Everyday life with the Walkers

what to write???

2012-02-11T22:35:00.002-06:00

I am falling behind on blogging again! Ha ha!
We spent all weekend celebrating Christina's birthday. She had such a wonderful time with her friends who came over to sleep over Friday night. It worked out great since there were four of them. Most of you know how girl dynamics work. They had a blast. I watched the most creative, complicated, random, game of charades I think I have ever seen in my entire life. I guess it was a pretty good testament to how smart and creative these grils really are. :)
I got brave this year, and finally made cupcakes for Christina's class. It was nice to only have to make a dozen and a half. I still can't get over that she has less than 20 kids in her class. Then I made her a cookie cake, per her request for her party. I am happy to say it turned out much better than I had expected it to. :) Jacob had to write a directional paper for language arts. She had them look up recipes and write them, then they got to make it all and eat it Friday. That was kind of fun. He'll make some girl a good hubby someday :)
We took Christina to Chili's for her birthday dinner, and they brought her ice cream, actually a milk shake and sang to her. She was so surprised!! :) I was trying to be sneaky about it, of course.
We had a great service this morning at church. We have a MAPS team is here, and they are doing a super job on our renovations!!
Well, I guess that sums up the weekend. I'm thinking I will make some tortilla soup tonight for supper. :) I have been craving it for weeks!
Have a great week everyone!

this morning's devotional

2012-02-08T15:58:00.000-06:00

Wow, I am so behind on my reading, but enjoying Joyce Meyers' Bible study so much. This one is very profound and very true for today.
I have always heard my Mother say this and as I have grown older and hopefully a little wiser into my *cough* 40's, I have adopted the same philosophy. God will help those who help themselves. I get so annoyed with people, and I know I shouldn't, when I hear them talk about their troubles and I don't see them doing an single thing to get up, and do SOMETHING to help themselves. I'm not saying God can't work a miracle in an instant to provide for a need. I am just saying that sometimes we need to take some steps toward what God wants us to do to achieve what we need. He will meet us somewhere along the line to provide for us. Anyway, I digress, but enjoy this word for the day. :)
As Joyce writes, we need to be encouraged to help others. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to minister to some of these young girls here. I have known that even though some of what I've been through is painful and embarrassing. It would come to be used for good at some point in my life! :) Thank you Lord for our trials!

Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily Devotional

2 Corinthians 8:5 This was totally spontaneous, entirely their own idea, and caught us completely off guard. What explains it was that they had first given themselves unreservedly to God and to us. The other giving simply flowed out of the purposes of God working in their lives.

God Works Through People

One morning I was having my quiet time alone with God, and I said to the Lord, "God, how can You stand seeing all the pain, starving children, human trafficking, genocide, injustice, degradation, poverty, in the world and not do something?"

I didn't say it as a complaint or because I was questioning His integrity, and I don't even know that I was really expecting to get an answer, but I just asked Him. Immediately His answer came back: "I work through people. I'm waiting for My people to arise and do something."

You and I are part of an army, the body of Christ, and it's going to take everyone doing their part to change this world. God wants to work through us, and He's calling us to put on love and get to work.

In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul talked about how the churches in Macedonia gave, saying, "But first they gave themselves to the Lord and to us [as His agents] by the will of God [entirely disregarding their personal interests, they gave as much as they possibly could, having put themselves at our disposal to be directed by the will of God]."

That just amazes me, because they didn't just give their money, they gave themselves. God's calling us to live the same way. And one person working for the Lord has the ability to make a profound difference! So how will you give yourself to the Lord and be His agent today?

Prayer Starter: God, I invite You to work through me. I choose to lay down selfishness and pick up love so that I can be used by You to change the world.

Owing and Spending

2012-01-27T06:06:00.000-06:00

I started writing this about a year ago, and never published it. Well, as God would have it, the same thought entered my mind as I was working on my tax return for 2011 tonight. As I was loading the dishwasher I was reflecting on how we struggled financially in 2009 and 2010, but how amazingly God blessed us through that struggle. I didn't completely grasp the magnitude of what He did until well after.
As most of you know, when we embarked on our journey as a military family we had to leave a house, unsold behind in Tennessee. It took us 2 years to sell it and that was working long distance from Texas. I am very thankful, even more so now that we were just two states away instead of a continent or two and an ocean away. God blessed us right before Christmas of 2010 with the sale of our home. It was a short sale, but it all worked out that because it wasn't a huge hit for the bank, the remainder of our loan was forgiven and I later found out that somehow the city and county property taxes were paid at some point during the transaction. (and not by us) I think I cried for two days straight after I called the county tax assessor's office to see about doing a payment plan and was informed that we didn't owe anything. In order to help pay down our debt, I had begun to work as a substitute teacher(not my thing) at the kids' school. In the beginning of 2011 I decided to get licensed to practice dental hygiene again in TX so I could do some fill in work around town. After a TON of paperwork and a couple of continuing education classes, I was able to get licensed. It worked out great, we had amazing friends who helped me with the kids after school if I was running behind and Keith wasn't home yet from day shift.

So, here is what I had written at the beginning of last year.
I've been trying to pray for guidance and direction in my quest to rejoin the work force and how to start digging out of this pile of debt. I haven't been doing very well with the praying part, I might add. As I was reluctantly thinking about digging out the Dave Ramsey books and working on a budget, FINALLY. God gently changes my focus as He often does. I took time to entertain the thoughts that were bouncing around in my head and put them to paper since they haven't wanted to go away in weeks!
Owing someone at some point in time is inevitable, just like being an American citizen and paying taxes. The question is ... how do we view the money? Yes, it is God given, but do we always honor that? I know I don't!! The same with spending. We have to spend money, just to manage our every day lives, food, clothes, etc. On that same note, think about time as well. I get so irritated with myself for NOT using my time wisely and being such a procrastinator!

I am so grateful that in 2011 God did bless my efforts to start practicing again and did bless us financially. Sadly, I still need help on the time management, and I still haven't done a budget, but I am making progress. God is so faithful.

today's devotional!

2012-01-25T18:05:00.001-06:00

I am reading Joyce Meyer's Promises for Everyday Life Daily Devotionals
Today's focused on living an life for Christ with boundaries. OUCH, as some of you know, I have dealt with that a lot throughout my life. I have also heard Pastor Wes preach on this recently.

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

Boundaries Have a Purpose!

"Exercising self-control and self-discipline, and establishing boundaries and borders in our life are some of the most important things we can do. A life that has no discipline is one that's filled with carelessness.

