HAPPY NEW YEAR- AND NOT ONE RESOLUTION TO BREAK! - Right??

That's the best resolution I think I have ever had, to make none!! I'm excited that the new year is here- I have a feeling it will be a great one!

December was such a great month, just busy for our household. The kids school projects, band concerts, swim meets, etc... didn't slow down until after the Christmas break started- so their two week hiatus has flown by. The boys started basketball, it's a first for both of them, and Presley is already facing the end of her first year on the Varsity swim team at school. Swim meets will continue, but with her club team, not the school. She has had a tremendous year- and has had a blast with all the people she's met.

December for me started out with a huge BANG!! I mean, it doesn't get much better than this for me--- It's "The Most Wonderful Time of the YEAR!" and I'm jetting off to one of my favorite places of all times!!





Did I give it away? I'm not too sure what I love about this place- it's AMAZING though! I honestly would go back weekly if I could!!






AHHHH - New York City

And I truly don't even consider myself a city girl- until I step foot off that plane, then I feel like there is no other place for me to be! The only set back I have is that my family hasn't gone together. Jerry and I have gone, and I've gone with friends- but the kids are dying to go, and we haven't taken them yet! So maybe I will make a New Year Resolution! I would love to share this love of mine with the little ones I love so much! I know Owen would go crazy with the subway, Presley would go crazy with the shopping, and Jake would go crazy if he could go to any NY sport venue! Nonetheless- this trip was a girls trip and we Shopped, ate, shopped, walked, shopped, subwayed, shopped, ate some more, shopped, slept, and then we shopped! I was smart enough to pack an extra bag in my suitcase for purchases-! I came home with nearly my entire Christmas list for Jerry to wrap and put under the tree for me. (At least he didn't have to worry about returns)





I went with my girlfriends Jodi and Melinda and Melinda's sister Jeannie- we couldn't have had a better time. First thing on our list was to purchase hats from a street vendor-




I was totally lovin' my red hat- a little out of my box, which was good!!







There are seriously no words to describe our "Ride" from the airport. I know I had it on my "to-do" list, get the number for a car company to pick us up! Well, it didn't matter, because we were so excited that our luggage made the tight connection in Chicago, that we knew everything else would happen to go our way! Well, that's when Melinda met Andre! Andre is just a good upstanding NYC citizen, that is out making a good living. Well, as we followed Andre to his car (in the dark parking garage, where no one else seemed to be parked)I started feeling a little HMMM, I guess uneasy! So I decided to take a picture of Jodi with my cell phone- with the license plate in the background. (And whoever accused me of NO common sense- come on!!)



Turns out that wasn't such a Brilliant idea! I considered still texting the pic to Jerry, surely CSI could zoom in and get a license plate number is we came up missing, Right? Well- I'm so busy taking the picture, the girls decide to all jump in the backseat, which was SO GREAT- I got to ride in the front with Andre, in his "Qui Mobile". Excuse my french, but "Holy Crap"- I didn't go to NYC to die! I have never seen New York City like this before. Let me just say- Andre had a horn on the back of his steering wheel, he didn't stop for anything or anyone- but he was nice enough to honk at them and give them a warning, and if the person in front of him wasn't doing what he wanted them to, he would just open his center console and touch one of who knows how many buttons to make a noise on, yep you got it, the speaker on the outside of the "Qui Mobile". The one used most often was the "Police Siren", the "Police Horn" was used once or twice just to tip people off. It was a Wonderful way to start the trip!! We got Andre's card, I guess as a souvenir- Cuz Lord knows we weren't calling him for a ride back to the airport!!
But anyway- we had so much fun! Here are a few pictures of our fun weekend!
















I was crowned the Subway Queen, I had three rookies on my hands! You can't go to New York City and not ride the Subway!




We went to the "Top of the Rock"

It was snowing in this picture- we had just come out of Bloomingdale's!


We took a carriage ride thru Central Park










And we made our way down to Little Italy for dinner and dessert one night!


















I was happy to get home to see the family, but I'm ready to go back at any time!!!

Once again this year, I tried to get pictures of the kids for Christmas cards! This task seems to get harder and harder as the kids get older! I thought I would share a few of the pictures that didn't quite meet my "Christmas Card" standards.









