Rowdy with Four: 2014

The Good. The Bad. The Ugly: Quote me…2014

10:42 AM

The Good. The Bad. The Ugly: A Christmas Gone to Pots

6:31 PM

I know what you must be thinking...how did your Christmas go to pots? It’s quite simple really. I had planned a spectacular Christmas Eve and Day in my head. The Devil, however, had something else in mind for us.

Yesterday, I planned on coming home to make my Christmas gifts for our parents. Then we would go to worship our Savior with our church family and return home to get ready for Santa to come. We would wake up, open Christmas gifts, have our traditional breakfast made by daddy, eat a big lunch and enjoy each other remembering what the season is truly all about.

I got home from town Christmas Eve only to be told by my husband that both our toilets were clogged. Needless to say, from the time I got home at 3:00 until a little after midnight my husband worked non-stop to fix our toilets. I even looked up on Pinterest some plunging ideas to try to help. The hot water and dish soap did not work! A dear friend saw our need and called in the troops. Our pastor at 10:00 at night met my husband half way to give us a plunging tool. We attempted the “snake”, but had no luck. Despite our efforts, we went to bed.

We woke up Christmas morning with no toilets, we opened gifts, had our big breakfast, talked to my sweet momma on the phone, did some laundry, played and put gifts together, had an amazing lunch, sang happy birthday to our Savior TWICE, and had no worries of being toiletless. In fact, we didn’t care. We put off fixing them. What’s the big deal? It’s just toilets. Right? So where did we potty? Outside of course. All day. That’s right this girl was squatting in the cold, Texas wind outside to pee. The boys, well they are in their element. They already have a tree designated as the “peeing tree”.

Going number one, no problem! Yet, we know there is also a number two. No problem! Poppa and Granny live less than a mile from us. Except, my youngest son is the worst at holding it until the very last minute. He comes dancing into the kitchen...I HAVE TO GO POTTY!!! So I tell him to go to the tree...I HAVE TO POOP!!! What do I do? That’s right. This momma grabs an old pot from under the kitchen sink and said go. Right there in the middle of the kitchen. Bagged those babies up and threw them in the trash. It’s Christmas Day! Nothing’s not going to spoil it. Not even a little poop.

Once you have a child go poop in a pot, you no longer feel the need to drive any of your other kids down the road for number two. I found myself telling them to grab a roll of toilet paper and head to the hay bales. And the oldest did without second thought. I did have to help my first grader balance. Yes, we are very country I know. But we are HAPPY country folk!!!

Now you know how our Christmas went to pots. As I did my Bible devotional tonight, God revealed to me why I believe He allowed all this. He wanted to show me how far my husband and I have come. In the past, we would have fought the entire time. Gone to bed frustrated, angry at one another. Don’t get me wrong. Last night we had a few minutes of who is right and why won’t you just watch my youtube video for help moments, but we didn’t give the Devil the victory. We have rediscovered our joy that comes only from Him.

This will be a Christmas that I will always remember. A Christmas gone to pots. I hope I have many more like this one. But, most importantly, I will never forget that very first Christmas that began in a stable, where my Lord and Savior was born, no crib, in a manger He lay His sweet head. Leaving His heavenly kingdom, living a sinless life here on earth to give me the greatest gift of all. Eternal life.

Merry Christmas!

Dear Lord,

Thank you for this city of refuge you have brought us to. You are so humble and gracious. We celebrate our salvation in you not only today, but everyday. Let us be a light shining bright for You this New Year! Amen!

The Good. The Bad. The Ugly: Steadfast Love

8:49 PM

As I was ironing my husband’s work clothes, I was thinking about my Sunday. Now it’s clear as to why Satan has been fighting so hard against me this week. He could see my feet shaking off the desert sand...

