Count your blessings, count them one by one!

When I stop to take the time to analyze my life, I realize that it is truly over-flowing with blessings, and I am very grateful for each and every one. First of all, I have been blessed with an amazing family that I try to not take for granted for one second. I cannot imagine my life without them and I am sad to think that there are those who do not know the love of a family! They are always there to lift me up when I am down, lend a listening ear, shoulder to cry on, and there to celebrate & have fun with....not only my husband and children, the entire family...from my aunt to my brother-in-law and everyone in between, I love being with them!

On Saturday, Nov. 20 we drove to Killeen for Thanksgiving with the Hodges family. We spent the day enjoying food prepared by my mother-in-law and some beautiful fall weather. Maddie & Landon loved playing outside with their cousin, Kyle. The older boys spent the day shooting & playing 42 and I enjoyed catching up with my sister-in-law, Leah. The next day we went to church and heard a wonderful message on the commandments about admitting and speaking the truth completely & consistently with love and the importance this plays on your relationships with others. A very powerful message that I needed to hear. Don't keep sweeping things under the rug. It is exhausting avoiding that white elephant in the room! "Speak only what is helpful for building others up, according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen" Eph 4:29 "but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ." Eph 4:15

Sunday afternoon Justin and Landon went to Pa's place to feed the cows and go "deer hunting". They "shot" 2 buck with the video camera & Landon was so excited that he saw them in the deer stand. He was so cute, he called me on the cell phone, whispering as he told me the details...I could barely make them out! Of course another highlight for little man is opening/closing the gate & driving the truck. He LOVES to drive in the field. Maddie does to for that matter and she got her chance to do that today. Maddie and I went to Derek and Leah's so that she could play with Kyle and I went with Leah to take Jake to his dad's. We all met back up to the church for the evening service and Thanksgiving dinner. After church we came back home and enjoyed a family movie night of "Beezus and Ramona", a super cute movie. I love a good, wholesome, movie that is safe for my 6 year old. Kids see too much these days at such a young age and I think it is so sad.

Today we have enjoyed another liesure day of playing outside, spending time at the farm driving and deer hunting, and getting some Christmas shopping done in town. We heard from the realtor today and the termite inspection came back clear. We are well on our way to being homeowners in East Texas. I have faith that God's Will will be done in this process and I do not worry about it, I just put it all in His hands. We love the house that we have found, but there is alot of painting and updating that needs to be done, but we find it very exciting and can't wait to make it our own if everything goes through.

Tomorrow we are headed back to East TX to catch up on house details, laundry and then we are on our way to Dallas Wednesday morning to stay with Kimberly for shopping and visiting the arboretum. Thanksgiving day we are participating in the turkey trot with Kimberly and Philipp and then onto Aunt Elaine's for a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. Friday the girls are having a scrapbook day that I am so excited about and Saturday we are going to see Disney Princess' on ice.

Our Thanksgiving break is filled with fun times and blessings. May God bless your week! Don't forget to count your many blessings and see what God has done!

Priorities in life

Two things are weighing heavy on my heart at the moment, so I will dive in....

1) Kids pick up on what parents like. If Daddy roots for the Rangers, then odds are kids will start cheering for them too. As a parent, what is it that you like that your kids witness day in and day out? Are Christian homes living spiritual lives? Some say they love the Lord, yet they don't utter His name in their house. It is not laziness, the busy-ness of life, or emotional exhaustion. It is simply the lack of righteous living. Quit with the excuses already! You can only give what you have. Just like in an airplane, they tell the parent to adjust your own mask before putting on your child's mask.....same goes with your relationship with God. Get things right with yourself and God so you can teach your children to walk in the light. There is no such thing as a spiritual evolution. Some say they have been going to church forever, so they know they are a Christian. Just because you sit in a garage it doesn't make you a car. It doesn't matter how long you went to church...is there a time in your life that you accepted Christ and had a spiritual rebirth? There shouldn't be a gray area to this, it's simply yes or no. We as parents have such an important role to play and if there is one thing I want my kids to know without a shadow of a doubt, it is that their momma loves Jesus. I want them to see me reading His word and praying to Him with my trials and praising Him through both the good times and bad. And as much as I want them to experience these things for themselves, it is not my choice, but theirs. I have prayed for friends and loved ones and their relationship with God and as much as I want to help them make the choice, there is nothing more I can do but to pray for them and set the best Christian example I know how. Sometimes I ask myself if it is enough, but I know God is at work and He has a plan.

This is great way to visualize and explain sharing the love of God with your family. As a parent, when the rain rolls in we get our umbrella and huddle up our sweet children under it to shield them from the storm. If they start to run away we try to follow them, trying our best to keep that shield of protection over them. But wouldn't it be better, as parents, for our children to have their own protection over them, so that when the day comes that they do wander away, they will still be protected? So many are walking around with our hand in the air with nothing protecting them. Don't give your kids things, don't give your kids 10 minutes of your time after work and think it is making a difference, and don't just give them church. Give Them Jesus.

