Saved to the Uttermost

Then and Now

2010-04-16T22:22:00.002-05:00

Look at these boys!!! The top picture was taken on January 12, 2007 and the bottom was taken April 4, 2010. Don't they look good?! There's not much for me to post, I just keep looking at the pictures and smile :)

Continue On

2010-02-16T10:18:00.002-06:00

This was given to me by Ms Pat on Christmas day. It brings me to tears every time I read it. I have it up by my desk to remind me of what I'm supposed to be doing, and why I do it everyday. Ms Pat is a very special, God fearing, Christian woman, whom I appreciate and admire so much. I hope this helps some of you as it helps me everyday.

A woman once fretted over the usefulness of her life.
She feared she was wasting her potential
being a devoted wife and mother. She wondered if
the time and energy she invested in her
husband and children would make a difference.

At times she got discouraged because so much
of what she did seemed to go unnoticed and unappreciated.
"Is it worth it?" she often wondered. "Is there
something better that I could be doing with my time?"

It was during these moments of questioning that she heard
the still, small voice of her heavenly Father speak to her heart:
"You are a wife and mother because that is what I have
called you to be. Much of what you do is hidden from
the public eye. But I notice. Most of what you give is done
without remuneration. But I am your reward. Your husband
cannot be the man I have called him to be without your support.
your influence upon him is greater than you think and more
powerful than you will ever know. I bless him through your
service and honor him through your love. Your children
are precious to Me-even more precious than they are
to you. I have entrusted them to your care to raise for Me.
What you invest in them is an offering to Me.

"You may never be in the public spotlight,
But your obedience shines as a bright light before Me.

Continue on.

Remember, you are My servant. Do all to please Me."

Meeting in Alamo, TX

2009-04-23T10:32:00.002-05:00

I didn't attend the meeting in Alamo on Monday night due to dinner, lol, my brother was in town with my new sister in law so I went to spend some time with them before they headed back home. Anyway, but my husband and Jay, aka Sal, would not stop talking about it. It was one of those services that makes you say, "man I should of been there!" so I missed out. I did go on Tuesday and Wednesday, and of course just like every service IT WAS GREAT. I especially enjoyed Wednesday night. We had services moved to Alamo, instead of here in Harlingen, and maybe half of our church went, and 2 people that we had been praying for got Saved, Eva and her daughter Chrysta. To see them after the service was both exciting and eyeopening. They were excited and filled with joy, and all I could do was remember back to the day that I got saved. I was so excited that they got saved, cuz like me, they thought they were saved, but thank God that the Lord revealed Himself to us, showed us what we were, before it was too late, but it was also an eyeopener because I realized that I didn't have that joy that I once did when I first got saved. I've heard it preached about restoring the joy of thy salvation, not knowing that the joy had been slowing diminishing, and without a doubt, IT'S MY FAULT. How I asked the Lord to forgive me, and to restore the joy again. The last thing I want is to lose fellowship with the Lord, and seeing their joy last night was what I needed! God is so good to me, and I see what He does for everyone else, I just started getting to comfortable where I was at and I needed a push, and He gave it to me!! Thank you Jesus :)

I'm 4 today!

2009-01-14T17:20:00.003-06:00

You read the title right.... today is my 4th birthday. At about 8:15 tonight, 4 years ago, I was born again! During a revival meeting in Odem, TX I realized I was lost, a sinner, on my way to hell, I got a tug on my heart that I will NEVER forget. You know, I thought that I was saved before that time. We had started going to church in 1999 and I was doing all I was supposed to do, and not doing the stuff I wasn't supposed to do. I thought I was in! When Bro Mark is up there preaching I think on how he always says, "what might they say, they think I'm already saved!" That was me! We were there with our best friends and that did cross my mind. But I thank God for Holy Ghost conviction, something that I had never experienced before, and that He just led me to do what I needed, which was to call on him no matter what people thought. And of course, no one even said anything, everyone was so happy. And the next day, the 15th, my best friend was also saved! So to us, Happy Birthday to me and Melinda! Isn't it wonderful to know where you will spend eternity!

This world

2009-01-08T08:58:00.002-06:00

As I'm posting this, 2 police cars just whizzed by my front window. I can't get over what this world has turned into it. Last night, on our way to GC, Ms. Kim and I were talking about that girl that got shot at the HEB by my house. You know I was on my way to the store that night because we were gonna have a fellowship, but I called Ms. Kim and she said that she had already gotten everything that we needed, so I didn't have to go. This was about the exact time that everything was happening. God is so good, and He had it all planned from the very beginning, exactly where I was supposed to be at that very moment. There is so much violence now. Just last night we were talking to the missionaries and they were saying how in Mexico they are also having a hard time with the violence. What can we do, but go out and keep telling people about the ONE who saves! Please don't forget to pray for our community, and for our officers, I should just say for the nation as a whole. I've got a brother in law who works for the San Benito PD, and I would really appreciate your prayers for him. Thanks

My First Ticket

2009-01-06T20:54:00.004-06:00

So the other day I was on my way to Mike's CT scan appointment, at 8 am, when I saw a police car in front of me turn around, and what do you know.... he was coming after me! I kept telling Mike, "oh man, he's coming!" Sure enough he turns on his lights and I pull over. He tells me that I was speeding, going 41 on a 30. Mind you this is my FIRST TICKET EVER! I can't believe it. So now I have to go to see the judge Monday morning. I can't stand the fact that I will be giving away about $140 for nothing! (you know what I could do with that money) I didn't realize that I was speeding, but I was, and now I have to pay the price. Lesson for the day: don't speed! Oh, and buckle up! (Sal)

People Search

2009-01-05T12:06:00.003-06:00

The other day I was thinking about our friends the Andersons. We met them at our first church, which was Central. We used to do a lot of things together, at that time Mikey was about 6 and their son was about 10 or 11, so we would go to the park, and other places so that the boys could play. They are also the people responsible for my yard! I used to suffer from anxiety and I couldn't seem to keep it under control, so I used to plant strands of grass in my yard, that came from their yard. It seemed to help, so I did the entire front yard! It was a good way to keep my mind off of the anxiety, but then I became obsessed with grass, everywhere I would go and would see a strand of grass sticking out somewhere I would take it! I'm over that now! My anxiety finally went away thanks to prayer, and my front yard is totally done! Since I had been thinking about them I decided to call, but their phone was disconnected. Then I had remembered that they were talking about moving. I then decided to do the Sal Yanez thing and look them up online, and I FOUND THEM! They live in Virginia where their son, now 18, goes to college. There is now so much catching up to do. Also, it was so exciting to find them, that now I'm gonna start looking for everyone that I can think of!

Hmmm.....

2009-01-03T22:32:00.003-06:00

Today was a good day, we didn't do much, but just spending time with the family is soo good. We got up very late, I won't say what time, cuz it was really late! Then we went to the church, I cleaned and my husband fixed the bus. Then my husband had been wanting to take the kids to Peter Piper so off we went. We sat there and not much was said, but it was still nice being all together. How we've come to understand each other even when nothing is said, a smile here, a nod there, just peaceful.
I had been having conversations with people that I love, and how I wish that they could have peace. It seems like an ongoing battle for them, and it breaks my heart. I can't come to grips on how they can live like this... why must they choose to live like this? I know we all have problems, but why do some people want to hurt the ones that they love. Is it really because they don't know how to love? Or because they don't know the ONE who loves? My heart goes out to them. It seems so long for anything to happen, for something to change. But then I think that God has made these people that have these battles so different from me, because I probably would of just given up. Please pray for these people, the ones that want peace from all of this, and also for the ones that just don't want to give in, they know that they are causing heartaches but just choose to keep doing what they want. I don't find it fair that the people going through this are the people that seem to do so much for everyone else. How I wish that I could just jump in and save them from this, but I can't. I can't do anything but sit there and listen, then come in from talking to them or get off the phone and cry for them, for what they go through. I can't wait for the day when there will be no more tears, but until then we must keep praying. Please pray for them with me.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2009-01-01T22:17:00.002-06:00

First of all Happy New Year! This year started off really good. We went over to Ms. Jeanie's house and had lots of wonderful fellowship and lots of wonderful food too! I don't know how this blog everyday is gonna go, but I'm gonna try. I haven't made any resolutions, because I know I won't keep them, but the two things that I do plan to do this year is not to just read my bible, but to study through it in the year, and to lose 10 pounds. So here's to a new year of getting closer to the Lord. Pray for me!

My Parents

2008-11-16T21:31:00.000-06:00

So you all got to see the picture of us kids, now these are my parents. Most of you all know my mom, but the little man there is my dad, he lives in Oklahoma City. The stories that I could tell you about my dad.... but I won't cuz thank God its all very different now. He wasn't the best dad, but then, I wasn't the best kid either. My parents were strict, my dad especially, but they did the best that they could. Now that I'm a parent, I understand how hard it is. Being a parent is the toughest job ever. When I look back now, I think on how I deserved every spanking I was given, of course then I didn't.
My mom and my dad are divorced, they have been for about 12+ years, neither are remarried, but I think its cuz they will eventually end up together again.
I thank God for my parents, NOW I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world! Yeah they bug me at times, but then I realize how I'm turning into them! NOOOOOO! (lol)
I guess my kids will soon think the same things about me, they probably already do.
Anyway, I love you mom and pop.

