Random Thoughts

It's been a nice weekend in our household. We've had basketball games and jump rope performances, and I got rid of my washer and dryer and old refrigerator today. Some men from our church came and got the three appliances this morning and will make sure someone in need receives them. As I watched them load up this morning I was touched by their care and concern for people in need. Thank you God for men who help others. I was blessed by them today.

Report cards came and went a week or so ago. All three kids continue to do extremely well. Each of their teachers had wonderful things to say about their work ethic and progress. I've made it my new mantra to tell my kids often that I want them to be the hardest worker in their class. They don't have to be the smartest or fastest, but I do expect them to work the hardest. They are kids, but they are beginning to apply that to their lives. Nathan's teacher wrote that he has a work ethic like no other fifth grader she has witnessed. I was impressed that she said that. I'm thankful for how God has worked in their lives and provided healing and resilience.

I'm excited about lots of things at work. There are many new goals and challenges ahead. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve here for the past fourteen years. Even on tough days, it's still one of the best places in the world to work.

I look at my house and my closet and realize neither one of those things are top priorities for me. Having the most elegantly decorated home or wearing the most "in" clothes really don't matter. I've tried to care about those things...tried to envision making my home more "hip"....tried to shop for clothes that are "in"...but, I usually fall short....and frankly, I don't really care. Maybe more than that though, is the fact that I don't have time to care. It takes a lot of time and effort to shop and renovate. I don't have that luxury and that's ok. I'd rather spend time and money on trips with the kids making fun memories than have the most decked out house or the most stylish wardrobe. It's taken me a while to realize that's just not who I will ever be....and it's taken me a while to realize that I think my kids will remember the fun things we did together rather than the furniture or clothes they had when they were young. So, I will be trying to update my house as I can...and I will always want to "try" to look nice...but, I'm completely focused on making "memories" with the kids.... and I am confident that is a great investment!

It's been interesting the past couple of weeks because I am an associate member of an adult class at church. They recently formed new care groups. For the first time in 14 years, a church member (as a representative of an ABF) contacted me to see how we were and if I had any prayer requests. I had forgotten how good it feels to have someone (from an ABF) care about you. Another member of the group saw me yesterday and invited me to go to lunch with the group on the first Sunday of every month. Again, I was flattered to be invited. However, it brought up an ongoing struggle. Married people really don't want to hang around with a single mom and her three kids. They will do it every once in a while or on special occassions...but as a general rule, it just isn't a good fit. Which, makes me sad...and reminds me how different I am. I know they don't really want to hang out with me, but I'm glad they asked.


Life is good and sweet....the kids are in a groove right now...Braden is doing very well...and when he is doing well, we ALL do well.....

For a good weekend, I am grateful.

The Fair and Balanced Report

My last post reflected the emotional afterglow of our trip. It was definitely my all-time favorite family vacation. However, there were some hairy moments....and so, this is the fair and balanced report on the vacation.

It almost started out disastrously. I realized on Friday (before we were to leave on Sunday at 6:20am) that I did not have a birth certificate and that I could not get on the ship without one. I had gathered the kids but had failed to get mine. I was born in Oklahoma and the only way to obtain a birth certificate was for my mom to drive to Tulsa and get one and then my dad drove to Texas on Saturday to deliver it. Wow. I almost really, really, really blew it. I am so grateful that my parents were willing to step in and rescue me.

The next challenge came in getting all four of us up and out the door at 4:30am on Sunday morning. We did it, but it was certainly not a lot of fun. The kids did really well but it was incredibly stressful to try to make all that happen and get parked, go through security and get on an airplace by 6:00am. You just haven't lived until you have had to corral 3 kids and their luggage through an airport. I think I burned about 500 calories lugging it all.

Braden got lost once on the ship. It was an emotional reunion for him when we were reunited. He had insisted in getting himself some pizza without any help. When he returned the kids had moved on to another game and he couldn't find them. Instead of just waiting there, he began to roam the ship. I finally caught up with him on the 5th deck...he was supposed to be on the 9th deck. I think he learned a lesson....and so did I.

There were many lessons in manners, etiquette, and behavior modifications galore. Let's just say it was a good training exercise. They learned a lot and I was reminded that kids have to be taught many, many things. I also learned that Braden has no volume control. He has a booming voice and that became an issue we had to continually address.

There were times when I lost my patience and grew frustrated. Mostly, it was because I couldn't do everything I wanted to do because I was outnumbered....I found myself feeling down on myself every once in a while...wishing I had "perfect" children who needed no supervision. However, by the end of the trip I decided to give myself credit for doing the best I could. I saw no other single parents on the ship. Everyone else had at least two adults helping to corral their kids. I think I did pretty well considering there was only one of me. I gave myself permission to feel proud that we had been able to function well as a family and enjoy a nice vacation. This is actually pretty huge because many times I feel like the entertainment on vacation or in public. Our family can be a three-ring circus and I am learning to cut myself and my kids some slack.

