Progress

Today has been a very busy day. It all started at 6:15 a.m.. Got up and got the kids up. Went back to bed. Got up again. Helped get the kids dressed. Made breakfast (and COFFEE). Brushed teeth. Located Gabby's P.E. clothes. Tied Jaden's shoes. Loaded the dishwasher. Edgar left to take kids to school. Sat down for 30 minutes with Jesus and my healthy coffee. Got up. Painted Gabby's room, all four walls. Went to Lowes. Came home. Went to pick up product for flooring that was in at the store across town. Came home. Went to Lowes. Put second coat of paint on Gabby's room. Went to Lowes. Ate lunch. Went to Lowes. Put second coat of paint on the floor in the laundry room. Went to Lowes. (are you seeing a pattern here?!) Almost forgot to pick up children from school. Went to Chick-Fil-A. (unfortunately not for myself) Came home. Went to Lowes. Painted polka dots on Gabby's wall (with Rebecca's help. Thank you..) Got a call the guys putting in the back door were on the way. Opened the door for the backdoor boy and company. Found out I was SERIOUSLY going to go back to Lowes. So I went to Lowes. Came home. Touched up all paint in front part of the house. But now at the end of the day look what we've accomplished.....and that doesn't include the new fence that my wonderful in-laws have worked on too! I know you can see all the dust, but put a cork in it WE ARE REMODELING!!!

See What I Mean?

O.K. I decided to take some pictures of my house today and then report back in a week. This is the front living area. Normally there is a couch and love seat along with a formal dining room set. Lately it has been home to all of Gabby's furniture too. The picture on the right is my kitchen and breakfast area. It now looks as if the hurricane came into the house and has taken up residence. I will post more progress as we go. All the floors look like the front living area. All concrete floors.

Duty

So, a couple of years ago we had the Congressman from our district here in Texas come and speak to the church. During his speech he mentioned, "Everyone has a duty". Gabby was about 8 at the time and looked over to her dad and I and simply giggled and said, "he said dooty". (notice the spelling) Because Edgar and I are both so mature we, of course, started to laugh hysterically. The word "duty" or "dooty" has had a special place in our home ever since then. I told you all of that to tell you, today started with the same silly giggles from two years ago. Edgar received the first Ayala jury summons in the mail a few weeks ago. Can you believe that neither one of us has ever been summonsed? So, first thing this morning he says to me, "Bubba (a name he frequently calls me, why I'm not sure. I still have all my teeth) I have to do my civic duty today." Now in normal homes that would not really be a major statement, and would probably be said with a hint of national pride. Not in our home. Immediately we both die laughing and thus begins the day.

I would like to report to you he was not selected for the jury, but did fulfill his...obligation. In other news Gabby has torn her pants at school and is not exactly sure why I can't magically blink a new pair of pants to her telepathically. Jaden is still struggling with the Black History project, and was completely offended I would not stop to get him a special breakfast at Sonic this morning. This completes my blogging duty (hee hee) for the day. Isn't it great that it doesn't take much to entertain us?

How About That!

Entry #1,393 about the Ayala house remodel. We bought our flooring on Saturday. I have been ever so kindly reminded of the old saying "You have wine taste on a beer budget." But just let me ever so kindly tell you, reader, that if you stay diligent in your search, you can find exactly what you are looking for. We stumbled upon a store we had never seen on Saturday and found the exact color in a better product for the perfect price!! For those of you that wonder if God cares about your "wants"...He does. He cares as much about them as your needs. It's just that He knows which is needed at the right moment. I am writing this to myself for future reference. So, Stephanie, don't forget that yes, He does hear you and He does get it!

Just About the Time You Think...

Just about the time you think you are making headway on something, ever notice how things seem to have an abrupt halt? This whole house thing is about to drive me to drink. How hard can it be to follow simple instructions? We have been waiting on flooring estimates from a company (that shall remain nameless for now). I have been into the "establishment" (say that in a slightly irritated and irrational tone for full effect) FOUR times. And four times have asked for a flooring estimate to include hardwood flooring and carpet in different areas of the house. So a couple of days ago we went to retrieve the infamous estimate. Much to my dismay no hard wood was included, only carpet. REALLY?!!! You didn't know I wanted hardwood? I can see where the last four times I was in and I said "quote me on HARDWOOD", that can be confusing. I am quite certain Jesus may very well come back before this house is finished. The bad thing is I may be left with the flooring guy if I don't change my attitude. So, again we wait, and wait, and wait...........

