HE HAS IT COVERED..

Hello Blog Followers!
Please know the following story is true, and names will not be used to protect the individuals.
And I don’t tell this story to give everyone my “ Dirty Laundry” (shout out to Rachel, my fellow blogger) but, I tell this story, to share how amazing the God we serve is..

I love my kiddos.. All four of them..
 Raising teens can be a lot of fun, but there are days, I have to remind myself how high strung I was as a teen, and how I used to think certain things were a bigger deal to me at that time. My twins are pretty good ole fellas. Trav and I know how blessed we are, that the biggest issue we have with them, is them forgetting to scoop the kitty litter or feed the dogs. So, yes they are great fellas.
Lately one of them has been very “frustrated”. And he was allowing the “teen” tude to attack his mouth. And yes, there were moments, that I had a sudden urge to reach out and show him the power of “love” right across the face. But, I calmly reminded myself, that he was tired, he was frustrated cause of his day, and that this is not the person he really is. So I gave him a warning. He got the pt, and we moved on. Well, it happened again, this time, I took it more personal, just cause I was having a bad day, was fighting a migraine, and I just could not understand why in the world he was being so ugly to me. So, I lectured him, told him he could not attend a party, and he is grounded. He was told and warned to take the attitude off his face, or else.. And I let him know, how he was making me feel. I dropped him off at youth group early, cause they were going to some youth rally, which one of the boys was not thrilled about attending, yes it was the one with the “teen” tude.
And I attended the first class of a series my Pastor was teaching.
Now, I must say, I really enjoyed the points he was making, it is starting from the beginning,. But during the lesson, all I had on my mind was my son, and what I needed to do, so that this was not an every day ordeal. I beat myself up, and wondered if I had failed as a mother, if I should be harder, or if I was too hard. My mind was racing, and thinking different things, and by the time I got home, my head was throbbing, and I just gave it to God. I asked for wisdom, on how to be the mother that my children need,. And I went to sleep.

My daughter picked the boys up later that night from the youth group activity. And my son came to my rm and sat in my chair and just said he needed to talk to me. So I turned my light on, and he said “Mom, I just wanted to tell you, I am sorry for the way I have been acting, and the way I have been treating you,.. He said that tonight he learned that God made him as a master piece, and he was not portraying a master piece with his behavior. That there is no good excuse for the way he treated me, and he was going to work on being a better son and person. Of course at this point, I wanted to just grab him, and hold him.. But he is a teen, and that is not cool behavior. So, I just told him, I accept his apology, that it means a lot to me, to hear him tell me that, and that I love him, and no matter what I will always love him, and be his biggest fan.
He said he knew that. And he went to bed.

Yes, at this point, I busted into tears. And like always, I told God “Yes, I know, I know, you had it covered as always!”
Now, picture me jumping up and down on the bed, and screaming this next sentence to you..

“People, He loves you, and he wants us to trust in him, he knows what is on your heart, he knows what you worry about. Just give it to him, and stand strong on your faith, that he already has it taken care of..”!!!

Also, one last thing. I have to say, I love, love, love the church our family is a part of. Pastor Robert and his lovely wife Holly, do an amazing job with these youth, and I am so excited to see my fellas be on fire for God.. I just know there is a special chair and crown in heaven for people like Robert and Holly..

Just Precious...

Guess what! I love, love, love precious itty bitty babies. I may have mentioned that before,..
I honestly cannot remember a day that I ever wanted to be without my very own babies. I knew that when I grew up, I was going to have lots, and lots of them.
But, after 4 kiddos, and when my doctor said “NO MORE BABIES! “
My baby Factory was shut down!

So, my husband went out of his way to make me happy again, and surprised me with a cute little black puppy, she was a Pom Poo, and I named her Precious.
She became my baby. Precious thought she was human.
She followed me and Jazzy girl everywhere, and would growl at the boys and Trav, if she thought they were messing with us. She was there as Jazzy learned to walk; she allowed the kids to squeeze her and kiss her and even throw her, which lead to a broken leg at 6 wks old!

I know that Trav regretted getting me the dog, or maybe he regretted the 4 kids..lol (Just kidding) But the look on his face when he saw that bill, when I insisted the VET fix her leg, and put it in a cast for 6 wks was priceless. But, I did not want a 3 legged puppy dang it!
So she recovered, and was very happy to have all 4 legs!
She would wait outside on the rug, when I showered.
She sat near my lap when I would read my books.
She would join me for my Sunday nap.
She would pose in our yearly Christmas pictures.
She greeted and loved on anyone that came thru the door.

