It all started with the shopping...

Ok so here is part of the story I started earlier and I'll finish with a story from today...

Paul and I went shopping a couple of Saturdays ago. We had not yet bought anything and decided that we were going to do everything all in one day...First CRAZY thought that started the crazy-ness in the first place. So we drop the kids off at a friends house and begin, what I am calling, "the crazy shopping day". We started off at Target, there was (surprisingly) no one there! I had a very pre-mature thought of....Well this is going to be easy! Ok so now I was the one talking "crazy-talk". We didn't really find very much and decide to head to another store...where we know exactly what we're going to get. We leave Target and...you guessed it...EVERYONE in the San Antonio area, all 1.3 million of them were on the road...Let the crazy-ness commence! We finally make it to Academy to get a special gift for Caleb, that he won't let us forget about, and...yep...they don't have EXACTLY what we need. We settle for something close, thinking if we don't buy this then we may not get anything at all...Lunch...Lunch was uneventful. Just a quiet lunch at Pei Wei...just the two of us! (Doesn't happen to often!) Back on the road with all the crazy circus people. We decide we need Toys R Us. Well even though SA is huge there are only 2...count them...TWO Toys R Us stores. So we call information and get the number so we can ask if they even have what we're looking for before we go clear across town...(remember all of SA is on the road 1.3 million) We call the number and they have "plenty" of what we need...that's the word they used...plenty. So we ask the lady for directions....and she eventually gives us directions to where she is...Come to find out...SHE'S AT THE CALL CENTER, NOT THE STORE! Uggghhhhghghghghghghhghg! So we finally get directions to the actual store and make it there...Crazy...There are NO parking spots. This should have been our first clue to not go in the store, but no, we didn't listen to ourselves. Paul has to drop me off at the door and drive around until someone leaves to get a parking spot. The next clue that this store might be a bad idea is that there are no shopping carts available. So since I know what I am getting I just go straight in and walk up to a lady that works there and asked where the item was that I was looking for...she said...and I quote..."If we have any they are back there." What?!? "The lady on the phone said plenty!" She promptly replied with, "The call center is stupid and they have no idea what they are talking about!" (Obviously since the lady gave me directions to the call center!) So I go back to where she told me...and you are right again!...Nothing. So Paul finally joins me, I vent a little about what good is a call center if they don't even know what is in the store, and then he brings me back to earth and encourages me to just look around and see if we can find anything...skip to two hours later....We have all the toys for our kids! We found some great stuff...including the exact thing we needed for Caleb and we ended up returning the stuff to Academy. Finally mission accomplished and we topped the day off with a vow to start Christmas shopping in August next year...yeah, like that will happen.
Fast forward to today...
We had Christmas at our house today, because of the traveling we are going to be traveling over the next several days. Let me just preface this part by saying, this is, literally, the first Christmas we have ever been able to buy anything for our kids...Early this morning we all got up, at the prompting of Caleb, and opened up our presents. It was the most wonderful morning. We had so much fun watching the joy fill our children as they opened the few gifts they had. God truly blessed our hearts today. Here are a few pics to share the joy!

So I started a blog earlier...

So I started a blog earlier and I had most of these wonderful thoughts laid out in a creative whimsical story and then...yep...computer battery died. All my beautiful words of wisdom...gone. So instead you get this pathetic little cry about how I can't, for whatever reason, keep watch on the little tiny battery that indicates to me how long I have left....and I certainly don't take the time to move my mouse over to that little battery indicator which would give me a little pop up that tells me (literally) down to the minute how much time I have left. So that's it, nothing more tonight....mostly because I am tired of typing...maybe my funny, whimsical story will grace the page of my blog tomorrow.

2007

I totally stole this idea from my sister-in-law...but I thought it was fun so here's my take on 2007...

1. DRINKING BUDDY OF THE YEAR:
You know me...super big drinker...of Coke Zero! This is a new drink for me as of late, but I really like it.

2. LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD (LONGEST FRIEND)
Cari...is for sure my longest and dearest friend...even though we don't see each other as much as I'd like, we definitely have kindred spirits that were knit together about 10 years ago! Whoa! time flies, huh, roomie?

3. NEWCOMER AWARD (NEWEST FRIEND)
Magan, even though we've know each other for a long time, God has thrust us into an awesome friendship through our circumstances and I am truly grateful!

4. HIGH POINT OF THE YEAR
Going to Ecuador was amazing...it's right up there at the top along with several circumstances when God really came through for us in all His God-ness!

5. LOW POINT OF THE YEAR
When the stupid deer hit our car...that's right IT hit US! Ok here's the short version...Paul was going to a friend's house and he was slowing to a stop sign when all of the sudden something landed on the hood of the car. A deer was running/leaping across the road and misjudged where the car was and landed on the hood, busting our headlight, demolishing the right quarter panel and curling the hood up. It also broke our radiator in 3 pieces...anyway...that was the lowest point I think.

6. BEST HOLIDAY
Christmas...Hands down! This is the FIRST Christmas Paul and I have had ANY money to buy anything for our children...They have gone without from us for so long and it will be such a joy to see their faces when we give them our gifts...this may be trivial to some, but it is such a blessing to us.

7. YOUR SONG FOR 2007
I really like "How You Live" by Point of Grace, also "Let the Worshippers Arise" by Pocket Full of Rocks and I'm looking forward to Mercy Me's new CD

8. MOVIE FOR 2007
Have I even seen a new movie? I remember one...The Bee Movie...it was cute...We watch everything on Pay Per View...so Transformers was good and I'm waiting for Hairspray.

9. WHO DID YOU SPEND VALENTINE'S WITH?
I'm sure I spent it with Paul...I have no idea what we did...but I'm sure it was with him.

10. WHAT WERE YOU FOR HALLOWEEN?
I wore a poodle skirt and white polo shirt...Abby and I matched. It was cute.

11. BEST RELATIONSHIP
mine and Paul's...hands down.

12. PARTY OF THE YEAR
Again...not much of a partier...but Magan's party was a BLAST...we ate and went bowling...just good times with great friend's!

13. BEST DECISION MAKE THIS YEAR
To make a concious effort to control my anger...it's working...most of the time...

14. WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR?
I AM NOT GOING TO LOSE WEIGHT! (maybe a little reverse psychology will work...since every other time I've said I WOULD lose weight hasn't worked!)

