So Funny!!

I know I've been a little lapse lately in my blogging, but maybe this will make up for it. So worth it - please go watch!

http://fee.blogbeginnings.com/2008/04/07/want-to-be-in-the-church-band/

10 years and counting

We met at the Magic Time Machine Restaurant. He was the Outlaw Josey Wales. I was Pippi Longstocking - big hair and all. He was so cute. But he hated his job waiting tables (it was actually one of 3 jobs I think - trying to work his way through college). So he quit. I was sad - but didn't think he even knew who I was. Apparently he did. He decided that he would have to get his job back so he could get to know me well enough to ask me out. He came back as Captain America. I remember the day really well. I had just finished putting on my Pippi wig and walked out of the girls bathroom when Ricky's friend, Aaron (now he's my friend too of course) came out of the boy's bathroom and asked me if I had any safety pins because Ricky was having trouble with his costume. Ricky?? I remember getting really nervous & excited flutters in my stomach when I realized that Ricky was back!! I was so excited - and so nervous so I avoided him all night.

At the end of the night when we were all starting to clean up he caught me at the dishwasher and asked if he could talk to me in the lunch box (it's a booth - they all have themes). I tried to be all cool, but was freaking out. I said sure. So we went to the lunch box (which seats 10 I think) and sat at opposite ends of the long table (smooth). Then he asked me out. And after I finished sweeping my station we talked all night (until midnightish) in the valentine booth.

Our first date was June 22, 1998. We went to Bennigan's & a movie (actually 2 - although I only remember one of them - 6 days 7 nights. It was horrible).

So - 10 years ago began our relationship. At the time I couldn't imagine loving him any more than I did - but now I realize how wrong I was. After 10 years I couldn't imagine a more perfect person to spend my days and nights with.

Ricky, you are amazing. You have such integrity, you are crazy smart, you are so kind and compassionate. You make me feel beautiful, and special & talented. You are a better father every day - better than any other father I know. You make me so proud to be your wife. I love you more than I could ever say.

Thank you for 10 years of adventure & excitement - here's to 10 more!

In Christ Alone

If you have about 5 minutes to spare - go watch this video I made for the recent Women of Worth night at my church. I hope you enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-cYyFVLWuo

Man - I've had a poopy week...literally.

It's been an adventurous and cruddy week for the Wells girls - especially this one. 3 girls can be difficult - I'm learning. I'm working on potty training Syd, nursing Maya (which has been very hard this week), and getting Elisa to stop whining and complaining. It's now Friday and I've dealt with throwing up, spitting up, multiple disgusting accidents, screaming daily, whining hourly, I've done at least 10 loads of dishes, 15 or so loads of laundry and have cleaned the den at least 2 or 3 times daily. For all of you with 2 or less children - I'm sure I just discouraged you from having any more. Sorry.

But - I discovered this website today about a woman in Chicago who runs a "booty camp" which claims to potty train in less than 5 hours. Amazing! Check out the link and look at the videos on the media page (particularly the middle one).

http://www.bootycampmom.com/index.html

Maybe there is hope after all.

Starfield Rocks!!!

One of the many reasons I love Starfield! These guys are awesome!

See for yourself...

http://starfieldonline.com/blog/2008-06-15/eo-youth-day-the-netherlands

Servant Evangelism

Last night was awesome! So many people came out - and I even made a few bucks (and pictures - hee, hee). Most of our youth group came - and I had a blast!

This morning was awesome too! We had one of our Saturday Service Projects as part of our Servant Evangelism Team that Ricky and I are in charge of coordinating. We've been feeling like we've not done the best job with casting the vision for the Servant Evangelism team - but this morning, we are thinking we're getting a lot closer. There were about 6-7 people that signed up prior to the event to help with it. We were scheduled to help an elderly woman paint in her house (it badly needed it), and help another woman with a fence that had suffered damage from the storms we had a while back - along with some tree/limb trimming. Well, we had like 15 people show up to help! We had enough people that we sent one team to each project and another team to do some other projects we found out about this morning.

I was encouraged. We're still not where we want to be - but we're getting closer. Our desire is that every person in our church will have the amazing opportunity to show Jesus' love in this practical way. We truly believe that this is an important step in reaching people with the love of Jesus. I hope that in the months to come we will have even more people catch the vision and jump on board. Today was awesome! I can't wait for the next one.

Show Tonight @ Dunn Bros

Jesus vs Christians

You have to watch this video. It made me cry - mostly because I know how true it is. I wonder what we can do to change that. Any thoughts?

http://scotthodge.typepad.com/scott/2008/06/jesus-vs-christians-again.html

So much, so much...

