mamasoup

You won't believe who I met this week

I need to watch out or I am going to start expecting to run into celebrities every time I go out of town.  My family and I traveled to the Davis Mountain Preserve on an invitation to my husband's staff to spend a long weekend there. 

On Friday morning someone told us that there would be 2 men cycling in the mountains that day and they didn't want to be disturbed.  I am not sure why they thought we would be a bother to anyone since we only had 8 children in our party ranging in age from 13 months to 14 years . 

So later that morning a car pulls up the Conservation Center where we were staying and out comes LANCE ARMSTRONG! and his friend Mike.  They come into the center and ask to use the satellite phone and the bathroom.  So I met Lance Armstrong. 

But the story gets better because when they were done with their 3 hour mountain bike ride in the mountains, they came back to the center to use the bathroom and I offered them lunch.  We had more than enough food for our group because we had raided Costco and over bought.  They admitted that they were starving and took me up on my offer.  So I laid out all the sandwich fixings and chips and Lance drank my last HEB Diet Coke admitting that it, "wasn't half bad."   We chatted a little bit, but I tried to respect their privacy and unfortunately we didn't end up with any group or individual shots to prove this story.  We do have video footage that my husband will help me post soon and we have a photo of his signature on the sign-in book at the center.  So that is my story about having Lunch with Lance.  I wonder who I will meet next week when I travel to Dallas for Thanksgiving.

Old Friends-Good Times

    Tonight my family and I spent an evening with some old friends.  By old I mean friends that I have known for a very long time, not people who are elderly.  Although, we were belatedly celebrating David's 37th birthday, so we are getting up there in age. The two families who were there with us are people that we have known since before we all had kids.  We have been through major life changes together. And now that our kids are older and at different schools, are paths don't cross as much as I would like.  There is something special about being with people who have known you for so long.  I felt so comfortable and at ease.  I can really be myself and not worry about what anyone will think. 
    I got to hear about one friend's recent trip to Uganda and see all of her wonderful pictures.  I got to catch up with my other friend and hear how her life as a home school mom is going.  We have nine children between us, but you wouldn't have know that there were more than three in the house. They have all known each other since birth, so they get along very well. 
    I had lentil soup for the first time and really enjoyed it. I did not try the Cuban sandwiches since the only ingredient I liked was the bread.  I will post another day about my eating issues.  Anyway, I assigned several categories to this post because when we get together we cover so many different topics.  We all used to go to church together but now we worship at 3 different places, but we still share a common faith in Christ.  I think that is what carries this friendship along year after year.
     I am thankful for these friends and I pray that we would find the time to continue to fellowship together for many years to come. 

My dream vacation

    I just returned from a dream vacation!  I had hoped to blog during the trip, but I only had time to check email.  I just spent 7 days in Cape Cod without my children.  Now don't get me wrong, I love my children, but right now in my season of motherhood, my dream vacation doesn't include the little ones.  I was with my mother, and we were able to enjoy our time without having to worry about nap times, pack-n-plays, strollers or anyone else's wishes but our own.  Everything went so well.  We were able to see all of our favorite places(we have been to Chatham before) and discover some new ones as well.
    We experienced fitness on the beach, Scripture by the Sea(a bible study with the Methodist church), Cape League baseball games, our favorite singing group Hyannis Sound, the last half of Oklahoma (for free), Martha's Vineyard, Chatham 4th of July Parade (total Americana!), lots of naps, Hymn Sing in Oak Bluffs, a 20 mile Bike Ride to our favorite pond.  List goes on.  There is no possible way to put it all into words.  Let's just say it was like being on a movie set.  The weather was never above 80, we got to wear sweaters at night, and long sleeve shirts during the day. 
    I have returned refreshed and thankful for the wonderful family that I have.  Paul was a saint to support me going on this trip. The two oldest kids were at camp, but he was left with the challenge of caring for Emma, who was still breastfeeding when I left. (She hasn't really been very interested since I've returned)  He and Emma have a new, special connection that I am thankful for as well.  The house was clean when I arrived home.  It was a breath of fresh air.  I have almost caught up on the laundry.  I hope to post pictures as soon as I develop them. 

There is so much to tell

Because of my full (rather than busy) life as a mother of four kids, and a wife to Paul, and a child of God, I find very little time to blog.  So when I do have time, I feel like I need to catch everyone up on what has happened since my last blog. However, this is impossible and not that interesting, but it keeps me from blogging.  All of that is to say that I will blog when I can, and I will say what is on my mind at that moment in that day, and that will have to be enough. 

With all that said, I want to start by saying hey to all the wonderful people that I met at the Emergent Gathering in New Mexico. What a wonderful and peaceful time spent with kindred souls of the Faith.  Thanks for sharing your hearts and your children and your ideas for the future.  Our family was truly blessed and we look forward to being with you all next year.

I had a wonderful day and evening with my family.  We started the day early at soccer where I coached my four year old's team.  They played so well and really enjoyed themselves. Then I got to go and watch my son play soccer, too.  Then we had great fellowship at two birthday parties of close friends.  And that was all before 1pm today. 

Then we just enjoyed the absolutely perfect day with each other and some other friends.  My close friend Melissa blessed me as she came along side me and helped me to clean my home.  I was so humbled by her service to me.  We decided that we need to do this for each other more often.  So often the task of cleaning our homes is so daunting and we get discouraged.  But when another comes along side you to help in the task; it is such a joy!  Thanks friend!

We finished the day by sharing in a family meal and then had a family meeting.  We all agreed to a weekday schedule that will get our homework and chores done earlier in the day and alleviate my frustration and stress that comes at about 5pm everyday.  We all signed that contract and are going to encourage each other to adhere to it daily.  I was proud to be a mom tonight.  God has blessed me with such a beautiful and loving family.

It was a good day!