15. TV SHOW OF THE YEAR
Grey's Anatomy

16. MOST LOYAL FRIEND(s)
...in no particular order...Paul, Cari and Magan

17. BIGGEST CHANGE OF THE YEAR
Jacob going to Kindergarten...BIG STEP!

18. BIGGEST INSPIRATION OF 2007
Jehovah Jireh my provider...what an amazing job He has done this year!

19. BIGGEST INSPIRATION OF 2008
We'll see what He has in store for us. I'm just going to draw ever closer to Him and wait expectanly to see what He brings us!

20. NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS
I don't make them...

Hustle and Bustle of the Season

This year things are especially "hustle-ey and bustle-ey" around our house. Here is a glimpse into the next few weeks that make up our schedule...
Dec 10th - Staff Christmas Party
Dec 14th - Youth Minstry Staff Party (at my house)
Dec 15th - Our Sunday School Party
Dec 16th - Youth and Children's Party at Church
Dec 17th - Nursery Staff Party
Dec 18th - Caleb's Gymnastics Presentation
Dec 19th - NOTHING!
Dec 20th - Jacob's Class Party
Dec 21st - Paul and I must do EVERY bit of our shopping on this day...it's the only day! I also must wrap everything that night because...
Dec 22nd - Christmas for our house
Dec 23rd - Leave for Christmas at my parents
Dec 24th - Christmas with my parents
Dec 25th - Christmas with my grandparents
Dec 26th - Christmas with Pauls family
Dec 27th - Leave for Iowa for Brand Family Christmas
Dec 31st - Come back home

Wow! Writing it all out makes it quite a bit more daunting I think. It is going to be really hectic but we are working very hard to keep Jesus at the center of all of our hustle and bustle. I am looking forward to this season and sharing it with my family.

My favorite Things

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens...etc...

Here are a few of MY favorite things this time of year...

1. Christmas Music...we have a channel on our tv that plays continuous "holiday music"...it's on all the time!
2. Christmas Lights...Mine are on all the time! As soon as I get up I turn my tree on and at the first sight of dusk the outside lights come on!
3. The new "Winter" candle from White Barn Candle Co...Everyone should smell it...It's Christmas in a jar!
4. Cold weather...even though we don't get much here in San Antonio...I really like to wear long sleeves, coats, hats, mittens and scarves!
5. Christmas shopping...I know I'm wierd...but I LIKE the hustle and bustle. I like to go to the mall and spend time walking around, shopping, carrying packages.
6. Wrapping presents...I like to watch either Bing Crosby's White Christmas AND/OR National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and wrap all the presents all at once!
7. My two FAVORITE christmas movies in no particular order are...Bing Crosby's White Christmas and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation! They are my FAVORITE'S for VERY different reasons but none the less...my FAVORITES!
8. Cooking...this is a new one! I am very excited to cook this year for TWO holiday parties at my house...of course very laid back...but new recipes will be tried!
9. Decorating my house...so fun...this year especially because my children were having fun helping...it's really the first year they have been old enough to be helpful.
10.Seeing my children place Nativity sets around the house...I'll explain. As I go around the house setting up the nativity sets I set them..."correctly"...you know with Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus set accordingly and the shepherds and wise men set off to the side...exactly perfect, the angel on top. As soon as they are set up my children go around behind me and "fix" them. At first I was kind of annoyed because they were now "messed up" then I asked Jacob why he was doing what he was doing. He was placing all the "characters" of the nativity in a tight circle around the baby Jesus. I said, "Son why are you doing that?" He very politely and sweetly said, "They came to see Jesus mommy, they just want to be close to see Him." From now on my nativity sets stay exactly that way...All the characters placed in a tight circle around Jesus. After all they just wanted to be close to Him.

Thank you Jesus for the wonderful reminder of why You came to earth in the first place.

Held

I just recently heard a song that I knew, but it had been a long time since I had heard it. Some of you may be familiar with it. It is called Held by Natalie Grant. In case you haven't heard it...(you should!)...but here are the lyrics anyway.

Two months is too little.
They let him go.
They had no sudden healing.
To think that providence would
Take a child from his mother while she prays
Is appalling.

Who told us we’d be rescued?
What has changed and why should we be saved from nightmares?
We’re asking why this happens
To us who have died to live?
It’s unfair.

Chorus:
This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we’d be held.

This hand is bitterness.
We want to taste it, let the hatred numb our sorrow.
The wise hands opens slowly to lillys of the valley and tomorrow.

(Chorus)
This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we’d be held.

Bridge:
If hope is born of suffering.
If this is only the beginning.
Can we not wait for one hour watching for our Savior?

(Chorus)
This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we’d be held.

I am so moved by the chorus because I think it applies to so many times in my life! This is what it means to be held! We know, happily married ladies, what this means, what it feels like, the comfort and safety it brings. We know what it is to be held by our husbands...but there is NOTHING like being held by the Savior Himself and knowing it. And you SURVIVE! I think most of us know what it feels like to just barely survive. All that is left is you, and you are breathing...that's it, nothing else. Except that...you ARE breathing...you are alive, you have survived whatever it is that the Devil himself had planned for you...and you are held. My very favorite part of the song though, is this...and to KNOW that the PROMISE was when EVERYTHING FELL, we'd be HELD. The most amazing Savior did not just leave us or drop us when the rest of our lives fell...When all the balls that we are juggling drop like lead balloons to the ground...He HOLDS US. He may be holding us in pieces, broken, but that is exactly where He wants us! So that He can put us back together piece by piece with His loving gentle hand. Right?!?! And the best feeling of all is to know that you are put back together by the Father Himself.

PHISHING...AAAARRRRRGGGGGGG!

Ok, so to all the "myspace nay-sayers" you will get a tiny bit of justification at the reading of this blog. My myspace has been majorly hacked lately and it is really starting to bug me. I have had to change my password 3 times in like 3 weeks! UUUUUUUGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!
For those of you unfamiliar with phishing...its basically being swindled into thinking you are not logged into a webpage and so it asks for your username and password by saying "You Must Be Logged In To Do That" So that has happened to me a ton of times over the last few weeks on my myspace. I know, I know, I signed up for myspace, I gave my password, I "logged in" to the wrong sites unknowingly. I enjoy myspace...I enjoy keeping up with people, but I have to admit...I am close to quitting, if this stupid phishing, doesn't end.
Ok so I'm done venting. A better blog later!

A Week in the life...

