After Ike

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!

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

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!

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

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

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......

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