The Word of God establishes the necessary boundaries to keep us in God's safety zone. It tells us what we can do, and what we better not do, to be safe.

As Christians we can think it's kind of exciting to live life on the edge. We like the image of "Yeah! That's me! Living on the edge!" It's become a popular way of looking at life. But to be honest, God doesn't want us living on the edge, because if we're living on the edge, then we have no margin for error.

Highways have lines, one on each side and one in the center. These lines provide margins for our safety while we're driving. If we go over the line on one side, we'll go into the ditch. If we cross over the line in the middle, we could get killed. We like those lines because they help keep us safe.

It's like that in our personal lives, too. When we have boundaries, borders, and margins, we feel much better and experience God's peace.

The key is to go to God's Word, where He has laid out all the boundaries we need to live by. Let God direct your path every day.

Prayer Starter: God, I recognize the need for boundaries in my life. As I read Your Word, show me how to apply Your healthy boundaries in my life today."

Amen!

Belated New Years Blessings(more like celebrations)

2012-01-20T16:38:00.000-06:00

God really does care about the little things in our lives, even as much as he cares about the big things.
We ladies had a wonderful time in the Lord last night! Wow! We as a group were able to claim victory over our lives and celebrate that together.
Personally, God fixed something in me that has been broken for a long time. Last night I was able to get the best night's sleep that I have had in probably 5 months or so. It was so wonderful to be able to rest in God's peace. However, the side effect is that I can't stop crying!!! LOL It's ok though. I have spent the last 6 months trying to suppress my emotions to keep up the "happy" front up. I have become so robotic in going about my life lately, that I had suppressed so much of what I was actually feeling. All the while justifying it in my head for the good of the family. When I woke up this morning, it just hit all at once, but I LOVE being broken and open before the Lord. It may not be pretty, but it allows Him to come in and tweak those parts of your heart that need tweaking and heal those wounds that need to be healed! Now, hopefully, I can keep myself out of the way long enough to see what God is going to do or is doing in my life this year.

Long weekends and yucky island weather ....

2012-01-17T01:23:00.002-06:00

While we were thankful for the long weekend it wasn't great weather wise, but we managed. Friday we hung out and watched movies. Saturday Jacob and I went on a youth trip, while Christina and Keith got some Daddy/Daughter time in. The place we went to was called Round 1. It is this crazy, seven story, indoor recreation center that has, video games, virtual sports games, actual games, like basketball, badminton and batting cages, a roller rink, a little foam ball pit and foam ball guns, and playground for the little ones, oh even a real bowling ally. I am sure there are tons more but I just can't remember. It even has massage chairs in a quiet room for the Mama's! Yep, guess where I ended up! The crazy thing is that most everything is in Japanese. Thankfully, we had youth there to interpret for us, lol. I really didn't want to go at first, but I am so glad I did. I got to hang out with my new friends! :) Sunday, we went to church and just chilled at the house afterward. Worship service was pretty incredible. God has a plan for this year and I can not wait to see what it is! There are several opportunities for me to get plugged in here. I am just praying for guidance. I am just thankful for my new friends at Neighborhood. I just wish I could see them more than once or twice a week! Yesterday we just stayed in out of the rain. Well, they did, I went and got my hair cut and colored. I LOVE it! :)

Today it is back to the grind. I had a ton of cleaning to do but didn't bother. I'm so bad! I know. I did get to talk to my Mother today and my Sister. So, that made it productive right??

Ok, so I am off to go figure out supper. Humm, I have ground turkey and taco shells, that sounds good! :)

Something to think about....

2012-01-14T23:09:00.001-06:00

Raising children is always a challenge. Watching them grow, is amazing!!! Wow, I am so proud of my kiddos. Christina is the easy one for the most part, you almost always know what she is thinking and how she feels. Her teachers always have amazing things to say about her. She is so sweet, smart and outgoing. I had the privilege to help out in her SS class today. Wow, they had some great discussions and the way she answered some of the questions and the comments she made. I was blown away. We've raised them in church and I know they know what it is all about, but wow to see them first hand express what they know and have retained!! Jacob, on the other hand, likes to keep it to himself. Although, he has gotten better about it. He was 8 when we started on our adventure as a military family. He is 12 now and wow, it just hit me yesterday after the youth outing how much he was growing, not just physically but spiritually and mentally. He is such a good kid and so intuitive even. It is like he matured over night!! It is always so amazing to hear his teachers talk so fondly of him. A handful, I am even blessed to call friends :)
God is so good!

Friday night!

2012-01-13T02:39:00.000-06:00

Movies, video game and Manwich! :)

by the way ...

2012-01-10T02:40:00.001-06:00

I simplified the lay out! :)
Blogger has come out with some new templates and the old lay out was cute but way too busy. I think I like this better, eh?? I am really beginning to like the new Google+ thing too! I haven't really messed around on it much but I need to check out the Google talk as well.

*sigh* no work out today. I was a slacker but I did watch the football game.
Speaking of ... Wow!! I can not believe Bama just walked all over LSU. I know the last time they played it was a battle of the defenses. I think LSU's defense forgot to show up, I feel sorry for my LSU fan family and friends because they just looked tired and defeated before the end of the first quarter. Hey you have got to love SEC football though right??? Go HOGS!

Let's see, the kids are great! Jacob is suppose to get confirmation on his Science fair topic soon, I hope! Christina is about half way finished with her quilt in quilting club! She has to pick a backing material or just use what the teacher provides. I can not wait to see the finished product! The will get to display them at school for a week or two then bring them home. I will definitely have photos! :) Speaking of, I need to make the Grandmother's their DVD's of the kids during the year.

Oh! I got to talk to my Mom today! YAY, that really made my day. I felt like a jerk because it had been so long since I had talked to her, other than sending a note on FB. I even missed my parents' anniversary!! UGH!
The sad thing is that Mom told me that Dad was watching the Cotton Bowl and was looking for Ryan Mallet at QB. *sigh* However, the good news is that he may not always know where everyone else is but he knows where he is. I definitely need to start skyping more with my parents!

