Fry Road Preview Service

GOD IS AMAZING!! What an incredible morning! I was practicing my music for worship this morning on my way to church. By the time I pulled into the parking lot, I was crying huge tears of joy as I was singing the redone hymn "How Marvelous." You may think it strange that I was driving around before sunrise with a hymn blasting in my car, but it was an awesome way to prepare for what God had in the works.

I pulled in to the theater parking lot and was overwhelmed by the amount of cars already there - the people who were already hard at work preparing for the service!
(This is the cafe area with coffee and donuts!)
Ray C. and I were walking down the hall a little later, and he said, "There is no way we should be able to do this our first Sunday!" It was out of total amazement that he said it because we were watching it unfold before our very eyes.


We had volunteers everywhere. I am still meeting new people who are volunteering!








The party rooms were turned into nursery rooms and then FULL of children.


The theaters were turned into worship rooms for the preschoolers, elementary, and adults.

The preschoolers had clowns in the worship service.

The elementary kids had a magician.

And the adults had an awesome band that I was thrilled to sing with (including my sister)! We had a great preacher (even if I do say so myself), and awesome people everywhere making things happen.


We had so many people in the worship service that we had to ask everyone to move toward the center because people were standing trying to get in!! I think the total count of kids, volunteers , and the rest of the adults was around 320! And we barely advertised for this service!

It was great to have practice because we realized a few things we could do differently, and we know people are a little more forgiving. I can't wait to see our launch service! But after an exhausting weekend, we're glad we have until December 2nd to do it all again!

BIG DAY!!

My day started at 5:15 this morning when Ray C.'s alarm went off and he said, "I can't believe it's today!" What an emotion-filled statement for us and the Foundry family as we prepare to see what this baby is going to look like.
It's kind of like an ultrasound. We all get to see what the baby will look like, but we can't really have it yet! There is still so much to prepare!
So, I am leaving in just a few minutes to join my friends and "family" who have been at the Cinemark since 6:00 setting up for our first preview service at the Foundry Fry Rd.
Please keep us in your prayers as we continue to build God's team and church! This is His thing, and we are so humbled to have been called to be a part of it!
Thanks to the guys at PCI for delivering our trailers (after packing them) and teaching us how to set it all up. They are even at the theater this morning showing us how to do it!

Where do I begin?

With three little ones, there is always something blog-worthy going on!

*Chase has a scratched eye that took us to the Opthamologist's office yesterday for 3 1/2 hours and another 2 hours home (we were in Houston the entire time). By the way, they did nothing for him. It healed on its own overnight! I've been through the same thing with Thomas at this age, but you just can't risk an eye injury! If you ask Chase what happened he says, "Tata shrach my eye!"

*The kids are all doing better in school although Thomas does not like the prayers Ms. Dana says. He is determined the class will learn his superman prayer. He has a fabulous teacher that is working with him so patiently! We are so blessed!

*Thomas made a snack for us today while the rest of us were sleeping. While we were taking a nap, he poured (and spilled) orange juice into cups and then diluted it like we usually do. He washed off the plates from breakfast in the bathroom sink, and got out baby carrots for everyone. He also gave Mary Frances an apple since he knows how much she loves them! He even cleaned up what he spilled and put the towel right back in the bathroom. I was really moved by his thoughtfulness. And on top of that, he waited for us to wake up to eat his snack! He has such a sweet heart!

*Chase is still saying, "I na a bebe emor. I bi boy!" Don't dare call him a baby (or a snuggle bunny). He is a big boy!

*Mary Frances has a sweet smile. I am falling more in love with her. She may know how to work the system, but she too has a sweet heart! She is a female after all. Isn't working the system part of our DNA!?! We just need to keep it in check, right!?!

*My husband has been out of town for the week, and I miss him. I thought I would enjoy sleeping in the bed by myself - that BIG king bed, but no such luck - 3 other people keep jumping in at 4:00 in the morning!

*I'm tired! But what's new!?!

Dear Abby...

Thomas wrote a letter to his cousin, Abigail, yesterday. He sat down with the paper and pen and started asking me how to spell things. So, I said, "Why don't you just see if you can sound it out and do it all by yourself?" I was floored that he actually did it. He usually says "I can't" and then just gives up, but he stuck to it! I was so proud of the outcome. Here is the literal interpretation of what he wrote just so you can understand his writing. Under the letter is what it says, in case you can't figure it all out! Remember, he's only 5! This his first ever attempt to write anything other than his name! I did help him a little with the birthday - he wasn't sure about the "th"!

DER ABGAE PLES KUM TO MY BRTHDAY LUV THOMAS
DEAR ABIGAIL, PLEASE COME TO MY BIRTHDAY. LOVE THOMAS

Pretty good, huh? Now, his birthday isn't until September. He just had one, but I guess he just wants her to get it on her calendar!

Coming to a Theater Near You..

I know I used this title a month or so ago, but this time it is without the "maybe."


We are so excited to be having our first "preview" service in the theater in just 3 weeks! I cannot believe this is coming so fast, now. It has been on our hearts for so long, and it is finally coming! We have had 2 launch team meetings with 21 and 30 adults, respectively, and it has been so emotional for me to see people catch this vision and get excited about this new thing we are doing!


