Merry Christmas! 

Merry Christmas!!!!!

I want to wish you all

a very blessed

and joyous Christmas!

May all your hopes and dreams

come true this year!

Kevin, Peggie, Keegan, Logan, & Kasey

Pluto and Mickey, too!

I will be doing the family thing for awhile and will

be blogging again very soon!

The Chacone Sisters

As I go through my everyday life I see and hear things that bring back precious memories of events and special people from the past. For example, poinsettas remind me of Carolyn. We worked together in the Personnel Office at High Plains Baptist Hospital many years ago. Carolyn was allergic to poinsettas. At Christmas time she was clutching a Kleenex, blowing her nose.

Name this tune: "Friday night it was late we got down to the gate and I was dreaming of the night would it turn out right". It is "Reminiscing" by the Little River Band. It reminds me of an old boyfriend from college. The reason escapes me, but I always laugh when I hear it and think of him.

When I spy any kind of angel in a store, it is a memorial of my mother-in-law who passed away a few years ago. She collected angels. I dislike the term "in-law". She was my "other" mom.

And when I hear the song "Sexual Healing" by Marvin Gaye - You know this song - " And when I get that feeling, I want sexual healing, make me feel so fine, helps to relieve my mind. Get up get up get up get up, lets make love tonight" it brings me back to a very special guy friend , Dale. Dale had an awesome voice and we sang that song together on the bus traveling to church camp one year. I always loved singing and two-stepping with Dale. One of the best platonic guy friends I have ever had! I have lost track of Dale.

Hearing people speak with a British accent reminds me of one of my best friends, Kim. When we were in highschool, I remember several of us ordering food at McDonalds with British accents and lots of giggles! These are memories that just stick with you forever.

Well, every Christmas when I get my music out I play my Amy Grant Christmas album. One of the songs is "Emmanuel". It takes me back to those precious freshman college days and My Chacone Sisters! Oh, where do I start? I have lost track of some of them but most are great friends that I hope I will have for life!

One December, I remember us all huddled in one of the small cluttered dorm rooms listening to Amy Grant. It must have been final week because we were all very tired, stressed, and simpled out! My memory is a little foggy, but I remember this song playing loudly. We were all playing different instruments, you know, the air guitar, air drums, air sax, piano, and others. Each one had a different part. We belted out the song, it went something like this:
"Emmanuel! Chacon! Emmanuel! Wonderful Counselor, Lord of Life, Lord of All, He is the Prince of Peace, Mighty God, Holy One. Emmanuel, Emmanuel!" We played it continuously until each one of us got our parts right!

I don't remember where we came up with the word "chacone". Maybe it originated from singing this song, and someone casually inserted the word. Maybe it was because two of us knew a guy named Mike Chacone. The reason seems insignificant now.

The Chacone Sisters went through our freshmen year singing silly songs, watching "All My Children" everyday after class, going on adventurous road trips in the blue Chrysler Cordova from hell, playing tricks on each other, chasing boys, making prank phone calls, and absolutely not studying. Most important, we laughed hysterically through it all! Laughing loud was our icon. We even had our own little pledging ceremonies. One of the initiations was dressing up like dorks and walking through Behrens lobby, our freshmen dorm. The memories of that are a little fuzzy, thank goodness!

One thing I will never forget is the valuable friendships that I made that year. The Chacone Sisters faded away many years ago, but I will boldly say the friendships will last forever! And I hope the memory remains the same each Christmas when I pop that disk into the stereo.

"Mary, did you know?"

This is one of my favorite Christmas songs.

I have it on my Kenny Rogers Christmas cd...

Here are the words.......

Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?

Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?

This child that you delivered will soon deliver you!

Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with His hand?

Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?

When you kiss your little baby, you've kissed the Face of God.

Oh, Mary did you know...

Oh, Mary did you know...

The blind will seek, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again!

The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the presence of the Lamb..

Oh, Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nation?

Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect lamb?

The sleeping child your holding is the great I Am!

Mary did you know.....

Oh, if I could only have the faith of Mary......

Running, running, running...........

I am running a lot these days, running here, running there....... busy,busy, busy! I am leaving right now to literally run with April. It is pretty warm outside, about 45 degrees. I thought it was freezing, so I am relieved.

