Falling

I don't really remember September, of course school started and we had some challenges. Austen is alone quite a bit and I don't think He thought about that. He is quite clingy on the days Shane is at school and he's done his homework by noon. Math has been his biggest struggle but he is pulling his grade up from failing to a B. I'm so proud of him. Shane has had classes on Tuesdays, Thursdays this semester so that has been a blessing to have him around more. Gabrielle does seem to have Dyslexia but the school has a great program and she is keeping up and continues to do well. She actually brought home straights A's her first six weeks. I'm so proud of her.

Work is going well. The Lord has been working on me and my attitude. My reviews keep getting better and praise God I got a raise. Its amazing how long it takes to build relationships with those that you are forced to be with for 8 hours a day or more. But I think in my personal situation I'm seeing and feeling a difference. There have been many changes but the crew I work with is great.

Some things I've been learning is that I am valuable to God no matter where I am. I don't have to be a missionary in a far off place for God to use me. Of course I've known that in my head but my heart kept telling me that I need to do more-I'm not worthy-I need to sacrifice more. The verse, " the heart is deceitful of above all things, who can understand it." is a perfect verse for this situation. Over the summer, I worked on a bible study with Austen called Shepherding a Child's Heart. We studied several different topics like trusting God when bad things happen,negative behavior, the connection between our heart and mind. Recently, I've been doing a Beth Moore Bible study on Believing God. Believing that God is who He says He is, God Does what He says He will do, That I am who God says I am, That I can do all things through Christ, and that God's word is alive and active in me. Sometimes its hard to accept these truths, however, its takes a daily effort believe.

October was busy. First off, we celebrated Gabrielle's birthday. Some dear friends at church had us all over to ride horses. Shane and my mom just watched. Gabrielle had a friend over that went with us to ride and then we ate and Gabrielle opened her presents at our favorite pizza place. We then, celebrated our 15th anniversary by going to the Galord Texan in Grapevine, Tx. A beautiful resort. Thoroughly enjoyed the Medieval Dinner Theater. All I can say is Very Cool! Visited the Texas State Fair- ate a fried cheesecake-yummy! And of course the whole reason we went to Dallas is for me to run a 5K run in the Susan G Koman-Race for the Cure. I really didn't think I would do well but I did. God put someone in front of me that was going a good speed and I was able to finish the race in 32minutes 55 seconds. Lastly, We carved pumpkins with the married students at the university, I was in a dunking booth at my work fall festival and raised $174.00 for SGK, went the school carnival and worked in the Farm Fair at church.

Some things that Shane and I are praying about. 1: That we can find out whether we need to stay in Texas for Shane's master program. 2: If we do stay, do we move from this house to somewhere that we can have pets or that the owners will change their mind. 3. I have to have surgery in the spring, that it will resolve all my pain issues.

Memories Made

I didn't mention in my last posting that in June we went to see my father and step-mom. It was a great time. My dad gave testimony of true salvation and him and Gail have been attending church regularly. It joys my heart that prayers are heard and answered. Shane was able to help aroung the house. And I got to see Patrick and Brian, two of my brothers, and celebrate Patricks's and Austen's birthdays. We went to the community pool almost everyday, went to the Chattanooga Aquarium, and a small museum. Another nice thing was Shane and I went on a date. We decided to try a japanese steak house. Of course, you sit with strangers at your table and we got to talking with four guys that owned their own business. By the time it was time to go and pay the bill, one of the four guys had paid our bill. It was such a blessing. We later sent a thank you card.



In August, we headed up to Carl Farley's Boys Ranch for Shane's baby sister's wedding. It was so beautiful. All the nieces and nephews were in the wedding. I will add pictures later. We then, all twenty of us, headed to Surfside, Tx and spent the week at the beach. I wasn't at all that impressed with the beach but I loved the company and the fun we all had. We flew kites, collected shells, went crabbing(and cooked them). I was the only one that liked it enough to eat all the legs-they had a strong fishy taste. We didn't quite prepair them the way we were suppose to. Trying to keep them alive was our biggest challenge. Of course cooking them on a coleman stove outside didn't help. I think somebody went to the store and bought a different water raft or toy everyday. Aaron work very hard at skim boarding and actually stayed on at least a few times. We all tried it but I thought it was too difficult. I was more afraid of falling- the same fear like when your on a skateboard and have no talent. Dad and Michael and Shane fished. They caught a small shark and some other small fish. We played games at night. We even had mom playing mario cart on the wii. One of my favorite times was we were playing mexican train, it was late, and we got to laughing about all kinds of things and then it turned into laughing because we couldn't stop laughing. I thought Jill and dad were going to stop breathing. I also got up early every morning and ran on the beach.



Yes, I am still training for the 5k run. Just a few weeks away and Iwill be running by myself.(nobody I know anyways, there will hundreds of thousands there) This has been a journey in of itself. I decided to run because a friend asked me if I wanted to make the challange. Training has been difficult as well. I've come a long way with time and speed. During the summer I was able to run everyday at the local school track, but now, it stays dark and I don't feel safe running in the dark. I have gone to my work and ran the treadmill but I've noticed that it was much easier than running the track. I then went to some bike trails and ran on the weekends and that was quite a bit more challanging. So, now I do the elipticle every morning for 30 minutes and run on the weekends.

