Remembering 2010

2010....What an amazing year:

*I got to see my favorite church youth minister and his family for the first time in ten plus years in February.
*Being part of "Team Kyle" and raising money for March of Dimes/March For Babies.
* Lexi lost her first tooth (and a second a month and a half later).
*We took an amazing family vacation to moody gardens in Galveston.
*Austin began going to "Big Church" with the rest of the family (and handles it very well every time).
*My first Casting Crowns concert.
*Raising money and participating as a "virtual rider" in the Dempsey Challenge for the second year in a row.
*Being active in KSBJ'S sharathon,
*Lexi's softball team placed fourth in the state tournament.
*VBS was a hit with our church (again).
*Our church (FINALLY....Praise God) got a new pastor.
*Austin got to ride a "buckin' bull" (no, not a real one).
*Lexi got her ears pierced.

...I could go on....It's been a year full of moments that made memories.


When I I look back years from now however, and someone mentions the year 2010, I think two memories will come instantly to mind for me:


**Liz Jordan's wedding. I've constantly said in this blog how highly I think of her and how much she inspires me. To be asked to be there on one of the most important days of her life meant so much. For once not to feel like just another listener to her radio station, but to feel as though she actually wanted me to be a part of her life, was an honor and moment I'll never forget. Please be in prayer for her and DK...They recently announced they are expecting their first child!


**Meeting Michael W. Smith. What can I say? This was a dream come true! A moment I had prayed YEARS for...And it exceeded ALL expectations! Never will I EVER forget that day!


I don't know what 2011 holds for me, or for you...But I do know that God's got it covered. So no matter what it holds, I'll trust Him. And I hope you will too....Because His best is ahead....For ALL of us!


Stay safe and God bless! Happy New Year!

Christmas 2010

Hello there blog readers! That is, if there is still anyone that reads this thing!

Let me start by saying that I hope all of you had a WONDERFUL Christmas filled with countless God filled moments as we celebrated His birth!

Ours was wonderful! No white Christmas this year, but we had fun all the same! It still amazes me when I see the awe and wonder in Alexis and Austin's eyes as they race down the stairs of my Aunt's home on Christmas morning to see what Santa left. It's a beautiful sight and I'm SO grateful I get to be there to see it!

Santa was good to me as well this year....I now have all of the current Harry Potter movies that are out on DVD, Season Four of Brothers & Sisters (ya know, back when Rob Lowe was a cast member and I actually got excited about the show...) Season Four of Friday Night Lights and Seasons One and Two of Flashpoint.

Let me just sat this about Flashpoint: After finishing the first season last night, I'm totally addicted....Oh. My. Gosh....LOOOOVE it!!!! I started watching in the middle of the third season which aired this summer so I hadn't seen the earlier episodes....I can't get enough now. Fabulous, on all fronts. Acting, writing, directing, you name it....Superb.

I also got four books that I had asked for one of which, Whoopi Goldberg's new one entitled, "Is It Me Or Is It Nuts Out There?" I started at the office today and have laughed out loud several times already.

Yes, it was a great Christmas indeed filled with the Presence of my Lord in every moment, big or small that was had. And I'm SO grateful that it is all because of HIM we celebrate!

Shall post more soon....Right now, Season Two of Flashpoint is begging to be started! ;-)

Stuck

I just gotta be really honest with you guys. I know God created me the way he did for a reason, I KNOW this, and I know He has plans for me. And 90 percent of the time, the happy positive me comes from a very genuine place, I'm just not wired to be negative...It's just not me. I'm generally a VERY happy VERY hopeful person.

There are times however, when I wonder how different things would be if I had been born on time and able to walk.

Would I have gone to SFA instead of SHSU liked I had dreamed about and actually ENJOYED college instead of having the horrible experience I ended up with?

Would I have majored in sign language interp. like I wanted instead of having TRC (Texas Rehab. Commission) have to sign off on acceptable major/minors (and the two major changes I made while in college) and any other move I made while in college so they would pay my tuition.

Would I be in L.A. right now with a job I loved in the entertainment industry?

Would I be married? Would I have kids?

So much of my life I feel has been decided for me because of my disability. I do everything I can to try and make life easier for my family (especially my parents). I have the volunteer job at my church (which, again, I gotta be honest, I dread more and more each time I go for various reasons that could be another blog entry in itself). I KEEP my volunteer job because it keeps my parents off my back about getting a job because they are hopeful my volunteer position will turn into a paying position thus, giving me a "real" job. A job that would make THEM happy....Not me.

I still live in Huntsville because I can't drive so I can't move anywhere else. If I could, it would be to Houston. All my friends are in that area. Or L.A. so I could find that job!

I often think about how wonderful it would be to have someone special in my life. I have my doubts as to whether I'll EVER get married because, while I'm 29, most people think I'm 16 and most guys in my life see me as they're little sister (and the two guys in my life that actually FEEL like my brothers probably just humor me).

In short, I feel stuck. Stuck in a life that is not what I want. I want (and NEED) God to do a God thing and open some doors! There's GOT to be more ahead for me in this life than this right now!

Would you pray for me?

Did You Do A Double Take?

My dear friend Katy did a face-lift on her blog and it prompted me to do one as well.

Honestly, I've been REALLY tired of the red background for quite awhile but couldn't get the custom designer on blogspot to delete. I still can't get it to just a plain template to where I can grab something from cutestblogontheblock.com. It won't let me use anything but a blogspot template right now so, until I have the time (and patience) to sit down and REALLY try and figure this out, I just chose a much lighter, more simple template. It's a bit blah right now but is MUCH lighter than the maroon (which was the initial goal). Hopefully after Christmas I can spice it up a little.

Comments/Suggestions always welcome! And thanks Katy, for giving me the push I needed to do SOMETHING. :)

New Discovery!

While my Aunt was here over the Thanksgiving holidays, she made mention that she'd had a blueberry doughnut earlier in the week. Being someone that loves blueberry muffins, I told her how good that sounded and she said that I absolutely MUST try one. So, Kimberly brought me one the next day before we all set out for Black Friday shopping.....

OH. MY. GOODNESS. Blueberry doughnut, where have you been all my life?! I LOVED it!

And of course, I HAD to stop and get one on the way to work this morning!

Dear Blog

I haven't forgotten to blog, I haven't run out of things to blog about, it just seems that when I have time to sit down for an uninterrupted length of time to WRITE a blog, (usually at night) I just don't feel like going into the details of everything.

There has been a topic on my mind lately, but when I think about writing it all down, I just get tired. LOL!

All that to say, Thanks for sticking with me and this blog. I'm still here and shall return....Very soon! :)

Please Pray For April

I received an e-mail from one of my close friends Julie late this week about April, a precious four year old friend of hers that she says is as close to her niece as possible without being blood related. April diagnosed with Leukemia earlier this week.

April has been complaining of leg pain and when her parents took her to the doctor, blood was drawn and that's when the Leukemia was discovered. She had surgery Thursday to insert a port for "chemo stuff" and had a spinal tap done as well. She began chemo the next day.

If there is any good news to come from this diagnosis, it's the fact that doctors have said April has the most common, most treatable type of Leukemia so everyone is very hopeful that she can and will be treated successfully.

Early reports indicate no cancer was found in the spinal cord from the spinal tap, which is a HUGE praise and so far, April is tolerating chemo well.

Please join me in praying for April as she travels this journey. Pray that her chemo treatments continue to go well and that her side effects and pain will be minimal. Pray for her parents as they care for her and for peace as they watch their daughter have to endure this, and pray for April's eight year old brother, Aaron and that he feels loved and cared for during this time as well.

Also, please pray for Julie as well. I know how much she loves this family. Pray for her as she cares for them in the ways that she is able.

Thanks in advance for praying with me for this family! I will keep you posted!

He's Four!

Picture taken in 2008

I said I would NEVER fall in love with a boy at first sight! I was doing great with that goal until 2006, then Austin Russell arrived and my resolve was shattered in half a second. Yes, I fell head over heels in love....With my new nephew! And today, he's FOUR!

I was worried when I heard he was going to join our family, because I couldn't imagine loving another person as fully and completely as I loved Alexis. God designed our hearts to expand and when Austin did arrive, my heart did just that, and I knew I would have no problem loving him just as much as I did his big sister!

He teaches me so much about innocence, and total trust, and he's just so sure that I'm going to walk without my walker when I "get bigger." Oh, to have the rock solid, simple faith of a child! We have a bond that only the "babies" of the families can share, and when he pouts over the fact that Lexi gets to do something that he can't yet because "he's too little..." I get it. And I think he knows I get it.

He melts my heart every single day and I thank God that out of all the little boys in the world, I get to call Austin MY nephew!

Happy Birthday, Prince Charming! I love you SO much!

Seven Years Ago...

Picture taken at my college graduation party in 2007.

Seven years ago today, I became an Aunt for the first time! It was by far one of the best days of my life!

I remember studying with a friend when I got the phone call from my Mom telling (while crying) that it was time and she was on her way to pick me up! I threw all of my books in my backpack and raced back to my dorm as fast as my scooter could get me there (and on this day, it felt like it was moving at a snail's pace).

We then made the thirty minute drive to Conroe (which also seemed to take forever) and got to see and talk to a very calm Kimberly and Justin. After awhile, we got kicked out and that's when we waited, paced, prayed, and waited for several hours. FINALLY, at 10:09 p.m. Alexis Marie arrived...And grabbed my heart the instant I saw her! It's been an amazing time ever since!

