Flashback Friday - Texas

I haven't posted on my blog in two years!  I was looking around and discovered blogs aren't even what the used to be!  What they were isn't even "in" anymore!  My posts won't change a whole lot though.  I don't care about being "in" and the purpose of this blog stays the same - a diary of our family life.

We moved to Flower Mound, Texas late summer 2005.  The first day of school followed quickly.

Levi looks pretty confident and pleased that Micah's off to school for the whole day and he's not!

Uncle Blair had helped us find a great house in a great neighborhood.  It was close to green space with a path that led behind the middle school, through a park, and to the elementary school. Devon rode bikes to school with the boys sometimes on his day off.  Our great house however, had yucky carpet and wallpaper.  By the end of August, we started rectifying that situation.  The boys scraped the wallpaper off their bathroom walls almost entirely on their own.

They actually learned home projects starting in ABQ.  They've used their acquired skill on mission trips and to earn money.  In this picture you can see in to the boys' room.  They shared one bedroom and used one as a playroom for awhile.  Later, this room became Levi's and the one to the left of the bathroom was Micah's.

Our previous house was a new build.  This was the house we started a tradition.  Any time we redid floors or walls we used sharpie to write - here, our names.  Future projects included our favorite Scriptures.

First grade and Forest Vista was the beginning of Cub Scouts for Micah (Levi officially joined two years later).  We were blessed with a wonderful den and pack full of friends for Micah and parents we enjoyed.  One of the first den meetings was at our house where the boys practiced their cowboy skills with knott tying and "cattle" roping.

Although we're not pleased with the direction Scouts has taken - those 11 years we were a part were meaningful to our boys and our family.  Dev continues today his friendship with hiking buddies he met in Oklahoma Scouts.  We are blessed and thankful.

A Great Reminder or "Read This If You're Missing Someone"

This year felt Christmasy as soon as Thanksgiving was over.  Hubby put lights out front, we've been on track with baking, shopping, parties and such.

However, about a week ago, I told Hubby that the one thing I wanted for Christmas I couldn't have - I wanted a visit from Mom and Dad for Christmas.  My best remembered Christmases as an adult were the ones Mom and Dad (and then Dad after Mom was gone) came to visit.

I've dwelt on that this week even to the point of being quite a Grinch to my family.

So, yesterday I visited them. My sister and I took silk poinsettias to the cemetery for the vases on Mom and Dad's headstone.  We didn't linger there.  I've never felt it necessary since they aren't there.  I know others spend time at the graves of loved ones and that's fine.  Everyone grieves differently.

As I was posting our Christmas letter, I was rereading December blog posts of mine and I came across the one I wrote the Christmas after Dad died. It's called "A Different Christmas" (click link to read) and in it I wrote "Emmanuel, God is with me."  Boy am I thankful I wrote that because it's a good reminder to me today!  The post also has a link to something Emily Freeman wrote "For when everything is different".  Grief is always hard, but especially hard at holidays so I hope both these posts will be helpful to someone.

So, my parents won't be visiting this Christmas.  But, on the first Christmas, Jesus did more than visit. He came to be with us and He's never left!  Yet, at the same time, he left to prepare a place.  A place where because of the plan He set in motion several thousand years ago - Mom and Dad (and other loved ones) will be able to spend Christmas together again.

Life with Lucy and Cyrus

Hubby and M were away for the week, so L and I were in charge of the dogs the. whole. time.  Mostly me - but L really was helpful!  In the evenings, Cyrus enjoyed chewing on Monkey Man.

At some point he has also enjoyed chewing on the footboard of M's bed!  I got him a nylabone to help with the chewing thing.  He won't touch it.  When Lucy was inside she was in M's her bed.  (And yes, I'm certain that it was Cyrus not Lucy that chewed on the wood.) I did wake up a couple of mornings with her in bed with me.  I guess she only likes sleeping alone so much. That dog!

I/we did manage to take walks every day.   Their favorite part is watching the ducks/geese.  I'm pretty sure Cyrus wishes he could fly!  The beginning of the week had wind chills below freezing, while the end of the week was in the 60s! I'm thankful for better walking weather - the next 10 days is forecasted for the 50s!

Today we were all (Hubby took 1/2 day) off for MLK day so we took the dogs (affectionately referred to as turkeys) to dad's to run.  It took absolutely no convincing to get them to explore, run, wrestle, and look for moles.  We'd love to do that more often - or maybe build a house there to give them the space????

I wish we could get the dogs to pose together for a picture.  Maybe when they're older? And slower/calmer? That's life with Lucy and Cyrus!

