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.