The Schubey Shack

Gifts

2012-01-11T12:42:00.000-08:00

This little cutie got in trouble yesterday at school....for talking....two times. Needless to say she was in big trouble. We don't do the get in trouble at school thing. But then the mom in me started wondering. What if she grows up to be a mute bc she got in trouble for talking when she was little. I know, I know a little drastic but I want to nurture her into the woman God wants her to be. SO.....after much thought of how I could handle this, we talked about how people all have different gifts. How her's was obviously talking and how God gave her that big 'ol voice for a reason - that she will one day do mighty things with it. Later in the evening, she brought it up again. She said she could use her voice for preaching or being a doctor or a vet because you have to talk to people in all of those jobs or even an insurance seller like her daddy bc talking was his gift too :) So glad that she was able to get that out of our conversation. We also talked about how at school when the teacher is teaching is NOT the time to use her talking gift :) Sure do love this girl!

Lessons from Literature

2011-09-09T13:40:00.000-07:00

We are reading Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury in my junior English class. It is funny some of the reactions the students are having. One student told the class the other day, you're in the book....you just don't know that you are in the book. It's very odd the amount of insight Bradbury had as far as technology and how our culture would be in the "future;" one part of the text caught my attention today in particular...it read:

"It doesn't matter what you do, so long as you change something from the way it was before you touched it into something like you after you take your hands away. The difference between the man who just cuts lawns and a real gardener is in the touching...."

Any relationship, any job you have, any aspect of your life...comes down to this....did you leave a mark...did people notice you were there...was your fingerprint left - reflections of Christ...that's what it all comes down to.

First day of school

2011-08-28T11:14:00.000-07:00

Here is the annual pic of the first day of school. The boys say do we really have to do this...you took one last year...I know, but smile anyway. Just thinking about what this photo will look like when B is a senior makes me teary :/ To say that we have had a lifestyle change would be an understatement. For those who may not know, David and I are no longer coaching. We have bought half of an insurance agency and he got liscensed this summer and is now an insurance agent in Daingerfield. I am still teaching, but not at Diana. This year at Diana would have meant coaching 4 sports and teaching 6 classes. The kids said a few things last year that really got to me and David and we re-evaluated what kind of legacy we were leaving our own kiddos. The things they learn that are important now will carry over into their families and their children. We were blessed with 3 precious babies and we did not for one minute have them think that other kids were more important than them. We wanted them to know our laughs, to have the skills to play sports or the love of sports that we have because WE taught it to them. So that meant me teaching only and them moving schools. This first day photo is important. It was before we had new friends, before we came home and said we hated it bc no one talked to us all day and it was before we had new friends calling us. As a mom, you worry and you hope that the first day will be amazing that all the kids will see how awesome your kid is and want to be their friend. It didn't quite work out that way....HOWEVER - it is better now. K hit it off immediately...everyone is my friend, etc. R was hesitant at first but now she says first day was great...B had a tough time. It must be an oldest thing (I remember my oldest sister being mad for YEARS bc we moved when she was going into the 10th grade). This is not a habit we hope to continue. We like Chapel Hill. It has the atmosphere of a Christian school but its not. God is present. The energy is positive and caring. They offer advanced courses in the 7th grade and expect soo much out of the kids and the teachers. My kids will be challenged as will I as a professional. Which is all good. Will I miss not being called coach...sure....will I miss seeing those familiar boys and girls faces from Diana...sure.... but I know deep in my heart this is the best thing for us...as a family. Leaving a legacy of your kids are EVERYTHING! Raising them is EVERYTHING. Being home to do homework and not in a gym or on a bus and cooking dinner instead of eating concession stand food and listening to them read and not someone else is EVERYTHING! The time we have with them is pricelss, once its gone we can't get it back.
Please don't get me wrong, I would not change the fact that we've coached for anything. We have made some lifelong friends with our athletes. We love them like they were our own kids. But at this stage in our life, this is what matters....more than the game of basektball.

Day 2

2011-08-24T10:25:00.000-07:00

Day 2 was much better - we made friends, people talked to us, etc, etc. My boys are shocked that the kids here don't know who Michael Jordan is....the are HUGE fans....Rielyn doesn't think all the boys are stupid anymore so its progress. My day is still long and I am completely pooped when i get home...Fell asleep yesterday filling out paperwork for the kiddos with my head on the table. David is working late getting ready for renewal season....I can handle 2-3 months of late nights as opposed to 9 months of it...so a fair trade off I guess. SO READY FOR COOLER WEATHER!

First Day of School

2011-08-23T12:19:00.000-07:00

Photos will come later....promise...just haven't had time to upload them. They were so excited for school to start...for the most part. Keldyn said on Saturday....I love school! At that point I thought he had been abducted by aliens but he hadn't ... it was really him :) We had an ok first day....one loved it...the other said all the boys in her class were stupid and one was ready to pretend like he was dead today so that he wouldn't have to go. Praying today was better for them. My day was LONG....I have 5 classes before lunch and then 2 after, so my morning is jam packed and the afternoon goes by fast, so I guess that's good. We were all pooped though. David brought home pizza for dinner so that made the unhappy campers a bit more cheerful. Found a quote today that I liked....Success can be defined by 3 words... AND THEN SOME. Really felt like this applies to multiple aspects of my life, as a Christian, as a mom, as a wife, as a teacher, etc. Do you give the AND THEN SOME?? Sometimes its the bare minimum...gunna try to be an AND THEN SOME kinda girl!

Update #3

2011-08-10T04:51:00.000-07:00

Movie Night - this is how she spent over 1/2 of the movie and the car ride home....guess we all need a good rest every once in a while.

Water gun war - playing around with a nurf water gun and this is what happens. The kids were swimming/playing at the neighbors house and our neighbor and Bryson came running back to the house with this....NO FEAR though - we butterflied him right up...no ER for us :)

Spider man bit the dust after this....He was a Christmas or birthday gift from Aunt Meredith several years ago, I am surprised he has lasted this long....they had a blast though while he did.....LOVE the expressions on their faces and their body language!

Is she sassy or what???? There are days when I think who's kid is this??? But then I am reminded....she's mine. I know exactly where she gets it from...me...my deep secret....I love fashion....that is probably my secret dream job.....I know I know....stop laughing already becasue you'd never know by the way I dress that I like fashion....but I do...so that's where she gets it

Lead Me

2011-07-29T04:30:00.000-07:00

LOVE the song "Lead Me" by Sanctus Real....the part especially has hit me close to home how that the kids deserve the best of my life. There are parts of me that want to scream at some parents "ITS NOT ABOUT YOU RIGHT NOW!" So, just a reminder to myself - more than to anyone that actually reads my blog :o) - Give your kids the best of your life while you have them - they won't live with you forever - hopefully - and you can NEVER get the time back! If you have been blessed to have children - take care of them - its the greatest gift God can give you! Listen to the song if you haven't ever heard it. Have a great Friday!

Update #2

2011-07-22T05:05:00.000-07:00

This year David celebrated his birthday in Austin at the state track meet. So, when he got home we had to celebrate it properly. And when I say celebrate in Austin, that means he went to Cabella's. We had strawberry cheesecake and the kids were super excited to sing to him!

This is some of Rielyns artwork. The one in the middle looks like a potato to me, but apparently it is a toad...We have a cat, a dog, a frog and a potato...i mean toad.:)

Hawaiian day at school

First swim of the summer! It is a chore to get her to take good pictures. I think she has learned from Keldyn how to be silly for the camera. When he was 5 it was nearly impossible to get a good picture from him.

This is a good one....what you don't know is that its one out of about 10 that I had to take...bc the child mentioned earlier would not cooperate!

Swimming with some cousins. Two of Tiff's kiddos swam with us one day. That have so much fun together.

Update #1

2011-07-22T04:49:00.000-07:00

We were at a little league baseball game and it got chilly - she decided to where my jacket as a suit...mainly for the pants....she looked so silly running around like that but she totally did not care! This girl cracks me up!

The boys had a good season, I think their team got 2nd or 3rd in the division. What's wierd is that they already know that if you don't make all stars then that means you aren't that good....so we had to deal with explaining that....they did not make all stars by the way :)

He's getting too big too fast

Sarah, Charlie, Tiffany and myslef ran in the Longview Alley Fest 5k. I think we all had fun. It seemed hotter this year than last. I got 2nd in my age group....yes the old ladies division....but still had fun. Running like this keeps me competitive....no basketball leagues for old ladies so this will have to do!

The boys had a friend from church spend the night for 3 days - we all had a blast. He fit right in with us, he's smart and funny and respectful....many more good times to come. This was before they went to see Thor....the girls sat out of this one.

Instead, we did this....sat on the back porch with a strawberry smoothie...homemade....and just hung out.

I know! I know!

2011-07-05T17:24:00.000-07:00

It seems as if I title many of my posts that....it has been a long time. I have tons of pictures to share and lots of stories. HOWEVER, I just don't have time right now to upload everything and share with you about our adventures thus far. We are super busy trying to get many home projects completed. I will share my stories with you...soon....I promise.

Words that sting!

2011-06-07T16:34:00.000-07:00

My oldest is very bold. He has a way of saying pretty much what is on his mind. Some examples:

"Mom, when we were little did your singing sound that bad?"
OR
"Mom, did boys like you in high school even though you looked like a boy?"

He holds nothing back...especially with me. He is a little more reserved with his dad and I am glad that I have that kind of relationship with my son, however...he asked me something the other day that stung a little more than the previous two comments...

"Mom, do you like to laugh? I don't know what your laugh sounds like." That hit me hard. I don't want my kids not knowing what my laugh sounds like. As a child/teenager, I like to think of myself as mostly happy. Quiet but happy. If someone in our family was in a bad mood, I would act goofy or silly to try and make them happy. My goal this summer - for my son to know my laugh even when I am no where near. It won't be long before he is off at college, alone, away from his family for that long of a time for the first time. He will need to know what his mama's laugh sounds like!

Thank you Pappy & Bear Grylls

2011-06-07T16:28:00.000-07:00

Since we no longer have "real" television, we watch some shows as re-runs on netflix...one of our favorites is man vs. wild. This man is insane. He gets dropped off in the wildest of wildernesses (I know that those are words but work with me here - creating a mood) and then survives...at least so far. Well, there was an episode where he shredded a pine cone with his bare hands and then proceeded to eat the tiny little seed out of the middle. We have pine trees people, in our yard, lots and lots of pine trees. So as David and I were working in the garage one day last week, the kids come running in exclaiming "Can we eat this?" They too had shredded a pine cone with their bare hands and found the tiny seed. I said no. however, dad said yes and so they ate. No stomach problems and it has been a few days so I'd say we are clear! Earlier in the week, we were at Lala & Pappy's (David's mom & dad's) eating dinner and he found some mint growing in his yard. Of course we had to all try it (well the kids anyway). No big deal right? That is until we went to my parents this past weekend for my grandfathers 94th birthday when i notice Rielyn is outside chewing on something. I go out and ask her what she has in her mouth. She replies with "Mint" - totally not mint. It was a fern - one of my moms planted ferns. Not mint. We quickly spit it out and followed it down with a large glass of milk. Again no stomach problems - so we are clear. All i can say is "Thanks, thanks a lot!"

wrapping up

2011-05-25T08:41:00.000-07:00

Well, the end of the school year is wrapping up....programs, awards assemblies and semester exams....Its almost like you wait all year for this moment and when it gets here it TAKES FOREVER!!! This week has been so long....but filled with good things. The boys had their last baseball game of the season last night...they lost, but they were soothed with the ever so delicious food of Don Juans :) They had a good time, i hope, made some new friends and improved their baseball skills. Rielyn gets to celebrate her birthday today at school since her's is in the summer....We got the roof finished and are starting on the carport....The mudroom/locker room is almost complete as well...Bryson got his results from the TAKS test...passed all three and commended on all three (that means you miss 2 or less) He was pumped. Keldyn has a meet the author tea today at school....all year long the 2nd graders have been composing poetry and today they are presenting it at a tea for the parents...he is in jeans a long sleeve yellow shirt and a pink tie....He went all out for it::) he's very excited. I am ready for summer....love spending that time with my family and my kids...hope everyone is doing good....

so...i prayed

2011-05-19T12:32:00.000-07:00

Ok, for the past two mornings, I have not slept well...woke up Wednesday morning at 4:30 and today at 3:45 AND CAN'T GO BACK TO SLEEP....today however was different....i woke up with a casting crowns song in my head, not sure which one, and then feeling the need to pray for a girl i went to school with and her daughter...does God do that...wake you up to pray for someone? i had the feeling that someone, somewhere was crying and that they needed to be comforted! So...i prayed. It's not that this girl and i are close or ever were close but for some reason her story and what is happening to her daughter is tearing my heart out...i think bc i have a 5 yr old daughter and i can't even imagine what she is going through. so...i prayed. as it turns out, i found out this morning that the little girl was flown to Little Rock last night bc of high fever and a rash ...did not know this this morning when i woke up...GOD DOES THAT! HE WAKES YOU UP TO PRAY FOR PEOPLE! I believe in the power of prayer and this little girl is going to pull through so that one day she can be used in a mighty way!

Oy!