Well, we made it! A week in Ecuador! There are so many things to tell you. Let's start with:

Monday, after we arrived we went to the market in Quito. It is an amazing place! There are rows of artisans selling their goods...tons of jewelry, panchos, t-shirts, bags, purses and more jewelry! We had a great time. Then we got on the bus and drove to Camp Chacauco...four hours! It was a really crazy ride. The lines on the roads are merely suggestions, there is no true speed limit, no use of blinkers or brakes for that matter...CRAZY! When we arrived at the camp we got to walk around on a tour and it is absolutely gorgeous, one of the most beautiful places on the planet. As we drove into the camp we saw the city of Ambato, a city of about 250,000. It is a beautiful city in the valley just below the volcano, Tungurahua. Tungurahua is the most active volcano in the world right now. It spits out puffs of steam regularly through the day and you can see the lava glow from the crater at night. It is a truly amazing sight...to see God's creation in that way.

Tuesday, we went to visit the Quichua people in Apatug...a truly wonderful people. They are an Indian people who live off the land and the missionaries at Camp Chacauco have begun a Christian work in their community and God is moving in a mighty way. After we visited the Quichua people we went back to the camp for lunch and then headed out again to a town called Banos. There we went to Pailon del Diablo, the Devil's Cauldron. It is an incredible waterfall. We walked about 25 minutes down to the bridge and the base of the waterfall...of course since we walked down...that's right we had to walk back up! Forty five minutes later we finally got to the top! It was a rough hike! The altitude was the worst part it winded all of us very quickly! After we hiked back up we went to ride a cable car. The cable car was built by the townspeople as a means to move their goods from one side of the river to the other. They still use it for that purpose today. Tuesday was a long day and we were exhausted, but it was still a true gift from God to experience it all.

Wednesday, we went to a town called Pelileo to a school the missionaries are involved in called La Paz. The children are beautiful. They enjoyed hearing Paul TRY to speak Spanish...hilarious! We took the kids pictures so that the missionaries can print them out and take them back for the children's families. We also sang and played games with the children. God does an awesome work even when we don’t speak the language. He communicated through us His love and compassion for a people that we couldn’t even speak to. I am truly, truly amazed at His ability to transcend all language barriers to communicate His love. After we left the school our leader took us into downtown Pelileo for some Quy…that’s guinea pig! Yep, I said guinea pig. It’s a delicacy in Ecuador…and it tastes like chicken…no, seriously! It tastes like dark meat chicken…a little more greasy, but still chicken-esque! That was fun! The Lord proved Himself again as we went that evening to what the missionaries call a Mission Point. It was a Bible study in a town called Poatug. We met there in a small one room church with a group of people hungry for the Word. A man named Freddy, who is part of the Camp Chacauco staff, led the worship and bible study. Freddy started with How Great Thou Art in Spanish…of course, but we (the gringos!) sang in English. How AWESOME! Here we were singing to Jesus in two different languages…the same song. It was a wonderful experience. We serve such a Holy God that He can hear the same song in two different languages at the same time! I’m not sure why it was such a surprise, but it was beautiful.

Thursday, we woke up and drove to a town called Quisapincha where there is a leather market. They have some beautiful handmade leather jackets, wallets and purses. After the leather market we drove to the Equator. How awesome is it to stand in the center of the Earth? Let me tell you…it is amazing. There is literally a line drawn down the middle. It is pretty cool to think that we were literally standing halfway between the North Pole and the South Pole! After the Equator we went to the Sol del Quito, our hotel until Friday morning. That is where I am now…so I will leave you with all of that info and a few pics and I will blog again when I get home!

WE MADE IT!!!

We finally made it to Quito! We got up this morning...sunday for those who are following our trip...and we ate a small breakfast, had a short prayer time with our team and then we went to the airport. Our flight was scheduled to leave at 4:00pm and by 11:30 we were in line to check our bags. We had to get there early because they were overbooking all the flights to try to catch up with the mess created on Friday. We checked our bags, went through security, ate some lunch and then...waited...and waited.....and waited. The time had finally come to board the plane. Paul and I had great seats towards the front of the plane so we boarded nearly last...but it was worth it.

Once we were on the plane we took off and then it began...

You see I was in the middle seat and Paul was in the window seat. On the other side of me was a man, middle aged, clean cut, obviously Ecuadorian. He sat in his seat as if he owned the plane. He had his feet stretched out with a blanket over them, and BOTH elbows occupying BOTH armrests. Paul thought I was being flirty and cuddly with him because I was leaning so far over...actually NO! I was just trying to not be that way with the man next to me who thought that he did not have to share the armrest! I want you to get a clear picture of my situation. He was not a large man, average build, but he was taking up more than his fair share of space. His arm was resting so far over on my side that I was having to lean away just to not touch him. Very annoying! So then he gets up to go to the bathroom...RELIEF! So I ask Paul to switch seats with me so that I could sleep...Oh yeah! I forgot a really funny part! As soon as he got on the plane, he took his shoes off, got his pillow and blanket out, got all cozy with his eye mask and headphones and went to sleep! Still not sharing armrest space. So back to the bathroom story...I got Paul to switch with me. When the guy came back he had shaved, put on cologne, brushed his teeth and combed his hair...mind you it is after 8:00pm! Paul literally elbow wrestled with this guy for the rest of the flight!

We landed safely in Quito and are now in the hotel getting ready to go to sleep! I hope to be able to blog during the week but I'm not sure. I will write what is going on but they may get posted all at once on thursday! See you when we get back!

Pics to go with Ecuador Blog

Well...We are not there...yet.....

That's right, we have not made it to Quito yet! Our trip started out rather uneventfully and then.....

We flew from Dallas to Houston on a teeny tiny plane. I mean teeeeeeeeny tiny. When we walked onto the plane, Paul had to shrug his shoulders forward so as not to hit anyone or drag his shoulders on the overhead compartments the length of the plane. We were on row 18...the very last row! Yes people this plane was the smallest one we have ever flown on...

We landed in Houston safely, had a 3 hour layover, had some lunch, met our other team members for this week and then it was time to board our flight to Quito. We get on the plane...a much larger one this time...and take off on time. The flight attendants begin our dinner service and everyone begins looking out the windows at a VERY beautiful sunset and all of the sudden, we look out the OTHER side of the plane and the sunset has CHANGED SIDES! What?!? Then we hear the pilot come over the intercom and this is what he says...Tanya's paraphrased version...

"Good Evening Ladies and Gentlemen. Some of you may have noticed that we have turned around. We are heading back to Houston. An airplane has skidded off the runway in Quito and has damaged the runway closing the airport. The other major airport capable to land this plane is closed due to construction, so we have been instructed to return to Houston."

