So... its been a little while since my last entry and I have to say that I was a little worked on my last post. I am just appalled at the things that the human race is capable of. I know that I am not without fault ( as I have said before) but I do have morals, something I think alot of people are lacking these days. But, enough of that,today will be a happy post.
Just a little update... I am scheduled to go on a two week vacation a week from today. I have to say that I am so overjoyed by this. There are a million things that I want to do, but most of all... spend time with my princess. We have also decided to take a mini-vacation to Port Aransas,Texas. If all goes according to planned, I can look forward to my first dolphin encounter later next week. ( Wait for those photos!!)
Until then, I am trying my very best to stay focused in my job responsibilities and prepare for some much needed rest and relaxation!! I also plan to go to a few sporting events and take a tour of the Dallas Cowboys stadium during my time off. ( Hubby will enjoy this, I'm sure)
That's all for now....stay tuned.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Sunday, July 5, 2009
TimeOut
As I continue to follow the issue with North Korea and after hearing about Steve McNair, I feel it necessary to weigh in on the state of mankind. I am by no means an expert... and certainly have my share of transgressions as well, but I am beginning to wonder if I am alone in my being woeful (from a religious standpoint) about the state of our values and morals.
On the day that we Americans celebrate our own independence we are slapped in the face with constant looming fears of foreign threats as well as the threat of a nation slipping farther and farther away from demanding accountablity for actions. It is our duty as a Democracy to disspell threats of those who threaten freedom and impose and unwanted way of life upon others. Until recently,I have had no doubt that we are capable of becoming peacemakers, as we are a superpower.
A growing problem,within our own borders seems to be plaguing the nation. Infidelity has been around for centuries and I doubt that it will ever really go away, but recently it has become an increasingly destructive problem that receives so much attention. I am just worried about the state of our morals and values these days.
I don't really follow football that closely, but I did know of Mr. McNair and he seemed to be an outstanding ball player and person on and off the field. What I can't understand... and I don't proclaim to know the insides of his relationship with his wife, but what in the world causes a man to make such poor decisions?!!
The outlook for marriage in general is dismal. In general,I just don't feel like people are willing to compromise in order to make marriage work. After all, I was told that's what it's all about. Communication and compromise....and above all else GOD!! Holding on to Him will get you through the lowest and toughest of times and He will help you to see things through to the other side. I not naive enough to think that every marriage is going to work and last forever and don't want anyone to think that I believe in the idea of staying married no matter what. My message is this... there will be problems... every relationship promises this... there will be times when you want to quit, when you feel like there is no way out but there always is when you turn to GOD. If you are thinking about stepping outside of your marriage to find happiness, just remember... He knows all and sees all and those who live in his favor will receive his blessings. And we ALL are in need.
On the day that we Americans celebrate our own independence we are slapped in the face with constant looming fears of foreign threats as well as the threat of a nation slipping farther and farther away from demanding accountablity for actions. It is our duty as a Democracy to disspell threats of those who threaten freedom and impose and unwanted way of life upon others. Until recently,I have had no doubt that we are capable of becoming peacemakers, as we are a superpower.
A growing problem,within our own borders seems to be plaguing the nation. Infidelity has been around for centuries and I doubt that it will ever really go away, but recently it has become an increasingly destructive problem that receives so much attention. I am just worried about the state of our morals and values these days.
I don't really follow football that closely, but I did know of Mr. McNair and he seemed to be an outstanding ball player and person on and off the field. What I can't understand... and I don't proclaim to know the insides of his relationship with his wife, but what in the world causes a man to make such poor decisions?!!
The outlook for marriage in general is dismal. In general,I just don't feel like people are willing to compromise in order to make marriage work. After all, I was told that's what it's all about. Communication and compromise....and above all else GOD!! Holding on to Him will get you through the lowest and toughest of times and He will help you to see things through to the other side. I not naive enough to think that every marriage is going to work and last forever and don't want anyone to think that I believe in the idea of staying married no matter what. My message is this... there will be problems... every relationship promises this... there will be times when you want to quit, when you feel like there is no way out but there always is when you turn to GOD. If you are thinking about stepping outside of your marriage to find happiness, just remember... He knows all and sees all and those who live in his favor will receive his blessings. And we ALL are in need.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Happiness is defined as good fortune, pleasure, contentment and joy or the state of being happy.
