Yes! Mom plays FOOTBALL!!!

It's a great cardio workout! And I get to wear my jersey! And hug all over my OSU son!

I think there would be a penalty for this! YELLOW FLAG! YELLOW FLAG! He's trying to rip my shirt off...that's not allowed in Football!

I wasn't ready yet!!!! (words you should always hear in football)

I think he's saying "Stand Back...SHE'S MINE!"

It's all fun til MOM gets hurt! But I kept going!!!

Well, and then this happened!

I caught the ball LOTS of times! Shocker huh??

Seems to be distractions coming from the cheerleader!

I can dance too!!! ;o)

Okay...the serious throw combined with the Look Of Death!

And there you have it, MOM plays football.....and now walks with a limp!!! ;o)

Election Day! (Updated)

Today is election day for the Student Council and Red Cross at Key Elementary.
Emilie is one of very few 3rd graders running for office. She is running for Red Cross Treasurer.
Normally they don't run until the fourth and fifth grade. But she was determined.
We signed all the proper paperwork last week, got campaign posters made for the school, and well, the rest is up to her.
This morning I was not able to be present for her campaign speech in front of the school but Chad said she did very well and was not nervous at all.
We won't find out the winner until 2:30 today....so stay tuned!
I asked her this morning as I was fixing her hair:
"What will you do if you don't win" and she says
"I will be happy with the person that does win....and offer to be their assistant!"

Wow! Wonder who she gets THAT from! ;o)

She's always willing to pose!!!

Okay....Now she is all business!!!

I love at this age, kids are NOT afraid to get in front of an audience and speak on a mic!


Whew!!! That's over....now what do I do with this speech???


Emilie Won!!! She is now the Red Cross Treasurer! They were so proud of her since she is so young! Now...she says..."I get to play with the money" YEAH GIRL!!!!

Captivating

Last Sunday night I joined an amazing group of ladies in the study of the book Captivating by Jon and Stasi Eldredge. It is Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul.
I have to admit, I was a little intimidated to go to the group at first but didn't want to appear that way. I haven't been involved in a small group in a long time so I didn't know what to expect. And besides, they had already met once before so they were acquainted and already a step ahead of me.

When we arrived, I was introduced to two ladies I didn't know and we dove right into the study. It was one of the best talks I have had in a long time. I was open, I was honest, I was able to spill my heart to 5 people that I didn't know very well.
There is a God thing about that!!! I had an assignment from my doctor that I had yet to complete. I needed to talk to 5 people. It's funny how things work out at times. It was all difficult....but comforting at the same time. I'm glad I was there.

So onto the book! Chapter 1 is really just getting into the heart of a woman. Here are some things that stood out to me:

I am not enough, and I'm too much at the same time.
Not pretty enough, not thin enough, not kind enough, not gracious enough, not disciplined enough, too emotional, too needy, too sensitive, too strong, too opinionated, too messy. The result is Shame, the universal companion of women. It haunts us, nipping at our heels , feeding on our deepest fear that we will end up abandoned and alone! (REALLY??? Wow...I've said that a few hundred times)

We long to be the BEAUTY of some great story!
When we are young, we want to be precious to someone- especially Daddy.
"No boy will love you if you're fat" her father told her! (wow!)

We've missed the point! Prov 4:23
Our heart is who we are and the most important thing about us.
Most of our addictions as women flare up when we feel that we ARE NOT LOVED OR SOUGHT AFTER!!!
We want to believe there is something in us that is needed and needed desperately.
Passionate and powerful women are beautiful.
We were made to be a part of a great adventure. One that is shared!
Our lives were meant to be lived with others.
We long to be an irreplaceable part of a shared adventure.
We desire to be captivating in the depths of who we are!

A woman years to be seen, and to be thought of as captivating. We desire to possess a beauty that is worth pursing, worth fighting for, a beauty that is core to who we truly are. We want beauty that can be seen; beauty that can be felt; beauty that affects others; a beauty all our own to unveil.

A woman in the presence of a good man, a real man, loves being a woman. A man in the presence of a real woman loves being a man.

Most women end up living two lives. On the surface we are busy and efficient, professional, even. On the inside women lose themselves in a fantasy world or in cheap novels, or we give ourselves over to food or some other addiction to numb the ache of our hearts. But our heart is still there, crying out to be set free, to find the life our desires tell us of.

God made me to be Glorious, powerful, and captivating!

Inner struggles

Do you ever wonder why you struggle with yourself on the inside? Not with just the way we look, but the way we act as well.

I was listening to a song in the car today and it was a very unique version of the song "Oh Lord, You're Beautiful"

Singing through the chorus a couple of times, it's finally hit me. How many times in my life do I stop and look in the mirror and don't like what I see? How many times have I been unhappy with my actions? Lots!