I decided that it is time to clean my house today. It has been a couple weeks. I am not a good housekeeper. I feel like life is too short to spend precious time dusting and vacuuming. I am just not that kind of girl. But it just has to be done!

Logan is counting down the days until school is out!

Two more days!!!!!!! Unfortunately he is not fond of school, to put it nicely!

I hope everyone has a blessed day!

I am off to run!

Kasey lounging on "The Chair and a half"!

One of my favorite designer doggy beds! I wonder if I can get it in coordinating fabrics for the living room! 

Pets need presents,too!

There is a pet clinic around the corner from my house. The sign in the front says, "Pets need Christmas presents, too". It made me think about the last time I wrapped a present for Kasey under the tree. Unfortunately it has been a few years, I think? She used to have a stocking, too! Her first Christmas with us, I couldn't even bare to leave her at home while we drove a couple miles to celebrate Christmas! I am embarrassed to say that Kasey has been forgotten around the holidays in the last few years!

Kasey is my first baby! A year after Kevin and I got married I decided we needed a dog. That's the next step, right? She was the cutest puppy I had ever seen. She is still quite a little cutie now in her old age of 98. But, like a human child she went through her terrible two's. I still come across forgotten things that have her tiny little teeth marks all over it! And I remember ALL the times I have had to clean up her cute little accidents! Just like a real child, huh?

Kasey has been apart of our family for 14 years! She acknowledged both babies when they came home from the hospital. The first time, Kasey and I were both really nervous about the baby thing. She allowed the boys to "play" with her when they were little ones. She survived devouring a huge chocolate cookie cake one year, and eating many other no-no's! She always conceded to the fight for a peaceful seat during the endless trips to Amarillo. She has witnessed lot's of fights, lot's of making up, the good times and the bad! She has spent many hours passively guarding our home while we were out and about living our lives!

Last year Kasey was sick as a dog (excuse the pun)! I had never seen her so ill. We spent over a week in and out of the vet trying to nurse her back to health! We also spent an insane amount of money. It was a tough time, but she survived it! We all realized how much we would miss Kasey if she was gone. We had been living our busy lives and taking her for granted. She is just a dog, but a big part of our family!

So, this year the boys and I have decided to get her a bed. She has never had a bed because in the past she liked to sleep on the cold floor or lay on the back of the couch like a cat. Recently we have noticed she insists on laying on a soft, warm, comfy area. For example, she will lay on dirty clothes (imagine a house with two boys not having dirty clothes laying around on the floor, huh?), the boys blankets left lying around, and even clean clothes that accidentally fall on the floor(yes, that happens in my house as well) , and of course everyone's favorite, the one and only chair and a half! So, I finally made her a bed from an old torn stained red , but really soft comforter for her to hang out on. She loves her make-shift bed. But, we think she needs a real bed, don't you? I hope we can find a really big soft one. Do they make dog beds out of feather down. Do they make pillow top mattresses for dogs? And of course it has to match the decor of my living room. Okay, we only have 10 days to figure this one out!

So I searched the web for some dog beds! Whoa! I am so naive! I pictured the classic, ordinary bed like you see in Pet Smart. I never in my wildest dreams imagined such a selection of canine furniture..... Orthopedic, designer, luxury, pillow, leather, wicker, and even a four poster bed with canopy! It will take me weeks to make this decision.

Add your special pet to your list this Christmas! I hope your shopping is easier than mine; a bone, a designer leash, a squeaky toy hotdog, for example. It is a tough life eating, barking, protecting, playing, snuggling with the giant humans, and sleeping all day! They deserve a present, too!

Christmas is 11 days away!

Life is a little hectic for me right now! Getting ready for that magical day, beginning my half marathon training, and just trying to make the holidays a joyful and enjoyable time with my family takes time and energy! It also takes away from this blog!

I have been wanting to spend some precious time with my camera! Find some great photo opps to share with you! One of my newest passions is photography. I would like to have more time to concentrate on learning more and getting better. I hope to spend some time on that during the Christmas holiday. Hopefully, I will have some to share!

My biggest priority this time of year is just to remember Christ and His precious birth! I really want to focus on Him instead of the hustle and bustle! I hope you all can do that too! It is the only reason we celebrate Christmas, right?

