God's Promises Kept

Questions....

2010-09-19T21:39:00.002-05:00

Tonight Holden called me into his bedroom to ask me some questions.
Questions that a boy at school was asking him.

"If God is all powerful, why doesn't he just destroy Satan now?"

"Why aren't dinosaurs mentioned in the Bible?"

"Will Jews go to Heaven?"

"What about people who have never heard of God?"

"Why did God create the universe?"

I asked him why his friend was asking him these questions. He said he had asked another friend if he knew Jesus. He was sharing the Truth!!! I so need to follow his example!!!

This Sweet Man

2010-08-13T16:57:00.006-05:00

Dear God,

As my summer vacation comes to an end, I am sitting here thinking about the wonderful life I am living. I look around at my house, my car, my clothes, my health, my family, my church family, my friends. You have truly blessed me! The grace and mercy you have given me blow me away!!!

Four years and two months ago, you introduced me to a sweet man. We met at Chili's for dinner. We are the perfect example of how first impressions are not always lasting impressions. I saw the big gap. He heard a lady who was too stern and set in her ways for his tastes. But, thank you Lord, for opening our hearts to giving it another try. I thank you for this man's strength to tell me a few months later that it wasn't working out. I thank you for working in my heart and teaching me that it was my job to rest in you and honor this man. Once I stepped back and allowed that to happen, the rest was history. You brought this man back to me and opened both of us up to love (after I watched all six of the Star Wars movies of course)!

Almost three and a half years ago, I married this sweet man. Lord, you created our marriage. Our marriage covenant has made us one. Is it perfect? Absolutely not. But we long to be grounded in your Word. We both have the same hopes and dreams for our family. So when a disagreement arises and my stubborness and pride get in the way, I know that my sweet husband will go to you in prayer and ask you to soften my heart. What a struggle I have sometimes, but thank you, LORD, for teaching me submission.

Submission is often perceived as a negative thing in the world. But your Word and my dear friends that have mentored me have taught me that submission is a gift!!! It is my release. The way that I can follow your command of not worrying. It is my job to submit to this man, and his job to submit to you! I lift my submission up to you Lord. I want to be his helper! I want to build him up for the world to see what an amazing man you have designed just for me!

Thank you for giving this man so many amazing qualities. The first of which is an unconditional and unwavering love for his son. His respect for his mother and grandmother showed me that he would treat a lady like a lady.

You also created in him a work ethic that surpasses many. As long as we have been together, this man has been respected at in the workplace. When he is at work, he focuses on the task and works inside and outside the box to make things happen to please the customer and his collegues. His ability to process and problem solve has always amazed me.

His communication skills are exceptional! The first time we ever spoke on the phone, I loved his voice. It was so warm and friendly. When he would answer the phone at work, I must admit, he sounded sexy. Even today, I love to listen to the messages he leaves on my voicemail. So tender and loving. Even in the midst of a storm, he is able to keep his cool and talk in a voice that is calm (unless of course I push him over the edge - which I have been known to do). Thank you, God, for forgiveness.

Thank you for the temperment you created in him. You created a man that is grounded and calm for a woman with an excitable and energetic personality. But you created us to balance each other.

We have so much fun together. Thank you for creating a man that can make me laugh. We love to sit on the couch together and watch our favorite television shows. Some so simple, but yet that time is special to both of us.

Thank you for creating my perfect opposite in so many ways. The introvert and the extrovert. The public speaker and the sit-in-the-back-of-the-room and not be noticed. The one who never met a stranger and the one who is content staying at home. But the most important thing that will never be an opposite for us is our love of you! We both love you! We both believe you! We both want to follow you! We both want to be like you! So all the opposites, they don't matter to me. They make me love him more.

Thank you, Lord for my sweet man, Jason Ray Ivy. You have made my cup overflow!

Love,
Raechelle

39th Birthday

2010-08-05T21:33:00.004-05:00

I look and feel better than I have in 38 previous years!!!
Had bloodwork done...my cholesterol is down to 162!!!!
Last year it was over 240!!!!
I am so much healthier!!!!

.

Say it Backwards

2010-07-12T00:21:00.002-05:00

Forgive me if this offends anyone...but this was so funny...I have to post it so I never forget!!!

Today I was standing at the computer doing the "potty dance". I said, "Oh Sh*#, I gotta poop."

Jason laughed and looked at Holden and said, "She could have said that backwards and it would mean the same thing!"

We were all cracking up....again I know it was probably totally wrong...but we laughed....

As Of May 31, 2010

2010-05-31T09:40:00.002-05:00

Last night I went to Target and bought shorts in a size 12!!!
You have no idea how that feels!!!
I am sure it has been more than 15 years since I have been a size 12!!

I currently weigh 168 pounds....down from 246 pounds....total loss of 78 pounds!!!

Waist 33 inches
Hips 44 inches
Upper thigh 23 inches
Chest 39 inches

New Weight & Measurements

2010-04-27T17:50:00.002-05:00

Ok...here are the newest Numbers....

172 pounds.....down 74 pounds

Waist 34 inches....down 10 inches
Hips 45 inches.....down 11 inches
Chest 40 inches....down 8 inches
Upper thigh 25 inches...down 6 inches

I am so proud!!!!
Wearing a large shirt
and 14/16 pants!!!

Update!!! April 20, 2010

2010-04-20T19:14:00.003-05:00

Last week I reached my 70 pound loss goal!

I now weigh 176 pounds! I do not have my measurements right now. I will add this later. But I am comfortably wearing a size 16. I even bought size 14 last week. I can button them and zip them, but they are a little tight, so I will wait a couple more week to actually wear them.

I feel fabulous! I love my new body!!! I love that Jason loves my body too!!!

I am so glad I made the decision to have the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass! Especially now that I can eat easier than 3 months ago. I can pretty much take a bite of anything without being sick.

The pictures here are from Greg and Alicia's wedding. Greg is Jason's brother. We had such a great time at their wedding! Jason and Holden got all dressed up in handsome suits! I got to wear my Marilyn Monroe dress. I felt like a princess! Jason bragged about me all night! And we make such a nice looking family! I am the luckiest person on earth!!! God is so good!!!

January 16, 2010--Update

2010-01-16T14:27:00.003-06:00

Current weight....198 pounds!!! That is a loss of 46 pounds...down from 244!!!

Waist currently 38 inches...(down 6 inches)
Hips currently 49 inches...(down 7 inches)
Upper Thigh 26 inches...(down 5 inches)
Unbelieveable!!!

Christmas 2009

2009-12-27T21:57:00.002-06:00

These are my favorites from this year!

Jason and me at the nursing home on Christmas Day

Holden, Trevor and Travis with Granny

Greg, Jason, and Angie with Granny

My parents bought Holden ornaments for our tree.

My parents bought Holden this roller coaster kit. Him and Jason put it together in 2 days! It is so awesome!

Update--December 15, 2009

2009-12-15T19:21:00.002-06:00

Today I am 209 pounds...total loss of 33 pounds!!!

Waist 40 inches (total loss of 4 inches)

Hips 51 inches (total loss of 5 inches)

Chest 43 inches (total loss of 5 inches)

Upper Thigh 27 inches (total loss of 4 inches)

I can't believe it!!!

I am now easily eating chicken, eggs, crackers and cheese.

I even ate one jelly bean yesterday. haha

New Car...New Body!

2009-11-24T20:45:00.003-06:00

Ok I am changing daily.

I am now at 220 pounds....total of 22 pounds lost.

My current measurements

Waist 40.5 inches (3.5 inches lost)

Hips 53 inches (3 inches lost)

Upper Thigh 28 inches (3 inches lost in EACH leg)

The last couple of weeks have been interesting.

I went back to work 2 weeks and 3 days after my surgery. And my students and teachers I work with were fabulous! By the end of each day, I was pretty sore, but I never didn't think I would make it through. That was pretty amazing to me that just 17 days after having my entire digestive system totally rerouted, I was back and work and feeling fairly normal! Modern medicine is unbelievable! Dr. Graham was so fabulous! Thank you, sir!

My weight loss has stalled out for the last almost 2 weeks. I have gained and lost the same 3-4 pounds every other day. This is normal. My body is catching up. My goal is to lost at least 10 more pounds before New Year's. Then by Valentine's Day I want to be under 200!!! I can do it!!!

Today was a pretty awesome day because I got a new car!!! I took Jason's Accord in to get routine work done and managed to work a deal to trade in my Civic for a 2010 CR-V!!! I have wanted a CR-V for years, and now I have one!! She is so pretty. She is a Tango Red, and I have decided to name her Candy. She is just so sweet looking!!!

I took her to return a video at Blockbuster. When I got home, I told Jason and Holden that a hot guy told me that I had a hot car and that I looked hot driving it. Neither of them believed me!!! What is that all about???

Post Surgery Update #1

2009-11-05T12:51:00.003-06:00

WOW what a whirlwind!!!! My surgery was 11 days ago. I can't even begin to explain all the emotions we have all been through. Excitement, fear, anxiety, exhaustion, laughter, frustration, gratefulness, confusion, and excitement again.

The morning of the surgery, I was very excited but so worried about my family. I didn't realize how scary it was for them. I felt very confident in my surgeon's skill and the outcome, but knowing they were so concerned made me want it to be over quickly.

The surgery did take 4 hours, and the doctor said I lost a lot of blood during the procedure. I had to be given blood which I did not expect. When I was taken into my hospital room, my first memory was being moved into the bed. OH MY GOODNESS!!! That was sooo painful!!! I remember saying, "Put it all back! I changed my mind!" But of course it was too late. My digestive system will never be the same again.

I spent 7 days and 6 nights in the hospital. This was a lot longer than anyone had expected also. I had problems with my blood counts and other levels. I just kept my morphine button close and tried to sleep as much as possible.

Jason spent the first couple of nights with me in the hospital. They are very serious about patients walking every 2-4 hours. Getting up was so painful! I thought my stomach was going to rip apart every time I tried to move. Once standing, it was just getting one foot in front of the other. The nurses cheered me on every time. After the first few days, Jason's back just couldn't handle sleeping on the fold out bed anymore, and Holden needed him at home.

The care I received in the hospital was great! But I must give extra thanks to Renee! Renee is the bariatric coordinator that is provided by the hospital. I met her in June when I started this process. She told me she would be there for me throughout the entire process. But that was an understatement! She stopped by the hospital every day I was there. She went above and beyond the second day I was in the hospital by coming back at 8:30 PM to give me a shower!!! This was just her servant heart showing!!! She should have been at home with her family at that late hour, but she put me first and spend time with me! I can't even begin to express my gratefulness to her! When she left, I felt almost normal again, even though I was still in major pain! Thank you Rene!

Seven days after my surgery, I finally got to come home!!! By that time, I was getting in and out of bed by myself. I have never had any problems drinking my fluids. Being home has been challenging, but has made me feel more independent.

