LAUNDRY is a MUST!..

Yep! I am soooo going there! I try my best to be a private person. But those close to me, know that I am an open book with some things. I can make many blush, but mostly they just laugh out loud at my brutal honesty! Some get pissy with me, and want to judge me as too young and clueless. To each their own I guess.
It seems there are certain things in my family's genes that we are very passionate about..Let's call it "LAUNDRY"!

Lots and lots of LAUNDRY!

It has come to my attention, that I have lots of ladies in my life who have "issues" in this area. It seems in the old days, it was always the men who complained about not getting to do the "LAUNDRY" as often. But, it seems that in this generation, I am running into many married women who are doing the complaining. It seems as if, these married men who have been married for 10 plus years, have gotten comfy. Or shall I say "LAZY"! I have heard the saying, that men treat life like hunting. They go out of their way to track and hunt what they are looking for, but once they get it, they hang it up on the wall for a trophy! They figure, ok I got it, I am the man! Whoohoo!

Now don't get me wrong. I know some women can really make you not want to do "LAUNDRY".. Especially if all they do is nag you, or whine and complain. So women, if you are doing that, than STOP IT! We all want to feel appreciated, we all want attention. I heard from a Pastor once that, when we get married, the husband and wife, are both babies..They go wah! wah! I want this, I need this, ME! ME! ME! and than we end up fighting cause we both want the same thing, but we are only thinking of ourselves! But, when you were dating, you would go out of your way for that person. You would bathe, and shave, and put the smell good stuff on. You would buy cards, and flowers, and hold the door open. And for most, you would be really active in the "LAUNDRY" area. Ask yourself, do you still do those things? If not, why not? Cause you got lazy! But fellas, nothing has changed. Yes, you are married, you have a nice trophy, but take her off that shelf, and show her how proud you are of her so you can keep her!

Now for the ladies out there, that like to hold the "NO LAUNDRY" from their spouses to get what they want. Shame on you! We all forget that God intended us to enjoy this activity. When you got married, you gave your body to your spouse! So, don't you dare turn them down. Take you some IB Profen, take you a nap, do what ever you have to, but you better give that man some "LAUNDRY"!! It is something "precious" "beautiful" and a way we can connect with each other, that we can't do with anyone else. God wants us married people, to do lots and lots of "LAUNDRY"! Not to mention, it is great for your health, and helps you to lose weight, cause of the calories you burn.

We have 4 children, they keep us busy! I have found, that my life revolves around my children. And I will admit, I may have neglected showing my husband some attention, and he has done the same.. Cause it was all about our babies. Ohh, but married mommas and daddies, those babies grow up, and they will leave you. And than you are going to look at your spouse, and think "Who the heck are you, and when did you get here?!" So, don't allow your spouse to become a stranger.

So here are some tips, free of charge!

*Each day, when you greet your spouse, lay a big ole kiss on them. I mean hard core, passionate kiss, that will make your kids go "EWE, nasty mom and dad"! (By the way, it is great for your children to see that kind of affection between their parents, it gives them security)

*Write each other a love note, for them to find on occasion thru out the day.

*Go out on dates! HUSBANDS! Let's just avoid the "What do you want to eat? Oh I don't care, what do you want to eat?" Do all the work, find a sitter, look up the movie, look up your wife's favorite eating place, take a shower, and put the good smelling stuff on, and treat your wife to a nice date! Lots, of door opening, and hand holding, and just give her your 100% attention! I promise you will reap the benefits!

*For the busy moms and dads, who have kids involved in football, basketball, cheerleading, softball etc.. Come to an agreement, that on a certain day or night, no matter how tired you are, that you will do the "LAUNDRY".. So every Wednesday, you can expect it. I promise, that you will find yourself looking forward to every Wednesday! And who knows, you may make it happen on Wednesday and Friday each week!

*Bring home flowers or send them to her work just because!


*If you know what her favorite drink is, stop by the convenient store and pick one up for her.


