In a funk

I am so BORED. I don't know what's wrong with me. I'm annoyed a lot lately. My kids irritate me because I feel as though they don't follow my instructions. I have to repeat myself over and over to get them to do simple tasks. Maybe I need SUPERNANNY or something. I just feel very ungrateful and stressed.
Well I'm sure these feelings aren't from the Lord. I'm in a funk and I just need to not be so selfish I guess. Life just feels mundane and not "FUN". As I look around at others I feel... "I wish I could have a family vacation like them" or whatever it is. SO... I diagnose myself as SELFISH and ENVIOUS--I wonder what else I am?! Oh, UNGRATEFUL-- Last night I couldn't sleep and late night TV is never good. I ended up watching a few episodes of "Intervention" and then an episode of "Cheaters". AWFUL! The Cheaters episode was actually filmed in Garland. LOL Well, by writing this blog entry I have just realized--
Need to be obedient --- Scripture study, personal prayer--I pray a lot but usually as a family or with a child not my own personal prayer. I should only expose myself to "uplifting" television-- Less TV would be a good thing even when the programming isn't necessarily bad-- sometimes it's just distractions from doing better things with my time. Well, I'm sure anyone reading this blog is as bored as I feel writing it right now. SO, signing off and hopefully I won't have insomnia tonite. HUGS to all my friends and family here in blogland!

Ready...OKAY!!!

Little Jill started a trend! As I walked passed the girls room I could hear... "1 2 3 4 5 6!" I peeked inside to see Jillian in mid air trying to do a "herky" off her window ledge. My immediate reaction was "eek she's going to get hurt" but as she climbed up and did it again---it was just SO funny and cute I had to go grab my camera to capture the moment. Well, Jillian's new twin mattress lays at the foot of the window ledge so for safety sake I figured that it was OK for her to jump as long as I supervised. (LOL)
As soon as Jordan and Josh saw that I was giving Jill a photo shoot---my little "HAMS" joined in the fun...
Enjoy their silly pics













They had fun jumping and chanting silly cheers tonite!

Jillian's STICK

Jillian is imaginative and such a character. The STICK is MANY THINGS. It lives in our front yard! Sometimes it's a "fishing pole"! Sometimes it's a "magic wand"! Sometime's it's a "snake"! Sometime's it's "the mommy caterpillar"!
SOMETIME'S IT'S JUST A STICK! lol
She sure is cute with her stick--aye?

Jordan & Mom's Missionary Experience

The Missionaries called and asked Jordan and I if we would come with them to help teach a mother and daughter who were investigating our church. The young girl is 11 and Jordan had met her on Sunday. Well, we went to their home and together with the missionaries... we read scriptures about Faith and about the Atonement of Jesus Christ. We talked about the Power of Prayer and the importance of reading our scriptures to stay close to our Father in Heaven. It was a really nice opportunity for Jordan and I. After we left their home, I asked Jordan about what she thought. We talked about how nice "Sierra" was. Jordan said, "I could feel the spirit so strong, I wanted to cry." As a mother, I am so grateful that my daughter KNOWS what the spirit feels like-- That she knows how to recognize that feeling. Feeling so thankful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and for the Holy Spirit that testifies to us truth and gives us peace and guides us along!

Back to Mother's Day Out

This week I started working again at MDO! I had a long break--which was much needed to rejuvenate. I told my boss..."Now I can be nice again." LOL
SEE...As cute and sweet as little toddlers are...ALL the dirty diapers and runny noses and fit throwing can wear on a person. It's one thing when it's your OWN child. BUT meeting the needs of 8 children belonging to someone else--can make you a little callous and well "burnt out". Don't get me wrong, I LOVE BABIES!! I love singing "The Wheels on the Bus" and "If your Happy and You Know It!"...and seeing them trying to do all the hand motions. I love their excitement when we blow bubbles or they paint with water color---- It's just exhausting to be the smiling soft voiced caregiver all the time! Well, now that I am refreshed from my LONG break (with no paycheck :)... It's easier to work in Mother's day out with a REAL SMILE not a fake one! LOL

Happy Father's Day

Feeling so grateful for a husband who is such a loving doting Daddy to our children. Remembering my own special Father who sacrificed for me and always showed me the right way to live. Thankful for a Father in law with such a big heart--so caring and generous.
Kids say We love you Daddy! We love you Granddaddy! We love you Grandpa!