In September she turned 9 years old. The last couple of years, when the weather would get cold, her legs would start locking up, and she got to where she could not get on and off the couch anymore. I could tell she was in pain, but I just held her and hoped she would feel better. When we had our first cold day this year, her little legs and neck got stuck this time, and it just broke my heart to see her stuck like that.. So, I had to decide it was time to have her put down. Jazzy and I sat with her, and we held her and told her that we loved her, and how we would miss her. She sat there and just looked at us, and I sware she knew what was about to happen. She kissed on us, and tried to lick our tears,..
After she was put down and buried, I spent the evening in my room crying. I find it amazing how we can get so attached to these furry little animals.


Yeah, I felt silly, cause I know some people who are reading this, are thinking “Seriously Amanda!?” But, you will get over it, because she was more than just a dog to me. I also know there are people who understand how I am feeling, as a matter of fact; I got a text from a sweet friend of mine. She told me how sorry she was, and than shared a poem that was given to her when she went thru the same thing.
It was very touching, and so, for those who have experienced this, I am sharing it with you.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here,

that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.

There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.

There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor:

Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again,

 just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing:

they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together,

but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance.

Her bright eyes are intent:

Her eager body quivers.

Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass,

her legs carrying her faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and you and your special friend finally meet,

you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again.

The happy kisses rain upon your face:

Your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together…

Men Are Clueless..

Being married for over 15 years, Trav and I have many stories to share. We enjoy getting together with a couple of our friends, and exchange stories, about stuff we have struggled with in the past. We always get a good laugh, when I know that at the time, we both or maybe I should say “I” was pretty upset. The good thing is, most of “our” fights are over stupid petty things, and I am very grateful for that. And it is pure greatness that we are able to laugh about it now. But, ladies I think that we give our husbands too much credit..lol I know that sounds horrible but let me explain..


Trav always tells me, that women and men are just wired different. Women (in my experience) can go from one thought to the next 50 in a matter of seconds. After a disagreement, I find myself wondering and thinking and convincing myself what Trav thinks in his mind, and in a matter of seconds I have myself convinced that he is extremely mad or disappointed in me. Especially when he is quiet, and yet, when I ask him, what he is thinking of or shall I say “nag” him over and over to tell me what he is thinking of. It ends up being, if thinks he can download some app onto the computer or his phone! Or if the chili we had for the Frito pie is what is giving him heart burn..!!! Or better yet, who is that dang guy who sings “Red Solo Cup”..

Recently, I picked a fight, and got my feelings hurt. But this time, I actually kept my mouth shut, and actually thought about what the real problem was. And I had to eat crow, and tell Trav, that I was in the wrong and he was right.. Let me share..

Trav is a geek, He loves computers, and phones.. He recently got an I-Phone, and he loves that thing, he is always on it, downloading apps and stuff. Well he downloaded this app that you can take pictures, and put your friend’s faces onto several different bodies. He thought it was just so funny, and was showing us all different people on his phone,. He had his face on a big buff body, and had the twins all built also. So, being the team player that I am, I had this idea to put my face on this gorgeous beach body that was wearing a bikini. So he does it, and we got a good laugh. So I went about my business, and Trav stayed and played on his phone the rest of the night, so than when I see him later, he shows me picture after picture, of my face on all the hot bodies! Mostly blondes, with perky boobage and flat tummies. He was laughing, and I was steaming mad! Of course he is clueless that he has now hurt my feelings. And by the end of the night, I have myself completely convinced that he thinks my hair color and body is not attractive. So, of course I get cold and quiet and start pouting. Yet, Trav is still taking pictures and has put Jazzy’s face on the little girl named Boo from Monsters Ink, and has the boys on some WWE wrestlers. He and the kids are giggling non stop.

Do you see how I allowed something so stupid and petty to ruin the night? How was he supposed to know it would bother me, if just 30 minutes ago, I was telling him to do it and laughing.?
You see “Husbands” are really simple minded creatures, and we need to consider that, when we allow our minds to wander off alone.

I am VERY thankful that my husband knows that my mind takes many trips, and he loves me anyways.

PUT YOUR MOUTH IN TIME OUT..

Quick! Take a look out the window; do you see any pigs flying?!!


I am FINALLY “slowly” learning in life that having a big mouth is not always necessary.


I always have been the person, who felt the need to tell my opinion, and always feeling the need to be brutally honest. Yes, it has bit me in the buttocks a few times, because not everyone really likes brutal honesty. But there are a few people in my life that have accepted this flaw about me. I will even say, I am the one they come to, because they know they will not get BS from me..


But, I ALSo have always been the person who over shared. Of course not just with anyone. I have a hand full of women in my life that I share my life stories with.But only one person who knows everything about me. From my greatest fears, biggest mistakes, and the daily challenges I experience and battle, and the ugly truth about ME.