I don't know- Are my standards just too high?? I guess if I could have gotten Owen in the last picture, that would have worked!! (Hmm!) I told the kids we could try another day. So we did get better results second time around, but come on now- How hard is it to smile, and act like you're loving the ones your with!!!





We had a snag in a Huge Christmas Tradition, thanks to the weather. We didn't make it to Church services on Christmas Eve- the kids missed singing with the Agape Choir- it would have been Jake's first time to join in the "Hallelujah Chorus". No one was happy about the decission, but I am not a fan of icy roads and that's what we had! We hung out with my parents and go home safely- and just enjoyed being together!

New Years Eve was very enjoyable- We went out to eat with Grandmom and Papa, and Presley's newest "Friend" Cade! Presley went to a party at Cade's after dinner and we played "Sequence" with my parents. Jake did let me know that "New Years Eve is so much better than New Years Day- New Years Day it feels like all the celebrating is over~!" and Owen wanted to know when I wished him "Happy New Year!" New years morning, " Do we get to open presents for Happy New Year?" Enough said- Right???

THANKSGIVING 2009

We use to do this at Church the Sunday before Thanksgiving. During our annual Thanksgiving dinner each table would get a letter, then they would discuss what they were thankful for that started with that letter, and someone from that table would go up and tell everyone what people from that table were thankful for. I also have a few friends that list alphabetically what they are thankful for, so I thought I would give it a shot!

THANKSGIVING 2009

A- Ann Taylor Loft
- Seriously!! After gaining about 5-6 pounds this year, I was still able to go down a pant size with their "Curvy Jeans" I've always had trouble finding jeans that fit my thunder thighs but aren't way too big around the waste.

B- Blankets
-Electric ones to be exact! It's very difficult to think of anywhere I would rather be than in my bed, snuggled under the electric blanket.

C-Church
- How thankful should we be that we can freely go to a place of worship to do just that, worship our GOD. I am super thankful for this!!

D- Dancing
-Do you ever just get the urge to get up and shake your groove thing? Thank God it mostly happens to me when I am alone. But this year the dancing I am most thankful for is HipHop.. I really need to try and post a video of Lil'O dancing. It most certainly would put a smile on your face.


E- Ellie Potvin!
-I have never even met this little girl, yet have grown to know her through her mothers words over the past year in a half. Ellie has Rhabdomyosarcoma cancer and after being in remission for only a few short months has relapsed. I think of her family Everyday and pray for wisdom and strength. Learn more about Ellie at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/elliepotvin/mystory. I would love to meet Ellie one day, but I am thankful for her and the fact that her story has brought so many to Christ. I'm praying for you!!

F- Faith, Family, and Friends
- So, three for one. If I continue this as a yearly "tradition" (my abc's Thanksgiving that is.) I will be a little more specific with my answers. But for now- I am so thankful that I have Faith. I honestly can't imagine living a life without faith. Would it be a life with no direction, with no hope? I LOVE my family- how could I be So Blessed? And my friends, those that truly understand me, and don't care that I'm somewhat quirky- they too are so much a part of me!

G-Grandparents
- I loved mine, they are all gone now.. I am very thankful that my children have and have had the opportunity to live close to all of theirs. They treasure their grandparents so much- although it won't be until they are parents themselves that they realize the enormity of the blessing.

H- Hope
I have Hope that one day I will come upon someone that doesn't have Hope and I will be able to share with them enough to give them true Hope. And my wish will be that one day they are able to pass along that Hope to someone else who will be in need of it. Proverbs 23:18
"There is surely a future hope for you, and that hope will not be cut off."

I- Itunes
- Yes, I do think that $1.29 plus tax is too much to pay for one song, but it is so nice not to have to buy a CD when you really only want one or two songs. And even though I normally vow not to go out shopping the weekend after Thanksgiving- Costco is selling $60 worth of Itunes gift cards for $44.99. So I'm thankful for Costco too, because that's like 10 free songs. (And I love music)

J-Jesus
- and 1John 5:12 tells us
"He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life"
And I'm talking life everlasting friend! Sound exciting- Heck yes!(Napolean Dynomite) This letter doesn't even compare.. If I had to choose one thing that I was thankful for- JESUS. And yes, that is my final answer.

K- Kids
I LOVE MY KIDS! I love different things about each one of them. When I think of the three I think of Love, Joy, and Peace. What do I love about each!

