Life is What We Make of It...

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

It MAY be my favorite time of year!

Looky here. It is MAY. How did that happen? I might need to rename my blog, "How did that happen", or "Time flies by". Man, I didn't even realize that the last blog I did was for the new year. Now that we are well into the new year I have the itch to blog. I don't have the faintest idea of what I am blogging, other than catching you up with all the changes in this life. I think that I have delayed really announcing this to the whole world for fear of admitting how miserable I was, or even of ruining the happiness that I have found. BUT here it goes, are you suspended yet?? LOL. It isn't that BIG, other than, well. I got a new job. After almost 8 years of working in the same health system it was time for a change. I had taken on to much, had lost sight of the priorities in life, had made myself sick, hadn't been able to give my 100% to anything, always splitting time between everything, and not being able to fulfill anything. I had gotten to a point of feeling like a failure at everything. At being a mother, a therapist, a leader, a wife, a child of God, a sister, a child, an aunt, and the list goes on of things that I was failing at. I know that the term failing wasn't really relative but from this Type A personality trying to be a Type B or C, it was failure. Like back in College O Chem where you are grasping at straws, but you are FAILING! Can you tell that I would have failed O Chem had I not dropped it...that is another story for another day. I digress.....The NEW Job. I am working for a home health company now. I place that we never really thought that I would ever work, but it was really more of a God thing. Which in times like this or any for that matter should be a God thing. We prayed, and discussed, and prayed, and talked, and prayed, and finally we came to the conclusion that a new job was on the horizon and looking for it was the choice that needed to be made. After applying to a couple of different job postings it was clear that I also needed to call a couple of companies to see if there were any openings, and lo and behold, like I should be surprised, there was a new opening at the company I now work for. Through the whole process we were being led to ask the questions, and also have the answers that would make it a perfect fit! I needed to re prioritize my life. Make time for God, family, and friends in a life that had become consumed with thinking about my job. I needed to be consumed by Christ! Hebrews 12:28-29 "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire" This is the first verse of a scripture memorization group I am apart of this year, and at the time I choose it because of the "worship God acceptably with reverence and awe" but it began to speak to me more and more as the months went by. So many gems here, but I wanted to be consumed by something other than work. I am now, but that doesn't go without sorrow for leaving friends and colleagues that had helped me become the therapist that I had become. I now have the opportunity to be home more, really home. Like walk in the door and not have another care except for God & my family. AMAZING! That feeling is so freeing. I am so thankful for this whole experience "because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."James 1:3 I am more me than I have been in a really long time. This is a phrase that I have used before but in a description of my health. My health is fantastic, better than it has been in a really long time. Thyroid finally in check, heart beating along in perfect rhythm, running up to 10K, WELL Feels great. All by the grace of God has this happened and I will shout it to the roof tops everyday! It MAY be my favorite time of year. The weather is warming, and summer is coming!!! Among other things like I have the MOST AMAZING GOD, the best husband, a super cute 3 year old rascal, and the best family and friends. Plus I won tickets to a concert this morning! Doesn't get much better than that folks. Much love!

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

NYE Reflection

I get struck by all the posts on social media about 2013, the good, the bad, the ugly. I wasn't sure that I wanted to add to all of that, but here I go. I am thankful for 2013. I am sad to see it go, but yet there are warring emotions inside me being thankful that it is over. So much has happened, and so much hasn't. Even through all the tragedy that made up this year, there have been so many good things. So is life. I don't really do resolutions. I am pretty much a procrastinating type of person, and almost have to be forced into things by deadlines. The one deadline that I think should be the top priority is that Christ will return, and will you be ready? I can honestly say that I am not, but I am working on it. I know that some of you readying this my think that contradictory to leading a life of faith, but we are all a work in progress, otherwise we would no longer be here. Have we fulfilled our purpose, who knows?? Well we know there is one that does know. Make it a priority to live your life for Christ, so that when people see you from the outside they know that there is something different about you, that when presented with the opportunity to talk about our Savior to speak his name proudly & confidently so that all may know. That is the one peace in the chaos that is life be it good, bad, or ugly. Much Love!

