Ramblings of a Crazy Woman

Laparoscopic Surgery

2011-10-29T09:22:00.001-05:00

A week ago Friday I had a procedure done called laparoscopic "something or another"!!! In my world they went inside and looked around to figure out where the pain was coming from!! Whatever word they want to call it is fine with me. :)

Turns out I had some scarring from one of my C-sections (I'm assuming my most recent one) that was causing me some problems. He (the Doctor) cleaned it up and now all is well!! Now as simple as that may seem, it turns out this procedure was a little more than what I thought it was going to be.

I had honestly downscaled this thing to a couple of little incisions, home by noon, carry on with your day. I had even thought about going shopping afterward! Well, that was a little bit of an underestimate, now, granted it wasn't as bad as a C-section, but it was definitely not as simple as I had made it out to be.

The big problem? It wasn't the three little itty bitty incisions, it wasn't being "put under", and it wasn't all the stupid prep stuff you had to do before you could even arrive. It was the "air" they used to "blow up your belly" to make sure there's plenty of room to do what they need to do. Now they had told me about the whole air thing, and I was fine with it. What's a little bit of air?? ..."You may have some pain in your right shoulder as your body works to get rid of the excess..." the doctor told me the day we discussed doing the procedure. A little bit of pain? Eh...no big, I have a high pain tolerance, I can handle it. Well, again, this procedure that I had downscaled in my mind to no big deal ended up being a bigger deal that I had realized.

Mind you we're pastors and I have four children (two away and two at home). I made the decision not to tell anyone I was having this procedure because I didn't want to explain all the details of why to every Tom, Dick and Harry in the country, and the church, and my home. Coincidently, the two kids still at home were all gone the day of the procedure only making it even easier to not have to explain any details. So, off we go to our 6:00 a.m. appointment, procedure at 7:30. As I mentioned earlier, everything went fine, we were in fact in and out, Patrick and I left the hospital around 11:00 and we were home by noon. This is when the reality started settling in. Not only did I not feel like going shopping afterward, I was groggy, and felt like a stuffed pig. My belly was tight, they put me on weight lifting restrictions, and submersion in water restrictions (kinda a problem for my water aerobics class) and, they sent me home on pain pills!! Pain pills???? WHAT???

The IV bruise!! The nurse told me... "It's going to bruise
bad, it's already started..." that was after surgery when she
was getting ready to take the IV out.

I tried going without the pills. Nope that didn't work. I tried half doses. Nope. That didn't work either. I finally ended up taking full doses for two days to help with the pain. And again, it was the incisions, it was the air. Remember that pain in my shoulder that I might have. Well, there's no doubt, I had it. And it hurt!!!

It's been a full week now and I did quit my pain pills after the 4th day, but had to continue with Tylenol pretty regularly. Yesterday I only had two doses so I foresee being off even Tylenol in a day or two. The pain from the air is almost completely gone; every now and then I still have a little twinge, but it's almost gone--Thank God! (literally)

So, to wrap it up, if your Dr. recommends laparoscopy just know that though it may be on the low end of the scale of surgeries, its still definitely on the scale!!! Don't downplay it too much, if it was just an office procedure, you wouldn't be checking into the hospital. Just sayin'....

I'm glad I did it. The Dr. told Patrick I probably didn't even realize how much pain I was actually in because I had probably adjusted over the years (an important detail here...it's been 11 1/2 years since my most recent C-section) and I am already recognizing some of the adjustments I have made through the years in these first days after the procedure. It's actually pretty amazing how God designed our bodies. I'm so thankful for the wisdom God has granted my Dr. I'm really looking forward to being pain free!!

My Crazy Idea!!

2011-10-03T20:13:00.001-05:00

I decided to go back to school this year!!! On one hand, its a fabulous idea. I need the accolade for my resume, so its a great idea to go back and finish what I started SOOOOO many years ago. I only lost a few hours in the transition of a medical focus to a business focus, so overall, it was a great plan.

This is my instructor for my
History of the Nine Tribes.
She's standing next to a
mannequin of an Indian Chief.

Next, since I'm such a busy woman, I decided it was in my best interest to have all my classes on Tues, Thurs. Good idea right??? Well, I'm not sure if it was a good idea or not! Right now I have back to back classes, which means I leave at 8:30 and don't get home until 5:30, then if there's homework, I have only have Wednesday to get it done before Thursday arrives again. I'm not so sure that was such a great idea.

Beyond that I hate being completely unavailable on Tues/Thurs. I can't help anyone with anything on those days...that's driving me crazy!!!! In a couple of weeks, my first 8 weeks class will end and my 2nd eight weeks class will start which will change me to having 1-3 on T/TH open and book me from 11-12:30 MWF. Not sure I'm going to like that either, but were going to give it a whirl!!!

btw...it's nice to be back...I missed you all!! :)

Yes, I'm still here!!

2011-09-23T10:31:00.002-05:00

Today I wanted to update on exercise and weight loss! I have started using HCG to help with my weight loss. If you have any questions about it just ask. This is my third round and I've lost a total of 30 pounds. I was EXTREMELY skeptical of the program, but after reading the manuscript "Pounds and Inches" I decided to give it a try. It's working very well, and I am pleased with the outcome.

I have also started water aerobics. And though I'm not a water bug, I like it A LOT! I can't believe how much twice a week is affecting my over all health. :)

Will be back soon for more updates on other things...

Empty Nest is getting closer!!

2011-05-22T20:02:00.000-05:00

People keep telling me that Empty Nest isn't that great, but being, at the very least, 7 years away from it, it's looking pretty sweet to me!! :) I can't help it, I just like being with my husband!! Empty Nest looks incredibly inviting to me....

But on to the reason Empty Nest is getting closer. Our second oldest, Camry, graduated from high school today. She was one of two top scholars. Her speech was the most unique speech I have ever heard; to the point that I didn't know if it would get approved because it wasn't really even a speech! The principal approved it with no hesitation and she was all set for the graduation ceremony.

When it came time for her speech, she presented herself so well. Her speech was so totally and completely NOT about HER. I cried all the way through it because I was so proud of my daughter's final act as a high school senior. It was so selfless; the act of a responsible young woman. Other parents were taking pictures during Camry's speech! What a testament to my daughter. :)

She'll be off to SAGU in Texas in the fall. she and her sister will be roomies. Camry's looking forward to her new journey and all the excitement it will bring. Me? It'll be weird not have any girls but me in the house, but I've no doubt I'll adjust. :)

Resting...

2010-10-14T14:03:00.000-05:00

whether I want to or not!

It's not exactly what I've had in mind for the last year and half, but it is what it is. :) I just reread some of my posts and realized I'm pretty evasive when it come to giving info about myself...it's so much easier to talk about other people! 8-/

So enough about everyone else, let's talk about me for a while!

It started a year ago last June, maybe July. Patrick (my husband) and I knew change was on the horizon so we calmly waited for it to arrive. An announcement was made that rocked my world, someone I knew was retiring and her position was going to need to be filled. Just to end any drama for you here, I didn't fill that position! But that announcement has lead to complete and total upheaval in my life. My nice little structured world went flying out the door and has never returned.

Over the last year and half, I have found all kinds of "reasons" why God is doing whatever it is that He's doing, but honestly, I still don't have a clue what it is. I know Patrick and I have a unique ministry style and I know God is going to use that style to accomplish some amazing things, but what to do in the mean time? I don't know, and I am searching every day.

I've tried to get involved with volunteering for various things, but I find my heart isn't in it, and I find no fulfillment there either. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I don't enjoy volunteering, I do very much. But volunteering in and of itself doesn't bring me fulfillment. I can do it, and I do it well. But it's not my destiny, its just something to fill my time and be a servant to others.

Basically, I had a meltdown a couple of days ago. Now my kind of meltdown isn't yelling and screaming. It's being very quiet and shedding some tears (not a lot, but some). When I'm having a meltdown, everything, and I do mean everything, is in question. So while I ponder the complexities of life, God works in my spirit. By the time it was time to sleep I had finished my tears, asked all my questions, and peacefully greeted sleep.

The next day wasn't anything like the day before and God slowly revealed to me that whether I like it or not, I'm going to continue taking a break. Pete Wilson says in his book, Plan B, that while we are waiting on God, we should rest. So rest it is. Rest I am going to do. I will do it efficiently and effectively! And hopefully, while I rest, God will give me some tangible answers for whatever it is he's doing and I will continue to calmly wait for change to come. :)

I have removed all comments from my blog...

2010-09-21T23:15:00.001-05:00

...the problem here is that I didn't mean too!! OOOPS! Not sure how to fix it at this point...sorry about that. Please rest assured I'm working on it and will return you're ability to comment on my blog ASAP!

I need a personal IT guy.......

A lot has happened...

2010-09-12T22:14:00.006-05:00

My nephews leukemia is being treated, and things are going well as far as I can see. He seems to be in good spirits and dealing with the ins and outs of being a cancer patient. The past week has been a test for his family in that they have had to endure a 10 day hospital stay. (after his most recent treatment the chemo levels in his blood wouldn't go down) Trust me when I say your prayers have not went unheard. I believe with everything in me that God is absolutely doing a work in my nephew. It may not be an instant healing, but it matters not to me, as long as God's plan is being perfectly played out! :)

As far as my personal life goes, our oldest daughter Sierra is now attending Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU). We took her down the last weekend of August. She and I cried and boo-hooed when it was time to leave, but she is doing well and adjusting to her new life. I am so very proud of her. Classes are good and she likes her new Coach. She says he stays positive and will be a good role model for her. I'm also thankful for that! :-)

Camry's latest and greatest moment is that she has been chosen for football homecoming queen candidate. She is, of course, thrilled, nothing could have made her happier. The other candidate is her best friend, so they are thrilled for each other and enjoying every minute of the excitement. Homecoming is October 1st. The dress is purchased, shoes and jewelry taken care of. The only thing left is make up and hair on homecoming day. I've no doubt we'll be having lots of fun that day!!

Camry is also playing softball for the first time since 7th grade when she slid into 3rd and broke her ankle. She did make the varsity team, but is not the top player (which is okay!). She is learning to overcome her fear of sliding and she is working hard to gain back the skills she lost over the last four years. She only has a few weeks left, but she's working hard, and putting her best forward and I'm proud of her for that. Good job Cam!

Logan is getting ready for his first football game of the season tomorrow. He's playing center this year and seems to be excited about it. He worked hard over the summer and it has paid off for him. He learned the value of consistency and hard work this summer. Couldn't have asked for more from a 13 year old!!