We had lunch together yesterday after the team went to the theater to watch another church set up, have their services, and then tear down! I was a little nervous at how people would respond after seeing the amount of work involved, but they were so excited. We discussed the things each person noticed that they liked or that we could improve.


We have so much work ahead of us, but I am grateful that we are doing this at Foundry with the incredible amount of support we have. We have resources available to make things happen and to do them well!


And we have KIDS!! We talked a lot about the children's ministry, and how we will make things secure and inviting for them and their parents! There were 11 kids at the meeting (and 5 more in the nursery at the church).



I could go on and on, but I'll end with God is Good! I am so humbled that He would choose me to be a part of the leadership in this new campus and grateful for the opportunity to show my love for Him in this way.

Rectangle CD's

Thomas is wanting to sing with the karaoke machine today. He asked Ray C. for a CD to play in it, and Ray C. told him to go get one out of Chase's CD player. Thomas said, "No, daddy. Chase's CD's are round. We need a rectangle CD." (That would be a tape - you know the old fashioned things we used before the round CD's were invented!) I love the things that come out of their mouths.

I really enjoy conversations with them because there are so many things that they just cannot comprehend. Like high school. They have no clue what that means. We tell them teenagers go to high school. So, they say, "well when I grow up I want to be a teenager." They just don't understand the order of things. I love it! What a big job we have ahead of us - to put things into proper perspective for their growing minds. One thing we're working on is the law against marrying relatives. You just can't marry your brother. It is so sweet right now, but you will be really grossed out in a few years!

Family and Friends

We've come a long way since Seminary, and look how we've grown! This is a picture of our good friends from Seminary, Kevin and Kerry Henson and Mike and Mary Gammill with all our children! We all met before kids, and now we have 7 between us! It has been so much fun for the children to pick up with friendships that were developed the moment they were born!
A kiss for sissy!
The Hughes' Express!! Choo Choo...
We had to get a new family picture! The kids are supposed to take pictures to school for different things, and the last family picture we took was over a year ago! So, here we are - just before church Sunday morning!

Where did all the babies go?

Chase has just informed me that he is no longer a baby! He cannot form a full sentence that anyone else can understand, but he does insist he is not a baby. He came in the office earlier to hug me because he just loves to snuggle, and I scooped him up saying, "I love my baby!" He looked up at me and said, "No, I not baby. I big boy." Of course, it was not that clear, but I understood him perfectly.

So, we've been going back and forth on this for about an hour, but he is standing firm! He is a big boy, and I have no more babies! Although, life is getting easier without a baby under my arm at all hours, it is sad. We are moving past a special stage. Oh well, God has so much in store for us. It has been a wild ride so far. I have no doubt it will continue to be FUN!

Headache

I've had a headache since Saturday. I went to the doctor yesterday and got some migraine medicine, but she said since I have waited so long it may not work. I don't have a headache this morning, but the kids ARE gone to school. I feel like it could come back any minute. So, I'm trying to decide whether or not I should go on to the ER. I'm waiting for the DR to call me back. Please pray this goes away quickly. I really don't want to miss my wedding this weekend!

The Newlyweds

I'm not sure if this is normal behavior for preschoolers or if it is just because I work with weddings every week, but our children have informed us that they got married. Therefore they must sleep in the same bed. So, Thomas has moved into Mary Frances' room. He even has some of his clothes hanging in her closet.

While I was gone one night, they informed Ray C. that we are grandparents. They actually take really good care of their "children." Of course, I'm biased! :) They put them all to bed each night under their own blankets. They kiss them and sometimes even read the ma story!

This seems really weird and really cute at the same time! It's just innocent fun, and we figure they will not want to sleep together when they are teenagers. So, what does it hurt now? One night they wouldn't go to sleep, and I made Thomas go back to his room. It was really sad. He was so upset. Through his crying he said, "But we are married. I have to sleep in the same bed with her!" It really broke my heart, but I stood firm on my ground that night!

This really works fine for the most part, but the marriage has gotten a little rocky around 2:30
a few mornings! I have been woken up by them arguing over the side of the bed and Mary Frances getting very upset because he touched her!

So, yesterday morning I said, "I'd like to speak to the little married couple please," and Thomas started laughing.
I said, "Do you know who I'm talking about?"
Thomas said, "Me and Mary Frances," with a grin on his face.
Ray C. started laughing when I began to tell them that they were going to have to sleep in separate beds if they woke me up again in the middle of the night arguing! I told them they needed to work these things out on their own and keep their hands to themselves!"

Of course it was especially funny to Ray C. because he had no idea any of this had been going on at night! Unfortunately for me, he sleeps VERY well at night!

So, they are getting along well now. I will keep you updated as the soap opera continues!

Start Spreadin' The News...

I'm leaving (in three weeks)! I want to be a part of it! New York Neeeeewwww Yorrrrrrkk!

Yep, I'm finally going! When I dream BIG, I dream of being ON Broadway! Well, I may not be on Broadway, but I'll be there! My mother is taking my sister and me. We are all so excited! I am trying to decide what my sign will say at the Today Show! Here are my ideas: (Remember, the good signs are the ones who get to talk to Matt, Al, Meredith, and Anne!

