Life in HammettVille

Last night as I was losing feeling in my fingers and kept wiping my nose from drip age because it was so darn cold, I kept going back and forth in my head which season I disliked the most Track Season or Cross Country Season.. Don’t get me wrong, I love love love watching my kids run, but gosh it is a long day and absolutely miserable if it is too hot or too cold.. But I can gripe as much as I want, I still will be there cheering them on..

After my rant on fb the other day about boys being boring for prom, I am happy to say that not only is my Cameron going with a date, but they agreed to take pictures where I wanted.. whoohoo!

I am getting a sweet taste of what it will be like to have grandchildren..

 And one thing is I am losing my desire to have more children of my own, because this Nana thing is so much sweeter.. Heehee

Trav is loving his new job, it is amazing how much a person’s entire outlook and attitude on life changes when he is working somewhere that brings him joy. No more long drive to DFW in traffic, and no more on call 24 hours a day and getting those 2 am phone calls because his co-workers were clueless on how to do trouble shoot on their own..

My boys are 17.. Let me say that again.. My boys are 17!!!! Nope I still cringe when I say that out loud.. sigh

My baby girl made the Cheer leading Squad for 8^th grade. We are so proud of her.. Cookie Dough sales coming soon.

Had some blood test and MRI on my cabeza, good news is there were no blockages or tumors..

Bad news is I have migraines more frequently and no known cause.. Boo

We bought a Jetta for those boys of ours. It reminds me of how nervous I used to be when Ciera started driving on her own.. We gave it to them the day before their birthday. We surprised them after the track meet, it was so exciting and I was so emotional. Have to say that Jazz and I have too much room in the SUV, so I am thinking a Audi Convertible in our near future.

Trav and I have been using the snow ball thingie on paying off debt. I am happy to say that in the last 5 months we have paid off 4 major bills. Woot Woot

Did I mention my twin fellas turned 17?! We decided no party this year since we had the big bang for the 16^th birthday. But what was supposed to be having a couple of friends turned into having a house full.. Which brought me pure joy that the boys have some good friends like that. Making memories that will last a life time..

My Passion??

My mind seems to wander a lot more lately since I have gotten off my numbing meds.

Life is constantly playing in my mind.

I overthink everything. Just ask my hubby and kids.

This last couple of weeks my mind seems to be over thinking the passion people have for certain things in life.

 I wonder why I don’t have that passion for certain things like others. For instance people who want to be Missionaries. A friend of mine is going to move her family to the other side of the world. And they are so excited and passionate about it. I personally don’t get it. But I saw it coming. The love for those Nepal kids was in her eyes the moment I saw her on her trip and especially after her trip. I admire that kind of passion. You Go Girl! We will be praying for you and your lovely family!!

Then there are people who are passionate about working out and eating healthy, yes not anywhere close to being Missionaries, but Gosh it takes dedication to do that every single day of your life. They post about it on fb, about working out, about the things they eat. I read about it as I am sipping my Coke and munching on my M&M’s.

Just does not give me the desire to jump up and get on a tread mill..

I know that God puts things on your heart, I know that I have desires to do so many things, but I found myself wondering where in the heck is my passion for “That Something..”!!!

I mean I am a wife and momma, that is what I do. I drive my hubby and kids crazy by over doing it.

By taking care of all those details and wanting everything just right. I am told I expect too much from my kids. I feel bad that others actually think that. But I feel my “job” as a mom is to prepare my kids for “Real Life”.. I don’t want them to leave my house absolutely clueless on how to do certain things. I have babied them in some areas, but I think I keep it pretty healthy. My boys are Juniors this year. When they go to college, you better dang well guarantee that they will know how to take care of themselves and their dorms. They can cook, clean, do laundry etc. And yes, we expect high grades, I know they are capable of being the best.  I feel as long as they know momma is expecting it, then they will always work hard at giving it to me. And so far it has worked.

They all know that half way don’t cut it. They won’t need to depend on anyone for any of those things, and that makes me proud.

Last night, I was pondering that..

I asked God “Is that it? Being a mom and wife is what my passion is?”

Then I woke up this morning, and all that was on my mind and in my heart was babies.. 

