hodge-podge, part deux

Apparently I shook things up a bit in my hodge-podge post.
I have made the decision, along with my husband and family.
It appears that now is not the time to pursue this dream.
I have long hoped that my music education and vocal training would someday pay off as a stable and long-term career.
Since Chris and I started dating, he has known that someday I wanted to sing professionally for the military ensemble. We've talked about it several times at various points in our relationship.
There is a soprano position open right now. I would have to audition. If I were chosen, I would also have to make a 3-year commitment of enlistment. But my job would be singing in choir. Sounds like a honey of a deal, for someone.
It has been such a pleasure and a blessing to be at home with my children. I want to soak it in as long as I can. They are only babies for so long you know. But someday, if I were wishing on a star - I would love to get to sing in a professional choir or at least be employed in the field of music.
I'd even do backup vocals for Willie Nelson... someday. hehehe
But for now, it's the stuff of dreams to get to see my babies develop into such wonderful people. Being able to be here with them takes the sting out of stepping on a lego flag or barbie high heel barefoot, I think being away from them would hurt a lot worse.

Ya just need Jesus!

Admittedly, it has been a long time between gulps from His stream.
It is inexcusable that I let my tank run so low when He is always "standing at the door and knocking..."
I have decided to do everything that I can to make it happen.
I am a worshipper by nature. I feel like a fish out of water when I do not plunge into worship fairly regularly.
I guess there's no better way to say it, I just NEED Jesus!
Obvious. Simple. Attainable.

My best moments lately with Him have come during my morning shower. He calls me gently to His feet. He speaks soft words of affirmation.
He allows me to wash His feet. I feel so alive. I feel purposeful.

My breath is meaningless without the underlying current of praise to Him Who has breathed into my soul and made me live.
So with each breath I take, Lord Jesus, please let me be filled with an aroma of worship for You.

I have fallen from a regular pattern of mindfulness of Your place in my life.
I need Your gentle nudge as I begin anew with a worshipful heart.
I don't want to wade ankle deep in Your stream. I don't want to take a gulp only once I become parched. I want a steady flow - which is always accessible - So much that what spills off of me drenches those around in an atmosphere of most holy worship.
Let Praises of Your people encircle Your Throne.
Let the majesty within Your creation remind me of that for which I was created.
Each time I see something wonderful that You have made, I will choose to praise You for it.
When I see the innocent love in my children's eyes, Lord let me emulate it.
With each passing moment that I am given to worship You, Father, I yearn to soak the hem of Your garment with my unashamed tears.
Let the words of my mouth be Yours - wise and edifying.
Let the deeds of my hands be directed in honesty and humility.
Let the thoughts in my mind be Yours - pure and holy.
All things that are not from You, Lord, I ask that those things be purged far from Your dwelling place.

I am Your servant. A vessel molded to pour Your love through. I want to rise to that potential in You. I live to earnestly adore You. Amen.

This is the type of post I would not normally post but I need a certain level of accountability.
I need to honor my pledge. So I have to put it out there.

HoDgE-pOdGe.

It is definitely premature to post anything about what I've been mulling over the past couple of days - but I would like to ask for any prayers you could offer up. I am thinking/praying about taking some preliminary steps to begin what would end up looking a lot like a career.
And the reason it is difficult to even consider is because it would mean LOTS of changes in our family.

My biggest concern right now is that what looks great to me personally and might truly satisfy my own ambitions - may also have a negative effect on my family as a whole. Of course, if I could predict that going in, I would not even consider it - but I can't, so therein lies the dilemma.
I want what is best for my family, our relationships with God, and our finances to align themselves perfectly.
So direction - I need direction. Thank God I know the 'Guy' with the road map...

It's like my letter to Santa this year. I wanna know what I'm gonna be when I grow up...
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Wendy - thank you! You may never know what a relaxing and wonderful evening you provided for us tonight. The atmosphere, the company, the food - all of it, TERRIFIC!! I am blessed beyond measure to have a friend like you. Thanks so much! I'll have to return the favor soon!
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seph- I drove by your house tonight, as promised, to look at this fabled tree. It is lit up like Rockefeller's!! You really did wind lights around branches for a whole day, didn't you?
Magnifique!
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I finished painting my dining room table tonight! I love it! Even if money were no object, this dining room set is what I would have! I am so very pleased with the way this "Do It Yourself" Project has turned out. Pictures to come. (I have to wait for the paint to dry before I can push the chairs back in.)
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I have been a bona fide basket case for at least the last 3-4 weeks. If you have unsuspectingly walked into my hormonal fury, I apologize. If you have skirted around the whole event, consider yourself lucky!
Camezi and Scraps have led me on a multi-vitamin revolution and I anticipate brighter days ahead! I already feel dynamite in the emotional health department and it's only been a few days. I guess my body was revolting on the M&M and diet soda regime...
Thanks for your advice girls - sometimes it's the obvious stuff that eludes me!
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I have looked forward to few things as I have this Progressive Dinner on Friday night!
I am literally salivating. Yes, I do anticipate great grub - but more than that, I am going to see most of my dear friends in a social setting without having to redirect kids or be yanked about the church foyer by naughty noodleheads. It's pure adult socializing with some of my favoritest people!!
I can't wait!!!!!