I am SO blessed, thankful, and humbled, that God chose ME to be her Aunt! I knew He gave me a great responsibility and it really hit home when she told me not so long ago that she wanted to be just like me! It's a responsibility that I promise, I don't take lightly!

"Lord, I wanna be just like You, cause she wants to be just like me. I wanna be a holy example, for her innocent eyes to see. Help me be a living Bible, Lord, that my little girl can read. I wanna be just like You, cause she wants to be like me." ~I Want To Be Just Like You-Phillips, Craig, and Dean~

Happy Birthday, Ladybug! I love you so much!

Happy 3rd Birthday Kyle!

For those of you that don't know Kyle Sherrill's story, here it is in a nutshell: Kyle was born at 23 weeks (approx 4 months early) with a less than 1 percent chance of survival.

Today, Kyle Sherrill turns three years old and is perfectly healthy!!!

I've talked about him A LOT on this blog and I've said before that I have never prayed for ANYTHING or ANYONE as consistently as I prayed for Kyle during the first weeks and months of his life. He's INCREDIBLY special to me and is without question, a miracle!

Happy third birthday, sweet Kyle! Love and hugs to you!

A Moment With Michael W. Smith

This story REALLY started when I was 11 and Michael’s song “Secret Ambition” lead me to ask Jesus Christ into my life as my Lord and Savior. Since that time, I’ve prayed for a chance to meet him. I came VERY close years ago at a KSBJ Full Power concert MWS gave, when he was shaking hands with fans afterward, I was ONE PERSON away from shaking his hand when he was whisked away in his limo. I’ve been to countless concerts and while each and every concert was amazing, I always left them a bit down because I wanted SO BADLY to meet him. While I still prayed (though not as consistently) for the chance to meet him, I slowly resigned myself to the fact that it may not be God’s will for us to meet this side of Heaven.

Move ahead YEARS later to last Friday morning. I had just gotten to my Friday volunteer job at the church. As usual, I turned on the computer and went to the ksbj homepage to turn on their live streaming radio while I worked. Shortly after I did, I noticed the dates for Michael’s Christmas tour were up so, I started an e-mail to my MWS buddies (the family I go to all the MWS concerts with) and gave them the info. As I was finishing, I heard Susan O’Donnell say that Michael was coming to town on Monday October 18th. I didn’t know anything else about it but just mentioned it in the e-mail not thinking much of it since it was such short notice, and I didn’t have any other details. All I was really expecting was a yay or nay on the December concert. I sent it off and didn’t give it much thought.

Sunday after church I checked my e-mail and saw that Warren (my friend) had responded. He said that they couldn’t make the December concert but that Mary (Warren’s wife) had called Lifeway and gotten details on Michael’s visit. He would be meeting fans and signing his new CD there in Humble from 4:30 until 6 O’clock. They told Mary he had a flight to catch and absolutely HAD to be gone by 6. Mary was also told that a huge crowd was expected. Warren told me that it may or may not work, but that if I wanted to make an attempt to meet Michael, they were ready and willing!

I’d had plans scheduled for weeks and wasn’t sure if I should just cancel them or not, once I told my Mom what was going on she emphatically encouraged me to “Go! Meet Michael….Everything else will be here later!” I quickly sent an e-mail saying I was on board!

I was giddy, but every time I got too excited or too nervous as to whether or not I would actually meet him, I found myself praying, “Lord, I want this…But Your Will is what I want more so I give it to You…” It was a strange kind of tug of war all day Sunday wanting this so badly, but then saying “Help me be okay, if it doesn’t happen Lord.” I knew with the crowd expected, and the time constraints, it sounded as if a miracle was going to have to happen for Michael and I to actually meet each other! So, I asked people to pray for one!

Warren picked me up this afternoon and we headed to the high school (where he and his wife teach, and his two sons go to school) to pick up Mary, Matt, and John. Mary and Warren had gotten someone to cover the last ten minutes of their classes, and Matt and John had gotten permission to leave ten minutes early so we could beat the high school traffic and begin the hour and 15 minute trip down to Humble. By 3:2O we were on the road!

For the most part, I was quite calm on the way down there. I really think I was in a state of shock and didn’t really think we would be able to meet him. I got antsy when we got to the Woodlands and began looking at my watch every five minutes praying constantly, “Put this van on wings of Angels, Lord and help us get there! Whatever happens, Your Will be done!” At one point, I looked at my watch and this Voice inside my head said, “Stop looking at your watch! I’ve got you covered, I’ll get you there!” To which I mumbled, “Yes Lord…” And stared straight ahead at the road that seemed to stretch miles and miles with no Lifeway in sight!

Finally making it to Humble, we hit only ONE read light and then we could see LifeWay on the other side of the interstate! It was 4:25. I was calm, believe it or not…Until I heard the voice of my friend (and afternoon KSBJ dj ) Liz Jordan come on and say, “Just moments from now, Michael W. Smith will be starting a Meet and Greet with fans at the Lifeway book store and Humble! This is your chance to get up close and personal with Michael and say hello!” It was then that I was like, “Okay Lord, we’re SO close I can SEE it…I REALLY REALLY want this to happen now so please let it be Your Will!”

We pulled up to the parking lot and I kept envisioning this long line wrapping around the building and us having to wait in the heat! Only to have them come out and say, Michael’s time is up! Sorry he couldn’t greet all of you….” What I ACTUALLY saw however was nothing like that. No line outside the store and a parking place close to the door. We all piled out and I started shaking with excitement and nerves. I got settled in my wheelchair and we went in expecting to see chaos…Again, all was calm. Michael was nowhere in sight and we were directed to the line. It was 4:35. Mary went and bought two of Michael’s CD’s for him to sign, one for me and one for their family. Matt went to find the men’s room and Warren, John and I held everybody’s spot in line. The staff there was SO friendly! The lady that showed us the line that was sectioned off by those ropes you see at theatres told me, “Michael’s going to come out in just a minute, if you want to turn your chair around, he’s going to walk right by you!” So I said okay and quickly turned getting out my cell phone. Matt had returned from the men’s room and said, “I just ran into Michael in the restroom!” All of us stared at him with our mouths open! Before we could say anything else, the nice lady that had suggested I turn my chair around said, “Here he comes…” And there he was indeed…He was walking at a fast pace so between that and my shaking hands, my picture turned out to be a blur of bookshelves but he was indeed in the building!

We only had about 30 people ahead of us and had more than an hour before his time would be up…I was probably very poor company for my friends but I couldn’t stop thinking about how God had lead me to this moment and how He had provided for us all day long. This had been years in the making! When we rounded the final corner where Michael was set up it was then that it hit me…It’s GOING to happen….In just MOMENTS I was going to meet the man who God had put into my life so many years ago to speak to me through his God given talents and helped me make the most important (and best) decision of my entire life! I took a deep breath and willed myself not to cry. We finally got up to the blue line that signified we were next (Michael was still talking to the people in front of us) and another staff member asked me if I was going to want my picture taken, I said yes and took my phone out of my purse. He handed it to another staff member who promised she would take a good one of us and I asked if I could also get my CD signed as well and was told to just hand it to Michael when I was ready. Then it was my turn.

Michael looked at me as Warren wheeled me over to him and said, “Hi there!” I said “Hi Michael! How are you?” He replied that he was great and stood up to come over and shake my hand. He asked my name and I told him and he said, “Natalie, great to meet you!” And I said how great it was to meet HIM! At this point they let Mary, Warren, Matt, and John come up and Mary told Michael I was his biggest fan! He looked at me for confirmation and I said, “It’s true! I’ve been to countless concerts, I follow you on Facebook and twitter….” To which he looked at me and said, “Ya know, I never thought I’d be one that would twitter. I got talked into it.” I told him I loved his updates and he said he hadn’t tweeted in a few days. I said, “You really should!” Then he said, “Well, I tell ya what why don’t you and I do a tweet right now?” I was like, “Okay!” He called one of his staffers to come over with what I assumed was his phone and said, “Could you take a picture of Natalie and me for my twitter page?” They gladly agreed and he knelt down as they snapped our picture! He said, “I’ll put that up when I leave here so look for it tonight, okay?” I said I would and the girl with my phone asked if he would take one more with me. He said sure and we snapped another one together! I had just gotten TWO pictures taken with Michael W. Smith! I was getting ready to wrap it up (I didn’t want anyone to have to TELL me to wrap it up) when Michael said, did you want me to sign your CD?” I’d forgotten all about it! I said “Oh yes, please!” And as he did so he asked if I had heard the album yet, when I said, “Of course!” He said, “You’re my biggest fan, I guess you have!” LOL! I thanked him for everything and as I was walking off (or rolling off, rather) he squeezed my shoulder and said “Don’t forget to look for our tweet later!” I promised I would and waited while John and Matt met him and got a quick picture with John’s phone. As Michael was shaking Matt’s hand he said, “We meet again!” referring to their earlier run-in in the men’s room! Everybody got a kick out of that one!

As I basically floated toward the door, I noticed a familiar face coming toward me. It was DK, Liz Jordan’s husband! I had no idea he was even there! He scored major brownie points with me because I’d only met him one other time which happened to be on his wedding day. I got to meet him just moments after he and Liz had said, “I do!” and I really doubted his mind was on anything but his amazing wife at that moment, but I must be memorable because he definitely remembered me! He told me he had gotten some video footage of my meeting with Michael! I already adored DK because I adore Liz and I love the way he adores Liz (did that make sense? LOL!) but to hear that he got VIDEO of me meeting Michael…Now, I REALLY adored him! LOL! I don’t know if I’ll ever get to see it, but it’s there for SOMEONE to see and that makes me happy!