*Give her a call at work, and see how her day is going!
*Pray for her! Ask God to show you how to love her the way SHE wants to be loved.


*When you walk by her, touch her. And I mean more than the slap on the butt fellas!


*Don't be a fuddy dud! If yall are making dinner, turn on the radio, and grab her and start dancing!


*Turn off that darn TV, and show your spouse some attention. I promise that when you DVR your favorite show, it wont be any different when you watch it later!


*Another thing I heard from a pastor is.. If you are not keeping your pasture mowed and green.. Someone will notice, and will be more than willing to come mow it for you..

Ok, that is all I got!..

YES! I am a Romo Lover! Get Over It!

Tony Romo! My most favorite quarterback EVER! I am a Dallas Cowboys fan! I always have been, and plan to always be one. I just love football. Growing up we always played football, it was me "the only girl" with my two brothers, and uncles and dad. Of course I would get hurt, running my face into a barb wire fence and would be begged not to go tell my mom.! I was also the one that stayed up with my dad and watched the Cowboys play. I also remember attending Super Bowl parties at our church youth group, and getting so excited when they were doing really well. Of course my passion for the Dallas Cowboys grew when I married my husband who was an even bigger Cowboys fan, and got to attend some Cowboys football games! I was in awe of every game we got to attend.
Yeah, we had our favorites! Emmit Smith, Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin, Deon Sanders,. I remember the head coaches, like Johnson, Switzer, Campo, Parcells, and even poor Wade Phillips! But I have to admit I am really enjoying Jason Garrett!

I get a lot of crap for thinking that Tony Romo is amazing. Of course most of these people think, I am just a clueless female that likes Romo cause of his great smile and dimples, and even though I do like those features. (wink, wink) I personally think he is a great player! I do remember the game when he went in for Drew the loser Bledsoe, who was way better than good ole Vinny! Yes, I know! He does mess up when the game is very important, I am sure he knows this! But when he interviews, and these reporters and haters are asking him about him "choking" and pointing out his faults. He still has that smile. He says it over and over that he loves the game of football, and how he knows how lucky he is to be able to play something that he loves so much. He is only about one year older than me, and for me to think about playing something like that and to get paid for that! Would be amazing. He knows how blessed he is! And even though, people all over Texas, call him names. They write all over their face book, and twitter, it is all over the news. People reminding him of every mistake he made. How disappointed they are in him. They blame him for losing the game, cause evidently the offensive line don't need to protect him. He still goes out there, with his smile on, and plays the game he is passionate about. So, yes, I do admire him for that.

Think about it, think about your daily life, how many mistakes you have made. How crappy you must feel, when you know you let someone down. How would you feel, if your mistakes were broadcasted all over the news, and face book!? "This is Channel 4 news, and today Amanda made a mistake on her check book, and now she cannot afford to put gas in her car, or buy the school pictures for her kids!" How about we go ahead and follow you around with a camera, and we replay your screw up, over and over,! Oh yeah, I think that would totally stink! Now ask me, if I would get up and do it all over again, with a smile on my face?! Umm heck no! I would tell everyone to kiss off! I am sure many people would feel the same way! Ohh but not Tony Romo! Of course people have to throw in, how much money he makes, and how if you made that much money, you would still go out there! Oh come on now! Seriously! Just admit it already! You may go out there and play, but your attitude would stink, and you sure would not be smiling. And let's not forget how many people are telling them to "fire Romo!".. Gee people, are you really that good at your job? Do you give the company you work for 100% each day, and make zero mistakes.? Are you never late, and never surf the web, when you are supposed to working? Yeah, I am thinking not! So, yeah I know these are things we are passionate about. And it makes some people feel better, to point out everyone else's faults. But remember these professional sports players are human just like us. So give my Romo a break! Or better yet, support your team, and stay a real fan, win or lose.!

That's all I got,..

God does have a plan!

