so $250 later and 1.5 hours later, I had bought...not one suit, not two suits, but THREE SUITS!! LOL But they all mix and match really well. I bought two two pieces suits, one with a skirt and another with short/brief bottoms, and then one tikini:-) I even bought a cute LUCKY brand bikini top.....but didn't get the bottoms to match. Those days are LONG GONE! LOL!
I came home to LOCK my daughter and myself in my bedroom in front of the full length mirror and had her PINKY PROMISE to tell me the honest to God truth. And she will! She gets her honesty from me! LOL! But she loved them all.... She even told me I was gonna be the best fit mom at the beach! I assured her that was probably wrong, but I am a heck of alot closer this year than I was last year!
Can't wait to post pics of our vacation:-) Bring on the sun!!
See, they are all cute on the hangers, models, and posters all over the place. But somehow the mirror never reflects the same images:-) LOL! Anyhow... I seriously tried on at least 50 suits. But guess what???? I actually found SEVERAL I liked...so $250 later and 1.5 hours later, I had bought...not one suit, not two suits, but THREE SUITS!! LOL But they all mix and match really well. I bought two two pieces suits, one with a skirt and another with short/brief bottoms, and then one tikini:-) I even bought a cute LUCKY brand bikini top.....but didn't get the bottoms to match. Those days are LONG GONE! LOL!
I came home to LOCK my daughter and myself in my bedroom in front of the full length mirror and had her PINKY PROMISE to tell me the honest to God truth. And she will! She gets her honesty from me! LOL! But she loved them all.... She even told me I was gonna be the best fit mom at the beach! I assured her that was probably wrong, but I am a heck of alot closer this year than I was last year!
Can't wait to post pics of our vacation:-) Bring on the sun!!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Sweet Chicken! Took measurements today:-)
So....I have had hit a plateau on the weight loss in the last 3weeks... Frustrating but still not about to give up. I know my body needs some time to adjust to the new SCHEDULE of becoming a long distance runner and eating right!
But, I have downloaded a GREAT APPLICATION for my Iphone called MyNetDiary which I think is AWESOME! You can get it online, as well! With this tool I am not only journaling what I eat and how I exercise, but it also will analysis my eating pattern and tell me what I need more of and eat less of. I am not "nutritional savy" when doctors talk about saturated fats and such, but I do think this tool will slowly teach me more about these foods and what they are made up and what all this really MEANS?!?! I don't want to be so focused on the weight loss that I don't truly learn how to eat....which means learn how to maintain once I hit my goal!
But I as I was checking this application out, I noticed it asked for measurements...which dawned on me that I had not done measurements in quite some time....
I was THRILLED with the results! Made me realize how far I have actually come:-) And these measurements weren't even at my heaviest... Matter of fact... I had lost about 15lbs at this point doing the elimination diet! But within two months I was back up to 182lbs! YIKES..So keep in mind, I was close to 165 with these measurements
Weight Oct. 165lbs (when I did the orginal measurements)
Dec. 182lbs (weight before thyroid)
May 144lbs
So...keep in mind these measurements are my October measurements....at 165lbs!
Neck 13in---12.75in
Chest 36.5---35.25
Bust 38.5---37.25
Upper Arm 12.25---11.25
Waist 12.25---11.25
Hips 40----39
Thighs 22---21.25
Calve 14.75---14
bicep 12----10
tric 14---14
back fat (had a fancy word I cant spell) 23---15 AMAZING!
iliac 24-23
BMI...25.1---23.1
HALLELUJAH!!!! I am so excited. I still have some work....but looking back and celebrating from where I come from sure gives me a big boost!
Tomorrow----I face the dressing room and must remember this!
It is time for me to buy the dreaded bathing suit! WISH ME LUCK!!! This always makes me sad:-) LOL But if I play my cards right, hopefully before summer ends, I will need to downsize my bathing suit one more time!
But, I have downloaded a GREAT APPLICATION for my Iphone called MyNetDiary which I think is AWESOME! You can get it online, as well! With this tool I am not only journaling what I eat and how I exercise, but it also will analysis my eating pattern and tell me what I need more of and eat less of. I am not "nutritional savy" when doctors talk about saturated fats and such, but I do think this tool will slowly teach me more about these foods and what they are made up and what all this really MEANS?!?! I don't want to be so focused on the weight loss that I don't truly learn how to eat....which means learn how to maintain once I hit my goal!
But I as I was checking this application out, I noticed it asked for measurements...which dawned on me that I had not done measurements in quite some time....
I was THRILLED with the results! Made me realize how far I have actually come:-) And these measurements weren't even at my heaviest... Matter of fact... I had lost about 15lbs at this point doing the elimination diet! But within two months I was back up to 182lbs! YIKES..So keep in mind, I was close to 165 with these measurements
Weight Oct. 165lbs (when I did the orginal measurements)
Dec. 182lbs (weight before thyroid)
May 144lbs
So...keep in mind these measurements are my October measurements....at 165lbs!
Neck 13in---12.75in
Chest 36.5---35.25
Bust 38.5---37.25
Upper Arm 12.25---11.25
Waist 12.25---11.25
Hips 40----39
Thighs 22---21.25
Calve 14.75---14
bicep 12----10
tric 14---14
back fat (had a fancy word I cant spell) 23---15 AMAZING!
iliac 24-23
BMI...25.1---23.1
HALLELUJAH!!!! I am so excited. I still have some work....but looking back and celebrating from where I come from sure gives me a big boost!
Tomorrow----I face the dressing room and must remember this!
It is time for me to buy the dreaded bathing suit! WISH ME LUCK!!! This always makes me sad:-) LOL But if I play my cards right, hopefully before summer ends, I will need to downsize my bathing suit one more time!
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