TIME OUT FOR WOMEN

Thought I would add the happy portion of my weekend in OKC (scroll down for the sad part). We had such a fun time at TOFW. We stayed in a great location down the street from the convention center. We ate and ate to our heart's content-which is every woman's favorite thing about a GWO (girl's weekend out). The first night we ate at "Zio's", this really yummy Italian restaurant and then after the night's talks were over, we of course had to go to "The Melting Pot". I had never been there before but it was SO yummy! I really hadn't laughed that hard in a long time. Amber Shelton was hilarious!

We took a walk back to our place that night and Jenny found this sign....



We couldn't resist...It was really so much fun.
Thanks Jenny for the pics!


My favorite part of the conference was when Hilary Weeks would speak and sing to us. She performed so professionally and had such a great way about her. She is just REAL! I look up to the person that she is. She brought the spirit into the room as soon as her voice hit the speakers, whether it be just talking or singing. She sang this song about a day as a mother. I have felt this way so many times...I don't believe it is released yet so I don't know the lyrics. I think it was called "If today was the last day of the world". It said "I would hold you tight, memorize every feature of your face...I wish that I could sing to you a lullaby tonight." NIAGRA FALLS! I was bawling so hard, thinking that I have felt that way so many times. Did I do my best with the time I had with my children today? Did I make the most of my time? Most of the time, no. So I went away feeling motivated to treat every day like it was the last day I had with them.

There were other great speakers there as well. Dean Hughes and Jason Wright (awesome authors) spoke. They had some great things to say as well. I really enjoyed Dean Hughes' remarks on being patient. He has a case of the road rage, as many of us (me) do. He was talking about taking time to really enjoy the moments.

Over all, the weekend made me feel a jumpstart as a mother and wife. Not only did I miss my children-the talks that were given were very special and helped us see how special our calling in life as mothers really is.

I can't even begin to imagine...

These passed few days have been kind of a rude awakening for me, I think. It actually started a few months ago when I heard a dear friend of mine had a son, about 18 months old, who was hit by a friend's car right there in front of his home. It was the saddest thing I had heard in a really long time and my heart just broke. My thoughts always automatically turn to my own children and how grateful I am for their little faces. I am definately human, though, and as my life goes on I forget to be thankful for my little blessings until I run into another rude awakening (this weekend). I had the opportunity to go to Time Out For Women in Oklahoma City with a great group of girls. We had a WONDERFUL TIME by the way-and I have yet to post some photos and talk about the great part of the weekend. But I wanted to focus on the serious part right now (I know...I am known to get a little too serious and sentimental about stuff but I think this is a necessary time for it).

Saturday, April 19 was the 13th year anniversary of the OKC bombing. It happened at 9:02 that morning. When it happened I was living in Dallas but I was only 15 years old. I didn't have the focus on it I may have had when 911 occurred but I wish my maturity had grown enough by that point for it to have effected me the way it did 13 years later. Anyway, it was a beautiful memorial the city of Oklahoma City had put together. There were "empty chairs" scattered among the grassy field to your left as you walk in and the "survivor tree" on the right. In the center was where the main bldg stood, and it is now a rectangular area covered in a peaceful water. The feeling you get in the pit of your stomach the minute you walk into that area is unforgettable and undeniable. The saddness was unmistakably raw for many still. I can not even imagine what the families of the victims must feel. The empty chairs is where the rude awakening started to strike within me. Walking along I couldn't help but notice the 2 chairs, sitting side by side. They were covered in "boy things"-spider man balloon, little cars, trucks...all the stuff my little boys would play with. That is when I realized there were children in the bldg. I had no idea when it happened that a whole floor of children played in the daycare everyday before that awful disaster. We always take these disasterous moments and compare them with "what if that were me", especially when it comes to children. I called Ty and the boys immediately and told them I love them. I could try to imagine those 2 empty chairs belonging to my 2 boys. These boys were in fact the same age as my 2. Poor Ty thought I was insane and kept repeating that they are doing fine and to enjoy myself. I promised that I had been (as I stand bawling into the phone). Rude awakening... Then, we go INTO the museum and words really can't explain. This memorial was so carefully put in place, personalizing every detail that had been left behind. They had cases filled with belongings that survived their victims. I will never forget the case with a pile of children's shoes, one in particular labeled with the little girl's name and that she had died when the bomb struck the bldg. Tears keep falling, but I keep walking through the different corridors that lead to more and more food for my rude awakening. There is so much more-we walked into a makeshift board room with the actual sound effects of the bomb in the background that was recorded during an actual board meeting that morning across the street. Then you walk out of the room and "live" footage from that day is shown on a television. The last thing I will mention is the emotional interviews survivors were stating from the disaster. Footage of parents from the scene who had either lost or were hopeful in finding their children that were on that 2nd floor brought on the tears! I was awakened to my life and the fragility of every moment of it. THIS sort of thing could happen to anyone...anywhere...at any time. I want to enjoy every moment I have my little children with me, every moment I am with my husband and just pray he is safe at work or driving...wherever he goes. I don't think we should live in fear...but I KNOW we shouldn't live in ignorance to what can be taken from us.

