It's a Boy!

Meet our son!  We are just so excited!  Can't believe we saw our little boy today!  I was so nervous and anxious going in, knowing we would be finding out not only the sex, but about the development of our baby.  The doctor said everything looks great and has no concerns so far.  

It was so cool b/c the ultrasound tech decided that since the baby was in such a good position she'd go a ahead and flip the monitor over to the 4D view!  We got to see his sweet face and little hands moving all over.  He kept covering his eyes with his hands.  It looks like he has my nose.  We got a good look at the feet- definitely the long Lentz toes!  

We both really like the name Will, and since Steven has already posted that name on Facebook, I guess that's probably what it will be.  William Reid Lentz.  For now.   

We are so grateful and are praising God!  We are incredibly blessed and love our little boy so much already!

Halfway there!

I am just a couple of days away from being 20 weeks!  We are so excited about finding out what we're having on Tuesday.  I have finally started to feel the little movements that I guess are the baby.  It's so difficult to explain.  For me it feels like a little thump from the inside.  I know that it is not above my bellybutton yet, so I know what area to pay the most attention to.  It's still so strange and I get up everyday, running to the mirror to make sure it's still real.  I am wearing maternity clothes now.  Those pants are so comfortable, I don't know how anyone goes back to the regular ones!  Anyway, here's the picture of the bump.  It really just popped right out over the Thanksgiving break and keeps growing.  You'd think I was the only woman to ever be pregnant with how excited I am and how much I talk about it.  It's just the most incredible, purposeful, and meaningful thing Steven and I have ever done.  

We'll be sure to post again on Tuesday with the big news!  

Australia

Last night we went to see the movie Australia with Shad and Haley.  I had been wanting to see it, but right before I had two people tell me it was a "snoozer".  So I was a little worried that we were in for three hours and $18 worth of boredom.  Let me just say I was so pleasantly surprised!  The beginning was a little slow, but necessary to build the story.  By the end, Haley and I were both crying.  It was such a wonderful story!  Having actors that actually have Australian accents made it so much more authentic as well.  Romance, action, history, and a beautiful backdrop.  Anyway, if you were thinking about seeing this movie- you definitely should.  The Lentz's give it two thumbs up!

Tagged

So it finally found me- the "tagging".  

8 shows I love to watch- Grey's Anatomy (terrible, I know), Heroes, 24, Fringe, Terminator, Jon & Kate, Law & Order, The Office

8 Favorite Restaurants- Rio Mambo, Chili's, Pappasitos, Texas de Brazil, Bethany in Arlington (thanks to the Clarks!), Olive Garden, On the Border, P.F. Changs

8 Things that happened today- taught reading, gave a spelling test, gave a math test, made a penguin bulletin board, glittered names on some stockings, ate a 20 min school lunch, took like 25 restroom breaks, helped kids with cinquain poetry

8 things I'm looking forward to- going out to eat tonight, seeing a movie tonight, spending time with my husband, finding out whether we are having a boy or girl in 10 days, choosing a name for that boy or girl, registering for baby stuff, delivering a healthy baby, getting to be a mommy!

8 things on my wishlist- for the next 10 days to pass like lightning, Christmas, snow this winter, a strong healthy baby, 4D ultrasound, pants that fit, comfy new pjs, a gameboy advance (i just love games and we can't afford a DS)

Only 3 more weeks!!!

Boy or Girl?

December 16th is the big day when we will find out whether we will have a son or a daughter!  What a crazy thought.  I mean, we have one right now, we just don't know what it is... and getting tired of saying "it".  We had an appointment yesterday and everything went great.  We heard that sweet little heartbeat.  It was at 150, which our doctor said was "perfect".  It's so surreal when you are listening to that fast "whoosh-whooshing".  We know there's a baby in there, but when you hear it's heart beating- reality hits you in a whole new, precious, holy cow- kind of way.  I was sick throwing up last night and then again this morning, but I always feel better afterwards.  I guess that's just something that will happen from time to time.  Not fun, but if that's what it takes...   

Steven is driving to DBU right now to drop off some canned goods so he can get his library fines forgiven.  We won't even get started on my library fines... let's just say I won't be using the Burleson public library or Fort Worth library for awhile.  (videos do not have the same late fee as books just so you know!  and yes, they were being used at school)  After he gets back, we are going to pack up and head to my parent's house.  We will spend Thanksgiving there.  I can't wait.  Eat, watch tv, sleep in the living room, and repeat.  Perfect.  

Friday we will head to Belton to spend some time with Steven's parents and his brother's family.  We don't get to see them enough.  It's always a nice, relaxing time for us.  Plus, I know Steven is looking forward to his mom's pumpkin pie.

