UMM..UMM GOOD! POSSIBILITIES!

Blessings!

2010-09-23T20:15:00.000-07:00

I know...I know...it's been like forever since I have taken the time to blog but honestly, I have been very busy. Chelsea keeps me a hoppin' with all that she's involved in. Right now, she plays volleyball 2 days a week, flag corps with the band on Friday, and socializes literally from sun up to sun down. I really only get to see her probably a whole 20 to 30 minutes, if I am lucky, a day between all her activities, my working, her working and her homework... OH and did I mention.....her socializing??? Oh, I remember those 'ole days and how much fun they were. Why would I ever want to take that away from her? (because I know my time with her during her high school years is counting down way too fast)!

She ordered her senior ring last week, took her last "regular" yearbook pictures yesterday, and talks alot about college and the future. I want my baby back!! You know, those days when I couldn't shake her off my leg, use the restroom by myself, or carry on a conversation without interruptions!! I remember people always telling me to enjoy it because they grow up way to fast and thinking, I just want five minutes without hearing the word, "MOOOOOOMMMMM!" coming from my kids loud mouths!! Boy, what I wouldn't do to feel that important to them now!

As you all know, I actually have 2 children! ha! I blog alot about Chelsea now because eventhough I don't get to be as quote, "involved" in her life as I'd like, I do get to spend alot more time with her than I do Chance. He is in Abilene, living in his own place with 4 other guys (3 that he grew up with here in Childress). He doesn't have time to come home to see me, he doesn't have time to call, and honestly, I really feel like he doesn't have time at all for me. I know he doesn't feel that way, but to a mom who loves her son with all her heart, it sure feels like that often. There isn't a night when I go to bed without calling him. I do this for me, not him. I tell him it's not to be nosy or all in his business, I do it for my own peace of mind. I need to hear his voice. I need to know he's ok. And I need to hear him say, "I love you too mom!" Then I can close my eyes, say my prayers and thank the Lord for blessing me with 2 of the greatest blessing a person could ask for...my kids!!

Flip off Friday!!

2010-07-09T22:38:00.000-07:00

My friend, Maria stole this great idea from another blogger's blog and now, I'm stealing it too!! Ha! You see, I guess we all have our moments as some would say! Funny how when things aren't going so good, you automatically think...only me!! But as Maria pointed out we all have times in our life when we would just really like to give something or someone the #1 sign or the middle finger as some might say! I laughed so hard at Maria's blog tonight! She is so funny without even trying to be! Thanks for the stress reliever, Maria!
Here are my Friday flip-offs!!
My first flip off goes to those people who think some athletes are just super and yet once again the "SUPERS" left my child to be the loyal, responsible, dedicated one who in the end, shows up when she's suppose to, works hard and usually gets overlooked for that "SUPER" athlete who is nothing but a total slacker who gets everything handed to them. Since my family has dealt with them for years now, you get the double- fisted, straight up in the air, flip off! This goes to the slacker and the promoter of said slackers!
A single, one handed behind my mother's back flip off goes to that woman at Braum's yesterday who thought she was gonna talk to me like I was the ugly stepchild! Needless to say, she got a piece of my mind when she brings out these fries on a tray and I nicely tell her that they were to go. She walks off mouthing ,loud enough for the whole restaurant to hear, something about "well, she says these were to go but that isn't what is on the ticket!" I didn't give her the finger then, she has my mom to thank for that, but I quickly informed her that no one had bothered to ask me if they were for here or to go!! So there, heifer...you got your finger today!!
I, too, would like to flip off all this stinkin' rain! A little bit goes a long way and we are trying to get 13 senior girls league softball players ready to play state softball in Ft. Worth and can't practice in 5 inches (a little exaggerated maybe) of mud and just how are we suppose to have fundraisers in the rain??? This is not an angered flip-off just a frustrated one!! Not near as harsh! ha!
Maria says we have to also have positives in our blog, so here are my high-fives!
A super high-five to my husband who after seeing me so upset with the way this new adventure that Chelsea and I have gotten ourselves into went Tuesday, promised to help and ACTUALLY DID! :)
Chelsea gets her own Mom high-five for being such a super daughter who continues to make me proud of her decisions in life. She is such a hard worker who puts so much into all she does!
High-five to Chance for always remembering to tell me he loves me even when I am ranting and raving! :)
I also have a co-worker at the hotel who deserves a high-five this week for going above and beyond what was asked of him to help me get ready for my Scentsy party! Kuddos Rodney!

And Maria, you and your smart blogger friend, get a high-five for this great idea! I feel stress free at this very moment and honestly, that's a first for this week!

Luckiest Girl in the world!

2010-06-20T19:55:00.000-07:00

Today for Father's Day, I sent my dad an email! I know it's Father's Day and you should "tell" your dad how much you love him! Well, I did. I bought a gift, went by, hugged him, told him I loved him and spent a little time with him before I had to go to work but you know...sometimes it's hard to communicate to someone who means sooo much to you how truly blessed you are by them without gettin' all choked up and ruining it all! Hence, the email! I could write it, cry all by myself, and still let him know how very much he means to me without "ruining" it all! After it was all written, sent and "surprisingly" notice by Chelsea when she was helping him with his facebook, I thought I would share it with my blogging buddies! I wish I had a nickel for everytime someone complimented me on my dad or told me how very lucky I was to have him for a dad and granddad for my kids! I would be wealthy! So, for the many of you out there who think I take him for granted, read on!! I love my dad and try to tell him often how very much he means to me but know that no matter how many times I tell him it could never repay him for the unconditional love that he gives to so many, including his sometimes ungrateful daughter! I am the Luckiest Girl in the World because I am the daughter to the greatest man I have ever known!

Dad, wish I could find the words to tell you how very blessed I am to call you my DADDY! You have more integrity than anyone I know! I pray that I got all of your great qualities..honesty, hard-working, family-oriented, loving, and loyal. You have made an impression on more people than you will ever know! I could think of no better man to be a role model for my children and I hope that my children know how very blessed they are to have had such a remarkable man to be their Granddad! You need to know that if anyone ever asked me if I was ever loved, truly loved (faults and all), I can honestly and whole-heartedly say, "yes, my dad loves me and tells me often how very special I am and he always has thru the good times and the bad, and THAT is the greatest gift he could have ever given me!" I pray that I can be the kind of parent you have always been to me because I think that is the greatest gift I can give back to you...to love someone, your grandchildren, so fully and without reservations, as much as you have loved me!
Oh, and to love you back with every once of being that I am!! (That's the easy one!) Happy Father's Day, Daddy! I love, love, love you! Lisa :)

p.s. see how sweet he looks with my mom in this picture!

IN HONOR OF MY LADYCAT!

2010-05-04T19:46:00.000-07:00

Chelsea and her teammates are headed to Seminole, Tx. to play for the Area Championship in softball! These LadyCats play well together and I honestly believe they have a shot at going in and bringing home the trophy this weekend. Of course, their competitor is suppose to be really good too but like I told the coach today, on any given day, any team can be beaten so . . .it may be interesting to see who wants this the most. I, of course, can not speak for all of these young ladies but I can speak for one, my daughter. She never ceases to amaze me with her determination, will, and love for the game of softball. She has taken the opportunity to participate as a member of this team and has run with it. She has continued to cheer on her teammates, to giggle, and smile in spite of the fact that she hasn't been allowed to contribute fully the way we know she can and the way that she would like to. You see, she is the designated player and plays only on the offensive side of the ballgame, which means she bats in place of someone else who plays in the field. She has played softball her whole life, loves the game more than anything else in this world, and has been a little deflated by the idea of only batting and not getting to help out her teammates on defense. I am very proud of the way she has handled this situation! She is often more mature and grown up about things than I ever expect her to be, and often a better person, than I ever could be. She still believes in trusting people and in taking someone for their word while I can only sit back and hope that she doesn't get burnt by the very people she wants to believe in more than anyone else. For now though, I know she will try and do her very best not for just her, but for her teammates, her coach, her family and for me!
HOW COULD I, AS HER MOTHER , NOT FEEL HONORED BY THAT? I AM SO VERY BLESSED TO BE YOUR MOM, CHELSEA "B", MY LADYCAT # 33!
Best of luck this weekend! Swing level, swing hard! Hands down, and follow thru but most of all....HAVE FUN AND BE U! :)

LOVE IS....

