WHILE THE KIDS AWAY THE PARENTS SHALL PLAY

On June 15th Lance and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary; it happened to be Father's Day as well. So, not much kissy kissy was going on that day, but this week we have more than made up for it!! Let's just say we celebrated our honeymoon. Last Monday I took Zane to Waco to meet my sister, Melanie, and my nephew, Caleb. He stayed with them from Monday until Friday. Friday he went to my mom and dad's to get spoiled some more. I will pick him up in Columbus on Wednesday and I can't wait to see my little man. I sure have missed him, but I have enjoyed my time with my husband as well.
I think it is so important in a marriage that a husband and wife continue to spend time together and grow with one another rather than apart from each other. As a wife and mom I get so caught up in being the mom that I forget how to be the wife at times. I once heard from a christian marriage counselor that the children are a welcomed guest in your marriage. I love that statement. One day our children will grow up and have their own lives and we are stuck with this individual that we once knew so well but have to get to know all over again if we continue to stay wrapped up only in our children's lives. Like I said this is hard for me. I have trouble turning off the "Mommy Switch" most of the time to be the woman that my husband desires. This time alone has been so good for me because it has taught me that I need to learn to separate the two. I know it will not be easy but I can try.

So your asking, is that all you two did? Absolutely NOT. We took walks together, sat in the river and talked, danced in the garage, had no interruptions at dinner, went out with friends, watched movies and just spent time together.

My favorite day of all with out Lance was sitting on my back porch while it rained reading a book and having a glass of wine. My favorite day with Lance was chillaxin at the River. While Zane is off making memories with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, I'm making memories with the man I love and my best friend.

What you are called to at an early age

This past Friday our MOPS group had our Planning Retreat for the year. I have been so excited to be part of this group and this year to Co-coordinate with an amazing person. I was having doubts on myself if I could lead this group to be successful. Before the meeting started I spent time praying for our group and my abilities. God never speaks to me about me or I don't listen. He usually speaks to me about others and in dreams, but never directly to me about me. As I began to question myself God reminded me about when I was younger planning and leading family activities and picnics in our local parks. I was so young and I had completely forgotten about those times. He told me that at a young age I was a leader and a planner. He had called me to be those things and not to fear for fear is of the Devil and with God all things are possible. He totally "Wowed" me. Sitting and reflecting on that, I began to think about the characteristics of my son, Zane. What does he do and act to show me what God has called him to do. He loves music with all of his heart and soul. He is truly gifted. He sings, plays the guitar and drums and is good at it. He is a social butterfly and compassionate for those truly ill and for people that he loves. He loves babies. He loves to make people laugh. He loves words of praise and encouragement. I believe that is one of his love languages. I have no idea what God is calling him to do, but I do believe that it is great and mighty things for his kingdom. When he was born I believe that Satan tried to destroy his life , but God did not allow it. In my heart I feel that his love for music and people is what his ministry will be. I look forward to watching the Lord mold him and shape him into what he wants for him and what he has called him to be. One day may my son look back and the Lord speak to him to reassure him that God called him at an early age!

Girl's Night Out

Finally seated waiting for the movie to begin!

Waiting in line to be seated
Denise and Leona
Leona and Linda
Denise, Leona and Me

Denise and her sweet Mom Janie

Sandy and Kendra
Me and Leona
Toasting to a night out Sandy, Kendra and Me
It is Starting soon
Well, the M&S Girls had a night of team building for themselves. The wives of the company that Lance works for all decided to get together for dinner and a movie. Some of us brought some more girls along for it was a "girls night in the city." We had a great time getting out of the house and away from kids. We enjoyed a meal at PF Chang's. The best part was that we didn't have to cut any one's food up and remind them to take one or two more bites. It was relaxing. Then all of us headed to see the much awaited for SEX IN THE CITY. Because I have watched most of these on TBS now, I had forgotten about all of the scenes that well, I could have lived without. The movie was long and the story line was ok. Beginning of the movie was great they just dragged it out way too long. All in all though, it was a movie with all the girls and I didn't have to get up to take anyone to the bathroom. Let's do it again M&S WIVES!!!

Zane's Last Day of School

Zane had his last day of school on the 30th of May. He doesn't quite understand that he has to take time off from school. He really enjoyed this Art Time class. He tested his teacher a lot though. Next year we want to put him in a different school if we can afford it. We are praying hard for this to be possible. Zane is the type of person who will enjoy school; I just haven't figured out if he likes it for the social aspect of it or the learning.

Zane getting his end of the year medal

Zane with his classmates and teacher
Playing the Drums
The Boys: Zane, Hunter and Dillon
Listening very Intently

Fun Filled Week

First I want to apologize to everyone for not taking my camera along because we had so much fun. Last Friday Zane went to stay with his Opa and Oma and he says they had a great time. Lance and I went to all of Lawton's soccer games. 7:30 in the a.m. seems so early for games but it sure does beat the heat. They played fantastic and we had two games on Saturday and three on Sunday. They won second place for the whole tournament. It was so great to see those boys win for a change. With a new coach and positive attitudes that team will do great next season. Lawton has gotten so much better. His ability to move the ball and get aggressive is outstanding. Between games Lance and I decided to go for an appetizer and some COLD beverages at Chuy's and then we headed to a movie to kill some time. May I suggest a great date night movie is What happens in Vegas. It was so cute and very funny. Sunday 7:30 game, then church, then game again. We were busy busy. Sunday night we had a SPURS party and that was a lot of fun too; it helped that we rocked the house Sunday night with a huge win. GO SPURS GO!!!!!! Monday we recovered down at the River park with friends and had a great time. Zane and his little buddy Gavin played very well together. Zane is a little River Rat. He loves to float and he's so not afraid of the water. That can be a good and bad thing. Tuesday comes along and I thought...finally we get to start recouping from our busy weekend. Not so much. Some friends of ours invited us to the Spurs playoff game against the Lakers. Who could say no to that! We found a sitter ( Thanks Ang and Chris. Zane loved his first sleepover and loves hanging out with Riley.) We had dinner out and then game was on! We were 3rd row behind the SPURS!!! How awesome is that! I felt like a kid in a candy store. So much fun! It was very disappointing that they lost but it was a great game. GO SPURS GO!!!!! Today, well, lets see I'm exhausted from all of these late nights and crazy days. Once Saturday gets here maybe I can slow down.

Who are YOU?

Last night was a night that I was looking forward to. I would be meeting people that my husband and his co-workers have been entertaining for business purposes. Of course this time all the wives were invited. As we arrived I began to get very nervous. Lances boss asked me what was wrong because he could see it all over my face. This is so normally NOT like me! He got me a drink to calm my nerves and then I finally saw a friendly face. This other woman and myself began to catch up on things and then it was time for dinner. I sat across from one of the men and his wife who I was told were "good" people. Lets just say that most of these men were not of the most moral high standard. The "good" man and his wife asked the ultimate famous question that seems to be the norm when meeting someone. "WHAT DO YOU DO?" I dread that question now. Of course my reply was, " I stay at home with my son who is 3." I make sure that I no longer use the words "I'M JUST A STAY AT HOME MOM" Of course my words didn't seem to transform their thoughts of me since I was the only woman at the table who JUST STAYED HOME. I felt as if I had to justify myself. I started rambling on and on about where I attended college, how I taught school for 6 years before WE decided for me to stay home. I felt as if I had something to prove b/c I was inadequate. One lady even had the nerve to say so you just stay home with ONE. I then replied, yes but we have 2 children. Then she acted more interested when I said he was 13. Oh, well, my husband is a step too. He and Lance just have more in common. I was puzzled. No ma'am, I'm the step mom. Oh! was her shocking reply. I then realized that she was just trying to make small talk with me and she really didn't care. These women talked about their travels here and there and everywhere!!! They discussed expensive restaurants, designer clothing, who knows who and again traveling to different countries. For the first time I felt like a loser!!! As we traveled back home, (which our neighborhood was also frowned upon) I discussed my feelings with Lance. It seems there are two different ways to look at SAHM:
1. Oh, so what does your husband do so you are able to stay at home. You are able to stay home and raise your children instead of daycare. VERY NICE and BLESSED!
2. Oh, you do nothing but sit on your ass all day and eat bon bons. You don't work or have your own thing. Well, who are you if you don't have a job.

After crying myself to sleep last night in my hubby's arms because I felt so inadequate and lonely and stupid. I woke up this morning realizing that I am not going to let those fake people bother me. What your job is does not say WHO you are. That is WHAT you do! If God wants me to see Rome one day then he will and he won't make me go broke doing it. I am a child of God. A woman who lives every single day loving her husband and son the best way she knows how right now. I am a person that God has called to love on his people and bring the kingdom of heaven to those who are hurting. I am bold, strong, blunt, loving, caring, compassionate, and smart, even though I JUST STAY HOME!

From Step-son to Son-Happy Birthday to my Favorite TEENAGER!!!!!!

Lawton, where should I even begin? What a joy you are to be around; to laugh with and AT! When you were 7 we didn't get along much, ok, at all. As you have grown and as I have learned to be a better mom (thanks to Zane) I have a true love for the person that you are and look forward to the man that you will become. You are sarcastic, tender hearted, great with kids, love God, smart, handsome, and I could go on and on. I remember when we would say that we hated one another, boy how times have changed. I LOVE YOU with all my heart.
It has been 6 years since I became your step-mom and we both have changed so much. I look at you and see a very bright boy changing into a young man. You have touched my life and made me love you for you. I am so glad that we have gotten closer. Your love and friendship mean the world to me. I enjoy the talks that we share and when you open up your heart to me about even the smallest things. I love to watch you replay what you learned in youth on Sunday morning, your whole face lights up. I love to watch you hang out with your friends that you have made here. I love to watch you show Zane tricks on the trampoline. I love to watch you sing and jam out to your i pod. I love to watch you just grow into the person that you are. You now have your own ideas and thoughts and even though some may be a little weird b/c your 13 they are YOURS! We mold you and give you advice but all in all you are the type of person who knows what they want, they just need reassurance sometimes. As I watch you, I think you are too hard on yourself. You are insecure about things. I pray that you will find that security within yourself through God. You are very bright. You will make mistakes along the way, but you will learn from them and we will be right here to lift you up and catch you. You are very blessed to have so many people in your life who love you. 4 parents, could you get any luckier, and we all love you!!
Your teen years will be so much fun. Enjoy them full speed ahead! Look forward and don't look back. Make memories to last a lifetime. Oh, and you can stop growing now b/c you are already taller than your dad and Uncle Aaron!!! You can grow some more later. I love you my favorite 13 year old! Lawton and Uncle Aaron (above)
Lawton with his friends at 13 b-day party (below)
Lawton making Zane smile in the ER after Zane broke his leg
Me and Lawton 2 years ago at the Rodeo
Lawton and Zane at the Alamo in March 2008

Lawton last summer at the River
Lawton's soccer last season
Lawton with his Dad and Mom
Lawton with his new braces cleaning my mower for me