1. "I sleep with my preacher!"
2. "I'm in love" (on the front of a red heart) and "with my husband" on the back
3. "Mother of THREE Preschoolers" (and a picture of the kids)

Don't Pause

I love having caller ID. Believe it or not, I've never had it before. It is so much fun to know who is calling and to be able to say funny things when you answer (because you know who you are speaking to)!! Anyway, sometimes I get tricked or I answer the phone that does not have the ID on it. In that case, if I say "hello" and do not hear an immediate response, I hang up! The telemarketers have that thing that checks to see if you answered. So, while they are registering that I did answer, I am registering that they are calling! So, if you call my house and I hang up on you, it's because you were too slow. Just call back and say "hello" back to me - quickly!

What Do I do?

I can't figure out how to use my time while the kids are in school! Should I relax? Should I work like crazy? Should I shop? Well, shopping is my choice, but I'm sure my husband will leave a comment about that choice!!! I don't want to waste my time. It goes by so fast. Anyone else deal with these issues? I know balance is the answer. So, off I go to take a shower. (I already worked out, and my amazing husband took the kids to school!) Then, I'll clean the bathrooms. Wait, maybe I should clean before my shower!?! Anyway, I think I will also return the blender that only worked three times. This is only our 3rd blender this year! We just make smoothies! I guess we need a commercial blender, huh!?! Then, it will probably be time to pick up the kids and go to my paying job - weddings!!

The Old Chair and a Half

We bought our chair and half long before kids! It's probably 8 years old now. Most people would have gotten rid of it 4 years ago when the dogs destroyed it. It's a very nice piece of furniture that should last 20 years or more - if you don't let animals and kids destroy it!! Anyway, we LOVE it! It is the most comfortable piece of furniture we own, and it is so nice to be able to snuggle together while we watch a movie. Ray C. and I fell asleep in it the first 3 nights we had it and slept most of the night there.

Now, it is very dirty and has several semi-patched holes in it! It needs to be restuffed and recovered, and I intend to do that as soon as possible! But it is still comfy!

I was thinking about all these things as I was snuggled up in the chair last night with all 3 of my children watching the Wizard of Oz. Ray C. had the entire sofa to himself, and I was a little uncomfortable, but I felt so blessed. At one point, Ray C. said, "Doesn't anybody love daddy? Doesn't anyone want to sit with me?" Thomas ran over to sit with him, but as soon as daddy fell asleep, Thomas came back to join the rest of us.

So, as I watched the Wizard of Oz, I wondered what it is about mommy that makes everyone want to be with me! They love daddy, but they want me for comfort! It is difficult to be so needed. Yes, it is sweet, but it can be exhausting as well, but for today, I feel as blessed as I am to have 3 precious children who love me and want to be with me!

As for the chair, it will be recovered sometime, but the looks don't matter as much as the comfort it provides! I'm glad we have it!

Overwhelmed

I've tried to start this post several times, but I can't figure out what to say. I really don't want to complain, but I am overwhelmed.

All three kids have been sick and are feeling much better today after each going to the doctor on a different day! They've all missed school which is a bummer for me and for them!

Chase needs to take a family picture to school tomorrow, and I don't know when the last time we took one was, but I'm sure he looks much different!

Mary Frances is testing her teachers' nerves. She told us last night, on her own, that she was disobeying at school because she thought her teachers would let her. I think she has noticed that it must not be okay since she got sent to the OFFICE last week! She is only 3, and she's already been to the office! This is truly my main stress! I have got to talk to her teacher again. This kid is smart. She knows exactly what buttons to push if she is allowed! That strong-will is rearing its ugly ahead again, and I am not liking it!!!

My kids are being labeled "preacher's kids" and I'm not too happy about that either! Obviously, they are preacher's kids. However, that isn't used as a name tag so much as a stereotype. Sometimes they are called that because they know all the right answers at Sunday school and I have a feeling, the bad things get them labeled as a typical "PK" as well - the wild ones! You know, "ALL PK'S are BAD!!" The thing about them answering all the questions right gets me because it doesn't really have anything to do with them being a PK. I'm the one who has spent most of the time with them teaching them. Most of those answers they get from me! Ray C. certainly teaches them a lot, but, as the stay-at-home-mom, I spend the majority of time with them! But PK's are not the only ones who are strong leaders and know about God! It doesn't really bother me when people jokingly call them PK's for the "good" things they do, but I just really don't like the label for any reason!

Chase is 2! Need I say more here??

I haven't cleaned my bathrooms is 2 weeks and there are orangey rings around the toilets! What is that, by the way?

My piano is calling me, and I work instead!

I can't figure out how to balance my time in all the busy-ness! I love Houston, but sometimes I miss island time and the option of taking a walk on the noisy beach with waves crashing at my feet just to catch my breath, to cry, or to sing to God!

I'll get it together! I think the kids will all go back to school tomorrow, and I might get a fresh breath! Maybe I'll take a walk on the nature trail here and discover God in the quiet wind and trees!

Here I Am

I know its been a long time! Thanks for sticking it out with me! WOW!! I can't get over how busy I am! I wanted to go to bed at 9:30 tonight, but I couldn't because loads of laundry needed to be put away, the floor needed to be mopped, and my sweet husband needed clothes ironed for tomorrow! So, here I am on the computer at 12:30 a.m. with all my tasks complete! It has been a good day!