Then, yesterday I receive an email from my brother about another dear friend whose little boy was diagnosed with ALL leukemia. One moment, they thought he had the flu-the next, they are fighting to keep a terrible disease from taking their little boy away. I look up to their strength and pray that little Jake will come through. I pray that I will continue to enjoy life's greatest blessings and truly remember WHAT REALLY MATTERS! I am so done with worrying about the dumb little things that take away from the important things.

Sorry for the long post-I just needed to get out what I have been feeling. It feels good to slap yourself in the face (not literally) and really wake up to the clear things the Lord wants us to see.

Glimpse of what is to come...

Yesterday, we had 2 of Brock's friends over. They were really good and had a great time playing together. After playing Power Rangers, they colored pictures from the movie "Cars". Then, they decided it would be a good idea to watch the movie with POPCORN! Every kid loves popcorn and a movie...as a Mom I don't mind letting them do that either! So I took a quick pic of 4 boys sitting on a couch, all with their own blanket and bowl of popcorn. I couldn't help but get a flashforward of my future as a soccer mom. We will soon have 3, and since I have convinced my husband to try for a 4th in a couple years...this is how I see my most likely outcome. I couldn't help but smile at that. Hey, I do have a good time listening to those lil giggles and I am constantly learning the correct way to make sound effects when playing with cars or trains. Boys are so sweet to their moms too!

These boys have been raised really well and we are happy to have them as friends of our boys. It is so important to have great examples for your children's friends. I was thinking yesterday that I hope we live here for at least 15 years so Brock's circle of friends will help him stay on track and ultimately help support him in a decision to serve a mission.

Brock's Birthday!

Beamer turned 4 last Friday!!!

I can't believe my little hero is 4! Time flies...

Last Friday was Brock's "Peter Piper Pizza Power Rangers Party"! We had so much fun. All the kids wore masks, ate pizza, and played games. At the end, we got to eat yummy cake and open the generous gifts our guests brought. Thanks to everyone that attended, it was the best birthday Brock has ever had (those are his words:).

It was really fun to have so many of Brock's friends there to celebrate. Brock made sure he got a gift from everyone (stinker). He went over to Scotty and said "Hey, Scotty! Did you bring me a present?" Scotty: "Yes." Brock:"Well, that was very nice of you." Jenny was telling me about that later...kids are so funny!

We ate so much pizza...you could see it on everyone's face. Brock was all smiles the whole time:)

Here is Brock and his little buddy, Connor. HE LOVES CONNOR! They hit it off right from the first time they met last year. Connor's Mom, Barbie and I have been friends for over 15 years. We are so blessed to live close to their family again. (well, kinda close:)

After the party, Brock and Trey were pooped so they each took a nap. So when naps were over, our family went to see the Frisco Roughriders, the minor league baseball team of the Texas Rangers. They beat the Springfield Cardinals again! The guy sitting in front of us wasn't happy with our cheering so he left (he had a friend on the other team...) oh well. Then, we watched an amazing fireworks display. Needless to say, they were pooped again since it was after 10:30 when we got home.

My Little Power Ranger
It was a fun day! I appreciate Brock and the little man he is turning out to be. What a joy he is in my life! The older he gets, the more I can relate and bond with him-what a blessing! I love you Brockly!

Lots of posts in one

What is going on with the Wardell's?

First of all, what is up with my house? Seriously-if you could see my upstairs especially you would think I never clean! Brock is done napping (for the most part) and has quiet time while Trey is asleep and he HAS to stay upstairs. So, what does he do? He destroys it-my little tornado! You would think that tornado last night was inside our house instead of 5 miles away!
Anyway, that's another story! My kitchen-wow! Can I keep the floors clean for more than 2 seconds please?! What's up with food all over and smeared into my textured tiles that never wanna come out? Any suggestions on how to get that all the way out? I'm talkin' brocolli, ice cream, BANANAS, you name it. I can get the surface ok but I know it is still there. UGH-this whole "nesting" thing is outta hand. I can never spring clean enough and when it is looking decent something else needs to be cleaned. Why did I want a 2 story again?