Dannys Wedding

2008-11-13T21:32:00.000-06:00

Here we are at my brother Dannys wedding, he's the one up front. His wedding was in Oklahoma this past weekend. I've got three brothers and one sister, one of my brothers, the youngest, was not there, I really wish we would of all been there for this picture.
The oldest, the one in back, is David, then its Debbie, the one is silver, then me, the one in brown, then Danny, the one up front again, and then there's Dale, not shown.
We had a really great time, and I like the fact that we don't have to wait for funerals or something bad to happen in order for all of us to get together. We are a pretty close family, we get on each others nerves at times, but we all know that we love each other. It's amazing to see us all grown up now, I can still remember when we were kids running around, beating up on each other, oh wait a minute that was just this past weekend, never mind.
I love you guys, more than you'll ever know.

Busy, busy, busy!

2008-10-12T16:13:00.002-05:00

I haven't blogged for so long because I have been so busy, but today I decided while I wait for the laundry to come out of the dryer, I would sit and blog. There has been so much going on, it seems like there isn't any time for much. I now take care of a baby during the day, and Mondays and Thursdays I clean offices. David is still in baseball so he has practice Mondays and Thursdays, Mike has piano on Tuesdays, we have church on Wednesdays, visitation or workdays on Saturday and Church on Sundays. Oh and Fridays we have our usual routine of going to Wallbangers. So as you can read, we've been busy. Its overwhelming at times, because with all that going on I still have to do my regular work, you know house, husband, kids, but I thank the Lord that I am able to do these things. I am able to walk and move, and not bed ridden. But of course I have to remind myself that most of the time. So please pray for me for strength, but most importantly for me to never forget about HIM while there is so much going on, because its very easy to forget when I'm so caught up in everything else, and that had been going on. I was in such a rush doing everything else that I wouldn't read my bible, or even stop to thank HIM for everything, but Thank God for mercy and grace and the love that HE has for me, because I know that HE had been reminding me, I just hadn't been listening, but now I'm gonna try to take it slow and make it more about HIM.

How the Lord works

2008-09-16T12:00:00.003-05:00

Please believe me when I say this in no way is to brag about me, this is all the Lord.
Yesterday we went to my moms and before leaving she told me to take some onions and beans that she had there and give them to my neighbor. Well after picking David up from school today, I decided to go and give them the stuff, as I get to their door, I see my neighbor, Jesus, on the floor and his wife, Eva, trying to help him up, and she was crying because she couldn't lift him. I went in to help him up and he kept telling me I'm really heavy, (he is paralyzed from one side), but lo and behold with the Lords help, and theirs, I was able to help pick him up. How the Lord had it all planned for my mom to give me the food to give to them, and how He let me get there at that time. Isn't the Lord wonderful :) I couldn't stop smiling and thanking Him for what he does for us, even when we don't know what's going on behind the scenes!!
Please pray for my neighbors.

One year ago........

2008-08-07T16:17:00.003-05:00

This first picture was last year at six flags, and the second picture is this year at Seaworld!
I can't believe it. We all look so different. My boys are getting so big. Even they're laughing at themselves right now. They don't look like babies anymore. LOL I still can't believe it. The other day my husband and I were talking and he was saying how it seems like its taking so long for David to grow up, but after looking at this he has grown so much, they all have.

We survived Dolly!

2008-07-26T14:55:00.003-05:00

It has been 3 days since Dolly hit, and yes we're doing good. The roof was messed up a bit, and we got water in our house, we also had a lot of tree damage, but it's not as bad as it could of been. We are so blessed to be able to come back to our little house. Some people still don't have water or light, and won't till about next Thursday. Right now we have some refugees LOL, my sister and her kids, but it's not bad. It actually feels good to help out. There are so many people without anything right now, and all I can say is Thank you Jesus for everything. You take things for granted when its right there all the time, but when there's no electricity or water, man you learn to appreciate things, like a hot shower! I hope that everyone is doing good. If you don't have power well you won't be able to read this, but you're all in my prayers.

David

2008-07-18T17:04:00.001-05:00

We got home from the hospital yesterday and I am happy to say that David is doing very good. Thank y0u all for your prayers and gifts! He went into the hospital asking if everyone was going to see him, and if they were going to bring him stuff! LOL so again thanks. The recovery isn't supposed to be so bad, and so far its going ok. He's still wearing some tape on his neck, but the dr says that it'll come off within a week, just not to yank it off, which David seems to be messing with all the time. I'm so glad that its over, and I praise the Lord that he brought my baby out of this safely.

Please Pray

2008-07-15T19:54:00.002-05:00

Well tomorrow is the day. My baby boy will be going into surgery. I am so scared and nervous. Please everyone, be praying for him. We have to take him in at 6 am, but I'm not really sure yet what time the surgery will be. I am hoping that its early, since he won't be able to eat. I can't explain what is going through my head and my heart. I guess anyone who has ever had a child go into surgery knows what I'm talking about. So anyway, please keep David in your prayers.

"Praise"

2008-07-12T20:59:00.006-05:00

Well as most of you all might know, both of my boys were going to be getting surgeries done this month, but Praise the Lord, Mike didn't have to get his done. Mikey has a hole on his femur bone that they were going to go in and stab it with a needle to make it bleed so that it would heal. I took him in to his pre-op visit and the doctor was telling me that he had been doing some research and said that he was still young and that it would eventually heal without surgery and it would take about 6 months to a year, which is the same time frame if he had the surgery done anyway. BUT..... the only thing is that Mike can't run or jump for that time. We know that this is really hard for Mikey to do, so I asked the doctor if we could try the no running, no jumping thing for a month to see if he complies, if not then he would do the surgery. Mike loves to run and jump and get hurt all the time, so he is having a really hard time with this. He can't take it. I feel really bad for him, so please pray for him. I don't want him to have the surgery because he would be in so much pain, and also he'll be in a cast from his thigh to his ankle, so please pray that he can slow down for awhile, and that the healing process will begin and end quickly. I know that my God can fix this bone and I'll have my energetic son back, so please pray with me! :)

We're back!

2008-07-08T11:06:00.002-05:00

We're back!! We had so much fun in Loua, I don't have any pictures to put up, cuz my husband blogged on them all! But we really did have a great time. We could of sat there and done nothing, and still we would of had a great time. I want to say thanks to the Yanez family for putting up with us, feeding us, and making us laugh the whole time we were there! They're just so great, we love them. And thanks Nana for giving up your room, like always. We had no worries during the time that we were there, but now its time to get back to reality and upon arriving home it was just that! We got home and found water in my room, and also running down from where we put up the new ac. So of course with no time to spare, we started trying to do whatever we could. My husband fixed the ac problem, and my room,......... well our insurance needs to come out and check out the damage and who knows how long that'll take, so for the mean time we got buckets and towels ready! Then, I had been wanting to arrange the rooms that we had been working on, so I had a chance to do a little bit of that, along with some floor scrubbing. Can you believe all of this upon arriving! But still thank God, cuz it could of been worse!

"OUR" mini-vacation :)

2008-06-30T20:44:00.005-05:00

WE will be taking a mini vacation on the third, Lord willing, and I can't wait! WE will be going to Louisiana, so don't forget to be praying for us. WE'RE leaving Thursday after my husband gets out of work, and coming back on Monday. WE will take lots of pictures, so you all can see what WE'LL be doing!

My rainy day

2008-06-24T16:32:00.002-05:00

Talk about one thing after another. Today I was in a little fender bender. It was a day of running around, both boys had doctor appts, so I had just dropped David off at my mom's so that I could be in the room with Mike while he had his MRI done. It was a rainy day, and I had just past the casa de amistda when this guy made an illegal u-turn in front of me. I guess he didn't see me. Since it was raining, it didn't matter how hard I pushed on the brakes, my car didn't stop, so I hit him on the driver side door, of his brand new silver Mustang. I called the police right away, and I would like you all to know that it still took them 10 minutes to get there..... anyway, I was so surprised, cuz I actually wasn't scared. Mike was very shaken up, I felt so bad cuz he was crying. But I just thank the Lord, cuz my car doesn't really have any damage to it, well my husband says it could be hidden damage, but on the outside it looks ok. All I can say is that it could of been worse, and it wasn't so I thank the Lord for that. Oh and I was told that if I blogged this I would have to put up pics, but there isn't any to put up :) but yes Sal it did really happen. I'll show you the police report to prove it! lol

Keep praying for me

2008-06-23T14:49:00.005-05:00

It's so easy to say "don't worry", but that's easier said than done. I couldn't sleep very well last night, due to things running around in my head. I couldn't make myself stop thinking about everything. I usually snuggle up next to my honey and feel so protected and secure, but last night was just so different. I felt frustrated, helpless, drained, overwhelmed. Even now I feel this way, and I hate it. I am so used to having things under control, and I can't find anyway to do that with everything that is going on. I thank God that I have Him to lean on, as well as my husband, and I guess that I just have to learn to do that, but again, that's easier said than done.