Ok, I guess it is time to figure out what we are going to have for supper. I'm thinking hamburger helper at this point. I have got to start planning meals better and cooking healthier if I am going to get my weight under control and hubby's cholesterol! Another plus of staying home these days! :)

Monday

2012-01-09T03:43:00.000-06:00

Happy Monday all! :)
We had a nice relaxing weekend. I took Christina to the movies. I ALWAYS forget that they play the National Anthem before our movies, but it is really cool to see an entire theater of people stand and put their hands over their hearts.
We had a good service at church Sunday. I just love a Pastor who isn't afraid to get up and preach what is on his heart!
Christina got up and went walking with me this morning. We walked the neighborhood even though she wanted to go to the track. I still haven't measured to see how far it was but we walked for a good 30 minutes. I have gotten back on SparkPeople. I love it! It is like weight watcher but free! It helps me to track every thing that I eat because I know if I have to write it down that I will just avoid eating it. I should have dug out my Wii Fit today and done some strength training but that is for another day. I'm so excited hoping to get this weight off and get healthy!
I hope everyone has a great week!!

Look out, I've been thinking ....

2012-01-06T07:13:00.002-06:00

So, what is it about the New Year that makes us so philosophical?? It must be the freshness that January 1st brings us. Everyone planning NY's resolutions and all. Sadly, I always say I will do this or that, but never stick to it. Such is life.
At this point, all I can say for sure is that God is faithful. I can not wait to see what He has in store for our family in 2012. I have this recurring theme that keeps coming around.
Until next time bloggies!

It is a New Year ....

2012-01-05T05:27:00.000-06:00

....welcome 2012!!
Wow, I can NOT believe we have started a new year already. My, how time flies! Let's just see how the next 2 and 3/4 go, LOL.
So, we are in our little abode here on Okinawa and have gotten pretty much settled in. We made it through Christmas, enjoyed some time with K afterward and are now getting back into the school, work, and Mom routine.
Wow, it has been so long since I have written anything on here, although, I do seem to be keeping up with my annual January report! ha ha. I am at a loss for words at the moment, believe it or not. The cool thing is that I added the iPhone app and can scribble, ok, awkwardly type in posts. That may not turn out well. We shall see.
Let's see since we have gotten here we have survived four holidays, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. The kids enjoyed Christmas break, although, they were really missing their friends back in SA. I was trying to keep them entertained. We saw Arthur Christmas, but missed Chipwrecked. We ventured off up north again and went to the Pineapple Park/factory. It was a really cool day trip. We had amazing weather which helped. I have gotten to where I love driving up north because the scenery along the coastal hwy is just beautiful. One of these days I am going to go up and stop at the look out spots and take photos. That is on my list of things to do along with going to the light house on the cape. :) We haven't made it down south yet to the WW2 park, or the glass factory. I heard today that the glass factory and the organized battlefield tour are a must do while stationed here. I am also making a list of things to bring back with me, lol. Ryukyu glass, a tea set, and chop sticks (not that I will ever use them). Driving here is still challenging, but luckily, a girl at the car shop told me today that it will take about a year before I feel comfortable just venturing out on my own. I have learned to keep Yen on me just in case I randomly decide to make a trip to the 100yen store or SanA. I have found that the most challenging thing about venturing off base is the language barrier and that the roads are not always clearly marked. These road signs here a just crazy. My brain is also not doing well converting miles into kilometers or feet into meters. Yeah, I don't do math.
Ok, hopefully, I will have something cooler to write about later. I have a few things bouncing around in my head.

Kon Nichiwa from Okinawa, Japan

2011-11-26T22:54:00.001-06:00

Kon’nichiwa!

Ok so my Christmas newsletter did not get out in the cards this year, so, I am blogging it this year!

What an adventure this year has turned out to be! We found out this summer that we were moving to Okinawa, Japan. We started making all the necessary preparations to leave San Antonio, and were on our way late October. It has not been easy leaving family and friends half way around the world but thank goodness for the modern technologies today! We are able to keep up with everyone via internet, emails, SKYPE, and most especially facebook.

We arrived on the island late Friday Oct 21st and have been busy since. We are now in our base house, and have gotten our first small shipment of items. We are hoping our big shipment will be here before Christmas!

We are all getting settled in. Keith is learning a new job and is enjoying the challenge. His coworkers are great! The kids both love their schools!! I am so proud of both of them. They have both gone in and been able to adjust and jump right in!! Jacob loves being the big 6th grader in middle school and enjoys his new schedule and classes. Christina, my social butterfly, has jumped right into her 3rd grade class, and is acting as though she has been here all year long!! She has signed up for quilting club, which will start up after Thanksgiving break. She is so excited! She has also started Stars!! Yes, we found an AG church here on the island. It is an international mission church. They are an amazing congregation, who really care about each other. The Pastors are very supportive of their military family.

As for me, I’m the glue that keeps us all together and organized! HA!! I am learning everyone’s new schedules as well as trying to get things organized around the house for now. I’m sure I’ll find somewhere to jump in and get busy.

Our hearts are warmed by the memories we have of each one of you. May the Lord bless your home and may you have the merriest Christmas and happiest 2012!

Until next year,

The Walker’s

PSC 80 BOX 20936

APO, AP 96367
phone (210) 401 6018 or (662) 655 0405

what a year!!!

2010-12-18T09:33:00.002-06:00

I haven't blogged in ages!! I guess I didn't feel I had anything productive to blog about.
These last four to six months have been very difficult and trying! I feel so unchristian like because of all the whining, and worry that has gone along with it. Thankfully, God understands! This whole house thing has taken it's toll on me emotionally and financially!!! I know that will all get better in time! I already feel 100lbs lighter! The financial situation will take a little longer. God is good!! The couple who bought the house seem to be a good Christian couple! They have been amazing from what I've been told!!
I am so ready for Christmas now though! I get to hang out with the kiddos and enjoy some time together! I am gonna miss having the extended family around though!!
Thanks for all of your prayers and support!
Merry Christmas to all!!!

The Past Few Months

2010-04-18T19:17:00.002-05:00

Yes .... obviously, I've been running so I haven't been blogging!

Usually I have nothing to blog about but there has been a lot happening lately. April has been a busy month!

We started the month off with Keith's knee surgery. I've you've been keeping up with me on Facebook, you've heard all about it. He had damaged cartilage in his right knee so the Doc went in to repair it. Keith ended up with the micro fracture surgery so he is non weight baring for 8 weeks. He will have to return to work on May 6th on light duty.

The kids have been busy! Christina has been in two spelling bee's, got in the gifted and talented program at school and has had one field trip and we are scheduled for another the first week of May. Jacob got accepted into the National Elementary Honor Society! They have both done very well in school this year! I am so proud of them both. I knew once Jake got the hang of things here he would be fine. Jacob is also playing baseball again this spring, even though our practices keep getting rained out. I bought him a net so he can practice pitching, apparently Coach Freddy was impressed with this throwing, especially since he's never pitched before. I just want to have fun!

