A New Day

Hi guys!! Wow - it seems like I haven't been here in a while. . .and really I haven't.  I just reread my last post and it made me smile with such sweet joy. Oh that was such a bittersweet time.  It was a hard time with an almost 1 yr and 2 yr olds  and toddler attitudes but it was also so sweet because there is nothing sweeter than sloppy kisses and your toddler barreling at you as fast as he can with his arms outstretched towards you. . . hmmm good times. 











So - now Jake is 3 and Jaxson is 2! All I can say is. . . it was the best of times, it was the worst of times! HA!!  I love how indepedent they are becoming and how much they WANT to be independent but also very much needing us. 

Jake (3yr)  ready to go fishing with his Daddy!

Jake is a momma's boy! Jaxson is a daddy's boy! That has never been more apparent as it is right now in this season of our lives!! Thankfully Jake is potty trained and pretty independent. He is adventurous and LOVES being outside.  The only thing that can be frustrating about him is he can be whiney!! It drive Eric bonkers!! I will sometimes have to intercept him so that his daddy doesn't go nuts on him about his whining but for the most part - great kid!  He is very determined, head strong and likes to have it his way - I wonder where he gets any of these qualities from!?!

       Jaxson (2 yr) playing in the car!

Jaxson - my sweet lovebug - He is now 2 and is following in his brother's footsteps. He very much wants to be a big boy like Jake.  We haven't potty trained yet (at this very second, I'm summoning the umph to do this potty training ordeal again, it was super easy with Jake after a couple of days but the thought of cleaning soiled superman underwear  again just doesn't sound like fun - but on the other hand, I will be so grateful when it's done!!)  Anyway, Jaxson is a bit more laid back, relaxed and pretty much goes along with most everything Jake wants or says to do.  But Eric and I are starting to glimpse a little master mind at work.  He's so much more sly than Jake and it's funny to see him work a situation, even Jake, to his advantage.  - Whoever said kids aren't smart. . . . yikes!

The boys are very much into swimming, jumping on the trampolene and sliding!! They love the park or indoor playgrounds, it's so funny to watch them interact with one another and other kids as they play!!  - Sweet boys (for the most part)

Eric and I are doing well. (for the most part)  Eric is going through a season of transition and it's taking a toll on him which of course has an effect on our marriage.  He decided to close The Brand down after some deliberation and prayer and now is looking for a job.  Right now he is doing some investigating work on the side for a Company in Midland.  He would really like to stay with them but for now, they don't have a position open.  - So we will see - Praying that the Lord will guide Eric to where he needs to be.

I am doing pretty good.  I am still working at PPT and have also gotten involved with Women's Bible Study group that I LOVE.  I so enjoy diving into the Word that is God breathed and also LOVE the comradre and fellowship of such sweet women.  I have met several new friends through this study and look forward to continuing. 

In fact since I last blogged or maybe shortly before my last blog, Eric and I have joined a church home, joined a life group (couples bible study group) and started teaching Sunday school to the 4 year olds.  It's been life changing for the BEST!  By no means are we perfect or is life easy but it sure makes a much better difference with the love of Jesus!!

Since I'm posting all the good stuff - I might as well tell ya what I am struggling with so you know that I'm not just candy coating to make my life sound so great or something.  So. . . I am really struggling with my weight.  sigh . Much like most women, it is an issue that I loathe, in fact I don't even wanna talk about it right now. BUT - today, I got my butt up and went an swam at the gym this morning before work.  I know it's only the first day, but I did it and for today - I feel good about it.  I have two sweet friends that will be meeting me at the gym tomorrow morning to swim a few laps and we will see how things go.  Also - I ordered the book - "Made to Crave" so I'll let ya know how that goes.

I gotta get to work but you got the basics! Love ya!

A few of my favorites!

Awwww Sweet Loving!!

Let's Play Mommy!!

Jaxson (getting more teeth!)

Jaxson

Jake 35 mths

Jaxson and Jake

Jaxson 23 Mths

Jake - too cool for school!

Jake-y  (my sweet boy!)

I can't help but share a few pics of my babies!!

