Some things that make my heart happy

One of the things us Goulet girls like to do is take our Mom on a day-shopping trip.  She’s usually game to go… and we like to find a fun place to eat for lunch.

So yesterday four of the six of us girls took Mom to Branson. It’s pretty unusual for so many of us to be able to go on the same day.  I can’t believe I didn’t get any photos… well, except for this one that I sent to Jodi because it reminded me of something someone we know would’ve bought…and I was having her “guess who would like this?”

My sister, Suzanne (#3), had me meet her at 7:30 in the morning … which, by the way, is not unlike 4 AM to me when it comes to “be ready and meet me by time”.  We stopped along the way and picked up Valerie (#4) and then my Mom (she’s #1 to us!).  We drove to Harrison and left Suzanne’s vehicle at the dealership for a service appointment and my younger sister, Sharon (#9), drove us the rest of the way to Branson.  It was tag-team driving.

We got to the Landing about 30 minutes before the stores opened and it was 20-something degrees!! So, we found a little coffee shop opened and headed in there to get warm and visit for a while.

After the shops opened we took Mom on a little shopping trip in Coldwater Creek to pick out a few things for her Christmas gift.  We had her in a dressing room for like an hour and a half or two hours.  It was fun… and I told Suz that I wish we could do that for her every week.

We ate at Cantina Laredo and it was SO good! I had the Enchiladas Veracruz (chicken and spinach enchilada)… and their vegetables were incredible!

Afterwards, we went on to Kohl’s and then finally to TJ Maxx… where my heart rate increased greatly just pulling into the parking lot.  I got the cutest little shirt-dress for $19.99, oh yes I did.  No purses though… TJM greatly disappointed in the purse section.

I suppose it IS the season for giving to others, not self, though. Ha!

We got home around 6:00 and then Dave and I met up with Jodi and Gary for “modified” pizza.  To top off the rest of our romantic double-date, we headed to Lowe’s.

* * * *

I got a “thank you” card from Kale a few days ago.  There’s just not much sweeter than that!!

* * * *

Today, Kale is taking his two final tests and then he is FINISHED with college.  We are SO proud of him and for his hard work and discipline these last four years (not to mention the 13 years of effort before that).  He has accomplished so much and done so well for himself… and in a couple of weeks, he will begin his life as a career man as he begins his full-time job in Houston with the company he’s been with for the last two years.

We are SO proud of you, Kale!! You’ve come a long way, baby!!

Well, I’m off to jump in the shower (I know it’s 1:30 in the afternoon and I haven’t showered yet)… Dave just texted me and asked if I wanted to go do something.  It’s a new day in the Wallace house… more on that in my next post.

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year #5

What I Want For Christmas…

This year David and I started sponsoring a Compassion child.  His name is Amit.  He is 4 years old and lives in India.  I’m overwhelmed when I realize how our small monthly contribution can mean the difference between life and even death for Amit. 

This has been a tough year, economically for everyone.  As a matter of fact, we had just began sponsoring Amit when we received the news that our wages would be REDUCED as we all do what we can to ride out this economic crisis.  But, God has been faithful to us and even when things SEEM hard for us… they are truly hard for SO many who are less fortunate.  We have a roof over our heads.  We have food on our table.  We have clothes on our backs. We have so much to be thankful for… and we are thankful for the opportunity to give and to help provide for Amit.

This Christmas, I made a commitment to Compassion to help find a sponsor for a child.  Meet Janeth…

Janeth lives in Tanzania.  Across Tanzania, thousands of children like Janeth face a harsh, daily struggle for survival.  Many children go for days with little or no food or have little access to safe drinking water.  They are often sheltering in unhygienic conditions where disease, violence and abuse overshadow their lives.  Many live in constant fear and danger.

Janeth is almost 10 years old.  She lives with her mother who is sometimes employed as a farmer.  Janeth helps by working at home buying or selling in the market, washing clothes and making beds. There are 2 children in her family.

Playing jacks, singing and art are Janeth’s favorite activities.  In primary school her performance is average and she also regularly attends church activities and Bible class.