2) A family friend decided to end his life by committing suicide. I can't imagine what could be going on in your life that would be so horrible for a person to turn to this. I am praying for his wife, & for his sons that not only have to deal with the loss of their father, but the fact that their father chose to leave them. My heart is hurting for this family.

The Night of Music Bliss

I thought the DMB concert would NEVER arrive, but sadly enough it has come and gone all too quickly! Excited does not even begin to describe the way I felt about this event. We bought our tickets in February and when I found out we had pit tickets I was so excited I almost lost all bodily functions! :) I seriously counted down the days and I am sad that I don't know their next concert date so I can get it on my calendar and have it to look forward to. Our wonderful DMB weekend started with meeting at Aaron's to prepare some of the food and then meeting up with our friends, David and Wendy at the Doubletree hotel. We were all so giddy, we didn't get to sleep until 2:30 that morning! On Saturday we started our tailgating activities at noon and boy was it hot, but that didn't stop our fun. Aaron made this dish called "bacon explosion" and it was one of the best things I have ever eaten! I can't wait to try it again. We literally ate all day....steak tacos, pork tenderloin, beef kabobs, brats wrapped in tortillas with gouda cheese (one of my faves), 7 layer dip, corn salsa, cheese stuffed jalapenos & reeses chocolate chip muffin cookies that were pretty tasty.



We played bean bags & bochi ball even though it felt like the surface of the sun. I wish I could say it was cool for the concert, but it wasn't. No one cared though! We found our place in the pit at 8 and the show was amazing. Here was his set list:

Last Stop
Shake Me Like a Monkey ***
Granny
Why I Am
#41
Big Eyed Fish
Seven
Can't Stop
Spaceman
Corn Bread (one of the best versions I have heard them do!)
Write a Song (never had heard it...)
Lie in Our Graves
Baby Blue
You and Me
Everyday
Jimi Thing (Boyd tore it up!)
Some Devil
Ants Marching



Seriously, I don't think I have ever been so excited. To be that close to Dave and to be able to watch them all was incredible. Rashawn, Carter,& Boyd kicked some booty that night. They are all awesome musicians...Dave of course being my favorite.

We had such a great time. The heat nor the rude guy in front of me that claimed Dave's pick that was thrown out into the audience that could've been mine could ruin my night...it truly was a night of bliss!!! I hope that next concert we are able to get pit tickets again and I will keep my fingers crossed for my favorite DMB song to be played, as soon as I figure out which one that is!

A labor-free labor day weekend!

We had such a great time this weekend spending time with family & relaxing. On Saturday Kimberly & Philipp threw a party for the family in their new apartment so that we could see all of their wedding goodies displayed in their new home. Everything looked so nice! It makes me want to go out and register at Bed, Bath & Beyond! :) We enjoyed sandwiches & dips and the kids + Matt/Philipp took a dip in the extremely cold pool! Needless to say, they did not swim for long. I just love weekends where the entire family gets together to reconnect....we have a very special bond and I do not take it for granted!! On Sunday we enjoyed church at Lover's Lane, lunch at BJ's (their root beer is the best) and swimming in the freezing pool again. Luckily I avoided the pool all weekend...not sure how I managed that! That night we drove to Rockwall and strolled the boardwalk area by Lake Ray Hubbard. It is just beautiful! We ate at Blue Canyon and had some wonderful blue cheese chips. We had waited as long as we could and we had to say bye to Kimberly & Philipp...we started driving back home at 9:30! We pulled into Marshall a little after midnight and poor Justin had to work today on Labor Day. But not me....I am spending the day doing laundry, blogging and relaxing with my kids. If only we had one more day like this....tomorrow it is back to reality!

Ready or not....

I seriously cannot believe that school is starting on Monday. It seems as though it just let out, but I am very thankful for the wonderful summer that we had! Spending time with the kids is the best. We have had fun just hanging out playing wii, playing outside, water fun, and our favorite summer past time has been frequent visits to "Chateau Snow", our local snow cone stand. I have made it my mission to get a new flavor everytime, but I still haven't come close to trying them all. Anything with sweetened condensed milk is a winner in my book. Maddie loves pineapple upside-down cake and Landon loves spiderman (blueberry & strawberry) I think it is the name that he really likes....it could be any flavors in there!

I am determined to be more organized this year in our daily routines, such as waking up in time to read my bible and exercise & get the kids breakfasts & lunches prepared. Justin usually is on kitchen duty and this week he has done an excellent job of making our lunches yummy! I pray for this school year to filled with positive attitudes and open minds, including my own. Sometimes it is hard to see why certain things happen & it is hard to see eye to eye, but I plan on keeping the lines of communication open (with each other and with God) and I won't let things fester up inside!