Hopefully the next few days will pass slowly. After that though, bring on the time warp- I just can't wait until the 16th!  I'm still feeling boy... but we'll see!

VIVA LA VIDA: COLDPLAY

Last Wednesday night, Kristie and I went to see Coldplay at the AAC.  We went with the Clark's. After finding our seats, you always wonder what kind of folks you are going to be sitting by. You find out really fast after the band comes out for the first time. This middle aged lady with Dallas hair was on our right with some guy.  When Coldplay came out the guy started pointing at the sky and put his hands in his face, and the lady started shaking her hair all around and dancing.  I switched places with Kristie so she could see (she's just a little one) and the lady proceeded to slap Kristie in the face with her hair the entire night. Danny and Christina told us later that they had two intoxicated women making out in the row in front of them. Concerts, you never know who you're going to sit by.

Coldplay was unbelievable. I tried not to go too crazy, but there were times when it was like too good to be true. The sound was so perfect and loud. Laser lights (which Danny hopes are in heaven), video balls, confetti, Tony Romo.  They played a few songs up in the crowd.  If you haven't bought Viva La Vida, I am not sure what you are doing, but you need to stop.  You also should probably buy their new EP.  I bought a $20 program that is a freaking masterpiece, I don't know if I should open it or hang it on the wall.  Maybe I should chop it up and hang it next to my Stryper poster in the office. 

Is it possible to worship God through Coldplay? I don't know, but I think I did. When I hear really amazing music, even if it is not Christian, I always want to praise God. If you only listen to one song, download "Fix You" and listen to it 5 times in a row. After you finish weeping, listen to it again. Unbelievable! The Brits have it together. Come on America! 

And yes...

as far as I'm concerned it's the Christmas season!  I do love, love, love Thanksgiving, but I am one of those people who can't wait for Christmas.  Yes, I will put up my tree this week.  Yes, I will start listening to Christmas music.  Yes, my dog will wear antlers and little booties with bells.

3 months later...

Ok, so we are officially the absolute worst bloggers on the web.  At least we made the Penn B's feel better about themselves for a while.  Things have just been a little crazy around our place since school started.  Blogging was the absolute last thing on my list.  

The biggest bit of news is that WE ARE EXPECTING!!  I am 17 weeks pregnant and am due in May.  Cinco de Mayo to be exact.  (I've already promised my coworkers if it's born on that day our baby will be named Juan.)  We found out we were pregnant on the first day of school, August 26th, and for the majority of time since then I have been horribly sick.  I was not sick at all though with my last pregnancy, so I did find some comfort in the constant nausea.  I've finally turned a corner, but for while there I didn't know if I'd make it!  I was sick from the minute I woke up to the minute I went to sleep, around 7:00!  Eating was just torture, everything smelled bad, looked bad, and tasted differently.  I could barely get out of bed after I got home from work.  God bless my poor husband who has picked up every household duty there is.  

Lately though my energy is coming back and I'm able to eat more.  I don't have too many cravings, mostly just pizza.  I'm not at the point yet of wanting to eat non-stop either.  Things are definitely changing though.  My lower abdomen muscles are sore and I get sharp pulling pains if I stand up too fast.  Also, if I feel a sneeze coming on, I quickly have to pull my legs to my chest so I don't pull those muscles.  My tummy is growing, but it's mostly just obvious to Steven and I.  I haven't felt any little "flutters" yet from the goldfish, but I'm hoping to soon.

It's just a crazy thought- I'm actually growing a little person, will go to the hospital to push it out, and then decide to bring it home with me.  Just bizarre.  And absolutely incredible.  

We feel so unbelievably blessed though.  God has been so gracious and good to us.  We try not to take a day of it for granted and spend every minute already thinking about our little one who will be here soon.  

This week the baby should be about 5 inches- about the size of a baked potato.  We have an appt. on Tuesday morning to hear the heartbeat.  We have decided not to do the "quad" testing (I think that's what it's called).  It seems to be the right decision for us.  They could tell us the sex, but won't do another ultrasound until 20 weeks.  Hopefully we'll get to find out before Christmas and not after.  That would be the best Christmas gift!  We are pretty sure it's a boy, just a feeling though.  

Hopefully we'll have some pictures to post soon.  The following is of course not our baby, but an image of what ours should look like about now!   

http://3dpregnancy.parentsconnect.com/copy-image/

Update

school started for Kristie
Steven out of town for a week
school started for Steven
Brother's wedding in two weeks- lots to do
Finally the weekend
Pressure to blog
Need blog name still
Back to bed

under construction

blog is currently under construction... please excuse the mess... and lack of blogging

Blogga-logga-need-a-new-name!