Unfortunately the most comfortable place for me to sleep is in the guest room. I can prop up a whole bunch of pillows and sleep almost sitting up. The first night I was up every 90 minutes to go to the bathroom. I forgot to mention the most ironic part of the whole hospital experience. I gained 18 pounds while in the hospital!!! I weighed 232 the morning of the surgery and 250 when I got home!!! It was all the fluids and swelling. I lost 10 pounds in the first 24 hours. And yesterday, I reached my pre-surgery weight!

Today I know I have more fluids to lose, but I decided to do my measurements anyway.

Compared to where I was 4 weeks ago, I have lost a total of almost 9 inches!!!

Chest 46 inches -2

Waist 43 inches -1

Hips 54 inches -2

Upper Thigh 29 inches -2 (x2)

My weight is currently 230, but I don't want to use that as an official weight because I know there are still fluids and swelling to lose. But it still makes me so happy to know that all this pain is going to pay off!!!!

Tomorrow is the big day!!!!!

2009-10-25T22:55:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow is my surgery!
I have spend two weeks just drinking, and I am very proud of my results!
I am proud of my ability to stay with it. The first few days were very hard!
Now I really enjoy my shakes, and have gotten kinda creative.
I love it with one scoop of chocolate and one scoop of banana. YUM

I am supposed to be at the hospital at 11:15 tomorrow. The surgery is scheduled for 12:45.
I have lost 10 pounds in the last two weeks, so my liver shoul dbe nice and small for Dr. Graham.

Today Jason and I took Holden and Travis to see Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs. It was very good! But thought it ironic that I saw a movie about food the day before my gastric bypass! The bacon is what got me! hehe

I wondered whether I would be nervous, but so far not yet. I am more concerned about my healing and recovery. AND THE PAIN! haha But everything will go smoothly.

Seven Pounds Lighter

2009-10-18T09:06:00.002-05:00

Today is my 7th day on full liquids, and I have lost 7 pounds! At this rate, I should be about 15 pounds lighter on my surgery day. That will help my surgeon immensely!

It hasn't been easy, even for Jason and Holden who are having to get used to not talking about food around me. They won't have to do that forever, but right now the cravings are still there!

Last night we were in the ER with Jason due to his blood pressure dropping way to low. He collapsed in the nail salon after all three of us had pedicures. Once we got to the hospital, the temptation to just grab fast food was insane. Holden had to eat, and so did I. Luckily I am overly blessed to have my mother-in-law and sister-in-law so close. They stopped at our house and made me a shake, and picked a burger up for Holden. So I didn't have to "cheat".

I can not cheat if I want this surgery to be a success and without complications. For my sake, my family's sake, and my student's sake, I will do everything exactly as the doctor orders!!!

SO...to wrap this up and go see my husband at the hospital....

10/18/2009 Weight 235 pounds!!!!!!

Surgery in 10 days

2009-10-15T21:17:00.002-05:00

I have now been on full liquid diet for 4 days. The first day was so hard! And I won't lie, I want to EAT! But I am not hungry. I just want to chew on something crunchy! I had a couple of croutons the first night, and the last night I had one bite of mac and cheese...but I want to be good...

But the good news is....I have lost 5 pounds in the first 3 days!!! Unbelievable huh? With results like this...I can do it!

Endoscopy and 2 days down

2009-10-13T17:51:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was my first day of liquid only. It was so hard! Harder than I could have ever imagined!

While Jason and Holden ate dinner, I went for a walk. I just couldn't watch them eat.

There were several times yesterday that I was almost in tears.

Today I bought samples of the banana and vanilla flavored shakes.

The banana is my new favorite...but the vanilla is gross!

I cheated a little and ate ONE Cheetos and 4 croutons!

I also had my endoscopy this morning. It was great! I don't remember anything!

My doctor did tell me I can drink apple juice and Jello and other clear liquids these two weeks.

I loved all the nurses at the hospital today. They were so thoughtful and attentive!

12 more days....till the big day!

Two more weeks.....

2009-10-11T14:44:00.008-05:00

Tomorrow I begin two weeks of 5 protein shakes a day.

Total of 800 calories a day and 135 grams of Protein.

I have to tell you...I am so afraid of my ability to drink them 5 times a day for 2 weeks!

In the next two weeks, I will probably lose a few pounds. The purpose of the liquid diet is to shrink the liver, so the surgeon will have more room in the abdominal cavity.

October 26 is the big day! I am having a Roux en Y Gastric Bypass.

This weekend, Jason has lovingly allowed me to eat at my favorite restaurants.

Thursday night, Holden and I went to the State Fair, and we had Fried Butter, Fried Oreos, and a yummy corn dog. Last night I brought home Olive Garden. Fettucini Alfredo.

But that all ends today.

I will use my blog to journal my successes and struggles.

I will publicly list my weight and measurements.

I hope you will celebrate and cheer me on.

Today...

Weight 242 Pounds

Chest 48 inches

Waist 44 inches

Hips 56 inches (Jason lovingly pointed out that that is almost as tall as Holden)

Upper Thigh 31 inches

WARNING....the following pictures may contain disturbing images! :)

California Introduction

2009-06-14T13:56:00.003-05:00

Last week, I had the privilege of taking my husband and son to my hometown. We spent a week living in the Disneyland Hotel. It was beyond words!!! Watching Jason and Holden at Disneyland was so exciting! Holden go to go through the Jedi Training and fight Darth Maul!!! It was sooo great.

This is a photo of me with the children of my closest friends!! From Left to right...Noah, Matt, Baby Sarah, Hannah, and Andrew. And of course my dear Holden.

At this point we have been home for 2 days and I can barely move from the couch. It was so much fun! Here are a few photos just to show off a few of my favorites!!

These are my cousins, Christina and Lauren, my niece, Briana, and Holden and me.

On our first morning at Disneyland, we had breakfast with Goofy!!!

Spring Break with my Son!!!

2009-03-21T18:14:00.009-05:00

Isn't he handsome???

This year as Spring Break approached, I knew it would be different. For the past two years, whenever Holden and I have time off together, I get a little nervous. I don't want him to be bored. I don't want my patience to run out. I want him to feel loved!

This year, I think I succeeded in some serious bonding. Holden is such an amazing young man. He is so eager to please and be loved. He is also growing into an independent young adolescent. It won't be long before "hanging out with mom" will be totally uncool.

The first few days of Spring Break, we did absolutely NOTHING! We did watch The Price is Right together daily! Due to Holden's broken arms, we were limited to non-physical activities.

Then on Wednesday, we packed up the car and took off for Austin. Elena came down with Matthew and Alex and we hit the road. It was a short two day trip, but we had so much fun!

Our first stop was at the Inner Space Caverns in Georgetown, TX. Ya see, Holden is in the 5th grade, so he will be taking the TAKS Science test. On the mock test he recently took at school, he missed the one on how stalactites and stalagmites are formed. So, of course, I had to take him to experience it first hand. It was so much fun! We saw tiny bats and amazing displays of God's artwork.

I looked up references of caves in the Bible and almost all references refer to caves as places to hide-sometimes from the enemy and other times from God. That doesn't surprise me, but what did surprise me was that in Isaiah 2:19 it states that men will hide in the caves from the LORD and the "splendor of his majesty" (NIV). The Message says "his dazzling presence". Obviously there is no hiding from God, but while we were in the cave all I noticed was that the cave is FULL of his dazzling presence! The artwork that he creates in the darkness...wow...as I typed that I got goosebumps. God's beauty is totally evident in the darkness of the world!!!

Later that evening, we went back to the hotel and the exhaustion in all three boys was very evident. Holden was annoyed by everything. Elena pointed out to me that she always knows when her boys need a little more attention. So on Thursday I made it a priority to give Holden the extra attention he needed. As we toured the capitol building, I enjoyed just being near him listening to the guide and looking at the building.

After the capitol tour, we went to Alicia's to have lunch with her and Greg. They took us to an AMAZING burger joint called Phil's Ice House. They had a playground and an ice cream shop. We spent a couple of hours there just eating and playing.

"I'll Just Ask Ro"

2009-01-15T19:28:00.006-06:00

Tonight Elena called me to tell me something sweet Matthew said about me.

I had no idea what to expect, but what she told me brought tears to my eyes.

She said she was talking to him about marriage.

She told him that it was important for them to talk about what makes a good marriage. Since Elena is a single mom, he doesn't get to see marriage on a daily basis.

Matthew said, "If I have any questions, I'll just ask Ro."

I AM RO!!!!!

WOW!!! You have to understand why this means so much to me! When I found out Elena was pregnant was Matthew, I was one messed up puppy! My divorce from Sean had only been final for a few months. And I was a wreck! I surrounded myself with godly women at church and built a new life for myself that I have to admit was pretty good. I was making STUPID decisions in some areas of my life, but I grew to be a fairly independent woman.

Matthew and Elena moved in with me while Matthew was 3 years old! We all lived together for a year! It was so fun! Then two and a half years ago I met Jason. Matthew and Elena sat in the front row and watched Jason and I get married.

I think it is so sweet that he thought of me when he thought of a good marriage!

Thanks Mattie! I love you!

Christmas 2008 Memories

2008-12-25T22:00:00.005-06:00

There are only 2 more hours left of Christmas 2008. Jason is in the living room watching a movie on his new Blu-Ray player, and Holden has just given us kisses and headed off to bed. I am sitting at the kitchen table admiring my amazing family as we wind down for the evening. The last two days have been a whirlwind of excitement.

Christmas Eve began with a marathon of a last minute trip to Lowes and a day full of cooking and cleaning. Holden and I worked together to make the house look nice for Jason's dad, Greg, and Angie's family. And it looked fabulous! Holden is such a great help around the house. He is going to make a fabulous husband someday. At one point during the day he said, "I'm so glad I have a mom." I dropped what I was doing to give him a big hug and kiss. I said, "Me too!" What an angel!

Jason's dad was the first to arrive and filled our evening with stories. We all ate too much food, the boys played video games, and the growns up sat around visiting. As the family photographer, I spent my time snapping shots as often as possible. This was our first Christmas in the house, so I jumped at the opportunity to be the hostess. Even though it was hard work, it was worth every minute of it! I loved having my family sitting in my living room laughing and talking.

After everyone left, we promised Holden he could open one gift. I gave him and Jason new pajama pants. Holden's have Homer Simpson saying "I'M SO SMRT!" Jason's have Dr. Pepper all over them. I got some great pictures of them posing together, but I have been threatened with severe punishment if I post them anywhere online. So just use your imagination. Here is Holden with them pulled way up...they were too long!

After we put Holden to bed, Jason and I did a few last minute things and crashed. Before I fell asleep, I had a little talk with God. The last few weeks I have spent time being sad and angry about not having a baby, but last night I spent time thanking him for my amazing husband and beautiful son. I will always want to a baby, and I know those sad and angry feelings will return at some point, but right now, today, I am so thankful for the family I do have.