Life With Lucy and Cyrus

For the record, we're dog owners again. Just when we were used to having clean tile...we realized we wanted a dog - our family loves having one around. This was quickened along when one happened to find us.  We couldn't find her owners and no one claimed her so we're the proud owners of Lucy!

Lucy has helped us find every spot in our fence that needed securing!  I guess when the fence was first installed close to ten years ago, they took a lot of short cuts fastening the bottom.  Hubby however has gotten it all fixed now (we really appreciate all the time he took in such cold temps. to take care of this).  Hubby also decided Lucy needed a friend. So, we found Cyrus.

Qualifying to get him from the rescue was quite a process, but it has been so worth it!  We are loving getting to know both of their different personalities.  The dogs are getting along great too - when they are outside they spend the whole day wrestling and chasing - it's quite entertaining to watch!

As I write this, Lucy is in M's bed asleep - she's all about what's in it for her.  She's not much of a snuggler, but she'll give kisses and she will rub around our legs like a cat!  Cyrus is a snuggler and kisser!  Trust me, I've gotten woken up several times this way this week!  He lays his head across my neck - that must be a border collie trait because Jazzy used to do that too.  Right now, he's asleep right next to my chair.  Also, must be a border collie trait!

We're so thankful to have them both and look forward to many years of walks, ball playing and having them as part of our family.

One Thousand Gifts

Really - I'm just going to have to deal with the fact that 100 of these aren't digital.  If I wait to "catch up" I won't put any online.

I continue to count gifts and be thankful...

1722  Wiggly clean almost two year old

1723  The love and hospitality of family

1724  The hope of doing it again

1725  Figuring out the right direction

1726 Rain – so many places in need (gifts in water)

1727  J’s expression of adoration for and pleasure in vacationing with is family (words)

1728  Fluffy clouds – something to look at when we drive and I could look at clouds for hours (white)

1729  Five days in the Black Hills

1730  The sound of the water from the back porch fountain

1731  Bug spray

1732  A second way inside the house when the inexperienced in flying birds are flying in the front

1733  Watching them have a flying lesson last Sunday

1734  Starting book number ten for the summer

1735  Teenagers having dinner

1736  Teenagers upstairs

1737  Throwing a tomahawk

1738  New rockers

1739  Knowledge and love (I Cor.)

1740  A kindle for several years and an IPAD now

1741  Sharing family times with true friends

1742  M. going to Inner City Chicago (Gifts in Challenge)

1743  Reading before watching TV (Conflict)

1744  Hubby is in the midst of his job transition (Change)

Not everyone is looking, but I like the close-up.  I can't believe how much they've grown up!

After a Long Winter

I absolutely love to blog.  It's my outlet. My family record.  I have been absent too long and as near as I can tell the reason is two-fold: winter blahs and feeling that teenagers don't want their information shared for the world.  Actually, now that M. and L. are in the Instagram world, they are more okay with me sharing pictures and things about them.

All April birthdays are behind us.  The first weekend of the month we celebrated M. with several friends at our house.  The following weekend was me with Aunt and M. and then the whole family at Genghis Grill (Hubby and L. were away repelling and getting poison ivy.).  Finally, last weekend our Texas family came for L's birthday (party with friends at our house) and Easter.

Easter Egg Drop at the park next to our house

It was so fun to have a little one in the house again for a holiday!

Two peas in a pod

Thankful to have Aunt so close

Family picture after church

One Thousand Gifts - Vacation and End of Summer

1596  Family trusting us with their son, my nephew, for a week of vacation
1597  The taste of salt
1598  A beach to go with the humidity
1599  A complete night's sleep
1600  Running and screeching from little ones as the waves roll in
1601  A breeze
1602  Discoveries
1603  Little hands
1604  Nephew saying something was wrong with the crabs because they were walking sideways
1605  Entertaining dinner conversation from the cousins
1606  L and J driving on the beach
1607  Watching the pelicans fly just off shore
1608  My teenage son holding my hand walking from the boardwalk to the van
1609  Watching the lightning bolts striking just beyond the Sound
1610  Family to help guide our boys
1611 Transportation down the coast
1612  Photographs
1613  Being well enough to sleep
1614  Ice cream truck stopping RIGHT in front of the beach house
1615  History and learning new things - the person who took the famous photo of Orville and Wilbur Wright's first flight was a surfman at the life saving station we visited.
1616  A less stressful start to the school year
1617  90% of summer bucket list complete
1618  Everyone pitching in to have the house ready to be shown
1619  Both boys having friends to do something with on a Friday evening
1620 Hubby's help with beginning of the year craziness
1621  Perspective
1622  God's hand
1623  Watching the sailboats framed by the trees at the lake

One Thousand Gifts - From Summer

Still counting my blessings - updating from summer (at least until vacation) and pressing on to reach a goal of 2000 by my birthday next April.