How many times have you ever said "Why God" "When God" "Please God"!
How many times have you ever doubted that God actually had a plan for you?!
Oh, I am thinking we all have been there before. I have lost count of how many times I have asked that. But, one thing for sure is, it has always worked out for me and my family and friends. We seem to look back now, and laugh at the fact that we ever questioned that we were not part of some big plan.
 All my life, I grew up in a church. When I was little, my grandma would take me, she would even get me to get on stage and sing! I loved to sing and still love to sing.  I thought for sure God was going to use me to be a rock star!  When I became a teen, my brothers and I were part of a small church, and as teens my older brother and I would get in a van every Saturday morning and go door to door, inviting little kids to church. Sunday mornings, we would get on our big ole bus that our youth directors drove, and we would pick up all those little kids. And I got to lead songs and show silly moves, oh how the little kids loved it.
 Than, life started. I became a wife and mommy, or shall I say mommy than a wife! hee.hee  even though I did not make wise choices, I wanted my children to grow up in a church also. So my husband and I joined a church that I had attended when I was growing up. I got involved in the toddler class. I even joined the choir. We were there for about 5 years, before I got a new job. I loved the place I was working. The only problem was, I was learning and growing more spiritually at work, than I was at our church. We prayed and prayed, and we were quite sad, when we knew we needed to find a new church home. So I am sure my attitude was not pretty. But, I sucked it up! Kind of! Well, not really!
 So we visited a couple of churches. My friend Paula, invited me to a church in Decatur. The very first visit, I was overwhelmed. This Pastor was good. I was in tears! I went back a couple more times, and every message ministered to me. I would raise my hand at the end of each service, and I am sure this pastor thought I was really messed up! At the time Trav worked horrible hours. SO, it was just me and my kids going to church each Sunday. We attended for a good year, before I got over my self going alone, and decided to join this church. Right away, I started teaching Sunday School with the 4 & 5 year olds. Oh how I loved all these little kids. But, being the complete opposite of my husband, him being the social butterfly. I really struggled with getting outside of my comfort zone and making new friends. I would go to church, teach Sunday school, listen to the message, and go home. I really was unhappy, and just would ask God if he was sure this is where I was supposed to be. Cause these people were just not friendly! Cause in my eyes, it was the people, not me! lol But the messages ministered to me each Sunday, so I knew this is where he wanted us. Not to mention, Trav started attending church, and we both were growing in so many ways! And my little kids were loving church!
 Around that time, we got new youth pastors. These young people were from Florida! I was thinking "seriously God, you could not find older people from Texas to bring to our church, I mean come on, my boys are about to be teens! " So, being the amazing sweet, outgoing person that I am, I decided to kind of sit back and watch these new people. I made my mind up, that I was not going to like them at all! I am sure that made God so proud of me! I finally met these people. James and Karin, I learned right away, that one of their boys was going to be in my Sunday school class. He of course was a cutie. He told some amazing and funny stories! Now his dad, was annoyingly full of energy and on fire for God. When he preached, he would walk back and forth, and I would get a headache from following him! And he always had this huge smile on his face. I have to admit, I really disliked happy people like that! Here I am at this church going on my second year! Have not made any friends! And this guy, with the big smile wins everyone over just like that! Oh don't get me started on his wife! She was always so kind and sweet to me. She would go out of her way, to say hello and ask me how I am doing! I even went to dinner with her! Do you see how hard it was on me, to stay with my original plan to not like them!? And than it happens! My oldest hated our new church! It was a fight to get her to even go on most days, but she went. James and Karin take Ciera under their wing, and she starts babysitting for them. They all become great friends, and Ciera starts changing and loving church! How dare these people!

