But first, Let me take a Selfie

Guys, let me tell you about my mom. This lady oozes the fruits of the spirit. A classy lady who loves her family. Would do anything for her family...almost to a fault. She is the kind of mother I want to be. Patient. Graceful. Fun. Loving. I think you get it...she's pretty awesome!

This past weekend Colton was (and still is) in Dallas. So Mom and I got to hang out freely. Which we did the last time he was in Dallas. So what did we do? We went to the Rangers vs Astros game and proudly cheered the Rangers to victory!!! But not just that. We talked about life. And our goals. Our current struggles. We laughed a lot. It was wonderful. She gave me more advice on raising Colton, which I eagerly took. 

My encouragement to you is several things. 1) If possible, hang out with your mom. And if she's like mine, listen to her. 2) Find and spend time with someone who is older than you, has been in your shoes. And if she's like mine, listen to her. 

You'd be amazed the things you will learn, the things God will teach you through her. Because every time I come away from spending time with her, I'm challenged to do better, to be better. 

I love you Mom! Let's hang out again soon! But first, let me take a Selfie. 

Keep Calm and Go To The Spa

Today's post hits on a number of aspects that I'm working on to live a more intentional life. I have been blessed to have my parents so close, the majority of Colt's life. So many times I would be struggling, exhausted, frustrated...trying to be a good mom. My mother would gently nudge me out of the house, telling me to take some time for myself, cool off.  To come back with a fresh start. And it always helped. 

These last few weeks at work have been a bear...which meant I was coming home to Colton with bear-like characteristics! Thankfully I was able to ship him off to Dallas for a week, which ensured his survival. This past Friday was the light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak. Once I got to Friday, I knew things would somewhat calm down...a bit. And they did. 

So what did I do as my "act" of intentional living? I scheduled a massage for last night. Here's what all that entailed:

1) Planning ahead. (I actually called last week to schedule this, and asked Mom to watch Colt somewhat in advance!) I'm not the best at this. I'm more of a last minute kind of gal.  Some might call that being spontaneous. But really it's just me not wanting to commit to anything too far in advance.

2) Take some time for myself. Give myself the opportunity to regroup, start fresh, do something for me. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not starved for "me time".  But this was something extra. And man did I feel good afterward!

So here's my advice to you. Do something for you. Take a break. Walk away from the mess for a bit. Don't worry, it will still be there when you get back. But I can promise that you will tackle it with a different mindset. And hopefully it will help you to do less "reacting", which is definitely something I'm working on. 

A Good Laugh and A Long Sleep

I've found myself wanting...needing...to live a more Intentional Life.  This whole trying-to-survive-the-day business is for the birds.  Watching the clock, counting down the hours, wishing for my bed...all of these seem to have found their way into my every day life.  And I don't know about you, but I don't like it.  Life is a gift!  Each new day is a blessing.  God put me here, in this moment, for a reason.  

I have the privilege of being Mommy to a little man, that is every day moving closer to being a "man".  So while he's in my care, while he's still mine to help mold, I better pray that I'm being the best "molder" that I can be. 

So here's my challenge, my goal.  Each day I want to document something, anything, that contributes to living a more intentional life...one that will affect Colton and me...my work life and home life.  It doesn't have to be life changing.  It can be anything.  Reading God's Word.  Saying a prayer.  Giving a smile when I'd rather give the finger!  Planning and cooking a meal vs grabbing fast food.  Going to the gym.  Saying an extra "I love you".  Listening.  Shoot, actually paying attention to a story I could care less about!  Giving my time.  Being authentic...being real.  Following through.  Disciplining.  Taking a walk and talking about life.

You get it.  Not just trying, but doing.  Succeeding.  