Bridget Jones

Recently I was able to catch the first Bridget Jones movie on cable. It was a nice surprise coming across it. I especially like that movie because of my absolute favorite actor since Robert Redford - Hugh Grant! There are not many actors that really make me wild! Of course Robert Redford in his younger days, although he is still quite sexy! I also have a thing for Matthew McConaughey. He has a ultra sexy smile. I laughed hysterically in "How to Leave a Guy in 10 Days". But....... Hugh Grant! Ayayayayayay! I love him! I delight in all his movies! I really, really adored "Love Actually"- I laughed and cried. A great movie to rent right now because it is holiday themed. Okay back to Bridget Jones.... you see how carried away I get with Hugh?

I relate with Bridget. I love her character because she is average. I have always felt like I was "the girl next door". I have common looks (people usually ask me if I am somebody's sister), normal weight(size 10), average sports ability(good, but never good enough to make the team), average intelligence (although my parents and brother are all members of Mensa), a little clumsy, and a little dingy at times (okay a lot of the time). Don't misunderstand, I am very happy and confident in myself, especially in the last several years of my life. I feel great inside my skin, and I guess you could say I like being "average". It is a comfortable place to be. So, because of the connection, I appreciate Bridget.

One of the biggest impacts the movie had on me is when Bridget gets her heart broken by Hugh Grant's character, Daniel. I usually judge a movie by the emotional impact it has on me. I enjoy a movie that makes me experience every emotion. I could actually feel the physical pain of heartbreak that Bridget was going through. It placed me back in the times in my life that I have felt a literal painful ache in my chest from breaking up with someone I loved. It is an important part of life. Each time I experienced that ache I became a stronger person and drew closer to God. I dread the day that my boys experience that pain! My prediction -Keegan will have his heart broken and Logan will break hearts. I pray I will never have to experience that personal heartbreak in my life again. I might. And if so, God will hug me like never before!

But of course this movie ends with a happy ending- Bridget gets the guy, Colin Firth. I guess we will find out in the new movie if "they live happily ever after". If you have seen it, don't tell me! I can't wait to see it! I will let you know how I like it, but the odds are very good since Hugh Grant is again in the movie!!!!!

I have lots of friends out there....somewhere!?!

In the beginning I wanted to be anonymous. I was a little bashful about "coming out" in the blogging world. I felt a little vulnerable sharing my heart. I have been writing here for a few months and I am feeling more confident every day. About a month ago I emailed several out of town friends and a couple local friends to tell them about my blog. Most of them are probably ignorant about blogging. They probably contributed to "blog" being the top US Dictionary words of the year! I don't know if any of them have come for a visit. I would like them to! I know most normal people don't have time to sit around and play on the computer, but I have enjoyed it! (That means all of you reading this are considered "not normal", including me- lol.) My dad would say that is a compliment. And I know some of you are reading, but not commenting.... come on..... let your opinions be known!

I now am going to email a few more friends to join the fun.
I hope to lure some of my friends to tune in and visit for awhile.

I would love to hear from some of you!!!!!

Oh, Barry!

I was perched at my computer this morning checking my e-mail, when what to my wandering ears did I hear- the sweet sound of Barry in my ear. Oh Barry! I jumped to my feet to see if his face did appear - no, just the glorious sound of him singing carols on "The Today Show".

Oh, how I love his music! You laugh, most people do. I get teased for loving him so much. According to Oprah, there are millions out there who feel the same way I do. His voice, his ballads! I learned today that he will be appearing on the Clay Aikens Christmas Show tonight.
Yahoo!! I am not a fan of Clay, but I will tune in to hear Barry sing!

This event reminds me that I have two of his Christmas cds that I need to get out and listen to!
It also motivates me to play music on my blog so I can share his glorious voice with you. Oh, but I am trying to gain readers not lose them!

Do you love Barry?

Twenty six point two in 2006!

The commitment has been established! We have shaken hands! April , my friend and running partner, and I made an oath, pinky swear, and definitely a sweat and blood pact that we will be running the half marathon in February of 2005 - which is approximately 2 months away, and the full blown marathon - 26.2 miles - in February of 2006! Yikes! I am scared to death and ecstatic at the same time!!!!!!!!! I never dreamed I would be that excited about running straight for over 2.5 hours! And I know that the words "I will never do that" have come out of my mouth!

Never Say Never!

I hope to keep you all updated on the progress. Today we ran 7 miles! It is exhilarating! I may not say that about 26.2!

I hit the jackpot!