2010-02-04T19:52:00.000-08:00

Chelsea has begun making plans for her 1st "real" Valentine's Day. She has been working really hard trying to make sure that her special someone has a Happy Valentine's Day and I have to admit I have been having a really good time helping her. You know, to be 16 and excited about sharing the day of Love with someone who you think you could never live without, someone who makes you laugh, who makes you smile, and who you want to stay on the phone with all night, awww...those were the days! :) And so very innocent!
Skip forward to being someone of my age and love is something totally (ok, not totally! LOL)different. I have been thinking alot about what love means to me today. Hence, my post today...

LOVE IS....

LOVE IS....The smile on Chance and Chelsea's face that always melts my heart.
LOVE IS....The "I Love You" and kiss CC gives me on his way to work.
LOVE IS....Dad always checking to make sure Sis is ok. (One of his names for me.)
LOVE IS....Having lunch waiting on me every school day prepared by mom & shared with Mark.
LOVE IS....Sharing laughs and tears with my children, family and dear friends.
LOVE IS....Butterflies in the pit of my stomach because my kids make me swell with pride.
LOVE IS....The excited barking my dog does to greet me everyday.
LOVE IS....Being able to crawl behind the wheel of my car and take off because CC scrapped ice.
LOVE IS....11 p.m phone conversations w/Chance, eventhough they don't last long!
LOVE IS....Being able to act crazy around Chels and her friends and them liking me anyway. :)
LOVE IS....Other kids calling me mom, telling me good morning, or promising to marry me someday! (yes, it is true!)
And last thought tonight but definitely not the least one,
LOVE IS....God's forgiveness for every wrong I have committed.

I could probably go on and on with this post. I am so very blessed and so very lucky to be loved by some very special people in my life. I regret ever letting a minute go by without telling them how much they mean to me or how they have enriched my life. To my children, you are my life and there is not a day go by that I do not thank the Lord for allowing me to be your mom. To CC, I wouldn't ever want to do this love thing with anyone else. To my mom and dad, you have made me who I am and given me the biggest shoes to fill by the example you have been. To my friends, thanks for sharing the good and bad with me and to God, you are amazing! Thank you for everything!

Lesson Learned

2010-01-20T04:17:00.000-08:00

This post - short and sweet.

Lessons learned:

1.) To DO and DO, gets you DO-DO!

2.) Your children ARE stepping stones for someone (actually lots of someones!)

3.) Everyone is NOT treated equally regardless of how many times you hear otherwise!

4.) You should always ask what you can do for someone else, cause they are waiting for you to.

5.) Lots of times, it's not the good, the bad and the ugly....because the BAD always win!

Long time, no blog!

2009-12-07T19:38:00.000-08:00

Wow! It has been a while, hasn't it! We have been sooo busy with work, volleyball and now basketball that I haven't taken the time to blog. But since it is Christmas time and one of my most favorite times of the year, I thought I would pause a minute and blog. My love for the holidays definitely comes from my parents! My dad is always sooo giving all year but around the holidays he is AMAZING! I think this is because of my mom and her love for Christmas! He loves to make her happy, sooo Christmas is the perfect time for him to do this!
My mom absolutely loves the holidays! For as long as I can remember, she has worked extremely hard and for days decorating the house, shopping, wrapping presents, making candy, etc...She wants everything to be just perfect! AND it always is! She and I have this tradition that we get up way too early the day after Thanksgiving and literally shop til we drop! This is probably my greatest, most enjoyable time to spend with Mom! For many, many years to come, shopping with my mom the day after Thanksgiving will be one of my greatest memories. Chelsea has been old enough for a while to go with us but this year, now that she is almost 16, I got to enjoy this tradition with the 2 ladies I love the most in this world! We had sooo much fun and truly enjoyed just spending time together!

On another note, this month is also a busy month because Chelsea's parents didn't do a very good job planning her arrival into this world and she has a birthday on the 18th. She will be 16! Ugh! I can't believe my baby will be 16! We are having a little party for her this weekend and that should be a lot of fun once it's here and all of the stress of planning it is over with! Will post more on the party, hopefully with some pictures soon! Until then, enjoy the season! Lisa

Someone Special's Birthday!

2009-10-06T19:54:00.000-07:00

October 7th is a special day for a very special lady in my life. It is my Mom's birthday! She has always been a wonderful mother but I marvel at the kind of friend she is to me. I vent to her, I cry on her shoulder, I laugh with her, and I travel (ALOT) with her to ballgames, etc. She amazes me at how unconditionally she loves me. (I know some of you may have a hard time believing this, but I am not the easiest person to put up with, much less love!) And yet, she does and I know she does! I am soooo thankful that God blessed me with such a wonderful person to share my life with and the lives of my children with. She is my biggest cheerleader and the best role-model that anyone could ever ask for.

Mom, I love you and I hope your day is as special to you as you are to me! Happy Birthday!

Is it finally clickin'?

2009-09-13T18:14:00.000-07:00

Wow! Seems like it has been forever since I last blogged!! I have been busy watching Chelsea play volleyball. She has been playing at least twice a week almost since school started. Her team has struggled, they have struggled since 7th grade actually. I think although there are several GOOD athletes, there are no standouts. Because several of them are on the same playing field, there are a lot of hard feelings among them when it comes to playing time or being moved up to varsity for some games and then back to jv for others. I believe this has hindered their ability to play together as a team as they have matured and better developed their abilities and skills in the game. Jealousy can be a hard pill to swallow and it is especially hard on girls! I have made this comment to many people, " I can't ever remember a time when Chance came home with stories of dislike either on his part toward someone else or against him that he had found out about." There is ALWAYS controversy when it comes to girls! I promise being a teenage girl is a much bigger challenge than being a boy. Boys duke it out and it's done and over, girls go for the juggler and if you ain't bleedin', they ain't quitin' and they have several girls to help if needed.
The team played this week in the Childress Tournament. It was nice to be able to watch these girls actually win several games. The smiles on their faces lit the whole gymnasium. Chelsea gets this desire or competitiveness, from where I don't know (yeah, right!), and she plays to win. She is always a little more bummed out than most of her teammates and is often "HOT" when the other girls come off the court laughing and making plans for after the game as soon as they have lost their behinds on the court. This week in volleyball was enjoyable for the Campbells. Winnin' may not be everything but if you don't strive to be the best then why bother??!!

Flag drill team

2009-09-05T20:10:00.000-07:00

Chelsea is involved in something new this year, at least new for her. She is on the flag drill team. It has been a while since Childress had flag girls in the band and she is thrilled to a part of their return. The drill team had a feature in the pep rally this week and then marched, sort of, with the band at halftime on Friday. I am proud of her courage in getting out there and doing this and also proud of the amount of time she has put into doing it well.

Caution...love hurts!