I woke up this morning at 5:30 a.m. to Casey, our beloved cat, leaving us gifts all around the living room. Cat puke for Christmas...woohoo. I tried to go back to sleep and had just started to doze off when my precious husband reached over to hold me. He told me Merry Christmas and wrapped his big arms around me. What a way to wake up on Christmas morning. I told him how much I loved him and dropped a few tears of happiness.

At 7:00 the madness began! Holden dug into his stocking and opened the box containing his 26" flat screen television. Big gift for a little man! He was very excited! He ripped open all the other gifts between exclamations of delight! He definitely hit the jackpot this year! I always seem to go a little overboard. I had to force myself to stop when it came to Jason this year. There were so many things I wanted him to have. It's a good thing his birthday is less than two months away, so I can finish shopping.

After breakfast, I was able to get in a much needed nap! Then we got ready to go over to Jason's mom's. It was so much fun. Again too much food, but so yummy! After eating and opening gifts, the adults sat down to a game of Trivial Pursuit. Men vs. Women. Oh man did they kick out butts! It wasn't even close! But is was so fun!

Now we are home again, with evidence of the fun all over the house! Jason is still watching his movie, and Holden is sound asleep. Tomorrow we begin a new adventure of welcoming a dear friend of mine and her family from New Zealand. I can't wait to see them.

I can't believe sometimes how much God loves us. He has truly blessed this family. I know there were many times today that we all got caught up in "Christmas" and forgot the true meaning behind this day. So I write this as a reminder to myself that today we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus the Christ. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!!!!!!

My PRECIOUS GEM!!!!

2008-11-12T19:59:00.006-06:00

Tonight at church, I was picking up Holden from the children's department, and I was talking to a lady that was in my summer bible study. She works with the children on Wednesday nights. She saw Holden wave to me and asked if he was mine. When I told her yes.....her response was "Oh he is such a GEM."

What a feeling!!!

"He looks just like you!"

2008-10-17T21:31:00.004-05:00

That is the statement I heard at least a half a dozen times last night!

Last night, I took Holden with me to our Fall Carnival at my new school! We spent the first hour playing games and winning candy! As we walked around, all the new teachers in my life got to meet Holden for the first time. Most of them don't know that Jason and I have only been married for a year and a half. They just know I am married with a 10 year old son.

It was awesome to hear these words over and over. "He looks just like you!" Holden would just look at me and smile, and I would get that warm fuzzy feeling in my tummy! I just smiled at them and said, "Yes, he does, but he has his daddy's blue eyes."

In the car on the way home, Holden and I were talking about it. Holden said, "Even though it is politically impossible." I just chuckled and said, "No it isn't impossible. It was all part of God's perfect plan." Holden just sat in the back seat and agreed with me. Then he asked me what if he didn't look anything like me. I told him that wouldn't matter "you're still my son".

"I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him." 1 Samuel 1:27

The Last 48 Hours

2008-10-09T20:16:00.002-05:00

It is October. That means the weather will start to get cooler. Candy will sell by the ton in the stores. We will mow our yards for the last time until April. Plants and trees will start to lose their many shades of green. Pumpkins will decorate the entryway of every grocery store. People who are fashion conscious will start to put away their pinks and blues and bring out the browns and oranges. I even put away my yellow summer bag/purse. And last but not least, I come down with a pretty severe case of bronchitis!!

This year is no different from all the rest. Two weeks ago I started feeling it in my throat. It slowly turned into the cough that has become all too familiar this time of year. Unfortunately it doesn't go away. It usually lasts several months. For the last two years my bronchitis has turned into pneumonia. Two years ago it was the week before Christmas, and I spent my first Christmas with Holden and Jason sicker than a dog! Last year I woke up on Thanksgiving morning with a 103+ fever. I didn't even get to go to dinner with the family. It was very scary because I don't remember ever being so sick.

So Monday and Tuesday as my cough progressed to a painful, almost-wanting-to-cry kinda cough, I knew I needed to go to the doctor. I wanted a chest x-ray early to make sure we caught any pneumonia early. Well, the doctor came back into to the room and said, "There is no pneumonia, but we did see two nodules on your lungs." Okay, at this point Holden was sitting in the room with me doing his Math homework. So how do I react to that in front of him? I wasn't instantly freaked out, but I didn't quite understand what that meant. The doctor said she wanted to get a CT scan to have them looked at more carefully.

As soon as I could talk to Jason, I told him. It didn't even dawn on me that he would start to worry. I was talking to Teresa when Jason called me back and told me he was going to take the day off to go with me. At first I thought, it is just another x-ray, you don't need to go with me. But Jason had already made up his mind. I think this is when I started to realize that this could be something serious.

Ok let me preface this with, my husband is absolutely the BEST husband in the world, but for the last 48 hours he was Super Husband!!! Yesterday he cooked breakfast AND dinner for me! While we were watching TV he rubbed my back, and I actually fell asleep in my husband's arms! Which I have to say, would be Jason's preference every night, but I am a don't-touch-me-while-I-sleep kinda girl.

Last night, I did the thing you should NEVER do when you have a medical scare. Read everything on the internet about the possibilities. Of course, our biggest fear was the "C" word. I have to honestly say, I knew that no matter what it would be okay. God gave me a peace that I didn't quite understand.

Today the doctor called me today and it is not "C". Just a couple of granulomas. Something about a dust particle and a wall of tissue to prevent the dust from getting further into my lungs. There is no need for any follow up treatments or anything.

As I read everything that I just wrote...it doesn't do justice to the experience Jason and I have had the last two days, but ....what a roller coaster ride! What did I learn? That I have the most wonderful husband in the world! I love this man more than I could possibly explain in words in a blog. And even better...he loves me too!!!!

Holden's First Baseball Clinic

2008-09-08T20:49:00.004-05:00

Last Day/First Day

2008-08-24T21:10:00.008-05:00

It is hard to believe that today was the LAST DAY of our summer vacation. I spent the day at church, taking a nap, grocery shopping, and madly trying to make sure my lesson plans were in order for the FIRST DAY of school.

As I look back on our summer, I am thinking....Wow, that was so much better than last year! We are in our home and it was so much more relaxed.

I stepped out of my comfort zone this year by leading a women's Bible/book study at church. We read A Woman After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George. I met the most amazing women who encouraged each other as wives and mothers. Thank you to my new friends.

Holden learned to ride a Rip-Stick! Nana and Papa bought him one early in the summer, and it is FUN! Anytime the temperature dropped below 90 degrees, Holden was outside riding it up and down the street. He is really good at it! I was so impressed!

We also began a season of dealing with fertility treatments. Jason and I have completed one unsuccessful attempt at intra-uterine insemination(IUI). We are beginning our second attempt this week. We know God has a plan for our family and adding a new addition. It has been a roller coaster of emotions. Especially for me. My sweet husband is my strong rock that I can cling to when I have doubt. He is hanging on to God's promises, so I hang on to him.

Holden will begin 5th grade tomorrow, and I will begin teaching 5th grade. We are both embarking on a new journey. I am very excited about beginning my school year in a new district and a new school. The team I will be working with has been fabulous! I am blessed to know that I am exactly where God wants me.

So as the LAST DAY comes to a close, we are ready. Holden's backpack is full, and my lesson plans have been emailed to my principal.

God, we give this new school year to you. You are in control!

The Tooth Fairy Must be Blonde

2008-07-07T17:40:00.006-05:00

Holden is quickly losing his teeth! Last week he lost two in one day. Today he lost one more!

We went to the dentist last week and saw the x-rays of his adult teeth quickly moving in to take over! The tooth fairy is going to be tired of making trips to our house.

But I know you are wondering why I would call the tooth fairy "blonde". Well last Wednesday we pulled a fast one on her, and she never saw it coming. As Holden was rinsing his mouth out, after loosing his second tooth of the day, he dropped it down the drain! He was so worried he wouldn't get his hard-earned money. I told him not to worry about it that everything would work out.

I had to figure out a way to trick the Tooth Fairy! What did I have around the house that looked like a tooth? I thought maybe a kernel of popcorn, but it was too yellow. Just as we were ready to tuck Holden in, I had an idea!!! I went and got an almond and bit off the skin and shaped it into a small tooth!! It was perfect!

I took it in to Holden's room and told him I found his tooth! He believed me! When I told him it was an almond, he laughed and said she would know!! I told him she was a "blonde" Tooth Fairy and wouldn't even know!!!

When morning came, the "teeth" were gone, and Holden was $10 richer!

I Have So Little Faith Sometimes

2008-06-21T12:56:00.006-05:00

It is a good thing my husband has enough faith for both of us!

When we moved into the house, Jason made it clear that we would begin our tithe at our new church almost immediately. I wanted to wait a few months until I was sure we could pay all of our bills first. But Jason took the lead and said he that there was nothing to wait for. The money belongs to God, and He gets his first.

So for the last few months with a half joyful and half worried heart, I have followed my husband's lead and given. Each paycheck, I watch my husband, with a FULLY joyful heart, write his check and give on Sunday mornings. I love that he has that faith, but my flesh still worries each time--just a little bit. Not Jason--he KNOWS God is in control. (I probably would have been standing next to Thomas asking to see the scars).

Well early this week, our electric bill arrived. It is $100 more than last month. My mind started worrying. I mean we are in Texas and it is June, so we knew it was coming but I still cringed! Jason said not to worry that it will all work out. Easy for him to say...I look at the checkbook each day and see the balance going lower and lower.

Finally two days ago, I mentioned my worries to Jason. My mind was really thinking that tithing would have to suffer this month. But before I could even voice my opinion, Jason made it clear that would not be an option. I secretly thought that I could skip writing my full check without telling him. I was worried about getting through the next week with gas, groceries, and sending Holden to camp with lots of junk food. Jason refused to worry and just to be faithful. He said again, "God's got it under control." It is really annoying sometimes....UNTIL I see the proof....which came yesterday.

Yesterday I got the email with our phone bill. It was ONLY $36!!! I knew something had to be wrong. Our phone bill contains the internet and satellite, so it is regularly over $150 a month! Why was it only $36??? I looked at the bill details and somehow I had over paid the month before!!! So the difference will more than make up for the increase in the electric bill! When I told Jason, he simply said, "I told you God was in control."

Jesus said in Revelation 3:15-16

"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold---I am about to spit you out of my mouth."

I confess that I am lukewarm in this area, but I am blessed to have a husband who is hot!

Quick Car Quote

2008-06-16T22:41:00.002-05:00

Last week on two different occasions, Holden and I were driving home, and out of the blue, he told me I have a pretty smile.

I am writing this not to brag on the beauty of my smile :) but just to have it documented so I don't ever forget my sweet boy's compliment.

Summer 2008--Part 1

2008-06-16T22:19:00.005-05:00

Holden got a new toy today from Nana. It is called a Ripstick.

The newest form of a skateboard with only two wheels!!

Tomorrow we are gonna go out and make his first attempt at making it go. He has knee and elbow pads and wrist guard, and he knows he looks so cool when he has it all on.