We are in need of a new blog name! I've suffered this one as long as possible. I know Steven thinks its just wonderful (no thanks to all of you who encourage this!), however it is time for a change. So with that said, we are taking suggestions.

Cheetos from Heaven?

The Yahoo homepage had another one of those crazy stories the other day. A woman in Kansas was snacking on a bag of Cheetos when she found Jesus... literally- in her bag of Cheetos! There was another account of this a couple of years ago. The Kansas woman calls hers "Cheesus" and the other dude just named his the "Jesus Cheeto". Here are the pictures:

"Cheesus"

The Jesus Cheeto

Seeing this reminded me that Steven and I have a Jesus Cheeto story. Yes, we really do!

In the days following my miscarriage I had to have lots of bloodwork done. They needed to check my hcg levels to help find out what happened and find out what was currently happening. It was a very scary time for us on top of everything we were feeling. Not to mention I absolutely HATE needles! That's one of two things I just can't be a grown up about. (the other is bees and wasps) Anyway, I had started the morning off crying and truly dreading the trip the hospital. It was a point in my life when I didn't know if I'd smile again and didn't want to. Anyway- we were walking into the hospital, between the automatic doors, when Steven looked down at the big mat on the floor. He had presently been researching mats for the church, so he said, "Man, you know what one of those costs? Like a hundred bags of Cheetos." Very random, out of nowhere, but that's my husband and it's not unusual to me, so I reply matter-of-factly, "No, probably more like 50 bags of Cheetos." And with that, we went on to get the bloodwork done. A quick 5 minutes later we were done and getting back into the elevator. I was just then becoming overwhelmed with the reality of what brought us there- and about to really lose it (again)- when I looked down at the floor. Right before the elevator door closed, I saw it. "Oh my gosh, Steven! When that door opens back up, you have to look in the bottom left corner. You won' believe what's there!" He had a confused look on his face, but kept his gaze steady on the floor. We arrived on the bottom floor, the door chimed, and then slowly rolled back. And there- on the floor was one little, orange Cheeto. We both burst into laughter, not able to believe that the subject of our random, pointless conversation was right there the whole time! There were tears, but for the first time in days the tears were from laughter.

The rest of that day was somber and bleak, but there were multiple times when we would sporadically erupt into laughter or just quietly giggle at the thought of that stupid cheeto. It was a sweet feeling. Smiling. A break from the tears. Some hope that things would return to normal and our little world wouldn't feel so sad.

So, does God send Cheetos? All I know is that for me, on a day when I needed a glimpse of hope, one serendipitous orange snack provided that for me . So in that moment, Yes -I was in fact thanking God for sending us that little Cheeto.

Perfect Imperfection

Today is mine and Steven's 4 year anniversary! Steven started the morning out with breakfast in bed. He had set his alarm early to run and get Chicken Mini's from Chick Fil A... mmm.. our favorite. I'm not much of a pancakes person, so I appreciated the idea of running to Chick. The morning continued with a disagreement about buying a new cell phone, followed by Steven knocking a glass full of iced tea off of the end table with his bag. It spilled onto the floor, blinds, and basket of blankets and shattered the glass. He did help pick up the big pieces before he had to go to work. And there it is, a picture of a typical morning in the life of Steven and Kristie. Our marriage isn't perfect. We don't always see eye to eye. We have to work on communication and sometimes the special anniversary morning isn't like it is in the movies. (I for one have never waken up with perfect makeup, unfrazzled hair, or pleasant morning breath). But that's our marriage and I wouldn't change it for anything. If things were perfect, we wouldn't need each other. There'd be no need in my life for another person to encourage and strengthen me, to hold me up and push me on. I am complete in Christ alone, but complimented more perfectly by my husband than any other human could. Our marriage is imperfect, and to me that's perfect.

Steven, thank you for four incredible years of intense love, endless laughter, and unwavering faithfulness! I hope we have 50 more! I love you sweetheart!

Ready

I think I’m finally ready to share. Get comfy, this one’s long.
Awhile back Randal did a sermon series at church called “Shattered Dreams”. He had everyone write on a post-it a time when your life was changed by a dream being shattered. I sat and sat, racking my brain for something substantial- I had nothing. GRATEFULLY! Steven and I talked about how blessed we were that neither one of us had any tragedy to list. How blessed we’ve been!

If that sermon series were this week, we’d have something to write.