...is going on. Friday night was our "WOW night" (Women of Worth). My sister spoke for the first time in front of a large group of women. She was nothing short of amazing! I would say that even if she weren't my sister - really I would. I've heard so many comments from the women that attended talking about what they took away fom the event - and I'm not just talking about the door prizes of which there were many! I even learned something from my little sister. I LOVE that. God was really present that night and I was so excited to see Him using my sister to touch lives. I can't wait for the next time she will be able to speak.

I also have a show this Friday night at Dunn Bros Coffee in Keller. I'm trying to learn a few new songs - one in particular that's proving harder than I expected. I even dreamed about it last night - ick. I'm hoping lots of people come since no one came last time. I really want Dunn Bros to keep booking me b/c it's a great venue for people who might also want to book me to come and have a listen.

I'm also just finally coming out of a 2 week long funk. I've been quite bummed lately about a lot if stuff and have over the weekend finally got some perspective on alot if it. The rest of it I am giving up to God. I can't sit in my pity party any longer. As my mom would say - it's time to "suck it up and be a girl".

Crazy Old Tic Tacs

Elisa found a thing of tic tacs earlier in a sack of stuff her grandma gave her. They are wintergreen tic tacs though - and she thinks they are too "spicy" for her. So she gave them to me. Score. I love tic tacs. Orange are my favorites - but all tic tacs are good. So I'm sitting here eating my wintergreen tic tacs and start to realize that they taste a little funny. They have a weird sort of zing that I don't remember from the last time I had wintergreen tic tacs. Then I start to wonder if tic tacs have an expiration date. So I look on the package. Yep - they expire all right. This particular package expired back in October of 2006!!! 2006!! I couldn't believe it. So far so good. I'm hoping I don't croak in the night from being poisened by these crazy old tic tacs.

Upcoming Shows

I have a few shows coming up...check them out at www.myspace.com/seekimrock

I am still looking for places to play, though - so if you know of anywhere, let me know!

Next Gen Worship

I read an article today on the Worship Together site (great site, by the way - free membership too!). You can read it here at least for a little while longer (they change pretty regularly). The article is called, "Raising Up the Next Generation" and is about giving young people a chance to serve in worship ministry. I love the heart of this article. I believe it's our responsibility as lead worshippers to teach people what worship is and how to worship. This is not to say that we have it all figured out, though. Just that we are supposed to be focused on helping others learn about worship - and equipping them to someday teach others in the same way. I sincerely hope that God will use me to do just that. It is my heart's desire to help others to love Jesus more with their lives & talents. I have been given the gift of music & I pray that I will never stop being amazed at how incredible it is - and that I will be able to use that gift to bring glory to the One who gave it to me.

Women of Worth

It's not too late to RSVP!! My sister, Kristen Svajda, will be speaking & I will lead in a few songs for worship. We would love to have you there!!

What I'm reading...

I'm currently reading 2 books. I know that's crazy to those who know I really don't like to read. But I am - and I intend to finish them both - and soon. The first is "The Church of Irresistible Influence" by Robert Lewis & Rob Wilkins. The second is "The Next Generation Leader" by Andy Stanley. The next gen leader is pretty dead on - and pretty timely for me right now. But I think the church of irresistible influence, though, is pretty timely for all of us - for all of God's church. It asks some pretty hard and important questions about whether we are having an impact on the culture and community around us. Here are a few of the questions...

How does the community around you "know" your church? Do they feel a positive connection with it?

What kinds of "living proof" has the community around you experienced of your church's Christianity?

What kind of impact do you believe today's church is having on our culture?

The back cover of the book says this: "A city set on a hill, inescapably visible. A lit lamp brilliantly illuminating the darkest room."

This is my prayer today for my church, FBC Watauga. I pray that this will become our heart's cry. That everything we do will be for the purpose of building bridges to the lost in our community - and that lives will change as a result of our obedience to be that "city on a hill". I can envision the influence we (the church as a whole) can have on the community around us. We could be making such a visible difference that those around us would so easily and obviously see Jesus in us. I am overwhelmed today with that possibility. I cannot think of much else lately. I hope to stir your hearts at least a little to realize what could be - and should be. We should be that city on a hill - the salt and the light. We should be affecting the world around us. We should be affecting the people around us. I pray that we will each begin to understand more fully the responsibility we carry as followers of Christ, and that we would begin to make EVERY effort to live it out fully.

Family Photos

We took some family photos last night at the Botanic Gardens with our friends, the Hudsons. My bro-in-law, Anthony, was our photographer. You can view some of the pics on his website here - http://www.anthonyspics.com/

While you're there, you should check out the rest of his gallery. - I especially love the pics from his recent trip to Peru. Check them out!

