Praising God

God has shown Himself to me, once again, very vividly this past week. I want to give Him the praise for this!

My sister, Alice & her family (husband, Brian & girls, Amanda & Brenna) made a difficult decision to move into my parents home to help them as their age & health have begun to limit them on their capabilities.  My mom & dad began constructing an apartment in the basement of their home.  Through prayer, Alice & Brian decided instead of selling their home on the "market" God was leading them to have a home auction.  You know, sometimes when God makes a way so clear it is easy to follow through until it comes close to the true moment.  However, they trusted that this was clearly what God wanted & He would ultimately take care of them.  He did just that.  This past Thursday their home auction took place.  Praise God, their home sold!  Not for the full price they wanted, but pretty close & they were blessed with an amazing auctioneer.  God clearly had His full hands in this.  Thank you Lord!

My husband...for many reasons, I needed Dan to work from home this week.  We weren't sure this was going to happen, however, Praise the Lord, it did happen!  Dan is working in Houston this week & will be home with us in the evenings!  This is a MAJOR blessing to me.

My back...I had relief.  My pain was minimal.  I was so thankful for the medication & for the healing.  I started physical therapy on Friday.  Oh my.  That was intense.  I also finished my medication Friday.  So, I am so thankful for some low pain days!  Today, as I write this, I am in tremendous pain again.  Trusting that God will heal.

Our Car...we are loaning our car out to a family in need of a vehicle right now, but it was time for inspection.  So, last weekend, we had it while they were away & got the necessary inspection completed.  While it was in for inspection they realized that the Serpentine belt was worn badly & was about to break.  Thank God this didn't happen while someone was driving it.  So, although it was a financial expenditure we didn't expect, we are thankful no one was hurt & that the car went 160,000+ miles before it needed changed!  All good!!!!

Our Church...I can not say enough about the blessing that our church is.  I know without any shadow of a doubt that God brought us to this church.  We are so encouraged by the people in it & the Pastoral staff.  They are so real.  So down to earth.  So loving.  All the friends that we have obtained from the church, we really are so blessed!

Last weekend we had the privilege of keeping 3 girls for the youth pastor & his wife as they traveled with the youth.  Oh, what an amazing time we had!!!  First of all, I LOVED having 3 girls in the house again.  Also, to watch each girl & see their individual personalities shine is amazing.  I sat with amazement at the variety & similarities of the sisters.  Beautiful moments!  Love those girls!!!

The girls, Eli & I dancing! :-)

My little man...he continues to amaze me.  He is growing so fast it is almost uncontrollable.  Tomorrow is his first day of Pre K4.  I can't believe it.  This past Saturday he had his first soccer game.  He was hilarious.  The first half of the game he pretty much watched.  Then, he decided to play.  So, he scored 4 goals.  2 for our team & 2 for the other team.  It's a good thing at age 4 they don't keep score!!!  In any case, I hope that he continues to have fun with this. 

Ready to play his first game!

One of Eli's correct goals!

One thing that made me laugh this week...we were getting ready to go on a play date & I gave Eli his clothes to get dressed & I finished getting myself ready.  That evening as we were getting ready for baths and such, I noticed that Elijah never took off his PJ shorts.  So, all day, my son had on his shorts over top of his PJ's.  Yup, I won the Mom of the year award with that one!  I just laughed about it, because it was over.  I couldn't change it then.  I just know now to check that.  LOL!

Needless to say, our lives have been full of blessings.  I have so much that I always want to tell you on here, but if I typed everything it would be a book (ok, more of a book than it is already) and I want you to keep reading.  So...for now I leave you with this thought:

September 11, 2001 will forever be in our memories.  So many of us can remember where we were & what we were doing when the tragic events started to unfold.  I personally, was working for Shaffer Trucking at the time.  I was a Fleet Assistant.  I was in my seat directly in front of Rick Weber, VP of Operations.  I remember hearing the buzz about the first airplane.  I walked to the drivers lounge to see the TV, about that time the 2nd plane hit the 2nd building.  Phone calls started to come in from concerned families of truck drivers that knew that their loved one was on the way to NYC.  I remember calling my parents asking them if they had the TV on.  Then, for the next several days we relived the moments, view by view on Television.  I knew people who lost loved ones in the towers.  It was heart breaking.  America had been struck.  No matter what we thought about the political realm, at that moment, Americans stood together.  There was no democrat or republican, there was no black or white, etc...we were just Americans.  So, today, we remember.  Our minds are taken back 10 years ago when this Nation was shaken.  Emotionally, physically, spiritually.  We were moved. This day many became heroes.  Men and women sacrificially gave their lives.  Some were spared and thus dealt with another issue from the tragedy.  Guilt.  Since that day, we have had more heroes.  Those who have given their lives fighting for our Country.  We thank you.  We thank all of you.  We pray for the families affected.  We pray for this Nation.  May we continue to be ONE NATION UNDER GOD!