Yeah!!!

Guess what I'm listening to? Men on my roof! I'm getting a new roof today. And I'm soooo happy about it. Funny how excited you get about stuff no one ever notices. It's like getting new tires for your car, they sure drive better, but no one ever says, "Now those are some nice tires. What did those run you?" Even though no one else cares as much as we do.... new roof yeah!!

One more thing. Jaden came home with an assignment to do a project on a famous African- American. So I asked who he wanted to do his project on, and he responded George W. Bush. After an interesting discussion of why that wasn't possible, he settled on Adrian Peterson. (the running back for the Minnesota Vikings and former Oklahoma Sooner) I'm not sure that's exactly what the teacher had in mind, but we are gonna make it work. I guess what I'm trying to say is....my kid is color blind yeah!!!!

So Much for Being an Heiress

Yesterday started with such high hopes. I was so encouraged at the very thought of being an heriess to the fortune of heavens riches. But alas, thinking about all the incredible things that are yet to come could only last for a moment. My current world slapped me back into the reality of today. As I picked up my children from school yesterday, we began to go over the evening activities. Enjoy the conversation:

Me: Hey guys we are going straight back to the church today, because I'm cooking dinner for Fellowship Cafe. (we have dinner available to the church every Wednesday night)
Gabby: What are we having?
Me: I'm making chili.
Jaden: UUHHHHH! I hate chili!
Me: I'm making it homemade...
Jaden: It tastes like crap.
Me: Then you don't have to eat.
Jaden: I can have dessert.
Me: No not if you don't eat dinner.
Jaden: (long huffy sigh)
Gabby: I like your chili. (pause) Oh, mom you need to get my P.E. clothes washed tonight, I need them for tomorrow.
Me: Where are they?
Gabby: I don't know.
Me: How can I wash them if you don't know where they are? You need to find them when you get home.
Gabby: Isn't that your job?

I'm sure none of your children ever talk to you like this. And for anyone that may be offended that my six year old said crap, please know it could have been much worse. We work with teenagers. I've never heard an heiress addressed quite like that. Cinderella maybe, but not the heiress to a fortune. So, the reality of life is this...Cinderella today, maybe heiress someday.

Just So You Know...

Last night I learned something. Living in Houston has afforded me a HUGE opportunity. Beth Moore does a bible study here on Tuesday nights, and I have been very fortunate to be able to attend them. Last night she began a new study called "The Inheritance". I can't wait to see what the Lord reveals to me over the next 9 weeks. But, just so you know.... I'm an heiress!
I know that sounds crazy but it's true. No, Randy and Sharon haven't started playing the lottery and hit it big. (at least not that I'm aware of???) I am an heiress to the fortune of my Father. And because of Christ, I have dibs on everything that is His. One of these days I am going to inherit some amazing stuff! But until then, this heiress will continue to live worthy of her calling, and keep up with the laundry, cook dinner, pay the bills, wrestle the children, love the man God gave me. Just wanted you to know who you are dealing with...an Heiress.

Correction

Obviously in the last 15 years I have forgotten the actual date I was married. Next Thursday January 22 we will be married 15 years. Thank you to my caring friends that have so kindly reminded me when I got married. Seriously....did I really forget that?

What's New with Us?

I just wanted to share the newest fun stuff in our house with you. Let's see...we have ordered material for a new roof. We've had the house measured for new flooring. Much past that not much going on with Edgar and I, except we will be married 15 years on Thursday of this week. We are pretty proud of that. Fifteen years, and both of us are still living and actually still like each other. We will be spending our 15th wedding anniversary with 125 of our closest teenage friends at Mpact Thursday night.

Gabby. Gabby is very excited about getting a new room. Her new bedding should be here early in the week and we will paint her room at some point this week. She is becoming a beautiful young woman. She has become quite the WII player. I am so proud of who she is.