2011-05-17T10:49:00.000-07:00

So, I had an ear ache two weeks ago, sharp pain when I bent over...felt alot like swimmers ear. So I did the whole alcohol thing (putting in my ear, not drinking it) and in a few days the pain went away...HOWEVER, my hearing went away with it. For the past two weeks, I have had muffled earning...to the point that my students ask "Why are you yelling at us?" I had David check it (he is the doctor at our house since we dont EVER go to them) and he couldn't see any swelling or redness (and yes we actually do have one of those ear checky thingys....actually Marla does, but we have access to it). Another week goes by, still no hearing. I decided to make an appointment to much persistance from our school nurse and low and behold....Sinus infection, ear infection , fluid at the base of the ear drum and the passage way that goes from your ear drum to wherever else in your body is closed. A shot, a nose spray and an antibiotic later....hopefully, I'm on the mends. A coach friend reminded me that she was glad we caught it now and not like poor Keldyn who had a sinus infection for over a year and we never knew so we never did anything about it! Ready for summer to be here!

Play Ball!

2011-05-12T12:31:00.000-07:00

Pre-Game picture...posing

Bryson at bat

Bryson in the field

Keldyn in the field

Keldyn at bat

Rielyn playing 3rd base

POSING!

ready to run on 2nd base

This spring, all three of our kiddos played baseball/t-ball. This was a first for us...having all three involved in some type of activity. We are firm believers that kids do too, too much these days. For us, their lives should not be consumed of one practice after another....they need time to just be kids. It doesn't last long and we want them to enjoy it as long as they can. It's hard though, as a parent, to not get caught up in the who was on all-stars last year, etc, etc mentality. And being as competitive as David and I both are, it is really hard (board games are on lockdown bc inevitably someone ends up on the couch!) (ok, i'm exaggerating a smidge) Anyway, I'm not the bigges fan of baseball, it bores me actually, but I go and support my babies. AND IT BORES ME! BUT, I love watching my kids. Rielyn spent most of the season putting dirt in her glove instead of the ball, but she could hit it and run pretty darn fast. The boys struggled a bit at the beginning but are now getting pretty good and enjoying it. I was taking pictures at their games the other day and I could not get Rielyn to stop posing for me....AS SHE WAS IN THE FIELD! (still not sure where she came from :)! ) I wanted to share the pics I did get though with you....Hope you have a great weekend!

Mom knows Best!

2011-05-10T04:41:00.000-07:00

With much persistance by my mom, I am updating my blog :) She informed me that she wants to know DAILY what we have been up to....Mom, I feel somedays like I have used up all my words, so daily may be tough, but I can do better. So here goes:

my babies at Easter...they are getting too big too fast!

Popsicle time with some cousins:)

Mother's Day

first day on the lake of the year

the girls at the run....they are so excited...granted this is BEFORE they actually ran....the after pic was a little different :)

all the girls at the race

me and mine! according to Mark and Marla, she's a mini-me!

We have been super busy. Track season is wrapping up and David has a long distance runner that has qualified in the mile AND the two mile. SO, he will be spending his birthday Saturday in Austin, hopefully watching this young lady, who is a senior and are good friends of ours, win state! The kids t-ball and baseball seasons are wrapping up as well. Rielyn enjoys playing, but gets a little bored when she is in the field....likes to fill her glove with dirt! The boys have done great. We sat out last year so they had some catching up to do and have improved a ton...they still love basketball the most (I can't imagine why!!!) We celebrated mother's day with all of the schubert clan. Keith and Meredith came in with their new baby Landry (who is totally cute) and Steph and Bryce came in with their new addition Casyn (He and I spent a lot of time together....sleeping!) and Tiff and her kiddos came in as well. The girls participated in a mother's day dash. Rielyn had been asking me to run a race and so we finally found time to do one together. We are all relatively healthy (Rielyn had a spout of 5th's disease, but is on the mends) and doing well. Lots of plans around the house for the summer (new pier, new boat house, pergolla down by the water, carport...Inside, new mud room, tile downstairs, new backsplash in kitchen, new countertop in laundry room, AND i'd like to paint the inside of my house and actually decorate it...NOT one of my strongsuits...decorating!!! we'll see how that goes)....We are ready for summer....ready for lazy days by the water, ready for sunsets on the back porch, ready for no papers to grade or lesson plans to prepare....ready for summer!

Love Wins....

2011-03-24T04:10:00.000-07:00

Lately, I have been very concerned about the teachings of a new "preacher" Rob Bell. Oh, he seems to be a super nice and sweet man, however, I'm not sure he has actually READ the Bible. He has two books out and his latest one is called Love Wins. There is a video of him promoting this book if you'd like to see it. I have not read it, but from what I have read and have seen (articles from CNN and the video) I get that the basic essence of what he is saying is that God isn't really going to send people to hell. That even if you don't believe in him and aren't baptized but you are a "good" person, he's not really going to send to you a place where you burn forever. That earth is our hell and that everyone will go to heaven. SO, I am intrigued (about what this guy is really teaching), concerned (that many people will believe what he is saying), worried (that people want the "easy to swallow" sermons....see my sisters blog for that). Then this morning, I was doing my Max Lucado devotional and this is what it read....

The Standard
We are made holy through the sacrifice Christ made in his body once and for all time. Hebrews 10:10

Only the holy will see God. Holiness is a prerequisite to heaven. Perfection is a requirement for eternity. We wish it weren't so. We act like it isn't so. We act like those who are "decent" will see God. We suggest that those who try hard will see God. We act as if we're good if we never do anything too bad. And that goodness is enough to qualify us for heaven.
Sounds right to us, but it doesn't sound right to God. And he sets the standard. And the standard is high. "You must be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect" (Matt 5:48)
You see, in God's plan, God is the standard for perfection. We don't compare ourselves to others; they are just as fouled up as we are. The goal is to be like him; anything less is inadequate. (He Still Moves Stones)

When I read this, I wanted to say TAKE THAT ROB BELL!!! It is very scary for our society that a man, a false teacher, is becoming so popular and being taught in our churches!!! It makes me more determined than ever to teach my own children the WORD of God, that was breathed onto the pages. To let them know that no, there is not a fast food, easy to swallow version of the Bible. And to be cautious of those who claim to be teaching God's word and to have discernment and wisdom.... for them and for me!

Spring Break 2011 - trip to Colorado

2011-03-19T18:45:00.000-07:00

A gas station on Route 66...the history there is kind of interesting; we stayed in Tucumcari, NM - halfway to CO

loved this! there were actually 3 crosses but this is all we got

the Sobey's traveling to CO - our kids argued over who would get to ride with them...they have a 16 yr old son...HE LOVED when Rielyn rode with them LOL - said she talked too much :)

these rocks in NM were amazing...the colors were so distinct

a lake in NM - Aquauiu (SP?) was amazing, you are just driving along and then all of a sudden there this lake in the middle of the mountains - it was gorgeous

a day at the ski slopes - there were over 5000 people there

all smiles

my boys - after the first day....you can tell we are still working on balancing...by the end they were skiing blacks

all of us thanks to a nice lady - the sobey's were out on the slopes...we don't take these too often....

a view from the ski lift

Thursday we shopped in Pagosa Springs - this bear was HUGE

We just got back from our first ever family trip....we've gone on small trips but this was the first big trip we've done. We went to Pagosa Springs CO and skiied Wolfe Creek Lodge. The boys picked up skiing pretty quick; by the 3rd day they were skiing blacks....Keldyn of course was fearless - tips down the mountain, full speed...Bryson overanalyzed it at first (if you can believe that) but with some patient teaching from Scott he did great...Rielyn not so much at first but once we bought here the stretchy band for the front of her skiis she did great (blues on the last day). We went with our friends from school (Scott, Dina and Tyler Sobey...Dina is the kids PE teacher and I teach Tyler in class and David has him for bball, Scott teaches in Pine Tree)...We had a blast...we left Saturday morning and got home Saturday morning. David and i had been skiing early in our marriage and it was definitely different going as parents this time with our kiddos...it was so much fun seeing them have fun. Funny how it becomes less about you when your kids are around....sometimes we need those reminders...they are with us for such a short time anyway. Thanks Sobey's for letting us tag along! We had so much fun! I think this will become an annual event for us!

Time Flies!

2011-03-07T12:30:00.000-08:00

Bryson turned 10 in January...didn't want to bore you with another sappy mommy story...he's 10; in 8 years he'll be leaving us for college! AGH!

My smiley girl! she is a camera HOG! i find all kinds of photos and vidoes she has shot of herself! i caught her one day elbow dropping the ipod and recording it! what a nut!

The very next picture was of him pretending to pick his nose...wonder where he gets that from?!

one of the snows we had....WE LOVED ALL OF THEM! snowboarded down our hills, made snowmen, had snowball fights, etc, etc! LOVED IT!

ready for battle!

my three kiddos - so sweet!

Haven't blogged in a while, i'm sure most of you have stopped checking :) it has been very busy! Basketball ended up good for us...we tied for 3rd but ended up beating UG for the playoff spot but we lost in the first round to Jefferson. My first year there we were 3-22, so much improvement! proud of the girls, they did awesome! Kids are all good, we have stayed realtivley healthy, normal runny noses and such. We are in track season now, so we are a little less pressed for time. both the boys played little dribblers and had a blast. They are all 3 signed up for little league baseball, well rielyn for t-ball (which she was a little ticked that it was t-ball and that they weren't going to be pitching it to her). They will be playing in Hughes Springs so that will be closer for us as far as traveling goes! We are ready for spring and summer, warm nights of eating out on the deck and working in the yard....We had a good weekend...resting....had dinner Saturday night with the Sobey's (the family we are going skiing with next week - the elementary PE teacher and i teach her son and David coaches him) then Sunday, we went to church and headed to a crawfish boil in McLeod with some coaching friends from there. Then we rushed back to church bc David had a meeting before his men's Bible study begins on Wednesday (he is teaching Tony Dungy's book Uncommon) and then had our 1st Sunday fellowship and we stayed and visited with some church friends for a good while. it was a nice overall weekend! hope all of you are well, sorry i haven't been on here in so long...i'm sure my kids have said some funny stuff lately but i just can't remeber....Baby #1 for Keith and Meredith was born...Landry Grace AND Stephanie is anxiously awaiting baby #5...3 weeks from now....Caycen (I think)....loving me some babies!

Victoriously Frazzled

2011-01-31T04:10:00.000-08:00

Yes, that is the name of a Bible study, but totally how I feel at this present moment in my life. We are in the heat of things with basketball, the girls have done great this year. We are fighting for 3rd place, a playoff spot. Three years of perseverance has paid off...hopefully....if Union Grove will stop beating people they aren't supposed to:) Leaving Bowie was tough, really tough, but now its coming full circle again. These girls have gone from 3 and 22 seasons to fighting for a playoff spot! amazing! So frazzled a little right now about bball, victoriously though! i know that God has it in his hands, he knows the outcome already!

Frazzled - we had meetings last week with our principals and basically, we have no money and more than likely they are going to have to let people go and make cuts in departments (i'm sure athletics will be the first one) we have so much at our school that needs fixing, updating, tearing down and building new. No money kind of hurts all of those needs. I have suggested a 4 day school week and was asked to put together some info for the administrators on that. So research on my part, phone calls and putting together a power point of some sort. sometimes i think its a curse to let people know that you have a functioning brain...they always ask you to do things :)

Frazzled - my oldest turned 10 yesterday....10 people!!! Am i old enough to have a child that is in the double digits???? Totally kidding, but it is un-nerving to know that in less than 8 years, he will be heading off to college, making decisions that feel like they weren't that long ago for me! He is an amazing kiddo with a huge heart!

Both the boys are playing little dribblers and PARD bball right now, it is totally fun! We are good spectator parents, we totally get out of coach mode and just let them play (at the games anyway; there is of course some coaching that goes on at home!) Rielyn has said she wants to play softball....i say softball bc when i told her it would actually be tball, she said, i don't want them to put it on the stick, i want someone to throw it to me! and she was serious! this should be interesting!

Lots of sickness going around, i stayed home last wednesday with a headache, sore throat and swollen eyes! keep us in your prayers that we don't get sick (flu, stomach bug, phenomonia, etc)

COLGAT group is going amazingly well! Even if it changes just one girls life, it is totally worth it....still uncomfotable for me bc it requires me to OPEN up to people and put myself out there; getting better but awkward at times....totally God's working not mine! He opened this door and its amazing!

Hope things are going well, will try to update more often once bball is over....which i hope is a long ways off....playoffs baby, playoffs! love to you all!

Back to School

2011-01-06T11:59:00.000-08:00

Our tree this year

Thanks to Aunt Meredith & Uncle Keith for the tutu, she LOVES these things - sometimes i don't know where she came from!:)

Annual Christmas pic

Making candy cane and bell crispy treats

she did her own hair & was SO proud

at my mom and dads waiting for their gifts

a snowman shaped pancake we made when Peyton spent the night

off to do a little marsh mellow blasting!

We had a great break. We got so much work done at our house. I am so blessed to have a husband who knows how to do handy work and a Pappy who is willing to help when needed. In the first week we were off we, installed a new water heater (one of the new ones that runs the water through coils and only heats up when needed), we ran gas lines for a heater on our side of the house, David and Pappy trimmed out our bathroom tile job that David had completed this past summer, we put down wood floor in our dining room and we helped Pappy & Lala clear brush behind their house. We had Christmas with my family on the 21st and it was loaded with kids. It was a good time. Peyton came to spend the night with us (Sarah's oldest) and he LOVED wearing Rielyn's dress up stuff. He came up stairs saying "look aunt Casey, I look like Rielyn" his mom and dad DID NOT think it was funny. My parents bought all the grand kids marsh mellow blaster guns! They have enjoyed them! They only had to be reminded a few times to NOT eat the ones off the ground. We had a great Christmas morning. We were by ourselves and though it sounds sad, it was kind of nice. We got to focus on our kiddos and see their reaction to each gift they received. They are truly loved by their aunts & uncles & grandparents & cousins! We had a bball tournament on the 27-29 and we had Christmas with the Schubert's on the 27th, and then when we had finished opening gifts went to see Tangled for Kaylee's birthday (Stephanie's #2 kid). In the meantime, Meredith and Keith have a new baby girl - Landry Grace and she looks very sweet and cute...can't wait to meet her! We have had a few bball games and are back in school. The kids still say they don't need to go, they know everything already! :) Go figure! We are all well, healthy and doing great! Hope your new year is a blessed one.