Pray for me

2008-06-20T16:41:00.002-05:00

So much has gone on these past few months. These things make me stop to think about how we could all be gone tomorrow, but also how blessed I am. How so many people go through many different situations, some so small, yet we tend to overreact, or maybe not even react the way that we should. Why can't some people stop to think about what they do before it affects everyone else? They think that they're only hurting themselves, but they forget about the rest of us that care so much for them. In every way, we all affect someone, somehow. There is so much going through my head right now, there is so much to say, but I can't even find the words. All I can do is cry and pray. Just remember guys, the things that we do and say, can affect you and others for the rest of our lives.

THANK YOU

2008-05-31T12:21:00.004-05:00

WOW!! Where do I begin. There has been so much going on lately and there was no time to blog about it. First the remodeling of my house had begun and I was so excited that we were almost finished. My dad came into town and said that he would finish up what we had left to do. So we started last Friday, but it all came to a stand still on Sunday. We had gotten up like we do every Sunday morning for church, kicking and screaming! Just kidding anyway, when we got to church my mom and Ms. Pat had noticed that David looked swollen, well when I looked at him, I pulled his collar down a bit and his neck was big. I got scared and showed my husband and he said lets go! We were going to take him to his regular dr, but they weren't open yet so we decided to take him to the ER. We were sitting in the room waiting for the results or prescription or something, you know how that goes, and then we were making plans of taking the boys to eat at Peter Piper, when we got the news...... David would have to be admitted. We were shocked! I didn't think that it was anything serious when we first took him in, but then they started saying that they had to admit him because his airway could get blocked due to the swelling on his neck. So as most of you all know, he was in there for four days, the longest four days of my life. Not because I stayed there, but it just seemed like it would never end. I couldn't stand to see my baby hooked up to the IV, or to see him cry when they would have to poke him again or give him medicine and it would burn through his arm, it was horrible. But I thank God that HE helped me through this, cuz I didn't lose it, (only till I got home!), but I also thank God that all you guys would go and visit and call, that helped so much. I had been saying that since I was there, there was no where for me to hide, you know since I'm not big on having company, but it really did help so much. I realized how much people can make such a big difference in times like these. So thanks guys, I really did appreciate it. David did too, especially the gifts! You all mean a lot to me, thank you for taking time out of your days just to go and show your support to our family. You all were so good to us, thank you.... and now David is out, he still has Dr's appointments to go to, and they say that he will have to have surgery to remove the cyst that he has so that it won't get inflamed anymore. So please keep praying for David! And as for my house, its almost done! Again, thank you all!

My birthday

2008-05-06T16:42:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was my birthday and all I can say is "man I'm getting old!" Nah, not really. Birthdays don't bother me like they do other people. To me it's just another day, with little added bonuses of course. I'm not all about the present getting either. I know my husband hates that, in my case, its really the thought that counts. I don't know why I'm like that, but as I always say "you know what I can do with that money!" lol My love always wants to go all out for me, as you saw on the really embarrassing Christmas blog, and I don't ever let him. (sorry baby) but I'd rather do things together and spend the money on all of us, then on myself. But anyway I had a really great day yesterday, I got to spend it with my family, Lucy made me this awesome cake, which is all gone by the way, and EVERYONE I know called me or emailed me or BLOGGED about it. So thanks guys, I love you all, especially you baby!

Day at the Zoo

2008-04-11T14:03:00.003-05:00

I went to the zoo with David the other day, and boy was it hot. I did have some fun walking around with him and answering all his questions. I really don't care much for the animals, and for those of you who don't know, I got a nose that can smell anything! So animals and my nose are not a good combination, cuz it stank! So here are some pics of David at the zoo, he was really excited about seeing the lion.

Hello!!!

2008-03-25T15:47:00.003-05:00

Hello fellow bloggers and readers. I know, I know, it's about time, but I really do have a good excuse, well excuses I should say. I have been really busy. I haven't had much time to sit down and do anything for awhile now. My boys have started baseball, and with that comes practices, games, tournaments, and so on. I have been going to the gym in the mornings and right after the gym I have been spending most of my mornings with my mom, ever since she broke her wrist, she has the mornings off from work so we spend that time in prayer........... LOL YEAH RIGHT, we spend it eating breakfast! (we should spend it in prayer though!) Then it's off to pick David up from school, then my hubby gets home for lunch, after that I'll do laundry, clean, or whatever needs to be done. And if that isn't enough, my husband has started remodeling our house, and he's doing all of the work, but I'm right there with him, just in case something is needed. So there you have it. I really have been busy. But boy does it feel good to blog. I missed it. I think we need to start another blog a day thing, just not this week cuz I'll be busy:)

Louisiana Pictures

2008-02-03T16:28:00.001-06:00

Here are some pictures that we took in Louisiana.

Bumming Around

2008-02-02T22:13:00.001-06:00

Visitation was good today. I did get to talk to one lady, and hopefully she'll receive Christ. Ms. Pat led 3 teens to the Lord which was great. We then came home and I took a much needed nap. I've noticed since I haven't been walking in the mornings I've been even more tired. I'm thinking it's because I haven't caught up with my sleep since our vacation. Anyway I then woke up and I've been here at home with my family. It's nice to be able to just bum around and do nothing. We have been so busy these past few weeks that we haven't had a chance to do that, so it's been a good day.

Hi

2008-02-01T22:50:00.000-06:00

Ok, so I couldn't stay away. We got home from my in-laws, checked the computer and on my Google reader it said no unread items. It was kinda sad, I'm so used to getting on and having like 5 unread items. So I decided to blog. Today was a pretty good day. I got up early to take the kids to school, but I came right back home and slept till about 10:30, I hadn't done that in a long time. I usually drop the kids off and go walking, but I'm not going to start up again until Monday, so I decided to take advantage of the sleep.
I can't wait for visitation tomorrow, I am excited about it like I've never been before. I pray that some souls get saved for the Lord.

Till we blog again!

2008-01-31T22:49:00.001-06:00

So this is the last blog of the ABAD. It was great, even though I could hardly ever keep up with it, but I finally did! It's nice to get on and read what people have done during their days, but it's also going to be nice not being on the computer so much, it can be so addicting. Hopefully most of us will keep doing it, maybe now it'll be a bit easier since there's not going to be a blog Nazi watching if you blogged everyday! :) But anyway, it was fun fellow bloggers, till the next time.

Sick

2008-01-31T14:03:00.000-06:00

Last night after church service a couple of us went to Denny's. I got the French toast slam, and it was so good. We got home and watched the news for a bit, then I went to bed. At about 3:45 am my stomach started to hurt so bad. I went to the restroom and I couldn't take the pain. I yelled for my husband and he went to watch me because I felt like I was going to pass out. I started getting chills, but yet I was sweating. It was such an ugly feeling. I sat there, and I looked at my feet and they were turning blue! After awhile I was starting to feel better, so I went to lie down, but then I was up again. I got up about 2 more times after that, until I finally feel asleep. I don't know what happened, if I got the amoebas like Ms.Jeanie or what! My husband said that it was probably some food poisoning, whatever it was, I don't ever want to get that again. I'm just glad that this happened here though, and not in Louisiana! Thank you my baby for being there for me.

We're home

2008-01-31T11:09:00.000-06:00

We got home yesterday at about 2pm and am I tired! We had been staying up late and waking up early so I think it caught up to me. The drive wasn't so bad, it's just loooong. It was a much needed vacation, away from everyday life. But I'm happy to be home, it's time to get back to reality. I'm dreading balancing the check book! It'll be ok:)

Almost Home

2008-01-28T21:37:00.000-06:00

We went to Lake Charles today. We went bowling, then to eat, then shopping. We have been eating like pigs! My stomach hurts! but as soon as we get home, I am going to start walking and hopefully join the gym. Time is going by fast. We'll be there by the time you know it. I know you all are missing us:)

Hey

2008-01-27T17:16:00.000-06:00

Well it's Sunday and we've been at church, we are on our way there in a minute, but I hadn't blogged so I just wanted to take some time and let you all know that we are doing so good over here. You don't realize how much you need and miss your friends until they move so far away. Not that they are our only friends, but there is a bond there that can not be described. Keep praying for us. We'll be home soon, hopefully time doesn't fly by too fast.

Having a good time

2008-01-26T13:28:00.000-06:00

The church service was great last night. There was shouting and running around, it was great. We are having so much fun over here with our friends. We miss everyone, but we can see all of you any time! :) We're just going to take advantage of every minute that we have with them, time seems to be going by so fast. Please keep praying for us.

We're Here!

2008-01-25T10:29:00.000-06:00

WE MADE IT!!! We're finally here, the trip was a good one, it was actually a short one. I'm so happy to see my friends. We had a good time of fellowship last night, and well the week is young so there will be plenty more laughs. Just wanted to let you all know that we thank you for your prayers, my deer whistlers did the job keeping the deer away, but I think it attracts birds! One came out of nowhere and hit our van :) Keep praying for us.

Our Church

2008-01-24T14:03:00.000-06:00

I had been wanting to make a slide show of our church, and here are the few people that I could find pictures of. Mind you, I do have lots of pictures because my husband loves to take them, but most of the pictures are of people caught off guard and I didn't want to use those. So for now this will do until I can get good pictures of everyone. I really wanted to do this because Kelly, Ms. Kim's sister, gets on our blogs and now she can put faces with names. And also my sister in law April used to come to our church but she's now in Dallas, so this will keep her up to date with all of us. Today we will be traveling to Louisiana, so don't forget to pray for us. I love you guys.

