Saturday, March 27, 2010

Outside the Walls -- Blessings flow!

Our church has started an empahsis to get outside of our church walls and start serving those who don't come to our church. Not as a gimmick. Not to raise our attendance. Not to garner favor. But because Jesus said to help others. We've been encouraged and given opportunities to do that with excellent leadership from all our staff members and church family.
Today, our family participated in an outreach at an inner city mission east of downtown Houston called Open Door. It's a residential facility for recovering addicts. It provides housing, food, counseling, and the most peaceful, Christ like atmosphere I've ever felt at a place like this. It's a voluntary program and the residents are beyond grateful for getting a second chance.

Our church descending like a military strike force this morning. We had over 50 volunteers ready to do anything that was asked. We painted metal fencing, washed windows, served food, sorted clothes, talked with people, prayed with people, and loved on a group that is often forgotten by our very sheltered lives. It was beautiful to see Christ in action.

As we were leaving, Josh started a conversation with the question "Dad, I don't mean to be rude, but I really don't understand what it means about Jesus saving us. What is that?" Oh ,the precious moment. Chris is driving down a pothole filled street in East Houston. There are homeless people on the corner. We aren't quite sure how to get back to the freeway. And Josh wants to know what it all means.

Well, being a fine multitasker (for a guy), Chris handles it all well. He drives and explains what "being saved" means to a six year old. And even remembers to ask him if that's something he'd like to do. Josh said yes, but let us know he was feeling shy, so could he just pray silently. Yeah, I think that's alright.
So now we have a new little believer to raise. Wow! What a responsibility! Chris and I are awed that we have been entrusted to raise these guys in the way of the Lord and to teach them what they need to know while they are young. I feel honored and overwhelmed at the task ahead of me. I know and trust that God will lead us in this charge, but I am humbled at the thought of my involvement.

Praise Him from whom all blessings flow!

Thursday, March 25, 2010

The Toothless Wonder

It's a banner day for the Willingham's. Josh finally pulled that darn tooth. He's been after me for over a week to get rid of it. Luckily, he has no fear of pulling teeth on his own. He'll wiggle that sucker around and make it bleed and not stop until it comes out. Yep, my boy is a tooth wart. I don't know where he gets it from. I was the "cautious" tooth kid. Too afraid of the microsecond of pain to yank that thing until it was hanging by a poor bedraggled nerve (usually my mother's).

Josh, on the other hand, has no fear. He just wants it out. It might have something to do with the Tooth Fairy and money. He really likes to spend money. It doesn't matter on what. He just likes the feel of the money leaving his hot little hands. And he's willing to do most anything to get it. Yes, I'm a little worried about that in the long run, but for now, I am glad.

I don't have to be the mean mom that pulls the teeth. No threats with string and door knobs. He takes care of it for me.

So here's the picture. It took a few to get his mouth open wide enough to see. Now he looks like a scary crazy child.
That'll haunt your dreams for sure.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Spring Break - THE weekend

The week was flowing right along. Some disappointments, but overall, good week with great anticipation for what lie ahead.

So, we trekked up to Dallas and went to Medieval Times. If you don't know, it's all about medieval jousting and horses and eating with your hands and having a grand ol time, castle style. We even got crowns.
Yeah, tilt your head. I love their expressions.

This was followed by a night of puke from Josh. Poor kid had a really upset tummy. It was followed by the "icky Poopy make it stop Mommmy" moments. Ugh.

After a night of fun with that, we saw Brett and Kim for lunch, and got ready for the weather. Yes, the weather. We forgot to check the weather and were shocked by the Canadian Norther. somehow the shorts and sandals I packed didn't quite cut it, because we were in a mini blizzard! Nice. Here is what the freeways looked like afterwards.

Check out the roof tops. Mighty magnificent. I'll show you the snowballs later.

We finished out our trip with a stop at the Steak and Shake. Love  love love the solidified greasy burgers. Plus the kids got cool cards.
See, Chris was having fun, too.

More Pictures coming soon!

Friday, March 19, 2010

Spring Break Day 4

Well this day was nice. I grocery shopped and only forget 3 items. The boys and I bagged all the leaves we raked yesterday. I got a little down time for reading. And I got to exercise that "I'm the grown up" decision to NOT pack ahead for our little outing this weekend.

Nothing fabulous or monumental happened. Well, the children lived and no blood was spilled. That was pretty monumental.

I decided that I love libraries. I just don't love cranky librarians.

"Yes, ma'am. I know there is a cell phone lounge if I'd like to continue my call. Thank your for your diligence. I just don't think any of those folks with headphones on looking at porn on the library computers are going to care if I let my husband know that I'm going to be heading home in a few minutes."

Ok, time to go get ready and get moving. Big day ahead...

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Spring Break Day 3

Ahhh.. What a wonderful day! Happy St. Patrick's Day to you and yours. It has been a wonderful beautiful day. The weather was perfect. I got to get out of the house and do some shopping and the boys were really pretty good. Had lunch with the husband AND got the yard raked. Happy happy day.

It's a total turn around from the previous two days. Maybe my little leprechaun brought me some luck... or maybe the stars aligned... most likely God loves me and knew I needed a break. Yeah, that's more like it.

Tonight I plan to hang some pictures and read a book since nothing good is on TV. Yay, ST. Pat's Day!