The whole day was just surreal. It’s hard for me to really express just HOW much meeting Michael meant to me. It’s a moment I never thought would happen and now, it’s a moment I’ll never ever forget. Looking I’m AMAZED at how calm I was, and how natural it felt talking to him. He’s SO down to earth and genuine that you can’t help but feel at ease. It was incredible and something that I know had to be from God because I so desperately wanted to be IN the moment and not let it be one of those times where my nerves took over to a point where I barely remembered the whole experience. It was truly a God filled moment because I remember it so clearly!

Once we were in the car, John pulled out their CD to see what was written on it. It had been signed, “For you! –Michael W. Smith” I didn’t give mine much thought assuming he signed them all the same for the sake of simplicity. When I opened mine however, it said, “Natalie, Your Friend, Michael W. Smith” He actually PERSONALIZED it?! With MY NAME?! Mini freak out moment right there in the car in the Lifeway parking lot! Another more major freak out occurred on the road home when I checked twitter to find that just two minutes prior to me logging on, Michael had indeed posted our picture on his twitter page! With the caption, “Me and Natalie at Lifeway in Houston today.” I squealed and everybody in the car cracked up! That pic is now my Facebook profile picture!

It was an amazing day! A day that’s been in the works since that very night Michael became such an incredible part of my testimony. A day that I saw God’s Hand print more than once and a day that was filled totally with His presence. It happened because God moved mountains and gave me a miracle and in that miracle gave me a moment with Michael W. Smith that I’ll remember for the rest of my life!

Yes, dreams DO come true. Yes, mountains DO move. And yes, miracles DO happen….Just believe.

Gentle Reminder

I was getting dressed this morning when my theme song ("While I'm Waiting" by John Waller) came on the radio. As it played, I started thinking about all the things I'm waiting for: A job I love, dreams to become real, a person to spend my life with etc. Then, as if the Enemy knew just how to get to me, the doubts started coming in..."What if I'm a volunteer for the rest of my life? How in the world can my dreams EVER come true? I'm going to end up alone!..." You get the point. Before, it could snowball any further, I was struck by the fact that I needed to stop, take a breath, and remember Whose child I really was. I remembered that my life is in His Hands and that He is in control. I automatically calmed down as I put my life back in His keeping (I've often said that decision is a moment by moment choice and I definitely had a "moment" this morning).

As if to affirm my decision the song that played after "While I'm Waiting" was "He Is" by Mark Schultz, and the first line of that song seem to divinely increase in volume so I was sure to hear: "Father, let the world just fade away, let me feel Your Presence in this place."

Message received Lord! Thanks!

The Dempsey Difference-Four Years!

Hard to believe it's been four years since the Dempsey Difference (see the tab above). In SO many ways, I'm a different person and yet, in many ways, I'm exactly the same.

I'm MUCH more aware of how my words and actions (good and bad) can affect others, and I live with a deeper level of thankfulness that I really don't think I had back then.

However, I still struggle with those same doubts, those same insecurities, that I dealt with four years ago. Only, I have something that I didn't have UNTIL four years ago. A point of reference. I have someone, with a similar story, who was where I was that I can refer to anytime those doubts and insecurities get too loud. I can look at him, be reminded of his story, be reminded that I'm not alone, and suddenly, the loudness of everything else fades. THAT'S what Patrick Dempsey did for me four years ago, and has done for me every single day since.

I debated whether or not to even post about it tonight, because while September 29th is a day that will always have significance to me, I've struggled a lot with the fact that people really don't seem to care. They don't seem to get it. All along I kept telling myself that what I went through in college, MUST have been meant to serve a purpose. I told myself when I came out of it on the other side that this story would help someone else some day. I don't know if that's the case, but I pray it is.

I know there are those that stopped reading this entry the minute they saw the word "Dempsey" in the title, because they think I'm just some fan girl, just another fan who's crazy about Patrick Dempsey.

I'm slowly coming to realize that it doesn't matter who "gets it" or doesn't, it doesn't matter if people believe me or they don't. What other people think doesn't make what Patrick did for me any less real. Whether people believe it or not doesn't change the truth of what is now my story. It doesn't change the fact that without Patrick Dempsey, I would be a statistic right now.

Four years ago today Patrick Dempsey saved my life. He was the answer to my prayer. He was my reminder that God had not forgotten about me. Patrick Dempsey is my hero and there is not a day that goes by that I don't thank God for him.

I still pray daily that the day will come when I'll be able to thank Patrick face to face, but until that day comes (and even after that day is done) I'll continue to pray that my story might help someone else.

"WONDER"

Michael W. Smith's new album "WONDER" is now available! I know you all probably think I'm just saying this, but it is INCREDIBLE! I'll just share with you a few thoughts on my favorite songs from the album:

Rise: Love the lyrics! A song that basically shouts "HAVE FAITH! TRUST ME!" It really made me think about how much faith I actually have and what I do to put the faith into action. Great song!

Wonder: Upbeat and powerful! Great song to "dance it out" to and great song to have on while you're getting dressed in the morning and getting ready to face the day.

Leave: This song brought me to my knees and made me cry the "ugly cry." Heartbreaking. One line in particular made me gasp the first time I heard it. Then I cried some more. In fact, sounded like MWS himself was tearing up toward the end of it.

One More Time: Talks about never giving up. I needed to hear it. Definitely one of those I'll be listening to when I need a reminder that with God, ALL things are possible!

Take My Breath Away: I LOVE the violins in this one! upbeat and I LOVE the chorus!!

Take Me Over: BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL song! The first line talks about resting in His Arms...Just the image it gives me makes me tear up. This is one I'll be putting on to listen to as I fall asleep. I love it!

I'd be more specific,but I want YOU to get (or download) your copy and draw your own conclusions! If you do, let me know what you think! You'll be blessed, I promise!

Amazing Story!

I'm just gonna give you the link and let my fabulous friend, Liz Jordan take it from there. Just have your tissues handy & get ready to be blessed!

INCREDIBLE STORY OF MR. BROWN AND HIS BROTHER

2010 Premiere Week Wrap-Up!

As promised, here are my thoughts on Premiere Week!


Monday:


Two And A Half Men: Nothing surprising. Just a typical episode. Sometimes I wonder why I still watch this one.


*Mike And Molly: No, you're not seeing things, this one wasn't on the schedule below, but it was a new series on after TAAHM and I got into it...SO FUNNY!! It is now set to record every week! Loved it!


*The Chase: Yet another one not on the schedule, but since it's set/filmed in Houston & Dallas areas, the Texan in me felt it was my duty to watch. Wasn't impressed. Will give it one more week.


*The Event: LOTS of time jumps that I'm not too crazy about and LOTS of characters and stories to keep track of. I was a LOST watcher and didn't mind it, but I just don't know if I'm ready for ANOTHER show like LOST so soon. The story IS intriguing, so I'll stick with it for now. They'd better give MORE answers on a fairly regular basis though or they'll lose me quick. I'm still weary from LOST and my brain can't handle that again for awhile! ;)


Tuesday:


NCIS/NCIS L.A. Two different shows, both came back strong and had great stories! Missed ALL of my NCIS people and look forward to the season!


The Good Wife: Premieres this week! Can't wait!


Wednesday:

*Undercovers: LOVED it! Very nice and refreshing to see a couple ALREADY married and established instead of having the fall in love with the endless "Will they/won't they?" over the course of several seasons. Great chemistry, great action, great romance...It's everything all in one and I for one am VERY happy and excited about it!


Criminal Minds: My dose of uber creepiness is back and the premiere delivered well! And I still adore my Morgan and Garcia! :)


*The Defenders: Another one not on the schedule, but DVR'd it just to see what it was about. Watched it Saturday during lunch and REALLY liked it! This one might replace "The Whole Truth" (see below) Kinda reminded me of "Boston Legal" a little bit. It is also set to record every week. :)


*The Whole Truth: Out of all the new shows, I was looking forward to this one (and "Blue Bloods- more on that below) the most....Disappointed. VERY disappointed. The back and forth quickly got on my nerves, then I found myself bored with the story. Will give it one more week but "The Defenders" looks to be it's replacement. And I guess a lot of other people felt the same...The ratings were AWFUL!


Thursday:


Grey's Anatomy: It was okay. After such an adrenaline pumping finale, this episode felt a bit flat. Love that Derek is no longer the Chief and have to think that Patrick LOVED those speeding scenes given the fact that the guy races cars! I'm betting he had some input on that particular angle of the show. Loved seeing him calm down his patient and the patient's Mom after the surgery. One of the thing I've missed about Derek being a doctor is his interactions with his patients. Doctor Derek Shepherd is back and I'm thrilled! This miscarriage reveal should make for some great scenes for Meredith and Derek and great storyline material for Patrick and Ellen to sink their teeth into! The first episode might have been a bit ho hum, but I think the season holds A TON of promise, and I'm excited!


Private Practice: Another ho hum episode. Looking forward to seeing what becomes of Sam and Addison though. This show's going to have to get a little more exciting to keep me around though.