I'M SO EXCITED

2008-01-23T17:09:00.000-06:00

I've been packing and getting things ready all day. I can't wait to get to Louisiana, and see my bestest friends! You guys all better be praying for us, especially for our vehicle. I went to get some deer whistler things today, that has always been a thing of mine, hitting a deer or rather a deer hitting us. I guess I watch too much tv, but still I'd rather be safe than sorry. But really, please keep us in your prayers. Don't miss us too much!

My Baseball Players

2008-01-22T15:14:00.001-06:00

We signed the boys up for baseball, and I can't wait for the first game! They haven't even started practice yet, but still I can't wait. I love for them to play sports, it keeps them busy from any distractions that just might happen to come along, and they stay active and healthy. Here are some pictures of them from last year. David was on the Purple Team, and was the second baseman, and Mikey was on the Astros, and he was pitcher and anywhere else they would put him. Enjoy!

Isn't He Wonderful

2008-01-21T22:38:00.000-06:00

We went to the revival meeting at Central tonight and it was AWESOME! I love to hear loud, hard, preaching and that's exactly what it was. Bro Phil Dunn is the one preacher that I love to hear, and boy can he sing as well. Hearing them tonight makes me realize that what I'm going through is petty. We have a big God who does wonders..... and I worry about the little stuff. pffffft! Well starting tonight I'm going to try not to. I'm going to try to just leave it to Him and let Him handle it the way He sees fit. And I do say try because I'm human.
He is wonderful. We serve an awesome God.

Pray for me

2008-01-21T08:43:00.001-06:00

My heart has been hurting like it never has before. Yesterday at church I just stopped to think about all the different people that have come into our lives and how each one of them affects us in some way. I couldn't help it, and I had to let it out. I hadn't prayed and cried for all these people like I should be. I can't answer all the questions that I have in my head, or in my heart. Why do things happen the way that they do? Why are we as Christians, that have the same God, act so differently? We are to be in one accord. I can't help but think about the situations that happen and wonder why? Why are our families so messed up? Why do people choose to follow their own well being instead of others? Why can't people just get up and go to church when the doors are open? So many questions, and I know that the only one that can answer me is God. I do know one thing, good ole Bro Sammy Allen said, a lot of these things happen because we aren't filled with the spirit. How can we be filled with the spirit, if we don't have fellowship with our Saviour. We don't read our bible like we should, we don't pray like we should, we don't go to church like we should. Please pray for me, I have this sadness and I really want it to go away.

Hmmmm....

2008-01-20T17:02:00.000-06:00

I really don't have much to blog about. It's been really cold, and all I do is stay home. I didn't even go walking yesterday morning because it was so cold. We're getting ready for our trip to Louisiana. I'm so excited! I can't wait to see the Yanez family. The fellowship is going to be great. I am also looking forward to eat some of Melinda's burgers. Mmmmmmmmmmmm. Well that's all I got for right now, I have to think of more to blog about for later, because I'm behind again.

LOL

2008-01-18T07:58:00.000-06:00

I know, I know, I missed another day, but I will make it up today, I HOPE! Well I was reading my husbands blog this morning and he left out a very important detail, maybe he left it out because I said that it was blogging material, but either way its important. Yes we went to home depot, then we stopped by Boggus to look at the trucks, and yes I said lets get the trailblazer even though J says no tray nada, or however you spell it. Anyway, when we look at any vehicle we always look at the back seat! (get your minds out of the gutter lol) We have kids that are getting bigger everyday, and they are starting not to fit in the back seat. My husband is so tall that he puts his seat all the way back and whoever sits behind him, their legs get crammed. Well anyway we're looking for something roomy, and so my husband is getting in the back seat of these cars, he fixes himself in there, closes the door, looks around, so on and so forth. He does this to every car. He gets to one car, he does the same, gets in, closes the door, looks around, and as I'm sitting in the car waiting for him, I don't see him getting out! I started to laugh then thought, He's locked in! I get out to see what's going on, and sure enough, he gets out of the other door!! LOL The child lock was on from the side that he was sitting on! It was so funny! Anyway I think that this was good blogging material, what do you think?

Sadness

2008-01-16T21:38:00.001-06:00

Today was a busy day, not like working or cleaning, but just being out. Ms. Kim and I went to do a visit in the hospital, then we went to the funeral home to be with Gabby. The thoughts that went through my head as I was out. First being at the hospital makes me thank God for not being sick, and then being at the funeral home, well just so much goes through my mind at that place. I think that's the hardest place to go to. There is so much sadness, so much pain. I didn't know what to tell the family, or even Gabby. At that moment, as Ms. Kim said, the best thing to do is to just listen. We're not promised tomorrow. We could be gone as we're reading this. As I have said before, my heart has been so heavy with thoughts of lost loved ones. That could of been my family at that funeral home, have I done all that I could to win all my family to the Lord? We need to do our best to tell as many people as we can that the yearning that they have inside is that of the need of Saviour. Isn't it wonderful that we know him? But are we doing our part? As I was talking to Gabby she told me, "I never thought that this could happen in my family." And she's right. It could be any of us. Keep praying that the Lord use us all in mighty ways, but for His honor and glory. You guys are in my thoughts and prayers always.

Trying to catch up!

2008-01-16T17:10:00.000-06:00

Well yesterday was an ok day. I love the weather like that, rainy, cloudy, as my husband would say lovey dovey weather. There was a lot going on yesterday, things that only God could get me through, and as always He did. I really wasn't in the blogging mood so that's why I didn't, but things are better now, and when I started to read everyones blogs I realized that I missed it. But I thank God that He gets us through all these different times of our lives.
He is able!

It's my birthday!

2008-01-14T13:02:00.001-06:00

Three years ago today, I was born again! Yup, I got saved January 14, 2005 at about 8:15 pm in Odem, Tx at Bible Baptist Church under the preaching of Bro. Sammy Allen. It was the best day of my life! I thought I was saved before that, it was all my doings that made me think that I was. But that wonderful night, the Holy Spirit showed me that I was a wretch! I still am, but now I'm a saved wretch! I have so much to learn and to live up to, but I thank God for His mercy and His grace, because He knows exactly what I am, where I am spiritually, and my hearts desires, and I will eventually be where He wants me to be. Thank you Lord for saving my soul!

I caught up...again:)

2008-01-14T10:37:00.001-06:00

I'm trying to catch up on my blogs, and right now I'm sitting here waiting for the laundry to come out, so I'm going to come up with something.
I didn't want to wake up this morning, but of course I have to take David to school, and I have to go walk. So I went to walk, solo, and came home to clean. It never ends, but someone's got to do it. I've got a job just like the rest of you! :) Ok that's all I got, but I still have to blog later!

Pray

2008-01-13T20:30:00.000-06:00

Well I still can't over the preaching that I heard Friday night. It makes me realize where in life I am, and where I should be. I can't help but think about the things that happen in our lives, and how they affect us in so many ways. I've noticed that in the blogs that most of us have written they've been about love, we have so much to be thankful for, but I think that love is the most important. Where would we be without each other? Without our family and friends. For the laughs, but even for the shoulders to cry on. My heart has been very heavy for my lost family members. I think about my dad and my older brother, because I'm not sure that they're saved. We have talked to them, but pride takes over them, and they don't want to hear anything about it. I think about the people that we ask for prayer on Wednesday nights, how it hurts so much to know that we could be gone tomorrow and these people that we love and pray for won't be with us in heaven. Let's keep praying for them, even if they are the last people that we would do anything for. There life depends on us.

God is Great!

2008-01-12T09:35:00.000-06:00

I was going to blog yesterday before we left to church, but I was busy, so I didn't get to it. So I'm up early trying to put one in because then I'll fall behind... again. Well church was so great. I always love to go see Bro Sammy Allen he is a great man of God. As you probably read on my husbands blog, Johnny got saved last night. That was so awesome. The one thing that scares me is that I have a lot to do with the things that usually go on and don't go on in the house, and if I want to I can change things to end up going my way. Well some people might not believe this, but my husband sticks to his guns almost all of the time, and well the scary part is I could of told him not to go get Johnny yesterday that way we could of left earlier and that would of been the end of that. But I thank God that my husband just did what he knew that he was supposed to do and went to get him. Because of me, he might not of gotten saved last night, it would of been on me. His blood on my hands. We might not ever think about the situations in our lives that we change all because of what is said, or how we act. If I would of been my old self, not that I'm perfect now, we would of been on our way to Odem without him, but thank God for mercy and grace, and everything went just as God planned for it to go.

Busy, busy, busy

2008-01-10T17:03:00.000-06:00

Today was a busy day. First Ms.Kim and I went walking at the trail, Lucy had been telling us that she goes there, so we decided to check it out. It was nice, but scary, we kept looking in the arroyo to see if we could see any bodies floating around! Anyway afterwards I came home and started to clean, wash clothes and just try to put things away. I would like to find the people that say that housewives don't do anything, so that I can smack them! It's hard work. But I'm done now, and I finally took a shower, so it's a good day.

