Sea Turtles

Four Loads of Laundry

One Big Box of Mexican Bread

Five Very Tired Human Beings!!!

I spent most of the time lying down in our tent.  Yup, I know, my legs are sexy!!!
 Lol!!!!

Now that's what I call a vacation.  So, this year we officially took a vacation.  Last year we worked through Summer and just took a day off when we felt like it. But this year was going to be different.  I vowed to the kids that we would take a "Real" vacation.  You know one where you would actually drive somewhere and stay at a Hotel.  The kids had no idea where we were going.  I kept it a surprise because I wanted it to be special.   We decided on Corpus Christi because this is where my husband, David grew up.  I remember going there once when D.J. was 5 years old.  Our trip would be centered around the Padre Island NS Division of Sea Turtle Science and Recovery release. There goes the Homeschool Mom in me.  I can't help it.  

Our way up there was not fun at all. It was pouring down rain.  In fact a couple of days before our trip it was down pouring here in Leander.  My only thought was to cancel the trip, but I didn't want to. I prayed it would get better. The public hatchling release was scheduled for Friday, July 19. For safety reasons the turtles would not be released if it there was any sign of lightening or thunderstorms. We just prayed. The kids prayed and by Thursday, it cleared up.  By Friday, we were sent a message that it was set to go as scheduled.  Our tired bodies were up by 4 am and we set off to Padre Island.  The kids still had no idea.  Zach said he saw a sign that said Turtle Release at 6:30 am, so he knew.  Emily didn't want to look that way.  

About 250 people showed up to the event.  There's something just spectacular about creation. Whether it be a human being or an animal like a sea turtle, God's creation is magnificent.  

I admit I cried as the first turtle was released.  Then 67 more were released and off they made their way to the sunrise.  It amazes me how God placed the sun exactly where these little hatchlings would follow. We hope to make this a yearly event.  

If you would like more information on how to attend one of these events, visit, Padre Island NS Division of Sea Turtle Science and Recovery on Facebook page.  

Until Next Time,

Eat Organic, 

Eat Gluten-Free

I haven't!!! Lol!!

Jennifer

Harry Potter Adventure

If you would have asked me 3 years ago if I would ever watch a Harry Potter movie or read the book. I would have looked at you, prayed to God in my head and then kindly and gently respond "No." D.J. my oldest read all the books. Emily and Zach were not interested in them and I of course could not come to read a 100 page book, a thick 500 page plus book would be totally out of the question.
Lately the only reading I do is through Audible.com.  No picking up a book for me unless it's my Bible.  Recently I signed up for the Adult Reading Club at my local library and I have yet to read the "Love Story" that sits on my couch.  D.J. has picked it up several times to read. He's gotten through half the book. How sad!!! His mom can't even find time to read.

So, lets get back to my Harry Potter Adventure.  Yes, an Adventure I must say because I've only watched one episode.  Our local pawn shop had all the series on Blue Ray so I purchased them for our "Harry Potter Movie Marathon."  The kids had been recently watching the Avatar Series.  I think they got to episode 18, Book 3.  Why was I so against Harry Potter?  Witchery?  Fear of the unknown.  I let D.J. read the series so why was I so against watching the episodes.  Well, Let me tell you why.

FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN.  You see Fear is considered to be outside of God's plan.
For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of self-control.
2 Timothy 1:7.
Even young Timothy grasped this concept.  Chosen by Paul to preach the good news, Timothy was persecuted and eventually stoned to death for trying to stop a pagan ceremony to preach the good news.
When we step out in faith, not even death has it's sting on us.  For I feared the unknown.  I feared that a little bit of what I would see or read would take hold of my heart and change me. But will it?  Am I that weak to let a movie like Harry Potter or even a nonreligious book change the way I feel about God?
The answer is no.  God created it and it was good.  The time I spend with my children huddled up on our couch is the love I have for them.  God wants us to enjoy everything he created. Good. Bad. Evil.  God uses all these elements to work in us and through us.

