Wondering Where I went?

Hello all...I would say Merry Christmas...but it might be better to say Happy New Year. I guess I should tell you why I have not posted...I was thinking about quitting. Sometimes I think I have so much to do, so many other obligations, and so many things I want to do that I do not have time for. So I went through my 'to-do' list and started marking things off that were not necessary. The blog was one of those because nobody reads it. I was doing this for friends and family so that they could be a part of my life...but when I ask others if they saw the pictures...they always say no. So I figured that other people are just as busy and do not have the time to bother reading this blog.

We also had a bitter-sweet Thanksgiving...it was so nice to be around family, but we were without one special person. My grandmother passed away, and although I know that she is celebrating with Uncle Eddie, it is still hard to lose a family member. I guess that is part of being human...we are selfish sometimes and it just seems unfair to lose anyone, especially around the holidays.

So...we are approaching the new year...and I may not be around next year. I still have not decided...I have liked the blog...but I am not sure it is doing the purpose I set it up for. I guess we will find out after the new year. I did want to at least update my book challenge...I have been reading like crazy...and I love it. Of course I am not finished...but I didn't start in Jan...and several of the books were series so I read more than one. I have read over 81 books for 2009...which is amazing...but I will keep my list and finish the ones I have listed.

I also wanted to post some pictures of my wonderful family. We had a blast at Christmas, it was easy on us because we did not have to travel...although I know it was hard on others being here around the noise. So here are a few pictures of us...enjoy.

BYE!

Day 3

What a difference I felt on Sunday morning. I am not sure if it was the pizza, the ice packs, the fact that we were almost finished...or more likely the borrowed shoes. I said in an earlier post that my shoes were too small...so I borrowed a pair from H...thanks...it really made a difference. Plus the others...I felt great on Day 3. I think we all did...I mean, we were well over half way there...no stopping us now.

We were the first group to leave, and we were moving right a long. I mean...we were cruising! We were in the front, even walking where there were few others in front of or behind us...where did that strength come from? But we had fun.

We were in the first 200 that arrived at the end of the walk...and it was so amazing to see mommy P waiting for us! What joy that gave us for her to be the first to know that we made all 60 on foot...what will we do if she is not there next year?

OK..so I spilled the beans...but that is for later!

Because we were there first...we had fun cheering the others as they came in and were truly humbled by the people we saw walking and had no idea. There were military guys decked out with boots and packs, pregnant women...and I don't mean a few months...these were PREGNANT women, older women, young guys, a mother and son team, mother and daughter teams, elderly couples, husbands and wives, sisters, companies, and yes, even those that were going through breast cancer at the time. It was inspiring and amazing.

So, I can tell H she was right...it did change my life...it has given me a different outlook on life...and yes, we are going again. How can I not? While I am still able to walk...we are going to do it one more year. I know it sounds crazy...but if you want to understand a little better...then join our team and walk with us. I really can't explain the experience...except to say...that it will change your life.

Day 2

OK...so we did get to stay in a hotel...but it was so hard getting up...my legs were not working...my feet were swollen...I was sleepy...and all my muscles ached...but I got up and dressed...and we were on our way for day 2. We left camp and headed out for what was definitely my hardest day.

I realized at about 11 miles for the day that my shoes were too small...and the blister that I saw on my toe was HUGE...I had no idea they could get that big...and the best thing was when I went to the medic and she SQUEEZED it. Yes, that hurt, and I am not a huge wimp. But I put my shoes back on and kept going. Seriously...when you see a sign that says 'blisters don't need chemo' then how in the world can you stop?

I will admit it...there was a brief moment that I really did not believe I could make all the miles on Saturday and had to walk really slow. I even had people ask me if I was ok...a little embarrassing...but I remembered one of my favorite verses...Isaiah 40:29-31

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

No, I did not feel like running...and I didn't really feel myself soaring, I did however keep walking. Thanks to H and T for the encouragement...and the fact that I did not want to let anyone down. I even relied on a few other close friends from my home...K and G were so encouraging and I truly felt their prayers...especially those last few miles on Saturday.