As we begin our second week of summer vacation, we are really having a good time! Things are going very smoothly. Last week Holden went to baseball camp at the high school, and next week he goes to church camp for the whole week!!! Last year he was only gone for 3 nights. Last year when he went to camp he was so excited, but this year I don't think it has sunk in yet that he is leaving next week. I am so excited for him!

We are not going to go on a big family vacation this year, but we are going to enjoy our new home! This summer is much easier on Holden because he isn't cramped in a little apartment with just me for three months. He has Travis across the street, and he has made some really good friends at church! I couldn't be happier about how he has adjusted to our new life in our new home.

There are all kinds of fabulous changes going on for our family. Jason has gotten a much earned promotion! (I told you he has an amazing work ethic!) I have accepted a teaching position MUCH closer to home! I will be teaching 5th grade next year. I am excited about being home earlier for Holden next year.

I am also going to facilitate a women's bible study this summer. I am excited about reading a book by Elizabeth George A Woman After God's Own Heart. I am definitely no expert in this area, but knew that I would be held accountable if I am meeting with women weekly to discuss the book! I knew God is going to do BIG things through this opportunity. I can't wait to meet new women from church!

I will update our summer as the weeks go by....Stay Tuned!!1

Lord Holden Ivy

2008-06-01T15:22:00.007-05:00

Friday night, Jason and I surprised Holden with a trip to Medieval Times to celebrate his TAKS scores!!!

Fourth grade students in Texas are required to take 3 tests. Reading, Math and Writing.

Our son received 100% on ALL THREE tests!!! That is a huge accomplishment!!! We are so proud!!!

Holden was knighted by the king and had a blast!!!

Click on the pictures and you can see them much better!!!

Mother's Day

2008-05-11T19:37:00.003-05:00

Today was a perfect day!!! This isn't going to be a fancy blog, but just a list of what we did to remember my second Mother's Day.

Jason, Holden and I got up this morning and went to a beautiful church service!

When we got home, Holden made chocolate chip cookies for MeeMaw and Granny. They were yummy!!!

I got to lay in bed and read my book for awhile and take a nice long nap while the boys played the guitars in the front room. It was so peaceful!!!

When I woke up, the boys were playing Mario Kart Wii. I got to play while my men grilled steaks in the backyard. Jason made steaks, baked potatoes and corn on the cob! It was sooo tasty!!!

I got two amazing gifts!!! Jason's bought me a digital picture frame. I love it!!! But I must say the best gift I received was from Holden! He made a TIME magazine at school with me on the front cover!!! It was bound together filled with short articles about ME!!! It is something I will cherish FOREVER!!!!

Right now, Jason and I are in the living room relaxing in the recliners watching Forrest Gump. I can't even begin to explain how I feel about a perfect Sunday!

Anyway....Thank you , Jesus, for the perfect Mother's Day!!!

My son is TEN!!!

2008-04-08T21:13:00.004-05:00

I just left Holden's room & tucking him in for the night. I wonder how many more years he will want us to tuck him in?

Today our son turned 10. Seems like only yesterday he was 8. haha

When I met my sweet boy he was 8 years old. I remember that first meeting like it was yesterday.

Jason and Holden met me at the movies to see CARS, then we went out to lunch. Holden wanted to ride in the car with me from the movies to the restaurant. I thought Jason was crazy to send his son with someone he had only met twice, but I knew I wasn't a crazy maniac. Holden was very pleasant, and I enjoyed our short conversation on the way to Red Robin. That summer, I spent quite a bit of time with Holden. Swimming, eating out, and just hanging out.

Little did I know that less than a year later, that young man would be escorting me down the aisle to his father. And I would become his mother. What an honor!

I have made many mistakes in the last 13 months, but my love for my little man hasn't change. He is MY son, and I am so proud of the young man he is becoming. He has grown so much in the short time we have been together. Physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

A few months ago, I shared this promise from God's Word with Holden--

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

I don't know what those plans are. Jason doesn't know what those plans are, and neither does Holden. But we don't need to know. God knows! What we do know is that it will be special! I truly believe that God is gonna use Holden is a BIG way!

Trusting HIM

2008-04-04T08:48:00.002-05:00

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5

I memorized that verse when I was in Junior High at Hume Lake. It was the last week of June every summer. The week I looked forward to all year long. But this verse has stuck with me for the last 25+ years. Today it is more meaningful to me than ever.

A week ago today I got a call from my doctor's office. My blood work revealed that I am not ovulating. This medically explains why we have not gotten pregnant yet.

As devastated as I was, I know that there is a bigger explanation. Bigger than any medical tests can prove. It is very simple....it hasn't been God's plan for us yet. As hard as that is...I don't think before now we were really prepared. Is anyone ever really prepared? But we didn't have a room for a baby. Now that we are in the house we have a room. That is important, but that doesn't necessarily mean that God will say, "We'll that's all I was waiting for. Here's your baby." :)

But now we are seriously going to start steps to solve any medical issues. A year ago, my doctor told me to give it a year and if I wasn't pregnant to come back for some tests. I began those tests a little over two weeks ago. I am proud to say, my sweet hubby is completely healthy. I never imagined it would be me.

The current issue we face can be easily solved with the right medication. I started taking Clomid on Tuesday. I have another test today. We are praying that there is nothing else "in the way" (literally), but as we go through this I am trusting that Jesus has the perfect plan for our family. He is in control.

Yesterday Holden and I were leaving to go get stuff for his birthday party, and he saw me take the pill. He asked me what it was for. Jason and I believe that we need to be totally honest with him, so I explained to him in the simplest way I knew how. He seemed a little concerned and asked if I would have to have surgery. I told him that I didn't know much more about it other than the medications. But I reminded him that God is in control and it will happen when God is ready. I also told him that if having a baby isn't part of God's plan for our family, then we would still have him. Then my sweet boy looked up and said, "Please God make it part of your plan."

So as we all pray for a new miracle of life to show itself in our little home, I am going to continue to "Trust in the LORD with all my heart" and repeat Holden's prayer. "Please God make it part of your plan."

My Husband's Work Ethic

2008-04-01T18:31:00.006-05:00

Jason left this morning for his first business trip to Maryland. I am so proud of him!
Let me tell you about my husband's work ethic!

When he comes home from work he is exhausted because when he is at work, he is there 110%. He takes his responsibilites very seriously and is often the recipient of a complimentary email from a client or upper management. This week he has been chosen to go to the coorporate headquarters to be trained for something new. Jason said he is being treated like he is "someone important" instead of "just an escrow person". Well, my sweet husband, you are someone important and you deserve to be treated like it.

Jason is so good at being a people person! He knows how to talk to people in a tone that is never condescending and yet gets his point across. I can remember when I first met Jason, I used to love calling him at work because of his voice. I must admit--I thought it was rather "sexy". It still is. But my husband knows how to communicate with people. He knows how to make them feel comfortable and makes sure he has heard their concerns and tries his best to work with them until they are satisfied with the solution (even if it isn't what they originally thought they wanted the solution to be).

If there is a tough situation at work (or home), Jason is the peacemaker. I don't personally know everyone he works with, but I do know he is respected by everyone at work--even when he isn't doing the "popular" things. Jason is a man of integrity and makes sure that if he is at work, he is earning his paycheck every minute. He doesn't expect anything of anyone else if he isn't willing to do it himself.

Jason is not in management nor does he have a lead position right now, but he is still the man that people look to when a problem needs to be solved. I am so proud to be able to say, "He is my husband!"

I love you, Jason Ivy.

Our First Guests

2008-03-19T16:36:00.003-05:00

Today we had our first house guests that weren't family. :)

Holden went to Andy's house to spend the night, and Andy and his mom came over to pick him up. Holden was very proud to show off his new rooms.

Then after they left, my friends Xandra and Sarah came over!!! I was so excited to get to show off my new home!!! Xandra arrived first with a beautiful Easter Lily in a yellow pot! It smells so yummy!! Sarah and Gwen arrived at exactly 12:44 (just as the GPS said she would)! Sarah brought us the coolest new address announcements on cardboard! I can't wait to send them out to my 10 favorite people. haha Just kidding!

We went out to lunch at Jimmy's Pizza in "downtown" Midlothian! It was so fun to have "girl-time"!!! We ate, made silly faces at Gwen, and then stopped at Dairy Queen on the way home for dessert!

It was so nice to sit at my kitchen table and visit with friends! We have officially decided we like not working and hanging out in the kitchen with the girls! I hope this will be just the first of many afternoons with friends in our home!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On Thursday and Friday, we had more guests! Elena brought Matthew and Alex over Thursday evening. The boys enjoyed playing. Alex wanted me to take the cats down from over the door frames. My aunt Dorothy came over on Friday. We ate cheesecake and visited.

It is so nice to have a home and to be hostess.

Casey...My cat with the new personality

2008-03-15T22:56:00.003-05:00

My sweet gray cat, Casey has changed a lot in the last week.

I knew that moving to the new house with Weasel wasn't going to happen. I was tired of her hissing at Holden, and just being a little freaky cat. She was the most lovable cat I have ever had, but she needed to go. Luckily, I found a fabulous home for her last Friday night before we moved.

Now Casey and Weasel have never gotten along, so it didn't surprise me that Casey didn't mourn the loss of the only other feline in the household. She is now more talkative than ever! She sleeps with us every night! That was something she had not done since before Jason and I got married, when he took her "spot" on my other pillow. Casey seems so much happier being an only cat, and I am glad I get to love on her more too.

One Week in our New Home

2008-03-15T21:56:00.013-05:00

Well it is now Saturday, March 15 and we have been living in our house for officially one week!

And what a week it has been!!!!

Moving day went as smoothly as moving days can go. We hired movers to come get the big stuff down the stairs for the first two hours! It was worth every penny! Jason's dad came over to help, and I am so glad he was there to be part of our move. Holden thought riding in the big truck with his dad was cool. I wish I would have thought to get a picture of them in the cab of the truck. Once we arrived at our new home, the whole family came over to help us unload. It was awesome! Holden and Travis helped and threw around a mini football in the front yard! It was so fun to watch them!

The coolest part of the day was when the Midlothian Police officer stopped by to introduce himself!!! We were unloading the truck, and he waved and parked his patrol car in front of the house and got out. He came into the garage and just wanted to say hello! WOW! This is truly the place for our family. It was just another one of God's perfect confirmations that we are in the right place.

Sleeping in our house the first night was described by my dear friend, Xandra, as "WT". Since we couldn't find the sheets for the beds, we just covered them with blankets and threw other blankets on top of us! But we DID have pillowcases!!! It was so quiet! There was an occasional dog barking, but no cars or airplanes!

Sunday afternoon, Holden and his cousins played football in the backyard. It was a beautiful day outside, so we had the windows open. It was such an amazing sound! I think that is my new favorite sound! Holden and Travis have played outside at least once everyday that we have been home! It is great to watch and listen to them together. You must click on the pictures above to view them larger. I love the happiness on the boys' faces.