It bothered me when California parents objected to students being taught Yoga who argued that the classes were inherently religious and violate the constitutional principle of separating church and state.
Really?  What about the benefits of Yoga, like strength and flexibility?  I've practiced Yoga for 8 years now and all I know how to do is the Yoga poses.  I don't practice the religion.  But then again, Yoga helps you meditate. In this high tech world we live in, a little quiet time would benefit us greatly.
FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN. That's what the parents experienced. And it wasn't until a judge stepped in and said that teaching Yoga was okay.  These kids weren't being taught the chakras.  At least that's what I read. They were simply being taught the poses.

Being a child of God requires us to see everything as Good.  Looking through the eyes of our creator makes this world a little sweeter.  And what nothing more than topping that off with some Hail Merry's Sweet Tarts.  Yumm.  My new favorite treat!!!

Until Next Time, 
Eat Organic
Eat Gluten-Free,
Jennifer

Day #1: Being Thankful

On Father's Day, I spend about an hour talking to my dad.  You see, I'm a bad child.  I don't call my dad. I don't just pick up the phone and just talk.  It's the same with my Mom. She has to call me most of the time. I'm always busy. Always doing something.  That something I wish was communicating with my family, especially those that are so dear to me.  My dad has his own Truck Driving Business so he's always on the road.  My Mom works for a food chain and is also, always working.

As my Dad and I were talking he told me that we are alike in so many ways.  I strive to do my best. He strives to do his best too.  He pushes forward. I push forward.  Then he said something that made my little brain light up, he said, "Be Thankful."  Be Thankful he said that you have a roof above you.  Be Thankful that you can work.  Be Thankful for the road that was made just for you so you can go to work everyday.

Be Thankful resonated in my mind days after we spoke.  Yes, that's it!!!  Be Thankful.

Thinking this way helps me cope with whatever tomorrow may bring. If I clearly just keep looking at all the bad, I will never see the light.  We can transform our thinking into Positive thoughts that will soothe the Soul.
And that my friend is what we need.  We need to listen to the voice of God where he tells us that not even Solomon in all his glory was beautifully dressed as the lilies of the field.  How much more important are you? Very important I must say, so in essence, Be Thankful!!!

Even if you don't have the perfect vacation for your kids during the summer and if all you do is go to the park and watch movies and eat Popcorn, Be Thankful!!!

And if all you have to eat is Rice and Beans, Be Thankful!!!  My kids prefer Ramon Noodles. (and those aren't gluten free, so we all have our struggles)

What are you thankful for?

I'm Thankful for Water on the my run Today. 

And for the Trail

Until Next Time, 
Eat Organic!!
Eat Gluten-Free,
Jennifer

Do not be Anxious

Yesterday evening we celebrated the graduation of our nephew Michael. 

Time does have a way of making you feel old and hopeless.  

Hopeless I say because when your 35 and sitting in a crowd, listening to a 17/18 year old Valedictorian with a GPA of 5.61 tell their class to go out and live, to make the map of their lives and not to follow anyone else,well it can make you feel as if you're not living to the fullest extent.  If you're ever feeling down and depressed, just sneak into a High School graduation and you will have your Spirit renewed.  If by any chance you don't, you can still walk away with the fact that you tried.  

Seriously?

I came home thinking about my life.  What have I accomplished?  What am I going to let my children accomplish with my help?  

You see, as a homeschool family you don't have teacher's or a principal telling you what to do. In the State of Texas, you can basically teach your child anything.  As long as you teach Good citizenship, math, reading, spelling and grammar then you're pretty much covered. 

The Skies the Limit when it comes to homeschool. 

Or maybe not.   

In a way I felt defeated. In a way I felt like I needed to do something more next year. Another language program?  More lessons on History?  What about adding in Latin this year?  I know we tried that and the kids wanted Spanish, but I want my kids to be Super Smart!!!!! I bark at D.J. telling him that he has 2 years to be at the top ten percent.  All I get is a "Mom, that's impossible!"

Then, I take a deep breathe and David comes to the rescue.  Oh, God, How I need the voice of wisdom in my life.  

He always finds a way to make me come back off my cloud of hopelessness into the cloud of hope and love.  Every time I'm feeling down, he lifts me up and places me on this cloud that I always long for.  

You see, we all have insecurities.  We all want the best for our children. We want them to succeed, to live a life of happiness and most importantly, come to a faith in Christ that will guide them all the days of their lives. 