2010-12-15T13:13:00.000-08:00

Not really sure what to title this one....we (the Schubert family) are all ready for Christmas break. Even though we will spend some time filled with basketball, we are looking forward to resting. David has planned a "boy" sleepout on the deck during the break on a night its "chilly" we are definitely not the same on that. For example, this week he has worn shorts and a long sleeve shirt to school. I however, have had on multiple layers! So i Will not be joining them on their sleep-out! i think the plan is to pull a mattress off one of the beds and throw in multiple blankets! We have plans with both sets of families....mine on the 21st and then the Schubert's on the 24th or so.

I have had a stressful week at school...if you aren't a teacher....find one and Thank them. This week has opened my eyes as to how much of a difference a teacher can make! When they have no where to turn and feel lost or scared or like they have no one to talk to, they somehow know they can go to a teacher! It is stressful and weighs heavy on your heart sometimes but when it all comes down to it, this is why i do what i do. And even though i jokingly say i don't like people, i worry about what some of these kids go through and carry around with them and my heart really goes out to them!

We have a big game this Friday....WHITE OAK....they are always good, say a prayer for us...and the officials!

I hope that you all have a happy and safe Holiday, that your families are blessed beyond imagination! Merry Christmas!

wow!

2010-12-06T12:13:00.000-08:00

I didn't realize it had been so long since I last blogged. Time sure does fly! We had a good Thanksgiving break. The week prior, Bryson got sent home sick from school. Started running fever that night as did Rileyn. All 3 stayed home until Friday, in which the boys went back, they had been fever free for 24 hours. However, we could not seem to get Rielyn's to break, so off to the doctor we went. She had strep. Antibiotics for 10 days which I hate, if I had my way, they'd get the shot everytime! So she missed the whole week of school before Thanksgiving break AND missed her Thanksgiving day feast and program at school. She does however have an amazing teacher. She sent home all of her crafty things they were working on AND had the kids perform the program, recorded it and sent it home to Rielyn on an MP3 player so she got to listen to the program even though she wasn't in it. We spent Monday and Tuesday of the break at bball games. Wednesday we helped a fellow teacher put metal on his roof, Thursday was at my parents with all the sisters and their kiddos and spouses and Friday was at the Schubert's with most of the family (Keith and Mer couldn't make it and James had to work.)Saturday was spent bball again and sunday was church and then back to school we came. I have pictures but have not had time to upload them. Two of my bball girls are injured....one suffered a concussion after playing Gilmer and has not been released to play for the last two weeks and still not cleared for contact sports. The other got her nose broken this past Thursday in a game against Harleton. So please pray we stay healthy and injury free! We are off tomorrow so that will be nice. We actually skipped church last night bc we hadn't had an evening at home in i don't know how long...it was well worth it and i'm sure God understood! I have all 5 of our trees up, some presents are wrapped and i've started making some as well. The lights are hung outside and we can't seem to get enough Christmas carols/movies! My main tree is not fancy or elegant but it is by far my favorite. It is fake, but David and i bought it our first or second Christmas so it holds sentimental value. It is decorated with a host of different ornaments (no theme or anything) but i love it. it makes me peaceful and happy to see it all lit up in the living room. Love it!!!! Busy weekend ahead, David and i are both in the Waskom tournment and we have our first district game next Friday! will try to post pics this week. hope all is well....Remember the reason for the season!

Sick Babies

2010-11-19T12:13:00.000-08:00

Just when you think you've got things figured out, a new plan comes along. God always seems to put me back in check when i've got life PLANNED. He sometimes steps in and reminds me who's really in charge. Monday afternoon, Bryson's school called becasue he started throwing up. When i got him, he was running fever. Monday night, Rielyn had fever. Long story short, they stayed with Pappy for two days (Tuesday David and I both had bball games so we couldn't miss school). Bryson's fever went away but we just couldn't shake Rileyn's. Hers was high too, in the 103 - 104 range. So yesterday I took her to the doctor and she has strep. Amoxicillian for 10 days should do the trick. Again, thanks to Pappy she stayed home today as well. The bad part is that she had her Thanksgiving program and feast today at school. She was very upset about not being able to say her part. She does however, have the BEST TEACHER IN THE WORLD. She put together all the little arts and crafts the kids did this week and sent it home for Rielyn to complete as well....AND she had the kids sing the program into an MP3 player and recorded it and then sent the MP3 player home to us as well, so that Rielyn could at least hear the program. Rileyn was so excited listening to all of her classmates singing, she sang along of course! it was super cute and sweet! She seemed to be feeling much better this morning, so we are excited about that.
The kids got their report cards yesterday, all good grades. Keldyn brought ALL of his grades up at least 4 points and the overall lowest grade was a 94! on Rielyn's her teacher comment was: "she loves sharing and joining in on discussion" is this a nice way of her telling me that she talks too much????? i believe so! Have a great weekend....i'm sleeping in tomorrow!!!! (then going to watch one of my former players play some college hoops!)

busy weekend

2010-11-15T11:46:00.000-08:00

We have had a super busy weekend! Surprise! Surprise! Friday, we were supposed to play basketball in Queen City BUT our volleyball team advanced to the regional tournament for the first time in history, so we cancelled that so we could go watch (all the bball girls went together). They won, advancing them to the regional finals (winner goes to state) for Saturday. We got home around 9:30. David had left earlier that day for Round Rock with his Cross country team (boys team and one girl). So, Saturday morning we loaded up with Coach Newsom and Coach Sobey and headed for Round Rock. We went to and back from Round rock in one day. I drove the bus back for David and Coach Newsom and Coach Sobey drove my 3 kids back so that they could watch movies (the movie player ended up not working, so that didn't work out) Yesterday we had church, then had to move our roof metal inside the garage so that it didn't rust; then I went with Marla to Tiff's church for a ladies dinner and devo and David and the kids went to our church for church and then a thanksgiving feast! Tired yet??? it is a crazy life but it's our life! This week is jsut as crazy; monday practice and middle school games, tuesday our own games (David in McLeod and me in Sabine) wednesday church, thursday practice afterschool, friday games (david at home, me at Gilmer) Saturday david's game in avinger and one of my former Bowie girls who is playing college ball is playing in Longview so we are going to that! Bryson is sick still, he started throwing up today. To say that I am ready for Thanksgiving break would be an understatement. So blessed to have a husband and family that helps out and helps us keep our sanity! have a great week

The Things Kids Say

2010-11-08T12:43:00.000-08:00

He was a dead baseball player

Toilet paper mummy (lasted 5 mins)

A kitty cat (the cutest one in the world!)

At home ready to go again, Bryson had to change into an NBA bball player

LOVE the fall colors showing through from across the lake! This was early Saturday morning! LOVE THIS!

Before trunk or treat

I wish I had a recorder around me (most of the time) becasue my kiddos say some of the funniest stuff. A few weeks ago, I was singing to my kids songs that i used to sing to them when they were little. On a side note, i am NOT a good singer, can't carry a tune. So about half-way through Bryson says "Did you sound good then?" to which i replied No, but you liked it bc i was your mom! Rielyn asked me what i was going to be for Halloween and i said a nerd, and she said "You mean like you already are?" OkOk i get it, i can't sing and i'm a nerd. No arguments from me!!! Halloween was good, we went to trunk or treating at the church and the total cost of costumes was $4....$3 on face paint and $1 on toilet paper (for the toilet paper mummy) pretty neat that my kids are so creative with their costumes. School is going good, just can't seem to get caught up. Basketball has our first official game tomorrow and David's boy's XC team is going to state and 1 girl. Bryson and Keldyn are under the weather right now (Bryson has had one of his seasonal asthma attacks and Keldyn ran a slight fever) Rielyn is as sassy as ever. I had something really good to post, but its been too long and i forgot :) here are a few pics of what we've been up to.

Happenings!

2010-10-25T13:24:00.000-07:00

Keeping this updated is a lot of work....and it means i have to be creative and clever....those are chores for me!!!:) Things have been going great. Basketball season started for me last Wednesday....super excited about this season....we should definitely surprise some people this year (this is a big deal seeing as how my first year here we only won 3 games, last year 14 and this year we'd like to be 20+) David's cross country teams have both advanced to the regional meet. His boys actually got 1st in district and the girls 3rd...he's very excited about how well they've been doing. His boys team is ranked #2 in 2A in the state. The kids are doing great. Bryson has decided he wants to let his hair grow out (he actually said so he can flip it...like Justin Bieber or Beaver as Rielyn says it)....Keldyn's reading grades have improved tremendously...he is really working hard at getting those up (not sure if i posted before or not but he is slightly dyslexic, so we are all learning strategies and tools to help him have success) Rielyn is as sassy as ever. A middle school girl was trying to say hi to her but she kept saying Riley....Rileyn stopped in her tracks and said "It's Rielyn, R-I-E-L-Y-N" and turned around and walked off....This was at 7:30 in the morning people!!! She got to be in the Yamboree parade(s) in Gilmer this past weekend.... i think she liked the idea of everyone waving at her:) The boys and David are going to the Tech/ A&M game on Saturday, thanks to one very nice preacher! I ran in the Tater Trot a few weeks ago and got 29th overall, with basketball starting though, my running days are going to be limited...we are practicing at 6am, which means up at 4:30 for me. I really do enjoy running though, it is my stress release and i am still competitive at my age (i REALLY don't like losing) so i think it is healthy for me, besides the obvious. I love the fall, the coots (water fowl) and the otters come back to the lack and just yesterday we saw an EAGLE trying to scoop up a coot! it was amazing....we've seen them around but never that close...it was right off out pier! My girls group at school is doing fantastic...they named us COLGAT (changing one lovely girl ata time) and we have over 45 girls each week and are still growing. It's pretty amazing what God can do once you open your self up to coming out of your comfort zones. We are busy, busy but loving life! God has truly blessed us! Have a great week!

Happy Birthday Dad!

2010-10-15T06:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my dad's birthday! I just want to take a minute to wish him a late happy birthday (via the web). I've already talked to him and know that he had a great day! Thanks Dad for always being supportive, for teaching us how to work and have integrity, how that if you say it you 'd better mean it, for teaching me to love sports and for helping mom make sure we knew how to be a lady, no matter what. Thanks for being a super grandpa, for spoiling all the grandkids and for loving family unconditionally. love you dad!

Keldyn's Birthday

2010-10-11T08:04:00.000-07:00

enjoying some mickey mouse pancakes. this was early saturday morning bc we were heading out to a cross country meet. that is why they look sooo tired!

chillin at olive garden

enjoying some noodles with dad!

loving some noodles. i think he ate the whole bowl like that. we did have to have the conversation that this was not the type of restaurant where blowing your straw paper across the room was appropriate! McDonalds is more suited for that. and by the way, Rileyn is REALLY good at doing that!

Full from some noodles! he's totally hamming it up

his own MM panckake!

I know it's been three weeks since Keldyn's birthday, but i just haven't had time to post any of the pics. we did have a really great time! he enjoyed his dinner at olive garden and some great gifts (thanks to all) i can't believe how fast he is growing up! the past few weeks have been crazy busy and its only going to get more busy. We start basketball next week (YEAH!) but i still have middle school volleyball going on, we have volleyball playing still and going to make playoffs, Cross Country will more than likely go to state and football is still playing, so that means my practice times are 5:30 AM!!!! love it though, this should be a great season for my girls! Bryson has grown an inch in one month...no wonder all of his pants are high waters!!! Keldyn is struggling with reading but we did find out he is slightly dislexic so we have some tools we are working on at home to help with this. Rielyn is just sassy! have a good week, i'll try to do better posting!

Reality TV

2010-10-01T13:01:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, it's been a while and no I haven't forgotten about Keldyn's birthday pictures. It has just been one of those weeks. I will try to post those this weekend. This post however I made time for. I have decided not to watch TLC anymore. This is one of my favorite channels bc of shows like what not to wear, say yes to the dress, 19 kids and counting, etc, etc. However, when TLC recently decided to put on Sister Wives, I have decided this is a channel I can no longer support. We have made a clean sweep of our TV viewing and any channel that has non-Christian shows on it we are not watching it. Now I'm not saying we are sitting around watching TBN all day, but it was amazing how one day of cleaning to some great Christian music instead of being consumed with television will open your eyes as to what you do and do not need. No wonder people in this day and age are so messed up. Reality TV (real housewives of whatever county they live in, jersey shore, the real world, etc) are all a joke. And our nations kids are obsessed with teen reality tv and it is quite bothersome. so, to end my soapbox, people are more consumed with watching someone else's "reality" tv than going out and living their own fabulous lives and I personally am tired of it. And at the Schubert house, we've made a change.

Keldyn's Birthday!