WHAT?!? Ok so now what do we do? We land back in Houston and meet with our team leader. She calls the missionary in Ecuador and gets more details. The plane in Quito landed safely with 350 people on it. When it landed both rear tires blew out and it drug it's back end the length of the runway and off the end. No one was injured...PRAISE THE LORD! Quito only has one major runway so no flights are going in or out of Quito. We find out that there is another flight on Sunday and we book our group on that flight but we are not going into Quito...we are going to a town about 5 1/2 hours away from the town...we'll have to drive to the camp. So now we are in a very nice hotel in Houston, courtesy of Continental Airlines and we are going to go to the Aquarium tomorrow to kill soome time. We will begin our trip to Ecuador again on Sunday.

In light of all that has happened, please keep us in your prayers. We are still very excited to go to Camp Chacauco and we want to arrive safely. Pray for God's continued protection and guidance for the remainder of our trip.

Going to Ecuador...

Paul and I are leaving on Friday for Ecuador. I will blog from there as I get chances, so keep checking back for updates on our trip. Until then I would like to offer some prayer requests for you to pray about. There are several components all working together for us to be able to go...where are kids are staying, going to school, travel...etc.

Please pray:

*For safe travel for Paul and I to and from Ecuador
*For safe travel within Ecuador
*For Jacob who will be with Beau and Magan for a week before joing with my parents
*For Jacob as he goes to school for a week without us, that he would be able to function and not be sad
*For Jacob's teacher to have full understanding with Jacob as we are out of the country
*For Jacob to have good behavior at school and at Beau and Magan's to make the time away easier
*For Jacob's safety as we are gone
*For Caleb and Abby who will be with my parents and Paul's dad and Charleene
*For safety for Caleb and Abby as we are gone
*For Caleb and Abby to have good behavior at G-ma's and G-pa's while we are gone to make the time away easier
*For the people of Ecuador that we will be ministering to
*For the language barrier to be burst through by the Holy Spirit so that we might communicate God's love
*For Paul and I to have a refreshing time together in a beautiful country
*(This one is from the kids)For our frogs to stay alive while we are gone
*For the trip back home after Thanksgiving - that it will be a wonderful end to our time with family and friends

Pics to go with the "Super Fun" Blog!

Super Fun Weekend...Fun Week ahead!

Have you ever had a friend that you just knew God designed just for you? Well, I have two. I got to spend some time with both this weekend and "fun" does not even scratch the surface of what we had this past weekend.
My college roomdog, Cari, came to visit and we are the kind of friends who pick up where we left off the last time. It's been a while, so it took us all 3 days to catch up. We went to the Riverwalk and ate, talked, laughed, walked and walked and walked up stairs and down stairs and then back up againg...(she's cracking up laughing at this right now, everyone else will just have to move on!) Then we went to the Alamo on Friday morning. We have had the most beautiful weather here lately and Friday was no exception. Cari had never been to the Alamo so I thought it would be a great idea to experience it with 3 children in tow...my tow and I invited my other friend Magan and her son. So we went to the Alamo and walked around, the kids favorite part is the canons...of course. Anyway, we had a wonderful time. Then we walked about 5 blocks to the McDonalds downtown...no playground.:( The kids were pretty ok considering there was no playground. As soon as we got there Abby had to go potty...of course...and so I picked her up and ran to the bathroom...it's locked! You have to have a token to open it! So I ran to get a token, ran back to the bathroom and ended up drying Abby's pants with the hand dryer...oh well. We had a great time!
Then on Friday night we went out with Magan and her husband to the Cheesecake Factory for Magan's birthday. We had a BLAST! Who knew so much laughing could occur at one table at one time. Then we went bowling! Again...SO MUCH FUN. Of course we are all terrible at bowling...(despite some of us who took bowling in college.) Anyway, we had a fabulous time and I am so thankful for friends who love and care about me and I also thank God for laughter.
Check my myspace for some pics of our fun time.

So the fun week ahead...of course it's Halloween! We set up for our Fall Festival yesterday and the kids tried out all the games. They are going to be "pros" on Wednesday and I am sure the are going to bring home way too much candy. Oh well it will be fun. I am excited to experience this with them. They are all at such a fun age I know that Wednesday will be super fun!

Kids Say the Darndest Things!

These are some of the things that Caleb says on a REGULAR basis. Yes, these truly are "isms" that occur daily in our speech around our house. Some of them are understandable from a 3 year old...some come from out of nowhere! Of course is I could record Caleb saying all of these phrases it would be much funnier....hope you enjoy

Caleb - HIPPEN-BO-POT-TOTOMOUS = hippopotomous
Caleb - LASTER DAY = yesterday
Caleb - DOO-AY = chocolate milk
Caleb - DE POOTER = computer
Caleb - FERNASTICS = gymnastics
Caleb - MATCH TO MATCH = meaning two things are the same color
Caleb - EGGO DE EGGO = Go Diego (a children's tv show...FYI)
Caleb - JAMP -O-LEEN = trampoline
Caleb - FER-= NANA = banana
Caleb - HAIR PLANE PORT = airport
Caleb - AN-A-FLINT = elephant
Caleb - FOOT ELBOW = heel
Caleb - LEG ELBOW = knee
Caleb - ARM ELBOW = elbow

Well that's all for now. Hopefully more later!

Hans Bronson's Gold Medal Mission!

So tonight was our children's musical! It was Jacob's debut tonight and he had a solo! The funniest part was that Paul played the part of Hans Bronson, an olympic athlete from Finland. So, of course, Paul had a Finnish-ish accent the whole musical. It was really funny. Jacob was doing really good the whole time before his solo. Then his song came up, he promptly walked to the microphone and waited his turn. When his turn came the microphone next to him (not the one he was singing into) fell and he looked over at it and then Paul came to try and fix it and distracted him again...so in light of all that...he did so good! It was so sweet to hear my son sing. "Blue is the color of the sea. Whose water can baptize one like me. And in that water grave, we show the world we're saved, to walk in newness and believe." So sweet!
In case you didn't know, I was one of the directors for the musical and so of course I had to be there every waking moment for practice, decoration, and directing. That would have been just fine...if my daughter had not woken up at 3am this morning with a 100.9 fever! That's right, I'm the director, Paul is Hans, and Abby is sick. I stayed home from church this morning to try and nurse her through whatever was ailing her and about halfway through Sunday school, my phone rings and it is my friend Magan (the other director). She tells me she is walking over to my house (we live next door to the church) because her son has a fever. Oh great. Now both directors have sick children...what are we going to do! Thankfully one of our nursery workers said that she would watch the sick ones in a separate room than the others.
So Satan really tried to do a number on me today. No victory for him though. The show went on. The kids did a fabulous job and the gospel was spoken through 50 precious children through song, motions and speaking! Thank you Jesus that you use children and negative circumstances to bring about your Good News!

