The way to my boy's heart

If I haven't mentioned this before, please forgive me.

My boy is strong.

He is a force that must be reckoned with and reminded of his place: under the authority and headship of his parents.

But the way to my boy's heart = wrestling. It is a necessary component to almost every day. It helps him know that I am for him during the tough training times of the day.

Even now, we just had to take a break for some of our more signature moves:

"mom bomb"
"Izey piezy"
"steamroller"
"horsey buck off"
"face plant"
"The claw"
"The clamp"

And ones that were passed down from generations: "Robert dopert" (Joe's dad) and the "pig clip" (from my dad :)

Usually by the end of our wrestling session, he looks at me with all the love in his heart and says, "Mommy, I love you."

This Could Change Your Home..

because its changed ours.

We bought this little jazzy over a month ago.



The kind with the calendar on there that you can change every month..

We keep our weekly memory verses up there, people we are praying for, things to do, and then the calendar...oh, the calendar. We have tried other calendar systems but this has by far been the most effective. I was thinking if you had more kids (or more things going on) then you could use a color coding system. Ours is hanging by the kitchen table (that's key).

If you are looking for a way to focus your family and keep everyone organized, then you should try this- its worth every dollar.

Have a great week!

Straight to the finish line?

Really, I am a great starter. I am a professional at starting 15 projects at once and it usually takes an intervention of my patient husband for a project to come full circle.

When it came to the triathlon, it was no different. I mentioned the idea to Joe knowing I had always wanted to do one, but didn't think right now was exactly the time. When he got excited and was encouraging me to commit, then I knew I was in trouble.

I had left a little place in the back of my mind open in case in the end it was just too crazy to do it all and I could respectfully bow out. Regardless of how many excuses I gave, the bowing out part never happened. I even pleaded with Joe using my laundry list of reasons NOT to do it. Didn't work.

I was so nervous the couple of days before, my stomach was in knots. The night before I laid in bed counting down the minutes.

Usually Joe is not the photographer, but he went picture happy during the race. I thought I would share some pictures and tales from the race so that some of you who have shared with me that you want to do a tri will be a little more prepared than I was.

Click on this link for the training program that I loosely held to. I mainly tried to make sure that I got in one "long" training time in a week. Even that was questionable.

Before I get into the race, I have to give a shout out to my incredibly supportive mother. She woke up early and came to cheer me on (and she is a R.N. so if I were to keel over right there, I was thankful she was there). I sadly didn't get a pic with her, so this one will have to do.



When I got to the race, I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off because I had NO idea what to do. Here's your heads up:
- When they give you a number, its for a reason :) One for your bike, your helmet, and your body (for your run).
-They also mark your body with a permanent marker with your number and your age
-You have to pick up your chip from the registration table and put it on your left ankle.
-Lastly you set up your bike and other gear in the transition area.

When Cindy saw me completely clueless, she said, "Why didn't you ask?" I had NO IDEA what to ask. We had a good laugh.

If I am going to do this thing, then my first goal was to finish. My second goal was to not be last and my third goal was to be under 2 hours. Did I mention that more than anything I just wanted to finish.



The race started at 7 so the sunrise was beautiful. They send you out in waves based on age and since I will be 30 before the year is over then I was in the 30-34 group! Really? already!?! I was holding out to be in my 20s for a little longer.

I'll claim this as my first act for my 30s. Start the decade off right, right?

We were in the second wave and each wave is 4 minutes apart. The swim part was pretty intense. A lot of women swimming all in one direction in open water means large amounts of water sloshing into your face and legs and arms intersecting with yours continually. I didn't drown. Bonus.




Once, we swam 300 yards (actually it was more like 350 yards because they said that the buoys drifted out), then you run to the transition area where I put on my biking shorts, shoes, helmet, and downed a little gatorade.

I really haven't biked since junior high when that was my primary form of transportation. Those were good days. I was green without evening knowing it. Every time since then, I can't ride longer than 5 minutes because my butt hurts. I would hear this antagonizing voice chant, "why would someone choose to have a sore butt for three days." I just didn't get it.

Then, I was introduced to a super sweet road bike. Apparently, there are bikes and then there are bikes. Thankfully, a generous guy from church let me borrow his bike for the summer. My butt still hurt but it was so exhilarating to ride that the wind in my hair and the pavement passing quickly beneath my feet made the pain the first couple of rides seem more tolerable. Then I got a callous on my hiney and we were good to go.

