Let's talk...

GORGEOUS

2008-11-29T17:27:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving at Mimi's.
I love my kids.

(I don't know why the picture is so pixelated. Click on the photo for a larger, clearer view.)

nineteen

2008-11-09T05:30:00.000-08:00

I have now been with him for half of my life. That is just so exciting for me--probably because none of our parents made it that long...

How are we spending our anniversary? Why, at the softball fields, of course! ;)

Here's to 19 more, Freddy. I love you.

PROVIDENCE

2008-11-05T06:36:00.000-08:00

providence-- noun.

1. (often initial capital letter) the foreseeing care and guidance of God or nature over the creatures of the earth.
2. (initial capital letter) God, esp. when conceived as omnisciently directing the universe and the affairs of humankind with wise benevolence.
3. a manifestation of divine care or direction.
4. provident or prudent management of resources; prudence.
5. foresight; provident care.

Ephesians 1:11
"In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will."

Romans 8:28
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Romans 13:1
"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God."

Regardless of who you voted for, I encourage you to pray for our leaders.

Oh I'm so holdin' out for these!!!

2008-10-11T18:20:00.001-07:00

Recycled glass countertops...oh baby.

2008-09-29T14:03:00.000-07:00

&^!%$#!@~!

I.hate.Mondays.

Lessons Learned From Ike

2008-09-20T15:06:00.000-07:00

1. I can cook just about anything on the grill and it tastes great.

2. Next hurricane I will stock up on unscented candles. Vanilla, clean cotton, cinnamon, and pineapple do not mix well in a stagnant, hot house.

3. I can read 2 books in 4 days when there is no electricity.

4. God is still God.

5. It is impossible to shave in a cold shower. Ouch.

6. I don't ever want to go a week without electricity again.

7. It can always be worse.

8. The guys from the power company in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, are my heroes. They left their families to come here and help restore power to our area.

9. I really love my husband. (Yes, I knew that before the hurricane, but I was reminded every day how lucky I am to have him.)

10. I am proud to live where I do. Everyone pulled together and helped in any way that was needed.

Priceless.

2008-07-20T17:07:00.000-07:00

Yearly team dues: $500

3 softball uniforms: $258

2 pair of cleats: $100

2 Catalyst bats: $600

TPX Infielder's glove: $80

Hotels for 'away' tournaments this summer: $925

Gasoline/Food to and from tournaments: A LOT

Being there when my daughter hit her first homerun: PRICELESS

---

2008-05-13T10:24:00.000-07:00

Today I was blindsided by the realization that my understanding of God and His character is so limited. It is hard to understand the depth of His love, mercy, and grace for me, a wayward child of God, when I feel none of those things for MY wayward son. Sure, I love my son, but most of my feelings toward him these days are those of anger, resentment, hostility, and even indifference. Indifference is a scary feeling, wouldn't you agree? How does God do it? How does He, day after day, extend grace and mercy to His undeserving children? I wish I knew how. I wish I had the strength.

Me... in a nutshell

2008-05-07T07:23:00.000-07:00

We read this in Bible Time this morning. I hated every word of it because it is me.

Matthew 23
Seven Woes
1Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: 2"The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. 3So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. 4They tie up heavy loads and put them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.

5"Everything they do is done for men to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; 6they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; 7they love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to have men call them 'Rabbi.'

8"But you are not to be called 'Rabbi,' for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. 9And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. 10Nor are you to be called 'teacher,' for you have one Teacher, the Christ. 11The greatest among you will be your servant. 12For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

13"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.

15"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.

16"Woe to you, blind guides! You say, 'If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.' 17You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes the gold sacred? 18You also say, 'If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.' 19You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? 20Therefore, he who swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. 21And he who swears by the temple swears by it and by the one who dwells in it. 22And he who swears by heaven swears by God's throne and by the one who sits on it.

23"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. 24You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.

25"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.

27"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. 28In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.

29"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous. 30And you say, 'If we had lived in the days of our forefathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.' 31So you testify against yourselves that you are the descendants of those who murdered the prophets. 32Fill up, then, the measure of the sin of your forefathers!

33"You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell? 34Therefore I am sending you prophets and wise men and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify; others you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town. 35And so upon you will come all the righteous blood that has been shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berekiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. 36I tell you the truth, all this will come upon this generation.

37"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing. 38Look, your house is left to you desolate. 39For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'"

I can't seem to find my Christmas Spirit...

2007-12-13T11:50:00.000-08:00

...maybe it got lost in the move.

happy birthday, sister

2007-11-25T06:14:00.001-08:00

Erin Marie Elliott
Born November 25, 1974
Died October 27, 2005

I miss you...I can still hear your sweet laugh...Erin, you would be amazed at how much Melanie reminds us of you. What a blessing that is...

Thoughts

2007-11-24T07:31:00.000-08:00

1. I think I like Thanksgiving leftovers better than the first time around.

2. My 10 year old got up and made coffee for us this morning. I had no idea she knew how to do the coffee pot.

3. Insomnia sucks. I fall asleep just fine but wake up and can't go back to sleep...and I REFUSE to take anything for it.