Love...

So lately I have been really convicted about the word "love". I am sure that God was preparing me for the conversation I had tonight with my five year old. More on that in a minute...
So Love...Specifically what God has been causing me to notice is the enormous amount of times I use the word. For example..."I love ice cream, I love to jump on the trampoline, I love my kids, I love Jesus." All of these are comments that I might make in a single day, but seriously...do I love ice cream? I know I love Jesus and my children and my husband but why am I using the same word to describe a bowl of frozen treat that is only going to make me NOT love my butt tomorrow? Does that make sense? I think the word is totally over used. It's sad really that I did not realize this before. The definition of love is: (according to dictionary.com

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This
love /lʌv/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[luhv] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation noun, verb, loved, lov·ing.
–noun
1.a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.
2.a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child, or friend.
3.sexual passion or desire.
4.a person toward whom love is felt; beloved person; sweetheart.
5.(used in direct address as a term of endearment, affection, or the like): Would you like to see a movie, love?
6.a love affair; an intensely amorous incident; amour.
7.sexual intercourse; copulation.
8.(initial capital letter) a personification of sexual affection, as Eros or Cupid.
9.affectionate concern for the well-being of others: the love of one's neighbor.
10.strong predilection, enthusiasm, or liking for anything: her love of books.
11.the object or thing so liked: The theater was her great love.
12.the benevolent affection of God for His creatures, or the reverent affection due from them to God.
13.Chiefly Tennis. a score of zero; nothing.
14.a word formerly used in communications to represent the letter L. –verb (used with object)
15.to have love or affection for: All her pupils love her.
16.to have a profoundly tender, passionate affection for (another person).
17.to have a strong liking for; take great pleasure in: to love music.
18.to need or require; benefit greatly from: Plants love sunlight.
19.to embrace and kiss (someone), as a lover.
20.to have sexual intercourse with. –verb (used without object)
21.to have love or affection for another person; be in love. —Verb phrase
22.love up, to hug and cuddle: She loves him up every chance she gets. —Idioms
23.for love,
a.out of affection or liking; for pleasure.
b.without compensation; gratuitously: He took care of the poor for love.
24.for the love of, in consideration of; for the sake of: For the love of mercy, stop that noise.
25.in love, infused with or feeling deep affection or passion: a youth always in love.
26.in love with, feeling deep affection or passion for (a person, idea, occupation, etc.); enamored of: in love with the girl next door; in love with one's work.
27.make love,
a.to embrace and kiss as lovers.
b.to engage in sexual activity.
28.no love lost, dislike; animosity: There was no love lost between the two brothers.

So each of my statements are described at some point in this lengthy definition, but is that really what Jesus meant? Did He mean for their to be 28 definitions of love? Or was it intended to be just for Him, but in our finite English language we decided to lump it all together? I I know there are the 3 different kinds of love in the Bible. I get all that, but where is the power of the word?
So that brings me to my conversation with my 5 year old tonight. At the dinner table, he asked me how to spell "Jordan's" name. Jordan is a girl he goes to school with. I asked why and he said he wanted to write her name and his name together in a heart. Of course I followed with, "Why do you want to do that?" He said, "Because she is my friend." Interesting. As the conversation went on we talked about love and what it really means, who it should be for (at 5 YEARS OLD for goodness sake!) After much talking we (Paul and I) came to the conclusion that he was good friends with Jordan and wanted to tell her that she was his good friend. The only word he knew to use was "love". Which makes me think I use the word too loosely.
God was preparing me for this tonight. I thank God that He LOVES me. I know that I LOVE Him with all my heart, as well as my children and my husband. I do not LOVE ice cream. Thank you God for the many lessons you have taught me.

A Silly Survey

L A S T
1. Friend you saw: Paul
2. Talked to on the phone: Paul
3. Text: None today
4. IM: None

T O D A Y
1. Wearing: Jeans and a t-shirt earlier, now pj pants and a t-shirt
2. Better than yesterday?: better, I got to go shopping

T O M O R R O W
1. Is: Saturday
2. Got any plans: Probably mowing the yard...Whoo Hoo.
3. Dislikes about tomorrow: not yet

F A V O R I T E
1. Number: 1934857023897104639-34980599213470956923704995692839251293589023858230947
2. Color: blue, pink, brown
3. Season(s): Fall and winter

C U R R E N T L Y
1. Missing someone: not right now
2. Mood: fine
3. Wanting it to be: colder so I can wear a sweatshirt

Q U E S T I O N S / A N S W E R S
Q: First thing you did this morning? Wake up, then woke up Jacob for school
Q: Do you have anything bothering you? Nope
Q: What's annoying you right now? Nothing at the moment
Q: Do you support long distance relationships? Don't care, I'm married
Q: Is there a person who is on your mind right now? Sure
Q: Do you think that person is thinking of you too? Probably
Q: Where is the last place you went? Target
Q: Do you like your mom or dad? Of course
Q: Do you smile? Alot
Q: Do you wish upon stars? I do to teach my children the song
Q: Are you a friendly person? Yes
Q: What were you doing at 9 last night? Watching Grey's Anatomy on DVR
Q: When is the last time you saw your parents? It's been a few weeks
Q: When was the last time you cried? Last week I think
Q: Do you get angry easily? Depends, sometimes
Q: What were you thinking about before you went to sleep? Tomorrows schedule
Q: What song are you listening to right now? I'm not listening to a song, I'm watching 24 reruns
Q: Rate life as of right now 1-10: 9 1/2, I figure life can't be perfect, but it's close

S A D S E C T I O N
01. Have you ever really cried your heart out? Sure
02. Have you ever cried yourself to sleep? Sure

dishes, I took out the trash, baths, Paul is gone, Ratatouille, coffee, trampoline etc...in no particular order

