Welcome to Life in Limbo!

Well, this weekend was action packed. I judged a 2 day drill team competition in Galveston, had the chance to sing one of my favorite songs at a church service for about 250 drill team girls, and then had the nerve wracking experience of singing the National Anthem for about 2000 people. (I'm guestimating the number, but it was an entire convention center at Moody Gardens packs with parents and dancers). It was a pretty humbling experience and proved my favorite verse to be true....I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I'm not feeling particularly strong on my own right now, but I know that God has a plan and though I'm not in on the plan yet....it's going to be better than anything I could ever plan on my own. I titled this text "Life in Limbo" because It seems like just about every part of my life is up in the air right now. I'm not sure what my job will be this time next year, I'm not sure if the flower shop will ever sell, and I'm waiting on prayers about my Dad's situation. I told a friend today that I know God has an awesome plan, but it would be so great if he would just write me a tiny memo and give me a glimpse at the outline.
Keep those prayers coming!

McKenzee's Beauty Parlor

Tonight after Bathtime, McKenzee asked if she could dry Paige's hair and make it straight. Paige was excited about beauty shop time with Sissy. Paige's hair is naturally curly-wavy and I usually just let it dry naturally. I knew that it was getting longer, but I had no idea how long it was until it was straight.... Scary, this picture almost makes it look like I have 2 TEENAGERS!

Paige has been very photogenic this week! First of all, she decided to dress herself, while Mommy was in the shower. She just didn't understand why this ensemble wasn't appropriate for showing Uncle Alan around Dallas. Then, Daddy came home with a surprise.....A Dora tennish raquet and matching backpack cover.

We are having a great Spring Break. Uncle Alan and Cousin Chris are in town from England, and getting to experience Dallas for the first time.

Who's With Wally???

Some of you might have noticed the new blog link to the right and wondered "Who is Wally and why is someone With him?" Well here's the story in a nutshell. Wally is my Daddy. (Yes, I'm pushing 40, but like all good Southern Girls, he will ALWAYS be my Daddy!)
Daddy was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma about 8 years ago. Since the initial diagnosis, there have been several rounds of chemo, radiation, etc. It was pretty much always understood that the time would come when it was necessary to do something a little more agressive. After recent meetings with the great staff at Texas Oncology in Dallas, it was determined "that time" was now. Daddy has been extremely healthy throughout all of this. The doctor told him at our last meeting that he has the heart of a 20 year old and lung capacity of a highly trained athlete. He is the Ski School Director at Red River Ski Area in New Mexico, rides mountain bikes, plays golf, and for the most part has a great life. (We are thinking of writing a petition to request that the phrase "The Life of Riley" be renamed "The Life of Wally")
Daddy has recently been scheduled for a stem cell transplant, which will start in Mid April.
Wendee and I will be updating the blog www.whoswithwally.blogspot.com as often as we can, with updates, etc.... He'll have to stay on the Baylor campus for an estimated month or two, so we've also set up a google calendar so that his family and friends can schedule time to come and be with him. He'll be on the campus, but in apartment style housing with a friend or family member staying with him through out the process. It is my sincere prayer that I can sell the flower shop quickly enough to be able to be the main person hanging out with Dad and coordinating volunteers, etc. Through the good and the bad, I've always been a Daddy's girl and would love the opportunity to be nurse TeeLee. I wouldn't even mind if he got a little grumpy. (ha ha....inside joke) So feel free to pop on over and check out "Who's With Wally". We know that he'll be back on the slopes in no time!!!

Calling out my Prayer Buddies!

O.K. Here is the situation. Those of you who know me, know that in a former life I taught High School and directed Drill Teams before I took over the family florist. Most of my life I knew that I wanted to be a teacher, and coupled with my love of dance....when I got to college the choice was obvious. I got my teaching degree, specializing in Dance, Health and Special Education.
I really loved teaching, but about 8 years in, I got the opportunity to take over the family business. Our florist was opened in 1949, and we have been very proud of the reputation that is has developped. While I've enjoyed the florist business, my heart has really missed teaching the entire time. I've been teaching 9th grade Sunday School and 1st grade church choir, hoping that would fill the longing to teach, but it has just made me miss teaching that much more. About 2 years ago, our town passed a bond and decided to build a second high school....and my wheels started turning. My ultimate dream has always been to be the inagural drill team director at a brand new high school....starting traditions and building a team from scratch. The high school will open in August and about a month ago they posted the opening for the drill team director. I prayed and prayed and prayed, and decided to step out in faith to apply for the job. I put in my application, attened the job fair, and was called for an interview, which will take place in a couple of weeks....after spring break. Here's where I need your prayers. As much as I want this job, it's more important to me that my life reflect God's will for me.....and that I follow where HE needs me to be. I know that if I am suppose to be a teacher, He will direct my path and the right doors will open. Please just help me by praying that the right doors open to show me clearly where God wants me to be, and that if I am suppose to be teaching the right person will come along to take over the flower shop. My ideal situation would involve someone buying it, who will love and nurture it the way my family has for 60+ years. It's a successful business and one of only 2 florist in Mesquite...which is a town of over 200,000.
It would be a great opportunity for someone who wants to work for themselves, but I just don't believe that this is the life that God designed for me. Who knows maybe my desire to pass along this business could be answered prayer for someone who is praying for a new opportunity for themselves. If you are one of those people who gets up every day loving what you do and knowing that you are exactly where you are suppose to be God Bless You! That's how I feel when dream about returning to teaching!