Eat, Pray, Love.....yup! Im good at all 3 of them.

Last night, I went on a date with Jaynuh (Lauren, my assistant at MDO) We went to eat at Cantina Laredo. Then went to see Eat, Pray, Love.  It was GReat!!  I really enjoyed the movie. I have read some of the book but have not finished it.  

You moms of LOTS OF KIDS understand that between school, cooking supper, running bath water, ironing clothes, folding more clothes, and Facebooking of course, there is little time to read books. 

When I was watching the movie, I couldnt help but thinking about my own life. In the movie, the main character, Liz, struggles with balance in her life. She searches for God throughout the movie and how to balance herself and a relationship with a man. Her main struggle with love is that she loses herself when she's in a relationship.  

'Loses herself"

Thats what hit me like a brick. 

Mainly, because thats something I tend to struggle with myself. Always questioning where that girl went that would cruise in her red T-Top camaro listening to the Dixie Chicks. I tend to be disappointed that I cant always be that 17 year old girl with no cares in the world. 

But what I decided last night, is that, I dont want to be that girl anymore. I love that I have 3 of the most beautiful children God could ever give a person. And the husband He gave me.....WHEW! Talk about lose myself in a man.....but I LOVE that I'm lost in him. Because Chris strengthens me. He calms me, He loves me.  I depend on Chris for things that I know I could do on my own, but I dont want to, I want CV to do these things for me (Like change a light bulb or untangle my necklaces)

But its also the same for him.  There are things I know he could do himself, but instead he wants me to do for him. (Like find that black hat that he loves to wear that is sitting on his nightstand in the plain daylight but for some reason I'm the only one who can see it)

I love my huband. I always have, from the day I met him.  I knew he was wonderful, but I had no idea the kind of man that God would form him to be.  And I'm so grateful that Chris and I worked hard and long at our marriage. Not just for our kids, but for each other. I think we better each other.

And it definitely helps that he's WAY HOT!!!

Peace Out Hommies

Dear Baby Jesus!

Dear Jesus-

Thank you God for da motahome

da pool,

da fidge-a-gata.

Thank you God for da boat,

for da four-whee-dah

for da golf cart.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

-Witten Macabe  8-1-10

Nightime prayers!

He covers all the important things in life!

Peace Out Hommies!

Dear Baby Jesus!

The one thing I usually try to include in my prayers for my children is their (very far away, not even close enough to really mention but its going to happen so I might as well pray about it) future.

When I am praying for my children I always start with thanking God for their personalities, characteristics, abilities, talents, etc. I always thank Him for making them all so different yet definitely formed from the same mold, then I begin asking for certain things for each one. For example:

Brock- Thank you for making him a Child after God's own heart. Thank you for giving Brock a love for his family, (ESP. ME!) Thank you for giving him a special athletic ability.  Thank you for changing my life with this gift.

Witten- Thank you for my fireball. Thank you for spicing mine and CV's life up! Thank you for giving him creativity and strength. Please give him peace and protection. Thank you for choosing me as his momma!

Emmi- Thank you for the icing on my cake! Thank you for her big blue eyes,  her smile and her sweet voice.  Thank you for putting a love for her brothers in her heart that is so deep and true. Thank you for the father she has.  Please dont let her be taller than 6 foot!  (J/K....but not so much)


I then start to pray for their spouses. I dont do this a whole lot when I'm actually praying with them (esp. the boys) only because Brock gets grossed out and ruins the moment for the prayer!

For Brocks spouse: She needs to be gentle, sweet and kind. Likes to eat popcorn alot. Please protect my boys heart.  He will love her unconditionally and forever!  She better like his momma!

For Wittens spouse: She needs to be patient, strong-willed, and laid back. She needs to be a good listener. It would be in her best interest to get along with his baby sister!

For Emersons spouse:  He needs to tall, rich and fast! Ok Im sorry I couldnt help myself! Seriously, height would be nice!  He needs to be funny, love life and be affectionate. He needs to keep her grounded and humble.  He probably should be fast, just in case he ever upsets her, he's got 3 HUGE guys coming after him.
I also pray that her husband not completely hate us for making her so rotten. I pray my daughter in laws not blame me for my boys need to be taken care of.  I will always make my boys pancakes as long as they keep asking for them.  After all, I know the way to a mans heart is through his stomach!