My title may be a little much for you but I hope to sort it out for you. I should start with the fact that Paul left today for a short trip to Midland to play the drums for his friend Chad at a thing called Fields of Faith....anyway. Since Paul is gone, all of his normal responsibilities fall on me...i.e. the dishes and the trash. I do not do trash. Can I say it again...I do not do trash.....I did the trash today. Before Paul left it wasn't necessary, after dinner it was. I just stood there looking at it, thinking to myself, I have to take out the trash. So I lifted it out of the can and tied it up and took it only as far as out the door. Is that really taking it "out"? Anyway, I thought of Paul in that moment and missed him. The other thing that Paul does daily, are the dishes. I don't like the dishes either. I cook, he cleans. Of course knowing that I had to the dishes, I cooked in as few pots as possible. Which brings me to Ratatouille...more on that in a minute. So back to the dishes. As I stood at the sink rinsing and loading the dishes, again, I missed Paul.
Back to Ratatouille. Ever since we saw the movie, Caleb has wanted to eat Ratatouille. Of course before the movie I had never even heard of it, much less did I know how to make it. So after looking around for a while, forgetting about it, Caleb reminding me he wants to eat it, and looking again, I finally found a Rachael Ray recipe for Ratatouille Veggie Toss and I served it over whole wheat pasta. Being an avid scrapbooker, I took pictures of the food cooking and of a "professionally" plated Ratatouille and of course, my kids enjoying it. Caleb was so happy to finally eat Ratatouille he didn't even notice that he was eating zucchini and tomatoes. That was a fun experience for us and I missed Paul as we sat down to dinner and sang a song of thanks to God for our Ratatouille.
After dinner we went outside for a little bit. The weather has been beautiful here! We jumped on the trampoline, got all sweaty and that led us to the other thing Paul does daily...bathtime. Paul sees fun, I see 3 dirty kids, then "mud" in the bathroom, soaking wet floor and to much splashing. Tonight we had fun. I'm not really looking forward to the next few minutes...bed time. It will be hard with out daddy. We'll pray for him.
After the kiddos go to sleep I think I will make some coffee and watch some tv before going to bed myself. Paul (very lovingly and thoughtfully) prepared 3 filters and premeasured the coffee for me... He makes me coffee every morning and so he wanted to "make" me coffee for each day he would be gone. Sooooo, I miss him again. He'll be home soon.
Thank you Jesus, for such a loving husband and wonderful children who adapt from daddy style to mommy style flawlessly.

Kids Sick...Kids Well

So last weekend Caleb's "best dude" (aka best friend, Clay) got Croup. He was miserable for a couple of days. Like most "best dudes" Caleb and Clay share most everything...including Croup. On Tuesday afternoon I find Jacob with a fever, after school. Then later after dinner I find Caleb with a high fever and of course Jacob is getting worse. So far Abby is fine. Tuesday night rolls around and the boys begin their seal impressions, only they aren't pretending to be seals, they are coughing. They sound horrible and I brace myself for a long night...I know I will be accompanied in bed by more than just Paul. So everyone goes to sleep for the first time. About 12:30, seals barking from down the hall, more medicine, boys join us in the bed. Boys back to their own beds, 4:30am more seals barking, more medicine, more company in bed. So far my back is killing me for the way I am having to sleep to make room for my two sick babies. Of course I am tired and morning is approaching fast. My only consolation is that obviously Jacob can't go to school, so I get to sleep in...7:30, more seals barking. My poor boys looked absolutely pitiful. Their eyes were sleepy, their faces were red with fever, and they were sick. Abby? Still fine. So Wednesday at 10:00am I take the boys to the doctor, find out they shared Croup with Clay and each other, and most likely Abby. Get medicine, get a "sick toy"...you know...a toy for your kids because you feel sad for them that they are sick and you know it will make them feel better. Wenesday night, I again brace for a long night because I still have a duet of barking seals. Hot steamy bath, medicine, sleep, barking, bed sharing and switcheroo, more medicine, more barking, more bed sharing and switcheroo, finally morning. Thursday. Abby still fine, boys better but not good enough to go to school or "fernastics" (That's what Caleb calls Gymnastics) We spend all day doing a delicate dance of medicine, trying to stay quiet and still and resting but not sleeping too much so we can sleep at night. Finally the end of the tunnel! Abby is STILL fine! Boys are much better ready to face Friday head on! Thursday night, sleep! Everyone. All night. In their own beds. Yeah! Friday morning all is back to normal with the boys. Abby...coughing. Not nearly as bad as the boys. I give her the end of the medicine and she is already much better than this morning. Now, all asleep in their own beds, we'll see.
Thank you God for modern medicine. Thank you God for the beautiful day today that we could finally enjoy. Thank you God for well kids!

To all the readers out there...

If you are a blogger, then you will probably relate to what I am writing about tonight. If not then please disregard. Several of you have told me that you read my blog and enjoy it! Please comment me! I would love to read about what you like, or dislike for that matter, about my blog. Its so easy, just click on comments, type a comment and then, instead of trying to figure out how to sign in, just click anonymous and put your name in the body of the comment...unless of course you want to remain anonymous! For those of you who know how to leave a comment, please don't feel patronized. I am simply making it simple for all of the "commenting virgins" out there. So let me know! Thanks. More later.

More Randomness...if I can remember!

So my friend Magan and I were talking the other day and I said something and she told me that it could go on a new "random things" list about me. We continued to talk and some more random things came out to add, but for the life of me, I cannot remember a single one we talked about. I was all ready to blog a new random things list and here I am...nothing. Let me think a minute.....................

Ok so here are some I have come up with....

1. When I am watching tv, no matter what the temperature (inside or out) I HAVE to have a blanket. Usually one of several quilts hand made by my grandmother.

(I thought of one!)
2. I much prefer small childs scissors over large adult scissors! I guess I have been in children's ministry so long that adult scissors just seem ENORMOUS to me. So I always use children's scissors.

3. I am in my pajamas by 4:00 everyday unless I have somewhere to be that evening.

4. Teaching Children's Choir is my FAVORITE part of Children's Ministry.

5. I always choose function over fashion.

6. Coke Zero is my new favorite drink.

7. It drives my crazy when people don't do what they say they will do.

8. I am a bone fide "chocoholic" I have a small piece after almost every meal.

9. I am really into Grey's Anatomy. I think the drama makes my life seem simple.

10. I love to sing. Anywhere, anytime, and about anything.

11. I make up songs to all kinds of things. Sometimes I sing my conversations to my kids or Paul. Then I feel really silly.

12. I love to cook. This is a recent finding of mine. When I worked I only wanted food that was quick and easy. Now I enjoy actually cooking instead of just throwing frozen things in the oven.

