The Wilson Six

The 90 day challenge

2009-03-21T10:01:00.000-07:00

I take no credit for the post below. It comes from a former pastor of ours (at Gateway Church) who is now head pastor at New Life Church in Colorado Springs, CO. His name is Brady Boyd and he is one of those men who is knowledgable, sincere, and not afraid to speak the truth. If only he were in our Senate, House, or any other branch!!! I hope this post makes you think!:

The 90 day challenge: by Brady Boyd

'I am no politician but I love politics and, like many, I am concerned about the enormous national debt and the wasteful spending from those elected to serve our country. Recently, I challenged our church to take a 90-day challenge which would require us to do four things.1. Be thankful at all times2. Live below our means3. Give generously4. Look for opportunities to serveI wonder what our country would look like if our government leaders followed the same principles. I offer my predictions below.

1. Be thankful at all times--Instead of fearful predictions of gloom and depression, our government leaders should tell us the realities of our challenges, but also remind us of our enormous blessings. We have a highly trained work force and we have incredible creativity and imagination. The computer, the airplane, and automobile are all products of American ingenuity and with the encouragement of our leaders the next generation can create the new marvels of the world. God has blessed our country and we should stop often and give Him thanks and remember that He was our source yesterday and He is our source today and tomorrow.

2. Live below our means--I am convinced the reason so many Americans live with out of control debt is because our government leaders set the tone. Debt is a silent killer. It traps its victims and strangles them with burdens that are too heavy to bear. I know this sounds simplistic, but why can’t we determine the amount of revenue that will be collected and set our budgets to a lesser amount. We must tell our elected leaders that we do not expect them to solve our problems, but we do demand good stewardship and reasonable taxes.

3. Give generously--America has always been one of the most generous nations on earth and that is one of the reasons God has blessed us with abundance. The people of our country want to give to others and they want to bless those in need. We need to champion this idea and allow for generosity. We should reward those who give with even more tax credits and give the individual the freedom to decide where they wish to contribute.

4. Look for opportunities to serve--Every recession reveals the character of our nation. I still believe most people want to serve their fellow man and most of us would sacrifice to see others blessed. This season could fuel a new revolution of service and inspire the millennial generation to give their lives away for something bigger than themselves. I challenge our government leaders to stop living for the next election and to lead the way by doing the right thing for the right reason even if it means losing an election. Jesus was a servant who was a leader, not a leader who served. We must be servants at our very core and see leadership as something we do only when absolutely necessary.'

mud monsters!

2009-03-17T16:26:00.000-07:00

Let me give you a download of the last 48 hrs...... Yesterday was really nice so I told the boys they could go out in the backyard and play. I usually go and check on them every 10-15 minutes or so. I looked out of the window only to see Jacob and Luke playing in a mud puddle. Now mind you, this wasn't your regular run-of-the-mill watery mud. This was the thick-as-glue, no chance of getting this stuff out of their clothes, puddle. It was in their hair, belly buttons, ears, EVERYWHERE! I made them strip right outside the backdoor, and haul it (over towels I put down over my JUST STEAM CLEANED CARPET!!!) to the bathroom. Once there I promptly dumped them in the tub and started scrubbing. I had to get an old toothbrush out to scrub thier finger and toenails!! I actually had to wash Luke's hair twice. After I got them out of the tub I drained the water and...................GOOD GRIEF!!! It was like our own personal mud puddle in the bath...nice. I don't know what took me longer--cleaning them or cleaning the tub! Oh well, boys love rocks, worms, sticks, and mud! I remind myself sometimes that mud puddles will only last so long......as will the fact that they will only be little enough to want to play in them for so long. Too bad I didn't get a picture!
Today I woke up sick! I have no voice. Not a good thing when you're a mom of 4. I think they are taking advantage of the fact! Someone tell me how to umm....speak loudly.....without talking please! I'm outnumbered over here!! Tomorrow there is a playgroup at the park so I am praying I am better by then......all of you who read this please pray the same!!
Blessings,
Amy

What is a woman?