Presley- I love your beautiful blue eyes. I love that you, like your father, put things into perspective for me at times. I love that you look at the Big Picture for your life. I love that you are so giving and you don't expect things in return.

Jake- I love your smile. I love your witty sense of humor. I love that you still want me to scratch your back every morning. I love that I am one in a million people that really KNOW you. (although one day- I think the world would be a better place to really KNOW you.)

Jordan- I love that I was chosen to be your Mom. I love that I got to hold you even if only for a few hours. I love that you looked just like your other siblings. I love knowing that I will one day be with you again.

Owen-I love your Spirit. I love that you still need me. I love that you can't fall asleep unless you are cuddling with me. I love the positioning of the freckles on your sweet face. I LOVE that people that KNOW you can see why I love you so much.

And aside from my own, My heart has a place for any child I run across. Especially those less fortunate.

L-Love
It just makes you feel good inside.

M-Marriage
Especially mine. I don't know how two people can be so different and totally enjoy being together. Jerry is my complete opposite- and he is absolutely perfect for me. I do NOT believe in soul mates, I do believe though that God puts certain people in your life- and he hit the nail on the head with this one. (I'm thinking he always does- we just choose to ignore what he is trying to tell us sometimes.) I am thankful that my wild youth took me to a place called "Baja Beach Club" with some friends where I ran into a group of guys- One wouldn't quit asking me to dance (it was 80's night) and after turning him down a few times, he introduced me to my-now-husband of more than 16 years. Who knew- he had hair longer than mine, and tattoos!! I love you Babe!

N- Naps
I have been getting more and more of these. Short though sweet- I try a few times a week to take a quick nap between 2:00 and 2:25.

O-Ovens
I know I use it, just wasn't aware how much. Then it got messed up when our house was struck by lightning. That's a bummer. It works intermittently, but I look forward to the day that we go out to buy a new one.

P-Peace
It certainly isn't everywhere. But I feel like I have quite a bit in my life.

Q- Quiet Time
For me!! One of my favorite things is my Quiet time. I don't get that much of it now, and I know that's a good thing. Makes me appreciate it that much more when I do get it.

R-Rest and Relaxation
What is this that you speak of??? I guess this goes along with quiet time, I love it and wouldn't mind a little more of it!

S-Service men and women
Salvation was my initial thought for S- that really goes without saying! I'm super thankful for that over all! But really this year, I have to honor those serving everyday to keep my family and I as safe as possible. I wish I could thank them all in person. I honestly can't even sing "The Star Spangled Banner" without bawling like a baby- because when I sing it I think about those risking their lives for me.

T- Teachers
I am very thankful for the teachers that take my kids under their wings and do what they can to further their education. It's a very hard job and I commend those that choose it as a career.

U- Understanding
Wow- there is too much to say on this one. Everyone needs it , whether they are offering it or accepting it. I am thankful for it. The greatest thing about it, usually it just happens and no words have to be spoken.

V-Vacation
"It's a good thing!" This year I have vacationed in South Padre, twice and I'm getting very ready to go to NYC...

W- Water...
When you have a few minutes to spare- do this. Go to google. Try and figure out how many people die daily because they don't have access to clean drinking water. And how long was my shower this morning? Did I have to rinse the potatoes before peeling them?
How about this one- Honor a teacher, pastor, parent, friend, child - anyone by not spending $100 on them this Christmas- just spend $90 and donate the other $10 to Advent Conspiracy in their name.
www.adventconspiracy.com

X- XOXOXOX
kisses.. hugs and kisses.

Y-Yesterday
- I'm thankful for yesterday, and today. We aren't promised tomorrow- but I will be thankful for it if I get it!

Z- zithromax z-pak
I use at least one a year, and it brings me much pleasure. (sinus infections and bronchitis are not my friends.)

This Thanksgiving we will have a few friends over for brunch (because "it's a tradition"- thank you very much Presley Faye) and then go and have dinner with my parents as we watch the Dallas game. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

Where did you go?

October?