Earlier this year Steven and I decided we were ready (as ready as you can be) to start trying to have a baby. Our plan was to get pregnant in the Spring and have a baby in the late winter- perfect for a teacher’s schedule. OF COURSE we acknowledged that God might have other plans (as we were told by many people), but that was plan A. So in March we started “trying”.
April 17 was the day in my head that I would wait for to take a test. I barely made it. Steven and I had gone to the grocery store and I picked up a test. I put some groceries away and ran to the bathroom. Honestly, I was not expecting anything. I had used one of those digital tests and almost immediately the word “pregnant” appeared in the little window. “WHAT?!” was my first word.. make that first 5 words in different intonations each time. I could hear Steven on the phone, so I yelled for him to get off and come here! He ran to the bathroom thinking I was hurt when I shoved the test in his face. “WHAT?” was his response too. Funny. He told me to go back to the store and get another test b/c he didn’t trust “those store tests” or something like that. Two more tests later, we had accepted it a little more- we were having a baby!

Those next couple of days were crazy, confusing, neurotic, exciting and fearful all at the same time. We were so excited to tell all of our family and friends. I even went to the local Burleson Family Medical Center to have a doctor tell me I was really pregnant. Steven and I spent hours on the internet reading about the do’s and don’ts, tips and guidelines, and lists and lists of baby names. Our home, hearts, and lives were immediately changed forever.

I bought a journal that week with the intentions of documenting every thought, plan, feeling, fear, and emotion. It turned into a series of letters. Letters to my “Sweet Baby” and signed “Love, Mommy”. Each letter contained my new ideas and hopes and prayers. I wrote about the fears I had, about wanting to do everything right to keep it safe. I wrote about what I did that day, who I told, funny things I’d thought. I wrote about the fact that my class at school found out by overhearing another teacher talking to me about it. A little girl named Rachel in my class told me, “Mrs. Lentz, when yous has yur baby, you should name hur Sally.” I told my kids that I hadn’t planned on telling them because sometimes “they just don’t make it”- something I didn’t believe for myself. I wrote it all to my Sweet Baby.

A friend gave me three boxes of baby clothes she wanted me to have. Really cute little clothes that I must have sorted through and refolded three times. So tiny! We got a baby bath, one little sample diaper, some cute burp rags from my mom, and a few “congratulations”cards. The room in the front of the house was designated as the baby’s room. I imagined myself opening the door in the morning and greeting a little angel laying there in the crib. A sweet space in our home was already filling up with the promises of a little life.

I acted completely neurotic and ridiculous -according to some other moms who had that “oh, you’re just new to this” look. A look I’ll go ahead and say I don’t appreciate very much. I was completely excited and consumed by the thought of being someone’s mommy. I faithfully took my prenatal vitamins, gave up soda and caffeine completely, and started eating healthier in efforts to do all that I could to protect my little growing bean. I didn’t lift anything over 15 lbs. I rested more each day. I talked to it! Every time I went over a big bump in the car, I’d say, “Hang on in there!” Each morning my eyes teared up as I looked at myself in the mirror in a new way- I was someone’s mommy! I prayed and prayed and prayed each day that God would help our little one to grow strong and healthy each day.

Somewhere along the way fear began to creep in. I guess…no I don’t guess.. It was a fear that something would go wrong. That it might not be healthy. Until the first appointment, you basically have to just assume each day that you are pregnant and everything is ok. I don’t like that feeling. I prayed against it and searched His Word for something to calm my fears. I found this in Luke, “How blessed is this woman for believing that was spoken to her by the Lord would be fulfilled.” I clung to this. I mean I held on to this like I’ve never held on to a scripture before. I had to believe that God had put the desire to be a mother in my heart and that he would fulfill that promise.

We didn’t make it to my 8 week appointment. At 2:30 on April 29th we lost our baby. I started bleeding at work and left to go straight to pick up Steven and head to the doctor. We had to sit in the waiting room, in the very process of losing our baby while watching pregnant mommies and mommies with their new babies sit happily- cluelessly. They did an ultrasound and I gripped Steven’s hand, begging God for a miracle- let everything be ok. There was no baby on the screen. No little sac clinging to the wall of my uterus. To make it worse, the room next door must have had their sonogram machine turned up full blast b/c all we could hear booming through the walls was the sound of a rapid little heartbeat. We were sent home with appointments for blood work in the following days. Miscarriage. I don't like that word.

The pain I felt at that moment was the absolute worst of my life. Once we got in the car I completely lost it. I wanted to scream at God! Give it back! This isn’t happening. I can’t do this. I don’t want to. Someone help me. Not our baby.

We made it home. Home where we had cards, little gifts, and a tiny plain white onesie I kept out just because it was so stinkin cute. I went to bed while Steven started removing all the “stuff” and putting it all in a closet. How do people do this? How do you lose someone and move on? Grief and loss were completely new to me.