My definition: Happiness is waking up with the sunshine on Sunday morning, glancing over at the man who you have chosen to spend the rest of your life with and knowing that today is going to be a good day.
It's watching your child play everyday and cherishing the beautiful smile on her face. It's knowing that she is proof of the many wonderful works of our creator. And,in some small part she is wonderful because of you, but even more so because you gained the wisdom to know when to call on GOD for help along the way.
Happiness is thinking about your family and life and being thankful that today things are a little messed up but knowing that tomorrow brings another day... believe it or not this builds strength.
The state of being happy is this... Knowing who you are, where you stand, what you stand for and realizing that each day we spend on this Earth is a gift from GOD. One in which we should be thankful for. So, whoever you are and wherever you are right now, remember these words from two of my most cherished quotes: "We are not what we have been, but what we will become," "Do all things with love".
Above all else remember that life is a journey and it should be a happy one... do what makes you happy and don't worry about the walls outside of that.
My definition: Happiness is waking up with the sunshine on Sunday morning, glancing over at the man who you have chosen to spend the rest of your life with and knowing that today is going to be a good day.
It's watching your child play everyday and cherishing the beautiful smile on her face. It's knowing that she is proof of the many wonderful works of our creator. And,in some small part she is wonderful because of you, but even more so because you gained the wisdom to know when to call on GOD for help along the way.
Happiness is thinking about your family and life and being thankful that today things are a little messed up but knowing that tomorrow brings another day... believe it or not this builds strength.
The state of being happy is this... Knowing who you are, where you stand, what you stand for and realizing that each day we spend on this Earth is a gift from GOD. One in which we should be thankful for. So, whoever you are and wherever you are right now, remember these words from two of my most cherished quotes: "We are not what we have been, but what we will become," "Do all things with love".
Above all else remember that life is a journey and it should be a happy one... do what makes you happy and don't worry about the walls outside of that.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Our daughter is one of the most amazing people I know I'm ever going to meet. Each day she awakes with a "newness" that I find so revitalizing(yes the saying is true... they do keep you young). Although she is slow to rise,much like her father, when she does it is pure sunshine.
I have never witnessed a child with such a strong sense of faith and innate understanding of the world around her. I still don't feel like I can take credit for it though, I believe it's just God doing his work. Yesterday, she awoke with a mission. Getting to her school library was very high on the priority list. Even though I knew I would be tired and probably not the most pleasant mommie,I found myself wanting to rush the workday away to get her there. As we drove out to her school, she was the typical five-year old, laughing and singing really loud in the backseat. But once we arrived at school, her entire demeanor changed. I initially thought, it was just the shock of being at school, but she began to point out some of the things she's been missing since summer vacation began. She talked about the walks that her class would take to look for God's creations and how she missed walking to church on Fridays with her prayer partner in her "dress uniform." As she went on pointing out other things,I realized how these simple things mean so much to her and how perhaps this is what gives her that "newness" each day.
Whatever the case, it inspired me to revisit the practice of writing a gratitude journal and finding joy and thankfulness in the simplest moments of life. If my five-year old can renew her spirit each day with such a simple act, I think its something anyone could benefit from.
I have never witnessed a child with such a strong sense of faith and innate understanding of the world around her. I still don't feel like I can take credit for it though, I believe it's just God doing his work. Yesterday, she awoke with a mission. Getting to her school library was very high on the priority list. Even though I knew I would be tired and probably not the most pleasant mommie,I found myself wanting to rush the workday away to get her there. As we drove out to her school, she was the typical five-year old, laughing and singing really loud in the backseat. But once we arrived at school, her entire demeanor changed. I initially thought, it was just the shock of being at school, but she began to point out some of the things she's been missing since summer vacation began. She talked about the walks that her class would take to look for God's creations and how she missed walking to church on Fridays with her prayer partner in her "dress uniform." As she went on pointing out other things,I realized how these simple things mean so much to her and how perhaps this is what gives her that "newness" each day.