Spencer has arrived in 5th grade and is doing well. Spencer's world doesn't involve athletics. He has ZERO interest in any kind of sport (although he does play in the churches fantasy football league). He has taken up drums in band this year and seems to be enjoying that.

Patrick and I are good. Just working away, staying busy with life, and enjoying all of it. =) We are so blessed to be a pastors of an amazing church and parents of great children.

Leukemia

2010-06-28T11:11:00.002-05:00

Friday my 10 year old nephew was diagnosed with ALL type T cell. (I think I wrote it correctly). Friday was stressful waiting for the diagnosis, the weekend has been surreal (as my brother put it).

This just isn't the kind if thing that's supposed to happen to people you know much less your own family. This is the kind of thing you see on TV happening to strangers.

I cried Friday and Saturday with just a single thought. But today is getting a little better, I didn't get teary eyed until I started texting my brother about the details of Garrett's procedures today.

Today they are checking the bone marrow, doing a spinal tap and putting in the injection port for future chemo, transfusions, etc. Assuming all goes as the drs suspected, they will start chemo today.

I just can't believe this...I just don't want to believe this... :-(

Camry's getting new batteries!

2010-06-17T00:17:00.003-05:00

We'll be just two months short of making 6 years. That's how long her battery lasted. So assuming she lives to be 85, Camry will have had 12 pacemakers by then!! (How much you wanna bet they figure out have to have even longer lasting batteries by then?)

Anyway, we just saw here heart doctor on Tuesday and the decision has been made to go ahead with the replacement "generator". She is fine, still has no restrictions, she's even playing softball for the first time since 7th grade when she broke her ankle. The leads to her heart are working well and everything else is looking good, just a matter of when the juice will actually run out. Guesstimates are another 60 days. So we decided to have it done this summer with the doctors approval of course.

If you think of Camry on July 29th we would appreciate the prayers. We are to arrive at 8:30 and the procedure will begin around 10:45. The original placement only took an hour and a half, so I'm thinking this time it shouldn't take more than 30-45 minutes since they're just switching out the generator.

God has been so very good to us. I never take technology for granted; without it Camry would unlikely even be living today. Thank you God for giving the doctors the wisdom they needed to repair Camry's heart. Thank you for watching over her all these years. Thank you for keeping your hand on her every day. Now and in the future. Your such a GREAT God. :-)

The End is Near....

2010-05-13T08:14:00.002-05:00

It's my first high school graduation. Well, not for me personally, but the first of my children. My interpretation? I'm one step closer to empty nest!!!

Okay, so I know that's probably a little warped, but I admit it, I like my husband and I like to spend time with him. Call me crazy but I'm looking forward to it! :)

But back to my children.... Sierra will graduate in just a few short days, and then in just a few short weeks she'll be headed of to college which is what will seem like forever away from us. I get teary eyed just thinking about it. I've no doubt she'll be fine and we'll all adjust, just like we did she arrived almost 18 years ago. Life changed, but it was no big, you just made the adjustment and kept moving. That is what we will do here. I will miss her, but I will enjoy this new era with my kids. It will be exciting!!

A Little Angry

2010-04-15T10:29:00.002-05:00

So I have this problem with our school...

but before I rant let me say what a good school system we have. Great coaches, great admins, and for the most part great teachers. None of them perfect, but all of them putting forth their best effort. I am fully one hundred percent behind our school. In my opinion, you can't do much better than Welch Public Schools.

With that said.... I am angry right now about parents who are schmucks. They are making my children's lives miserable. Here the problem, you have parents who will pull their kids out of school for fishing, shopping, lie about Dr's appointments, say their kids are too sick to compete in track but well enough to compete in cheer tryouts, etc. In an effort to make things fair the school has implemented policy attempting to avoid such pitfalls and require students to be in attendance at games and practices. Now I completely understand requiring kids to be at practices and games. I fully support that policy and have required it of my own children. If your going to be a part of the team then as a player you get the good with the bad. That's just the way it is.

Here's my issue, on more than one occasion, we have had a family event that has required our children to miss practices or events and my kids have been punished for it. It angers me that my children are punished for choices out of their control. I'm perfectly fine with consequences for your own choices, but it really stinks to have consequences for someone else's choices.

I have suggested that it is a reasonable request to have the school review their policy and try to implement something for parents who are cooperating and who are abiding by the rules, but have a legitimate family conflict. I did offer to be a part of the solution and am happy to offer my services. I would really like to see this conflict resolved in some manner that benefits families and students who are doing the right thing!!

Spring is here!!!

2010-03-22T21:59:00.002-05:00

Yea!! Spring is here. You'll never know just how happy I am that Spring has arrived. Of course that didn't mean the end of the snow since we got somewhere between 8-12" last Saturday and Sunday, but it does mean the snow is coming to an end.

Until this winter I hadn't realized how much I dislike snow! Oh, don't get me wrong, snow is a beautiful and marvelous wonder God has graced our life with...I just happen to prefer it small doses! This past winter held about four weeks of constant snow on the ground and admittedly it was ticking me off. We humans are so funny like that. I remember needing to give myself a serious lecture about my attitude. Imagine losing your happiness over a few weeks of snow. That was me. Griping and complaining about the wet, the cold, the rant...rant...rant. Hmmm, I remember a certain group of people who constantly griped and complained and they ended up walking a few extra years in the wilderness. Personally, I'm not focused on all that extracurricular stuff so I decided to change my 'tude lest I end up spending some extra time focused on my own walking skills!!

Speaking of walking skills...my focus on better health has not changed. But I am reluctant to report there has been little change. The last 6 months have been difficult for me mentally. I literally gave up for about four of those six. But I have recently started a health and fitness small group, and it's nice to be exercising again consistently. I am pleased that I missed it!!

Finally back!

2010-01-09T12:33:00.002-06:00

I'm so excited. I finally have my desktop back. I am still without Microsoft office, but being able to get online outside of using my iPhone is a wonderful thing. I did adapt to only having an iPhone, but a desktop is a wonderful luxury!!!

Much has happened while I've been gone. :) Sierra has signed her letter of intent with SAGU (Southwestern Assemblies of God University). Sometimes I still can't believe I have a daughter that will be playing college basketball! It seems like something that happens to people you know or read about in the paper. Now my daughter is the one they're reading about!! It's a little weird. :0)

Camry's modeling is somewhat on hold simply because it's the down time for the industry. She is supposed to be doing a job the end of Jan, first of Feb. We're looking forward to that and to getting back on track!

More recently we had a blizzard in OKLAHOMA Christmas Eve. How wrong is that? We got a foot of snow that night, then a few days later we got another 4 inches. Honestly, I'm starting to get bitter!! You should seriously pray for me.... (just kidding)

I'm looking forward to 2010 and expecting lots of change! It's my opinion if you're not changing, you must be dead!! :-0

Suprise!

2009-12-19T23:30:00.001-06:00

Today we had a pleasant suprise. I popped in at Camrys modeling agency to drop off headshots and comp cards and coincidentally a model by the name of Miles Miller happen to be there too! The end result was Camry got about 45 mins of one on one time with Miles.

Miles trained at the same place Camry did and has been in the industry for about 2 years (I think). He has done some cool jobs including british GQ. Miles was VERY genorous in allowing us some personal time with him. Camry got the opportunity to ask really specific questions, and get specific feedback. It was so very beneficial.

Miles was a picture of kindness and honesty.... Miles if you should ever happen to come across this post, please know how deep my gratitude runs. It was beyond kind of you to allow Camry the opportunity to meet with you. Thank you very much.

Camry

2009-12-14T10:06:00.001-06:00

Camry's event in Dallas went really well. She nailed everything she did. On Friday of that week it really hit me hard that my 16 year old was auditioning in front of agents from LA and New York. I spent some time thanking God for the opportunity he gave Camry and for his grace toward us.

The sad news is that we didn't come home with a contract (which is what our goal was) but it's not to say we won't get one, it just didn't happen while we were in Dallas.

So for now we will continue in our local market and continue to make contacts in the larger markets of Dallas and maybe Kansas City. It will give Camry time to graduate, and by the time she turns 18 she'll be well prepared.

Finally

2009-12-13T21:39:00.001-06:00

My oldest daughter accidently transferred a virus on my computer from her flash drive. :( But I found an app for my iPhone to be able to blog. So this is my attempt to see if it works!

One down!!

2009-11-09T07:53:00.005-06:00

Sierra's tryout is over. We arrived on Thursday afternoon without incident with plenty of time to acclimate.

She was super nervous, not sure if the coach could tell, but Mom and Dad sure knew it!! She shot a few hoops for warm-up and did great. One shot after the other, swish, swish, swish. She was amazing!! The coach called for everyone to come together. I forgot we were at a Christian college. They started with prayer, then moved into practice....

They worked out hard for an hour and a half. The main concern was that Sierra wouldn't be able to keep up. They are a run 'n gun kind of team and Sierra isn't the fastest girl on the planet, but she did well. She did get tired toward the end, but so did the one other high school girl that was at the tryout as well. After practice, Coach ask us to meet with him the next day.

Then Sierra was off to enjoy the other activities scheduled for campus days, and Patrick and I left her to enjoy college life for a night!!

For me, the next day couldn't come quick enough. I wasn't antsy, but I was ready to get the whole thing over with. We ended up having to wait until after lunch to be able to meet with the coach, but it did finally happen. The end result was that not only did she make the team, but they also offered her a scholorship!! I was elated. It was all I could do to keep my tears back, but I did succeed!! I guess it's not official, official until they call her tomorrow night to find out what her answer is, but in Sierra's mind it's concrete. She'll be wearing purple and gold next year, playing for the Southwestern Assemblies of God, (better known as SAGU), Lions.

We are so very proud of her, she worked hard to increase her skills and speed and as a result she has earned a spot on the team.

Way to go C!

November is finally here!!

2009-11-02T07:57:00.002-06:00

Well, this is it. This is the month that my life has been revolving around for several months. We have worked hard, planned, practiced, and all kinds of wonderful things to make sure we were ready, and now November is here. Sierra's fate with the SAGU basketball team will be decided in a few days. Camry's future has the opportunity for huge change in just two short weeks. And change for me personally will become very concrete as the month plays out. I'm still not sure what God has in mind, but I'm willing to walk whatever path he put in front in of me!! Change isn't always fun, but it is so very necessary! :)

LIFE

2009-10-19T08:43:00.002-05:00

Wow...life is taking me on a ride! And, let me tell you, it's full speed, not just a little jaunt in the park!!