What we don't see is that just by us being there in their lives is sufficient.  When I walk in the door after a long day at work, the kids are just happy to know that I am home.  Even if I'm just sitting on the couch reading a book, they know they are safe. I don't have to be teaching them a lesson every chance I get. Which by the way, I love to teach so it's so hard for me to just sit and read.  I spend my alone time with Yoga or Running. 

If it were up to me we would be having school 24/7. You get the picture?  Then, my mind wanders back to scripture where God tells me not to be anxious about anything, but in everything through thanksgiving and praise present our requests to Him and  He will guide our hearts and our minds.  

He.  

No where in that verse does it say Me.  

He alone can calm all our anxious thoughts.

He alone can bring us into his presence where we experience Peace.  

So, as I venture next year into another year of homeschooling, I can always be reminded that He alone is working in my children's lives. One day they will graduate and have a speech of their own that will make this Mama feel loved and appreciated, not hopeless.  

Congratulations Class of 2013!!!

Until Next Time, 

Eat Organic!

Eat Gluten-Free!

Jennifer

Summer Reading

Summer Dreams?  Visions of Books floating in their heads?  

Yup. That's what my kids envision. Well, not exactly like that, but they are eager to be off for the summer.  What child isn't? Homeschooled or not?  For the past 6 years Homeschooling, I stick to a rigorous schedule of lessons.  We even volunteer at our local library and teach art and love everything homeschool has to offer.  The last two years we have worked through summer, just leisurely, instead of doing workbooks or the Summer Bridge Program like most do (I highly recommend these books), we just do Math and Langauge and hope to be caught up by August or September.   

Most Homeschoolers are not "caught up" and they usually (like us) continue to go through the summer.  For those of you Super Moms out there who are done, Congratulations!!!

So, even though my children will still be working through the summer, we have one activity that we Love, Love, Love to do.  That is Reading!!! 

 We love to read!  All year long my children participate in a local library club where they read a book once a month and then collaborate with others on the book.  I used to dread having to pay $20.00 or more for two books, but the library offers some really cool books to lend the children, although they don't get to keep them.  Good Heavens!! My book shelf is overflowing so I count it as a blessing.  

Today, we kick off our Summer Reading.  We have a log I created, a sticker poster I will be putting up soon and numerous books we had laying around the house that the kids have not yet read.  I'm a stickler for books, so every time I head to my local education store, I always pick up a book for the kids.  Here are some books I recommend every child should read

• The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis
• The Indian and the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks
• Ghost Dog Secrets by Peg Kehret
• Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Patterson (Motion Picture Available)
• The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan (Book Number 1 in the Series)
• Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo (Newberry Honor Book)
• The Tiger Rising by Kate DiCamillo (National Book Award Finalist)
• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White (Motion Picture Available)
• The Barrier Reef by Carole Marsh (Includes 5 SAT words, Series of Books)
• All Kinds of Animals by Abeka Books (Reading Comprehension lessons included)

Emily closing her eyes , trying to pick out a book. 

Shes' a Hoot!!!

This is what our Log for the Summer Looks like. 

Free Reading Programs in the Austin/Leander Area

Half Price Books kicks off their Summer Reading Program June 02, 2013

Stop by and pick up a log, read for at least 15 minutes a day and get Bookworm Bucks

Barnes and Noble

Kids Earn a Free Book when they read any 8 books

Leander Public Library

Summer Reading Club 2013

Dig Into Reading Summer Program

Kid's Book Club & Junior High Book Club

Participate in a discussion about a different book each month!

E-mail Janki at jmakecha@leander.lib.tx.us for more details or to sign-up!

Cedar Park Public Library

Summer Reading Club 2013
June 10th to August 2nd!
The Cedar Park Public Library, in conjunction with the Texas State Library, is proud to present the 2013 Summer Reading Clubs: “Dig Into Reading” for kids, “Beneath the Surface” for teens, and “Groundbreaking Reads” for adults.

Summer Bridge Activity Program

Summer Bridge Program at Kaleidoscope Toys

        110 North IH35

          Ste 375

            Round Rock TX  78681 

 Mon-Sat: 10:00am -  7:00pm Sunday: 12:00pm - 5:00pm

     

"Here’s the Deal"

1. Purchase the age appropriate Summer Bridge book at Kaleidoscope Toys for your child

2. After they finish their book cover to cover (excluding the bonus pages), they may pick any TOY up to a $50 value and get 50% off – WOW!