Oh it gets worse! They bring their best friends from Florida down here too! Of course Karin's best friend is just as sweet! This friend of all things reaches out to ME! She asked me to help in the nursery. So of course, in case you don't know. I LOVE babies! I start meeting new people, I step outside my bubble, and make friends! This James guy, would stop and talk to me, and put my Romo down, and he started making it hard on me to still not like him! Karin, had already won my heart. I just loved her, and her kindness always ministered so much love to me! So, I am finally feeling part of something. I realize my heart and attitude were not what God wanted for me, and so slowly I begin to change. A couple years go by, and I am feeling like I finally belong. That my family is where we are supposed to be. My Pastor was still preaching amazing messages. My boys had great youth pastors. Everything was going wonderful! Than of course, my world falls apart again! Our Pastors, decide that it is time to follow another path in his life. And they leave! OH, and Pastor James and Karin are going to be the new lead Pastors! SERIOUSLY God!!

I spend weeks, praying and crying. I spent time on the phone crying to my friend. Saying this must be it. Time for me to go to a different church, cause we stayed cause of our Pastor. I was so stinking mad, that God was telling me this is where I am supposed to be. I asked all the questions, why, what, are you sure?! So, I put my big girl pants on, and kept on going. And each Sunday, the messages were great! Karin was still stopping and talking to me, her friend was still oh so sweet to me. I was meeting new people, and going on dinner dates with them. I was loving it! Than, I find out Pastor James was going to have Wednesday night services. I really wanted to hear his teaching, so I convinced myself, that if I got there right when service started, and stayed in the bathroom, I would not have to sit alone for long. And could hear the service, than grab the kids and get out of there! I had a plan! But than my kids ruined my plan, because they wanted to get to church early, darn kids! I would tell my friend over the phone, how I know God wants me there to listen to these messages, but I hate sitting alone! She would tell me to just do it, to step out of my bubble! So, I did. I was so nervous. I did not sit in the bathroom, I picked my seat, and of all the people., guess who came and sat in front of me and talked! Yep, Karin. I swear, God was showing me so much love when he sent Karin to our church! Than of all things, Wednesday night services became my favorite! It was like a more one on one with Pastor James. And guess what he starts preaching on, "Change of Heart"! I finally gave in, I put my white flag up, and said "You win!"

I fell madly in love with our new Pastors!
 

This passed Sunday, we had Pastor Appreciation day!. They played some sweet video's and we all got to give sweet cards, and just shower them with love. It was very emotional, especially when a grown man get's to crying. He also gave an amazing message, which ministered to Travis and I. That night, I thought about everything that I have questioned God about. All the prayers and tears, and fears that I had. How, if I had given up, and let my bad attitude determine what to do, I would of missed out on so much. I found myself thanking God, for sending such amazing pastors to Decatur Texas, even if they are from Florida and don't cheer on my Dallas Cowboys! So, I type this long blog to say. That God has a plan. He loves us so much, that he gives us his very best! His very best for me and my family and our church home, was Pastor James and Karin,. Because of them, my family loves church! Because of them, we are reaching out, and showing God's love to other people. Because of them, I am a better person, and learning to be confident in myself. Because of them, new opportunities to follow the desires of my heart are popping up. Because of them, many people in Wise County are going to experience God's love.
 So thank you Pastor James and Karin. For being obedient, and packing your family up and moving to Texas. For preaching the word, and living what you preach. For being so open, and honest, and never making us feel like we are beneath you. For making us, laugh, cry, and grow to be better people. Most of all, for Loving me and my family. And making us feel like we are part of something so amazing!

Babies, Babies, Babies...