Day 2 complete...another foot massage...pizza for dinner...and ice packs for knees.

Day 1

We were preparing to leave the hotel on Friday morning and you can't imagine how many pink shirts were around. Yes, we were sporting ours as well. But I can tell you after that weekend, I will never look at the color pink the same again. It has a meaning behind it now and one that I could never forget.

So we arrived at opening ceremony ready to walk, especially after the inspiring talk and watching survivors and others hold flags for who they were walking for. And finally...it was time to walk. So we were on our way and just after we started we saw the 'encouraging' sign that read '59 & 1/2 miles to go'. Wow...what was I doing? Could I really accomplish that? Oh well...I was there and I was not going to quit. What a great day...they even had a Harry Potter pit stop with 'moaning Myrtle' helping at the port-a-potties.

We had a great day...joked along the way...ate good food...and saw a ton of other walkers and 'cheerleaders'. I say cheerleaders because I just don't think the walk would have been the same without them. I mean...it would have been much easier to quit if no one was around.

A few things we saw along the way:
Husbands with pictures of their wives...both still in the fight and ones that had lost the battle.
Women going through therapy and having to take a wheelchair along the walk.
The man on the street that dyed his hair and his dog pink to support the walkers.
A sign with 2 holes cut out so the men could stick their head through what read...these boobs thank you.

When we arrived at camp the sea of pink tents sent a chill down my spine...I really was here for a reason...along with almost 3000 others walking for one cause...unexplainable.

How did I get there?

OK...now that I have a few images posted...I guess I need to tell you a little about my adventure. I may have to do it in several posts because I just do not think I can get it all out in one. I have been holding off because it is so hard to explain.

I know many of my blogs are funny or amusing...because that is just my life...but this is different...a little more serious...and one that has some deep emotion behind it. So let me start with a verse that has been on my mind from Philippians 2:3-4

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

When H approached me about walking with her...she seem so excited...so encouraging...and even mentioned that it would change my life. I know that it would be a great experience...but I just thought she really wanted a friend there...and that was ok with me. So I guess...in one sense...I sort of went for her. Yea...I know...you are thinking walking 60 miles just to be around a friend is CRAZY. I had no idea what I was in for. And as she will tell you...it took me a while to fully commit. I was a little nervous about raising the money, and I guess worried that if I raised the money that I would let people down if I couldn't finish all 60 miles.

So one day I was reading and I came across another quote from George S. Patton:

Accept challenges so that you may feel the exhilaration of victory!

I had decided at that point and after a lot of encouragement from H...that I was going. I kept that verse in my mind...yes, I wanted the challenge, I wanted to spend some time with H and her mom and our new friend, but most of all I wanted to support a good cause.

I quickly began training and realized just how hard it might be to accomplish the goal I had set myself up for...but then I remembered what my Lord said in Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

I knew that after I had prayed about it, that this was something I needed to do. I wanted to make a small difference to such a huge cause. I also knew with the strength of my friends walking with me, the encouragement of our special crew member, and the strength my Lord has for me...that I could do it.

So after several months of training and fundraising...the weekend was here...and wouldn't you know...I was sick and my babies were sick. So I was reluctant to leave them behind but knew I had a mission that I wanted to complete. So I left for me weekend.

How cute are these:

Grace - Grace - Grace

OK...those of you that were at the Women's Retreat know where I am coming from...and trust me, I need you to send a little grace this way. Not because I deserve it, not because I have worked hard to get it...but my Father in Heaven has given us all such an underserving grace and we should try to model that. I know it is impossible to be perfect...so in those moments that we all have...we just send each other a bit of grace.

I have to say that the word has come up on more than one occasion especially since the retreat. Now I picked the name of my blog for a reason...my kids do not always deserve grace because of their behaviour or attitude...but because I love them unconditionally I give them grace. I don't kick them out of the house just because they SPILL PAINT ON THE FLOOR...or because they 'TAKE GOLDFISH ON THE CARPET'. No, I am not yelling at you...I am just stressing that sometimes we give grace to those who do not derserve it...but we have to remember that grace was given to us.