Real Me

You know what I like best about writing a blog?  No?  Well, it is the fact that I can bear my soul, be naked, be real, be completely vulnerable and if you don't like it, you can just stop reading it.  LOL.  Honestly though, it is refreshing to be open here & know that those who are reading this will love me anyhow.

So, that being said...here we go. 

Lately things for me have been a little odd.  I had a routine physical in April and expected everything to be fine.  Well, it wasn't.  Took me completely by surprise.  Went to the specialist that my Doctor recommended and when I left that appointment I was fearing the worst.  This Dr had informed me that I would need major life changing surgery.  Well, 2nd opinion...many tests later and finally after a month go back...I'm good.  Things are a little out of whack & I have one minor issue, but now...going back in 3 months for further testing.  Thank God for the healing!  So...I thought, whew, all is well.  Apparently though, I am not finished with Doctors.  I have been having some other issues, these with my back & well, finally decided (my body forced me) to go to the Dr.  and now....tomorrow, I'm going to another specialist.  UGH!  In any case, I know it could be worse, but I broke down in tears.  I called Dan and for the first time in a year, I asked him to please take a day off tomorrow and come home.  He did.  :-)

So, in all of this madness, things have been a little out of whack for me since May when I first received results.  Actually, even though we have been in TX for almost a year now, I feel like I have never really finished settling.  I feel as though I always have something happening.  It is a good thing, but goodness, sometimes I could just handle a breather.

The biggest thing I miss is exercising.  I thought being home with Eli would allow me to run more.  Wrong.  In the past year, I think I have gone running a total of 3 times.  Now, with my back, running isn't in the picture.  Since we've moved I have gained weight.  It is tough for me.  I have beat myself up over this.  I think it is funny how people feel the need to tell you that you have gained weight.  Really?  No way!  I honestly think some people forget that you look at yourself in the mirror everyday and you dress yourself.  Anyhow...I have beat myself up over it too much already.  I don't need anyone else to do it.  If you think about it though, I would appreciate prayers as I endeavor to get back on track & lose the weight I gained & more.  I have to do it for me. 

Well, that is enough about me.

My little man started soccer tonight!!!!!  He is my cutie.  I was so excited that daddy was home with us to go tonight.  His first practice.  At first, he was completely shy, but as the hour went on he was ready to stay longer.  I hope we have a good soccer season.  I'm sure I will update more on this in the coming months.

Some of Eli's quotes lately...

Eli:"Mommy, you smell like mam-ma." Me: "Oh really?  How is that?"  E: "Like stinky dinosaur Love!"

Tonight in the tub..."Daddy, I should have brought my umbrella in here so you could use the water to rain on me!"

I leave you tonight with 2 videos of my little man.  Love to you all!

Homerun

Since my last blog I have traveled thousands of miles. CRAZY, but true!  My genius plan was to drive to PA in order to go to the beach in NC with my sisters.  Oh my.  So, we drove from TX to PA...then, I went to OH to see my college bestie, then back to PA then to OBX, NC, back to PA & then, turned around & came home!  Let me just say that I was so glad to see the TX sign when we crossed the border.  It was a joyous moment.

Going home is such a bitter sweet time.  Several years ago, after going through major hurt in friendships, I prayed that God would bring true friends into my life.  He did just that.  I am so blessed with friends that when I go to PA for a visit it is very difficult.  I want & need to spend time with my family since I don't get to see them very much, but I also want to see my friends.  I would love to have enough time to see everyone with every trip, but I know that is unrealistic.  So, to all of you who I love dearly, I apologize if I can't see you when I'm there.  Please know that you really do mean so much to me & I hope we can keep in touch in other ways as well.  I thank God for you all!

Since being back home in TX things have been nice.  Eli had his first dentist appointment.  I know, he's 4 you are yelling...I know...I waited too long, however, he did GREAT!  I was sooo proud of him.  I wasn't however, proud of how he acted in the waiting room.  I am dealing with a lot of defiance & trying lately.  In any case, the dentist visit went well for him.  No cavities & his teeth are looking great.  Good for 6 months!  :-)

 Getting his x-rays

Getting his teeth checked by the Dentist!