This has been a season of so many tears. Tonight, I received a text from my sister. It was a picture of her and my little foster love. Tears just began to flow as I continued to iron listening to my Christmas music on pandora. Tears were finally gone when my husband entered our bedroom. He could tell something was wrong as I tried to shake it off like it was nothing. He hugged me and held me as we swayed to the music. I could no longer hold back the tears as I cried from the depth of my heart...I got another picture of my foster love.

It’s hard explaining these tears that welled up inside me for the second time this week over pictures. They had nothing to do with my foster love, but everything to do with me. They aren’t tears of sorrow, but simply desperate cries for redemption. The freeing of my heart and soul that has been stranded in the desert for longer than God intended. Fear has kept me here. Fear that there is nothing more for me than this.

I’ve made so many excuses in fear. Those that know me, know the love and passion that I have for God’s children. I long to be used by Him. But for some reason, I haven’t been able to. I had the opportunity to teach kids at a pediatric camp in October. I wanted to so bad, but I let fear stop me. I had a good excuse as to why I couldn’t. Satan had me believing that I’m not capable of teaching children. That God no longer needs me. Leaving a big whole in my soul.

I just celebrated my 13th wedding anniversary to a man I love so much. I desire to have a marriage centered on God, but Satan has a tight grip on my heart. He refuses to let go, encouraging me to keep him at arms distance, unable to be intimate, he had me believing that I’m not beautiful enough. That he couldn’t love me. Leaving a big whole in my heart.

I know God leads us to deserts. Forcing us to rely on Him. When I entered the desert, my soul was so dry. Unable to shed a single tear. Now here I stand. Vulnerable. Still in the desert. At the very edge. Feet in a puddle of tears. Staring redemption in the face. God has wanted me out of the desert for some time now, but it’s been easier to just stand here.

The thing is. The closer I get to the edge of the desert. To the promises God has for me, my marriage, my calling...the more Satan attacks. He brings it full force. Haunting my dreams. Making me relive the circumstances that bring me so much pain. He made sure he brought them last night. When I woke this morning, I was ready to make excuses. Excuses as to why we shouldn’t go to church. Knowing I was suppose to talk to the Associate Pastor about the ideas God has given me for our church’s children’s program.

I’m so glad I didn’t sway. Okay my husband didn’t sway. I tried to get him to go to my dad’s church and he said...NO! God had so much for me to receive. It was the push I needed to get out of the desert and claim the promises God has for me. I don’t want to make excuses anymore. I want to enter the land flowing with milk and honey. My promise land. I’m shaking the sand off. It’s time to leave the desert!

A sweet friend texted these verses to me just at the right time and I want to leave them with you. Be encouraged. You’re not on the battlefield alone.

“When I thought ‘My foot slips,’ your steadfast love, O lord, held me up. When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul...But the Lord has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge.” Psalm 94:18-22

“For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; He is to be FEARED above all gods.” Psalm 59:4

The Good. The Bad. The Ugly: BAH!HUMBUG!

10:13 AM

It’s Friday! What a week...the devil has been working over time on me this week. The more I was reading God’s Word and praying, the more he attacked. Feeling defeated, I was ready to fall, put down the Sword, and wave the white flag of surrender he is so desperately trying to capture. This week I was loosing sight of what I am fighting for.

Unfortunately, he won a majority of the battles this week. To sum it up, my husband slept on the couch one night, and I slept on the couch two nights. Fiery words were being thrown back and forth, kisses were being withheld...don’t judge, you know you’ve been there.

Don’t worry! I didn’t wave the flag as tempting as it is. He makes it seem so appealing to just walk away and give up. You know, much greener on the other side...but is it? I was guilty of looking to greener pastures. So and so divorced. Look how happy they are now. So in love. What a pretty picture of second chances they paint. But, is Satan really showing me the whole picture...

He doesn’t reveal the ugliness that comes with divorce. I am a product of a broken home. My parents both remarried. They fight with their new spouse, have nights on the couch, they shoot the fiery words, I guess you can say they are still sinners...so what’s different? I don’t know...I do know my parents were left with weekends, summers, and holidays without their children.

