Mama D

Oh Charleston, you are so lovely...

2008-11-12T20:25:00.004-06:00

WELL.

The trip with my gal pals to Charleston was a success. If you call eating your way through a town a success that is. We had such a fun time. When we arrived, we had no plan AT ALL. It was so great. D had been there before so we weren't totally lost, but really all we wanted to do was eat, sleep, see stuff and shop. So we started with the eating. Actually, we did check in to the hotel first and visited for an HOUR with the concierge. He was from Pennsylvania, talked really fast and kept commenting on my accent. What? I have never had anyone mention an accent. He also commented that he can always tell when women are from Texas.

1. They are good looking.

2. They are friendly. (He means loud.)

3. They are McCain fans.

Interesting. Anyway, we then took a penny taxi (ie college student pulling three women in a cart by bike through the city streets while dressed in a cat-in-the-hat costume. We laughed so hard we couldn't see straight). We had a lovely Italian dinner and finished it off with Polenta cake. Never have had that and I will never forget it. Wish I had the recipe! We did ask the waiter to get it for us and even gave them my email address. I won't hold my breath! That night we took a REGULAR taxi back to the hotel and went to bed early. Get this. We slept 12 hours. I think the last time I slept that long was 1985. It was great.

The next day we hit the farmers market(such fun) and decided to rate Charleston's bakeries and have a cupcake challenge. So we walked hither and yon to sample their finest cupcakes. The bakery "Sugar" won. If you are ever there, check it out! We walked down King Street, ate at a great lunch place and then we went on the ride of our life. We had booked a tour the day before with a Charleston treasure. She is an 83 year old tour guide who drives a van through the city while telling untold tales of history and gossip, all the while side swiping everything in site. And she has the dents to prove it. If you are a history buff this is your girl. Only problem is I am not. It was 2 hours of my life I will never get back. Overload is an understatement. We were throwing $20's at her to make her stop! No really, it was informative, we are just shallow.

We then caught our breath and headed over to Henry's for she-crab soup, and shrimp and grits. They did not disappoint! It was to die for! The joke of the night was that I was so full that I felt like I had a food baby. Judging from their reactions (wetting themselves) they had never heard that before.

The next day we walked the city. When I say walked the city, I mean the WHOLE city. It is so stinkin lovely. We had brunch at High Cotton (love me some salmon omelets! Really!) Met a talented modern artist at her gallery, toured beautiful homes and just basically soaked up all of the local charm. It was great. That night we ended up eating great pizza at a college hang out on King Street. That took us back. WAY back!

Monday, we finished up our trip on King Street shopping, touching and trying things on. It was great.

Thank you Charleston for showing some Texas girls a great time. Thank you to my husband for being Mr. Mom and handling things beautifully. Thank you to God for good friends.

The Once a Monther

2008-10-28T09:30:00.002-05:00

I am now calling this blog the once a monther because it seems that is how often I have been blogging. I think of things all the time and say, "I need to blog about that" and then the moment passes.

Anyway.

Fun weekend we had last weekend, E had a flag football game, then on to our church's fall festival. Then on Sunday, it was our 35th anniversary at Cypress Bible church. What a great service/party. It was all about where God has taken us, where He will take us and all about grace. Timely words were spoken! Then that afternoon we had ANOTHER football game. Oh and did I mention that all of these events were outside in the hot blazing sun of H town?

Oh and did I mention I was sick through all of this. That's right, congestion, sneezing, coughing, the works. Not a pretty sight. Getting hot during all of that did not help matters. I feel like I have been run over by a truck today. I have to get better soon because....

I am leaving for Charleston, SC on Friday for a girls weekend! I lived in ole' SC for two full years and never made it to Charleston so I am so excited. I love my friends that I am going with and we always have a great time together. But ya'll, I can NOT go sick. Please pray for me that I will have a healing of the body by then. There is so much to do before I go. I have to get 5 people organized, clean, cook food for them, wash everyone's clothes, pack...you get the picture. It takes a wonder woman to go out of town these days! I am so blessed to get to go, the trip is almost free because of points/frequent flyer miles and such. It will be a blast.

I can't wait to tell ya'll the tales of SC. Until then!

Hopefully it won't take me another month to post!

Blessings,
Dana

After Ike

2008-09-21T10:59:00.002-05:00

Things I am thankful for...

The safety of our family, no trees fell on our house!

My younger two slept through Ike.

Not having electricity (lots of fun times around candlelight).

Having electricity! (and water).

Being able to go to Ft. Worth and visit family, including my two 90ish Grandmothers.

Going in to a grocery store and having the means to replace the contents of our refrigerator.

So many things to be thankful for, too many to count. My thoughts continually go to those that are still suffering after Ike. Please pray that God would provide for their needs and for this experience to turn the city to Christ.

School is supposed to start up again on Tuesday. Hope so, the natives are getting restless!

IKES! Here comes Ike!

2008-09-12T16:21:00.001-05:00

Because I have not blogged in awhile, I have decided to do a list, so I won't become long winded (no hurricane pun intended). Here goes..

1. Had a great summer, went WAY too fast. Got to enjoy Florida with the youth and our family took a great trip to Lake Travis near Austin...Beautiful!

2. School started and everyone is happy where they are except Brendan. He is home with us this semester and hopes to transfer to Tx State in January.

3. I decided not to go back to work this year, didn't have a peace about it so maybe next year.

4. Participating in 3 Moms in Touch groups this year and leading my 242 girls in Colossians. Also am reading "Dangerous Surrender" with some friends and meeting at night to talk about it. I am excited about what God will do. And just a tad scared of what He will ask me to do.

We are waiting for Ikes appearance and in Texas terms, we are "hunkerin down". Please pray for the Texas Gulf, we need it!

