Mother's Day 2009

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1

This weekend, I celebrated my 9th Mother's Day. 9?! Where did the time go?
While Reading my "Victoriously Frazzled" bible study this morning, Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 was the scripture reading. You know it (or have at least heard the song): "A time to (blank), A Time to (blank)". The context was on "Aging". I'm "only" 35 but I've done some "aging". Yes, I'm getting gray hair and things are sagging but that is not the point. The point is I've aged in life. I've gotten some "bumps and bruises" along the way...and am so grateful for them.
There are seasons in our life. Seasons. I think of High School/College and the flirty girl I was. I think of being Single and feeling alone for the first time (but also learning to rely on my relationship with God more than ever). I think of being a Newly Wed and the expectations of that time. I think of being a new mom and feeling overwhelmed. I think of being a mom of preschoolers and again feeling overwhelmed. I think of being a mom of elementary students and feeling the "light at the end of the tunnel". I think of being married and learning it's not that easy.
I've looked back on all that I've learned (especially in the past 13 years since college) and have grown so much.
I'm not who I was even 2 years ago. God is constantly stretching me and growing me. That's why I think it is so funny where I am today. I tried out for Community Theatre this Mother's Day Weekend. Me! And I got the part of Aunt Em (I sure hope they don't make me look old)!
Truthfully, I'd kind of believed that "my life" was kind over a couple years ago. I kind of fell into a trap that "my time" was kind of over. I'd worked and had my kids. My dreams were gone. But, I think God has been showing me the past 2 years that he has more for me. Whether it is learning and growing as I lead a team with Beachbody or trying out for a play (neither of which I thought would EVER happen)...God's not done with me yet!
But, I had to go through the seasons...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vO8l3zEVV8

CB

I post a lot on my Facebook status update that I'm going to "CB". Wonder what "CB" stands for and why I go there a lot? "CB" stands for Corner Bakery. And it is in our new shops by our house (Shops of Highland Village). It is a great place! Healthy food (there are some unhealthy choices but mostly healthy), great atmosphere, and community feel. Oh, and did I mention FREE wireless and amazing Black Current Iced Tea (oh, my!)?
Today was a prime example of why I go there. I went to meet my friend, Morgan, and ran into about 10 other people I knew. You see, this is kind of my "Cheers" (remember that show?). Everybody knows my name! LOL!
It is what Community is all about. I always feel good when I go there and, most of the time, I enjoy an awesome conversation that spurs me on...mostly in my faith.
So, if you see I am going to CB...you'll know I'll be happy, sipping my Black Current Iced Tea and enjoying some amazing conversations with great friends! Come meet me at "my office".

The Jetsons

The boys have been watching The Jetsons lately on "Boomerang" (great Cartoon Network that plays all the cartoons I watched when I was little).
Anyway, Jake said, "I wish we could do food like the Jetsons." The Jetsons have a selection and eat all their food by a pill (hot dog pills, turkey pot pie pill, etc.). I think that is funny because I remember thinking the same thing when I was his age.
But, I was thinking today...we kind of have that now! With Shakeology, it gives you all the fruits and vegetables you need in ONE shake (kind of like a pill). It's a meal in a shake! However, it has much better ingredients than The Jetsons food capsules and will be much easier on my hips. LOL!
To find out what Shakeology is, go to: www.Shakeology.com
You can order at: www.FunFitMom.com
You can tell your kids that you are eating like the Jetsons! :)

That Look In Her Eyes...

I ran into a new mom yesterday at Walmart (yes, I shop at Walmart...but it's a fancy one in Highland Village). She had her almost 3 month old baby in her Baby Bjorn. I was excited to see her because I hadn't seen her since the baby was born. She had that look in her eyes. You know...the one of a new mom who looks overwhelmed, sleep deprived, and about to cry at anything? I felt for her. I was there and it was an all too familiar look. I wanted just to hold her and tell her..."IT GETS BETTER! PROMISE!".
We talked about her quitting her job and how money was tight. We talked about the Beachbody Business and I told her I wanted to help those with "That Look In Their Eyes". Those moms who are overwhelmed, strapped, and just plain tired!
I wish I had this Beachbody Business when my baby was 3 months old. I was so lost. I had quit my job because I KNEW I wanted to stay home but this was such a shift from working. I was in a sales job and talked all day long...to BIG people (adults). My baby didn't talk! I needed an outlet but was so overwhelmed by being a new mother...I didn't know where to start. Plus, I had NO structure. If you know me, you know that is one of my struggles.
I'm excited about helping those moms "with that look in their eyes" find a way. A way to not feel so overwhelmed, spend time with their children, feel good physically, find something of "their own", and be able to help their family financially. To be a Fun, Fit, Mom....

Prayers for Silent Followers...

