My least favorite holiday

I dread this week....you know the week that Valentine's Day falls on. Why? How could you? Well you see I have always dislike Valentine's Day. No it is not because I don't have a boyfriend, I just think it is ridicules. (Come to think of it I have had a boyfriend on this "blessed" day for majority of the years). However, that is not the point. The point is that I believe that if some one cares for you they should show you daily...not on this one specific day of the year. Since I now work in a place of MANY women.....you can imagine the chatter about Valentine's Day. I for one am pretty happy that it falls on Saturday this year. I think this may decrease the amount of flowers and candies delivered to school.

The worse part about disliking V-day is I have to "act" as if I enjoy it for my children's sake. It is funny to me that FWISD will only allow us to have so many parties (3), and Valentine's Day is one. My poor kids, they have no idea how I feel about this day. I think their parents may realize it tonight as they read my note home. I am happy for my kiddos to exchange cards, but a reason to pig out on candy....I think NOT. This is how our little party will go: Exchanging of cards; followed by a cookie and juice provided by Miss Mudroch. YES that is it, really do they need anything else?

Okay I can see how this sounds, but.......I am not a total scrooge on Valentine's Day. Yes, I have already sent Little Bear and Little Monkey; Riley (Chris' little sister) all their goodies; and cards to the grandparents. However, that is where I draw the line. I just believe as adults Valentine's Day is ridicules. You may be asking yourself...then just what will I be doing this weekend? The thing I love the most....TENNIS!! I will be playing in the Jack Frost Tournament...and hopefully winning! All you love saps enjoy your ONE DAY of love!!

Good Times

My dear friend Katie has come to town this weekend. We kicked off our weekend with a quick happy hour of course. Then we headed out to the Stars game. It was a great game the Stars played just amazing. We had some super seats and tons of fun. The rest of the weekend...nails, movies, and more! I love girl weekends!!!

Here are a few pics that we took at the game.

Katie and I

Sweet Chris...

On and look how big Winston is getting!


His sweater fits perfect now.

Life's Plan...

We all have our own "plan" for life, but recently I have seen that our plan is not always the way. This past week I have truly seen God work in amazing ways. One of my good friends experienced a sudden death in the family. This person was taken at such a young age with so much life left to live. As most deaths are it was (and still is) very hard for her family. I have been thinking about why God puts us (people) in these positions, but I know it is his plan. This was their only sibling, which made things even more painful for the family. As they are spending this weekend mourning the loved on they have just lost; they are also rejoicing. She found out today that they are having a sweet baby girl. This was in God's plan...even if we think things are out of control and we can't handle it, he has a way of making you see the brighter side. Many blessings to you my dear friend. I am praying for you, your family, and that sweet baby girl!

Louis Buzek Blood Drives

I know a lot of people head to this site and then to Uncle Louie's...so here are the current blood drive dates and times (in case you didn't see them on his side bar). If you live in the El Campo area and want to donate the information is below. Thanks for your help.

Thursday, February 5, 8 a.m. till ?
Shoppa's Farm Supply
1010 Hwy 59 W
El Campo, Texas
979-543-8363

Friday, February 6, 12 - 7 p.m.
El Campo Fire Department Training Room
220 Merchant
El Campo, Texas
979-332-2103

Another surgery for Louis Buzek

Louis Buzek has now had another surgery. His most recent surgery was to help clean up and fix his bowel they were unable to do previously. While he is now out recovering the Buzek family waits to hear from the doctors. Although the doctors had originally wanted to take him in on Sunday morning due to his liver; he was postponed and then postponed again. I believe his turn in line for the OR has many reasons behind it. I know it was in God's plan to have him wait til this afternoon, but it is also very hard on the family. Thank you to everyone who is praying for the Buzek's and Greg. I know that your prayers and thoughts are what helps each of them make it till the next day, hour, or even moment. I have added to my side bar (the right side of the blog page) a donation address. If you feel compelled to donate to the Louis Buzek Medical Fund you can do it at that address. By no means do you need to feel obligated, your prayers and thoughts are more than enough. I have had many people ask if they could donate, since they were unable to donate blood. Remember you can check Uncle Louie's (Louise Buzek) progress on his blog too, by clicking here.

Super Bowl Fun....

Chris and I hosted a Super Bowl party on Sunday. He had a bunch of his guys from the office over; and I had my teacher friends. We had a great time. There was plenty of fun to go around as you will see from our pictures. Winston did pretty good for our first party. He enjoyed having the puppy gate opened! This means he got to explore the kitchen and living room (a lot in his big/small world). Other than that not much to say....here are some pics!

P.S....I think everyone should go around with 3D glasses on! Note all our 3D pics!

Winston pre-party...he was very nervous because we moved so much stuff

Whitney (Chris' sister) and Hunter
The Pooler's
Alison and I
What a wonderful pic!!

