Updating the Blog...

Back to school and going strong...We have hit the new year hard and fast. This week is a whirlwind. Now, I must say I don't have too much to worry about myself being in my new department. I can't believe how much I used to do this first week of school. Don't get me wrong, it is definitely a challenge, but in a completely different way! The boys are at two different schools which makes for interesting mornings and stirs up a little bit of chaos. We are just praying Dayne gets to move with Cole and all will be right with the world! Either way, I know they are both enjoying their year so far. Short story about Cole...after putting him in time out the other day he asked how long will he have to stay there. I asked him how old he was and he said 6. I proceeded to tell him he needed to sit out for 6 minutes so he decided he was only one! Yes, that is how adorable he is which makes it so hard to train him in the way he should go. Proverbs 22:6 hasn't met Cole!

We went to the Apple store for a workshop tonight. The kids learned how to make a truly fun presentation and burned their creation to a CD. I felt like I was forcing them to be in love with the Mac when it first began, but as they went along learning, they naturally fell in love just like they all do! You can't help but love a Mac. I wonder if that's where Mac Daddy came from. Or maybe, that's why they named it Mac. I may never know the answer to this and so many other interesting questions I have! One last thought...
Maybe in order to understand mankind, we have to look at the word itself: "Mankind." Basically, it's made up of two separate words, mank and ind. What do these words mean? It's a mystery, and that's why so is mankind.
God Bless!!!

Busy New Job, New School Year, New Start

I am so excited to report I have been back to work for the last week and absolutely love my new position! It is so confusing and I have no idea what they are talking about half the time, but my smile and nodding seems to be working! No, really, this new team I am with is fabulous! They are always reassuring me that they knew nothing when they started either. So, I am learning so much everyday and trying to pin down my new schedule. The kids still have no answer on where they are going to school, but they are accepting that their not knowing is OK! In the midst of all of this, I enjoyed a day off today riding the train. We visited an old soda fountain shop in Irving and went to see the new Star Wars movie. I used some serious coupons and we all had drinks, popcorn, and candy along with tickets to see the movie for $13.00. Sometimes I wonder how I get such great deals and that is when I am reminded-God is my Employer and I work for Him. He has the most benefits and the best salary! I miss my friends from my old school already, but have been asked to help with their technology too so I will get to visit much more than I originally thought! Dayne and Cole haven't expressed sadness about missing their friends but I really believe it will be a good time for change. Now, if anyone can force me to lose 30 lbs, I know I will be complete!!!

This is sort of a random entry, but I haven't been updating like I should. I will try to be more attentive for those nosy rosies out there spying on me!

Last minute summer fun...

We are trying to cram in the rest of our summer fun before I go back to work. Tuesday was open to close six flags day! Today we hit the wet zone in the small town of Rowlett. Cole couldn't ride any of the slides because he was one inch too short. Needless to say, he was crushed. HOWEVER, it ended up to be such a blessing as we were forced to spend lots of time in the mini-lazy river. Monday was great fun swimming with my friends and their kids. The boys are so much fun! We have to clean the house for my pampered chef party on Saturday. That will be a BLAST!!!

Missing friends and a schedule...

Yesterday I actually felt like it was time to get back on a schedule. I felt uneasy about what to do next. It seems we still have so much to do, but at the same time, I have never been 100% efficient on time management. We have our annual birthday swim party we are planning along with my pampered chef show. We have summer fun planned this week and next, but work will start early for me this year. The kids are not secure in their new school and we have no sound day care. Maybe I will feel more prepared when we have more concrete plans for our future. I am currently listening to a book on tape called Rosie Dunn. The narrator constantly reads to and from because they are always e-mailing and instant messaging! What a difference from 20 years ago! The literature really has a way of keeping up with the Jones'. Well, I think I am going to stop the audio to watch my Redbox. I have locked myself in my room eating junk food and listening and watching this rented entertainment. Till next time...

New Endeavors...

New job, new school, new outlook! I am so excited to start my new job as an elementary technology facilitator! I couldn't believe I got the job. It was very sudden and unexpected. I wasn't looking to change and just thought I would apply when I heard about the opening. God knew it was time. The boys will attend school with their cousins and they are thrilled! They are also excited for me as well. I must say I have the sweetest boys! Since our return from the mission field, we have been reminded of all we have seen and continue to pray for the Mexico church, the people we met, and those who gave their lives. We are incredibly grateful for our lives and stand firmly on God's word each moment we are blessed to breathe in America. It is good to be home.

From the Mission Field

Wow! We made it home today. There is so much to tell, I don't know where to begin. In the beginning...okay okay, a little mission/Godly humor! God moved in so many ways. I had no expectations, just a heart to serve and a desire to model and teach that to my children. I saw two little sacrificial hearts grow this last week in such an amazing way. The church we worked with cooked delicious food daily and we ministered to a neighborhood where they are trying to plant a new church. Each morning we walked el barrio and at night we had a fiesta with crafts for the kids and a movie to tell about Jesus. The local church led the worship (a song or two) and did mimes and skits for entertainment in the native language. We also did construction on the church in the afternoon so our days were filled morning to night and there were few breaks at any point. This made for quite an exhausting trip, but the Lord sustained us constantly and met EVERY NEED. Cold water was provided abundantly along with snacks and much needed prayer time for the group. Our morning devotionals were direct messages sent from God filled with the exact encouragement we needed each day. I know God called us there and I thank Him for sending my family. Our hearts are completely knit with the team and I can't express the relationships that have developed from what Christ brought together in fellowship. To my family-I have the most amazingly loyal brothers! Let's praise God for what He has done in Mexico through these boys! AMEN! I am so grateful for all of my family and friends who supported us through prayer, finances, and encouragement. We love you!

P.S. Schlitterbahn was AWESOME on the way back! We got a group rate and tax exempt prices so we had the BEST time. If you know me at all, you know a good deal makes me happy!

Oklahoma to Mexico

We drove home today from a relaxing trip to OK to see the family. We were fed fresh vegetables that we picked from the garden (corn, green beans, and fresh berries along with jelly made from the berries). We could also drink the water and eat the ice! I hope we can reverse these skills tomorrow when we hit Mexico. I have spent most of the night washing clothes and re-packing. I also went through and organized all of the crafts we lined up to do with the kids. I honestly have no idea what to expect. I feel like many of the people who have gone before didn't have many questions so I wasn't sure what to ask. I am more of a "wing it" person, but would like a more concrete schedule with specific supplies that need to be brought. I have found this has been my first lesson in trusting God on a mission trip. The kids are so excited-not in a vacation way, but in the true expectation of what we are about to embark upon. They truly seem to realize the things we encounter there will be so different from what they know. I trust God will keep us safe and bring us home. I obviously can't sleep and decided writing to you would be a way to take everything out of my head so I could rest medicine! Thank you God for taking control of our lives and allowing us to be a part of your team!