Jaden has decided that every time we see a car pulled over by a cop (and I quote) "they must be drinking". Now we aren't sure where that is coming from but at least he is realizing those two things don't mix. In a conversation last week on the way home from school Gabby asked me what I would change if I were President of the United States. While I was thinking the kids proceeded to have a conversation that went like this:
Gabby: I would make all tobacco illegal.
Jaden: Yeah, me too and all the beer. (not sure where beer has come into the picture)
Gabby: Then there would be no smoking or drunk driving.
Jaden: I'm with you sister. Hallelujah!
Gabby: Jaden, don't say hallelujah unless you are praising God.
Jaden: I'm always praisin' God 'cuz I'm a , hello, Christian.
Gabby: What do you mean?
Jaden: It means I'm you know like Jesus, where have you been? Did you hear dad say we gotta talk like Christians?
Gabby: Yes, but..
Jaden: Well, Christians say hallelujah. That means Jesus is in your heart. So you need to say it if Jesus is in your heart. Is Jesus in your heart Gabby 'cuz I never heard you say it?
(Gabby then starts to cry)
Gabby: Mom Jaden just said I'm not a Christian.

These are the issues we face in our house....Hallelujah!

Seriously...Are You Listening God?

Have you ever had one of those days that nothing seems to be in sync? Everything is going haywire and the balance of power is out of whack in your little universe? I know this may come as a surprise to you, but those days happen often in our house. I'm sure you are thinking, "surely not in the Ayala house!". But if the truth be known, it happens...often. This past week I found myself completely devastated about a situation. Isn't it amazing that we can be grown ups and the "sticks and stones" of life still bother us? As I sat at my desk upset, hurt, angry and disappointed, I actually had the thought, "For real God are you even listening?". I love the fact I can talk to Him just like I can talk to you.



The longer I sat there the more I realized the answer wasn't in my sulking, but would always be found in His Word. I really felt Him nudging me to Romans chapter 8. When I got to verse 38 this is what I read: "And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, NEITHER OUR FEARS FOR TODAY NOR OUR WORRIES ABOUT TOMORROW, not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love." You have no idea how many times I have read this verse. But that day it was if God was saying, "Yes I hear you and I know what's going on. Let me handle it. I got this." What a big God we serve!



So whatever you are facing this week know that He knows where you are and no matter what you are up against NOTHING can separate you from His love.

The Waiting is Over

For anyone who may stumble onto this blog and does not know us, our home was damaged in Hurricane Ike. For my friends and family who are sick of hearing me whine about it, hopefully today will be the last day you hear my sob story. After 3 and a half VERY LONG MONTHS, full of frustration, tears, anger, and lots of "you gotta be kidding me moments", we have our insurance check!!! In the next couple of weeks we may actually have a new roof, new flooring, a ceiling in Gabby's room and the garage, and my sanity back!

It's awesome to start a new year and already visibly see God's hand move. I would love to tell you that this experience has allowed me to cultivate a healthy crop of the Fruit of the Spirit, patience. Not so much. I am, however, even more convinced than ever before that God cares about the details of my life even more than I do. When we can let go of our adgenda and let Him be the author of all life's fine print, we are NEVER disappointed.

Just one more detail He has penned for me....I have been praying that Gabby would have a good solid friend in her class at school. Today one of her closest friends at church started school and is even in her class! Thank goodness "He works all things together for the good of those that love Him and are called according to His purpose." - Romans 8:28

New Year, New Chance

Happy New Year! We started our new year in bed by 11:30 p.m.. Not sure that has ever happened in our house. It's the first and we've already done something different. At the end of each year I always think back and inevitably find a thousand opportunities I missed. I know there are lots of them I seize, but the one's I miss really eat at me. So when a new year starts I get very excited. When you can remember the mistakes you've made, you don't have to make them again. So I am so happy for a clean slate and 365 days to make the new year count. I hope this year you will be reminded daily how much the Lord loves you, how much He wants to use you, and what an amazing miracle you are! You are loved. Let's make the most of this year and like my Gabby said, "Same 'ol God, brand new me!"

P.S. - Check out the Christmas pic's at the bottom of the blog!!