This week has been a challenging one, but I can say there have been praises through them all...One has been the praise of Justin and I being very devoted to our envelope system with the Dave Ramsey plan. We had $85 in the food envelope (grocery & eating out) and we finished the week with $10 left! That even included a snow cone run!! :) It has forced us to think about every purchase and made us question, "Now do we really need that?". God always takes care of us and sends reassurance when he knows we need it. For example, Justin took our change jar and cashed it in and he brought home $120!! The words "TRUST IN GOD" rang through my ears...

Besides becoming a first grader on Monday, Maddie has some exciting news. She begins violin lessons! We are so excited and can't wait to get fitted for her violin. We will be renting one until she grows up enough to have a full size, but plan on purchasing if she is still dedicated by that time. Madeline has been talking about playing violin since she was 3. Her time is finally here...

Well, I am off to make some lasanga to put in the freezer for a meal this week. May your week be filled with blessings!

Alanna

Summer Fun Flying By...

Two post by me in one day just may be a miracle! I thought I needed to write about some of the fun things we have been doing this summer & the crazy everyday happenings of my kids. The summer started off with a bang as Justin and I prepared for our anniversary cruise...11 years tomorrow! We had THE BEST time and cannot wait to go again. Although the whole time I was thinking how much the kids would have enjoyed what we were doing, it sure was nice to have a week to ourselves, to reconnect and rejuvenate! They enjoyed getting to spend some time in Killeen with Grannie Jeanne & Pa! One of the highlights for me besides the yummy food, was our snorkeling/kayak trip in Key West, where we saw 5 rays up close and personal and a nurse shark as we sailed away. Atlantis was incredible and the shows on board were amazing each night, my favorite being the magic show. Like I said, I can't wait to go on another one! Maddie and my mom leave on that exact same cruise on August 8th and I wish I could stow away in their luggage!





The kids had a great week at VBS. I taught 1-3 grade music and it seemed as though everyone really enjoyed the music and had fun learning about Jesus. They had a guy come in named Dennis Miller who brought in puppets that the kids loved. Landon cracked up the entire time during his shows in the opening and closing rally. I will have to see if I can order him one of those videos for his birthday coming up in September!

Speaking of birthdays, Madeline had a great one. She is now 6 years old...I can't believe she has now gone to the other hand! :) We went to Dallas and had plans of going to the natatorium there in Allen, but they called an hour before the party saying they were going to have to close due to a gas leak! So we scrambled to come up with plan B. The Hampton Inn had an indoor pool and if we got a room there we could swim there, so that is what we did! Justin's parents ended up staying there and it worked out great. Her friends were still able to come and Aunt Elaine saved the day by letting us have snacks and open presents at her house. Although it was stormy and nasty outside, we had a great time swimming inside! It was a great day. That weekend we enjoyed staying in Kim & Philipp's new apartment, going to a wedding, and 4th of July fun and fireworks with the family. I love fun-filled weekends like that!

Now we are in full swing getting ready for the Loyd/Rossbach wedding! Everything is going to be beautiful and the big day will be here before we know it. 2 weeks and counting....all I know is, I better start practicing my music and speech! :)

I have enjoyed getting to spend time with the kids this summer. They crack me up everyday! Landon is in a phase where he will only wear jeans and he loves to wear this particular jersey/muscle shirt. I couldn't peel it off of him for 3 days!!! But I think I have come to the conclusion that it is not just sleeveless shirts he likes, but shirts with numbers. Maybe it makes him think he is like Troy from high school musical, I don't know!! But it is crazy how obsessed he is with long pants. We have finally come up with a rule that if we are going outside to play he HAS to wear shorts otherwise he would burn up! The kids both LOVE playing Mario bros. Things I frequently hear are "Do your best Landon" and "Pop me Maddie!" as he is shaking away on the control. They love world 1. Maddie likes to stand with her tongue hanging out the side of her mouth...I guess that helps her game! They also love playing outside. Maddie is a whiz on her bike now and they both have put 100+ miles on the gator! They will drive past the mister, which is their car wash and pretend they are getting gas, etc. They love playing together. Last night we had a wedding at our house and they were both dressed up so cute. Madeline said she found her prince!

Well, I guess that is all for now. Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Do you have your armor on?

