Lots going on...

Most of which I will post about later, but let's just say this has been the most hectic time since we have had children! I have had trouble posting but I think re-booting may have helped, we will see! Thanks Larissa for helping out! Sorry its been awhile but know I have wanted to!

Olivia is loving her gym time on Mondays. I call it that, because its not really gymnastics, but sort of. They call it a sports readiness center. She is in a class with other 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 year olds but they divide them up by younger to older. They start out with going over whatever the theme might happen to be. I think this last time they talked about the change of a butterfly. Then they go to their areas. She gets on the trampoline and learns basics such as front and back and turn. They also go on a ring that is on a pully-system (think I may have mentioned that before) where they swing and land in a foam pit, and then an obstacle course which changes each time to help them learn how to balance, do front rolls, jumping, and starting the basics of a cartwheel! While each child is waiting their turn, they have various connecting objects to help develop fine motor skills. I have been very impressed with how well planned out each day and activity has been!

Ty started soccer this past Monday with LCAA. Its going to be interesting and entertaining to say the least! This is his first introduction to any sport, other than golf. His two best buddies from school are on his team which I think will make it all the more fun for him. How patient those coaches must be!!! There are several coaches per team, which makes it kind of nice considering their age! He also had his end of the year program at school today. There is a picture at the top. I could not get very many good ones because of the light in there! It was precious though.

Trent had his Men's regional tournament here this past Monday and Tuesday. You can read details on the website if you wish but they did well. He has been SUPER busy! His Women's team is going to nationals mid May and I have the blessing of being able to go as well! My parents are coming here to take care of the kiddoes while we are away, SO nice! I am very much looking forward to it. This week was only the second time I have seen Trent in action! Its nice to be there and have a better understanding of each player and see what he really does on the course with him. He is crazy busy with his tournament schedule, teaching a golf class at LCU, as well as class on Wednesday nights at church!

I have been super busy as well and feel fully inducted into the mom's club with all this driving all over town for various activities! This summer will bring T-ball and swim lessons but also much time by the pool for me!!! I think we are all ready for summer in this family! Well lots of pictures are soon to come and I will post more on the craziness and blessings going on in our lives, and NO I am not pregnant ;)

Today I celebrate my husband! I am soooo glad he was born this day 33 years ago! What a blessing he has been to me and Ty and Olivia. Everyday I am thankful for him but specifically today I celebrate him! Our kids are at a good age to understand birthdays better and even more fun, participate! I let them pick out something to put in a little basket of his favorites. Ty especiailly remembers things like everyone's favorite color and things they like to do. He picked out a blue basket to put the things in and his contribution was a towel. I asked him what that was for and he said Golf! We woke him up this morning with what has become tradition, another one of his favorites, blueberry muffins.

I am big on birthdays. Not so much about giving large items but things that are specific to that person. I think that is what makes birthdays special- focusing on the person you are thankful for in a way that is particular to them! I hope to always do this for my children but its especially fun for my husband. Its hard to come up with something he needs because he doesn't need anything and his wants are probably more than I could get, so instead its his favs!

I could write for days about why we are so blessed by Michael Trent Phillips, but you all know he holds a dear place in my heart, I will be more specific with him. I am known for telling people on their birthday that I am glad they were born, and I mean it every time I say it to a friend or loved one. Let me tell you though, he takes first prize on this one. I would not be the person I am without him and I would not have the two little people that bring me so much joy! His parents did a wonderful job raising him and I hope that my children's spouses will be able to say the same some day!

Happy Birthday Weasel...........

Shout to THE LORD!!

Is anyone watching American Idol tonight????? All of the contestants sang this, one of my all time favorite, songs tonight as the opener!!! How amazing and rare to hear something so glorifying to God on prime time television and on Fox at that??!!!!! I am so pumped to hear such a wonderful song on one of the last viewable shows that is on after 7 with my children in the same room. We are rather limited most nights! Such a beautiful song of worship by some really talented people! Praise God!

Children are such a gift!

I am having some serious blogger issues! Hard to post and then it puts the wrong dates! Also can not figure out how to change my blogroll back to how it used to be! I am so computer illiterate!