Whatever the case, it inspired me to revisit the practice of writing a gratitude journal and finding joy and thankfulness in the simplest moments of life. If my five-year old can renew her spirit each day with such a simple act, I think its something anyone could benefit from.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
MVPs
As Father's Day approaches, I thought it would be a good idea to dedicate this post to the wonderful men in my life.
My husband has made such an evolution. I have watched him over the course of the last five years go from being "Mr. Hip and Cool" to "Mr. Its Okay to Wear Princess Crowns and Dance Around Like a Fairy". He seems to delight in each dance and she glows as he goes through his series of made up motions anticipating the climactic lift that comes at the end of each number. Despite my hysterical laughs, each time I watch, I fall more and more in love. Despite,not having the presence of a father growing up,somehow along his journey of fatherhood,God has graced him with the wisdom and patience it takes to be a good father. I see the unconditional love glow in his eyes each time he looks at her... a love that I have been fortunate enough to know myself because of another very special man.
My father has managed, despite tragedy, to emerge stronger and wiser than I feel he ever was before and I remain amazed by him every day. Growing up, faith and religion had a strong presence in our house and it is because of him and my mother that I value the importance of creating the same household for my own child. Through the years my father has encouraged me, kept me strong when I felt broken and encouraged my fighting spirit. He has molded me into the determined person that I am today. A lot of people underestimate the power of the presence a father can have in a girl's life... it is momentous. The confidence and pride in my beauty, and who I am and what I can become has been priceless. He has taught me to believe in the impossible and that I can do anything. I want to thank my dad for making me such a well rounded woman(with gentle guidance from my mother as well) and giving me the quiet wisdom I've needed throughout some of my roughest storms.
I want to thank my husband for being a dollhouse playing, fairy dancing, backyard ball playing, turning ordinary into extraordinary kinda dad.
Happy Father's Day Guys!!
My husband has made such an evolution. I have watched him over the course of the last five years go from being "Mr. Hip and Cool" to "Mr. Its Okay to Wear Princess Crowns and Dance Around Like a Fairy". He seems to delight in each dance and she glows as he goes through his series of made up motions anticipating the climactic lift that comes at the end of each number. Despite my hysterical laughs, each time I watch, I fall more and more in love. Despite,not having the presence of a father growing up,somehow along his journey of fatherhood,God has graced him with the wisdom and patience it takes to be a good father. I see the unconditional love glow in his eyes each time he looks at her... a love that I have been fortunate enough to know myself because of another very special man.
My father has managed, despite tragedy, to emerge stronger and wiser than I feel he ever was before and I remain amazed by him every day. Growing up, faith and religion had a strong presence in our house and it is because of him and my mother that I value the importance of creating the same household for my own child. Through the years my father has encouraged me, kept me strong when I felt broken and encouraged my fighting spirit. He has molded me into the determined person that I am today. A lot of people underestimate the power of the presence a father can have in a girl's life... it is momentous. The confidence and pride in my beauty, and who I am and what I can become has been priceless. He has taught me to believe in the impossible and that I can do anything. I want to thank my dad for making me such a well rounded woman(with gentle guidance from my mother as well) and giving me the quiet wisdom I've needed throughout some of my roughest storms.
I want to thank my husband for being a dollhouse playing, fairy dancing, backyard ball playing, turning ordinary into extraordinary kinda dad.
Happy Father's Day Guys!!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Nice Assist
Recently, my daughter decided she wanted to try something new this summer. In previous years, aside from hanging out with her father and I, she has spent many enchanted afternoons as a fairy princess with wild pigtails ruling a kingdom with the fair maiden cousin Zoie or in swim classes pretending to be a mermaid. Running a kingdom seemed to suit her well,but being a mermaid required a little more. She is still not used to the idea of water in her face.
Because of this, in addition to realizing that playing sports with little boys on the playground at school can be fun, she very graciously decided that she would play soccer this summer.
