tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43592633843028254932011-10-10T14:29:17.670-05:00Dancing with Cinderella...Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1531100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-60238341691707475902011-06-02T16:59:00.000-05:002011-06-02T16:59:13.055-05:00A New Look<div style="text-align: center;">We have MOVED!! Please adjust your FEEDS and all that good stuff and keep following </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>The Hough Family </strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">@</span></strong></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://jaydasmommy.com/"><img border="0" height="83" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PEvA7zHRIaY/TegGp-Bbr1I/AAAAAAAAAV8/i4g9JrXf_jk/s400/jaydas.png" width="164" /></a><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">.COM</span></strong></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-6023834169170747590?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-48277477612470270532011-05-24T19:54:00.001-05:002011-05-24T19:55:02.048-05:00Prayer Warriors<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Romans 8:31 says, </strong></div><strong></strong><br /><strong><br /></strong><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>If God be for us who can be against us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall TRIBULATION or DISTRESS or PERSECUTION or FAMINE or NAKEDNESS or PERIL or SWORD? NAY, ( No way!) But in ALL these things we are more than conquerors through Jesus Christ.</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /><strong></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /><strong></strong></em></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The people of <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/after-the-tornado-in-joplin-missouri-kills-117-residents-brace-for-further-storms-damage/2011/05/24/AFh6hiAH_story.html">Joplin, Mo.</a> need our prayers and assistance. If you find it in your heart to donate please e-mail me and I will get you in contact with a local friend who is assisting in a relief fund. If you can't donate, please PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--RMFSkOzt-Y/TdxQWpBuwmI/AAAAAAAAAVw/45DadeansYA/s1600/tornado.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--RMFSkOzt-Y/TdxQWpBuwmI/AAAAAAAAAVw/45DadeansYA/s400/tornado.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Also, Oklahoma and Arkansas are expecting a HUGE tornado outbreak tonight... so PLEASE pray for them! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br />Blessings to all!<br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-4827747761247027053?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-88575533257644315142011-05-22T20:07:00.000-05:002011-05-22T20:07:27.998-05:00Attitude<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Every day may not be good, but there's something good in every day. </i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>~Author Unknown</i></b><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I was asked today about my positive attitude and if life was REALLY that good (something like that- can't remember exact words). I gave an answer at that moment... but thought about it some more after... and thought, and thought... my answer after all the thinking?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Life really isn't that bad! </em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Is it perfect? <em>Uhm, no, far from it.</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Do I have bad days, moments... <em>more than I care to admit.</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Truth is...</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I still have my moments when my disability<em><strong> still hurts</strong></em>-<strong> emotionally</strong>... and yes, even<strong> physically</strong>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I still have my moments when my job is <strong><em>TOUGH</em></strong> - an incident happended a few weeks ago that I only shared with Michael, my birth board, a few teachers at work and one administrator. It hurt- but it showed me my strength- strength I didn't have before. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I still have my moments when <strong>I am not such a great mommy</strong>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I still have my moments when <strong>I am not a great wife.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I still have my moments when<strong> I am not a great daughter, sister, aunt, sister-in-law, friend... etc. </strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;">I still have my moments when I tell God... <strong><em>"you know dude- THAT hurt my feelings, why did you let that happen to me?"</em></strong> Seriously - He understands... I may think about using the dude part again though... just sayin'...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I still <em>hurt, cry, yell, scream</em>... but in the end I remind myself-<strong> life is NOT that bad</strong>. <em><strong>Really</strong></em>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I wasted a huge part of my life feeling sorry for myself. Dwelling on all the things I couldn't do. I needed to just get over it. And I made the decision to do just that. I got over it. And now, yes, life IS that good. And I am blessed beyond belief. It was all in my attitude. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-8857553325764431514?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-791778883351416092011-05-19T21:27:00.000-05:002011-05-19T21:27:33.967-05:00Agape<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Agape</em>... Love...</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Love</em></strong> is my baby girl introducing me to her class proudly as ... her mommy that has one leg that doesn't work right... <em>with love.</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4vdj2H9EoWY/TdXMw0G2HRI/AAAAAAAAATY/UVbQFGxdTYs/s1600/IMG_7520.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4vdj2H9EoWY/TdXMw0G2HRI/AAAAAAAAATY/UVbQFGxdTYs/s400/IMG_7520.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Love</em></strong> is the pride I felt watching my baby walk down the auditorium aisle for her graduation... yes kinder... but still proud nonetheless... <em>I love her.</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yq7Ey6P-xgg/TdXMf0sIShI/AAAAAAAAATQ/pAuiIiruo58/s1600/IMG_7475.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yq7Ey6P-xgg/TdXMf0sIShI/AAAAAAAAATQ/pAuiIiruo58/s400/IMG_7475.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Love</em></strong> is listening to her happiness as she proudly yells, "goodbye kindergarten HELLO 1st grade"... <em>I loved that.</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SJguKLsASjg/TdXNHuG_qBI/AAAAAAAAATg/1E7K3SDizBE/s1600/IMG_7484.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SJguKLsASjg/TdXNHuG_qBI/AAAAAAAAATg/1E7K3SDizBE/s400/IMG_7484.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Love</em></strong> is <em>family</em>...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tkPWvQJ8KBE/TdXNcogoh9I/AAAAAAAAATo/-n5b46sZb3I/s1600/IMG_7515.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tkPWvQJ8KBE/TdXNcogoh9I/AAAAAAAAATo/-n5b46sZb3I/s400/IMG_7515.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ESrDBxxJgKc/TdXNwLga5SI/AAAAAAAAATw/Noh3X3hpLp8/s1600/IMG_7526.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ESrDBxxJgKc/TdXNwLga5SI/AAAAAAAAATw/Noh3X3hpLp8/s400/IMG_7526.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8_pYXk84u-0/TdXOOf6tmjI/AAAAAAAAAT4/31fawGp14x8/s1600/IMG_7530.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8_pYXk84u-0/TdXOOf6tmjI/AAAAAAAAAT4/31fawGp14x8/s400/IMG_7530.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Love is</em></strong> ...<em> sisters.</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eS7T-LKADYE/TdXOkI7UrPI/AAAAAAAAAUA/9OIjVpIM7Fk/s1600/IMG_7517.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eS7T-LKADYE/TdXOkI7UrPI/AAAAAAAAAUA/9OIjVpIM7Fk/s400/IMG_7517.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Love</em></strong> is watching her with her<em> friends</em>... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bvas85MEtnQ/TdXO4356oJI/AAAAAAAAAUI/252PrhznKYY/s1600/IMG_7545.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bvas85MEtnQ/TdXO4356oJI/AAAAAAAAAUI/252PrhznKYY/s400/IMG_7545.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4s8PvQh5cfk/TdXPKXUwZbI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/YsIUDFuv7GM/s1600/IMG_7532.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4s8PvQh5cfk/TdXPKXUwZbI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/YsIUDFuv7GM/s400/IMG_7532.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EdFaC91pI7A/TdXPb8zRwWI/AAAAAAAAAUY/tyV9D5od2B4/s1600/IMG_7535.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EdFaC91pI7A/TdXPb8zRwWI/AAAAAAAAAUY/tyV9D5od2B4/s400/IMG_7535.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Love</em></strong> is appreciating<strong> every single person</strong> that helped shape her this past year... <em>with love</em>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x-7t0q8PMQA/TdXP9HgC86I/AAAAAAAAAUg/97fIohYGvqI/s1600/IMG_7492.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x-7t0q8PMQA/TdXP9HgC86I/AAAAAAAAAUg/97fIohYGvqI/s400/IMG_7492.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jfebwz-i6js/TdXQJ7kIhpI/AAAAAAAAAUo/s7j1JaM4rwo/s1600/IMG_7541.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jfebwz-i6js/TdXQJ7kIhpI/AAAAAAAAAUo/s7j1JaM4rwo/s400/IMG_7541.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fi7plIOuFlQ/TdXQUUomFLI/AAAAAAAAAUw/lEQHl7_1Siw/s1600/tijerina.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fi7plIOuFlQ/TdXQUUomFLI/AAAAAAAAAUw/lEQHl7_1Siw/s400/tijerina.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Love</strong>... <strong><em>Agape... </em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g81LaKKi1NM/TdXQmHRdA-I/AAAAAAAAAU4/3IWF7A0oKN0/s1600/IMG_7547.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g81LaKKi1NM/TdXQmHRdA-I/AAAAAAAAAU4/3IWF7A0oKN0/s400/IMG_7547.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Thank you Lord for blessing me with this feeling</strong>... <strong><em>Love. </em></strong></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-79177888335141609?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-75263853869648077452011-05-17T22:14:00.000-05:002011-05-17T22:14:45.893-05:00Flipped<div style="text-align: center;">You are wearing your favorite blouse, having a good day... then... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>Flip...