Friday, November 15, 2013

"Let us be thankful"

I tell ya what.....Man we have been busy. I use to really love to blog, finding the time to blog, enjoyed blogging. Now I don't have time, don't think about it, and man we are busy! My little man is growing by leaps and bounds, and we are starting to plan for his 3rd Birthday. 3RD BIRTHDAY!!! What???? How did that even happen? Some days I am just so bewildered at this life, and can only imagine what that bewilderment will be like in heaven. Imagine the amount of love that you feel for your family, for your spouse, for your child. That love is just a speck compared to the love that God holds for us. Or the happiest moment that you have in your day, can only hold an inkling of happiness compared to what heaven will feel like. It just amazes me. You may call this my Thanksgiving post, because I am not going to even pretend that I will blog before then, but I find myself so very thankful today. Not anymore than any other day, but just had the thought to express it in a blogging way. I could list out ALL the things that I am thankful for, but man that list would never end. It has been a tough year, in comparison to some, but I feel like this year we are more in tune as a couple, and in our faith as a family. That leaves us better able to handle the things that gave us so much trouble before, and go through the things that test you. So this is a quick blog. Now onto the pictures!

Hebrews 12:28 "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire." So that verse may well be my life verse this year.

Monday, April 29, 2013

Bib number 31

It's kind of a big deal.... I ran my first 5K since.....I don't remember when.....maybe college, possibly in 10 years. I never even considered that I had fallen off the wagon....I kind of got pushed off the wagon by my heart. I got catapulted back into running, but I am very thankful. This is one thing that has come out of February 15th. It was the Run for Remembrance 5K to benefit our fallen firefighters, and those still battling in Galveston. It had to be my first run back, and now I am back into running. When I wanted to stop, I knew they hadn't. When I thought that it hurt, I had no idea. I know that it isn't any comparison, but at least I could do that one thing. In a time when we felt like we couldn't do a thing, I sat. I prayed because that was the only thing to do. I could have sat and cried....I did sit and cry, but while I prayed, and prayed, and prayed. Psalm 5:11 "But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you." Psalm 9:9 "The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble." Psalm 23 Psalm 27:14 "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." Psalm 29:11 "The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace" Psalm 34:18 "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those that are crushed in spirit." Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble" Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 62:1 "My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken." Psalm 73:26 "My flesh and my heart my fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 121 Isaiah 40:11 "He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he leads those that have young." Isaiah 40: 28 " The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow weary, and his understanding no one can fathom." Isaiah 40:31 "but those that hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; the will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint" My bib number was 31, my age....at least for a couple more weeks. Kind of ironic.

The other shoe.......

Settle in folks I feel like this is going to be a lengthy one. Do you ever get the feeling that the other shoe is gonna drop?? I have had this feeling since the wee early morning hours of Feb 16th. A lot has happened since my last blog good, bad, ugly things. Aubrey turned 2 on January 4th. The day of his birthday Davy and I decided that we would keep it just us and took him to the aquarium in Houston. Such a fun day. I love to see the wonder in his eyes, the element of surprise that he holds, and just pure joy. I want to bottle that up and hold onto it for ever and ever. But we don't have for ever and ever do we? I find myself trying to freeze all the moments I can, really soak them in because we aren't promised tomorrow. Davy spent some time in Denver in January and it made me more aware of what an integral part of my life and Aubrey's life that he is. I am thankful for being reminded because I won't take that for granted anymore. As I write this there are so many words that fill my head and they aren't my thoughts they are scriptural promises that I have become so much more aware of in the past 2 months. It makes me more peaceful, but also so very sad for the lose that has created this awareness. Now more of any urgency to be aware, to make the most of the time we have, to spread the word that Jesus Christ died for my sins and saved me. He saved me. Makes me want to put my life story, my testimonial into words. I am 31. I have had an interesting last 10 years where I can look back and realize that I have changed. 10 years ago I was diagnosed with a potentially fatal heart rhythm. I was a college kid that knew God, had professed my faith in Jesus Christ, but wasn't living it. I got stopped in my tracks and had to rely on God to get me through. Don't get me wrong my family was instrumental at that point in time, but God is what saved me. He allowed me to never be alone when I had the episodes with my heart. I didn't realize how important that was until my first shock and I was all alone. What if the rhythm hadn't been found by then??? Would I still be here? 10 years ago I married the most amazing man, that only God could have created for me.10 years ago I graduated from A&M. Life was great. Life does have ups and downs. At one point I was told that I wouldn't ever have children of my own because it wasn't safe. We came to terms with that. Only God can soothe your heart after being told that. Then I was "cured" after the worst surgery, that I only got through because of God and the amazing "angels" that he had care for me. I was told I could have kids. We got pregnant right away. We had a miscarriage. Only God can soothe your heart after that lose. We got pregnant again. Anxiety and fear ruled until I gave it away to God. Looking at my life there are things that only I know God is the only way that I survived. I could have died. I feel like I have been close to death. at 20 weeks pregnant I was shocked numerous times in a row. If that doesn't make you feel close to death then it will definitely make you rely on God to get you through. We got told that our unborn child could have hydrocephalus and a number of other disorders. Amniocentesis......20 + more weeks of praying, and doctors visits, praying, and scans, praying, and planning, and praying. Did I mention the praying part. Only God can heal and work miracles. I am a miracle. Aubrey is a miracle. Only God can do that. I know this first hand. February 15th. A fire that changed the Bryan Fire Department forever. Claimed 2 men, and injured 2 others. This is family. These men are integral parts of my husband's life. It shakes you to the core, makes you lean on a higher power because if you don't have that, what do you have? If I didn't trust in the Lord how could I let my husband go back to work for fear it would be him, how do you even move on when you have lost 2 friends, and 2 others are fighting for their lives? God, that's how. He picks you up and carries you. It is the only way. Boston Marathon bombing What the heck....we are at war folks! If you hadn't felt it before now, you should. We are at war with other countries, we are at war with ourselves, we are at war against each other, and most importantly we are at war with Satan. Who do you think whispers into these people's ears and creates that kind of chaos?? I just read 1 Corinthians 13. I know, I know...it is the marriage verse. NO IT IS NOT. It is a perfect representation of who Christ is. LOVE. If you have Christ in your life, and you spend time in the word your faith will abound. Fight the war with Love people!! West,Tx explosion. Just when we think that we are healing, moving through tragedy, making progress....we are reminded. Harshly reminded. If my fear of letting my husband out the door to go to work wasn't bad enough, now letting him go out on a call with the volunteer department just threw me into a whirlwind, but it didn't. I can't say that I didn't have fear or anxiety but I knew where to go, and there I was until he made it home. Peace can fill you in the most tumultuous times. (I know I am throwing big words out there, far beyond my vocabulary, and using spell check while I do it, but heck, why not? ;O) The other shoe is dropping, or at least at times it may feel that way. When it does, stop, talk to the one that made you, he knows how he made you, and how you are going to react, he is the only one that can understand to the core of your being. Much love, and (sorry) ranting.