Devotional Thought from FBC Allen…

In the letter Paul wrote to the Ephesians 6:13-17, he uses the picture of Roman armor to encourage believers in how to win in the battle of life. He correlates the following…

* The belt that keeps it all together is TRUTH
* The breastplate that protects our heart is RIGHTEOUS LIVING
* The shoes that keep us moving forward are READYNESS
* The shield that protects us from Satan’s attacks is FAITH
* The helmet that protects our mind and how to think is SALVATION
* The sword of the SPIRIT is the SCRIPTURES

I love the way the sword is described as the SWORD of the SPIRIT. The Holy Spirit takes the scriptures and makes them alive and active, sharper than any sword. Hebrews 4 tells us that the scriptures can pierce to the deepest of places, and this is because they are empowered by the Spirit. If you feel like life is a battle that you are losing, use today’s verse as a checklist. How sold out to truth, righteous living, being ready, faith, salvation and to knowing and letting the Spirit make the scriptures alive and active in you and those you talk to?

End of the Year Craziness!

You would think that the end of the school year would be a time of wrapping things up and getting ready for rest and relaxation....not for me! Things for me have gone into full speed ahead, getting ready for an end of the year 4th grade variety show and decorating for awards ceremonies. Things are crazy to say the least! But as my Granddad has always said, "This too shall pass". I have never really done a "countdown" per say for summer, but I am this year!!! 4 school days until variety shows are done and 9 school days left if you count the teacher workday! It is a race and I WILL make it to the finish line.

With that said, I read something today that made me view things a little differently.


A lecturer, when explaining stress management to an audience, raised a glass of water
and asked, 'How heavy is this glass of water?' Answers called out ranged from 20g to
500g.
The lecturer replied, 'The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends
on how long you try to hold it. If I hold it for a minute, that's not a
problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm. If I
hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance. In each case, it's the
same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes.'
He continued, 'And that's the way it is with stress management. If we
carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes
increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on. As with the glass of
water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it
again. When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden. So,
before you return home tonight, put the burden of work down. Don't
carry it home. You can pick it up tomorrow.’
‘Whatever burdens you're carrying now, let them down for a moment if you can. So put
down anything that may be a burden to you right now. Don't pick it up again until after
you've rested a while.’
Here are some great ways of dealing with the burdens of
life:
* Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue.
* Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.
* Always wear stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.
* Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can be "Recalled" by their maker.
* If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.
* If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it
was probably worth it.
* Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because
then you won't have a leg to stand on.
* Nobody cares if you can't dance well, just get up and dance.
* When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.

Deep thoughts....Have a relaxing, stress-free weekend!

Happy Mother's Day

What a wonderful Mother's Day! We started the weekend off Friday night with a wonderful birthday meal for Granddad at Gloria's. The tamales and plantain were oh so tasty. That night mom and I stayed with Karen & Matt in their beautiful new home and had a great time snuggling with Caroline. Saturday morning we had a fun time celebrating with Kimberly at her kitchen shower. Again, she got some amazing goodies and the shower was just beautiful. That afternoon mom and I went shopping at Vera Bradley, Gymboree, Bath & Body Works, & Academy. I am happy to report I found some new comfy running shoes! I can't wait to try them out. We enjoyed a yummy meal at PF Changs.

While we were in Dallas having fun Justin, Maddie & Landon had fun here in Marshall. They went to Chuck E Cheese to celebrate 3 weeks of smiley faces in a row...that is a HUGE deal. And Saturday spent the day cleaning for me and had a little road trip, ending with fun times in the park. I didn't arrive home until 11:30 and Maddie was up saying that they had a Mother's Day celebration waiting for me. They got me flowers, homemade goodies such as coupons, cards, & hand prints, and season 9 of Friends. The coupons Maddie made me in school were for one kiss, one movie together, one walk together, one smile, read a book together, help with dishes, set the table, one dance, breakfast in bed, one hug. And then she made a list of "My Mom Is Special" in school. It read:
My mom is special because...she cooks for me.
I like it when my mom....takes me to the park.
My mom can do many things! I think she is best at....helping me ride my bike.
My mom has a pretty smile! I like to make her smile by....cleaning my room.
My mom is as pretty as.....a unicorn.
My mom is smart! She even knows....how to drive a car!
How wonderful is that? Landon and I celebrated Sunday morning and I read the wonderful card he made me in school, along with his magnetic picture frame. I am so blessed!

A new found love

Well, I never thought that I would say this, but I have gone on a run/walk for 3 days in a row now! I seriously haven't run in YEARS and it has been so refreshing. To be honest with you, I always hated running because it would down right hurt me physically to do it. But I found this specialty women's boutique in Longview and spent $75 on a sports bra and it has made all of the difference in the world! I have really enjoyed running on the ETBU campus with my muse blaring in my ipod. Just that 30-45 minutes to myself gives me a chance to quieten all of the many voices in my head! :) I sure do hope that I can keep it up...now all I need to do is get me a comfy pair of shoes and I will be on the road to success!

