Answered Prayers

Where I work, we have morning prayer before we start our day. Working with nothing but men, it is usually pretty simple. A morning devotion is read and then someone prays, and we go about our daily duties.

The other morning I really felt in my heart I was supposed to share and pray. And Since its been a while that I have blogged, I figured it was time to share on here too.

Raising kids is expensive. Our children know what it is like to see their parents live paycheck to paycheck. They have everything they need and some, and we give God all the glory for always providing for us. But our children also know what it is like to be told no, we can’t do some of those extras all the time. No fancy vacations, No fancy and name brand clothing. 

Oh how blessed we have been to have understanding, good hearted children. 

We always knew college was going to be expensive. Having twins going to college was going to be tough. So we have always told our kids that good grades are very important, and if you play sports be the best you can be. No half butt effort. Just in case you get noticed and you can play sports at collegiate level. 

Aaron 

We have been strict with grades, sometimes maybe a little too strict. We expected A’s, and so the boys made A’s. Which is why they will graduate in top 10 of their graduating class this June. And we did not allow any quitting in sports, you attend every practice and game, and you never gave bad attitudes to the coaches, even if the coaches were not so nice. When applying for college, filling out the fafsa and all that fun stuff, we were disappointed to be told we did not qualify for any help. According to them, we make enough  money to put both boys thru college. So imagine our frustration when we both work our butts off and live paycheck to paycheck and to find out we don’t qualify. Same thing with college courses at the school, it hurt our boys to where they cannot graduate with Distinguished Honors because we could not afford some extra college courses. I hate to admit that I have had moments where I felt like a failure as a parent. And I know so many other families who are considered middle class, where we make enough money to not be considered poor, but not enough to actually afford certain things. But we have kept the faith, and we just continued to pray for God to provide so our boys can go to college and be successful, and not struggle with money. We want them to experience and accomplish more than what Trav and I have, above and beyond what we could even imagine.  

Cameron

I am thrilled to let you know the guys applied at Oklahoma Panhandle State University, they were accepted and are being given an Academic Scholarship, and an Athletic Scholarship for running. We also found out that Aaron is being awarded a $5000 scholarship from an insurance company in Decatur, it is called the “Character Counts Scholarship”. We are being blown away with how the money is coming in, and we know more is coming their way. Our guys are really seeing the benefits of the their hard work, and seeing their own prayers being answered.

 It’s a great feeling when your own children tell you “See mom, we told you God would provide for us”..

 Proof that We must be doing something right.. 

My 2015 Catch Up Post

Here we are 2015!! Life has been extremely busy and so as you may have noticed I have neglected my blog followers.. So let me play catch up and give you the highlights since the last blog..

Aaron's Letter

Cameron's Letter
         My Handsome Twin Fellas have been Accepted at Texas Lutheran University. They were given the Presidential Academics Scholarship. And the Cross Country Coach has contacted them and wants them to join the team. We get to tour the place next week and talk with the admissions office and coach to see if this is where they for sure want to go. Yes, this momma is very excited and proud of my fellas, but 4 hours and 20 minutes away is breaking my heart. But I know this will be great for them, and I have accepted that. Almost.. Keep them in your prayers for guidance.

  
    My Ciera graduates from Cosmetology School this week. She has to go to school for a little bit longer and then take the big state test. SO prayers for her to pass with flying colors. We are proud of her, and look forward to what the future holds. So if you need to get your hair did, hit Ciera up. Of course I am loving being a Nana to Our Princess and believing that a proposal is in the very near future.. Hint Hint Vijay..

   My Baby girl turns 14 tomorrow.  I am still in denial that this is even possible. Some days I look at her and still see that precious little toddler following my every move, but lately I look at her and see this young beautiful woman who has  huge heart and is a go-getter.

 I pray daily for the relationships she has in her life. That God surrounds her with real friends, and that she always shows compassion and love in return. She has been in pain for so long with her knee, and has missed basketball season so far. She had also been sick with the crud, and our doctor gave her a stronger allergy med, and the crazy thing is this med has helped her knee pain. We don’t understand it, but sure is nice to see her without the darn knee brace.