Christina and I are working on a float for the 1st grade float parade this week. I will definatly have to take pics of that!

I guess I had better get the kids ready for bed! Busy busy Monday ahead!

A New Year; A New You

2010-01-03T19:46:00.004-06:00

Wow, what an interesting few weeks this has been. I've run the gamete on emotions. Joy over spending time with my family over Christmas; contentment over the last year passing and a new one coming around; sadness over finding out that a dear friend and mentor has suffered a tragic health event and has now passed on. We had an awesome time with the Lord this morning during worship. Of course as I have had the day to reflect and think back on it. Maybe the Spirit was so sweet because I had walked through the doors expecting something from God today. I can't say that I have ever actually walked into a church service with a truly expectant heart. God is so amazing, even in the small things. During Sunday School this morning I found it interesting but strangely comforting when our teacher mentioned funerals today during our lesson. This may sound morbid, but it kind of makes sense if you think about it. A funeral for a Christian is actually more of a celebration. We celebrate our loved ones life and influence here on earth as well as their home going. I had never taken into consideration how much someone else's funeral can make you look at your own life until Brother Steve said it today. I guess as we age these things seem to hit closer to home? The more I've thought about it, the more I see how that can be true.

I suppose my question is ... as we enter into the next year how do you want to be remembered?

Do you want to be the one everyone sees dragging your baggage from past events around from place to place or do you want to be the one who sheds each piece of luggage one by one dropping it behind you and leaving it there?

I want to drop it all, grab my sword and my shield and run out into the battle field leaving it all in the dust behind me. Thank you lord that you do have a plan for our lives. May we learn to trust in you and let you guide us through the journey!

"I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out - plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for." Jeremiah 29:11 MSG

New Year Resolutions

2010-01-01T22:16:00.002-06:00

Every year I make some and every year I am lucky if I stick to one of them.

My main goal for this year is to work on getting myself healthy. What a job that alone is going to be. UGH I know I can do it though. I need to work on reading my Bible more and stick with a devotional. This is the one I struggle with the most. I say this every year and every year I stick to it for a few weeks or months then my ADD kicks in and I allow other things to take over. I also need to work on getting more organized and get us on a budget plan. YUCK! I'll be diggin out the old Dave Ramsey books!!

Wow a New Year!

2009-12-29T11:04:00.002-06:00

It is so hard to believe that 2009 is just about over! What a year it was, ha ha! I never in a million years thought I would be 41 and have such a year of firsts. Keith got commissioned into the USAF December 2008, went to training in January 2009 and we moved here to San Antonio in February. I haven't worked since January which has been quite a change, but I am loving it! I enjoy getting the kiddos off to school in the mornings and being here when they get home in the afternoons. We've been able to explore San Antonio and the Texas coast. The kids and I have also had the opportunity to go visit some relatives that we don't get to see very often. We have found a church that we are getting involved in and have met some amazing people here.

We still haven't sold the house in Memphis. I am hopeful that we have found a realtor that will work with and for us. Although, the idea of a short sell is not appealing at all. Those details have yet to be worked out so we shall see.

I am looking forward to what 2010 will have to offer! This should be a great year!

I pray each and every one of you have a blessed year!

where have I been???

2009-09-14T07:55:00.002-05:00

I am obviously a terrible blogger. I has been so busy around here getting us all back into a school routine that I haven't really felt like blogging. So ... here I am.

I have no clue where to start, so hopefully I wont bore you to death.

The kids have had a great first few weeks of school. I have had an opportunity to go volunteer up at the school. Which has been kind of fun. Christina had her first soccer game Sat. I think she had fun. I know she was worn out from all the running. I was very impressed with how well they did. Our Coaches are awesome. I think they have as much fun as the kids. Simply because they just want to get out there and have fun too.

I suppose I had better get off this computer and get to something constructive.

I hope everyone has a great week!!

vacation week 2

2009-07-27T21:26:00.002-05:00

I am so not ready for this week to come to an end, even though it has been a working vacation. I have had a blast visiting with everyone!! It feels so like home even after 6 months! I love my family!! Especially the new addition!
I have learned a few things about myself this week. I can do just about anything if I set my mind to it!! I not any good at picking paint colors! The big one is that God is faithful in whatever we do!!! Even if he pulls us out of our comfort zone!

Packing for vacation

2009-07-11T16:24:00.002-05:00

Well it's here ..... vacation time!! Whooo hooooo!

Everything is just about ready to go. I'm letting the kids play with their friends for a while before we start packing their clothes and work to do in the van. Of course dumb me forgot about the defective screen to the portable DVD player .... ugh. It has two but they like having their own to watch. I know my poor kids are rotten. We bought a game to take with us to Munnie's (my Mom). We got Mario Kart racing for her Wii along with two wheels. We've talked Keith into getting a Wii. Unfortunatly, that is Jake's bribe for learning how to ride his bike.

Keith did manage to get leave so he can go visit his Mom, Kimbie and Reggie. I hate we wont get to see Rocky, Cindy and Cierra though.

The kids finished swim lessons. I guess they did ok. Their instructor never said one way or the other, lol. Oh well, at least they got more confidence in the water. I would like them to take the other two levels. Maybe next summer.

I guess I better get busy so I can get Christina's things packed before supper.

I can't wait to see everyone at home!!!

This week!

2009-06-26T11:09:00.003-05:00

I can not believe that we have two more weeks then we are headed home for a visit!!! This summer is really going to fly by!

Kimbie and the boys were here this week. I am worn out from the running, but we had a blast! I didn't realize how much I had missed them until they showed up! The boys are all a foot taller than me, and I know that is not saying much, LOL. The funniest thing is that they are like a bunch of locusts. I have no groceries left in the house. Kimbie has always said that the boys ate a lot, but man I never realized how much damage three growing, starving teenage boys could do to some food! I didn't mind of course!! We went to Natural Bridge Caverns Sunday, spent all day Monday downtown. I managed to get us lost, imagine that. I think I finally know my way around downtown now, maybe. We did see the Alamo! Now I can say I've seen it. Hee hee! We took a river taxi around most of the River Walk. I think the kids and I will go down and take a boat tour sometime, especially since I now know that I can go park in the Mall garage ..... hee hee.

I got my kids signed up for swim lessons! YAY! Ironically, Christina was swimming around yesterday with out her vest! YAY again. I didn't realize but if they go all the way through to level 4 they can try out for the swim team. I guess we'll see what happens.