“..and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding…” you know the rest (and if you don’t, I can share it with you). This held new meaning for me. Yes, I was- and still am- confused, angry, brokenhearted, but the feeling of peace that Steven and I felt almost immediately truly did surpass all understanding. The resounding thought in my head was that God was saving us from a deeper pain. Saving our little one from a deeper pain. Things didn’t fall into place. The little cells didn’t come together quite right. God was in control and somehow we felt that in this He was taking care of us and our little one. He never said he would work things out for our comfort or happiness, but for our good. We are trusting in that. Holding fast to that.

That week was the worst and sweetest time of my life. We lost our baby. But in the midst, the outpouring of love from friends and family was overwhelming. We truly felt the prayers of our loved ones holding us up and encouraging us. Thank you to those of you who grieved with us, cried with us, and continue to hope with us.

It was sweet for Steven and I as well. We cried together and held each other more desperately than any other time in our marriage. I made sure he knew that this wasn’t just happening to me. His dream of being a daddy was lost too. A whole life and future and series of dreams had been shattered. My heart broke for him.

It was only 6 weeks, but we loved it so much already. All we have now is a closet full of stuff too painful to look at, traces of baby name searches on my Google task bar, and a more than half empty journal in my nightstand. I did write one last letter to say goodbye. Maybe I’ll be able to share that someday.

“How blessed is this woman for believing that was spoken to her by the Lord would be fulfilled.” I haven’t given up on this. The Lord has placed in my heart the desire to be a mother and I have to continue to believe that just because it wasn't fulfilled this time doesn’t mean it won’t happen later. I have to trust. Trusting in Him has taken on a whole new meaning and is transforming my heart.

There’s more to this story. More to share and get out. For now I’m tired of typing and I’m sure this is too much to read. I’ll save the rest for another day.

Thanks for listening,
~Kristie

blah

I'm having one of those days. So much to do, overwhelmed, underwhelmed, feeling lazy... just want to lay in bed all day kind of days. My to do's today:
-laundry x3
-put dishes away
-clean out the "junk room" (I've heard some people do junk drawers... hmmm)
-groceries
-post office
-Beth Moore study (not a casual thing as some of you know)
-Dex needs a bath and a good brushing- the dog hair is out of control
-I need a bath
-paint bookshelf
-start looking at school stuff
-pack for weekend trip to Abilene w/ my parents
-cook lunch
-exercise
-get pictures off camera

I'm very juvenile and possessive of my summers. I want to be laying in a pool or under a tree reading a good book, not worrying about all that other stuff. I want to spend all day painting, napping on and off, and taking it easy b/c in just a few short weeks the chaos of my life will multiply times ten and I'll be dreaming of lazy summer days. So instead of seizing the day and doing some things I want or need to do, I waste my time blogging about being a brat and checking my email a zillion times. I hope other people are like this. Ok, I'm getting up. I'm going to be productive. I'm turning on the shower.... well maybe in a little bit.

Whew!

The summer is slipping by! We've been pretty busy and not able to post. Now the amount of events and pictures to share is overwhelming... where to start....
Two weekends ago I went to Nashville with some teachers for a conference. I had never been, so I was pretty excited despite the fact that it was work. I decided -unintentionallly- to start off the trip with a bang at the airport (Yikes, I'm not sure you can actually say "bang" and "airport" in the same sentence...). Going through security I noticed my bag being backed up through the machine again and then the guy asked me if it was mine. I said it was and then he asked me if I had brought a knife. I'm sure the look on my face on that moment was what saved me from being labeled a terrorist (not that I'm sure I look like one otherwise, but you get the point). I told him no way, and he replied with a kind of laugh, "Oh yeah you did, you brought like a steak knife or something." I couldn't believe it when he pulled out a huge steak knife! There are no words to describe what an idiot I felt like. It was a knife I used at school in my classroom- on fruit, etc.- not on the kids ya jerks, I knew what you were thinking. Anyway, they were really cool about it and just sent me on. Needless to say, for the rest of the trip my coworkers nicknamed me "Blade". Nice.
The rest of my trip was good. We stayed at the Gaylord Opry Land Hotel, which is incredible and overwhelming and confusing as heck. I had to use a map or ask for directions to navigate my way around that place. We learned a little, refreshed a lot, and I got to know the other teachers much better... maybe some too much better.. ;). I had my first pulled pork sandwich and saw the Grand Ole Opry. It was fun to see, but not all I expected Nashville to be. Here are some pics of my trip.








mmmm...my sandwich
Inside the Gaylord

... and this isn't even half of the place!
This is Divine. Her hands and feet are both on stilts and she "stalks" around hiding in the greenery, then she creeps out. You could walk right by her and not know she's there! Creepy!








