Monday, May 3, 2010

Appencicitis...27 hours of pain!

So, the last week has been quite interesting! Here is my tale of appendicitis from beginning to end.....

Last Wednesday night around 8pm I began feeling an uncomfortable pain in my right side. I can remember the precise time because we were dismissing the kids from kids choir and I just wanted to get home because I did not feel well! The pain was constant and uncomfortable and I thought it was just bloating. I came home, took some pills to try and get some relief and then went to bed hoping that I would just sleep it off. Unfortunately I was up through the night because every move I made the pain was there and it was gradually becoming more intense. The next morning I woke up and called the Dr's office and they were able to get me in right away.

Once the Dr felt my side she became concerned immediately and ordered a CT Scan to be done asap. Around 1pm I showed up at Imaging and was told to drink 2 bottles of this lemony tea stuff so that it would coat my organs and make everything show up well when they did the test. I was starving and had not eaten all day so surprisingly the brown lemony tea juice stuff tasted pretty good! I had to wait an hour and a half to drink the stuff before my test so Rich had the lovely idea of walking around TJ Maxx. Sure...my appendix may rupture but let's go shopping! Hahaha! Actually I didn't mind because I thought it might distract me from the pain. So we walked around waiting for time to go by and it was finally time for the test and I was ready. The pain was gettting more intense.

I've never had a CT Scan before so it was very interesting to go through the process. Drink the juice, lay on the table and listen for the little voice to tell when to breath and when to exhale, simple enough! Just before the test my robust nurse instructed me that he would be injecting another form of dye into my veins that may give me the sensation of a)having a hot flash, b)feeling like I'm sucking on a penny, or c)feeling like I'm peeing my pants. Soooo, great, can't wait to see what that's going to be like! He put the dye into me and what do you know???? I felt all 3 sensations!!! Wierdest thing ever! Totally felt hot all over, wierdest taste in my mouth and oh yes, the lovely sensation that my water had just broke. Thankfully all these went away within a minute.

The test was over and now to wait for the results, all the while, I'M STILL IN PAIN! Finally got the call around 3:45 to go the ER and that the Triage nurse would be waiting for us. Mom and Dad were with the kids so we were able to grab our stuff pretty quickly and head up to the hospital.

We checked in around 4:30 and were put into a room right away. I've never understood how ER's work. Are they on a rotation or some sort of system as far as checking in on patients??? We waited and waited. While waiting we were visited by our wonderful friends/small group leaders and that helped time pass by. They prayed over us and left around 9:00 or so. Rich left shortly thereafter to get his Dad and when he asked to come back to the ER the nurses told him that I was already in surgery! This was a big mistake because I was not in surgery. There was no way I would let them take me off to surgery without seeing Rich first or letting him know! Crazy. I was unaware of all this but had noticed that Rich had been gone for a long time. I finally called him because the orderly came to wheel me up to surgery and Rich wasn't back yet. I called and asked where he was and he asked where I was because he thought I was in surgery. Finally he was able to get to where I was and be with me while getting ready for the surgery.

We met the anesthiologist (sp??) and he was great. I told him that I didn't want to feel like I was going to sleep and he did just that. Of course he did have to inform me of the tube he was going to stick down my throat while I was 'under' and that was information was a bit unnecessary. Liabilities, I know!

So, Rich prayed with me one more time, kissed me goodby and it was time to hit that cold, bright operating room. I was in there for about 3 min and before I knew it they were waking me up and saying that it was all over. 27 hours of pain and it was finally all over!

The whole experience while very common was very surreal to us. Who knew that when I woke up Thursday morning that I would be having surgery that night and spending a night in the hospital. Life is uncertain at times but it definetly keeps things interesting!

We were so blessed by all of our friends and family. From those who prayed and visited us in the hospital to those who kept our kids all night and all day caring for them and making them feel like everything was okay. To our awesome small group! This is what small group is about. Coming to the aid of those in need around us. Thank you for providing meals for us for the past few nights. It has been a welcomed blessing and I can't say enough how appreciative we are.