Friday:


CSI:NY: SELA WARD WAS FABULOUS!!!! Loved it and am SO glad she joined the cast! She and Gary Sinise play wonderfully off each other and I can't wait for more! Since I've never watched this show before, I'm still trying to figure out who's who and how they all fit with each other, but I'm excited about it! Welcome back Sela!!!


*Blue Bloods: Tom Selleck (and his mustache) are back on my T.V. and I couldn't be happier! Really enjoyed the premiere and can't wait to see more!


*Outlaw: I haven't watched the second episode yet. Softball tournament on Saturday made us all go to bed early and so we had to choose what to watch and "Blue Bloods" won. Were too exhausted to watch last night, and the Dallas Cowboys played today. So, we'll get to it. The fact that I'm not chomping at the bit to watch it though, might be a sign that the first episode didn't pull me in as much as I thought. We'll see after I watch.

Sunday:

Desperate Housewives: *Yawn* in all honesty, I stopped caring about this show a long time ago. It's really just something for me to watch while I wait for "Brothers and Sisters" to get ahead on the DVR enough so I can FF'd through all the commercials.

Brothers & Sisters: My Rob Lowe lovin' heat broke all over again tonight! I'd heard rumors that Robert was "alive" in a coma and had a shred of hope that this meant the door was being left open for Rob Lowe to make a return, until Rob tweeted earlier today that Robert was indeed dead. I watched tonight and cried. Rob Lowe was a HUGE reason I liked the show as much as I did, and I just don't think I'll look forward to it now with NEAR the anticipation I once did. It was heartbreaking tonight in many ways, but we'll see what the season holds.

And there ya have it. My thoughts on the Fall T.V. Premiere Week! Would love to hear your thoughts if anyone is reading and has something to say about how YOU thought the premieres were. :)

My Premiere Week Schedule

In case you're wondering how I'll be spending my evenings this week:

Monday:
8:00-9:00 The Event*
8:00-8:30- Two And A Half Men

Tuesday:
7:00-8:00: NCIS
8:00-9:00: NCIS:L.A.
9:00-10:00: The Good Wife (starting September 28th)

Wednesday:
7:00-8:00: Undercovers*
8:00-9:00 Criminal Minds
9:00-10:00 The Whole Truth*

Thursday:
8:00-9:00: Grey's Anatomy
9:00-10:00 Private Practice

Friday:
8:00-9:00: CSI:NY (Not a "new" show but new to me since I've never watched before & am only watching now because Sela Ward joined the cast)
9:00-10:00: Outlaw* (First episode aired last week--Liked it. Despite the AWFUL reviews it's been getting)
9:00-10:00 Blue Bloods *

Saturday:
Will be catching up on my "Who's The Boss?" reruns because NOTHING is on Saturday night!

Sunday:
8:00-9:00 Desperate Housewives
9:00-10:00 Brothers & Sisters

* signifies a new series.

Take the times I listed and move them ahead by thirty minutes because that's when I start watching so I'm able to zip through commercials. Have I mentioned how THRILLED I am to have DVR in my room now?! God bless my parents!!!

There are a few time conflicts as I'm sure you've noticed. This is when I'll have to watch one and then watch the other one when I'm done with the first. Sounds confusing, but I've done it for a long time so it's easy now! LOL!

Once I get a feel for which series I'll keep watching and which ones I don't care for, the schedule may or may not change. My regulars I'll stick with and I can pretty much watch any of them any time if something comes up with the exception of Grey's Anatomy...That one WILL get watched Thursday nights one way or another!

I'll post an entry Sunday night probably letting you know BRIEFLY what I liked/disliked about premiere week. Again, the exception being Grey's Anatomy, I'll post more detailed highlights of that show and post it Thursday night or Friday night (depending on how late it is when I get finished watching everything because I have to work Fridays. And how much I have to say about a particular episode). Grey's is really the exception to every rule because that's just my show...I adore it and the cast so it gets special treatment. :)

Have a great premiere week everybody and feel free to hit the comments with what YOU will/won't be watching this season!

Nine Years Later

I always share this video on this date because it sums everything up.

May God bless the families of those who lost their lives nine years ago today. May He bless and protect those that have served, are serving, and will some day serve. And may God ALWAYS bless America as we turn our gaze to Him! WE WILL NEVER FORGET!

THERE SHE STANDS

"I Will Follow" Video

I remember promising to post if I ever found a way for you to listen to the song, so here ya go! CLICK HERE to listen to the song (if you haven't already) and read the lyrics!

May this ALWAYS be the cry of our hearts as followers of Christ!

New Music: "I Will Follow"

I told you in a recent post about hearing Chris Tomlin's latest single "I Will Follow" and instantly loving it! Well, good news...A recent tweet from Chris revealed that the song is now available on itunes!!! CLICK HERE to go purchase it!

Let me know what you think! And yes, I'm listening to it as I post this entry! :)

Discouraged....

I tried to come up with a catchier title, but sometimes you just have to be blunt. Let me just cut to the chase.

My passion is television. If you've read this blog at all, you know I love it and could talk about it for hours on end. I'd LOVE to have a career doing something within the industry. To be able to get paid doing something I totally LOVE would be awesome! I don't really think acting is my thing...Even though I was in plays and productions of some kind all the way through my school years until I started college. Since that time, I found that I'd rather be behind the scenes...Promoting shows, promoting actors, doing reviews on television shows. Stuff like that. I could easily see myself being a publicist or an entertainment reporter of some sort.

What tends to make my heart ache is that nobody in my family really gives two hoots about television. I talk about it and by the second sentence in, I know they're just halfway listening and when I'm finished with my ramble, the conversation quickly moves on to other topics. There's very little feedback (if any) on what I said.

And I know the entertainment world is to many (my family and most of my friends included) not a respectable occupation like being a teacher, cop, doctor, etc. I know many people think it's just make believe and it's not molding minds or saving lives (although, speaking from personal experience, I know it HAS saved one life) so therefore, I know very few people take me seriously when I talk about it.

I overheard my Mom recently tell someone "Television and computer is all she has...." and it broke my heart. I DO spend a lot of time on Facebook and a lot of time watching T.V. but MOST of that time on FB is spent interacting with others...Seeing what's going on in their lives, finding out how I can pray for them, like that. And while I do admit, most of MY status updates on FB & twitter DO have to do with television, who else am I supposed to talk about it with? Nobody around me seems to care. At least there, I can get some type of conversation going!

September 20th is "Premiere Week." It's the week all of my favorite shows (and a lot of new ones) are back from summer hiatus! I'm really psyched about it, but because I know I'm the only one, I'm trying NOT to torture my family with details they could really care less about. It's hard, but thank God for Facebook, twitter, and this blog.

My sister had plans for September 23rd (the night of Grey's Anatomy's premiere) and asked if we could keep the kids. I was bummed, because I basically had planned a pizza night for me and Mom (who watches-maybe I should say tolerates-Grey's and Private Practice with me). And us keeping the kids meant Mom would hit the hay early with the kids in her bed. I love watching with Mom and this meant I was going to be watching alone. My sister informed us about a week ago that her plans had changed and she wouldn't need us after all. I was thrilled and the first thing out of my mouth was, "Yay Mom! This means we can watch the Grey's and Private Practice premiere's together!" My Mom's response, "Yeah, I guess so...." I haven't said anything to her about it since.

Would you pray for me? Pray that if this passion for television is something God wants me to pursue, that He would open doors for it. Or if it's not, that He would give me a new passion to pursue. I'm really discouraged right now so prayers for His peace and that the comfort of Jeremiah 29:11 would surround me would be great! I know that just because *I'M* shaken right now, HE is not. Thanks so much for praying!

I Once Was Blind...

Okay, so maybe I wasn't REALLY blind! BUT...I have been having some eye issues....

Tuesday night I noticed that my contacts were really bothering me. As I headed to the shower, I looked in the mirror and noticed both of my eyes were really red. So, I went ahead and took out my contacts for the night. I wear the kind that you toss every night anyway. I hoped that would resolve the issue, but I was wrong. My eyes watered and burned all night.

I woke up yesterday morning to find my left eye was fine but my right eye was bloodshot, and almost swollen shut. Bright light was agony. So, I stayed out of my contacts AND glasses all day yesterday. I have horrible vision, if I don't have in my contacts, or have on my glasses, I really can't see anything unless it's RIGHT in front of me. So, yesterday, I really was in a sort of "blind" state. I spent my day in my room with the lights off (because once again, light was agony) with my ipod. No T.V. or computer (unless you count my using my iphone a few times). I put eye drops in about every two hours, and really just prayed for God to take care of whatever the issue was.

I woke up this morning with clear eyes! I was able to put in my contacts and SEE today! I was going to stay out of them again today to give my eyes an extra day of rest, but decided to see how my eyes would do in them today since I have to be able to wear them for work tomorrow. I haven't had any problems. Thank you, Lord!

Not sure what the problem was, but I'm due for my annual eye exam next month and will tell my doctor about it. I would chalk it up to allergies, but this didn't FEEL like allergies, it felt like I was being poked in the eye! I have a WONDERFUL eye doctor and I'm sure if I were REALLY worried, he would see earlier than scheduled, but since it seems to have cleared up, hopefully it'll STAY cleared up and I can just go in next month.

I can see clearly now, the blur is gone....LOL!

Amen To This!