For those that know me, know I love me some babies, and you know I get to help with all the nurseries at church. And it occurred to me, why in the world did I doubt that I had a passion for something.? 

 I love what I do at church, I love being able to minister and to love on those itty bitty people.

I love being able to give the mommas at church peace of mind that their babies will be cared for. 

  I love giving my friends on the wkends or during the wk on occasion some alone time when I babysit for them. 

 I do it for my sis in law too. It’s just what I do..

My hubby and kids give me a hard time about this. But you know, it’s my passion.  I am proud of it. 

And I am thankful that God has given it to me..

So I may not be a Missionary, I may not be MS Fitness Queen, but we all are different, and God created us that way. 

My kids may call me the creepy baby lady.. 

But, you can just call me “The Baby Queen”..  HeeHee

P.S. Sorry some pictures are side ways, could not figure out how to turn them around.. 

Permission to Brag..

SO much I want to shout and brag about in my life, but trying my best to bring it down a notch..
But, I have permission to share this tad bit..
I just love being a momma. I am getting to see what years of being on my knees and praying, (maybe some begging and crying was included). As I talked with God about so many worries I had for my babies. Thankful for some good friends in my life during that time, that would tell me to be patient, to keep praying and have faith that God would take care of those babies of mine. (shout out to my gorgeous friend Crystil, who was my biggest encourager)

 I have watched my baby get hurt over and over, and for the life of me I did not understand why?
She is a dang good girl, with a huge heart, and so darn passionate. Yes feisty chick, but overall I call it being passionate about right and wrong. Not to mention drop dead gorgeous.. There were a couple of times, I thought I was going to have to get bailed out of jail because I wanted to take care of things on my own. But I don’t look good in orange. heehee

And now, I am seeing it all come together.
My girl is finally seeing all the things her daddy and I have told her about. A guy in her life that treats her like the princess she deserves to be treated like. My girl has her smile back. She is glowing with happiness and it makes this momma’s heart so happy..
So I encourage the momma’s out there, not to lose hope and to keep standing on your faith.

He hears your cries, hears your prayers, and he Loves you and your babies more than you can even imagine.. Always remind yourself of that..
Psalms 40:3
He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed.They will put their trust in the Lord.

Whoa Kiddos... Slow Down...

My itty bitty baby girl celebrated her 13th birthday this month at Main Event with some of her best friends.

This year for her gift I bought her the make-up bag, the make-up and face cleaning stuff.
Although her brothers frown upon her wearing this stuff already. I figured it was time.
Her big sister came over to give her tips and lessons on how and how not to put make up on..
So I am sitting in my bed and listening to these girls of mine giggle and talk and I am just in awe of this wonderful thing called being a momma.

I always knew growing up I was going to be a mom, and if I had my way we would have 6 kids total.
I have many memories stored away in photo albums and in my head. I can list many all-time favorite moments with each of my babies. And even though I am having a blast with them at this moment, my heart is aching for what is to come. I know I will always be mom to them, but I also know that being needed is getting smaller and smaller..
And I am proud that my kids are independent and can take care of things on their own, but I still find great pleasure in the times that they do come to me to help them.

My Ci is living on her own in the real world and I am watching her bloom and find herself again. She is realizing how amazing she is, and how much she deserves to be treated and loved. And it just melts this momma’s heart..

My fellas are getting letters from colleges, after taking that PSAT. They are talking about where they want to go and what kind of big people job they want to have. They have so many plans, and are getting so excited about the next 2 years. They are finishing up basketball season, and I enjoyed watching them play with confidence this year.
They have high expectations for track and cross country this year and I know they will meet all the goals set before them.. And Aaron is just moments away from getting his Drivers License. Yes that has been quite the excitement. lol

And then my baby girl.. A freaking teenager! Seriously… But I am so proud of her go getter attitude. She applies herself in everything put before her, and always goes above and beyond what is expected. She keeps us busy with games and practices and therapy for her leg,.. Her loving smile and love that she has for people is going to take her far in her life. And I am super excited to see what God has in store for her.

Again I say being a mom has been and continues to be a complete joy in my life.
But this momma wants her babies to slow it down a bit and let me enjoy this season for a little bit longer..