3. Completed cover to cover for a 50% discount. Miss one page and get a 25% discount.

4. The child must complete all the work in the book.

5. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Instock items only.

7. Your child must redeem the completed book by 8/24/13 

Be Sure to check out your Local Library and the area in which you live for great Summer Reading!!!

Until Next Time, 

Eat Organic!

Eat Gluten-Free!, 

Jennifer

My new found love for Lapbooks.

It's Saturday. Way too hot to take the kids out to play, but a perfect time to stay indoors.  Instead of having the kids sit in front of the TV all day, you can do something fun and educational.  My 16 year old is notorious for sitting in front of the TV all day watching football.  The little ones don't watch TV much because we spend the majority of our days doing school work.

For about $5.00, this covers the file folders, glue sticks and copies, you can make a lapbook.  The file folders I purchased were 50% off so I basically spend $3.49 on the 8 file folders.  I downloaded the free file online, sent it to my local fed-ex (they know me by name) and printed out one set.  I then made additional copies at a local print shop.  If you have a printer at home, you can print it out. Since I made more than 200 copies for my homeschool co-op, the copies came out to about 5 cents each. The Teacher one (mine) is in color, but you don't have to print it out in color. The kids copies were in black and white and although not as colorful, I had the kids color in the words and the flaps for the color tabs.  Below you will see what I used, the final lapbook and the file folders I purchased.
Before I ventured in this wonderful educational tool, I would look at lapbooks and think, "All that fancy work, that looks too hard, only skilled mother's could do this!  But, I found out that anyone can create a Lapbook.  What a great way for my kids to learn!

Here's the link for a free Lapbook

www.homeschoolshare.com/spanish.php

For our end of the year study on Rome, the kids created a Lapbook about Rome and it's History. 

Here's the link for Rome Lapbook

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/ancient_rome.php

Educational Warning: A Lapbook takes time. Don't be surprised if you spend 2 or more hours having fun creating these.  Weekends are the best for creating these. And Summer will be here soon!

Until Next Time, 

Eat Organic!

Eat Gluten-Free!

Jennifer

Send Me, I'll Go!!!

There's this one song on my play list that gets me going.  I'm sure everyone has that one song that just gets them pumped up to do something.

Music.  Music is MY LIFE.  

Music is more than my life, it is something that helps me enjoy my life.

I remember those Saturdays as a kid when our backyard was filled with Mexican music, barbecue and everyone just sitting around in the hot sun enjoying the day.  These are the days I miss. The fellowship.  The talking. The times where we would just be who God created us to be.  No judging. Well sometimes the occasional argument, but we Loved each other no matter what.  The kids would be getting into the kiddie pool thinking it was the greatest thing in the world.  Life was Simple.  We ate plenty on Saturday and Sunday and we were thankful for beans and rice Monday through Friday. 

We weren't Rich, neither Poor, we were Alright. 

 We enjoyed life. We enjoyed music. We enjoyed one another. 

 Times are a Changing and we need to make the most of them.  In fact in the Bible it states that our days are numbered. We toil on this earth and never truly get to see the fruits of our labor.  Do you just work and never rest?  Do you take a day off  to enjoy a good meal with a loved one?   What about time for others?  The other day I enjoyed a good cup of coffee with a friend that just needed some advice.  It wasn't for me, but I made time for her.  Do you make time to just make someone else happy?  It doesn't take much.  $2.00 is what I spent that day, but I created a friendship that is priceless.  

Make time for those who are dear to you.  Grandparents need extra love.  Husbands and wives need to go on dates every once in a while to ignite that spark again.  Don't just live your life doing!

Enjoy it!!  For God created it and it was GOOD.  Now, go enjoy your day!!!

Send Me, I'll Go! Send Me, I'll Go! Send Me, I'll Go! Let Me Go!!!

(Lecrae, Send Me. From the Album, After the Music Stops)


Until Next Time, 
Eat Organic!!
Eat Gluten Free!!
Jennifer

Second Degree Black Belt

Goodbyes are never welcomed. 