      The hubby and I celebrated 18 Looooong Years of marriage in November. I bought him a nice fancy TV for the bedroom and he just decided staying with me longer was a big gift enough.. lol I am thankful for him. We are loving having him home every single night, and thrilled at how he has been able to attend all the kids activities. We are enjoying the alone time we seem to be getting a lot of lately too. But he is preparing for the big melt down when my fellas leave me in 6 months. He said something about getting a hotel and living alone. Not really sure why, since I will be leaving with the boys to Sequin Texas..

   We went to watch the Boyd football team play in the playoffs, and since it was half way to Lubbock I called up my real dad to meet us. I had not talked to him in almost 2 years. I was pissed at him for being so drunk at my Grandpa’s funeral. Of course He was thrilled and met us there at the game. I got to visit with him for about an hour while he was sober before he left and had a few thousand drinks. He came back to the game and almost fell on one of our friends in the bleachers. I was quickly reminded why I don’t get to see him very often, and why I despise the smell of beer. Needless to say we left the game early, and came home. But you know, God has been dealing with me about being bitter and holding grudges against people who have hurt me. And after that visit I drove home with a heavy heart. But I realized that him rejecting me most of my life, had nothing to with me, but his addiction to alcohol. We all deal differently with life. Unfortunately my real dad chooses alcohol to cope. I love him, and happy I got to see him. But thrilled he lives 4 hours away.

That about catches everyone up on Life with The Hammetts. Its basketball season so we spend a lot of time cheering on the Boys Varsity team, and really just enjoying family time and dinners with our friends.

I am excited about the opportunities that are coming up in 2015. I have never been a big New Year’s Resolution person. But this year I am trying to slow things down and enjoying the “Right Now” moments in life. My babies are all growing up and soon it will just be Trav and I at the casa. But my goal for the year is to make a better effort at being a good friend to the Women in my life. Take time to send “just because” cards and do more invites to dinner. SO ladies keep your phones handy, I am going to be calling on you. 

Standing Strong in Our Faith, Even When the Answer was No

Parent Appreciation Night for Seniors

Well, if you followed me on FB than you already know the outcome of Regional’s on Saturday.

Before Regional Meet

One of the toughest things of being a mom is watching your children not meet their goal. Or watching your child think he failed at something, that he thinks he was just not deserving. I watched my son beat his personal best time by 30 seconds. I watched him get 20^th place against the top runners in his region. And yet once he crossed the finish line he knew he did not make it. He broke down and found his dad at the finish line and just cried. He almost made his 46 year old father lose it too. That visual alone made this momma lose it. 

Cameron also beat his personal best, and was content with his effort. If anything he felt bad for his brother. He knew how much it meant to Aaron. Of course being the 20^th runner and knowing they took the top 17 runners did not help. We placed as a team for 5^th place, they took the top 4 teams to state. He was that close.

Aaron telling me they are in serious mode so no smiling

But what amazes me about my Twin Guys, is yes they were bummed and we were heartbroken. One more than the other.. But they quickly put their disappointed to the side and cheered on the two guys who did make it to State. We went to the awards ceremony, we cheered when their names were called, and they got to join them to Round rock for the State Meet.

Mr Nedrow and Mr West show support by attending

 The school held a send off where people lined the street and cheered them on as they headed to State. And Boyd School Board recognized them at the meeting. All this recognition and support was good for the team. Cross Country has always gone unnoticed. The dedication and hard work and the meets every Saturday was all heart for this group of guys. 

And the parents of the cross country team could not be more proud..

We were heartbroken...

Once the dust settled my son was really disappointed, he had prayed and prayed for his miracle. He stepped up for this team the last few years and prayed with them for every meet. He was a great team leader for them. He never wanted something so bad before. And when he did not get it, he of course was disappointed. He asked me why, why did his prayers not get answered. He said he gave it his all, he had faith and put his heart in it.