2009-03-13T15:17:00.000-07:00

Now, before you state the obvious think about it. Sure a woman is a human with the double X's right? Well yes. But we are so much more than that. Our society today looks at women very differently than it did 100 yrs ago...even 50 yrs ago. We are expected to be soft, but strong. Beautiful and yet natural. There are so many hats that we have to wear-wife, mom, student, daughter, sister, working woman, working mom, stay at home mom.

There is also what I would like to call 'sub-hats'. Roles within our role. For instance, if you're a stay at home mom then you are also cook, maid, nurse, taxi driver, teacher, etc. If you work outside the home then your are probably all that plus whatever your job entails you to do.

Now, before you say 'whats your point Amy? Why am I wasting my 2 mins reading this?" I want to think about all those roles we have to fill. How tough are they? How easy is it to strive to be superwoman? How disheartening to realize you aren't. Are you drowning, so to speak, in some of those roles? I know I have felt like I was drowning a few times....once I was afraid I wouldn't come back to the surface.

My point is, being a woman is hard work. In lifegroup we are studying Esther by Beth Moore. I have been doing my 'homework' and the thought that has stayed on my brain is that no matter the year, no matter the society, no matter the station in life, it's tough to be us! AND it will always be tough...but we don't have to be superwoman.

It's hard for me to admit I can't do something...but yet so freeing when I finally do. It's like Jesus pours the balm on my wounds when I finally let go and give it to Him. It's what saved me from my virtual 'drowning' a few months back.

Why did I write this note? Who knows, maybe I'm feeling sentimental and emotional, lol. Maybe I was bored. Or maybe there's someone out there who is drowning and can relate.

Ok, I'll get off my soapbox now. I hope everyone has a wonderful (dry) weekend!!! Love you all!!!

photo

2009-01-30T16:39:00.001-08:00

OK, Jake's pic is on here now!

NEW PICS! KINDA

2009-01-30T14:43:00.000-08:00

Ok for some reason they are at the bottom of my page, not this post. So go to the page where you can see all of my posts and scroll down to the bottom. Jake's will be on here soon, he is having them taken today.

The not so far distant future...

2009-01-28T12:09:00.000-08:00

I just remembered a conversation I had with my children last week. When I picked up Jacob from his MDO program he was all excited because a fireman had come and visited his class. He got to see the firetruck, and listen to it's siren, and all that jazz. So I asked him, "Would you like to be a fireman when you grow up?" he thought about it and said, "No mom, I want to be a race car man!" LOL, now THAT doesn't surprise me in the least! Luke piped up then and said, "me too!" When Daniel's school got out and I picked him up I asked him the same question. Without even thinking about it he said, "A teacher." I was so proud! I then asked, "why?" expecting him to say that he wanted to help people, or something along those lines. Instead he replied, "Because i want to tell people what to do!" That just cracked me up....of course Luke piped up again and said, "Me too!". At least Daniel knows he needs to be in an authoritative role to be able to 'tell people what to do'. Good Grief! I then asked the boys what they thought Luke should be. The 2 older ones said "A football player!" Which is funny to me b/c that's what I always say he's going to be---my little Jason Witten. Then came my question of what Delaney should be,,,,,"A Princess!" was their answer. That got me rolling as well. Of course Luke had to put in his 2 cents then, "Me too!!!!" I'm sure his daddy will love that!

SNOW DAY!

2009-01-28T09:03:00.000-08:00

Today is a 'snow day'. Everything that goes on on Wed. was cancelled. No school for Daniel, no pre-school for Jacob, no church nursery for Luke and Delaney, and no lifegroup for me :( I was really bummed last night when it all was cancelled....BUT we are having one of those lazy days where all of us are still in our pj's. The older 2 have gone outside a time or two (still in pj's but with coats, socks and shoes) to slide on the ice. Tonight I am going to dinner with an old friend whom I haven't seen in quite awhile. AND I will be going without kids....I can actually eat my own dinner...in peace...without having to haul a little rear end back into their seat! It looks as if the ice will be long gone before long, the sun is shining so bright.
In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? Psalm 56:4
I pray everyone has a blessed and wonderful day!
~AMY~

