Yee Haw

It is official. Lisa, my bestest friend of a trillion years has taken the brave step and has moved to Texas. Anyone that knows this Kansas immigrant knows that this step was not taken lightly. Ms. Lisa has, in recent years, been a non-risk taker. She likes her house and her things and doesn't like to deviate a whole bunch unless pushed by "ME".

Lisa and I have known each other since the 1st grade. We grew up as close friend during elementary and then somewhat went our separate ways in junior high and came back together a little bit in high school. It wasn't until I moved to Texas that we became the friends that we are today. We've spent many vacations together in Texas (and away) and share MANY MANY memories that we wouldnt' share with anyone even if they paid us.

In the last couple years she had been unhappy with her career and parts of her life and I have prayed for her during all of it. Lance and I had always tried to get her to move or think of moving here but nothing ever came of it. UNTIL.... she got a lead with a top advertising company here in Dallas. It was a matter of days and she was offered a job.

I can't tell you how excited and how "in shock" I am to have my best friend with me by my side (especially with baby#2 on the way). I am excited for all the new memories that will be made and shared and also shocked that I have her here with me. It still shocks me to know that she's here and I can drive and see her. We've spent years checking airline flights in order to see one another.

I ask that you all pray for her that she begans the life she is meant to live and that path that has been predestined for her. She is an awesome woman and the closest "sister" I have.

My heart is warmed to know she is so near.

Writings on the Wall

"It is not those who have little, but those who want "MORE" who are poor". I read this statement daily (among others) on the wall-paper in the bathroom in the house we are occupying for a year. Yes, I did say occupying. Lance and I made a brave (faithful) financial decision to sell our house and move in with his parents for a year to become debt free.
The wallpaper in his mother's upstairs bathroom consists of MANY MANY different quotes but the quote "It's not those who have little, but those who want "MORE" who are poor" really speaks to me. As I blow dry my hair, brush my teeth, wash my face and do all those thing you do in your bathroom I start to ponder all the things in life that we really don't need. Realizing that this society we live in is such a materialistic one. Granted, I love new clothes, cars and fancy home furnishings but can I actually justify having all these things?
Lance and I tested ourselves for a month. We started the 15th of July, we decided to go on a shopping fast for a month. We did not buy anything except groceries, gas and necessities. What is amazing is that the evil one knows when you are trying to accomplish your "Godly missions" and tries to discourage you. We all got sick and had hundreds of dollars in co-pays & Prescriptions and my car has costed us nearly $2,000 in the last month. The saving grace is that we didn't have all the erroneous expenses that we normally would have had on top of the car and sick bills. We did fairly well for the month. We called our month long of non-spending quits when we had a Luke-free weekend on the 11th and wanted a "Date" weekend... (only 4 days short)(Not tooooo bad, right?) But, I do believe everyone would be proud that we went on a night where it was half price!!!!(Sambucas) teee heee
Overall, I found it to be a odd challenge. On one hand, the options of buying weren't there and therefore I didn't feel the need to buy. On the other hand, I was thinking of all the items I was going to buy once we got off of our spending fast (most were for Luke)
What is also amazing to me is how some people justify what they buy. Some wouldn't go on this fast with us because they already had things set up... Heaven forbid we tell our friends we can't go to lunch because we are doing something to better ourselves and wouldn't they understand anyway? It's amazing the trappings that these material things put us in. (Cars, Expensive trips, lunches)
It definitely is the writing on my wall.... it's those who want more who are poor!!! and I want to be "RICH"

Six Flags with Daddy

Almost 3 1/2 years old and already going to Six Flags with Daddy. The videos taken during their fun shows Luke screaming, "Make it stop Daddy.. Make it stop... I don't want to ride, I don't want to ride this" while on the ride. Upon the ride coming to a complete stop Lance asked, "Did you like it" and Luke replies... "YEAH... I want to do it again"...

Let her eat "CAKE"

Okay so I noticed that this was never published.. but it was from the summer.. still a good story..

"Trinity"

Mimi had baked a cake for one of Lance's employees who was having an open house at his new apartment. Sunday was a beautiful day. We were out swimming with Luke and having a great time. Mimi and Papa D had left to run some errands. Upon their arrival back to the house they opened the door and noticed the cake plate on the floor and there was no cake in sight. Trinity was there guarding the plate as if to say "If there is one speck of crumb left here, none of these other dogs are gettin' it".

Amazing what this dog will do for attention and amazing what her body will digest. She is still with us though!!!

30 ain't so bad!!!!!

I remember when I was little and my Mother was around the age of 32. At the time having 4 young daughters I can recall how old I thought she was (in my mind) or how old the 30's were. Looking back now, she was in the prime of her life as I am in mine. My 30th birthday came and went with tons of suprises along the way for me. Lance planned everything so well and took such great care of his birthday girl with a night filled with some of my closest and dearest friends doing what we do best... having fun!!!! I love all these women that I have around me. God put each one of them in my life for specific reasons. He knew what I needed.

Thank you Lance for all you do for me... I love you

Mother's Day "Then and Now"

It's amazing how much a child can change your life! I remember the days that I used to sleep till 10 in the morning (oh wait!! I still do..) When I would have no extra time in my life and complain about not getting things done!!!! Now I have this little guy that fills up more time and I somehow get everything done. God knows exactly what we all need. For me, his name was Luke!!!
It's amazing as I look at these pictures from the last 3 Mother's Day to realize how much he has grown but most of all how much I have grown with him!!!

Did anyone call a Carpenter?

Looks as if someone is following in the footsteps of his Papahewmowmow! The Magnificent!