 Of course I am tears because the last thing I want to see is my son struggle in his faith walk. And I told him that sometimes the answer is “No”. But to really pray and think about the bigger picture here, for him to ask God to show him what it is he is missing thru this event in his life. 

Presley was sad too.. But she just wanted food and nap

A couple of days later, he came to me and told me that he knows what it was. He was able to be an example. Or as Pastor Robert and Holly would say “Be Jesus with skin on”.. 

Aaron leading his team in prayer

The guys that he prayed with at each meet never really had a relationship with Jesus. They never wanted to pray, and at the last regional meet two other guys wanted to pray. One of the guys even gave the glory for his running so well this season to Jesus. The team said they know they could not have done so well without Jesus.. Of course I have tears in my eyes when Aaron tells me this. He said it was not all about him winning, but about making Jesus Famous..Yep More tears and a big Wow! Another Proud momma moment and an answer to many prayers..

Ciera made it to a meet 

My teens miss Pastor Robert and Holly with all their hearts, and they are slowly stepping in and learning to love our new youth pastors. But I am so grateful for the season that God put some amazing Youth pastors in my Teens lives.It was them that helped my Guys grow strong in their faith walk with Jesus. It was them that encouraged them to talk with Jesus daily, and to be great examples.  I will never understand why things happen, and how much heartache it has caused. But I am going to keep praising God and know he has a greater plan for me and mine. Even when the answer is “No”!

Just a big Good Job to my Twin fellas! What a pleasure it has been to cheer you on since 7th grade. We are so proud of you, and thrilled to watch you play basketball, run track and run cross country in college next year. Your dad and I will always be your biggest fans, and want yall to hold your head up high because you have done some amazing things for Boyd Schools and the cross country program. Like Coach Hern said you were the Corner Stones for this team. 

Fat Girl Problems...

The other night I dreamt that I was running.. Of course normal people would say “Oh no what were you running from” but my first thought was “Oh my gosh you were able to run!”

If you know me I battle with my weight. A couple of years ago with weight watchers, the doctors help and great work out buddies, I lost quite a bit.

Than something “Devastating and Emotional” happened in my life and I turned back to food and gained it all back. ALL OF IT!

Besides the weight, I struggle with migraines and yes probably TMI, but I also struggled with IBS “Irritable Bowel Syndrome”.

Basically every day from about 12pm to 3pm I went thru sharp constant gas pains (which felt like labor pains) from being constipated to severe diarrhea.

Every… Single… Day..

On the wkends I had to plan around it, so if my friends or family wanted to shop, I would hope they did shopping first before we ate, so I could be home for my bout of IBS. My hubby and kids have had to wait on me at stores or stops at nasty convenient stores, because they knew I would be stuck in the bathroom for hours. It was controlling my life. I saw doctors and had test done, and would just be told, yep you have IBS.

So here I was at 35, taking medication for migraines, Struggling with  IBS and of course the obvious weight problems.

My sis in law Dana, started selling Plexus. She would post about it on FB, and would always share testimonies. Now I am not putting down other people’s products, because I know everyone is different, and what works for me may not work for others. I have tried many different things.  Even the product that rhymes with “Bark” but it never failed that it would trigger a migraine. I wanted to feel better, I wanted to lose weight. And most of all I wanted energy again so I could feel healthy again. And there are so many things out there to try. I even wanted to sport the patch, but I could not afford it.

I came across one of the testimonies on fb that Dana shared. The lady talked about not having IBS anymore.. SO it peaked my interest enough to ask about pricing.

Again, we have 3 kiddos so I did not think we could afford all the products.

Another testimony talked about being free from migraines.. Oh gosh I wanted to experience that feeling.. Migraine are just plain evil..