Having very little strength in refusing her of reasonable desires, we agreed. The only trouble was finding a soccer camp that actually fit our schedules. Most of the ones that I called had schedules that run from morning to midday and as a dual income family, this certainly didn't work. I tried calling around to a few others and was unsuccessful. I began preparing myself for the sad look on her little face when I would break the news to her. Disappointed, I decided to put in on the back burner for a little while.
Upon my arrival home yesterday, I walked to my front door and wedged between the frame and the door was a tiny card. Annoyed, because things are hung on our door frequently, I pulled it out to see who was peddling their lawn care service this time. For a moment,I stood in disbelief staring at an advertisement for Soccer Bible Camp, at a time and price my husband and I could afford. I smiled,took into the house and showed it to Carl and quickly followed the instructions for online registration.
Quietly, I thought about how on time God is and decided that in more situations than this one, it was His way of telling me to not give up.
Because of this, in addition to realizing that playing sports with little boys on the playground at school can be fun, she very graciously decided that she would play soccer this summer.
Having very little strength in refusing her of reasonable desires, we agreed. The only trouble was finding a soccer camp that actually fit our schedules. Most of the ones that I called had schedules that run from morning to midday and as a dual income family, this certainly didn't work. I tried calling around to a few others and was unsuccessful. I began preparing myself for the sad look on her little face when I would break the news to her. Disappointed, I decided to put in on the back burner for a little while.
Upon my arrival home yesterday, I walked to my front door and wedged between the frame and the door was a tiny card. Annoyed, because things are hung on our door frequently, I pulled it out to see who was peddling their lawn care service this time. For a moment,I stood in disbelief staring at an advertisement for Soccer Bible Camp, at a time and price my husband and I could afford. I smiled,took into the house and showed it to Carl and quickly followed the instructions for online registration.
Quietly, I thought about how on time God is and decided that in more situations than this one, it was His way of telling me to not give up.
Monday, June 8, 2009
As we embark upon a new week, we have had to say goodbye to a dear friend and church member over the weekend. I am always nervous about having to explain the facts of life to my daughter and this was definitely a first. So... how do you help a 5-year old understand death when they look at you with those innocent eyes, not knowing that this condition, at some point, will claim us all? Despite the intense stare into my eyes,she seemed to take the news well.
I asked her if she had any questions and she gently replied... "No, not right now mommy."
Now, I still consider myself a younger mother, one that has not quite been gifted with knowing all the right things to say, but I found myself calm and ready to conquer whatever popped into that little head.
Moments later, as I knew it would come, she walked over to me and very seriously asked, "Momma, how do you get to heaven?"
I took a deep breath and explained that being strong in your faith, and staying close to God by praying and asking him to keep you humble is how. She seemed to be satisfied with that answer and returned to her thoughts of color pages, crayons and the like. And I, feeling very proud that I had been given the words to help her understand, found myself thinking about how life has a way of reminding you of the things that are most important. We may not always know the right things to say, but I am sure that will come with more experience.
What I know for sure is this... He sent her to us to bring us back to Him.
I asked her if she had any questions and she gently replied... "No, not right now mommy."
Now, I still consider myself a younger mother, one that has not quite been gifted with knowing all the right things to say, but I found myself calm and ready to conquer whatever popped into that little head.
Moments later, as I knew it would come, she walked over to me and very seriously asked, "Momma, how do you get to heaven?"
I took a deep breath and explained that being strong in your faith, and staying close to God by praying and asking him to keep you humble is how. She seemed to be satisfied with that answer and returned to her thoughts of color pages, crayons and the like. And I, feeling very proud that I had been given the words to help her understand, found myself thinking about how life has a way of reminding you of the things that are most important. We may not always know the right things to say, but I am sure that will come with more experience.
What I know for sure is this... He sent her to us to bring us back to Him.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
First Pitch
The first blog... I couldn't decide if this endeavor should follow our family lifestyle and have sports-themed analogies or if that would be too corny. My decision: maybe it will and maybe it won't as unpredictability is part of our lifestyle as well so...stay tuned.
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