2010-09-22T12:40:00.000-07:00

Keldyn is turning 8 on Saturday. I am going to take this time to be like most moms and talk about him a little ....just because I can. Keldyn was not our original name, we had several picked out but really liked Caden, so forever it was Caden Reece. Well, if you follow Stacy's blog, you know that her 2nd boy, who just celebrated a birthday is named Caden as well. We didn't want there to be too many Caden's running around so we played with some more names. David liked the name Kelvin, but i did not. So like what we've done with all of our kiddos names is we played with the ending and wholah! Keldyn it is! And it fits him to a tee! Keldyn was our flood baby. The summer before he was born, David and I both worked the Camp Bandina Church Camp. This was July so i was 6-7 months prego. Well, it started raining, and it rained and rained and rained and it didn't stop. The river that you cross to get to camp rose 50 feet. Trialer houses floated down the river and you could hear it roaring past the camp site from the top of the hill. I was scared and more than ready to get out of there (plus i had a 1.5 yr old at my parents, not with me so that made it worse). Well, we ended up walking two miles through pastures and woods to catch school buses that took all of us campers to a local church. Except someone felt bad for me and they let us crash at their house, loaned us thier car the next day to go pick up Bryson and then offered to let us stay there again. We were blessed! Once school started, i had been re-assigned to junior high volleyball and it was nothing for me to be out there playing with the girls diving around digging up volleyballs (that may be why Keldyn is daring.) Also i went skiing for the first time ever in my life while prego with him. The boy is fearless! He climbs any and everything he can get a small grasp on. He's not big but boy is he tough!!A little scary bc i think one day he's really going to get hurt and not know it! He is FUNNY! and smart and very fast! He's shy at times but warms up rather quickly. He is 100% boy, he likes animals and dirt and video games and superheroes and all that boy stuff; but he also loves his brother and his sister to the ends of the earth. HE wouldn't tell you that but he does. Every night before bed he jumps on Bryson and tells him goodnight. If Rielyn is in danger of being hurt, he's the first one there to save her. He is really good with babies and is going to make an awesome dad one day! Oh, and for his birthday, we asked him what he wanted to do. His response, go to the Olive Garden with the family. Not a party, not ChuckECheese ,but Olive Garden. I asked him if he was turning 30:??? Keldyn, i love you and hope you have a fantastic 8th birthday!

Running!

2010-09-13T12:30:00.001-07:00

Ok, so I ran a 5.2 mile race this past saturday...all i know is that a lady with a jogging stroller beat me and i did not like it one bit. I ran ok, got 3rd in my age group and 25th overall, however, I DO NOT LIKE LOSING! I am determined to get faster. I am going to workout with my atheltic girls for a while and see if that doesn't help. I may smell like a goat for the remainder of the day, but i am determined to win one sometime!
We had a good weekend. David had a fishing tournament and we camped out at Mom and Dad's. They spoiled us rotten, like always!:) It's good to get away to the country sometimes. Thanks mom and dad!
Have a great week!

Funny story & pics

2010-09-09T08:36:00.000-07:00

We have two new visitors at our house lately. Not the wood ducks who come in the winter but whistling tree ducks. their markings are so distinct and beautiful. they are not skittish either, they don't bother us but they don't mind us being around either! Here are the more finished pics of the kitchen. i still have to tile the back splash and i do plan on painting but for now it will do. i like how it turned out!
The Texas Flag is a project Bryson worked on. He came home saying for GT they are making a Texas History Museum and they needed a flag. He came up with on his own to make it out of old jeans and t-shirts. He designed it and cut it all i did was sewed it for him. He is so creative it blows me away. Our 7th grade Texas history teacher said she was stealing his idea :)
And here's the turtle....the story goes like this, David found it in the driveway and decided to let the kids keep it. so that afternoon, i headed to the store to get a container, the big clear bucket. That evening the kids were outside playing and Rielyn was packing that turtle (and cage) all over the yard. we went on a boat ride and Rielyn put the turtle and cage back in the house. when we got back, an hour later, there was no turtle in the cage. all of the adults started saying How did he get out of that bucket, there's no way he got out of that. after a few minutes rielyn said how did he climb over that man? She had put the turtle in the lego truck that Keldyn had made for him! great, so now there's a turtle on the loose...in my house!!! i start looking in cabinets, under cabinets, everywhere! and pappy says you'll smell him pretty soon! oh great. Then David says - well here he is. that little turtle had made it across the living room and into the purple room!!!OMG! it was too funny. the last pic is of my fishing boys and of our new hummingbird feeder that has had several occupants since we put it up. It is amazing to watch those little birds fly around! have a great rest of the weekend!

first day of school & kitchen

2010-09-07T08:57:00.000-07:00

just wanted to post pics from the kids first day of school, the boys were not too excited about me taking their picture..i believe their exact words were "Mom, really, you do this every year? it's not our first day!" also, i have some of the kitchen progress. i have more pics and a funny story about a turtle but those pics are at home on my camera...so you'll just have to wait! (who else busted out into the 80's song, oh you can't hurry love, no you'll just have to wait....maybe just me!HE HE)

the new kitchen counter tops also included, new stove top, new microwave and new sink. i moved a picture that Sarah gave me for Christmas to over the sink and bought dark brown wicker baskets for snack foods and such. i am now thinking i need to paint it tan. i also moved the blue curtains out and put in the brown ones. a lot of readjusting but i really like it!! hope you have a great week! love to all!

The Lunchbox Saga (s)

2010-09-02T12:03:00.000-07:00

This has been the week of the lunchbox!!! On Monday, Rileyn forgot her lunch box at school. She thought she had left it in the gym and just didn't grab it on her way out the door. So, Tuesday morning we check, no lunchbox. She was a little upset bc this was hers and it has a sandwich plastic holder thingy and also bc she had to carry a star wars one bc that's all we had. On top of thought, i am making bryson's lunch on Tuesday morning and i notice the silverware isn't some that we have. i think, oh he probably just traded someone for it...he does that alot....but then his sandwich plastic holder thingy wasn't in there nor was his Gatorade bottle...turns out he'd grabbed the wrong one. we did not retrieve it until yesterday...a sixth grade girl had grabbed his on accident (all parts of the lunchbox were returned) we are trying to be a little greener with our lunches...plastic sandwich holder thing that is re-usable and washable; gladware storage for chips and snacks, etc, etc. trying to not use so much disposable plastic. Now, though we have another saga. Keldyn and rielyn come home with notices from the cafeteria saying they owe money! I SEND THEIR LUNCH EVERYDAY! I email the principal and I'm thinking someone is using their number on accident. David thinks it is breakfast. I've asked them both...did you eat in the the tray line...and both have said no. so now we ask about breakfast. we'll see what happens.
I don't think that i have ever been so tired before...it seems like i go, go go and have no time, to even do the things i need to do...like grade papers. this is going to be a long year. pray for me!

New kitchen!

2010-08-30T08:46:00.000-07:00

David and I ordered new kitchen countertops at the first part of summer. We finally got them in about a week ago and got them installed this weekend, well mostly...new coutertops also meant new stove top, new microwave and new sink. It doesn't even look like the same kitchen. It also meant that i was not able to work on my English class work bc i was cleaning up messes from installation of multiple items. Will post pics later of the finished project. So glad David is so handy and can do all those things by himself!

The first week of school went well. all of the kids have great teachers and i don't think that i've ever been so tired. not sure why, but am!
have a great week!

women of the Bible

2010-08-24T08:53:00.000-07:00

ok - so i absolutely adore the Proverbs 31 lady, she is my role model, if i can be half of what she is then i feel i will be accomplished...I did a study this summer with some amazing women (Sue, Rhonda, Becca & Aimee...who's Christian walks and knowledge i truly admire) over Ruth and Naomi, and learned so much about what perseverance and faith...well, Sunday in Sunday school i happened across Titus...i can honestly say that i have never read one verse from Titus, however it intrigued me....it describes the qualities of a good church and within that description were how the women should be and how the men should be....well, the women part struck a cord with me bc some of those things it says not to do...i do. so, if you are needing a good example for what a christian woman should be, look up Titus and tell me what you think...i may be totally off.

2010-08-23T12:40:00.000-07:00

this summer rielyn decided she needed to tube by herself, so this is her by herself...it didn't last long, she did great though

Keldyn & RielynPeyton stayed one night with us while he was staying with mom and dad bc they were doing hay, he did great and Bryson is sooo good with himDavid and Keldyn went fishing one night and i caught this picture, thought it was too cute, how it shadowed them boththese are my new counter tops that will be put in this weekendi got glasses this summer for driving and reading far away, not to wear all the time, not to sure if i like them or not.nana and pops came to visit and this was after the boat ride

up to date

2010-08-03T12:52:00.000-07:00

i know, i know, it has been a while...we are the 1% of Americans who do not have internet at home (bc we are cheap and get it 9 months out of the year for free at school so...) summer is officially over, we started back to two-a-days yesterday; it went by waaay to fast. Rileyn is very ready for school, the boys not so much. David and i got a lot accomplished this summer, and are still working on some things. Keldyn's room is 90% complete, a little touch up paint and some trim and he's good to go. Bryson wants to paint his room Aggie colors (totally ok with that and so was David - surprisingly) so we will do that one weekend. I got most of the deck painted....just have the underneath to finishe up but i ran out of deck stain...the game room is complete...furninshed with ping pong, pool and air hockey! we love it and have had some good matches/games! the dining room is getting new flooring so we will work on that this weekend. We got the kids a basketball goal, they play everyday (as if that surprises you!) I finished a Bible Study with 2 of the sisters, mom and long time friend Aimee...it was good and eye opening, ready for the next one. David's grandparents from Austin came up for a visit, it was good to see them. The big thing from the past few weeks, Rileyn in 5! she is so funny, she tells everyone, yes even random strangers "I'm not 4 anymore!" 5 is a big deal! A little background on her (this won't happen every year i promise) She is my hurricane baby! We were living in Rockport but two hurricanes were headed our way (or so they thought) they wanted to induce me on a wednesday and i told them i was leaving bc of the huuricanes so they said come on in on sunday...we went she came and we were gone by early Tuesday! Two weeks later, i was coaching two a days at Ingleside (3A) i was very nervous, but after having two babies, it wasn't that hard to leave her (does that sound bad) i knew she was in good hands with David and Marla! she is sassy and outgoing and super smart....she loves animals (says she wants to be a vet) and has told me when she gets big she wants to be a mom! that makes my heart happy! she loves her daddy (more than me) and i love that...totally believe girls need good realationships with their daddies! and the boys are hers...as long as she has been talking those are HER boys! she is girly and loves barbies and dress up and wants to be a cheerleader- is she really my kid??? i am posting some pics of things from the summer...hope this gets everyone up to date! i will try to post more often (Becca!) and put more pics on! hope you are all blessed and having a great rest of the summer! (top pic mickey mouse pancakes for rielyn's birthday, rielyn's cake (sleeping beauty) David and the kids watching a movie and last rileyn in her shirt i bought her that reads "Does this shirt make my game look big?"

2010-07-14T20:29:00.000-07:00

Keldyn went to Oklahoma with Lala and Pappy for his vacation with them! he had a blast....they went to an old west gun fight/show and to a safari! he came home bearing lots of gifts for the family and lots of stories! thanks lala and pappy!

lets see if this works

2010-07-14T19:16:00.003-07:00

i have been trying to post pics for quite some time now but for some reason it won't let me....so here we go...yeah it worked....the first picture is one of bryson's drawings..i told yall he could draw...crazy..then the three of the kids is on sunday july 4th. marla had bought them coordinating outfits and they looked so cute...the boys get tired of me taking pics of them, but someone seems to like it...maybe a little too much. the top one is my cousins wedding that we went to in hotsprings! my kids swimming at the hotel and rileyn in her swim gear...on that trip she learned how to dive to the bottom of a pool for diving toys...she was so pumped!

whew!

2010-07-08T06:52:00.000-07:00

i haven't finished my patio bc it won't stop raining...love the rain, just wish it would stop long enough for me to finish that so i can get my furniture back where it goes. we are half way finished with the remodeling of our downstairs and the making of a game room. i found some pics of the family from WAY back when, love these of mom and dad! had a blast at hannah's wedding in hotsprings, it is so beautiful there! plus, most of the cousins were there so it was neat seeing them all play together (Becca and sean had previous engagements so weren't able to go)...ok was going to post pics but it won't let me for some reason! i'll try later!

whew!

2010-06-24T07:50:00.000-07:00

i have almost finished the porch...from the pier, you can't even tell that there are still brown wood spots showing:) this is a big project...i organized all my bill stuff yesterday...i have checks and things from march of 09 that haven't gone through...that could be the problem...enjoying the cooler weather today, perfect for painting.

The sweetest thing...yesterday Rileyn had the hiccups and i was laughing and she said mom, why is it funny, you said hiccups were good bc that meant i was growing... i told her i wanted her to stay little forever not to grow up and she said but mom, i want to be a mommy! love it!

Bryson is an amazing artist...he's drawn some super heroes that i'll post after our Hot Springs trip.

Doing a Bible study over book of ruth...should be great...is so far.

Prayer Request

2010-06-23T04:32:00.000-07:00

I am asking for your prayer requests...In our family, I am in charge of the financial records, the book-keeping and bill paying...Well, long story short, in our early years, I was very diligent and almost anal about it...if my book and the banks statements were off by even one cent, I would find the mistake. Now not so much. I hate doing the bills, I hate keeping the books and I have let things go that I shouldn't have. But now, the bank and my books don't match up at all. We are not struggling financially, I just haven't been very good at keeping up with things...so my request is that you will pray for me for patience and the desire to keep things in order again and that the mistakes will be found. I get very frustrated with it all and instead of searching for that mistake I just put it away so that I don't have to think about it. Thanks in advance!

Random-ness

2010-06-22T05:07:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday night after church we stopped off at the dollar store so i could run in and get some dishwasher soap (a must need) and when i came back to the car my whole family was laughing...i asked what was up and dave told me that Keldyn had said "Hey that man looks like a lady...no wait...it is a lady!" there was an employee that had masculine facial features but long hair...it was too funny...