It’s not my place to say when enough is enough to justify divorce. So where does this leave me? Gripping my Sword. Fighting! God reminded me through the book of Joshua, be like Caleb, faithful from the start and until the very end. Although Caleb’s inherited land still had giants, he knew the Lord would help him conquer them. I still have giants in my marriage, but I claim victory in the blood of Jesus.

Back in bed where I belonged, I gave thanks to God. He began to remind me how far we have come since last fall. How he has been working on me, my husband, and my children. Yesterday, was my youngest son’s Christmas party. I volunteered to help. Unlike, last year, I brought confidence and took the classroom by storm. I carried on conversations. I even made some new FB friends...

Then there was my son...I marveled at how much he has changed. Last year, he would bring me to tears with his fits he pulled in the classroom with his very patient teacher. Leaving me in complete embarrassment when he wouldn’t follow directions, I begged her to just walk him down to the office and spank his butt. But with love, she continued to teach and train Him in Jesus' name. Yesterday, I looked on with pride as he followed his new teacher’s instructions, going station to station, taking part in the day’s Christmas festivities.

This a reminder for me to wave my SWORD as God is always at work, little by little, one small victory at a time.

“The land on which your feet have walked with be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly.” Joshua 14:9

The Good. The Bad. The Ugly: Seeking the Sun through the Snowflakes

9:02 AM

The Good. The Bad. The Ugly: Keep Calm and Cruise

1:54 PM

For all you moms out there looking for a family vacation that leaves you refreshed while making vacation memories with your entire family, this is the way to go! Keep calm and cruise!

Here's my top ten cruise loves...

1.) Fresh towels. I love having a fresh, clean towel at my disposal every time I shower. Being a family of six, we do not get this luxury at home. Returning to our room each evening, to see how they are left on our bed, is just an extra fun bonus.

2.) Cleaning service morning and night. I don't have to lift a finger! That's my kind of vacation. I leave for breakfast and return to a clean room. I leave for dinner and return to a clean room. Twice in one day! Bed made. Floors vacuumed. Bathroom cleaned. Love, love, love!

3.) Naps. My favorite afternoon activity. Eat a big lunch and go back to my clean, quiet room for a minimum of an hour nap. What about the kids? They're in kids club having a blast!

4.) Kids club. I love that I can drop my kids off to have organized fun at just about anytime during the day. It's not just babysitting, it's scheduled fun during our down time.

5.) Hot showers. Oh my! It didn't matter what time I took a shower, I always had hot water. This is very rare at home also and all other vacation places we have stayed.

6.) The food. No cooking and no washing dishes. What a treat! With all you can eat buffets, burrito bar, hamburger bar, pizza bar, ice cream bar; we were fat, dumb, and happy! All the time!

7.) Room service. If you are too tired to walk to one of the food bars or buffets, that's okay. Three words...Free room service. I'm going to miss my nightly BLT and New York cheesecake at the press of a button.

8.) Mr. Sanchoz beach. This is the best and cheapest excursion. Free entrance to a Cozumel beach. If you do it right, you can go to the beach one way for $35. Not each person, but for all in your group...that's $70 total. We go early enough to beat the crowd to the FREE table and chairs. We are back on the ship in time for lunch. You don't have to spend a lot on port days, and you don't have to swim with the dolphins to make memories.

9.) Shopping. I love shopping in Progresso. Mainly because my dad gives us all money to shop with. Spoiled I know.

10.) Paris nights. Yes, I love my date nights with my sweetheart in the evenings. We start with dinner in the Paris dining hall followed by comedy and broadway shows, and our much needed quiet time alone. No interruptions. Yes, I know. Keep calm and cruise!

What are you waiting for? Schedule a cruise!!!