So I'll start with this picture:

I find myself praying for patience almost daily.  I don't know why, but God saw fit to NOT make me perfect.  And in doing so, left out the proper amount of patience one would need when raising an independent, strong-willed boy.  Really, he probably did it to keep me grounded and remind me that He will supply all of our needs...including patience.  So why this picture?  I guess it's a reminder that each day has a beginning and an end.  When times are tough, take a deep breath instead of reacting to the situation.  Remind myself of all of the crazy goodness in my life!  Don't take everything so seriously.  What may seem like "the end of the world" or a huge situation, is only that big in that moment.  

Folks, I am a lover of laughing...it does wonders for the soul.  Try it!  You'll agree!  You can't tell me that listening/watching a baby laugh that guttural laugh doesn't put a smile on your face.  It's a good dose of medicine for sure.  And if that's not enough, a good nap will fix anything. 

Here's to being Intentional.  Here's to living life.  One day at a time.

-deborah

I'm Currently...

Inspired by my Bestest, Lin, here's what I'm currently...

Watching

Glee - I just started watching it this season. So while watching this season, I also started back at season one.  I'm hooked.  Don't judge.  I can't help it!  I'm a lover of music (all types of singing competitions) and drama (watching dramas on tv, not living out drama).  My regular TV faves are:  NEW GIRL!  Absolute fav! The Mindy Project, Elementary (although I've let my DVR stack up), and Smash (another "music" show).

Reading

I'm about to start Divergent.  A series that has been compared to The Hunger Games Series...which I loved.  I also need to start a Classic Novel, to check off my Twenties Bucket List.

Enjoying

Colton.  We've had a lot of "dates" lately that have been a lot of fun.  He will be 9 1/2 on the 30th of this month, and for the most part, I'm really enjoying this age.

Planning

How many of my Twenties Bucket List I can knock out in the next, oh, 72 days before I turn 30!!  (but who's counting?!)  ;) 

Excited about

My new adventure as a Stella & Dot Stylist!!  It's only been a little over 2 months, but I'm loving it! And so excited to see the possibilities that it will bring to me and my tiny family of 2!

Pinning

House ideas, Style ideas, Clean Recipes, Not Clean Recipes, Fitness Motivation

Waiting for

This summer. Colt and I are hoping/praying/planning to move out FINALLY into our own home this summer.  What was supposed to be "six months" has turned into 9 years! And it's been wonderful, and I will be forever grateful to my family for loving and supporting us for those years.  But, it's time.

Playing with

Words with Friends.  It's the only game I'm playing on my phone, and I don't play that often, and I only play a few people.  I kinda let it go days between turns.  Oops?

Looking forward to

A whole Slew of concerts with my Bestest & SeaStars this summer.  I never go to concerts.  Ok, I shouldn't say never.  But I rarely in my lifetime have "planned" so many concerts.  I am a fan of last minute live local music.  Not the big-time concerts.  But alas, I have four on my schedule thus far:  Mumford (just bought two tix last night!), John Mayer/Phillip Phillips, She & Him (on my 30th bday with my Bestest and Seastars), and Bruno Mars/Ellie Goulding.  Wow!  Kind of a lot.  Super excited!


What are you Currently up to? Leave a comment with a link to your currently blog!

Mobile Blogging

Good Morning! I don't have any work to do, so what am I doing? Visiting the ol' blog...trying to get back into it...we'll see how long this lasts. ;-) I've also set up the blog app on my phone to see if that will help me blog more often.

Anywho, it's 2013! I turn 30 this year! Colt turns 10! CRAZY!!! Not too thrilled with either of these...I want us both to stay young Forrr-Evvvv-Errrrrrrrrr! (Sandlot anyone?) But sadly, it won't happen.

Lots of other exciting things in store for us this year. Making plans to move out of the 'rents home and into our own place, Just the Two Of Us. Super excited!! I'm also on the hunt for a new job. While I am thankful for the job I have, I am not being challenged, and I am not using my degree. Why did I spend all that money just to not use it?! (Let's be honest, I haven't technically "spent all that money" because I am still paying off the loans, and will be for years to come.) So, I'm on the hunt for the best job for me, that will be where God wants me, and will meet the needs of my tiny family.