4. I am blogging right now in order to avoid the piles of laundry that are taunting me.

5. We close on our house in 3 days...YIKES!

6. The things I will miss most about this house are the windows, the fireplace, and the kitchen.

7. One of the best things about our new house is Freddy and I will have a bathroom in our bedroom.

8. I know most parents freak out when their teenagers start driving, but I am LOVING it.

9. Teenage boys make your car insurance premium go thru the roof.

10. It's killing me not to already have our Christmas decorations up this year.

Any thoughts?

happy turkey day to everyone!

2007-11-22T06:19:00.000-08:00

...except for you, Tina, my vegetarian sister-in-law. It's Happy Tofurky Day to you!!!

LET'S EAT!

encouragement...

2007-11-21T07:04:00.000-08:00

...for all you mamas out there during this busy, hectic time of year. Think on this verse as you face sinkfuls of dishes, laundry out the wazoo, and as you go about doing the little, sometimes unnoticed things that make your house a home. Be blessed, ladies.

"May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us--yes, establish the work of our hands."

Psalm 90:17

fab.u.lous.

2007-11-14T05:11:00.000-08:00

What an amazing weekend. It was nice to get a glimpse of what our life together will be like when all the kids are grown. Sorry that I don't have any pics to post. Freddy brought his camera but left the battery charging on his desk at home. The lake house was beautiful. It could definitely be featured in Country Living or Better Homes and Gardens. One of my favorite things about it was that it had a Dutch door. One day I will have a Dutch door!!! Again, sorry no pictures! :(

While there, Freddy and I decided not to eat at any chain restaurants and only eat at local places. Good decision! Friday night we ate at River City Grille. Our table overlooked the water, the food was yummy, and we made it in time for happy hour. $1.50 drafts! Saturday we went to Fredricksburg and ate at a Mexican restaurant called Mamacita's. All I can say is that it was way better than Lopez! We found an awesome hall tree made out of an old door at one of the shops for so cheap, but we brought the little car, not the Expedition, so we had to pass it up. It would've gone great in the entry way of our new house--I will blog about our new place later. All I will say about it now is that we are BUYING our first home and it just happens to be right next door! This will be the 3rd house we've lived in on this same block!

I love my reality, but it was so nice to get away with my man. I really do like him! We had a lot of...fun. ;)

18 years today...

2007-11-09T04:44:00.000-08:00

...here's to many, many more. I love you more than ever...

The coolness that is Freddy...

2007-09-07T18:21:00.000-07:00

Every couple of months or so Freddy has this excess of creativity that can only be dealt with in the middle of the night. This is what he did last night (this morning, actually). They are both for bands that we know.

1 Peter 4:7-11

2007-09-02T07:11:00.000-07:00

7The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 8Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 11If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ...

Sometimes I wish verse 9 wasn't even there. Why is it so hard?

Sexy and Premenopausal

2007-09-01T07:41:00.000-07:00

Can you be both?

Only in Texas, y'all...

2007-08-29T07:12:00.001-07:00

http://www.click2houston.com/news/14001700/detail.html?taf=hou

My New Toy!

2007-08-28T14:29:00.000-07:00

My new laptop came today...it wasn't supposed to be shipped until September 5th!!! My old one died awhile back. Actually, it was murdered by my two teenagers.

It.
Is.
Beautiful.

It's a Dell Inspiron 1520. Alpine White with Spring Green accessories. We are definitely a Mac/Apple family, but I am lovin' my Dell, baby!

Now I don't have to fight for computer time on any of the other computers with anyone else in this house. I have my own!

And I have one rule--no one under 37 can touch it.

...I think I'll start blogging more. :)

It's no secret...

2007-08-25T11:14:00.000-07:00

It's no secret that I hate most Christian music and how 'bubblegum' most of it is. But I'm loving this band right now...especially this song.

Pray for me...I'm goin' in!

2007-06-29T11:00:00.001-07:00

In just a few hours I will join all the other crazies who are standing in line for the iphone. All for the love of my husband, who has to coach 2 games tonight. :)

Yes--I'm still alive :)

2007-06-26T09:30:00.000-07:00

Long time no bloggy blog, I know. Just haven't felt like it. I've wanted nothing to do with the computer. Do you ever feel that way? No blogging, no emailing, nothing. If I hurt anyone's feelings I truly am sorry. It was just something that I had to step away from for awhile. Maybe forcing myself to post today will get me back in the blogging mood!

So here's what's been going on with me:

We have been spending every weekend at the softball fields. I really do love watching Holly play. She is amazing. There's even been some interest in her from an 18u select gold team. I watch in awe as I see her using the talents that God (and probably a few genes from Freddy!!!) has given her. We went to the State tourney this weekend. The girls placed 4th out of 22 teams. 1 place higher than last year. Awesome. We go to Regionals in a couple of weeks in Wichita Falls. I can't wait!

Holly turned 15 on the 19th. We threw a surprise party for her with her friends and teammates complete with a Kelly Clarkson bday cake. She is a Kelly Clarkson fanatic. A blast was had by all. If you would like to see pictures you can go to Freddy's site at www.webtoastmedia.com and click on gallery.

Joey has discovered golf and fishing. He is quite the golfer and can outdrive my father-in-law. Hee-hee.

Melanie is filling in on a 10u allstar team when they need her. She's not as natural as Holly, but has an outstanding work ethic. She will work harder than anyone on her team. A coach's dream.

Benjamin is trying to get his band thing going. He's caught between boyhood and manhood and trying to figure things out. 17 must be hard for boys.