Rielyn has started using big words...words that she shouldn't know...like frustrated, random and diva! she tells me she is frustrated with something (i give credit to Piny Dinky Doo for that one). she asked me to get her a drink the other day and i said just grab a cup and get some water to which she replied "mom, i don't want to use just some random cup, can you get me one from the cabinet" and then sunday she asked me if i could strap her shoes bc she was too busy being diva-ish....what in the world are we going to do with her!!!

Bryson is the same....a 9 year old going on 90! he has his moments though where he is totally 9!!

we have been busy remodeling one of our downstairs bedrooms and making a hallway to give direct access to our future game room and i have been busy staining our patio....it looks great, just time consuming, still not finished yet! hope you have a blessed week!

they do exist!

2010-06-17T16:02:00.000-07:00

Actually, she does exist....I know, I know I have been MIA since summer began but we have been quite busy...After Cole went back to Georgia, David went to Burnett to build a barn with Keith, he was gone from Thursday to Monday so it was just me and the kiddos....Keldyn started running fever Thursday, nothing else except tired and fever...high fever, a couple days later, Bryson did the same thing. It lasted with both of them about 4 days....we did not go to the doctor (Worst mom award again)but they are both doing great now...Keldyn is getting ready to go to Oklahoma with Lala and Pappy for his summer trip (remember last year Bryson went to Georgia with them) he will be gone until late Monday. We have cleaned out flower beds, redesigned flower beds and now all we have to do is actually put the flowers in them... I have power washed decks in preparation of staining and sealer, we have edged up our yard next to the road in preparation of putting in a small wall/curb and we have finished the inside of shed for water activity storage (life jackets, floaties, etc). Tonight, my man is taking me out on a date (Hunan's) but of course we had to stop off at the gym for a little summer league bball....David is playing in a church league softball thingy in Longview on Tuesday nights, so that's where we will be for the next several weeks. He had a great time, even though they lost. We are planning on heading north to Hot Springs for a few days next weekend. And summer is almost over...seeing that vball two a days start on August 2, time runs out quickly...and I still have English type things to do...I need one good rainy day so I can stay inside and work... have a blessed weekend...God is sooo good!

Something Bit ME!

2010-06-08T15:43:00.000-07:00

Ok...so we were swimming in the lake Sunday afternoon and all off a sudden Keldyn yells "Ouch, something just bit me!" I said well get out of the water...he just stood there...I'm thinking snake. He says no it was a turtle. I check and sure enough he has two small, microscopic bit marks on his NIPPLE that produce a small amount of blood....i check the water, no snakes...so it must have been a turtle. The more the story was told we are now thinking it was a brim. a small fish known for nibbling. Later that evening, we went out in Pappy's pontoon boat and the boys jumped in...all but Keldyn....i could see that he was hesitant so i asked him what was wrong and he said "do brim bite any other parts?????" That baby was worried about his manhood! I almost fell out of the boat laughing so hard. I know its not funny, but it kind of is!! Always KELDYN!

Ran in the 5K with Tiff and believe i am now addicted to these crazy races. I had a blast...it helps that i won a medal but i really do just enjoy it. I ran it in 25:44, got 49th out of all the runners; 8th out of all the female runners and 2nd in my age group....i was pretty pumped. Tiff did great as well and we had a blast doing it.

Good lesson at Sunday School this week... came to realize that sometimes God doesn't want you to move mountains but to rely on him to get over them, through them or around them. and that our hard times make us stronger in our relationship with him and in our faith. I'll have more to post on that later!

We've had our 4th cousin from Georgia in this week, Cole, and have had a blast getting to know him. He is an amazing basketball player! we keep trying to talk him into leaving his parents and moving in with us!HEHE! the crazy thing is that he looks like he could be one of ours...he and the boys favor each other...I'll post pics after i get my laptop back from the school!

Worst Mom Ever!

2010-06-01T09:29:00.000-07:00

My kiddos swam yesterday for 8 hours...i put sunscreen on them 1 time....they are sunburned and i am officially the worst mom ever. :( It was so sad, they were hurting so bad last night. we've applied multiple layers of aloe vera gel, but i still feel terrible. We had a productive weekend. David got back early Saturday so we were able to get some of our own chores done. I cleaned out all of our flower beds and am getting them ready for new plants. David and I built a fence Sunday. A small one on the side of our house to cover up trailers and lawnmowers. It took a little less than 3 hours so we were pumped about that. Yesterday, we did more yard work and the kids swam...they had free hot dogs and such through the volunteer fire department so we did that for lunch...small towns....love em! Sarah and Charlie came by for a little while with their kids. Peyton despeately wanted to go on the pontoon boat but Pappy has the keys in Dallas (he didn't want Lala taking it out by herself). Tiff and her kids also came over and swam. It was a productive, yet relaxing memorial day! Four days of school left ....Whew Who!

I have snobby hair!

2010-05-28T06:38:00.000-07:00

My hair is a total snob! My chi hair straightener blew up mother's day weekend. I had a back up...an old school, like 3 inches wide straightener that i was using...it wasn't working to great! It wouldn't get hot enough, it wouldn't straighten all the way and it took FOREVER (sandlot...hehe) so I bought a "cheap" one from wal-mart AND it didn't work either...what normally takes me 10-15 minutes took an hour...it was horrible...so i broke down and bought the real thing again! It works beautifully! my hair is completely spoiled to a chi! now the only problem is seeing if Target does competitive pricing bc JCPenny has theirs on sale for about $20 cheaper TODAY!

Just want to brag on my hubby a little...not only is he a great dad and husband, he's a great brother...he helped James (Tiff's husband) find a job, he's gone to Dallas to help Bryce & Stephanie finish a porch with Pappy and he's going to Keith's in a couple of weeks to help him frame in a barn. he helps without expecting in return...what a great example for my babies! (a little sappy, but i get that way sometimes)

Mentioned that Bryson got commended on his TAKS, found out yesterday the exact scores...100 on reading and only missed one on math...i am so proud of him...no more tears about TAKS - EVER!

Have a great holiday weekend. I'll be hanging out by the lake!!!

Been up since 3:00

2010-05-25T15:43:00.000-07:00

So, today, I woke up at 3:00am, laid in bed until 3:30 and decided to get up. I could not sleep...I did however get a ton of English papers graded. Amazing what can get accomplished when there's nothing on tv and no one else is awake. We went to a wedding this past weekend and stayed with our good friends The Armers! Saw some old friends. It was so cute, when the groosmen came out Rileyn leaned over and asked me "Which one is she going to pick?" I guess we've watched the bachelor toooo much! Totally cute though! Found out today that Bryson made commmended on both of his TAKS tests! We are all super pumped! Keldyn gets to go to an ice cream sundae party tomorrow for AR points. My athletic girls are finishing up their last week of bootcamp and I'm working on some surprises for them for next week. Pappy bought a pontoon (sp?) boat, we went out on it yesterday and then went for a swim in the middle of the lake! We got back and grilled steaks and watched the sunset...it was beautiful....God is so good!

I promised Pictures

2010-05-18T09:54:00.000-07:00

i know, i know i promised these a long time ago but the blogger wouldn't cooperate. so, here are some pictures. the top three are family photos we took mother's day weekend. Keep in mind Keldyn was sick and was not feeling well. I love Rileyn's sassy pose on the pier - totally her! Then there are pics of Keldyn's kite flying. We had a picnic lunch and then he had a blast flying his Eagle kite. I told you guys he had the highest one there :). The last pic is of the girly basket i won for being the first mom to finish the race at the Run Like a Mother. Totally me right??? it was fun, the ladies that put it all together did an amazing job! look forward to next year! I am so thankful that God is on my side; that he is my rock and that i can go to him with anything....and i do mean anything.
The family is traveling to Wortham this weekend for the wedding of one of our ex-athletes. Don't these kids know they aren't supposed to get older...bc that means we are too! have a great weekend. ENjoy the weather (I know we have been!)ok i just looked at how the pics are laid out and the order is not what i thought, but i'm not retyping all that!

My Crazy Life!

2010-05-11T09:11:00.002-07:00

Friday, I took a half day off from work bc Keldyn had a kite flying/picnic at school for mother's day. We had a blast. He found an Eagle kite at the Dollar Store and was super pumped. I was worried at first bc the Eagle did not want to fly. As we went along though, that little Eagle ended up being the highest kite there. It was so much fun, Keldyn has one of those contagious laughs, so I was laughing just at him laughing. We left about 12:30 to go be with all the cousins. David and I grilled chicken for dinner that night.
Saturday, the girls (Tiff, Steph, Marla, Meredith and myself) left the house at 6:45 am to participate in the Run Like a Mother 2K run...we had a blast.Then we went to Starbucks for some caffeine and did a little shopping. Got home made lunch for the kids and Keldyn got sick. He apparently got a bug from somewhere and it hit him pretty hard. He's one tough dude. He threw up about 8 times within about 5-6 hours. Good thing for him though is that he slept all in between. He was feeling well enough to take family pictures...quite a trooper. We had brisket for dinner at Mark and Marla's and then we all played outside. I started a fire in the pit so as dusk came, we made our way around that. That is my favorite part of living on the lake....sitting around a fire watching the water and the sunset.
Sunday, Keldyn was feeling well enough for church so that was good. After church we had chicken spaghetti that Tiff made and then we took naps. Sunday night after church, however, i got the bug. It was horrible. Severe stomach cramps, lots of throw up and other things....i just kept praying for God to give me all of it if it kept the rest of the family from getting it. If Keldyn felt like i did, he's way tougher than me.
Monday I had to go to work bc i had organized fitness gram testing for the entire high school and needed to be there to organize some last minute details. Still didn't feel good, but suffered through. Monday night, the kids were awesome. They each made their own dinners bc i didn't want to touch anything they would just in case. Then they watched a movie while i slept and pretty much showered and put themselves to bed. Rielyn was super sweet....she said "mom, i hope you feel better soon bc i want to hug and love you." I wasn't letting them touch me to keep germs away. David and I leave for Austin on Thursday for the State Track Meet. David's birthday is Friday and Joshua having his party on Saturday. Busy times. I am reading Fresh Brewed Life and it is really good. (Well, i haven't read it in two days but you know why) I got an amazing gift from a former athlete, she wrote a book about my influence on her life. Her mom mailed it to me and it was very difficult not to cry throughout the entire thing. Just reminds me of why I love doing what I do, it matters to someone. I'll post pics soon of the kite flying and family photos.

Over my Pitty-Party!

2010-05-06T12:14:00.000-07:00

I've re-read my post from the other day and boy oh boy was I wordy of what??? Things are still hectic, but small blessings make me smile and almost cry from happiness. I asked our ladies class leader if we've ever done Beth Moore and she said yes, but that they hadn't in a while but would be interested in looking into it again...wasn't sure if c of c did other denominations as studies or not; so that's a good thing. The kids are pumped about the Schubert's coming in bc they love playing with them sooo much. Keldyn and I bought our kite for tomorrow...Dollar General had an Eagle - must be fate!!! Got things lined out for state track meet next week and we'll be attending a wedding in a couple of weeks of one of our past athletes...my vball girls from Ingleside are graduating college this weekend and the ones to come...it doesn't seem like that long ago...anyway, hope things are great for you all...going good here (plus I'm feeling better so that helps)

I wonder why I feel bad and am tired????

2010-05-05T09:32:00.001-07:00

The past few days have been pretty hectic/crazy. Friday, New Diana hosted a softball playoff game between McLeod and Fruitvale. This included me racing to Longview after school to pick up the trophy and then racing back to keep the gate at the game. Rielyn was able to spend the night with the Plasterer's and had a blast (they lovingly call her little David bc she TALKS NONSTOP) Saturday morning, I got up, and before leaving by noon, had gone for a run, made breakfast, swept and mopped the entire house, washed two loads of laundry and dusted! Whew! Makes me tired just thinking about it. At noon, we went to the second playoff game and it was HHHHOOOTTT! But thankfully, the forecast had called for lots of rain! After the game, we went to pick Rielyn up and then headed to Wal-Mart for a few groceries. David's dad had gone to pick up his grandmother Nannie who is staying with them for a few weeks. On a serious note, we had a student killed in a car accident Saturday afternoon. He was headed to his first preaching event with his family and the car flipped. He ran track and cc for David. Funeral is today so please keep this family in your prayers.
Sunday we went to church and then had lunch with Mark, Marla, Nannie, Tiff & James and their kiddos. It was delicious!! Then I went home, took a 2 hour nap (thanks to Bryson, he was supposed to wake me up after 30 minutes...it didn't happen) we went to church that evening, had our monthly eating meeting and came home & went to bed.
Monday and Tuesday were spent at the Regional Track Meet. We have one student, Robin Beckham, going to state in the two mile. David and I will be traveling with her to Austin next week!
Thursday, all of the Schubert families are coming in for Mother's Day; Friday Keldyn's grade is having a mother's day picnic and kite flying, so he and I are coming to school for 1/2 a day and then heading back to lone star to be with the rest of the Schubert Family. I can't think of anything funny that my kids have said or done lately....I think bc I've been half asleep most of the time or too tired to remember.....I am reading a book that is again opening my eyes to some self issues. I jokingly told Tiff that on the outside I look like I've got it all together but on the inside, I'm really just a hot mess....so I have lots of stuff I'm sorting through...prayers would be greatly appreciated! love to you all...hope you have a great rest of the week!

PRO!