With that said...just send me a little grace...for not posting, not e-mailing, not calling, not writing, and not being on facebook. I do apologize...but as I have stated before...my life gets pretty hectic during the school year. Just an example...last week was basketball on Monday night along with gymnastics, teaching science on Tuesday for Kindergarten, teaching science on Wednesday for 2nd graders, soccer on Tuesday and Thursday...not to mention all the daily work along with schooling sweet girl at home. All the trips to the PO, WM, HEB...cooking, cleaning...and don't forget my full-time teaching job. Then every spare moment I try to play with the kids...or color...or read. Sometimes I just lay on the floor and let them entertain me.

This past weekend we left on Friday to go camping...it was Awesome. I think I actually got to relax a bit and I even played kick-ball. We ate very well and I only had to cook 2 meals. I even got to work a jigsaw puzzle. I took almost 200 pictures...not all were great...but I did take a lot of them and I walked in the beautiful hill country. It was amazing. I am often in awe of what God's creation can do for the renewing of your mind and spirit. Just check out our view from the back porch:

The kids had a blast and it was special family time. There is no way I can show you all the pictures. I can't even show you all the ones I want to tonight. So I will do my best to get some posted over the next few days...or weeks. I have to say that because next week is a big one for me.

Anyway...just remember to throw some of that grace my way and I will do the same for you...and enjoy the pictures.

Our house for 3 days

Too Much to say

Hello everyone...again it has been a while...I know...but so many things have been going on with our families. This is going to be short and sweet...but I have to tell you about my awesome women's retreat that I was able to attend this weekend...but I will write tomorrow or Tuesday.

Today I am writing to tell you that I did my 15 mile day today. I will say that my training has been a bit harder than I expected...but I am really working hard...still trying to raise money to meet my required commitment...but I know God is in control and I am not going to worry about the money.

The other thing I just have to say is that I have such AWESOME friends...I am often amazed by the people I am around and have the opportunity to get to know. Thank you so much K for walking 5 miles with me so I could have someone to talk to and encourage me...and Thanks to J for walking a few miles with us as well. Then my other friend came along to walk the last trip with me...thanks S...I really needed the encouragement. Walking that by myself I probably would have quit early...but they helped push me to finish the 15 miles...thanks again.

Anyway...I am training...extremely tired right now...but was so blessed from my weekend. I still say that I don't really fit in here and that I often feel like a visitor because I don't know enough people...but after this weekend's retreat and my day today...I do believe God has me right where he wants me for now. I am so grateful for that.

Ok...I still have 10 papers left to grade...so I better get to work...I will post some pictures tomorrow and tell you about my weekend...I had so much fun!

Check these out

Hello all...I just wanted to let you know there are several ways that you can support my 3-day breast cancer walk. We are having some shirts made with our team name on them. We are hoping to sell quite a few to help with fundraising. If you know someone that has had breast cancer or a family member that has had it...let me know and I can put their name on the back of the grey shirt we will be wearing on one of the days of the walk. You can buy that shirt with the names, or you can buy one that has a small logo on the front of the shirt and a large logo on the back of the shirt. We also have one really cute fitted pink shirt. Everyone needs a t-shirt right? You can still donate for me, but you can also buy a shirt to help out a little more. Just let me know if you are interested. The price is $15.

We will also be selling reusable shopping bags for $3 and they are black with our priceless logo on the front.

Most of you will also be getting an e-mail or a letter from me telling a little more about what I have committed to and why and a donation form that you can use to help me out.

I'm Committed

Ok...so I know what you are thinking...she has finally lost it and has been 'committed'! Well...you are wrong. But I am committed...or at least I have committed myself to a very special event. I know you are happy to hear about that H.

Many of you know that I have been discussing walking in the 3-day event for the Susan G. Komen race for the cure...well...it is official. I registered a few minutes ago...and I have to say I am still a bit scared. I just wanted to share with you why I am walking.