But it was one post by a lady, who talked about why she quit taking plexus. She was taking some of the products and was feeling great, and thought since she was feeling better, she could get off the products. She listed the way her body responded to getting off the Probio5 and Pink Slim drink. She talked about the stiffness and inflammation in her body that came back. How each morning she was walking like an elderly woman. And she was only in her 40’s. Of course she got back on the products, and will stay on them..

Personally I could relate to stiffness and inflammation she talked about. So I did the deed and ordered the Bio Cleanse and Probio5. First 2 wks I noticed that my tummy was being normal. Yes I could POOP normal..! My hands and ankles were not swollen anymore. And I had a bit of energy.

So than I joined as a member for my $34.95, which gave me a website and now I can get the products at a discounted rate.

So my first purchase under myself was the Pink Drink Slim. Hmm the best way to describe it is watered down cherry kool-aid. I drink it on the way to work each day. And for me it makes me not hungry till about lunch time, and it gives me energy to get thru my day. And I sleep really good, without night sweats!!

SO I take 3 products from Plexus.. And because of those 3 products, I don’t deal with IBS anymore. I have lost 4 pds. The biggest thing is I have not had a migraine in 3 wks! And I am also proud to say, I was able to run at my Boys Cross Country Meet. I mean full on sprint, which I have not been able to do in a couple of years. I feel like “me” again. And I am not one to try and advertise on fb, because I know how annoying that can be. But I have to share with people who may be experiencing issues like I did. That if it worked for me, than why not give it a try too! Get healthy from the inside out!

Visit my website at www.AmandaHammett.myplexusproducts.com

October This and That..

Aaron's Senior Picture

Aaron told me I should write a weekly blog. He said he enjoys reading them, and that I am a good writer. Of course it did wonders for my ego, but I told him I start many blogs and then whichever one sticks is the one I finish and post. Blogging has helped me to express my thoughts and feelings. Especially with this Senior stuff going on.  And I am sure he is loving all the attention he is getting with my blogs being about him and his brother lately. Of course I have to share this picture of him, so everyone can get a good laugh at the joke he played on me last wk. When he convinced me this was his Senior Picture for the annual.

 

Twins with one of their Best Friends Sequoia

This wk my emotions have been pretty level. The boys have been working hard during practice as they prepare for Regional's in Grand Prairie this Saturday. Tonight is Senior Night at the football game. After talking with their coach and the principal we have arranged it to where the cross country team Seniors will get to be acknowledged too. Of course now I have to walk down the field with them, and try not to do the ugly cry in front of Boyd America. This will be exciting!

We are coming on many important last for them, between Regional's, the Senior night, and now basketball has started. Both boys are on Varsity team and are enjoying playing already. And this makes me so happy. If you have some free time I invite you to come watch them play. Games will be on Tuesdays and Fridays.

They have also kind of set their minds and leaning towards Texas Lutheran University. We still have to go visit and look at everything. But this school has been in contact with them about being on the Cross country team. And with their academics they are able to get some kind of scholarship. Of course momma thinks 4 hours away is too far, I am hoping they come across another school that wants them to run and is like 2 hours away. But, I am just praying for peace. Because I know God already has it all planned out for them.

 

Jasmine 4th Place District Meet

Jazzy girl is on the injured list as of this morning. She was struggling with cross country and it kept her knees pretty tender, and of course cheerleading started up. And the jumps and dancing seemed to over-do it for her.

So she is on restrictions for a week or two. I am proud to say she got 4^th place at District this month. She is a little natural runner and we are super excited to see her run for high school next year! She is really enjoying 8^th grade so far. She is doing great and making straight A’s and made the UIL One Act Play this year. She plays the part of a King. This child of mine is growing up way too fast. And let’s just say hormones are flaring at my house, between her and her daddy I am not sure how much more I can take. Lol

 

Daddy's Girl

Wishing Everyone a happy and safe Halloween,. 

And Of course I will blog and let everyone know how Senior night goes and Regional's tomorrow. 

Dear Aaron & Cameron

7th grade Decatur Meet

Dear Aaron & Cameron..