2010-04-30T09:51:00.001-07:00

I have officially become a pro at taking in the waist of my pants/shorts. I think I sewed 5-7 pairs yesterday! It works. with a shirt untucked, you can't even tell. Ya'lls comments were hillarious! I'm glad I'm not the only one who has problems shopping...so if clothes don't fit us, who in the world are they made for? If you find a brand that fits real women, please pass it on!!! Have a safe, dry weekend.
Bryson officially took his first TAKS test. He came in the first day and said "Mom I smoked it!" meaning he did great. Please keep in mind that this is the same kid who during last summer was in tears, literally in tears, about going into 3rd grade bc of the TAKS test! Keldyn, had a field trip today to Jefferson to ride the train. David and I couldn't go bc of TAKS and driving another field trip, so Pappy stepped up!!! hope their having fun.

Shopping!

2010-04-28T07:02:00.000-07:00

I made the mistake of taking my 3 kids shopping with me yesterday. My mission, khaki shorts. Old navy was having a sale on theirs so I thought perfect! I love hanging out with my babies but when shopping they are honest, brutally honest. The boys especially! So I try not to take them with me when I can. Anyway, after nothing, and I do mean nothing, we left empty handed. Once we got into the car I said "why is it that when clothes don't fit, we think something is wrong with our bodies...heaven forbid it should be the clothes that are messed up." The kids agreed. Then the next store, I took Rielyn in with me to try some shorts on...again. and in frustration I said "Why don't they fit!" to which Rileyn replied...mom - your body's messed up! I stopped being frustrated and ventured on to the next store in which i was successful. I have beocme handy at sewing up the waist of pants. It is very difficult to dress a size 4 waist but a size 6/8 butt and thighs! (working on not being insecure about that)
on a side note - David caught this fish monday night...he was so pumped! Biggest one he's EVER caught on our lake! Then, Tiff and Marla went walking and Jayden wanted to stay with us so he did. They decided to watch a movie - it's pretty neat when the little ones start growing up and can hang out with the big kids!

See ya later Insecurity!

2010-04-26T16:55:00.000-07:00

We made it back! We had a good time; besides Sarah bing the WORST hostess EVER! Just kidding - Charlie did do a good job though! Great breakfast of eggs, biscuits and sausage! Thanks Charlie! I'm attaching a few photos of other things that have gone on this spring, just random pics of the family! The main point I got from this weekend was that by us being insecure (about anything) is basically saying to God, i don't believe you are who you say you are and that you didn't really create me the way I was meant to be! Boy is that a slap in the face or what? Makes me re-evaluate ALOT of things! We had a blast and need to do girl trips more often!
The one picture of Keldyn on the couch is how I found him one morning, after I'd already gotten him up and what I thought was ready for school!

2010-04-22T11:30:00.000-07:00

Tuesday night we went and saw Diary of a Wimpy Kid...it was cute, no oscars or anything but cute...whatever it is about those books, it has Bryson's interest. He reads them in about a day...he's very smart...at school there is a waiting list to check out the books, well Bryson outsmarted the system...he trades books with whichever kid has the book he wants, so he doesn't wait on the list, the list is meaningless to him...in essence, he cuts in line. Smart little booger!
Rielyn is having a rough week, after the whole crossing the road incident, she took it upon herself to tell a mom that her daughter was NOT invited to another girls bday party. She was being down right tacky and mean (the girl actually WAS invited to the party)
I have agreed to run a 5K with Tiffany June 5 at the Ally Fest. What in the world have I gotten myself into. I've always said before i'm 35 i want to run a marathon, maybe this is the start. I don't know how i'm going to do this and not be competetive! i'm going to be sooo mad if i don't win.
We, me and the other two sisters, are going to Sarah's for a Beth Moore conference.. Should be good, can't wait to drive Charlie CRAZY!!!

Oh Boy!

2010-04-20T09:56:00.000-07:00

Rielyn is going to wear me out...I have two stories about her today...yesterday morning she came in while I was getting ready in the bathroom and said "Mommy, Daddy just changed my channel (TV)" to which I resonded "well, daddy's can do that" R "and mommy's too" Me "well not really, bc Daddy changes my channels too." To which she said, "Well, Colby won't want to watch tv so i'm not worried" Apparently she is going to marry one of our coaches kids - Colby - who is in kindergarten. She has said from about the first month of knowing him that she was going to marry him. Won't that be funny if they do!

Yesterday afternoon, we were eating a snack after school and she looked out side and saw our neighbor Dub and his great grand-daughter playing baseball in Dub's yard...Dub lives across the street. She asked if she could go over there and i said no. plan, simple, no. The next thing i know i see her in Dub's yard playing baseball. Needless to say, she was quickly retrieved and was spanked. I asked her what would have happened if a car had been coming and she said she'd been smushed like a pancake and started crying. She said she "forgot" that i'd said no. ARGH!!!

Bryson and Keldyn returned from College Station safely. They went with one of our coaches and his two boys to the A&M/Texas baseball game Sunday... they had a blast, except Keldyn ran into a metal bar Saturday morning and now he looks a little like a klingon (SP?)
Still going off the WE WIN attitude!

We Win!

2010-04-19T06:48:00.000-07:00

This is totally taken from my book "when wallflowers dance" so I am not taking any of the credit....I really needed this lesson, it was actually meant for last Friday but somehow I missed it, so I got it today and it totally hit me. When the things of this world get you down, I've been down a lot lately, just remember one thing..."WE WIN! At the end, we win, The victory belongs to God. Evil will be punished. Righteousness will be rewarded. Every knee will bow before the king of heaven and Earth. Bitterness fades in the bright light of celebration. Let me give forgivenss. Let me give mercy. Let me give joy. Make me a radiant woman . A woman who dances in your arms. A woman who is wrapped in your glory. A woman who is learning to lay down her very life so that you might be glorified in mine!"
The book of Revelation basically says one thing....when it all comes to an end...WE WIN! How awesome is that!!!! None of the struggles really matter, none of the drama really has an affect, all becasue the battle has already been fought, Satan has already been defeated, the price has already been paid!!! WE WIN!

DUH!

2010-04-16T07:19:00.001-07:00

Miss Rileyn picks up everything she hears...good and bad. We had to have a little conversation the other day about how saying DUH! to people was not nice. She actually said it to me and I got onto her about talking ugly to me. She said what does it mean? I told her it meant that you thought the other person was stupid. She didn't even realize it! She also was asking me about going to a party and I told her probably, to which she replied...I want you to say yes! not probably. She is a mess!

Funny story about David - well funny to me and anyone else who doesn't fish like its going out of style...He was telling me how he and his fishing partner ordered baby blue hoodies. I thought ok - not wierd - they fish tournaments only natural that they'd want to match and look like a team - the rest of his comment is what had me on the ground rolling....he said they ordered baby blue so that it would match the sky so that when the fish looked up they wouldn't see them! I can't remember the last time I saw a fish looking up out of the water! Funny to me - not so much to him...he wasn't too happy that I was on the ground laughing! I love him! He cracks me up! Have a great weekend...maybe that could go on Big Mama's fashion friday blog!HEHE

We Choose Tulips & Roses

2010-04-14T08:58:00.000-07:00

Ok - I'm taking a bit off Rhonda - while reading my wallflower book, that is the next thing we are going to be discussing - I choose. This concept is really big...becasue in essence we all choose everything....there's nothing that just happens to us (with the exception of health issues maybe and even that can be questionable) You choose your career, you choose who to marry, you choose to have goals or not, etc, etc. David actually used this saying with his bball boys this year and even had bracelets made...ND Hoops... I Choose...his thing was you choose not to do homework, you choose to misbehave in class, you choose to not work hard in practice, you choose to have a bad attitude. The same goes for our lives as well.... I choose to get frustrated or stressed out, I choose to not do housework and then stress when my house is a hot mess, I choose to take walks with my kids and then are frustrated when they don't get into bed until 9:00....I choose to be shy and be a wallflower...my excuse, that's just how I am, its the way I've always been....like I said excuse...I personally struggle however when I have to be one way in order to get results for my job and am torn with the contradiciton of how I should be in my walk with God....there are days when I'm not nice and I have to rip girls and not allow them to settle for less, or half-way doing something. God did not call us to be good, he calls us to be GREAT. Good is the enemy of GREAT! Are we all called to be polite, gentle and ladylike all the time? (like a tupilp?) or is it ok that I have thorns and sometimes those thorns prick people the wrong way! I am aware of the things I choose - and want to make better choices - it is hard when I have soooo many "hats" that I have to wear in order to function in my life! (please don't misinterpret this as me saying my life is hard...its not...by any means...i am so amazingly blessed its ridiculous!)

you can't take the country out of the girl!

2010-04-13T08:20:00.000-07:00

We had an amazing afternoon yesterday. The boys were dying to swim in the lake so we let them. It only took about 5 minutes though before they were freezing...can't wait until we can actually swim and play without getting frost bite:) Me and the kids spent time in the sprinklers, playing with our lone duck (yes he's still alive...he sleeps in the garage every night - mission complete...so far) Keldyn and I went for a run and then we watched the princess and the frog. We were having so much fun that Keldyn and I both forgot he had homework - oops - he did get up and finished it this morning with little to no complaining! While we were playing in the sprinklers, Rielyn had to pee...she was already soaking wet so I told her to just pee...she looked at me like I was crazy and said but mom my pants will get wet!! Needless to say, she ended up striping half naked and pee-ed in my flower bed (there's no flowers just leaves in it) It was hilarious...I have to remind myself that we don't live in the country and that more than likely my 80+ year old neighbor saw the whole thing!!! David is eatin up with the fishing bug so he won't be mentioned much:):)!Rielyn's arm is doing great, bruising and swelling are both gone and she's back to normal...
Funny story...we were sitting in church and the preacher mentioned something about Jerusalem (SP??) and Rielyn in the only not so whisper voice she has asked me "is Jerusalem real? and I said yes and she smiled really big and said "i want to go there!" that is her thing right now, if things (places and people) are real (Taylor Swift, Toby Mac, Hannah Montana, the backyarigans, ETC) she's a nut.

have a blessed week - love to all!

Mission: Save the duck!

2010-04-09T05:52:00.000-07:00

Tragedy again last night!!! we totally covered the cage, but somehow our predator found its way through and captured one of the two remainind. so now we are down to one. Bryson came in from checking this morning if they survived the night and he came back in saying "one left and a bunch of guts!" they are taking it surprisingly well, i am beginning to think they are fascinated with the guts part of it. We are going to do our best to save the one remaining duck. it will be easy to name this one! Mission: Save the Duck -he or she will be sleeping in the garage for a while.

And Then there were two

2010-04-08T05:48:00.000-07:00

ok - so the baby ducks haven't made it. Started out with 6. let them sleep in the garage a couple of nights until the smell got too bad. Put them outside with a blanket over the cage hopefully preventing predators from getting them. Night 1 - Success. Night 2 - not so much. There are only two remaining. We went out this morning and it looked like a scene from the Alamo. Blood was everywhere and there were ducks remains in the yard. Maybe a raccoon, or an otter are the culprits. Not sure, but were down to two again.

Rielyn is doing great. She was fine yesterday afternoon, back to her normal , wild and rambunctious self. thanks for the prayers.

My baby's arm

2010-04-07T10:21:00.000-07:00

Here's Rielyn's arm. we still don't think its broken but it doesn't look nice. I'm very proud of her, she's being very tough!

Easter & Rielyn

2010-04-07T07:16:00.000-07:00

We had a great Easter weekend. Friday we got out of school early so we came home and worked in the yard, then fried some fish David had caught. No offense David Beard, but my David's got you beat!! I'll take his anyday of the week. On Saturday, David went fishing with our baseball coach and me and the kids cleaned house. We opened up all the windows and screen doors bc it was SO beautiful outside. Downside, at about 4:00 after a day of cleaning, I looked out across my living room and there was a small layer of green pollen EVERYWHERE! It took 3 swiffer pads to get it cleaned up and I had to redust all the furniture. We had some friends over for dinner, David grilled chicken and steak, I made my famous cheesy potatoes and our guest brought bananna pudding for dessert. Afterwards, we made a fire in our fire pit and just sat outside visiting! Coach Newsom bought the kids ducks for Easter so we have 6 black baby ducks running around as well!!! They are super cute!
Sunday the kiddos got up and opened their baskets, we went to church and then came home and David grilled fajitas - they were sooo good. Then we hunted eggs and took a nap - what a day!!
Last night, Rielyn got her wrist caught in a gate at the softball game. It took off the top layer of skin and it is pretty swollen. It doesn't look broken but it still hurts. She got to sleep with her "Daddy" last night so that helped! Daddy's girl - he makes everything better for her!! We are doing great other than Rielyn's ordeal. Getting things ready for summer (camps- hosting and going - aau, summer leagues, etc) and finding time for a mini vaca!
And yes, I am getting a haircut - TODAY! That one pic of me and David doesn't even look like me. I did however grow my hair out much to everyones doubts from high school - don't like it but I did it!!:)

Being Feminine

2010-04-05T10:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at church, I wore just regular dress pants with a purple top. Sleeveless, plain, nothing too fancy. One of the older women in our congregation said "Wow I like that shirt, it's so feminine just like you!" I almost fell over right then and there. I honestly don't know that feminine has EVER been used to describe me. When I got to the pew, I told David what had happened and he said "Does she not know that your a man!" I am 100% tomboy. I'd rather be outside in the dirt, mowing the grass then doing anything else. I actually even enjoyed shoveling the poop! Outside stuff is right up my ally. Even in high school playing basketball, I would've rather gone to a park and been outside than in a gym! It was just too funny!