Joshua's Quest

Josh desperately wants a PET. He spends time everyday on the computer searching for a pet. He looks on Petfinder.com. Poor guy...he'll call me in to "check out this one" and then we'll read about it. "That cute little great dane lives in Pittsburgh.", I'll say. So... The Waters' Family is petless. And Josh really wishes we weren't.

Summertime blues turned good day

The kids really would love to be entertained with all these exciting activities everyday of the summer. The reality is that we are just homebodies most of the time. Dave and I had a talk with the kids about "using their imagination" or playing outside like we did when we were kids. I suggested playing "house" or "school". I remember lining up all my babydolls and stuffed animals for roll call. LOL Anyhow--apparently, "Our Family" is THE MOST BORING FAMILY that ever was! Well that was Last night...
TODAY I'm pleased to say that Josh and Jill are entertaining themselves without fighting--they are playing indoors with the water gun! (It's raining and thundering right now so indoors is ok). Jordan has got her "U GO GRL" Trading Cards out and is re-organizing them and re-reading all the fun ideas.(Thanks Aunt Aner for the cards) We had fun this morning at Vacation Bible School. Josh is singing a cute song about Zacchaeus up in a Sycamore Tree... "Clap your Hands Joyfully, Whose that in the Sycamore Tree....Zacchaeus...COME ON DOWN, You were Lost but Now Your Found!!" There is a great spirit in our home today. No contention or fighting.

1st Day as Detective

So the new Detective isn't thrilled about all the photo taking. He is quoted as saying..."Is this really necessary?" Well, yes it is. I told him it was necessary for his Mother who faithfully reads our blog but doesn't know how to "comment" yet. LOL--Kids say "HI GRAMMY!"
Dave looks so handsome in his new "uniform". No more POLYESTER and TEFLON VEST in the Texas Summer HEAT! You all will be glad to know that he filed his 1st case today and was assigned 7 more. Today he left for work at 7:30ish and returned at 5:15PM. We BBQed chicken and we all went to watch the kids work out in Taekwondo. We are a "NORMAL" ok "SEMI-normal" family now. We are so glad for NO MORE DEEP NIGHTS Shift work.
Other good news is that the WHOLE house except for Jordan's room is "IN ORDER"! AND Jordan is spending the night with a friend tonite so when she returns it will be her turn to "WORK". We've been learning the concept of "WORK" around here lately. Anyway I guess that's another blog. LOL As for Dave's "WORK"! We are loving the Detective Dave LIFE!

Our ALLSTAR Martial Artists

Jordan and Josh were given a belt test for Tae Kwon Do Saturday. Jor went for her yellow belt and Josh was aiming for his green belt. (They Passed!) Josh began his pursuit of martial arts last July so it's almost been 1 year of learning and progressing. Jordan just started because she was too bored hanging out watching brother practice and so one day 2 months ago she became a participant. WOW, she is really agressive. While sparring one of her Instructors,she was told that she was fighting "like a girl"...SHE UNLEASHED and started striking and kicking uncontollably. So from then on, they knew what button to push. Josh was awarded a special patch for being the "student of the test" on his 1st belt test back in October. On this Test, Jordan was given a special patch and recongnized for being the "student of the month". Both Jordan and Josh are so coordinated and show focus and determination. I think this sport really helps you not just for "self defense" but for "self discipline". Here is some of the Tae Kwon Do "doctrine" that the class learns...
THE EIGHT WAYS
Right Speech, Right Thoughts, Right Views, Right Aspiration, Right Contemplation, Right Behavior, Right Effort, Right Livlihood
The WHEEL
Outside of The Wheel=WISDOM Length of the Spokes=Justice HUB=God
Some class Quotes are...
"What do we say to drugs?" (Screaming answer) "NO!"
"Life is but a vapor! (Screaming answer) "Soon to be gone!"
"Without effort?" (Screaming answer) "NO RESULTS!"
"If the water is calm?" (Screaming answer) "Doesn't Mean the Crocodiles are gone!"
"If there is NO LEADER?" (Screaming answer) "YOU be the LEADER!"
"Good ENOUGH?" (Screaming answer) "NOT GOOD ENOUGH!"
I can't remember anymore right now but it is fun to hear the class yell with enthusiasm!