My Sis

2008-01-09T22:19:00.000-06:00

Today I spent the day with my sister. We used to spend everyday together, but since she got a job, it's every now and then. We went to every store that I can think of, just looking around, laughing and talking. It's so nice to have someone that you're able to talk to, especially when it's family. She's my only sister and I think that's probably best because I don't know if I could handle anymore girls, it's bad enough we got Anmaree! :) We always have so much fun together, and she always buys me (us) everything, because I'm the little sister!:) My kids are very blessed to have her as their aunt because she goes nuts with them. She loves them like her own. Not everyone can be like that, I can't! She's got a really big heart. I remember when she was lost, I used to tell her that she would make a very good Christian because she was always so giving. She's the type of person that would give you the shirt off her back, literally. When we were younger we used to fight all the time, and I never thought that we would be close like we are now. But I'm glad that we are, and I'm happy to say that she's saved now. I love you sis.

I'm caught up!

2008-01-08T14:47:00.000-06:00

I didn't want to wake up today, but I have to take David to school and then I go walking. I usually get to the lake at about 7:11 am and Ms. Kim will get there about 7:20. Well today I was waiting for Ms.Kim to show up but she never did. So I just started to walk "solo", I was almost done with my fourth one when I see Ms. Kim. She starts asking why I was walking without her. I looked at her and said "because you're late." She's like, I'm not late, I'm here my normal time. It was so funny! (you had to be there) She was really an hour late and didn't even know. Well since she had just started I decided to keep walking with her so I walked eight and a half miles today, she told me I could stop, but I didn't, you know the whole motivation thing, anyway now my legs hurt so bad. We also checked out another gym, but it wasn't as good as the first one we saw. So get ready Lucy, as soon as Ms. Kim gets the go ahead we're joining. And oh yeah, Sal, I'm caught up now:)

Big Boy

2008-01-08T11:58:00.000-06:00

Yesterday we went to home depot to go get that screw for Ichabod, and as we're walking in David tells me, "mommy I'm such a big boy!" and I just looked at him and smiled. He then tells me " I'm a big boy because I can button my own pants!" I started to laugh. So now you know you're a big boy if you can button your own pants. Now if you don't zip your zipper, then that's another story I guess! :)

The Gym

2008-01-07T14:08:00.001-06:00

I'm behind one post, and I have to catch up because I'm always reminded!:) So here it is, today Ms.Kim and I went walking, but afterwards we went to go check out the gyms. We went to one that my husband wants to join but they still don't have the womens side up, so we went to another one and it was one that we had in mind, you know women only, different machines, that kind of stuff. While we're standing there talking, a well known lady walks in to do her work out. I look at Ms.Kim and tell her, "that's Martha Benavides". (My husband would of been lusting the whole time if he were there, but then maybe not because she wasn't wearing make up, and everyone knows what us women look like without makeup!(well most of us:) So anyway, we might just join this gym, not because "Martha" goes there, but because it's one we liked! Anyway, I'm looking forward to it.

Back to Normal

2008-01-06T22:31:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow everything should finally be back to normal. The kids go back to school and my husband will be working all week. I am going to miss them, but it just seems like everything is out of place. Well we put the kids to bed early since they have to wake up early but of course they don't ever fall asleep right away, anyway I walk into their dark room, that's only lit with a Mcqueen night light, and I go in to check on them and I say, "are you all asleep?" And David from behind me says"no". He's up playing on his dresser with his cars, in the dark! This kid is so funny. I had to keep from laughing, but he finally did get in the bed. He's probably still awake as I type this, boy is he going to be tired in the morning, but he's still going to school!

My Mom

2008-01-05T22:56:00.000-06:00

Well today has been a very busy Saturday, but it's been a good one. I have spent most of the day with my mom, I haven't done that in a long time. I used to do it all the time, but I just slowly stopped. There's not any particular reason, I just like to be home with my family. I was thinking about her today on how my mom is getting older. It's kinda scary, I never thought that my mom would be that age, and that I would be this age. It just occurred to me that I need to spend as much time with her as I possibly can because I don't know how long I have with her. No, there isn't anything wrong with her, but I would hate to think that I could of spent more time with her, but didn't. Who knows, she'll probably outlive me, but just in case.....
She means the world to me, to all of us kids I should say. I love her, even though she drives me nuts sometimes, but then I probably do the same to her:) What can I say, she's my mom and I couldn't of asked for anyone better. I thank God for her, and for saving her: far from home, in a place that we would of never imagined; in Louisiana, under Pastor John Yanez:)

Health Kick

2008-01-04T14:24:00.000-06:00

For those of you who don't know, I have been on a "health kick" for 4 months to the date, and I have lost 31 pounds. It is so exciting. Yes, I still eat what I want, but I try not to over do it, and I also go walking, 5 miles everyday but Sunday. When I first started I weighed 198. I now weigh 167 and am trying to reach a goal weight of 150, but I would like to weigh 135, because that would be considered healthy for my height. Like I posted on the diet blog, it's not so much on how I look, but to be healthy. I had been getting chest, leg, and back pains, my toes were starting to get a numb feeling and I also had a pinched nerve. I say had, because I no longer feel those pains. Thank God. So here's to a new me! But all for the Glory of God.

Louisiana Memories

2008-01-03T09:54:00.001-06:00

Last night at about 11pm the kids were with the camcorder and they stumbled across a video that we made when we moved the Yanez family to Louisiana. :( It was so great to see it, I had forgotten that we had it. We laughed so much with the things that we had recorded! But the best part was just to be able to see them and all the fun that we were having with them. Wow, how we miss them so much. But thank God for the memories. They might live far away, but they are so close in our hearts:(

Happy New Year!

2008-01-02T11:17:00.000-06:00

Well I didn't start my first post on the 1st, but I guess better late than never huh? Well yesterday was a good day. I spent New Years Eve with Ms. Kim and the kids, we had so much fun! It's true.......A merry heart doeth good like a medicine... We left there about 2 am, came home and slept late. (I forgot to mention that Lucy brought us some strawberry cake, and IT WAS SO GOOD! :) I got up about 11, and then had lunch with Lucy and Ms.Kim, and that was great as well. It's always nice to spend time with just the girls. So anyway that was yesterday, it was a good way to start the new year, with family and friends!

Davids' questions

2007-12-19T15:38:00.000-06:00

I was on my way to the mall, to do some Christmas shopping and David was in the back seat talking away, like he usually does, and he was asking so many questions. He would see a sign and asked what it said, he wanted to know what the people were doing in their cars, why was there people at the store, on and on. Well he had one question that took me by surprise. He asked, "mommy, why did God make us?" I was surprised, because he had been asking all these questions that didn't make any sense, but then he asked that one. When I was younger I would ask myself the same question, and I didn't know the answer to it. Then when Mikey asked me, my answer was "He made you just for me!" But now when David asked I knew exactly what to say. I never knew the answer until about 4 years ago. I was reading my bible and I was blown away. Of course, I finally did tell Mikey why God made us, and I told David as well, I said Revelation 4:11 .... for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. He said, oh ok. And it stayed at that. I do believe that he understood what I said because he was so serious, and then he went back to asking more questions that didn't make any sense. The questions are still coming, and last night he asked me one that even I don't understand. He asked, "mommy, why are the babies in mommies tummies?"
Try to answer that one to a 4 year old!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2007-12-10T15:24:00.000-06:00

Christmas is coming! It's almost here. I love Christmas, but I can't stand all the hassle about it. It seems to be like this every year; trying to figure out what to buy everybody, will they like it?, will there be enough money? I didn't want it to be like that this year. I always try to do everything which leaves me burnt out. So this year, I have taken it easy. Only gifts for the kids in the family, which my husband came up with the majority of the gifts and that was really good. I didn't put up lights or decorate in anyway, only our tree, but that was done by the kids and my husband, (I watched.) And it just seems like it's going so much smoother now, I don't feel stressed, or hateful. I am looking forward to this Christmas holiday, but only because I am going to keep in mind what Christmas is really all about. It's about my Awesome God, sending his Only Begotten Son to be born, just to die for a pathetic, sinful, nobody like me. How I would seem to forget this all these past years, but not this year. I want it to be about Him, I mean this is the reason why we even have CHRISTmas to begin with right?

I've been NUDGED!