You feel happy for the person who is moving on to bigger and better things in life, but you feel as if they've let you down in some way because you won't get to learn from this person. You won't continue to see the goodness in their heart or the way that person makes you feel when they tell you how awesome you are at sparring or how great you are just because your you.  

"He said that I'm a good at sparring and that he said that everyone else he would tell them they needed to change or correct one thing, but for me, he said that there was nothing I needed to correct or work on."  I could see the excitement spewing out of Zachary's mouth as he was trying to get the words out.  Slow down, I always tell him. This doesn't come easy from a boy who is now 11 years old and sees all the wonders of this world and can't quite put them into words fast enough to hold the listener.  Even though he's has speech problems since he was 3, that hasn't stopped this little boy from becoming all that God wants him to be.  And I felt proud for him today. Proud that someone else sees the joy that he brings to my heart.

Zach and His Instructor Mr. Evans who is the
owner to the Leander Taekwondo Center 

Mr. Alamadi ( I hope I spelled it right)
Zachary said his goodbyes!

So, as we say Goodbye to one of his Instructors (Mr.Alamadi, Pictured on the left) who is going away to college, we say Hello to a new journey into Taekwondo, Olympic Sparring that will be lead by Mr. Evans at the center.  It sounds so awesome that I wish I was in Taekwondo myself.  Thank you Instructors, Mr. Evans and Mr. Alamadi for all you do.

Me and the Kiddos

Until Next Time,

Eat Organic!

Eat Gluten-Free!

Jennifer

No one is Immune.

No one is immune.
Now Let me say that with a gentle heart,

No one is immune to the trails and tribulations of life.

I was poked, inspected, examined from my head to my lungs.
I felt like a pin cushion. One IV on my right to push the Morphine and one on the left to get blood cultures.
Well I did have right side pain but Morphine was never discussed, by the time I knew it my chest felt heavy and my stomach turned.

No vomiting but a sense of relief that I was getting somewhere with this sickness. The cough just wouldn't go away. Day after day, until I couldn't breathe.

Take me to the emergency room I sternly told David, I'm sick, I think I have pneumonia and also, I can't breathe, my right side hurts."

Yes, he responded and off we went.
It was funny listening to the nurse and my husband converse about my symptoms and personal information as to how much I weigh, what was my social security, etc.
Uh , my husband says, not wanting to offend me if he said 130 or 140, not wanting to give me an extra 10-20 pounds. (these weights are fine for some, I'm short so 125 works fine for me).
Height?
Nope, he didn't know
Social Security? No, I used hand gestures to relay because I couldn't talk.
Ask me if I know his. And the answer would be yes! Weight? Yes. Height? Yes. Medications he takes? Yes. Every doctor, appointment or lab test he's had? Yes. I know everything about his diagnosis.

And it's okay. I wasn't mad or anything. Just funny.

So as I lay there on the stretcher, I prayed. I praised God for the doctor, the nurse and my husband. Then I began to think of my calling as a Nurse. I was proud at that moment. I was at that moment happy to have been called to become a nurse.
In those moments where you feel crummy, tired and the weight of the world on you, you are reminded that these people are here to take care of you. I needed them . I wanted them to make me feel better.
Fix me. Heal me. Jesus I would cry out throughout the day, Lord, just heal me, please!

Immune to sickness? Nope. Immune to hardships? Nope.
No matter how healthy I eat or how many miles I run, or how many times I pray, I am not immune.
Viruses exists and they want to invade anything and everything they can. Bacteria lingers around waiting for you to snatch it up. All these and those super bugs that are out there are ready to steal your joy, make you want to curl up and die.

But there is a Healer and His name is Jesus.
Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. The sweetest name I know. So during these times, when we are tested, crushed and bruised we cry out,

Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Sweetest name I have ever known.


(as of 6pm today, I have slept. Writing helps me get me mind off being sick. So with a breathing mask on and a pen in my hand, a journaling I will go . Please continue to pray for healing)

Titles

It's 2 am, "Do you know where your children are?"

This question was usually asked around 10pm or 11pm as part of a public service announcement for parents on American television.  Nowadays it"s more like 2 am.  