God is faithful and with us through every situation, no matter how great or small. I tend to be an anxioux person and have dealt with panic attacks in the past. And being in this situation would have for sure put me into pure panic. But I knew who my God was and I knew that He was with me and His perfect peace was me all the way to that operating table when I closed my eyes. No fear, only trust.

I am recovering well and just spending the next few days resting and recovering. I should be back to normal within 2 weeks. God Bless!

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

One of Those Days

Lately I've been having a few struggles that seem to just be consuming me. At the end of the day I often reflect on how the overall day was and I go to sleep feeling like a complete failure...I'm often comparing myself to those around me and to be honest I am just tired of it! I am who I am and I so want to be comfortable with that! Does anyone else understand??? I may not be this or that but you know what...I have a husband who adores me and loves me more than I could have ever imagined. I have 3 kids, that even though there are days that I think they wish they had a different mom, that love me and whenever I leave to run an errand they act like I was gone for 2 weeks when I walk through the door and run to hug and kiss me. I have parents who even though I've hurt them in the past they have forgiven me and love me unconditionally. I have siblings that I just couldn't live without and enjoy their company. I have a roof over my head, and a house full of laughter and love. Why am I complaining about what I'm not and what I don't have. Who cares! God is for me! He made me and formed me to be what I have become and what I will become.
When I have days like this I'm learning more and more to just pray pray pray. So thankful that when it comes down to it..it's totally up to Him! I don't have to keep carrying around these failures & burdens. So here I am, opening my hands to God and saying take it all and make me the woman that YOU want me to be....not who I think I should be but who you designed me to be.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Date Night

This past Christmas Rich bought us tickets to go see Jim Brickman in concert. We have always enjoyed his music particularly because one of his songs is 'our song' and has special meaning. When Rich and I were dating the song "Valentine" became quite popular and we fell in love with it. On our first dating anniversary Rich had a display of hershey kisses in the shape of a heart on my desk & in the middle was a gift bag with Jim Brickman's CD. Jim's music has such a romantic & soothing feel to it. The way that he plays the piano is just mesmerizing.

Well, Feb 17 finally came and it was time to head out for dinner & then the concert. The ambiance of the concert was very romantic and you felt like you were the only two in the room. Many times I just closed my eyes & took in the sounds of that solo grand piano and the notes being manipulated. Ahhh to have that talent to just sit down and write from the heart and then perform it into a masterpiece. It definetly peaked my desire to learn piano.

As the concert came to a close Jim and his 2 vocalist performed a medley of his top love songs. They ended with 'Valentine' and I just couldn't hold back the tears. Sitting there listening to this beautiful performance holding the hand of the one I love the most in the world was overwhelming. We could both feel the emotion and couldn't help but think back to our wedding day and all the memories we have created since the first time we heard that song.
The day before the concert I was rummaging through the garage and found the box that contained all of our letters and memorabilia from the dating days. As I read through most of the cards and letters we wrote I laughed & cried reflecting on those memories and how far we've come since then. What a treasure to have those memories and records of most of the experiences we shared. It's so easy to forget those early days as we go through the life & get caught up in the everday routines.

I love Rich Black with all my heart and can't wait to spend the rest of my life with him....I thank God everyday for allowing me to share this life with my soul mate and love of my life....


Valentine

If there were no words
No way to speak
I would still hear you
If there were no tears
No way to feel inside I'd still feel for you

And even if the sun refuse to shine
Even if romance ran out of rhyme
You would still have my heart Until the end of time
You're all i need
My love, my valentine

All of my life
I have been waiting for
All you give to me
You've opened my eyes
And showed me how to love unselfishly
I've dreamed of this a thousand times before
In my dreams i couldnt love you more
I will give you my heart
Until the end of time
You're all i need
My love, my valentine


Monday, February 15, 2010

I did it!

All this talk about running has finally come to fruition! On Feb 7, 2010 I arrived at the CSUS campus ready to pin my number on my shirt and complete the task ahead.