1571.  Stretching

1572  Air pop popcorn

1573  Cold creek water

1574  Christmas cards

1575  Summer bucket list

1576  Beautiful color in the front and back flower beds

1577  Relying on God

1578  Time to read a book

1579  Help in the kitchen fro a five year old

1580  Sunday School parties

1581  Hubby's leadership

1582  Safe return from Scout Camp

1583  Much cooler temperatures

1584  Blog posts

1585  New book

1586  Sunday afternoon

1587  Amazing life

1588  Love is amazing

1589  Visiting with old friends

1590  Visiting with new friends

1591  I will take this humidity any day!

1592  Cabos and fireworks

1593  The floor wasn't as bad as we thought

1594  Fun finds - old reading group t-shirt

1595  Very fun 4th of July with family and friends

One Thousand Gifts - It's Been A While

A while? It's been a year!!  I've written some in my journal, but I was shocked to see that I hadn't posted them on my blog in a whole year!  I'm not even sure if Ann Voskamp links them on Monday's at A Holy Experience or not.

I've decided I'll list everything from when I stopped through the end of the school year in one post here, I'll put everything from summer in another post and then I'll be able to start anew.

1541.  Oklahoma skies
1542.  A walk with Hubby
1543.  No bake cookies
1544.  Aunt being with us
1545.  Improvement
1546.  Similarities
1547.  Goodwill
1548.  Sleeping til I wake up
1549.  A Romo jersey for six years
1550.  God is still patiently teaching me
1551. Teaching on margin
1552.  Learning to use digital Bibles
1553.  Birthday Love
1554.  A clean classroom
1555.  Supportive Words
1556.  Lunch, walk, and other time with MIL
1557. Amazing answers to prayer
1558.  The "envelope system"
1559.  Meeting new people
1560.  Room for growth
1561.  Indian fry bread
1562.  Needed refreshment
1563.  A evening with a child
1564.  New columbine
1565.  New mulch
1566.  Nephew's remembrance (Aunt Winna - baseball tournament to benefit cancer research)
1567.  Finding what M needed - suit for cotillion at a good price
1568.  Looking forward to something
1569  New framed photos
1570  Fun of an online jewelry party

Our Backyard

When I was looking for pictures for "Flashback", I found one of our Butterfly Bush in Albuquerque.  I was so excited a couple of summers ago to plant one in our backyard.  I was even more excited to see how nicely it had grown this year!

I went out to take take pictures of the bush and took a few more.  While photographing I had some deep contemplative thoughts to blog - but now I can't remember what I wanted to say!

I thought it would be nice to share the pictures anyway.  And since J. the dog made some of the pictures I might as well tell her excitement from a few nights ago,

A bit of trauma in our home tonight...I opened the door to let the dog in, but I could see she was carrying something. I jumped on the couch and maintained my position when M. said it was a mouse. However when he said it was a bunny I ran to my room where I shouted directions and demanded he take care of it. I bet M's friend spending the night thinks I should be committed! Nothing like this has happened since L's soccer coach's wife  rescued me from the bird that flew in the house.

Ok, I guess that was my excitement and not hers! (I just used what I put on Facebook and changed the name I had tagged.)

Anyway, I'm so very thankful for my backyard!

On the Home Front - Thanksgiving Eve

A peek through my window…. it’s dark now.  It was 76 degrees at one point today.  We’ve been commenting that 12 years ago when we came here for Thanksgiving and Grandpa took M. to sit in his work truck that it was below freezing!

 

What’s going on this week… it’s mid-week.  Tomorrow is Thanksgiving (parade, dinner and Cowboys game).  Friday, we’re putting the tree up and J. is getting groomed. L. has a wrestling tournament Saturday.  I’ll probably break down and look at my lesson plans, but only because I love the online planbook.

 

What “the boys” are doing… much to my dismay, they are in the living room wrestling.  I’m sure someone is going to whine or cry or both soon.

 

On my mind… how selfish I am at times and how the overwhelming things I have going on are more manageable now.  Even if not, others have far more to deal with on a daily basis.