2009-08-09T11:08:00.000-07:00

I know it's been quite a while since I posted last but anyone who knows me, knows writing is a sort of therapy and more for my sanity than any thing else. I write when I am happy, proud, excited, mad and sad. I use my written words to thank people for all they do for my family and/or me or both. I write because sometimes things are easier for me to say in writing than face to face ( it's a lot easier to erase the written word than to take something back that may have been said in haste or out of anger.) Writing also allows me to tell those who mean the most to me, how much they mean to me without getting choked up or chickening out. There is one thing about my writing you can be sure of, however, it's that it comes straight from the heart and shot straight from the hip and that I have chosen my words to express exactly how I am feeling right then at that very moment. I may offend you, provoke you, sadden you or make you smile and usually whatever you feel when you finish reading my blog is exactly what I hoped for when I wrote it in the first place. This being said I can get into the short blog I got on here to post in the first place today. It goes something like this:

This week has been a very trying one for me and several in my life. I learned AGAIN first hand that love hurts! I learned that it is not always best to put yourself out there...to care for someone or something the way you want them to care for you or someone you care about. It isn't always best to treat others as you would hope they would treat you or your loved ones. I learned that broken hearts CAN make you physically sick! I have learned that questions like who, what, when, where and especially why often go unanswered (or have no legitimate answers anyway). I have learned that each person acts differently to hurt and I am dealing with this too. Some are quiet, some loud, some cry, some shutdown, some curse and some of us, do a little of it all!! I just wanted to caution you all , love is great, love is kind BUT... love also sucks, love hurts and if you don't watch out, it might just sneak up and bite you on the butt. "THIS WEEK", LOVE... wasn't worth it!! Later, Lisa

LOOK OUT FT. WORTH HERE WE COME!

2009-07-21T21:13:00.000-07:00

Well, we are busy packing and getting ready for our trip to Ft. Worth for STATE softball. We have washed cars, baked goodies, made hamburgers and snocones, driven all over town asking for donations, and flocked almost everyone with the pink flamingos!! I am very humbled by the generosity that this community has shown toward Chelsea and her teammates. Everyone has been so kind and my family is so grateful.

I have said I know at least a hundred times since the girls have been put into this place of "a once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity that Chelsea is sooo excited. Actually, we all are!! She has supported Chance and his teams for so long: decorating cars, helping with fundraising, cheering and wishing from the stands that someday she would get her chance to shine. Well, here it is. SHE is the one going to the STATE tourney.

The girls will play on Friday at 7:30. We were suppose to play on Thursday but I guess we scared our opponent so much that they withdrew before we even got to Ft. Worth! LOL! Just kidding (on the scared part anyway.) I ask that you say a prayer for each of these young ladies and their families as we travel to the Metroplex. Ask that God keep them safe and injury-free. Wish us luck. And I only have one more thing to say, "Chelsea, girl, I am proud of you and how hard you have worked on and off the field to get yourself and your teammates to STATE! Have fun, play hard and leave it all on the field babe! This is a once-in-a-lifetime event!! Eat it up and remember, I LOVE YOU!

All-Stars 2009

2009-07-08T17:04:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow Chelsea and about 10 of her teammates play in what could be the Area All-Star Championship Game. They have already played one game against each team in the tournament and won. They have beaten each team pretty handily and this makes me a little nervous going into tomorrow's game. You know, the big head thing!!! Anyway, she is pretty pumped about it. The team we play tomorrow will already have 1 loss, a loss against us, in the double-elimination tournament. We just need to beat them again and we are on our way to STATE in Ft. Worth the week of the 23rd.

Chelsea admitted to me today that she is a little torn about getting to go and play in Ft. Worth. You see, we are suppose to leave on vacation to Colorado that week. Fun Valley in South Fork, Colorado is "THE FAV" when it comes to my kids and she is torn. I think she is worried about letting Chance and the rest of the family down should the team make it to STATE. She, herself, has been counting down the days to Colorado and yet, she's really excited about the opportunity to get to go all the way in all-stars. I assured her we could do both, may have to take out a second mortgage on the house (LOL), but as always we will find a way. Besides, how many times in your life do you get a chance to play all-stars at the State level???? Now that's exciting!!

Anyway, we may be counting our chickens before they hatch. We have to get pass tomorrow's game with a win. Should we lose, we aren't out, we just have to play the same team on Friday and beat them then. Wish us luck!

And Chels...Hit 'em hard, swing level, throw 'em out, and give it everything you got, Girl! This may be your one and only chance and you love this game. PLAY IT!

Special visitors!

2009-06-29T19:01:00.000-07:00

We recently had a couple of visitors to Childress. We have waited quite a while to finally get to meet them and I can honestly say we weren't disappointed. You see, Naomi and Tristan finally got to come to Childress. Tristan is Naomi's and Anthony's baby and oh, my gosh! We all fell in love with him. What a beautiful baby and how wonderfully God blessed Ant and Naomi! Naomi is a very sweet young lady and a terrific mom. We were all so very impressed! We had a wonderful time getting to know her and Tristan. If you ask me, I think Anthony is crazy if he doesn't make every effort to be in Tristan's life and if he lets this young lady walk out of his life, he's an idiot! You can see how much she cares for him and I, personally, am a little disappointed that Anthony hasn't made much effort to help her with "their" child. I could so go off on this subject but I won't. Anyway, Tristan is a doll and Naomi, beautiful. We enjoyed having them here in Childress and hope to get the chance to watch Tristan grow.

The Greatest Dad/Granddad Around!

2009-06-21T15:35:00.000-07:00

These two photos of my dad and the kids are two of my favorites! They fit him so well. Anyone who knows him knows he's outgoing, friendly, stubborn, and yet, genuinely kind. He loves unconditionally and would give the shirt off his back to just about anyone. Dad loves his family with all that he is and the love he has for my mother is unlike any other. Growing up, I was so fortunate to have him as a dad and yet took for granted so many things, especially him! He is the greatest role model and I could ask for no better one for either of my children. He has taught us all sooo many things: how to ride bikes, fish, hunt, and play ball are just a few but the one thing this man has taught me is to no longer take for granted how very blessed we all are to have him in our lives. He loves life and lives it to the fullest daily (i.e. playing goofy with Chance in picture above) but his greatest gift has been to love us, through thick and thin, in times of disappointment and achievement, and even in times we couldn't love ourselves. This Father's Day I wanted to say, "Dad, I love you for the man you are, for the heart you have, and for the fabulous Grandfather you are to your Grandkids." We are soooo very blessed by you and I wouldn't want to go through this thing they call life without you!! Thank you for being the wonderful man you are! HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! You're the greatest!

Track meet pictures!

2009-06-10T08:05:00.000-07:00

Picture info: top to bottom

Chance's roommate, Kewawn, and Chelsea

Chance

Chelsea and me

Bre' and Chance

Anthony and Abby (Ant's friend)

Making Memories!

2009-06-06T21:27:00.000-07:00

Ok, so it's been awhile. A lot of things have been going on. We've had the end of school, friends graduating, and now, we are in Austin for the state track meet. Childress had 5 athletes competing in the meet, including Bre'Ann and Dontae. They are both good friends of the kids so when the opportunity arose for us to come and cheer them on, I couldn't resist. I mean afterall, I relish any time I get to spend with my own kids. They have grown so quickly and more times than not, don't want anything to do with spending time with me. They are so busy you know. I have really enjoyed myself and think both of them have too. There hasn't been even one moment when I have thought I could actually kill them. LOL! Sometimes, smart mouths and attitudes really get on my nerves! They have even gotten along with each other. (Another miracle in itself!) We head home tomorrow. Back to the grind of everyday life again. I want to treasure these times. I want to make memories with my kids that will last a lifetime, not my lifetime, theirs. Hopefully this weekend has been one they will cherish forever. Hopefully, someday, they will tell their children about times spent with mom the way I tell them about things my parents and I have done together. Afterall, memories are really the only things in life that are priceless! It may cost to make them, but the joy you get out of reliving them last way longer than the money it took to make them!
Will post some pictures later. Chance wants his computer. Myspace is calling his name. :) Lisa

Sports Banquet 2009

2009-05-18T19:08:00.000-07:00

Wow! I can't believe this school year is almost over. Went to the Sports Banquet on Thursday and took some pictures. Chelsea, my Mom, and I went shopping for "the dress", jewelry, shoes, etc... about 2 weeks ago. She didn't pick the one I liked best, surprise, surprise!! She did look amazing though if I do say so myself! LOL! I can't believe that just yesterday I got to pick out what she would wear and she was sooo cute and now, she's beautiful and looks so grown up. She flip-flops between being a tomboy and a girlie-girl! I like her both ways actually. I think some day her prince will love the fact that she can dress up and wow his socks off and the next day, put on a pair of jeans, pull her hair back and bait a fishing hook with the best of 'em and enjoy herself while doing it. Someday, some guy is going to be sooo lucky! Whomever he is, he better treat her right and love her like she deserves to be loved! (or he'll have lots of us to answer to! ha!)