Blessings!
Dana

Oh Baby, part 2

2008-08-06T22:08:00.002-05:00

I feel like I have slighted my May child Collin, so as promised, here is his belated tribute....

My second son turned 17 in May.

Yeah, the one with the "great hair" and the deep blue eyes.

I can't believe he is 17. As we start his senior year, I look at him and see the beautiful boy with the curly blond hair and the 400 watt smile. The child who was ALWAYS happy, and was completely low maintenance. But, look again, he is almost a man. He is a deep thinker and a beautiful writer. He reads everything imaginable and loves to have deep and thoughtful conversations over coffee. He loves to help his friends when they are in need by giving them a ride or a listening ear. He is a gifted musician who loves to lead worship. He has a heart for the lost, homeless and hurting. He loves God with his whole heart and isn't afraid to ask questions. He is hungry to learn more about Him.

We like to call him Colley because it sounds good when you say it in a sing song voice!

I love you Collin and I am so proud of you. I can't wait to see where God takes you this year.

Blessings,
Dana

Oh Baby!

2008-07-30T20:35:00.002-05:00

Wow it's the end of July and I feel like time is going so fast and yet standing still.

My "baby" turned 9 last week.

Yeah, the one with the long hair and the huge smile.

I can't believe he is 9. He was our "surprise" child but oh what joy he has brought. He has always been shy but has finally started to come out of his shell. He has a great sense of humor and can keep up with all of us at the dinner table. He loves baseball, playing Wii, riding bikes and swimming until his fingers are prunes. He likes to use big words that astound me and questions things that I can't answer. He loves God and asks the big question.

We like to call him "Big E" because he is, well, big!

My precious girl turned 13 on Sunday.

Yeah, the one with the curly red hair and the gorgeous green eyes.

I can't believe she is 13. She was our miracle child because we had her after 2 miscarriages. I didn't think I would be able to have another child and certainly didn't think she would be a girl after having 2 boys. She has an incredible sweet spirit and is so gentle. She has a huge heart for those who are hurting or left out. She loves to serve in our church nursery and the kids adore her. She loves music, hanging out with her girlfriends, and wants a cell phone desperately. (Sorry Megan, not yet);) She loves Jesus with her whole heart and loves to worship Him.

We like to call her our peach because she was born in South Carolina!

My oldest son turns 19 tomorrow.

Yeah, the tall thin one with the piercing on his lip.

I can't believe he is 19. As our first born, it is shocking to see him become a man before our very eyes. As I watched him prepare food at work tonight, I could still see him as our little boy intently working his legos, full of concentration. But he isn't a little boy anymore, he is a man. He is a very quiet and sensitive person. He is a faithful friend that would give anyone anything he has. He is a gifted artist that creates beautiful photographs. He loves music and listens to EVERYTHING IMAGINABLE...even stuff his parents like. He is quick to forgive and doesn't judge others. He loves Jesus and is making his faith his own.

We like to call him our super model because he is so darn thin!

Happy Birthday my three July kiddos. I am in awe at how awesome you all are and you bless me everyday. Thank you God for letting me be their Mom.

Blessings,
Dana

p.s. I will have to write a tribute to my May baby, Collin soon!

Purse Joy

2008-07-10T19:50:00.003-05:00

I have been inspired by Jen to show a purse wish on my blog...

I have a purple seatbelt bag and I love it so. I think it needs a friend!

Jen said that a pair of shoes came to live at her house when she posted a picture on her blog of them...I will let you know what happens.

Love,
Dana

Locked Out of Blog land

2008-07-01T21:58:00.002-05:00

This has been so weird.

I have been locked out of my own blog. Kind of like being locked out of your house. For days. Without a hope of finding a key. Nobody is answering. Nobody is home.

I finally borrowed my husband's Mac and was able to log on. I haven't been able to comment on anyone's blog. Just reading. I feel like I have been on the outside looking in. I guess the problem is with my computer. Who would have guessed the dinosaur is sick. This is the same computer that needs to "warm up" in the morning so it can play nicely with others. Sounds a lot like me!

Well, Florida was awesome. I had a great group of girls who like to have fun. We had great bible study times, worship and teaching. Oh, and the beach wasn't bad either! The 12 hour bus ride was brutal...every year it takes me a little longer to recover!

I had a relaxing week then it was time for VBS. I was in charge of overseeing the high school volunteers. They are so great to serve for a week, helping the younger kids learn about Christ's love. I love having them check in with me in the morning, help them sort through problems, give them pep talks and lots of snacks. Queso Wednesday returned and was a big hit. I made a huge crock pot full of queso so the kids could come by during their break and have a snack. Nothing says I love you like a vat of cheese is what I always say.

We took Megan to camp on Sunday which was a 3 hour trip one way. She really loves the camp which makes the trip more bearable. I can't wait to hear what God is doing in her life this week. I do miss my girl, but it has been fun hanging out with the guys. Friday we get to head back up to get her. We are spending the night because we have to be there at 9:00 am for the closing ceremony. Not the best way to spend the 4th but we are hoping to find a fire works show!

Happy 4th everyone!

Blessings,
Dana

So Behind......

2008-06-05T16:56:00.002-05:00

I am so behind in my blogging, I know not many people read this, but the ones who do are surely thinking "what the heck? Nothing is happening in the Moody house?"

Well, we all know that is not true.

Summer has arrived with a bang here with me staying up late with the teens and getting up early with the elementary boy. My eyes have dark circles under the wrinkles, (not my best look) but I am loving having all of my kids under one roof again.

Not that it isn't without its struggles.

College boy being home hasn't been easy...pray for us with our relationship with him. We need wisdom, peace and discernment. It has been hard. Understatement. Can't say much else.