2007-11-29T14:10:00.000-06:00

Ok, so I haven't blogged in a while, only because we have been so busy. The Thanksgiving holiday came and went so fast, and Christmas is just up the rear, literally! But we did have a great Thanksgiving, we got to spend it with family and friends, I think it was the best one of all. I was thinking about how blessed we are to have the things that we've got, especially our family and friends. How nice it is to be able to go over or even call the people that we love. God has been so good to us. So to all of you, my family and friends, (and everyone in between, lol) I love you all so much, and thank you for being the individuals that you are. Thank God that we are not all alike, because we would have some problems... BIG problems! :)

David at the dentist

2007-11-13T15:38:00.000-06:00

I took David to the dentist today for his 6 month check up. Was it another ordinary day at the dentist? Read for yourself..... Well they finally called us in and they start taking x-rays of his teeth. Once the x-rays were done, they let us see his pictures and they were telling me that his other, bigger teeth, are already set in place. David starts having a heart attack that his big teeth were coming in and that he didn't want big teeth, he wants little teeth! I couldn't stop laughing and I told him that his teeth were going to stay little for a while, he kinda felt better, but then he would remember and say that he didn't want big teeth later. Well the assistant tried calming him down with stickers, which worked. She offered him a toothbrush, stickers, a top, and tattoos. I didn't know what he would ask for until she offered him all these things and he looked at her and said, "I want the tattoo!" I looked at him, like what? How does he even know what a tattoo is? Well he got 2 of each, and when she left the room, he started to tell me that his friends at school have tattoos. I just looked at him and shook my head, and he says "why are you shaking your head?" I told him that he couldn't have those tattoos, he asked why if his friends had them, and I told him that Jesus didn't like it so we don't put them on. He looked at me and said "but I like it." I told him no, and he kinda fussed, but then got over it.
Can you believe this kid? I was amazed as he sat there and had this conversation with me. It brought thoughts of when he would be older and asking to get a real tattoo! He's only 4! Who does he think he is?! Well I want to thank God for the patience that he gave me at that moment, because I wanted to grab a hold of him, and not let go. And that God will give me the patience and wisdom, so that when my boys grow up, I (we) will know exactly what to do and say to these type of conversations.
But I am happy to say that when we got home, he asked for his stuff, and I gave them ALL to him, and he looked at me and said, "I don't want the tattoos, I don't like them anymore." And he went to throw them in the trash. : ) Yeah, just an ordinary day at the dentist.

Its a good day

2007-11-05T10:53:00.000-06:00

It's a good day! I had been calling the city to come and clean the curb on the side of my house. It would get me so mad because if I would be cutting the grass, I would literally have to cut the street as well. There was so much grass growing on the street, until I finally got fed up and stopped cutting it. I would call them, and they would send guys out with weedeaters to cut it, but the problem was still there, because the grass would grow. I called the city about 10 times, and one time there was a man outside looking at the stop signs, so I went outside to ask him what he was doing, (yes, I need to know everythig!) and well while I was out there I told him about all the grass. He told me that he was noticing it and he would send people out. Well that was like a week ago. Today while I was mopping I heard people talking and I looked outside, and these pictures show what I saw. I was so happy. As I'm typing this, there is a sweeper outside as well. I didn't think that it would take a tractor to do the job, but they needed all the help that they could get!! So its finally done. I don't have the best looking yard, but I like for the grass to be cut, and the curb was such an eye sore. So thank you Jesus!!

Count your blessings

2007-10-31T16:49:00.001-05:00

Today David was doing his homework, tracing seventy seven number 3's!, anyway as he was doing his homework, he looks at me and tells me "mommy, I love you all the time." I immediately told him, "sure, just wait till your a teenager and you want nothing to do with mommy!" Nah, just kidding, I was thinking about how big my kids are getting, and about how I love them so much. I can still remember being 10 myself, and now I'm 31, married with kids! What happened? It's unbelievable. I can remember being in my room, or watching TV, and my mom calling us to come and eat. And now I'm the one doing that. I'm more than sure you all look back and remember all those things. How easy our life was when we were young. No bills, no car problems, no responsibility, no nothing. But, back to reality, I thank God for everything that he has given to us. We don't have everything that we want, but we have everything that we need.

Our Anniversary

2007-10-23T15:35:00.000-05:00

Today is my 11th year wedding anniversary, and it has been a great day. The best part is that my husband and I have been together all day. I want to take time to brag on my husband a bit. We haven't always had the best of times, but it gets better as time goes on. What can we say, we're human and are always going to have problems, but we always seem to get through them. And that's all God. My husband has always been a hard worker. It is so hard to try to get him to get a day off for whatever reason. He could be sick, in the hospital, with kidney stones, but as soon as he's released, he goes back to work. I love him for this, because I know that he is going to do everything possible to be my provider. To some people, we might not have the nicest or best things, but they are all mine, and we have them because of his hard work. But the thing that I love about him the most is that he is the best dad ever. My boys love him so much. He is hard on them, but they know its because he loves them. He can be so tired from work, but he will still go outside and play with them. He can sit in their stinky room for hours playing PlayStation with them, or just roll around on the floor and wrestle them. He is, in my eyes, the best dad. God definitely had us picked out for each other because I don't think that anybody else would be able to put up with us. I know that our marriage isn't perfect, but I wish that everybody could be as happy as I am. And Sal, I'm glad that we make you sick, because that means that we're doing something right! LOL

IT'S COLD

2007-10-22T13:04:00.000-05:00

It's cold outside! I love the cold weather, but only for a while. I was talking to Ms. Kim and she was making fun of me because she says I think that 70 degrees is cold. But it is! How many of us think that its cold? I am more than sure that's all of us, we're so used to the 100 degree weather. This cold front might not last long, so I'm going to take advantage of it while I can. It's time to break out the hot chocolate and sweet bread. (Yeah I know, I'm on a diet!) But anyway, enjoy the weather everyone. And to Ms. Kim, IT IS COLD!

Smiling

2007-10-16T15:42:00.000-05:00

Yesterday my husband came home from work, to work on my car. He put the car on the ramps, and got underneath to fix the problem, and by the time I knew it, Mikey and David ended up underneath as well. It was nice to see them trying to help their daddy fix the car. They would fight about who was going to give him whatever it was that he needed. Well they must have gotten bored, because not long after that, Mikey was skateboarding and David was thrown on the floor in our "kitty litter" as we like to call it. Our driveway is sand, and the cats come and do their business there, which I really hate, but David loves to roll around in the sand, and throw it up in the air. He has a blast. We try to make sure that he doesn't pick up anything that might look a bit suspicious, but other than that it looks ok! LOL We had fun just watching our boys run around, fall down, and just have a good time. These are the days that I won't ever forget.

Pray

2007-10-13T17:01:00.000-05:00

As I'm sitting here, thinking, there is a burden in my heart for some of the friends and family members that are in my life. I don't understand a lot of the things that go on in their lives, and I sometimes wonder why things happen. I know that my life isn't perfect, please I am the worst of them all, but how I wish that they could be as happy as I am. I don't know if it's just their time of trials or if it's just something that they chose to go through. Be it though it may, it saddens me to know that they have so much to go through. I want to get in there and help, but sometimes things are better left unsaid. My life, since I have been saved, just seems to be so wonderful. I have gone through some hard times, but it's been easier to deal with. I always try to get around some godly women that I know are going to help me out, and not try to make me see things they way they do, but the way that God sees it. I have a best friend that will totally call me out on anything that I might be doing wrong, and of course, it's up to me to either grin and bear it, or be foolish and prideful, and do it my way. I've got a preachers wife that is willing to listen, and also put me in my place, but again, will I take her advice, or do what I want. There are many other ladies in the church that I can count on, but it all falls on me. Will I listen to the people that God has put in my life, or just follow what I "feel" and run with it? It's a hard decision, but I am so glad that God is not the author of confusion, and He makes it that much easier for me. So for these few people in my life that are going through these hard times, give it to God. He will take good care of you. He only gives you what you can handle. "We're just passing by on our way home!" It can only get better, if we try. I am living proof of this.

A day in the life of me!

2007-10-10T10:49:00.000-05:00

Ok, I haven't written because there isn't anything to write about! I had been thinking about writing but there isn't anything.., nothing comes to mind. I wake up, read my bible, take the kids to school, walk, come home, eat oatmeal, do a little bit of exercise, take a shower, check my mail, then I start lunch for my hubby, go pick up David, finish up lunch, eat, wash dishes, clean up, then I get to do whatever else is left (washing clothes, putting it away, ironing, etc.....) Sorry! Nothing interesting has happened. But I am not complaining! I love to do all these things. (sometimes!) I just get caught up in doing it, that time flies, and by the time I know it Mike's home, then my husband gets home. But now that I'm writing this, a lot of things come to mind! Weird, huh? So there you have it, a day in the life of DeeDee.

2007-10-04T15:50:00.001-05:00

Ok, so I'm missing Ms. Kim, what can I say. I have been walking by myself and now I know why you need someone with you when you do things like this....... because you want to just give up! You really do need that motivation from someone. But anyway, besides that, it's not cool not having a piano player at church, and then once church is over, it's like hummm, now what? I don't know if anyone else felt like this, but I did. So anyway, to Ms. Kim, HURRY UP AND COME HOME! Love ya!

God is Good

2007-09-27T21:10:00.000-05:00

We had our ladies meeting tonight, and as always, Ms. Kim did so good. (It was all God though, of course!) It was about Leah, but ended up being about Jacob. The thing that stayed with me the most, was about how your sin not just affects you, but everybody else around you. And it is "miraculous" how my past Sunday school lesson was also about the same thing. I can't understand some of the things that go on, and why they happen, but what I do know is that God is totally in control. And if we leave it to Him, He will get us out of whatever it may be. I truly believe that God prepares us for whatever may come our way. We just might not follow His lead, and that's when things start going wrong, and it doesn't just affect us, it affects everyone else around us. I know that when you're happy, we are all happy with you. But when you're hurting, we all hurt, and you wouldn't believe how it affects us. It's like it's happening to us. I can't explain it. You have the knot in your throat, the pounding hard of the heart, the teary eyes, and all you want to do is to make it all better. But we can't. And that is the hardest part, to sit back and watch everyone go through life the way they chose to. I know that we don't always make the best choices, but we need to strive to. We need to be the best examples that we can be................all eyes are on us.