I blew up my face book page yesterday with post and pictures.. 
Hopefully no one defriended me.

Still sitting here in awe of what you BOTH have accomplished over the years..

Since 7^th grade you both have been doing this. Many times you wanted to quit. And I admit some days I thought about letting you. But, I just knew that I had to make yall stick with it.

That you both would benefit from it. The last 4 years yall have actually enjoyed running. I have watched yall make great relationships with your team.

Watched yall become leaders, and encourage your team with pep talks and prayer.

How you lead the team in prayer before each meet

We have watched you both run in the freezing cold to the sweltering hot,. Watched yall beat your personal best. And have watched you both not make it to the next level.

I have cried for you and with you, when I knew how devastated yall were last year. But again there was no quitting.

Aaron at Tarleton Regional Meet

But, this year.. You both have peaked into a new level of talent. Yall have helped lead your cross country team to victory after victory.

Team wins 1st place at Jacksboro

 I have watched yall cheer your team on to push thru. Watched your team mates give it their all for “ The Seniors” this year. To see the respect and recognition you are getting from all over Boyd because of how well you are both doing.

I admit, I was so nervous for you both yesterday at District. I knew you both could do it, but when I saw the nervousness. When I heard the doubt in your voice. When Aaron walked up and hugged me and said “Well this is it momma”.. I shed a few tears.. I wanted to make it all better, wanted to ease your fears and nerves.

But I just continued to reassure you that yall already had us so proud as parents. That this is what you have worked hard for.  I said a quick prayer for you to have peace.. And I ran (yes actually ran) and cheered you on..

AND You Both did it!

You Both placed in the top ten to qualify for Regionals, AND you helped your team become District Champs!

You helped make history for Boyd.

We are so dang proud..

You are both my Heroes.

I love to watch yall run.

And gosh I am gonna miss yall.

Now on to Regionals we go!! 

They Will Always Be My Babies

About 3 or 4 years ago I wrote a blog about my fellas feeling like they were not good enough..

 It was in regards to cross country.  I asked for advice on how to raise my boys to be proud of their accomplishments..

Over the years I have watched my boys get up at 5:30am  5 days a week to go run anywhere from 5 to 8 miles a day. They have had to turn down invites on Friday nights because they had cross country meets the next morning. I have watched them limp thru the finish line, sometimes with bloody knees from falling and getting back up to finish. I have screamed and ran (or a very fast walk) along with them telling them their times and how to keep going. I have hugged these sweaty boys with tears in my eyes because they beat their record. 

I have encouraged them and promised them that their hard work and dedication would pay off in the end. And last wkend when I read the Wise County Messenger article, to see my twin fellas picture with an article named "Twin Powered",  I just cried..

 It hit me hard that my babies are leaving me in such a short time.

 Tears of joy because they are reaping the benefits of their hard work and dedication. 

Yet tears of OH MY GOSH my babies are seniors and going to go off to college without me!

I need my Prozac!

Or I need time to slow down quite a bit.

Or maybe just another baby. Ha!

But in reality, I am just beyond overwhelmed at the Favor my Boys have had on their lives.

There were times where they felt down, but they always turned to scripture to remind them that nothing was impossible.

That with God they could accomplish anything they put their mind and heart to and as long as they gave it 100%.

I am proud to say they have been contacted by different colleges who want them to run for their team, and because they are both graduating in the top 10% of their class.

Again this momma is struggling hard, because the last 17 years my life has been about these twin fellas.  I am gonna miss them like crazy.

Dinners around the table won’t be the same, trips to Wally world will become dull. And the living room will become bare.

But, this is what we have been believing for. That our children will grow up and attend college and do something amazing with their lives. They are getting opportunities that Trav and I did not get.

And for that Trav and I are thanking our God for everything he has done for our boys, and are so excited for what is to come..

Now pray for my Jasmine, because she is gonna have to fight me off of her, as this momma is gonna need some serious snuggle time in the next 4 years!!