I just returned from Sin City! Viva Las Vegas, where the good times roll! The party till you drop and dice rolling town. It is a one of a kind place. A place to go for gambling, drinking, dancing, eating, enjoying shows, drinking, sightseeing, and more gambling.
And I absolutely hit the jackpot! I am rich, rich, rich!!!!!!!!!!!!

So, you are thinking money, aren't you? I went to fabulous Las Vegas to celebrate my fifteenth wedding anniversary to my incredible, romantic, devoted husband! I didn't actually hit the jackpot in Las Vegas this weekend. I hit the jackpot when I met and married Kevin! Don't misunderstand, I don't consider it luck that I married Kevin. I don't like the word- luck. I don't believe in luck, except maybe when you are gambling because of the odds of where the dice will land. When it comes to the life of a Christian, I believe in blessings from God! And boy, God answered all my prayers and more when he brought Kevin into my life! He is so good to me that sometimes I don't feel like I deserve him.

I find it so absolutely mind-blowing when I look back on my life through high school, then college, then living on my own, to see what God has done. It shouldn't be mind-blowing. If I had trusted Him all along, it wouldn't be surprising, maybe. I guess it's the fact that many years I didn't trust God, and He was and still is abundantly faithful to me!

Kevin and I didn't gambling much. We spent about $20 on the slot machines. We didn't stay out partying all night in the clubs. We get the "Most Boring Couple" in Sin City last weekend. But, we had a blast! I am rich in blessings! I am rich in love! I am rich in life! God has blessed me with a huge treasure!

Kevin, thanks for your inexpressible gift of love and commitment to me over the last fifteen years! The weekend and "the gift" was great, too!

Indescribable Blessings (part one of many)

As the Thanksgiving weekend come to an end, I wanted to share the incredible blessings that God has bestowed upon me within the last week or so. They are a gifts from God..... they are indescribable because that is how God is.... and yes, I am thankful!


Singing Casting Crown songs with Keegan, my older son, in the car.

A big hug from Logan, my younger son. (Even though his dad made him do it)

Spending the whole day shopping with my running partner and friend, April .

Planning a weekend getaway with my husband.

Making microwave smores with Logan, my younger son, and eating them together on our chair (and a half) while watching Gilmore girls.

Listening to my church body describe all the things God has done for them.

Laughing with and at my family at the dinner table.

And sharing an awesome Thanksgiving adventure with the men in my life:
Running in the first annual Kinder Turkey Trot, playing hoops, eating crab legs and turkey, experiencing an exciting treasure hunt, and waking up at the crack of dawn the next day!

I am almost 40 years old and I am just now learning to treat each day as an adventure in life! Whether it be spending the day at home with my sons or obeying God when He tells me to get out of my comfort zone - I plan on making the most of each day God gives me!

Every day is an exciting adventure with my three boys!

Life is Good!

I am sitting at my computer in my flannel pajamas and a sweatshirt. It is really cold outside. I can hear the wind blowing. I love the cold ~ hate the wind. I have been sitting at my computer for about an hour or so blogging and drinking coffee. Coffee is good! I hear my son singing "Voice of Truth" by Casting Crowns in his room. He sings with all his heart! Then I hear my nine year old say "Mom, I am hungry". Of course he is, it is almost 10:00. He is watching Sports Center in the infamous chair (and a half). I asked him what he wants for breakfast. I thought I heard him yell "ice cream". It was my imagination. I asked him if he knows how to get his own cereal. "No!", he honestly replies. I have failed as a mother. He is nine years old, an intelligent fourth grader, knows how to navigate the game cube, takes a shower on his own, and can memorize a football or basketball play in a split second, but he can't get his own cereal! He said, "I can get the bowl." Well, okay! He can get the bowl.

I don't know when I will get dressed. We don't have much to do today. I think it will be a day of watching movies, baking cookies, and just enjoying the warmth of my home with my children. Life is good............

Please excuse the mess.....this blog is under construction.

I am trying to figure out how to post pictures on my blog. As you can see I have posted two pictures successfully. I can't figure out how to place the pictures where I want them. I am working on a post about Logan- so when it comes you can look at the picture before and after you read it unless I figure out how to move it. If anyone has any advice for me on this subject, I would appreciate it. Anyway, look forward to "He is all boy" coming soon......... a picture speaks louder than words, doesn't it?