I am completely behind on my laundry and need to go grocery shopping, so I guess I had better get off this computer and go do something constructive.

Have a great weekend all!!!

HUGS!

Summer break!

2009-06-20T23:42:00.002-05:00

Wow, you would think that I have been too busy to post in here, huh?

The kids are enjoying their break from school. The boys across the street have gone on vacation and they are trying to find something to do. They have been hanging out with the girl two doors down. Kimbie and the boys are coming in tomorrow! YAY!! It will be nice to spend a few days with them. The kids and I are planning a trip to the mid-south (AR/MS/TN) next month. We're excited. It will be nice to get home to see everyone. I'm gonna have to stay three weeks just to make my rounds, lol.

I'm trying to think what all we've done since schools been out. We spent one morning at the Zoo. Which was nice because it wasn't as busy or hot. We actually got to see some things this time around that we didn't get to see before. Last Sat we went to Sea World. We saw Shamoo and the penguins but that was about it. It was so crowded and hot that you could barely move through the place. We are going to try a weekday first thing in the am.

Jacob's baseball season ended on a terrific note. They won their last two games!! The cool thing about one of the wins was the other Lackland team who had beat the snot out of us twice in a row!!! He really enjoyed it! I'm glad because he did improve through the season. Christina keeps saying that she wants to play soccer. Sign ups are the first week of July.

I am going to sign them up for swim lessons Tuesday.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot. I had to take the kids to the dentist this week. Jacob needs a baby tooth taken out and Christina needs to go see an Oral Surgeon to have a mucocele removed. YAY .... NOT! Luckily Jake could get in before we left town. I am hoping Christina can get taken care of before we head home!

OK, I have to put away some laundry take a bath and put myself to bed!

Night all!

Has it really been ......

2009-05-27T19:27:00.002-05:00

........ this long since I've posted on here?? Sorry! I guess time really does fly when you're having fun! hee hee

Let's see if I can cram a months worth of stuff into one post without boring you to death, lol.

I finally got a new computer. YAY!! It's an iMac. It has been a learning experience but I am loving it!! I still need to go take one of those new user classes, but with the ball schedule I can't. They are only offered on Sat and Sun. I am suppose to have my new camcorder tomorrow. We'll see. We thought Jacob had broken his foot, but thankfully had not. Unfortunately, he hasn't been able to play baseball for a couple of weeks. We have two games this week. The first one is tomorrow night at Randolph the second is Sat morning here. Then the kids have a birthday party Sat for one of the neighbor kids. Speaking of Jacob, I went with his class on a field trip to the Natural Bridge caverns! We loved it and want to go back with Keith and Christina. I'm hoping I can keep the kids busy and out of Keith's way this summer, since he is going to be on nights ... boo!! Oh well we'll make it. The kids and I are going to take a trip to Memphis over the summer to see the family. That will eat up some of our summer break, lol. Of course we couldn't be more excited that Kimbie and the boys are coming to visit in June.

Christina is doing just fine. She is doing her little girl thing, lol.

Oh, I almost forgot. I am going to be on next yrs PTSO board at the school. Oh well, it will keep me busy. I have to learn excel and it will get me out of the house at least one night a month, lol.

Ok, my load of towels is finished in the dryer so I'm off to go watch a little rerun TV in bed.

Nite all!!

something to think about

2009-04-29T09:21:00.002-05:00

The Pastor of the church we have been attending started a sermon series two weeks ago called "Living in an Aquarium" it has turned out to be quite interesting and relevent for this time in my life. The first sermon was on cleaning your tank. Yes, exactly what you would think. Sunday he talked about not cluttering your tank. Wow, God has delt with me for a long time on this. I am amazed how freeing it has been to not have the responsiblity that I have had in the past. I have had time to think and reprioritize my life. I am so loving this.
This morning I read a great devotional on rest. We think so many times that we have to run run run and do ... not that doing for the Kingdom is a bad thing. We just need to stop take a breath and think on God and rest in him. Of course we also need physical rest for our bodies and minds to function correctly.
Now, I just hope I can remember all of this for ABF Sunday morning!

What's new

2009-04-29T09:07:00.002-05:00

Well, let's see.... it has been so long, I don't know where to start!
Christina's class had a felid trip to the Zoo last Friday. That was a lot of fun and I was sooooooo tired after. The girls in my group were great. Most of the time they listened and stayed with me. I had one that kept kind of wandering off. It did rain on us a little. I had the umbrella just in case. I am still irritated that my camera battery died that morning! Of course I did not have any extras on hand!!
Jacob had his first baseball game Sat. He is doing so much better. We took him to the batting cages to practice his hitting and get his timing down. He did great with the softballs. I think the baseballs scared him because the first cage he was in was pitching inside and he got hit. Poor thing got popped in the same arm in the same spot in the game! I don't see them getting a whole lot of hits this year since this is the first year for kid pitch. We'll see. We have game two tonight against our neighbor kids team, lol.
Did I post about Jacob getting glasses? I think I did. He looks so handsome in them.

I am in the process of shopping for a new computer. I really really really want a Mac. Ya know after you start comparing prices and what you get on them, there isn't much difference.
Ok, I'm off to pick up a few things that I forgot at the store yesterday! WEEEE

Weekly update ... hee hee

2009-04-07T09:45:00.002-05:00

OK, while I'm thinking about it I may as well post something! HA

I can not believe that Easter is this coming Sunday! Luckly there is no shortage of things to. There is an Easter egg hunt here on base over at the club. The church we have been attending is also having a big Easter festival thing. They have a sunrise service scheduled at the parade grounds here on base Sun morning. So, we'll be busy. I think they are also having a lunch at the one of both of the dining halls. That will be nice for the trainees here.
Last weekend we spent most of our time doing nothing. The kids played outside most of the day Sat. Sunday they had a water balloon fight with the nieghbor boys. It has been great being able to allow them a little more freedom than we could ever have in Memphis. We don't let them run all over the base housing, but they are allowed to play out with the kids on our street. I got tickled I looked out Sat and there were about 15 kids in front of my house. Some of the bigger kids even walked over to see what ours were up to. I think at that point they were playing soccer in our front yard. We have one of the flatter front yards on the street. The kids really enjoy it. I like our neighbors around us. The kids are all about the same age which helps. I got tickled. I met my neighbor across the street's hubby Sunday and he was amazed. They moved in back in Oct and were just about the only ones on the street. He comes back this spring and we all over the place! There are still several units on our block empty though.
Oh great I just forgot where I was going with all of this.
Oh yeah, I took the kids to see Monsters vs Aliens Sat. It was a great movie. Definatly one to buy and add to the collection.
Ok, I better get going so I can get something accomplished aaround here. I guess I better go see if Keith wants to get up.
Have a great Easter everyone!!
Hugs!!

