I'm Famous!!!!

Most of you know I have a friend. Jess. She's awesome. She's creative. She's a writer and so much more.

She's kind of a BIG deal.

Today is my birthday. I'm 29 again.

Click here to read my birthday dedication from my sweet friend.

Love you, sweet. Thank you.

A Creative Piece of ME

I know I have allot of quirky talents. Ballooning, throwing great parties, painting, and another list of random God given abilities that I have been blessed with. They just come naturally to me and I get excited about preforming them.

For the last 6 years, I've known that I have a talent for photography. I began taking pictures of my kids and others when I knew I could do better than what a professional photographer was giving me. I then began doing families, kids, seniors, and engagement photos here and there for friends and family to help them and I know now that they were helping me to gain experience to helping me foster a talent that they also saw. I love that each time I meet with someone or pick up my camera, that the BEST photo I may have ever taken or will take will be today. I love that when I am taking pictures, I feel the photo happen, knowing it's that great one. I am thankful and blessed by each and every family that allow me to share a moment in their or their child's life.

So it's been my little hobby. An outlet to allow me to be creative and to see something that is ALL me. I'm usually busy around the holiday, but WOW, has this season been off the charts. I'm sorry I couldn't post all of my work. Please forgive if you don't see your cute mugshot.

Maybe someday this will be more. For right now, it's a blessing.

Turkey Run

On November 21, we ran/ jogged/ walked in Wichita's Annual Turkey Trot. We did OK, running continuously farther than we had ever run and beating the goal that we had set. I also discovered I could sprint. Who knew?? For these reasons, I am so proud of us.

Jess, K, and I recruited the amazing BTT and her wonderful children. This alone made the Turkey Trot amazing for me. I am admittedly a HUGE BTT fan along with J. This fabulous woman spoke at my Friday morning MAPS group a year ago. The message she brought spoke deeply to my heart and was something that I greatly needed to hear. For this and another HUGE list of reasons, she is a little like a Beth Moore to me, except she's local and she gives me hugs. Both of these women speak the Lord's truth and wisdom to those of us that need to hear. Both very INCREDIBLE ladies. Love BTT to pieces and so privileged to call her friend.

So, already paid for the New Years day run. Can't back out and it's sure to be a cold one. Need to set a new goal that is attainable.

The Alter Ego Revealed

This Halloween the kiddos went as Batman, Robin and Batgirl. If you know me, I am anal about having a theme and everyone dressing as a group. I know that these times are limited so I am taking advantage while I can.

I sit the kids on the porch to take our pictures before we load up to leave and Maddox begins to act HILARIOUS!!! Running around, using all of his super abilities as Batman's sidekick.

I know I have said this before, but Goo is my extreme shy guy. He holds onto my leg when we go to an unfamiliar place and once there he takes forever to warm up or never does. But daily around our home, he runs around and cracks me up countless times a day with his funny quips and actions. I long for everyone to see what I see.

I was amazed Halloween night, when in his costume, this alter ego that is funny and boisterous emerged in public. Having a mask and costume gave him some sort of comfort to feel that he could be someone other than the shy guy he seems to be around others. I was so incredibly proud that night to show off my sweet Goo. Everyone saw what I see everyday. He's amazing. He's funny. He's friendly.

He's mine.

He's mine always.

He wore his costume to bed that night. Wanting to be Robin that much longer. I let him. And I didn't make him take it off any the next day. If he felt invincible in that costume, I let him.

Whatever magic it held is his whenever he wants it.

I love you little Goo-Robin-superhero. You're amazing to mommy everyday.

Jackson's #7

Yesterday you walked into the kitchen and said, "Mama, I don't wanna grow up. I wanna be a kid forever and play my video games and always live with you."
I want that too bubba. I wish I could freeze you perfectly at age 7, still in love with your mama and playing with toys. This past year, more than any other, I have felt the time passing too quickly as you grow.

This year you were brave enough to ride the school bus and try hot lunch for the first time. Big, Big deal bubba. You were so excited to tell us all about the lunch line and choosing your own foods. Your favorite is the deli sandwich and chocolate milk.

You are so friendly, my sweet. We went to the zoo this summer, in a town that was not your own. We walked in with our maps in hand, ready to explore for animals, when you spotted a young boy about your age. You confidently walked up to him, tapped him on the shoulder, and said, "Hey, we're wearing the same flip-flops. Cool!!" This is who you are. My easy going little man who can talk to anyone and play whatever as long as you have a great time.

You played T-ball, soccer and learned to swim this year. You can read, write and add and subtract. You love to color and create. A handful of a few words that are leaps and bounds from where you were a year ago. So proud of you bubby and the smart little boy that you are.

More than anything, I love that you love your family. You run to me everyday after you get off the bus and give me BIG huggers and say, "I missed you mama". You still cuddle in my lap and want me to lay with you at night to read stories and say your prayers.

I love you so much my handsome boy. You are a gift, my precious gift that I treasure. Thank you so much for blessing me.

Prayerful day

Can I tell you how much I love the man that you see here?

He is amazing. He is everything and more to me. He loves me 100% wholeheartedly, unconditionally, and without any demands. He is a wonderful father, never forgetting to tell them how much he loves them and how special they are. He is thoughtful and funny and adorable and I just can't squeeze him enough.

Work has been tough for him as it has been for so many. Yet when he leaves the office behind at the end of the day, he leaves everything there and tries never to bring the stress home to his family. This has always bothered me. I am a teller. I tell all and more and then some more. I can't keep my mouth shut and stick my foot in it frequently. So when I tell him every simple detail of my day, how many calories I burned during my workout to the funny things my girlfriend says during our daily chats I want to know ALL of his day. Everything that has happened while away from me the last 8+ hours while at work. He tells little. AHHHH!! How frustrating for a talker.

Today, something may have had the potential to stress him. Today, I did something that I didn't think I would have the time for or the patience for. Something so simple. I committed to pray for my love upon every hour of his work day. To give him peace and clarity. For help in stressful times.

Nothing happened today. Nothing stressful. Nothing chaotic. He told me he had a peace on the strike of the hour because he knew that I was lifting him and our family in prayer. I helped his day. I did something for him when I feel so helpless and stupid when it comes to his business world.

Do you pray for your spouse? Do you pray for them daily? When they don't even need it?