Girls, Girls, Girls

Most mornings I wake up weary and stressed about the day ahead - with 3 girls, and one very stubborn dog. This morning I woke up feeling very blessed specifically because of all of the things that normally cause so much stress. Perhaps it is partially because my youngest slept for 5-6 hours straight last night (can't remember exactly when she went down) which is amazing! I only had to wake up to feed her once in the middle of the night. Maybe it's because my middle daughter, who normally is a bit of a handful, has been uncharacteristically sweet lately. Or maybe it's because my oldest daughter, who is normally at school during the day, has been staying home sick since Monday - and is abnormally quiet when she's sick. Maybe it's all of the above. I just know that this morning, while I was in my morning routine - changing diapers, picking up trash, starting a load of laundry, letting the dog out, feeding the kids, and the list goes on - I was overwhelmed with the fact that I am a very blessed woman. My kids, although difficult most of the time, are so incredibly special. They are beautiful and smart and sweet - and I love them desperately. My husband often forgets to take the trash out in the morning (we end up with multiple bags of trash daily), but this morning remembered - which made me feel loved and taken care of (silly, I know - but it is what it is).
I know I sound a little sappy this morning. I know it may seem silly. I just had to make note of this moment since they come so rarely. I hate that most of the time I am focused on the difficulties and annoyances instead of the wonderful and amazing things about being a wife and mom. I hope that I can hold on to this moment a little longer - and maybe remember it more often in the future. I would encourage you to take a minute today and realize how amazing your life is. What are you grateful for? What are the things you can't imagine your life without? Thank God for them. He didn't have to give me an amazing husband and 3 beautiful girls. He chose to - and for that I can't help but be a little emotional this morning.

Making a comeback

After a multi-month hiatus from playing guitar with the youth I finally returned to my post tonight. After some technical difficulties, we finally were able to quickly run-through the songs about 15 mins to start time. 2 of the 3 songs were pretty new to me (and everybody else) and so I was a weird mix of excited and nervous about it all. I love new songs - and couldn't wait for everyone else to experience them the way I have. One of the new songs was "Reign In Us" from Starfield's new album. Not my favorite on the album (that would be I Will Go), but def in my top 3. Anyway, I felt like I flubbed the guitar playing (I never claimed to be a guitarist), sped up what I should have slowed down, couldn't find the words to say what I wanted to say, and as a whole barely got through it all.
All this to say that I am not the most talented, the most prepared, the most confident, the most comfortable - but I am, amazingly, still allowed by God to do something that makes my soul so entirely happy. I am almost always nervous & I have no idea whether it makes any difference to anyone - but God still allows me to be a part of His big picture & I am completely humbled by it all.
I guess that's all I wanted to say. I'm feeling really grateful tonight and thought I should share.

Welcome Baby Maya - and other family updates.

This post is a little late in the posting, but I thought it still should be done.
We welcomed our third baby girl into the world at about 3pm on March 25th. She was 8 lbs and 1 oz - the biggest of my babies. Here are a couple pics...

Maybe I should also give an update

on the rest of the family... Elisa is 7 going on 13 and is smarter than ever, cuter than ever & definitely my pride and joy...

Syd is my crazy girl - she jumps off of anything without warning, eats dog treats despite my pleadings not to & is so much fun to have around...

And last & also least (since he's a dog), on Dec 1st - our puppy, Tux, was born. He was pretty small at first but has since grown into a pretty darn big dog - and pretty obnoxious too... The first was from February and the last one from March I think. He's quite a bit bigger now!

That's all I got - it's amazing how quickly we've become a family of 6 (including Tux). We were just 3 for so long - 6 years actually. Then came Syd and then Tux and then Maya. Crazy! We can't even all fit in the car. I guess a minivan is in our future. Golly.

Getting Serious

I read a post today by Heather Zempel, who is the Pastor of Discipleship at National Community Church in Washington DC. It is very timely for me and for my church (FBC Watauga). You should read it here. It's short and well worth the read.

She talks about what she calls a "holy desperation". I completely agree with everything she says. If we were to get really serious about the things of God - we'd be putting a whole lot more effort into seeing people as He sees people, into preparing ourselves to be a part of His work, and into being who He's called us to be.

I sincerely hope and pray that tomorrow I will be different than today - that I will be more serious about what God has called me to - and about the people around me who desperately need Jesus!

