I've Learned

My Dad sent this to me- They're written by Andy Rooney , a man who has the gift of saying so much with so few words. Enjoy.......

I've learned.... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

I've learned.... That when you're in love, it shows.

I've learned.... That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my day.

I've learned.... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.

I've learned.... That being kind is more important than being right.

I've learned.... That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I've learned.... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.

I've learned.... That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

I've learned.... That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

I've learned.... That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

I've learned.... That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

I've learned.... That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.

I've learned..... That money doesn't buy class. I've learned.... That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I've learned... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

I've learned.... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I've learned.... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I've learned.... That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I've learned.... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I've learned.... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I've learned.... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.

I've learned... That life is tough, but I'm tougher.

I've learned.... That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.

I've learned.... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I've learned.... That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away.

I've learned.... That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I've learned.... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I've learned.... That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.

I've learned.... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it. I've learned.... That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.

The Latest

Well its been an eventful week. I had all of my five trunk shows this past week for Chez Ami. It was not a total loss and I had an okay amount in sales, but only a few at each show and not a single one at my last one. Obviously not meant for me. I may come out even, I hope and probably will not be able to spend any to get my great discount! Now if only I can get the orders put in online that I do have, the system keeps kicking me off and not saving the work I have put in which is precious time right now! I am so frustrated with it! I am also spending the afternoon ironing and packing the over 100 items in my trunk to ship out to the next person which makes me nervous in itself. I am sad to say that I will just be glad when its all over with and everyone has their things safely! What was I thinking?

In the midst of these six shows this past week I ended up with Bronchittis to which my doctor said more than likely is pneumonia but we are not going to test for it now and hope that what he gave me works. So far things are going a little better but got a sinus infection on top of it so still not 100%. Thankfully, my parents came in Friday night and were able to be with the kids all day yesterday since I had two shows back to back. They gave me the luxury of taking a bath last night and sleeping this morning until 9! It was so nice and I feel so well rested! I had not slept the two previous nights due to anxeity about these shows as well as my medicine having the adverse effect on me. I should have known when it said may cause drowsiness on the side that it would not for me!!! Now I am just taking it during the day! Trent also got food poisoning at the same time which was bad for him and bad timing as well, thank goodness for my parents being here! He headed out with the girls for a tournament and seems to be doing better last I talked to him.

Well, lots of things piled up while I was under the weather and today there will be a lot of catching up. I just love laundry....... and to think I was totally caught up just two days ago! What a figment of my imagination it is to think I would ever be 'caught up' on laundry! There are so many little projects I had hoped to be finishing in the mornings after the kids are at school- what a joke! I am doing good just to get the house back in order after they have left and get cleaned up in time to go back up there for work! I guess the projects will have to wait for summer! I have a wall behind my armoire in my bedroom that still needs the stain to match the rest of the room, oh how that bothers me everytime I walk in there! I have O's dresser to paint and finish the hardware on it, and need to go through her clothes again so that she has all the right size in her drawers, then there is handywork that needs to be done. Some day.

I am SOOOO ready for spring! Actually, make that summer. I am ready for no school, lazy days by the pool, afternoon naps, and back to having my husband around. Its only been two weeks and I already miss him like crazy! I know I have said it a few times in this post already, but thankgoodness for my parents being here! Its so nice to visit with them but also to have some extra hands for this constant state of chaos! About every few seconds there is some type of an accident that leads to crying or fussing over who knows what.... they keep them busy and tend to one or the other and it just helps SO much! I actually drank two cups of coffee this morning as opposed to my usual half cup that I get in between interuptions or picking up. I wish we lived closer for so many reasons. My kids just eat them up! My mom is the best story teller EVER and their faces are just priceless during a story! The dynamics of their relationship, its just precious. They cling to them over me within minutes of them being here. Pretty neat for not getting to be with them real often. Well I am just going to milk this for all its worth and wish I could just keep them here!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for hanging on to all this babbling if you have made it this far. Sorry you had to witness my therapeutic blogging this time around......

P.S.- the look you probably noticed as some of Melody's work through Ashley. Our little blogging ring has benefited from her talent! She is just great and its neat to have see some of my personality on this page, I think she just nailed it. Also neat to make a new friend out of the deal! This blogging thing... so neat how it brings people into one another's lives and the encouragement and accountability it can as well. What a blessing.

That's a wrap!

first week of feb when Liv was sick and "needed daddy!"

K.... actually posted them! The pic of the kids was today after church and Ty took the last two of me and Liv, not bad for a four year old!!!

Monday & Tuesday- subbed in mornings worked the usual afternoons. Meanwhile laundry piles up!