Isn't the truth that we really want to look like Jesus? Don't we want others to see Him through us? If I am so worried about me, and how I dress, or how I look, or how much weight I've either lost or gained, or how I act, etc. that others may not see the real true beauty of God in me. If I can possess the following....then my struggles may seem to disappear.

2 Peter 1:5-7 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Father I pray today that you let others see you in me. Both on the inside and outside. Father help me to look like you! Help me to have faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perserverance, godliness, kindness, and love. I believe I possess those things, but I am not great at them. I fall and stumble many times.
I desire for others to see you in me and am working hard toward the goal.
Help me to communicate your word and your desires to everyone I meet. Please Father, let someone see just how beautiful you are....just be seeing you in me.

Amen

Memory Lane

Let's just take a walk down the lane!
Over the years I had many musical capablilities. This was in the 8th grade at our winger concert.

Ah!!! 1982 Tulsa State Fair. That year I rode "Pride" in both English and Western competitions. I can tell you that just by the clothing alone, I loved the Western division the most. But did well in both.


Oh my....here are some senior pics! Now I would like you to know 2 things here:
#1.....I made that outfit all by myself.
#2.....The shirt....IS ORANGE!
Don't forget...my senior year, I had planned to go to OSU and major in Secondary Education. (Wow....my world changed)


Graduation! I had mono on this day and was having trouble even walking let alone standing and smiling for a picture.

Got Hair?

So for those of you who were TRYING to beat me with the biggest hair of the 90's....this will just let you know to quit trying! I win!




Also, here is me acting totally foolish while getting ready to show "Pride". I can't remember how old I am in this pic....but it was fun!

Scanner

I got a new printer and scanner and finally hooked it up this morning.

Couple of fun pics I found:

This is my all time favorite baby pic. My grandmother gave it to me just before she passed away.



This is me and my brother. This was my senior banquet that he escorted me to. He's such a cool guy.


More to come later

Another Angel....

Have you ever cried so much that you can't breathe?
Have you ever cried so much that your eyes burn and you can't open them?
Have you ever cried so much that you didn't think you had tears left?

That was me today as I watched another angel go into the kingdom.

Conrad Heflin with to be with the Lord this afternoon at 3:50pm. "Bish" is we loved to call him.

I came to know Bish when I was at the young age of 5 when his son, Zane, and I started Kindergarten together over 30 years ago. Since then, Zane and I have spent a lifetime of building memories together. Growing up, graduating high school together, getting married, having babies, and that's just the short list. There is not a time I can ever remember in 30 years of having an argument, getting mad at each other, or not speaking to each other. We've always maintained a great friendship together and today is no exception. I'm not sure Bish always agreed with everything I said....or yet....what I did at a young age, but he was always supportive. He was one of those intimidating dad's that scared you away, but you grew to love him and he grew to love you just the same.
I remember last Monday night, Bish and I sat at Football practice. I watching Lukus, and he watching Dawson (Zane's son). Bish sure loved the game and it made him smile to not only see Zane go through life playing, but now watching his grandson do the same. We sat and chatted about anything and everything and to hear his laugh again right now......well....I would give anything.

But I know that he is with the Lord and they are laughing and smiling together. They are looking down and waiting for that next game to cheer on.

I will miss Bish...his laughs...his hugs....his love. He loved so many...and he was loved by all.

I think I found it

So many times I try to think of my all time favorite worship song. That is so difficult to do. I like so many! And at different times, there are favorites for different situations or different reasons.

But there is one. One that stands out to me more than any other song. One that I don't ever get sick of singing and says everything that I ever need to say in any situation.

Shout to the Lord

This is one of those songs that I can absolutely just get lost in. I have been known to miss my turn in the car because of this song. Or just totally forget where I am going.

I would have to say my most favorite version of this song is from Darlene Zschech. I could say....when I grow up...I want to be just like her! ;o)
I can't believe it's been out since 1997 and it's still going strong.
So here ya go! Darlene singing the song she wrote that has swept the hearts of the nation in so many ways.
And you can just imagine me....in the car...rockin out to this song.

Football has begun!

Lukus will play in his first game next week. I beleive he is a receiver on the defense. These are some pictures from the past 2 weeks of practice. As this season goes on, I'm sure I'll have more. I am so very proud of him.

A celebration worth sharing!!

Today I turned 35 years old. Yep years old. But I don't feel it. It was just another day to me. Sure, I was pampered part of the day and people treat you differently, but all in all....the day was just amazing!!!