Craziness Update

Well, since early May when I began to feel a little overwhelmed with everything I was involved in, things have changed a lot. I'm still involved in almost all of those things. I have also started working full time, and am taking 2 accelerated college courses. I think things are even crazier if that's even possible. A lot of things have had to fall to the side while I concentrate on working to get my family out of the hole we've dug for ourselves. Our finances were really scary for a while. They still are - but at least now I'm contributing - as much as I can anyway. A couple of weeks ago, my mother and law came to visit and was going to stay with us for a week. It happened to be the toughest week for us financially. We had only $40 to last 2 weeks, and we were out of groceries completely and were needing to fill up on gas too. We've been using only one care since last September when the Acura went out of commission and we haven't had the money to fix it. I had just started working full time for the first time in almost a year. I'm also taking the baby to work with me to save on day care - it's pretty hard to get work done with her there. Needless to say - it was a very stressful time. And my mom-in-law, although a wonderful woman, drives me a little nuts. She also is diabetic and needs to eat good meals at specific times, along with snacks in between in order to regulate her blood sugar. Well, we had no food and no money - so I asked my mother to help us buy some groceries to tide us over - which made me feel pretty crappy I must say. My mother in law came on Sunday (Mother's Day) and was going to stay until the following Saturday when we were going to drive her out to my sister in laws in Dallas (which takes a half a tank of gas by the way). However, on Wednesday afternoon I got a call (at work) from my mother in law (who was taking care of my sick 6 yr old for the day) telling me that the electricity was not working. I immediately remembered the little pink bill we had received a few days prior that I ignored since I had no way to take care of it at the time. So I called my dad to come and get my kid and my mother in law and take them back to his house so that she could watch her soaps and Elisa could watch some Spongebob - and so that they would be able to have something for lunch. We ended up having to cut her visit short - Ricky took her to his sisters that night. We then proceeded to figure out what to do with our children for the night - and with ourselves also. By the time we got home it was too dark to see anything inside the house. We lit all the candles we could find and found a few low-battery flashlights (note to self: get a good flashlight and extra batteries) and tried our best to locate clothes for the next day. We ended up without electricity for an entire week. We spent a few nights at my sisters, and a night at my parents, and the rest of the week we stayed at home with the windows open. It actually wasn't too bad. It was almost peaceful - no noise of the electronics that usually run all night - no air conditioning - no icemaker - no alarm clock (we had to use the alarms on our cell phones). All in all we survived it. But I don't think I'll forget it - maybe not ever.

I'm not trying to feel sorry for myself - I just needed to vent a little. From a spiritual perspective - the timing of this was right at the 2 month mark of my fast from sugar. I asked that God would stretch my faith - that he'd help me learn to trust Him. Until the very end of this entire ordeal - I never even made the connection. But looking back I realize that He was doing just that. During the week I wasn't worried. I should have been, but I wasn't. I wasn't upset (a little embarrassed), I wasn't really scared. I knew that He was in control and that everything would work out exactly as He wanted - and that gave me comfort and perspective. I only hope that I've come out of it different. I think I have. I'm desperately trying to figure out His will / plan for my family and our finances. I want more than anything to do what He wants - as far as work goes. It was a big decision to go back to work full time - especially when I had felt that it was God that kept me at home for so long. I'm honestly still quite confused about the big picture. I believe that God gave me this opportunity simply because I was so scared about finances and He was answering my groanings for immediate relief. I truly believe He had something better planned if I would have just been willing to wait and to trust. I am sad that I didn't. I am, however, understanding even more fully how much He loves me. When I was at my lowest point and was the most afraid for the future, He answered my prayer and helped me. He gave me relief - right when I needed it most. That's God. Today, to me, He's my helper - my deliverer, my loving Father. Who is He to you today?

Craziness

I'm finding myself smack-dab in the middle of chaos again. I had finally crawled out of the craziness of being involved in too many things - and here I am again right back where I started. I know that it's my own fault. I just can't leave things undone that I believe need to be done. I often take on way too many responsibilities just because I don't believe anyone else will take care of them - and I simply can't leave them undone. Am I the only one who suffers from this busy disease? I don't think so. I only wish I knew how to not get into the "crazy" situation to begin with. I guess I could start by learning to say "no". Although usually it is me volunteering for everything that gets me into this mess. I love to be "busy". I think most of us do. I love to be involved in lots of things - I like to help out where needed. I only wish I could distinguish the good from the important and the important from the God-led. Here's a bit of what all I've volunteered to do:
* I lead the music for and am on the leadership team for our church's college group which meets on Monday nights.
* I co-lead the music for the youth group on Wednesday night (I play the guitar, and help choose the songs ahead of time)
* I am involved in choir and praise team - which meet Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
* I create the monthly YACS (our college group) newsletter - I write or coordinate the articles, I do the interviews, I print, fold, label and mail them every month.
* I am trying to kick-off a mom's group for my church that will meet at least once per week (this is a very needed ministry for my church - there are SO many new moms that would benefit from this group)
* I manage my Sunday School online group page (this takes no time at all - shouldn't even be mentioned)
* I've been keeping a friend's kids (a 2 yr old, and a 5 mo old) every so often b/c she needs someone to keep them (and I volunteered).
* I'm about to go back to work part time (2-3 days per week) in an office - and am taking my 8 mo old w/ me.
* My husband and I are trying to get a monthly JAM night started for musicians at our church.
* I have 3 youth that have asked me for music lessons of some sort. - but I haven't been able to schedule them yet.
* I will be coordinating the music for our upcoming VBS.