Last weekend we went to visit Steven's parents and help them paint the living room. We had a nice visit and the room looks great. Then on Sunday there was a swim party at the Tigners'. Good barbeque, water balloons being launched at my husband, and grown men doing cannonballs and making a whirlpool... you don't get much better than that! I had some awesome pictures of the guys suspended in air right before their can opener or belly flop, but I somehow lost them in the transfer from camera to computer... very sad. We'll just have to do it again!

How cute is he?!
This is a horribly unattractive picture of my husband, but somehow I know he'll love it!

Friday Night

Last night we went to the Lyles for dinner- and no, I don't know why this is underlined, can't figure out how to turn it off. Anyway, Samantha made homemade pizzas and we had so much fun hanging out at their new house.

Here's Haley swinging on Sam's tree swing!
Katelyn is trying to explain the ways of the world to Jenn, but she just isn't quite getting it -as you can tell by the look on their faces.

Shad and Steven were playing horseshoes. Not sure if those hands mean it was going well or not so good.
Me & Abby
Steven and Abby switched hats. Definitely more appropriate.
Haley workin out some Wii bowling.
Samantha kickin some Wii butt...somebody's been practicing!
Cliff and Randal went head to head in Wii bowling.

We had such a good time. Thanks Lyles!

Bucket List

I haven't seen this movie yet, but I think it's finally at RedBox so I'm sure we'll see it soon. For some reason I was thinking about it, about the whole "bucket list" idea. What things do I want to do before I "kick it"? I don't really know. I started thinking- it's going to be hard to do amazing things in my life if I don't have an idea of what amazing things I want to do. Not sure if that makes sense, but I usually live my life in a "fly by the seat of my pants" kind of way. I don't make life plans. I take it as it comes. Which I believe is good to a point- but I've decided I want a plan. A list. A set of goals to accomplish. There is no way for me to think of all the things I want to do in one day, so I've decided I will update this list from time to time as I think of new things. Please share your lists, goals, and ideas. I'm interested to see what others want to do.

The List ( in no particular order)
1. Have a family (truly the only one I've known my whole life I wanted to do)
2. Mission in Africa
3. See the Great Wall of China
4. Hold a monkey (I'm a kid apparently)
5. swim with dolphins
6. See the Northern Lights
7. Stay in an Ice Hotel in Sweden
8.Learn to play an instrument
9. See Israel
10. Adopt a child
11. Visit the Louvre
12. Visit all 7 continents
13. Learn to like exercise
14. Learn photography
15. Paint a mural- that I like
16. Deep sea fishing
17. Learn Spanish fluently plus one other language
18. Learn how to sew
19. Stomp grapes at a vineyard (like in A Walk in the Clouds..)
20. Become completely selfless (hey, this is a wish list!)

One thing to do AFTER I die: Be an organ donor & save someone's life! Incredible!

Good Stuff

This panda video is the best! I just crack up every time. The mother is so surprised when the baby sneezes. You can't help but smile!

My second favorite video is this maybe not so appropriate one that I've loved since college. This is an all time classic. Most people have seen this before, but it never gets old.

Delkus Delivers.

Okay, so Kristie and I got rid of the DISH going on about a year ago now. Before getting rid of satellite, I never really watched the local news. By the way, local news is incredible! Especially channel 8. I've tried all of the others: Fox 4, NBC 5, CBS 11, TXA 21, my27... Trust me, ABC is the best, for one of one reasons, Peter "freaking" Delkus. For like my entire life, the pinnacle of the news broadcast was always the sports segment...or so I thought. One night a couple of months back, when all of the monsoons hit Fort Worth, I was watching channel 8. Delkus gets on and starts wearing it out. He was telling everyone what to do, taking charge, getting external feeds from his remote weather people, telling them what to do...it blew my mind. I said to myself "this guy knows what the heck he's talking about." Since that day, I have really grown to appreciate all that Pete offers:

1.) Charisma.
2.) Style. (Pete is always the best dressed and has the best hair. He's also very tan)
3.) Sheer talent. (Most of the other people don't know what they are talking about and/or doing, Pete totally does)
4.) Baseball fan. (Everyone else hates baseball, except me and Pete. He actually was a stud pitcher in college and did well as a minor league reliever before getting injured).
5.) Master's Degree from Mississippi State. (Clay, you know that's right)
6.) "The Stand" - (When most weather guys take off after their part is done, Pete hangs around and stands up by the desk, putting one leg up and just shoots the bull with the anchors and takes shots at Dale Hansen. He usually makes Dale look like a total phony.