Trust Journey - Day 1

Hi there. . . okay.  I must tell you there have been some major stuff going on in my life but God is doing some awesome growing and stretching to Eric and I.  I am believing in God, in complete faith that He is building our family on HIS foundation.  It has definately not been easy.   Turning away from sinful nature never is, but finally confessing and starting a new has been one of the most difficult things that I have done, HOWEVER, God is faithful and loving and full of GRACE!! (and it's been freedom)  He has met me on my knees (actually on my face) crying out to him for healing, forgiveness and love.  He has granted all this to me and I must say it's been amazing.  I know for myself that Satan has tried to bring me down, break my heart and break everyone else's heart in the process and my God will NOT allow it!!  He is our REDEEMER and friend and I'm so wonderfully thankful for Him and His love. 

*side note* I leave on Friday to go on a women's retreat - "unveiled" and I'm so excited and very nervous!! I was just reading up on in and we are not to wear make up and not to bring hair spray!! (they haven't met this Texas gal)!! - but I willingly go and will do what is asked of me so that I can go deeper in my walk with my King. . . so please be in prayer that my heart be opened and renewed.  Thank you so much!!

Day 1 in my Trust Journey . . . 
1 Samuel 3:9 "Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say "Speak Lord, for your servant is listening."  So Samuel went and lay down."

(excert from my devotional) "Today the Lord desires to speak to each of us.  In our confustion we ask, "Why is it so hard to discern his voice?"  Would it be easier if he sent a text message or posted it on some holy blog?  Interestingly, it is when we quiet ouerselves long enough to listen that we hear his vioce.  Like Samuel, rest in the assurance that God will speak to you.  His love compels him to speak.  In John 4:16, we read that "God is love".  Love wants conversation and interaction.  By faith, trust him, listen to him.  Be ready to respond, "Speak Lord, for your servant is listening."

Wow. . right!?!  After I read my daily devotional, I closed my eyes and waited. . . . and waited.  Then I thought, well I'll go ahead and start so I started praying outloud.  I praised Him for the love and grace that He has brought me.  I thanked him for being sufficient enough for me.  I told him that I longed for Him that I wanted to discern His voice . . . silence . . . then, in a voice so quiet I could hardly hear it.  I was straining to hear it.  The voice inside of me that only God can use. . . Let me calm your seas.  I am the Master Weaver and I know what I'm doing.  Let  me show you a love that's everlasting.  Let me lead you into waters that lap against you with warmth and love.  Let me guide you, in all your ways - lean on me.  Don't listen to the outside.  Don't listen to what everyone is saying, listen to me.  I see what they can not.  I love like they can not.  I heal, I redeem and love because I am God and without me, no one else can do these things.  (As I began typing what is in my soul, it's like . . it keeps coming.  a little louder. . . )

I love you and you are mine.  Of course I want to talk to you.  You seem so busy with what you think is important but I want you to slow down.  Look for me and I will reveal my face to you.  You can not imagine the beautiful works I have in store for you . . . . stop.  If you will let me love you like I can . . . . ohhhh you will not question me or my love if you will look for me and find me. 

Is this not awesome!?! God is talking and I hear him!! Do you hear him?

Speak Lord, for I am listening.  I know that what you say is important and necessary for me to hear.  Let me respond in a way that is pleasing to you.  Amen.

Life Group Tonight

Hi Friends!

I write to you tonight listening to Eric's light snoring and George Lopez on the t.v.   I decided to jump on here and tell you . . . .well, it's just amazing how God can really work within your life and marriage without major significant changes but looking back (even a few days or weeks) and see the affects of God's hands shaping and molding in your life. 

In the past few weeks, I have really felt God stirring in my heart.  I have been so . . . complacent.  Not with just my everyday life but with my walk with God too.  I didn't even realize it.  I was just . . there.  I continued to pray, catch church with my family when it was convienent (which was a hit and miss having to prepared not just myself but my two boys and husband too!) and just live my life. 