Wednesday- turned 34, received several nice e-mails, several "goodies" from friends. I bought myself a starbucks and instead of taking my car in for a winter package and inspection that went out in December, went to TJ Maxx and just walked around looking for an hour and a half! Bought myself two shirts with some b-day money. Very enjoyable before rushing home to clean and then heading off to work. Kids had their first Valentines Party which lead to much crying after school with wanting to hold baloons and then one of them popping at home. They ate way too much sugar this day.

Thursday-surprised with a sitter while T took me to the country club for an incredible five course meal. Devine to say the least. It was nice to get dressed up and thoroughly enjoy a meal. Everything was so 'pretty'.

Friday-back to the grind of all that laundry that has been piling up all week! Made some chile and green chile cornbread for the cold night.

Saturday-took T to meet the men's team to fly to AZ. Met my friend Samantha at McD's for lunch and sanity. Took naps and even more laundry!!!

Homefront- still for sale..... no showings in several weeks- some days this has been a true blessing. No snow in these parts but VERY cold- just may take the opportunity for one last fire tonight after kids are in bed and hoepfully enjoy some silence.

Kids- Had a great week. Ty really enjoyed Valentines for the first year I think. His class had a breakfast instead of a sugar high party. Although they requested nobody bring valentines or sweets of any sort (instead fruits and b-fast items), we ended up with quite a few Wednesday, apparently I am the only person that took that seriously. So I took treats for his friends in his Thursday class. Olivia just came home with red on her shirt and face and wild from lots of sugar! I think this is a much more fun holiday when you have the time to stop and make it special for your kids. I have just been so tired lately and did not do a good job of it this year. O is really coming along in her vocabulary and T is doing great in school. He will be doing T-ball in April and if I can get my act together a minidribblers class with some friends from church. This has been a challenging time in their ages and the dynamics of their relationship. We have many fun sweet moments but now a lot more fussing than before. Ty actually hummed for four hours yesterday. He does not even know when he is doing it. I do. O is coming along with potty training but doesn't always make it. In time....

Tagged Again!

I think I have been tagged by three different people now over the past year to do this and just kept forgetting. I did a similar one a year or so ago but I have a few to choose from so it shouldn't be hard to come up with more!

1) Share 5-7 non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself. (2) Tag random people at the end of your post. (3) Let each random person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their page.

1. HATE feet. Even my own, but mostly other people's. I don't want to touch them or more importantly for them to touch me. In my last quirks post I also shared that they have to be clean, I wash them everynight before getting in bed. It has the added plus of warming me up!

2. Will go to great lengths to avoid using a public restroom. I just like my own. A friend's is better than public but still...

3. Hate onions, LOVE onion rings.

4. Cannot sleep on roadtrips or plane rides, even when EXHAUSTED!

5. Doing laundry and folding it has never bothered me. For some reason I do not enjoy putting it up. I will let it pile up in 'neat piles' and have a full hang bar before I will move myself to hang it up. I used to be better about this when we first put our house up, but now I just don't care anymore.

6. I get cold unless it is 85 or above. If there is a slight breeze, I get goosebumps. I carry a jacket with me at all times, even during the blazing hot days of summer!

7. I will sniff something that I already know is bad. For instance, curdled sippy cups. WHY do I do that?! Or items in the fridge that have been there a while.

I tag: April, Em, Lisa Lee, Summer Lashley, Amy Smith and Amy Davis!

Update:

TV sitation has not been SO bad. We are so busy anyway it has not been a big deal yet. I know that will change soon when T is away for tournaments.

We have ALL been well for FIVE WHOLE DAYS!!! Lets pray this trend continues, especially with so many out at school. I guess we were the forerunners of it all!

I have been busy getting my stuff together for Chez Ami. Its a children's clothing company that is available just two weeks each season. I will be doing 6 parties this month during the two weeks that I have the sample trunk. Check it out at http://www.chezami.com/ Very fun. Hope I can pull it off since its the first week my husband is away! I did not get to pick the weeks I receive it, obviously.

School is going well, I have been subbing in the mornings to make up lost time when my kids were sick. It has made for a busy tiring week though!

We get to go to Basketball games again tonight and Saturday. T is stating and we LOVE going to watch. LCU has some great teams this year and have made for some exciting games!

Enjoy your weekend!

God tugs in mysterious ways.....

Well this story begins several years back, almost 8 actually, when Trent and I were married. At this time I inherited a monstocity of a television from his bachelorhood. I absolutely hated it in our house in Lewsiville. When we moved here, my father-in-law built this beautiful entertainment center that is built into the wall around it which made me grow to love the mostrocity b/c after this it was part of the room and not so much of a monstracity anymore! The built-in matches the rest of the built-ins in our home because the builder gave us the doors and hardware to put on it and we painted it to match. This built-in actually 'makes' the room. Well the television is now 10 years old and died sort of three weeks ago. Actually it just wouldn't turn on while T was away at his conference. Well after three weeks of going back and forth with a guy that repairs 'on the side' we came to the fact that they no longer make this part that it would take to fix it. So.............