While we were gone Eli wanted to come home many times.  The biggest reason...he missed his best friend, Garner!  He was so excited when we got back & couldn't wait to spend time with G.  (He also missed his Daddy who wasn't with us on the trip, but he was so excited to play with G).  We are so blessed to have the Meads family in our lives.  Little G was also excited to see Eli.  So...here's pictures of them playing!

This past weekend we had our parent soccer meeting.  Elijah starts soccer practice THIS Thursday!  So, on Saturday we bought Eli his shin guards & cleats.  He was so excited.  He couldn't wait to get home, put them on & go outside to play.  I am praying that soccer practice goes just as well this week.  I'll keep you posted!

Lately Elijah has been talking A LOT about pets.  He is infatuated with them.  He still has been crying because we don't have Squirt anymore.  I am really surprised at this.  It is cute, sad and a little funny when he does it.  In any case...he is precious.  Not thinking the pet thing is going to happen, but hey...maybe fish.  Although, when Daddy suggested that, Eli's concern was catching the fish to pet it.  Oh dear.

Elijah keeps me laughing most days & the other days he has me in tears.  We are definitely in the trying fours, but I love him more every day.  He is still a blessing to me.  I cherish my moments with him and as tough as some days are...I'm proud to be his mommy.



Blessed Beyond Measure

Sometimes life can get the best of you.  Things just don't seem to be going the way you think they should, and before you know it, in your mind, life stinks.  Yup, I think if we are all honest, at one point or another, we have all been there.  Well, I thought maybe, just maybe, I was heading there.  Then...I stopped myself.  What in the world, Beth?  I am blessed.  I am blessed beyond measure.  I am blessed.  I may have rough moments.  I may have rough weeks, months, etc.  However, I have nothing to complain about really. 

So, yes...I've been having some moments.  About nothing, really.  Having some of my own personal issues, but...Life is good.  Elijah is growing.  He is continually coming up with some of the most amazing comments ever.  One of the most memorable this past week was... "Mommy, it is Holy Cow HOT out there!" That was after spending just a few minutes outside.  Too cute!!!  Eli keeps me hoping.  He can not wait for school to start again.  He misses being in the structure.  For that reason alone, I am wondering if we should have gone with the 5 day week pre-school.  However, I think that once we get back into the routine, he will settle in.  We are really excited to see how he progresses in the coming year.

Everyday Elijah asks me, "please mommy, can I have a brother or sister?  I would have more fun playing!"  He is definitely my social butterfly.  He loves to have kids over & his dream & prayer is that he will have sibling(s).  I'm wondering if this is a stage that he will overcome or????  I guess time will tell.

We are preparing to travel to PA.  I think I'm NUTS for driving it again, but hey, where would life's adventures be if I didn't make some of them myself?  LOL.  We will have a good time.  I am looking forward to a week at the beach with my sisters as well!!!  We are going to have a good time.  Life is great.

Enjoying Life

July 4th week Dan had vacation.  It was so nice to be able to spend time as a family.  Here is a little run down of our time together.

Monday...Dan, Elijah & I went to Moody Gardens in Galveston, TX.  They currently have a Dino Live exhibit going on & we knew that Eli would love it.  We had a great time.  We went to the Dino exhibit & then to an aquarium there.  Eli was convinced that the Dino's were live.  He would not get too close to them.  It was so neat to watch his face with each type of Dino.  The aquarium was cool too.  Eli's favorite part was the sharks.  Who knew my son would be into dangerous animals.  LOL. 

 Dan & Eli at the Dino exhibit

Eli & I in the shark cage

That evening we enjoyed dinner at the Rainforest Cafe' & Eli loved it.  If you have never been to a rainforest cafe it is super kid friendly.  Once again though, we couldn't convince Eli that the animals weren't real.  He was sure that the Elephants & Gorillas were real.  He had to get a picture with the Elephants. 

Our little man definitely enjoys big animals.  He had a great time with all of our adventures on Monday.

Tuesday...we went to Schlitterbahn in Galveston.  There are a couple of these water parks.  This one isn't the largest, however, we had a great time.  Joyce was off work & was able to join us for the day.  This was Eli's first time at a water park.  HE LOVED it!  We had such a great time.  He did much better than I ever expected.  I can only imagine that we will be visiting there more and as he gets older we will be going very frequently.  Here is a picture that we had taken in the lazy river.  All of our favorite!



Wednesday & Thursday we spent around the house.  We had appointments, bible studies & we moved Elijah's room.  He now has a dinosaur room that is very organized!  We got shelves to organize toys & books.  It looks so much better.  Now, if I could just get the rest of the house to look like that.  LOL.

Friday...Aunt Joyce had off, so she took Elijah & spent the day with him.  They enjoyed the zoo & the pool.  They had a great day!!!  Dan & I had the day to ourselves, and wow, it was hard.  I'm not going to lie, it's been so long since we've had a day together, I didn't know what to do.  We did enjoy our time, but I think next time we will be more prepared.  I also think this showed us that no matter what, we need more date nights.  We have to make it a priority.  Eli will survive without us for a night or two sometimes.  In any case, Friday, Eli was spoiled by Aunt Joyce & Dan & I had a day of shopping (of which we didn't buy much of anything) and time together to talk.

It was slightly hot...Eli was cooling off.

Saturday...we went to the CIRCUS!  We had a great time.  Eli wasn't amused for all of it, but he did have a good time.  I think the last time I was at the circus was in the 1st grade.  Yes, that was forever ago.  I think that we adults, Dan, Joyce & I, almost enjoyed it more than Eli.  LOL.  I'm sure we will go again as he gets older.  He did enjoy the motorcycle acts & of course, the Elephants.  BTW--he wants to ride an Elephant. 

...at least he got to ride a fake one.  :-)

That concluded our stay cation.  We had a good time though. 

This week has been good.  For those of you who don't have Facebook I have to share something that Elijah said this week.  His friend Garner was here playing with him & they came out of Elijah's room chewing gum.  I asked the boys if they had asked for the gum.  Eli quickly responded, "Yes!"  I asked them who they asked.  Eli said..."we asked God!"  my response..."and what did God say?"  E: "He said we could have gum!"  I was a little floored.  I am sometimes amazed at the things that come out of his mouth. 

Eli & I have enjoyed a great week.  Dan had to travel again & will be home this afternoon.  Today is his birthday, so we will enjoy a weekend of fun. 

I must say this...I am so thankful for our church.  Elijah loves going & usually asks to go at least 3-4 times a week.  He has his "favorite" people there, of course they are ones that play with him & run with him.  Shocker, I know.  I am so thankful for the men there who are amazing & take care of Eli when Daddy is away. 

Until next time...logging off saying Happy Birthday Dan.  We love you!

End of June?! Really??!!

I can't believe it is the end of June already!  That means Christmas in July is coming!  In July QVC always starts selling stuff for Christmas.  So, on July 23rd the big Christmas in July sales begin.  I know that stores are already preparing for Christmas.  How close are you to starting your Christmas shopping?  My little man has already started his Christmas list.  Well, we have started it for him, simply because he is into this "I want" mode right now.  Today he clarified to me that Christmas is too far away.  He really wants a stuffed T-Rex from Toy Story and I told him that we would put it on his Christmas list...well, that wasn't necessarily the thing he wanted to hear.  Oh well, he will like it when he gets it.  Whether it is in 5 months or 12.  So....don't forget...get your lists started.  Start thinking about Christmas cards, pictures, etc.  The most enjoyable thing for me is that Elijah asked me to tell him the Christmas story tonight about Jesus being born!  Yay!!!  Jesus' birthday (which, BTW, may be closer to this time of year than December).  Anyhow....moving on :-)

Elijah is 4.  Hard to believe.  Along with him being 4 comes the fact that I have to realize that he is really, truly, growing up.  He has become so manipulative, strong headed, loving, caring, manipulative, bull headed...oh, did I repeat those?  LOL.  You get the idea.  He is so sweet, but there are days that things just break you down.  Last week, I was on my way to Bible study & Eli was going to the childcare they provide...so, on our way there I was explaining what I expect of him.  I talked to him about respecting the teachers & other kids, etc.  When we got there & we were walking in, I started again to explain to him what I expected...I started, "Now, remember Eli..."  He quickly cut me off & just said..."Mommy, I know.  I already heard you."  I chuckled.  So, I'm a little over the top.  At least I know he was listening.  :-)

Speaking of my Bible study, I must tell you that I am really learning.  I am so blessed to be in a class with many mom's of all different ages & to be able to listen to them & get help with my issues.  We are going through the book by Dr. Kevin Leman..."Have a New Kid by Friday."  I am hoping to be able to learn from this for many years to come.  This is something that I have always wanted to be able to be a part of & now I can.  I am so excited about it too!!!!