I have been thoroughly enjoying my kids and our pool this summer. I don't think I could've picked 4 better kids.

A special thank you to Darla and Michael--you know why. We love the bracelets and had big plans for a video thank you that we have just not had time to put together. How considerate you two are.

I got a new kitty for mother's day. Her name is Kitty, but at any given time you can hear someone calling her Petey, Gata, Petey McDoogle, or Smelly Cat (seriously). The dogs love her. Our other cat, not so much.

One more thing--I highly recommend going to Pappasito's for sangria and nachos...and then on a whim getting a hotel room for a few hours with your husband/wife. Seriously. You must do this. ;)

Love to you all--if anyone still visits my blog!

2007-05-15T06:30:00.000-07:00

Freddy said something beautiful in Family Bible Time this morning. He said, "It is not our burden to 'get people saved'. It is our privilege to show the people around us who God is by how we live our lives."

I love that man.

For Candace...

2007-05-11T07:39:00.000-07:00

...and for anybody else who will admit they love Bon Jovi as much as I do! I can remember watching this like it was yesterday. It's my favorite version of this song.

...oooooh Ritchie Sambora...

iTunes randomized

2007-05-04T08:39:00.000-07:00

I don't have an ipod.
All 4 of my kids have ipods.
I don't have an ipod.

Here's what iTunes has played for me so far today:
1. Blindside--Eye of the Storm
2. Blindside--Put Back the Stars
3. Jamie Cullum--Twentysomething
4. Remy Zero--Save Me
5. Lovedrug--Spiders
6. New Order--Blue Monday
7. The Beatles--Ticket to Ride
8. Queen w/ George Michael--Somebody to Love
9. Umbrellas--Broken Ice
10. Terminal--Not All Bad
11. Chasing Furies--Writhe for Hearing
12. Chasing Furies--Thicker
13. JET--Look What You've Done

for my fellow tattooed homegirls :)

2007-05-02T18:37:00.000-07:00

Joey the Slaughterer

2007-04-27T18:42:00.000-07:00

So when I was picking the kids up from school today Joey's Bible teacher (Ashlee) slips me a little note. It turns out Joey was injured during Bible class today. The note read, "Joey was injured slaughtering the prophets of Baal in our story. He may need an ice pack. But all the prophets are dead. :), Ash".

I love how Ashlee encourages the kids to act out their Bible stories.

All funniness aside (it is sooo funny!), I pray that as Joey grows he will never lose his ability to discern Good from Evil. I pray that he will continue to slaughter those false idols. And I thank God everyday for Miss Ashlee Liddell.

Sassy britches

2007-04-27T08:53:00.000-07:00

Yep. This pretty much sums Holly up. I love this crazy girl.

Joey's Pumpkin

2007-04-23T16:41:00.000-07:00

Look what's growing in our yard! Every year after Thanksgiving we have batting practice with our pumpkins and this is the result. I can't wait to see if any grow!

the prayer of a mom & dad

2007-04-23T06:32:00.000-07:00

"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ--to the glory and praise to God."

Philippians 1:9-11

Great weekend for a ballgame...

2007-04-21T06:17:00.000-07:00

...LET'S PLAY FIVE!!!

ode to Ashlee

2007-04-19T18:59:00.000-07:00

Astros v. Reds

Score: 8-6

MVP: Luke Scott (Ashlee's future husband-he just doesn't know it yet)

...spanky spanky...

does anybody else think...

2007-04-18T09:06:00.000-07:00

...that Sanjaya looks like Stephen in Nacho Libre?!?

I can't believe I was actually contemplating deleting my blog last night...what was I thinking?

Easy Like Sunday Morning

2007-04-18T08:05:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how the world looks when you are not rushed out the door on Sunday mornings...

--our mama cardinal
--lilies and roses

for the wonderful, artsy people in my life

2007-04-14T17:01:00.000-07:00

The Way I See It #184 (from the back of my Starbucks cup)

"My father said being an artist was the shortest road to the poorhouse, claiming "real" work is something you don't like. I ignored him through oppositional behavior, later reasoning that only an idiot sets out to find the poorhouse, not to mention devote himself to something he doesn't love. Instead, I discovered an interesting back road to the unknown, and deliberately without a safety net."

--Russell Chatham
Painter, lithographer, author, publisher and restaurateur.

Keep discovering. Keep creating. My life is richer because of it. :)

2007-04-13T09:26:00.000-07:00

It's like the sun swallowed up by the earth.
Like atomic bombs in reverse.
As if a glass could contain the sea
That's the way You are in me.
That's the way You are...

--The Afters

2007-04-11T16:55:00.000-07:00

Romans 10-14-17

But how can people call for help if they don't know who to trust? And how can they know who to trust if they haven't heard of the One who can be trusted? And how can they hear if nobody tells them? And how is anyone going to tell them, unless someone is sent to do it? That's why Scripture exclaims,

A sight to take your breath away!
Grand processions of people
telling all the good things of God!

But not everybody is ready for this, ready to see and hear and act. Isaiah asked what we all ask at one time or another: "Does anyone care, God? Is anyone listening and believing a word of it?" The point is: Before you trust, you have to listen. But unless Christ's Word is preached, there's nothing to listen to.

new 'do...new outlook

2007-04-07T17:57:00.000-07:00

FREE!