We arrived at the campus around 7:45, I was getting nervous every moment that got closer to 9:00. Rich, Ryan & several of Rich's co-workers also participated which made me even more nervous because I knew everyone would complete it before me. It was extra special though to have Noah & Jada there to cheer us on. But, I only had one goal....finish the race & do it within 1 hr & 30 min (i'm a VERY slow runner).





It was very exciting as the rest of the runners gathered and we got in line behind the starting line. The race began and it was time to see what I was made of. I started off the first mile faster than what I usually run so I slowed down alot by mile 2. I had not been running in 5 days so I immediately began to feel like "oh no!" The trail was along the American River and it was nice running through there, the only problem was that there were a few small hills so that slowed me down. I kept wondering how far ahead Rich was of me and kept envisioning the finish line.



I can't really tell you which part of the race was the most difficult because the WHOLE thing was difficult for me. I walked a few times but not much. I wanted to run most of it without having to stop. Once I got to mile 5 I tried to push it harder just to be done but it was tough. Mile 6 finally appeared and I was so relieved, however the race was 6.2 miles...it's amazing how long that .2 felt! I turned the corner & Rich was waiting for me and encouraged me through the end. I could see the finish line and was so excited to almost be done! I finally crossed the finish line at 1 hr 21 min. I finished it within my goal & was so relieved!



I was so proud of Rich who also completed the race in 56 min. He wanted to complete within an hour and he accomplished that. Ryan and most of the other people from the PD also completed the race within 60 min.


Physically I felt sick & wiped out but mentally I was on top of the world! I had set a goal and completed it and felt accomplished!

The week after this race though has not been successful. My knees were so sore for days after and I gave my body the whole week to recover and heal. I wanted to compete in a 5k this coming Sunday but that most likely won't happen. I begin running again tomorrow and will have to start out slower. I'm trying to find a good routine to stick with and do another race in March or April.
Running has been great for me because not only am I seeing the physical benefits but I feel better mentally & I love to be able to put in my ipod & zone out to a good podcast or some great worship music. I know....worship music???? Everyone gives me a hard time, but it's a time for me to connect and be alone and just meditate.
So, tomorrow is a new day and I'm excited to get my running shoes on and see where I'll go!

Homeschooling...

A friend asked several of her friends reasons why we homeschool and here is my spill...


When I had my kids I NEVER envisioned myself homeschooling them. But, giving them a quality Christ-based education was a conviction. My goal would have been to enroll them into a christian school that both my husband & I agreed upon but that didn't happen. Coming into a family where Christian education was very prominent and homeschooling was second nature was very challenging.

When the time did come for our first child to go to school everything came together for homeschooling. God placed me into a family who had the resources, patience & know-how when it came to educating my children. The support system has been a life-line to me & if I did not have them, then I wouldn't be able to do what I do. My sister-in-law has blessed me by coming along side me through the years, especially the earlier years, and showing me how this homeschooling thing works. Thankfully we had kids around the same ages and were able to do preschool & kindergarten together. We taught our kids how to read and that was incredible! It was so special and such a blessing to be there when my children read their first words and first sentences. My mother-in-law has also been with me for the past 2 years assisting me with our oldest sons education. She comes everyday and works with him side by side & helps keep him focused. I know she can't do it forever & it intimidates me to think of how I'm going to do it without her help.

As the kids have grown & more have come along it has created more challenges. I have found that feelings of selfishness & inadequacy are the prominent challenges. Because I do have such a great support system between my sister-in-law & mother-in-law, it often leaves me feeling as if I'll never measure up. They have a God-given ability to 'teach' and be patient where I just don't have it. There are many days that I wonder what in the world am I doing and wish that I could just send them to Christian school. There are days that I just don't want to do it anymore & it hangs over my head until we're done. I wouldn't say that I 'enjoy' homeschooling. I really don't feel like I have what it takes to be this homeschooling mom, but this is the season that God has me in. I have to accept that. God has an amazing way of turning what we think is doom & dread into days of blessings. Everyday I do get to spend quality time with my kids. I'm there when they get a 100% on a difficult test & can rejoice with them over their success. They are learning Biblical foundations, character & life skills that may not get else where. I am learning to be more patient...to take advantage of the resources around me & learn from the women whom I feel have the knowledge & experience that I desire.