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Christmas letter....New Year's Update......blog....

Most people dread the end of the year, but I tend to enjoy it even though it is cold....sometimes. It is my chance to take a look back on the year and reminisce. It lets me sit back and really be thankful for all the experiences that happened during the year. So here it goes. January started with us celebrating Aubrey's first birthday. I can't even believe that it has been almost 2 years since that little man became ours. In comparison to other years this one has been uneventful, and wow can't I tell you how thankful we are for that. This summer had us spending more time at the lake because there is more water!!! Aubrey really loves it out on the lake. He thinks that he needs to be in the driver seat all the time, but he pretty much is. We have made some additions to our home, the biggest one being the construction that is currently underway. Adding on a guest bedroom and laundry room! That way we can have our family over and they won't have to share a room with Aubrey. I am very proud of the work that is being done. My husband and his dad are very talented, and do amazing work. This summer I did have a radiation treatment to fix my overactive thyroid, and had to be quarantined from, well, everyone for a weekend! The good news is that the treatment worked and now my thyroid is back to normal. Hallelujah!!!! Davy continues to work for the Bryan Fire Department, and has also started working some at the TEEX fire school in College Station. I am still working for St. Joseph Hospital in Bryan, but have moved to the outpatient therapy department-Brazos Valley Sports Medicine. It still gives me the opportunity to work part time, but I am moving into a leadership position as the outpatient clinic is expanding into Brenham. I hope that this letter finds you all well, and hope that you will excuse my use of social media to do it, but time just got away from me, and I am afraid that this will be the norm. Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year y'all!