I didn't even mention that I have a 6 yr old in 1st grade, an almost 8 mo old who still does not sleep through the night, and a house that refuses to clean itself no matter how much I beg. We also are in the middle of the biggest financial crisis my family has ever had.

What do you think, am I involved in too much?? This is only the things I am already involved in - not the ones I'd love to get started but just don't have the time. Plus I think there are other things I've just forgotten.

I think it's time to look over the list and begin to delegate. Pray that God will give me the wisdom and strength to do just that.

By the way...

I'm blogging again...I assume that you figured that out already, but here's the official announcement anyway. It's good to be back.

My stupid mouth..

Have you ever had that moment where you did or said something entirely stupid? I know I'm not the only one - although I'm beginning to think I have more than my share of those moments. I'm standing there and as the thing is coming out of my mouth I'm wishing I could take it back. Not because it was a bad thing - but because the timing was all wrong. It was perceived in entirely the wrong way - not at all how I meant it. I forgot to filter. I wasn't paying enough attention to the situation and I hurt someone's feelings - or rather made someone mad. It was not my intention and I am tortured over it. I couldn't wait even an hour to call that person and apologize from the bottom of my heart. I'm still a little tortured over it. The person said it was no big deal and that they are not mad - but my heart still hurts b/c my stupid mouth hurt someone.

Do you ever have those moments? I hope you don't - or at least not as often as I do. I've been singing the John Mayer song, "My Stupid Mouth" in my head ever since.

Next time I'll be more careful of the timing and context before I let loose with my tongue.

Welcome Baby Sydney

Here she is...Sydney Kate Wells. This is the first time Elisa held her. She's absolutely beautiful. 7lbs, 6 oz at birth, and 18 1/2 inches. Although now she's over 20 inches and at least 8 lbs. Growing like a champ.

Thanks for all your prayers and stuff - very much appreciated.

Still Waiting for Baby

Well, what can I say...no baby yet. We're beginning to think that he or she has just decided to stay put. My daughter keeps asking if the baby is shy or scared and that's why he/she isn't here yet.

I've been having contractions for 2 weeks now - at least every ten minutes - but most are coming at least every 5 minutes. For the last 2 days they've been coming more like every 3 or 4 minutes. And they don't feel good - although compared to what's ahead, I suppose they are not so bad. We've made 2 fun trips to the maternity ward at the hospital - both to no avail, but with much frustration. I'm tempted to go into nursing so that I can run the department and set some things right.

But enough complaining.

Baby's room is ready now - little animals everywhere. I just sit there sometimes and realize how dramatically my life is about to change. My husband has been really great - hanging curtains, cleaning carpets - he's basically been helping me nest since I'm almost on bedrest in order to keep the contractions from making me completely crazy.

Good news is that if baby doesn't come before Friday - doc will induce. So before the week is out - we'll have a new little bundle of joy.

I guess it's time to come up with a name. We have some ideas - but just can't settle on one yet. Maybe we'll wait until baby arrives to see what he or she would like to be called. If only it were that easy.

If you're not too busy - shoot up a prayer for us this week. The contractions are getting quite painful, but not productive enough to get things started. I'm pretty exhausted most of the time - but am desperately trying to keep in good spirits. I have a 6 year old that needs lots of attention. My husband is working extra hours - and extra jobs to help prepare financially, and we're both pretty worn out. BUT - we're unbelievable excited. We've waited for this baby for 6 years - and still can't believe it's happening. God has answered our prayers - and given us such a blessing in this baby. I found a book called "Praying the Bible for Your Baby" and it has been my companion for the last week. I'm finding it calms and comforts me to pray so often for my new little one.

Thanks for letting me share this incredible time with all of you. I appreciate all the support we've received. I know that soon everyone can stop worrying and start celebrating Baby Wells.

I'll try to post pictures as soon as little bean is born. - or at unveil the name.

Until then...thanks for your prayers - we really appreciate them!!!