Logan 

My son - Keegan!

Keegan

Amazing Race is back.......

There are only certain times in our hectic lives when all four of my family, my sons Keegan (12) and Logan (9), and my husband Kevin and I hang out together in our living room in front of the big screen. Some of those times in the past have been watching CSI, except those are rare because we are usually at baseball, football, or basketball practice. Other times have been to watch "The World Series", "The SuperBowl", or watching UT play anyone in football. Do you see the pattern here? My world revolves around sports. Yes, I like watching some of that sports stuff..... it has grown on me over the years. That quite possibly will be the title of a future blog post.

But...... Tuesday night the family gathered around the tube to watch the first episode of the new Amazing Race 6. Yes, we watch reality television ,we admit it, and we are addicted to it. Actually, Keegan is the ring leader. Keegan loves Amazing Race and he has brought us all down with him. It isn't a bad show, but I don't think being addicted to a reality tv show is something to be proud of.

We were excited to learn about all the new teams last night. Just a review.... Avi and Joe who the boys nicknamed "the geeks" were eliminated last night. After the boys called them that, I went into the speech that God created everyone special and we need to be nice to "geeks". We all agreed that Jonathan and Victoria , especially Jonathan is going to irritate us and we hope he gets eliminated fast. Lori and Bolo should be very humorous to watch. Logan has nicknamed Bolo, the "Big Guy". Lori and Bolo are both wrestlers. We all felt uncomfortable that the word "ass" was used way too much. Therefore, I gave my speech that there is no reason to use bad words. I am not that thrilled about any of the teams, but I am sure they will grow on me.

For the next however many weeks, Keegan will be discussing the show on a regular basis and telling us his theories on who will be eliminated next. He dreams of the day when he will be old enough to be on the show. He actually suggested that Logan could be his partner. That in itself is pretty "amazing" considering they fight quite often.

I will keep you posted, or maybe you would like to check it out for yourself on Tuesdays at 9 pm. You know where we will be on Tuesday nights!

Running The Race.....

I hear the sound of my feet hit the path. A soft cool breeze is blowing on my face. I prance down the winding path controlling my breath. I feel strong and energized. I start to feel the warm adrenaline flowing through my body. I am free and confident. The path is breathtaking. Tall trees frame the way. Off in the distance water rushes through the creek. God's creation is surrounding me. The sight calms my soul. All is well.

Others are running their race. I try not to be distracted by them. I must focus on my goal. I am my own distraction. I am feeling good, the adrenaline increases and I want to go faster. I must use my energy wisely, there are many more miles ahead. The seconds tick rapidly. I have completed the first mark.

I reach the halfway point, I check my watch. I am doing great, but my chest is getting heavier. I relax and inhale oxygen through my mouth. Drops of sweat are dripping down my face. I feel a twinge of pain in my right leg. It is bearable. I focus on the horizon instead of my feet on the path. I observe the runners ahead of me. I examine their pace, their shape, their being. It takes my mind off the road and my anxiety. My mind wanders. I think about my life. I thank God for the ability to run. I ask Him for the strength to carry on. I wonder where I would be if I had chosen a different path. I ponder on what the future holds. I praise God for the place I am now. I continue the race, accepting the challenges ahead.

The last stretch is long but I know the end is near. I want to give every ounce of myself. My head is getting light. I feel dizzy. Pain is flowing through my muscles. Relax! My mind says slow down! Voices are telling me to stop, rest, give up! My heart argues that it is almost over. I will not give up now! The clock is pulsing faster and faster, but I feel like I am in slow motion. I can see the finish line. Finally, the end is near. My legs rotate , moving like a machine. My arms are pushing against the thick air. My feet pound on the gravel. I start to hear the cheers ahead. Then I see my three boys smiling at me. "Go, Mom,Go..... You can do it!" "Mom, you are almost there!" "Peg... You are doing great!" The finish line is just ahead. I push my whole being through the line.

My heart beats rapidly. I am gasping for air. I keep walking so I don't collapse. I did it! I think my time was good. I'm confident that I met my goal. It doesn't matter, I did my very best. I didn't give up. I slowed down at times but I made up for it at the end. I fought the good fight. A sense of pleasure and joy fills my soul. I am fulfilled. I feel alive! I won this race. All is well.

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run is such a way as to get the prize." 1 Corinthians 9:24

An active REM cycle!