Ok - so reading my wallflower book and a whole week study had nothing to do with me. It was about saying no and not doing too many things. The only things I do are for work and then what I do with my family. I don't take on other projects for other people and I don't mind saying no, so I felt like it was a waste.

Wishing I was at Toby Mac with my boys!

2010-04-02T17:27:00.000-07:00

BLLLLAAAAHHH! Tonight is the Toby Mac concert in Tyler. I wish me and the boys could have gone. They LOVE TOby MAc. He rocks to them. My sister and coaching friend are there so I am hoping they are taking great pictures for us. His newest album is so good. Our favorites are 1, 4 and 8 (they love hearing TruDog rap/sing) Tonight and City on our Knees are great songs. Hope you guys are having fun!!!

Ohoy Vey!

2010-03-30T09:25:00.000-07:00

Why is it that when you are trying to be a better person, people just tick you off??? Loving the Wallflower book, it is really good so far and going to be quite challenging. I am most definitely a wall flower. Confident in some areas of my life but not so much in others. Always wondering if I am doing enough and if what I am doing is good enough.

We had our middle school girls district track meet last night. Our 7th graders got 2nd overall and our 8th graders got 7th. We were finished by 8:00 and home by 8:45. Please explain to me why parents think that coaches are free daycare. We had parents that did not come get their kids until 9:20!!! We called at 8:30 to tell all parents we would be back in 10 minutes. I have a family people that I would like to be able to see!!!! URGHHH!

Yesterday during High School athletics, we had 7 girls absent. Somehow they are great up until 6th period and then all of a sudden they have to go home before athletics...if you don't like athletics then don't be IN athletics....when i was in high school there was nothing my coaches could have done to make me not want to be in athletics...EVER!

It's only Monday and already the lesson of loving those you are stuck with is kicking in! Not that I'm stuck with these people but really having to work on the loving part....I am learning lessons for later on though:
1. How my kids had better not act when they are in middle/high school
2. How not to act as a parent!

Hope you all have a blessed day - pray for me!

OK! OK! ALREADY!

2010-03-29T07:45:00.000-07:00

I was informed this weekend that I wasn't writing enough, to which I responded... I have nothing to say. If you know me, then this doesn's surprise you. My kids are doing great. They are so ready for summer. We had a big weekend this past weekend. David and I had an all day track meet at Hallsville. It was strange going back for me because coaches who coached me are still there and then kids that were younger than me are also coaching there, so it was a little wierd. On Thursday night, David's sister Stephanie and their kiddos came in. We let the boys play hookie Friday bc we didn't have a way to get them back home once we left for the meet at 10 AM. Marla voluntarily had an all girl sleepover with pj's and paper dolls, pizza and sundaes! they had a great time. Saturday we went to Elijah's birthday party in Gilmer and then did some grocery shopping. Sunday, Mark, me and the kids went to mom and dads to shovel poop. Real cow poop. Mark is trying to get his garden to grow better so what better way than organic fertilizer! Good times!!! It really wasn't that bad. We got home, went to church and then came home and worked on the 500 pounds of laundry that had accumulated over the week. Bryson is getting a little big for his britches. he told me yesterday he wasn't scared of me. My resonse was to tackle him to the ground and make him scream like a little girl. then at dinner last night he was running his face again saying how he had taken me out!!! MY response was "when i've got you pinned on the ground and your screaming like a girl - pretty sure that means i win!" Marla was cracking up. There will be a day, when i can't wrestle with him like that bc he will be too big but it's fun for now. We have a busy week ahead of us. Three track meets (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday) church on Wednesday then 1/2 day of school before Easter! Looking forward to some good weather and good time with the family!

Why I Do This

2010-03-24T07:50:00.000-07:00

Last night we had a middle school track meet. Now middle school kids are a breed of their own and sometimes you wonder what in the world they are thinking and how in the world did you get talked into taking 51 girls on a bus to ANYWHERE! However, one of the greatest thrills of my entire life is seeing kids achieve something they never thought they could. Sometimes, you have to sweet talk them into doing and sometimes you have to down right bully them into it - either way though - I ABSOLUTELY LOVE SEEING THIER FACES WHEN THEY DO THIS. The pure innocence of how excited and pumped up they are is worth every bit of it. That's why I do what I do.

Spring Break

2010-03-22T09:34:00.000-07:00

We had a good and relaxing spring break. Yes, we worked most days, but it was good work. We re-roofed a house in 2 days, David put up gutters in one, I was able to rake the yard and burn all of the debri(leaves, sticks, etc), David fished 2 days, we went to the zoo with some friends one day and ran into an old high school friend, managed to stay in our PJ's ALL DAY SATURDAY and enjoyed the lazy, snow filled Sunday we had! It's back to work and the kids are counting down the days until summer. I've started reading When Wall Flowers Dance, a Bible study about becoming the woman of confidence God wants you to be - we'll see how it goes. Hope everyone is blessed - I know I am!

Perfect Days

2010-03-17T06:55:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of our tortilla pizzas (we were introduced to these about 12 years ago by our good friends Steve and Daisy Greek). We love these. My kids would rather eat these than regular pizza. This is David's so its completely loaded with EVERYTHING. All you do is take a tortilla, smear it with spaghetti sauce, cheese (we use cheddar and mozzarella), add a few pepperonis, jalapenos, bell peppers and tomatoes and wallah! a masterpiece!

We have had a busy, tiring, yet perfect beginning to spring break. David took on a roofing job for some extra cash for mini projects around our own house. I am so blessed to have a husband who can do many things. David has always been like that, even when we were first married, if we needed money he would go out and find some manual labor to get some cash. Now don't get me wrong, the man wants to retire by the time he's 45 so he can fish more, but he does and will work when needed. The job only took us two days and the weather was PERFECT for it. The kids helped and it was nice just to be outside all day.

After we got home Monday, we all went fishing for about two hours, we caught one keeper and Keldyn wanted to eat it for dinner. So when we got home, David grilled chicken and one fish and we had dinner out on the patio. It was beautiful, the sun was setting, the weather was nice and we were able to relax.

Last night we went and ate at Cheddars - while we were there the boys noticed this lady with really big eyes...they kept staring at her and I think she was staring back. On our way out, she stopped me....i thought oh now, she's going to ask why the boys were staring at her so much. much to my surprise though, she said "I just wanted to compliment you on your children, they are so well behaved. I was impressed" what a nice compliment. That is about the second time in a week that a random stranger has commented on how well our kids are. Thank you God for blessing us with awesome kiddos!

spring break

2010-03-10T07:43:00.000-08:00

As a child and as a teenager, we never took a spring break vacation. We always had to work over spring break. We grew up on a farm with only the 4 of us girls so we did everything. Spring Break was spring cleaning time...I'm talking about washing walls and baseboards, cleaning closets, yard work, etc... you think of it, we did it. i thought this was what all farm kids did. i found out this past week that it was all a scam. Visiting with my parents, i found out that it was totally set up. they made us work so that we would WANT to go back to school. Can you believe it? mom said, We didn't need the house clean, we just wanted you all to be ready to go back to school, we wanted you to enjoy being at school and would rather be there than at home. Totally going to do that with my kids!!!! This spring break, my kids are helping re-roof a house and helping put new gutters on another house. they will be ready for school to start back. HEHE!

Prayers Requested

2010-03-02T12:04:00.000-08:00

Please pray for our school and the kids who have been affected...we had a very tragic weekend....one of our student's mom died of a heart attack, no warnings, no anything, just died; she's a freshmen. A junior boy was in a wreck, a woman pulled out in front of him...she ended up dying, three witnesses said there was nothing else he could have done; finally, we had some students arrested for drug possession. Satan knows how to attack doesn't he...something good can come of all this but please keep these precious kiddos in your thoughts and prayers. thanks!

Biblical Question

2010-03-01T06:49:00.000-08:00

Ok - this may be strange, but it has stumped me....Adam and Eve had kids, Cain and Able, then came Seth...Right after it talks about Seth it then says that he took a wife....WHERE DID SHE COME FROM? Did God make other people after Adam and Eve in other parts of the world and we just don't know about it...how did these men take wives? It has stumped me, I've researched it and cant find the answer.

help

2010-02-24T16:34:00.001-08:00

i too need help...i want my blogs to post from most recent to older ones...i'm sure it is a simple fix but i can't seem to figure it out...please help

sandwiches

2010-02-22T10:43:00.000-08:00

this happened a couple of years ago but it comes up quite often in our family, especially when one of the kids asks "what's for dinner" David and Bryce (Stephanie's husband) were helping Tiffany move....they had Nevaeh(Tiffany's oldest)with them in the truck and she was complaining that she was hungry what was for lunch. David or Bryce, not sure which one, told her mustard and terd sandwiches....to which she replied "Nah, I don't like mustard!" too funny....kids say the craziest stuff.

Amazed

2010-02-21T13:43:00.000-08:00

We have lived in our lake house for 3 years now. Every late winter/spring, the wood ducks come in. Before we added dirt behind our wall we used to have 3 wood duck boxes (wooden boxes out in the water) now we only have one. But every year, they come in and have their babies and then leave. The sweetest thing has happened every year. In the mornings, the male wood duck will come out of the box and plop into the water. In a few minutes (it could be five or longer) out comes the female. What amazes me so though is that he waits. For the entire time she is doing whatever it is a wood duck needs to do to get ready for the day...he waits. He never strays more than 5 feet from the box. It's almost like he comes out, makes sure its safe for her and then signals for her to come out as well. Amazing.

Lip Gloss

2010-02-17T07:40:00.000-08:00

Funny story...Monday we were coming to school, normal day, riding listening to music. Out of no where, Keldyn says "Hey guys (me & Bryson) does it look like I have on lip gloss?" We both turn and look and Keldyn's lips are red, bright red. Apparently he found some tinted chapstick and had applied it to his lips...and YES it looked like he had on lip stick. I was cracking up, so hard that I was crying!!!He kills me! Needless to say, he quickly wiped it off and swore to NEVER wear that kind again!

Guarded

2010-02-16T14:59:00.000-08:00

I am probably announcing something that most of you already know...I AM GUARDED. I do not like to let people in. I think I have a fear of being hurt or a fear of if people know the real me they won't like me. It's silly I know but it's the truth. I don't like when I get hurt or am disappointed in people. It kind of ties back into the disappointment thing I talked about last week. So how do you fix this. I don't make friends easily; I don't have a lot of friends and I think it's a self-protection thing. I'm not going to hurt me...I'm not going to move off or abandon myself; I'm not going to say hurtful things to myself. I don't like to show emotions (I have them...just don't like to show them) Could it tie back to me being a tomboy and feeling more like a guy growing up (into sports, not into girly things, etc) I cried when I started getting boobies and specifically remember saying to my mom "I DON'T WANT TO BE A GIRL!" Apparently it worked bc I still don't have any :) HEHEHE Why do I have such a problem with this....I'm working on it.

Snow Days!!!

2010-02-15T08:54:00.001-08:00

The one of the pier and the snow is too good. David and the boys were making one snowman. David made Rielyn her own. And the other is out of Mark and Marla's back yard, looking down the creek.

This was the night before, waiting for snow. And the other is the BIG breakfast we had before going out!

Snow man #1

The boys could not help themselves to wrestling in the snow!

You'll notice Rileyn is crying...her hands were FREEZING!

Yes, I am a little late but Rielyn's prayers were answered - we got to make snow angels! We actually made our whole family of snow angels but the picture didn't turn out. I woke up Friday at 6 bc we had already been told a late start. I looked outside and there it was!!!It was beautiful...I saw on the news that area schools were closed so I was hoping! David came out of the bedroom at around 7:15 and said "No School!" Within minutes the kids were up and super pumped. David wanted to wait until 10 or so to go outside but WE just couldn't wait that long. I made a big breakfast (egg,bacon and cheese biscuits) so we would be good and full before our morning of being outside. We made snow men, snow angels and even hooked up the tube (for the water) to the back of the 4-wheeler and took the kids for a spin! We walked the neighborhood and took lots of pics. Tiff and her family came over and the boys had a snowball fight with a couple of the girls down the street. It was a great day! And even though we'll have to make that day up...it was totally worth it to see my kiddos sooooo happy! Thanks God for an awesome SNOW DAY!

wish granted!

2010-02-11T09:24:00.001-08:00

IIIIIITTTTTT'SSSSS SSSSNNNNNNOOOOOOWWWWWIIIIINNNNNGGGGG!!!!!! And it is beautiful. As soon as we were walking outside to come to school it started snowing. I wish I'd had my camera bc the kids were soooo cute. This is the very first time Rielyn has seen it and she just kept looking up at it and laughing. The boys were hoping for no school but no such luck...we're still here. If it keeps up though, we will still get to make those snow angels. Harleton, a neighbor school, has let out for the day so there's still hope.

I have officially lost my voice, don't know why but it's gone. I guess the timing couldn't have been any better (since bball season is over)! The kids are enjoying (my kids at school) the fact that I can't talk. Bryson keeps telling me that I need to carry around a notepad and Coach Adams said it was good that I couldn't talk bc I needed to listen (HAHAHAHA!) I think David thinks I am ignoring him but the words just won't come out. HAve a good rest of the week!

Hoping for Snow Angels

2010-02-10T07:40:00.001-08:00

Don't have much to say today due to lack of sleep. I am soooo exausted! My basketball team lost a tough one last night by one point. Heartbreaker. Found a quote this morning that reads "When your heart breaks, it is actually expanding" that totally fits today. It is tough when you want something so bad, not only for yourself but for eleven 14-18 yr old girls! I hate the times when its tough but sooo love the times when its exciting and thrilling. Praying for snow and ice for tomorrow and or Friday so that me and my family can have a SNOW DAY!!!! Rielyn is already talking about making snow angels. Too bad we don't live in Arkansas still - huh sisters? I take it back - moving to Texas was one of the best things our family did!!