She got "THE" uniform!

2009-05-11T19:11:00.000-07:00

Chelsea came home today from softball practice totin' a varsity Lady Cat uniform! She is soooo excited. As I have said several times in past posts, softball is her true love! She couldn't stop smiling and her mom couldn't wait to get pictures! She has worked very hard and even if she doesn't get a chance to play in playoffs, which start this week for the Lady Cats, she is officially part of the team and I couldn't be any more proud of her.

Chels, be proud of yourself. You earned your chance! Make the most of it and enjoy every minute of it! Go Lady Cats!

2009-05-10T08:24:00.000-07:00

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, MOM!

I AM SO BLESSED TO NOT ONLY CALL YOU MY MOM, BUT ALSO MY BEST FRIEND!

TO MY KIDS

2009-05-09T10:57:00.000-07:00

With tomorrow being Mother's Day, I thought I would tell you why being your mom has been the best gift I could have ever received!

Your smiles make my day!
Your tears melt my heart!
Your triumphs are my triumphs!
Your failures, my failures!
Your happiness is my happiness!
Your hurts, my hurts!

I am more proud of the fact that YOU are MY children and that GOD chose ME to be YOUR MOM than anything else I could have ever dreamt of or accomplished!

YOU ARE MY CHILDREN---MY HARDEST JOB... MY BIGGEST JOY...MY DREAMS... MY HOPES... MY EVERYTHING!!

AND I LOVE YOU MORE THAN WORDS COULD EVER SAY!

It is truly an honor to be your mom!

2009-04-30T19:35:00.000-07:00

The rules are:
1. Mention the person that tagged you.
2. Complete the lists of 8's.
3. Tag 8 other bloggers.
4. Tell them that they have been tagged.

Thanks Debbie!!

Here are my eights!

8 Things I Look Forward To
1. Seeing my children have successful lives
2. Softball playoffs!
3. Summer
4. Grandchildren (not now of course!)
5. Weekend girls trip with Chels, her friend, and Mom
6. Chelsea's high school graduation
7. Both kids college graduation
8. Both kids weddings *(should have listed this one before #4)!!!

8 Things I Did Yesterday
1. Gave another TAKS oral test.
2. Worked at the hotel til 11 pm.
3. Waited up til almost midnight so I could put Chelsea's gym clothes in dryer.
4. Hoped there would not be a storm.
5. Hurt for all of the kids that swine flu decision affected.
6. Read several blogs.
7. Missed Chance!
8. Laughed til I almost wet my pants at Sharece's "DUDE" story!

8 Things I Wish I Could Do
1. Tuck Chance in bed like when he was little.
2. Not worry about paying for college.
3. Be as good to my parents as what they have been to me and my kids!
4. Explain to my kids a mother's love.
5. Forget my mistakes!
6. Watch Chelsea play in state softball tournament
7. Wiggle my nose and have a clean house.
8. Stop being so stressed all of the time.

8 Shows I Watch
1. Survivor
2. The Hills
3. Grey's Anatomy
4. One Tree Hill (I like this one too, Deb)
5. Bachelor (hopeless romantic)
6. New 90210
7. Private Practice
8. News

8 Bloggers That I Tagged (have fun ladies!)
Kim (I haven't seen your name on anyone else's list yet)

Everyone else, I tag you too!

Question????

2009-04-22T18:32:00.000-07:00

Why is it that every time you do what you think is right, work your tail off, and think FINALLY, everything is gonna work out like it should, you get disappointed? How would you answer this? I will not go into any details so please don't ask but really I am looking for the right words and wisdom to help someone, including myself, understand why things don't always end up like we think and KNOW they should and please don't tell me everything happens for a reason, 'cuz right now, I DON'T WANT TO HEAR THAT!

2009-04-22T06:32:00.000-07:00

Today is Sharece Prince's Birthday. I know most of the people in this town know her since she was "born and raised" here as they say but I wanted to do a top ten list about her anyway.

My top ten list about my friend....

1. She is a great mother.

2. Her granddaughters are soooo lucky!

3. She makes an amazing "adopted" mom to her daughters' significant others.

4. She works very hard.

5. Her life makes mine seem so less stressful! :)

6. She sacrifices many things for others.

7. She cares about each one of her "kids" in Jr. High and their success.

8. Her friendship is everlasting and unconditional.

9. She looks great (especially for her age) LOL!

And...

10. I couldn't think of anyone else I would rather celebrate my birthday with than her!

She is this really amazing, wonderful, sensitive, caring, and loving daughter, sister, wife, mom, aunt, grandmother, and friend! Those of us who have the privilege of having her in our lives are very, very, blessed!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SHARECE!

Senior Softball Monday!

2009-04-15T19:55:00.000-07:00

As you can tell from the picture, this group of girls is all about having fun! Some of them I don't know a lot about except that it has been a blast to chase them not only in softball but also in other school activities. The two girls I don't know very well are Kaylie Ralston and Kasandra Cano. They are both beautiful young ladies that I wish I would have had gotten to know better.

The other 3 of these young ladies I know pretty well. They have been friends of my children for several years with one of them, Randa having literally grown up right in front of me.

Savanna Keys is a very talented young lady who has this infectious smile and a set of unbelievable dimples. She is outgoing and seems to get along well with just about anyone. I have yet to see a sport she didn't excel at. In order to do as well as she does, I know she has to be dedicated and work pretty darn hard. I am sure these characteristics will get her much success in the future.

Bre'Ann Cano, wow, what can I say? She is truly a delightful, beautiful young lady. I have watched her literally run with the wind, steal a basketball with a vengeance, and whack a volleyball so hard the whole gym vibrated. She is a joy to be around and has impacted my family in ways she may never know. We think she is one-of-a-kind and we will forever hold dear memories of times spent with her and cheering her on.

Randa Jeter...where do I begin? Randa first became a part of our family when she was 4. Yes, I said part of our family! Her mother, who I am happy to call one of my very best friends, worked out at the prison and Randa and her brother, Rance, would come to my house for daycare. At 4, Randa melted our hearts and at 17, she still does. She is respectful, kind, and beautiful inside and out. She is also very athletic, smart, sensitive, and ambitious! I consider her my own and would do anything for this young lady. She has been brought up in a single-parent household by a spitfire of a mother who has expected the best of her children and yet loved them beyond words. She has raised both Randa and her brother to be these two really amazing people who make a difference in so many people's lives. I wish I could find the words to do justice by this young lady! She will never fully understand how special she is to me and mine and how very blessed we are for having had the "PRIVILEGE" to be a part of her life! She is a ray of sunshine destined for great things!

God blesses those that bless others and I know for a fact that all 5 of these young ladies have blessed many people's lives with their positive attitudes and great personalities. I wish all of them the best of luck in their last home game but even more I wish them joy, happiness, success and many blessings in the years to come. It has been my pleasure, ladies! It has been my pleasure!

Teenagers can be so mean!