April Showers

April is a month in which I tend to do a lot of reflecting....I didn't get around to blogging at all because some days just seemed too stressful and serious to write about. But none the less, it is a month in which I am thankful and full of blessings and I feel like a piece of me is missing all at the same time. As I type this blog it just so happens that in my "Fave Dave" mix my beloved song came on that talks about waiting to see what will become of me and begging to go back to the minute before you were spinning and asking if that screaming is coming from you. April of 07 was my month of spinning, being in the car wreck with my babies and losing my dad within 13 days of one another. We buried my dad 3 years ago today. That month could have sent me in a downward spiral, but through the grace of God & the love of my family/friends, I have gotten through it. You know in a way I think I was screaming and things were spinning out of control and I just didn't know it. Because of that month I have learned to live life with a more grateful heart. I turned to God for guidance & strength where as before I followed Alanna's plan & depended on myself. I hope that I tell the people I love often enough that I love them. I tend to take after my dad when it comes to sharing real pieces of me and feelings...we were both introverts in that way. What I wouldn't give to have one more day with my dad to tell him just how much he means to me, but I know that he knows. He is with me everyday in spirit and is still touching my life. Oh, all of the coulda/shouldas....I am so thankful that my car hit that pole in the location that it did, for if it would have been a few inches in another direction, my Landon would not be with us today. God has great plans for little Landon.....1)he was a wonderful unexpected surprise 2)he was born a shade of blue with the cord wrapped around his neck twice, but came through 3)he lived through that car wreck & although he sustained brain injuries, so far he is doing okay with minimal set backs....I can't wait to see God's plan unfold in his life. There is so much to be thankful for!!!

Now to the present....
Maddie and Landon both recently had their end of the year programs/graduations, and both were precious. Landon was a fish/surfer and Maddie's program was a sesame street theme. They both sang and danced at just the right times! They were both fun nights of celebrating. Madeline is riding her bike like a professional. Now we just need to get her the next size bike and she will be doing really well! Landon celebrated 2 weeks worth of smiley faces. His teacher says that he is just doing amazing with making good choices with friends and using his words to communicate. That makes me feel so great to know that he is progressing with his speech! We recently planted azaleas in our front flowerbed and they look amazing! We had 50 ft of nothingness, and now it is filled with pink & white "conversation piece" azaleas, picked out by Maddie. She was in her own wonderland at the nursery. I think she wanted one of every shrub and flower. The owner enjoyed her enjoying his plants so much that he gave us one for free. We had a big empty pot that my dad have given us years ago, and Madeline picked out several plants to fill it up....impatients, hibiscus, and several other plants that I haven't a clue of their name, but they sure are pretty. Of course in another pot we had to plant a special hibiscus "Sunset Oasis". Madeline for some reason remembers that the hibiscus was my dad's favorite plant and she associates that flower with him. Dad would be really proud of her creation! I will have to post a picture. Yesterday we had a Kimberly celebration, with a lovely luncheon and bridal shower. She received so many pretty things and we spent the day with family and friends. Even Philipp's mom, Loni, from Germany flew in for the festivities. It was a great day.

Now on to the month of May flowers!!

Chose Wisdom & Victory

I am currently doing a bible study entitled, "When Wallflowers Dance". I am grateful that my neighbor invited me over for a Mary Kay makeover, which led to her mentioning this study that she was doing in church. Come to find out, she was also sharing this study with her MK team on Monday nights and said she wouldn't mind at all if I joined them! So here I am beginning week 5 of the study and I am loving it. I must say that it feels great to be involved in a bible study again, as I have really missed it! In McKinney I did some Priscilla Shrier and Beth Moore studies that were wonderful! Most of them under the leadership of my my favorite aunt, Elaine. I miss the fellowship of the women, but mostly the time of connecting with God and really diving into His word. With teaching, 2 kids, piano lessons, etc. sometimes life can get crazy, but I know without a shadow of a doubt that God is always with me and ready for conversation.

To kinda sum it up, this bible study by Angela Thomas teaches that we must allow God to lead our dance through life. In this blog I wanted to share some highlights that I found powerful on our study of choosing wisdom and victory. All are quoted from the study book.

Choosing Wisdom:
"Wisdom means removing foolishness from your life-choose wisdom and you will receive blessing, choose foolishness and suffer the consequences. As you begin to resist bitterness and choose wisdom, God promises His blessing and protection. Choosing wisdom often means making an everyday exchange in life. It means that you decide to choose differently, respond differently, or pursue different ideas or relationships. Consider areas in your life and consider whether or not wisdom would ask you to choose differently...pray for wisdom.

Choosing Victory:
As children of the Most High God, we have much to celebrate. One day every tear will be wiped away. You will understand the purpose for every trial you have faced and the suffering you have known. If we believed God and kept heaven in view, much that invites us to bitterness would fall away:
* You would not have to vie for position. You place with God is certain.
* You could lay aside your judgment. God is the final judge.
* You could look forward to new adventure instead of back at every failure.
* Getting even would mean nothing. Getting right with God would mean everything.
In view of eternity & the victory that is sure, we can choose to become grown-up Jesus women. We can hear the Holy Spirit call and choose to get up and face our battles with courage instead of a bitter heart."

