It's working!

We are in day two of being a parent and not just a friend. It is going well. We struggled a few moments yesterday, but overall I think my kiddo likes that Mommy is in charge (even if he would never admit it!) Since I have had to be strict in the discipline, I have also had the most fun at the fun mommy moments. Today we built castles out of cardboard boxes and swords out of paper and shields out of smaller boxes. We painted and told stories. I have also had some quiet moments to myself because when I am with the kids I am all there and not distracted. So when I have wanted a few minutes to read they let me because they know when it is their turn I will be all theirs. I know this is not new information to anyone who has been parenting for as long as I have, but I finally figured it out. Amazing!!! :)
I know I will still have moments that aren't fun, but if I stay consistant, I know I will reap my reward. A wonderful man who respects God and respects women (starting with his mom first!)

I am a parent not a best friend!

I am a parent not a best friend, I am a parent not a best friend. I was lovingly reminded that tonight by a dear friend, and also told that I need to always refer to Russ. Wise words. Now I just have to remember them. I want my children to repect me and God, but I am trying too hard to be a friend. I am a parent not a best friend I am a parent not a best friend. Thank you God for women who share the wisdom that only comes with years and experience!

blurb

I am signed up and ready to go, now I just have to raise the money. It will come. Tonight will be my fifth night to train. A and I did 5 miles last night in just over 1 and 1/2 hours. Not bad, since we just started training. I'm a little tired today, but keep pushing on.

30 days to live

So today started the new sermon series at church, "30 days to live." It was hard to watch, and I was on my own because Russell was watching Tiger Woods in Tulsa. At the same time it was confirmation that I am doing what I should be doing. I am leaving a written legacy (though I need to catch up on scrapbooking.) I am concentrating my time on family and friends and my new passion for homeless people. And I have made a goal for two things relating to Kathy. I am going to get her book written, and my sister-in-law and I are going to do the 3 Day Susan G. Komen walk. 60 miles in 3 days. We started training last night. I will walk about 5 miles tonight, but I am also going to take time to sit and watch the stars with my wonderful husband. The annual meteor shower is tonight and it is the new moon, so it should be spectacular to watch.
I'm gonna go so I can sign up for the 3 Day.
Peace and a poptart!

Kathy's blog

I just finished copying Kathy's blogs into a word document. I am going to use them to write her book for her. I will now have to print and edit (for content) and then chase like mad after any more writing that she did. It is sad and a little odd to be reading what she wrote about day to day stuff now that she is gone. I wish I had known that she had the blog while she was alive. I would have commented and kept up. I would have been able to tell her that I knew she was grandpa's favorite, but never envied her. I knew grandpa loved me too and he saved a special squeal for me. As it is, I can't tell either one of them that I love them anymore because they are both fishing up in heaven without me. Well, I never was much of a fisherman, but I sure look forward to joining them when my time comes.
Ah well, life moves on here. Still fundraising for Willie to get him a car so he can get to and from his new job. I think that after we get Willie on his feet I may have another calling. While putting together this book for Kathy is a first step, I know that more can be done for those touched by cancer. Is that my place to step out to next? I dont know yet.

out of the woodwork!

Just got an email from a good friend from the past. She was my maid of honor and I love her to pieces. I am so proud of her as she continues to get higher and higher degrees. Definitely smarter than I am, but that is a good thing. She keeps me thinking. I think about her a lot and admire how strong she is. I am so happy for her that she found a husband that treasures her like my Russell treasures me. It is the best thing to be married to your best friend.
Anyway, it was really good to hear from her. God just keeps sending me confirmations that I am loved. God has sent me friends that come out of the woodwork at just the right times. What with my own little family and my small circle of friends, I would say I have the loved area covered. And really, God is enough to cover me, but He knows that I need that earthly representation.
I love my friends and I am so thankful for the email I got today!

Get up and Walk!

Ok, so I realized that I already talked about Willie, so I don't have to go into a lot of detail. But tonight he came to our "reunion" and the team members that got to make it all got to see Willie again. I was able to ask him his story about he ended up on the streets. It was Katrina and Rita. They washed away his home in the lower ninth ward. He stayed in the Super Dome. He witnessed horrible things that no one should ever have to live through. And what was he doing tonight? Calling us his angels and praising God for His goodness. He said one thing that really stood out to me. He said that Thursday night he was already getting settled to go to sleep when God told him to get up and take a walk. Well, Willie did not want to do that as he was already ready to go to sleep, but God kept telling him to get up and take a walk. Finally after having argued with God for a few minutes, Willie got up and took a walk. On that walk was where he met us. If Willie had not listened and obeyed, he would not be in Oklahoma tonight. He would still be sleeping on the most comfortable piece of pavement that he could find.

When God tells me to get up and walk, do I listen? If not, I could miss out on the blessings that He has in store for me.

What a day!

Looking at my husband out the window as I write, and I know that I am incredibly blessed. A good way to end the evening, so I will be making this short. Today I got a mommy break and went with Amy to get a pedicure, my first. We got matching toes with pink ribbons on our big toes. It actually really touched the woman who did the little designs, and I got to share Kathy's story. Then I went on a date with Russell and we had a great time laughing and just spending time together. While out to dinner I got a call from Chuck S. who lead the mission to New Olreans. He said, "Guess who I just had dinner with?" WE FREED WILLIE!!!!!!!! I told him he made my day and I was having a great one to begin with. I love God and what he can do when we listen.
More on Willie tomorrow.