It's Christmas Time..

Christmas is here! Christmas is here!
Here I am at work, counting down the hours till I punch out and we get this party started.
The last week I have been going non stop. Have spent lots of time going over the list of things to be done, and of all things I am greeted with a lovely migraine today. Thinking times like this is when my body is saying "Slow down Amanda, and enjoy the right now!"

So,I am not going to whine and complain about how cruddy this 2013 has been for me and my loved ones. Because trust me the list could go on and on.
But I am going to Thank God for getting us thru the many trials that we have faced head on.
Because I know none of it could be done without HIM..
I am so grateful that the outcome of different things have been nothing but good.
Family members are healed and on the road to recovery.
Relationships have been restored.
I have special ladies in my life who pray for me and with me.
I am surrounded with many people who do love and support me and mine.
We have jobs that we enjoy and love going to each and every day.
I am surrounded with precious little people.
My Dallas Cowboys are going into the play-offs and winning the Super Bowl.. (HeeHee)
My hubby and children are healthy, happy, and loved.
What more could this momma ask for, right?!

So a big and happy Good bye to 2013.. And here is to the best year yet 2014!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours, from me and mine!

Thankful...

On the way to church, a certain group of fellas gave me a hard time for posting things I am thankful for on FB for the month of November.
Evidently it is a beating for some people.
I will admit it kind of hurt my feelings.
Started to feel bad, and even thought I would deactivate my fb for a bit.

Than last night I read a fellow blogger’s blog. She went on and on about bragging about the things she was thankful for. She showed gratitude to many people. When I finished reading her blog, my heart was so happy, and it made me proud that I did take the time all month to post on my FB page..
Kind of like God was giving me a pat on the back and saying “You did Good Amanda”!

You see, my familia and a few close friends had a horrible 2013. It seems that each month there was an attack on myself or someone that I dearly love. I have spent a lot of time on my knees praying, and will even admit sometimes I was begging for prayers to be answered.
Thank God that he never left my side, he walked us thru those storms, and maybe even carried us a few times thru them. But here we are, We Made It! And even though we are still waiting on results this wk, I am at peace that God had it all under control..
So yes, I was one of those who posted each day. Because I know that life can be brutal.
But, I also know that I am truly blessed for who and what I have in life.
Is my life perfect? Heck no, it is far from perfect. But, I have the perfect people in my life, that are worth fighting for to keep in my life. And for that, I am happy and thankful to brag about them. I personally think, that it only makes relationships stronger when people know how much you love them, and are thankful for them.
So brag away!! Life is too precious and there are no guarantees!

And to those certain fellas who gave me a hard time.. I wont mention any names..I am still very thankful for each of you. I love and adore you, even when you drive me crazy. I think You are amazing, funny, good looking and very talented. I thank God for giving you to me. And if I embarress you for my post, than it means I am doing a dang good job at being a momma and wife..

My Happily Ever After..

Dearest Trav..
Happy 17th Wedding Anniversary!
Whoohoo! Look how far we have come my baby!

Thank you for keeping all the promises you have made to me..
For Loving Me!!
For loving me thru thick and thin and back to thick..
For Loving me at my best and mostly at my worse.
For Loving Me!!
For giving me four amazing children..
For being my hero and rescuing me over and over from my greatest fears..
For being my own personal Mr Fix-It..

For Loving me!!
For Choosing to stay with me each day!!
For always coming back home to us after a long day at work!
For Loving Me!!
For dealing and understanding and loving my crazy and wild familia..
For being a great role model for our Boys..
For being a great daddy for our Girls..

For Loving Me!!
For praying for me each day..
For fighting for me and what I love..
For Loving Me!!
For singing to me..
For dancing with me while I try to make dinner..
For Loving Me!!
For hugging me when I am ready to give up..
For making all my dreams come true..
For making me Mrs Travis Hammett

And just like the song you dedicated to me, that I could not post on FB due to language content..
Here's to us! Here's to Love..
And last but not least.. For loving me and giving me my own Happily Ever After!

And for the ones who texted and asked me about the song, it is
(Here's to Us by Halestorm)