 

On my bedside table…  Talk of the Town is what’s on the Kindle right now.  If Hubby doesn’t go to bed when I do, I turn Pandora on on the bedside table.

 

I am richly blessed…  to have such beautiful weather right now for so late in November, for finding some “new” clothes today, that we were able to take Aunt to her last chemo of 2^nd round (one more to go) and to have my family at home right now.

 

I’m praying for… for a friend who is going through a storm in life right now.  I love her dearly and wish I could do more, but have been greatly praying for her whole family.

 

Our home…  The “laundry annex” (aka the dining room) must be cleaned out before Thanksgiving dinner!  Our home has stayed somewhat together this week – oh wait, that must be because it’s only Wednesday and not the weekend.  Am looking forward to having Christmas lights only on in the house.  I love the look and feeling when everyone is asleep, it’s quiet and I just watch the lights.

 

Menu planning… We had tacos tonight and while I was cooking I browned hamburger to use for chili on Friday (Mom’s this time).  We’re having turkey and ham both tomorrow and other stuff J.

 

A photo or two…

From a Family Reunion at the beginning of October

Thanksgiving nine years ago in Texas after my newphew was born.

One Thousand Gifts - November 17

 

The wise stand in wind and pray not so much for danger to pass, but for the fear to flee. –Ann Voskamp

#1532- 1540

 

Reading A Holy Experience blog (3 gifts at noon)

A schedule of whatever I make it (3 gifts at noon)

His continued message of peace (3 gifts at noon)

Gingerbread hot chocolate

Hometown team winning

Problem solving

Online planbook

Texts from a friend.  Even though she is going through a difficult time, she is still encouraging me.

Scripture text from a friend.

One Thousand Gifts - Nov. 12

My Father, United States Air Force

#1521 - #1531

Veterans

Those willing to stand

God’s sovereignty

Jesus’ first word in the storm was “Peace”

Medical science

Needed rainfall

The comic relief of Duck Dynasty

Family Prayer Time

Looking at a history book together as a family

Five Guys with friends

Transparency with small group

 

One Thousand Gifts - October 29

#1484 - 1520

J.A. at school

Colorful new kitchen mat

Seeing a friend from college

Lots and lots of rain

A whole day without school work

A long weekend to look forward to

Perspective

A Godly lady – I’m thankful to be a part of her family!

God’s Word

A city experience

A hotel room gift

A crisp morning

Weekend away

Sitting on a porch eating lunch with Aunt

God’s provision

Being able to go to Aunt’s chemo

God’s healing touch

Changing a situation for a family member’s health

L’s boldness to speak to his Youth Alive group

M making application of a youth lesson

A waterfall in a restaurant

Time to read a book

Free calendars in the mail

He rescues

Difficulties that make us trust

Difficulties that make us lean in to God

The care Aunt is getting from her small group

A very fun evening out with my small group

Biofreeze

Simple heartfelt questions

Acceptance

Heart to heart

Pumpkin butter

10 min on the rolley table at the chiropractor

Four color pen

Boys coming to my school after theirs

Aunt on the front page of the paper

Exactly What I Needed

Our lives have been "off" lately.  By off, I mean we have been adjusting.  Adjusting to Aunt having leukemia - hospital stays and other needs plus our own emotions.  Adjusting to me working again full time.  The actual act isn't that big of an adjustment.  I've done it before and the boys are semi-self-sufficient, so that part's good.  The adjustment comes from my timing - new standards, new evaluation system, new programs and my new emotions as I deal with all these new things.

We've managed.  Hubby has been amazingly supportive and God has carried us.  A while back I walked up to my sink and glanced up and saw this:

Very simple. Exactly what I needed.  I'm very thankful to Dayspring for providing this Day Brightener for me.  I love Peanuts and this perpetual calendar and the family organizing calendar have been wonderful additions to my kitchen.

If you look closely, you can tell I need to add more of our family info. to our calendar for it to actually work the best (but I think I'm in denial).  However, the point I want to make here is: shortly after I hung it on the fridge (magnetic strip with a pocket - the best kind of calendar ever!), my 8th grade son, wrote on his spaces when he had papers due at school. On. His. Own.  That's what I call effective!

There's some kind of disclaimer that I'm supposed to include, but honestly, I can't find it and the last three reviews I checked didn't have it (I thought it would be soooo easy just to copy!).  It seems too stressful for me to find the exact wording, but the jest is that I received these products free from Dayspring in return for my honest review.  My opinions are true and entirely my own.

If you need smiles in your day, a little organization or are looking for great Christmas gifts, check out the Peanuts calendar at Dayspring.  Look for other things too.  They always have GREAT deals!