Alright friends, I need to go to bed, which means, I have to pray first so I better get off this computer and get on my knees!  Night YALL!


PEACE OUT HOMIES!

Humble Persistence

This mornings Sunday School lesson was entitled Humble Persistence. It was about praying for something for a really long time and seeing your prayers answered, and having Faith that God will get you through the situation.  The lesson came from Mark 7:24-30.  The story is about a mother who has a daughter who is possessed by an evil spirit. She has faith that Jesus can heal her and begs Him to do so. The mother was persistent and strong-willed in asking Him for His healing power over her daughter. And of course, Jesus did heal the little girl because of her mothers faith in God.

This story hit a little too close to home for me today! It made me think of my sweet Witten Macabe. I have prayed and prayed and prayed and prayed for Witten. I've prayed for so many different things. I prayed for answers, I prayed for a fix, I prayed for patience for both of us, I prayed for Witt to just 'be normal' but then I realized Witten is 'normal'.  He's normal for Witten.
Which is ok with me!
Now I just pray for peace with him.  We have been through so much with this child. But I NEVER gave up on Witten or My GOD!
A few months ago, I had to sit down with someone and explain to them about Witten.  It was one of the hardest conversations I've EVER HAD! But I (kindly) reminded that person that no matter what he may think of my boy, Witten was made in Christ-like image, therefore, Witten is an incredible, creative and hilariously loving boy.
I then screamed SO BACK OFF ALREADY!!!!
Ok I didnt, but I really really wanted to! 


Lately, I've noticed a huge change in Witten. He seems to be able to control himself much better. He is working on being able to handle social situations.  Today at the lunch table, a stranger (to Witten) walked up to us and said "Hey y'all! How are ya?"   Witten without batting an eye said "Hey! How are you?" It was not only adorable but made my heart so proud.  He is starting 'Big Boy School' in a few weeks and I'm so scared!  This will rock his world. And mine too! But I will most definitely continue to be the momma I am for Witten. The momma that prays continually for my children! I have faith in my GOD that one day Witten will have total peace in his body and mind, He will be able to walk into an unfamiliar room, with new faces and be able to 'deal with it' on his own without my coaching!  Witten is a child of God, created in His image! And I am so thankful that God leant him to me while we're here on Earth!

PEACE OUT HOMIES!!

I SHAKE MY HINNEY!!

For the ones of you out there that know me well, know that I have danced more in my life than I have walked! When I hear music, no matter my whereabout, I instantly begin shaking something! I LOVE DANCING! I feel it was a gift that God gave me. I thank Him for giving it to me. I still sawsha (sp?) down the hallway of my parents house.  If you come up on me in my car at a red light, I will be dancing!

Ok, so you get my love of music and the effect it has on me??  Well, you could only guess my excitement I had tonight (Who am I kidding? ALL DAY) as I was driving my little prissy, sassy, Beyonce-lovin little girl to her first dance class tonight!!!!!
All day today, she was telling everybody who would listen.  "I GO TO DANCE! I SHAKE MY HINNEY!"

So tonight we get all dressed up in her new leotard, dance shoes, hair in bun. And of course she grabbed her Hello Kitty cup, phone, and sunglasses! AND WE'RE OFF!!

We're heading down the road and she is so excited to be going to dance. She instantly asks me "I'na hear Hands Up Momma!"  

(Beyonce's Single Ladies)

So we listen to it the ENTIRE WAY TO DANCE!

We walk in the door and the lobby is full of precious little ballerinas!

I quickly feel a tiny hand wrapped itself around my leg and squeeze. 

Her confidence and excitement is oozing its way out the door! 

The teachers come out and start calling names.

'EMERSON!"

What would you know, there are 2 Emersons in her class!

Well, my Emmi wasnt quite ready to let go of momma. After a few minutes of me hyping it up, taking her into the studio, placing her right on top of a purple star sticker, next to a buddy from church, and promising a milkshake after it was over, she finally let go! 

When she saw me running out though, she rebelled and threw herself on the floor behind the rest of the pink-clad little 'rinas! Which is where she stayed for the remainder of the class! 