We went T.V. shopping. We were torn with what to do. We did not want to buy a specific t.v. to fit our built-in b/c our house is forsale and we hopefully will not always have it. It could work definately and would be an awesome t.v. We looked at several but just didn't 'feel' it. We both were a little excited the thought of a shiny new updated t.v. Also, our kids have been in our bedroom watching 'the other one' ever since and that is getting real old for lots of reasons. They are monkeys on our bedposts, we have had several falls. O gets into our bathroom if we walk out of the room, and our room is OUR room!

So we go to church yesterday. There is also a situation there where we are in a stewardship position with our church adding on to create more classrooms. We have been praying about that and how its all going to work, we are actually on the "Prayer Emphasis" team so this is a vital part. Okay, that being said, we are in class studying the minor prophets and it hits me what the theme is, which is also pretty much the theme of the entire Bible.........God is saying, "Worship ME................Worship Me......................Worship Me, Its NOT ABOUT YOU....Its NOT ABOUT YOU.......Its NOT ABOUT YOU over and over and over again. Then a class member makes the comment, "I truly belive that in order to reach true spirituality you can not be entertained." I think that was directed at being entertained by the world, your worship service and by society's material standard of living. Pretty deep.

Anways, T and I had both been pretty quiet since Saturday with all of this on our minds and then after class on the way to eat we both came to the same conclusion. Sort of neat how God does that. We decided not to replace the televison. That is money that could be spent elsewhere and time that should be spent with our family and changing our ways to be God focused instead. We also made the decision to get rid of the one in our bedroom.

This is going to be SOOO hard!!!!! We are not big watchers but do in the evenings and are starting to realize a lot more than we thought. I love having this as 'downtime' after the kids are in bed or when they are not here to watch my own stuff!!!!

I am not posting this to brag to say, "look how good we are to get rid of a material item"! I am not saying we will not ever own a t.v. again but for the time being we are not. I am posting this more to share how God is tugging at our hearts in a direct, really sort of wild kind of way. We were talking yesterday how other people deal with this. I had the "why us!" attitude I am ashamed to say! T helped me to see it as a blessing that God would tug in this way. I am sharing in order for others to see how God works in ways you may not even want to see and how its a choice really of how distracted you want to be. I did not think of myself as not wanting to be spritual. I also don't think that not having a t.v will make me spiritual, its what I choose to do with that time instead and my attitude towards it. THIS is where I need encouragment. Its also a little akward b/c I have only told one other person before this who is also a Christian and thinks we are real weirdos b/c of it! I don't want people to see us as going Amish or something but know when you come to our house you won't get to watch a show! The television that will remain in the built-in is there to help the house 'show better' not for actual usage, it doesn't work! Please still visit us though! Had our television not broken we would not even be at this point. The picture never went bad. No sign of anything going wrong. Just wouldn't turn on one day. That is very strange in the technology world. Do you think God has the power to take away our individual television set? I do.

GREAT Analogy

My friend MichaelAnn e-mailed this and I thought it was great. Also, added a few to my list in my last post, the questions just keep coming! O went back to the doc today and got a shot for the ears, all seems to be well for the moment. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

WHAT A GREAT ANALOGY OF GOD FOR THOSE WHO DON'T KNOW,
BY ROBIN WILLIAMS

This is one of the best explanations of why God allows pain and suffering that I have seen. It's an explanationother people will understand.

A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed.As the barber began to work, They talked about so many things and various subjects.When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said:"I don't believe that God exists.""Why do you say that?" asked the customer."Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist. Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people?Would there be abandoned children?If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain. I can't imagine loving a God whowould allow all of these things."The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because he didn'twant to start an argument. The barber finished his job and the customerleft the shop. Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long,stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He looked dirty and un-kept.The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said to the barber:
"You know what? Barbers do not exist.""How can you say that?" asked the surprised barber.
"I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!""No!" the customer exclaimed.
"Barbers don't exist because if they did, there would be nopeople with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards,like that man outside.""Ah, but barbers DO exist! What happens is, people do not come to me.""Exactly!" affirmed the customer. "That's the point!God, too, DOES exist! What happens, is, peopledon't go to Him and do not look for Him.That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world."If you KNOW God exists, send this to other people--- If you think God doesn't exist, then just delete it!BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING!"Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps if you're not willing to move your feet."