The Good. The Bad. The Ugly: Forever

9:22 PM

The Good. The Bad. The Ugly: No Room for Gratitude

10:13 AM

One in the morning, I texted my dad and canceled our turkey day plans. We would stay home and I would mope after being up most of the night. I took a sick baby to the ER only to return home to my eldest son with uncontrollable tears. His dog was missing.

I debated on blogging about this in fear of judgement. Would people think we didn't care and let our pet run loose to her death…but it was quite the opposite. We were so protective of her. My son was so good to his dog. He played with her EVERY day after school for hours. He loved her so much.

She was in an indoor/outdoor dog. I would feed her in the mornings and put her out on her chain after lunch where she would stay until my son got home from school. He would then play with her and bring her in to eat and rest. Before bed he would let her out one last time to potty.

He let her out to potty. He usually stands on the porch. I'm not sure what happened this time. When he realized she was missing panic set in. We had closed the gate earlier that day when they were playing. We began to yell her name. They searched the fields. After a long search in the fields, we knew we had to search the road; and that is where they found her. She had made her way to the road.

Their faces said it all. I knew what I feared most had happened. My son just went to his room. I didn't know what to say or do. All he wanted was a dog for his birthday. A dog to be his best friend. He had found this in our sweet Rowdy Lady. I crawled in bed with him and held him. I did my best to console him, but he was already blaming himself. I was angry. Why? Why did this have to happen!

I woke up with no room for gratitude in my heart. I told my husband I canceled our plans. We would stay home. He on the other hand was not going to let the earlier events from that night spoil the day. He had me text my dad. Him and the littles would carry on with the scheduled festivities. I would stay home. Alone.

Mark at work. I got up, made my macaroni dish, got the kids dressed, and had them all ready to send off. Fifteen minutes before time to leave I decided, no, I'm GOING! A day of thanks. I had so much to be thankful for. What was I thinking…so many would be celebrating Thanksgiving with only memories of their loved one. I have my husband. My children. I have much to be grateful for.

I'm so glad I decided to go. I enjoyed my day with family. Family I don't get to see often. Even in sorrow, there should always be room for gratitude.

love

The Good. The Bad. The Ugly: Better Things Are Coming

11:21 AM

Although the Bible tells me not to let my heart be troubled, last night I went to bed crying with a troubled heart. Was it because of the verdict? No. Was it because of the riot and looting? No. It had nothing to do with any of this. It had everything to do with the struggles of my own darkened heart.

The only reason I know the little that I know about this case is because of social media and the news that interrupted our show last night. I was watching Dancing with the Stars when the show was interrupted to give the verdict of Mike Brown's death. I listened, I heard the verdict, and thought nothing more until reading all the different post on social media this morning.

What do I think about it all? It doesn't really matter what I think. However, I did ask God to speak to me through this circumstance and through my Bible study today to show me what He thinks…

Today I studied Joshua 7. The story of a man whose actions affected more people than just himself. His nation and family suffered drastic consequences because of his disobedience. He underestimated God and didn't take God's commands seriously.

When I look at both tragedies, I don't see a hatred issue; I see a sin issue. I see two nations unwilling to turn from sin to follow God's heart whole-heartily. It's so much easier to point fingers then to address the darkness in our own heart. Unfortunately, we can only hide our sins for so long before they are exposed and addressed by God.

Better things are coming. I serve an all-knowing and all-powerful God that is everlasting LOVE. Only God knows what lies ahead. Where there is sin, there is hatred. Where there is hatred, there is racism. But where there is race, there is Christ. Taking on the sins of one race. His race. Each created in His own image. I am redeemed and headed to an eternal home with Him.

I choose not to see color. I see LOVE!

"I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction." Joshua 7:12

"It is true! I have sinned against the Lord, the God of Israel. This is what I have done…" Joshua 7:20

"They are hidden in the ground inside my tent." Joshua 7:21

Dear Lord, show me what I have hidden in the depths of my own heart that brings destruction to me, my family, and my nation. My heart is saddened for this mother that has lost her son, but my heart is more saddened for our nation that is paving our path to destruction. I pray we will humble ourselves so we can hear your words. That we will eliminate the sins that hinders our love for one another. We want the better things you have for us. Amen.