I'll leave you with some recent photos of the man child. He's seriously huge...and hilarious! :-)











- Blog by Deb

Location:The Ol' Office

Disciplines of a Godly Woman

I've been wanting to start a Bible Study/Devotional that I can do during my Quiet Time.  Not sure what to get, I headed to my local Christian Book Store and searched for "The One".  I also posted on my Facebook page for people to give me their suggestions...what they are doing right now.  I received a lot of great suggestions.  And then I came upon this jewel of a book.

The word "Disciplines" is really what stood out.  I'm not gonna lie, I am in need of some Discipline in my life...some Order.  I'm not a mess or anything, but I do need to prioritize...and then stick to those Priorities.  So, I decided This was the book for me!  It's not necessarily a Devotional.  But it very well could be.  She references A LOT of Scriptures, which is what I was looking for.  So, I made my purchase, started to head to the nearest Starbucks to begin my journey of Disciplines of a Godly Woman.  But, as life often does, plans changed and I didn't make it to Starbucks.  That's ok.  I can start it later that day.

Well, 11 days later I FINALLY started it.  And I loved it.  As I told a friend, Maybe if I had already finished this book, I would've been more disciplined and started my devotional sooner! Oh well, I'm just happy to have found it, and am excited to see what God does in my life.  :)

1st Day as Biker/Walker: Epic Fail

So let me preface this by saying:

• Colt’s been wanting to be a Biker/Walker, specifically a Scooterer
• His scooter is in less-than-ideal shape…to go straight, he has to turn the handlebar thingy all the way to the left. (No big deal, I was easily able to straighten it out. Which also means it can easily revert back to crooked.)
• (I don’t really have anything for this bullet, but don’t you have to have at least 3?)

All that being said, here’s what happened:

At 2:00 yesterday, I decided today would be the day that we try out Colt being a Biker/Walker. You have to let the school know by 2:30, so I quickly called and after the 5th try I was able to remember my over-the-phone-important-decisions password. So, I hurry home to get my bike ready and get Colt’s scooter ready. We live about 2 miles from the school, so I wanted to leave by 2:50 to make sure I got there in plenty of time. I had planned on riding my bike, and holding Colt’s scooter. Well, when I got to the house, I decided “Why not just ride Colt’s bike?” I got it out, noticed the tires were super flat. No problem. I grabbed my bike pump and spent the next 10 minutes trying to figure the dang thing out. Turns out, I’m not an idiot. The pump is broken. No big deal. I’ll just ride my bike. (My bike is a road bike with special pedals that my bike shoes clip in to, so I can’t wear normal shoes.) I run upstairs, change my shoes, head back downstairs and out to the garage. I grab the scooter, hop on my bike (which I rode last week) close the garage door, and head out. Mind you, it is now 2:58. I get to the end of my street before I realize my tires are too flat to ride the 2 miles to his school and then back. How did that happen?  I just rode it last week!  So, I race back, spend 30 seconds trying to get the garage door to open, put my bike in the garage, race upstairs, change out of my bike shoes and into my tennis shoes, race back downstairs, grab my keys, out the door, grab the scooter and hop in my car.  It's too late to switch back to a Car Rider, so I'm on like Plan D at this point.  I decide to drive my car to the park that's about halfway between our house and the school.  Park. Hop out, grab the scooter, lock the doors, and off I go...ON THE SCOOTER!