My subconscious has been busy while I am sleeping. I have always been a dreamer, but recently my REM cycle has been very intense. About a month ago, I woke myself up screaming because a big dog with sharp teeth was attacking me. Then the other night I dreamt that I dove in a body of water. Instead of popping up out of the water, I kept trying but I couldn't reach the surface. Then last night.............

I dreamt I was in my parents backyard and they had three big beautiful fruit trees. One bore shiny red apples, one shiny green apples, and the last had big gorgeous peaches. There was also a swimming pool. I wanted to go for a swim but there was a storm with lightning in the distance.
Instead , I decided to pick fruit from the trees.

I started to pick the apples from the tree but I couldn't reach them. I walked out with several pieces of fruit(about three) in my arms to get a ladder. As I walked out of the gate I saw three men dressed in Halloween costumes working in the street. About the same time three big monkeys were coming my direction. One monkey came up to me in my face and opened his mouth to attack me. He had feces on his mouth. I screamed and woke up my husband and myself.

I am laughing while I am writing this because at 5 am in the morning I was telling my husband a monkey with poop on his mouth was attacking me. We were laughing hysterically! Then I told him the rest of the dream. We were in tears from laughter for about ten minutes. We laughed about it all day.

So why am I sharing this with you? My husband said this is probably something I shouldn't tell anyone about. Then later he told me I should write about this in my blog. What's up with that?
I am so curious about the subconscious and dreams. I have always been interested in analyzing my dreams. I have had some real doozies over the years.

My plan is to find an interesting book and do some dream research. If anyone has any suggestion, that would be quite helpful. Maybe some of you are expert dream interpreters? Maybe some of you have had monkey dreams like mine? Dreams with a recurring set of three items? Dreams where animals are attacking you? Maybe you would like to share some of your dreams with me?

When I learn something...... I will update you! I hope to learn some insightful information about myself.

A Wild Weekend!

What a weekend! I drove to Dallas on Friday to visit some friends. I don't get away from my family on my own very often. It was a small adventure for me, taking off to the bigger city in my Odyssey, on my own!

The original plan was to see Barry Manilow in concert!!!!!! Sounds exciting, doesn't it? My college roommate Cheryl and I used to lay our heads down to sleep as we listened to Barry's beautiful love songs! On occasion I think we would sing aloud to them as well. There is a special place in our hearts for Barry! Well, Cheryl informed me on Friday that Barry's concert was cancelled because he has bronchitis! We were heartbroken, but we weren't going to let him take away from our girls weekend!

Cheryl and her husband are doing well. She says she is spoiled. She is. She lives in a beautiful home with all the ammentities one would ever need and more. Cheryl is still the same great friend and I enjoyed seeing her again.

We started out the evening with a few of her friends, margarita's, and the limo driver- I can't remember his name, but we decided he was a total dweeb. Should limo driver's need to know where they are going? It was fun having people stare at you wondering who you are. It was exciting.

I drink on occasion but very conservatively. I was really pacing myself so I didn't puke my enchilada's and chips. After dinner and a another really strong margarita, we headed to a "sports bar". I don't really like bars. Why do people go to bars? To get wasted, to meet strange men, to dance? I like the dancing. We had a good time. I had my first jello shot. I nursed it most of the night instead of "shooting it". I sipped on all kinds of shots. I like to watch the people. I wonder why they are drowning their sorrows in their beer. What are they looking for?

It reminds me of the time I went to a bar with a friend of mine on New Year's Eve. The clock turned midnight and I felt like the only person in the crowded room. Everyone was celebrating, kissing and hugging. It was the most depressing time of my life. I never felt so alone. I guess that feeling comes back to me whenever I am in a bar.

Anyway, we headed back to the house in the limo about 2-ish. It was a fun night. It would like to hang out with the girls ,drink, and ride in limo's more often in the big D. My life could use the excitement. I can't wait for my next trip to the big city!

He is a special child!

My son's name is Keegan. He really is a special child? Yes, I know what you are thinking. Every mom thinks their child is special, right? But, I have a feeling deep down inside that he is really special. How special, you ask? How do you measure that? Do you compare all the twelve year olds in the world? Is there a test you can give to determine that? Everything else seems to be tested. His health,his eyesight, his intellect, his creativity, his athletic ability, his reading comprehension, it has all been tested. Duke wants to test him for a 7th grade Talent Search. I really don't know what they are going to find out from a test on paper. I am sure there are millions of other children being tested for that, too.