Janeth especially needs your prayers, because she has epilepsy and is receiving regular medical treatment.

Through Compassion’s sponsorship program, children like Janeth are being given the chance of a lifetime to break free from poverty, receive an education for the first time and know what it is to feel loved, valued and highly esteemed as one of God’s precious children.

I ask for your prayers to help me find a sponsor for Janeth during the month of December.  I am committed to pray that she will find one this month.  I ask that you prayerfully consider sponsoring Janeth yourself.  All it takes is $38 a month.  $38! What is a meal or two out for us, is hope for Janeth.  Hope for her next meal. Hope for education. Hope for the treatment she needs for her epilepsy.  Hope to have joy in her life.

If you want more information or are led to sponsor Janeth, please contact me… and I will HAPPILY get you the information!  Finding a sponsor for Janeth is all I want for Christmas.

A Few Wedding Photos

The kids made it back home Monday morning.  Kale had to be in class early.  The next couple weeks will be the end of his schooling and preparing for finals and graduation.

The photographer will have photos in a couple of weeks, but my Mom sent me a few that she took…

The cake was gorgeous. Not your typical wedding cake, either.

It meant THE WORLD to us that Charlsie was able to attend.  (She’s wearing the outfit that she asked me to shop for.  So sweet!)  Her brother, Lloyd, was her “date” for the evening. 

Charlsie hugged on Kale a little after these pictures and my Mom said she saw her mouth the words, “You’re a good boy” to him.  (He is.)

The ceremony was beautiful, but nothing was more beautiful to me than when they said their vows to one another.  My heart was so full!!

And so, they begin their lives together…

Mr. & Mrs. Kale Wallace

Wedding Day Recap in A Nutshell

Woke early.

Enjoyed omelet – courtesy of Dave.

Last minute errands.

Chatted with Kayla on the phone before her hair/makeup appointment.

Relaxed in front of TV.

Feeling calm and proud of all we had accomplished.

Kale comes home – just chillin’.

One hour until photo session - about to get dressed.

Phone call from Kayla.

Both hairstyles - a DISASTER. Kayla is distraught.

Frantic phone calls… Kay, my wonderful hairdresser, comes to the rescue.

Kayla is happy again.

We all make it to the church for photos about 30 minutes late.

Button falls off Kale’s tux jacket.

Wedding begins ON SCHEDULE (did you notice Brother Steve?)

Wedding was BEAUTIFUL!!

Yes, I cried.

Head to reception - major caterer disaster.

I freak out. Start making punch. (BTW, chocolate coffee punch was the crowd favorite.)

After what seems like forever… food is served.  SORRY guests! We really do love you.

Kale and Kayla off to their mini-honeymoon destination… and off to begin their lives together. Smiling all the way.

* * * * * * * *

The day certainly had it’s tense moments.  But, the kids are just as married and all is well.

I want to thank everyone who helped us: Jodi and Gary (who stayed to clean until 10 PM, they also helped us so much setting up); Steve, Judy, Kelly, Joe and Libby for getting the church put back together for Sunday services; Carla (Dave’s sister) and Ray X. for helping the caterer.

Thank you, Steve, for all the years you’ve been there for our family.  It is a huge blessing for you to marry our “baby” after all these years.

Thank you, Lord, for blessing our son with a beautiful girl, inside and out, to spend his life with and for blessing David and me with a daughter. 

We have much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving week!

Dear Kayla

A little over three years ago, we met up with Kale at one of our favorite little spots in Harrison (Neighbors Mill).  He didn’t tell us ahead of time, so it kinda surprised us when a cute little girl stepped out from his car.  We got tickled and said to each other, “oh, look, Kale’s brought a little girl with him!”

Well, that little girl has come to mean so very much to me.  You love my son with your whole heart.  You are kind and warm and sweet.  You make me smile and I love you already as though you are my very own.

Today, on this day that you marry my son, we wish you all the happiness in the world. We pray that God will bless your marriage and keep you close to Him and to each other.