Here's Cindy sporting her skills!



Here's me on my bike. About a mile into the race, something happened with my chain and it fell off and got stuck. Are you serious!?! I just learned how to ride and now I have to be a bike mechanic. I was in trouble and what I really wanted to do was just turn around and quit, but instead I just picked up my bike and ran praying someone could help me fix it. There was this kind gentlemen who helped get my bike in order. This is what he taught me- rule of thumb with bike trouble: Turning it over does wonders. Rocket science.

Remember how they "body mark" with your numbers. They put your age on the back of your calf so that every single person who passes you taunts you with their age. As each calf passed me it was saying, "Can you keep up with me even though I'm 24?" or better yet, "You're letting a 47 year old woman pass you."

I kept reminding myself to hold steady. Slow and steady finishes the race. That was my goal.

My father-in-law had text messaged me the night before and at the end he said, "Push for His glory." It stuck with me and encouraged me along the way. All throughout the swim and bike I just couldn't stop smiling. Those few moments in life when you push back your junk, bad habits, preconceived notions, and excuses and be free.

"Not that I have already obtained all of this but I press on to take hold of that which Christ Jesus took hold of me." Ph. 3:12



When the run started, the Houston heat began to kick in. The sun was beating down and honestly, I was ready to be done. I just tried to make myself run and pleaded with God, "Help me to finish strong."

I didn't sprint to the finish line but I wanted to. Maybe next time. I may have finished 250th and in an hour and thirty minutes but I finished. Glory to God.


The hottest training partner.


Now, Cindy Marie on the other hand totally took names and finished in 1.16- rock star. We would love some tips in the comments ;)



Now I'm working on pushing back other excuses, hindrances, and hurdles in other areas so that I can learn to be a finisher there too.

A life frittered away disgusts God; he loves those who run straight for the finish line. Prov. 15:9 MSG

Got milk?

Upon seeing Elyana's rolls of delicious chubbiness, my mother in law suggested that she could be an advertisement for breastfeeding. I couldn't agree more.

Straight from the uterus.



7 months of breastal refreshments.

Gut Punch

This afternoon I called Joe and asked him, "Is there anything I can do to serve you?" He responded with, "Why?"

OUCH!

He didn't mean it mean, but man talk about a punch to the gut. Obviously, I have not been serving as my husband's helpmate.

I encourage you to take the time to ask your husband this week a simple question...

"How can I serve you?" (Don't assume you know the answer, because his was very different than what I expected - not about sex at all :)

I love the way The Message says 1 Cor. 7:2 "Marriage is not a place to "stand up for your rights." Marriage is a decision to serve the other, whether in bed or out."

Love you friends,

Melissa

My Girl

I have been known to often drive with my left leg propped up on the dash. I caught Elyana like this the other night and I had to capture the moment.

That's my girl.



At freshly 7 months, she is already so girly. For this boy mom, it is surprisingly refreshing. Joe and I both admit, at times, we just aren't sure what to do but smile.

She flitters her arms in front of her face to the music or just to give herself something to do. When she giggles it is so girly. She would rather just be on your lap then down on the floor attempting to learn how to crawl. She just loves to smile and oh, I pray she continues to be such a joy: joy to her Father, joy to her daddy, joy to her friends, joy to her future husband, and that she would model joy for her future children.

This last week she started saying "da da" and it makes my day to hear her. She's also been eating a lot more people food, sleeping great, laughing hysterically at her brother, and bouncing like crazy in her little bouncy thing.

We are crazy about you, Elyana Joy!

My wildest Terry dream has come true.

Since I met Joe and his wonderful family, I have heard about their love of basketball. Growing up their family would spend hours around their backboard playing skins and shirts. I have always wanted to see their athleticism in action.

This last weekend was the bi-annual Terry get together and it was one of the funnest things we have done all summer. About half o the family was able to come (we missed Joe's two brothers and their families who couldn't come) out to the ranch and we all played volleyball, swam, t-ball, banangrams, late night games of spades, and the list could go on.

The best part was that everyone got out there and played basketball. We played knock out and 3-on-3. I loved seeing Joe's great pass to the post position, then his sister who put us all to shame, his dad with the infamous head fake, and Brian who brought the thunder.