How easy it is to let bitterness creep into our hearts due to trials involving co-workers, family members, and even our country's leaders. Bitterness can consume you....you can pack it in tight and harbor it for years or you can choose to be free with the love of Christ. Everything we do should glorify God. Our deeds are not experiences, yet examples of our faith. Let God's light shine through you!

"I lift my eyes unto the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth" Psalm 121

MJ and More

While strolling the aisles of Wal-mart alone, a luxury I rarely ever get, I found myself just roaming around not necessarily having a plan as to what section I was headed for. (Something that can get you in trouble if you are on the Dave Ramsey plan!) Anyway, I ended up in the CD section and found that wal-mart had their "This Is It" Michael Jackson CD on sale for the low, low price of $10, so of course I had to purchase it. On the way home I popped it in my player and the minute I heard the first song, I instantly thought of my dad. Growing up my dad was always playing music in our den, loud enough for the whole house to enjoy or not enjoy in some cases. :) Aaron and Kim could relate to that one....although I must admit I usually enjoyed it because I got my love of classical music from my dad. He played every type of music you could think of. Irene Carey's "What a Feeling", Queen, Beethoven, you name it he played it...but Michael Jackson frequented the tape deck the most. I would make up crazy "Beat it" and "Thiller" dances. Dad even took the family (mom was pregnant with Kimberly) to the MJ Thiller concert and I remember it being wonderful! How many parents do you know that would take their 8 & 4 year old to a concert? He knew that we would love it and we did! I love it when music triggers a special memory, especially of him...

Speaking of Dad, my Madeline, or should I say Alan Jr., did some funny things this week. After my Wild Things program, the principal gave me some flowers, (along with my mom, Maddie and Landon) and the minute we got home Madeline had to be the florist. She found a vase, & I helped her trim the stems and she arranged them to her liking. She cleared off the table, put out the placemats, set the table with paper plates and a fork wrapped in a napkin and put the "center-piece" on the table. She said it looked wonderful, and it did! Then on Friday when I came home from school, she called me to her room to see what she had found on TV. She got bored watching a rerun of Phineus and Ferb, so she found Paula Deen on the food network. She was making chicken pot pie and she thought it looked so yummy, so she started writing down the recipe! It did look very tasty...I hope we can make it together soon! Pretty soon she is going to start watching "Design on a Dime" and then she really will be Alan Jr!!

Landon had a great week at school....all smiley faces!! We are going to celebrate at Chuck E cheese over spring break so that should be fun. (I think we will skip the pizza and just play the games) I caught Landon singing part of DMB song this week, and that made me smile!

I am ready for a week of Kim's wedding portrait shoot, shopping for shower dresses, going to a MUSE concert, staying at the Gaylord Texan, catching up on things around the house and spending time with family!!

The simple things in life are the best...have a blessed spring break!

Oh how I love birthdays!!

Let me start by saying I am the queen of stretching out a birthday...I think I get that from my Aunt Elaine! My birthday fun started with a surprise party at Papacitas with my wonderful family and friends. I walked in a didn't know what to think when mom was leading me to a table with a balloon! There I found that Aaron had driven in from Dallas, my grandparents were there, Kim and Philipp and of course my gang knew about it all along with my good friend Wendy and her daughter Emily. What a fun lunch we had...I got some really neat presents and some birthday money to go and treat myself to some new spring clothes or I may just save it for some fun on my summer cruise! Mrs. Diana made her scrumptious cookies using purple icing, my favorite color of all time. This all happened on a Saturday, and here my birthday is on a Thursday, so I have drawn this out for almost a week now! :)

So today was somewhat a stressful day with the first stage rehearsal of my 3rd grade program, but it ended up being a great day. My kids did great and I have a wonderful student teacher that is doing an incredible job of helping me out. She is awesome and I know I am going to hate to see her leave!! Anyway, Maddie and I went to the DQ for dinner and then went to the 1st grade program, so it was almost 7 when we got home. I was worn out and knew I would have to do some housecleaning, as we are having family come in tomorrow night. When I arrived home I found my house totally clean!!! To top it off, Justin had gotten me some more presents, including some new "Fancy Love" perfume and the box set of "Big Whiskey and the Groo Grux King". As an extra bonus, he used my cricket to cut out the letters that spelled "Happy B-Day". I didn't even know he knew how to use that machine!! What a GREAT husband I have. Thank you Justin for being so amazing...I love you!!!

I cannot tell you how many text and facebook messages I received from friends and family today. Thank you so much friends!! I feel so incredibly loved. You are all a blessing!