Our Church Family

2007-09-22T14:01:00.000-05:00

We went on visitation today, and there were so many of us there that it was amazing. Well more like a blessing. We went on our church bus, it was hot, but it was nice for everyone to be together. Afterwards, we went to eat, and it was also very nice to see most of us there. Ms. Kim mentioned how its nice, because we are all like a big family. And it made me think about how we are so much like a family. When something good happens to one of us, every one's excited. When someones sad, we all feel it. We're even like siblings and fuss and argue, even get frustrated with each other sometimes. But through it all, we love each other. Since being in this church, I can honestly say that I now have a heart. Before it was so hard for me to even care about what was going on, and know my heart aches for my fellow church members. Like when Sal wasn't there for our little bbq, he was missed because he knows all about the games we play, and everyone knows he would totally win that game. Or when Eva and Tony don't show up for visitation, you just have to wonder where they're at because they're always there. Or if Janie wouldn't make her famous desserts, its like what happened? And now if Lucy wasn't around, there wouldn't be any pictures taken. If Sharon wasn't there, we probably would run out of food, because she always brings enough to feed an army. If Ms. Kim weren't there, who would play the piano, and paint, and cut the grass, and just put up with all of us. Same goes for Bro. Mark, who would we have to preach, and take the lead and do it decently and in order. Who would take Sals' pit, if my husband weren't there? Who would tell us stories of old, if the Odonalds weren't there. Saragrace wouldn't of gotten her oreos, if Zeke and Sandra weren't there. I mean the list goes on and on, and thank God that it does. Before I would be able to name each and every church member, but now there are so many of us, that it would take about 3 postings to do this. (Who knows, maybe I will later.) And though we're all different, we all bring something good to our little church. So for those of you who might want to give up, or just have had it, don't forget about us. How we all think about each and every one of us, and how we're needed and appreciated in many ways. We're human, and imperfect in every way. But I think that we have so much fun just the way that we are.

Tupperware

2007-09-19T09:24:00.000-05:00

Have you ever noticed how some women hate to lend out their Tupperware? It might not even be the actual brand name Tupperware, but it's Tupperware! I am one of these women. This morning my husband wanted to take one of my Tupperwares to work. He's looking through the cabinets and says "can I take one of these?" I look at him and say "I guess!" So he starts fitting his oatmeal in my Tupperware, and before he closes it, I told him he could use a Ziploc bag instead. He tells me, "nah, I got it closed." So I told him that I didn't want him taking my Tupperware to work. And he looks at me and tells me, "you don't even use them anyway." Can you believe this!? I know that this would be the last time I ever see that piece of Tupperware again if he takes it to work. He would never bring it back! He said he would, but of course I don't believe that. So I was just wondering if there were any other crazed out, Tupperware lending, Nazis' (lol @Sal) out there? I don't think that I'm the only crazy one. Oh and by the way, he took the Ziploc bag to work. My husband, I love him, but he can forget about taking my Tupperware anywhere!

The LION

2007-09-18T13:47:00.000-05:00

This is Davids' lion. This lion has been through a lot! (Can you tell?) It is his favorite thing in the whole world! He has to have it, ALL THE TIME! The lion first came into his life when he was about 7 months old. My mother-in-law bought it for him and put it in his first Easter basket. He lost it one time, and we were out like a search party, late at night, with flashlights, looking for this thing! We couldn't find it, so we went home, (we were at my in-laws) and when we got home, he cried A LOT! He would say that he needed it and couldn't sleep without it. Even my husband wanted to cry. (He probably did, but I don't remember!) My husband would say, "that's his best friend!" Anyway, David finally fell asleep, and by this time, my husband and I are calling every Wal-Mart in the valley, but no one carried them any more. Early in the morning, before any one woke up, my husband went back to look for the lion. He drove around my in-laws neighborhood, and what do you know?! He spotted the lion! A dog had it! So, of course, my husband went to get the lion away from the dog, (my husband the hero!) He got home, and we washed, sanitized, and did everything that we could to save that lion. So when David woke up, and saw it, he was very happy! Ever since that incident, our mission was to find as many lions as we could. And we did, we found a lot of them! Most of the lions are from Louisiana, (because Melinda found most of them and bought them all), so now David has lots of lions. We will never go through that again! This picture is not of the original lion, the original is put away, smelly and dirty just the way he likes him. But during the lions' battle with the dog, the lion lost his nose. Since the original doesn't have a nose, neither does any of the others, David decided that he wanted them all to look the same, so he took the nose off of all of them! And by the way, I didn't take this picture for this post, David wanted his lion to look cool so he put the glasses on him, and wanted a picture taken of him, so this was taken awhile back! He loves his lion!

My Teacher Said.....

2007-09-17T12:50:00.000-05:00

Today I picked David up from school, and as he's getting in the car, he immediately tells me, "I didn't cry today!" Which is a good thing, because he had been crying saying that he wanted to be with me. So anyway, he also shows me a bag of candy that his teacher gave him, and said he got it for being good. So we get home and he asked if he could have one, I said "yes but only one." Well we finished eating lunch and he tells me, "my teacher said I could eat the candies." I said, " I told you no more candy." He starts telling me a story on how his teacher told him it was ok, that's why she gave it to him, on and on and on. It's pretty funny, but it's also an eye opener, because he is listening to everything that his teacher says, and she might say something that I don't need for him to learn. (So of course, this is where we come in as parents and teach him differently.) He tends to say that a lot. "My teacher said to sign this, my teacher said to wear this, my teacher said to stop crying, my teacher said I could bring my lion, my teacher said that we couldn't do that........." and the list goes on. It does make me realize, that he is small, but he listens to what everybody says. He's just so funny. But it's not always "my teacher said," you can also hear him singing his Sunday school songs, and repeating the verses that he has learned. These kids truly are like sponges.

Work Saturday

2007-09-15T13:54:00.000-05:00

Today was our work Saturday at church, and it was great! We had so many of our young people there, that the work got done so fast. I can't stress it enough, it was great! The yard usually gets cut by Ms. Kim, and if there's a work Saturday, nobody shows up, expect for our family and Ms. Kims family. (I'm not bragging, its for the Lord!) It always takes us a long time to finsih doing everything, but today it went so smooth. Everything was done in about an hour and half. It was a blessing to have everyone there. Of course I have to thank Eva, because she's the one that had all the kids there, but I have to especially thank the kids, because if they were like most teens, they wouldn't be caught dead cleaning up the church or cutting the grass. They would be sleeping in late, or just out with their friends. So thanks kids. You really made our day. My husband, Ms.Kim and I, got to take it easy today. It was really nice. Most people just go to the services and leave. They don't ever stop to think about what's going on behind the scenes. Who's cutting the grass? Who's cleaning the church when the rotation list is over? Who decorates? Who pays the bills? Who fixed the toilet? Who painted the walls? We could all be one of these people, and do something great for the Lord. Not for the reward, or for the praise, but for the Lord.

I DID IT!

2007-09-14T15:57:00.001-05:00

Today was a day like no other. Why? Well I actually let Ms. Kim come inside my house. This might sound like its not a big deal, but for me, it's a very big deal. I'm not one to let people come to my house. (But you all should know this, because Bro.Mark told everybody on Wednesday night! LOL) I have always been this way. I don't know why. (If people do come over, we're usually outside, no joke, really we are.) I think it goes back to when we were small and my mom also didn't invite anyone over, and if my dad would invite people over, my mom would disappear, leaving my dad to entertain. I hope that most of you don't find it offensive, but that's just the way that I am. I don't mind going over to other peoples' houses, I enjoy having fellowship, I JUST CAN'T DO IT. Maybe in time, I'll come around. But for the mean time, "no, you can't come over!" (lol) And before you hear it from him, yes Sal came over, and I even fed him..... baby steps is what I call it. So for those of you that don't know me, I hope that you don't think that I'm the rudest, meanest person in the world. Everyone has their own thing, and this one just happens to be mine. But anyway, this is a big accomplishment for me. So be happy with me.

A Week Later...

2007-09-11T10:10:00.000-05:00

Today is a week since I started my "diet", and I am very happy to inform everyone that it has gone great! I didn't weigh myself last Tuesday, when I started, but I did on Friday. And this morning I weighed myself and I have lost 4 pounds! I am so excited! Keep praying for us people! The pain from walking is finally going away, and Ms.Kim and I are walking a bit faster now (lol), even though I have to actually run to catch up with her, since she has these looong legs! Again, pray for us! Thanks.

My Son, the President

2007-09-10T20:04:00.000-05:00

My son Mikey is in the sixth grade at Vela Middle School. He has always liked school, and he likes to be involved. This year there isn't any sports, that he knows of, that a sixth grader can participate in, so he decided to join the Student Council. For those of you that don't know, student council is like the government that runs the school, or in his case, runs the sixth grade. Well I just found out that he ran for student council president, and he made it! He's very excited, and can't wait for the after school meetings and activities that they will be having. So pray for the president, he could make a world of difference for his sixth grade class!:)

Another Day

2007-09-06T14:43:00.000-05:00

Ms. Kim and I went walking this morning, and I have the battle marks to prove it! This is my third day walking, and man oh man, I hope there is a fourth. My legs are killing me, and Ms. Kims' top part of her foot, is hurting her. (She says its cuz we're old, but... I don't think its that!) Would there be an easier way? I don't know what else to do, besides sewing my mouth shut, but if there's anything less drastic, I would like to know about it.
But we must go on, and we will. (I don't know for how long though!!) So keep praying for us.

