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!

Spring 2010

Hello, yes I know I have been neglecting my readers lately. But it has been quite busy in Hammett ville. So here is just a peek..

My boys turned the big 13 in March, I had mixed emotions about this, cause they were my actual first Born's, and my little babies, and 13 just came way to fast for my liking. It has been such a pleasure to watch these fellas grow from cute little boys to handsome young man. Their little personalities have changed so much, but one thing that has not changed is their love for each other and their mommy. They are outgoing and funny, and just know how to have a good time. But at the end of the day, they still give me hugs and kisses and tell me they love me and thank me for doing whatever activity we did that day, or even go as far to thank me for being there for them and supporting what ever sport is going on. And that just makes my heart swell with pride and to know I raised them to be so thankful. For their b-day this year, Trav and I bought them an "XBox something" so since we spent a lot of money on that I only allowed them to invite 3 friends each, and it was hard on them, cause they are close with so many guys that they have known since kindergarten. So we had a total of 8 fellas at the house, we ordered lots of pizza and they requested I make them a cake each. They stayed up playing that dang game till after 2 or 3 am, before they all went to sleep, only to wake up bright and early for a big ole breakfast. I really enjoyed having them all over, it was a good group of boys.

All the kiddos are playing baseball and softball, and sure enough during the 1st week of practice Aaron got smacked in the face with a wild pitch and we took a trip to the ER, his little lip got caught up in his braces, and he ended up with 5 stitches inside and out. But he was such a trooper, and handled it all so well. Aaron and Cameron love baseball and are pretty decent at it. Cameron plays outfield, and Aaron usually plays 2nd base. We seem to have a pretty good team. Looking forward to the games starting. Jazzy girl also is playing, and she got the position of 1st base, and we are so proud of how well she is doing, her games already got started, and they won the 1st one 15 to 0, but the 2nd game was not so good, but they are learning, and I think they have some great coaches who will teach them how to be the best. Ciera even signed up to play co-ed ball with our church, and this is her 2nd year to do this, so the kids and I are excited about watching those games too..

Travis had a job interview last month, and we should hear something soon. We all have our fingers crossed, I am going to refrain from being ugly about a certain someone, but I will say that we are praying and believing that Trav gets taken out of a difficult situation. We would love for him to go days, but we would be happy for him to just get this new position. He would be a QC person, so he would not have to do the hard manual labor that kicks his butt each day. He loves his job, and loves what he does, and he is very good at what he does, my personal MR Fix It!. But, this would be a good move in his career, and he will be given the opportunity to go days in the near future. Which is what Trav and mines and the kids hearts desire so much. We miss him so much, and ready for him to be home with us..SO please keep praying for his favor,..I will keep you all posted.

Also, please, please keep my sweet friend Jessica in your prayers, she is fighting cancer right now, and I just know that she will have victory, cause God is not done using her. She has a sweet little family and husband who need her very much.

That is all I got for now!

All my boys want is muscles...

So, as the 1st of the year rolls around, all I hear from most of my friends is weight loss. It seems we all have put on some much unwanted weight. And so they are dieting and working out, and even though I am the biggest one out of all of them, I just have not hit that point where I desire to work out.

That was until, listening to my boys whine about how thin they are. They are bone thin, actually built like I was when I was young. And for girls it is great, but boys, not so great. So to motivate them and help them put on some muscle, I came up with this wonderful idea,. So I made up a 3 day work out, where we do a series of exercises and lifting free weights,..WHAT was I thinking? I was out of breath just showing them what different exercises we were going to do. Talk about being embarrassed. One of the boys asked me "momma, why are you breathing so hard?" I just gave him a "you better watch it buddy" look. The twins were pumping the free weights and were struggling a bit, but they were so excited to get on the elliptical, so I programmed their work out and set the time, at first they were going fast, by the 6 minute mark they were barely going. SO needless to say, the boys and I had a good work out, and we were ready for bed by 8:30pm. Jasmine on the other hand, was ready for more exercises. Ohh if we could bottle up that energy and sale it, we would be rich..I am sooo not looking forward to Thursday, which is torture session # 2.

When I grow up..

Happy New Year! Who would ever thought we would make it to 2010? How many stories did you hear of the world coming to an end? I remember hearing so many stories of how God was coming soon, and remember praying to God as a little child, to just please let me have babies before he comes. As all my friends dreamed of being doctors, lawyers, models when they grew up. All I ever dreamed of was being a wife and mommy. That was all my heart desired! And you know what, God gave me the desires of my heart! 13 years of marriage and 4 kids later, life is good.

Looking back over the years, I look at my family in awe. When I married my husband, not only did I get a wonderful man, I got his 6 year old daughter too. Shortly after our marriage came the twins, and 4 years later came our baby girl. I remember the nights of no sleep, and so many diapers and formula. And of course the millions of questions right before bed. But what I remember most was the many laughs, the big wet kisses and bear hugs. Just the feeling, that my kids just wanted mommy's loving was the best feeling in the world. Now my babies are 20, 12, 12, and 9. And I look at them now, and I just think to myself, how amazing is it that those kids were once babies. Yes, they do everything on their own now. But one thing that has not changed is they still need momma's loving when they are not feeling well or at the end of a rough day.

Oh how my cup runneth over..