I might recall a day or two of you being around. You were much cooler this year. I appreciated that more than you know. Sorry I missed most of you though- I might have been at a swim meet, or swim practice- football game, or football practice, karate class- or of course hip hop class. I might have been doing homework with a 6th grader, or reading and doing spelling test with a 1st grader. Or maybe I was trying to fit a few family dinners in on the not too crazy nights. I will reassure you, you are without a doubt one of my favorite months, so I'm sorry I let you fly by me, it seems harder and harder to keep up with all 12 of you lately. I'm trying to enjoy a little of November, but already starting to stress about December. (only because that is my favorite and I prefer it to stick around much longer than it normally does.)

- During October, we once again grieved the loss of my sweet mother in law. October 11th was the one year anniversary of her passing. Jerry was good, the kids were good- I cried but I was good. I think of Carol EVERYDAY!! Those thoughts remind me of several things

* Tell your loved ones that you love 'em!! Who doesn't like to know that they are loved. Put a warm fuzzy in someones heart today!!

*When someone gives you all they have- appreciate 'em. I did this a lot, but not near enough. My mother in law gave so much of herself to me, Jerry and the kids- I would be lying if I said it was never taken for granted. She was awesome.

*Before someone leaves this earth, when you know they are going to... reassure them that Jesus will be waiting with open arms. ( I NEVER knew how hard it would be to talk to a person about Death- when they are actually facing it. It's very Hard.) I think Carol just wanted to know that we would be ok- We're good, just missing her more than we ever knew was possible.


October also brought another eye opener to me! My middle child- Shy? I would have said yes to anyone, but... Jake asked mid Oct. if he could have a Halloween party. I told him since he wasn't having a birthday party I would definitely consider it. Well, before we had time to discuss it again- the following text went out to about 6-7 people ...

"If you want to be at a Beast of a Halloween party, come to my house Halloween night, before dark, by the water tower."

HHMMMM- I simply had to laugh! OK- Jake I said you can have your party. Honestly thinking "whose parent will bring their 6th grader to a party that an actual invite wasn't sent out for?" None- right>??? Ding-Dong your wrong!!
Jake had a BEAST of a Halloween party. There were 10 kids, they had a blast- and yes it was co-ed. I supervised very closely... The went trick or treating, danced, watched a movie, ate snacks- and Jake planned the entire thing by himself. I will post a picture of the kids before they left to trick or treat soon!!! And Happy 12th Birthday Jake- I can't believe you're nearly a teenager!

Presely has attended several TCU football games with a good friend of hers. I keep telling her that would be the perfect school for her. I don't want her to go far!! She said they don't have a good swim team and I said it's a Christian school.(Wash- right.) I think she's considering. She advised me one night that she really needed to decide what she was going to do for a career. We discussed what's important to her. Christ is very important to her- she loves the thought of bringing people to HIM. Health and nutrition are important to her. Helping those in need!- and she assures me she will take french all 4 years of high school- hoping to be able to speak it, so she can travel overseas. We added all these things up - ok, she wants to help people learn the value of exercise and eating right, teach them about God, and possibly do this in France. I told her I wasn't aware of a company that hired those three qualities in one. Maybe we are leaning toward the Peace Corps.

Owen- well he's still Owen. Just a gander, but thinking he logged about 25hrs of HipHopping in the month of October. We might have had a battle or two over proper attire. I'm sure there was a time out, or two (or ten) He decided karate wasn't his thing- no surprise. But let me tell you, his Hip Hop brings the entire family together. As often as he asks to do it, we all gather together to watch. None of us get tired of watching him. He brings all of us So much Joy and Happiness!

So anyway October- I hope to catch up with you next year! I love ya - and appreciate ya. (especially the cooler temps.) Until next time...

A penny for your thoughts

In yet another attempt to keep this thing up- Introducing my "Post from the Past". I am going to try and do a few "Post from the Past" a month, just to spice things up a bit.

This post, is hardly from the past- just last month!-

One very early morning, in South Padre- I went to hang out at the beach with Presley and Owen. Presley didn't want anything to do with being in front of the camera- so I captured the spirit of a 6 1/2 year old and his first morning visit to the ocean. Wish I could have captured a thought or two flowing through his brain. What could he have been thinking??.......



"Is this what he meant by "Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place,." ?"






It certainly seems it was all gathered here~!





These waves are chasing me!!!


Maybe I should run this way??!




"On Second thought!??"



"They're gaining on me!"


"OK- let's try this again!"




I actually got a few pictures with Presley too, and this is by far my favorite. (even though you can't see them very well.)