The Good. The Bad. The Ugly: You + Me = FOREVER FRIENDS

12:40 AM

The Good. The Bad. The Ugly: Playoff Bound - Hico Tigers!

7:18 AM

The Good. The Bad. The Ugly: Rise Above the Waves

9:01 AM

The Good. The Bad. The Ugly: Pretty Woman

6:37 AM

The Good. The Bad. The Ugly: Live

9:06 AM

LIVE…Don't just exist.

I thought this was the perfect quote for our little Rowdy Tiger.

Last week I was in the kitchen washing dishes and I hear Steven yell from outside…oh my gosh there's a cat!!! I figured a cat had wandered down from my dad's place. I go outside. Woe and behold there is a kitten. Mark adds…there's two. Oh my. Just what we need two baby kittens.

Mark claims to not be a pet lover at all, but he thought it was a genius idea to bring home two little kittens that he found abandoned on the side of the road. He could have taken them to a shelter, but no, he brought them home and put them in the garage to be "barn" cats.

Steven named the first little kitty he found Rowdy Tiger. So sweet and energetic. He was the one Steven found venturing out of the garage. No fear. Ready to play and have fun. Charlee named the second Kitty Rowdy George. So shy and timid. Full of fear. He remained hidden in the garage.

That evening Mark put them in a box and brought them inside to stay for the night. That morning before work he had put them back in the garage, but the mother in me told Steven to go get them and bring them into the laundry room. I knew those sweet baby kittens could not be on their own. At least not yet.

They had made their way into the house. I set the laundry room up with food and a litter box. Rowdy George found a place to hide, but Rowdy Tiger pounced around with is one eye opened. I got a warm rag and cleaned his matted eye. Afterwards, I took his picture in the coffee cup pictured above. So sweet and lovable.

It has been a busy week caring for the kittens. Cleaning Rowdy Tigers eyes daily. Rowdy George coming out of his shell and is now earning the name Rowdy. Meanwhile, my Rowdy Tiger began to hide. He was getting worse. I was having to clean his eyes two to three times a day and he would not eat these past two days. Today, I found him barely breathing. Tears. Big crocodile TEARS!

My little Rowdy Tiger passed on today. {tears are flowing as I type this now} I had this precious kitty for only a week, yet he stole my heart. He LIVED. He didn't just exist.

healing

The Good. The Bad. The Ugly: Am I the Only One?

11:47 AM

The Good. The Bad. The Ugly: Housewife of Hico

8:27 AM

"Behold children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward."

Psalm 127:3

Yesterday, was a momma's perfect day. I'm so blessed to be a wife to one and mom to my four Rowdy kids and now my little foster love. If you say it's easy being a wife and mom, I'd like to be a fly on your wall. I could use some pointers. Although we often hear…you got your hands full. I recognize that being a mom has got to be the hardest thing I have ever had to do, but it's God's greatest gift to women to have the job title…WIFE and MOM.

God has equipped me to do things that just doesn't come naturally for my husband. I can cook dinner, help with homework, feed the kids, feed the animals, clean the kitchen, give baths, have devotional done all in record timing. My husband on the other hand. Don't get me wrong, my hubby is good; but does he have the mom touch? Absolutely not.

I was under the weather Tuesday and Wednesday so Daddy had to step up to the plate to help me out. He got the boys ready and took them to school. Worked a full day at his job. Picked up the kids. Made dinner. Not sure the kids did homework. Attempted to clean the kitchen. It was late when he finished those task. He sat down on the coach next me and Charlee said…what about showers? He said...I am not supermom like your mother…All I could do was smile as I felt extremely blessed and important.