I'm free to wear my hair however I want.
I'm free to use black eyeliner.
I'm free to be 10 pounds too heavy and still be happy with myself.
I'm free to wildly love my husband and kids.
I'm free to say NO to the Country Club that Church has become and love God anywhere and everywhere I am.
I'm free to wear fishnet stockings---right, Darla?!?

I'M FREE!

It's amazing what a new haircut will do for ya. ;)

***EDIT*** I realize, after looking at the pics, that it's hard to tell what my actual haircut looks like--there are a lot of short layers in the back with longer ones in the front (since I can't afford botox!). I like how artsy Freddy made the pics look, though.

Peyton Manning on SNL

2007-03-30T08:04:00.000-07:00

Hilarious!!! Benjamin's Bible teacher showed him this at school. I thank God everyday for Mr. Gerke. He meets my kids where they are without any compromise.

2007-03-28T19:28:00.000-07:00

I became one of those parents that I hate tonight. You know the kind...the ones that yell at the top of their lungs at their kid during their game. I only yelled once, but I still feel like crap. I am NOT a yeller and I take pride in not being one of 'those parents'. I just don't even know what came over me. Anyway, I emailed all the parents tonight and apologized. I still don't feel any better though. Urg.

for Benjamin & Holly

2007-03-27T18:33:00.000-07:00

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made...All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:13-14, 16

I have such a hard time with people who judge you just because you are teenagers. My mama bear instinct came out today...what a scary and powerful feeling it was to defend you...

KNOW THIS---you are both fabulous. God loves you. Dad and I love you. We are so proud of you.

_________(insert expletive here)

2007-03-23T06:44:00.000-07:00

In my constant state of having to 'get there' I got my very first speeding ticket EVER yesterday. 74 in a 55. I've been pulled over before, but I was always let off with a warning. I was driving home from Alabama one time and a Mississippi State Trooper (who, by the way, are well known for being hard-asses) pulled me over for going 98. HE let me go with a warning--made me promise not to speed until I passed the Mississippi/Louisiana border. The cop yesterday was not as nice. Oh well. I guess my streak is over.

+++++
We are going to see Switchfoot and Copeland tonight! Yesssssss.

17

2007-03-15T06:06:00.000-07:00

Benjamin is 17 today. I have a 17 year old. Yikes.

I love you, my boy.

2007-03-13T07:06:00.000-07:00

"Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever! Amen."

Romans 11:33-36

buzzy chewy loveness

2007-03-08T20:13:00.000-08:00

softball beauties

2007-03-08T05:22:00.000-08:00

Sugar Land Girls Softball had their opening ceremonies last weekend. Here's Holly (curly girl in the front) with some of her fellow all-star teammates. Aren't they all beautiful?!? They are a great group of girls--very rarely is there any drama. I loves them...

hurt so good

2007-03-06T14:59:00.000-08:00

Ta-Daaaaa!!!!! So here's my big news. I've been wanting a new tattoo for a very looong time. Freddy saved up some pennies without me knowing and surprised me the other day. I went this morning. I am still very swollen and red--even bruised in some places, but I bruise very easily so it's no big deal. It hurt way worse than any of my others. I would even say it hurt more than labor and childbirth--and I'm a pretty tough gal!

YEA!!!!!!!!!

dang-it

2007-03-05T11:21:00.000-08:00

OK. So the day o' fabulousness has been postponed until tomorrow. This is a real exercise in patience for me...and apparently for Darla, too. ;)

So check back tomorrow evening...for reals.

mmmmmmmm..........

2007-03-04T12:13:00.000-08:00

Freddy and his brother brought some Hornsby's Amber Hard Cider home today. In the words of Rachael Ray and Darla...YUM-O!!!

pssst...

2007-03-02T18:31:00.000-08:00

...something fab-u-lous is happening Monday. Stay tuned...

big sigh of relief

2007-03-01T07:03:00.000-08:00

We are officially lice free.
WOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

I was going to put a pic of a louse, but I thought this bug was better. ;)

Die to Self

2007-02-27T17:23:00.000-08:00

Timeless battle, Endless siege
Flesh and Spirit collide in me
Lift me high
Don't let me be
Another casualty

--Freddy Hinojosa

This house is clean...

2007-02-23T14:07:00.000-08:00

Let's face it--even though I don't work, it's HARD to keep up with all the housework that 6 of us create. I can never ever get on top of it and had resigned myself to the fact that my house will not be clean until our 4th child moves out. That is, until my brother-in-law took charge. He has a cleaning lady come to his house every week...and now he's paying her to come to ours once a week!!! Can you believe it?!? And, no, she doesn't look like this. Sorry, Freddy ;)! She does our living room, kitchen, and bathrooms from floor to ceiling. You should come over and run your fingers across our mini blinds--NOT A SPECK OF DUST!!!--I didn't want her to do bedrooms. I feel like the kids need to be responsible for their spaces. I don't want them thinking 'the maid'll do it'.

Thank you, Billy, for being so giving and gracious to us. What a tremendous help Millie has been to me.