It's Monday.....

2009-03-30T10:58:00.003-05:00

I can not believe the weekend is over. Time has just been flying by!
Sorry it has been over two weeks since I have updated this thing. I finally looked up how to add a title so you all can actually read the updates. Anywho, we have been busy around here. I am trying to remember what all we have been up to since I last blogged. School is going well. We actually have parent teacher conferences this week. I've never had to attend one. I'm glad they do this here though. Just so we can get to know the teachers and see how the children are progressing.
Last week I spent most of my time unloading boxes. I have most of that finished. I still have to organize, or reorganize most of it. Friday Keith and I spent the day running errands. He had to run over to the hospital so I went with him. I got to meet his boss. She was very nice. Then we ran over and donated blood. I had forgotten how big those needles had to be ... eek! It was well worth it though. Especially since I am not one of the most common types. If they can not use the blood here in the US they send it immediately over seas, where it is greatly needed. Later we took the kids out to eat supper. Saturday morning we took the kids bowling at the base bowling center. What a hoot!! Jacob is so funny because he gets so frustrated if he can't immediately pick something up. He got better as we went along. Christina, well, she tried. We had a good time anyway. Yesterday we visited another church. I think the kids really liked this one. I liked the children's Pastor especially. Keith and I also enjoyed the sermon. They didn't have a choir, but they said they were looking for a new music minister. Apparently that is why they are going to add a traditional service in the morning. We shall see what happens. I know the kids are getting a little tired of us dragging them from place to place on Sundays.
Today is cleaning day! I am trying to get it all done today since Keith is working today and tomorrow then off for two days, but works this weekend.
Poor Keith hurt his knee during the move, so he got placed on PT restrictions. He is hoping to go see the physical therapist this week.
I did make the kids dental appointments today! YAY! Jacob is going to the Orthodontist tomorrow.
Well, I better stop writing before I make this entry so long, you get bored and quit reading, lol.
Have a great week!!!

2009-03-14T14:51:00.003-05:00

It's the weekend!!! YAY!!!
Sorry I haven't blogged in forever, but every time I sit down to do it ... I get derailed, imagine that!!

Well, Spring Break will officially be over tomorrow. :( We didn't do a lot, but I did get the kids out of the house twice this week. I totally gave up on unpacking. Although, I have done a little today.
Let's see Tuesday the kids and I went to the Zoo. It was super nice and huge!! They are in the process of doing some more renovations so I'll get a membership and we can go again this summer. It will be well worth the money. Wednesday it started raining so we just lazed around the house. Yeah, they haven't had rain in SA in forever and the week the kids are on SB it gets cool again and starts raining. We can't complain though because we needed the rain desperately. Areas all around us were on burn bans. So Thursday we did something inside. We went downtown to the Children's Museum. It was really neat, lots of stuff for the kids to see and do. We almost got to drive by the Alamo, but I missed the turn. LOL! So, today .... we got up early and hit the Brunch Buffet at Zuni Grill. It was awesome!!! I think I could have eaten one of everything they had!!! We did do a little walking up and down the River Walk. Thankfully because it was still sprinkling a little bit and early enough there weren't too many people walking around yet. They were going to have a St Patrick's Day parade. I am so glad we got out of downtown before that started. We STILL didn't get to see the Alamo!! Oh well we have the next 4 yrs to go see it, LOL!! I think we are going shopping for a microwave later. I am going to get some more of the boxes in the bedroom unloaded today ... I hope!! I'll have to make a run to the storage unit this week too.

Well, I think that is about it for now. I will try to become much better at blogging on a regular basis!
Have a great week all!!
HUGS

2009-02-26T15:29:00.000-06:00

We went back over to the base today to get the kids registered for school! That turned out to be an all day ordeal because south TX requires children to be vaccinated for Hep A. Well we had to run over to Wilford Hall (the medical center) for that. That place is amazing ..... it is an entity in itself!. After we got that done it was the cafeteria for lunch then back to the school nurse. I am very impressed with the school. Mainly because the prinicple herself came out and spoke to us all. She wanted to warn me about the test coming up Tues for Jake. It is one of those state mandated reading assesment things. He should do ok, IF he takes his time. The drive from this side of town over to the base is going to stink, but at least we only have to do it for a week! Then they have spring break, lol.Well Keith is helping me with laundry today. I guess I had better get the kids stuff organized for school tomorrow!I miss you all already!!!
hugs

2009-02-06T14:12:00.002-06:00

OK, I have to start a blog of just "Jacobisms"! This boy is soooooooooo funny!!!

He got invited to go on a youth trip to see the Memphis Tigers with his oler cousins. He said he hoped to get good seats like when he went to see the Grizzley's with Tripp. Silly me ... I told him probably not and that they would be higher up in the "nose bleed section" I keep forgetting how literal my children are. Mom and I laughed so hard at him the other night. We were watching basketball on TV. Jacob starts talking about the Tigers game at the Forum. He told his Munnie that even though they sat in the nose bleed seats, neither he nor Austin got a nose bleed. You know he and I both get them alot .... he said.

I love my son!!!

2009-02-04T21:17:00.000-06:00

My first week off ... and what a week it has been!
Monday was spent doing just random stuff. Tuesday I spent all day on the phone trying to find somewhere for us to lay our heads on the way down to SA Sunday night. That actually wasn't that difficult since I had pretty much figured that part out. The difficult part was finding a place to stay once we got to SA. I'm telling ya there wasn't a room anywhere near the base. Come to find out, that wasn't exactly a bad thing. With a little help from my sweet Uncle Ricky ... I soon found a Homewood suties in the north part of town. yay!!! So, it will be living out of a suite case for us for a while, but we'll get through it. At least I'll have K's laptop... hee hee hee!!!

I have to brag on my kids. I wasn't feeling well last night. They were so sweet. I laid down in bed waiting on them to get thier baths. Well next thing I know it is an hour later and they are in the living room watching TV before bed. Jacob is so funny! He told me to go back to bed, lol. I think they really wanted to go to bed on thier own. They had actually already planned to make me breakfast this morning too. I let them anyway. They made a mess but who cares. They are such sweethearts!!!