"What everybody wants to know is: 'Do you see me? Did you hear me? And did what I say mean anything to you'" ~Oprah Winfrey

It's The Little Things

So many times I think I get so caught up in waiting for God to do those BIG, HUGE, God sized things in my life, that I forget about the little fingerprints He puts in my life every day!

* I was going to the Hornet football game tonight (the first game of the season) and had NOTHING green to wear! I was able to go on my lunch break from my volunteering at the church today and find a very cute (and cheap) Hornet shirt!

* As I walked in the door from work today, Alexis greeted me with a big hug and kiss, as if she hadn't seen me for months!

* I got to go out and have a great dinner with great friends before the game where we were able to catch up on each other's lives and in doing so find out how we could pray for each other more specifically.

* We had some trouble finding seats at the game and were finally able to get permission to sit in the reserved section so I could sit in my wheelchair and still see. We were told though that if the people whose seats we were sitting in arrived, we would have to move. We later found out those seats were the seats of FRIENDS of the people I had come to the game with! They told us they rarely sat in them and we were free to use them any time! (Now, out of ALL those seats, what are the odds that the people I came with would be friends with them?!)

* Austin and Kimberly found us at the game as they were heading to buy a drink! Austin gave me a big kiss without even being prompted....And then my heart melted.

* Got to see one of my favorite people EVER at the game...He was down on the field and had no idea I was there, but just seeing him made me happy! (Shout out and hugs to Shane Martin!)

All of these were little things that just made my day and made it apparent that God was in the details!

Dear Lord, may I always be on the lookout for Your Fingerprints every day! May I always be mindful of the small blessings you send me and may the little things always remind me I am ALWAYS on Your mind! Amen.

Keep An Ear Out!

Tonight I heard Chris Tomlin's latest single "I Will Follow" and I LOVED it! I really wish I could direct you to a place where you could hear it, but apparently it's SO new, it's not even up on Chris' website yet! When it does pop up somewhere, I'll be sure to post it, but until then, listen for it! AWESOME song!

While we're on the subject of music, let me just remind you to be listening for Michael W. Smith's new single "Save Me From Myself" as well. That single in it's entirety and snippets from several other songs from his new album WONDER can be found on Michael's website HERE. That album releases September 28th!

Great songs, by two great artists....All glorifying HIM! What could be better? ;)

Prayers For Sterling

Prayer warriors out there please lift up five year old Sterling Davis!

I noticed a lot of my friends FB statuses today mentioned Sterling and upon reading about his situation, I soon found out, I know his Dad, Roger!

I met Roger YEARS ago when I went to Crosspoint (a Christian sports camp). Roger was one of the staff members, Roger then was involved in Studentlife (another Christian camp) that I went to after my Crosspoint years were over. I haven't kept in touch with him so I had no idea I KNEW someone in this family until I saw a picture of Rodger just a few minutes ago. It takes things to a new level when you know the people involved.

You can read about and keep up with the latest updates on their website HERE.


Thanks so much for praying!

In Case You Didn't Know....

Off to First Grade!

Alexis begins FIRST GRADE tomorrow! My goodness, my little Ladybug is growing so fast! Mom's aren't the only ones that say that, Aunt's do too! :) Please keep her in your prayers throughout the day! Thanks!

I'm LOVING this commercial...I believe Lexi's "angel" will be looking out for her as well!


GUARDIAN ANGEL COMMERCIAL

If Only I Could!

I went to a wedding shower tonight for a very dear friend of mine. As soon as I walked in the door, this dear friend's sister rushes up to me and says, "Grey's Anatomy's publicity people should really hire you! Everything you say about it on Facebook has me watching again!"

The comment made my night, and if it's true, then I've done what I set out to do!

If only she knew just how badly I wish I COULD do that and WOULD if it were possible! I've always said I wanted a job in the entertainment industry. To get paid to talk about and promote the shows I love to watch is really what I would love to do! I envy the people that DO get to do that. Christi Knight and Natalie Abrams are totally my inspirations....They rock at what they do, and I want to be just as great as they are!

No Dreaming Outloud

I wish my dream were one I could talk freely about without feeling embarrassed or like I was being judged.

That's all. Carry on. :)

Why I Didn't Attend My H.S. Reunion

My ten year high school reunion was this weekend, but I didn't attend. Here's why:

* Everyone from high school that I WANT to keep in contact with, I do. Either through Facebook or e-mail.

* I knew I'd get the question that I HATE: "What have you been doing the last ten years?" and the answer is not very exciting.

* I spent seven of the last ten in college, I have pretty much nothing to show for the time since high school except a college degree and Alexis and Austin. I haven't gotten married (or had any romantic relationship for that matter) no kids, no paying job, nothing. A LOT has happened in my life since H.S. and I can definitely say I'm NOT the same person, but as I said, nothing to show for any of that.

* None of my dreams I had then have come to pass and none of the dreams I have NOW are coming true yet.

In short, it just wasn't good for my self esteem to attend. Perhaps when we have our 20th reunion.....God only knows.

Big Screen Baby!

Remember in the post below how I said I had a September 1st goal I wanted to reach? Well, as of today, August 11th, that goal has been made!

I bought my flat screen on August 2nd. We got home, plugged everything in and my cable box went kaput leaving me only able to watch DVD's until the cable people could come out yesterday and hook up my new HD cable box (which ALMOST didn't happen, but that's a story I'd rather NOT get into right now). Anyhow, everything is now all hooked up and working GREAT!

My parents took care of the cable bill and installation fees as an early birthday present! I'm now the only one in the house with a flat screen AND HD and let me tell ya...There's a HUGE difference!

Last night Mom came in my room and we watched our usual (America's Got Talent) on my T.V. Mom was VERY impressed and we've decided that we'll be watching Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice in my room when it returns. This will allow Dad (who, while he has nothing but good things to say about Patrick Dempsey, is not a GA or PrP fan) to watch the television in the living room. All other shows though will be kept on the living room DVR since we all like those! And this Fall is going to be a BUSY T.V. season for me it looks like. That schedule coming in a later entry.

A Blast From The Past!

I'm in the process of (hopefully) getting rid of my TV/VCR so that I can buy a flat screen and get DVR hooked up in my room, my goal is to have everything set up by September first so that I can have a few weeks to make sure everything works right before my Fall T.V. shows return the week of September 20th.

In doing this, it means getting rid of ALL of my VCR tapes which I had A LOT of. Now I just have a handful left containing shows I haven't been able to find on DVD yet. A few of those tapes include episodes of my all time favorite T.V. show "Sisters" which aired in the 90's.

I absolutely LOVED this show! It even continues to trump Grey's Anatomy on the favorites scale (I know....SHOCKER!) so the thought of me not being able to watch it anymore was tough to swallow. Luckily, I recently found someone that had my two favorite seasons of the show on DVD and ordered them! Now I'm having a TOTAL BLAST watching my favorite "Sisters" (not to mention my favorite actress Sela Ward that I've mentioned before in previous entries).

I got into the show during the first episode of Season Four. The second episode of that season introduced James Falconer (played by George Clooney before anybody knew who George Clooney was including myself). He became the love interest to Sela Ward's character Teddy and I ADORED them together! My Teddy/Falconer love is exactly even with my Meredith/Derek love. Berfore Mer and Der, NOBODY could touch them! Teddy and Falconer were eventually married but then Falconer was killed off because George had gotten the role as Doug Ross on E.R. The rest is history....
You'd think that I'd stop watching with my favorite couple broken up, but nope I just couldn't stop watching! The same season George was killed off, Daniel Gerroll was introduced as Georgie's (played by Patricia Kalember) therapist. We won't go into all of the reason's poor Georgie was in therapy, only to say that Patricia did a phenomenal job with the difficult subject matter and because of that, won me as a big fan as well. I'll shorten it for you by saying that Georgie (who was married with two teenage sons) eventually began having an affair with her therapist. Now, when I was watching this and even now as I re-watch, I KNEW it was WRONG on SO SO SOOOOO many levels but there was something about those two that as I watched, I just kept thinking "Wow, it may be wrong, but their chemistry is through the roof!!!" It was like a car wreck that you just couldn't take your eyes away from (I might have also been glued to Daniel Gerroll's British accent as well...I have a thing for accents!) It wasn't until a year or so after the show went off the air that I found out that Daniel and Patricia were married (and had been for several years before Daniel's stint on the show!!) No WONDER they had so much chemistry! Now as I re-watch their scenes, the chemistry makes sense (even if the affair was WRONG) and given the subject matter, things were probably easier for Patricia being able to act it out and talk about some of the things she had to talk about, with her husband and not just some random actor. And when I say subject matter, I'm talking about the initial reason Georgie was in therapy, not the affair. Although, I'm sure those scenes were made easier too..LOL!

I'm now watching each disk so that I can label them and re-living all of the great "Sisters" story lines! It's amazing how you can STILL love a show so much even after it's been off the air for close to fifteen years now! Thanks to these dvd's though, I can now visit with the "Sisters" any time I choose!

*Side note* It was announced just weeks ago that Sela Ward is joining the cast of CSI:NY airing Friday's this Fall!

Finally! We have a title!

Today was our first day of Vacation Bible School. I was up before daylight and have only just recently been able to slow down. I was exhausted, trying to make my legs move my body to the shower when I was alerted to some great news...The title for the Season 7 Grey's Anatomy premiere has been announced!

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT WHAT IT IS!!!

I'm awake now! This title lends itself to SO many possibilities and my mind is going wild trying to cover them all! Is it September 23rd yet??