I’m so grateful that he invited you that day to Neighbors Mill.  That little girl has become OUR little girl.

We love you!

PS.  The five year plan starts today!!

An Unexpected Blessing

We had a sweet Thanksgiving church fellowship tonight.  There’s always so much good food (especially the desserts) and good conversation with wonderful church family. 

Afterwards, I was headed to my office to put a few things up and I heard someone in the sanctuary… it was Steve and Judy and they were working on packing up the shoe boxes our church collected for Operation Christmas Child.  So, Tyler and I joined them… and it was so much fun!!

I couldn’t help but think about the little hands that would get to open each box and the smiles on their faces and the joy that those simple shoe boxes would bring to each child.  I only wish I could be there to see them open them with my own eyes.

What a blessing to be able to do something as simple as pack a few shoeboxes to be ready to ship!

And the countdown is on… four more days until Thanksgiving and six more until the wedding.  This will be a busy week!

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year #4

I got this email from XM Radio today!! SO excited! I love me some Christmas music…

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

I LOVE the holidays!! I start celebrating at the end of October, early November. Here are the photos I’ve taken with my Blackberry camera to catch the simple things that make this the most wonderful time of the year to me…

1. Holiday lights/decorations

I caught this beautiful Christmas tree Friday night at the Landing in Branson.  Small towns know how to get decked out for the season!

2.  Holiday Programming – even commercials

I spent today watching the “Love Comes…” series.  I can’t wait for holiday programming in all its glory!

3.  Pumpkin bread

My favorite food at this time of year!

More to come…

I hope you find joy in the simple things during this most wonderful time of the year!

The Thought of Houston

Reality is setting in more and more every day.  This evening, Kale and Kayla flew to Houston for the weekend to find a home.  In 29 days, they will be married, and another month after that, they will be moving to Houston…which seems like worlds away to me.

Even though my heart is somewhat sad, it’s also so excited and happy for them and their future together.  There are so many exciting things going on in their lives right now.  David and I know that Houston is a great opportunity for Kale and his future and we also know he worked very hard to get where he is. But, I’m SO going to miss them when they move.

About four years ago, I watched him graduate from high school.  Shortly after I walked away from a college dorm room leaving my precious baby alone in a big, bad world, two hours away from home.  But he did well (and so did I, I might add).

And now, we’re about to see him graduate and leave again. Only this time, it’s 11 or 12 hours away. To this momma, that’s a LONG way. But, we’re confident he will do well there, too. And I’m certain I will, too.

Until that time comes, I’m going to look forward to their wedding and the holidays and cross that other bridge when I come to it.

A Bridal Shower

You know it’s getting close when the bridal showers begin.  Our church family had Kayla’s first shower today and it was so nice!

The table was beautiful.Kayla and her cute, cute Maid of Honor, Jessica My mom, Kayla and me

L-R My sister, Valerie #4, Mom, Kayla, me, and my sister, Suzanne #3

David’s sister, Carla and our great-niece, Rylee (what a cutie!) My BFF, Jodi.  It hit us today how our children should still be in grade school…not getting married!! (She’ll be where I am in short order.)

Rylee got sleepy. Thank you to our wonderful church family for being so good to us.  We are blessed!

Look at all that hair!

I’ve marked a few things off my “To Do” list today.

• Got my yearly mammogram
• Finished with my Monday workload
• Paid a few bills
• Read and commented on several blogs (I’ve been so behind since my computer was among the missing).
• Successfully convinced Dave to run to the grocery store since I had to train tonight and go to a meeting – score!

Saturday marked my 15 year anniversary of working at our church. Tyler was just starting Kindergarten and Kale was in the 2nd grade when I changed jobs.  My church family has always been so good to me.  Yesterday in church, Steve embarrassed me by calling me down to the front to give me a card and a trip for two to Houston (to be taken AFTER Kale and Kayla move there at the end of December, of course).  What a great gift!! I’m so blessed to have a job I love and to be able to work with and for some amazing people.

This afternoon, I got a few more photos of my new niece.  She looks a lot like my little sister when she was a baby.