I spoke (for the first time) at a Women's Circle this morning called Princesses of the King! What an amazing group of women! God led me to speak on marriage, and I had a great time. I hope His word impacted the women present. I am certainly no expert on marriage, but God is and He can use anyone willing!

I played Bunco with some other ladies tonight, and the kids go to preschool in the morning! Uh Oh! I forgot to get their things together. Oh well, I'll do it at 6:30 tomorrow morning. I am sure to be up then with shining childish faces demanding, once again, "cookies" and juice.

I just don't have time to go into everything going on, but we are good! I am working one pictures and info on the last several weeks! It will be up soon!

Stay Tuned!!

Vacation Week & Preschool

After a fun week of playing around town, the children started preschool! We were all excited. They had a wonderful day, but there are some things that will take a little time to get used to. Mary Frances did not like nap time. She had a hard time staying on her mat, but she loved everything else. She was disappointed they did not paint, but I assured her they would do a lot of painting.

Thomas was a little apprehensive when I dropped him off. He just couldn't get enough hugs and kisses. He was also upset because some of the children wouldn't play with him, but the teacher told him it was just because only 2 children could be at each centerWe went to an Astros game with ALL 3 kids! That was daddy's idea! We actually had fun! We found a spot up in the nosebleed section where we could corral the kids. They sang, yelled at the players, and crawled over all he chairs! I was a blast to them! I have no clue who won, though. Watching the game was really possible. They did have a really cool play area for the kids, though!
Thomas finally fits in his baseball pants daddy bought him for his second birthday! He was a little excited about having a boy! Thomas and Ray C. went to an Astros game one night, and now Thomas is in love with the Astros and baseball! Ray C. is having a blast. The boys beg him to play with them! I can assure you they do not have to beg very long!
It's always nice to cuddle up with fresh-smelling kids to read a bed-time story! This one happens to be about baseball!

The hecklers at the Astros game!

We visited Johnson Space Center one day! That was amazing and SO STRESSFUL! Our children are not old enough to understand that you should play one thing then move to the next. They were so overwhelmed with all the things to do, that they just ran from one to the next and shot my blood pressure up to unbelievable levels! That was the first day of vacation. We stayed home for the next 3 days before we were willing to take them out again!

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You..., Maybe

Ray C. is on "vacation" this week! That doesn't usually mean much for a stay-at-home mom, but Ray C. tries to let me have a little time off too! However, its usualy just busines as usual. Clothes still need to be laundered, we still eat and get the dishes dirty, we still have to buy more groceries, the kids still get out all their toys, and they still have to be monitored minute-by-minute! So, vacation for a stay-at-home mom is away from everyone else! I'm going to New York soon. That will be vacation!

Anyhow, we started "vacation" today by going to a church that is currently meeting in the theatre we may be able to meet in when we start. We wanted to check out the accomodations and see what church-in-a-theatre looks like. It ws very exciting. I didn't actually go in the service because Chase was upset. I stayed in the children's church which was a better place for me to observe anyway. The kids had a lot of fun and were upset when we had to leave "too soon!"

For note-taking purposes, here are the things I noticed:

* LOTS OF COLOR!!!
* all nursery workers were wearing logo t-shirts to be easily identified!
* one worker was wearing an apron with the logo which allowed her to wear whatever she wanted and then put the apron on when she arrived!
* there were lots of lamps since the theatre is dark. The nursery had several floor lamps to light the area. (By the way, the classes were meeting at the front of the theatres on the floor.) The 2 year olds class had gates up.
*The nursery and 2 year olds classes had brightly colored floor mats on the floors for the crawlers!
*The children's church area had a theme set up front, but I don't think they had lamps!
*There were tables at each theatre directing children to their rooms, and they each had brightly colored table cloths and signs!
*The children were given laminated name tags to go around their necks that their names had been written on in permanent marker!
*The guest info was in a popcorn box! We loved that!
*When entering the building, cafe tables were set up. Coffee and pastries were set out for people to enjoy! It was a really nice feeling to walk into.
*There were some signs outside, but there should be more and BIGGER!

The ladies were very nice in talking to us. Ray C. made some good contacts if we do wind up being able to meet there!

X Marks the Spot...

You may need to click on this picture to see it more clearly!
You should see Black permanent marker X's on EVERY one of my new kitchen cabinets within the reach of a nearly 5 year old, my stainless steel dishwasher and refrigerator !!! Actually, you SHOULDN'T see them, but unfortunately, you will! I did when I came home yesterday from being gone 15 minutes!! This is what happens when you turn away for a few minutes of peace when there are 3 preschoolers in the house! Fortunately, permanent marker doesn't stand up to the MAGNIFICENT MAGIC ERASER! If you have kids, BUY ONE NOW!!!

By the way, this is Chase "cheese-ing" fro the camera because it's fun! He had no idea what I was taking a picture of, although he did watch his big brother make all the X's! The explanation: Thomas was marking all the things that were in the wrong place and needed to move upstairs!?!