Oh yeah, and Christina's birthday is next Tuesday, so I am having a couple of her friends over Friday night. This should be fun!! Pray for me!!

2009-01-16T18:42:00.000-06:00

Ok, so ..... This week has been kind of wild. The first couple of days were not bad; then the movers called. UGH .... I was prepared for it, but not really. I guess the flush of what do I do now hit me all at once. I paniced for a half a day or so Thursday but as I contemplated I came up with a solution and as I started researching and working on applications I had more and more of my questions answered.
It will all pan out in the end.

2009-01-14T07:51:00.000-06:00

Ok, so as I feel my way around this blog site again, bare with me. We had a better night last night, so I'm thinking Jennifer may be right about the Monday blues. I have been trying to get them to bed on time and keep a more regular schedule. We shall see how that goes!

*hugs*

2009-01-13T13:59:00.000-06:00

Ok, day 1 of Keith's training and we have a melt down already. Man this just about killed me. Christina was taking her bath last night and just spontaniously burst into tears. I know, number one she is female and I do realize that this could be for absolutly no reason. Well, she wanted her Daddy! Of course I am trying to be as calm as I can. I just reminded her that this was just like Dad being at work. In her sweet little sad voice she squeaks out ... but longer! I almost lost it right then and there. All I can say is thank God for my Mother who swooped in while we were dresssing her and took over. Christina quickly got over her little spell. I talked her into a game of Princess UNO. It worked we taught Munnie how to play and that seemed to take her mind off of the situation. The mind of a 5 yr old girl.

2008-05-09T10:18:00.000-05:00

Wow, God has really been dealing with me on some things recently. The biggest is on worry. It seems that everything that has come up in recent lessons has been dealing with worry. I have had so much going on that through it all God has shown me that he is going to take care of me and the problem. Whether it is my recent health issues or this whole Air Force thing of hubby's. I know God's hand is in it all and to be patient about the out come. Patience is not an easy thing for me either. I have grown to look forward to my time with the Lord, even though I don't make the time that I should to spend in prayer or the word. Today I had an incredible break through! I was driving around running my errands, listening to KLOVE and talking to God. As I was praying for friends and marriages, God showed me the origin of my issues. I had been so bound by sin, that the devil had convinced me that even though I had gotten EVERYTHING I had prayed for as a newlywed (A loving and kind hubby, great kids and a wonderful church) I didn't deserve to be this happy. So therefore, as I begun to get pulled in by my "fantasies" I sunk deeper into depression which perpetuated the whole addictive snowball ... guilt + shame = doing the destructive behavior AGAIN. I repented to God for my lack of trust and faith right then and there. It feels great to be healthy in every sense of the word!!

2007-10-18T10:39:00.000-05:00

There was a word given about God last night in Bible study saying that he sees our hands reaching to him. I tend to get so wrapped up in my "LIFE" that I feel as though I'm in a frantically treading water in lake of water up to my chin and the only thing sticking out is my head and my hand. God was so awesome to show me that he is paying attention even when I feel I am not worthy of his attention.
That also leads me to several things that God has brought to my attention through out this Bible study. This one has been great. I have had to dig deep and pull out some things. Obvioulsy last night really hit home. I wanted to stand up last night and shout amen during her talk about guilt and shame associated with sexual sins. I have learned that the major players on an addictive personality are guilt and shame. You absolutly do wear them like a second skin. Satan does get the biggest kick out of knowing that and using it to throw our past right back at us. It was so freeing at the end when we all stood and verbally stated that we are daughters of the King. I had also never thought about God warning us before we do something that we know will eventually have a bad outcome. God did that with me several times and I didn't listen and it has almost cost me the thing I love the most, my family.
I'm sorry this was so long! When God prompts me to start writing sometimes it goes for a while.

2006-03-04T15:38:00.000-06:00

Last Sunday we had a healing service. Christina had been having some horrible night mares. I decided to take her down for prayer, because I was at my wits end over it. God is awesome!!! He healed her. Even though she has been sick the past few nights, she has slept much better all week long.
PRAISE GOD!!!

2006-02-02T12:49:00.000-06:00

Well, where do I start???? I've spent this week trying to catch up from last weekend.
I have had an interesting start to my day. I was just called and asked if I was available for my dream job. Of course I couldn't say yes. They need someone to teach clinic at UT's Dental Hygiene school part time on Monday's and that is one of my days to work at the office. I wanted so badly to tell her I'd at least think about it and see if I couldn't work something out with my Doc's, but we are just so darn busy at the office that I can't leave them hanging, plus I NEED that income right now. Ironically enough, I had been thinking and praying about this very thing, just yesterday. So... I am going to chalk it up to God encouraging me not to give up on this dream. Who knows, I suppose it is all in good time. That is such a good way for me to get my foot in the door, so to speak, and I think if you work enough hours for UT you can get them to pay for you to go back to school.
Saturday we bid farewell to our friend, Mrs Ethel. It was a sweet funeral, and thank God the rain held off until after the grave side service. Then we bid tribute to her at church Sunday morning, we were all blubbering like babies. I think they are going to have an actual Memorial service in a week or two. It was one of those sad but joyous occasions.
Now, what to do about Christina's birthday party? It is going to be here before we know it *sigh* I can't believe my baby girl is going to be 3. Time just flies by, huh?

Well, I'm sure there is more I could babble about today, but I am starving so I'm off to eat my soup.
Have a great day all!!!

2006-01-23T22:49:00.000-06:00

Pastor Eddie's SS lesson yesterday got me to thinking, what about that woman who had gotten caught in the act of adultery. The reference to her being naked there in front of all those men, including Jesus. Wow, what a metaphor that truly is. Feeling that ashamed, that naked, literally stripped of all of ones dignity. I guess since most of us consider the consequences of our actions, but never really think them through, that metaphor makes perfect sense. After such an awful experience. That statement really hit home for me.
Ah, but by the grace of God.....
Can you say a big amen to that??

2006-01-06T09:59:00.000-06:00

Three Things.....

Three things that I think make me feel like a geek...

I love anything that has to do with forensic science
I love musicals(always have)
I love the way it smells after a rain

Three things that I have always wanted to do, but keep putting off...

read my bible all the way through at once
travel out west
travel to Europe

Three things that make me miss my spouse...

his kind eyes
his forgiving smile
that sexy look

Three things that other people say about me that make me feel good about myself...