***LICE REPORT***
2 days after the boys were infected Holly got it, too. So far, Melanie has escaped. They even closed the school down yesterday and today to treat the building. They were sending kids and teachers home left and right!!! How could they let it get out of hand like that? I'm a tad pissed. Frankly, I don't want to send them back at all and just homeschool them the rest of the year. They're going to a different school next year anyway. grrr.

buzz heads

2007-02-19T19:06:00.000-08:00

OK. So some of you know that there was a lice outbreak at the kids' school and both boys were infected. That's how we spent our weekend--dealing with everything that goes along with that. Anyway, both boys decided it would be easier to buzz their heads than to go thru the tedious combing that you have to do after you use the treatment. Now you have to understand that my boys had BEAUTIFUL longish hair. They were both in tears and DID NOT want to cut it but felt it would be best. That brings me to Freddy. What an awesome man he is--and has an awesome head of hair himself. Beautiful salt and pepper--more salt than pepper ;)--edgy haircut, too. Well, this precious man I'm married to decided to support the team and buzz HIS hair to make the boys feel better. I actually wanted to buzz mine, too. How cool and easy would that be?!? Freddy told me to be quiet and never mention that again. Oh well. I think all my boys look pretty darn good!

more pretty pinkness

2007-02-15T20:18:00.000-08:00

Here's some pretty springy flowers I put by our front door. I don't usually buy fresh flowers, but it's been so cold outside that I needed something to remind me that warm weather will be here soon.

finally...

2007-02-10T13:42:00.000-08:00

I bought this Christmas Cactus in November '05 after my sister died. It was beautiful and covered in blooms. Well, Christmas came and went this year with nothing from Mr. Cactus and now he's finally deciding to bloom.

Maybe he's a Valentine Cactus...

birthday boy

2007-02-09T08:23:00.000-08:00

Happy 8th birthday, sweet fella. I love you.

nail biter

2007-02-04T18:48:00.000-08:00

Benjamin starts driver's ed this week. I know he'll be 17 in March, but there was always a matter of $$, timing, etc. He's so excited. I guess I kinda am, too. I'm ready to have another driver in the house.

lunch box blues

2007-02-01T19:48:00.000-08:00

I think if I have to make 1 more sandwich I am going to SCREAM...and I'm pretty sure my kids feel the same way about eating them. Do any of y'all have any yummy suggestions for my kids' lunches? What do you send your kids for lunch?

Words of Life

2007-01-31T08:00:00.000-08:00

Text: Philip P. Bliss, 1838-1876
Music: Philip P. Bliss, 1838-1876

Sing them over again to me,
wonderful words of life;
let me more of their beauty see,
wonderful words of life;
words of life and beauty
teach me faith and duty.

Beautiful words, wonderful words,
wonderful words of life.
Beautiful words, wonderful words,
wonderful words of life.

Christ, the blessed one, gives to all
wonderful words of life;
sinner, list to the loving call,
wonderful words of life;
all so freely given,
wooing us to heaven.

Beautiful words, wonderful words,
wonderful words of life.
Beautiful words, wonderful words,
wonderful words of life.

Thank you, God, for Norman...for Neil & Marcie...for Wade...for Rick...for Susan...for Theresa...for Lee...for my church. I really do love my church.

a new look

2007-01-27T05:52:00.000-08:00

Freddy surprised me with a blog facelift. I love it! What do ya think?

randomy randomness

2007-01-25T18:46:00.000-08:00

Does anybody remember licking the backs of gummy bears and sticking them to your shirt?

2 miracles that happened this week: (1) my chi started working again!! (2) we found out we have heat in our bedroom and Freddy's office. When the separate unit was installed for those 2 rooms we thought just the ac was hooked up--we were wrong--WOOHOO!!!

Today I went thru the drive-thru at Whataburger to get lunch for the kids and take it to school. When I was paying I payed for the car behind me too. I had no clue who the lady was, but I thought it would be fun. Good sneaky fun! I wanted to drive off before she got her order, but I had to pull forward and wait on mine. As she was leaving she rolled down her window and thanked me and said how much it blessed her. The cool part is that she said she was going to pay it forward and randomly bless someone else today! That's what it's all about!!

Truth or...Truth

2007-01-23T11:02:00.000-08:00

POST #100!

Some things you may or may not know about me:

--I have 4 tattoos.

--I play the piano.

--I get hiccups when I eat something spicy. Not cute hiccups. Big ugly man hiccups.

--I've ridden in a blimp.

--I used to have my tongue and lip pierced, but only my nose now.

--In 6th grade I was the Houston reporter for a syndicated childrens' show called "Who, What, How Do You Know?". I got paid $50/episode. I was all kinds of cool in my CBS jacket, y'all!

--Peppermint makes me sneeze. My sister was the same way.

--I was on the dance team in highschool and college.

--Our 3rd child was conceived in our minivan in Mesquite, TX.

--I ran in a 5k race once. Once.

So...what may we or may we not know about YOU?

Questions, Questions & More Questions

2007-01-23T07:33:00.000-08:00

"I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to you enough to make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace who blessed Your name unapologetically..."

---Nichole Nordeman

I've heard this song a gajillion times but I really heard it for the first time yesterday. Probably because its been on Freddy's and my heart lately. It's been the focus of many conversations. Are we encouraging each other in our relationship with Jesus? Are we showing our kids what it looks like to follow Christ? In the everydayness of our lives am I pointing my kids to God? What can we do to not be part of the Christian status quo--to not just be hearers, but doers--how can we serve?