Trying New Things

My sister is coming, next week, to stay with us for three months! I am so excited about her coming, and for all those wondering, so is my husband! She quit her job and is leaving her friends and our parents behind for a new adventure. Of course, she will keep in touch with them, but it is starting to hit home!! I was just reading her blog realizing that we are both going through a time of mourning about moving on and relying on each other to help us through.

I blogged last night about the kids going to preschool and about how nervous I am about it being quiet, but I know Jessica will be here. So, I am counting on her to help me through the first few days! At the same time, she is looking forward to being with us and having a new adventure while nervous about leaving what she has known for so long!

Thank you Lord for sisters! Life is not meant to be lived alone! Here's to the adventure, Jes!

Preschool

Preschool starts next week! I have been waiting for this particular day for 6 months! I have been anxious to have some time to myself. However, the closer the day gets, the more anxious I become. We have been preparing for school this week. We've bought lunch boxes and backpacks big enough to hold them. I'm in the process of labeling everything they will take each day - no small feat! We had a "fruit tasting" yesterday with a HUGE spread of fruit to determine which fruits they each like. We practiced packing their lunches and eating at the lunch table the way they will have to with a class. All these things are good since they have never done them before, but I'm beginning to realize these are all things to make me feel better.

I am nervous about my little chicks leaving the nest. They have been attached to me since birth. They will only be gone 3 days a week. In all honesty, I'm not worried about them at all! It's me I'm worried about! Why does that make me so sad?

My identity has been wrapped up in the children for 5 years. I have tried so hard to remember who I am, but now I'm going to be stuck with myself. All I can think about is eating lunch at home by myself in complete peace and quiet and being completely miserable!

I know this must seem so silly, but it is really hitting me hard. Maybe I won't feel this way at all, but I am really nervous. I am so excited for the children. They will have such a good time making friends, doing artwork, singing, etc. I just really don't know what I'm going to do!

I know I will be very busy with my weddings, and I am the BEST project person around. I always have a project. In fact, I plan to start painting their rooms as soon as school starts. BUT, it will be so quiet in the house. I don't know if I will be able to stand it!

You may all laugh at me later when I post how much I'm loving it, but I thought it worthwhile to share my emotions ahead of time. I want to be sure to remember the emotions of these special days!

God, thank you for loaning me theses precious children! Protect them. Keep them from evil. Comfort them as they are away from me each day, and comfort me as I miss them!


And, friends, please remember me as you pray!

Big Brother Thomas

We have met so many children since we have been here. We've even had play times with many of them one-on-one or three-on-three, I should say!! :) But, Mary Frances has been bothered, for a month, about one little boy that wouldn't play with her. His mother and I are friends, and the kids have seen each other several times, but the little boy is mature for a 5 year old and he is not really into playing with girls right now. He has a 3 year old brother that really likes Mary Frances and likes playing with her, but Mary Frances is stuck on A. I don't know why it hurt her feelings, but she has been really upset about him not playing with her. So every once in a while she tells me about him and asks why he didn't play with her. I tried to explain that he probably wanted to play with the bigger kids or maybe just the boys but that he really is nice and maybe next time he would play with her. Apparently Thomas has been a silent listener!

We see them once or twice a week, but today Thomas decided to speak up. We were leaving the nursery, and Thomas turned around and called out his name, "A...!"
He turned around and said "what?"
Thomas then cleverly asked him, "Do you like to play with 4 year olds?"
"Yes," he replied.
"Do you like to play with girls?" Thomas asked.
"Well, of course." A snickered.
Then Thomas said, "Well, why won't you play with Mary Frances?"
A was bothered at this point and said, "I don't know!"
So Thomas suggested, "Well, maybe next time you see Mary Frances you can play with her." Then A's mom told him to apologize, and he did.

Oh my gosh, I wanted to cry. I felt so sorry for A and his mom, and I had no idea what to say to his mother. I don't think he ever did anything to Mary Frances or said anything that wasn't nice. She just got her feelings hurt because she wanted to play and he didn't. Anyway, Thomas was being very kind. He was not being a bully or being mean. He was just taking care of a situation that his sister was upset about. I absolutely cannot believe I was able to witness such a conversation between a 4 year old and a 5 year old, but I am so amazed that Thomas felt compelled to do what he did. He was so selfless and kind. There was nothing wrong with what he said or how he said it. Again, I felt horrible for A, but I was very proud of Thomas for so gently caring for his sister!

Mary Frances was not with us during this encounter. So, when I went to tell her what Thomas had done, I said, "Mary Frances, Thomas did something very special for you today. He asked A why he wouldn't play with you."
She said, "I know that. Thomas already telled me."
I said, "Well, what did he say?"
She said, "He said the next time I see A he will play with me!" Then she smiled and looked at Thomas as if saying "thank you."

Germs

I guess I've done a good job of teaching my kids about germs because they sure don't want them! However, I can't convince them that germs are everywhere, not just on the potty flusher handle! Mary Frances just doesn't flush the potty to solve her problem and Thomas doesn't flush a lot either. I am so sick of finding poopy in the potty! Every time I go to the potty, there is poopy sitting in there. I have to do a potty check before guests come over to make sure they don't find any nasty surprises! By the way, please forgive me if the potty check was neglected prior to one of your visits to my house. I am trying to get better in that area. I'm trying to get the kids to flush, but until then, potty checks are a necessity!