I visited my friend Kristen today at Parkland. Her dad, Reece, was in a terrible accident yesterday involving some sort of machinery. I've been friends with KBR since we were Freshmen at Baylor. We were roommates our Junior year and her family has always been so great to me.
Parkland in itself is an experience. So, I walked in dressed up from a meeting I came from...Pink coat and all. Let's just say...I was a little too dressed up! When Kristen's mom greeted me, she told me she'd been reading my blog for years! She knew all about my family. My blog? My boring blog? She knew all about me...she's a Silent Follower.
So, let's lift up my sweet "Silent Follower" and her family today as they wait in the cramped waiting room of Parkland. Pray for a speedy recovery, restful nights, and peace for all.

I've been Bamboozled!

I realized lately that I've been Bamboozled! Why? Because I didn't realize it but I got myself in a Multi Level Marketing company (MLM). What? How did that happen? I've stuck my nose up in the air to "these types" of companies for as long as I can remember. Cheesy, slick salesmen are what MLMers are, right?
Two years ago, my friend Melissa called me to see if I wanted to join her with a company called Beachbody. I had seen her husband have a dramatic change in his body with the products so I knew it was a legit company but I didn't want to "sell" anything to my friends or family...and definitely didn't want to have "home parties" (shoot me now...who likes those things?). When she told me I got the customers from the company...I said, "Sign me up!" I guess I sort of knew it was a MLM but I think I was in denial. I was going to meet my requirements and that was it. I just needed a a little cash and a LOT of accountability to get healthy. Sounded like a perfect fit, right?
So, I started making $150 per week. I was thrilled! I got my hair colored, went to lunch with my friends, went shopping...you get the picture. Then, I started looking into this MLM thing. "This could be big", I kept hearing in the back of my mind. What if I "worked" a little harder. What were the possibilities? Hmmm? My results (physically and financially) were selling the products and opportunity for me. So, I began to "work" it a little more and saw my checks increase...enough to pay the mortgage.
I've now embraced that I am in an MLM and see what possibilities are ahead of me. It is what you make it. If you are greedy, then you will come off like a cheesy, slick salesman and people will talk about you behind your back while avoiding you at every turn. But, if you legitimately want to help people, then people will see your authenticity and want to come on board. Not everyone, mind you, because we all have that bad MLM experience in our minds so we are all a little leery. However, when you find the right MLM for you, you will be successful because this business model works.
I'm excited about helping other moms find the same benefits that I have found. I'm excited to help them stay home with their kids and still make money. I'm excited to see them get healthy so they can be better moms. I'm excited to see them have balance in their lives. I'm excited to see them flourish!

My 15 seconds of fame...

Sheryl Crow Does P90X

Buy it by clicking here.
It works! Just look at Sheryl's results and mine! :)

Will's 9th Birthday!!!

I can't believe my boy is 9! We had a packed day! 2 basketball games and a cousin sleepover...not to mention breakfast at Golden Corral (I was a good sport).
Here are a few pics...

Find something that's right for you...

It's that time again! New Year's Resolutions! Why not do something that has proven success and is designed to help you change your health forever!

ChaLEAN Extreme

We're having a Launch Party to tell people more about this...

Working The Crowd

Alright, I have to post about this. Too funny! Last night, Jake and I went to the Highland Village Tree Lighting. It was very crowded. We started walking around and Jake wanted to find his friends. He found one friend and then wanted to find more. It was like he was "Working the crowd". So cute! He found 5 friends and was so proud. Here are some pics of my social butterfly. Wonder where he got that?

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas...

I'm not kidding. The natural light actually shone on baby Jesus like this. So cool!

I liked this ornament...

So, I had to post some pictures of decorating yesterday.
These art pieces are made by our family. Each year we make a new one. These are years 2003-2006.

We had a dinner last night for the adult leaders of the high school small group that meets at our house every Sunday night. Like the candles on the table? Jeffrey got them from his work. In college, we used to buy these from the "Ghetto" HEB.

Cookies! We had fun with the neighbors making cookies today! It was a great way to start off the season! (notice this year's art work that is in progress)


I'll post more pictures soon!

To Copy Corrie...

"This was the opening video for our Student Fall Retreat called "You've Got Talent." Everyone is asking what inspired this. Here is goes... 1) We needed a great opening video that caught everyone off guard, and set the the tone for the weekend. 2) With this idea in mind, we thought we could use this video as a great object lesson about media choices (kinda creepy hearing your grandparents sing some of this), and 3) this has been a GREAT transgenerational culture experiment. It has totally bridged a gap with our Senior adults and our students. Hope you enjoy!"
Not sure what church but OH MY!

