In Memory of...

Sunday night as I was just starting to relax from previous days, I got a phone call that I didn't expect...my best friend (and cousin) lost her dad. I couldn't believe any of what I was hearing, it was surreal.

I packed up again, out of a suitcase that hadn't been unloaded, and on Monday morning I was back on the road to Victoria. A road trip alone gives you so much time to think and reflect on life. Even though the circumstances were grim, the time alone gave me an opportunity to be thankful for all the blessings God has bestowed on my life this year.

As I sat with my cousin, we reminisced on some of the times with her dad, and fought back the tears as we looked at his brand new slippers still next to the Christmas tree. It is a painful time, but she is clearly able to laugh and remember the good times they shared.

Why blog about this? Take this opportunity to find some understanding about what confuses you. Call that friend that you have been too busy to get in touch with. FOLLOW that dream that still seems elusive. Let us all stop waiting until life gives us a blow and we have to "react" instead of having a plan all along. I admit, I am guilty of all of the above, but we have to start somewhere.

If you have 30 seconds today, whisper a little prayer for my friend, then pray that God gives you guidance for your own dreams. Have a blessed day.

We will miss you David.

Merry Christmas

Christmas was absolutely wonderful. Even though we have previously sworn off the worldwind traveling through 2-3 cities, 5-6 houses, and days in the car, we did it again this year. We had Christmas with our family of four on Christmas Eve. The girls have been sleeping in since the start of winter break, but this morning they were up and ready to go by 8:00 a.m.

As much as I have been trying to keep the one year old away from the tree and the gifts to no avail, I couldn't get her to open presents this morning when I placed them in front of her. Then I remembered the box she wanted in to the most was the build-a-bear (puppy) that her sister made for her, and that was just the spark she needed to get going. It was a great start to the holidays.

Then we headed to Houston to see the girls paternal great grandmas(2), Grandma, cousins, aunts and uncle...and god-brother and sister. We spent one night there and after more toys, clothes and money, we hit the road to Victoria.

After that we came back home on Saturday evening in time to get rest and go to church on Sunday morning, which brought it all home. It was such a great time.

I hope each of you had a very Merry Christmas.

A day with the kids!

Sometimes I just feel like sharing how much the Lord has blessed me. Right now I should be laying out clothes for tomorrow but I am listening to children who are giddy about the approaching holiday and running around the house. Even the one year old knows that something big is approaching. She keeps pushing the button on the stocking that plays Jingle Bells and rocks side to side.

Not much to say tonight except Thank you Lord...

You can always go home...

So a week or two ago I went to my hometown(Victoria) for the weekend. It was truly what I needed. I got to see so many people that I hadn't seen in a while and it was cool.

For starters, on Saturday morning I went to do a little networking with an old friend from high school and I found that I was very proud of her and the accomplishments that has brought to the town. It was a great start to the rest of the day.

After that I went home to pick up my daughters, so we could go to my God-daughter's birthday party at the skating rink. Little did I know, I was about to be in for a big surprise. My one year old who has never skated in her life, had the biggest fit I have ever seen. Why? Simply because she wanted to skate. Forseeing this in advance, I did have my six year old's adjustable skates with me, but she wanted to go out to the middle of the skating rink with no help.

Just let her go, Right? Well her well-prepared mommy grabbed the skates without the wheel locks so she kept falling down. This didn't stop her, she kept on crying "Skate, mama, skate!" To make matters worse, they cleared the floor for skate races so she couldn't go out at all. She was so upset that she wouldn't even come back to the table for pizza. She loves pizza! After she tried to convince all of our friends to take her to the floor, her dad was finally able to calm her down by taking her over to the video games.

Next we went home to grab coats, blankets, grandparents, and chairs to head downtown to the night parade. It was awesome and the kids had a blast. I ate from the moment I got there, almost until the time we left. Nachos, soda, fries, hot chocolate, cheese cake squares...it was all so yummy and after all it was my first time going. All of my family has been at least one other time, so I felt like I needed to catch up.

Sunday we went to my childhood church for service and a book signing. It was awesome! The pastor blessed the book and encouraged the church family to embrace the book which they did. I was so amazed with the outpouring of love and support. It was inspiring.

Later that day we stopped by my brother's house to invade his grapefruit and pecan trees. My husband was literally up in the tree, trying to grab large fruit from the top. He squeezes them to make fresh juice.

After a series of goodbyes and squeezes on my little nephew we hit the road, arriving shortly after nightfall. It was a great weekend.

Oh What a Night !

Is there a rule somewhere that limits the number of times you can officially say, "This was the best night of my life!" Although there have been many many many wonderful moments in my life, this one was good too.

So when we last left off I was on a class field trip in very cold weather with the six year old. The next day I did make it to an appointment to get my hair done for the event. What event? The pre-release party for my children's book, of course. I know, you all saw that coming but I just had to say it again.

So many family members and friends came out to share their well wishes and show their love for me and my accomplishment. I am just so thankful to know so many great people. My cup runneth over (again and again)!

My pastor blessed the book, followed by an 8 year old praise dancer, kind words were expressed by a few friends, and my dad, plus a reading of the book, as well as lots of door prizes. It was wonderful. I will be back with pictures...