I last about 10 seconds before I realize, I am not a Scooterer!!  Or at least, I've never ridden one, and this scooter is a piece of rickety crap! No problem, I'll just carry it and run!  After about a minute and a half I have to stop.  My legs are dying!  I've already worked out today, so my legs are screaming "Who do you think you are?  You aren't getting far on these sore legs!!"  So I start walking.  But my "Mom Conscience" kicks in saying "Hurry up!  Colt is going to be waiting, have  no idea what he's supposed to do.  He'll be looking all over for you!  If you're not there, he might get insecure. No walking!!"  So back on the scooter I go.  It can't be that hard, right?  So, I scooter on the right for about 30 seconds, then switch to my left...who knows which is the correct side for a right-handed person!  Back to running for another minute.  Then it's scootering time again.  I'm paying such close attention to the scooter when I hear this voice "I'm sorry.  Um, can I please get past you?"  A super athletic woman on a bike!  I am so embarrassed.  Because I've been all over the sidewalk.  No straight scootering for this Momma, no I look like an idiot I'm sure! Oh well, back on the scooter I go.  About 1 minute later I finally make it! (Yes, the super athletic woman on the bike is there, waiting for her kid.  I try not to make eye contact, and instead find a friend and quickly try to act cool.) 

I find Colt, he was fine...no insecurities with this kid!  We head back...him on the scooter and me walking! How embarrassed am I!

This Guy Makes Me Smile

As you can see, Colton dressed up as Harry Potter for Halloween this year...although he would argue that he IS Harry Potter, and is currently trying to convince me to change his Birth Certificate. Not gonna happen. Anyway, he has no problem getting into character here.

(I'm supposedly studying for my Audit final that is happening TONIGHT! But I had to take a quick break. Once finals are over, I will share the pics from Colton's 8th Birthday Party. There's so many good ones! And believe you me, the party was...let's just say..."Interesting".)

Drama Class is in Colton's Future for sure!!

Ok friends and family, I've got a video for you to watch on Colton's teacher's blog! The kids were learning about matter: gas, liquids and solids. They recorded the kids doing a presentation and advertisement about one of the types of matter. Colton's is the last video on the October 17th post, and is quite hilarious. I think his video was the best by far!!! He really sold me on gasses! ;) (Although I'm afraid he watched way too many Barney videos...cause he could definitely pass as a kid on Barney!)

Enjoy! http://martins-class.blogspot.com/

Blog Annoyances

So I've been wanting to update my blog design...in the hopes of increasing my desire to post more blogs....and somehow I jacked it all up. It took over an hour to figure out how to fix it. Now it's almost 1:00am, and I'm just now posting. And it's not even a cool post! Oh well, better than nothing, right?

A Plan up His Sleeve

Many of you have heard or read about the 21-day fast that churches are doing, starting today and going through January 30. Well, I have decided to participate. It was a last-minute decision...made this morning about 8:00. I feel that God is urging me to do this. I've been a bit restless these past few weeks...searching and praying for what God has planned for my life this year. I know that going to school and taking care of Colton are the main points, but it's the details that I'm thinking about. I'm trying to not only give God the Big stuff, but also the little things in my life. (not an easy thing for me to do)

I researched the Daniel Fast:
per Daniel 1
1. Only fruits and vegetables
2. Only water for a beverage
per Daniel 10
3. No sweeteners and no breads

I have decided to do a variation of it. Had I had time to prepare for this, I would do it in it's entirety. So, this is what I'm doing:

No meat.
Only water to drink.
Eating mainly fruits and vegetables.
I am going to limit my bread and dairy.

Other than the food portion, I have decided to also fast:

Facebook
Books - I will only read the Bible
Secular Music - Only listen to KSBJ and Christian cds

I spend so much of my time on facebook and looking up and listening to music, and most of my freetime is spent reading. I love to read...whether it's secular or Christian fiction, I'll read anything. This has taken away from spending time in God's Word, and having a devotional. So, I'm cutting those things out.

As for Colton, one of the websites had a scheduled devotional for the 21 days for kids. I plan on doing those with Colton...and not having him participate in the other parts of the fast. I know that spending time together in the Bible will do wonders for him and me...and our relationship.

My prayer is that God will open up my eyes to His Will. That he will give me a deeper hunger for Him. I know that He has a plan up His sleeve for me and for Colton...and I'm excited to experience it! Please keep us in your prayers whenever you think about us. I hope to blog during the next 21 days. God is good!

deborah

2011

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord...