Meet Frosty

Well, as you may remember, Eli is no longer with us. After 8 months of not having a dog, we finally decided to take the plunge into dog ownership 1 more time. This time, we decided to go the "Rescue" route.
Because of our allergies, we had to get a hypoallergenic dog. That made the choices slimmer. So, after looking on Petfinder, we found the "Perfect" dog...FROSTY!
We called the Rescue, filled out an Application, they called us with an "interview", and then we had a "Meet and Greet". Seriously! It is a DOG!

(Ummm...he doesn't like his picture taken. I'm not kidding! He gets real scared when I take out the camera and turns his head! I gave up trying to get a good picture.)
Frosty is a 2 years old, white Schnauzer. He is house trained, neutered, doesn't bark, and super sweet...almost too sweet. (Be prepared to be kissed, though...yuck!)
We have had a great transition! I had no clue that having a dog could be so nice! This is why people get dogs! I know...we are crazy!

Has It Been A Month Already?

I can't believe I haven't blogged in a month! Crazy!
We had Field Day/Jog-a-thon, Halloween, Jeffrey's Birthday, Melissa in town and hanging with Beachbody Coaches, Jake Dresses as a Teacher, We got a new DOG (Frosty), Thanksgiving Feast at school, Will's Thanksgiving performance, end of soccer and football...whew!
I'm going to post in pictures since there is so much I've missed...

October Is Birthday Month

Yes, I like to celebrate the whole month as my birthday...
Here is a pic of a fun lunch with my friends today at Patrizzio's. We had a blast and they gave me sweet gifts! I am blessed with great friends!

Big D and Insecurity

It happened to me again! I left my house thinking I looked so cute and stylish. I get to Houston's Restaurant to meet my friends (the one on Northwest Hwy and Preston in REAL Dallas), and immediately feel like a frumpy, suburban mom. I might have well had on "Mom Jeans"...seriously! This happened to me several years back when I met them at Highland Park Village. I felt like I was in LA and at any moment I would run into my favorite A List Star!
It is another world down there. Here is suburbia, I am always thinking how overly blessed we are and feel guilty for all we have. Yesterday, I felt POOR. What? I know! Can you say "SIN"? It brought back a lot of insecurities I had from my growing up.
My dad was a minister and my mom was a teacher. We weren't rich and we lived in a townhouse...a very nice one. My parents always provided over and beyond our needs and wants. However, my friends were daughters of doctors, lawyers, etc. So, there was no comparison. My parents always managed for me to have a new outfit for special occasions but I knew what a sacrifice it was for them. I always felt a little different.
Fast forward 20 years, those feelings came up again. Weird! Obviously, I have some sin in my life. Jealousy? Envy? What is it?
I really prayed for forgiveness yesterday. I want to be content in my surroundings and who I am in Christ.
I love it in Dallas...I love the shopping, the restaurants, and the fast paced life. But, for some reason, God has me in suburbia. I kind of was sad about it but realized that GOD knew what I needed. He knew I could not have handled "Dallas" and it would have been a distraction for me from Him...not that suburbia doesn't have enough distractions of it's own.
At 35, I thought I had dealt with this sin in my life. Ugh! Isn't it funny how it likes to rear it's ugly head again?

H-Town B-day Extravaganza

Yes, I am now 35 years old. How is it that I am 35 but feel 25? Weird!
Anyway, my birthday started on Thursday night with a "surprise" birthday dinner with my boys. They were so stinkin' cute! They pretended that we were going to Pei Wei, changed clothes, and "tricked" me...they actually took me to Houston's...my all time favorite restaurant.
Here are some pictures of their Birthday Surprise Dinner:




On Friday, after breakfast with "my man" at Corner Bakery, I headed to H-town. Gosh...I HATE that drive! Anyway, I met my brother at Cafe Express and he surprised me with Cupcakes from CRAVE...oh, yum!
(Notice...this was NOT a TEAM BEACHBODY weekend)
After lunch, we walked around the mall until I met my mom at the Hotel Derek.




We checked in, visited and then headed to Lupe Tortillas. We met John Mark, Laura, and dad at Empire Cafe that night for coffee. I am sad they are moving! :(
On Saturday, we met Laura and her mom, Kay, at Nordstrom's Spa for Pedicures. Don't our toes look cute.

After our pedicures, we went to lunch at the Nordstom Cafe...so yummy...and then we shopped. That night, we went to see Dutchess and ate at Guadalajara.
On Sunday, I worked out (see...I at least did something productive) and then we went to an amazing spa called Fiori! I have absolutely never done something so nice in my life! Crazy! It was so relaxing...we had a blast. After that, we had lunch at Beck's Prime. Yes...I did fit in almost all of my favorite eating spots this weekend.
That night, we went to see a movie with dad (Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist...not that good) and then hung out at their house. I returned to Big D yesterday.
What a perfect birthday! Thank you for making it so special!!!

Listen to This...

Before you judge...make sure YOU know your facts. We could all look this dumb...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCipmnYCKB0