The Leaves on our Tree

I'm pretty sure Martin thought I was nuts, and I KNOW his co-workers did. At the beginning of the Holiday season, I developed a wild-hair for what I considered to be one of my best ideas yet for one of my favorite holiday traditions- displaying my bevy of Christmas cards.

Talking to my friend, Jennifer, I asked her husband to aid in picking out a tree limb the next time he went to the deer lease. I explained that I was going to decorate it, and hang my Christmas cards from it. "Okay," she said, "but just be prepared if he comes back with something other than what you wanted...." I assured her it would be fine... I had high hopes for my Christmas card tree. Frankly, I didn't really think he would come back with it, but sure enough, a few days later, Larry came into work and told Martin, "Hey, I've got your wife's Charlie Brown branch in my garage- you'll need to come pick it up because it's too big for my car." Well, Martin then enlisted his coworker, Tom, who lived closer to Larry and Jennifer, to head over and pick it up. Several days later, said branch was in my garage. Well, actually, two branches. One was very- shall we say- tall and thin, with lots of spindly looking briar like branches. I can only assume that it's a Texas Mesquite or something. The other, was just what I was looking for.... wide with branches and lots of space for hanging. Martin then informed that the bigger one was from Tom's yard, because when he saw the one from the deer lease, he took pity on it, and sent a bigger one. He also asked Martin for pictures of said tree, because he wasn't sure how any of this would work out.

I took the nice branch in the back yard- well, the empty lot next to the house, and proceeded to spray paint it a nice metallic silver color. The construction workers tried not to stare. I propped it up in a flower pot with some bricks leftover from our house, and then brought my prize into the house. I lovingly wrapped each branch with 200 white lights. And then, I thought, "I don't know what to think. Do I love it or hate it?" I hung our last year's Christmas card on it for effect, and stepped back to admire.... still not sure. Martin wasn't sure either. I decided to let it be, and see if it grew on me...

Days went by, and the Christmas cards began to arrive. Every day, I ran to the mail box, and ripped into each Christmas card that came in, hole punching each one, and hanging them on the tree with red satin ribbon with a peppermint design. Pretty soon, I was running out of ribbon, and the tree was filling in. I started to look at it differently. Every card that came in was someone dear to our family, and they became the leaves on our tree. I started to see this tree as my Family Tree.

Today, Martin grabbed the mail, and came in exclaiming that we had a boat load of cards. I think even he was excited to open them. We took turns, opening the 8 or 9 hugs that had come in today. I read each return address, knowing who it was that waited inside, and said, "There's Wayne and Mae, there's Grandma and Grandpa, there's Jamie and Melissa, Alisa and Jason," and on, and on... all before opening the envelopes. My eyes stung as I opened Uncle O.D.'s- knowing what a gesture it must've been for him to send them out this year without Aunt Doris; and again, as I saw the picture enclosed from Susan and Uncle O.D. in her card. But when I opened the one from my Grandparents, the dam broke, and I started to cry. Just seeing my Grandma's slanted writing on the card brought home the reality that I won't be there to hug them this year.... and as their Christmas present for the family fell out, the water works poured. Martin just hugged me, and didn't say a word, which is just what I needed.

And so, as I hung the cards on the tree today, I cried as I looked at or imagined each and everyone of your faces, and the sentiments that came with them. I'm so thankful for the Christmas season... a reason to get love mail from everyone! And I don't care what anyone thinks- I've decided I love my tree.

A pack of Frisco crazies

Just how in the world did I end up so blessed? Why did God choose to give me so much?

I sit here basking in the exhausted, content, over stimulated, happy glow of my latest and one the greatest surprises of my life- a visit from my three bestest girlfriends, Alicia, Angela, and Jenn. They flew all the way here to see me, and the four of them, and my husband kept it a surprise for over two months. The three of them breathed a happy breath of fresh air into my already full life, and I don't know how much more fun we could have squeezed into less than 48 hours.

It could only be described as wacky, zany, silly, happy, tearful, laughing, and just us- in rare form as always. I was further bowled over by the indescribible graciousness of my husband, who not only completely handled the kids, so that us girls could run around Frisco acting like a pack of crazies, but also got up two days in a row and cooked us breakfast. He even got up early and made a run to the grocery store to ensure that our fridge was stocked with much needed Vitamin water and electrolytes this morning. This just further confirms that I am married to one of the most thoughtful men on the face of the earth, and again, I count my blessings.

There are a group of longhorn statues in the Stonebriar shopping center that will never be the same, and well, even Hobby Lobby was entertaining once we were turned loose in there.

Tearfully, I put them on the plane back home tonight. And it was fun to see them proudly sporting those very cute Texas souvenirs, the very trendy and "in" giraffe print bags from Sam Moon. This visit was priceless, and I will never forget it. Next up.... Schlitterbahn, here we come!

Mall Stalkers

My Christmas shopping has brought me to a serious pondering...

I've actually gotten into the habit of having an escape plan every time I go to the mall now. I'm not talking about in the event that there is a mad chaotic riot.... No, I'm talking about dodging those vendors in the middle aisle of the mall. For lack of a better term, I'll call them "Mall Stalkers". You know what I mean... they're the ones manning and selling the mineral make-up, lotions, body gels, curling irons, and some waxy stuff that I have so far managed to dodge effectively. They are persistent to the point that Martin now knows I avoid them, and deftly nudges me to the outside to help my cause. This sometimes works, and sometimes not... better not lag behind, or, BAM! They have you. "Miss, miss, oh, you are so beautiful.... look at your eyes.... would you like to try.... would you like a sample.....oh, you have beautiful hair, would you like to curl it?...." and on, and on, and on! Seriously, I noted the other day- they station one person on each corner of their cart- aiming to catch people from every direction, I suppose. I want to run. I want to hide. At one point, I heard myself BEGGING the girl to "please, please don't".

I'm not sure what type of clientele this is working on, but it turns me off big time. My guess is that it reels in those that just really can't say no... and then suddenly, they're headed home with a foggy head, a little of a shopping hangover, and the mystery of how they have that $75 worth of waxy blue something to take home with them.

I'm just wondering when it became okay to accost people while they are shopping. Dodging eye contact does not work, re-routing your destination to the other side of the booth does not work, a polite no-thank you does not work. So, I am forced to work the mall from the safety of the second level, and find it a much more peaceful experience. I simply walk the second level, and only descend from the safety of the department store escalator, and only when there's a particular store I must hit.

Is anyone with me on this, or am I alone?

Christmas in November

Well, I have to say that when they do it in Texas, they really do it right. And, I have learned, that includes kicking off the Christmas season as soon as you tear off the October page on your calendar.

It all began about the beginning of October, when, to my great astonishment, I received on the front door- the first of many flyers advertising Christmas light installation. What????? In North Carolina, this is something that most people do themselves. Granted, this explained alot, as when Martin and I would come to Texas every year for the Christmas party (which is always the first weekend in December) we would be amazed by the elaborate Christmas lights display on nearly every house we flew over. Please don't miss the point. They are visible FROM THE AIR. Now, we were silently wondering how these people managed to safely outline their ENTIRE roof with Christmas lights- and now we know. THEY HIRE PEOPLE. Now, usually, Martin and I are happy to just get lights halfway up in a tree, much less, line the roof. In fact, last year, we splurged on the big purchase of three Christmas light "nets" for the bushes, so all we had to do was throw it over the bush, and stretch it to make it fit. Well, obviously, those lights won't be doing it this year- for two reasons. A) our bushes are the size of a five gallon bucket; and B) I somehow get the feeling that Christmas light "nets" won't cut it around here. Now, one may wonder how much this Christmas light installation may cost. Maybe it's worth it... I'd really rather not have Martin falling off a ladder, thank you very much.... but talking about it with a friend of ours, Martin discovered that this service can run about $400 and up. Okay- up the ladder, you go, Martin.

Imagine my surprise, when I turned out of our alley one twilight evening on November 6, and my neighbor already had their lights up, and ON. Now, don't get me wrong. I love it. I think it's great. But I am shocked. Because, there's another house or two with lights up every day. And even as I sit here, I just watched an "installation company" finish up on the house down the street. Because the kicker is, in order to have your lights up, "in time", you have to schedule these people early.

This early Christmas mentality actually stresses me out a little, because, frankly, I'm already missing the NC fall, and I just really don't want to skip over Thanksgiving. But, at the same time.... I find myself absolutely, positively itching to go pull my decorations out from under the stairs. I am restraining myself because it just won't seem right to have them already up when my brother and sister-in-law come for Thanksgiving.

I should also mention that the Christmas foray further began on November 7, when Santa arrived in a huge parade at The Shops at Willowbend. And let me tell you, we were there. It was a Polar Express theme, free popcorn and hot chocolate from Starbucks, and the kids got the photo with Santa- the whole nine yards.

I must say....I do plan to embrace this Texan tradition of throwing myself FULL-HEARTEDLY into Christmas, but it will just have to wait until November 28th for me.

Seats six with two leaves

Okay, so I've finally dug myself out. We are in the house now, and save for the obnoxious boxes of high school memorabilia and a few things in the garage and the guest bedroom- we're unpacked. Loving the extra space, I have to say.

The bare, white walls were getting to me, so I enlisted my new friend Erin to go along with me on the search for home decor. Why is it that I can picture it all for someone else's house, but mine- well, that's another story. Anyway, Erin has become a great friend, and her eye for good stuff has been uncanny. Throw in the fact that we have lots in common- including 2 boys, and the same taste; and I've made myself a new friend, I think. We hit the jackpot over at Kirkland's Home, and it was a great day!

I also had the quest for furniture hanging over my head. I decided to make a little extra cash by selling off the stuff that doesn't match the new house, and using the proceeds on new stuff. I also came across what I thought, at the time, would be the ultimate way to find dining room furniture. However, after rushing over to see this guy's "Elegant Dining Room Furniture" (painted a brown "wood" color, instead of refinishing, to cover the scratches), and having two sets that actually would've been good finds sold out from under me; I quickly realized that Craigslist was not going to be the way to go for that sort of thing. Poor Martin- he endured numerous emails from me, all exclaiming, "This is it! Look at this one!" Plus, phone calls, and the mad dashes across town to get the right one, all before I was finally handed precious advice from my new friend Jennifer, to head over to Furniture Buy Consignment in Frisco. And, there I found it! Girls, most of you know, I'm not ashamed to gush about a good deal, and this was one! And, between that, and the cute counterstools Martin picked up on clearance at Home Depot, it's starting to look like a home. And I'm proud to say, I actually put two of those barstools together myself, thank you very much.

So, life is settling in, and Mason has recently been getting off at the right bus stop, which is great, and better on my nerves than his previous mishaps. But that's another blog.

Have a very busy weekend coming.... Friday, is of course, Halloween, and Saturday we have a yard sale to get rid of the mountain of miscellaneous junk that currently sits in my garage. Then, Saturday afternoon, we'll dash over to the airport to pick up Manfred and Barbara for their visit, which we're very much looking forward to.

So that's it for now. I have deeper issues that I really should divulge, just for the sake of keeping my blog on it's normal serious note, but for now- No, I'm not going to do it.

Backpacks and Lunch Sacks

So, it's the first day of school for North Texas/Dallas kids, and mine was one of them.

He bounded out of bed, and I couldn't get ready fast enough for him. Talk about the shoe being on the other foot- I'm usually the one pushing him. Mason was definitely excited, and gobbled up his breakfast, and did everything I asked- right on cue. Strap on the brand-spankin' new Clone Wars backpack, insert lunch bag and Darth Vader water bottle, and he was ready to roll. Coen, of course, could not leave the house without his brand spankin' new Thomas the Train backpack, (even though his first day of preschool is not for a week), so the empty backpack was placed on his back, with some help from big brother.

Mason did great, and only hesitated slightly before exiting the car, because he was worried that he couldn't remember where his class was. I reminded him, that he would be okay because he just has to wait in the cafeteria, and they come and get him.

With a quick kiss, he jumped from the car, and bounded across the playground- so excited and headed for first grade. It brought tears to my eyes, because I know that pretty soon, the sweet years of excited about school will be over, and it will not be cool to kiss me good bye, and definitely not cool to run across the playground because you can't wait to get in there. Oh, my heart.

Restlessness

It's difficult to know that my mom is sick, and be far away. I knew it would be tough, but, I guess I didn't realize how helpless I would feel. My consolation was that there are four other kids, and hopefully, they all pull together. I find myself on the phone with them, working with my sister to pull them together. I feel this ache in my heart. I feel like time is slipping away, and I'm starting to get scared. Most know that Mom and I have had a rough time of it over the last, oh I don't know- 25 years of my life, and if you know me well enough to read this blog, and keep up with it, you probably really know.

It's difficult to know I have finally started to find a relationship with her, and feel like something looms on the horizon that could take it away. Today, more scary news, and I feel this restlessness. Agitated. I'm the oldest of the five- the doer- the get it done girl. No nonsense. My sister is the compassionate one, thinking of and doing the things that are the least appealing- not really wanting to, but having the heart to do it anyway. I hope she knows that I appreciate that she's the one who will go and wash Mom's hair, or shop for pajamas, or sit for hours in the emergency waiting room. I'll happily wash the dishes, organize the family, send the email updates, make the calls- the streamlined stuff. I wish I had the heart for the other.

But right now, I'm a thousand miles away, and the stuff I'm good at.... I'm not there to do it. I feel guilty that I'm not there to make sure Dad eats a decent dinner, instead of that cheeseburger he probably just picked up at Wendy's. I'm not there to wash the laundry, or clean the kitchen. I'm far away, so I feel a little out of the loop, because I'm not there hearing what the Dr. says firsthand, and therefore, I'm not sending the email updates.

Right now, I've had to settle for being the one who calls in the middle of the day and just talks to her. Company I guess she wants, because all my life I've been told to be quiet, and she let me talk on and on for an hour and a half the other day. She has become my friend. She is the one who I call when the kids are sick. Or when I need that recipe. Or when I'm at my wits' end with the kids, and I'm thinking of running away- I can always call her because she had five kids, and she was crazy, too. I hear myself repeating to people over and over again- "I'm not sure how my mom did it.... she had five kids- and three were boys." I see myself becoming like her, and when I was younger, that was the bane of my existence, but now, I'm starting to see her good qualities, and I start to not mind so much.

Chivalry is not dead

One of my favorite Olympic moments so far has been one that was very brief and fleeting. After commandeering the TV from my Sponge-Bob obsessed kids, I flipped over NBC to catch a moment of glory for three US women. Hearing the Star Spangled Banner during the Olympics is always a good thing, but as I saw the flag rising above the crowd, I quickly realized that there was not one US flag, but three; and the Gold, Silver, and Bronze podiums were all usurped by US women, beaming proudly from the top of the world. Tears streamed down the gold winner's face, and at that point, I was just trying to figure out what event it was. (At this point, I believe I was watching the winners of Women's Fencing).

It was a proud moment, and the announcer commented while the camera man scanned the crowd, and noted former President George H.W. Bush "displaying obvious pride" as he looked on. The girls all crossed to shake hands with the former President, beaming, crying, and jubiliant; and in a flash, I noticed- although the announcer didn't, that Mr. Bush fished into his pocket, and removed a white handkerchief, which he handed down to one of the girls- asking her to pass it to the crying winner.

What a moment- she can not only frame her gold medal, but perhaps place the handkerchief of a former US President beside it! And I was VERY impressed, and thought it was the coolest thing ever- that not only did he have a handkerchief on his person, but did in fact, have the presence of mind, and chivalry to actually offer it to a crying woman! What a notable act!

Life's Scary Moments

I'm surrounded by stories of life's scariest moments...

"They just moved there- now he may no longer have a job." "Her son is waiting for a heart cathertization- again." "I don't know how I'll pay the rent." "Her father is seriously ill- it's just a matter of time." "She lost the baby." "Her neighbor has leukemia." "Her mom is in the hospital." "They had to move her to a new floor- the one for Alzeheimer's patients."

News, usually not good. I'm reminded of the scene in Bruce Almighty, where Jim Carey is bombarded with the prayers of everyone in the tri-state area. These thoughts cram into my mind, as I dwell on, and pray for the well-being of those around me, whom I know, and love. Carrying their burdens in my heart, sometimes, as if they were my own. I just keep thinking that life was so much simpler when we were kids- so oblivious. Meanwhile, our parents were watching those they knew and loved around THEM, unravel with the beatings of day to day life on this earth.

Thank God that our hope is in the Lord. He knows the plans He has for all of us- plans to prosper us, not harm us. And I am just so thankful. Everytime I hear another prayer request, I thank God for what he's done for me.

Lil' Sluggers

Okay, so how do you manage to raise two boys, and keep them from a) drowning each other in the bath tub or pool b) beating each other in the face with toys, light sabers, and yes, even forks (at the table) or c) accidently shutting fingers in doors, or pushing each other down the stairs. WHOOOPS! Seriously, I'm about to have a stroke. Sometimes they're just playing, but sometimes they're all out fighting. What do I do about this? Let them slug it out? Martin's response, when getting the whine, "Daddddddeeeee, he hit me!" is, "Hit 'im back!" Okay, but I'm the mom, and that just doesn't sit with me.

I'm at a loss. Any thoughts? Put them in a room and let them slug it out, while hoping one of them doesn't lose an eye, or break a bone? Or yell at them every time?.... Input is welcome.

Best Day of His Life

We weren't sure how his 6th birthday would be.... I had planned to contact two of his new friends from school, but was shot down upon discovering from Mason's teacher that Texas, or at least the Frisco school district, has a privacy policy that prevents the disclosure of students' addresses or phone numbers. And since I had met parents of classmates a total of maybe twice, I simply didn't even know how to get ahold of his little friends. Sometimes it really stinks to have a summer birthday.

Anyway, Mason had been asking for a "Bowling" birthday, so we decided instead, it would be a family bowling night out. We splurged on a $20 Indiana Jones cake, out of guilt, and Mason loved it because, even though he hasn't seen the movies (and won't for quite a while), the idea of the miniature Indiana Jones running from a boulder on his birthday cake obviously screams that he is a true future adventurer.

It's been a tight two months for us... Mother's Day, followed by my birthday, followed by Coen/Martin's birthday, followed by Father's Day, and finally Mason's birthday. Poor Mason, by the time his birthday rolls around every year, we are feeling the stretch. :) And this year, we were feeling a little extra guilty since he is in between schools, and seems to have a shortage of friends at the moment. Anyway, short explanation long.... we got a few extra presents- you know, buy the happiness (wink, wink), and loaded everyone up to go bowling. Thank Goodness, Martin is resourceful, and thanks to BestBuy reward points, he'd earned enough to get the Indiana Jones Lego game FOR FREE! (We've also earned free hotel rooms, tickets to the water park, and more- you really have to watch for the freebies- but that's another blog) Anyway, this was the gift of choice this year, for Mason, along with the IJ Temple Escape Lego, which he's been saving his money for. So, between opening his game, and realizing that a gift card and a gift from Grampy put him over to buy the Lego, his face was PRICELESS. And he said, "THIS IS THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE!!!!!"

Oh, the simplicity. And Martin and I just smiled at each other across the table, and said, "That was worth it!" And, later, we wondered together how many times, our parents sacrificed, and pushed to make our day the "Best Day of Our Lives", and we didn't even realize it.

Paper Towel Queen

Yesterday was one of those days when I seriously contemplated running away, or else firing my kids for good. As I told Martin, I had grounds based on insubordination, adverse productivity (meaning I had to clean up after them over and over) or personality conflict.

I have officially become the "paper towel queen", as Coen dumps any thing in sight- including Mason's milk, his cheerios and milk, and also smears glue stick all over his face and hands, if left alone during the minute I take to run to the bathroom. The other child, (and I won't mention names) has now reverted to peeing his pants at least twice a day. Don't ask me why. I don't know. All I know, is that no amount of begging, bribing, beating or bargaining has worked to make him stop. That is, until now, when I have officially removed TV and computer from his vocabulary, and I'm making him earn them back. I'm now officially questioning whether this Mom thing is something I should really be doing- obviously- the techniques I'm using ARE NOT WORKING. Yesterday, going back to work was sounding REALLY good. Let someone else change the pants, clean up the poop, milk, juice, cheerios and glue stick.

But, I guess in the end, I'll keep them. Those chunky little arms around my neck... well, they do have that certain irresistible, endearing quality. And, today, Mason asked if the teachers at Coen's preschool would be as fun as I am. Well, okay. Score one for Mason.

The True Cause of Thumb Sucking

Okay, so I'm not in the habit of being insulted while I'm out shopping, but yesterday was one for the books.

I headed to Marshall's to check out the shoe selection, and hit the jackpot with a very cute pair of red and white striped wedges for a low $10, and a pair of OshKosh look-alike Crocs for Mason for $10. SCORE!

As I headed to the checkout, Coen remained happy as he had been the whole time, and was content to check things out from his shopping cart throne, happily sucking away at his thumb, and looking cute as always. As I placed my shoe purchases on the counter, the cashier looked at Coen, and said, "How old is he?" "Well, he'll be two on June 9th," I said happily, admiring his cute little nose, and sweeping his shaggy hair from his eyes. I was gearing up for the usual.... "He's ADORABLE- look at those beautiful blue eyes", when I instead got hit with- "Looks like SOMEBODY took him off the bottle too early.... That's why he's sucking his thumb! How old was he when you took him off the bottle?"

Excuse me??????? I was flabbergasted. I could barely squeak out that I'd switched him to the sippy cup at 9 months, but the cashier was busy checking the price on the shoes, and didn't hear me. So she asked again..."How old was he again?" "Are you the Gestapo?" I thought.

"Well, he was sucking his thumb long before I took him off the bottle...." I explained. "MMMMMMMHHHHMMMMMM," she said in that antagonizing way that only a saucy black girl can pull off.

I was stunned. I paid for my shoes, and we walked out the car, where I promptly pulled out my cell phone and fired off a call to Martin, who was equally enraged.

THE NERVE!!!!!!!!!!!!! You don't even know me. I will be chalking this up to one more for my "Board of busy-bodies".... right up there with the Target lady who asked Mason once "Can your Daddy not afford shoes?????", because said child removed them repeatedly as a baby in the heat of the summer.

I wish I had a shock collar for these type of comments- nothing would give me more pleasure than to just zap someone every time something like that flew out of their mouth. Wonder how many times I would get zapped????

Jekyl and Hyde

A friend loves at all times. Boy, how true those words are, and how much I value them. I am now starting to realize how tough this transition to Texas might be. I've realized a lot about myself, in that I make "Acquaintances" easily, but TRUE friends.... not so much. Finding those who can put up with my tardiness, somewhat/sometimes overwhelming personality (and mouth to boot), not to mention my "Jekyl and Hyde" Gemini personality is going to be a challenge. Seriously, folks, that's how I am.

It's hard to find friends who understand that.... one day I might feel really social, while the next, I just want to hide inside and be a loner; or that, my mouth runs away from me; or that I usually run about 5-10 minutes late because I try to cram in that last second activity or project when I really don't have time; or that, I'm not great about answering emails or phone calls right away. It's even harder to find someone who will choose to not take these short-comings and idiosyncrasies personally.

Yesterday, it hit me how daunting this "new friend hunt" will be. And I felt all alone. And so thankful for those girlfriends I've had all my life, who KNOW how I am, because they've trudged through the sludge of my baggage, right along with me. They have chosen to love me anyway. I MISS you guys. I love you guys.

Must..... Hang..... On......

I saw her the other day. I was in line, waiting to grab a kid's movie from the Redbox at Walmart. There's nothing better to do when you're waiting in line than people watch, and so, for some reason, I spotted her.

She was probably about my age, and wore her hair short- one of those cute, flipped out chin-length cuts. The color was dyed red- but that orangey red- the one that says, "I MUST buck the norm". I admire anyone who's willing to pull off that shade. I personally would LOVE and kill to be a true red-head, but that- that's just a little orange for my skin color. She looks a little tired, and as my eyes travel downward, I notice the three boys- climbing like monkeys on the shopping cart; begging for candy, prizes, and who-knows-what. I relate to her as I notice and admire the cute, brown, trendy Coach bag on her shoulder; but I hear the record skreech as I notice the tattoo of thorns around her upper arm. DO WHAT?!? I almost laughed out loud. Suddenly, the picture all fit together for me, in it's haphazard way.... and what didn't look like it should all fit together made sense to me. The edgy hair-cut, color and bold tattoo screaming her independence smeared together with the three boys, and the ultimate sign of suburban life- her bag and shopping cart- it's all a blend of who she is. The past- screaming it's independence and excitement; blurred together with the present- equally exciting (albeit in a VERY different- chasing monkey boys kind of way), not so independent, and almost mundane.

While I wanted to laugh, I had to almost admire her spunk, and thought, "You go get it, girl! You hang onto it!"

I have to wonder what little parts of me I'm hanging on to that don't quite fit me anymore- as I ease into that more appropriate "30-something" wardrobe. Is it my music? Hair? Clothes? I don't know.... I do have that affinity for the Dave Matthews Band, and I am starting to get looks from certain teenagers at the concerts. Should I give it up??????

No way. But please if I start to look like someone hanging onto my 90's hairstyles.... someone please stop me. Oh, and Lord protect me from the Mom jeans.

Unfit for a King

He has lifted me up and changed me from who I was.

He has made me free from the bitterness of life's disappointments.

He has given me the power to have an abundant and blessed life if I claim His promise.

He has freed me from worry.

He has purged me of anger and resentment I harbored for so long.

He makes me see the good in my life, so that I am happy with my blessings, and blessed in my disappointments.

He has made me into a princess, unfit for the job, but chosen, nevertheless.

Blessed be the Name.

Luke, Darth and Emp

Let's see.... what to say....

Last weekend we visited the Fort Worth Stockyards so the boys could check out culture. Mason LOVED it. It was a lot of hullabaloo for about 20 cattle to walk down the street at 11:30- took about 3 minutes. We followed up with lunch at H3, and I promise you, that beef brisket sandwich I had was UNBEATABLE, and worth the trip. Mason picked up a postcard for Mrs. Bates' class in NC, and both the boys got cowboy hats, and a ride on a mini-carosel horse.

We followed up on our promise to grow our family by stopping at Petsmart on the way home to pick out Mason's new pets. 3 female beta fish- the red one is Darth, the orange one is Luke, and the blue one is Emp (short for Emperor). Nevermind that they are all girls. I tried for Minnie, Daisy, and Cindy, but that didn't fly. Anyway, Luke, Darth and Emp have made their home in Mason's room in a glow-in-the-dark Space Alien fish tank, complete with silver "space plant", and UFO for ornamentation. The fish have been good, but I was a nervous fish owner in the beginning, when I felt they were hanging out at the top a little too much. They're fine, now, and would you believe it's already time for that tank to be cleaned. Go figure.

This weekend,we spent some time driving different suburban areas of the metroplex, looking at builders, and trying to decide, if not get an idea, of where in the world we'd like to settle permanently. Still not sure on that one. We're meeting with our realtor on Wednesday night to look at some pre-existing homes. Thursday we'll be dining with friends, and then of course, we're into Easter weekend, with egg-dyeing, egg hunts, Easter dinner, and what I've decided will be our new Easter tradition- "Easter Sundaes". Ha, ha. Get it?

Deep in the Heart of Texas

Many of you have asked for updates once we arrived in TX. I'm going to try to do this in one blog, and quick (well, as quick, as I can be), so I don't bore you all with the details....

How the kids were: actually, quite good. Thank goodness for Martin's laptop- a movie when times got desperate, and Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle (thanks Mom) stories after each dinner stop. Thank you Katherine, for the Combos, and books.

It took: Friday- we drove until Greenville, SC after leaving NC at about 5:30. Saturday we made it all the way to Monroe, LA. Sunday- Onward to Plano, TX- arriving about 3 pm!

Free Tickets: to the minor league baseball game at Dr.Pepper Stadium in Frisco- we were lucky enough to have a view of the whole baseball diamond, and a pre-season game, right off our balcony. Mason LOVED it!

New Travel Game: Make a list of rarely found objects (airplane on the ground, fire-truck, bulldozer, cow, etc), and list them on a dry erase board. Each person who spots it first, gets the point.

The drive was: clear sailing, except for a rainstorm in MS/LA.

A bit dissapointing: Crossing the mighty Mississippi in the dark.... couldn't see much except it was big, and a long bridge.

The movers were: pretty good. After hearing horror stories, Mayflower, and All American Relocation got our stuff here on Sunday, a full 2-3 days earlier than promised. So far, we have limited damage to items- broken pieces on furniture, but nothing major, and I haven't found one thing that was broken due to packaging, yet. Bless the movers, because we have 5 flights of stairs in this townhouse.

Biggest aggravation so far: My car's two days late getting here- will hopefully be here tomorrow; we just got internet tonight (instead of Saturday, as promised)- after Martin's 4 hours of phone time, and numerous involuntary transcontinental conversations with India- as well as transfers to Verizon Wireless (for internet, mind you); and get this..... NO TV!!!!!! Time Warner needed 10 days to figure us out, and so Dish Network will be out tomorrow to handle it. You try dealing with two kids, with no car, no internet, and no TV. Not a pretty scenario.

Bonus!: Getting a free $50 mall gift card at one of our hotels- just because....

Biggest transition: EVERYTHING'S green! Except the Bermuda grass, which is dormant. But, seriously, I keep looking at all the fountains, and thinking, "What a waste of water", or "I can't believe they would pressure wash the sidewalks while we're in a drought", oh, but wait, that's NC. Which brings me too....

Biggest weather blunders: A monsoon the first night in our apartment- I'm talking 5-7hours of POURING rain beating against the window.... if we had two hours of that in NC, we'd be all set. Followed by SNOW last night, but it was 55 today. Fickle like NC.

Highlight: Being able to walk the less-than-a-mile to Mason's school to pick him up, in the crisp beautiful day.

Kudos too: Mom, on sending me groceries, and a personal assistant to help out. Jody for your sweet "welcome home" note. My boys for their patience with a psycho mom. And my dear sweet husband who has been incredible despite a job change, and me for a wife.

We are so thankful for all of you, and are still feeling that this is where God wants us. Thank you all for making it easier on us.

The Ultimate Scapegoat

Goat's blood- drizzled 7 times. Dead pigeons. Yuck. It almost made me sick over my Hot Pocket croissant pizza lunch. "What in the world is applicable about this in today's society?" I thought. Everyone says the Bible is always applicable. But come on, Leviticus? The third book has been my challenge, but I delved into it with curiosity, as this was one of the first times in my adult life that I've made it this far. The New Testament- well, piece of cake- it's the laws in the Old Testament that always get me.

I had already asked Martin, what do you think is the significance of all the tabernacle stuff in Exodus? To which God pointed out to me, "I led them out of Egypt to WORSHIP me- that was the whole point... why wouldn't I spend chapters and chapters on how I wanted it done?"

So, now, I've been wondering, what exactly is the point to Leviticus. The obvious answer, of course, being that these laws all make sense- cleanliness, avoiding disease, etc. But the sacrifices? Yuck.

Today, in church, our contemporary service music brought me the answer- using a hymn I've known since I was about five.... "Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe, sin that left a crimson stain... He washed it white as snow..." No more messy sacrifices. He handled the messiest one of all- with grace- as the ultimate scapegoat.

News from the Hueneke Family

Hi Everyone!

Martin and I have prayerfully been considering a move to Texas for some time now. It is with great reflection, consideration and excitement that we have decided to accept the relocation offer to Dallas Texas. This was not an easy decision, since we value the love, friendship, family and church that we have here. However, the peace that has come with this decision surprises and surpasses anything we could've expected. We know that God has a perfect place and plan for us as we begin this new adventure in our lives.

Mason is even excited, and wants to meet some "cowboys"! We are excited about the excellent schools, and many other opportunities that make this move just right for our family. Martin will be reporting to work in Texas on Monday, February 18th, and we hope to officially head out for Texas on February 28th or 29th.

Please know that each and everyone of you is welcome to visit us in Texas at any time. Our hearts are heavy at the thought of being so far from our dearest, but thankfully we have many friends in Texas, and look forward to many more, as well as finding the church that will become our Texas "family".

We know that there are so many of you we'd like to see before we leave North Carolina, so we'd like to invite each one of you to visit us at our Open House anytime on Saturday, February 23rd. We will be here all day, and would love to see each and everyone of you before we hitch up the wagons and head out. :)

We love EVERYONE of you. Sniff, sniff.

Love,
Martin, Amanda, Mason and Coen

Gossip or "Facts"

I apologize for not writing in so long. I have lots to talk about, but it is usually a soap-box that that will drive me back to the blog, and it has done so today.

Gossip, as defined by Merriam-Webster Online is: 1- a person who habitually reveals personal or sensational facts about others
2 a: rumor or report of an intimate nature b: a chatty talk c: the subject matter of gossip.

Now, my issue lately is that I get emails about individuals that are sent under the pretense of "political facts". The truth of the matter is, a large number of the "facts" are disputed, and/or reported as INCORRECT or false. Now, I know, you can't believe everything you read, and hear- that's why I bother to check the "facts". But that goes both ways. So if you don't know if it's true or fact, you shouldn't forward it, and you shouldn't repeat it.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the Bible specifically talks about this. So my question is, did the Bible only mean for us to apply this rule of gossip to people who are Christian, or should it apply to everyone? Maybe just the ones who have the same political views as us. I guess that's the way some read it.

The irony is, I have a lot of the same views as those who send/forward/reply to said emails. However, it annoys me IMMENSELY to face a personal attack, just because I bothered to check the facts.

How about, instead of forwarding incorrect information about people we DON'T like- we forward the positive stuff about people we do?

And this my friends, is my rebuttal.