We celebrated Collin's 17th with his friends Monday night and everyone had a great time eating hamburgers and watermelon. I made him my famous chocolate sheet cake with cinnamon and mexican vanilla and several of the girls asked for the recipe. I am not giving that one out until he marries!

I have been pool side ever since which is fun but so dang hot! I told M and E we would go 2-3 times a week. Hope that sticks.

Lindsee and I had lunch today at La Madeline for catch up time and to celebrate her birthday late. We are both going to Florida next week with the youth in our church so we did a little shopping at Wal Mart for our 80's costumes that we have to wear. We also went to Claires and LA Fashions. Oh my. If you ever need costumes, that is the place to go. Except that the customers there probable didn't appreciate us laughing at the clothes that they were purchasing to wear for real.
Sorry girls!

The next couple of days I will be packing, cleaning and packing some more then off to beautiful Florida. Pray for our trip for safety and renewed relationships with the Lord for the kids.

Over and Out!

Blessings-
Dana

Gurgle spat

2008-05-19T07:27:00.001-05:00

My coffee pot is making really weird sounds this morning and it is freaking me out. Especially after last week when everything broke. Starbucks here I come!

Doings, comings and goings

2008-05-15T08:20:00.001-05:00

I have been so busy that blogging hasn't been on my radar lately. Although, I have been reading blogs, just not updating my own. Well, what has been going on is a lot of house stuff!

Saturday, I woke to Megan standing over me saying the ceiling was leaking..um, ok, just a minute...what did you say? Yea, you heard that right, there is water leaking out of the ceiling. Well, our water heater busted and water was coming out of the attic stairs.

What a way to wake up thank you very much!

My poor husband had to deal with that before his morning coffee. Have I mentioned that we are lovers of coffee? As in can't speak first thing in the morning without it kind of people? It is not pretty but it is the truth.

We called our regular plumber and he kinda sounded like he didn't want to work that Saturday because he wanted to charge us $1200 to fix it. No, I am not refering him to you.

Needless to say, we called around and couldn't find anyone that we trusted to fix it. Our neighbors knew of a guy that would fix it cheap but he wasn't returning our calls. I guess Mothers keep their plumber sons busy on Mother's Day weekend fixing stuff at their house.

So, we took some cold showers all weekend...BRISK is the word that comes to mind. Our sweet buddies offered their shower to us, but it seemed more trouble than it was worth to drag all the paraphernalia that is needed to clean up with over there. Our two younger ones did go over after the pool Sunday because they were cold after wards. Megan said "can't do it again Mom! I took one cold shower Saturday, but that was not a good idea!" B and C agreed.

Oh, and did I mention? We hit the 90 + degree mark this weekend here in Texas and our air conditioner was not keeping up. It was 80 degrees in our house on Saturday. Our air guy couldn't get to us until Tuesday. He evidently was busy fixing his Mom's air all weekend. But I am not bitter.

So really, the cold showers weren't that bad. They helped cool us off some since it was so hot in our house. But not really.

Mother's Day was really fun, my fam took me out to a local Italian restaurant and then we came home to cards and presents. I got to tell them all how much I love them and how proud I am of them all. I am so blessed to have such great kids.

Monday, the cheap plumber called and the expensive plumber called (um, no we don't want to pay you $1200 to fix it). The cheap plumber came at 5:00 and didn't leave until 8. Bless him! I fixed him and his crew sandwiches for the road since they probable wouldn't eat dinner with their families until 9:00 that night. Oh! and he charged us $600 to fix it. Thank you God!

Our air guy did come Tuesday and said we might get another year out of our air conditioner...MIGHT. It is being held together with a prayer and duct tape. It will end up going out the year we have 2 in college I just know it.

Tonight I am taking Megan and a friend to a Superchik concert at Fellowship of the Woodlands. She is so excited. Me, I will be packin' ear plugs. We are pretty close to the stage, and they like to crank it up. I am a rocker at heart, but sometimes the decimal level is too much for my old ears. It will be a fun time I just know it. I think one of the bands playing with them is a rap band. How fun for Megan to see her Mom gettin' all crunk. I wonder if she will be embarrassed?

Ya'll have a great weekend!

Jr. Cotillion

2008-05-02T07:49:00.002-05:00

Those of you who know me well know that me and Jr. Cotillion just don't go together. I just don't get into social climbing, hob nobing, etc...what you see is what you get. I am just a real girl kind of person. So imagine my surprise when Megan wanted to do Cotillion. I think the main draw was dressing up and dancing. NONE of her best friends wanted to do it, so I was a little concerned.

But we dove in anyway, and overall, she has had a fun time.

A couple of weeks ago, I realized that we hadn't bought a ball gown for the ball.

Gulp.

So I did what any Mom would do.

I started calling girls in my youth group to borrow a dress. The only problem was nothing was fitting right and everything needed to be taken in, chopped off, or cinched up. And no one wanted me to do any of that to their dress.

A friend of mine made a passing comment about getting her daughters dress at JC Penney, and that it was cheap. After praying a ball gown, Cinderella type prayer, I drove on over there and began my search.

50% off! There was the sign. As I started looking at the dresses, I realized that these were the high school prom cast off dresses. They were shall we say, a little gaudy in color. BUT! For a 13 year old, they were perfect! I dug and dug and kept finding dresses that were $90 and up. I wanted a miracle people! I knew that it was out there.

Then I found it. Hot pink, strapless, very simple, great cut, AND (drum roll please) $40! Thank you God!

But the real miracle was Megan loved it! Thank you God again! And she said "Oh! My black heals will look great with this!" Thank you God again, AGAIN! We don't have to buy shoes!

Then a dear friend of mine offered to alter it for us. Payment? Take her to lunch. Oh, okay I think I could do that.