 

Check out all Sophia’s hair!

Hope you had a great Monday!

A Lazy Weekend

Kale and Kayla came in for the weekend.  It’s muzzleloading season here in our “neck of the woods” so Kale was excited to come home for a man-camp this weekend.  Kayla and I decided to have a quiet girl’s weekend.

It’s been pretty chilly here, so we built a fire and did a lot of this…

and this…

It was good to just relax and get some rest.

Tyler hunted for a while Saturday morning, but he came home for the rest of the weekend.  He, Kayla and I all went to church this morning… kinda funny that he and Kayla walked in to Sunday School together without Kale…and then the three of us ate lunch at our favorite Mexican restaurant.

The kids will be back next weekend for Kayla’s bridal shower at our church.  The wedding is less than 6 weeks away!!

In big family news… my baby sister (Kristin #11) had her second baby today!! A precious little girl, Sophia Rose.  Isn’t she precious?

 

Oh, and welcome back my laptop!!! (Can you hear me humming a little “Peaches and Herb”.)

Missing My Laptop

Kale has my laptop at his house.  She has had the required “surgery” and seems to have recovered nicely as per the reports I’ve received.  She’s still recuperating and is being monitored very closely and will be coming home to momma next weekend when my other “precious” makes the trip back for the weekend.

We are only seven weeks away from Thanksgiving AND the wedding.  Time is going by so fast and 2009 is almost one for the record books. I STILL haven’t found a thing to wear to the wedding.  I’m starting to get a little nervous.  I’m a big online shopper and have checked every store I can think of and have found nothing, notta, zip! I could really use some help in this department. I am leaning toward chocolate brown…so if y’all happen across something you think would work, let me know.

On another note, y’all know how much I LOVE “The Biggest Loser”.  As much as I love it, there are some things I truly have problems with:

• First of all, the past couple of seasons, we’ve seen the trainers behave in ways I believe (as a trainer) are not necessary to motivate people. This is and should be a family program, so NBC, please note that we don’t need the f-word bleeped out a million times a show to realize your trainers are intense.
• I also don’t care for the game play.  I think the show would do just as well, if not better, if it revolved totally around the health and fitness aspect and the emotional journey the contestants find themselves on.  Having experienced some form of it myself, I can tell you, that losing weight and getting fit is VERY empowering and it brings out some things in you that you don’t realize you have within you…whether that be purging negative self-talk or discovering strength and endurance you never knew you had.
• It’s awesome to see such amazing weight loss results at each weigh-in, but the show needs to remind the audience that these contestants are being watched with every morsel that touches their lips and are spending hours, 6-8-10 hours, in the gym each and every day.  Doing so can result in extreme weight loss, especially when they have so much to lose.
• The other thing that I have problems with is…the first rattle out of the box these contestants are expected to walk, jog, run a mile.  They are extremely overweight, out of shape, and obese…and from the shows own words… “very sick” .  From our perspective, it appears that these contestants take off in a run to try to reach that dangling carrot (immunity) first.  What we are not seeing, I’m sure, is that there are doctors, trainers, etc on the sidelines observing for safety (and legal) reasons.  But, the message is that the typical obese person can and should get up off their easy chairs and run a mile.  NOT! I would never do that to one of my clients.
• I do love the show, and I love how the contestants develop relationships and have a desire to get healthy for their loved ones and themselves.  I bawled over Abbey’s story of losing her husband and two young children tragically in 2006, or hearing how Shay has never felt loved.  I cheer each week for Rebecca and Amanda to do well.  I absolutely LOVE watching the changes occur both in the contestant’s bodies as well as their hearts and minds.

Well, now that I got that off my chest. As for me…I am happy to report that after 3 years of struggling on the scale, I have reached my goal weight and have lost almost 20 pounds since June.  And I did it without a trainer screaming obscenities in my ear!!  Although, there are a few times that I want to cuss myself for the workouts I put us through. Ha!

Hope y’all have a great weekend… we’ve got the Turkey Trot festival here.  We miss you, Mousie!