13. If I could have another life I would chose a high-powered "business" or political position.

14. At one point in my life I was planning on becoming a lawyer and never having kids. (HA!)

15. I would love to get my masters degree. Maybe I will.

16. I think my kids are three of the most hilarious people on the planet.

(I thought of another one!)
17. When I get stressed and need an activity that requires no brain activity whatsoever, I cut paper. I get my child's scissors and some scrap paper and cut it into the smallest pieces I can....for no particular reason. I did this a lot in college. Wierd...I know.

After all of that I could only come up with one of the things I was going to put on the list. Well, when I think of them, I'll let you know.

Last Night...and the Morning After

So Yesterday (Wednesday) was See You At The Pole (hereafter SYATP) and what a day! Let's start on Tuesday...I ran some errands and went with my friend to visit a lady from our church who had just had a baby. When I got home that night the SYATP band was at my house (I knew they were coming). Its one of Paul's best friends, Chad and two Nathans and a Brandon. Anyway. Right away the house was crazy! Luggage, guitars and X Boxes strewn about. Cords from X Boxes and computers running this way and that all over the place. I went to bed about 10:30 knowing the big day that lies ahead...the boys...played until about 1:30am. The next morning everyone has to be somewhere by 7:30, so I'm in charge of my kids' clothes, breakfast, etc. and we are sharing our bathrooms and table space with four other (wonderful, might I add) fellows. Paul and the band went to Smithson Valley Middle School for their SYATP and there were somewhere between 150-200 people there! Really good turnout for so early in the morning. Needless to say I did all kinds of crazy stuff between the SYATP and the Rally. Skip to the rally. We had a great turnout. About 75 Students and at least 20 adults. Super good for a mid-week event around here. The band was awesome, Paul was amazing as usual and we ended about 9pm. To make a long story short...clean up, kids out of nursery, kids home, band to Starbucks, kids to bed, band home, X Box resumes. Now here we are the morning after. So tired. Poor Jacob, he is so sleepy today. I am praying hard that God will give him the power to "stay on green". Everyone else is snoozing...with the exception of Caleb...he's watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. I say another successful SYATP added to our resume` and we'll catch up on sleep some other time.

The Un-Reunion!

So this year is my ten year reunion. Well it was supposed to be. The Student Council has been planning it for a while and laid out a payment plan for all 632 of us and then the catering company and the DJ dropped the bomb. They changed their payment schedule and immediately wanted their money up front, instead of at the event. So...the StuCo put out a bulletin and tried to get as much money up front form the 632 of us, but to no avail. So they cancelled the reunion. I'm kind of upset. I mean, I really would have liked to see a few people...others, not so much. It would have been fun, I think, to see pics of peoples kids, show pics of my kids, see who people married, see how people have changed...etc. On the other hand, I don't think that I would enjoy any of the "high school drama" that might still be lurking around. I would like to think that we are all past that, more mature now. However in looking at some classmates' myspaces and blogs, some of the drama, I'm afraid, may still be around.
I really didn't even have that many friends in high school. I had a boyfriend who I would still call my friend because he still hangs with my brothers, but we have very little in common anymore. I haven't seen my "best" high school friend since my wedding over seven years ago. In fact the boyfriend is the only one I have seen since my wedding and that's because, like I said, he hangs with my brothers.
So, the question is, would a huge party with a bunch of people I don't even know anymore be any fun? I don't know, and I won't know...at least not for another 10 years. I guess I could look on the bright side. I can always say, in regards to my age, "I haven't even been to my 10 year reunion yet!"

The Calm and the Chaos

Let's talk about the title of my blog for a minute. I just want to explain to all who don't live in my house 24/7 what it is like. For example...Chaos...my three children are having the time of their lives as they are chasing each other around our house...which incidentally makes a nice circle around the fireplace. Every rotation someone passes someone, pushes someone over, knocks someone down and then there is an added level of chaos usually heightened by crying and the words "__________ did it". (Fill in the appropriate child's name in the blank. Then for no particular reason, calm. A lull if you will in the chaos provides me with just enough time to settle my nerves. Then...back to chaos. That's one particular level. There is an entirely separate level of chaos and calm though. For example...Last night and every Wednesday night, youth small group is at my house. Yes I agreed for it to be held here each week. I also agreed to the residuals that occur. Chaos...the fact that there are 18-25 teenagers in my home once a week. Chaos...Inevitably there are spilled drinks, crushed chips and furniture moved all over the place. I'm ok with that. Then there is usually wrestling or horseplay of some kind with the boys and things get "out of whack". For example...Two boys were holding each others shoulders and trying to keep the other one from pushing each other over...fine until...One lets go and the other slams into the wall in my kitchen blowing the breaker that lights my kitchen. I'm ok, we'll just have to fix it. So you may be wondering...Tanya, where's the calm in this whole second level...hold on...I'm getting there. This morning, after the furniture is put back, the chips are swept up and the cokes are wiped up, I stood in my (very) dark kitchen in the (very calm and quiet). I drank a cup of coffee and I put cinnamon rolls into the oven. I prayed for my family very quickly before...chaos.

Please comment me if you read this! I would love to know what you think of my thoughts.

Love / Dislike

I got this idea from my friend Cari's blog so I decided to try it. Let me know what you think!
I just want everyone to know that I love everyone in famiy and my close friends so just because I didn't name you in my "Love" section doesn't mean that you are exempt from my undying love for you. It also doesn't mean that you automatically make the dislike list. Just know that it is understood that I love you. I also hope that it is evident that God is at the top of my Love list. That said...

Love...in random order

1. Watching Alias
2. Scrapbooking
3. Taking my kids to Sea World
4. My house in Bulverde
5. Cooking
6. Teaching Children's Choir (it's my fave!)
7. Working out at Curves
8. My daughters hair in the morning...one day I'll post a pic
9. Wearing a sweatshirt (got one on right now)
10. Playing Settlers of Catan with friends
11. Having friends over for games...hence number 10
12. My wireless internet
13. Cold days

Dislike...in random order

1. The word "hate" (I don't use it and I don't let my kids use it)
2. Laundry
3. Dishes
4. Toilets
5. That Alias went off the air
6. When my kids get ahold of my scrapbooking stuff and it ends up all over the floor...NOT in the order that I originally had it.
7. Laundry...did I mention that?
8. When my attitude gets the better of me
9. Having to get up early
10. Injustice
11. When there is nothing "good" to watch on tv (I know that's relative)
12. Breaking a nail...just happened and now they are uneven...another thing I dislike
13. When Paul comes home late...which, by the way, almost NEVER happens...He knows I don't like it!