Isn't God good? He took one panicked Mom, and poured out ball gown blessings on me and my daughter. It was so neat to see how He worked all of it out.

And I got to share a God moment with my daughter about how God cares about everything. We can take any request to Him and he hears our prayers.

I will let you know how it goes Monday night.

Now I just need to order the $24.99 corsage!

Cuisine

2008-04-22T08:50:00.002-05:00

Megan asks "Mom what are we having for dinner this week?"

"Well, we are having London Broil with Parsley lemon orzo, then roasted turkey tenderloin with new potatoes and tarragon broth and then I thought...."

"Mom"

"yes, Megan..."

"Could we have hamburger helper this week?"

"!"

Simplify

2008-04-17T09:32:00.002-05:00

So when I am home this many days, I start weeding out and simplifying things...so I changed my blog. I think I like it simple like this.

But I do love Monet, and color and lots of pretty things around me. But,I don't want to spend money on a design.

You would think I could figure out how to do it on my own since I was once a graphic designer. But that was in the olden days.

I am starting to ramble.

I need to get out amongst the people!

Help!

Strep, Day 4

2008-04-17T07:44:00.002-05:00

You heard right, my 8 year old baby boy has strep and we have been home for 4, yes 4 days straight. Went to the doctor Monday and I think her words were, "Oh my, I wish I had a med student so they could see this throat". Not good. He went downhill so fast Sunday afternoon. One minute he was watching tv with Dad, the next minute he was asleep. It was the strep mac truck. Now we are dealing with the antibiotic funky stomach. He wants to go back to school but he doesn't want to be caught in a "bind" so to speak...Do we change the meds? Do we eat more yogurt? I guess I need to call the doctor and throw away $20 worth of medicine. Don't you hate that!

I have been brushing up on my WII skills, but he can still really kick my butt. I love the carnival games, its like you get to go somewhere and have fun without really leaving home. Except not really. They don't give you cotton candy and a pretzel with the game. I feel jipped.

When I'm not playing WII with E, I have been doing a lot of laundry. Yesterday was wash the sheets day. Five, yes, five beds to strip, wash, dry, remake. Oh the joys. But, I have decided that when I make their beds, I pray for the one that lays in them. Two things at once, I always say...

Oh! I have an idea! A WII wash the sheets game. Oh, I could totally rock that game.

And a WII vacuuming game. And a wash the dishes game..Oh the possibilities.

Tagged for 7

2008-04-14T16:34:00.000-05:00

So Lindsee tagged me to tell 7 facts about me. They can be weird or random. I'm thinking in my case that is the same thing.

1. I am an artist that hasn't created anything in a long time but would like to start up again. I used to be a graphic designer, but my first love is painting.

2. I met my husband when I was only 18. It was my first semester at SFA and it was like at first sight.

3. In high school I wanted straight hair. It took me until I was in my 30's to embrace the curls.

4. The smell of popcorn is one of my all time favorite smells.

5. I am addicted to the Food Network and love to try out new recipes on my family.

6. I dream in color.

7. We lived in Spartanburg, SC for two years otherwise known as the "Desert Years". We just never settled there and had such a hard time making friends.

Well, that's that...enjoy!

Prayer

2008-04-10T13:54:00.001-05:00

Pray for me friends, my teens bad choices are getting me down and breaking my heart. I am so disappointed and discouraged.

But God is faithful...

Blessings,
Dana

The t-shirt

2008-04-04T07:48:00.002-05:00

Last weekend a new outlet mall opened in our area and I visited it yesterday with two of my best girlfriends. I was on a hunt for the elusive T-shirt. Oh, me and the t-shirt have a love/hate relationship going on right now.

There is the too thin t-shirt.

There is the too thin, and too tight t-shirt.

There is the thicker but boxy t-shirt.

There is the my sleeves are too short, I am trying to hide my mama arms t-shirt.

What is with it right now? I just want a thicker, trim fit, long t-shirt.

I am a 40ish stay at home Mom and I need my t-shirts for the summer. Don't they know that the t-shirt with the long short or possible the capri is THE mom uniform around these parts? Oh, we can do the A line skirt and cute top and all that, but really, the t-shirt is it for us.

Help me Jesus.

So off we went and enjoyed the many cool shops.

I tried on this side zipper shirt and when I put it on I knew it was too tight. I tried it anyway and got stuck in it. D had to rescue me, as in pull it off of my head while I was squealing like a pig.

We were definitely entertainment for the shopkeepers. There were two times we almost laughed so hard we peed and one time K needed an inhaler. We have decided when we are together we need to be packin'. As in depends and inhalers.

Then we happened upon Ann Taylor. She had the t-shirt. Lots of them. Thick ones. They tapered in oh so slightly. They are long. I could have cried. Oh, and they were buy one get one 50% off. AND if you spent so much you got another discount. D and I went crazy, combined our stuff and ended up spending $19.00 for two.

Thank you Jesus!

Now I won't look like a sausage stuffed in a casing this summer.

Here Everythings Better

2008-04-01T07:53:00.002-05:00

HEB. Gotta love that store. I have shopped at my dear Kroger for years and love it but don't love their prices. So, I was excited when HEB came to town in all their glitter and glam. I could spend hours in the bread, cheese, produce area. I love having options, and being able to watch people cook new recipes and try them on my family.

Oh, and if you are hungry, you can walk through there and have yourself some lunch.

Which is what happened to me yesterday...I stopped by the Cafe on the Run area and the nice lady was so helpful....200 calories later, I can't even tell you all that I sampled.

It was incredible....but then I found myself buying stuff that I didn't really need. Oh, it will get eaten, I mean we have some eaters over here, but still.

Then I checked out.