We started today with a football scrimmage that began at 8:00 this morning in Coweta. However, we had to be there by 7:15 for the weigh in. Who ever knew we would be there for 4 hours! But it was EXTREMELY FUN!!! Lukus is just beginning football for the first time and I am so proud of him. He's not getting many opportunities to play yet, but it's because he is so new. The other boys have been playing for 3-4 years before him. I love it because he has such a great attitude about it. He's just enjoying being part of the team...and that makes me even more proud he is my son!

Soon after that, Emilie and I went to Jessica's salon where we got 14 inches of hair cut. Yep, I cut 7 and she cut 7! I will say that I was very nervous about this entire ordeal...but we both needed something different. Emilie looks absolutely adorable. My hair, well, you'll just have to see it! It's different...and short!

Tonight we spent our entire evening with our good friends Shane and Alice. I have to say that this is the best time I have had in a long time. Just enjoying the company of some great friends. Even though we talk all the time, it's different when we have a chance to just sit down and laugh and have fun together. We had some great bar-b-cue dinner and then played Pac-Man. I have to go on the record saying....I set the FIRST high score of the night. Although, I have to give props to Shane as he continues to hold the high score record. (I'm ready for a re-match)
I was introduced to Monty Python tonight. Let's just say...I left very well educated in my history....as well as my language skills! ;o) Now I want to see the entire series of these movies!

***And for the record....I PLAYED WITH ZORRO!!!! ;O)

Tonight was great! I wouldn't trade it for anything. Thanks to some great friends who really know how kick back and relax and have an awesome time

Mark 9:24

No matter what translation you use....they all apply:

NIV = "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"
THE MESSAGE = "Then I believe. Help me with my doubts!"
AMPLIFIED BIBLE = "Lord, I believe! [Constantly] help my [c]weakness of faith!"
KJV = "Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief."
CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH = "I do have faith! Please help me to have even more."

And there are many more translations that all pretty much say the same thing.

I have struggled with this verse for quite sometime. I've always looked at it like "I" am not the one that does not have faith or yet, "I" am not the one that does not believe. Until recently. Thanks to a great friend...I now GET IT!!!

Last week our house was broken into while we were at church camp. I wasn't going to blog about it, but something is calling me to.
The damage to the house itself was not as bad as I had originally thought when I first received the phone call. Yes, things were stolen and even today, I have found more things missing. I'm sure that will go on for a while. Are they of any financial value?? Yes, some. But that doesn't matter to me. What matters most is that we were not home and we are all safe. Do we feel safe??? Not at all. Do we sleep??? Not really.

I've had many friends and loved ones that have graciously called to check on us nearly everyday and at night as well. My phone has not stopped ringing. Some have even come over to keep me company when Chad is not here or stayed on the phone with me as I was frightened until he got home. We've had some great times and some good laughs. With that comfort, comes peace. Just to hear another person's voice on the end of the phone when you are scared is very comforting.

Many questions have been asked and the most common one is:
Are you scared? Well....the answer to that is YES!!!

But I find some things very interesting. Yesterday and today friends said to me "Do you think that God is trying to test your patience?"
Both times...I had to laugh!
The answer to that is NO!!!! I do not think that at all.

I think a couple of things.
#1) I think that God is trying to strengthen my Faith in Him.
I feel I am a person that has a lot of faith....in certain areas. My safety has NEVER been one of them. My entire life I have been put into unsafe situations which have caused me to doubt and live in fear. But through all of that, I have become a stronger woman.

#2) I think that God is trying to strengthen my patience.
I know that at times I can be a very impatient person. Sometimes to a fault.
Through all of our trials over the past 14 years in our marriage, I feel that both Chad and I have grown tremendously in the area of patience. Even through all the struggles I have been through as a child and growing up it seems that I have NOT been tested, but strengthened.

But I DO have times of doubt, and unblief. I think that is why I am so scared to be at home. I do believe without a shadow of a doubt that God is going to protect us and keep us safe. However, the human side of me fears that either these men will come back or this will happen again. I live in fear.

So pray...that God does rescue me. Rescue me from my unbelieveing ways! Help me to overcome my fear and totally lean and trust in Him.

I like the contemporary version that says "I do have faith. Help me to have more"

I know God knows my inner struggles and He is ready for me to call upon Him so that I can truly understand that all things are possible!

Could use a prayer Thursday!

Probably could use a prayer everyday I guess. ;o)

My schedule today looks so hectic and that creates added pressure on top of everything else. But with God...all things are possible!

Ian has his 7th grade orientation early this morning. That always creates some anxiety for him as he doesn't know what to expect. It's hard as a parent to prepare his mind when I don't know what to expect. But I pray that God will give him peace and comfort so he feels at ease about the situation.