All of these thoughts and questions led to one thing--should we foster again? Can I be honest and say that this really scares me! I loved it when Baby was with us, but I have to confess that it was so very hard to have a newborn in the house again. But just because God tells you to do something doesn't mean it's always easy and fun, right? Please pray for us that God's plan for us would be CRYSTAL CLEAR.

foolishness

2007-01-17T07:41:00.000-08:00

God's Own Fool
by Michael Card

Seems I've imagined Him all of my life
As the wisest of all of mankind
But if God's Holy wisdom is foolish to men
He must have seemed out of His mind

For even His family said He was mad
And the priest say a demon's to blame
But God in the form of this angry young man
Could not have seemed perfectly sane

Chorus
We in our foolishness thought we were wise
He played the fool and He opened our eyes
And we in our weakness believed we were strong
He became helpless to show we were wrong
And so we follow God's own fool
For only the foolish can tell
Believe the unbelievable
Come be a fool as well

So come lose our life for a carpenter's son
For a man who had died for a dream
And you'll feel the faith His first followers had
And you'll feel the weight of the beam
So surrender the hunger to say you must know
Have the courage to say I believe
For the power of paradox opens your eyes
And blinds those who say they can see

Chorus

So we follow God's own Fool
For only the foolish can tell
Believe the unbelievable, come be a fool as well

1 Corinthians 1:25
"For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength."

BURN

2007-01-17T06:54:00.000-08:00

Luke 24:30-32

When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"

Oh, that my heart would burn within me for your Word, God. Put a longing in my heart to learn more about You and Your character...why is it easier to long for time with my husband and with my kids than it is to spend time with You, God?

The Fish 'N Flush

2007-01-11T10:30:00.000-08:00

I SO want one of these!

2007-01-09T12:38:00.000-08:00

Help me trust You, God.

Jeremiah 29:11-14
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart, I will be found by you," declares the Lord.

GREEEEEEEED!!!

2007-01-04T09:27:00.000-08:00

What is it about us that makes us want more more more? It seems that the more we have/get, the more we want. I have noticed this ugly thing called greed creeping up in my life since Christmas. I have caught myself saying way too often that we need this, we need that. When, in fact, God has given us WAY more than we need.

--"Our couch is ripped. We NEED a new one." Thank you, God, for a place to sit and rest with my husband and kids.

--"I NEED new dish towels." Thank you, God, for my stained dish towels...they wipe up messes beautifully.

--"We NEED central heating in our bedroom." Thank you, God, for our electric blanket.

--"My CHI broke this morning. I NEEEEED a new one!!!" Thank you, God, for my wavy hair.

--"We NEED a bathroom in our master bedroom." Thank you, God, that our new house has 2 full baths instead of a bath and a half for the 6 of us. Thank you for my messy kids. grrrr.

"I NEED a maid." Thank, you, God, that I can get up out of bed every morning healthy and able to move.

God, I confess my 'need' for more things to you. Thank you for forgiving me.

Luke 12:15
Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."

happy new year!

2006-12-31T14:36:00.000-08:00

Lamentations 3:22-23 (The Message)

"God's loyal love couldn't have run out,
his merciful love couldn't have dried up.
They're created new every morning.
How great your faithfulness!"

I hope everyone has an awesome New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. We are off to Freddy's brother's house (who lives on our street--I know I say that every time I mention them but I LOVE that he and Tina live on our block!!!) for sushi rolling and cape codders. YUM! Wish my trans-global bff's could be here with us...

Necessary Things

2006-12-30T18:44:00.000-08:00

I went and bought 2 new pairs of jeans today with a gift card I got for Christmas. Size 8 instead of Size 6. Ugh. I'm going the wrong way. I know what I need to do--I've done it before and lost 40 lbs. I just can't get motivated...

Good Things

2006-12-29T08:49:00.000-08:00

--Christmas pj pants from Old Navy marked down to $6.99 bought on the 28th. ;)
--drinking coffee at 9pm in bed while watching SVU and Criminal Intent.
--not having to wake up early the next day to get the kids off to school.
--$4.99 slippers and new makeup from Ulta bought with a gift card.
--sitting outside eating sushi and miso soup while the kids shoot hoops.
--splurging on a ring from James Avery with Christmas moola.
--Freddy's mom (from Philly) spending the night with us on Christmas Eve. This was my absolute favorite thing about Christmas this year. I'm glad she got to spend it with us. I love my mother-in-law!
--the week AFTER Christmas. I don't know why, but I love it.

2006-12-24T14:00:00.000-08:00

Oh, come thou Dayspring
Come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here.
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night;
And death's dark shadows put to flight.

REJOICE!
REJOICE!
EMMANUEL SHALL COME!

5-4-3-2-1

2006-12-20T06:55:00.000-08:00

Take Time to be Aware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Edward Hays

"Take time to be aware that in the very midst of our busy preparations for the celebration of Christ’s birth in ancient Bethlehem, Christ is reborn in the Bethlehems of our homes and daily lives. Take time, slow down, be still, be awake to the Divine Mystery that looks so common and so ordinary yet is wondrously present.

An old abbot was fond of saying, ‘The devil is always the most active on the highest feast days.’

