About Me

Inspired by my sis-in-law's blog, here it goes...

What was I doing 10 years ago...
Preparing for Jeff's Grandma to move in with us from California - she was 85, had broken her ankle and could no longer care for herself. I was working part-time as a bookkeeper and had 2 kids. I now have 3 kids and Grandma moved into a nursing home a little over a year ago due to Alzheimer's. This year she turns 95!

On my to-do list today...
it's already been a busy day, but I hope to get one more reminder out to my teams, fold that laundry that's been moved from bed to chair in our room all week, and complete a roman shade. (that's in addition to the normal mommy tasks we all have each night)

Snacks I enjoy...
Chick-Fil-A Brownies and Tea

Things I would do if I was a billionaire...
pray about what to do with it - would definitely include LOTS of giving and mission support. and of course, get rid of our garage sale cars! :)

Three BAD habits...
1. saying what's on my mind too quickly
2. waiting until the last minute to finish something
3. not saying NO enough

Five places I've lived... (most recent on)
1. Sugar Land/Richmond/Missouri City/Houston
2. San Antonio
3. Maryland
4. Iceland
5. Florida

Five Jobs I've had...
1. Area Director for CARES by Apartment Life
2. Seamstress of Custom Draperies
3. Various Administrative Assistant/Executive positions for different industries
4. Bookkeeper
5. Data Processor/Computer Operator in the Navy (worked at NSA, where Jeff & I met!)

Clarity

Our church had a ladies retreat this past weekend and I really enjoyed the fellowship and getting to know some ladies a little bit more. A few of us "older women" were asked to briefly share some words of wisdom with the younger women as commanded in Titus 2: 3-5.

3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good,4 so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.

I usually cringe at the thought of speaking in front of groups, but agreed to do so. Afterwards, I feel like I wasn't clear in the message I was trying to convey, so here it is in a nutshell:

• Support your husband in his interests. Don't like football or video games? Sitting through a game with him won't kill you and it may increase the chances of him wanting to see that latest chick flick with you!
• Spend time with your husband without the kids! Date nights are great, even if it's just having coffee.
• Live within your means! Being in debt is a huge burden and will only add stress to your marriage. If you do not currently have children, you may one day desire to be a stay at home mom. Keep this in mind to prepare for the future.
• Do you desire to stay home but need to help supplement your family's income? There are options out there - sewing really worked for me and kept me home. If you need some other ideas or if you sew and would like some tips or help getting started, I'd be more than happy to help.

I was telling some friends that I felt like that contestant from South Carolina - saying alot but not making any sense. See below to see that clip just in case you haven't yet. Too funny!

Going, Going, Gone! Gray

About a year ago I decided to make a huge change and stop dyeing my hair. I first started going gray when I was in my mid-twenties; it's a trait that my Mom, 4 brothers and I have received from my Grandpa. It's never been a huge deal until child #3 came and I just couldn't keep up with the new growth every 3 weeks. I've always been pretty low-maintenance and it was killing me to have to spend that much time and money on my hair, only to get an ordinary brown mousy color. I wasn't even sure anymore what my natural color was! The worst part about having so much gray is everyone notices & every glimpse in the mirror or photo showed I was due for another touch-up. (I once had an older pastor ask me how I got that cool silver streak right on my hairline!)

The growing out period was tough - having the multi-color, faded color and huge roots look was difficult. I sometimes used a tinted mousse if I had appointments, but that was a hassle since it rinsed out – not good if it’s raining or if you sweat! I remember once when I was picking up my niece from school she was sitting in the back seat and said “Aunt Chona, what colo is yo haiw?” I was SO grateful when it was finally grown out enough to cut all that old color out!

I’ve never had more compliments about my hair until now! I know going natural is not for everyone – I can tell those who don’t really care for it – they’ll say “oh – you cut your hair!” and avoid the gray issue. That's okay - I've always strived to be transparent and I feel my image authentically reflects who I am. This is who I am and how God has made me.