I'm kind
I'm caring
I'm good at what I do

My three goals in life...

to be a great Mom to my children
to be a better wife to my hubby
to make a new career path(still trying to figure out what that is)

My three new years resolutions...

lose weight
make myself be more social
be less selfish

2006-01-06T06:57:00.000-06:00

Well 2006 has arrived. YAY!! It was nice to actually feel good about a new year this time. I spent this New Years eve contemplating and going over the years events and realized that a year really does make a difference. I can't believe that Keith and I, especially, have made it this far. I really never thought that he and I would make it back to that proverbial beginning. I just hate it took him getting sick to do it. As I always say, things happen for a reason and apparently God decided that He was going to bring us closer together no matter how much of an attitude we each had(mostly me). Of course, had we not faced all of the opposition before his illness, maybe we wouldn't have grown as close to each other as we have. I suppose that will make some good material for another blog.

OK enough babbling, I just thought I should get something posted, LOL.

2006-01-02T22:30:00.000-06:00

My testimony.....

Well, I've been talking about writing this forever and it just seems to get pushed to the back burner. I am grateful to have been raised in church. I love my small town roots, and have great memories of that small church. I am amazed by what God has done in my life. I've made a few mistakes in my life, but, I suppose it can be considered all part of growing up. I began drinking around my Sr. year in high school. My maternal grandmother had been diagnosed with lung cancer and I had no idea how to deal with it. Unfortunately, I'm one of these people who just hangs on to things instead of getting them out in to the open. Well, she eventually passed away the summer of 1988. I think the memory of that night is burned into my brain. It was a very bad time for me because she was my best friend and I loved her dearly. As I reflect back on that time now, it must have been the beginning of my questioning God. Time marched on and I went back to college, still drinking, more heavily. I engaged in a lot of self destructive behavior, I was pretty much a mess. I met hubby my second year of college. I remember thinking,he is such a dork, and why is he interested in me??? Well, we went out and things became more serious, and we got married. The first year of our marriage was a battle. OK, you get too very strong willed individuals who are also control freaks in the same apt..... can you say WWW III?? We muddled through the first couple of years, I graduated from dental hygiene school and we moved from Little Rock to Memphis. We started going back to church with his family. I had tried while we were in Little Rock, but between work and school and me making excuses in general, I didn't go very often. An event happened and the entire family started attending another church. I had pretty much stopped drinking by then. Keith was gone a lot working out of town with a lease driver from the moving company he had worked for during the summers while he was in high school and college. We began having a revival at church. Me not being Pentecostal, I was kind of leary, but I was in the choir and loved singing ... so... I went. Well, lo and behold, did God show up. He gently pulled at my heart to go forward for an alter call and give my heart back to him. That was such a beautiful experience, but that wasn't all he had for me. Later on that same week, I received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Wow, how awesome was that??? God began renewing my mind and my spirit. It was awesome. At that same time God was using me to bring Keith into a closer walk with the Lord and he got saved during that same set of revival services. We were walking on air with the Lord from that moment on. I just remember so vividly having such a hunger and thirst for God. It was like I had been stranded in the desert of life and desperately needed a drink, of Gods holy water of course. Keith and I decided to finally start a family in 1998. That was a struggle. I wasn't sure I was even going to be able to conceive a child much less carry one. I had made countless visits to my OB/GYN at the time and felt I was just getting nowhere. We had an awesome women's conference that year. One of the speakers took the liberty of wanting to pray for us women who were trying to conceive and we either told we could never ot who were just having trouble. The Lord tugged very hard at my heart. I was almost reluctant to go down for prayer, probably just from being a newly born Pentecostal girl. During that same time I decided to change Dr.'s on the recommendation of a few of my girl friends which was fine with me. I really wanted to make the change from a male Dr to a female Dr. I had to wait three months before I could get an appointment with the new OB/GYN and in that amount of time, I realized I was pregnant two weeks or so before I was to see the new Doc. Almost immediately after I took the home pregnancy test I began to have some bleeding. I rushed right over to the new Dr's office and saw one of her colleagues. They ran several tests and sent me home to rest. The bleeding stopped but I still had some off and on during my entire first trimester, my Dr was just stumped, she could not come up with any reason at all that I should have been bleeding, yet it continued. She just told me to stay off of my feet and take it easy every time it started and to alert them to any changes. I gave birth to a 7lb 5oz healthy baby boy on October 15th 1999. Well another series of events happened and Keith and I had decided to change churches. During that time Jacob had been exposed to the flu at three months old while we were visiting my husbands oldest brother. It was quite scary but we made it through. The youth pastor of one of the churches that we wanted to visit came by to visit with us, so we decided as soon as we could we would go visit this church. From the very minute we stepped into this church I knew we were home!! I had never felt that at the previous church although through everything that happened we knew that we were there for a reason during that season of our life. We had awesome support from day one from the pastor as well as the staff who were willing to minister to a hurting young couple. We almost instantly became involved in the choir, began attending Sunday school and became members of the church. A few years went by and we were blessed with our second child. She was pretty much a surprise. I had talked with my OB/GYN and expressed my concerns over getting pregnant a second time, but I had also asked God for his guidance and hand in it. Well lo and behold I go to my Dr for a check up and I had been experiencing my usual erratic cycles etc. I discussed them with her and had expressed some concern over possibly having a miscarriage. She had a puzzled look on her face when I mentioned my symptoms and asked if I had taken a home pregnancy test. I said no and she promptly got up to go test my urine. She came back with an even more puzzled look and informed me that the test was positive and that we needed to run the appropriated test to determine whether or not I was or had been pregnant. It turned out that I had not miscarried her and I had my usual complications with her as well, but I knew what to expect this time and all was well. I gave birth to a healthy 8lb 2oz little girl, Christina.
Now this is where I get to the biggest mistake I've ever made in my entire life. While I was off on maternity leave with my daughter, I began to spend a little too much time on my computer. I got into some chat rooms and met a man who I started chatting and playing pool against. Well, as time went on we began to chat more often, talk more frequently and so on. Eventually it became an emotional affair on my end. You know what the bible says about the sins of the righteous being uncovered. Boy were they. Keith discovered what I had been doing, and confronted me with it. That was a horrible feeling. I had so many emotions going through my head at that point that I seriously considered just packing up and leaving. Luckily God brought me to my senses and I went to counseling to get a grip on myself. Amazing what you can find out about yourself from a trained professional. All I can say about that situation is that God is awesome. Keith and I have had some of the best times of our marriage recently. I still sit and reflect on what could have been and cry over God's great power and grace. This situation has burned a desire in my heart to minister to hurting women. I hope somehow reading this you are blessed.