I can make New Years Resolutions...plans for 2011...but only God knows what's in store for me and mine.

That said, here's what I would like to accomplish this year...in no specific order...just as they pop into my head.

1. Speak more softly with Colton - have more patience, and don't yell. I can get across to him the same thing without raising my voice. I just need Jesus, and patience, to make it happen.

2. Study harder. Devote a lot more time to my school work. Mediocre won't do. I want to excel.

3. Read the whole Bible through. Spend more time in God's Word. I would love to have a devotion every day...but that requires better time management. Which brings me to my next one.

4. Manage my time better. This will allow more time with Colton, more time to study, time for devotions, and more sleep. In doing this, I will need to set priorities.

5. Work out AT LEAST 4 times a week. There is no reason this can't happen. Just goes back to #4. I'm not getting any younger...which means neither is my metabolism. :)

6. Eat healthier. More fruits and veggies. Less fast food.

7. Cook more. Not just bake, but cook...real food, like for dinner and stuff. :) I love to cook, I just need to do it.

8. Blog more often. Once a week would be lovely. I can do that. Set aside one night a week...when I know my homework load won't be as heavy.

9. Plan more outings with Colton...for Colton. We do a lot of running around, but not enough of it is for him.

10. Read less fluff, and more books of substance.

11. Write. My dream is to write Children's Books. This year I will get started, and make it happen.

12. Get more involved at church. I have helped out in the nursery, and enjoyed it. But I would like to do that and more. I want to know the people I go to church with...and not just my small group of friends.

13. Love unconditionally. I feel that I do this well...but nowhere near the way Jesus loves.

14. Be more like Jesus. I want people to look at me and know that I am a Christian, and that I love Jesus. I want to be a walking testimony...and an example to Colton. I want to love Jesus with all of my heart...and not just my leftovers.

15. Tithe. I have slacked on my tithing the past couple of years. I have no excuses. This year is a fresh start. God has taken care of me, and given me so much. I HAVE to give back to him...faithfully.

16. Be a better friend. Not just on my time, and when it's good for me. I want to be a better listener.

17. Play the piano more. I took for so many years. Why don't I practice? What was the point of all of that time spent practicing, and all the money spent on lessons. I will inherit a beautiful grand piano one day. I don't want it to just collect dust.


That's all for now. I think that's a good list. Jesus, please help me to prioritize. Give me grace, patience and peace. This year promises to be super busy, but well worth it.

Tomorrow's December? Are you kidding me?

So, yesterday my niece was being born...or so it seems. More like 11 months ago today! Are you serious? Where did this year go? How are we already just one month away from 2011? Here's a recap of 2010 for us:

1. Well technically my niece, Presley, was born December 30, 2009, but it still feels like this year.

2. Colton has lost 4 teeth. (technically only 3 in 2010. He lost his first tooth on NYE 2009.)

3. I completed 37 hours of school this year. (or will have in 2 weeks.)

4. My nephew, Jackson Sean, was born March 28th. He just turned 8 months. Wow! He will be walking soon for sure!

5. I went from working full-time, to working part-time, to quiting completely, to now helping out a few days a month. I am seriously blessed to be able to go back to school full-time.

6. My sister Rebekah left her job at VC and is now working for herself. She does an amazing job cutting all of our hair. I highly recommend her!

7. Colton played his first season of soccer.

8. Colton learned how to ride a 2-wheeler bike.

9. Colton learned how to swim.

10. I won a trip to San Antonio! 2-night stay at an amazing hotel. 4 tix to Fiesta Texas, 4 tix to Sea World. 4 tix to Schlitterbahn. (we ran out of time and didn't make it to Schlitterbahn.) Talk about an awesome trip! We had a blast!

11. Rode in my first MS150 with my Bestest, Lindsay. What an experience! I've recently registered to ride again this coming April!

12. Was a bridesmaid in one of my BFF's wedding. Jordan and Brad are perfect for eachother. The wedding was amazing! So happy for them, and sweet Ty and Hallie!