I'm absolutely in LOVE With having a daughter. I laughed outside in the lobby the whole time.  Because I knew that if the teacher would just walk over to the radio, turn off the piano music & turn on Single Ladies, my little 'rina would get up so fast her head would spin.

When it was over, she came out & squeezed me like she hadn't seen me in years! 

I asked her if she had fun.  Her response: "NOOOOO I POO POO'ED!

Which she had!

Peace OUT Hommies!

Just for you Jac!

This update on blog is long overdue and I have no excuse other than pure jello for a brain.  

I feel like the Tin Man. 

"If I only had a brain!!"

So this update is dedicated to my good friend Jacqueline. 

She may be the WORST Nanny I've ever hired for my children, seeing as she's never even showed up for her first day of work, but she is creatively witty and charming as ever! If only I could get her to stop wishing that 4th offspring on me! 

One day Jac....one Day. Revenge will be mine!

Ok, back to my blog that Jac has been hounding me for. 

So baseball has completely taken over my life, my husbands life, Brocks life, my two babies life, & my parents life. Brock made the All-Star team again this year!! We are so proud of his accomplishment. He is driven and motivated on and off the field! His team is absolutely AMAZING! 

Or as Lauren (JAYNUH) would say "He is A-Mars-Zing!" 

*Inside Joke, found only funny to the 2 of us*

They played in the district tournament last weekend and finished second. After 12 games our bats were dead and lost to a team we had beaten twice already in the tourney. We have our first game tomorrow night in the state tournament. We hope to qualify for the World Series!

Our Boys!

Witten is doing good. He is growing up and doing it much faster than my heart can take. He will be 4 next month. I just cant believe how much he is like his Daddy! He is bull-headed, strong-willed and doesnt like to be held down. But he is a fighter for what he wants and believes in. He is geniously creative; and just like his father, he can melt my heart with his eyes when he looks at me. 

Most of you know that he has some struggles that he faces everyday. His therapists think its more of a social anxiety more than sensory processing. So, we're working on it! 

He has been placed into a preschool within the Bossier Parish School System. 

I know this is a blessing but I worry for him so much next year. Sending your baby off to school for the first time is SO HARD as it is. But to think that he wont even be 4 on his first day.....just makes my stomach hurt thinking about it! I hate that he cant (or wont) tell me how he's feeling. I have the same feelings (or fears) that I had when Brock started Kindergarten.  

What if he's scared?  What he no one talks to him? What if he needs to potty but he doesnt know where to go? What if he drops his tray in the cafe??  UGH!!! Why cant I just shelter him under my wings forever????  My baby boy isnt a baby anymore.  And I need to let him be the big boy he is!

See....how could that face not get ya??

My prissy, little sassy, little miniature ME=Emerson, is the sunshine of all my boys eyes.   She has each of them eating out of the palm of her hand. They love and adore her. I only wish I had the same effect on them that she does. She grins the moment she wakes up til she goes to bed. Today she was skipping all over the house with her blanket saying repeatedly 'I happy! I happy! I happy!' And she is! 

I love having a daughter. I love doing ponytails in the morning. I love that when I do my makeup every morning, she gets hers out and does hers as well. I love her squeals, her giggles, the fact that we both cant leave the house without our lipgloss and cell phones. I love that she looks so little in her daddys arms.  I love how little I feel in them too! She loves to make me jealous by hugging on him right in front of me. But the jokes on her bc the minute she goes to bed. I get all his attention.

This is a small glimpse of my day! 

Just thought I'd share the next two pics.....I can say that she does get it honestly!!

Peace Out Hommies!!

8 is Great!

Last week I had to throw together a birthday party for Brock REAL QUICK!
Due to the hectic baseball schedule I knew there wasnt a weekend available to celebrate Brock's birthday! So Sunday was my only option.  He wanted to have a bowling party, so I called Holiday Lanes and got it on the books! 

Sweet Boys! I so love that Witten is letting me take his pic now!! 

A group of the boys! The others werent there yet!

Witt & his buddy, Colton

This is the future Mr. & Mrs. Johnathan Brock Van Hoy

This is my fav pic from the whole group! I love how happy Brock looks in the midst of all his fav people! I thank God every night that my children, All 3 of them, have the best friends with Christian parents!

Peace Out Hommies!