Today, for me, it's like, "Sudafed, Why have you done this to me?"

Yup. Sudafed.  David remembers when this drug was so popular that now it has to be kept behind the pharmacy because so many people were abusing it. Now I know why.  I've never been a pill taker. I just moan, groan, roll over in bed and cry.  Seriously. I don't like being sick and when I get sick, I get Sick.  I'm the worst person to take care of while being sick because I just moan and cry and pray out loud for the sickness to leave me. But then again, Who want's to be sick?  No one I tell you, including me.  Which brings me to the realization that people out there suffer illnesses far greater and worse than anything I could be going through.  God then begins to show me that I'm not immune to Sickness.
Which then brings me to the question, "Who am I?"

Yup.  "Who am I?"  In society, we tend to define ourselves by the things we do, the things we say, the TITLES I should say  I moaned about how this week I am not a mom, a Teacher, a gluten free baker, a seamstress or a runner.  During that moment, I defined myself with TITLES.

Do You define yourself with TITLES?  I could definitely add more to the list, If I had to define everything I do it would look more like this,

Laundry Lady

Pooper Scooper for Nibbler (my little Shitzu)

Butt Cleaner
 (I'm a Nurse and have to help with this sometimes)

Med Dispenser 
(I've been referred to this several times at work, they actually call me the Med Aide)
Waitress
Taxi Driver 
 Teacher

Depressed/Angry Mom

Happy/Energetic Mom

Religious Lady/Jesus Freak 

Crazy Runner Girl/Yoga Girl

Jennie (The girl who makes JennieBands)

I bet I could think of 10 or more TITLES  to give myself, but out of self respect, I'll only leave you with these.  As I started to think more about these TITLES, I began to think about how God sees me and how he sees you.   

When he's up on his throne in Heaven, you know sipping on a cup of Java, what does he think about me?  Does he define me by my TITLES?  Does he love me according to the more TITLES I or the world gives?   

Well, to tell you the truth, NO. 

God does not define us by TITLES.  When God created Adam and Eve, he made us in His Image. Woman was created for man.  We, women are more than just the TITLES we have stuck to us. 

Hello, My Name is                                                                                         

(Fill in the blank)

Click Here for Video (Click Blank Spot, for some reason)

 We are cherished far greater than we can imagine. We are Daughters of the Most High. We are Redeemed.  We are Loved.  We are Magnificent. We are Cherished. We are Forgiven.

Mary, the Blessed one who birthed Jesus would have been given the Title of Sinner if Joseph didn't take her as his wife.  She would have been put to shame for birthing a child out of wedlock.

But God had called her differently.  She was and will be referred to as Blessed Mary. 

Indeed, Pure and Holy because she was without sin. She was Chosen. We are Chosen.  

Chosen to be made Perfect and Holy just like Mary.  We are chosen to behave in a Godly manner.  We are chosen to live by the TITLES given to us by our Lord, not the ones we or the world gives us.    

So, UNSTICK those TITLES you or the world gives, they mean nothing to the Lord.

Instead, think of all the wonderful things the Bible says about us, 

We are, 

Loved

Cherished

Holy
Wonderful
Fearful

Talented
Perfect

Righteous

Truth

Beautiful

Forgiven

Ephesians 2:8 ESV

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

Romans 8:9 ESV / 

You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.

John 4:24 ESV /

God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Until Next Time,

Eat Organic!

Eat Gluten-Free!

Jennifer

Stillness

Birds chirping. Singing to each other. Doves flying in the trees.  The sun coming up and making it's way into our beautiful world.
"Namaste."  In the Yoga world this means "I bow to you", and " thank you."  My Yoga instructor, Veronica will add in an interpretation of her own, such as "the light in me bows to the light in you."

Stillness.  Quietness.  Peacefulness.  Love.  These beautiful words are what described my morning salutations.  The Sun shone on my face as it was making it's way into this world.  God whispering in my ear, telling me his wonders. 

A new day.  

12 years today. 12 years of stillness. 12 years of His promises. 12 years of His Love.  12 years of Sickness. 12 years of Tears. 12 years of Joy.

12 years of Learning. 12 years of God holding my husband's hand and giving him the strength to make me who I am today.  