Camry's modeling is going well. We are preparing for the expo in Dallas, lots of details and extra classes to attend. It's consuming a big chunk of the schedule, but I'm okay with that. It's just a moment in life. :)

Our oldest daughter Sierra is preparing for her basketball tryout in 2 weeks. We're looking forward to some exciting times there!!

Logan, our oldest son is deep into football season with only 2 weeks left. He's having a great season. Starting as a 7th grader on a 7th 7 8th grade team. We're very proud of him. :)

And the youngest, Spencer, is enjoying cub scouts for the first time. I am glad he has something to focus on that is worthwhile.

As you can see I am running everywhere tending to my children, but it's worth every moment I'm investing. I know this is just a season and all seasons come to an end. I must admit "Empty Nest" is looking like a whole bunch of fun right now!!! But, let's not count our chickens before they hatch!!! :)

goal met!

2009-09-04T08:54:00.003-05:00

I've been pretty hesitant to post this, but today I finally decided it's really true. I have really done it!! I have officially hit 300 pounds. which mean over the last 6 months I have lost 17 pounds. Not the significant loss I was looking for, but it's absolutely better than gaining!!!!

I've been toying with 300 for 2 weeks now, but I wouldn't post about it because I was sure it was too good to be true!! (Oh ye, of VERY little faith!!) But after 2 weeks, it must be true. I'm now anxious to get below 300 and stay there; which is my next short term goal.

Looking forward to positive results. Ready. Set. GO!

Camry's Modeling

2009-09-02T12:06:00.003-05:00

We've had some exciting news about Camry! She attended a closed audition last week and got the call back. Very exciting!! this November she will be attending an exclusive expo in Dallas where she will get to audition in front of national companies. This is a really BIG deal. If you think of Camry over the next few months please pray for her. Camry has decided that she would like to have a career in the fashion/entertainment industry and this expo could be a defining moment for her!

The iron thing

2009-08-21T20:17:00.002-05:00

Well, I'm thinking the iron transfusion worked. It has been just over a week since I got the transfusion and the last three days have been unbelievable. I am usually very "nap" oriented. Even though I may not always take naps, I always feel like I need them. Anywhere from 15-20 mins up to 2 1/2-3 hours. The last three days I have been going on 6 1\2 to 7 hours of sleep per night with no naps during the day. Admittedly, this evening, I'm pretty tired, but wow I can't believe the energy I have. It actually reminds me of when I was taking Concerta for my ADD issues. (Commonly known as speed!) I didn't take it very long, I just couldn't get over the fact that I was taking narcotics, it just bothered me!! But I really liked the benefit of being wound. I could really get a lot done and had tons of energy. After this week, I'm convinced I've found a much better drug....

It's called IRON!! :-)

Iron Transfusion

2009-08-13T20:54:00.002-05:00

Been having issues with my iron levels for over a year a now. Finally seen a Hematologist and he decided that since I obviously can't absorb iron through my digestive tract, we would completely bypass that system and go direct into the blood stream. So yesterday, I spent about 5 hours hooked up to an IV (thank goodness for pediatric needles!!) getting iron pumped into me. It was not a big deal, just time consuming. I do have a bit of a tan from getting the iron. They told me since the iron is bronze in color that my skin would turn a little bronze from the super saturated levels for about a week while my body got it all stored where it belongs.

So here we are at the end of the summer and I have a really cool tan that I didn't have to sit in the sun for. BONUS!!

I am thrilled to say good-bye to anemia, and I am looking forward to days that are not so tired and sleepy!!! Thank God for iron transfusions. :)

Sabbatical has ended...

2009-08-10T07:41:00.002-05:00

Today is my first day back to the "real" world. Admittedly I am not ready. I have truly enjoyed being drama free, but life must go on. I cannot expect to "hole up" and still do effective ministry. If only it were that simple. So off I go again, life is rushing toward me and I intend to hit it running full speed.

God has spoke to me often the last three weeks (or, it's more likely I have listened often!) but regardless, communication has happened. My life is going to change dramatically over the upcoming weeks. I am having a hard time wrapping my mind around what my new schedule is going to look like, but rather than trying to figure it out, I am just going to start walking, one step at time, embracing every moment.

Bring on the CHANGE!!!

off to General Council '09

2009-07-31T20:52:00.002-05:00

We leave tomorrow for a 2 day trip to Orlando. I'm looking forward to it, it will be lots of fun. Everything is ready, we just need the clock to catch up with us and we'll be off!

Good times will be happening in Orlando. We will get to see one of the youth compete and we are expecting him to do very well. He's an incredible guitar player. The other youth are participating in an inner city missions outreach for 3 days. And Patrick and I get to go to a leadership conference. We're really looking forward to that.

Of course, we are in Orlando, and there will be some down time, it won't be rush, rush, rush for Patrick and I, so maybe a trip to the beach will be in order at some point! And the youth will be going to Sea World for some fun as well.

Good times, good times....

Phone Meeting with Mark Batterson

2009-07-28T15:10:00.002-05:00

Patrick and I just finished a phone meeting with Mark Batterson. It was a little awkward since we've never met, but after getting past the weirdness it was very good conversation. Patrick is writing a book and Mark is already published, so Patrick asked some questions there and got some really good info. We also had a bit of time to talk about leadership skills, sabbaticals, and then touched briefly on multi-sites there in Washington, D.C.

I like the flow of information that God is giving me during this sabbatical. Just enough to keep me digging in, but not so much that I'm overwhelmed and can't see the forest through the trees. Also I finished reading The Shack, it too was thought provoking. Gives you the opportunity to really grab hold of God and who He is!

Sabbatical-Day 8

2009-07-27T21:19:00.003-05:00

Today my black and white world became a little gray!! The death of a long time church member, John, brought new bridges to cross. John has not lived in the area for sometime, but the family will return to our church for the funeral. To complicate things, Patrick is out of town until late, late, Tues night which means he won't even be able to talk to the family until shortly before the funeral at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday morning. So, we did what we had to do. It was a little weird being back at the church and tip toeing around my conversation with our Associate Pastor. I had a million questions, and I had to choose not to ask. No way to continue winding down if I just keep rewinding myself. :-o

The last seven days have been rewarding, I have a complete peace about the things God has been talking to me about, but trust me, that Peace didn't come without me kicking and screaming for a few days. I must admit, it's so much easier to submit to God instead of holding on to our own way!!

Sabbatical has started!

2009-07-21T16:56:00.005-05:00

We arrived yesterday without any problems. I immediately got busy on one of the two classes I need to finish for my ordination. Not difficult to finish, just need to spend time focused on them. :). Also started reading In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day. I had planned on starting with The Shack, but because of our schedule I had to rearrange some of my reading. This first week will be spent reading both books Mark Batterson has out. The other is Wild Goose Chase. In A Pit With A Lion On A Snow Day is already challenging me!

Here's a pic of the cabin we are staying at, well actually its a pic of the "lake" in front of the cabin!! (when does a pond become a lake??) We send a huge thanks to the Oklahoma Assemblies of God District for allowing Oklahoma Pastors to stay. It's a perfect setting for vacation/sabbatical. We couldn't have chosen a better location!! Thank You OK A/G District!!

Sabbatical

2009-07-14T22:41:00.002-05:00

Monday begins a 3 week sabbatical for my husband and I. Patrick will still be working his secular job for the first 2 weeks, then the 3rd week he'll take vacation time and be off from both jobs!! But for me, I will be completely disconnected from the church for 3 weeks. No phone calls, no texts, no emails. Whatever will I do???

Honestly, (even though I was being a little smart mouthed about it) the closer it gets to Monday the higher my stress level is getting. I feel like I have to get everything done and I know not everything is going to get done and things are going to be happening while I'm gone and what if the staff can't handle it, and what if the sky turns green, and what if someone has drama and I'm not there to answer their questions, and what if new visitors come to the church while we're gone, and what if............

I think you get my point, all the drama that envelopes me is going to go away, starting Monday. I'm so used to it being there, I'm not sure what it will feel like not having it there.

Now on the other hand...I am very much looking forward to down time for some reading I haven't been able to do. There's one book specifically I have wanted to read and thanks to Gigi, I will be getting to it starting Monday. I have intentionally not read it while I've been so busy because I want to be able to absorb what it is going to speak to my heart. I am anxious to hear God's words through whatever venue he wants to use!!

This sabbatical is the strangest thing I've ever done, but I know God is going to speak to Patrick and me and I am chomping at the bits to hear from Him!!

Blood Drive

2009-07-03T07:13:00.003-05:00

We had our semi-annual blood drive yesterday. It didn't go as well as last year, but we did have 20 people show up to give and 14 units were collected. Last year 24 units were collected, but we did it on the 3rd instead of the 2nd, so next year we might plan that a little differently. We did have 4 new donors, and that's always a good thing, more donors equals more life giving blood!!

After having a transfusion last year in June, blood drives have a whole new meaning to me! I may not be living had it not been for someone taking the time to go to a blood drive and donate. I appreciate everyone, even the ones who attempted, but weren't allowed to donate. Thanks for being a part!!

Fireworks Tent

2009-06-29T06:34:00.002-05:00

It's time for fireworks tent again!! If you were following me last year you might remember the post where our tent almost blew away, rescued by myself and Christina (our associate pastors wife). My one lesson from that?? Grab the cash registers and credit card machine, then go inside!! The rest can blow away without me or my help!! I can guarantee you I won't hold the tent up again during that kind of weather. That was a horrible experience. :)

But, on to this year.... I have made a mental decision that I'm going to kick back and enjoy this. Now, there's no doubt that a fireworks tent is a lot of hard work, but there's also no doubt that it can be tons of fun as well. So I have chosen to get my mind off the junk and on to the fun!! I'm even up earlier than usual today because of it!!

We do need your prayers though, the company we work with has given us an ultimatum. We have to sell $10,000 this year or they won't let us do it again. So if you live near Welch, get your fireworks from us!! If you live light years away, pray that God will supply the need. It's a great service to our community and we hate to lose the opportunity to help out.

Happy 4th of July!!

Revival with Don Couch

2009-06-26T07:51:00.002-05:00

We just finished up two days with our evangelist Don Couch. We have two more to go. It has been good so far, we are all anticipating even more. I became acquainted with the Couches through working with our District Women's Department. Don's wife, Kay is quite the woman! She's beautiful, health conscious, detail oriented, and a servant at heart. Don is blessed to have such a woman of quality as his wife! Congratulations Don! Also congratulations to Don and Kay who have been married 35 years, they just celebrated an anniversary last week.