Sunday

2009-01-25T13:27:00.000-08:00

Hello Hello Hello! Today is Sunday and what a wonderful Sunday it is! For any of you who don't already listen to his messages, you really should listen to Pastor Robert's current series on the Holy Spirit. If you are like me and grew up in a church where the Holy Spirit was just a name, a part of the Trinity, and that was it this will really open your eyes. Just go to the website here and there will be a link to watch or just listen to them. http://www.gatewaypeople.com/ I have really found a home here at Gateway. I can't imagine moving away and not being able to go (no we're not moving!). The kids love going and having fun while learning about Jesus, and I just can't seem to get enough of the wonderful friends that I have found there.
On another note, Derek is taking me to San Antonio this June to make up for me turning 30 this yr! LOL! We are staying at the Hilton Palacio del Rio the weekend of June 12-14. It's right on the Riverwalk. I can't wait!!! Derek went all out for me and chose a hotel right on the riverwalk rather than a few miles or blocks away. He says "you only turn 30 once!" (thank goodness for that huh? lol)
Well, better get back to the kiddos! Hope everyone has a fantastic Sunday and great weekend!
Love you all,
Amy

Long time no see!

2009-01-22T10:46:00.001-08:00

Well it's been awhile since I have posted, actually it's been awhile since i've been on blogspot. Nothing big has gone on however, just the same day to day stuff. Daniel is doing great in kindergarten, Jacob loves his preschool, Luke-my little linebacker-is getting more and more grown up, and Delaney who is 15 mos old now still isn't walking. But that's ok with me! Let's see, over a month ago my cousin Miranda passed on this honesty thing to me. Don't really know how it works only that I have to tell 10 honest things about myself. So to make her happy (lol) here goes:

1. Three of my 4 kids were concieved while I was using some form of birth control
2. I have a tattoo on my lower back of a lily. I went through a 'oh no I won't be in my 20's for very much longer' stage. That is my only excuse.
3. My car is so cluttered/junked out that I am embarrased to have anyone in there
4. I am approching the 200lb mark quite rapidly, but I am working on it now. I go to the gym 2-3 times a week.
5. I would rather clean toilets all day then fold and put away laundry
6. I met my husband my freshman year in high school, though we didn't start dating each other til we were in college
7. I am slowly working towards my History degree. Eventually I want to work for the government in some form or another.
8. I love all 6 of Jane Austen books, though Sense and Sensibility is my favorite.
9. I confess that I am one of those mom's that LOVE the Twilight book series and movie. So sue me
10. I love love love going to my church and my lifegroup. I feel like the women in my lifegroup are like a drug to me. I feel so lifted, happy, and just all around great everytime I leave church and Jennifer's house! It's wonderful

Ok Miranda,sorry it took awhile but there ya go!

Hmm, well when I get something interesting to tell you then I'll be back on. Til then, wish me luck with the diapers, lunches, sippy cups, taxiing, and if I'm lucky a nap.
Blessings,
Amy

Election 2008

2008-11-06T07:34:00.000-08:00

Well, Obama will be our next president and like it or not we are still Americans and need to stand behind our leaders. We don't always have to agree with them or their policies, but we do need to see that he is our president..............at least for the next 4 years! Some people are saying that some states need to secede from the union, or some other radical move. Well, we've all gone through tough, changing times before and we've gotten through them. This will be a time of change, and there will be some things that some of us will not like, and some things we might like but never thought we would. Regardless of your views Obama and his family need a lot of prayers right now. They are in a position to be attacked physically, emotionally, spiritually, and in their marriage and family life. No one needs that. Pray for his wife, that she will be able to take on the enormous job as first lady. Pray for his little girls, that they will be able to handle not seeing their dad as much as they do now, that they will handle the national spotlight well and that the press will leave them alone for the next 4 years. Pray for Barack, that despite what will certainly be a hard job that he will be able to lead us through the next 4 years gracefully, safely, and without any major hardships. Oh yeah, and one more thing: PALIN FOR PRESIDENT 2012!!!!!!!!!

SO FRUSTRATING!!!!!!!

2008-10-30T14:22:00.000-07:00

Ok, so the past 2 days I have been getting text messages from this unknown number. I have no idea who it is and when i text back asking who it is they won't answer me. I broke down today and did a search for 1.95 online only to show that the name is POS- 65216....what the heck does that mean!? I know what city they are in........Arlington...and I know that their phone is through Sprint. But other then that I am clueless. And I can't block their number, I've already tried. Anyone have any ideas??? I just want to know how some unknown person got my CELL phone number! I can understand my home phone, but not my cell!! HELP!!!