I will never forget that day at Wal-Mart where I lied to you, David, telling you I was looking for a backpack.  You always tell everyone that I saved your life, but to tell you the truth, You saved mine.  Thank you for bringing me to Christ.

I love You!

There will be Gluten-Free Cake Today!!!
Jennifer

Are you Listening?

Calls of frustration. Calls to ramble. Calls of Joy.  Calls to ask how the kids are doing in school. (Now we have Edmodo so the kids message me directly.)  Having a husband means you have the greatest friend that will listen to all your numerous complaints, and in my case, all the numerous times I call him  because I need to just talk.  He just hangs there on the other line, LISTENING.  There are times when I think he's hung up the phone but he's again, Just LISTENING.  Sometimes that's all I need.  Just someone to listen to me.  Are You LISTENING?

I began then to think about how we as humans have the choice to listen.  You see it's a choice.  No one forces you to sit in a college course and listen to the lecture, you invested your time and energy into that class so you will do your best to get the best grade possible.  Are You LISTENING?

At work, I interact with so many different personalities.  Co-workers can be difficult to get along with, especially if they don't like you or if they are unhappy with their job.  Many people tend to blame others for their unhappiness.  Jesus loves you and wants to give you eternal life with happiness.
Are You LISTENING?

Everyday I would wake up at 6am, go for a run, get back have my devotionals and then home-school the kids. My wake up time these days have been 9am lately.  I plan my runs along with each activity I'm doing either with the kids or my business.  Have you been listening to your body that tells you sometimes to GET UP and GO or just to SLOW DOWN AND BREATHE.

A view from one of my morning runs.

I incorporate Yoga into my weekly schedule.  These are my slow down and breathe through days. Exercise doesn't have to be complicated.  Grab a weighted 5 lb ball, a kettle bell and a mat and there's your workout for the day.  Twists, lunges and some simple Yoga moves 30 minutes a day.
Or hit the pavement and run a simple 2, 3 or 4 mile run or just simply walk.
Are You LISTENING?

Last night we started our series of The Bible on the History Channel. We prerecorded it and watched it as a family.  Emily loved it so much that last night she was searching through every Bible trying to match up the stories. 

She was listening.  

Are You? 

Until Next Time,
Eat Organic,
Eat Gluten-Free,
Jennifer

Moving Forward

Curious I was as I came upon the loop around the lake at Brushy Creek and saw a huge contraption that caught my eye.  It was round, bubbly and looked as if it was some neat Science experiment.  All I could see were a couple of kids surrounded by it and an adult ready to give whoever was waiting next in line, a ride in this neat eye catching bubble.  In my mind I was thinking about how I could approach this group and ask if I could bring my kids back to join in on the fun.

To my disappointment it was a Games 2 U party going on in the park and after research that big Science experiment is actually called a Hamster Ball.  

What in the World?  

                                

What if I could get inside that Hamster Ball and just roll, roll and roll and have so much fun that I forget about life and the worries of the world?  Kids can do it, so why can't I?  I can be 8 again or maybe even 10 or 11 and just live life trusting that my parents will take care of everything.  What if everyday I woke up and just trusted that I would get fed and that maybe one morning my parents would surprise me with a trip to IHOP?  What if I just woke up every morning with a smile on my face and thanked God that I'm alive? What if I just trusted God to feed not only myself but also my family and that we would be clothed not in expensive clothes, but clothed in Love?  What if I just trusted God with my health and that of my husband's?  And instead of hoping and praying that my job situation would get better, what if I just prayed that I would be a blessing to others instead of wanting all the blessings?

Those what if's can be turned into, Yes God, I trust you in every situation of my life. 

Yes see God cares and  in every situation that we're in, God just wants us

 JUST MOVE FORWARD.  

KEEP GOING. KEEP GIVING. KEEP LOVING.

TRUST. OBEY.

We can have that childlike faith that requires us to just trust in God.  So, Yes, we can be obedient and trusting in God just like our children trust us everyday that we are going to take care of them.

 Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are? Matthew 6:26

I'll be 34 years old this year, maybe it's not too late to rent a Hamster Ball for my Birthday.  

Until Next Time,

Eat Organic,

Eat Gluten-Free,

Jennifer