So, back to revival.... Last night Don specifically targeted about 4 or 5 people and gave them a word of prophecy. As a Pastor it was exciting to listen to his words, knowing the whole story of each person he was talking to. I am so anxious to see each prophecy fulfilled in each of their lives. :-) I eagerly await Saturday and Sunday to see what God is going to continue to do.

Until then...be blessed!!

Graduation and pics are here!

2009-06-21T07:44:00.005-05:00

Camry's graduation from "Female Modeling 1319" is over. The ceremony was super short, but Camry was beautiful. Turns out there were only 2 girls who finished the classes, and it just doesn't take very long for two girls to do a little ramp routine. But regardless of the length of the program Camry was beautiful as always.

We also were able to pick up here pics from her second photo shoot. Here's a couple the agency director liked!

One Step Completed

2009-06-19T21:27:00.002-05:00

Camry "graduates" from her modeling class tomorrow. We have invited family to view the presentation. It is a ramp show with two different outfits; dressy casual and after five. Camry is a little nervous...there's one particular swirling move that can make you look awesome if you do it correctly, or there's the potential of missing a beat and then you don't look so good :-/ !! Her instructors have also told her that clients sometimes come to graduations, so she's a little nervous about that too! Her grandma & grandpa are going to be there (with bells on I would imagine!); they will no doubt be busting their buttons while Camry is on the ramp.

This is the completion of step one of Modeling School, next will be the portion of the training that covers television and print ads. She's VERY excited about these classes. I'll be sure and post some pics of her graduation and let you know how it went!

Happy Anniversary

2009-06-11T12:32:00.003-05:00

Happy Anniversary to us!! Patrick and I have been married 21 years today. I've always said, if I could pick a spot on the time line to start my life over, I'd start the day I got married. It has been a fabulous 21 years. Patrick you're the joy of my life. I thank God for providing me with the best of the best!

Today I am reminded how blessed and highly favored I am!!

I love you Patrick...

Upcoming photo shoot

2009-06-10T23:03:00.002-05:00

I'm excited for my second daughter Camry, she's preparing for her second photo shoot this coming Saturday. This one is to have 2 looks, classic and high fashion. Classic is easy. Camry does that every day of the weak. Classy and timeless comes natural for her. Edgy and high fashion a little more difficult. We've spent some time preparing for this shoot. It's been fun buying things that Camry wouldn't normally wear. Mixing colors and styles that are very much on the edge for my classy young lady.

So Saturday we'll see a mix of purple, black, and yellow, with hats and scarfs and blingage. I can't wait to see how they turn how. She's really excited and working hard to be prepared as she can be. If the shoot goes well, these pics will be added to her portfolio for landing paid jobs.

It will be fun, I'm looking forward to it!!

That was scary!!

2009-06-09T22:36:00.003-05:00

Have I ever mentioned I HATE tornado season?? Have I ever mentioned I HATE it even more when my husband is out of town and I'm at home alone with the children and the tornado sirens go off???

Yes, well that was my life tonight. I wasn't even watching the weather. Didn't even have a clue bad weather was coming. We were shutting things down getting ready for bed...all of the sudden we hear the tornado siren. Boy did we jump into action. I will say we all know what the plan is and that's a good thing! :-)

We checked the computer and discovered there were several cells to be concerned about. It wasn't pretty for about 45 mins. One cell would dissipate and another would pop up. Quite frankly it made me a little nervous when they were all heading straight for Welch. I try to remain calm in these situations, but you can always tell I'm a little tense!!

But,an hour and half later, all is well. I thank God, literally, for He is the creator of all things, I thank Him for sparing our town once again from a mighty display of His creation. Natural disasters always make me ponder the idea of the power of God. If a tornado can wipe out a home or even a community, how much more is the power of the One True God? How much greater is His love for us? He is truly an amazing God.

Thank you God for sparing our home...our community.

More about exercise

2009-06-08T11:56:00.002-05:00

I recently took a road trip to western Colorado and discovered that 10 pounds weighs more in Colorado than it does in Oklahoma! Now logic tells me that facts are facts and 10 pounds is 10 pounds. But reality tells me that it was much harder to work out in Colorado than it was in Oklahoma. The ONLY explanation for this is that 10 pounds is heavier in Colorado. I know it has nothing to do with the higher elevation because that would mean I'm out of shape and that could certainly not be the case! lol!!

All this to say my cousin took me to her gym and I got to work out while I was gone. I was happy about that!! I expected to only get to walk some and it turned out I was able to do my full workout two of the three days I was there.

Life is good!!

2009-05-21T07:26:00.001-05:00

2 days in a row. And things are looking great for today. It's going much better this time!!! And I'm close to reaching the 2nd of my original goals. Under 300. Can't wait for Friday's weigh in! It will be close!!!!

Back on track???

2009-05-18T21:54:00.002-05:00

Well, I'm not sure if I'm back on track, but I do know I was at the gym today and burned over 1400 calories. I haven't forgotten I set a goal to do this for two weeks and hopefully today was day 1!!!

I have struggled terribly to get back in the gym. It is a constant battle everyday. I have more and more people pushing me which I need badly. Sometimes even with them pushing me I have still chosen not to workout. It has been a very dark time in my journey toward better health.

But even with all the negative, I'm happy to say today was an easy comeback. If tomorrow goes as well, getting back on track might come easy this time! :-)

Joico Hair Show

2009-05-03T22:46:00.008-05:00

Camry had the opportunity to audition for a hair show this weekend and she was chosen to be one of 3 models for Joico products. It has been a really long weekend requiring us to get up around 5:00 am both Saturday and Sunday. I know how it is when you work all weekend, this week is going to feel weird. We are, of course, accustomed to attending church on Sunday, but this was an exception, and not being in church on Sunday is going to make everything feel weird. But enough about me, let's talk about Camry!!

She had the time of her life!! This was her first paid job as a model. It wasn't tons of money, but it was tons of fun. :) She'll be able to use her paycheck to invest back into her modeling career by having some head shots since she now has a portfolio!! (I'm excited about that!!)

Joico's Artist is from Long Island, NY. Her first name is Stella and we LOVED Stella. She is awesome. We also got to meet Robert who is from Dallas, he worked with 3 other models using ISO products. (Robert is also an awesome Artist.) Here's Camry's start picture...

This started several hours of getting beautiful and bonding with the other models, Joico advisers, and of course the awesome Artists, Robert and Stella. They did something called prelightening. When this was finished, Camry's hair was a beautiful golden yellow blonde. ( I thought Camry was going to flip out at this point, of course, it was simply phase one and only a step in the process, but Camry couldn't figure all that out and was really, really nervous!! I just smiled and told her not to worry...) I will have to admit that Camry should never choose this as a final color, she does look hideous in those lovely warm colors!!

Do you see the "Oh my goodness what have I got myself into?" look in her eyes??? I can. She was thinking she would be a hot, gorgeous, blonde and at this point she's thinking I'm a not so hot gold-i-locks. YIKES!!!

She hates this particular picture. She'll be completely annoyed with me posting it, but it just shows what an incredible job Stella did. Now don't you dare jump to the end to see the finale`....

btw...this is Jessie, she is a Joico adviser. Also a very awesome person. She did lots to help Stella out with all three models and she also helped Camry out with her make-up for the stage.

After the golden blonde was dry, there was a waiting time while Stella worked with the other two models. Then they moved on to more foiling and applying the toner. It was really quite amazing. I get my hair and nails done a lot and although I'm certainly no expert, I learned some really good information I can't wait to pass on to my hairdresser (Joico has some really neat products! Yeah! I can't wait to try them!!)

Here's Stella and Jessie both working on Camry. They were applying the toner at this point. Getting rid of all that beautiful gold. Ahhh, that's too bad! :-( j/k

After processing it was a matter of shampooing, (and I learned a new term), "blowout", flat iron, more flat iron, flat iron again and then just a bit of cutting. Then we were sent off home to get some black clothes, get some sleep, and then head back to Tulsa the next morning. It's about an hour and half, so it made for a very early Sunday morning since we had to be back at the hotel where the show was being held at 7:00am. It was nice for Camry, she had strict instructions not to wash her hair. Don't do anything to it. She was also to come with only foundation and in casual clothes. She rolled out of bed at 5:20 and was ready to go in about 10 mins. If only I could have slipped on a hat and a pair of sweats. 10 mins would have worked for me too!!

Sunday, 7:00 am arrived and we were at the hotel. It was off to the prep room to get ready for the big presentation. More cutting and flat ironing, and flat ironing, and flat ironing. A little more cutting, one more flat iron and OKAY, you can do make-up now!! On with the stage make-up, smokey eyes and lipstick with a pop. It was great fun and Camry loved every minute of it. The following are the end results. Enjoy!! I'm sooo proud of Camry--she's doing a great job.

One final thought...a huge thanks to all the people with ISO/Joico. They treated my daughter very well...she can definitely work for them again!! It was truly our pleasure. :-)

My oldest daughter's first prom

2009-04-20T08:52:00.003-05:00

Sierra's not much of a girly girl. So dressing up for prom was quite the event!! Of course everyone was so shocked to see her with her nails done and make-up on. But there were no high heels. Sierra is tall any way so matching kicks were her choice for prom shoes!! They better suited her need for comfort anyway!!

I think Sierra rates boys right up there with make-up, it okay, but it's just not necessary right now!! So she and her friend Tayler made a night of it. They had a good time and made it home safely. I was very much okay with that!!

Twitter

2009-04-17T10:48:00.002-05:00

I joined the twitter freaks last night. Not sure I'm going to like it. I'm not really in to telling people every little thing about me. We'll see what happens. Maybe I'll find something new and exciting on this little endeavor. lol Right now, I'm not liking it so much can't figure out how to get everything to work. The website appears to be user friendly, but doesn't seem to be working correctly. Maybe I just have a glitch this morning...

Update on better health

2009-04-11T18:52:00.003-05:00

After meeting my goal of 21 days of consistency, I haven't been so consistent!! That stinks doesn't it??