I Wonder.....

There are certain things I know:

God loves me. God doesn't make mistakes, God saw me before I was born and knit me together.

I know all of this things. I say these truths to many people, but ya know, even knowing these I find myself lately saying, "I wonder....." I wonder what my life would be like if I had been born WITHOUT Cerebral Palsy and able to walk.

I wonder if I would be married by now or if I would have kids.

I wonder if I would be in L.A. pursing my dream of working in the entertainment industry. Television is my passion, I love it. I love writing about it, reading about it, analyzing every bit of my favorite show, every character, every song choice. I wonder if I didn't have CP where I would be right now in terms of that and what I would be doing.

I wonder if my dream of meeting and thanking Patrick Dempsey would have happened. Had I been physically able, I would be able to get on a plane by myself, fly to a race that he was at and meet him like everyone else does. My disability complicates that. It's funny, in most every other situation, I stick out like a sore thumb because of my CP, but when it comes to trying to meet Patrick Dempsey, I blend right in and I'm just another fan...Nobody pays attention, nobody cares. When I WANT to stick out, I blend in.

I wonder if my parents ever wonder what life would be like if I didn't have CP, I wonder if they're dreams for me flew out the window when I was born two and a half months early. I wonder if they're disappointed because I'm NOT married, and DON'T have kids, and a decent job. I wonder if they wish things were different.

I wonder if Alexis is ever bothered by the fact that the girls on her softball team stares at me every time I'm at a softball game, I wonder if it bothers her that I'm not the Aunt that can pick her and her brother up and take them to the movies, or out for ice cream.

I wonder once more if I truly AM okay mentally or if I AM "slow" because of my CP. I wonder if I behave differently than others and no one tells me because they just chalk it up to my CP. I've noticed this fear has caused me to become a lot more self conscience and somewhat quieter because I don't want to say or do something stupid and once again, get stared at.

I wonder if my CP is the reason I look fifteen instead of 28 and if that is the reason I've never really had a serious romantic relationship.

And I know, believe me I KNOW that WITHOUT Cerebral Palsy I wouldn't have met some of the people and had some of the experiences that I've had, which is why I said many times that in many was my Cerebral Palsy has been a blessing, but I can't pretend I DON'T think about what life would be like to be physically able.

I wonder.....I wonder so many things. Sometimes it just really STINKS to be disabled, and I hate it! I try to remember the fact that God sees the big picture and on the day that He calls me Home, He will show me why, and I will wonder no more...It will all make PERFECT sense.

Mark It Down!

September 23, 2010: The Grey's Anatomy Season 7 Premiere! Put it on your calendars in BIG LETTERS! Make your plans accordingly!

Who else is excited??

Galveston 2010

Last Monday and Tuesday my family and I went for our annual trip to Galveston and Moody Gardens! We're not really beach people so we enjoyed just hanging out at the water park at Moody Gardens!

It was so much fun to stay in the cool water all day instead of sweating in the heat! And hearing Alexis laugh as she rolled me through the water sprinklers was the highlight of the trip (that's also when my wheelchair got its yearly washing LOL).

Kimberly booked the hotel rooms and they were, without a doubt, the nicest hotel rooms we've ever stayed in....The room was HUGE with two queen sized beds and could have easily fit a third bed, the bathroom was big and even had a shower chair already in the tub waiting (a God thing, because I forgot to bring mine). LOVED our hotel!

We topped the night off with a trip to Rain Forest Cafe which allows you to feel as though you're eating IN the rain forest...Complete with thunder, lightning, rain and animal sound effects throughout the evening...We love eating there and going on the ride afterward! So much fun!

Tuesday, Dad and Justin played golf (in the rain) while Kimberly, Lexi, Austin, Mom, and myself went shopping on the strand...TOTALLY NOT handicapped accessible, but we did manage to find an old fashioned ice cream shop with a lift elevator where the kids got ice cream and Mom found (and bought me) some of my beloved cotton candy Jellybeans! I've already eaten all of them! :(

We managed to leave Galveston long before hurricane Alex made his presence known (aside from some rough waves on Tuesday as some signs that he was indeed out there).

Tazzie had her first "sleep away" from us as we boarded her at the vet for the first time ever. Last year was just too much for her so she stayed with the vet and got updated on her shots and got her physical while she was there. She did great and was very happy to see us Tuesday afternoon!

Our motto for the trip became "Waterlogged" since we all got wet on both days of the trip whether it be from the water park or shopping/golfing in the rain. We had a blast though and made some awesome memories! :)

Constantly Learning To Trust

Perhaps I don't need to ask God to change my circumstances, but instead TRUST HIM to pull me through WHATEVER my circumstances may be.

My KSBJ 2010 Sharathon Experience!

I wasn't able to physically be there to answer phones or volunteer in other ways for KSBJ Sharathon 2010, believe me, if I could have, I would have!

HOWEVER, I feel like I HAVE been. I've had a browser open since Wednesday with KSBJ's web cam up showing phone central watching the DJ's and volunteers doing their thing, I have twittered and Facebooked about it almost constantly (and gained some new followers....*waves*) trying MY best to get the word out and hopefully get more people to give.

What I think is the most significant part of this for me though was that I gave....For the first time.

I've been a KSBJ listener since Amanda Carroll was the afternoon host. She was the host I first heard when I first found KSBJ years ago, however, I've always just kinda felt like "just another listener..." and never really felt like A PART of the KSBJ family.

All that changed this year as my friendship with Liz Jordan grew and a new friendship formed between myself and Bill Ingram. Those two people have made me feel like a REAL part of their lives and in turn, a part of the radio station....As I was praying about giving, it wasn't even a real debate...How could I NOT give? For the first time, I REALLY feel like part of the KSBJ family and it's a wonderful feeling!

KSBJ met their monthly Operations Goal Friday morning at 8:42 a.m. and met their Impact Initiatives Goal at 1:08 p.m. this afternoon! It was INCREDIBLE to be watching the web cam when both goals were met!

To everyone at KSBJ....THANK YOU for everything you do to minister all across the world! I know these last three days were exhausting but you ALL did an INCREDIBLE job! To the volunteers, THANK YOU for giving of your time to help make Sharathon possible! And to the givers, THANK YOU for giving....For taking that step of faith, for stepping out of the boat and taking that step...BELIEVING that God will be there, that the funds will be there! THANK YOU for trusting HIM! And to God, whom ALL of this was for and about....THANK YOU. For Your blessings, Your Faithfulness, Your protection, For all of the INCREDIBLE things that you have done, are doing, and WILL do through KSBJ. All glory and praise goes to YOU. We love You SO much and are SO thankful!

And all God's people said....AMEN!

KSBJ Sharathon!

KSBJ's annual Sharathon is going on RIGHT NOW through Friday night! Please go to ksbj.org to learn what Sharathon is (if you're a regular listener, you're familiar with it) and to learn how to give via the web or to get the phone number to call in and make a pledge! If you are unable to give financially, please PRAY for everyone involved in this three day event! Thank you in advance for giving...In any way you are able! God bless!

What A Shower!

I've said this before, but let me say it again: It's been my experience that God shows up in the biggest ways when we get desperate. Why? Because we take off the mask, get rid of the false words, stop pretending and get real.

When Kyle Sherrill was born, we prayed desperate prayers for Kyle to live. There was NO TIME to mess around with false fronts. Kyle didn't have that time, we got real...FAST. And God showed up. In BIG WAYS....Kyle survived. There was no time for me in 2006, I prayed desperate prayers and God showed up. God moves the most when we are desperate, because we GET REAL!

I think that's the motivation behind Amy Grant's new song "Better Than A Hallelujah" for us to get real and talk to Him...Tell him what's on our hearts....WHATEVER that may be....He knows anyway why not tell him? And I think He gets us to that point, the point of desperation, the point of surrender because that's what causes us to REALLY lay everything down and get out of God's way so that He CAN move...Perhaps THAT is why He seems to show up in big ways at desperate times!

It was the chorus of that song that has been going around in my head a lot lately and perhaps it is what motivated me tonight. I got in the shower tonight and got real. My showers (as I've also said before) are where I have some of my best times with God because I know that unless it's a dire emergency, I will not be bothered while I am there.

I've had something in my heart for quite some time now that I've wanted...I don't consider it a need, but I want it...In a desperate way. I pray about it daily but I can't say I pray about it often with DESPERATION.

I did tonight. In the midst of my shower, with the door shut, steam fogging everything up, and nothing but the sound of the water roaring in my ears, the frusturation of it all came pouring out and I prayed....Desperately. I don't think I've prayed that hard and that fast in a LONG time...Telling God exactly how I felt, what I wanted Him to do...As quickly as those thoughts came to me I prayed them, many of them seemed to come over and over so I told God about them over and over. "Pray without ceasing" took on a whole new meaning in the shower tonight. By the time I was done with my shower, I was exhausted...In every way.

I need God to move mountains, the ONLY way this is ever going to happen is if God (figuratively) moves mountains, puts the right people in my path, and makes things happen. It's ironic, because most of the time, I stand out in a crowd...My disability causes me to stand out, but in this situation, when I WANT to stand out, I'm just another face in the crowd. I need God to cause me to stand out in a way I haven't before. Like I said, I need God to move...In big ways A God thing will have to happen. I have a fear that God doesn't plan for this desire of mine to ever come to pass, but I have to believe that He hears my prayers and that it's not for nothing. At least I can say I asked.