Mental Health Break.

My wonderful parents have taken my kids for the weekend.
I was woefully irresponsible and watched tv with my hunny for like 3 or 4 hours straight on Friday night.
It has been a long, long time since we were both here at the house with nothing pressing on us. We were able to just be together and enjoy one another's company. It was great!
The kids have been really sweet, according to my mom, but she's biased. I don't think waking up at 4:30 am ready to play is very sweet at all - but that's just one opinion. ;)
I was able to get lots of stuff done today. Not the least of which was sanding and staining my dining room table, grocery shopping, ceiling fans cleaned, light bulbs replaced, etc. All that rainy day stuff that you can somehow never find the time to do.
Tomorrow morning my angels will be with me again - and I am ever so ready for that!

That's about it.
Not great reading. Just life.

The name.

My niece has a name.
Her mommy finally decided on Ava Paziana O____.
I think it is beautiful and I positively cannot wait to meet her!

The day has come.

One of my co-workers pointed out a way too long, blonde hair on my cheek today.
A whisker. Yes, La. A whisker.
Only it wasn't whisker-y at all. It was really fine and soft and long - virtually undetectable - except that it wasn't undetectable... Someone saw it.
So now you know.
I had a cheek whisker. Or was it peach fuzz?
Either way, I have learned that someone at work loves me enough to spare me the embarrassment of schlepping a whisker around.

Gripe session.

My sense of humor is without taste or direction tonight. You should leave this post knowing little more than you arrived with.

• Do I have stinky armpits?
• Why does everyone feel it's necessary to move hours, or even states, away from here? Oh you know who you are... *wink*
• Do you have any deodorant suggestions?
• I am 28 years old. I have acne. Honestly. What. is. up?
• I will not even kinda see the Cowboys play tomorrow night, we are not getting the NFL season ticket package on Satellite because IT IS OVERPRICED!
• My baby-est baby will be 3 years old on Friday. I can't even think about it. Such a hard thing, to let them grow up. Not to mention how much more unacceptable my 'baby weight' has become...
• Why have I not thrown all those pre-baby jeans away? Oh - you all have them - Don't act like you don't... :)
• I would like to officially complain about the fact that in all of history, NO ONE has ever come up with a way to feed me egg nog intravenously.
• Let's combine the last three bullet points and begin referring to my unlost 'baby weight' as egg nog weight.
• I have refused to do any Christmas shopping until about a week and a half before Christmas. My theory: It will save us money. I'll let you know how that pans out.
• I have recently come to the realization that this blogging network comprises roughly ALL of my social life. What did I do without you?
• I need a playdate. With or without children. Gwen, meems, somebody- have mercy on me. Come over already. Yeah, like you want the phantom plague we've been passing around...
• Is my phone finally working?
• Oh and please, please put the Christmas Tree thingy on your blog so I can return to you the joy that has been mine!

My Christmas Tree.

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It's one stop shopping! You can give generously - it's free!! :)

It's a Girl!

I am proud to tell you that today I became the proud new owner of a niece!
My sister-in-law, Nikki, had a little girl by Cesarean this morning!
She weighed in at 8 lbs. 7 oz. - we like 'em big in our family!
She was over a week early!

Momma hasn't yet zeroed in on a name for her - but I am sure it will be something very unique!! I can't wait to find out what it is - she asked me for help finding a name for her on Thanksgiving.

I was supposed to travel to Abilene today to meet her and visit her mommy after the delivery - but instead I had to stay home from work with Avery. She was up a majority of the night with a very high fever. The kind that the thermometer practically screams, "Take this baby to the doctor NOW!!"
The weirdest thing about it was that there really were no other symptoms besides a big kahuna headache and high fever.
She just whimpered and shook for hours.

So I decided not to go infect my precious new NIECE with our goopy germs.
I already know I love her - she is a very special little girl!
Please keep mommy and baby in your prayers.

Hilarious layout!!

At first glance this layout was kinda sweet to me.
Ahhhh... Wishing on a star...

Upon further inspection, I saw the giant bunny/mouse/snow creature with beady red eyes ready to pounce on its unsuspecting victim.

HILARIOUS!!