Recently, I heard a sermon, and read a blog about what comes out of our mouth. And I think it really ministered to me, cause of how I over share. I whine and complain about my husband, kids, family drama, friends, money, etc.. But than at night, I would pray and thank God for everyone and everything in my life. And it made me realize I was being wishy washy. How can I thank God for all these wonderful things in my life, but yet complain and whine about them all day!? Kind of jacked up if you ask me! So, I put myself in time out. I started re-evaluating my life. I looked at how I treat people and the words that came out of my mouth towards those people. Especially the ones who I love with all my heart, it did not take long for me to ask myself “Amanda! Who the hell do you think you are”! sigh..


I asked myself, how it would make me feel, if I found out that the people who I love, complained and talked about me to their friends. Or how about these people telling other people about my greatest failures and weaknesses and my daily struggles. I would be heart broken. Of course we say that we are just venting. Which in all honesty, I think there is a time for that. To just unload on someone, when you are about to fall apart. But don’t use that as an excuse to gossip, or put people down. Or to make you feel better about yourself.


So during my “time out” I have "almost" quit sharing all my problems with those “ladies” in my life. And I have realized that it has made a difference in my daily life. Cause I don’t find myself concentrating on the “problem” which allows me to have an open mind and time with God about how to deal with that “problem”.. And it doesn’t take me long to realize, that what I thought was a mountain is only a small grain of salt after all..


I will leave ya with this..


Had a pastor once tell us, that we should never talk about the bad in our spouses and children, but only lift them up in front of people. I always laughed at this, because it was part of my daily routine to “jokingly” put my husband down, especially in front of my family and his friends.. Never considering that he never laughed..Years of that kind of stuff, can build a wall.
Something that no marriage or any relationship really needs.


So, remember.. Only use words that edify and build someone up, if you have any doubts, than it is probably best to keep your mouth shut..

The Lord Giveth, The Lord Taketh Away.. Part 4



My mom, two uncles, and grandparents.

First I would like to thank all of you for following my blog. I hit some high records during this time. I love to blog, and it has helped me to deal with my grandpa's death. And I read my blog to my mom and grandma this wkend, and they loved it. And we had a big bawl fest. So thank you for all the prayers and words of encouragement during this time. I am really blessed in my life to be so loved.

So, my grandpa's funeral was precious. He looked so handsome and young and healthy again. My family did a great job at picking the right music, so many family and friends came to show their respect to our family. Lots of tears of joy and sadness were shed. I told the story about how grandpa used to give the dollars for a kiss and hug. So my brothers and sister in laws thought to show tribute, we had all of our kids put a dollar on my grandpa's casket, and gave a red carnation to my grandma with a kiss on the cheek. Yes, it was beautiful, and yes we all cried, but I thought it was a perfect way to represent my grandpa. We also had the honor to buy the main casket spray, and it was gorgeous. Judy at Celebrations did an amazing job. See the pic below.

My grandma's old boss is the one they asked to do the service. Clay did a great job, and he told some great stories of my gpa. After the burial, we invited everyone out to our church home, where our church let us use the Cafe to serve food and let family visit. We fed over 100 people. A big thank you to my many friends and family members who provided food. And a big Thank you to The River Church for letting us use the Cafe.

This was the first big loss for me to experience, it was heart breaking to see my family hurt so much. And even though I don't have all the answers, even though I know some days will be harder on us than others. I keep telling myself, that my grandpa received his healing the moment he got to heaven. I picture him in his black cowboy hat, with both legs and black boots, laughing and having the biggest cook out ever.. And playing with all the itty bitty people in Heaven..
And that visual brings me joy..

Ovidio Lozano died Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011, in Denton.
Born March 17, 1940, in Realitos to Francisco and Sipriana (Rodriguez) Lozano, he married Francisca Lozano April 4, 1959, in Seminole. He was the owner of Lozano Trucking in Newark.
Lozano was preceded in death by daughter Mary Jane Lozano.

He is survived by his wife; sons Ovidio Lozano Jr. and wife, Lucinda, of Odessa, and Joe Frank Lozano and wife, Angela, of Decatur; daughter Linda Lozano and husband, Noe, of Newark; grandchildren Joe and wife, Kristi, of Boyd, Amanda and husband, Travis, of Boyd, Jessie and wife, Briana, of Rhome, and Brenda and Crystal, both of Odessa; 10 great-grandchildren; Ciera, Eric, Aaron, Cameron, Alex, Taylor, Jasmine, Jessieca, Adrian, Gabriel.

A lovely family who will miss him dearly, but will always keep him in our heart.