We went from sun-up to sun-down each day...NONSTOP....and I really enjoyed not having my cell phone or internet access. I read no emails all week. It was glorious. I found that I was focused on the kids and living in the moment...and I enjoyed it.

The kids got several lectures from me. Braden pushed my buttons on a couple of occassions. They weren't perfect and neither was I. But, we had a good time....no, a FANASTIC time!

There were times when I wished I wasn't alone.

There were times when I wondered what in the world was I thinking to go on this vacation by myself with three kids.

There were also times when the kids fought and drove each other crazy.

Yep, it was a pretty normal week.

So, there's a more fair and balanced report....

It was an unforgettable trip....perfect? No.

Birthday Bucket List Trip

I have a million thoughts rolling through my head. I am trying to remember all the funny things the kids said on our trip....they were quite entertaining. Here are a few:

Braden (as we were walking through a casino to get to the waterpark): There sure are a LOT of people here WASTING their money....(in his loud and animated voice).

Lexi (as were riding in a bus in Nassau): There's black people everywhere here. (She got a multi-cultural lecture from me...brought her to tears, but it was funny how she said it)

Braden (as we were watching the Alaadin show with belly dancers): MOM, I think they are wearing some UNAPPROPRIATE clothes down there (said loudly so everyone around us could hear, at least it felt that way)

Braden (as people in front of us were taking pictures when they weren't supposed to): MOM, THEY AREN"T SUPPOSED TO TAKE PICTURES....THEY ARE TAKING PICTURES, MOM....(luckily, I think they didn't speak English because they never turned around and didn't quit taking pictures)

There were some more but I can't remember them right now...will come back and edit later.

SO, I "felt" like a super hero today. There is a difference between actually "being a superhero" and "feeling like one"...I'm not one, but I did feel it today. Packing suitcases, checking in suitcases, getting off the ship, catching a bus to the airport, renting a car all by myself, driving around Orlando all by myself, getting back to the airport all by myself, turning in the rental car, doing the security shuffle (that will kill you if you aren't careful!), hopping a train to the terminal, flying in an airplane with 3 rambunctious kids, picking up baggage, catching a "terminal link" to get to the parking garage where I parked, finding the car immediately (I took a pic of where I parked with my phone so I'd know what level, what garage and what space), finding my way out of the airport maze and driving home....Now, THAT makes me feel like a superhero! I think I counted 7 forms of transportation in the past 12 hours. And, there was very little emotional collateral damage...no lost items or children...and we came home with some money in our pocket.

I'd say, it was a good trip.

There was one point in the trip when I found myself overcome with emotion. I was watching my kids floating in an innertube in a glass enclosed waterslide through a tank of live sharks and it hit me....unexpectedly...my thought was this, "God, why do I get to do these things with my kids...why have you been so good to ME to allow ME to be here, with them...why doesn't Brian get to see this?" It wasn't an angry thought...it was a profoundly grateful moment when I realized our life is good and sweet and I am blessed to be able to make memories with my kids. I don't deserve all the fun times and memories we are making. I really don't.

And then....the kids came squealing out of the water telling me all about what they saw and begging me to go with them....and so, I did.....and I have to say, it was one of the COOOLEST waterslides I have ever ridden.....

For a wonderful week...and another item to check off my bucket list....I'm grateful.

Welcome 2010!

It's been a while since my last post.  I have been consumed with family and fun over the past few days.  I haven't really even had a chance to think about goals for 2010.  One thing that keeps rumbling through my brain is that I want to be less fearful in 2010.  

Fear tends to paralyze me, cripple me and discourage me.  I fear change, I fear risk, I fear failure.  This year, I'd like to fear less and risk more.  I'd like to be open, truly open to whatever 2010 brings.  My fear is rooted in a lack of trust.  I have a hard time trusting people and trusting God with the results of my efforts.  I spend far too much time calculating the risks instead of reaching for the reward.

2009 was more than I could have hoped for in terms of accomplishing some major goals.  I started off the year by passing my NCE exam with flying colors.  I took a major national exam 10 years post graduation that most people take within a year after graduation.  I spent months preparing for it and it only took me 42 minutes to complete the 200 question comprehensive exam.  My hard work paid off and I am extremely and profoundly grateful.  In May I received an award at school that included a cash scholarship.  In July I found out we won a cooperative agreement (grant) that has allowed many new ministry doors to open.  Finally, on December 21st, just six weeks after my building went up for sale, I closed on my commercial building in Granbury.  I can't think of a better ending to the year than getting rid of that incredible headache.

So, what does 2010 hold?  In just 6 days the kids and I leave on a Disney Cruise to celebrate my 40th birthday.  Last week I gave the kids a birthday party invitation that requested the pleasure of their company on the Disney Wonder January 10-14, 2010.  Thankfully, they accepted my invitation...:)  It will be Braden's first trip on an airplane and the kids first cruise.  Woohoo...can't wait!!!

I've got some new ideas ruminating in my mind related to reaching young families in our community.  I'm excited and ready to hit the ground running.  One of the areas that I want to focus on is transferring ownership of the preschool ministry to our parents.  We have a good buy in from our parents but I think it could be better and I think I have some ideas about how to do it....I'm also looking at doing some updating in the preschool area...that should be tons of fun!