The first few days were exhausting for all of us. Tempers were on a very short fuse for all three Ivy's. But with Jason, my husband with the patience of a saint, in the lead....we all survived! Without him, I think Holden and I would have rung each other's necks. :)

Jason and I enrolled Holden in his new school on Monday morning in a school with no electricity due to a thunderstorm the night before. After a week at his new school, I think he is settling in nicely. His teacher says he talks a lot, but that isn't a surprise to us.

The thunderstorm on our second night in the house was another special time. Usually I am not fond of Holden coming in and getting in bed with us during storms because Jason and I are big enough filling a queen size bed...another body doesn't make it any more comfortable. But once the storm started, Jason suggested he come sleep on the floor. I told him where Holden's sleeping bag was so he went to get him. Our sweet Holden was trying to be "tough" and stay in his room, but Daddy went and brought him into us. It was kinda neat having him camping out in our room.

As the week has progressed we have each had our days of total exhaustion. Luckily they have been spead out a little bit. We have gotten several of our boxes unpacked and lots of fun things hung on the walls. It is slowly but surely becoming our home. Our new furniture was delivered the Thursday before we moved in, and it is PERFECT!!! The sofa sectional is so comfortable and we can all get comfy on it with plenty of room to stretch out. I LOVE eating at the table together for meals (even though we are still working out the routine and small details). But the masterpiece of the entire house is the TV stand!!! It is everyone's favorite, so I am including a picture.

Last night Holden and Travis had their first "slumber party" at our house! We didn't tell them until the last minute that Travis could spend the night, and, goodness, were they excited!?!?! I can't believe I didn't take a picture of them once they both fell asleep! (I know, I am slacking). I laid out a blanket on the floor and Holden's sleeping bag. Travis camped out on the floor, and Holden slept in his bed. Travis spent almost a full 24 hours with us. The boys played video games, watched TV, played Monopoly, threw the football into the neighbor's yard, and we all went to the movies. I love how they play together. I am sure that was just the first of MANY "slumber parties".

Anyway, it is now almost 10:30 and both of my men are in bed snoring away. Today was another day of unpacking, laughing, and few short fuses, but in the end - we are a family living in a home together forever! Life isn't always perfect....and we don't "eat rainbows and poop butterflies", but we do love each other.

You're going to have to go see "Horton Hears a Who" to understand that one. :)

OUR NEW HOUSE!!!!

2008-03-02T15:48:00.002-06:00

Friday afternoon, February 29, 2008, Jason and I signed papers to buy our first home!!!

The morning of the closing we went to the furniture store and picked out a kitchen table, a TV stand, and a sectional with ottoman. They will be delivered on Thursday! It will be so fabulous to have a new home with new furniture. Neither one of us have ever had a house with really NICE furniture, so we are extra thrilled.

We picked up Holden from school and headed to the walk through and Title office. Janet and Keith were both at closing to make sure everything went smoothly. Holden got his own little room to watch Shrek. It was perfect. We went in had a few cookies, signed our names 100 times, and we owned a house!

After signing everything we went down to the house and just enjoy being there. Jason's mom and Granny came over. We took down all our materials we needed to paint Holden's bedroom on Saturday. It was such a long day, but worth every minute of it.

When I woke up Saturday morning, I ran an idea I had over night about painting Holden's room. it would be a challenge, but we decided we could at least give it a try!. Holden and I went to Writing Camp at my school, and when we got home, Jason had been Superdad. He had done a ton of work around the apartment. He had carried a bunch of boxes down to the garage and taken our bed apart. He went to Home Depot and bought himself a toolkit.

We headed down to the house to tackle painting Holden's bedroom. It doesn't look perfect, but it looks amazing! We painted one full wall blue. One the side walls, we used a laser to tape off a diagonal line from the top corner down to the bottom. The line turned out FABULOUS!!!

I was amazed that we did such a great job on our first attempt at creative painting!!!

Jason hung up a really cool ceiling fan in Holden's bedroom. It is the nicest ones in the entire house!! It was so fun watching my husband with his tool belt on and being my Mr. Fix-it! Being in an apartment our first year or marriage, I haven't gotten to watch my sweet man be "Tim the Tool Man". It was really kinda hot! haha

Saturday night, Holden went to MeeMaw's to spend the night with his cousins. Jason and I spent our first night together in our home! It was really fun! We used an air mattress and slept in the living room. It was so quiet and dark! No cars, no airplanes, no neighbors upstairs walking! The wind started blowing and it blew through the chimney. In the morning I stepped outside and could smell the cows from the dairy farm!

Now we have 5 days to box everything up and have it ready to move Saturday morning! I can't wait to be out of our apartment and we spend our first night in the house together as a family!

Grace Day

2008-02-26T19:19:00.007-06:00

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." Ephesians 2:8

Today when I picked up Holden from school, I wouldn't let him speak. I was shushing him every time he tried to talk to me. He eventually starting laughing at me, but played along. When we got in the car, he asked when I would explain. I told him he would know soon. As we drove away from the school and headed in the opposite direction of home, he stayed silent while I just smiled and drove.

"Mom, where are we going?"

"Sssshhh."

We pulled into the parking lot of Chili's. We sat down and Holden looked at me with questioning eyes. I told him today was "I Love Holden Day" no matter what kind of a day you had at school. Just because. He asked if this was the grace we were talking about last night when we were working on his Power Card for church. I smiled and said, "Yes my love, this is grace. No matter what you have done today, I love you and want to have dessert with you and ruin our dinner."

He said, "Well, I didn't get a check today." I told him it didn't matter, but I was proud of him.

When the waitress came, I ordered us two molten chocolate cakes. Holden's face lit up. When the waitress left, he said, "Mom, I don't deserve this."

And I was able to say, "I know. None of us do, but we are loved anyway.

I smiled at him, and he said, "Stop smiling at me like that. You are making me feel weird and guilty."

When he said that it made me think of how I will feel the day Jesus comes back and I stand before him, knowing I don't deserve His grace. But He will give it to me anyway.

It has been a long time since I have seen Holden that happy. It almost reminded me of his face the day before and the day of our wedding a year ago. Just a special day.

You see, for the last week or so, Holden has been having a rough time at school. Just speaking out and not making the best choices. But I wanted to make sure he knew that no matter what happened at school today, eating dessert before dinner was not a reward...but just Grace. Holden has dubbed today GRACE DAY.

When we got home, Holden finished his homework and came in the kitchen to see what I was making. I told him to go in his room and play and I would call him when it was time to eat. He said, "But you said I can't play until after dinner." I said, "It's Grace Day, right? Go play." Holden ran down the hall yelling, "I love Grace Day!!!"

I love Grace Day too. I hope Holden and I have many more Grace Days in our future.

Quick Little Backseat Quote

2008-02-13T20:20:00.003-06:00

Tonight after church, Holden and I stopped at Walgreens to get his teacher a Valentine. I convinced him to get her Lindor Chocolates because they are soooooo yummy!!!

I got him one to taste in the car on the way home. I told him to bite into it and let it melt in his mouth and just savor the creamy flavor.

He moaned and said, "If I had a nickel for every time I have ever tasted chocolate this good, I would have......a nickel."

I died laughing!!! That was so awesome!!! Thank you for making me laugh my sweet boy!!!

(Krista, thanks for the backseat idea!)

Run over by a truck named Weasel!!!

2008-02-12T19:01:00.000-06:00

This morning at approx 5:45 am, as I lay sleeping soundly, my precious little feline, Weasel, was frightened by some unknown source. Next thing I knew she was running over my face at full speed. I screamed and said a word that "good girls" shouldn't say, Jason jumped up, and she flew through the air!

I immediately put my hands to my face. I was injured in the lip and above my eye. Jason told me to turn on the light. When I did, my hands were covered in blood.

Jason rushed me to the bathroom to clean me up. When all is said and done, I am covered with a dozen small scratches, a fat lip, and a swollen eye lid that is slightly black and blue, and there is blood on my favorite sheets!!!

Click on the picture to get a close up of the full damage.

Jason also has a nasty scratch on his arm.

Our school nurse told me I needed to go to the doctor to get some antibiotics. I listened but was not happy when I finally saw the doctor. After getting a little chuckle out of my situation, she politely asked, "When was your last tetanus shot?" EEK I was afraid that would happen, but it wasn't as bad as I had expected. The nurse who did the injection was great!

P.S. Anyone want a cat????

Clear to Close!!!!!

2008-02-10T20:37:00.000-06:00

Yesterday we got an email from our Loan Officer that we are CLEAR TO CLOSE!!!

All we have to do now is pack boxes and wait until February 29!! EIGHTEEN DAYS!!!

I know that the time will fly by!!! Between now and then, we will celebrate Valentine's Day and Jason's birthday!

I am so excited about having our own home!!

Sure Do Love You, Uncle Boo

2008-01-31T18:56:00.000-06:00

As the 4th grade Writing TAKS test gets closer and closer, I am working more intensely with my students daily on writing compositions.

Today we wrote about someone that is special to us.

I wrote about Uncle Boo. You will find my example below:

   My Uncle Boo was one of the most giving and loving men that I have ever known. He wasn’t really my uncle, but he was my parent’s best friend, so we called him Uncle. His real name was Bill, but I couldn’t say that when I was a baby. I named him Boo. He was part of every family holiday and special event. I can’t remember a time he wasn’t there.
   Uncle Boo’s heart was a big as a football field. He loved my family as if we were his own. He took my brother and me fishing all the time. He had a boat named after me, Monkey Nose. We would all go out into the ocean on weekends and fish. I didn’t like the slimy scaly fish, but I loved being with my Uncle Boo.
   Uncle Boo worked at Disneyland for thirty years. He was an electrician in Tomorrowland. After school my mom would take my brother and me to Disneyland to meet him when he got off work. Uncle Boo would sign us in, and my brother and I would play at Disneyland all evening. To this day, I think of him every time I go to Disneyland. I wish he could be there with me riding “It’s A Small World”.
   Whenever I think of my Uncle Boo, I imagine him sitting at the kitchen table drinking coffee, eating chocolate, and working on a crossword puzzle. Uncle Boo loved chocolate. One year I bought him a five pound candy bar for Christmas. It was too big to even fit in his stocking. He ate it in less than 3 days!!! I have never seen anyone eat chocolate like him.
   The last time I spoke to my Uncle Boo was a Sunday in March 2001. The new California Adventure had just opened at Disneyland. My best friend, Teresa, and I were riding the brand new ferris wheel. We were at the very top, and I took out my cell phone and called my Uncle Boo. I told him I wished he was there riding with me. I also told him I loved him. The ferris wheel started to sway back and forth, and Teresa and I screamed and laughed. He laughed also and said to have fun.
   Two days later, my brother called to tell me that Uncle Boo had suddenly passed away. My heart was broken, but I was so thankful that the last time I spoke to my Uncle Boo was a happy time. I know that anytime I eat chocolate or go to Disneyland, my Uncle Boo will be watching and laughing from heaven.