I seriously could go on for days. The other day I was driving down 35 and saw a billboard that was from CBS 11. The billboard had a huge mugshot of Larry Mowry on it and read, "Count on Larry".

What? Who in the world is Larry and why should I count on him?

In closing, Delkus has also graced a billboard. If you see his, it simply states, "Delkus Delivers." My point exactly. Why do we need to count on Larry when Delkus delivers?

-Steven

Abuelos

Abuelos is my number one favorite mexican restuarant in the world. It has been since I was in high school. The chips, the salsa, the Island Margarita (not in high school), and of course the incredible Chicken Medallions. I get it every time. If I got to go more, I would probably choose something else, but I can't waste my occasional visit on experimenting with the menu. There are only a few locations in the area, so if you pass one -stop. It's not close for us, but well worth the drive! It's important to note, the medallions are never ordered with rice, beans, or papas, but always with double spinach! Abuelos' creamed spinach is worthy of it's own post, but I'll spare you. Try it, you will become a believer.

Gratitude

Lately I'm realizing how gratefulness is something I struggle with. It's a hard thing to admit. I thank God daily for my home, my husband, my health, the life He's given me- that I do not deserve. I thought I was a very grateful person. I am being shown otherwise. For me, my ungratefulness isn't an outright "I want more" or "God, this isn't good enough". I doubt it is for anyone. Mine shows up in comparison. Like other sins, you don't notice it right away. It doesn't seem "that bad". I don't take it seriously enough. I definitely wasn't calling it what it was- coveting. (not my neighbor's wife obviously...) I then realized how it threatens God's number one commandment to us- Love. Comparison threatens my ability to love others. I compare my life to theirs- telling God what I have isn't enough and producing a spiteful, bitter heart toward others. I recently read that comparison makes "it easier to admire a stranger than our best friend". Ouch. My prayer now is that I would be truly thankful for everything in all situations. Whether I have a big house or a small house that keeps me safe, no college debt or student loans- that let me go to school!, a brand new SUV or a dependable vehicle that's almost paid off- I will be grateful. My worth is not determined by those things, but by Christ's sacrifice for me.

Nichole Nordeman has a song that echoes this feeling of wanting a grateful heart in any and all circumstances. Whether God answers a prayer or doesn't- I will be thankful for however he provides.

"Gratitude"
Send some rain, would You send some rain?'
Cause the earth is dry and needs to drink again
And the sun is high and we are sinking in the shade
Would You send a cloud, thunder long and loud?
Let the sky grow black and send some mercy down
Surely You can see that we are thirsty and afraid
But maybe not, not today
Maybe You'll provide in other ways
And if that's the case ...

We'll give thanks to You with gratitude
For lessons learned in how to thirst for You
How to bless the very sun that warms our face
If You never send us rain

Daily bread, give us daily bread
Bless our bodies, keep our children fed
Fill our cups, then fill them up again tonight
Wrap us up and warm us through
Tucked away beneath our sturdy roofs
Let us slumber safe from danger's view this time
Or maybe not, not today
Maybe You'll provide in other ways
And if that's the case ...

We'll give thanks to You with gratitude
A lesson learned to hunger after You
That a starry sky offers a better view
If no roof is overhead
And if we never taste that bread

Oh, the differences that often are between
Everything we want and what we really need

So grant us peace, Jesus, grant us peace
Move our hearts to hear a single beat
Between alibis and enemies tonight
Or maybe not, not today
Peace might be another world away
And if that's the case ...

We'll give thanks to You with gratitude
For lessons learned in how to trust in You
That we are blessd beyond what we could ever dream
In abundance or in need
And if You never grant us peace ...
But, Jesus, would You please ...

Seriously?

Language Quiz today

Student-let's call her "Zoey"

Correct the following sentence:
1. how many people was playing the game
Zoey's answer: boy big men man - yes! her actual answers!


How many syllables in the following words:

happy- smile (should be 2) butterfly- boot (should be 3)

If you didn't realize boot was often confused for a number of syllables, welcome to the club. Haven't figured this one out yet.

Bananas

Bananas.. bonkers... crazy... whatever you call it, that's what my kids are today. I've taken away recess, sent notes home, and given them boring worksheets... they still won't shut up! To begin with, I don't feel well today and it hurts my throat everytime I have to yell to be heard. Maybe I'll cut out early today... or take a long lunch... better yet, I'll just work from home today. Would be nice!! It's 12:26- 3 hours and 4minutes before I have some relief. This picture is obviously not me, but close enough.