Well I have been in baby heaven lately! No, I did not say I have baby fever. I am just really soaking up other people's babies lately and it feels reallyneat to do that and then give them back! As I mentioned in an earlier post our new nieces were born nearly two weeks ago. I had the opportunity to go be with them last Monday morning and just spent some time staring at them!!! I got to change a diaper and give a bottle and had just compeletely forgotten how that felt with such a tiny little person! I am telling you I spent the rest of the afternoon completely elated!!! There is just something really neat about holding a new born baby, their precious little sounds, breathing, and wondering little eyes. I don't think you can get closer to God while still being alive! So fresh from heaven! The whole process of 'growing a baby' still just amazes me!

Its neat to see my kids with them too. Olivia is especially really into babies right now. Probably part of being a girl. We had another little friend over last night and they both were ALL ABOUT THAT BABY! Constantly bringing him their toys, telling me what they thought he needed. He is a perfect little one and went to bed at 7:45, much to Olivia and Ty's dismay! Around 8:30 Ty came in and said now can we get that baby up?! This morning they both came in my bed, as usual and after we were up for awhile it hits Ty about where is the baby? He said shouldn't he be up by now! After I explained that he went home to his own house, he responds with ...Oh Man! Its just precious to see little ones get excited about an even littler one.

I am enjoying this point in my life very much. I love my children's ages and I think we are at a great place. I always wanted a large family but life has not lead me that way and I am finally content with that. I am excited to have childrent becoming more independent but it makes me a little sad that I am starting to not remember what it felt like when they were completely helpless as these babies we have been around are! I remember it, just not what it felt like. I know at some point I will probably be saying the same thing about THIS point in my life with a two and four year old!!! I SOOOOO wish I could hold onto this time with them. Their personalities have really developed and they say and do some of the most precious things! We really need to video tape more, because that is all we will have! I don't think my brain can possibly keep it all in! My heart sure will though.

It was really neat last week to spend some time with just Olivia. She was a whole different person without her brother around! By the last day she was sure ready to see him. She asked countless times when he was coming home! She became pretty clingy that last day and I realized she has never known life without him. We were both really glad to see him and they have been playing great together ever since. I always find them sitting together in a chair and trying to go to bed together! This sibling dynamic is really neat to watch as their mother.

Have a great week!

Fridays

ARE:

Catch up day at our house.

The only day we try to not leave the entire day.

Mornings are lazy, afternoons fairly productive.

Somehow the only day the yard dude makes it to our house and almost always right after I put the kids down for a nap ;)

Consist of laundry, laundry, and more laundry from the past week and T's trips.

The one day I try to rest WITH my kids.

The one night we all reserve for one another, last before Dad leaves.

The day I catch up on e-mails, phone calls, and try to do a little reading. Usually consists of a considerable amount of sibling arguments.

We watch the most amount of television/DVDs.

I for some reason still get excited that its the weekend. Why? Its not like we sleep in. Usually just as busy as the rest of the week with various activities like birthday parties and such. I guess its because of so many years of the opposite I still think its supposed to be restful. Someday it will be again!

I do however get excited about the next day b/c we have made a tradition of doughnut breakfasts on the way to get the van for the next trip!

Are sometimes date day.

Little T man

Trent took Ty with him to Granbury, where the Women's tournament is this week. When they got there, there was a carnival and this is what I just got on my phone! My parents are meeting him after church tomorrow and taking him while Trent is at the tournament! What a lucky dog! I was misssing him already but this picture just made me so happy that he is having such a blast with his Daddy. Trent told me they went on a few other rides and down a big slide in potato sacks. They both got to have more fun than they even thought they would! I just had to share.............sorry I couldn't resist. Olivia and I just got back from Sonic while our house was shown and are about to have baths and paint our nails, it just doesn't get much girlier than that!

Details over the past few weeks....