Oh my goodness...The boys are keeping me ON MY FEET - Brock turns 4 this Friday and Trey is now starting to communicate what he wants. The whining rings my ears from the both of them. Right now, what are they doing? They are in the bathtub playing "cold raisin fingers" and flooding the bathroom while I type a boring post. I just asked "Brock, is Trey's face in the water?" He said "No, he is ok." Good to know...better go check to be sure. K-I'm back!




Brock is in soccer now (late posting it since the season is almost over) and he loves it! Last practice he did really well. The last game that I saw, though, he was pulling kids down while trying to get the ball away from them. The coach had to pull him aside on that one. Trey just kicks and screams as I hold him back from playing on the team...so fun!

Book Update: Some have asked about this and I am starting to regret telling all of you about my book just in case the publisher I want doesn't take it. I have to admit I got a little excited when a publishing company wanted to publish it but when I decided to turn them down and try for another one that is affiliated with the LDS church, I was told to finish the WHOLE thing first. Usually you send the first few chapters but now I am stuck with a deadline to finish the whole thing. Well, good news! I finally came up with a great ending while on my relaxing cruise sitting by the pool...ahhhh (since I was suffering from writer's block for a month before that) and will now have it sent out this month! I will keep ya posted on the results-let's pray they take the book. I really think it contains good morals for youth and adults. It is a tear jerker though...
I am afraid it isn't as good as I think it is, but I guess they will tell me soon enough.

FAQ's:What's it about? Based in Edinburgh, Scotland, one sister goes to visit another after a major tragedy (can't say what-unless it just collects dust on my shelf and no one else's...then I will tell you:). It is about life, love, and faith. I LOVE the characters in it. Anyway, that's the only FAQ and it's not really frequently asked-you peeps are just being nice to ask at all. LOL


Last but not least, my Mom lives here with us and can I say just what a joy she has been! The boys absolutely LOVE having her here with us. They wake her up each morning (sorry Mom) and she never complains (to me:). My Mom has a way with kids-she had 7 of them herself but you would think that after all that raising up of children, she would be like "I'm done! Your turn. I am just here to give presents occasionally." But, nope! Instead she plays with them every chance she gets because she really wants to. She loves ALL her grandkids so much!She works so hard! She has been such a beacon of strength in my life. She somehow seems to work on her feet until 10 or 11 every night with a few health problems. I don't know how she does it but she keeps on smiling. Her goal is to serve a single sister mission and is saving up for that. That is so admirable!

Ok, so that was kind of boring...Thanks for reading. I would love to hear about all your life's endeavors and how you and your fams are doing. You have been great to hear me out. :) Loves!

TAGGED

My beautiful sister, Lori, tagged me about...
MY FAVORITE THINGS around the house

My favorite thing in the kitchen is... My crockpot. I call it lazy woman's cooking (or rather busy mommy's cooking) and it works great for me!

My favorite thing in the bathroom is... My sink-it is gynormous and I have all this counterspace just for me! I could seriously lay across there to do my makeup...what a joy!

My favorite thing in the bedroom is... My bedspread. It is the only colorful thing in my house that's not neutral or red(and sad to say it is only blue) but I love the colors and it makes me feel peaceful when I hide...I mean rest from a long day.

My favorite thing in the bedroom closet is... My new hanging shoe shelf purchased from IKEA for all my "dressy shoes".

My favorite thing in the living room is... Our Television. I don't know what I would do without that babysitter...I mean entertainment.

My favorite thing in the pantry is... It is looking pretty sad at the moment with a ton of health food (since my husband is a junkfood Nazi) so I would have to say the "Sun Chips Garden Salsa" are my current crave in the pantry.

My favorite thing in the "office" is...This computer! I am on it constantly. Some might say I am a little addicted.

My favorite thing in the baby's room is...A frame of both our boys. It is a collage with pics of Brock and Trey. Trey loves it in his room and points at it everyday just laughing and saying "Dot, that's Dot" (Brock, that's Brock)

I tag: Amy B., Jenny F., Julie S., and Stephanie R.

Who looks like who?

K-This surprised me a little bit...I am always told both boys look just like their Dad. I even tried other pictures of Brock and they said he looked more like me...weird!

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celebrity - Collage - Morph

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Roots - Family history

Our Cruise to Mexico