I got desperate tonight and as usual, it caused me to get real....And that's why I HAVE to believe mountains will begin to move.

Please Vote For My Friend!

My friend Christi is a (positive) entertainment reporter in Florida. She is one of many auditioning to get her own talk show on Oprah's network! Christi has been a constant source of encouragement to me the past several years and I think her positive outlook is EXACTLY what's needed on t.v. today!

Please go vote for Christi HERE!!!

On behalf of Christi and myself....THANK YOU!

What do ya think?

I for one LOVE the fact that blogspot now gives us "pages" for our blogs! It's a feature that wordpress has had and I thought about moving there several times but everyone already knows this address and I didn't want to go to the trouble of re-directing everyone, so I was using my limited (and I do mean LIMITED) html knowledge to link you guys to certain things. The "pages" feature got rid of all that and made me VERY VERY happy!

What do you guys think of the new design I have? Love it? Hate it? Let me know!

LeMans: One Year Ago

One year ago I watched the 24 Hours of LeMans, staying up all night to watch Patrick Dempsey and Team Seattle participate in the event as they raised money for Seattle Children's Hospital with each lap completed. That night was the start of some AMAZING life long friendships! To those that shared that night with me-you know who you are-I love you girls and will forever remember the night that started it all!

Relive my experience and read the entry I posted about it HERE.

And HERE are the interviews that were done. I still get teary watching Patrick get emotional.


That night will go down as one of the best nights of my life!

Update on Prayer Requests....

Here's an update to the prayer requests I mentioned in the post below:

My friend Katy:
Katy will be having surgery tomorrow (Friday, June 4th) to fix her back problems and (hopefully) this will rid her of the pain she's been having. Please pray for her tomorrow and in the days ahead as she recovers.

Lexi's State Tournament:
Once again. I'll let my sister's e-mail cover this one!

Good Morning-
I just wanted to send an update on the State Tournament Alexis and her team played in this weekend...

HUNTSVILLE PINK STARS placed 4TH IN THE TEXAS TOURNAMENT!!!!!

The Huntsville Pink Stars made history this weekend for the Huntsville Girls Softball Association. I failed to mention in the first email that this was the first time in HGSA history that any team has traveled to state much less finished in the top five. Our girls battled thru heat, rain, bumps, bruises, sore feet and hunger and did an outstanding job. We could not be more proud of our girls and the way they handled this crazy weekend. Huntsville Stars were also the only team still standing in our district which is a huge accomplishment.

I must also brag on her brother, Austin was such a trooper. He cheered for each one of the girls and supported the girls the best way a "proud" three year knows how!!

I want to Thank ALL of you for your prayers, support and love you have sent Alexis' way. She is truly Blessed to have such a loving Church family, friends and family members. We LOVE you all!!!

Once again, thank you ALL for your prayers for my friends and family! God listens!

A Few Prayer Requests....

Some things I hope you guys will lift up with me throughout the weekend.

* My dear friend Katy has been having back problems for awhile now and is in need of relief. I've known Katy her entire life and it breaks my heart to see her in so much pain. You can read her blog HERE to find out more and how to pray.

* Dempsey Racing will be in action this weekend as they race at Limerock. Please pray for the safety of the entire DR team. A friend of mine is en route there and is having some difficulties. Please pray for them as well.

* As mentioned in the post below, we will be traveling to Texas City this weekend to cheer on Lexi as the Pink Stars compete in the state tournament. Please pray for the girls and their coaches to stay safe in every way throughout the weekend. Prayers for safe travel as well.

I will be posting status updates throughout the weekend on my Facebook page. If interested, you can stay up to date on how the tournament is going there. Please be sure to include a note saying you read my blog when sending your friend request, that way I'll know to accept you.

Thank you, as always, for praying!

State Bound!!!!

My sister Kimberly explains things perfectly in an e-mail she just sent out to our family and friends so I will let that e-mail tell the story....

Good Afternoon-
Just wanted to share some exciting news with our family and friends and ask for Prayer over these precious girls and the families...

Alexis was selected this softball season (along w/ 11 other special girls) to be on the Huntsville Girls Softball Association All-Star team. The girls, who are called "Pink Stars" have played in two tournaments so far. They placed second in the first tournament and fourth in last weeks tournament. Placing fourth in the District Tournament allows them to advance to the STATE TOURNAMENT!!!!

Our girls are thrilled to be traveling to STATE this coming weekend to play in this tournament. We are so proud of all of them. They have put all they have into practice, playing and making things happen in "crunch" time. These girls have Heart and great attitudes and love one another so much, they are truly a team that has formed a great bond and friendship!!

Please pray for the safety of all of the girls and the families as we all travel together this Memorial day holiday to Texas City. It is going to be hot and sunny and being 6 and 7 years old they don't always understand the concept of "drink more water" and "eating healthy" (ha, do any of us). Thank you for your love and support and prayers. Lexi bug thanks you too.

I hope that all is well! I will update everyone next week!! Love you all!

More on Grey's Finale & Hand Update

Adding some more stuff I left out last night about the finale and below that is an update on Lexi's hand....

More thoughts on the Grey's finale (If you have not read my thoughts from last night, scroll down to the entry right below this one and read it first):

Last night when I talked about how grateful I was to Cristina for what she did for Derek and Meredith, I totally forgot to say how grateful I am to Jackson Avery as well....He had JUST as much to do with it as Cris...So THANK YOU JACKSON AVERY! I really hope he's back next season! LOVE those eyes!!!!

No idea what happened to the house fire spoiler...Just goes to show you can't trust every "spoiler" out there, but I doubt we could have handled anymore than we got last night.

Shonda Rhimes gave a VERY interesting interview this morning in which she talks about the finale and said something VERY interesting that may have me taking back what I said last night about never seeing Meredith and Derek having a baby. READ IT HERE.

Update on Lexi's hand and prayer requests:
Lexi's hand is healing GREAT! She's been able to practice with her bat and glove all week! God is GREAT! Thank you all SO much for praying!

Now I ask that you pray for her team this weekend as we play in another tournament starting tomorrow (Saturday) morning. Please pray for God's protection over each of the girls as they play. And for safety as we all travel to and from the tournament over the weekend. Thank you, once again for lifting up those that I care about. I have no doubt God listens

Grey's Finale Thoughts

If you HAVE NOT watched the season six Grey's Anatomy season finale, LEAVE NOW and return AFTER you have....This entry CONTAINS SPOILERS from that episode. You've been warned....

Let me just be totally honest with you guys, because I know not a lot of people read this blog so those of you that DO, I really appreciate and BECAUSE I appreciate you, I feel it's only fair to let you know that I'm STILL shaking, my mind is going ninety to nothing, and I actually still feel as though I may throw up at any moment..So just keep that in mind and cut me some slack on any mistakes that may be in this entry. Thanks. Also, be aware that I'm not posting things as they happened on the show, but as they pop into my head. Thanks again.

* Okay, so the whole baby, then no baby thing was no surprise for me....I told you in my previous entry that I doubted she would be pregnant by episodes end, honestly, I think EVERYONE saw that coming considering the stress she was going through the entire episode. And I had my doubts to because it was WAY too obvious...This was NOT something Shonda would let play in a PROMO. She would keep it under wraps and REALLY shock us with it...The baby secret was an actual sneak peek....I mean really, it was ALL over the place! I knew then that it wouldn't last long. And honestly, Shonda's been pretty adamant about the fact that there will be NO baby. I can see Meredith revealing to Derek in the SERIES finale that she's pregnant, but do I think we'll ever actually see them WITH a baby....No, I don't. *shrug* Sorry.

*The above being said, a friend and I actually don't think Mer's going to TELL Derek she was even pregnant for awhile and when it DOES come out, it'll lead to some issues. We'll see if we're right next season.

*Bailey almost getting shot....I was totally yelling at the t.v....She's BAILEY....Of ALL people, Bailey is NOT one to get shot! I LOOOVE BAILEY and was crying nonstop at this point.

*Derek getting shot...Ummmm...Yeah. See, I sorta KNEW it was going to happen, but sorta hoped I was wrong, because well....He's Derek, and he's played by Patrick Dempsey who is sorta a HUGE part of my life, and as you know, one of my worst fears is something happening to Patrick without me being able to tell him thank you. He's sorta (actually, there's no "sorta" to it, he IS my hero...) So to see him (his character) like that tonight....Just about did me in....Seriously, I doubt I'll sleep well tonight. When Derek flat-lined (even though it was an act to make the shooter think he was dead) I really thought I was going to be sick. (Side note here: Meredith's breakdown on the operating room floor when she thought Derek was dead...Go ahead and give Ellen Pompeo her Emmy right now...Seriously, I wonder if they had to stop taping after that just for her to calm down...That was gut wrenching and amazing....Way to go Ellen!) And then when it was touch and go at the end, once again, thought I was going to be sick. Not a fun time and in all seriousness, am gonna have a hard time getting those images out of my head. So that's all I want to say about that....Cause frankly, still not dealing with it very well.

* As much as Kepner got on my nerves tonight with her babbling every five seconds, I actually get it. She was in shock and when you're in shock you do things like that. I'm STILL in shock which is why this post feels like it's turning into one big, fat ramble....Sorry guys!

* Lexie and Alex was....Interesting. Still wondering if Lexie actually MEANT it when she said I love you or if she said it because SHE was in shock, or if she said it for HIS benefit. Felt bad for Mark though and could have done without Alex calling for Izzie.