The supreme trick of Old Scratch is to have us so busy decorating, preparing food, practicing music and cleaning in preparation for the feast of Christmas that we actually miss the coming of Christ. Hurt feelings, anger, impatience, injured egos—the list of clouds that busyness creates to blind us to the birth can be long, but it is familiar to us all."

God, help me as the day of your coming speedily approaches. Help me slow down enough so as not to miss it. I want to savor it...relish it...bask in what you did for us. Make it real to me, and my kids.

Well, Freddy and I actually braved the mall yesterday...and Target...and Old Navy...and a few other places. We somehow managed to avoid Walmart, though! It really wasn't too bad. Almost done. I'm trying not to get caught up in it all and keep my focus. But it's so, so hard...

an aside: Freddy took this picture at the Houston Galleria last year. He was just walking around snapping photos when mall security told him to stop. Apparently you can't take pictures in the mall...what's up with that?!?

Mama Love

2006-12-17T14:49:00.000-08:00

These boots were made for walkin'...

2006-12-14T07:53:00.000-08:00

...and that's just what they'll do, baby!!! Merry early Christmas to me. I have been wanting a cool pair of cowboy boots for a v-e-r-y l-o-n-g t-i-m-e. Ever since I saw Uma Thurman's boots in Kill Bill Vol.2. Well, Freddy and I decided not to exchange gifts this year--we have enough people to buy for. But he walks in the room and asks, "Is it too early to give a Christmas present?" I just look at him like oh no you didn't--we said we weren't getting each other anything! But me being the nice, supportive wife that I am I said, "Give it to me now!!! Give it to me now!!!" I love 'em, dang it! I don't know if you can tell in the picture, but they're brown and pink with light blue stars. I think they go great with my black nail polish and tattooed wedding band, don't you?!?

YIPPEE-YI-YO-KI-AYE!!!

An update--'cause Darla said so!

2006-12-13T12:17:00.000-08:00

Freddy and Holly both started running fever last night, but everyone slept through the night and woke up fever (and vomit!) free. Not only that, but I woke up well, too. I was so scared that I would wake up sick, but I didn't. I slept on the couch--after it was properly Lysoled, of course!

HELP ME!!!

2006-12-12T07:32:00.000-08:00

So Freddy's been vomiting all night. And let me tell you...it's not pretty. The whole house shakes. Then, Holly woke up about 5:30 and did the same. We thought it might be food poisoning, but I ate what they ate last night and I'm fine. Praise God. Melly is home today, too. She's nauseated and has a headache.

I am SO NOT a nice Mommy when it comes to tummy things. My motherly qualities fly out the window...actually, they go down the toilet. The last thing I want is a stomach bug so EVERYONE TAKE CARE OF YOURSELVES!!!

As I was typing this I got a call from the school--Benjamin is sick.

Lysol is my best friend.

Abnormality is the Normality at this Locality

2006-12-10T08:46:00.000-08:00

God and sinners reconciled.

2006-12-09T19:20:00.000-08:00

---

2006-12-03T11:48:00.000-08:00

"We have not inherited this land from our ancestors, we have borrowed it from our children."

--Kenyan proverb--

Conversations...

2006-11-30T10:27:00.000-08:00

Lately I've been making a conscious effort to listen to my kids. To actually stop what I'm doing and listen...not just with my ears, but with my eyes. Eye contact while they're talking to their mama.

The conversations that take place in our home are rarely boring. With 4 kids in 4 different life stages I am amazed at what I hear sometimes. Here are 4 different conversations that I had with them this week:

JOEY (7)

"Hey, Mom. Do you know who I wish I could meet?"
"Who, Joe?"
"Mrs. Washington."
"Do you mean George Washington's wife?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Well...why do you want to meet HER?"
"I don't know...I just do."
...ummm...

MELANIE (9)

"We played Heads Up 7UP in class today and guess who picked me!"
"Brittany?"
"No."
"Katelyn?"
"No."
I hold my breath before I ask this one: "Ty?"
"YES!"
...oh, help me, Jesus. Not boys already...

HOLLY (14)

"Mom, will you please flat iron my hair...and I need to get my eyebrows done...and I'm gonna wear makeup to school Friday..."
...as she's saying all this I notice the dirt under her fingernails, of which she had no clue. At 14, she's part fashion diva, part sport, part little girl. Stay childlike at heart, my girl. Dirty fingernails are ok with me...

BENJAMIN(16)

"Hey, Mom...do you wanna know why 1 testicle is higher than the other?"
"Um...what?!?" (I kept my cool thankyouverymuch)
"Yeah--one is higher than the other so that when you sit down they don't bump up against each other and squish each other. God's pretty smart."
"Yes He is, Benjamin...He cares about every detail."
...let me tell you. You haven't lived until you've talked with your big, Abercrombie-lookin', almost 17 year old son about testicles and the sovereignty of God.

Keep talking, my kiddos. Mom and Dad are listening.

Are you ready?

2006-11-29T07:40:00.000-08:00

Mark 13:32-37 (New International Version)

32"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. 34It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.