First, as many of you know, I will be walking with a friend that is so dear to me that I just can't explain. It is one of those friends that after we spend a week hanging out...I get that homesick feeling and feel like my sister just moved away. Anyway, it is important to her and close to her heart as well as her families...so I am walking to show her how much her friendship means to me.

I am also walking because I do know several people that have beaten breast cancer and I think it is a great cause for research money. Not only for breast cancer, but many other cures and treatments have been funded by the money raised.

And as most of you know I recently had an uncle pass away from cancer and it was extremely hard to see what he went through as well as my family. So I believe in cancer research.

Now let me tell you why I am scared. First is just the fact that I will be walking 60 miles in 3 days and with 3 kids, 4 pets, a hubby, a house, and work to do...it is hard to find enough time to train...but I am doing my best and am dedicated to being ready for that 3 days. So just pray for strength for me. But most of all I am scared that I have committed to raising so much money...so just remember to pray that the finances will be taken care of...I know they will.

Other than that things are going great around here...working hard and Sweet girl loves doing school at home. She asks me all the time to do work. Big Girl is working hard and little man is wild as ever...but he keeps me on my toes.

I will keep you updated.

Let Me Explain

Alright...I guess I need a shirt that says..."I DO NOT SLEEP MUCH!" So that when I seem a bit cranky, or I have dark spots under my eyes people do not think I am sick. Most of you that know me realize that I do not sleep much and I can not tell you how many times I get comments like 'Only 5 hours of sleep?'; 'How do you function?'; 'Aren't you sleepy?'; or simply 'WHY?' I guess that one is my favorite. So I thought I might explain why I am up so late.

As you should all know I do have 3 kids, 2 dogs, 2 cats, and 1 really big kid (sometimes called husband). So I am not even going to explain all the cleaning, picking up, cooking, traveling, and simply taking care of my family that I do every day. I am not going to get into because most of you do the same. And trust me...I am not complaining...I really do love my situation that allows me to stay home and be that type of person and mom. I have a blast.

Next, many of you know that I am also involved at church and with a mom's group here in town and I love being part of that as well...so again...NOT COMPLAINING. Please do not think this is a pity party for 'poor me that never sleeps'. It is not...simply an explanation.

Third, I am also very involved in Big girls school...as a parent and volunteer, and often in charge of activities that take place at the school. Again, I am thankful that God gave me a job that allows me to be part of that. I only wish I could do more but Little man is a handful.

Ok, lastly...which most of you know...I also teach online. The job allows me to stay home, helps with our finances, and (probably my favorite) allows me to stay somewhat connected to the scientific field. So I love it. I have been teaching for some time, and I would not trade my experiences and my opportunities. However...this brings me to my explanation. I have to tell you a story first so that you can get the picture. So humor me and read along:

When I first started teaching I was in my 9th month with Sweet Girl...so as soon as she was born I was teaching about 6 classes. I would work whenever...Big girl was always so good at just playing by my feet and Sweet girl would sleep in her swing. I would work at nap-time and during the day. I just didn't think anything of it...I wanted to get my work done and not be up really late. I do remember times having to tell Big girl when she asked me to play with her that I could not because I was working on the computer. Now, I am not saying that I do not do that now every once in a while...I mean I have 3 now and a huge backyard...so I can sit on a Saturday morning and catch up although I prefer not to.

Ok...sorry...back to the story. So one day when Big girl was playing in her room because I was working on the computer I walked back to check on her. Well, I was sneaking back to check on her which I often did because she was so funny when she was playing with Barbies. So as I am listening at the door she has 2 Barbies that are 'talking'. The first one says 'Mommy will you play with me?' and the second one said 'I can't, mommy is working on the computer'. Well...it just broke my heart. She was not that old...but old enough to realize that she wanted mommy to play but mommy was on the computer. So I just told myself that day that I would do everything possible NOT to work when my kids were awake or not occupied with friends or daddy.