Well as you can tell by the pictures below, we had a great Spring Break! It was the most relaxing one ever. I unfortuanately got sick with something, but that made for more time just at the house and being with my parents- who were a huge help! I was able to see some highschool friends Sunday and we had a little celebration for Holly who will be having a boy at the end of May at our usual celebration place, La Madeline! We took a day trip up to Gainsville to retrieve T's suit and it was an added plus to stop at a beautiful park for the kids to play and to ride the train with Pop and Cita! That next weekend we went out to Mansfield to my friend Linnea's church where they had a big egg hunt (they put the GOOD candy in like kit kats and stuff!), petting zoo, bounce houses, crafts, face painting, games, etc. The kids LOVED it! As you can see Ty got to feed a pig and not pictured, a goat, pony, chickens, and bunnies! Liv got to hold a bunny and feed ducks too. We went to church with my parents Sunday and came home and had a beautiful Easter dinner. We got home that night and went right back to our crazy busy lives!

T got back Tuesday night late which was an eventful evening to be a whole other post in itself. I got to spend the morning with him Thursday running errands and taking pictures of farms and his all time favorite, The Weinerschnitzel (sp?) I could not taste anything anyway so I said okay! It was really nice to have that time with him. Putting off house work to do it was very much worth it!!! I had really missed my man!

The most exciting thing this past week is that our Bum and Em had their baby girls!!!! They came Tuesday evening and are just beautiful and perfect!!! I will wait to post pics or details so that Em can on her blog but we were SOOOOO thrillled to be there for their arrival and to have two new cousins!!! I am excited at the fact that there will probably always be some holding time for me since there are two!

Well today is reality, L A U N D R Y !!!! I had A TON to catch up on. We have just had the best day and are all still in our jammies!!!! I have been leisurly drinking coffee and switching loads. Its all dreary and a cool front came through. Somehow on days like this I don't feel as guilty for just 'staying' in! We will probably get out late this afternoon for a coke and to do an errand. We have had lots of showings lately so that has prevented me from getting as much done during the week. Please be saying some prayers about that.

We also had the blessing of recieving a television from Trent's grandparents! Its practically new, they only had it a week or so before purchasing a different one. Its REALLY nice!!!! So we have re-joined the world in knowing what is going on with things such as American Idol! Our break from television was a good one though and we don't watch the new one as much- but its nice to have ;) I actually took up reading again and the kids didn't miss it at all! Now they just watch morning shows and occassionally in the evening AI. T and I were never big t.v. people, we don't even have a 'regular' show that we watch and we are not here enough to get into anything but I enjoy seeing the news before bed again! God provided like He always does. We don't NEED a t.v. but are blessed to have one, and are thankful for the giving people in our lives! He has been teaching us a lot lately about wants and needs. I am starting to find contentment in many areas of my life. That is totally God and NOT ME!!!!

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Spring Break and Easter

A little brag

because I can and I will!

T will be on his way home in another hour or so with the girl's who got FIRST PLACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOOHOOOOOO!!!!! Way to go girls! He is so proud of them and I am poud for him and of him.
Go HERE for the whole story.
I think when people hear that he is now a golf coach, they often think it is a cush job. Not so much. There are rewarding times though and this is one of them. The most rewarding thing about his job is making a difference in college kids lives for Christ. This can be physically and emotionally exhausting but what an opportunity! This is what I am MOST proud of in Trent. He does it well and this is obviously meant to be. He has made a lot of sacrifices and I truely believe God is blessing him because of it and for taking a leap of faith.

He is in his second year of being a coach and has already encountered MANY challenges and done so with such grace. He is a different man and grown so much during this time. Trent has taken a very different carreer path than even he ever imagined. If you know me well you know I am not a lover of change, although I have learned to adapt considering who I am married to! I would never go to unfamilar territory. Trent has not only done that but excelled in all of them! His women's team went to Nationals last year and its looking like they have a great shot at it again this year. They are making school history.

This is the hardest time of year for our family, we miss him so much when he is gone four days of every week. When he is in town he leaves before the sun comes up and comes home after it has set because of workouts, practice and recruiting thrown in there as well. Cush it is defianately not. He does have some flexibility though. The boy is exhausted and still finds time to bring me diet cokes and chocolate (yes I see the irony there) at school, take Ty to the movies, and make room for a date night at least once a month. Because of his Spring and Fall seasons he is completely available for all the holidays and all summer long! Well with the exception of budgetting and more recruiting, but still such a blessing to have him during those times.

