Weekend Warrior

Ok it was a busy weekend but so so much fun. Saturday was a cousins b-day party so my hubby took the kids to that one and I went to a treat. I went to see Michael English in Concert. One of my Girlfriend, (aka the Cher) took me to the concert and to a girls night out for my B-day. No it was not this weekend but it was a great gift. We went to dinner, then the concert, and then for desert afterwards. I did not fall into bed until 1:00AM. Considering that I am usually in bed by 9 or 10 everynight, that was late for me. But totally worth it. Michael English was really amazing. I have never seen someone sing and perform as he did. I am telling you, that guy has got some SOUL to him. Then, I slept in that morning and did not get up at 6 as I had planned to cook my little ones bday cakes and so we missed Church. I felt like I was skipping on life all day. I guess that is a good thing. However as I worked, I was able to go to tv church... Sunday program at a church telecast. It was really good.
I don't have pics just yet from the party but I can tell you that everyone we invited except one came. We had an awesome turn out. The weather was cool and have a great breeze, the older kids just played and played, and it all just went so smoothly after everyone got there. I don't know how long it lasted but it was so peaceful and fun. By the time the bday boy got thru with his cake it was green everywhere to include in his nose and hair.
Needless to say the late night and busy day did not catch me until later that night when we were relaxing for the evening. What we will actually do for my Bday when it gets here, who knows... BUT this weekend was a totally blast and an amazinf treat and joy!!!
As soon as I get some photos digitally, I will try and post them... Til' next time, God Bless and guide you....
(As a side note, our Church is doing the Purpose Driven Life and I will tell you that if you have not read this yet, you are miss out. It is amazing how it is change my life views and life in general for the better. It is a definite read I think for those that strive to know our Lord.)

Walking Miracle

1979 Septemeber 30:
A baby girl was born with gastroschisis weighing in at 3lbs and 5 ozs. Born about 2 months before the due date of full completion, the 1st of their children t be born. Gastroschisis being when the outer skin and stomach muscles are not developed therefore the organs are outside the body. When this baby was born they had no idea that it had this. With just a kiss and a few tears the baby was wheeled away to surgery. While the parents awaited, doctor placed these very small and elicate organs in a sealed package and laided apon the baby's chest. As the days went by the closed contact the parents had with the little one was via protective gloves and plastic incabators. Once the swelling has gone down the organs were placed into the babies tiny torso. Organ by organ they planted each one. The end resolute of a babys body sealed using the stomach muscles, skin, and surgical wire. After months in the hosptial, the little one was allowed to go home. The Doctors did not have much hope but the parents knew that she would survive. She is now 26 going on 27 and has had two children without much stress and one of the healthiest childhoods. That is ME...
Once again another parents lives hang in time as one of their own who was 2 months early and has gastrochisis weighing in at 3lbs 7 oz... Duquesa Hunt Lamer gave birth to her first child named Jerome Andre Lamer on August 25th of 2006. Please keep them in your parents!!! As you can guess, my mom and dad know what they are going through... Please see the photo below of the precious gift from GOD!!!! WE LOVE YOU JEROME!!!!!! and so does GOD!!!!!!!JoLee and Jerome

SELFISHNES...

I beleive that I am guilty of this... For the last 2 years I have been part of our Church Choir and I love it. Due to one of my little ones starting school I can not long attend practices on Wednesday nights or least until after Christmas. I am having a very hard time with this and I think it is because I am have been being selfish. My children need me to be there and get them to bed at night and that it my job. I feel that I have been neglecting my duties and I feel very ashamed. I don't want to short-change my family anymore and I think that this is the first step in fixing this matter which is admitting that it is problem and fixing it. As most know, Music and I click and for once, I realize that my passion will needs to cool down and my responsiblity to heat up like it should. I mean after all I am their mother and God gave them to me to take care of and raise and so I must clean up my life for them. Of course this does not mean that the Lord has closed the door forever but maybe just temporary. I can still be apart of Choir but just step back from it alittle. Please pray that I will stick to this and see the rewards for it. I know that it will be tons of fun being able to be with my children more and I am excited about it but I just needed to get this off my chest and be honest with myself.
My Hubby is doing great. This is his first week of school and like most teachers it is a little bumpy road. I think he is going to do GREAT. Did I mention that he is an assistant coach now too...? That will start in the spring. SO much going on....
WOW life is great is it not... THANKS GOD...

So it begins

Well, it is that time again and the schools are starting to buzz with activity. As some may know my Hubby is a teacher now and also an assistant track coach. This will be his fist year as a teacher and I am sure that it is a bit overwhelming. I know that once he gets passed the TEACHER REQUIREMENTS, his students will learn a lot and enjoy it...He'll do great! My oldest will start Pre-K as well and she is so excited. I am of course excited and sad. That means that my little one is growing up. Thank goodness I will not be taking her but her daddy...aka BUDDY. She asks everyday if she is going to school tomorrow and to ours and her dismay we tell her not yet. Then on top of that, my sis in law is now at College getting ready for her freshmen year. I am sure that it has not hit her yet but it will and I hope that she will rely on God for her strength. It sure will be sad not getting to see her in Church every meeting day...Tear...
So the world turns and each moment we get closer and closer to the begin of our eternity...May I always remember that even though life changes, his love remains the same.