BUT let me tell you who was the queen baller- Joe's mom! I'm serious when I say she made baskets, she helped the girls win volleyball (without her we got beat), and she was quite the spades player. She was the gold medal winner of the decathlon of Terry vacation! She is heading back to school this week so I hope all of the teachers she teaches with recognize what a prized athlete they have on their hands.



These two played together so well that it was like a little mini mom vacay.



Here is the decathalon winner herself in all of her glory.


Thank you all for such a fun weekend! Sometimes its so nice to know that those things you enjoy don't die when you are nursing babies, wiping hineys, and cleaning messes all day long. Most of all, we enjoyed doing it with our beloved family- what a gift. We love you!

Silver Wings you have awakened my heart

Remember how I was telling you about some amazing friends who are shipping out for Haiti THIS WEEK! I know not one single prayer would be wasted on them and their belongings as they head on their new adventure. If you haven't yet, then please subscribe to their blog and be updated on what God is doing through them and how you can be a part.

So, a couple of weeks ago they had a farewell party at none other than...THE SKATING RINK!

Growing up we had a skating rink in our neighborhood and we spent way too much time there. When we arrived at the Silver Wings in Brenham, it brought back so many memories. The lights dimmed, the disco ball going, the games along the side for those whose blister was about to burst on their foot from those ghetto skates, skate races, four corners (I was always one of the first corners called and wanted so bad to sneak back into the game), and you cannot forget the couples skate (I mean, that was the ultimate statement of "going out" if got out on the floor while meatloaf is blaring "I would do anything for love (but I won't do that)."

Fast forward more than 15 years and I rolled into the skating rink with a man and two kids. We had a so much fun with everyone! The Silver Wings was kind enough to let all of us mamas bring our strollers out there, so we were on skates pushing our babies around in circles.

Here is Aaron and Heather in action.



We tightened little man's skates so tight that the wheels barely moved but he putted around that rink like a champ. The night could not have ended on a more perfect note for my two urban cowboys. The Texas in the middle of the rink and Silver Wings sung by Merle Haggard (Joe even knew the words- scary).


We skated while laughing at ourselves and each other. It was a grand ole time. I found this nifty little website that has a listing of all the skating rinks in Texas, so you should click here and find one near you to relive your glory days (or really just for a good belly laugh!)

Hendricks, we will miss you guys! We are with you and praying for you all the way...

For your sweet tooth and for your hips

Ladies, I am not a cake lover. Nothing personal but I usually decline. We were at a birthday party the other week and I was helping Isaac not get it all over himself. I happened to lick it off my finger and thought, "wow, I need to try that." I tried a bite and then asked for a piece. I instantly knew you all needed to have this recipe and to know that it is THAT good.

Also, I go through phases and I have been in a bread phase. I have been experimenting with all kinds of whole wheat bread. Today I came across one that is sugar free and 100 % whole wheat. Joe said it was a keeper (he hasn't said that so far :)Here is for your baking enjoyment.

Kendra's Fabulous Cake

1 package plain yellow or vanilla mix (Duncan Hines)
1 package vanilla instant pudding (3.4 oz.)
1 1/4 C. milk
1/2 C. vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract (I added a touch of almond extract as well).

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Light mist pan with oil and dust with flour. Mix all ingredients in bowl. Beat with mixer on low speed for 30 seconds. Mix on medium speed for 1 1/2 minutes. Mixture should be smooth. Pour into pan. Bake 35-40 minutes until golden brown and springy to the touch.


Icing Recipe:

1/2 C. shortening
1/2 C. butter
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 lb. (4 C.) powdered sugar
2 T. milk

Cream butter and shortening. Add vanilla. Gradually add sugar, one cup at a time, beating well on medium speed. Scrape sides and bottom of bowl often. When all sugar is mixed in, icing will appear dry. Add milk and beat at medium speed until light
and fluffy.


100 % Whole Wheat Banana Bread Deliciousness

1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 cup mashed bananas
1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup hot water

Directions
1.Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
2.In a large bowl, beat oil and honey together. Add eggs, and mix well. Stir in bananas and vanilla. Stir in flour and salt. Add baking soda to hot water, stir to mix, and then add to batter. Blend in chopped nuts. Spread batter into a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.
3.Bake for 55 to 60 minutes. Cool on wire rack for 1/2 hour before slicing.

Enjoy!

These things are meant to be documented

Baby girl's first pedi given by yours truly.