Cha Cha

2008-10-24T19:49:00.000-07:00

I have discovered an interesting new thing. Text any question you have to the number 242-242 (cha cha) and you will receive a text back with the answer. For instance, last night i asked them what the most expensive car in the world is and within 5 mins I had my answer. It is a free service but of course you pay what your cell phone plan stipulates for texts. I have unlimited texts so it's all free for me! This is a 24 hr service too. Have a burning question? Ask cha cha!!

Oh How Time Flies

2008-10-23T19:40:00.000-07:00

A year ago today my beautiful, blue-eyed, pixie was born. She was a surprise in more ways then one. She arrived 5 weeks early, so instead of a November girl we got an October princess. We also didn't think we would have anymore babies after Luke was born....but you know what they say, 'People make their plans,,and God laughs!' Delaney was born to a mommy who loves the idea of mother-daughter shopping days, to a daddy whom she had wrapped around her tiny little finger since she came into this world, and 3 adoring older brothers who always want to hold her and introduce her to anyone they meet as "this is my baby sister, see how pretty she is!" People always tell me that they feel sorry for this little girl who has 3 older brothers. "She'll never get a chance to date!" they say. Well, I don't see it that way. The way I look at it is she has 3 excellent 'filters' for boys. Her brothers will 'weed out' the boys for her, she may not have to go through as much heartbreak as a young woman!
It's amazing to look back at how much a year has changed her. I pulled out one of her preemie outfits today and couldn't believe that just 365 days ago she was TOO SMALL for it! Even her preemie diapers were too small! Some part of me wishes she would stay a baby forever. I want her to be a tiny baby again so I can just hold her. I wished that about all my children though, and now I look at them and am so proud of how my boys are growing up. They are going to be great men someday, wonderful fathers and husbands. They have an excellent role model to thank for that though! I just hope that I can be as good a role model for Delaney as Derek is for the boys. Mommies, hold your babies as much as possible when they're tiny, they will grow up and would rather crawl and run and play then nestle their sweet heads on your neck. You may think me strange but I find that the smell of a newborn's head is intoxicating. I could sit for hours and hold them close breathing in their own unique scent. It almost makes me sad to think I will never have anymore.....almost!
Delaney is crawling now and pulling up. I don't look for her to walk for a few more months, seeing as how she didn't start to crawl until about a month ago. She has been behind on her gross motor development, but her pedi said that is to be expected because of her being early. She has until the age of 2 to catch up before they'll start to be concerned. OOOOh but she is smart! I know every mother is reduced to idiocy when describing her offspring but that girl is intelligent! She knows which of the boys she can "bully", she knows what decibel to scream at for different things! And she knows exactly what smile to put on to charm her daddy with! Actually if you feel sorry for anyone then feel sorry for the boys she wants to date! If I were a teenage boy and walked up to a girl's house where there was a father and 3 older brothers waiting to meet me, I'd be shakin' in my boots!
Before I close I must tell you what happened yesterday. As usual I wake up before the sun does, get 3 boys fed and dressed, wake up miss priss and feed and dress her. Usually by now I have approx 30 seconds to get myself dressed and out the door, that is if I packed 4 lunches and 4 backpacks the night before! I drop Daniel off at school at 7:50, of course we were running behind so it was more like 7:58. Next I drive to Haslet to pick up a friend's daughter who goes to the same preschool as Jake. I look at my gauge and realize I need gas.......now. I get the gas, and power steering fluid b/c my car is female and likes to be temperamental. Add on a traffic jam b/c someone decided to let their load of 2x4's drop in the middle of the road and I am picking up Emily at 845, I should have been there at 820. Get to preschool a bit late but not too bad and realize i forgot jake's folder, ahhh! Ok so I get to the church in good time, drop off Delaney and Luke at the appropriate classrooms. Get back in the car and drive 5 mins down the road to my ladies lifegroup. I'm there maybe 45 mins when i get a call from the church saying Luke has a green runny nose and I needed to pick him up. Go to pick up the 2 little ones and decide that while I just have 2 with me I should go vote. Great idea Amy, only the kids didnt think it was. When I got Delaney out of the car she decided to puke up her entire 8oz bottle on my navy blue shirt! Still I wasn't going to be deterred, I'm a mom, I roll with the punches right? Haul the 100lb double stroller out of the car, put the kids in, bribe them with cookies while I take no more then 5 mins to vote right? Wrong. Seems like everyone and their dog had the same idea I did, only they were smarter and got a sitter. Luke decided that no amount of cookies was going to keep him from being loud and Laney thought her brother had the right idea and she started screaming at an octive that would make glass break. By this time I was getting wonderful looks from some people, you know the ones, the ones who have never been in the same situation. I can hear their thoughts, "why didn't this lady who smells like a sour cow get a babysitter!?" So we get in to vote and the only booth open is one by the flag pole. I bet you can see what happened next. Luke decided to see what would happen if he tugged on the pretty red, white, and blue flag. Well I'll tell you what happened, I barely saved the child from being knocked unconscious by a gold plated 10 ft flagpole is what happened. But he didn't appreciate being saved for some reason b/c he started that 2 yr old, gimme what i want now or I'll embarrass you in front of all these people scream. Oh and the sudden movement scared Laney and she started crying too. Seems like fate didn't want me to vote this year. But nevertheless I persevered. I have no idea who I voted for (except president of course!), but I voted! I think next time I'll claim some sort of disability and vote through the mail.
Amy
'Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart' Psalm 37:4