I have recently come to the conclusion I need another goal. My 2nd short term goal hasn't worked out so well either considering I'm losing weight very, very slowly. Turns out my short term goal of getting under 300 pds is going to take a lot longer than I thought it was. But the good news is...I'm actually losing weight and not gaining!! Yea for me!! :-)

I have gained in other areas though, and I am very pleased about that. I am definitely getting stronger. Today during my workout I even upped (is that a word?) the weight on several different exercises AND I burned 1400 calories today. I have been burning around 1200-1300 so that was a change as well. Of course the reason I'm burning more calories during my workout is because I'm keeping my heart rate closer to the target rate of 85%. One time a few days ago, I even hit 88%! That was a first and caused me to do a double take!! LOL

Even though it's not showing up on those stupid scales or in my clothes, I know I'm making progress and I choose to continue on my journey toward better health. I am very happy with this new direction and see no reason to go back to my old ways.

So, Here's to me! Keep on keeping on!! My new goal is to burn 1400 calories during my workouts for at least 2 weeks. I'll let you know what happens!!

Camry was beautiful!!

2009-03-24T22:18:00.003-05:00

Camry did very well at her first fashion show. It was a prom show for Dillards. She had a ton of fun getting her hair done, doing her make-up, trying on all the different dresses.... It was truly a dream come true for her. Her friend, Kayla, came along to join in the fun. Kayla, thanks for for being there for Camry. You're such a good friend!

I loved every minute of it. Camry was a confident, beautiful, classy, and gorgeous young lady. I am so very proud of her. :-}

Almost there!!

2009-03-18T07:43:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow will be 21 days of consistency. 1st short term goal achieved! Yea for me. :-)

The road has been relatively easy. A few bumps, but not bad. There was only one day that I truly didn't want to go to the gym, but with just a small nudge from my husband I was off to workout.

My major issue to overcome is psychological. When I weighed in yesterday I had only lost one pound. That means that in almost 2 1/2 weeks of working out and monitoring calories I have only lost 2 pds. Because of this I can hear the voices taunting me...This isn't worth it. It doesn't matter how much you work out you're never going to lose weight. You're just wasting your money. Why bother working out for an hour, 30 mins will do, you're not losing weight anyway? There's no need to push, it doesn't make a difference anyway.

So I choose to fight with everything in me against those voices. I know those voices are NOT TRUTH. I know the choices I am making are for long term change, I did not end up overweight overnight, and I will not end up healthy in just 3 short weeks!! This doesn't make the road easy, it just gives me the opportunity to win every time I walk out of the gym. As long as I don't give in, I will win every time I work out.

My beautiful daughter

2009-03-16T22:56:00.004-05:00

Our second oldest daughter has been going to modeling classes, she has really learned so much just in the few short weeks she has attended. With less than 1/2 her classes completed she was given an opportunity to attend an audition. So we did everything that we knew to do and anticipated learning a great experience in order to be prepared for future tryouts closer to the end of classes.

Much to our surprise, Camry not only auditioned, but she made the cut!! We were so surprised. You aren't supposed to make your first audition!! :-o On top of that, she not only made the cut for the show she auditioned for, but also got invited to do a different show this Saturday. We were thrilled!

I am so proud of Camry. I can't tell you how much she has changed over the last year. Her self-esteem is going up and up and up, and I am elated. Tonight when she walked on that runway during the tryout she exuded confidence. I couldn't have asked for more. You know this modeling class isn't free, but I can guarantee you that Camry is worth EVERY penny we are investing in her. She such a good girl.

CONGRATULATIONS CAM...YOU DID AWESOME! I love you...Mom

The good news is...

2009-03-12T22:31:00.002-05:00

...I'm not bitter! Still a little sore from getting wrote up, but we'll survive. I moved on. What's done is done. :-)

Today was Day 14 of my journey to better health. I am 7 days away from completing my short term goal of 21 days of consistency. SWEET! Admittedly I have struggled during this second week of working out. It seems like I'm more tired now than I was before I started, but according to what I've read in the past this is normal. So I have just pushed through, and stayed motivated. I am encouraged by my heart rate today. It stayed between 75-80% most of my workout. That is good news and a first for me. I'm looking forward to tomorrows workout, I should see some of the same. Also, I discovered that at a higher heart rate, I burn more calories. SWEET! (No, I said sweet not sweat :-o...) I can't wait for this stuff to start showing up on the scales and in my clothes.

It won't be long now....

Did I say I was angry???

2009-03-11T18:37:00.003-05:00

I've calmed down...I decided a few hours ago I was just irritated and not angry now!! :-0

Seriously, I did come to discover why I was so upset. It's really important to me to be the best daycare we can be (preferably in our entire area, if not the entire state). And getting wrote up over so many things really ticked me off. If we were the best we wouldn't be getting wrote up. :-(

So, even though I didn't like it, we got a good swift kick in the pants. Although we provide very good care, after fixing all the issues they want corrected we will be even better, even stronger.

Striving for Excellence...

Good is my enemy!

ANGRY. I took it personally...

2009-03-11T07:12:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was not a good day. I woke up this morning still fuming about it.

Our church has a daycare facility (3 star, I might add) :) and we had our first regular visit from DHS (governing state agency) since our director change in December. Now understand, our previous director had been with us 3 years when she left. Our new director, although she has been a teacher with us for three years under the previous director has never been in a leadership position. So it has been a huge change for our new director. And on top of all that, the leadership styles between the two are completely different.

So...for the past three months our new director has been trying to get stuff straight. She's pretty detail oriented and probably pushing the line on being a work-a-holic, therefore she's has spent LOTS and LOTS of extra hours trying to get everything lined out (oh, and did I mention that day care workers are seriously underpaid???). Well, according to what happened yesterday none of that was good enough. Yesterday was the first time in three years that we have had a visit that lasted for 3 1/2 hours and according to her she wasn't done, but was going to go ahead and leave because "we were sick of her being there". WOW! One other time we had a new DHS person come with her supervisor and they were there 2 1/2 hours, but they were done. The supervisor was training the new DHS person and I guess they chose our facility to do it. I would take that again any day over what we experienced yesterday.

Don't get me wrong. The DHS worker wasn't ugly, she was professional in her duties, she wasn't even cold or uncaring. My complaint does not revolve around her attitude. My complaint revolves around the extent to which she judged our facility. Now, I'm a very black and white person, and I have no problem with following the rules which is what this lady is requiring, but yesterday she judged whether or not we had met EVERY rule in the entire book without exception. And if our new director didn't know that it was a rule we got wrote up for it. That's my problem. It's not like my new director hasn't spent nights at home with the licensing manual trying to catch everything that needed to be done. Admittedly she missed some things, although she has corrected sooooo much. But again, it wasn't enough according to yesterday's visit.

It would have been much better for the DHS lady to go through things and help our new director get it straight by pointing out the things she had missed, rather than writing us up for every little detail. I could see if she had been to our facility before and asked for things to be corrected and then came yesterday and nothing had been done. You know, it's one thing if our children's care was being compromised, if our facility was unsafe, if our teachers were providing inappropriate care. That's not the case. We were being wrote up over loop holes and details. I'm just not okay with that. The system is warped. I'm angry.

New Levels--New Devils!!!

2009-03-06T07:52:00.002-06:00

Week one of my journey to a lifestyle change has ended. Yesterday was day 7. I was so excited, I did it. I completed one week. Woo hoo!

But now week two has started and and today was not so good!!! I struggled the whole time, having to push, push, push to even keep my heart rate up in the 60 percentile range, I think I only hit the 70's once!! That's soooo bad compared to last week. :-( But even in my struggle, the good news is I didn't quit. I wanted to sooooooooo very bad. I gave myself all kinds of excuses. All kind of alternate plans. But I would not achieve my goal of 21 days of consistency if I didn't finish my work out today. Thank goodness for short term goals. It was my kick in the pants for today!!

My workout is over and I'm off for tomorrow for a day of "rest" (at least from the gym!). I'm looking forward to better days ahead. I didn't like having a bad day.

Biggest Loser Wannabe

2009-03-04T07:18:00.003-06:00

My quest for being the Biggest Loser may have ended, but my desire to be healthier has not!

While preparing my video for the audition I had to do some soul searching and I discovered some things about myself. I have always said I was okay with being overweight, it wasn't a big deal to me. Well that was hogwash. The first time I had to put my weight and height down for someone to see, I was NOT okay with it. :-0 That was a very humbling experience. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out I'm overweight, but actually telling my exact weight...well no one needs to know that!!!

So I have set a long term goal of losing 190 pds. That will put me at 125 pds and in a size 8. I have 2 short term goals---1) don't vary from the workout schedule for 21 days 2) get below 300 pds. Yes, if you do the math you'll know my starting weight!! ;-)

My main push for losing weight is simple math!! By monitoring my caloric intake and then monitoring how many calories I'm burning during my workout, I can make sure that I'm burning more than I'm eating, thus I will lose weight. This is an avenue I have never tried before, but it's been working so far, and seeing all those calories burned during workout has been a huge motivator!!

So, I may not be a television superstar, but I will be a Biggest Loser. I can't wait to achieve my first goal!!!!!

Game Over Thanks for Playing

2009-02-26T07:04:00.002-06:00

My dream of television fame died a horrible death last night!!

Just kidding! I did audition for Biggest Loser at the open call in OKC, but did not get a call back. So I spent the next 4 days making a video to send in. Somehow, someway my video files got corrupted. I'm pretty good on a computer and I truly have no answer as to what on earth happened, so I'm taking it as a very clear answer that ends with a closed door!!

I had been in a dilemma as to whether or not I was to continue on this quest and go to Dallas to audition again and deliver my video with the long application. So I concluded last night when my brother couldn't fix the video either that I had my answer. I am okay with it, it's been an interesting experience, full of casting directors and filming jargon.

So here's to The Biggest Loser, thanks for giving me the opportunity and introducing me to world I didn't even know existed!!

The biggest loser audition

2009-02-18T07:10:00.003-06:00

I've decided to audition for The Biggest Loser! It is this Saturday and I'm pretty nervous. I watched the show last night and all kinds of voices were screaming at me that I could never do those things and why bother, I won't win the game any way!

I choose not to listen to those voices. This is something I really want to do. I have been focused on a healthier lifestyle for several years and though I have made some progress I have not made significant progress. The Biggest Loser will give me the opportunity to make significant progress. I'm going to give it my very best, that's the most I can give. If my very best doesn't get me on the show, then it just wasn't meant to be.

I'd appreciate a prayer or two if you think of me this week. This is definitely pushing me outside my box, but I feel confident about my decision and I'm looking for positive results. :-)

Hmmmm

2009-02-16T07:23:00.003-06:00

My husband's father passed away on Saturday. Here are somethings I find odd:

We have not seen or spoke to him in several years...

His current wife couldn't even prepare an obituary because she didn't even know where 2 of the brothers lived...