Elijah has been enjoying life, however, since his birthday (June 20) he has been thinking that EVERY day since then is his birthday!  That's cute & all, but really, he thinks that he should be receiving a birthday gift everyday.  I'm hoping the feeling comes to an end soon.  He has asked me a couple times why so & so hasn't given him a gift.  I am trying to teach him that not everyone needs to give him a gift.  I explained that Mommy & Daddy are the main ones that will give him birthday gifts.  Hmmm...that didn't settle it.  So, last night the teacher at church asked me if it was Eli's birthday.  He had her believing that yesterday was his birthday.  Oh my.  I guess acting is being added to his personality.  Such a precious little man.  Hopefully when we celebrate Daddy's birthday in July he will realize that his has ended. 

Elijah is all done with swimming lessons for this year.  Honestly, he wasn't real receptive.  He didn't want to listen to instruction.  He wanted to do what he wanted to do.  He is swimming a little, but not correctly.  He still wants to play soccer & I am hoping that this will help him learn how to be a team player & listen to instructions.  That is my prayer anyhow.  He really is enjoying the pool time this year.  He always wants to be with other kids & he is enjoying going under water for toys.  The exercise is good for him & with the weather being so hot he really loves being in the water.  Today, while we were coming back from the pool he made my heart melt.  Elijah started singing, "Jesus loves the little children..."  I was so proud, so I joined in with him & we sang the whole way walking home.  Sweet, sweet time!

Dan is on vacation all week next week!  woo hoo!!!  So, starting this Sunday we will have Daddy for a full week.  We have plans to have a good time!  I'm sure I will blog about our experiences.

Vacation Bible Experience (School) at our church was last week.  I participated this year & this was my first EVER VBS/X.  I taught a class of 3rd & 4th grade boys.  I will admit I was a little nervous for the week, but it ended up being a fantastic week!  I had so much fun & the boys were so sweet.  The week lessons were on Forgiveness & I learned just as much, if not more, than them!  I am thankful I had that opportunity.

Going to the beach...my sister's go to the beach together every year.  They have always invited me to go, but due to various reasons, vacation time, personal issues, etc...I haven't gone.  Well, this year, I'm going!  Just me.  It's going to be A LOT of driving as I will be driving to PA & then to NC & back to PA & then back home to TX, but I'm sure we will have tons of fun.  Woo hoo!!!!!  Sister time.  Looking forward to it. :-)

One final thing...ever notice how we procrastinate the stuff we shouldn't?  I am so bad about this.  I am having some health issues & I need to have more blood work.  Have I had it done yet?  Nope.  I THINK I am going to have a 2nd opinion, but have I looked up the Dr yet?  NOPE.  So...I tell you this to ask this, pray that I STOP procrastinating.  Thanks!

Have a wonderful week.  Until next time...our journey continues....

Real You

So, lately I've been doing a LOT of thinking.  One of the items I have been thinking about is something that I have struggled with for quite a long time.  Wanting everyone to like me.  Truth is, not everyone is going to.  Truth is, I'm really not sure I want everyone to.  However, there is a part of me that is still living in my childhood and all I want to do is fit in.  No matter how that happens.  I think if we are honest with ourselves we would all agree that we all want that, or at least most of us do.  Prior to our move here to Texas I had finally become comfortable with who I was.  When we moved I realized I would enter that "childhood" fear again.  I had to force myself to be real.  I was committed to allowing me to be me, no matter how difficult.  You see, by nature, I am a peace maker.  I always want people to like one another.  One of the best things I have enjoyed is that I can be friends with anyone, and I have be blessed with some AMAZING friends.  Everyone won't always like me. That is true. Sorry for them.  I am me.  Take me or leave me.  I hope you all can be you.  Don't allow the temptation of being someone who you aren't in order to have someone like you.  It is easy to do.  We want someone to like us so much that we try to adapt to what we "think" they would like.  Sometimes we try too hard.  We can't do it.  I won't do it.  I am the real me.

Otherwise...life has been busy.  We had visitors & had a fantastic time!  Dan was home for several weeks straight, but is now back to the traveling life. Elijah is taking swimming lessons & enjoying the pool.  We have many summer plans. 

Eli is getting cuter by the day & also more difficult sometimes.  He is stubborn.  Yup, just like his mom.  I can't believe that he is going to be 4 this week.  Time has really gone by so fast.  I remember that phone call like it was yesterday!  Elijah has blessed our lives.  In celebration of his birthday, Julie, Little G, Camryn, Eli & I will enjoy the day at the beach!  So glad that we can do this!!!!

Aside from all of this life is normal.  I am enjoying Texas.  It is very hot and I'm told will be even worse, but I'm enjoying it.  I sweat like nobody's business, but hey, at least I don't swell up with retention.  I have to look at it one way or the other, right?  So...I will sweat, but I will enjoy life.

Hope you are enjoying your summer.  Love to you all.