Yes I just am in love with Babies.. I always have been and I am thinking I always will be. My mom said that from the time I was little, I always would carry two baby dolls around all the time, and would tell her I was going to have twins! Guess what! I had twins! Only they are not itty bitty babies anymore. I really think God gives us things in our heart that we are passionate about. I love being a mommy! If we could afford to support them, I would of had 6 kiddos. I am sure my husband is relieved that we did not have 6 of them though.! But since I cannot have anymore, God showed me a way to still enjoy the desires of my heart he gave me. For the last 3 years at our church I have been working in the nursery, with the itty bitty babies. When I started in there, we had a baby boom. I swear everyone that was on the worship team was pg, I made sure to stay off that stage for sure! hee.hee It was just perfect timing for me, cause we had about 6 babies. Most were girls, and just one little boy. What a sweet blessing it was for me to be able to spend my time holding, singing, talking and praying over these precious little people. On September the 1st I got a new position at our church. I am now the head teacher,! It is making me get out of my safe bubble and reach out and get to know the other ladies who help in the nursery and toddler class. And even all the parents! I am having to learn that guess what?! Life really does not revolve around just me after all! WHAT!! Yes, I know a big shocker for everyone! I am super excited about this new position, but was thrilled that I still get my itty bitty baby time. Cause guess what, we are having another baby boom! And I have to brag, that our church members sure have the prettiest little babies EVER!

Drum roll please!! I am so thrilled to tell everyone that my baby brother and his wife are having a baby boy! This will be child number 3 for them. I already love this little fella so much, and cannot wait to hold him and love on him. We are having Bri's shower this wkend. How exciting is it, that we can be surrounded by friends and family to celebrate such a precious blessing that God has given us. And I have to say, I love my sister in law. She is a great mommy and she takes very good care of my baby brother. I am ever so grateful that she is making me a nana again. Also, super proud of my baby brother for being such a great daddy. Guess all those years of making him play dolls with me paid off!

And last but definitely not least. I mentioned in a previous blog about new friends. We have met a sweet family, and shortly after we became friends, we found out she was expecting! Of course you can imagine my excitement, cause if I have not mentioned before. I LOVE babies! This friend had the best pregnancy ever! She walked a mile each night till the very end of her pregnancy. I am talking, even in the 180 degree heat we had this summer. A friend of mine and muah begged and begged her to let us give her a baby shower. She finally gave in to us, and so we planned a very nice and simple shower. Than I begged again for her to let me be there when the baby arrived. She gave in again. So on September the 29th I got to meet Little Gracie. Ohh, I fell in love. I now call myself her very own "Clothes Fairy".. I am having a blast buying her the cutest clothes and holding her and just loving on her. She is my new little favorite buddy.
Some people think I am crazy!  My kids make fun of me cause, when I see a baby I start to smile. They bring me JOY! So, maybe I am that creepy lady. But I just know that itty bitty babies are a special gift from God, and they are so easy to please. All they want is to have a clean diaper, to be fed, to be held, and to be loved. I sure don't mind being the one to do that!
Now, if I only I could find that special someone who loves teens..hmm

Life Changes..

Brr.. the cold front blew thru just like they promised it would.. I feel bad for my fellas, cause they are still in cross country season. SO that means early morning practice each day, no matter the temps outside. Which reminded me what to blog and brag about! My twin fellas are freshmen this year. They made the Varsity Cross Country team, and are running 3 miles in under 20 minutes, which was their goal for the season. They have district next wk! So we are hoping they can make it in the top, like their coach is thinking they can. Trav and I are so super proud of them for the hard work and dedication they have shown since the 7th grade.

Also, wanted to share.. This year I allowed myself to get pretty huge! I wont say the number just yet, not till I meet my life time goal. But I got so big, that when I went for my check up, my #'s started showing signs of Lupus or Rheumatoid Arthritis and stuff like that. I had to start seeing specialist, and had some exploratory procedures done. My friends and I started a work out routine, and my ankles would start to swell and hurt, that it brought me to tears! I had to buy ankle braces and could only do so much walking. This was a complete heart break for me. I just could not believe I let myself get so out of shape. I would go home and just cry, cause I am the youngest out of my friends, and they were in better shape than me! So, I decided to start counting points like weight watchers, and I kept moving. I had so much support from my friends and husband, that it made it easier each day for me. I got really motivated when I lost the first 10 pds! Thrilled when I hit the 20 pds weight loss. I found my self enjoying and looking forward to the exercise, not only cause it made me feel better, but I got out of my house and off my bed and was talking and laughing with my friends and even Trav. I was doing bleachers, and oh the day I was able to run again brought me to tears! In a matter of 7 months I have dropped 47 pds! Since August, I started walking/jogging 2 miles each morning! I told my boys, that my life time goal is to be able to run 3 miles with them each day, and BEAT them. They of course laugh at me,.. Yeah, I don't see it happening, but it is a nice thought! So, no more ankle braces, no more tears cause I am in pain from the swelling. And no more depression cause I feel or look like crap!