So, I would say that I am extremely excited about 2010....looking forward to whatever challenges and opportunities that come my way..and trying, really trying to be less fearful and more risky....

For a fresh page to write on...I'm grateful.

Christmas 2009

Christmas 2009 was a memorable and magical one.  We were blessed with 8 inches of snow in Oklahoma to give us a beautiful White Christmas.  There is just something wonderful about a White Christmas. 

We had a chance to go to Great Wolf Lodge the night before we drove into Oklahoma.  I got word of the snow storm (make that a blizzard) that was coming and drove back home from Grapevine to get winter wear for the kids before we left.  It ended up being a good call because they really used all their snow gear that I went back for.  Score one for mom!

Great Wolf Lodge was a very sweet time with Brian's family.  I feel fortunate to have a good relationship with them and my kids truly enjoy spending time with their cousins.  We had a total group of 17 running amuck in the hotel.  It was memorable, fun and LOUD!

Christmas Eve was spent with my family.  We rushed through the dinner to open presents so that family could leave before the roads got too bad.  Both my brother and sister had a hard time getting home and could not get in their driveway.  I was thankful I didn't have to go anywhere that night.

Christmas Day we spent with Brian's family.  Brian's dad called and offered to come get me and the kids so that we didn't have to drive on the bad roads.  I was glad he did because the roads were pretty dicey.  We spent the whole day with them and enjoyed most every minute of it (minus the few squabbles the kids got into over who was to sit where).  

I drove back yesterday so that I could be home for church today.  It was a nice, quiet evening and I have enjoyed some "me" time today.  I went to downtown Fort Worth and did some shopping.  I was given a gift certificate (last Fall) that had to be used in Sundance Square so I enjoyed hanging out at the Starbucks/Barnes and Noble bookstore for a while this afternoon.  Interestingly and surprisingly,  I ended up in a conversation with someone there that was enjoyable.  I'll leave it at that.  You just never know what a day holds.

I'm home by myself for a couple of days.  I'm going to enjoy it and drink up the silence.  The kids are spending time with my parents in Oklahoma.  They are loving the snow there!

I'm thankful for this Christmas season...it was sweet and memorable...for that I am grateful.

It's Done!

I closed today on the commercial property. It was interesting driving through Granbury, over to the title office in Acton, and to the bank in Granbury. It brought back memories of Brian's dreams. He had a business in Acton for a while and the town was barely recognizeable. In Granbury, I couldn't find the bank. I finally had to call and get direcions because I hadn't been to the bank since dad and I were there a few weeks after Brian's death. When I got there nothing seemed familiar. Nothing. I guess I was completely out of it when we were there because it was almost confusing how disoriented I was in relation to where the bank was and what it looked like on the inside. I even asked the teller if this was a new location. She looked at me like I was an idiot. I am sure she was thinking "I better check the I.D. on this girl because she doesn't even know where she is at." I closed out the account today. I can't tell you how good that felt.

I no longer have anyone's business but my own to take care of. I can live with that. I no longer have to take calls about building issues, or hunt down my tenants for their rent check, or meet with contractors to address issues with the building, or worry about what new city code they may try to force me to meet, or watch the radar to see if a flood is coming through Granbury, or go online to the bank and check my balance only to see that they haven't paid their rent yet, or anything!!!!!!!

The sign went up November 4th. We closed on December 21st. I'd say that was a Christmas miracle. I'll take it. The economy is in the toilet, there are vacant buildings in Granbury that have been on the market for over a year....and my building sells and closes within 6 weeks. Only God can do that. I am grateful for the way He answered my prayers.

Thanks be to God!

Struggling to stay in the Christmas Spirit

I can't put my finger on it but I am just struggling this year to really enjoy the process of getting ready for Christmas with my kids.  I did some shopping today but it wasn't any fun and I had to work hard at making myself spend money.

Am I down? Yes.   Depressed?  I'm not sure.  Maybe.  Should I be?  No.  Life is very good.  God has blessed our family in many, many ways this year.  Still, I am down.  Feeling ambivalent about giving...which usually is one of my favorite things to do.  In my head, I know I shouldn't be depressed.  There are so many things I can be thankful for.   However, my emotions tell a different story.  I'm sad.  Not all the time...just when things slow down or I am by myself...then I feel this heavy sadness.  When I'm around other people I can be happy and I can be productive.  

I miss having someone to go shopping with me...someone to get excited about putting Christmas together for the kids....someone to carry the big toys out of the store or put stuff together the night before.  I miss doing life with someone besides myself.  Maybe that's it.  Christmas is magnifying what is missing...

I don't like doing life alone.

Maybe that's why I am struggling. 

I know Christmas isn't supposed to be about me....or about what is missing....it's about God's great gift to the world.   God help me focus on you.....help me see beyond myself....give me your sense of peace and purpose....for that, I will be so grateful.