I couldn't believe the total. People, the prices have gone up. I mean way up. Has anyone else noticed this? I love to cook, but we might need to go back to Hamburger Helper or something. I am paying for college people!

Maybe its the gas prices, now that I think about it. Or maybe there is lack of rain somewhere. Who knows..

The Moodys are eaten rice and beans next week folks.

I'll file this one under random boring posts.

Of Bikes and Men

2008-03-30T22:19:00.002-05:00

What separates the boys from the men? Or the Mom from the kids?

Sore bottoms.

I bought myself a bike this weekend ladies.

My daughter needed a new bike and so we went to the Wal Mart. On Saturday. At 2:00.

Now if you know me, you know that I hate Wal Mart. I know, that is a strong word, but I love Target, and I just can't do Wally World. I don't like their displays. That is the only way I can explain my disdain for it. There were so many people there. I couldn't believe it. I shouldn't have been shocked, but I was.

So, we had the great idea to buy one bike that she and I could share. Then when we all went biking, she could use her old one. Smart huh? Anyway, when we got to WM, we discovered how cheap the bikes were so we bought 2. That is how it is at WM. You get sucked into all those smiley faces.

The younger two were so excited. I was excited too...can I still ride? Will I keep up? Will they laugh? Will I look cute to my hubby? So off we went behind our neighborhood in the woods, by the creek, over the jumps, you name it. For two hours. It was so much fun.

Then.

Sunday morning.

Church.

One plus hours.

Sitting.

Sitting in pew.

OH MY WORD.

Does anyone have a pillow?

It hurt so much that I almost stood during the sermon. Our outstanding pastor would have been a little distracted I think.

On the way home, I confided in my kids about my sore bottom. To which my 8 year old responded...."it can't be THAT bad." Such love, such compassion. He suggested that we ride again today, so my bottom could get used to it.

What a great idea.

I think I better lie down and give this bottom a rest.

Blessings -
Dana

Worship

2008-03-27T09:06:00.003-05:00

Last night at youth group one of our youth workers spoke and he did a bang up job. He spoke about Jesus as our king what we give our worship to. We worship things all day long...our work, friends, family, FOOD, TV, shopping, school, etc...etc...etc.... Then we wonder when we go to worship God that there is nothing left.

We wonder why.

We have already given our worship to other things. Oh Lord forgive us.

God has made us to worship. We will worship something today.

Please God let it be You and You alone.

John 4:23
"But and hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth:for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers."

I am not sure what this looks like exactly, but I want to be one of those true worshipers. Don't you?

Amen and amen.

Grace and Peace,
Dana

HE is risen...Indeed!

2008-03-24T11:49:00.002-05:00

So I know that I said I would blog about Las Vegas, but I have slept since then. We went, we saw, we ate...it was nice to get away, but not my favorite place. Enough said. Hubby has all the pictures held hostage on his computer :( so maybe someday I will play show and tell.

Easter was a great day. Hubby and boy #2 got up at 5:45 to go down town to Ecclecia to a sunrise service and then to breakfast. Good bonding time and wish I could have gone but the other kids would have looked down on us leaving them alone. We all got to church on time, except son #1 who is always late to church...but he still goes, so there is the blessing in that one. No excuses for being late with your appointment with God though! Our pastor did an outstanding job giving a very good sermon and the music was incredible. We lifted our Lords name high! Fantastic!

I didn't get up to prep lunch, so we didn't eat until almost 2! Blessing #2, you eat late enough and then the fam isn't hungry till the next morning! After lunch, we hunted eggs, just the younger two, then we dove into a vat of Not yo' mamas banana pudding. This recipe is courtesy of Paula Deen, and ladies, it is stinkin good. I mean, it is hurt yourself good. It is slap yo mama good. Here is the recipe, but please, use with caution....

2 bags Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies
6 to 8 bananas, sliced
2 cups milk
1 (5-ounce) box instant French vanilla pudding
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12-ounce) container frozen whipped topping thawed, or equal amount sweetened whipped cream

Line the bottom of a 13 by 9 by 2-inch dish with 1 bag of cookies and layer bananas on top.
In a bowl, combine the milk and pudding mix and blend well using a handheld electric mixer. Using another bowl, combine the cream cheese and condensed milk together and mix until smooth. Fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. Add the cream cheese mixture to the pudding mixture and stir until well blended. Pour the mixture over the cookies and bananas and cover with the remaining cookies. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Our good friends and neighbors the Jones' came over, then the men took all the kids plus some extra neighbor kids behind our neighborhood for a bike ride, and I used that time to call my weight watcher friends and grip about the 7 lbs I have gained eating the pudding. I have to get back on this program folks, or else...pray people!

So, the party is over, spring break is a wrap and it is back to normal. The homework alone this afternoon should send me right back to the pudding!

Grace and Peace!
Dana

Spanx part deux

2008-03-14T12:19:00.002-05:00

I am in Vegas now relaxing in my hotel and hubby is facing yet another morning at the convention. We are having a good time, saw" MAMA MIA!" last night (sat on the FRONT ROW! very cool) and have eaten a lot of great food. I don't care too much for the casinos though, depressing if you ask me! We also witnessed a prostitute getting a date last night. I could have wept right there, but I was too mad. Oh Lord Jesus...

This post was supposed to be about spanx...sorry I digress...

Girls! Go get you some! I was afraid that I would be uncomfortable (I wasn't) or that it would show (it didn't). It is THE confidence builder for us more curvy types. Especially if you have had more than 2 kids! (I have 4).

And the best thing about it....my husband couldn't take his eyes off of me!

Run! Run now and get you some!

More Vegas stories to follow.....

SPANX

2008-03-11T07:53:00.002-05:00

I am getting ready for a trip with my hubby to Las Vegas and I went shopping to get a few new things at Macy's. (Gift card had to be used!) I have never seen so many polka dots in my life.