2009-04-12T01:07:00.000-07:00

Teenagers can be so mean! They are mean to their "friends", enemies, parents, siblings, grandparents, teachers and pretty much anyone else they may come in contact with. I am often amazed at how mean they can truly be. Girls it seem are slightly more cut-throat, although boys are often the meanest to family members or at least from what I have seen.
This comes from personal experience. I have witnessed teammates being very ugly to each other especially when winning isn't the case. (I have also witnessed it when winning was happening.) Recently, a Lady Cat was struggling while playing a softball game and Chelsea was shocked at the way her own teammate talked to the struggling player after a ballgame. She came home very upset for her. Chelsea has been on the end of the wrath catching of her teammates in the past and I guess she felt really sorry for someone who is really not one of her friends, more so just a teammate.
I have tried to preach to both of my children how badly words can cut someone to the bone and I guess Chelsea realized it when she saw how hurt and upset the young lady on the receiving end was. I think teenagers get so wrapped up in their own little world that they forget that there are other people and other people's feelings that they should consider. If I had a nickel for every time my own children have hurt each other, my parents or me, I would be one wealthy soul! Chance, who thinks he's grown (and in most people's eyes, probably is grown) doesn't think he should have to answer to anyone. He thinks that when I call to say hi and see what he is doing, I'm meddling and usually ends up yelling his responses at me instead of talking to me. When I tell him there is no reason to yell, he claims he's not. He acts like I am such a bother to him at that very moment. I honestly am not being nosey. I just want to be a part of his life and make sure he's ok. I want to know when he's happy, make him better if he's sad, etc. but...I know most of you say it's your money that's sending him to school, blah, blah, blah. Have you walked in my shoes as a mother? It isn't easy!
Chelsea, on the other hand, can be so caring at times and then....I think she is more like me than Chance is. Guess that's why she can get to me! EEEWWW! I get so mad at her. She doesn't usually say anything but those looks she gives!!!! I know what she's thinking and that makes me just as angry with her. I have heard the way that she talks to or about other people, yes, my children are not perfect (neither am I), and her words can be very harsh. I try that speech about put yourself in their shoes, etc.. but just as adults, I think if you've heard it once, you've heard it a million times and often it doesn't sink in until you have burned bridges you can't ever rebuild no matter how hard you try or how badly you want to.
I know Chelsea will read this blog and I am hoping Chance will too. If they do I hope they get this far into the post. I would like for this to be a reminder to them both that words and actions hurt. I want them to know that no one, including mom, (which I know won't come as a surprise to them) is perfect. I know my words hurt too. I want them to know that my constant "in your business" action is not to annoy them, not because I don't trust them, but rather because I love them! I want others to know what wonderful young adults they are and can be. I want them to realize that sometimes, even if forgiven, hurtful things can't be forgotten especially if the person they are ugly to cares about them. Often people judge you the harshest by how you treat those you are suppose to care about and who care about you. Actions and words can cut to the bone, just remember that! And also remember that even if I may not like your actions sometimes, I will always love you!

FRUSTRATION 101!

2009-04-05T00:48:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I have a 2nd job, one outside of the home and outside of the school. My husband also holds down 2 jobs and sometimes more than that with the little side jobs he does. I am responsible for a pretty good size business and am amazed at how many people in this world expect to be given something for free. No one seems to want to work for their pay and to be honest with you I am sick to death of it!! I am in charge of several employees and am amazed that they really think they can just LITERALLY show up and get paid! Don't get me wrong I do have some workers that do anything and everything I ask of them and I appreciate their dedication and try to tell them often how much I appreciate them but others.... They act as if I OWE them and should be thankful they even bothered to come! I have had to cover so many shifts lately for employees that for one reason or another can't come in when they are scheduled to be at work. I don't mind helping out if it is a legitimate reason but I also don't think I should be the only one willing to do so. My parents raised me believing that in order to ever have anything in life, you had to work for it but somewhere down the line, I think other parents have failed to teach that to their kids who are now adults! I am probably somewhat guilty of this myself but I hope with my own children I have led by example and that although I think there is a time to be a child, I also believe that there comes a day when you have to grow up and WORK for a living, not sit on your behind and wait for someone to give you something!! In order for someone to be GIVEN something, it must first be TAKEN for someone else!! I don't remember where exactly I heard that but it has stuck!!

Kids constantly give my children a hard time telling them, almost accusing them, of being RICH! Yeah, right!! Yes, we are blessed. We are rich in good health, wonderful family, lasting friendships, and good jobs but I am so tired of kids telling my children they are rich as in wealthy!! CC and I work very hard to provide for our family as do my parents, my children's grandparents! It often takes all of us! True, my children, thankfully, have nice clothes, vehicles, cell phones, etc.. but these are the things we provide for our kids by working. I look around and don't see that my children have any more really than most and believe me, there are many other things they would still like to have. My children have had things stolen from them that we have worked hard and saved up money for. I remember Chance having something of his taken by someone staying the night with him at my parent's house and when it was mentioned to that group of guys, one of the boys said after everyone swore they didn't take it and that Chance had to have lost it, I remember one of the boys saying what difference does it make if he lost it or whatever, you or Granddad will just go and get him another one.
?*!@#?! ...WHAT?

I have gotten so fed up with this attitude that I have told my own children to look at the person telling them that they are rich and ask themselves, "Do they dress as nice as I do, do they have the same things I do, and... do their parents work?" If their parents don't have jobs, then I tell my kids to tell them, "you are the RICH ones because your parents don't have to work to give you the nice things you have, but mine do!" I know that this is probably not the "Nice" thing to say but is harassing my children NICE? Is the constant grilling of them necessary? If you want your children to have what my children have, get a job! How 'bout 2 for that matter! Or teenagers get one yourself! After this weekend, I might even know of a place that could use a new employee or two. But don't come asking me for something for free because I still believe...NOTHING IN LIFE IS FREE and I'm letting this post serve as the official notice that the Campbells are not wealthy just hard working!!!

AAAHHH! I feel so much better now!! Later, Lisa

Well...She Did It!!

2009-04-01T14:31:00.000-07:00

Yep, that's right!! Chelsea "B" got her a home run over the fence last night in Dimmitt!! YIPPEE! We were sooo excited for her. She has always been a good hitter but last night was the 1st time she has ever "PARKED" one! (Who cares if the fence wasn't quite as far as usual...I DON'T!) Ain't no one gonna take the air out of our bubble! I was yelling for the rafters, Granny was jumping up and down, and Chelsea's pearly-whites lit up the whole ball field. THIS IS her sport!! She likes volleyball and enjoys basketball and gives those sports her all when she plays them but there is just something about playing a sport you love that sends tingles down your spine and softball is her spine-tingler!!! Mine too for that matter!! LOL!
Her dad, Granddad, and brother all missed it!! That's the only disappointment of the whole ordeal! She told me to call Granddad, it was okay to call Dad, but don't call Chance!! She worships the ground that boy walks on and would do ANYTHING to make him as proud of her as she has been all of these years of him!! She wanted to be the one to tell him!! You should of heard her on the phone to him last night. (She had it on speaker phone. ) Their conversation went something like this: Chelsea: "Hey, Chance! Remember when I called you last week and told you I had hit a triple?" Chance: "yeah." Chelsea: "and remember you told me "yeah, well bet you can't hit a home run like your brother" and I said, "whatever!" well, guess what?" Chance: "You're lying, no way, your lying!" Chelsea: "I did Chance, I got one over the fence and in center field too!" Chance: "Really?, naw, you're lying!"Chelsea: "Ask mom. Huh, Mom! I hit it over the fence!" I say, "yep, she sure did!" then Chance:"That a way sissy, just like your brother! ..... I'm still better than you!" Chelsea: "We'll see! Your record was 7 home runs, right? I just need 6 more to tie!" Chance: "That was in one season. I had 10 for my career." Chelsea: "okay, 10! I still have the rest of this year and 3 more years to get 9 then!!" We all laughed, he told her good job and she beamed the rest of the way home...or at least til she fell to sleep!! LOL! Sibling rivalry...Gotta Love It!! And I'm one proud momma! Later, Lisa

(Oops! Chelsea tells me I wrote the wrong score on the ball. It was 23-6 us!)