I love my kids...I do love being home with them everyday. Do I want a break some of the time? Definetly! But that's where I'm so blessed by my husband. He recognizes the sacrifices I have to make to maintain our home, do dayare, homeschool the kids,serve in our church, plus try to take care of myself. Motherhood is full of days where you feel overwhelmed and inadequate. But I take much comfort in Gal 6:9....'do not grow weary in well doing for in due season you will reap a harvest'. I believe God put that in there just for Moms. I definetly do not have all the answers when it comes to homeschooling. I just know that God has put me in this position for a purpose & as long as I lean on Him, He will be my strength, He will give me the ability, & He will supply knowledge and resources when needed. He is faithful and I look forward to reaping my harvest.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

No pain, no gain....what!?

So I've continued with my running and things are going great. I've worked up to running just about 4 miles in about 53 minutes. This has been quite an accomplishment for me especially since I've just been running for almost a month. I'm excited to be running the Superbowl 10K with Rich on Superbowl Sunday which is in just about 10 days. Today I ran the furthest which was 3.91 miles. It felt great when I got home, but now I'm feeling the pain. My knees are killing me everytime I get up to walk around. But what's that phrase....no pain, no gain. How true. It applies to every aspect of our lives.

So many around me are going through painful times. My sister comes to mind. She gave birth in November at 31 weeks. Pregnant with twins, mid-term lost one baby, a little girl, and then just a few short weeks delivered the other twin. A beautiful & precious baby boy. Things seemed well considering his situation but then the unthinkable happened. Complications with a feeding pump caused him to aspirate his food and his glucose levels were off the charts. Thankfully after being transferred to a better hospital he recovered and is now home where he belongs. But, the events of his birth and the loss of the baby girl for my sister are still fresh and painful.

My mind also reminds me of a gentlemen at church with whom I sing worship who has just been diagnosed with cancer. We are all believing and standing in the gap for his healing. But, we are human and the pain that is felt with that diagnosis is so overwhelming.

We always wonder 'why' in moments of pain. I think 'hey, I'm getting fit, I'm taking care of myself....I don't want to be slowed down by this knee pain'. My sister & the gentlemen at church are true servants of Christ. Lives surrended to Him. But what is it all for....no pain, no gain???? What are we gaining by pain & suffering?

Character.....perseverance....faith.....hope....confidence in Christ.....knowing His healing power.....freedom.....total reliance on Jesus Christ

Makes me wonder what kind of people would we be without pain. It's hard to get up and face the day when you're hurting, especially when the pain is still there. But that's where His strength comes in. I know that everyday that I've been running and increasing my distances that I haven't been able to do it on my own. When I begin to run I truly ask God for strength to complete my goal, and you know what? He shows up! I never thought I could do this 2 months ago, but look at me now. My sister never thought she would walk down the road she's on right now. But I know that it is for a purpose & God is going to use her in mighty ways. I'm sure the gentlemen at church never thought he would have the fight that is ahead of him, but he knows and we know that God is in control and will bestow strength to face the days ahead.

Maybe this doesn't make much sense....just some thoughts I'm having.

Friday, January 15, 2010

The Doughnut

Who invented these sweet delicious addicting evil things????? I never buy them but of course with all three kids in the grocery store they convinced me to buy a couple boxes for breakfast in the morning. I thought to myself...'why not, we're going to the snow in the morning, it's going to be a fun day, why not start it off with doughnuts for a change.' So we bought the doughnuts. I thought for sure I would have the will power to avoid the stupid little tasty treats but I failed! 4 itty bitty doughnut holes have 270 calories! I gave in...but I only ate the 4 instead of 8! So, much to the kids' dismay, when they eat those delectable breakfast treats in the morning it could very well be their last for a long time!

I ran 2.8 miles in 40 minutes today! Yay for me! I am proud and hoping that the rain won't be in my way next week as I continue to prepare for the 10k.