I just couldn't be more proud of him. He is an incredible person and this 'job' or should I say, passion, has just made this more and more visible. Its not a job, its a life. More than that its an opportunity. At the same time he is providing for our family. He is doing so in many ways, not just financially. Way to go Coach Phillips!

This and That....

First off, read the last comment in my last post, it pretty much sums up my thoughts on this as well!

Second- there will be more pictures soon, I promise! I just need to charge my camera but I am hoping to post some Easter ones soon.

Third- All is well. Great weekend. Went to a birthday party for a little guy in Ty's class at 'Ready Set, Go'. This was the third time we have been there and they always love it. Even O! She get on the ring pully and flies and lets go in the foam! I am enrolling her in a little gym class there that is to develop coordination and fine motor skills, which she desperately needs! Today after school we are going withTy's best little buddy, Cole and his mom to sign him up for soccer and T-ball. I can't believe all this is starting. They will not be at the same time thankfully. I have made a firm decision to not overcommit my children at any point but am excited about them being introduced to sports for many reasons.

We are making it through the beginning of the spring season with Trent. His tournament was delayed today b/c of a bomb threat in the area, of all things!!! They should still be able to play soon. His teams are doing well and he is doing a great job juggling all the roles he plays during this hectic and crazy time.

Have a great week!

WAKE UP LISA!

Kids are in bed, my man will be here in another hour or so (my time on this if off, its really 10pm) all is well with me! Today was MUCH better! Ty came in around 7 and I snuggled him until sister came in. I love holding my babies! I am so tired still and my house is a wreck but I just don't care.

I had the blessing of going to Ladies Class today after dropping the kids off and going to vote- which I must say was a very pleasant experience.. took me all of FIVE minutes! I have not been to Ladies Class in several weeks b/c of various reasons. I always realize how much I miss it when I am there! Those women are SO precious to me... all of them. God has really spoken through people to me and today was no exception.

There have been some things on my heart lately. I never realized how materialistic I am. Sara Kemp just posted a great blog about this very subject and I just commented basically what I am writing about here. I always had an idea that as you grow older you should be making more and more money and moving up various levels-you know maturing both physically, emotionally and financially. You know, not huge but bigger nicer house, SUV, etc. My husband is an EXCELLENT financial planner and we are never in need of anything. We are truely blessed in many many ways but also his discipline which I lack, make this possible. I am not a big spender, I am a big 'wanter'. I wish I were more content. I made a comment in class that has held true for me at different times in my life but made me realize where I need to be right now, "When you are where you need to be with God, looking to Him to lead you in ALL areas, HE blesses you with contentment."

We both drive nice cars. This would be b/c of my husband getting great deals and the fact that he will never again buy a new one! We live in a nice house in a nice neighborhood. We are able to buy everything we need at the grocery store. We are able to buy clothes when we need them.

Why do I want a newer suberban? Why do I want a nicer bigger home but also with lots of upgrades? Its never enough because I am not allowing myself to be blessed with contentment. I am not even a big shopper, I go to the mall a handful of times a year-if that! Its the status stuff that gets me. I never even knew it really until I really started thinking about it.

My priorities are jacked. Think I will make a point right now to change that.

Hello Monday!

I am struggling for some energy these days! As you know, my children like their parents are completely opposite from one another. They never napped at the same time, still don't because it takes Ty so long to get to sleep that by the time he does his sister is waking up. He also has several occassions of screaming out in the night. This one effects us all. He doesn't always wake up but everyone else does. Last night he and we did. The mistake was again letting him coming in my bed. He woke up scared, I was too tired to deal with it. I then spent the rest of the night being punched, yes punched, kicked, hit in the head, and yes - more screaming out. I think he actually would have slept in a little after being up so much himself, but his sister uncharacteristically woke up early and in full whine. We usually have to wake her up and she smiles when we do! Hello Monday!



I got a nice wack in my one-year lasered eye from her as well that happened two hours ago now, my eye is still watering and hurting! I am just hoping my vision is not effected! The other one has already been injured and has the marking from a flying ziplock bag! I so enjoy waking up this way. Also to 60 mph blowing snow. Yesterday the high was 78. Its beginning to be normal to switch the heat to air back to heat in the car and in the house everyday!