Ian is fasting last night and this morning. He has to go and have some blood work done as well as some x-rays this morning. The doctor is concerned that Ian has stopped growing at a normal rate. Today we see the specialist who will help us determine if he has indeed stopped. I personally don't think he has, but when I look at the facts on his chart, those are more convincing. Ian has high anxiety toward needles and especially seeing his own blood. It's been a few years since we've had to go through this and I know he is already dreading this morning. I pray that God take away his anxiety! (because he can't even take his medication this morning!!!)

By 1:00 we have the contractor coming over to give us a whole host of estimates on things that need to be fixed around the house before we put it up for sale. I am eager to get the work finished so we can move out and move on. Going through the house the past few days I have been able to throw away 9 bags of items not needed and put together 6 huge bags of clothing for the Goodwill. I'm on a mission!

Tonight Lukus has his last football practice before his first pre-season scrimmage against Union on Saturday. I'm so excited for him. He is doing very well for his first week. Looks like on Saturday he will be playing "corner back". His job is to be quick and to cover the wide receiver on the offense. His big job is to tackle runners and intercept passes which he is VERY good at!!! Last night he kept his eye on the ball and I was shocked when I saw him take down the running back. I've decided that Lukus may have some frustration that he is taking out at football practice! This boy is NOT afraid of getting hurt....nor is he afraid of hurting anyone else. I watch with disbelief.

I've been very excited to go to practice as Zane signed up his son Dawson to play for the Raiders as well. Just on a younger team. It's fun to watch him coach his son through this. It reminds me of when we were growing up. And we get to spend more time hanging out together and having some great laughs.
So all in all....I've really been enjoying football practice. I've found 3 moms that I already know on the team and that too has made it so much fun.

So, my day is planned and guess I better go watch the sunrise so I can move on with my day. That's always the favorite part of my day.

Mission POSSIBLE videos!

If you haven't seen them...these are the two my kids are in!

Can't believe my son was allowed to wear an OSU shirt during the making of this video!!!!

Monday Stuff

Lukus was to start Football practice today. The coach cancelled practice due to the extreme heat. Happy parents!!! Sad little players!

Today we got some school shopping out of the way. Still happy Ian wears uniforms. That is such a blessing.

I miss cooking from scratch. I've gotten use to the freezer section at the store since I've been in school. Can I say that's been 3 years!!! I am ready to get back to making a huge mess in the kitchen and everyone loving my food. Quick and easy is not always best. Today I made a cake. That makes me happy.

Chad's doctor appointment went very well. Has two spots on his back they are still watching for growth but overall, he is cancer free!!!! YAY!!!

My doctor's appointment was just okay.

Got all the laundry caught up today and put away. Started a plan for packing things away and getting the house ready to sell.

Talked to an old friend today and going to visit him in a couple of weeks. VERY EXCITED!!! ;o) (he's not old....and actually...I'm older...I think...but we're old friends)

Got my schedule set for the month of August and part of September now. It's okay. Not ideal....but I have to think financially at this point.

Spent a little bit of time today going around to some computer shops and pawn shops. Today was my last day to do that. I will not look any further at this this point. What's gone is gone....and we must move on.

Even with all of this, I still managed to squeeze in a nap!!! ;o)

Random

I love being random! Espceially with my friends. That is where I get some of my biggest laughs!

Since we got back from camp on Friday...I have had very little sleep!!! I have worked too many hours in the past 48 hours and well...I'm tired.

Lukus starts football tomorrow. He is a South Tulsa Raider (Silver) His jersey number is #13. Look for updates on this. It's supposedto be 105 degrees.

Chad goes back to see his doctor tomorrow for a complete body scan. I will not be going with him as I go to visit my doctor again regarding my eating disorder. We'll see if either of us are making headway.

We're school shopping tomorrow. I love that Ian gets to wear uniforms. It makes shopping so much easier.

Today I loved seeing the kids from camp at church. I had one girl come and ask me if I could do her hair every week before church. I laughed.

I received a DVD today from Jack that made me cry!

I can't wait for WEDNESDAY!!!! I go to my first orientation for the RT program. My work has been very supportive in this switch and they have really given me may tips to be successful. I am excited that my friend Casey got in with me too. Only 25 accepted .....and I am one of them!!!

So that's my randomness. Have you had a random week?

We're Back!!!

We returned from camp today and had such a great time. Every year the camp gets better and better. This was the highlight of my week. Looking into the eyes of all those beautuiful campers and seeing their love for the Lord....well...it just doesn't get any better than that!

So many great things happnened that I can't possibly capture it all into words tonight. I am so tired!

For now....I will just leave you with this....Go up to a camper and say: "With God" and they will answer you....ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!