Busy times

2008-10-20T07:59:00.000-07:00

We are about to enter the most busy time of year for our family. Our princess is turning one this Thursday. I can't believe a year has already flown by since Delaney was born. She is crawling now and pulling up. I don't look for her to start walking for a few more months. She was 5 weeks early and has been behind on just about everything because of it, but she is doing great! She is so sweet and such a good little girl! Daniel will turn 6 on the 29th!! It just doesn't seem possible that I am a mother of a 6 yr old who is in Kindergarten! I was looking at pictures of him as a baby the other day and you wouldn't believe it was him. He was so chubby back then, much different then the bean pole he is now, lol! He is doing great in school. His teacher says that his reading level is great! He can read or sound out most words he sees. He loves going to school, and really likes his teacher which is such a blessing to me. If he had his way he'd go to school on Saturdays and Sunday's as well! My nephew Caiden will be turning 2 on Halloween as well, which is also his mama's birthday too! We are combining their birthdays and having one big party for them all. Add in Jacob's soccer practices, games, all doctor's appts for well child checkups, school functions for Daniel, Derek's crazy work schedule, and one might go crazy! It's no wonder we have 3 calendars to let us all know what the other is doing on any given day, lol. I don't think I have a free Saturday for 2 months! But I'm thankful that we're all able to do things together. I know that when my children become teenagers they probably won't want to spend as much time with their 'old mom' lol. This past weekend we went to cousin Kinley's 1st birthday party. She is such a cute little girly girl! Shelly I just loved her cake, tutu, and party hat! The kids had fun in the bounce house and when we got home that night they all went to sleep with no problem and slept through the night! THANK YOU!!! ha ha! It was great to see everyone, we don't see each other as often as we should...but we're all so scattered and busy I know it's hard for everyone to get together.
Hope everyone has a blessed week!
'This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.' Psalm 118:24
~~Amy~~

October 14, 2008

2008-10-14T10:37:00.000-07:00

I am sitting here alone at home for once. Of course the reason I am alone is no good---I have the flu! I hate being sick. Having to take care of the 4 kids when I am well is hard enough, lol. My mom was an angel today though. She called and said she was coming over to get Jake, Luke, and Delaney. Daniel is in school so it would be a perfect time for me to sleep. Only now I'm hungry so I am waiting on my soup to heat up. Anyways.
I am hoping to get better by this weekend, my cousin's daughter is turning one and I don't want to miss that! I can't believe Kinley will be a yr old already. I can't believe Delaney will be a yr old on the 23rd! It just doesn't seem like those 2 girls should be that old already.
I know this is a short first blog but my soup is ready and I am feeling horrible so.............more later!