13. Attended the 4th Annual Mom Prom. Every year it gets bigger and better. We are making "Dads of Mom Prom" Calendars. They will be awesome. Place your order today...only $15.

14. Colton graduated Kindergarten. Man, he's getting so big! He got "Class Comedian"! Imagine that. ;)

15. Colton started 1st grade, and has an excellent teacher. She is a blessing, and we are so thankful for her.

What else..............................

I'll have to get back with you. Class is almost over. (yes, I'm blogging during class. But you'd understand if you were in this class. Business Law. All he does is tell stories, and drags them out. We only cover about a page of notes in 2 1/2 hours!! It's awful, and I hate it!)

Ok, enough ranting. I'll be back soon!

deb

Blessed

So I'm sitting here at home, supposed to be working on homework due tomorrow, but I'm procrastinating, yet again. :) While I'm on my laptop, Colton is playing some Pokemon game on the house computer. Every once in a while he will ask me a question, or tell me something educational. I can't help but smile. The kid is so smart!! He can read almost anything!

Half the time, I'm dealing with some behavior issue or what not, due to him being bored at school, BECAUSE he's so smart. So I don't fully appreciate the brain God gave him. Well, today I am thankful. I thank God for such a smart little man. For a healthy little man. So many (including myself) take for granted our children's good health. Well, I don't want to. Thank you God for blessing me with a healthy, smart son!

He has now lost 4 teeth! Crazy! Rach and Beka are counting their babies teeth as they come in, and I'm counting my babies teeth as he loses them. Goodness!!

This semester I've taken on a full load at Sam Houston. While it's been challenging, I am so thankful for the opportunity to go back to school full time. Only one more year! 12 more classes! 36 more hours! Woohoo!! I'm so ready!

My sister, Susanna, graduates from nursing school this semester. Her pinning is on December 14th. I am so proud of her. She is truly using her God-given abilities.

This girl has such a heart for children, such compassion. If I had half the compassion she had...

Anyway, please keep her in your prayers. She takes her nursing school exit exam, HESI, on December 8th. NooNee, Colt and I are so proud of you!!

Rachel and her fam came to visit last weekend. We had such a nice time...nothing major planned, so we all got to just "hang out".

They had their family Christmas pictures taken by Joyelle (http://www.photographybyjoyelle.com/) (I would do the link to her blog, but I have no clue how to do that! Someone please message me directions for that!) The pics are absolutely amazing. Such a beautiful little family.

Hudson just turned 5 last month. 5!!! He is such a cool kid!! I can't believe it. He is such a sweet little man, so loving. He will pretty much give you a hug whenever you ask for one.

And then there's Presley.

Gosh, she is so adorable, and cute, and precious, and sweet! I just love her to pieces! She turns 1 next month. Where has the year gone?!?! My favorite thing to do with her is snuggle up in her chair in her room and read Good Night Moon. Aww, my heart just melts. We read it over and over again. So sweet.

I don't have a pic of me reading it, but Mimi loves it too!

And then there's Jackson. My little Jack Jack.
We get to see him more often than the other kiddos cause he lives in town. Such a sweet-natured little boy. I love to watch him when Colt plays with him. Just precious. Jack loves his thumb, and you will more-often-than-not see it in his mouth. Too cute! None of the other babies did that. Anyway, he will be 8 months next week. I can't believe it! All my sweet babies are growing up way too fast!

Colt turned 7 last month. We had a Super Hero Squad Party. So much fun! And so active! Man, I was exhausted at the end of the party, after keeping all of the little 6-year-old super heroes from bringing down the Spiderman bounce house! Seriously, at one point, they were all on one side of it, and it was leaning. I thought it was gonna tip!! lol Not kidding! I ran over there so fast to get them off of that side! Pretty funny...not really! ;) Colt had a great time! We are so thankful and so blessed to have so many friends!

And at last, his very first soccer season has come to a close. He had a lot of fun, learning and growing his soccer skills. Next up, basketball!! Haha!