I was having a hard time finding things that would look good on a 40 something and I kept hoping that Tim Gunn would jump out and say "STOP! No, no, no, my gag reflex is kicking in." He didn't show. But I finally found a few things and then I was off to find the dreaded "shapewear".

I have never worn shapewear but have evidently always needed it because when I tried it on I think I went down 1 size...I mean I looked great in my jeans.

But let me go back to the part about trying it on.

The sales lady directed me to the best ones and they have this rubber ribbing stuff on the edge to keep them in place so they don't ride up...

OK.

So as I am pulling them up, the said rubber ribbing stuck to my thighs and just about pulled off my skin.

This can't be good.

After I wiped my tears, I figured out that you should fold over the rubber ribbing before pulling up the shapewear so as not to remove large portions of your skin.

There should be directions on those things.

Anyway, I had a thought, how am I going to get dressed in the shapewear without my husband being the wiser. I want him to think I look this great all the time, or that the lighting in LV is fabulous or something.

Putting on shapewear in not pretty people, but the result is worth it.

I guess I will have to lock myself in the bath room and stick a sock in my mouth so he can't hear my groans!

Wish me luck!

Western Day

2008-02-29T09:36:00.002-06:00

So Ethan wakes up to remind me that it is Western Day at school. He is all boy and all 8 and likes things to be in order, so he reminds me constantly about everything. He then proceeds to tell me that he will be wearing his basketball clothes to western day.

YEE HAW.

Not a problem.

Except that his Grandfather owns a boot company and made Ethan a pair of boots to wear to Western Day AND he loves to see pictures of his grandchildren in their boots on Western Day! So, the battle begins...

I don't usually fight him too much about clothing, (except when he doesn't want to wear a coat when it is 30 degrees) but come on! He has a great pearl snap shirt, boots and jeans! What's the problem? He is so afraid that someone will make fun of him in his great ostrich boots. I tell you what, this is too much. A second grader not wanting to wear great boots on western day. All because some kid probably told him that boots aren't cool.

Hello, we live in Texas!

So I did what any self-respecting Mom would do and I used the Grandfather card and got him to wear his boots. We rode to school on our horse (kidding) and I wore my boots too and so did Hubby. We looked fabulous and very Texas and our pictures look great.
We two-stepped with our son and watched him do some kind-of westerny dances to some corny western songs.

Ethan had fun, and there were no tears over boots.

He changed into his tennis shoes after the dance.

Sigh.

Taco Stand

2008-02-28T21:13:00.000-06:00

Can I tell you how much I love to cook? Now, there was a time in my 30's that I couldn't stand to cook. But now, I love going to HEB (here everything's better) and finding all the cool food there is in the world and then cookin' it up for the fam. They do enjoy/appreciate it which makes it oh so much easier for me. Anyway, I had the fabulous idea to whip up some food for Brendan to take to Austin. He is playing a show this weekend with his band Zap Em Dead Bartholomew...(don't ask)... and they don't eat well when they are together. I was feeling for them, so I started to cook. 40 breakfast tacos later, I packed everything up and sent it with him. Boy, did they enjoy it! But, my other kids looked at me like sad, starving children because I didn't make enough for them. So its back to the kitchen folks, more breakfast tacos...I think I'll open a taco stand in my driveway. :)

Hamburger Meat

2008-02-25T07:50:00.000-06:00

Hamburger Meat? Meaning...how I feel after a weekend youth retreat! Boy, we had fun! But, I feel very 40 after one because of lack of sleep and eating like a 15 year old. I ate so many jelly beans that my tummy feels like a "Jelly belly!" I drank so much coffee that my skin smells like columbian supremo. Not attractive! This was my first retreat with this group of girls. They are the new freshmen and they are great! Very eager to listen, learn, and they get along pretty well. Amazing! Now, there are problems of course but that comes with the package. We did a study on knowing without a doubt, the fact that Jesus died, was buried, and rose again. We ended on Sunday at an actual court room with real lawyers and a judge. Scary, exciting and really cool. The students were called to defend the Christian faith, and they did great. One of my girls was called and she really worked it! Go Sarah! Her parents have done an excellent job with her, teaching her God's word and God has given her a gift of speaking. What a combo. Can't wait to see what God will do with this group and what he will teach me through it all. I got a text from one of my girls that just graduated last year. I had her for all 4 years of high school and she said "have fun this weekend with your new girls!" So sweet, but she about killed me with that one. I miss those girls so much but it is time to move on with another group. Wish me a nap today, I need it!

Long time no blog!

2007-10-09T21:08:00.000-05:00

Wow, I kind of forgot about this blogging thing....it seems weird to pick it back up at this point but oh well, here goes! A lot has happened since my last post, took a child to college, miss child at college, got other kids started at school, miss kids while they are at school...you get the picture. I am slowly adjusting to life with 3 kids under our roof instead of 4. It is a process is all I can say. A very SLOW process. Remember the ripping? Well, it is not quite so bloody, and I would say that it feels like a slow tear. But I am adjusting.
I have started doing Moms In Touch this year and I absolutely love it. I thought I would just do one group, but I have ended up doing 3. It is very time consuming but I feel such peace whenever I leave. I love praying with other Moms for our children and leaving our concerns at the foot of the cross. I have already seen so many answers to prayer and my faith has grown by leaps and bounds. There are times that I feel like the women at the Moms in Touch group are holding me together and I don't even know them that well. It is so nice to know other women who have gone before me with problems that I now face. I am also doing a Beth Moore study at my church on the Fruit of the Spirit. I did it back in 2003 when Beth was taping but it is so nice to do it again. I especially love my small group, I have several of my buddies with me and I am enjoying getting to know the other ladies as well. Well, that's all for now, hopefully I can start blogging again!