FOLLOWING THE LIGHT...

Well, now we know. We will be staying here for awhile now. The decision has been made and there will be no changes from what it is now except for my Hubby will be now at home wtth us and can go to church. I am totally excited. That is pretty much it at this point. Hopefully my girl will be in swim lessons sometime in the near future with her buddy. It is pending her buddy's time to be ready and able. I guess time will tell. Well, I better run for now. I just wanted to let those that read this thing know about the update.... ANYWAYS...BYE ;)

HMMMMMMM.......

Ok... Life at the moment is at a Hmmmmm.... Today will be the day that we will find out if we are to reside where we are at or look to relocate. I am not nervous about it but I would say I am alittle on the "wantaknow" side of it. Of course this does not primary involve me. It is my most important other. I will be doing a bunch of praying about it today.
The weather is back to it heatstroke tempature and I am constantly praying for those that are out there in it all day like my Father. Some do not have the choice to be in it or not and well, he is one of them. I use to know and sometimes I really miss it. Like most things in this world, for some reason we always think the grass is greener elsewhere or crave something different.
My little baby boy has 5 teeth now and is working on more. It is just so hard to believe that he is 9 months now, and he will be year in September. He is so funny. If I am cleaning house or just walking from one room to another, if he is on the floor crawling or in his walker, he will follow me where ever I go. If I am gone for any length time, you can bet that he will follow. He is getting really good at crawling. He is not quit as good as it as his sister was but he will be there soon. But like his sister, he loves to sit at the screen/glass door and just look out there are it all.
My girl is doing great. She will be starting Pre-K this year which means she is no longer a toddler girl. She is getting so tall and is as thin as a beanpole still. We are frequently fighting her to eat. She and a friend will be starting swimming lessons very soon. I know that she will do great and have great time as well. She loves to sing and dress up. I think I know where those comes from. For instances, I have been practicing a choir peice that I had a solo in for the last couple of weeks. On the way to church, I was practicing and from her booster area I hear a little soprano voice just singing away. After sing all the way through while listening to her and she asked me to play it again. It is just so precious to hear. She loves to sing and does often. Some times, the boy will join in as well.
As for as myself, I am trying to stay dedicated to working out. When you have a desk job and can't get any from the desk often, you can just imagine how the lbs can add and go right to those problem areas. Like I have told most, it is not to wear a different size, but to look and feel better. I have got to find some energy from somewhere to be able to keep up with both my active kids and hubby. Wish me luck, and would you pray that I can stick to my guns and honor the Lord is my promise. After all, He is the only one that will be able to really keep my stomach in tacked, RIGHT?!
Anyways, that is pretty much it. I know that I don't post pics much but I don't think very many poeple look at my blog anyways. SOOOOO.... If you do and would like some photos or something, let me know....
Till next time....GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU...LADYBUG

4th of July...

Well, our 4th was not to bad. We got to send the entire day together -- our little family. The fireworks were good as well. We ventured to the great outdoors and watched our local community display this year, like we have for the last two years. It was short but worth it. We even got some rain that day as well. You forget what the smell of rain is like when it has not rained since October. I mean, over an inch at any time. It is getting pretty crisp. I love rain and the fact that it revives and renews life. After it rains here, it seems to clear the air of all the dust and grime of the day from the hot sun. Thanks so much GOD!!!!!
I hope that everyone has a great 4th. Our's could not have gotten much better....
LATERS!!!

Reunion and Teething...