The "boys" (there are 4 of them) aren't sure if they want to have a memorial service...

It all seems a little strange to me. I can't relate to any of it....

Update on Camry

2009-02-12T07:14:00.002-06:00

It's been 10 days since her Ablation and she's doing great. The incisions have healed up nicely. It's a little difficult to tell whether or not the flutter was fully corrected since Camry was asymptomatic to begin with. We return to her Dr. in late March, they will be able to check her pacemaker and find out whether or not she's been having any more atrial flutter. Until then, I am looking forward to better days. My desire for Camry was for this procedure to change her quality of life and I am anxiously awaiting for those signs to appear!

All is well

2009-02-05T07:28:00.002-06:00

We are home. Camry will be going to school today. She went to youth group last night and did fine, so hopefully she'll be good at school as well. She's missed out on 3 days of work and that always makes her feel pressured as she hates to miss school!

I decided not to return to work until today. I started out with plans to return yesterday, but I'm just plain tired! I feel more rested today than I did yesterday, I am thankful for that. We'll hit the road running again today. Life must go on!

Thank you God for protecting Camry during her surgery and recovery time. You are such a good God. Thank you for taking care of her always...I love you.

Camry

2009-02-03T08:14:00.002-06:00

Last night (Monday) was a rough night coming off the anesthesia. She was nauseous until after midnight, throwing up several times before that. It was sooooo exciting---NOT.

Beyond that she is doing well. They unhooked the IV. She still has a hep lock (sorry, don't know the correct spelling for that!), and is moving very slow. But we are thankful she's moving. Hopefully she can eat this morning and hold something down. If all goes well we should be dismissed early afternoon.

Patrick slept at the hotel last night while I stayed at the hospital. We switched around 7:30 and now I get some blessed uninterrupted sleep. The hotel has been generous and allowed us a late check out.

so for now...goodnight!

My Friend Michael

2009-01-30T08:07:00.000-06:00

Well, Micheal is now at a different Teen Challenge facility much closer to home. We are all very thrilled about that. We can now see him occasionally, but more importantly, he will be able to see his family more often.

I pray this will help tremendously. Micheal still has big, big issues to overcome, but as much as I believed in him when he first left, I still believe in him today. He can do this I have no doubt!

Camry

2009-01-29T21:59:00.002-06:00

Our second oldest daughter will be having an Ablation (which is a heart procedure, similar to a heart cath) this coming Monday, Feb 2nd. I am asking each of you to pray for her. Among other things, Camry has atrial flutter. This procedure has the potential to correct the flutter and make it go away, which would be a blessed relief for Camry.

Thanks...

Followers

2009-01-25T22:59:00.003-06:00

Okay, so I know you're out there, because I see you and hear from you.

And about my "Followers" link....

It's not that hard to just click the little link. There's no form to fill out, no donations to my retirement account have to be made (but they are appreciated!!) It's just really not that hard. The least you could do is patronize me.

So there you have it. That is my very indirect way of inviting you to click on the link on the left and let the world know you're following my blog. It's really okay to do this! It will only boost my ego and trust me I could use some extra fluff right now!!

Just kidding...

click the link....K?

Puzzling Information

2009-01-23T10:49:00.006-06:00

I'm so excited!!! We just kicked off a puzzle fundraiser and I wanted to share it with all my readers!! We are trying to find 100 people/businesses/churches who will sponsor a puzzle piece. (Puzzles pieces can be sponsored for $250, $500, $750, or $1000.) Each puzzle piece will have the sponsors name written on the back of the puzzle piece and at the end of the fundraiser we will encase the puzzle in plexiglass so both the front and the back can be viewed. We will also prepare a wall plaque with each donors name engraved on a name plate. $250 donations will be Gold, $500 will be Silver, $750 will be Blue, and $1000 will be Red.

Our church is very focused on our community and this fundraiser will help us meet the needs of our community in a much bigger and better way! I can't wait!!!!!

If you would like to sponsor a puzzle piece just click here to make a donation.

A Big Scare

2009-01-03T09:30:00.004-06:00

Do you remember my friend Micheal? If not, he's made some bad choices and landed himself in a Teen Challenge facility in Minnesota. His parents went to visit him this weekend and left their oldest son, one of Micheal's brothers, David with some people in our church. Now why would David need to be left with people in our church? Because David had seizures when he was a toddler and had permanent brain damage.

David is now 21ish (I say "ish" because I'm not exactly sure how old he is! I'll have to check on that... :/ ) Anyway, David hasn't had a seizure for years, but since Mom and Dad were out of town, he apparently decided today was a good day to have one. Thankfully he pulled out of it on his own. He was at church tonight, a little low-key for David, but overall he seemed okay.

I cannot imagine the strain his mom and dad went through when I called and told them to check in the "sitters" and why. Hours and hours away and their son is back home having huge drama. I am so thankful we know Jesus Christ. I cannot image walking through this life with no one to lean on or help with the hard times. He is truly a Life Saver!

A New Normal

2009-01-03T09:30:00.002-06:00

I have determined finding a new normal is necessary. Minor changes have happened which require a change in my precious schedule. For those who read my blog and don't know me personally, I am completely and totally ADD. This means that schedules are incredibly important and necessary to keep me functional.

For those of you who work closely with me you've heard this a million times, but for those who don't I'll repeat my standard phrase..."You know I don't care what the plan is, I just want to know the plan!" So with a change in the daycare director, a change in my oldest daughter's schedule, hopefully a positive change in my lack of attendance at the gym (hehe), and a handful of other little, tiny details, I'm having a hard time pulling it all together.

I've been exercising in the evenings, so far that's working out okay, I don't know what will happen when I have something scheduled every night for weeks on end, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it! Today I organized the fundraiser our church is starting. (I'll tell you about that later.) And hopefully I helped our new director get some things done and off her back. I can actually see the top of my desk in one area!!! Isn't that amazing. I'm so impressed.

So, I'll keep pushing. Wading through the mush, and wrapping up details one item at a time. Eventually it will get done or become unimportant and drop off the list!

I will find a new normal once again. ;-0

Finished painting

2009-01-03T09:30:00.000-06:00

So here we sit in my beautiful new home. Okay, so it's not actually new, but it sure feels different!! New carpet, new walls. Wow! It really makes a difference.

We picked up paint on Saturday, moved everything away from the walls and started in. A few short hours later we were back in business. My dining room used to be purple, so I had lots of purple flowers. Now my walls are mustard and I was sure the purple would have to go. But to my delight, purple is an excellent accent. Its very nice.

I am thankful for the beautiful colors God created for us to enjoy. It's funny how a little splash of color can create so much pleasure. Enjoy His creation. It's beautiful!!!

Serenity...or Surrender?

2009-01-03T09:12:00.006-06:00

We arrived home last night from a wonderful vacation that didn't last quite long enough! I'll have to admit I'm not ready to return, but ready or not, life is rushing toward me!!

We've had a change in our daycare director and that leaves lots of opportunities to make sure we aren't missing's all the details I haven't tended to for some time now. Theres lots to take care of, but our new director is very capable and will soon have things running without me again. :-)

We also have a pastoral staff retreat coming up shortly and there's lots to plan for that as well.

Then, finally, we were given some used berber and while we were gone a few in the church laid it for us. It's a stark difference. The old carpet was green, the new carpet is cream. My walls are painted cream as well, so that is definitely going to change. So off to the paint store I will go today and we'll get the walls painted a different color. It will look so much better.

And let's not forget I'm scheduled to preach tomorrow, have a lunch appt on Monday, our new School of Ministry starts Mon night.... Like I said life is rushing toward me. So, here we go. 2009, bring it on!

Blessed

2008-12-26T08:31:00.002-06:00

We have been so blessed this year! Patrick's new job is working out very well. He is so much happier than he used to be. He doesn't carry the weight of the world with him anymore. It's such a nice change.

Christmas this year, financially, has also been a blessing. We were able to pay all our bills and buy all our Christmas gifts without going over budget. Almost every item we bought was on sale, even the planned purchases! It was perfect. God has been very good to us. He is a good God.

And then there's the reason for the season. I have really been preaching this year about keeping Jesus the center of Christmas. It's not about gifts to each other, but about a deity in heaven choosing to come to earth as a child and ultimately dying on a cross. And He did all that for us! I am indeed loved!

The first snow...

2008-12-17T07:39:00.002-06:00

We had our first snow for our area. The kids have been out of school for three days now!! If you live up north it probably seems a little weird to close down just for a little bit of snow, but that how it works in the south. I have always imagined that we just don't get enough bad weather to justify having the equipment to clear the roads. I don't really know though, it's just what I have conjured up to justify their actions. :)

In the midst of all this I didn't realize we were getting so close to Christmas vacation. My kids get out Friday. Our Christmas activities will begin on Sunday and before you know it we'll be headed to Branson, MO for our own vacation. We enjoy spending time in Branson, we haven't been there in three years so we're all looking forward to it.

Merry Christmas to each of you!

Junk

2008-11-29T10:41:00.004-06:00

In preparation for decorating for Christmas we needed to get some junk out of the way. So yesterday was spent reorganizing and getting rid of junk.

I have discovered that I have become way to forgiving when it comes to stuff in my house. I pretty well let the entire family do what they want with whatever they want. They never put their junk in their rooms. I decided this past week, that I have had enough. I personally declared war. Of course this means everyone thinks I'm being a hag, which is ultimately my fault, but they're just going to have to get over it. :-) Their stuff is going to their room.

I'm sooooooo tired of my house being junked up. Of course, we can make the same application for our spiritual lives. When we finally get sick of our lives being junked up, we declare war and do some serious cleaning out. Maybe you need to declare war with me!!

Decorations Everywhere!!!

2008-11-28T08:44:00.002-06:00

Yeah!!! I'm so excited!!! We get to decorate for Christmas. It's soooo much fun. Today we'll be dragging out all the Christmas decorations and putting them in place. I've been working on the church decor since Monday and we're almost finished there. Pastor John always has to put up with my brilliant ideas. I come up with something and he gets to figure out how to make it happen. Poor Pastor John.....

So on with the show....lucky for Pastor John he's off today, too bad for husband cause that means he gets to figure out how to make all my bright ideas look great. It's sooooo much fun decorating for Christmas......

It's Thanksgiving!!

2008-11-27T08:12:00.002-06:00

You know what that means? It means Christmas is just around the corner!!! Yea!!!! I'm so excited.