On a diet

2007-09-05T09:56:00.001-05:00

Well today is the second day that I have been on my diet. (We'll see how long this one will last!) I started walking and eating right, and just drinking water, and I got to say, with that one day, I did wake up feeling a lot better. I was able to sleep last night, and this morning, I wasn't as tired. I think its all the coke that I usually drink that makes me feel so ugh. But anyway, Ms.Kim was supposed to start with me yesterday, and like you all have read, SHE DIDN'T!! But she did go walking with me this morning. So pray for both of us. We are supposed to be using each other to help keep us motivated, but if she keeps eating KFC, I can just forget about it!

Excited

2007-09-02T21:43:00.001-05:00

I am excited about the preaching that went on today. There was singing, shouting, testifying, preaching, it was all great! It was good to be in the house of the Lord!

Great Times

2007-09-01T19:46:00.000-05:00

We got home late last night from Ms. Jeanies' house, and after all the party poopers left, we had a great time of fellowship. It's so nice to be able to sit around and just talk and enjoy each other. When I first started going to church, I thought that we were never going to have any more fun, because we had "given up" everything that we used to do, all the stuff that we thought was fun! (I know that God was looking out for us the whole time we were lost, because there were many times that we should of never made it back home. But by the Grace of God, He let us live many more days, so that we could receive Him as Saviour.) After a while, we started fellowshipping with the church, and it was unbelievable! I never knew that we could have so much fun with people that went to church, and we didn't miss the other stuff anymore. I lost "friends", but gained so many more than I ever had before!
I thank God for giving us the chances that He did, and for placing us where He has, and letting us have so many wonderful people that we can share ETERNITY with. So to the church, thank you for being the people that you are. Keep living for the Lord, our race is almost run!

Our Future

2007-08-31T10:30:00.000-05:00

These are the kids from Grace Baptist Church, well most of them anyway. I love this picture. It is so nice to see kids play and take care of each other like they do. I pray that they will grow up in the shadow of the Lord, and not forget the things that we have taught them. (They better not forget, because my husband, Ms.Kim and I, are their sunday school teachers!) But anyway, take a moment and look at our beautiful kids, the future of Grace Baptist Church! We love them all! (not all our kids are shown, we still have lots of teens, and more babies!)

Following God

2007-08-30T14:07:00.000-05:00

Today I was thinking about my best friend Melinda. Most of you know her, but for those who don't, she's a very crazy girl! Well I was sitting at my desk reading every ones' blog, when I got to Ms. Kims' and read the comment from her sister, I just started to think about Melinda and about how much I love her and miss her as well. When they had first told us that they were moving, we were devastated, but we knew that it was Gods' will and that they had to do it. I have known her for about 7 years now, and we have been very close. She's like my other sister. She's also like Davids' other mommy.(I think he likes her more though! You can't talk about his princess!) Thinking about her, also makes me think about Ms.Kim and how they just left it all to do what God wanted them to do. I say this because I don't know if I would be able to leave it all. Friends and family, homes and Churches. But I commend you two women, for following your husbands, doing Gods' will, and changing/touching the lives of some many other people. Obviously God knows what He's doing, when he takes you and places you with other people that will need you as much, and even more, than the other people that you left behind.

"My Heart told me to cry..."

2007-08-29T12:55:00.000-05:00

Today started like every other day, my husband gets up to shower (yes he showers!), then I get up and shower (you know I shower!) then Mikey and David get up and do the same. I don't have problems waking them up, they both are pretty good about that. And as I mentioned before, I take David to school and he goes to eat breakfast and does all that stuff by himself. Well when I picked him up today, he gets in the car, and he looks at me and says, " I was crying for you today," and I asked him why and he said "because my heart told me to cry for you." I was laughing and felt bad at the same time. I don't know where he comes up with these things, but he does. David is something else. He is a handful sometimes, but then I remind myself that he is just like me. (There, I said it!!) Anyway, I love to hear the things that he says, because he just says what he feels. Like in Sunday school, Ms. Kim asks for prayer requests and he tells her to pray for bumble bee, and poor Ms. Kim prays, not knowing that bumble bee is a transformer! (That's too funny, by the way!) But I did find out the reason why he was crying, and it was because there was a little girl crying so he started crying too. So pray for David (and bumble bee) that his heart doesn't tell him to cry for me anymore.

Cleaning Day

2007-08-28T12:45:00.000-05:00

Well today was my cleaning day. Really everyday is a cleaning day, but today I really went through the house and cleaned, you know the dusting, sweeping, mopping, cleaning out the refrigerator, getting down in the toilet, and bath tub, moving furniture, that type of cleaning (also throwing away A LOT of junk, that my husband likes to bring home from work, I always tell him, "they threw it away for a reason!", but that's a whole other story that I might write about later!) And while I was cleaning, I was listening to the Concord Baptist Youth Choir and can you get filled with the spirit, just singing those beautiful songs! I love to listen to peoples testimonies, and these songs are filled with that. So I want to take time and thank God for saving my soul. Thinking back to what I was, it's so shameful, but I'm now a child of the King!

First Day of School

2007-08-27T15:34:00.000-05:00

Well today was the first day of school for my boys. Mikey is in the sixth grade and David is in Pre-K. It is so funny to me to have one going to middle school, and the other just starting elementary, but that's what happens when you wait so long to have kids. Anyway, I really thought that David was going to have a hard time, you know since he's always with me and now he wasn't going to be. But boy did he surprise me! He wanted to walk to school, alone, and when I didn't let him do that, he told me to leave him in the cafeteria and I could go. It was funny. But of course I didn't leave him, I still stood away from him, far away, and watched him. He was eating breakfast, then he got up, took his tray and placed it where it went, then got his backpack and sat down. It didn't bother him one bit that he was leaving me!! I am glad that it went well though, there were many kids crying for their moms, but not my son, he did really good. By the way, it really didn't bother me either. I guess we were both ready for this. And also, its only half a day, so its like he's taking a nap or something.
Mikey on the other hand was very nervous, which is understandable because its a different, bigger school. He wanted to get to school early, and I asked him if he wanted me to sit in the car and wait awhile, but he told me it was ok. Well its only the first day of school, so we'll see how the rest of the year goes. Pray!!

Sunday Morning Message

2007-08-26T15:06:00.000-05:00

Well this mornings message was awesome! I know it was for me. I could not stop thinking about the people that we had gone out to visit yesterday. I had met this one lady, her name is Lorena, and she was telling me how she was very excited to see "Christians" out giving the gospel. She said she always has the mormons and JW's going to her door, but that was the first time that she ever had a Baptist knock on her door. She said she came from a christian background, but had fallen away from it, and now she was living in sin with a man that beats her and has another family. She told me that she wished that she could of stayed with her family and stayed in the christian atmosphere that she was used too. She started to tell me her problems and about how rough she had it, then she turned her face and said "see." She had a big cut on the left side of her face, like from a knife, and you could tell it was recent. She said she knew that God had sent me to her door, because it was something that she needed. She had been out of church for awhile and that she needed to get back into it. She had two baby girls with her, and said she knew that they needed something better. So pray for Lorena, she seemed so sincere, but tired of how her life was going. Like Bro. Mark says, "if you reach only one person, it's worth it." Maybe she'll come to our church, but if not, she knows that we're out there. And it was worth it.

Visitation

2007-08-25T15:31:00.000-05:00

Saturdays are visitation days. We go out door knocking; inviting people to visit our church, but most importantly, giving the gospel. I was always so embarrassed to go out soul-winning. (I felt like I was out selling something!) I don't know if everyone feels like this when they first go out, or maybe even after so many times of going out, but I couldn't get myself to knock on peoples' door, give them a tract, and tell them about Jesus. I would hope that the people weren't home, or wouldn't answer so that I could just leave the tract on the door. And when they would come to the door, I would be so nervous, that I would just give them the tract, say very little, and walk away. I would tell myself, "you have such a big mouth, use it!" But I still couldn't/wouldn't do it.... until recently! I now have this desire to tell people about Him, by the way, this is something that I have prayed for, and He answered! I enjoy going out on visitation, and God has taken those feelings away (I still get a bit nervous though.) That doesn't mean that when I'm out somewhere I start telling everyone about Him, so pray for me. With His help, and your prayers, I can be the witness that He wants for me to be.

Here I Go......

2007-08-24T15:01:00.000-05:00

Well, I had been saying that I was never going to start a blog, but then SAL kept saying to do it, and my husband started one, then Ms. Kim started one, and so did Laura, so I decided to start one today. I think this is what they call "peer pressure!" I told Sal that I had nothing to write about, and he told me to start a cooking blog!! Which of course, I knew that a couple of people would be laughing at that, (but yes, Melinda and Ms. Kim, I DO COOK!), so this isn't going to be a cooking blog! Anyway, this is my first posting, so we'll see how it goes.