Grace,
Dana

SSSSHHHHHH, SPLAT!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-08-09T10:14:00.001-05:00

So, I went to the Astros game with our youth group last night and I was so excited because I haven't been able to do much this summer with them. I miss them all so much! Anyway, so we get to the game and we are all talking and having fun, Lindsee is sitting next to me and we are having a great time.....Enter cranky man in front of me. "Excuse me, are you with this group? Yes. Well, I am TRYING TO HEAR THE GAME, could you all be quiet, PLEASE?" (not said in a nice way....) WOW. We are at a baseball game. An outdoor sporting event. A baseball game. After I picked my teeth up, Lindsee and I couldn't stop laughing and shushing each other and everyone else around us. Let's just say, we have some awesome shushing pictures on her camera....please see her blog for those! I mean really, ITS A BASEBALL GAME!!!! Some people just aren't ever going to be happy with anyone or anything. We had fun anyway...Then on the way home, Kevin and a bunch of girls rode back with me and we were singing along to the Jackson 5...flashback! This 18 wheeler rode up next to us and Kevin was jammin and waved to him. I changed lanes to give him some room, then he joins us again. Kevin throws him the deuce and then HE SPITS A LOOGIE ON MY WINDSHIELD!!! At this point I am laughing so hard that I can't see and Kev needs oxygen! Do I have a target on my back or what. We get back to the church and I am telling everyone about our spit adventure and then David Martin says "you know, your kind of pissing me off just standing there doing nothing..." I think I peed my pants laughing...Life if NEVER BORING! Oh and can ya'll please keep it down out there, I am trying to write a blog here!!!!!

Laughing Out loud,
Dana

Anniversaries, and Air Conditioners....

2007-07-30T10:12:00.000-05:00

So Bryant and I went to see Hairspray last night and it was such a cute movie....very light, very summer. It is so nice to go out with my husband of almost 22 years. (Yes, I got married when I was 8!) We will celebrate 22 on August 10th. Wow! It kind of freaks me out a little to think that I met my mate when I was 18 during my first semester at SFA. Did I mention that Brendan is going to SFA? Did I mention that he turns 18 tomorrow? Kinda freaky if you think about it. We thought we were old enough, mature enough, ready enough to get married. I look back now and know that it was the GRACE OF GOD that got us through. It really is amazing that we made it through with out killing each other. I am so blessed to have him. Anyway, on another note, we have been having an air conditioner/birthday extravaganza over here. We keep having problems with our air and Lindsee can testify that it has been interesting. We were hanging out one Sunday night because the before mentioned hubby was out of town when I started hearing a drip, drip, drip, hitting leather! Now, our couch is pretty new, so when you hear the drip on leather it sends you in to a panic! My words were "SAVE THE COUCH! Don't worry about the ceiling, SAVE THE COUCH! I was so glad that Lindsee was here to hold the flash light and make sure I didn't fall through the ceiling and it turned out that I had to turn off the unit and spend the night and the next day in a hot house waiting for the air guy. But, he ended up not charging us (nice man, thanks God) because he had been out so many times this year. I think we have reached some kind of quota....
We have been celebrating our July bdays this month...Ethan on the 20th, Megan on the 28th and Brendan on the 31st. Ethan had a moving watching party, Megan had a scrapboooking sleepover and Brendan doesn't want a party. I am trying to change his mind and have some friends over. I am a glutton for punishment. Yes, I know what you are thinking.....WEIRD! Three of the four within the span of a few days. (Collin is in May) We didn't plan it that way, but God did. It feels like Christmas with all the presents and planning, stressful but fun. My kids are so awesome, and I am so glad that God made them. My prayer today is to enjoy them and the time I have with them. To enjoy every crazy, mixed up, stressful, with out air conditioning day with my family. I love them all so much....

Grace,
Dana

Summer

2007-07-12T08:48:00.000-05:00

So, I have been reading a lot this summer and just finished "Quaker Summer" by Lisa Samson, for all of you readers out there. It was such a great book to get you thinking about life, yet lite enough for a summer read. It is about a 40ish Mom going a little crazy and God calling her to a ministry in the urban part of her town. Very interesting......I am praying now that God would shake up my life a little as well. I know that He wants me in Youth Ministry, but I am open to whatever He has. We will see. On another note, I need help with my JH daughter and her friendships. She is having some trouble and I am having a difficult time knowing how involved to get. She wants me to talk to the Moms sometimes, which is hard, but I don't know if that is the right thing to do. Right now, I am encouraging her to work things out on her own. So hard to watch her go through this. She is a gentle soul and takes things much harder than I do. I am more of a boy mom..."suck it up and get on with it"...so God is teaching me to be more sensitive and thoughtful with her. Just praying my way through this one. We are trying to plan a trip to Santa Fe for August with the family....needs to be economical and that is hard to do! I love NM and haven't been there is years, hope it works out. That is about all that is going on...
Grace and Peace,
Dana