Proud SISTER--Congrats Mike! (bubs)

My little brother is HITTING THE ROAD! He has accepted a new position in NEW JERSEY! I am so excited for Mike and Jen's journey filled with opportunity! He is a "wall street" guy now! I miss y'all so much but you will definitely be having some TX visitors at some point.

The beautiful Hughes Family-off to the Mayo

We have seen over and over again how the Lord provides and protects you. We are in awe of this! I know the Lord's purposes will be met in this Trip and yet not all hope is hinged on going to the Mayo! I must say though-- Aner, my sweetest friend... You are a brilliant, loving, STRONG Daughter of God! You are so dilligent and faithful--a devoted, advocating, in LOVE MOTHER! You and Jon are truly the perfect parents for Luke. Together as a team--you get things done. You move Mountains--The Lord helps you! SO....NOW...As you leave out on your Mission to the Mayo--Our prayers go with you! LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

Family Movie Day

-- First we went to "Double Daves" and stuffed ourselves with great pizza and spinach calzones and pepperoni rolls. Then we hit QuikTrip to buy Treats for the movie. We smuggled in skittles and snicker bars and 20 oz Diet DP for me! LOL Then we went to the $1 Movies and saw "The Bridge to Terabithia"--which was awesome. BUT it was a bit of tear jerker/ a little saddish! OVERALL--Great DAY!

My Man the ROCKSTAR!

Dave's band "Southern Flight" had a gig last night for the City of Duncanville! There was probably 100-150 people there--mostly families sitting on blankets or lawn chairs. They played an awesome show! The kids played with a tennis ball off to the side and it was just beautiful breezy not too hot summer night enjoying some "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Keep Your Hands to Yourself" as well as some original music too. Here are some pics of the night!






Above is Jillian the REAL STAR OF THE SHOW! She danced at the base of the stage and she stole the show! LOL

A New Woman

Yesterday I got my hair done! Jordan and I had fun as she hung out and
observed as my super thick gray rooted hair was foiled and then 3
different colors were applied! It was a long day at the salon but NOW
I'M A NEW WOMAN! It just makes you feel better when you do something
for yourself like that. I know it must have looked good because that
evening while I was at Dave's gig--even strangers complimented myblonde lockes! lol SO, here is some pics from the day!

This is my "AFTER" picture with my Miracle Worker Sweet Friend/Sylist Sheila!



Above is Beautiful Jordan who NEVER NEEDS a MAKEOVER--She's always GORGEOUS!
Thanks sweet Jor for being my "receptionist/secretary and photographer" during our girls day at the salon!

Happy Birthday E!

Hey girl--Hope you have a wonderful Birthday!

This just reminded me of you----you summer lovin' Birthday girl!!

Jordan in the "Children's Chorus" for GISD

Jordan has camp all week for what used to be called the Garland All City Choir. We are so proud of her accomplishment in "making" the choir. Now the name has changed because not all members of the choir live in Garland--GISD encompasses Sachse and parts of Rowlett, hence the Children's Chorus of GISD is the new name. It's very structured and well organized. We're glad our Jor has this opportunity to develop her talent--She's having a performance at the end of Camp which is this Thursday. I'll add pics at that time. Just didn't want to leave our family blog "stagnant" as we really are busy and doing stuff but just haven't been able to be creative and blog everything--UPDATE THE CHOIR PERFORMED BEAUTIFULLY! They even sang a song in spanish. They sang an old Jamaican folk song about water. It was amazing how great they sounded after just rehearsing for 4 days of 1/2 day camp. It is going to be exciting next year (and busy) singing in the Children's Chorus!

Mad Max & The Blog

Myspace Layouts
I had this crazy conversation about "Mad Max"! Basically...it started by 2 friends just "in love" with BLOGGING! We talked about the benefits of having this digital permanent history of our lives for our children and for our children's children. We talked about the differences between having a hard copy "scrapbook" and then the amazing blog where we can access from ANYWHERE in the world. How the 'blog' is safe from fire and floods!
THEN the thought entered my brain...What if we entered a time period like unto "MAD MAX" ...where we don't have the luxuries and technologies that we once did! LOL Then the internet may not exist and for certainly we wouldn't have computers at our disposal. SO, I dashed all of the GLORY out of BLOGGING! But...hopefully there won't be a Mad Max Era! LOL LONG LIVE BLOGGING