Now, far be it for me to downsize the Thanksgiving Holiday. And it's not that I'm not thankful. I am. I have lots and lots to be thankful for. It's just that Christmas thrills me. Like way down deep inside. I love the Christmas spirit.

Christmas is the one season of the year that is focused on Jesus. I know, there are many out there who would argue that "they're trying to take Christ out of Christmas". But whatever with their negative outlook. So what if "they" are? Whoever "they" is!!

"They" cannot take away the Christmas spirit. You know, that feeling you get when you watch a family who is down and out get blessed. That feeling when you walk in a room decked out with Christmas decorations. That feeling when the family sits down to read the Christmas story. And what about the feeling when you think about Santa and what he represents? (no, we don't believe Santa is real, but in my opinion Santa is a real part of Christmas!!) And of course there's the feelings that come with having the family home, together in one place. There are so many things to be thankful for during the Christmas season.

So, for me, Christ will never be taken out of Christmas. He is Christmas. Without Jesus, it's just another day, just another gift.

What's one of your favorite "feelings" at Christmas?

Here's another one of mine. I love to spend Christmas at the lake. I always hope to be snowed in the day after we arrive and then let it be melted off by the time we leave!! :-) All the Christmas lights sparkling off the water. The snow glistening. Fireplace glowing. Ahhhhh...what a lovely time of year....

Too much fun...

2008-11-21T13:06:00.003-06:00

What an incredibly exciting day. I just don't know how much more exciting it could get. I just found out that we have three choices to provide heat to our house this year.

Repairs to our more than 20 year old unit--$1200

Brand new unit--$4750

Space heaters--$400

Needless to say, my husband is totally stressed out about this whole situation. But hey it could be worse. We could not have options at all. We could be going without heat all together right?

So what would you do?

Amazing

2008-11-20T07:26:00.002-06:00

Some time ago, I suggested a blog to my readers, In The Throne Room. Today I just wanted to say how this woman, Gigi, amazes me. She has such a sweet spirit, it just emanates from her blog. I don't know how she accomplishes this, but she does!

She recently lost her husband to cancer (just over a week ago). And although she is not saying much in her blogs, that same sweet spirit is still there. My spouse is still living, so I have no idea what she must be experiencing, but I can try to imagine the heartache she must feel. And yet even in the midst of what I assume must be very painful she continues to exude peace.

Of course I know she finds her peace by looking to God and believing his word. I also know not everyone in this world does that. I was looking at some of the atheist blogs yesterday and happen to read about someone dying and the post/comments were so bitter and bland. Even though an atheist wouldn't even consider looking to what they call our imaginary friend. I am so thankful I choose to believe in the One True God. There is nothing in all the world that could convince me He doesn't exist and He doesn't love me. I believe my friend Gigi, even in her time of sorrow, would say the same thing.

Have a great day!

Gigi--we are praying for you!!

2008-11-18T21:05:00.004-06:00

For those you who don't know, my husband and I are Sr. Pastors, and this past Sunday was Pastor Appreciation. Now, I know, you're saying November?? Huh? Pastor Appreciation is in October!! But that's okay. We were actually the ones to postpone it. Events that were out of the control of anyone but God didn't make Pastor Appreciation very appropriate during the month of October for us at Gateway Church!! So, we postponed it until this past Sunday. :-)

It was really nice, several people gave us cards expressing their appreciation as well as gift cards for us to go on a date (which is ALWAYS a great deal!). They also spent time during the Sunday morning service taking turns passing the microphone and those who wanted to, could tell us why they appreciate us. As our associate said, it doesn't take much to make me boo-hoo, but Pastor Pat crying, that a whole different deal. He said their goal was to make him cry as well (hehe), and cry he did. It's very moving and humbling to listen to person after person talk about how God has used us to affect lives in a positive way.

Thank you to each one who expressed their appreciation in any way big or small.

We love you.

It didn't work out so well!!

2008-11-18T20:52:00.001-06:00

My son's team ended up losing their final game. So they are officially runner-up in our conference. But it's all good. My son just enjoys playing. He did jamb his thumb and he's been fussing about it, but I'm not too worried. Basketball is around the corner and I have no doubt that a little thumb injury won't be remembered too much longer!!

My oldest son...

2008-11-15T08:14:00.004-06:00

My son's football team has progressed to their final game for the season. They even call it the Superbowl! I think the name is ridiculous, but hey, whatever, it's nothing to get worked up over.

Logan does a great job in his position. He's a real asset to the team. I very proud of him for working hard and giving it his best effort. Here in our town they start playing football in the 2nd grade. Patrick and I feel that is entirely too young to start playing football, so we didn't allow him to begin playing until he was in the 5th grade. Considering this is only his 2nd year to play he's really doing a great job.

Good luck to the team and I'll let you know how it goes!

Finally...

2008-11-14T07:24:00.004-06:00

We are finally getting my house painted. It's been in the middle of the project for a over a year now. (What can I say?) :)

We are to the point of painting the trim, which of course is the time consuming part, but if the weather will hold out for us we'll get the job done next week.

Thanks to all who have had a part in this project, even though it's taken forever to get it done, we appreciate your help now and all the way back to when we first started. Your sacrifice of time and effort hasn't gone unnoticed!

I am.......SUPER MOM! ! ! !

2008-11-12T17:37:00.003-06:00

Yes, that's right. Just look to me, I can do it all. And above all else I have perfect children. If only you could all be like me....

...POP! BOOM! BANG!...

That was Utopia exploding. :-o If only I could be Super Mom.

Today I struggled with doing the right thing. I believe in setting boundaries for my kids and so all my children have boundaries. Today I wanted to bend the boundaries to protect my poor precious perfect child who was obviously being singled out. Oops...slipping again! :-) So yes, I wanted to bend the rules, help my kid out. You know, step in and do what my child couldn't do. It was all I could do, to not step in and "help out". All it would have taken was a little encouragement from the wrong voice.

But thankfully, I had good counsel, and opted to keep my mouth shut and just get through it. My child will get to learn a valuable lesson on "Life's not Fair 101" and I get to learn that teaching my child "I will fix it for him/her" isn't really helping them at all. It hurts them in the long run. In the long run, when my child can think through their problems themselves and be proactive I will be busting buttons because of how proud I am of my "independent, selfless, and mature" children.

The new job

2008-11-10T16:14:00.003-06:00

It's been three months now since Patrick started his new job. He has traveled more the last three months than he's traveled probably in the last year maybe year and a half!! That has been hard on me. I have never liked it when he travels, but I have learned to accept it. And yet, it still gets under my skin when he has to be gone so much!!

But on to other things. Patrick is very happy and that makes me happy. :-) Seating Concepts is very good to Patrick, and for that I am quite pleased. In December I get to go to Chicago with Patrick for three days. He will work in the office, I will chill at the hotel!! The office Christmas party is scheduled during Patrick's time there, so I am looking forward to that. I will get to meet the other wives and build some relationships there. It should be fun.

Of course, I always love Christmas. Emotionally, it's such a warm and cozy time, and I love that. There's nothing like Christmas time!!

Pics

2008-11-05T12:41:00.001-06:00

I finally posted the pics on my daughters broken nose go here to see them!!

I hate politics...

2008-11-05T12:21:00.004-06:00

have I said that before? I think I have!

Just in case any of you out there forgot this about me, I thought I'd remind you!!

:-)

2008-11-03T20:41:00.002-06:00

Here we are at a turning point for our nation. The results of tomorrows election will tell all. I have a peace about my future no matter which man is elected. Although I have a firm opinion about which one I believe should be elected, I know that regardless of the outcome the One True God is in control.

There is a peace in knowing the One True God personally, that those who do not know Him can never find that peace. I invite you today to get know Him. Let Him inside your innermost being. You may surprised at the outcome!

(If you don't know Jesus Christ personally just pray and believe the following prayer!)

Jesus, I know that everyone has sinned, and I am a part of that. Please forgive me of my sins. I believe you died on the cross for me. I accept your gift of salvation. Be the Lord of my life beginning right now. Amen.

Now tell someone (you can even send me an email :->) and begin enjoying a life that has a peace that goes beyond our human understanding!

Its been a rough weekend

2008-10-27T21:24:00.004-05:00

Our Music Pastor's mother was killed in a car accident Friday afternoon. His daughter Kelly and her friend were in the car as well. The friend is okay other than a small abrasion and terribly sore. Kelly was released from the hospital Sunday. She has a concussion. This is the second one in less than six months for her. She is very, very sore. Moving even a little is quite a job for her.

From what the family is being told by those who witnessed the accident, we are blessed to even have Kelly with us. The family has seen the car and took pictures and it's really messed up. Kelly's quite a determined young lady, she pushes herself to do more and more each day. I'm sure her recovery will go quickly. She's already off her pain pills except at night time and the night time dose is by mom's choice not hers!! :-) She's a remarkable young lady, God is definitely watching over her.

My heart goes out to our Music Pastor, he lost his father to a farming accident (I believe) about 17-18 years ago, and now his mother to an accident as well. I have not lost either parent and I have no idea how it must feel to lose even one parent, much less both. I cannot imagine what he must be going through. Pray for him if you happen to think of this situation, I have no doubt your prayers would be appreciated.

The funeral will be this Thursday at 10:00 and then the burial will be in his home town a few hours away at 3:00. Thursday will be a long and emotional day for the family. Please keep all of them in your prayers.

My poor daughter

2008-10-09T13:07:00.005-05:00

We went to regionals and she got nailed in the face with a softball. Sadly, by our catcher, who is a senior, is really good, and has a really strong arm. She felt terrible, poor girl. Yes, it's broken, but thankfully it's still straight!! Everything that could have went wrong, DIDN'T!! We are very blessed. So just swelling and bruising and pain. It definitely could have been worse.

It's been right at 7 days now, today the bruising is visibly starting to leave. She's backing off on the Tylenol dosage. I'll have to give her 2 thumbs up. She was a real trooper through the whole thing!

As soon as I figure out how to get the pictures off my precious little iPhone and onto my computer I have them posted for you!! :-/

I finally figured out how to download pics to my computer. Then it took me forever to remember to post them!!

The first one is at the emergency room after the game. The second one is the day after. The third one is several days later with the bruising at its worst point!

What's happening? Does anyone know?