I am going to end a wonderful birthday by doing my bible study, "When Wallflowers Dance" by Angela Thomas (a wonderful study...if you haven't done it, you should!) and getting some rest.

Lots of Love,
Alanna

I think I'll be an airplane pilot!

Madeline: So Daddy, does it cost alot of money to ride in a plane?
Justin: Yes, most of the time, it just depends on where you are flying..
Madeline: Okay, well in that case I am going to be an airplane pilot when I grow up so I can make alot of money!
Justin: Well that's exciting...your family would miss you while you are traveling around the world! Are you planning on being a mom, too?
Madeline: Yes...that is why I am going to be a pilot so I can make alot of money to buy a baby from the hospital!!

Sounds like a plan to me.... ;)

So inspiring....

I saved this posting from this past summer and recently found it on my computer. Although I do not know them personally, they attended our church in Allen & I read their blog and pray for them. This post touched me just as much now as it did then....maybe it will speak to your heart as well!

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Change That Matters The Most
I grew up in church. I memorized scripture. I heard Biblical stories over and over. I was a part of Bible studies. I went to church camp. I felt certain that I was a Christian and would spend eternity in heaven.


I did not pray as regularly as I felt I should. I usually started each prayer apologizing to God for not talking to him frequently enough, though I wasn't sure how often I "should" be praying.


I did not read my Bible regularly. I found it to be difficult to understand without explanation from someone that knew the "code" behind it all. Someone that could translate the meaning for me. I could spout off all the books of the Bible and many verses that I had learned, but it wasn't internalized and truly guiding my daily life.


Things have changed. And I'm here to tell you that it has changed me.


Let me start with prayer.


Shortly after Gavin was diagnosed with cancer, I spent most of my prayer time pleading. Begging God to save my Gavin. Begging him to stop the pain, nausea, and general suffering. I know that God heard those prayers because there were many times I felt his presence during them. I saw signs. I heard His voice. He comforted me and let me know that he too knew what it was like to watch a son suffer. This helped me. And it also allowed me to get past the pleading and move on into a deeper relationship.


Prayer for me now is more like a fluid conversation with a trusted friend. I don't have to schedule a time to meet up with him. I can just start talking to him whenever I want to. I don't necessarily have a start or stop to each prayer. I try to keep my thoughts open to dialogue with Him throughout the day. It seems natural to me. We all have a mental dialogue going all day long. Mine now just has shifted to talking to Him instead of to me.


And I am getting better at listening to Him as well. I am a Speech-Language Pathologist. I help people communicate for a living (not as much as I used to since I can't work much now, but it's still who I am). My second grade teacher wrote that I was a "social butterfly" on my report card. I talk...a lot.


But, there's a video called "Coffee with Jesus" that had a great impact on the way that I prayed. I had a link to it on this blog and just clicked it to learn that not only is it no longer available on youtube.com. Now, it is only available if you pay for it. What a shame! I think so many people will miss out on the amazing message because they don't wish to spend the $22 on a 2 minute, 11 second video. (But, enough with my soap box!) The gist of it is this: A man meets up with Jesus at Starbucks. He hurries in and quickly pulls out his legal pad that has pages and pages and pages full of his prayer requests. He goes on and on and never lets Jesus get a word in edgewise. Just about the time Jesus has time to say something, the man says he's got to go and rushes out of the coffee shop. It really makes so much sense. We shouldn't treat our earthly friends that way. Why should we talk to Jesus that way?


I try to think of that video frequently so that I don't fall into a pattern of simply listing off my "to do list" that I'd love God to help me or other people with. I'm learning to be still and learn a thing or two (or two million) from Him as well.


And as for the Bible, well let's just say that I've come a long way.


I began spending much, much more time reading the Bible after Gavin was diagnosed. Sad that it took such a major life event to bring me back to the basics, but it's true. I relied on a New International Version (NIV) Bible that I had owned for years. It was much simpler to understand than the King James Version (KJV) that had always seemed like Greek to me. Yet I still felt like I just wasn't reading between the lines so to speak. Like there was still so much I just wasn't walking away with after I had read it.


Our pastor (Hi Chad!) frequently encourages people to read the Bible. He's a big fan of reading the Bible through each year. And he does it year after year after year. He inspired me to do the same. Truthfully, he's inspired me to start to do this a couple of other times as well, but I never made it past January or so.


I decided this year was going to be different. I asked him what his favorite version of the Bible was for reading through the Bible in a year's time. He said that while he reads a different version each year, his favorite was the New Living Translation (NLT). I decided I would take his word on this one and try that version this year. I had told Jeff that I wanted a new Bible and he had actually planned to get me one for our anniversary. I technically picked out my present myself, but only because he wanted me to get the Bible that best met my needs. (Thanks, sweetie!)