One Thousand Gifts - October 1

I continue counting gifts. I don't count to brag or get to a "magic number", but to remember God's provision.  The more I count, focusing on the Giver, not the gift, the more content I am......

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colosians 3:15

#1467 - #1483

God told me where Aunt’s keys were

Drop ins in my classroom

Roast for dinner

Boys who are responsible

Hair cuts

Figuring out just a little more

Looking at pictures

Aunt picking the boys up at school

 

A moment to be thankful

Leaving school “early”

I found a slug to show my class!

Shopping for my niece

Books

Aunt did not have a heart attack

A family who keeps things going

 

Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte

Well, pumpkin anything !

(I smile when I see things I know are "repeats".  I can keep counting though, because they are things I really am thankful for in the moment.  A few repeats here are: responsible boys, roast, looking at pictures, and books.)

One Thousand Gifts - September 17 (Constitution Day)

These reflect July and the past seven weeks.  Really? Seven weeks? I feel like I should have written so much MORE.  Seven weeks has been a looong time and my lack of writing reflects where I am.  It certainly doesn't reflect God's faithfulness.  Just the fact that I wrote anything and am posting this feels like normalcy and an accomplishment.

In the past seven weeks Aunt has been diagnosed and is being treated for leukemia; I started a new job and am completely overwhelmed by it; and I have had severe allergies and/or a sinus infection for three weeks.  Waa.  Stop complaining, Annette!  I have soooo much to be thankful for - click on the "thankful" tag and look bag.  In less than another seven short/looong weeks it will have been two years since I started my One Thousand Gifts journey.

#1427-#1466

A husband who helps

Playing the wii with the boys

Everyone home safe and together

M volunteering at VBS

Going to Memphis – company there

L meeting his pen pal

Getting in the pool

Opportunities for conversation

A morning walk

Clouds yesterday

Afternoon with the boys in my hometown

Good reports from Aunt

All this teaching stuff will get done!

A new card game to play with L

The boys got along well and were helpful yesterday

God’s timing

The generosity of friends

A supportive Hubby

New pens, highlighters, and sharpies

God’s preparing Word

Great care that Aunt has had

Hubby helping me at school

Hubby helping me in the middle of the night when I was coughing

Errands with the boys

Seeing deer – 8 in one spot and a family in another

Tennis for M

A ride home

Dates with Hubby

Peaceful location for L’s job

Time in the pool

Great people to work with

Taking the time to blog

Sleeping when I’m sick

Chicken Santa Fe Spud

Encouraging words from Hubby’s family

Quick answers to prayer

M picked out a purple toothbrush for me

Meeting Aunt at Starbucks

My niece (first girl in 70 years) was born

Hubby’s help and understanding

One Thousand Gifts

#1401- #1426

Creating new memories

Waterfalls

Feeling of being at home

Marveling in God’s creation

Learning new things

Getting there and not being stressed about different plans

Sleeping in front of an open window

The sound of the flag flapping in the breeze

Beautiful wildflowers

 
Precious moments shared before they leave for camp

Bravery

Bro-in law who washed and vacuumed my car!

Praying as a family

A great church

New friends visiting

Temps under 100

Furminator for J the dog

Teaching things out of the attic

Hubby’s strength to move them

L sewed on his own Scout patch

Both boys home safely

Flexibility

God speaking

For Aunt – painting nightmare over

Options

Office supply stickers

One Thousand Gifts - May 29

#1386 - 1400

Looking at the flowers starting to bloom in the back now
My loving Hubby who planted all those flowers
Lots of new resources to read for teaching
Yummy homemade ice cream cookie sandwiches
Visiting with people we’ve known since moving here
M’s back feeling better
2 duck families and a goose family
Waking up slowly
Relearning something at church – being at different spots
Painting done – Aunt’s house looks great!
L helping me make the cucumber salad
White lilies among the yellow and red ones
The music of the wind chimes, my Mother’s Day gift
Time to sit, time to water the flowers – Time!
Childhood memories

One Thousand Gifts - May 21

#1380 - 1385

A good fit for me
Looking ahead
Am always thankful for a walk with my dog
L got the special plate out for me
An evening in Joplin
Rebuilding
Atmosphere of a race
L made his 5k goal
Hubby made his ½ marathon goal
Thunder basketball
God’s grace
I can run for 8 minutes
Yellow lilies blooming
Learning about new places through reading
Growing pains
Our countdown to vacation is under 2 weeks now!