New York , New York

2007-06-21T10:29:00.000-05:00

Well, I have officially experienced my first visit to NY. Did you notice that I said my first visit? That's because I definatly am going back! What a whirlwind of a trip. I have never experienced anything like it. London and LA have such a different feel to it. Anyway, Bryant, Brendan and I packed in as much as we could in 3 1/2 days. We saw the Empire State Bldg, Rockefeller Center, Statue of Liberty, NBC tour, many museums, STOMP, concert, ate good food, shopped and walked through Central park to name just a few things. We also had a incredible opportunity to visit Carnegie Hall and see Brendan be recognized for his Scholastic Art Award. It was a very emotional night for me! When we were walking around, it was so interesting to people watch and wonder what their lives are like. I kept wondering how they could afford to live in such an expensive place! We ran into some very interesting types around town and we found that New Yorkers weren't rude, they were actually quite helpful. We also witnessed some very needy people who were strung out and sleeping on the streets. I felt so helpless to do anything for them. So I did the most powerful thing and prayed for God to save them. We pointed them out to Brendan and told him that no matter what, to always come home. No matter what he gets himself in to in his life, no matter how bad it is, always come home. We made some great memories with Brendan and I know that we will try to do the same thing with all of our kids. I am very thankful for the time we had with him. Megan and Ethan had a great time with the grandparents while we were gone and Collin had an awesome time in Florida. I know that God had me where I needed to be but I sure missed my time with my girls at the beach. It sounded like an incredible trip and I am so thankful that it was. I am very interested to see what God does with the youth group this summer and how He will change things this next year. He is at work all around us, and I am trying to be more aware of what He is doing, the little things and the big. Being aware....not just coasting or blindly living on auto pilot. Being fully aware and awake. That's all for now....

Whew!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-06-04T09:16:00.000-05:00

Well...graduation is done! We made it through the whole process without too much stress and I can say that I was one pretty proud Mama! I didn't cry until they presented the graduates and I can tell you this much, my heart swelled with love for my son. I can't wait to see what the future holds for him and for my other children as well. Speaking of other children...my 242 girls have also graduated and I am so proud of them. They are the most incredible, Godly women and I can't wait to see what God does with their lives. I was so sad on Sunday, walking in to the gym and not seeing them there. I had to watch them walk upstairs to the college group, praying and hoping that they weren't too sad. Then it was time to dive in and meet the new Freshmen! There are 15 girls and I am getting excited about the possibility of starting a new group with them. It will be so hard to start over, but I have to remember how hard my girls were when they were Freshmen. They would look at me like I was a giant pickle and be down right rude! But I knew that God wanted me there with them so I just kept taking the hits and soon they warmed up to me and realized that I was interested in them. God is starting a new work...time for new beginnings, new relationships, new 242 groups. Newness...it is all around.

The Ripping

2007-05-07T09:49:00.000-05:00

Me and my friend who also has a senior this year are calling this year "the ripping". Now, if you have a senior or have had one you know what I am talking about. As a Mom, when you are going through the process of letting one of your children go it feels like someone is ripping your heart out of your chest, or ripping your arm off, or the like. I am not necessarily a dramatic person(quit laughing) so when I say it feels like ripping, it really does. I don't think I have cried this much in years! Now, believe me, there are days, weeks even, when I am REALLY READY for Brendan to go to college, but for the most part I am going to miss him. I will miss his wicked humor, his crazy hair, his gentleness, his eye rolling(did I say that?), his artist eye, his place beside me at the dinner table and so much more. Our family will be changed forever. I know this is necessary and I welcome change but change can be painful in its goodness. I am torn in two between holding on and letting go. God will have to continue to help me open my hand all the way and let him fly. And fly he will. I can't wait to see what God will do with my son. Let the ripping continue....

Shoes

2007-04-23T08:06:00.000-05:00

So, I went shopping with a friend last week...specifically shoe shopping. Now this friend is not really a shopping girl, which is not necessarily a bad thing. She knows that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE shoes, so she decided to ask me to help her. The thing is, she is really pickey about clothes and such, so shopping can be frustrating with her! But we must be victorious! So in we go to the Ross shoe department. Now, you know how it is at Ross , not organized! Did I mention that my friend is VERY organized? So needless to say after about 30 minutes, she still hasn't tried anything on. Me, I have talked myself out of 20 pairs because I really don't need anymore shoes. So, I go and find her in the tiny shoe section (my friend, of course, is blond and petite, sigh) and show her about 5 pairs that would look fabulous on her! She gives me the "are you sure?" "I don't have anything to wear with bronze, Dana", are these too tall"!!!!! I am getting frustrated and then this other lady hears us yappin and comes up to us and says "Are you guys sisters?" We both laugh and say no, we just fight like it! I am so blessed to have a great friend to shop with, to pray with and to get frustrated at because we are so different. But, we love the same God and that is the bomb. God gave me a friend to sharpen me and God gave me to her to loosen her up and of course, to help her buy shoes.

For the love of shoes,
Dana

God Using you

2007-04-16T14:20:00.000-05:00

Ok, so it is Monday, otherwise known as hit the floor running day. It is the day for laundry, groceries, working out, trying to find the floor, you name it! All you Moms out there, you know what I am talking about! Anyway, in my time with God this morning, I asked Him to use me today because frankly, sometimes I feel a little useless. So, I went to the Y and saw Joanna then to the grocery. I was thinking, I really need to get home quickly and get STUFF done then I run into a friend and she is really a wreck about her teenager. She doesn't have anyone to talk to and so....God decided to use me in her life. Believe me, I was praying as I was talking because you know I do not have this teen thing wrapped up. But it was a huge encouragement to me. Then, as I was looking at milk, a lady came up behind me and said "Hey, don't you do Weight Watchers?". Ok, at this point, I am thinking this is really weird. Do I have a WW tatooed somewhere? But again, I thought ok God, here we go! Then I proceed to give this lady from my WW group a tour of the store to find all of the WW products! I know, your thinking, how shallow, helping someone with groceries, but hey, that is where God has me right now. At the grocery store, serving Him. To Him be the glory.

Grace and Peace,
Dana

Where do we begin.....

2007-04-11T11:00:00.000-05:00

Well, here I am in blog land! My YOUNG friend Lindsee turned me on to this and I thought it might be fun to do.....don't know if I will be able to keep this up, but it is interesting to read about other peoples lives. Just don't want it to become a time warp....that tends to happen to me. Anyway, I will get more creative with it later!
Grace,
Dana