2008-09-27T07:22:00.003-05:00

I have just been slammed over the past few weeks. Of course if you keep up with me you know I'd much rather be busy than sitting around with nothing to do. So although it's been crazy, it is my preferred lifestyle. :)

For those of you wondering what happening with me and new found life with politics, as you may know, the petition to request a grand jury got thrown out because we didn't have enough signatures. (big oops on our attorney's part) And although the "other side" reportedly had a victory celebration because they had "won", "winning" apparently was not enough. During this last week there was an investigation by the DA's office. To my knowledge six of the petition carriers were accused of misdeeds and turned in to the DA's office. I was included in the six. It's my understanding we were being accused of either forging signatures or allowing people to forge signatures. Of course the accusations are completely and totally without standing, but the accusations do reinforce the opinion that people wouldn't sign the petition because they were afraid there would be a retaliation. It's a little hard to believe his statement in the newspapers that he "holds no malice" toward any of us. Sure looks like malice to me, but hey, that's just my opinion!!

So, for now, I continue to support our school and other school board members by doing whatever I can to help out. Of course, I understand our school and administration are not perfect, but please point me to someone in this world who is. None of us are perfect, we all make mistakes. Too bad we all can't just admit our faults and be honest with ourselves and others....

iPhone

2008-09-18T07:15:00.002-05:00

I got an iPhone yesterday. It's so cool. I love it. I've been looking around and shopping for a smartphone and I finally decided on the iPhone. It does so many really cool things, I am thrilled to have it. I was kidding with my staff about when it came in I would be a walking office. And yep! it's true. I am a walking office. Isn't that cool!!!

Okay, so maybe I'm a little overboard about my new toy..I mean tool...but it is really exciting!!

School of Ministry

2008-09-16T07:34:00.002-05:00

We had our first inquiry yesterday about the school of ministry. I was so excited when I hung up the phone!! (Yes...I know...it's the little things in life) :-) We also went to a minister's meeting last night and found out there are lots of people out there who are talking about enrolling with us.

I, of course, wanted this school of ministry to be "successful", but having the reality of people actually calling and talking about their plans to enroll is unbelievable! It just seems too good to be true!!

It's funny how sometimes when you're doing exactly what God wants you to do, everything seems so simple!!!

My daughter...

2008-09-09T21:38:00.003-05:00

...this isn't actually a picture of her, but we have pics that look identical to this one. I almost didn't post it as it doesn't really carry very good memories. It was a very difficult time in our life having to face the choices we had to face.

For those of you who know us personally, some of this will be a bit redundant, but for those you who don't know, let me share just a little with you.

We have four children, our second child was born with heart disease. She had open heart surgery at 9 days old to correct Transposition of the Great Vessels. Basically that means they cut off the artery and vein going to heart, criss-crossed them and sewed them back on. She has done very well since then. Basically leading a normal life.

At age 11 (literally on her 11th b-day!) she had to have a pacemaker put in. This came about over a two week period. We were in complete shock since she has had little to no issues since her surgery as a baby. But over the past four years we have adjusted to the pacemaker and for the most part she still has very little issues.

Until today....

Her heart apparently skipped a few beats and then her pacer kicked in to correct the issue and she must have "felt" it all happen. She called me from school to let me know what was going on, I called her pacemaker clinic. We did a download from her pacemaker for the clinic to look at, and ultimately ended up at the ER!

Of course, it's kind of like taking your car to the mechanic, it never messes up once you've arrived at the shop. Well, she had 3 more episodes after talking to me on the phone the first time, and once we got to the hospital, nothing. So we stayed for a few hours while they ran blood test and took x-rays, and then sent us home because they couldn't find anything.

I'm thankful there was nothing to find. Quite frankly it could have been really bad. We are so very blessed that our daughter is in good health. God's hand of protection has been on her the past 15 years, and I have no doubt he will continue to cover her. I am so thankful to be a part of his kingdom.

Thank you God for the blessing of a child!

Good choices or God choices

2008-09-07T21:30:00.003-05:00

We have been working really hard at getting out of debt. Although we still have a ways to go. I am thrilled to report we have eliminated one of our monthly bills. We took our 2007 refund and paid it off. I was so excited about the whole thing, I didn't even wait for Patrick to get home from Hawaii. I just called the creditor and took care of it.

Now we are focused on our vehicles. We have about 18 months left on both of them. My goal is to have one of them paid off in 12 months, and the other in 16 months. That means Jan of 2010 I should be reporting to you that we have both cars paid for. I think that's very doable!!

In all of this babbling please don't forget who makes this possible. Everything we have belongs to God. He allows us to keep 90% of what we earn and use it in whatever way we choose. God is blessing our choices and we are focused on continuing to make "God" choices!!

Have a great week....

Hawaii

2008-09-02T10:23:00.003-05:00

My husband returned from Hawaii Sunday. He's really tired. The jet lag was pretty hard on him. He was actually on the island of Hawaii, the pics are a few shots of the sights he saw while driving. He was amazed at the diversity of the landscaping, these are all from the same island!

Check this out...

2008-08-28T23:04:00.004-05:00

I came across this blog and wanted to share it with all my readers. Don't know much about Gigi, but I'm very impressed with her sight. Click here to check it out! I think you'll like it too...

btw...be sure to have your sound on. She has an excellent music selection playing while you read...very refreshing....I'm actually listening to it while typing this post!

Oklahoma Teen Challenge

2008-08-27T22:02:00.003-05:00

Today I visited the new women's center in Tulsa. It was formally a locally run women's facility, but not associated with Teen Challenge. The transition just happened so everyone is still trying to get their feet underneath them, but as it stands right now, things are looking really good.

The facility itself is an older building, but meets the needs of the center very well. The new director, Karen Coon, runs a tight ship and is doing an excellent job of getting all the details in order. Karen is a friend of mine, and I'm happy to have her friendship. This facility is a long awaited dream for her and I share in her excitement to see it's fulfillment!

May the favor of the Lord rest on you Karen. :-)

2008-08-26T16:16:00.002-05:00

Here's an update on the XA house. The rock is finished, stairs are built and painting has begun. And no, Pastor John and I didn't do all the work, there was help from the area AG churches. Each doing what they can. It's going to look great when we're finished.

My husbands new job

2008-08-25T20:16:00.002-05:00

It has been two full weeks since we arrived home from Chicago. Patrick is doing great and is very happy. We are working in the same office space, that is also going well. The only obstacle we are having to overcome is phone calls. My husband has been blessed with a booming voice and it's a little difficult to have a conversation or make a phone call at the same time he's talking on the phone!!

But, with that said, things are going really well. I am happy to see my husband happy. He enjoys getting up and going to work again. I am blessed to have such an excellent man by my side!

Rain, Rain, please don't Go Away!!

2008-08-23T11:17:00.003-05:00

I am so happy it's raining!! We were supposed to do a community outreach today. But quite frankly, I'm tired. I just really wanted the day off. I was prepared to get up and go do what we had committed to do, but when I heard the thunder and the rain, deep down inside I was thrilled. Instead of getting up I stayed in bed for an extra hour and half. I was soooooo happy!!

I'm not worried about our outreach, the work will still be there after the rain passes. So today's schedule will go like this, I slept in, we're going to play Settlers of Catan with the girls, and later I think I'll start reading a book I've had for several weeks and haven't even cracked open. It's going to be a great day off!!

Update on NEO XA

2008-08-22T13:24:00.004-05:00

Pastor John is working away cutting rebar to anchor the landscaping timbers. You can't see it very well, but the red patio pavers spell out XA (which means Chi Alpha). As you can see the porch is completely gone now and new lighter color rock is the new rock we needed to add. After we get the "XA" leveled and perfected, we'll add a thin layer of the new rock over the remaining area and get it all looking the same. A different group of workers is coming in on Saturday and they are going to build the stairs, put the replacement siding up, and start scraping to prepare for the paint. I can't wait to post the final pics. It's going to look AWESOME!!

Gateway School of Ministry

2008-08-21T06:29:00.003-05:00

My husband and I have long desired to help out people who have been called into the ministry after starting a career and family. The reason we are so passionate about this is because that's exactly what happened to us! God did not call us into the ministry until we were 30 years old and had three children. Receiving our credentials has been a lot of hard work and a lot of discipline.

Recently, one of our Assemblies of God programs has made some changes and because of those changes we are going to be able to offer the credentialing process in a format that will be so much easier than what we did. I am so excited about it, I couldn't even sleep!! I woke up at 5:00 this morning thinking about all the things I needed to get done in relationship to this new avenue!!

Today I will start calling the churches to let them know about our program. I can't hardly wait!!!!

The Giant Has Been Slayed

2008-08-16T15:48:00.003-05:00

(funeral music begin here)

The tragic death of a foe many of you are too well acquainted with died today. It was a slow death. Painfully endured by digging 24" footer holes, moving landscaping rocks, and removing damaged siding. Mr. Fear, also known as the Intimidator, had resided with so many people it is impossible to list his former residences.

The tabloids are still saying "He Lives", but I know that's not true. I saw him die myself. There is no return. Mr. Fear will not be coming back to life.

(funeral music ends) (casket closes)

(Funeral Director ends service)

Facing My Giant

2008-08-15T08:03:00.003-05:00

Ever since I found out I needed a blood transfusion I have been struggling with physical labor. Before I knew I was low on blood I thought I was just lazy and lacked motivation. I now realize there was much more to it. Therefore, it has brought me to a point of psychological conflict. I used to just keep pushing and do whatever needed to be done. Now I hold back and doubt whether I can do the job.

So an area ministry, NEO XA, needed some work done on a home they use for their meetings and outreach. I volunteered myself and our Associate Pastor to tear off the front porch. (He always appreciates me planning his schedule for him!) But my purpose was this. I knew I couldn't do the work myself, but I was bound and determined to be a part of the work and get past this stupid mind hurdle that keeps telling me I don't have the strength to work. That's hogwash! As I stated in my earlier blog, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. So yesterday I helped Pastor John with tearing off a porch and putting in new support beams. I helped dig a hole, carried lumber, and did a few odds and ends. I didn't work very long, but I did work. And I was help to Pastor John, not a hindrance.

Saturday, I will face my giant again. My plan is to kill the stupid thing and put it to rest!

I did it!

2008-08-11T20:59:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I preached a narrative sermon. I was so proud of myself!

Considering it was the first one I did, I thought I did well, but I know I have tons of room for improvement. So guess what my next sermon type will be????? You guessed it. Narrative. You're so good!! I am happy with my progress. I did an actual exegesis. That really impressed myself too!! (I know, it doesn't take much :))

I know this is a bunch of preacher mumbo jumbo. But I'm really excited about my accomplishment. It was something new and I conquered it. I have a small margin to boast about!!

I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME!