A New Year

This is a new Year to first of all, Get closer to God (Thanks for your help Ruth), lose weight, become a better wife, mother, and giver.
I have a plan to get most of these things accomplished, but losing weight and giving more is going to be tough. I would LOVE to be able to give my 10% to God, but certain things get in the way. My plan so far, is to give of what I make financially, which is not near so much. I am hoping to find a better way and communicate to my husband effectively on how I want us to use our money this year. Sometimes it's used quite frivolously (not on purpose). We just have a bit of greed to get through.
2nd of all, I really need to join the weight-loss program at church again because I need that accountability that I have in Bible Study with Ruth. I have the exercize partnership with Mary, but I need a little more, such as a program to do with somebody or finding a way to join 4F. Chad works SO much and there is no babysitting for the event on Monday nights. (sigh) Sparkpeople online is not working enough because it's like communicating with virtual people on the internet and I don't KNOW them. It's hard to find that push and encouragement that I need in a person that I can actually SEE.
I have started going to a marriage class and AM going to Mothers of Pre-schoolers during the morning session. I feel closer to the moms during the day because I am a SAHM, versus moms that work full-time. (although Jen, Heidi,Stephanie, and Susan are so easy to talk to.) Susan Wakefield is a GREAT mentor!!
I know I will be able to get closer with Emily, Traci, and Justine being in the marriage class. They may not have kids, but they are super fun to hang with and we get a chance to talk and be together without kids.
Tricia, my neighbor, have so much in common and we are becoming good friends fast! We have a lot in common. She has 3 kids, I WANT 3 kids(especially a girl), and we could talk forever!! She is always there for me and is super nice! I'm not exactly sure if she is a Christian yet, but she says she, "has her faith". I am hoping that I can talk to her, build a friendship, and talk about the Lord with her when the time is right. I am hoping that I can stand up for my faith and not be ashamed.
My best friend Ruth is super awesome and even though I can't see her often, she is such an encourager and faithful friend. I can't wait to grow in the Lord better with her. Who can find such a faithful friend? Jesus IS of course, but its always nice to share such a close friendship in a shaky world and share our struggles with life, marriage, amd motherhood. I am blessed FOREVER!
Last but not least, I enjoy spending time with my husband, EVEN shopping with him in Walmart!! HA! I don't get to see him often, but it's so nice to have family time, dates (yes, even at home), and even watching TV for the night. I want to be better in my communication with him. I don't want to nag him, but I want to be as straightforward as possible so that he can "think" about what I have to say without getting snippy or mad. Taking care of the family is VERY important to him and making him feel special and appreciated is my priority. I don't want to irritate him or make him feel as less of a person, so wording things better is essential!! I know Joan can help me through that and I am so glad that she decided to "take on the class" with her husband. I pray that God will bless them over and over again this year.
That's it!

the reason for Christmas

Troy has had a great time in school. I appreciate the fact that he is having fun with his friends as they watch the polar express and the origianal (as they call it) Christmas story (without Jesus). I know that schools can't and won't push Christianity because it will offend people. I don't like that at all, but what are you gonna do? That's the world today right?

Today, I asked the teacher how his day went and she said the kids liked the movie and that Troy and his friends played reindeer today. She also went on to talk about the Christmas story and said she hopes that the children will truly believe in Santa. I knew she meant well, but that comment kind of disturbed me a little. As much as I think the whole "Santa thing" is cute, that's NOT what I want Troy to think about this season.

I want to make sure that my boys know what Christmas is REALLY all about. Not presents, not Santa, but Jesus who truly loves them, died for them, and wants to live in their hearts. Jesus is the reason why there's love and gift-giving.

They are going to learn so much in school that I don't agree with, but I pray that they will come to know Jesus and find their hope in him.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not against the whole delight with Santa. St Nick was a good guy and was caring. There is a picture that my Grandma would have hanging on the wall at her house. It was Santa coming to visit babY Jesus and bowing down to Him. How tremendous is that?? Now that's what it's all about!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

anniversary

Chad and I are blessed to have each other, and tomorrow on the 14th is our wedding anniversary. What a beautiful Christmas wedding we were able to have. As I look back, everything fell into place for us because of help from friends and family. It could have easily been an expensive affair, but the Lord provided the food, place for a reception in Knowlsville, and a GREAT restaurant to have our rehearsal dinner (thanks to Aunt Ellie) on Chad's side. (The Carleton Grill).
Tomorrow, Chad and I are going to have some time to ourselves. We will be going to see a movie, going to the Olive Garden, and Christmas shopping in the mall. I can't wait! I love my hubby so much, and even if we just sat on the couch with each other and did nothing, I wouldn't care. I am happy just to spend a few minutes with him, much less a whole day. haha!
I am thankful to have Chad this Christmas. Who are you thankful for? Please share.

Troy

Troy had his surgery yesterday on both his eyes. Doctor Awner, who specializes in this type of surgery worked on him. He adjusted the muscle in both eyes so that they wouldn't wander and so Troy could see better out of his left eye.

He woke up scared to death, but soon calmed down once I got to his bedside. He yelled out a big "I love you" and it just broke my heart! I really thank God for my little guy. As I was at his bedside stroking his hair and holding his hand, I started feeling faint. It was probably a combination of things. Emotions, not enough to eat, the hospital smells, seeing him like this..... The nurse noticed and took care of me. Everything turned out fine, and Troy is bouncing back nice!

I really have a nervous time driving in the city and I almost ran into the back of a car that was in a funeral procession. Crazy!! It was also snowy out. I was thanking God that He brought us back safely. I was also thankful that my mother-in-law came with me and we were able to have some time together. We certainly have our differences, and I have to watch my attitude, but it was nice to have the company. She really takes care of my family.

I am getting ready to send out my Christmas cards early as I will be really busy from here on out. The season of Christmas excites me. I watched the Nativity Story a few days ago. It was so touching! In my group Prodigy, we are learning about Mary and what she must have felt about herself, her family, and about Jesus. What a strong and deserving woman!! The story of Jesus' birth leaves me in awe! I am so glad that God sent Jesus for me!

Happy Christmas Season!

my burden

I am writing this out of frustration because I am having trouble with the "weight thing." Because of how life is sometimes, my blogs could never be completely positive. Sure, Chad loves me for who I am, but the holidays are TOUGH, and I feel so blubbery! I really need help. I have turned to a website called Sparkpeople.com, which has helped me track what I eat and my exercize. I also have a profile on there and some support. The hard thing is that, I don't really KNOW the people. The friends I DO know on there are not doing it with me at this time, nor can I attend 4F (at church) because Chad works nights. It's super frustrating, especially when you see so many people who are much thinner. This picture is me at my beginning weight with Chad who loves me no matter what. ;)

I definetely need God's help right now. As I got on facebook, I ran into my verse for the day. "And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Colossians 3:17). It really got me thinking. I realize, I don't need to lose weight for myself or even for others so they can clap and applaud. I need to do it for Jesus because of what He has done for me. Forget everything else! So putting aside selfish desires, I need to start today! It won't be easy at all, but the verse was certainly a motivation for me unlike anything else. I can also be thankful for the 15 LBS I HAVE lost since 2004.

What a joy it is to be able to have a gift certificate and eat someplace nice. I love pizza hut!!! Sure, I feel like I don't want to eat for a whole year, and I probably gained 5 LBS, but it's yummy! On Sundays, I enjoy spending time with Chad and the boys. Even going to Walmart is a highlight for us. Yes... Walmart.

Today we Christmas shopped, and I got to buy some presents for Sugeli ( a 4 year old girl) and Tyler ( a 2 year old) for the Angel Tree. I realize that I probably shouldn't have grabbed 2 tags off the tree, but at the time I felt I could be generous (not realizing that we didn't have the money in our own checking account for groceries this week). Regardless, I bought them a couple of toys and I wish that I could be able to see their eyes brighten up when they receive their Christmas surprise. :) I've never felt so unselfish as I do this year. I want to help people and I want to make a difference more than I've ever felt before. I'm just now beginning to realize just how good I have it and how everything is provided by our gracious God. I am thankful.

I also volunteered my time to make a meal for the teen moms at MOPS. I know I can't cook well, but I CAN throw together a quick yummy meal at times. The moms in Jessica's group have needed this ministry where they can come together, talk, vent, have time to with others, and know that there is a God who cares for them.

So, I am learning to give like I never have before. I don't mean to sound proud, but these are just things that God has placed on my heart to do. Sure, Chad is a little worried about the budget and I need to be careful, BUT things like this pull at my heart strings. I am emotional and proud of it! LOL!

Praise be to God for His unspeakable gift this Christmas season and throughout the coming year.

I've been having fun and watching Christmas movies ALL morning long!!! Yes, I may be lazy, but I love the Hallmark channel because the movies are so good and touching. AfteR a while, I'm going to take the boys outside to play in the little snow that we have. I need some fresh air also.

Mom and Dad are going to be leaving for Idaho / Oregon on Monday. I SO wish that I could have traveled with them to see Grandma. I miss her so much and the times that we used to talk beside the wood stove. I miss the smell of her home, the sugar cookies and the tea. We used to travel so much to get to school and it helped to talk to her about my day and the certain "guy" I would be interested in at the time. haha! She won't be able to travel to NY anymore and I wish that I could hug her one last time. She's not doing good health wise and it may not be long before she passes. All her boys, including my Dad will be with her. It will be a great reunion! So here's to YOU Grandma!!! I love you!