So...that brings me to my explanation...the reason I stay up late...the reason that I did not get on the computer tonight until 9pm...I really try not to 'work' while the kids are awake. So some nights I can get off the computer around 11pm...and other nights it is closer to midnight or later. Now...can you imaging being at work for 8 hours...not having to drive home...but just jumping in bed and trying to go to sleep? Well...you may be able to do that, but it is impossible for me...so I read. Yes, my hubby often tells me at 2am to put the book down and turn out the light. My problem is that I LOVE to read and it is really the only 'free' time I have to read. So there are times that I can not put the book down. I know...you are probably asking those same questions...why, how can I function...blah blah. I guess I just do what I can.

Does it catch up to me? Sometimes...and those nights I usually go to bed around midnight. So why am I blogging at 10pm...well...if I was not writing on the blog I would be journaling...it is an outlet for me. Plus, I love to share my life with family and friends.

So...I guess I can end with telling you that lack of sleep does not always bother me...I am used to it although I know it is not good for my body. I know that several of you are concerned...but instead of worrying...just say a prayer that my body will stay strong. I do what I can and I don't mind sacrificing sleep so that my kids get some of my attention. And...if I am ever a bit cranky...or you feel like I am upset...just remember that the night before it was very likely I only got about 4-5 hours of sleep!

Ah-Ah-Alligator

Sweet girl was so disappointed that she did not get to start school this year. So we went to WM and bought her a school box and her very own school supplies so we could do school at home. I decided to start with A and to do the short a sound...so we did apples and alligators yesterday. She did have a hard time remembering the letter A...but she knew the sound...she could even think of other words that started with the same sound. When asked what letter we were studying she kept saying C.

So, we worked a bit harder, read some books and I really thought she had it. I showed her the letter A and asked what sound it can make...she did that perfectly. I asked what words start with that letter...she named 5 different words. Then I said ok...what letter is that? She said C...so proud. I said...no it is an A...why can't you remember that. Her reply "Well, then you should have never told me about (making the letter sound) c-c-crocodile!

To explain, we do have a CD that has a song on it and it goes through the alphabet and it says C-C-crocodile. She is just so smart!

Anyway, we are having a blast...even little man joined in the school activities and learned the sound an A can make.

Price Check...Price Check

Ok...this is going to be a short one...but I know it will make you laugh.

Ever imagine yourself being 'that person' in the check-out lane that has to purchase something that you don't care for everyone to know...maybe tampons, hemorrhoid cream, depends...and the price is not coming up so they have to call someone and loudly have to say "I need a price check on..."

So, Sweet girl has been suffering from so bad tummy aches...we even had to take her to the doctor to have blood work and an X-ray...turns out she just needs to poop. So...picture this...I am at Wal-greens looking for some poop helper...I look at the prices and want the best for my money right...so I get MyraLax and I decided on the BIG bottle...more for my money.

So I get to the check-out lane (you see where this is going right?) and there are 2 men in line behind me, 3 workers 'hanging out', and several other ladies shopping. I would say about 15 people in the store, plus the stupid lady at the check-out trying to but MyraLax (yep, that would be me).

The clerk (he) says...I need to get a price check on this because it is not coming up. He TRIES to do it quietly by the phone "do you know the price of MyraLax?, no the BIG one...oh ok"...
Good he has it...nope. So another worker comes up from the back...about 20 feet away and the clerk with me holds the BIG bottle up and says...MYRALAX...THE BIG ONE...I NEED A PRICE.

Hello...could I have been anymore humiliated. I mean, I couldn't turn to all those people and tell them it was for my little girl because the bottle was BIG...and that would have been way to much for a little girl. They must have really thought I was backed up.

So after 2 sort of bad days around here...again I am reminded not to sweat the little things. I guess God thought I needed to be humbled and that I needed a little laugh.

Battle Scars

OK...so we did want a boy...and we wanted him to be all boy. Can I just say we got what we asked for. I think I have mentioned before that my little man is so different from my girls...but I need to stress...HE IS SO DIFFERENT FROM MY GIRLS. No I am not yelling at you...I just want you to understand that I am not joking.