I could continue to write forever, but I had to show my kids that it could be done in 2 pages. But I did get to spend more time telling more stories about my precious Uncle Boo. They were all on the edge of their seats while I told my tales.

Sure do love you, Uncle Boo.

Our new home

2008-01-26T16:16:00.000-06:00

Well, after much discussion and lots of driving around.....we have found a home in Midlothian!!!

We will be living closer to family (maybe closer than they want us) :)

We will be across the street from Angie and her family.

Holden is thrilled to have his cousins and the rest of the family so close!

It is definitely going to be a change for me, but I will love it!

I go on Tuesday for the inspection. I can't wait to see the inside again!

I am looking forward to setting up a real home for my family!

We will move in 52 weeks exactly from our wedding day!

Things I Love About Holden.....

2008-01-19T19:49:00.000-06:00

his sense of humor
his honesty
his obedience
his laughter
his eagerness to help
his language and vocabulary
his ability to express himself
his random thoughts
his blue eyes
his cool hair colors
his memory
his eagerness for Jesus
his empathy for the less fortunate
his protection of his friends
his communication with adults
his desire to help
his excitement for life
how he handles my moods
his talent for public speaking
his retention of information
his storytelling skills
his adorable baby pictures
his love for his daddy
when I watch him hugging Granny
his pleasing nature
the improvements he has made at school
the way he has adjusted to our new family
his imagination
his comic book he is creating
his patient attitude towards me
the way he always does his homework
his huge heart for his friends
his desire not to participate in inappropriate things
his excitement for spending time with his family
watching him play and talk to his family
his intelligence
his love of cuddling
his affectionate nature
his singing and performance voice
watching him dance
his memory of scripture
his love of reading
he is part of Jason

UPDATED---CONTRACT SIGNED!!!!!

2008-01-13T20:33:00.000-06:00

Well, we signed a contract on a house tonight!!!

If all goes well, we will be homeowners the end of February!!!!!

Holden will not have to change schools, and we hope he will have new friends to play with in the neighborhood!!!!

UPDATE: 1/19/08

We have withdrawn our offer on this particular home. We had intentions of putting Holden upstairs in the loft, thinking it could be used as a third bedroom, but there is no window. So for fire safety concerns we need to find a true 3 bedroom.

A NEW HOME???

2008-01-13T08:36:00.000-06:00

Last week Jason and I started to discuss the possibility of buying a home. Our lease is up in March, so if we want to purchase, we needed to start looking quickly. We really wanted Holden to stay in the Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, but weren't sure we could afford any homes in the district. After church on Sunday we decided to drive around the neighborhood of Holden's school. There were several homes for sale with a few in our possible price range.

My dead friend, Janet, from church is a realtor, so I called her on Monday.

We received our pre-approval letter the next day! Jason and I started looking online for homes. Janet took us out looking yesterday. The first home we looked at was a duplex. I wasn't sure about the idea of a duplex, but the price was right. As soon as I walked in, I was impressed. I immediately loved all the room and the floors!! No carpet except on the stairs!!! Which means, no constant scrubbing and cleaning up after cats when their food doesn't like their bellies.

It slightly worried me that we loved the first house we looked at, but Jason and I agreed that this would be perfect for us. We made an offer. Now we wait. Janet has told us that there is another offer on the table, but it looks promising. I really want this home!

Let me chase a rabbit for a minute and tell you a little more about Janet. I met Janet through our women's mentoring program at church probably 4 years ago. Little did I know what a big part of my life she would become. When I told her Jason had asked me to marry him, she was so excited for me and asked if she could help and do my flowers. And what a gorgeous job she did!!! Not only did she do my flowers, she made sure that every little detail I had overlooked or didn't even think of was done. It is because of this godly woman that our wedding was as classy and beautiful as it was. Now Janet is part of another huge step in our lives. I know that Janet is in our corner praying for us. Thank you, Janet!

Back to our possibilities:

Holden would be able to ride his bike or walk to school. He would have friends in the neighborhood to play with and a backyard! Did I mention the wooden deck in the backyard for BBQs???

I know if it doesn't work out, God has something better for us, but I still can hope and pray that this is His best for us right now!!!!

Christmas 2007 Memories

2008-01-01T16:37:00.000-06:00

Just a note--you can click on any picture to see it larger!!! :)

The first thing Holden did on Christmas morning was stand at our bedroom door and say, "Can we open presents now?" Jason and I rolled out of bed, and Holden tried hard to be patient while Jason got his cup of coffee and we got situated in the living room. Before opening presents, Holden and Jason read the Christmas story from Luke 2:1-20.

Holden was ready to dig in to the presents as soon as we were finished. He definitely made out this year! He got several video games, books, a few clothes, and other goodies. Santa brought him his Webkinz and Lego Star Wars Imperial Star Destroyer!!! Jason bought me a beautiful watch and jeans--it meant the world to be that he went to an extra effort to get me exactly what I wanted. I am a lucky lady. I got Jason a 30th Anniversary Star Wars watch. It is pretty awesome looking.

After all the presents were open, we watched the Disney Christmas Parade. I made breakfast and the boys started working on the Star Wars Lego set. I played the Star Wars Lego Wii game with Holden a little while. Jason thought my personal sound effects were funny. It is fun swinging the lightsaber!

After spending a couple of hours playing with all of the new stuff a little bit we got ready to head to MeeMaw's. I couldn't wait to give her the Storybook I made for her of the three grandsons. She loved it.

This was my second Christmas with Jason's family. I love watching the boys get so excited. Holden was beyond excited! He got Guitar Hero III from MeeMaw, PawPa and Greg. I knew that between him and Jason, our living room would never be the same!

He definitely made out this year! He also got several new games for his DS that he earned in November!!! (Big Brain is my favorite--my brain is the biggest in our house). Angie and her family got him his precious Zelda DS accessories box. No one is allowed to touch it but him.

After we finished opening presents, Holden looked and me and said, "I got everything I wanted!" What a great thing to hear from your child because there was always that thought in my mind, "Oh I wish I would have gotten that" or "I forgot to get this", but Holden didn't miss anything. He was thrilled with everything he got, even his new belt!

Having my own family for Christmas is such a treat. Watching Holden open presents and listen to his excitement was so fun. I still had to "be a mom" and tell him to "calm down" a few times and to "remember you are inside" and to "not be so loud". But he was incredible to watch. I know he won't be a child much longer, and I kept telling myself to leave him alone and let him be a kid on Christmas! Jason sweetly reminded me a few times also. :)

My little embarrassing moment was when Jason's mom gave me a gift set of Britney Spears perfumes!!??!! Even Jason's initial reaction was, "Why did she get you that??" A few minutes later Glenna explained to everyone that she figured that the Spears girls are so fertile, maybe it would rub off on me!!!!

The most precious gift Jason and I received was when we got in the car to go home and Holden said, "We have a great family!" What a great thing to hear from your child! I know that made Jason feel fabulous! Jason has done everything in his power for almost 10 years to give Holden the best of everything, and I know that had to have touched him in a special way. Holden deserves a great family! We are gonna do everything we can to continue to give it to him! Then Holden said, "This is the best Christmas I have ever had!"

I want to end this post with the funniest memory of the day--It happened as soon as we got home! As we were walking up the stairs, somehow the question of whether we would have a baby for Christmas next year came up. I told Holden it takes 9-10 months, so it was possible. He said, "I know how it happens, Mom. You guys just have to DO IT!" Need I say anything else??? Out of the mouths of babes!!!!

Christmas Eve & Six Flags

2007-12-27T17:52:00.000-06:00

Holden and Andy

WOW! It is now Dec 27, and I am finally all alone again. Jason is at work, and Holden is over at a friend's house. Today I took Holden and his friend to Six Flags. My sweet boy experienced what "thrill" means in "thrill ride." I just wanted to hold him. That's all I am gonna say about that.

Let's go back to Christmas Eve. I wanted to get Holden's picture with Santa this year, so we got up early and were at the mall by 8:30 am. It was not crowded at all, so we didn't have to wait in line. Isn't he handsome?

Jason thought it would be great to let Holden fill my stocking this year. So I took Holden to Bath & Body Works and told him that bubble bath would be great. I asked the sales lady to help him pick out a fragrance, and I stepped back and let him shop. Then we went to Walgreens and I gave him $20 to get candy and stuff for the stocking. I stood at the end of the aisle and didn't look at what he was choosing. At one point he was on the other aisle and yelled, "Mom, they don't have Twix!" The best part was when he was paying and the total was $19.98!

We had told Holden that he could open one present on Christmas Eve. He got his own MP3 player. We didn't see much of him the rest of the night. He took a bath WITHOUT being told. And at 9:00 he came in and told us good night. He wanted to go to bed early so Christmas morning would come faster. He had informed me earlier in the day that Dad and I had to be in bed by 10:00 also.

Jason and I stayed up and took care of last minute Christmas preparations and plopped into bed around 11:00 (shhhhh don't tell Holden). It was so hard for me to sleep that night. I kept listening for Holden to get up and walk into the living room. Finally at 7:00 Christmas morning he stood at our bedroom door and asked, "Can we open presents now?" He looked so sweet standing there.

I missed Holden's first 8 Christmas mornings, but I plan on being there for at least the next 9--until he is an adult. Even then, I hope he will want to be home with Mom and Dad for Christmas mornings.

Just Have Fun....

2007-12-22T14:35:00.000-06:00

It is three days before Christmas and I am home alone!!

Jason and Holden just left to go Christmas shopping for ME!!!

I can just sit here and think about my amazing family!

The last three days have been great. I had lunch with a dear friend on Wednesday, and she said, "Just have fun." I have heard that many many times in my head since then.

Wednesday afternoon I got to be the "MOM" instead of the "TEACHER". I went to Holden's class Christmas Party. The kids in his class were so polite. Even after my big behind knocked a bowl of confetti on the ground, they insisted on picking it up and were embarrassed to tell me that it was my fault. haha It was really a lot more fun than I expected.

Holden and I went to lunch, shopping and the movies on Thursday after school. We just had fun. We went to see Enchanted. I think it was a little 'girly' for Holden, but it was cute.

Now as I sit here in the house alone, it feels strange knowing that my husband and son are Christmas shopping for me! :) This will be our first Christmas together as a real family. Yesterday I spent two hours wrapping all the presents. I wanted to go back to sleep after Jason left for work but Holden told me to "Wrap some presents, Woman!" He was ready to see gifts under the tree with his name on them.

It is so exciting to see him so excited. He has been counting down the days! But what I love is that every time I ask him what he is so excited about he says he can't wait to open his gifts. But he always follows that up with looking forward to celebrating Jesus' Birthday. Jason and I really want to start some special traditions for our family.