Well, as stated before here is the run down of this years reunion.
70 Poeple and numerous kids including two at the time on the way. I think it was determined that we had been doing this for about 50 years now, give or take a few I am sure. It was a pretty laid back and very quiet get together this year. There was not much water but the kids still loved it. It seemed this year that everyone was a little tired and disconnected from the whole thing. It was rather dull is what I would call it, in a good way. Most folks just went and did their own thing while others just hang out at the camp ground not doing more than just sitting about, resting. Most rolled in on Friday then came the onedayers on Saturday. Come Sunday it was a "pack-it-leave-it" day. As it has become a custom, we had a large lunch on Saturday and were then serenaded that evening by a couple in our family. Through out the whole weekend some played volleyball and horseshoes but no big matches or games developed. As part of the tradition, kids played in the waterhole while some adults and teens went in search for the CAVES and fishing holes. Like most reunions I have been to, the wives stayed put to watch the kids and to visit. A few years ago, dominoes, card and ball games were always going on through out the whole thing but it has seem to have died out in the last years. We would have families playing families and the guys playing the girls and on and one but not this year. I really think everyone was just too tired and woren out from the past year. I know I was and guess what I still am. It was nice to get back to nature and relax but I tend to be a grooch when I lack sleep. SORRY TO ALL ....
The days were hot and the evening started that way and then were cool in the mornings. BUT, to our dismay... the nights turned out to be even longer than the days. Just as we would turn in for the night, the boy was up and fit to be tide. After three nights of very little sleep and tons of tears, and yawns, apparently he is cutting/breaking/chewing 6 teeth at the same time. That would explain the long nights with lots of screams, cries, and sleepy days. It is not like him to be so clinky and crying all the time. After all he is our SMILER in our little family. Talk about surprised as to what was going on.... WHOA!!!! Most don't cut teeth but one at a time but not this boy. The doctor at his checkup this morning told us this and said that it could be a good think... "If you are not lacking energy and sleep.." I am just praying for a complete night of sleep soon. We thought maybe his stomach was hurting or his schedule was just off but according to the doc, it might have been some of those but it is mainly to the teeth matter...
We got to see so many that we have not seen in a long time. There were many children there and most from the next generations which included my little ones. It was great to see them all but we sure did miss the ones that did not get to make it too. A few of the regualors did not make if this year to our dismay. All in all, worth the time and yes even the crying baby. Sorry we kept everyone up half the night.
Well, back to the real world of running for the money of life. Til' next time....CHERRIO!!!!

Hair, Family, and Stuff

Ok.... I have gone and done it and I think that I like it or at let for now. My hair was getting to the point when it was just too long and I would pull it up in a ponytail or put in a butterfly. What is the point of having pretty long hair if all I do or have time to do is pull it up and that is it? So I have taken the cut approach. Picture this: Me with hair a little longer than my shoulders to..... basically a modernized Audrey Hepburn look. Talk about change. So far I have been told that it looks great except from my better half. It is growing on him he said. QUESTION:
What is it with guys? Do they all love long hair and want all ladies to sport it?! It never has made much sense to me. I guess it gives them something to PLAY with or something. I don't get it. From my dad and my other half. Don't get me wrong, I like long hair and even had it almost down to my waist at one time. It is hot and sometime a totally pain to work with... If they like it long, they should try it and see how long they would last.
I have asked a few close friends of mine if they thought I looked good with short or long hair. Most have said that it was both. Some have said short and some as it was. WELL, here I am today with my audrey do and yes it takes a little bit to get it to COOPERATE in the morning but now I know what it feels like to be able to let your hair blow in the wind and still be able to brush it afterwards with not knots. PLUS if I don't like it, hair grows. I guess it is ok, as long as I am allowed to sleep in my bed and not the couch, hehehehehe.
This weekend is our annual family reunion. The reunion we have is a totally camp out event and getting to see those that we don't see through the year, literally. Most we don't even see thru the major holidays like Christmas and stuff. My hubby and I love to camp out and be in nature. I am positive my little ones will too. Except for those that like their A/C and home away from home, most everyone are in tents. Lots of food, laughs, and very little water this year but I guess we will find a waterhole somewhere, :)
This week my little girl is away at VBS with her mema and papa. I sure do miss her but I will see her soon. It is amazing how our lives seem to change. I have another at home but I still miss my girl. She will come home with her daddy at the end of the week and we will head out for the reunion.
I just wanted everyone to have an update on life and to also let you all know that I am blessed in many ways. From the loving family of God I have to the shoes and roof over my head. THANKS!!!! I will blog next week at the reunion to explain the whole shindig(?). Til' Nextweek.....CHERRIO!

GIRLS GETAWAY/WEEKEND

Well, I met up with my sis and cuz in Austin this weekend and had a total blast. Friday we did not get to bed until 12:30 then Saturday @ 2:45. Left Sunday after lunch....
Friday we played cranium after we went to the Alamo draft house to discover that they were sold out of the movie we wanted to see. We then went to the Magnolia Cafe for a LATE dinner. So worth it... It was an experience and I would go back.... REALLY good. Saturday we got up and went in search for a purse, dress, and prego shopping. We finally caught our movie for lunch "The Break-up" and then went to the Mall afterwards. Movie was good and the food was amazing...even for eating in the dark and not really being able to see your food ;). Between the mall and movie house we sidetracked to a bead house and that was something. ALL those beads and so little time and money... After the mall we headed back to the apartment and took a dip in the pool and hot tub... After starting our creations, we decided that needed some more stuff so we headed out for Walmart. As we left W, we ordered PIZZA and watched an accident happen... Talked about scaring us all to death... It had to have hurt, not to mention it was really loud...We were in the next lane over at a light. They were going to have one long night ;( With pizza on the way, we decided we need some watching materials as well so be stopped and rent some movies then returned to the apartment. While we waited for our dinner, we watched our movies and BEADED. Before we left on Sunday we watched Amitville Horror--on TV... not to bad for being so old. Made it in that evening. All in all....
WE WILL HAVE TO DO IT AGAIN SOON...... THANKS CUZ....