35"Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 36If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!'"

me and my mel

2006-11-16T18:20:00.000-08:00

Here's a pic of my Melanie and me after her championship game Monday night. Her 10u softball team took 2nd place. Not too shabby for this being her first season. In addition, Holly's 14u team took 1st and Joey's little league team took 3rd. :)

What do you get when you add Freddy, a Nikon D80, and Photoshop together? Nice, white teeth.

nice

2006-11-16T04:53:00.000-08:00

Last night was such a nice night. No one had any place they had to be, so all 6 of us were home together. Freddy grilled hamburgers and we all ate at the table together (YESSS!). Our 'together' mealtimes are very sporadic these days, but I'm told that's pretty normal for the phase of life we are in right now. That doesn't mean I have to like it, though. Freddy built us a fire--it was supposed to drop to the upper 3o's last night, but I don't know if it did. I love a fire in the fireplace! I straightened the girls' hair with my new Chi. I LOVE that thing. There's no going back now. It's a Chi or nothing from here on out! Freddy and I ended the night with a glass of wine while watching Law and Order SVU & Criminal Intent...2 of my favorite shows.

Thank you, God, for a wonderful and much needed night at home with my family.

**EDIT**
So this is really unfair--Freddy just found out that he gets to shoot the Deftones concert tonight. That's TWICE that he's gotten to go see them and I haven't. TWICE!!! But I'm not bitter or anything...

...I don't even know...

2006-11-15T14:46:00.000-08:00

I think I need a date night. I have felt so blah lately. I don't really know why. I can't put my finger on it...like I've lost my joy or something. My marriage is fabulous. All the kids are good. But something just isn't right. Sometimes I think part of the reason for my lack of joy is busyness. But joy, or lack thereof, isn't dictated by circumstances is it?

A year ago today...

2006-10-27T04:49:00.000-07:00

...my precious sister unintentionally od'd and died. She had an addiction problem. Not to coke. Not to heroin. But to prescription meds. I've learned that addiction has many faces. Isn't her's beautiful! Oh how I miss you, Boo.

Erin Marie Elliott
Born November 25, 1974
Died October 27, 2005

2006-10-23T06:48:00.000-07:00

This morning in Bible Time with the kids, Freddy prayed that God would do "whatever it takes" to get our attention so we will live for Him fully. I don't know why, but that scares me...

GOD

2006-10-21T06:55:00.000-07:00

"First, God. God is the subject of life. God is foundational for living. If we don't have a sense of the primacy of God, we will never get it right, get life right, get our lives right. Not God at the margins; not God as an option; not God on the weekends. God at center and circumference; God first and last; God, God, God."

---Eugene Peterson---

Happy Birthday, Love

2006-10-19T19:03:00.000-07:00

"You were deliberately planned, specifically gifted, and lovingly positioned on this earth by the Master Craftsman."
Max Lucado

Happy 39th, you silly man.
You amaze me.

To Mom...Love Holly

2006-10-17T15:34:00.000-07:00

My Light

You are the light in my darkness,
My shelter in a storm.
You give me strength when I am weak,
and your love to keep me warm.
When I was hurting, lost, abused,
It was then your faith I had used.
When I was cold, depressed, and lonely,
I stayed alive by your love only.
When I felt pushed or shunned away,
it was then your friendship that made me stay.
When I was sick and felt like dying,
I knew you loved me by your crying.
I knew you loved me, knew you cared,
you did what no one else dared.
You took the time to learn and see,
just what I really am in me.
You listened to my thoughts and fears,
and helped me wipe away my tears.
You helped me learn, respect, and love
to pray to God my Lord above.
You're the light in my darkness.
I hope you'll see...I LOVE YOU MOM FOR ETERNITY!

I love you mom,
you have ALWAYS been there for me
i am sooo lucky to have a mom that cares and loves me
i know i dont show that i care sometimes...but i do and i always will
thank you for being the light in my darkness
i love you mom

when you fast...

2006-10-09T12:04:00.000-07:00

Matthew 6:16

"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full."
I will be fasting this week. Not a food fast, but a blogger fast. I will not be blogging or checking anyone else's blog. I need to put my time and energy elsewhere right now...and I believe God will reward that. Will it be hard? Yes. Checking each of your blogs is like inviting each of you into my home. But this is something that I need to do.

See you next Monday.
:)

don'tcha hate it!

2006-10-05T18:56:00.000-07:00

I really hate it when I go into the kitchen to get some trail mix and all that's left are raisins and peanuts. The m&m's are GONE. The almonds and cashews are GONE. Dadgum kids.

what do you see?

2006-10-04T19:01:00.000-07:00

2 Corinthians 4:18

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

Close your eyes...what do you see?

The Bachelor

2006-10-02T18:59:00.000-07:00

OK. Does anyone besides me think that this season's Bachelor is totally gross?!?

Curly Girl

2006-09-28T15:16:00.000-07:00

This girl, I love.

Pray for my Holly. She's struggling. She's 14--need I say more?!?

Some days...

2006-09-25T10:28:00.000-07:00

Some days you just gotta pop in the Deftones CD...f-bombs and all...and blast it as loud as your '98 Expedition speakers will let you (no kids in the car, of course).

the joys of TRYING to fight gravity

2006-09-21T09:37:00.000-07:00

This is what happened when Freddy and I went running last night. Not my most attractive or graceful moment! I was so busy chatting and trying to keep up with him that I didn't notice the unlevel sidewalk. You'd think after almost 17 years that the word 'embarrassed' would not be in our vocabulary. Let me tell you--I was embarrassed!

In spite of my life-threatening injury, I love to run with Freddy. He pushes me to suck it up, try harder, and go farther.