But deep in my heart was a stirring. . . . . a hunger. I tried to quiet that still small voice. 
I whispered back emphatically . . . "Who in the world wants to change life up right now!! I am working full time, a mother of two small children under the age of 2 and a wife with lots of daily life demands! I don't want to add anymore to my plate God" . . .

It didn't go away.  (really!?!)

So, I went to Eric.  I explained that I needed us to go to church as a family.  I had given up my position on a praise team in my families church to go to church with Eric and the boys.  We had agreed on finding a church together as a family, where we both felt comfortable.  But, I succumbed to laziness and enjoyed the feel of my sheets and pillow instead of the hassles of fighting my boys to get properly dressed and finding everyones shoes to walk out the door to go to church.  (It never fails, there is almost always a missing shoe that Eric and I are looking for *usually for the boys - can't seem to find and it leads to us fussing as we finally find it and RUN out the door, fighting mad at each other)

Eric and I both agreed that we needed to go to church.  We both felt strongly about raising the boys in church and giving them a foundation in the Word.  (as well as a foundation for us too).

So, after visiting a few churches and talking to several friends, we went to the first, original church that Eric wanted to go to. . . (gotta give that boy props). 

We LOVED it!! The kids went to class and Eric and I held hands through the service and truly felt at home.  When we picked up the boys from class, the teachers told us about the boys danced during Praise and Worship (Jake is a dance machine!!) and they didn't cry for me at all! (a small miracle for a NEW place)

On our second Sunday there, we ran into so many familiar faces that we just felt so much love and joy to be apart of such a wonderful, loving church home.  We are facsinated by the sermons and it keeps both of our attention spans! Typically, one likes the music and one likes the preaching but we both liked both parts of the service. . . Praise the Lord!!

As we walked out of the service - we saw some friends of ours, Phillip and Jenna Knight, who has invited us to their life group a few times before.  Well, once again they invited us to their group and Eric accepted. (I was so excited! Eric doesn't typically agree to anything "church related" and for him to take even a small step in being our spiritual leader was exciting for me.)

. . . . to make a long story, a tiny bit shorter . . . . tonight was our second Life Group meeting and I am just so blessed and encouraged.  We meet twice a month and just within these two meetings, I'm starting to see small, maybe even tiny, changes in Eric and in our marriage. 

Eric doesn't typically pray in public but within the last month he has prayed publically several times!! AND As much as I would like to say that we pray together every single morning before work, we don't (but most days this past month, we have).  If we miss our prayers together because of the morning rush then we have stopped throughout the day and called one another and have prayed together as a couple.  Do you know what that means to me and how much I love being in Gods presence and talking to him, holding my husbands hand?  Joining together as one to praise, love and thank God for his grace and salvation.  priceless. 

So, tonight, I write in gratitude - to God.  Thank you Lord for the small but GREAT changes in our family life.  Thank you Holy Spirit for continually wrapping around my family and protecting our hearts.  Thank you Father for continuing a good work in us.  I  praise you for your love and grace, Lord.  For weaving your promises, forgiveness, love, grace, and salvation in our hearts and daily lives to make us new creations for Your Kingdom.  Please, Father, help us stay on Your path and be obediant to you. 
I ask and pray these things, In Jesus' name,
Amen. 
. . . . oh and God, thank you for the victories.  I give you all the praise and glory.  Your word triumphs and defeats satan every time, which is so very important in spiritual warfare.  God you are awesome! You win and the devil is a loser and a liar!! I praise you, Lord in gratitude and love. . .in jesus' name.  amen.

*Once I start praying, it's hard to stop!  I get going and just continually talk and think of more and more to say. . . *

You rock, Jesus!!

The upcoming challenge

Wow!  It seems like forever since I've been here and to be honest. . . it has!!  I came on and read a few blogs and decided to go ahead and write a bit and quit putting it off.  I used to write every single day and I must have hit a huge burnout on it.  I'm starting to get a little twinge about missing it.  This is so nice to vent and to keep up with all my sweet friends and family. 

So, most imortantly - my babies have grown sooooo much.  Jaxson is now a year old and growing every day!!!  He is saying small words, walking and playing so much. :-) And Jake is now two years old and a sweet, demanding and cute mess.  He love to swim, play, read and just be a boy.  It's been such a treat watching him grow. 