I have come to really love blogging because when funny things happen, I think, "Oh, that will definitely be on the blog." I just can't wait to share it with all my virtual friends! I can kind of hear you all dying laughing! Anyhow, I had one such moment on Sunday. We went to a restaurant with the young adults ministry. I won't begin to explain the whole experience, but I can sum it up with milk in the chips, milk in my lunch, and milk in my water!

ANYWAY...I took Thomas to the restroom. After doing his business, he pulled up his pants and was about to walk out when I reminded him AGAIN that he needed to flush the toilet. He reached for the handle then pulled his hand back and said, "Oh, I forgot I was going to use my head to flush." Then he ducked his head and leaned toward the handle seriously attempting to flush the toilet. I said,"NO!! Thomas, why would you flush the toilet with your head?" And his answer was, "Oh, well, I just didn't want to have to wash my hands!" Yes, I am serious! I could not make these things up people!!

I try to explain, "You just sat on the potty and touched it while you were sitting there. Then, you wiped your rear end. That is enough reason to wash the germs off your hands! They are not only on the flusher!!!" I admit, I flush public toilets with my foot, and they have seen me do so, but I ALWAYS wash my hands! I just don't want any more germs than necessary. I did listen to my mom!

The Hughes Zoo

We had a couple from church over for dinner last night, and our house was a ZOO!!!! They are newlyweds without children. So, they just witnessed the zoo, in shock, I am sure! I was really embarrassed, but the kids were just having fun. They love company, but I have got to teach them not to attack people when they walk in the door. They grabbed their hands and took them to show off their rooms. Then, they had to show them all their tricks and special toys. Thomas even played the theme from McDonald's on the piano - (bum, bum, bum, bum, bum....I'm lovin' it!) That's for those of you who couldn't have finished the blog without figuring out the song! Anyway, they just couldn't stop talking! Now where do you think that came from?

Dinner was another story. Of course, I didn't get to sit down much. They spilled milk and wanted more. Didn't like one thing..... You moms know what I'm talking about. Finally, they finished and went to play upstairs and I got to enjoy my meal and a little bit of the conversation.

The kicker for me was while we were playing Scrabble - a very quiet game. Mary Frances was watching and then needed to potty. So, she ran to the little bathroom by the den and went without closing the door. Excuse me for saying this, but she tooted really loudly while she was pottying - one of those that echoes in the toilet. So, we all started laughing hysterically, as I am now, but tried to cover up our laughter as she ran back in the room. When she came back in, she was hugging all over our guest, and I was laughing so much I couldn't talk. I finally calmed myself down enough to say, "Mary Frances, you need to go back and wash your hands." I was really embarrassed at this point after she had already touched all over Katherine! And I'm sure Katherine was a little grossed out too, but I tried to calm her by saying, "Don't worry, she didn't wipe, either!" The room exploded in laughter. It was a really good laugh.

Thank you God for children! The zoo just wouldn't be the same without them!

Be Careful What You Pray For

God made me the way I am, but sometimes I just don't like it. My gift of gab really bothers me. Recently I have been asking God to help me be quieter. I even started a post (still a draft) last week about wanting to go to Bible Study without everyone knowing what I am thinking or just being able to be quiet around other people. I have prayed for years that God would give me a quieter spirit, but I have reluctantly come to realize that He made me this way for a reason. And while it may bother some people, He likes me this way.

I think He gets a big kick out of my everyday musings and behavior! I often think of Him saying, "Oh, Jacqueline! You are so dramatic..."Anyhow, His most recent kick is that He finally gave in to my desire to be quiet. For the past week, I have only been able to whisper. Ray C. has enjoyed it far too much. For the first 2 days, he laughed every time I spoke, and all I could do was GLARE at him. When I get mad, I just have to give up and walk away because raising my voice just isn't an option!

God, your sense of humor never ceases to amaze me. I am here for your pleasure! I love you, and I am glad you enjoy me however I am. Thank you for the kids quieter voices this week. It seems that whispering is contagious. Other than the terrible twos, the house has been much quieter! I am trying to learn from this lesson. I hope my voice will return soon, but I want to remember:

1. When I am quiet, so are the kids.
2. You can solve a problem better with a whisper than with a yell.
3. People are much more attentive when you speak less and softer!

So, for those of you who may be bothered with the theology that God made me sick to learn a lesson: I do believe He answers in such ways, but I also realize that I've been around a lot of germs, and getting sick is the result. So, I choose to believe that God uses the things of this world to teach us greater lessons. I like to find a lesson in everything I do. Honestly, whether or not God meant it to be a lesson, I can still learn from it! I actually don't think He MAKES us sick. As my friend Brandi says, "He just doesn't bend the rules!" (He could if He wanted to, but He chose not to in my case.) If you are around germs, you get sick. He created our immune system, and it is working exactly how He created it. He could keep me from being sick, but then I wouldn't have learned this quiet lesson! Any thoughts? (Pastors not allowed to respond to theology questions!! Sorry, honey!) :)

Terrible Twos...