Only three more days! I can't wait to watch Holden on Christmas morning! He will only be a little boy for a few more years, so we must enjoy every moment!!!

Thank you, Sarah.....I will "just have fun!"

MY SON, the comedian

2007-12-13T17:39:00.000-06:00

Let me preface this by giving a little bit of a warning. I write this completely as an examples of Holden's quick wit. It will include no offensive language, but will infer it to be spoken--even though it was never spoken as part of the conversation. With that...please read on....

Last week Holden was really sick. It was my first experience with a sick child. He ran a fever for 5 days. I took Holden to the doctor, and it was a memory I won't soon forget.

The doctor was talking about the antibiotic she was going to write for Holden. Holden politely interrupted and asked if she would write it for a pill, not a liquid. "I don't like the taste," he said. Our doctor was more than willing to do that for him. When she left the room, I jokingly said something that I learned from a dear teacher I used to work with. "Holden, you get what you get and you don't have a fit."

Holden looked at me, then turned away, and said, "I won't have a fit, but it will taste like...."

And he STOPPED TALKING!!! He did NOT complete the sentence. I was shocked!!! "HOLDEN JAMES!" I exclaimed like any good mother would. But then I couldn't help it. I about died laughing!

Holden said, "Mom! I was not going to say that! I can't believe you'd think that!" And just smiled while I laughed.

He was so quick with his response!!! I have to admit--I was impressed!!

Holden's Holiday Memory

2007-12-12T20:13:00.000-06:00

Today Holden and I spent time working on a writing assignment. He has missed the last 3 days of school because of this crazy virus he has had. As a writing teacher, I was actually pretty excited about spending some quality time with Holden working on this and making it fun.

Homework is rarely fun, and I could see it in Holden's face that he did not want to do this writing assignment, and he did not think it would be fun. It actually took me about 15 minutes to really pull him in and get him excited. But once we started planning and writing, he really got into it.

We decided to write a story about.......well how about I just let you read it.....

On December 26, I woke up and heard a rumbling in the kitchen. I walked in the kitchen expecting to see Dad making his morning coffee. Instead I saw Santa gulping down the entire gallon of milk. I asked him why he was here. He said, "Your mom and dad left me as your babysitter while they are on vacation." I knew this was going to be an extraordinary day.

Santa asked me to help him make breakfast. We made a giant cookie with chocolate chips filled with hot and creamy fudge, smothered with caramel. My mom would have a fit if she found out. We washed it down with lots of milk. Santa didn't even make me brush my teeth after breakfast which my dad and mom always make me do no matter what.

After breakfast Santa taught me how to fly his sleigh.......

TO BE CONTINUED.......

I am so proud of his use of vocabulary and funny ideas. I told Him he would have to finish the rest of the story on his own at school. I will post the rest when he brings it home. I can't wait to read it!!!

Brand New Way to Praise

2007-12-09T21:07:00.000-06:00

Today Holden made his singing debut in church singing a song called "A Brand New Way to Praise". He got to sing it in both services this morning and tonight at the Children's Christmas Program. I can't even begin to express how proud I was of him. He was fabulous!!! He sang the solo beautifully and had a narrator role telling the story of Christ's birth.

When he sang the first time this morning, I wanted to shout to the whole church, "That's MY son!" But of course I restrained myself. As a teacher for 13 years, I have had several groups perform in school programs, and I thought that was a rush, but they don't compare to the joy in watching MY own son sing about Jesus!

I must stop and tell you that Holden sang with a 102.3 fever! When I picked him up from school on Friday night, he was running a fever. After me being as sick as I was two weeks ago, I didn't want to take any chances. I took him to the doctor, and they said it was a virus that should be gone in a day or two. Well Holden has been running a fever all weekend! But fever or not, he was absolutely amazing today! Jason told him, "The show must go on!" Holden sang his heart out and recited his lines like a pro.

Last September when I first started taking Holden to church on Wednesday nights, I never imagined how much of an impact it would make on him. In the last year and a few months, Holden has made friends at church, gone away to camp, gone to Vacation Bible School, been in three children's programs, and even one of the Sunday morning church videos. He truly ENJOYS going to church. Most importantly, on September 19, Holden prayed to receive Christ as his personal Savior. On September 30, he was baptized to let the world know about his decision.

Holden is so good at memorizing scripture and being able to quote it weeks after memorizing it. He truly has hidden away God's word in his heart. I wish I could say he has Jason or me as role models in this area, but Holden is truly the leader of that in our home. Jason and I want to follow Holden's example.

When Holden tried out for the solo and speaking part in this program, he was supposed to memorize a scripture. He chose to memorize Psalm 100 (the one Teresa read at our wedding). He memorized it in ONE night, and can recite it to anyone who asks him.

I have so much respect for this little man. Holden is an amazing kid. God has huge plans for our Holden. As his mother, I hope I can guide him and then get out of the way and let God do His thing.

On the way home from church Wednesday night, I was telling Holden how proud I was of the job he is doing with his solo and speaking part, and Holden said, "I'm glad you're my mom." I said, "I am glad you're my son." He asked me if I wanted to know why he was glad. I held my breath and said yes. Holden said, "Because if you weren't my mom, I wouldn't get to go to church like I do, and I wouldn't be singing in the Christmas program. I love our church."

Since becoming Holden's mother, I have made MANY mistakes, but I know the one thing I have done right, is taking my boy to church. Holden takes in everything at church and asks questions when he doesn't understand. He even teaches Jason and I new things. Some of my favorite moments with Holden are when we are in the car and I can hear him in the back seat singing praise and worship music along with the radio.

I have rambled a little with this post, but I am so proud of Holden. He has matured so much in the last year. I am so honored to be his mother. I started out with Holden's song--"A BRAND NEW WAY TO PRAISE". Well as I watch Holden grow in his walk with Christ, I also have a brand new way to praise. I can praise God for giving me such an amazing young man as my son!

My Best Friend--The Rubber Band

2007-12-01T10:51:00.000-06:00

November 28th is Teresa's birthday. This year I was laid up in bed with pneumonia and had to call her between naps to wish her a happy birthday. But Teresa's birthday is not what I want to share. I want to brag about her accomplishments.

On November 28th I was in the "Reading Room" again reading our devotional THE WORD FOR YOU TODAY. The title was "The Rubber Band Principle". It was immediately made me think of my dear friend, Teresa.

"All rubber bands work on the same principle---they must be stretched to be effective! Anybody who has ever achieved anything of note, has been stretched to their limit. There are no expectations. One of the most common mistakes is thinking that success in life is due to come genius or some 'special something-or-other' you don't possess. Get rid of that thinking! Success comes when you stretch to meet the challenge; failure comes when you shrink back from it. And stretching makes you vulnerable. When a rubber band is taut, it is much easier to break."

Teresa was not afraid to stretch. She did not shrink back from it, and she did not break!

In less than two weeks, my best friend will graduate from college!!! She didn't do it the easy way. (If there is an easy way). Not to downplay the work I put into college, but I had it easy. My father paid for each semester in cash, and I only had to work part-time with no other responsibilities. Teresa, on the other hand, is finishing her degree at the age of 34. Throughout her college experience, she has gotten married and had two beautiful children.

Teresa serves the Lord daily by keeping a beautiful home, loving her husband, and raising her children up to love Jesus.

I don't know how she has done it, but I have so much respect for my best friend.

Teresa, I love you like you were my own sister! I am so proud of you!

"Straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize." Philippians 3:13-14

Our First Thanksgiving...

2007-11-30T22:36:00.000-06:00

On Wednesday, Holden and I prepared the banana pudding, the hot pineapple casserole, and the sweet potatoes. Holden was a huge help. I enjoyed the time we spent together. He added ingredients while I mixed it all up. I left the toppings to be completed Thursday morning before going to MeeMaw's.

Unfortunately, Thursday morning didn't go quite the way we'd hoped. I woke up in the middle of the night with chills and freezing! I pulled the extra quilt up on me but never got warm. I was running a fever of 102.1 and coughing like crazy. My head was pounding and never could stop shivering. Thanksgiving morning, I knew I wouldn't be able to join Holden and Jason with the family.

I made Holden watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade with me, so we could at least do one thing together as a family that day. I managed to get the toppings on the sweet potatoes and pineapple, but went to bed as soon as the boys left for MeeMaw's. While they were gone my fever went up to 103.6. Jason and I knew something was seriously wrong, but it was Thanksgiving--Nothing was open but the hospitals. I didn't want to do that.

I spent the rest of the weekend in bed coughing and in pain. I went to Care Now, but that was useless...they told me it was a sinus infection. On Monday morning, I got into my own doctor and found out I had a pretty bad case of pneumonia. I have spent the entire week in bed and missed a week of school--again!!

Now that I am coming back to the living world, I am ready to get ready for Christmas. But before I do, I need to be sure I don't forget to share what I am most thankful for.

1. I am thankful for God's grace and mercy. I so don't deserve it, but I get it anyway!
2. I am thankful for the family God has given to me this year!
3. I am thankful for my loving husband, Jason.
4. I am thankful for my amazing son, Holden.

Eighteen months ago, I would have never dreamed that I would be writing this today. God has given me the man and the child of my dreams! I am so blessed!

My Little Bookworm DS

2007-11-16T20:39:00.000-06:00

When I first met Jason and Holden, Holden was not a reader. He was a video/computer game kid.
He was supposed to read daily for school, but it wasn't an easy task to get him to read.
His reading consisted of whatever dialogue the video game characters spoke to each other.

I knew that playing video games would probably never be a commonality for Holden and me, but I love to read! Give me a good children's book or great Christian fiction book and I am completely content to cuddle up in bed and read until I fall asleep. I have always been a reader. Some of my best memories as a child were books, even when my mom took away "Forever" by Judy Blume after I read "Chapter 9". I can also remember filling my toy refrigerator and stove with as many books as I could. They were so full sometimes I couldn't even get the doors to shut. I would just dump them all out on the floor and read the same books over and over again.

How could I get this little man who was soon to be my son to love reading as much as I did and do?

I knew that he enjoyed "boy potty humor" so I started buying him CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS books.
Reading about all sorts of bodily functions became a normal part of our evenings for awhile.
As long as poop, farts, and underpants were part of the reading, Holden was entertained.

I slowly introduced him to more "quality" literature. "101 Ways to Bug My Parents" by Lee Wardlaw was the first "real" chapter book he actually read completely. It was a struggle at first. He didn't want to read alone. He didn't want to read for "20 whole minutes". I started out reading to him the entire 20 minutes then transitioning to spending the first 10 minutes reading to him and letting him finish the last 10 minutes. Sometimes tears were involved, but slowly it became a normal part of our evenings.

Once we were officially a family, living in the same home, I was able to set a consistent evening schedule of bath time-reading-and lights out. There is rarely an argument and never tears anymore. Reading is part of Holden's daily life, just like playing games.