HOWEVER . . . the subject at hand. . . . The upcoming challenge. . . . (I feel like there should be a drum roll or fire works to announce this.)
August 1st marks the day of the BIGGEST LOSER challenge at work. 
We have 90 days to see who will lose the most percentage of weight. 
THE BEST PART - the winner gets an all expenses paid weekend getaway to the Gaylord Hotel in Dallas!!  I can't tell you how excited I am!!! I love being competitive and I feel like I truly have a great shot at this. however, I must admit my concern.  I am the smallest competitor in this competition so I will have to work really hard to get the weight off so that my percentage will be high.  I will keep you posted on this challenge.

So what are you all up to?  Please know I am making my way around to all of your blogs.

oooohhhh and  I am learning how to cook!!! I will take pics and start reporting!!

Hugs,
Holly

Back from Vegas. . .

Hi there! Miss me? . . . I must say that I have absolutely missed you.  In fact, I have thought about writing for quite some time, just havn't taken the time, to jump in here and do it.  You have my apologies. :-)

Well, what an adventure we just got back from. It was an extremely spontaneous trip for me (as you know I like to be a bit of a planner), but as life had it - I was surprised.  Let me unfold the scene for you.  Sarah, my fab sister, and her husband, Dr. Morgan had to go to Vegas for a conference that was a week long.  So, their ADORABLE baby girl, Gracie Beth, came to stay with all of us here in G-town (gardendale, tx).  We had her for the week and I must say we LOVED it.  She played, danced, sang and even taught Jake and I a few new songs.

But alas, our time had to come to an end and her mommy decided that she had to be with her.  So, we were going to have to take her back to Rockwall.  - but wait!  Nana (my mom) had a brilliant idea. Why don't we celebrate Nana's birthday and anniversary in Vegas and we could see Sarah and Joey and Dad could drive in and we could get the whole family together in Vegas! Eric and I were overjoyed! Of course we would love to go!!  (we arranged for my sweet mother-in-law, Yaya to watch the boys)

So, Gracie and I flew way high up in the sky.  We sang some more songs and ta-da! We were in Vegas!! Gracie loved the lights and all the people. . .and so did I. :-) As a family, we celebrated mom's birthday and dad drove in from Farmington, NM and we celebrated their anniversary too!! It was an absolute blast. . .I'll see if I can put some photos on at a later date. . . my camera broke! :-(

The boss, just walked in. . .gotta get to work!

The Big Serve . . . Give Back

Hi there,

How's it going today?  Well I started my day bright and early this morning. . well, dark and foggy but you get the point.  I went to the 5:30 am Body Pump class!  I must say that I HATE getting up so early to work out but absolutely love that I already have an hour of work out in by the time most are getting up.  :-) That makes me happy.  I feel like I am already so much ahead and it's my own little secret as I drive back home to wake my boys and start getting them ready for the day.

Anyway, I am wanting to share my day that I had yesterday with you.  I participated in "The Big Serve" with the friends and families of Sewell Ford (both of my in-laws work there) and there were 7 or 8 outreach missions that we as a whole took on.  I participated in 2 of the 7 I believe.  Everyone volunteered for 1 but if you got done early or whatever, then you would go help others until each job was done. 

I was on the Team that went to the Nursing Homes and delivered poinsettias and sang Christmas Carols. We had an AWESOME time!! I definately got more out of this than I could have ever given . . . I was so blessed by this.

When we finished up at the Nursing Homes, we had some time before we were all supposed to meet back up and eat, etc. So Kaleigh (my sister in law) and I went over to the Crisis Center - a home that takes in women and children. . . like wives or mothers that run away from their husbands that beat them and leave in the middle of the night with NOTHING.  We sorted the donations . . . They really need help.  So if you are able and in the West Texas Area - donate your time and energy to the Crisis Center.  Wow.  Talk about BLESSED.

Anyway - I gotta get to work and I truly apologize for the jerky way this post is because I'm at work and continue to be interrupted.  Next time I will try to be much smoother.

Love to you,
Holly