Ok, I better get back to my homework. Gotta pass my classes!! :) I hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving this week with your friends and families.

deb

First Day of First Grade

So, I have not posted the annual "First Day of School" pictures of Colt. So, here's the play-by-play. (you know I love to do this!) Enjoy!

Enter: Soccer Mom

It's official. I am now a Soccer Mom. hah! Colt had his very first practice last night. I had class, so he went with his friend, Ty...who is also on his team. They are the New York Red Bulls. Colt has this crazy fascination with New York. He has asked me many times who the soccer team is in New York. I don't even know if they have one! Well, they do now...and Colt just happens to be a member. :)

Hallie, Ty and Colt

Now, Colt isn't exactly crazy about playing outside, sports, RUNNING...anything in the sun. Don't get me wrong, he does like to play outside, he's just not crazy about it. He'd rather be playing his DS, or some other video game. So, I didn't really know what to expect with this first practice. I gave him the ole "Be respectful, mind the coach. They are there to teach you...even if you think you know everything (which Colt usually does!)" before I dropped him off for school yesterday morning. (cause I had class all day and wouldn't see him until after practice) He seemed pretty excited.

Well, Jordan (Ty's mom) filled me in on everything. She said he did really well. You wouldn't have been able to tell he had never played before. He followed directions, listened intently, kicked, ran, dribbled, etc.

About halfway through, he realized this was a lot more running than he thought he had signed up for! He was huffing and puffing, but still running and kicking. Jordan said he was so tired, she thought any minute he would stop and tell her he was done and didn't want to play anymore. (Colt has a tendancy of speaking his mind. It's a fact.) But, he didn't. He kept on going till the end. I'm so proud of him! When he got home, he told Susanna "It was fun, but there was way too much running. It was ridiculous!" Yup, that's my child! lol

I'm proud of him, and so excited about going to the games. I wish I could go to the practices, but I gotta get my education. :) The first game is Saturday, September 25th. You can bet I'll have lots of pictures!


deb

P.S. No, I will NOT be getting a minivan. :)

School, More School, Soccer and Fall

So at the moment I'm in the computer lab at Sam Houston...yes, I attend here now. Full-time student! Hooray! I decided to quit my job, and live off my tiny bit of financial aid for a year and load up on classes. Well, load up I did. I'm taking 4 classes at Sam on Tuesdays/Thursdays, then a class on Tuesday nights, and one on Wednesday nights. So, 18 hours total! There's no WAY I could work and do that, AND be a mom at the same time. My official last day of work was Friday, September 3rd. And boy was I ready for that. Just 2 weeks of both school and work, and I was exhausted! If things go as planned, I will graduate next August. So happy, and ready, to be finished. (There is a slight chance that one of my classes won't be offered next summer, so I might be taking one class next Fall. Not my ideal, but I'll take it.)

Colt started First Grade three weeks ago. So far, he is enjoying it. We didn't care for Kindergarten too much...it just wasn't challenging enough. Especially after going to a private preschool that taught him pretty much everything you will learn in Kindergarten. And his teacher didn't seem to "have time" to find him any challenging projects. Not happy with her, but, that year is over. His new teacher is younger and very excited to be teaching First Grade. She understood how I felt about his teacher last year and has promised to find him challenging projects when he needs them. Hooray! So far so good.

Today he starts soccer practice. This is his first year to play. He and his friend Ty are playing at the YMCA, and we are all pretty excited about it! Go Red Bulls! His games will be Saturday mornings. Can't wait!

What else?

Oh yeah, so with all of this school, my life has been a bit cluttered! All of my books and school supplies and what not have just been lying all over my room, because I don't have a desk. Scratch that, I DIDN'T have a desk. Cause I do now!