So yesterday, feeling better, I was back to work. But it was different. I was renewed in a sense. Released from the slump I fall into so easily. I appreciated my job a little more. As moms and wives, it's easy to fill unimportant as women, but that is just a lie the devil whispers in our ears. My husband needs me to keep our home functionable. If thats a word? My Landry needs me to have those deep conversations we have after bath time. Charlee needs me to do the funky dance with him each time he spells a word right. Steven needs me to wash his sheets WEEKLY (teenage boys stink!) Peyton and Cory need me every second of my day. Being a mom and wife is full time.

We often joke about having our own reality show. We bring a lot of drama to our world. It does get Rowdy and crazy more often than not. HOWEVER, being a mom and wife: I wouldn't trade it for anything. Be blessed knowing this is the number one job God has given us as women.

Lessons of Life

The Good. The Bad. The Ugly: Spooktacular Cupcakes

12:14 PM

faith

The Good. The Bad. The Ugly: Fostering Great Love

8:49 AM

What a blessing it is to be able to open our home to this sweet baby boy and his mother!

A few weekends ago, my sister and her family were headed to our farmhouse for a weekend of fun and hunting.

I get a phone call from her. Needless to say, she was sitting on the side of the road. She received a phone call and needed a home for a baby boy. The sibiling of the two children she is adopting.

I began naming off people. Have you called so and so? She had, but no one was answering. She had to give CPS a name or they would be placing them in the foster system. She needed a name. I gave her mine!

Next thing I know I was texting her my name and info for a background check. My husband and I had volunteered to foster a newborn. I know you must think we are crazy adding a new born in the mix of our four rowdy kiddos. We think we are crazy!!!

No doubt God has a purpose, and no doubt it is an answered prayer already. This year God has been working on me. Just chiseling away. Just when I think I'm all good, He shows me something else I need to work on. Earlier this month I had prayed that God would forgive me of my selfishness and to help me to have a great love for others. A great love like His!

"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." (Philippians 2:3 ESV)

So what's His answer? Give her a new born to care for and love. That's easy! Right? Yes, I have to make some sacrifices. Trust me! That night I thought to myself...WHAT AM I DOING!!! I'm finally getting to sleep through the night, I have "my time", I can fly by the seat of my pants, I can do what I want to do. Babies. Well, let's face it; they're needy. This baby boy is going to need a lot of me.

Honestly having a great love for this sweet baby boy is so easy. His snuggles and kisses are super sweet. It's easy to make these sacrifices for him. So sweet and innocent.

I want to have a great love like my sister. The love and compassion that extends beyond the baby to the young mother hurting and struggling in sin. When I see the love my sister has for this young mother, I have to hang my head in shame. To see the sacrifices she is willing to make for someone that in society's eyes is not deserving of so many chances. But what does God see...

I'm guilty of so quickly pointing the finger...how could they do that? You get what you deserve. People are hurting. Prostitutes, drug users, drunks, prisoners and the list goes on. Jesus has a great love for them all. These are the people Jesus calls us to minister to. I'm lacking.

This is my prayer. I want to foster a Great Love to help all people in need. Not to be quick to judge for I too am just a wretched sinner saved by grace.

Please keep this precious boy and his mother in your prayers.❤️

Country Living

The Good. The Bad. The Ugly: She's Gone Country

12:13 PM

Devotional

The Good. The Bad. The Ugly: A Boy's Prayer

5:46 PM

I have to admit these past few weeks I have felt like a complete failure as a mom. God has blessed me with four children to love, teach, and train for His kingdom. What a great responsibility!

As my two oldest sons have started playing football, I have seen how they struggle. I blame myself and my husband for that. We haven't spent the time with our children playing sports that most parents do. Both kiddos were terrified of the ball. They would duck if the ball came their direction. I guess we assumed our children would be natural athletes like us...not the case.

We have spent countless hours practicing with these two. I stuffed a pillow in my shirt so my oldest could practice his tackling. My younger son is no longer ducking, but catching the ball. My oldest son can now throw a beautiful spiral. They have improved so much in football these past few weeks with our help. It makes me so proud as a mom.