December 2010 (at my biggest)

I look back now, and I have to say kudos to my husband. For loving me, ALL of me, no matter how much my attitude must have stunk. A big kudos to my children, for always being so honest with me. And for taking the cookies and cokes out of my hand when I was feeling weak! But a bigger kudos to my special friend Bonnie, for being my cheerleader, my work out buddy, even at 6am in the morning! I honestly could not have gotten this far without all the support. I also learned, that I made every excuse in the book about not having time to work out. But, if a person is really serious, if you really want to feel better and look better, than you will drop the excuses and just do it. I know it is hard work, trust me, oh how I know it is. But, I want to be healthy. I have a family to raise and future grandchildren to be active with. And a husband to spend the rest of my life with. I had to choose LIFE!

October 2011 47 pds gone

I am back!!

Hello Followers! Yeah so it has been a while since my last post. But guess what I am back!
Life is going pretty good. Things are finally shaping up for the family. Relationships have changed. I have lost some important people in my life, that I really treasured. Really was left heart broken. But God has brought new people into my life. And I am super excited about that!
Trav and I will be celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary next month! He finally got that day job we have been believing for! And I know the kids are loving it! We are thankful for his new boss, who actually was someone who worked with Trav at his other job, and literally just called Trav up and offered him the new job. How neat is that!
My fellas are 14 now! They are Freshman and started high school. They got their braces off too! They are handsome, smart, tall, sweet young men. And I am very proud of them.
My baby girl is in the 5th grade, she got her braces on, and her smile is just gorgeous. She is still a joy in my life. And I am very proud of her.
Our oldest moved back home, she has decided to go to college to be a teacher. Ohh I cannot express how excited we are about that. I just know, that what ever she does, she will be fantastic at it.
There were some changes at our church. And for a person like me, who don't like change. I could have really made some bad choices.. Our youth pastors became our Pastors, cause our regular pastor went to a new season in his life. Trav and I really admired and respected our Pastor, so we were upset he was leaving. We prayed and prayed, and God really just showed us, this is where he wanted us to stay. I am so glad we listened. Pastor James and Karin have a pure heart, and have so much love give. His messages are always on time. So if you live in our area, come visit! We got some new children's pastors who are a lot of fun. Jasmine just loves them! Our new youth pastors are young and on fire for God. My boys love going to youth group, and I can see how they are growing spiritually. Church has really changed. I see it going far, and reaching out to the younger generation. And changing people's life! I am excited about all the new relationships in our church. My family and I know we are in the right place, at the right time. So always be open to change!
Trav and I made new friends! Good people, who love their spouses, and actually enjoy having family time. We have always struggled in that area. It seems what is common, is families who do things separately. The husband go off drinking and hanging with other people, and the wife stays home with the kids. Or the other way around. Don't get me wrong, there is always a time for a ladies night, which consist of dinner and movie. Or for the guys to go watch a game or whatever. But yeah, it is mostly family time. I also have gotten really close with a certain friend. We were there for each other, during a tough time in our lives, and it really showed us, how we have the same heart and desires in life. With NOOO drama. I have also learned, that even though things are not the same with certain people. I will always have a special place in my heart for them. We always have memories.
Also, we have started the count down for the new Twilight Movie..!! We actually already bought tickets! We are catching the 12:01am showing! Sooo super excited.
So, that is all I got. I hope to update regularly. So be sure to check back!