Well...I have to confess, he has been known to play with Barbies, Mermaids, and Little Pets...but he plays with them quite differently. Instead of talking sweet, dressing them and making sure they have shoes and a purse...he will use a dinosaur to attack the innocent barbie. He also likes to pretend they are drowning and spider-man will rescue them. He is so sweet.

However, there are those moments that remind me why I used such an odd title for my blog. I am reminded constantly that the grace I try to exhibit to my kids does not even compare to the grace my God gave me. So if he can take me as I am with all my faults and all my mistakes and still love me...then no matter what my little man throws at me...I love him more than he will ever realize. Today was one of those days...I just wanted to share some moments with you...step into my shoes for a moment...

It started this morning...early...around 3:30a.m. I think...may have been 5:30a.m. but that doesn't matter...it was early and my eyes were not seeing straight. My wonderful little man comes to MY side of the bed and says 'here you go, here you go' and he proceeds to hand me his 'foo-foos'. Then says again 'here you go, here you go' and as I put my hand out he puts his face close to my hand and...can you guess what happened? Yep, he puked right in my hand...

So we spent some time in the bathroom (daddy snoring) cleaning up and making sure he is ok. He was fine...just got choked or something. Chalk that up to my first battle scar of the day.

We played in the floor for a bit and I was 'getting him'...so he turned around and said 'get you'. So cute right? Well, I was not expecting the head-but he gave me. When I said ouch...he gave my head a kiss! Yep, he is a sweetie. Second battle scar.

The next victim was Sweet Girl as little man ran in her room to give her a Barbie...he said 'here you go, here you go' and tossed the barbie to her. Now, I say tossed...what I should said was chunked it right at her head. Luckily she was standing up when he was throwing and it caught her on the leg...after lot's of crying he said 'sorry' and kissed her leg. Third battle scar.

Playing outside while daddy and Sweet girl went to pick up Big girl...he said 'play wis me'...ok I agreed. So he wanted me to stand at the slide while he went up the ladder and down the slide. So sweet, until...out of the blue he slid down, jumped up, ran over to me, stepped on my toe, and kicked me in the shin. Honestly, I was shocked. He has never done anything like that...I told him I did not want to play anymore because he hurt me...again came the 'I sorry'...kiss on the foot and shin...and there goes the fourth and fifth battle scar.

Finally, it is bath time...what can happen at bath time...well, let's just say, I was not in the bath but I think I had more water on me than he did. Little man does not like getting his hair washed and tonight he protested by stomping his foot in the tub (water everywhere), flinging the mermaid he was playing with (water everywhere), then on the last rinse he raised his arm, hit the cup (again water everywhere). Sixth battle scar.

OK...so we are in jammies and now mommy needs to potty (yes I said potty)...but little man is right by my side. He wants to play ball...but mommy wants to go potty. So my bright idea...I say...look little man, if you toss the ball and hit the wall, it will bounce right back to you. Well, can you guess what happened? He THREW the ball (he does have a good throw) at the wall which is in very close proximity to the toilet...where I was sitting...and BAM right in the face. Seventh battle scar, but I guess that one is my fault!

Once everyone was home and the excitement of seeing Big girl was calmed...daddy put the kids to bed so I could work. I am almost finished with my work...I just thought I would share my battle scars!

He is so stinking cute...you just can not be upset with him...take a look:

Just wanted to share

Wow...what a day. Outside in the garden, and daddy built us a compost box. I have wanted one for some time...but we have so many projects to complete. Big girl has been visiting mammaw and pappaw and we have been having fun here. I just wanted to share a few pictures of Sweet Girl and Little Man (I may need to change that to little stinker if he poops one more time today).

Anyway...we have missed Big girl, but we try to keep busy so we do not miss her so much. Sweet girl loves her new stroller (as does V if you look closely).

Fun at the zoo

A special visit!

Hello everyone...just thought I would share about our special visit we had. The girls were so excited when we told them about having a few special visitors. All the girls were in fantasy land with the dress-up clothes and they all loved swimming in the yard. here are a few photos...enjoy.