I purchased a new one at Wal-Mart, you know, one of those that have to be assembled. Well, I don't mind putting things together one bit. In fact, I actually like it! :) So, I read the directions (yes, I'm a directions-follower) and saw that it requires 2 people, and will take 2 hours to assemble. Yeah, there's only one of me...so I prepared myself for at least 3 hours. Had I sat down and done it all at one time, I could've achieved that goal, if not closer to 2 hours. But, with school, and Colt, and all other things life brings along, it took a few days. BUT, it's finished and looks great with all of my other wood furniture. So happy! But yeah, my room is still a mess. I proceeded to rearrange my room to allow for my new "office space", and yeah, I have way too much stuff in there. But, it must all stay. So we'll just call it a work in progress.

I cannot believe it's already September, and the middle at that! Colt's 7th birthday is just next month! I can't believe it! That means that my nephew, Hudson, is turning 5 next month. I don't like this one bit! But this does mean Fall, which means cooler weather, football (and soccer), and all things lovely. :) So happy about that.

There's not much else I can write, without pictures to go along with it. But soon.

I hope all of you are well, and Happy almost Fall!

deb

P.S. I almost forgot...Colt can officially ride his 2-wheel bike! Hooray! This has taken forever (mainly because he just had no interest in it AT ALL), but thanks to Aunt NooNee and Papa, the kid can now ride with the rest of the kids. Whew! I thought he would be in highschool and still not riding it. :)

Catch Up!

I have been itching to blog, for quite sometime now. My list is endless of topics to write about...that's how bad of a blogger I am! Here's a preliminary list:

Colton's Birthday
Christmas
Jackson Sean's birth!
Easter
Colt's End of the Year Program
School! School! School!
MS150
Weddings
Summer School
Free time - getting to pick up Colt from school
Plans for the Fall

I'm sure there is a ton more!

Right now, I'm sitting on my bed, it's 9:53pm, and it's raining. Perfect SLEEPING weather! I came upstairs to blog, but then the rain started, and I just couldn't bring myself to start the long process of catching up. Ugh! Honestly, I really love to blog. And as long as I keep up with it, then I continue to love it. I start to hate it when my "list of topics to write about" starts to pile up. It's a bit intimidating, to say the least.

Right now, I am a very happy girl. I just finished my Full Time Semester with all B's. I was hoping for at least one A, but I will take the B's. This summer is jam-packed with school. I started an online Mini-Mester today...3 weeks, Geography. Sounds exciting, huh! :) I'm just happy to get it out of the way. In January, I switched from working Full Time, to Part Time...and Full Time school. I have loved every bit of it!!! (minus the smaller paychecks) Right now, I am still only working 5-hour days...so that means I get off at 1, I have 2 hours to do WHATEVER my heart desires, THEN, I get to pick Colt up from school. I love picking him up from school! I have only done it a handful of times over the past two years, and let me tell ya, I don't mind one bit waiting in that long carline to see his face when he sees me picking him up "early"! This is a big part of my happiness! After I pick him up, it's home to play in the pool, lounge in a chair reading while he plays with the neighbor boys (which the number is growing! I think there are about 10 of them...all BOYS!), or just hang out...whatever pleases us the most! This "bit of heaven" will end in 3 weeks when I go finish my mini-mester and start Summer School on June 7th. 2 classes the first semester, and then another online class the second. So, a total of 13 hours this summer! Goodness! Please keep me in your prayers, as I would love to pull off A's in all of these!

Colt's last day of Kindergarten (yes, you read that right, his last day of Kindergarten) is June 3rd. Crazy, I know! He is so ready for the summer! He didn't particularly care for Kindergarten...or his teacher...but lately, he seems to be enjoying it more. I am praying that God gives us an amazing First Grade Teacher...that we both love!

Alright, I think that's it for now. Off to bed, so that I can wake up and go to the gym at 5:30 in the morning! Ugh! Gotta love it! I hope you are all doing well...

Valentine's Day 2010

Presley Mae has arrived!

And she is so beautiful!

7lbs 15oz, 20 inches long

11:09am

I just love her to pieces!

Here's a picture of the new family of four!