Our church also has a variety of printed Bible reading plans that are available for you to choose from. Some plans have you read the Bible in chronological order. Others go straight through from cover to cover. And on and on. I couldn't decide which to go with. I deferred to Chad again. He said he preferred the Discipleship Journal because it had you read a little bit from four different books each day. It also allowed for 5 days off each month, because let's face it, we aren't perfect and there are going to be days where you won't read it. This made sense to me, so I went with his suggestion again.


Both have changed my life. I find that I now look forward to reading the Bible. I actually read a few chapters more than I am "required" according to the printed guide. I have skipped around to some books that aren't supposed to come around until later in the year, but love it. I am actually ahead of schedule!


Most importantly, I learn wisdom that I can apply to my life right now. I can understand it. It reads "like a book." And I frequently recommend the version to others.


Prayer and Bible reading have become a greater priority to me. And I truly feel it is what has given me the peace that I wrote about recently. Sure, there's so much that I could improve upon.


Just ask Jeff. He has to live with me.


But I have a greater sense of purpose. I believe life would feel like a giant vacuum if it weren't for the guidance I receive from communicating with God and reading from His Word regularly. I think I would still be pleading with Him and living in absolute fear of tumor cells and treatment side effects.


And simply put, that's not living.


While I have shared a number of scriptures here on the blog, I felt a great urge to share how prayer and Bible reading have changed who I am. It's a change that I am proud of. A change that will keep changing as I continue to grow and become the woman God intended me to be.


And I believe it's the change that matters the most. Try it. I think you'd agree.


Much love,
Posted by Stacie

TMEA/Valentine's Day 2010

Every Valentine's weekend is the same for a music educator...it is usually spent in San Antonio for a wonderful convention called TMEA. I look forward to it each and every year. It is such a pick-me-up during the school year & I come back inspired and rejuvinated, ready to teach my wonderful kiddos. Not only are the sessions a great place to learn new content & fun ideas for the classroom, but I find that I learn just as much visiting with my music friends about lessons/music they love. My big discovery this TMEA was a book called "Fun With Composers" and I can't wait to get it for my classroom. I was just going to buy it and add it to my personal collection, but it was $99.00, so I think I will wait to use my budget money for that next year. Super fun listening maps and ways to add movement and instruments to classical music. I love when kids enjoy classical music, and this book is sure to be a success! Justin enjoyed being a part of the college scene for the first time at TMEA...college region meetings, college night recruiting, & the ETBU reunion were all great. He enjoyed conversing with some old and new friends!

One of my favorite parts of TMEA though, is spending time with my best friend Holly. Every time we are together we pick up right where we left off...it is like we are in college again! We have so much fun together!!! I love that I can talk to her about anything going on in my life and not have to worry about judgement. Everyone needs a friend like that...someone that you know will love you no matter what. Holly is that friend for me & I hope that I am that friend for someone too! Like I said, I L-O-V-E, love TMEA and all of the fun and friends that go along with it. How appropriate that it always falls on Valentine's weekend!

The kids had a fun time staying with grandparents while we were away for the convention. Landon went to see Grannie Jeanne & Pa and Maddie stayed in Gilmer with Grammy, Grandmother and Granddaddy. Landon enjoyed going to the livestock show and seeing the pigs and chickens. Maddie enjoyed playing in the 7 in. of snow that East TX got while we were gone. They even called off school on Friday, not because of the icy roads, but because of power outages. She made a snow angel & snowman and her and Granddad had a mean snowball fight! They tried to sled down the hill, but she just sank down into the snow, so no luck there. Of course it always snows when we are away!! It did that a couple of years ago during TMEA...

Valentine's day came and went quickly as we spent it driving back home to East TX. We did, however, start our day off right with some super yummy breakfast with Derek and Leah at Sol De Jalisco's. They have the best Mexican food ever and their guacamole is to die for!! I always over-indulge myself when I go there. If we lived in Belton I would be 300 pounds for sure...maybe it is a good thing that we only get that luxury when we visit Justin's family! :) We sure do love their food, but love the company more! Hope your Valentine's Day was wonderful!

What a way to start the weekend...

We are not having fun in the Hodges house this weekend. Landon & Alanna woke up early Friday with a stomach bug and stayed home from school. Seems as though they are on the mend, but now Justin is sick! When this sickness hits, you feel as though you have been run over by an 18-wheeler. I hope that we are better so that we can go to church tomorrow! It is a big Sunday called "Prove the Tithe" & I am looking forward to being a part of it. If you can trust the Lord with your eternity, surely you can trust him with your now!

Lots of things have to be done this weekend....packing the kids for their stay at their grandparents, packing for our music convention in San Antonio, finalizing school plans for next week....lots to do! Justin and I look forward to TMEA every year. It is so much fun seeing all of our music friends and going to the concerts & sessions.

Onto some laundry and packing.....crossing my fingers that we can all keep our food down today!