I am SICK of the terrible twos!! I've been dealing with them for 3 years straight now, and I am tired. I tried so hard not to call them the "terrible" twos. For a while, they were the "so-called 'terrible twos'", but when Mary Frances hit the funk, they were TERRIBLE!! OH MY GOSH!!

I really didn't notice Thomas went through it until it was over. I remember thinking one day that he was not acting like his sweet self, but it wasn't until he came back to it that I realized, "Oh, that was the terrible twos! That wasn't so terrible!" Then, a week later, no lie, my parents brought Mary Frances back from a week at their house, and I swear they took every sweet bone out of her body while she was gone! She was a nightmare - especially at bedtime! That lasted for a year and a half. It was horrible. I cried so much during that time thinking I was a horrible mother and I had no business doing this mothering thing!

Finally she emerged about 2 months ago, and she is a really sweet child but still with a strong will! I got a week or two of peace, and THEN the monster emerged in Chase! He is running through the house roaring as I type. He is really a great kid too, but he wants everything his way. My writing today was inspired by Chase's tantrum over juice, He wanted juice, and I gave him orange juice! How dare I make such a horrible mistake! Confused? Yeah, welcome to the terrible twos. Luckily, Chase is not as strong-willed as Mary Frances. So, I think I can make it through without the emotional trauma this time!

Thankfully God is good and his grace is sufficient for me! But darn Eve for eating that apple and making this so difficult!

My four year old...

I had to make up for the picture posted below! He really is a handsome guy! I love that smile and the heart that goes with it!

Say Cheese...

This is Chase with Tara. He was so excited to have her at his party!
He looks forward to seeing her and Adele on Sundays when we go to "chuch"!
Friends from birth: Thomas and Adele!!!
I rarely get a real smile for a picture! Oh well!
This is how a princess plays the piano when she is too short to reach the pedals!
Why did mommy put a lock on the pantry? I like looking for "keakies" all day long! That is
Chase talk for cookies which could mean pretzels, cookies, or cereal! As long as its good, it's a cookie!

Disclaimer/Apology

My husband read my blog last night and was concerned about something I wrote regarding the "taco truck" (which a Texan friend has informed me are referred to, here, as roach coaches)! Anyhow, I wrote something about roaches coming out of the woodwork and mentioned that was what the workers do when the truck comes by. I did not in any way intend to offend someone or make someone seem like less of a person. So, if you had a little twitch when you read that, I am sorry! I was so carried away with my writing that I did not realize how it sounded! Please forgive me!

We are loving Texas!!!



The taco truck!!! This is Tacos Hilda! Several "taco trucks" come around throughout the day to sell to the construction workers in our neighborhood. I kind of feel the same way about them as I do buying food from the vendors in Guatemala - don't do it!!! Anyway, the thing we find most amusing about these trucks is that their horn plays a little tune to announce they are close by. It's a catchy little tune. You might know it - "La Cucaracha"! Now isn't that appetizing? I know you can't wait to come and visit us so you can eat off of the truck that announces it's arrival by singing "the roach"!!! YUMMM!!!

I'm Back...

Friends, it has been a busy two weeks, but my house is starting to feel like a home! For the first time in 2 years, I have color!!!! I've always said thank you when people complimented my house, but I realized last night that they are actually complimenting my taste! I picked this stuff out - well Ray C, did pick out the amazing floors on his own - but I look around and think, I did a pretty good job! I love my house!! I am so happy to be here! I feel like pinching myself. I feel like a princess in a castle. My God has been so good to me. I ask Him daily to not let me forget what an incredible gift this house is to us. We certainly did not do anything to deserve it. I am teaching the children that it is a gift from God and that we must take good care of what He has given us! "To whom much is given, much is expected!" I don't know why God chose us for this job - to minister to the people in this area and to live in such a beautiful place, but I intend to honor Him in all I do! God, thank you! Show us how we can bless others!

Can you say Independent?

We went to our new neighborhood "water park" this week and had a blast. There is so much to do there. The kids love it. And, of course, mine are such social bugs, that any kid is a potential new friend. So, we always come home with new friends. Anyway, as you can imagine, keeping up with 3 preschoolers at a pool is not easy. I wouldn't even try it if it weren't for the 4-5 lifeguards always on duty. They make me feel much better. So, we go and have fun. Well, I was watching Chase "swim" in the 6" deep water when I looked over and saw the lifeguard walking away from Thomas. Thomas appeared to be fine. So, I went to the lifeguard and asked what happened. Thomas piped in, "He tried to help me, but I told him I could do it by myself!" And he did! I still don't know exactly what happend, but he was wearing arm wings and one must have come off somehow! Its time for him to get rid of those things anyway, but he insists he won't do it until he's 5! I'm holding him to it!

I Just Want Some Ice Cream.....

It's been a long day! I kept telling myself, "One more thing...then I'll have ice cream and watch tv!" Finally, I finished for the day, and I DON'T HAVE A SPOON!! Not one! How I am supposed to eat it? Check back later this week for MANY blogs to make up the for what I've missed while moving in! These are some of my ideas:

Chase's colors
I turned 30 last week...
Chase's 2nd birthday
and much more on moving week

Okay, I've gotta go empty some boxes and find a spoon before my ice cream melts!!