I think he is very special because of who he is. I think he is special because he is very smart. He's not the smartest kid in the world or even in his school. I think he is special because he respects people and is well liked by adults, teachers, coaches, and kids. I am sure there are other kids like that. I think he is special because he is an all around great athlete. He isn't the best all around athlete out there. He is special because he has a great sense of humor that make me and others laugh. He is witty. He has good common sense. He is special because he loves life. He is special because he has great self respect. He is easy to teach,coach, and instruct. He is special because he is a great friend. He doesn't have a ton of friends. He is special because he has asked Jesus to be Lord of his life. There are a lot of Christian kids out there. Oh, I am sure you could list as many or more attributes of your child to compare to Keegan. He isn't perfect, but he is very special! And there is so much more...... He is a great son! He is a great brother! He is an awesome kid! Okay, yes, I could ramble on and on and on.......

I don't know what is ahead in life for Keegan. I don't know why I have this feeling. I do know God can to do great things with him and will if he will let Him. I do know that I love him! And yes, he is a special child!

I am lost......

I have awaken to an absolutely beautiful autumn day. I should feel excited and alive. I should feel ready to take on the day, but I don't. I feel tired today. There is so many things to do. I just feel lost.

I am trying to figure out where God wants me to be. What does He want me to do? I know He has a plan for me. I have never really had trouble figuring out what that is, but I do now.

I am 39 years old. I am reminding myself, I am blessed beyond belief. I have an incredibly awesome husband and two very special boys. I am laying on my favorite chair (and a half) looking around my no so perfect house that is home. God has given me so much. I have rich memories of wonderful friends that I love dearly. I was blessed with very loving and giving parents. Life is really, really good. I feel lost.

"Lord, what do you want from me now?" I have listened and obeyed when you told me to slow down my business. I have listened when you said get your priorities straight. Spend more time with your family. Teach those precious girls My Word! I know there is so much more out there.

I am 39 years old and I am bored with my life. I can't seem to focus. I am restless. I am tired of folding clothes. I am tired of running the dishwasher. I am tired of going about each day in search of something.

God, please show me the path from here..............help me to listen.......... open my heart to You!

Another Amazing Accomplishment

Well, I did it again! It is a true miracle. I never imagined that I could accomplish one sprint triathlon. I never had the discipline or determination. Yesterday, I finished my second triathlon- The Splash at Seaworld. What a soar of adrenaline. If anyone is lacking in self confidence, attempting this will fill you up to the top. I am so proud of myself, I can hardly stand it.

I am so happy that I am finally here. I regret that I didn't push myself when I was younger. I learned that I loved to run in college, but I had other more pressing matters on my mind. After college I was trying to make it on my own, then I got married, then I had children. I was definitely living life, but I didn't realize that God had bigger things out there for me.

It is scary to walk into the unknown. Why do we hold ourselves back? Fear of failing, fear of rejection, fear of the unknown, fear of succeeding? For me it is a little bit of everything. When I try something new I want to succeed. Don't we all? I will not give up. I guess I do have a little bit of determination and discipline in me. We do learn more about ourselves when we step out in faith.

I have grown so much in the last five years! Of course I give God the glory. This is just another way He has blessed me. I know He still has so much more for me to discover.

So, my triathlon time was 1 hour and 42 minutes. I shaved 4 minutes off my first time at the Danskin! I am always telling my boys, "Do your best". Do we really know what our best is? I think it is beyond our understanding. All we have to do is step out on faith!

Hello? Is Anyone Out There?

Hello, is anyone out there?

I feel like a stranger in a different place. I feel like the new girl in the old school. I am the new neighbor on the block. Don't get me wrong, I am excited to be here! Just not too sure about myself. Really not sure about my surroundings. I am anxious to learn and grow, to sprout, to spread my wings, just not quite sure how to do it yet. I am strong. I am good at new things. I fit in very well. I am an extremely normal girl. I want to know about everyone and everything out there. I want to make new friends. I want to spread my wings and fly. It will take time, and I am not very patient. Flying is pouring out my heart , sharing my life, expressing emotions known and unknown, being vulnerable. Right now I think I will peek my head out the door and just quietly say hello!

It feels really good!