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Spring Break Day 2

Well, good news is that I found my car keys. Bad news is I couldn't go anywhere today. I was awakened at 5:45 by my youngest saying his tummy hurt. I patted him on the head and sent him back to bed. As I was drowsing off, I heard the wretching sound of child puking.

So, my" fun for me, go see my best friend, or at least get some spring shopping done when her Sister In Law comes to town and interrupts our plans" has turned into "hang out at the house with the sick kid and empty boxes". 

Chris took today off so he could have his BFF over to play video games. His plans got aborted, too. His plan B was to take the oldest child out shopping. At boy places like Fry's and Best Buy. Now he is gaming on the x-box with his BFF. Lucky guy. Wish i could virtually shop with my BFF. Well, no, I really don't.

Hopefully this is a short day long bug and the puking will stop. It has already slowed. Now I get to figure out what to make for dinner. For ravenous husband, sick child, and growing other child. If it were me, I'd eat leftovers.

I am really trying to keep a positive outlook here. I still have several days of break left and I know that it will work out fine. I am sincerely praying that the rest of the family doesn't get sick later in the week.

So, that's my day 2.

Monday, March 15, 2010

Spring Break Day 1

Awesome. I woke up with a sinus headache. Self medicated with a serious concoction of stuff. Netti Pot'd myself til I smelled salt water. Sat down and read.  Then, when I finally kicked the head ache and snot, I was gonna take the boys out to the Home Depot to get new rakes for our appointed yard work.

Can't. Find.My.KEys. Do you have any idea how much I enjoy being stranded?? with 3 cars in the driveway and no keys to drive them???? Any idea?? Not too much, let me tell ya.

So I sent the kids out to play in the BEE UUU TIFULL weather and they keep popping in whining about "it's hot" and "why do we have to play outside" and "why can't I spend another 4 hours sorting my Legos so Daddy can finish building my (big Lego monstrosity I don't remember the name of)". Thankless little whelps.

So I peruse my websites of choice. And land on my Blogspot site and thought I'd share with you.

So here's a pic of me today.. sporting my new, misbehaving haircut pulled back with a clip and my ancient ETBU junky "nobody can see me because really no one wears stuff like this in public"shirt.  And I can't get it to rotate so you'll just have to turn your head. ** sigh**

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Ode to a friend

Let's talk BFFs today folks.  You've got one, I hope. Sometimes 2. These are the people to you have a history with and who get you on a very real level. They are the friends in your inner circle and the ones who you can not talk to in a looooong time, yet pick up right where you left off whenever you do see each other again. This is the person who gets to hear your vents, your laughs, your dumbest jokes. This is the friend who keeps your secrets and loves you always. You might have gotten bad haircuts together, bought matching or complimenting accessories together, or just played dumb games together. The point is.. you are together.

My BFF is amazing! Of course, or else she wouldn't be mine. Not only is she funny and smart, she's so pretty. But she totally loves to eat. Which makes her BFF material instead of a **tch. She laughs at my lame-O jokes and tells me how funny and smart  and pretty I am. I guess we are just one big Mutual Admiration Society.

She deals with the crap of life (and she has way more than her fair share) and loves Jesus through it all. I think that's what I like most about her. She really loves Jesus. And has since I met her. In fact, she is one of the reasons I became a Christian. Her 12 year old witness was fierce for the Lord and she wouldn't let me skate by with my lies or bad attitude. She showed me that Christians were really worth my time. And I love her for that.

BFF's don't have to live next door. In fact, better if they don't. Hard to love someone like that when you see all their trash and their dog poops on your lawn. Ya know? My BFF has always lived far far away. Other side of this great big city. In our early days, we had the phone and Friday nights at the Bagpipe Band practice (ooo, the stories!).  Later on, we'd drive and meet halfway at the scary inner city mall. We tried college together, but that only lasted 2 years and was the hardest time ever for our relationship. There were times I thought I'd lost her for good, and I really grieved for that loss. Now we live a whole city away, but we have texting! God bless texting. It's my tether to the outside world.

Our hubbies like each other and our kids play well togther. Truly, a great great friendship. I love her and she loves me.

PS I totally love her hair! That's important for a BFF.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Favorite picture from birthday weekend!

Happy Birthday Joshua!

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

A little update and some stream of consciousness

Here's what's going on.... not much.. just life.. let's see.. I made some good spaghetti and enjoyed some Dry Comal Creek Red wine with it... I voted today... The boys got a tour of the fire engines and got to ask all the questions they had. Josh still wants to join the army and use a rocket launcher. I couldn't talk him into considering other options. At least there's still time left for a thought change.... Reading benchmark is tomorrow. Time to see if my low babies have figured it out yet.... I'm tutoring twice a week before school.. ugh it makes me tired. At least there are some good online sites that keep me from wanting to end it all after doing just one more practice passage. Spring break is a week and a half away. Couldn't get here soon enough. Trying to figure out what to do for vacation at the end of the week. Something fun and memorable for the boys and relaxing and rejuvenating for the parents. Right.. We'll see what comes up.... Life is just going right now. Nothing huge on the horizon that I can see. I'm definitely trying to enjoy the downtime beween criseses. And rest in the love of my heavenly Father. He has been so good to us. And I'm talking with jobs and family and stuff. Yeah, I am so thankful for my new stuff. In the last few months He has rained down the earthly blessings and I'm not taking them for granted. I don't feel guilty about them. I am honored and enjoy them. With a full and happy heart. Contentment? Yep, I think that's what they call it. I hope you can try it. Because I know you'll like it.