Competitions

As a kid I participated in several different competitions between band and 4-H. Each one was different depending on if it was individual, as a team, or on a horse. I am sure I was nervous, but honestly that is not what I remember now as an adult. I remember being confident in what I was doing and doing the best I could do. I remember my parents were always there cheering me on, and supporting me whether I did good or not so good. They are great memories. Now, I am a Mom and it is completely different being the one in the stands watching my child competing in something. I am learning things about myself that I did not realize. Just one more area for the Lord to teach me about and show me how to handle my thoughts, words and actions.

Okay, now for the reason this all has come up. Saturday was my daughters first trampoline and tumbling competition. She did great! She was so nervous, but went out there and did her best. Honestly, I think her performance was the best I have seen her do so far! First she did the rod floor. This is where she does two passes, a front roll pass and a back roll pass. Out of 9 girls, she got 3rd place!



Second she did the double mini. This is a small trampoline where she runs up to it and jumps on it 3 times before she lands on the floor. She has two passes where she does tucks on one pass and straddles on the other one. Out of 10 girls, she got 2nd place!

The last event was on the trampoline, where she has a routine that she performs. It is hard to explain, but out of 9 girls, she got 3rd place! I am just so proud of her. She looked so cute in her outfit, and just lit up when she got her trophy. Her next competition is in December and I can't wait for it! Watching her compete and do such a great job makes it so easier for me to go and work hard selling food at a Blue Jackets game to earn money for her fees. Princess, I love you and keep up the good work!

Struggles

For many years now I have struggled with my weight. It started when I began infertility treatments and has been a never ending battle since then. It is not something I am proud of, nor something I want to pass onto my children. More and more the Lord is showing me that the kids are eating what I am eating, and that is not good. I do not want them to be overweight or learn bad habits from me. So, He showed me a bible study that is geared to changing the way I think about food and helping me to focus more on Him. In the past 2 months, I have started over twice because I have just not been focused or really wanted to. Well, it is time for the change to happen. I need to do it because He told me to do it. There is no longer an option. He has given me what I need and now if I don't do it I will be in disobedience. Well, I don't want to be there so tomorrow I am starting over again on day 1. I am going to be dedicated and not beat myself up if I have struggles. I am going to do the best I possibly can and completely rely and turn it all over the Christ, because I can do all things because Christ is my strength. I am sharing this on here because I need to be more transparent and open in my life. I know I am not alone in my struggles with the sin of gluttony. I want my life and testimony to be an encouragement and maybe even a motivation to someone. I will post my journey with on here, the goods, the bads and the uglies. In doing this, as the Lord leads you, I ask that you would pray for me. This is not an easy thing to do, but with His strength, I can do it! Thank You Lord for such great friends to help me through this journey. Thank You Lord for loving me so much that You won't leave me where I am at. I want to be a living testimony to You and I WILL give You ALL the praise and glory!

Growing up

My daughter is getting so big. She is on a trampoline and tumbling team and her first competition is this Saturday. She does not really understand what is going to go on, but I do. I am so excited for her. She has been practicing since March and has improved so much. Her leotard has not come in yet, so we are borrowing one from one of her team mates that has one they out grew. She tried it on today and she looks so cute and grown up all at the same time. I cannot wait to take pictures of her on Saturday so I can post them for you to see. I am so proud of her! I love you my dear, sweet baby girl. Don't grow up too fast for mommy!

following...

Well, so many thoughts.... where to start? I have to say that God is so amazing! I have been praying for a schedule and a routine for a while now. I did not realize how much I needed one. Well, one day I was sitting here, frustrated and He began to show me how my day should be going and how to plan it out. I got a piece of paper and began writing it down. He totally gave me a routine for my day, from the time I need to get up to the time to go to bed. When to teach school, when to do work around the house, when to play with the kids, all of it. It is so cool! Now, I just need to kick my butt in gear and follow it. What He is showing me now is that I have no more excuses. He has given me what I need, now I need to follow it. So, I am making no promises, but I am asking for His strength and desire to follow it. I am not beating myself up when I don't follow it, but those days are not the best days for us, so I really want to follow it. I figure He is the One who gave it to me, so He is the only One who can help me follow it! Thank You Lord for loving me so much!