New Feature

Blogspot has added a new feature - polls! I didn't have anything important to poll, but I wanted to try it out for later. You may see more. So, please just humor me and answer mine! It's at the top on the right! Thanks for your answers! I will be more creative later. It was the best I could do with three kids begging for food and drinks.

Buck Teeth Barbie

This is not a freak picture! This is a freak sheep! This is Barbie the boy! The woman who raised "Barbie" (named for the type of sheep that she is and obviously not her beauty), kept her inside her house with diapers on! Hmmm.....So, the farm got her, named her Barbie, and then found out she is a he! So, Barbie has quite a story behind her dashing smile!

I couldn't decide which picture showed off her beautiful teeth better. They both make me laugh hysterically. So, I thought I'd share them both! I hope you enjoy! By the way, I'm sure Barbie is a wonderful guy whom God cares about very much. Sorry for making fun of her or him, but I got a good laugh today and I really hope you do too. I think he is strong enough in his masculinity to handle it! After all, a male named Barbie has got to be strong!

The Jersey Barnyard

We took a trip to LaGrange, Texas today - almost 2 hours away. Ray C. wanted to go on an adventure, as usual. So, we found a suggestion in our Day Trips from Houston book. We visited The Jersey Barnyard - home of Belle, the actual Blue Bell Ice Cream mascot who is pictured on the cartons! The real one, yeah!! It was so much fun! We all enjoyed it!
We were the only ones there at the time. So, we got a private guided tour. We fed the goats grain. We pet the donkey and some of the barnyard animals! The kids had a so much fun! Daddy made an awesome choice! I wish they were closer because they do birthday parties, and it would be so much fun to have more kids out there!
This is the only thing we could get Thomas to do. He just really didn't want to touch the animals. He had fun - but at a distance! We actually fed the baby calves milk from bottles. It was so nice. They drank the entire bottle in about a minute - and I had to nurse my kids for 40 minutes to get that much milk! Sometimes I just don't understand the way God works, but that's okay because He's God and I'm not!
This is now Bill the duck. Names are very important to the kids, and they were disturbed that the duck did not have a name. So, Allison, our 13 year old guide, let us name the duck. After many suggestions such as turkey, chicken, cowie, and quacker, we decided on Bill only because he has a bill. I mean what do you name a duck? Allison was wonderful. She is the daughter of the people who run the farm now. So, she is with the animals all the time. Chase loved her! What is his deal? He didn't even want me! He wanted Allison to hold him everywhere we went!
I got to milk a cow! GROSS! After a few squirts I told them I couldn't do any more. It is just wrong! Any mom who has nursed babies understands the sensitivity of the subject. I remember going to a dairy with several other nursing moms a few years ago, and it was very difficult to see the cows hooked up to machines! I mean that is true violation! We all know what it is like to be hooked up to a machine, and most of us have been likened to a milking cow during that time, but to see the cows hooked up, drained, and sent on their way was just demoralizing. And to bring it even closer to home, they talked about the possibility of the cows getting infections like MASTITIS - you moms know what I'm talking about! YIKES!! At the dairy we went to a few years ago, they said most of the cows constantly have mastitis. I seriously considered giving up milk to give these poor heifers a break, but chocolate chip cookies just aren't the same without milk! Sorry girls!

By the way, we also learned that brown spotted cows do not make chocolate milk. We were certain they did, but the dairy farmers proved us wrong. We saw it with our own eyes! It is WHITE!! Nesquick still has a place on the shelf.

GIRLS!!??!!

It seems that Chase has his eye on a certain little 2 year old in his Sunday school class! How can this be? He is not quite 2 himself! What does a 2 year old feel that attracts them to someone so young? Of course, I know it is completely different from what we feel as we get older, but what is it that attracts him to one particular person? There are several girls in his class. What is it that interests him? Wouldn't you love to be inside his head?

Anyway, her name is Tara. Last week, he recognized her in the hallway in the nursery and ran to her and gave her a BIG hug. I didn't even know who she was, but then I realized she is the daughter of one of my new friends! So, when I picked him up from Sunday school today, the teachers told me that they thought he had a crush on Tara. I hadn't even mentioned last week to them!! They said he had been making eyes and smiling at her all morning ! Little flirt! Thomas overheard the teachers telling me, and he said, "I want to go in there and see her!!" He had to get a look at Chase's little crush!

All The President's Names...

We were talking about the flags being at half-staff today. We made a big deal about it a few months back when President Ford died. It was a great opportunity to learn. Anyway, they are down again for Lady Byrd Johnson's death. So, I was refreshing the kids' memories on it. So, I asked them if they remembered who our President is. Thomas said, "King George!" I laughed at how funny it sounded and told him it was a great answer but that in our country we have presidents not kings.

So later Mary Frances said something about King Bush. I said, "King Bush?" And she said, "You know--- that Bush man!" We had a nice laugh in the car.

It is the funny things that I want to record and remember one day when my children are older. I shall not forget King George and the Bush man!

One More for the Day...

The other day Thomas asked me how many bad people live in Houston! I replied that a lot of bad people live here and that is why we have to be careful to stick together wherever we go. Mary Frances' response was "Well, how many policemen are there in Houston?" Pretty good for a 3 year old, huh!?!