The "Other" Parent!

2009-03-27T17:39:00.000-07:00

Everyone seems to know my dad. He is outgoing, loud, opinionated but also, very loving, loyal, and smart. This blog , however, is not about my dad but rather this time it's about the other parent I have, MY MOM!

My mom is probably the best friend I have! As adults, she and I have traveled millions of miles and have spent endless hours together going to all sorts of ballgames, UIL competitions, and out of town birthday celebrations. She is always willing to be my co-pilot, co-conspirator, and right hand woman in all sorts of things I get myself into. She's cooked lunches for 15-20 of Chance's friends once a week all year last year, has baked an unlimited number of brownies, cupcakes, cookies, whatever my kids needed for classes, church lunches or fundraisers, bus rides, etc., and yet, never asks for anything in return. She is the world's best listener and gives genuine advice from the heart.

She has made sacrifices for my dad, my brother, me, and my children without being asked and probably more than we will ever realize. She is way stronger than we give her credit for and when she loves you, she LOVES you.

Most of you that know me know my brother Mark. This is where my mom is the most amazing woman in the world. Mark has lived at home his whole life, 42 years. My mom is his mom, his maid, his care-giver, and most importantly, his best friend. She has so much patience with him. Most of us grow up, get married, have children, then look forward to the day our teenagers leave home and come back to visit with families of their own, but Mom has been "MOM" and will be "MOM" to Mark his whole life. No romantic weekend getaways, no time by herself, no personal space and yet, you never hear her complain or question, "why me?". She has never been able to work outside of the home because of Mark, but the hours, love, and sacrifices she has put into being a mother to both Mark and I are unlimited. Her devotion to all of us has made me the mom I am. She has been the ultimate role model and if I can be just 1/2 the mom to my children (and 1/2 the grandmother to my grandchildren someday), that she has been then I will consider myself a success. Thanks MOM! You are amazing, loving, caring and the best Mother/Grandmother in the universe!! I owe you more than life itself and although I can never tell you enough, I RESPECT YOU, LOVE YOU AND AM HONORED TO CALL YOU MY MOM!

Wordless Wednesday--Spring Break Style

2009-03-25T21:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to You!

2009-03-11T07:58:00.000-07:00

CC turned 40 today!

Happy Birthday!

Here are 40 things about him you may or may not know.

He:

played football and basketball in high school and baseball in the summer. (guess my kids get most of their athletic ability from him but I won't admit this very often!)
met me while we were both attending WT.
never gets up in the morning saying, "I don't want to go to work today!" (keep waiting for this one to rub off on me!)
is gentle and so easy-going.
keeps me balanced and under control (most of the time).
works extremely hard holding down 2 jobs and has done this for years.
makes friends easily.
is honest and sincere.
is extremely quiet--opposites really do attract! LOL!
can fix just about anything that's broken.
is so good to my brother, Mark.
will help just about anyone who needs it.
spends hours out at the pig pen with Chelsea's FFA pigs.
cooks for me and brings me supper when I am working the evening shift at the hotel.
has this amazing laugh that is very contagious.
is a big fan of Texas Tech. (Mark thinks this is his ONLY fault!)
is a better housekeeper than I ever thought of being.
eats sunflower seeds by the gallons.
would help my dad do anything if dad would only ask.
has been an employee of TDCJ for 18 years.
very rarely gets angry.
shakes his head when he's disgusted with something.
is still in really good shape (especially for a 40 yr. old)!
has very little gray hair, you must look closely.
wears pants only an inch larger than when I married him.
loves me just the way I am!
can grill a mean steak.
has a working man's hands.
drives me crazy but usually crazy in a good way.
has a baby soft face.
looks way younger than 40!
is probably a better driver than I am (although I don't admit it to him!)
looks darn good in tight jeans.
makes me a better person.
allows me the opportunity to chase our kids and go, go, go constantly.
lights up a room with his smile.
makes this world a better place.
can work outside in the heat for hours and never complain that it's hot.
melts like butter when Chelsea tells him she loves him.
makes my heart skip a beat still after all of these years!

40 GREAT things about a GREAT guy!

Hope you have a GREAT birthday!

FINALLY!

2009-03-11T07:08:00.000-07:00

Finally, Chelsea got to play a softball game last night! WOOHOO! She played 1st base and went 1 for 2 at the plate, with 1 RBI. I was so proud of her. I have to admit, I was really nervous for her. She absolutely LOVES softball and couldn't wait until the season started and yesterday after practicing for a whole month, the big day was here. I just wanted, as all moms want for their children, for her to do well. I told her when I dropped her off at school yesterday morning to remember to just have fun. I think I didn't remind Chance enough to do that so I wanted to be sure and correct that with Chels. "Besides," I told her, "as long as you've waited to have a game and with us not knowing how many of the district teams have JV teams, this may be the only game you have!" (I most certainly hope not, of course!) The team lost 7-6 last night, playing only 3 innings, but boy, they gave them a run for their money!!

Wordless Wednesday!

2009-03-04T11:16:00.001-08:00

Things I've Thought About This Week!

2009-03-03T11:58:00.000-08:00

Here are some things I have thought about this week:

Amy G.--her mother is very ill. She lost her father a year ago in February to cancer and now she is having to deal with this. Are my words comforting to her? Am I saying the right things? Am I being the kind of friend she needs right now? I want her to know that she is in my thoughts and prayers. Is there anything else I could be doing to make this time easier for her?
My parents--Have I told them lately what they mean to me? Have I thanked God for them and their health? Will I ever be as good a parent/grandparent as they are?
Chance--Is he working hard enough in school? Is he appreciative and making the most of the opportunities he is being given? Where will he be attending next fall and will we be able to afford to send him where he wishes to go?
Chelsea--Will she ever get to play a softball game this season or will all JV games get cancelled? Will her knee stand up to the strains that athletics can put on it? Does she know how important she truly is to me?
C.C.--Does he have to work as hard as he does? Do the kids and I ask too much of him? Does he know that I really do appreciate him and yes, after almost 20 years, still love him?
Career--Is this where I am meant to be right here, right now? Will some of the changes being talked about for the future force me to change my mind about my job choices in the future? Will I make the right decision concerning my choices when the time comes or will I regret it?
God--Have I thanked him enough for the many blessings he has blessed me with? Have I disappointed him or anyone else in my life?

Lots of questions, huh? A million and one things roaming around in this head full of air! LOL! Later, Lisa

Not me Monday!

2009-03-01T19:16:00.000-08:00

This is my first attempt at the NOT ME post but here goes!

I did not drive to watch the boys play basketball in Canyon eventhough I have no one playing on the team. Nope, NOT ME!

I did not scream and yell like a teenager the whole game and get frustrated with everyone else who was not being the loud fan that I was. NOT ME!

I did not turn right around after getting in on Friday night at 11:30ish and get up at 4:45 on Saturday morning to take Chelsea to the bus. Uh, uh NOT ME!

I, then, did not go home, take a shower and then drive to Wichita to watch the varsity girls, again not my child, play in a tournament in sub-zero temperatures. NOT ME!!

I did not stop in Vernon to see Chance, buy him groceries, and give him spending money only to find out he came home to Granny's on Sunday to get more. Surely not, NOT ME! (And NOT HIM either, right?!)

I did not sleep only 2 hrs. after getting in from Wichita before I had to go to work at the motel at 11 p.m. and work all night! NOT ME!

I did not think a customer was a total idiot to write L and R on two plastic cups and put his contacts in them and then think that the housekeepers would not throw them away. No way, NOT ME! OKay, yes me. I have to admit it. I did do that! What a dumb butt. ( He wants us to buy him new ones!)