Power of Prayer

At church the past 2 Sundays we have begun studying prayer.  Today's sermon could not have been more perfect for what Uncle Louie is needing and what many of us are going through.  Our sermon was about the "press of life."  The "press of life" he spoke of was anytime you are rejected, betrayed, lonely, loss, fearful, have pain, or despair.  It is the time when we need prayer the most, but we are unsure how to.  There were 6 main points that Teddy spoke on: 

1. Never go into the place of suffering alone-ask those who love you to pray for you.
2. Find a special place to humble yourself and be alone with God.  
3. Tell the Father your heartfelt needs and desires.
4. Always remember to pray, "THY WILL BE DONE."
5. Pray often and a lot to get your will aligned with God's will.
6. Don't stop praying until you can face the matter with faith and trust in God's sovereignty. 

There were two points that spoke the most to me.  Number 4....that even if we pray and pray for something, end the end it is what God wants that will be done.  I say this with a heavy heart, in that I want more than anything Uncle Louie to pull through all this; however if God needs him to move on....that is what will happen.  After reading the last up date on his liver I am worrisome that his will is coming.  I just hope that God will give Louie the strength to make it in for that bowel surgery.  The other point that really came to me (number 6) was that we must pray on this until we can face it with faith and trust.  It is often that one will pray until they feel it is enough...but really it is not until you are able to face in with faith and trust that it will be time to stop praying.  

The first point speaks the most to me with Louis Buzek (Uncle Louie) in mind.  It is hard for one person to pray and pray and pray.  However, when you know others are surrounding you and praying with you, you are more capable.  I know that everyone is praying together for Uncle Louie and Greg, which is what helps give you more strength to continue.  I am thankful to be praying with you all.  

I have really been enjoying this sermon series over pray.  I also loved the ending quote Teddy left us with.  "It's okay to be sad, emotional and anxious when you're in "the press."  Sometimes God gets us out of the "the press," but most often He gets us through it!"  

God has given him such strength,

What a day for Uncle Louie...he has really shown everyone what strength he has. I believe his strength is due to all the prayers and thoughts. Last night he had a surgery to help repair some things they were unable to do on the initial surgery. He was strong and made it through. Then this afternoon he had to go back to the operating room. There were a few areas that concerned the doctors. Luckily things went as well as they could and his out with his family now. Louis has had the most wonderful doctors. Thank you to Dr. Ware and Dr. Duke. God has shown us and the Buzek family the strength that prayer has on people. He has provided Louise Buzek with amazing doctors that have wonderful skills. Tonight Aunt Ruthie got to speak with the doctors. Please click here to read the wonderful words they had for her. Unfortunately he must go back in tomorrow for another surgery...

Thank you again to everyone who is praying for him and Greg. My sister had a wonderful idea of having a prayer marathon. A marathon is 26.2 miles long...so for the next 26 days we will be holding a prayer marathon for Louise and Greg. I will be praying 5 minutes for Louie and 5 minutes for Greg everyday. It is hard to run an actually marathon, but it will be amazing to run a prayer marathon. I like most, normally have the general prayer list so this will provide me extra time to spend with the Lord. Please join us in this marathon!!

The never ending ride...

Blue and Winston

Well today we took Winston back for his 2nd puppy shot. Man oh man what a trip. As you may remember when we brought Winston home he didn't really like the car. We blamed it on the de-wormer they gave him moments before we left. We had our game plan made last night. We were going to put his kennel in the car and have him ride in it. He really loves his kennel, most people seem amazed by this. The down fall to the story is that we have to drive from Fort Worth to Preston & 635....this is about a 40 minute drive.

As we left we ran by the dry cleaners...then we were on the road. No more than had we made it off 35 in Fort Worth and on to 121 did it begin. CAR SICK!!! He was sick the whole trip. We had planned for everything, except this. Luckily I put a towel under his kennel in the car, to keep it from sliding around. This came in handy when we had to remove the blanket to put a fresh on in because it was soak with puppy vomit. Once we made it to our stop he was totally jazzed to be out of the car. We took him in and got his shot....not even a peep came from him. (I think it still the happiness of being out of the car) We did a little shopping, you know ever where we go we must get him a new toy (spoiled little guy). Then off again. After a quick trip to CVS to pick up a couple of extra blankets. We headed to meet my friend Wiggs.

Wiggs has a sweet black lab, Blue. While we grabbed a bite to eat Winston got a moment to relax and let his stomach settle at her house. After lunch we let Blue and Winston have a little play time. Blue is so wonderful with him. She just took him on like he was her own. Winston gave her kisses and everything. Here a few pics from their play date! We can't wait to see Blue and Wiggs again. I guess by the ride home Winston had nothing left in him. He slept the whole way it was great. I just hope he out grows this...we have to go back on the 21st!

Winston on Blue...she is such a good sport

Look how well Blue smiles...oh Winston we have a lot of work ahead.

Wiggs, Blue, Winston, and I

Uncle Louie Updated

Well after today, it was necessary for Louis to have another surgery. He is currently not doing as well as they would hope. He really needs your support. His family has set up a blog, so they can up date it as soon as they know facts. It is an easier way to read about his progress and leave the family comments on your thoughts and prayers. Click here to head to Louis' site.
Thank you for all your prayers again...please keep them close tonight!