They're So Special

We spent the better part, of last week, in Las Vegas. The band was performing. We were getting to meet up with a some of our friends people. And these ones too! It was a nice week. I did miss Lauren. Now that she's in school, it's so hard to travel with her. We don't want her to miss school. So she gets to hangout with my parents.

But there was something about being in Las Vegas. And working this event. With all this glitz and glam. That got me thinking. I want my girls to be confident in themselves. To not depend on makeup, hair, jewelry, clothes, men. I want them to know, each of them are so special. So unique. And amazing. Just because they are, who they are.

I guess I'm feeling this way, because they are getting older. Robbie walks around, like his daddy. Super confident. He ALWAYS tells us, he's going to be like daddy. Work on the Ranch. Be a daddy. Have a wife. Now I know, my boy is only 2 years old. But he's got his plan going. I'm sure, he'll probably change his mind. A 100 times, before he gets "there." But he has a clue.

I want Lauren and Abby to have that same confidence. To know, they don't need to be like a model. Or an actress. That they are perfect the way they are. That they can be mommas like me. Or be like T-Lo, and become doctors. That they can do anything.

Everyday, our little girls are hammered with so many ads, magazines, images that are not real. I don't want my daughters to think only of labels, pounds on a scale, boys, and the such. It makes me realize more and more, that I need to set this example for them.

They know that momma doesn't always wear makeup, dress up, or even do her hair. But that I do these things for myself. To feel better. To have fun. That buying all this makeup, is not normal. But my job. I want them to have confidence in themselves.

More importantly, I want them to turn to God. Ask him for guidance. To know that magazines, aren't about "real life." Just fun stuff. That we should weigh more than 100 lbs. That drinking and getting arrested are not the "normal." I want them to know, they don't need all of these things. Because they're already so special! I want my girls to know this. We love them. Just the way they are!!

~Manders

Happy Easter!

Our family wanted to wish all of you, a very Happy Easter! What a blessed day this is! We're looking forward to celebrating our dear Lord. And spending plenty of time, with our family and friends!

I just might have baked a few of these cakes. And have tons of food, for later. The Easter bunny has visited. And we have our Sunday Best ready! Our family from Texas, has been visiting. And we hope to have an amazing day with them! Happy Easter!

~Manders

Inspired

I recently got this beautiful e-mail. From Lola. Very inspiring. Thanking many of her friends. She's had a tough battle. I know, personally, that it has meant a lot to her. That her friends have stuck behind her. Honestly, I couldn't imagine, not being here for her. Lola not only has a heart of pure gold. But she is the glue, that holds us all together!

Her words definitely choked me up. In fact, Billy cried as well. It was so touching. It's things like this, that make you realize, just how important friends are. Touching things like this, also let you know, what kind of friends you have.

I have to say this much, we have AMAZING friends. Friends that come together, when times get tough. I've never seen people, rally together, the way our friends do. Plain and simple. God has really blessed us.

Along those lines, Lola included this picture. That just made me think. If you never chase after your dreams, they'll never come true. If you never fight, the fight, you'll always lose the battle. And it got me thinking about her situation.



Life has not been kind. She's fought the battle with cancer. Never wavered. Never given up. Bumps along the way, have happened. In fact, literal road blocks. But she's always pushed forward. Looked for a different way, when something didn't work. What an inspiration!

It means a lot, to be Lola's friend. To watch her fight, the fight. To watch her, be the strong woman, that she is. To continue to grow. And be this loving woman. To all that she meets. It makes me realize, that I have so much room, for personal growth. A place where God can share his grace, with me.

Recently, I've just struggled with life. But I know that I'm lucky. I have an AMAZING husband. 3 beautiful and healthy children. We have a home, food, faith, love, and our health. We are lucky. But I know, that my work with God, is not over. I must pray more. Find more time to reflect. And ask God, to share his grace, with me. I know, that he sent us Lola, to teach us these precious gifts. I know that!

~Manders

A Christmas Creed

A Christmas Creed

I believe in Jesus Christ,
and in the beauty of the gospel begun in Bethlehem.

I believe in the one whose spirit glorified a little town;
and whose spirit still brings music to persons all over the world,
in towns both large and small.

I believe in the one for whom the crowded inn could find no room,
and I confess that my heart still sometimes wants to exclude Christ from my life today.

I believe in the one who the rulers of the earth ignored,
and the proud could never understand;
whose life was among common people,
whose welcome came from persons of hungry hearts.

I believe in the one who proclaimed the love of God to be invincible:
I believe in the one whose cradle was a mother's arms,
whose modest home in Nazareth had love for its only wealth,
who looked at persons and made them see what God's love saw in them,
who by love brought sinners back to purity,
and lifted human weakness up to meet the strength of God.

I confess my ever-lasting need of God:
The need of forgiveness for our selfishness and greed,
the need of new life for empty souls,
the need of love for hearts grown cold.

I believe in God who gives us the best of himself.
I believe in Jesus,
the son of the living God,
born in Bethlehem this night,
for me and for the world.

Recently, I found this Christmas Creed. I printed it out, and placed it in a beautiful frame. On our mantel. I wanted to share it with you. In hopes, that it might speak to your soul too.

~Manders

Learning

"A bible that's falling apart, usually belongs to someone who isn't." ~Charles Spurgeon




Recently, in Bible Study, this topic, quote, and picture came up. I've been going to Bible Study for years now. And I really enjoy it. I'm lucky enough to live in a small community. And the Bishop, he teaches our bible study.

The thing that I enjoy most, is really learning about, and exploring the Bible. I'm always writing little notes, highlighting, or placing sticky tabs, on my Bible. I remember when I first starting going, I was so unsure of this. Lola always used to tell me, it's OK. Actually, it's a good thing. It helps you understand better.

But I had grown up in a very traditional family. You don't talk or wiggle around in church. You don't write on the Bible. And you don't disrespect the cross. So it took me a while. Until I actually saw the Bishop write on his Bible.

Tonight, it came full circle. I've had this same Bible, for 6 years. It's falling apart. All marked up. Highlighted. Some pages are smudged. The spine is a mess! But my Bible is well used, loved, and read. I know, that this is the way it's supposed to be. I use my Bible every day. And I wouldn't have it any other way!

~Manders

Children's Nativity Scene

With Christmas just around the corner, our house is completely decked out! Those are Billy's words, not mine! But we have everything up. It looks beautiful. :)



And the newest addition to our decorations, this cute Nativity Scene that my parents bought the kids. It's "Child Friendly." And just perfect. In fact, my parents read to the kids tonight. From their "Children's Bible." And all 3 of our kids held tight to a few pieces. I can see this set getting used plenty while they are growing up! Definitely an addition to our holiday traditions.

~Manders

Prayers

I just finished reading Lola's blog post. And it absolutely made me cry! I just can't imagine what her friend is going through. Or what Lola is going through. Being so excited about your baby, and then fighting for your life. I just ask that everyone keep Hills and Baby C in your prayers. They need for all of us to pray for their health and well being.

~Manders