This morning on the way to school it was my middle son's turn to pray. He has prayed the same prayer since I can remember. I have it memorized...Thank you for The Lord, thank you for the people, thank you for the world. Amen.

Today it changed! A few weeks ago my boys had spirit week. For our nightly devotions, we switched things up and focused a full week on prayer. I spent the week teaching my kids how to pray. We focused on giving thanks, asking for forgiveness, request, and reminding God of His promises to us.

When he prayed this morning, my heart leaped with joy. He didn't say a routine prayer. He thanked God for His teacher and school. He asked for forgiveness. He spoke from His heart. He talked to God. At dinner, he prayed again. One that was different from the other. How do you describe the feeling that gives you as a mom? You can't.

Like any other mom, I want my kids to succeed in their extracurricular activities, their academics, etcetera. But, do I put these things above things of God? God had to put that in perspective for me today. I do not want to fail in the area that matters most. Their eternal future.

It is my prayer that ALL my children will receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior. That they will love Him with all their heart, soul, and mind.

What a great responsibility God gives us!

fear

The Good. The Bad. The Ugly: Friday Night Lights

8:19 AM

What is Texas known for on fall Friday nights? Friday Night Lights! Friday night was our town's homecoming game and our first 'Friday Night Lights' as a family. Before the game, a sweet couple had us over for dinner at their house in town. Then it was time for some football. Hico won 48-0! Go Tigers!!! Unfortunately, I didn't get to cheer them on. I was too distracted!

When we arrived, I told my son he could look for his friends to sit with. I love his friends he has befriended at school. I have had the privilege of meeting both kids and their parents. One a pastor's son and the other a faithful church goer. He has received Mom's stamp of approval on both of these friendships.

We walked down the stadium as my son tried to spot his friends. We didn't see them so we went to find somewhere in the stands to sit. We found a spot that would seat our clan of six. My son knew some of the kids that were sitting behind us, so he went to sit by them. Originally, we were going to just drop him off. I'm so glad we didn't.

He tried to make conversation, but the kid he knew from his football team just kind of ignored him since he was wanting to talk about the game.This broke my heart, but my son didn't seem bothered by it. My husband and I listened to the conversations the boys and girls were having and we just looked wide eyed at each other. They didn't seem to care that we could hear. Our son ended up coming back down to sit by us. Good decision on his part!

We were texted by our friends to come sit with them at the 30 yard line. So we did. I told our son to just keep looking for his friends. I felt bad for him. This was his first game. He was excited and looking forward to it and I just wanted to save the day and couldn't. I could tell he was disappointed. He still couldn't find either of them.

At half time, we had to leave. Princess was getting cranky. We left our son sitting with the youth pastor and his wife at one of the churches we have been visiting. They had invited him to a fifth quarter youth event at their church. I also left him my phone. We have never left him like this...my heart was racing.

On the way home I asked my husband if he was worried. I was freaking out. All kinds of things were running through my mind. To let you know my freak level, I was worried about my son walking from the elementary school to his school by himself. It's literally a 100 yards away. I know! What's wrong with me!!! He's in the seventh grade.

Needless to say, he had a great time and had much to tell us the next day. One of his good friends was at the youth event and they had a blast.

Worry. Anxiety. I have to work on this fear that I have when it comes to my children. Am I the only one? I want to protect them from everything, but if I do I'm only keeping them from life. The good, the bad, and the ugly. God uses these experiences to mold us and shape us. And sometimes they cause us to fall on our knees and call out to Him.

I believe in God the Father, I believe in God the Son, I believe in the Holy Spirit.

He has given us new life! I'm learning it's not my job to walk in fear protecting and sheltering my kids from the bad and ugly, but to teach and train them to be the Godly men and woman God has called them to be. To endure and live life to its fullest for Christ!