I did not have fun doing this. Oh, yes I did! Later, Lisa

I did not notice after publishing this post that the day and date is wrong and not care! Nope, NOT ME!

Just for you, Granny!

2009-02-17T18:09:00.000-08:00

I really don't have much to say today. I had to post though so I could put this picture on here just for Chelsea's Granny. See, Chelsea gets her love of food from her mom and her Granny and fair food....oooohhhh soooo good!! We had to make sure and eat a footlong corndog and get a picture just to rub it in. We love you Granny and really, we do wish you, Grandad, and Mark were here!

Tomorrow, funnel cake and Chance's favorite...lemonade!! We might even have to have an ear of roasted corn in honor of Grandad!! That's also one of my favorites!! Chelsea doesn't show until Thursday so we have plenty of time to fit all the favs in!

We are also going to see Darius Rucker in concert (something we've never done while here, attend the rodeo and concert). Chelsea is really excited. She really likes Darius Rucker so tomorrow should be a really good day for her. She just stared and stared at the tickets. She has a friend that she says is goin' to be soooo jealous. (He knows she has tickets!)

Trip is not the same without you either, Chance!

Later, Lisa

San Antonio--Here we come!

2009-02-16T06:39:00.000-08:00

Today is a good day! Before it's all over with it will be a long day but still a good one. We (Chels, CC, and I) leave to go to San Antonio for the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo!! It will take us about 8 1/2 hours to get there since we are hauling the pigs, and that's where the long part of the day comes in. I am an awful co-pilot! I get in a car and Bam! Mr. Sandman hits me and I just can't keep my eyes open. Of course, this irritates CC and the fight is on!! I have tried everything but...Now mind you, when it's late and dark and I'm worried about CC fallin' to sleep, then I am wide-awake but otherwise, I have to fight myself the whole way.

Chance was in for the weekend and we are packing and gettin' stuff ready to go and he looks so sad! He has school this week as we all do, but he just can't miss. College is so much different from high school and he really needs to be in class. I have to admit, him not gettin' to go saddens me too! We have done this stock show for 9 years and have had soooo much fun. It definitely won't be the same but I know he would want us to have a good time even though he isn't getting to come along.

We will go to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo during Spring Break and he can come then. I think he is planning on bringing his roommate and another guy with him. Neither of them have ever been, you know big city "black" boys who have never even seen a live pig!!! LOL! Not really but Chance says they really have no clue. They don't understand the work that goes into taking care of a livestock project through 4-H or FFA. I am so thankful that both of my children have been able to have the experience.

Back to San Antonio, we will arrive late and get with Novak who will take the trailer and get in line for move-in. This means he will sleep in the pick-up, thank you Novak, and move the truck as the line moves. About 5 a.m. or so, he will probably call us and tell us we need to come out and get ready to unload. After we wait our turn to unload, we will put our pigs in the assigned pens, probably feed them a little and water, and then stand around and wait until we can get to a scale to check weight. The pigs have to weigh a certain weight and then they will be put into weight classes accordingly. This can be very tricky because you turn in your own weight and then right before the kids show, the pig is weighed to make sure you fit into the weight class you said you did. They are only given a pound or so and if your wrong, the kid may not get to show at all and their pig will go straight to the truck. All of their work for nothing!!

We will spend many hours on the fairgrounds and eat lots of food that's bad for us but tastes sooo good, like roasted corn, blooming onions, and foot-long corn dogs. I can almost taste them now!! You're jealous aren't you! Chelsea and I will visit many vendors and probably spend way too much money but we will have sooo much fun!! I just keep telling myself she only has 4 more years to do this so enjoy it!! Money isn't everything, that's for sure. Convincing her dad of that takes a little but...I can handle him or at least she can!! Ha!

I will try and post while we are gone. No promises though, we might just be having too much fun!!

Later, Lisa

Memories of Josh

2009-02-10T07:36:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting to blog about Josh since his accident but couldn't find the words. Now, I still am not sure what I will say or how I will say them.

I think everyone in this town has been affected by the tragic loss of Josh Ackerman. You have gone to school with him, taught him, worked with him or been touched in one way or another by this remarkable young man. Josh had this little quirky way about the way he smiled at you, the way he made you feel. He was always polite and so very smart.

I remember him sitting in the jr. high auditorium during CAT time and saying, "Awww, come on Mrs. Campbell, can't I just chew my gum for a minute more."

I remember watching him play football for the Bobcats and thinking how very talented he was.

His challenging questions in class not only improved his education but improved all of ours. There were many times when he'd state something and after class, I'd go to the internet to see if he was right and of course, he was.

He graduated with the class of 2008, my son's graduating class. Anyone who knows the kids in this group, knows how very close they all were. Having to mourn the loss of someone you sat in class with just months ago is not something that these young adults ever expected they would have to do. They each have their own memories of Josh and I know he has forever touched their lives.

For the moms of "2008", I think I am being so very truthful by saying how very heavy our hearts are for his family. We tend to get so wrapped up in the daily hustle and bustle of things that we forget how very short life can truly be. I am so guilty of forgetting how precious my children are. I want to just put my arms around them and never let go.

Josh's family made a very unselfish decision to donate his organs to save others. I know Josh would have wanted this. His giving and kind spirit will live on and I believe that this is the greatest tribute to Josh that his loved ones could have ever made!

I think his family will be amazed at the number of lives that Josh has impacted in the short time he lived. I expect large numbers at his funeral to pay their respect and to honor his memory. He was truly an amazing person and I know that I am a better person for having known him!

Things I would do differently!

2009-02-06T09:55:00.000-08:00

The older I get, the more I catch myself saying, "Man, if I could go back and do that again, I'd...."
or to my children I often say, "If I was your age again, I'd..." so I thought I'd post about some of those things.

HERE'S 20 THINGS

I'D....

Have gotten my college degree when I was young and had no responsibilities (kids).

Thank my parents on a daily basis for being such great role models.

Given my teachers less grief over assignments.

Enjoy being "me" more.

Play more and work less.

Dance every time I was asked.

Sit and hold my babies more.

Soak in a tub until I had wrinkles (the ones you get from sitting in water too long, not the old age ones!) ;)

Tell my friends and family how different my life would be without them.

Kiss my husband more!

Not take for granted even the little things i.e. smells, sights, laughter.

Smile more and cry less.

Not care what other people think! (trying to teach that to teenagers is hard!)

Have more friends than enemies.

Be more appreciative of the sacrifices others have made for me.

Thank C.C. more for being my husband and always the provider.

Tell my children how proud I am of them and how much I love them.

Take more vacations.

Give 110 % always

Make fewer lists and be more spontaneous.

The picture of the cute kid on top of this post is what my kids tend to do when I start my, "I'd...." speeches! LOL!

Many things in my head today!

2009-02-02T12:09:00.000-08:00

There are many things going around in my head today. Many things I am thinking about so this post will be here one minute and somewhere way over there the next but oh, well!

1st: Let me start by saying Chelsea has her last freshman home basketball game today. Kinda makes me sad. Her freshman year is just zooming by and after Chance, I swore I would slow down and enjoy her years more than I did his. Don't get me wrong, I loved every minute of my time chasin' him but I wanted to enjoy this time around even more! Does that make any sense? Anyway, I am very proud of the way Chelsea has uped (is that really a word, you know dictionary-wise?)her play this year. I only wish she wouldn't wait until the end of the game to turn it on and steal those basketballs!! The freshman girls have all uped their games and FINALLY know how good it actually feels to win a game or two or...five. Hopefully tonight the win column will increase by another one. Good Luck, girls!

Chance hasn't been home for two weekends in a row!! UGH! I hate it! I don't know how the mom's out there do it when they go a month or more at a time without seeing their college age kiddo. Of course, when he's home I don't see much of him either but there's just something about knowing he's here that completes me. I find myself often sadden with the thought of him being away, even if it is only Vernon.