These teasing days for spring are hard on the kids. I go out, wipe all the dirt from hard winds off their toys, the wagon, and table they play until the wind gets too bad and then we do the whole thing again the next day. I am about sick of dirt! Come on SUMMER!!! I am SOOO ready!



On a more positive note, our church experienced a 24 hour prayer at our church house this past weekend. Individuals came at various timeslots to pray for church family members, and the decisions we are making as a church family. What an incredible time this was for me. I don't knot that I have ever spent that long of a time period in constant prayer. I set my cell alarm so I would not be distracted by the time and it just flew by! Why do I not do that more often. I cannot even begin to express how incredible it was and what a blessing! I hope to make longer specific prayers more of a priority in my life. I think its going to have to be when the kids are at school for those couple of hours before I join them. I am always interuppted at night or in the morning.



Say a prayer for the T-rent. He got full blown pneumonia last weekend and has not quite recovered but is in East Texas for a tournament where the wind is blowing and its cold, as well as not great for his allergies. It will be a long drive back tomorrow and they will not be back until real late. Please pray for his health and his safety.



Well my cup is getting cold and its time to get the rugrats dressed and off, a little late, but none the less! Oh- and I set my blog to private not for any scary reason. A dumb mistake on my part actually. I have it on my signature for my e-mail and sent it to a potentially fraudulant company- LONG STORY. Anyways, hope its not too much of an inconvenience. I think you just have to be logged in to see it.

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."

I had to add some more...

Why does this town have turn lanes the entire length of the street (which is also the entire lenght of the city) and no right turn lanes? If you ever are in the right lane you will be breaking non stop for the person who speeds up to cut you off and turn right. This is so messed up to me that there are no medians and very annoying. Was there a city planner who thought this was a good idea? Why?

Why does the wind blow 60mph for just two months out of the year and we have to live in dirt because of it? I am sure there is some type of scientific explanation for this one. Man do I hate the taste of grit and smelling like boy all February and March when the rest of the world is all spring like.

Why are mommies expected to be 24/7 regardless if there is a job outside the home and its just understood that men 'help' with their own children? I laugh about this often with friends, how we feel that we need to ask if they can watch them when something comes up for us but its just a given that we will be with them otherwise. I mean its really not babysitting when their yours is it? I never get a hard time about it from T and I don't know that he actually does something that makes me feel this way, I think its just how our society is.

Why are we scared to tell our hairdresser that we are not happy or that they did not get close enough to the roots and feel like we are cheating on them when we switch because of it? I know at least one other person who feels this way.

Why does whatever season we are in at the time seem to last forever with the exception of Fall that just flies by?! Could be b/c of the weather here in this crazy state.

Why do I get excited about things and sign up to do them and then when they get close I wish I hadn't and would rather stay home. I do this quite a bit actually.

Why do I get excited every time someone shows interest in our home that has been for sale for 13 months now and start looking again only to find the perfect one which I will see sold to someone else a month or so later? This has happened with three different houses now.

Why do the ugly ones in our neighborhood sell and for a higher price?

Why do I keep drinking coffee when it does absolutely nothing for me now, as far as giving me energy anyway?

Why am I still blogging when I have 45 minutes before I have to be at school and have still not had a shower?! Guess I will be not real put together today!

Okay I have come back to add a few more.... I thought I was going to be getting ready to go to work, but instead got a call to pick up O b/c she has a 101 temp!!! I went to get her and now will be here the remainder of the day which causes me to add a few more:

Why would a carseat company only make the seat cushion washable and not the straps?? O threw up on the way home and we took it completely a part and shoulder straps will not come out. They did on the carrier, do they think that kids past 24 lbs. don't throw up? We decided she is ready for the next step up and have been looking online, even the most expensive ones just say washable seat cushion!!!

Why on earth are some companies inclined to charge SO much more for a 'pretty seat' when others have the same safety ratings and are not $300?

Why has one member of my family or another been sick since October? We still have Spring allergies to look forward to! YES!!!! O has been to school only four days during the month of January!!!!! We have been in a pre-school setting since each of them were babies, never have we contracted anything other than ear infections or the occassional cold. What is different now? O was the only person in her class to get hand foot and mouth and then RSV two months later. It did not spread, thankfully, but it was just her!!!