Friday, November 2, 2012

Cannot Say Enough

"Cannot Say Enough"-------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------- Mercy Me------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------- What can we say to describe just a glimpse of Your Glory How can our words portray but a thread of Your Majesty But still we praise our Savior in Spirit and in Truth For we cannot say enough about You What can we say to describe just a glimpse of Your Glory How can our words portray but a thread of Your Majesty But still we praise our Savior in Spirit and in Truth For we cannot say enough about You Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah But still we praise our Savior in Spirit and in Truth For we cannot say enough about You Oh we cannot say... enough about you Ohhh we cannot say... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -It is the beginning of November, and I can't even believe it. I feel like this year has just flown by with so many things that have happened, but through it all it is really all for the Glory of God, and our Savior Lord Jesus Christ. That is why I picked out this song to start my blog-rant. I know I use this blog as a pictorial of our life, and I haven't used it in a while to express more of what is on my mind, and you may be glad! There really are so many things that are swirling through my mind, but even with all of that we have found a way to center on God, which then has made our family stronger. So on the short of it: Praises: Health- I am free of thyroid issues. My radioactive ablation treatment worked, and actually made my thyroid work like it is suppose to. Family- We are soooo great! Work- really enjoying my new position, and all the challenges that it brings Prayers: -My Uncle has been diagnosed with Cancer, and we could take all the prayers that you are willing to give. -We have friends that their daughter is in Texas Children's because of an infection that came out of the blue. She has spent 6 days in ICU. Prayers for healing, rest, decrease in pain, and the ability for her parents to ministry to other patients during their time there. -Work- that I can be confident in my abilities that I have been blessed with to take on the tasks that I have been charged with. -Aubrey- that he will not give me a heart attack with all his boyish antics ;o) Thanks, and Gig'em! PS I need a tutorial on the new format of this blogger site because I can't get the editing down to make things appear like I want them to.

Summers end & fall begins...

Or at least that is what is suppose to be happening, but we live in Texas so it is day to day. Which is how my brain is working at this point in time. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Trip to Cameron Park Zoo;

----------------------------------------------------------- Trip to Krazy Maze

-------------------------------------------------------------- Halloween

Monday, August 20, 2012

Time Lapse

Man O Man!!! Where has the time gone??? I fell into the blogosphere hole, and didn't even realize that it had been 8 months since I have posted. I tell you what, when that boy took off walking, excuse me, running!!!!I didn't have time to look back, or type folks! I have some serious catch up to do. This is a photo timeline of what we have been doing. -Easter

-lots of playing in the water hose

Helping in the yard

-MeMe's Birthday

-Poppa's Birthday

-Lake Fun

-Swim Lessons

-First Road trip to Nebraska

-More cow shows

-Schlitterbahn

-Painting

I am sure there is more, but those are the highlights!!! A is growing so fast, and talking up a storm. Favorite things right now are anything tractors. If you tell him the name, he will remember and point it out. Combine, hay baler, front end loader....you name it he remembers. Also, loves helicopters, and thinks that all sirens are ambulances. We are working on that. All boy all the time!!!

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Family Pictures

If you know my sister you hopefully think that she is a great photographer. It is a love that she has picked up, and really does an amazing job. I love her dearly, and she captures my boy and our family perfectly with these photos.

Christmas Catch Up

The best part was getting to spend some quality time with our families. We did Christmas eve with the Lockhart's, and Christmas day with the Courtney's. Davy did have to work on Christmas day, but my family did a good job keeping our minds off of that. It really didn't feel like Christmas this year, and well....in fact because it came around so fast, we just really weren't prepared for it. I am not even talking about all the shopping, or cooking, or decorating. I am talking about preparing our hearts for the celebration of Christ's birth. I have to say that I did a poor job of not getting caught up in all the other things of life to just soak in the realization that without this day our lives would not be what they are. It was difficult this year...family heartache....busy "almost" one year old...shuffling schedules....and other non significant things that can take a hold and became what this human shell feels is significant. So in an attempt to prolong Christmas I still have my nativity scene up. It doesn't matter when you celebrate it, we should really consider EVERYDAY!! That is what I am doing, and also in an attempt to not get caught up in the un-decorating blues. So without being to much of a pessimist. I am going to show you one of our many many blessings. With much love.

The many faces of Aubrey

Friday, January 13, 2012

Birthday Boy

I can't even believe it, my baby turned 1!!!!! How did this past year go by so fast? We celebrated with family and friends, the weather was beautiful for January, and are so blessed to have had the most amazing year with our little guy. At his first year check up he weighs 24 lbs, and is 31 inches long. He loves to mimic most things that you say, and really enjoys letting his preferences be known. Here are some pictures of his party.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

There's more where that came from.

Just couldn't wait to show this picture. (My sister is amazing)

The man I love, the child I adore....The man I adore, the child I love.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

December 4=11months old

This face pretty much gets whatever he wants!

We had thanksgiving at our house this year for the Courtney family because K,J,&I were going to go to THE game. (Davy had to work-BOOOOOOO)

My sweet sister, and her beautiful family!

My amazing Parents!

My boy!

My Boys!

Helping in the kitchen.

As far as Aubrey goes he is standing with no assist, and can take one step before falling. He enjoys pulling me in for a headlock slimming, and can clap his hands. Babbling is the name of the game along with squealing, and he likes to "race"in his race car and chase you. He has one tooth now, but he doesn't like to show it to you, and there are more to come based on the drool, fussiness, and ear pulling.