* As much as Cristina can irritate me to no end, I will FOREVER be grateful for what she did for Derek and Meredith!

* WOW....Talk about Meredith being a hero for Derek by telling the shooter to shoot her to get his justice...Derek's gonna FREAK OUT if he ever learns any of this!

* Callie and Arizona....Wondering once again if that was shock talking or if Arizona was serious when she told Callie she wanted to be with her....And have kids.

* BRILLIANT acting job by EVERYONE....Seriously, FANTASTIC! This episode alone BETTER get certain people some Emmy nods! (Once again....ELLEN POMPEO was AMAZING!!!!!! Just sayin'....)

I KNOW I'm leaving some stuff out, but that's all I can give you right now. It'll be very interesting to see where they start next season...Will it be right where they left off? A few days later? Weeks? I'm curious....One things for sure, I don't think Hunt will be the only one experiencing PTSD now.

Thanks for reading! Would love to hear your thoughts on the finale and the season in general! Leave a comment and let me know!

My Speculation on the Grey's Anatomy Season Six Finale

The following entry contains SPOILERS on what will happen on tomorrow's two hour season finale of Grey's Anatomy and my SPECULATION on what will happen based on those spoilers...You've been warned.

I watched the first ten minutes of the finale yesterday. I was fully intending on waiting until Thursday night but a friend suggested I watch it simply to prepare myself, I watched and I see what she meant....I NEEDED to prepare myself. WOW!

*Mer is definitely pregnant, the promo was not messing with our heads...There's a McBaby! I once thought when this finally happened, I'd be giddy. However, (and this is my spec here) while Mer may be pregnant at the beginning of the show, I have serious doubts as to whether she'll still be pregnant by the time the finale is over. So, I just can't bring myself to get excited.

* People will die, that's obvious....Based on the first ten minutes, two people were shot, but I'm pretty sure one will live while the other will die. I have a feeling Bailey's boyfriend will die as well, based on the fact that the actor is moving to another show.

* More spec (it may be an actual spoiler someplace) Derek will be shot... The guy doing the shooting IS looking for Dr. Shepherd after all (husband in mourning after his wife's death in which Derek said nothing more could be done....) and based on the Mer freak out in one of the promos, I can only guess the gun was being aimed at Derek in that moment as Mer freaked out and Cristina held her back.

* Spoilers say Mer and Cristina's surgical skills will be tested like never before...My guess is that Derek will be shot and Cristina will have to operate on him (Mer can't be involved because he's her husband).

* Spoilers also say that Meredith deals with a deadly house fire...My guess is this is when HER skills are tested, although I have no idea who is in the house that makes it a "deadly" fire.

* I really hope Kepner is a victim....Love the actress, CAN'T STAND the character. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if SHE were involved in the shootings in some way....I just don't trust her.

* I hope Avery survives! I like him....And his eyes!

* I have a feeling the conversation where Derek told Mer, "If anything should happen to me, I don't want you to be alone..." will be haunting Mer during the episode at some point.

* Shonda has said that by the time the finale is over, we'll go from holding our breaths, to being able to exhale...I hope this means no horrible cliffhanger.

* Shonda has also said she doesn't want to mess with Meredith's happiness, and that next season she wants to see Meredith and Derek building their house....I HOPE this means that Baby Shepherd survives and that they'll be building the house discussing where the nursery should go next season.

So there you have it....Just a warning to those of you that have young children....This is NOT an episode that kids need to see....I can tell you that just from seeing the first ten minutes, so wait until the kids have gone to bed and or are not around to watch....

Check back at some point Friday (I'll probably write the entry late Thursday night) for my thoughts on what ACTUALLY takes place.

Enjoy the show....If you can!

Team Kyle Report

So sorry it's taken me this long to get an update posted...I've been waiting on the official numbers for the team.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to everybody who gave to Team Kyle! As a team we raised over THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS for March of Dimes! And thanks to you, I EXCEEDED my personal goal of five hundred dollars and raised 695.00!!!! You guys are INCREDIBLE and I cannot thank you enough! This is just our first year...I fully intend to help out Team Kyle next year and can't wait to see what we will do then!

Kelly has a short update on their blog and will be posting more pictures soon.

Kyle was absolutely my motivation for raising money for this cause. I love that little boy and I know many of you gave not knowing Kyle but wanting to help nonetheless. On behalf of Kyle, let me just say once again THANK YOU....From both of us!

Love you guys!

Prayers for Lexi

Last night we went to the awards ceremony for Alexis' league softball team, the Lumberjacks. She was coming off the field after the ceremony when she fell and sliced the palm of her left hand on a "star" that was on her trophy. The cut wasn't deep enough to need stitches, thank God, but it IS her batting and glove hand. We've got it bandaged and thankfully the tournament her All Stars team was supposed to play in this weekend was canceled so we have less than a week to get it healed for regionals starting a week from today (Friday). It's really sore and Lexi is (understandably) not using her hand today to do anything.

Would you guys please pray for God to heal Lexi's hand REALLY quickly and rid her hand of any soreness that she will start doing things with her hand and she can practice with the team and be ready for next weekend?

Thanks so much in advance for praying and I'll keep you posted!

An Incredible Day for Liz and DK....And Me Too!

I met one of my biggest inspirations today....And it was the biggest day of HER life! I was honored and humbled to receive an invitation to Liz Jordan's wedding that took place today!

I was REALLY nervous about going by myself because I wasn't sure how accessible things would be for my walker and I didn't know anyone but Liz. However, as always, God showed up and the ceremony location was flat and I was able to walk right to a chair (it was on the groom's side, but that's alright...I love DK too!). There was a ramp leading right to where the reception was held. I didn't see one single step....Thank You, Lord!

The ceremony was beautiful...I teared up watching Liz walk down the aisle with her Dad and as she and DK joined hands...The look on her face...Made me cry again! I'm sure DK's face was equally as priceless, but because I was sitting on the groom's side, I was able to see Liz's face more clearly than his....Perhaps this was another fingerprint of God. It was incredible watching them pledge their love to each other and seeing the love they have for one another and the Lord so clearly reflected throughout the ceremony.

After the ceremony was finished, I easily made my way to the reception area and found a chair to sit and wait. I mingled with a few people. I saw Susan O'Donnell, Mike and Becky Kankelfritz along with their two precious kids, Abby Grace and Sam. I never talked to them but Susan did say hello to me as she was leaving and I said hi back but she didn't know who I was. Becky brought Sam over to talk with some people sitting around me and we exchanged hello's. Sam was SO ADORABLE! I saw Bill Ingram several times (he knew I was coming because we talked about it via Facebook) but he always looked like he was doing something important every time I saw him so I hated to bother him by saying hello. I did manage a wave at him as I was leaving the reception, but I doubt he knew it was me.

I finally saw what I thought was a good time to go and say hello to Liz. I was unsure of how to go about it because I didn't know if Liz would know who I was or even remember that she had invited me (I know the guest list was not currently on her mind) So I was trying to figure out how to tell her who I was..."Hi...I'm Natalie..." or "I'm Natalie....Congratulations...." As I made my way to her I was still trying to decide which approach to use. Liz took care of that for me....As soon as she saw me she instantly came over and hugged me and said, "Natalie, I'm so glad you're here...." I had a huge lump in my throat the entire time we talked. She introduced me to DK and the three of us talked briefly. I was very aware that so many people wanted time with her so I tried not to keep them very long. Once we finished, I didn't stay very much longer because I knew we had a bit of a drive to get back home so I called Dad to let him know I was ready and they came and picked me up. As I was leaving, DK and Liz were about to have their first dance as husband and wife.

I can honestly say meeting Liz in person FINALLY was incredible! I've shared so much with her and she means SO much to me that getting to share such an important time with her meant more to me than I could ever express. I know there were/are a lot of people that love Liz and DK and so to be invited to actually BE there to SEE them get married...I'm still wowed by that fact and feel so honored that they thought enough of me to want me there. It would have been easy for them to say, we can always meet Natalie at a KSBJ special events concert, but to ask me to be there....on their WEDDING DAY....It makes me teary just typing it. Wow.

God was totally present even before today. How you ask? Well, the date of their wedding was a total God thing. Every other weekend of this month is taken so had it been any other time this month, I wouldn't have been able to be there.

I have only three regrets: 1) I meant to sign the guest book before I left and forgot. 2) I sat down for the ceremony and forgot to get a program and 3 (and probably the biggest regret of all) I was hoping to get a picture with Liz using my iphone but I hated to ask and there were people waiting to talk to her so I didn't get a picture with her. :( I actually didn't get ANY pictures because the glare was so bad on my phone that I couldn't get any. I'm disappointed I don't have one with her though, but I'm sure there will be other chances down the road.

I'll never forget today. I know I've said it before but Liz is a HUGE part of my life and it's amazing to see how God lined everything up in our friendship so that this moment could take place on this day. I'm so thankful to have finally met the person I often call "my second sister." and to have met DK who loves and adores her the way she deserves to be loved!

Congratulations, Liz and DK! I'm beyond thankful to have been able to be a part of this day with the two of you. It meant more than you know. I look forward to continuing our journey as friends and continue to pray for you both daily and be thankful that God brought you into my life! You mean more to me than you will ever know and I'm so excited to see what God has in store for both of you as husband and wife! Love you guys!