Why do children seem to have radar for when their mother is either changing clothes or using the facilities and feel the need to be there for it? These radars also work for when she might be very quietlly getting a piece of chocolate!

Why do companies feel the need to package an item inside of a package? Don't even get me started on toys, but I opened a pkg. of paper towels the other day wher each one was individually wrapped, is this really necessary?

Why are the most frequent phrases out of my mouth, "GET OFF OF HER!" and "No!" ?

Why can I get more done after T is home, simply b/c of his presence than I can all day?! They seem to leave me alone when he gets home and allow me to be more productive. Of course the sickness factor makes them much more clingy. I realized this last night when I was making dinner, doing laundry and picking up all at the same time. Before that, no lie, there was some type of chotastrophe about every five minutes. T gets home, all is calm........

Why is Satan attacking our family right now? Does he think he will get us? Think again. All of this stinks but God is still well intertwined within us and things could be so much worse. Trent has a flexible of enough job to stay as needed for the time being and I have the luxury of working part time at a pre-school at this point in our lives. If I were anywhere else we would be in quite a bind. This is temporary and fixable things. I know we are going to be okay but please say some prayers anyway. My attitude is a constant challenge and although it may sound like sarcastic humor, I sometimes allow myself to be effected by it. God is good and I will praise Him in this storm.........

Back to Life, Back to Reality

Now let the whining and crying begin! It has, in full swing.

Trent and I had a wondeful four days together. Wednesday after school I had the luxury of coming home and enjoying a long hot shower and the bonus of painting my nails and putting lotion on! Thursday morning I had breakfast with a group of girls at Jennifer K's house and then onto school. After school I went to TARGET! I never do that. I spent some Christmas mulah on some sale items and new swimsuits! That night Trent stated basketball games so I went along to watch and was VERY entertained! Talk about some close games and they (girls and guys) went into double overtime and won against a highly ranked ! It was also nice to actually get to visit and watch the game! I go alot and take the kids and they enjoy it, however it is quite a different experience!

Friday was a little more productive with some laundry and that evening I had a girl's night out with the same group of girls from Thursday morning. I looked back and it has been two years since I was at the last one!!! We have seen each other since but an actual night out a long time! I had SO much fun! We spent three and a half hours at Cafe J, one of my local favorites. The food was delicious and the company was priceless! See Larissa's blog for pictures! Saturday Trent had to stat basketball games so I tagged along again, not as exciting as Thursday but wins none the less. We went out to eat that night and the restraunt was so packed that we got out of there late and chose not to go to a late movie with account of church being early in the morning. Also a different experience, I actually got to fill out the outline and take notes! Something of the past for me these days.

I thought I was going to be so sad when the left, but not so much! It was wondeful for all parties concerned. They had a wonderful time in the metroplex and LOVED the stockshow! They got to eat at lots of neat places and Pop took Ty to see Veggie Tales. The movie theatre is at the mall and it has the most beautiful large carosel there which of course they had the joy of riding as well.

I picked them up yesterday and Olivia screamed the first thirty minutes in the car. She 'needed' me. Ty had a sore throat and fever and it just has gotten worse from there. All of his cousins have had the same thing this whole week he was gone! He was up, as well as were we, the entire night last night and nothing we give him or do seems to be helping! Of course everytime I call first thing in the morning, they are already booked so he has an appt. for tomorrow! My MIL is coming over this afternoon to be with him while I go to school. We have missed so much this year for illness its beyond ridiculous and I just don't feel like I can call again!

I love my kids so much it hurts. It just makes me laugh, sort of, that there is no easing back into this- its full on whining and crying today after days of silence! Even Murray the dog looks at me like "What in the World??!" T and I milked it for all it was worth and now its back to reality! No more clean house or peace and quiet. It was exactly enough time though. They were ready to come back and I was starting to remember how it was before they were here, and although it was good, it was not complete! I could not stop staring at them through evening service last night. I have also been a little overboard on the kisses and O has even told me to stop! We will get through this illness like the others and the tattling, whining, crying, etc will all be regular things again. This morning coffee is already helping! Funny how much less I drank of it while they were away......