Another thought: This is the one that jumps from way over there to way over here! But it's something I need to say so here goes...

Life throws so many curves when you are least expecting them and when that fastball comes up and hits you in the face, it makes me wonder... have I said and told everyone who's important to me how much they mean to me? I haven't told many of you how happy I am to be walking down this path they call life with you; how blessed I am. To my family and friends, you mean the world to me. C.C., Chance and Chelsea-the three of you will forever have my heart. I have had no other job(yes, sometimes it is work but the pay far exceeds what I put into it ) than that of wife and Mom and I wouldn't have it any other way! I am so very proud of you and what you have become! Mom and Dad, I couldn't have pick any better parents or grandparents for my kids than you two. Your unselfishness amazes me! I couldn't have learned better from anyone else. Mark, life would not have ever been the same without you or your prospectives. I often sit back and wonder why God picked me to get to spend my life with someone as special as you are. Your simple views on life have made me step back and realize that things aren't near as complicated unless I make them that way! Your love and support is unconditional! To my friends, whom I choose not to name for fear of leaving someone out, your continual love and support of me and mine is remarkable. You are always there to listen to me, comfort me, cry with me, or cheer me on. It seems you sometimes know even before I do what exactly I need. To the other "mom" friends who have been on the KID journey with me, man, it's been a blast! I have formed friendships with some of you that I know will last a lifetime. Great memories and fun times we will always share, and to my co-worker friends, the daily routines would have done me in long ago if it wasn't for all of you!

That's all for now! Told you I'd be here, there, and everywhere with this today! Later, Lisa

Stock show time again!

2009-01-16T09:58:00.000-08:00

Well, it's finally here again...Stock show time!! This is always an exciting time for my family although this year it is somewhat sad too. You see, Chelsea is the only one showing and it feels really weird. Chance showed pigs from the time he was in the 4th grade. This is our first year that he is not having to get his own pigs ready. He is, however, being the great big brother that he should be, and helping Chels get 4 out of the 5 of her pigs ready. One of her pigs came up lame this week so she won't be showing him at county.

There is a lot of hard work that goes into preparing to show animals at a stock show. We start this adventure by purchasing pigs beginning the end of August (this of course came second this year because C.C. had to rebuild pens due to the tornado we had in June that wiped out everything he had done in the past). I must say our pigs are definitely livin' high on the hog... that's funny!...compared to the pigs we have had in the past! He did a great job and they look soooo good (even included a covered storage shed).

After buying pigs, you have to feed them twice a day, sometimes water down the pens because of all the dust, exercise them, give vaccines, monitor their weigh, etc, etc... Then once you get them to a show, you have to wash them and give them a haircut!! Most people can't believe that we actually bathe and shave our pigs but believe everyone that shows does!! Show prep is really hard sometimes if you have a pig who doesn't want to cooperate. They jump out of pens and over things, often running over anyone or anything in their way!! There's nothing like trying to avoid a wild pig. You often end up riding them like a bull. This is definitely a funny site unless you are the one playing cowgirl or boy!

So.. if you are looking for something to do this weekend. No sleeping late. Show starts at 8. Come join the fun!!! These kids and their parents do truly work really hard. Later, L

Christmas at our place!

2008-12-25T08:59:00.000-08:00

Christmas at our place has been one wild ride this year. Dad had total knee replacement surgery on the 10th of December on his "other" knee, the one left bad after his knee surgery in June to replace the left one. I am amazed at how well he has done with both replacements. He doesn't think it is healing fast enough but those of you who know dad know that nothing gets done fast enough for him!! :) He is so thankful for everything I do for them: if it's helping get him hooked up to his knee machine, running mom to the store or just popping in to snack! LOL! Yes, grown 40 year olds still go home to eat!!! Dad is such a solid rock in my often whacky, on the go (constantly) world. He is so loving and there is never a day go by that he doesn't tell me how much he loves me. No matter how often I fail in everyday life, he always treats me like a million bucks! I am more thankful for him than I could ever tell him. He is a wonderful dad, a super granddad, a great husband and probably one of the best friends I will ever have in my lifetime!
Speaking of great guys in my life, Chance is home after completing his first semester at Vernon College and is looking forward to returning after the break. He did pretty well with his grades considering it is his first semester away from home and school has never come easy for him. I am very proud of him! He made several new friends but is a little bummed about the fact that a couple of them are transferring and won't be there in the Spring.
I have to say that I have enjoyed seeing his smiling face on a daily basis again! I thought I was ready for him to go out and explore the "real world" but in all honesty I have had a really hard time with his being gone! I am amazed at how unimportant his mom has become since he has been out on his own per say. I thought I would always be his #1 or at least share that with his Granny but somewhere along the way, I think I have fallen down the list! He doesn't understand, as I am sure I didn't at his age, the importance of a relationship with his mom for mom's sake. My mom, Granny, says I am only payin' for my raisin' and that the day will come, as it did for her and I, that he will realize the sacrifices a mom does for her children but until then I guess I will just have to take a "chill pill" and wait!
Anthony, one of Chance's friends who attends Tech but played basketball with Chance here in Childress, has been at Mom and Dad's since break began. We think of him as one of our own and it has been really nice having him home for the holidays. His brother, Dontae has also spent a great deal of time at the house and I know he is enjoying getting to spend time with Ant. Anthony tends to keep Chance well-grounded and I am very thankful for that. He is very appreciative and we have all enjoyed the holiday season with him around.
We had a full house last night for packages. I got a couple of good pictures. I will try and get Chels to help me add them to this post. The noise of all of us together filled the house and my heart. It was so wonderful for me to have everyone there. Granny stresses about all of the extras and works harder than she should to get things just right but I know she enjoys it as much as the rest of us do.
I haven't mentioned much about Chelsea but once again, let me tell you, I couldn't have done this Christmas season without her and all of her help. Dad's surgery threw Mom and I both in a tizzy but Chels came through with flying colors. She decorated, wrapped presents, cooked, baked, came up with some great gift ideas, and worked very hard to make this Christmas special. She is part of a youth group at church and they hold various fundraisers throughout the year. Well, they have an account for each student that they deposit a portion of each fundraiser that they help with in and Chelsea had enough in her account to purchase an Olan Mills packet, which was a church fundraiser, and to have her picture made for Christmas presents. Granny cried!!! The pictures are beautiful and the thought behind them was even more beautiful. She is a great daughter and very, very thoughtful. What a blessing she is!
Wow, this post has taken up way too much space. Posts are suppose to be short and to the point right? Well, maybe if I become more regular with them they will be. Merry Christmas to you all!! Later, Lisa

2008-11-18T19:22:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I am totally new to this technology lingo stuff but I am going to give it a shot. I have been viewing Trey Morgan's blog and am amazed at how he always has the neatest things to talk about. I am sure nothing I will have to say will be near as interesting but I figure why not, if Chelsea can have a blogspot why can't I. (She is helping me to get this going and OUCH! , she smacked me for that "if Chelsea can do it, why not me" remark!) Nowadays, I have to count on her alot to get me through. She is a technology phenom and is it just me or do all of these kids just amaze you with how they can do anything on a computer, even some things they shouldn't?

Chelsea fills many shoes in my life. She is my daughter, friend, and God warrior. She just knows that God will be there for you no matter what and has to remind me that I am not in control of anything when it comes right down to it! Her faith is very strong and I am learning with admiration from her daily.

I don't know if I am the only one around that forgets so often to tell my children what they truly mean to me but I will end this blog with a couple of things:

1) No Chance, I haven't forgotten about you. I am equally blessed to call you my son. A relationship with your son is unlike any other relationship a mother can experience and I am sure the other mothers of boys will agree. I am so proud of you and your quest to get a college education. It will only make you more amazing than what you are now!

2) If you haven't told your own children how wonderful they make you feel, do so now and do so often!

Later! Lisa