Summer 2010

I really think our hottest time was back in April and May. July and we have been in the mid 90's but it just doesn't seem that hot to me. I've been running and doing Jullian Michael's 30-day shred and alternating with the eliptical for months now. I can definately tell I'm stronger, and thinner but it doesn't take much to go off the healthly diet and feel really crummy. I ran a mile and a half this morning, trying to work up to three miles. I want to run the 5k this October with a friend for Susan G Koman-race for the cure. I noticed this morning that I'm really slow, but I am pacing and not losing my breath or my body seems to go numb after a while. Not sure if thats good or if it matters. Its really a funny kind of feeling because at the same time my body is screaming STOP.

Shane and I have been talking a lot about our future and what God's will would be. We continue to pray for direction. We are both pretty ancious about finishing school and moving. We at this point have settled on moving to Florida. I really feel strongly to be closer to my family. Many reasons , one is that my mom is of course getting older and I think she would enjoy seeing my brothers more often. Second, I heard a series of messages from our pastor that gave a whole new perspective on how to love and build our families and honoring God through obedience. So,
on another note, I have made contact with two other brothers that I haven't talked to for several years and hope that my relationships with my family will become strong.

Almost May

Now that I am getting up at %:30am every morning to exercise, I have more time to keep this blog updated. I also wanted to mention that with our tax return we were able to buy a few things we needed and buy this cute little netbook computer for me to use. Our home computer has kicked the bucket and we lost many of our pictures and files. I guess it is still wise to back-up the files on a disc. We also were able to pay off some more debt. We are working on getting our credit good enough for us to buy a house the next time we move. We are thinking close to the beach somewhere.

The kids have had several field trips at school. They have been to the zoo, movies, and Austen is going fishing today. I can't remember if I mentioned that the kids and Shane went to Shane's parents for spring break.

Four Months

You wouldn't think that in four months time so much could happen that you felt like you already forgotten most everything. However, I'm racking my brain to remember all that happened. I really don't know why I wait so long to write.

Since my last post.... Christmas was spent at Boy's Ranch. Roasting marshmallows in the fireplace. Hiking. Shane and I went on a date shopping and to the movies. I rested quite a bit and read a book. Whoah! and finished it too! The time was good and so was the fellowship with family. My mom went with us. It snowed while we were there and the gifts were special. The kids have thoroughly enjoyed their beanbags that they got from Mamaw and Papa.

January was a month of reflection and what we could do to make resolution of for the year. School started back for Shane and the kids. I decided to start reading something new and got myself into several books. Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, The Leader in You by Dale Carnegie. And something on the lighter side that at this moment I can't remember the title to but it was a very good story. I also decided that it was time to get back into shape. I started waking up at 5:30am and exercising. As of this post, I've lost 16lbs. and a total of 9inches.

Shane and I went through the Biggest Loser Contest for Longview, TX. Weighed in each week and took part in the Isagenix program with protein shakes and cleansing drinks. I also have been going to the Chiropractor each week. Boy, does that feel good. I feel stronger, healthier, and I feel like I can handle the stresses of life better.

In February, my focus was with the mission conference we hold every year at Fellowship Bible Church. I was in charge of the Saturday night banquet. I recruited a lovely couple that lived in the Apartment complex that I work to give us an authentic Mexican dinner. It was a great success! Many people participated in the WOW weekend and it is a great time to connect with the missionaries.

Austen has struggled again this year in school giving his best to his teachers and keeping himself occupied. Austen continues to excel in his academics and just not getting what he needs in this school setting. We finally found a home school program that we have enrolled him into for next year. Please pray that this will be a success. It is actually a State run, virtual, online school called Connections Academy. It looks like it will provide the advancement Austen needs as well as He will be able to participate in electives that the local schools cannot offer. It fits our budget and they provide all the books and curriculum for all required work.

Gabrielle is doing much better in her reading. She will probably have to work hard for good grades. She keeps us laughing and both the kids have enjoyed the warm weather now that it is Spring.

My mom's brother Jim past away after battling cancer in February. With the help of family, she was able to go to California to spend time with her other brother Terry his wife and Jim's wife Cheryl. I wished I could go but Cheryl didn't want a big to-do. They had a very nice time visiting.

This spring we have helped some good friends named Mr. and Mrs. Coleman with a vegetable garden. I was so excited because I had never done that before. Every couple of weeks we have gone to their house and planted something. We've done cabbage, lettuce, broccoli, beans, corn, tomatoes and peppers. Not a big garden but just enough to share Mr.Coleman says. We harvested our broccoli and lettuce and it was so good! I've learned a lot and the kids have had a blast. After each planting the kids go into the chicken coop and gather eggs. It has been such a great experience for us. I hope to take pictures next time we go.

I also started a bible study series called the Truth Project with the residents at where I work. Only a few came but my mom came as well. I found out through talked with one of the residents who goes to a Baptist Church that he lead groups at his church, so I asked him if he would help me do the videos in our clubhouse. We had a total of 5 that came. I even enjoyed seeing the videos again. Just good information and stirs your heart.