Brave Heart

I know it looks like a typo... should be Braveheart, the Mel Gibson movie. No, this one is different. It is my new prayer. I'm reading this book by Sharon A. Hersh, Brave Hearts: Unlocking the Courage to Love with Abandon.

This book is a must read for all women who crave meaningful, lasting relationships. It is encouraging me and kicking my butt at the same time. I just finished reading about holy jealousy, comparison, and envy. Yes- "holy jealousy", two words I'd never put together.

Hersh writes: "Jealousy grows out of a longing to be considered, remembered, included. Jealousy is cultivated by a desire for permanence, security, and abiding relationships. Jealousy is vulnerable to loss, winces at betrayal, and hates unfaithfulness. The roots of jealousy reveal the holy longing for relationships that God has written in our hearts." She does go on to say that these longings, if gone unidentified and expressed, can quickly turn to suspicion, anger, and withdrawal from relationships. As a young girl and woman, I have endlessly dealt with the feelings of jealousy. When one of my good friends begins a new friendship with someone else, or even when my husband joins another basketball team (ridiculous!)- I feel that little jealous twinge in my heart, resulting in guilt and a feeling that I'm too sensative, too vulnerable, too needy. Looking back, I realize those feelings mirror God's jealousy over his people. He says his name is Jealous. God also so longs for relationships that he consistently expresses his desire for endless relationships and his disdain for unfaithfulness. I'm so thankful for this book and how it's opening my heart for relationships and people in a new way.

God promised Ezekiel: "A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh." Ezekiel 36:26

Thank you Lord for renewing my heart. Teach me how to love with abandon, with courage, and with faithfulness. Show me how to love like you have loved me. Give me a Brave Heart.

Friday

So on Friday night, our youth at church held a fundraiser for camp money or something. The fundraiser was a night of babysitting for all those weary moms and dads in the church who needed a night out. Steven and I of course didn't need the babysitting, but it was fun to go out with all of our friends who did drop their kids off. We met the Lyles, Penningtons (otherwise known as the "Penn S's), Boergers, Westlys, Skippers, and Alexanders at Main Event. We played a little pool and bowled. Needless to say, I am not the world's best bowler. I made a B in my college bowling class. Steven did great! He got a turkey at the end (3 strikes in a row)! I had a picture of the score, but accidentally deleted it. Here are a few pics from that night.

Here is a picture of Kaci Skipper. I think she looks a little fed up after her 8th consecutive gutter ball! Kidding Kaci! (although seriously, that girl loves gutterballs....) :)

Samantha is hopping up and down, begging her ball to straighten out. She was actually a very good bowler! Who knew?!

Steven has great form! He says his strategy is just to get the heaviest ball he can find and throw it as hard as he can. I think it works, he had the high score for our team.

The Skippers... for those of you who don't know, when a black light and old school rap are present -Kaci has some moves!

Jason and Allison are such sweet friends, I can't even think of any way to make fun of them.

Steven and me. I don't know why I look like I like him so much, he told everyone that his nickname for me is Mrs. Buttersworth (b/c of my poofy hair in the morning). They tried to put it as my name on the scoreboard, but the only part that showed up was "Butt", so for the night I was referred to as "The Butt". Nice.

Haley about to punish some pins. We were very impressed by her skills. That softball arm is still there Haley!

We Are Those People

We are those people - the ones who can't stop talking about our dog. It is absolutely disgusting. We know. It's obnoxious and pathetic.... but have you seen him? I mean our little baby Dex is the sweetest baby in the world! This is a picture of him falling asleep with his bone in his mouth. We had just gotten it for him and he loved it so much he just couldn't drop it. We have about 7 million names for him. We don't crate him because we think it would hurt his little feelings (even though he's scissor-toothed a few shoes). And yes, he does sleep with us- right between us with his head on or under the pillow. Sick I tell ya... sick.

Technical Difficulties

The Lentz's are experiencing some technical difficulties. Please excuse the lack of "bloggage".

And the Winner is...

Well, our blog is only minutes old and I already had to put my foot down. How could our blog be named something generic? We are going to blog with creativity or we are not going to blog.

-Steven

P.S. Brett Favre is a quitter.

A Blog is Born

After much blog stalking, I decided it was time for the Lentz family to enter the blogging realm. Especially since we never entered the myspace world (well, not legitimately anyway... thank you April White). Steven's one request was that we call it "Blog-a-logga-dingdong"... as you can see we did not do that. Most blogs are dedicated to kids, but since we don't have any yet I'm sure friends will be reading mostly about the bizarre happenings of our day to day life. Not to mention endless rantings on our Sweet Baby Dex. That's all I have for now, until I can think of something worthy of sharing with the world.