Today 9-11

September 11th !!!! (Yes- of course I had to post today!)

Just a few thoughts on the day itself!

I never even thought about the fact that September 11th was 911, until September 11,2001.
I know (atleast) four people born on September 11th. (Happy Birthday Randy, Maggie, Kenneth- and my little man Jordan)
September 11th- honestly use to not mean too much to me...

Now- September 11th!

I've been thinking all morning about Jordan, about my family- the love we all share! How things might have been different if Jordan were here with us! He would have been Eight today! That just seems CRAZY! Who would he have looked like now? (He looked like both Presley and Jake when he was born.. All of my children looked very similar!) Would he have Presley and Jake's easy going personalities, or would he be a wild man like Lil' O? Would I be picking clothes and toys up after him too, or would he have been Mommy's little helper? It's really hard to wonder what would have been- since he was only with us for 14 short hours. It's does bring a smile to my face though- knowing he would have somehow been the perfect combination of the three.

I have already shed a tear today- For my husband! As I watched channel 4 news and saw the Honor Guard for his Fire Department honoring the lost FireFighters from 8 years ago. I'm so proud of you! I will never forget the tears streaming from your eyes and the horror on your face as we watch the first and second towers collapse and you lost over 300 "brothers and sisters" who so Unselfishly gave their lives! I cry anytime I think about their lives being cut short Honoring their country and protecting those that they didn't even know. I wish TODAY I could hug all their family members and tell them how much each and everyone of their lives will weigh on my heart for EVER! I also think about the pilots and flight attendants who lost their lives just doing their jobs-how scary it must have been for them- for their passengers. Today reminds me that my life and the saddness I feel from this very day is just a hidden speck from the great pain this nation still feels.

Today also marks one year since Jerry's mom was admitted into the hospital Her cancer was not responding to treatment anymore. Last year right about this time I was sitting in a car with my Dad and Melinda (My mom and dad's realtor) eating lunch when Carol called me to tell me where she was. I honestly didn't know how serious it really was one year ago today- but she only lived one more month. Carol passed away on Oct. 11th 2008. The saddness and pain from that month are still so fresh in my mind. My husband losing a parent, my kids losing their Grandma (who they were extrememly close to), and me losing a Very Dear Friend (and my mother in law.)

Today- September 11, 2009- I just want to have some quiet time, reflect, pray, and keep thanks in my heart for all those out there serving for my freedom. Today will be a good day!

In Jordan's Memory- Please say a prayer for Your family and tell each of them TODAY- how much they truly mean to you!!!

First day of School pics

Presley was NOT interested in taking pictures at 6:15am- I got one, but the fun ones are after school the first day!
Also- Jake is TOO big for us to walk to class, so I got pictures of him, but not any of his teachers. Owen got a picture with his teacher, only she isn't his teacher anymore. We were sad he got moved, but very excited about his new teacher. (more on that later.)

You're my Child- I can brag, I'm suppose to!!

Presley- I love you! And anyone that stands around me long enough hears about it!! I just have to put your name on this one!!!!

Ok- so Presley comes home from school with a few minor assignments. She told me one was for her PRE-AP Language Arts class- she had to "define herself" in 6 words. I thought she meant something like : Girly, Christian, Swimmer, etc... - but she read her teachers definition to me. "It's the journey, not the destination." - OK, before anyone else says anything- you have to look at it two way- regardless, that was her teachers. So Presley's first thought was " Be yourself, everyone else is taken." I told her I really liked it, and it did define her- she is definitely herself all the time- but I asked her where she heard it and she told me "Ms. Sundee's office." - so she kept thinking and about 30 seconds later she said "Well, here's one.. "LIVE BY PASSION, NOT BY PRESSURES!" ." I just looked up from what I was doing- thinking this definitely defines her even more, and again I ask "Where did you hear that?" and she replied " I made that one up Mom." and holding back a tear or two- I said " That's the ONE- You will be a writer one day!" I meant to say " Presley Faye Majka you are the most special 14 year old I know! You Rock!! YOU make God smile down on the whole world!!!(because he knows your heart, and Jesus is your Passion.) You will Always make me proud!!" but instead ( only because I didn't want her to think her mom was a sappy crybaby, I said " You will be a writer one day!" what is that about?? And with a smile she said " I'd like to be a writer one day!"