I've been tagged...and I don't have anyone to tag!

The Rules:1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.
2. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog (about their eight things) and post these rules.
4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose people to get tagged and list their names.
5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog

Here Goes...

1. Every night as Paul and I get into bed I throw his pillow and body pillow on the floor...for no particular reason. Not to be mean or anything...more playful than mean. Just a cute little thing that one day he is going to miss about me. He's a good sport about it.

2. My favorite way to drink water is from a Styrofoam cup with ice to the brim. Don't ask me why Styrofoam...it's just the way I like it.

3. When I want my kids to remember something important I always make a song out of it...usually to the tune of "Frere Jacques"

4. I am a third generation "Jean". My grandmother is Emma Jean. My mother is Carol Jean and I am Tanya Jean. My grandmother "released" me from naming my daughter Jean...Thank the Lord!

5. In the realm of household pets I much prefer reptiles and amphibians over canines. In other words...frogs and lizards over dogs. Right now we have 7 frogs. Two aquatic frogs and five "regular" frogs.

6. I secretly love to jump on the trampoline. (Not so secret now) My kids got one for Easter this year and I love it. I love it even more when its nice outside not too hot, not to cold.

7. If you are a "Friends" enthusiast, then you will understand this. Matthew McConaughey and Michael Vartan are "on my list"...Just below Paul Brand.

8. I am a HUGE Alias fan. I was really upset when it went off the air and I avidly watch reruns whenever they are on.

Well I have no one to tag...but as soon as I do I will be happy to tag someone!

All in the same day!

Some of you may be wondering why all my blogs are on the same day. Well I was blogging on my myspace, but it was much more limiting than blogspot is...so I copied all of my thoughts to my new blog here. So if you are new to me...go to the bottom and catch up! If you have been with me all along, more thougts later!

The Altar and the Door

Recently, I have been in this personal struggle to move my relationship with God to the next level. I don't just want this for me, but for my family, for my children. I just can't seem to grasp what it is that I need to do to create this forward movement. There is a song on the new Casting Crowns CD that speaks directly to this and I want to share the chorus with you. It is awesome.

Lord this time I'll make it right * Here at the altar I lay my life * Your kingdom come but my will was done, my heart is broken as I * Cry, like so many times before * But my eyes are dry before I leave the floor, oh Lord * I try but this time Jesus how can I be sure * I will not lose my follow through * between the altar and the door

So much can happen between the promises made at the altar and the door of the church where life happens. I pray that the movement that I make will remain far past the door and infiltrate completely into my life and the life of my family. The new Casting Crowns CD is called (appropriately) The Altar and the Door Check it out when it comes out at the end of September.

Another Interesting Thought....

Ok, so I already blogged about how I feel about rainy days. I have just experienced another interesting dichotomy. My daughter, Abby, (age 2 1/2) has now been fighting us for an hour and sixteen minutes to go to bed. We are continually putting her in bed and she keeps getting up...and it just struck me that as I grow older I can't wait to go to bed. Most nights I'm asleep between 9 and 10. Interesting that while she fights to go to sleep, I fight to stay awake. Hmmm.

Rain Rain Go Away

You know how somedays you just wish it would be rainy and a little cold so you can grab your favorite sweatshirt, the remote and a pint of your favorite ice cream? Well we have had so many of those days in San Antonio lately that I am (figuratively) 20 lbs heavier and way more lazy (not figuratively) than I should be. It has been a very interesting year...weather wise...here. More rain than we know what to do with. The river has only been visited twice...one good time, one not so good time...and we are ready for the sun! I am continually reminded though, by the Lord, of course, that, "This is the day the Lord has made." Every time I look out the window and see the rain pouring down...I just simply say, "This is the day the Lord has made."

How did it go?

So I know all of you are wondering...How was the first day of Kindergarten? Well, it was wonderful! He had a great time and he was very excited to go back today (the second day). He didn't use any explitives when pronouncing Ms. Schmidt...so that was a victory. God answered all our prayers from the night before and that was a good opportunity to talk to the kids about answered prayer!

Twas the Night Before Kindergarten

Twas the Night Before Kindergarten and all through the house
Not a creature was stirring not even a mouse (if there were a mouse in my house, I would definately be stirring!)
Anyway, I'm not going to try to carry out this rhyme. However, we had a wonderful evening tonight. After chicken nuggets and a bath, Jacob layed out his "first day of school" outfit. Paul had to do the laundry scramble, though, and hunt down the perfect pair of Transformer underwear! He saved the day and found a CLEAN pair in the dryer...whew! Then we sat down as a family and had the most amazing family prayer time for Jacob and his first day of school. Abby thanked God for Jacob. Caleb prayed that Jacob would have a great day at school and that he would learn lots of new things. He also prayed that Jacob would not get in trouble for saying any "HALO" words. (i.e. I'm gonna get my shotty and my sniper rifle...or I'm gonna get you with a sticky grenade...or let me get my spankin' weapons.) Mommy prayed that he would be focused and listen and find favor with Ms. Schmidt. Daddy prayed that he would have fun and meet new friends. It was so fun to turn our nightly prayer time into a focused time of petition for Jacob and the beginning of his school career. We will all drop Jacob off at school and I will stay for the "Boo Hoo Breakfast" hosted by the PTA for the Kindergarten moms. I hope to meet some new friends too. I would love to meet some of the moms from Jacob's class. Well...Here's to Kindergarten!

Kindergarten...What's in a Name

So Jacob is starting Kindergarten on Monday! We have been practicing his teachers name...Why you ask? Well his teachers name is MS. SCHMIDT. You can use your imagination to come up with a few names that have come out of his innocent Kindergarten mouth while trying to pronounce Ms. Schmidt. We have worked through all the 4 letter words and are now down to something that sounds like MS. SCHMUSH. Well, that's better. I am looking forward to meeting his teacher at Meet the Teacher night and telling her all the wonderful things she is going to enjoy about Jacob this year...hopefully he'll learn her name.

The Beginning

Well I've never blogged before, but in reading some of my friends blogs, I can only aspire to be as good as them...namely Cari Downie! So Funny! Anyway, I thought I would give this a whirl.
What to write for the first blog...I'll start at the beginning. It all began in the year 2000 when I married Paul. Things went crazy after that. Jacob was born in 2002, and is going to Kindergarten this year! Caleb was born in 2004 and is an amazing kid and Abby Sue was a surprise in 2005. We live just north of San Antonio and have a wonderful life. Hopefully something more exciting for next time.