By the way....the sinful delights did taste pretty scrumptuous :)

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

The Race Is On!

I did it! After much contemplation over the last couple days I signed up for the Inagural Superbowl Sunday 10k Run at Cal-State Sacramento. Rich has been spearheading this run at work and has gotten a lot of co-workers to participate. So I was feeling like maybe I should try it but wasn't confident enough. Plus I don't know a lot of the people who are running with Rich and didn't want to be running by myself. Thankfully I talked Jada into becoming my partner in crime for this, soooooo we are doing it!

Running has been a challenge for me but it has been fun to get up every morning and just get out there and do it. I've been following a plan I found online and just walking a minute, running a minute for about 15 min. This week I increased the interval to walk a minute, run 2 min. But today I wanted to challenge myself, so I ran for a solid 5 min, walked 1 minute, ran 5 more min, walked for about 1.30 min & then ran for another 3 min. I'm going to continue pushing myself and by this time next week I would like to be able to run a mile without stopping. I have to seriously pray as I'm running though for God to give me strength to endure. I believe He will help me meet this goal.

Check back soon as I update my progress!

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Amelia is 5!

5 years! Where have they gone?? I can't beleive that our precious baby girl is 5 years old today. I can remember just about everything about that day.....
My mom & sister flew in from Indianapolis the night before. I was so excited to have them here with us. I was a scheduled c-section so we had to be at the hospital at 7am. We all woke up early and began getting ready. I remember feeling excited & anxious. I couldn't wait to meet Amelia but I was nervous about the surgery...been there twice before so I knew what to expect. I remember getting ready that morning and looking down at my pregnant belly thinking that that this would be the last day my body carried a child and grew to be as big as it was.

We left the house & headed to the hospital. We got all checked in & settled into the prep room to get ready for surgery.

All of the family began arriving along with Noah & Jackson. Mom & Dad Black, Mom Tharp, Sarah, David, Danette, Lydia, Abigail, & Calvin, Ryan, Ray Dufalt, Jane West, & Lori Perron were all there.

When Jackson arrived I became so emotional because he was such a baby himself. He was only 14 months. Everytime I looked at him & held him I would just cry. I finally pulled it together & it was time to walk into the operating room & get ready for Amelia's debut.

I became extremely anxious on the delivery table and so they let Rich come in a little early so that he could help me stay calm. I suppose I was just nervous about being cut open and hoping that nothing went wrong. Rich was so great. I'm so thankful to be married to him. He knows exactly what to do to help me be calm. The doctor offered to let me just sleep through the surgery but he said "no" & just helped me through the delivery.

The doctor was kind enough to also let my mom come into the delivery room and watch Amelia be born.

The surgery began around 12:00pm or so. I remember feeling a lot of tugging & pulling and finally I heard them say 'here she comes', they pulled her out and I felt like an elephant had been lifted off of me...wierd feeling. Amelia was born around 12:30pm....I heard her first cry & began to cry myself. Then I asked the doctor if it was really a girl and she said 'yes Misty, it's really a girl'.







It was such a beautiful day. We were so blessed to welcome Amelia into our family. I can't imagine our life without her. I couldn't wait to get her home & dress her and be her mommy for the rest of her life.















Today she is a vibrant 5 year old princess. She is beautiful on the inside & out. She spends her days playing dress-up, house, & singing to the top of her lungs.

Thank you God for blessing me with Amelia! Thank you for making me her Mommy and allowing me to share her life and be blessed by her everyday! I pray that she will be used for Your glory & make a difference in our world.









Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Rules to Live By...

I recieved this in an email recently and I found it very true & inspiring...enjoy!

Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.. 4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games
7. Read more books than you did in 2009 .
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minute walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree...

Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything..
28.. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change...
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come..
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

Monday, January 4, 2010

Here I Am....