Broken

2010-02-09T05:56:00.000-08:00

I have come to realize in my 30+ years of experience (not giving away everything!) that people are destined to disappoint. God is THE ONLY one who will never fail me. Husbands will disappoint, children will disappoint, co-workers, peers, etc. WILL ALL DISAPPOINT! He allows us to be broken so that we can be rebuilt...almost like a mosaic masterpiece. And the best things is...he takes us as we are and allows us to come back to Him seeking him more earnestly each and every time. Toby Mac's song says it best

I'm Yours....Take me as I am....I'm Yours....Won't you take this space and fill it up!

Have a blessed day!

TACO, BURRITO!

2010-02-08T07:06:00.000-08:00

This happened a couple of weeks ago, but I remembered I hadn't shared it with you guys and its too funny not to, so.... We played in Elysian Fields and on the way home we stopped to eat at Taco Bell, Bryson had a friend spend the night so I was trying to make sure mine got feed as well. We had an extra taco left over so I put it in my purse for later, planning on putting it in the frig when I got home. Well, Saturday came, we had little dribblers, Bryson birthday, then shopping for Bryson's birthday. Sunday came and we went to church. In Sunday school, I opened my purse to get a pen and noticed a strange smell coming from it. I thought it was just chap stick or something and went on, while putting the pen back I saw it....THE TACO! In my purse since Friday night!!! so after class I hurriedly ran to the restroom to dispose of it and sure enough our preachers' wife was in there fixing her hair, well I couldn't leave it so I just told her I was about to do something really embarrassing and took it out and threw it away....she laughed and said she's done that before too!!!!

happy day

2010-02-04T07:35:00.000-08:00

This morning as we battled the rain to get to the car to go to school; I saw something that just made me smile....a doggy wearing a rain coat!!! It was one of our neighbors and he was taking his little doggy out for a potty break and it had on a bright yellow rain coat (for a dog) with a hood and everything!!! The things people do for their pets! Have a blessed day!

STORMS

2010-02-03T10:16:00.000-08:00

And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I know in the grand scheme of life, basketball is not on the high priority list. However, I do believe that God cares about what we care about. Last night was a tough loss, many, many frustrations; The Holy Spirit is amazing though, got up this morning and today's devotional title was "your time will come" and it fit perfectly with what I needed to hear. I love the quote from Facing the Giants when he says, when we win we'll praise him and when we lose we'll praise him. all of it is for the glory of His name. even with a loss, we are blessed beyond imagination.

too funny

2010-02-02T12:00:00.000-08:00

One of the teachers just told me the funniest things...she has a little girl in Bryson's class...apparently the teacher was passing out papers to the class trying to get moms who would want to come read to the class... one little boy said "Nah, my mom doesn't really like little kids" The teachers daughter said "Nah, My mom doesn't really like little kids either" It gets to Bryson and he says "Nah, my mom really just doesn't like people" HAHAHAHAH! There was a shirt this past summer at one of the dollar stores that i almost bought...it read "I'm not mean...I just don't like you" that's the going joke at school with my kids. Its funny but really a little true!! Even my mom says as a little girl i was always standoffish and just watched people. Probably just trying to figure them out...like I do now.

Life is Hard

2010-02-02T09:15:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to express some thoughts...may bite me in the butt, but just some things I'm thinking. I read articles about being a coach's wife; there's even an organization. But what about when the coach's wife is also a coach. As I've mentioned before I'm reading How to Become the Woman of His Dreams and yes some of the things discussed were eye-opening for me. But the thing I am struggling with now is what if I work the same crazy hours as my man. How then does all of that fall into play? Many ideas are great for a woman who doesn't work or is home before 8 o'clock at night! (like greeting him with a kiss, or having dinner ready) So I struggle with, am I doing what God wants me to? In order for my marriage to be strong do I have to be a stay at home mom who doesn't have career ambitions(like winning a state title)? How can I be Pat Summit and still be the submissive one in the household? (JK) I bring a lot of work home with me. Whether it's stress that my students place on me or the things they expose to me that makes me worry about them because I do love them like they were my own. For me that has been one of the biggest struggles I've had; feeling like my career and my job aren't as important as David's. Not that he's ever said or done anything in particular to make me feel that way and it may just be my own issues surfacing. David is great about having dinner made if I am later than him and the kids are always bathed and ready for bed. He will occasionally clean the house as well (I'm talking sweep, mop, toilets the works:) those are happy days) Should I feel guilty for not being home with my children and making them be gym rats, even when they don't want to be. Any thoughts? It is a balancing act and a hard one at that. I love my job and I love that my kids get to see how we influence other people's lives; but I definitely don't want their life to suffer or lack because I am helping raise someone else's.

Bryson's Birthday

2010-01-31T13:46:00.001-08:00

We celebrated Bryson's 9th birthday Saturday. You probably read the sappy post earlier so I won't go into all that (You're welcome Rhonda:)!) We had a good day. We got in late from the basketball games Friday night (midnight) and had to get up early for the boys little dribbler's games on Saturday. Then we had family and a few friends over for Saturday lunch and cake. My mom, of course, made the cake and it was awesome! Bryson wanted money for his birthday so he could go out and buy his own gifts (I guess he's getting too old for wrapped presents :(...)SO after the party we went to Longview so he could shop. He did really good, lots of good things and money left over! Thanks family and friends that made it a special day for him!
Funny story...we went to Taco Bell after the ball games Friday night. I had a left over taco and put it in my purse...discovered the taco Sunday morning in class. I opened my purse to get a pen out and noticed a strange smell. I was like why does my purse smell like tomatoes??? Then i found it, so I descretly closed my purse hoping no one else smelled it and then hurried to the restroom between sunday school and service to dispose of the taco!!!

Bryson

2010-01-28T06:46:00.000-08:00

My oldest son is quickly approaching his 9th birhtday! I can't even believe it. He is super pumped this year because his birthday is actually on Saturday, not a day that we have to be at school or at the gym for games. A little walk down memory lane, Bryson is my basktball baby. I had just graduated college and had my first job and was actually the head basketball coach! I did not tell my school I was pregnant for fear of not being hired! It worked out for a little while, well, six months to be exact because I did not start showing until then. We had not planned on having kiddos so soon becasue David was still in college and I had just finished (God's timing is WAAAAYYY more perfect than mine!) Anyway, I'll never forget, we had a superbowl party and one of our friends (Chad Scholtz) made SPICEY enchiladas. The next day, I was in the hospital! Funny story about that though, the nurse practioner in Kingsville thought I was breech (went in for a checkup) so she sent me to Corpus to the hospital to have it checked out. I went home first and told David and he said oh, you aren't having that baby today, go ahead and go over and you'll be home in a couple of hours. Soooo, I drive myself to Corpus and low and behold I had been in labor the entire time. I had to call David from the hospital and tell him to get over there becasue they were admitting me to the hospital! How exciting! Bryson, actually didn't arrive until Tuesday, and I ended up misseing our last 3 basketball games. Bryson is the oldest of the grandkids on both sides of the families. He is my sweety - now don't get me wrong, he's got enough of his daddy in him too (tells the cheerleaders "you actually think you're helping them" when they cheer) but he is my sensitive one. He loves music and art and basketball! he loves movies and playing video games. He's not a fan of animals, unless they are endangered and need to be rescued! He loves church and his family! He is so stinkin smart it makes me crazy. He can remember things that he reads instantly or things that happened years ago. So, Happy Birthday Bryson, early, from your mom who loves you to Pluto and back! PS (for all three of our babies we ended up living close to Chad and made me spicey enchiladas for the other two as well!)

well...

2010-01-25T12:32:00.000-08:00

okay, so I didn't get little dribbler's pictures. My camera decided not to work, but it was good. The boys both did good. They are still learning. This is their first time to play organized basketball. I did see some children that I need to start reqruiting!!!! Just kidding...I don't do that! Two of the boys friends came over and spent the night after their games, it rained so we did lots of boy things INSIDE the house. Rolled down the stairs, made forts out of beds, etc, etc. We had a good time. Yesterday was a total veg out day. After church, we did nothing; we watched tv and played video games.

Little Dribblers

2010-01-22T09:26:00.000-08:00

Bryson and Keldyn are playing little dribblers. This is going to be quite a change for me. Going from coach mode to mama mode. I tried to watch practice yesterday and I found myself coaching the boys. UGH! I hate parents that do that. So, tomorrow I will not coach the boys while they are playing...I'll wait till they get home HEHEHE! This should be interesting. Baseball I was ok not talking bc I don't know much about it...basketball however...totally different story. I'll have some pics to post Monday!

BAD WEATHER???

2010-01-21T10:19:00.001-08:00

Yesterday, after school, we did our BIG grocery shopping trip (Sam's Club, Walmart, etc). First of all, the boys were totally hoping Sam's had their samples out because they were STARVING!!!! They did, so they were able to shop and snack. We had to buy Rielyn some new tennis shoes because she had blow outs in her other ones and had stepped in dogie poo just one time too many for me. Anyway, we left Longview about 6:00 and watched the beautiful lightning show on the way home. We heard on the radio about tornado warnings but they were all around the Tyler area. We get home, get all the groceries unloaded, the boys take a shower and then I start getting all these text messages and phone calls "You guys OK?" and I'm thinking ..yes, why do you ask. The more I find out, there were not one but two tornadoes that headed straight for Lone Star. We heard a high pitched moaning at one point but nothing to panic us (David is really good about sending the kids downstairs if the weather is bad). It turns out that one touched down in Hughes Springs just about 5-7 miles from us and one in Gilmer. We did have hail, but no visible tornadoes.
On a second note, while reading my book this morning I read something that really stuck out to me "Satan can't stand the word of God nor can he stand up to it" How powerful is that. If we simply armour ourselves with the word of God then Satan begins to flee. SWEET!!!

Blog Failure

2010-01-20T09:33:00.000-08:00

Ok... I totally feel like a blog failure. I read all these other peoples blogs and they are amazing, insightful, heartfelt, deep, etc, etc. They are eyeopeing, spiritual, funny, cute, etc, etc. Mine is just plain. Just plain 'ol me. But you know what? Its a good thing God doesn't judge us by our "blogs" I am plain, but I'm me. My thoughts are always everywhere. My heart is always everywhere. I cry when I want to laugh, I laugh when I want to cry and sometimes I just need to scream. My life is not filled with drama or exciting events. Well, except maybe last night; my basketball team won 50-46 and we were down by 9 to start the fourth quarter. I'm a nerd at heart. I love to make my kids laugh and to see them achieve great things. I am reading a book right now on how to become the woman of his dreams and it challenges me. Being raised in an all girl family we were forced to be independent and so this book challenges me to think differently. To be the helper to my husband, not less than him, but the helper of him, jsut as Christ was the helper of God and the Holy Spirit, etc. And how that even if I don't say anything to inspire my man to conquer the world I can pray for him daily and do more damage in the heavenly battlefield than anything I could ever say or do. How amazing is that!!!! Ok, enough of my soap box. I think I'm just tired. We did not get home last night unitl 10:30 from the basketball games - I'm pooped (hope my boys make it through school today!)

Things kids say!

2010-01-19T10:22:00.000-08:00

Ok...so you got the story of how Rielyn was sick. She felt better Sunday and never ran fever so we went to church. While taking communion, Keldyn starts noticing how different all of our eyes are and he says" Mommy has green eyes, Daddy has green eyes, Rielyn has green eyes and Bryson has blue eyes" David whispers back "no Rielyn has blue eyes" to which Rielyn says (not in a whisper) "I have diaherra!" we all started cracking up and i'm sure the people next to us thought we were just heathens for laughing during communion...but it was funny! Then last night we went to eat at Catfish Village and our male waiter had an earring and this totally threw Rielyn off. She wanted to ask him if he was a pirate???!!!!

Crazy Weekend

2010-01-18T11:36:00.000-08:00

What a weekend we had! First of all, mine and David's basketball teams both won their games Friday (they were both much needed wins). Saturday, David was going to go fishing but it rained all day so he stayed home with the boys. Rielyn and I traveled to Wells to visit Sarah and new baby Addyson. Aunt Becca and Emma rode with us. We had a good visit and it was quite funny to hear Charlie's interpretation of the labor and delivery!! Peyton has adjusted well to his new sister and did not want anyone holding, feeding or kissing her. What a nut! about ten minutes before we were leaving Rielyn had bathroom troubles (diarrhea) and i thought oh great, we are going to have to stop a million times but was ok just wished she felt better. Sorry Sarah - had no clue she felt bad at all! anyway, about 30 minutes down the road she said "I need to go potty!" so as fast as i could i found a gas station and no sooner had i gone in with her and closed the stall door, SHE PUCKED! ALOT. She did not have fever, just severe stomach cramps. Anyway to make a long story short, she threw up 3 more times (i even had to stop at a dollar store to buy a bowl!!!) we made it home, gave her a bath and sent her straight to bed. she is much better now! i had a wonderful surprise when i got home. David and the boys had gone grocery shopping, cleaned the entire house (sweep, mop, beds made, etc,etc) and had done some small odds and ends that have needed to get done for the past two years! it was sooo nice---and no David was not in trouble. It was much appreciated! I love my boys (all 3 of them) And the boys drew me a picture of the whole family - it was sooo sweet.