The first really good book he read was "Tale of Despereaux" by Kate DiCamillo. This is probably one of my all time favorite children's novels. It is the story of a mouse, a princess, some soup, and a spool of thread. It doesn't get any better than this.
Holden loved it so much; he read the entire book in one weekend. Tonight he even suggested we buy it for his friend's birthday. I was so proud!

When summer came, I wanted trips to the library and reading to continue to be part of our routine. Each summer I try to read several of the Texas Bluebonnet nominees to prepare myself for the new school year. As a mom for the first time, I was excited to share these books with my fourth grader. We took turns reading them and talking about our favorite parts. By the end of the summer Holden and I had both read at least 8 of the 20 nominees. It was nice to have something in common to talk about.

Holden had been asking for a Nintendo DS (handheld game system) for months, but I really didn't want to buy one more game system. Holden talked about saving his allowance and buying it for himself. He already had a Gamecube, an XBox, a Gameboy, and a Wii. I knew that eventually we would get it, but one morning I had a "brilliant" idea. I asked Jason what he thought about challenging Holden to read ALL 20 of the Bluebonnet nominees, and when he finished, we would buy him the DS. Jason agreed that that would be a good deal.

When we presented the idea to Holden, he was ALL FOR IT! I made up a tracking sheet for him to hang in his bedroom. He was so proud every time he checked off another book.

Now some might think that reading to earn something isn't the same as having a love for reading, but if you saw how our boy reads, you wouldn't think that way. He has really enjoyed every one of the 20 books. I think his favorite is "Leven Thumps and the Gateway to Foo" by Obert Skye. He has EARNED his DS just like we earn money to buy things we want.

A couple of weeks ago he realized that he was only 4 books away from his goal! Owning a DS was actually becoming a reality for him. I told him that if he worked really hard, he might just have it before Thanksgiving. He made a plan that would make it happen. Each day he knew exactly how long he needed to read and how many pages he had to finish. Having a book report due this Friday helped push him along a little bit.

As I watched my little bookworm eat his way through each of those final books, I was so full of pride! He wanted to read! Yes, his initial goal was to get them finished so he would get his DS, but he was reading and he enjoyed it! He has come so far in such a short amount of time. My son loves to read! I love sharing my favorite books with him! I bragged to everyone I know, "MY son is almost finished reading ALL 20 Bluebonnet books!!!"

Tonight he only had about 50 more pages to read in "Firegirl" by Tony Abbott and all of the picture book "Ballet of the Elephants" by Leda Schubert, and he would be FINISHED!!!! After dinner I took him to Barnes and Noble to read "Ballet of the Elephants", On the way he sat in the backseat with his flashlight finishing "Firegirl". By the time we got home, he only had 3 more pages to read!!!

Jason and I had the DS all plugged in and charged up for him. He ran in to get it when he was finished. I have always cringed when I watched him play his video games, but tonight as I went in his room to take pictures of him playing with his new Nintendo DS, I was proud!!! Proud of his accomplishment. Proud of his perseverance. Proud of my son the gamer and reader!!!

I think I did something right!

http://www.txla.org/groups/tba/nominees.html

It Hurts....

2007-11-11T20:32:00.000-06:00

Earlier this week I was able to laugh at my mistake.
As the week has continued, I have laughed less and less.
I started to get angry and frustrated and sad.

As I sat in church this morning, I looked around and saw at least 3 round bellies.
It hurt. I finally admitted to myself--I am sad. I wanted to be pregnant.
I wanted to start planning for the arrival of a baby.

This week has been torture. No period, but 5 negatives!!!
I am sure I am not, but it would be so much easier to be back on a regular schedule and move on to next month.
Unfortunately, my body has different plans.

After church we came home and I needed to go lay down and be alone with my thoughts.
I know the answer is--it will happen in God's Time....but I DO NOT want to hear that right now.
I told Jason, that if I was still single, today would have been one of those days that I would have spent in bed all day.
Sleeping, crying, and sleeping some more. That isn't my life anymore.

So I made it though the day. I will make it through tomorrow and the next day.
But I need a day or so to just be sad.

Goodnight My Favorite Mama

2007-11-09T22:29:00.000-06:00

Tonight as I went into Holden's room to turn off the TV and tell him it was time for lights out. I noticed the clothes on the bathroom floor, the crumpled up towel on the bathroom sink, and the wide open shower curtain. So the "Mom" in me came out. "Holden, why are your clothes on the floor? Why isn't your towel hung up? Why is the shower curtain not pulled closed? And oh yeah...how do we put dishes in the dishwasher? Then why was your plate in the dishwasher with ketchup and dried up cheese still on it?"

As Holden got out of bed to do everything I asked him to do, I knew he was frustrated. He came in to say good night and was visibly distraught. When asked why he was upset, he said, "Nothing. Can I please just go to bed?" Once he got in bed he called for "Dad." Well, Jason wasn't feeling well, so I said I would go. When I got in Holden's room, he immediately said, "I wanted to talk to Dad." I knew it was to complain about me, but I went in anyway.

I asked him what was bothering him. I need to stop and admit that my flesh was upset that he would be so upset that I told him to do what he already knew what was supposed to be done. But he very maturely asked, "Why does the shower curtain need to be closed?" "Why do I have to hang up the towel?" My initial reaction wanted to be, "Because those are the rules and I said so." But I decided to try what Jason has been trying to get me to do. I explained the reasoning behind it. "The bathroom looks nicer when the shower curtain is closed. The towels will get mildewy and gross if not hung up to dry. It will be dry for you in the morning when you need to use it."

I could tell that because of the tone I was using, just a calm voice to explain it, that Holden was softening and not so frustrated. Then I decided to make it a little silly. I decided to explain why we rinse the dishes. I asked him if he wanted dried old ketchup and cheese with his pancakes tomorrow with his breakfast? Or better yet the old dried Ramen Noodles from Friday night in his scrambled eggs?

Well the giggles started. Holden said, "Mom, lay down with me and let's be silly and talk about gross food."
How could I resist? I crawled up in bed with him and we proceeded to think about all we had eaten this week and how gross our food would be with all the dried up old food all mixed up with tomorrow's breakfast. We were both laughing hard.

Then my sweet boy started playing with my hair, and we talked about what we were gonna go buy tomorrow to put in the shoebox for Samaritan's Purse. I told him to go get my brush so he could brush my hair. He came back empty handed saying he couldn't find it. When I got up to go get it, he tried to stop me and said, "No don't go because you won't come back, and I want to lay with you and be silly."

He wanted my time and laughter, and my first visit started with nagging about picking up this, and hanging up that...blah blah blah....nothing near as important--nothing near as eternal as laying in bed with my precious nine year old son, just being silly.

I came back right away with my brush. He told me to lay down while he brushed my hair and to keep talking about what we were gonna put in the box.

Ten minutes or so later, when I was getting up to leave he said, "Mom, I had fun being silly with you." As I walked out of the room, I heard, "Goodnight My Favorite Mama." I stopped, walked back, and gave him a kiss on the forehead and said, "Good night my favorite son."

WOW...what started out me being a naggy mom, turned into a sweet memory for both of us.

As I started to type this post, I went back in his room and asked, "Remember when I came in your room and immediately began to give you a list of things that you didn't do? He very reluctantly said, "Yeah?" (I think he thought I was gonna start all over again.) But instead I did what my pride has kept me from doing. Instead I said, "Well that was wrong of me and I am sorry." He looked up at me in the dark with his blue eyes and said, "Yeah but then you wouldn't have come back to talk to me, and we never would have had our silly time."

Our little man is wise beyond his years. I hope we will have more of those silly time together...and sometimes--we can leave the clothes on the floor, the towel crumpled up on the sink, and (heaven forbid) the shower curtain wide open.

Good night my favorite son.

Always in Awe

2007-11-08T20:58:00.000-06:00

After I wrote my blog yesterday, I was in the "Reading Room" and picked up our daily devotion book--The Word for You Today.
After all the excitement of the morning, I had forgotten to read the Tuesday, November 6 entry.

So as I was preparing to go to bed, I read it. I'd like to share a few thoughts and scriptures:

"It is difficult to see God blessing others while you are forced to wait. But this is not injustice; it's divine order!"

"God may not come when you want Him to but He'll always be on time--if you wait on Him."

"No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly." Psalm 84:11

"His delays are not his denials. He's never said anything He couldn't back up or promised anything He wouldn't deliver. So disregard the circumstances and stand on the Word God has given you!"

WOW!!! God even knew that I would mess up on Tuesday, November 6 and that disappointment would be part of my day when He guided the publishers of this small devotional book. HE LOVES ME THAT MUCH!!!!

Excitement then...disappointment

2007-11-07T21:22:00.000-06:00

The night I signed up for this blog I had no idea what the next day would be like.
I woke up wondering--is it possible? So I decided to take a test. Immediately two lines showed up!
One of my wildest dreams has come true! I couldn't get to Jason fast enough!!!
I immediately cried and felt so much excitement and fear!
Jason looked at it and said, "Yep there are definatly two lines."
We were going to have a baby!!!!

I called my mother and couldn't control myself. I was so excited!
I couldn't wait to tell Teresa. I tried to call her several times throughout the day, but her phone was dead.
At 3:45 I was finally able to share my exciting news with my best friend.
I called several people, told a few face to face, and emailed a few long distance relatives.
One special friend was trying to be quiet in Barnes and Noble. She wanted to scream and yell, but managed to stay "calm".
My mom even went shopping!!!!

On the way home I called Jason and we decided to tell Holden that night.

But then, I started to doubt myself. I got online and looked up the directions for the test.
My first reaction was, OH NO WHAT HAVE I DONE??? I READ IT WRONG!!!
The first circle is supposed to have a horizontal AND a vertical...not just a horizontal....
No baby...
I just laughed. What a BLONDE!!! I called Jason and told him. He thought I was kidding.
I have never felt like more of an idiot on my life!!!
I knew I had to take another test just to make sure...but this time one that said clearly---PREGNANT--or--NOT PREGNANT
Within a few minutes it was confirmed, I had made a HUGE mistake!!! It clearly said, NOT PREGNANT!!

Jason asked me later, "What made you look up the directions and double check?"
I immediately knew the answer..."GOD" We were going to tell Holden.
God's Promises Kept! He loves our little man so much, he protected him from the excitement of thinking he would be a big brother only to deal with the pain of finding out-"Oops, Mom messed up."

What did I learn for this? Well, many people have said, don't tell everyone so quickly. But that is not my personality. I show my excitement without holding back. Yes, I had to go back and take care of "damage control". But I have gotten a good laugh at myself. I will never forget and this will be a funny story to tell forever. So the most important thing I take from this experience is--I will never throw the directions away before using all the tests in a box.

People have asked me several times, "Are you okay?" I am amazed that I am. I wasn't devastated. I didn't cry. I was disappointed and a little sad, but I just laughed. I made a mistake.

Today is another day....I am not pregnant....but I am still loved. God has a perfect plan for our family. When the time is right, we will have another morning full of excitement.