The fire is on, kids are in bed, the latest CSI episode is in the background & I'm in my nightly routine. I spend a little too much time in the evening surfing the web & on facebook, so I thought I should make better use of my time and at least try out one of these blogs. It seems everyone is doing it, whether it's to document daily life, new goals, or just to keep memories. What do I want out of this blog? I tend to just get ideas from others and not tap into my own creativity. So, here it is...my goal is to....???? Still figuring it out. But, sure, why not.... keep track of my goals, document my daily life, and set new challenges. So here it goes...


2010 has just arrived! We had a fun party welcoming in the new year with friends & family. The kids were dancing & yelling "2010" as the countdown began & the ball dropped. Around 12:05 am I announced that I would give $20 to the 1st kid who jumped in the pool, then Aunt Jada said she would throw in a $20! $40 to jump into a freezing pool, is it worth it?? Well, Noah jumped in around 12:10 am once he mustered up enough courage to dive into the freezing water! Unlce Ryan inspired him though since he jumped in minutes before! What a fun-filled night!


So with the arrival of the new year many of us evaluate our life & set new goals or resolutions. Unfortunately I'm not the greatest at meeting my goals or keeping my resolutions. With that said, I'm surprisingly inspired this new year to break the cycle. Let's start with physical fitness...


1. I've been at my current weight for 4 years now....I'm never happy with the way I look & CONSTANTLY compare myself to others. I am not and nor will I ever be like the people in my life. So, I have to accept that, after all the Bible says that we are not to compare ourselves & that we have all been given unique strengths & gifts. So I will be searching for my "uniqueness".

So, one thing I am doing that is totally out of my comfort zone is learning to run...yes 'learning to run'. My husband can just decide that he is going to go run 4 miles & he does it! He has even signed up for a 6 k run and a mini-marathon in Feb & March. I'm actually jealous! I have always said that I can't run.....I suppose Phil 4:13 didn't apply to running in my mind! But for some reason I believe I can run now. So today, I started my running program. For 10 weeks I will be runnng every morning and eventually be able to run for 45 min. How awesome is that!?! My goal is to run with Rich in Feb & Mar 2011 in the same races he will be running this year. Who knows maybe there will be a race I can participate in by the fall. I'm also working out at Curves every morning for 30 min. When you really push yourself it's a great workout! Thanks to my great friend Amy, I have accountability & encouragement everytime I walk through the doors!


Now moving on...Finances...uggghhh!


2. It is so easy to get into debt!!!!! Unfortuanetlly we all know how difficult it is to get out! So today, we laid it all out & are making a plan. Dave Ramsey would be so proud. I'm such an instant gratification person, so snowballing this debt will take time & I will have to learn to be patient & persevere.


Last but not least...motherhood


3. What can I say? Being a mother is the hardest job I've had so far. Don't get me wrong, I love it & wouldn't trade it for anything. But the consistency part & challenges that come is at time EXTREMELY overwhelming. I try everyday to be the best I can be and when I lay my head down to go to sleep I feel like a complete failure in every way. I homeschool (4th grader, Kindergartner, & Preschooler) but most days I wonder why in the world God called me down this path. Thankfully I have so much support from my mom-in-law, sis-in-law & hubby. I couldn't do it without them. Seriously! I am not creative, I'm impatient, I can't wait till the goals are met, and the kids are done for the day. Now, I have to be honest....Mom-in-law comes over everyday and works with Noah & Jack so she is doing the hard part. But I know she can't do it forever and soon I will have to step up and take over but I'm going to be dramatic here and say that the thought paralyzes me with fear! But that's where 2 Tim 1:7 comes in....God hasn't given me the spirit of fear but of LOVE, POWER, & a SOUND MIND! So, trust the Lord with this Misty! He is my strength & when I am weak (and I am so weak in this area) He is strong! Halleluer! (Madea)


My last thought and goal on motherhood is this....be consistent Misty! We are implementing a strict bedtime as well as cracking down on some behaviors we have gotten lazy on. My kids are probably wondering what is going on but it's for their good! There is safety in discipline.


So here I am....laying it all out here. Praying & believing for a successful 2010 in so many ways.
Until next time....
Oh yeah....I plan on having a blast figuring all of this out!