</strong></em> your blouse tears.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You are on your way to have a great evening with the family... then...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Flip...</em></strong> you are involved in a hit and run car accident.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You just got a great promotion at work... then...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Flip...</em></strong> a family member is diagnosed with cancer.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You are having a great family vacation... then...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Flip</em>...</strong> you suffer a major injury.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You are an amazing athlete... then...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Flip...</em></strong> you are involved in an accident that leaves you paralyzed.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You just found out you were pregnant... then...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Flip...</em></strong> you miscarry.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Life is perfect... then...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Flip...</em></strong> now it's not.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Are you ready for the flips? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">How will you land? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Flat on your face? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Will you fall to your knees? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Will your faith stay strong?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Will your faith grow? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Will your faith be lost?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Are you prepared to<strong><em> flip</em></strong>? It is not a question of<strong> WILL you</strong> flip... but <strong>when...</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Be ready. Build your faith. Know <strong><em>He is still there</em></strong>... He is there <strong><em>in the midst of your flip</em></strong>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">He wants you to focus on what<strong> He is doing</strong> in your life in the midst of all the flips... He wants you to trust in Him. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Can you?</em></strong> <em><strong>Will you? </strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>**********</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>We often wonder why God allows bad things to happen to good people. We question Him. Some tell try to instill in our minds negative thoughts. They tell us if our God was so powerful He would not have "allowed" the bad things to occur. You see, God sees the bad things that happen - He knows they are going to happen way before they actually happen- they are all part of "our" story. The story that He wrote. They happen to us to shape us to who we need to be. Who He needs us to be. </em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>We need to trust Him... </em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Job 1:21</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.</em></strong></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-7526385386964807745?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-77379289872690742632011-05-15T20:52:00.000-05:002011-05-15T20:52:16.810-05:00Direction... the Answer to my "Where to?"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BmGcHz4JQVw/TdB2zmz3t3I/AAAAAAAAARY/NX4oAOegZFg/s1600/success.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BmGcHz4JQVw/TdB2zmz3t3I/AAAAAAAAARY/NX4oAOegZFg/s400/success.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">About two years ago we (Michael and I) decided to try to have another baby. We had our concerns such as...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">my disabilty...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><strong>money...</strong></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">daycare...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em>money...</em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Michael's age...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em>money...</em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">starting over with a diaper bag, formula, sleepless nights...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em>money...</em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But we also felt the <em>desire</em> to have another... a boy- <em>maybe</em>? But a little sister for Jayda would be great too... Jayda wanted a baby too... <strong>But...</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Money? (was slightly on our mind- <em>slightly</em>)</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Sigh* We went back and forth...<em> yes... no</em>...<em> maybe</em>... <em>no, yes</em>... <strong>ugh</strong>, maybe we shouldn't because you know... the <em><strong>money</strong></em> thing... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ok... here is the deal... let's leave it up to God... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"God, we are going to try... but you decide...ok?" </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> "OK..." (He didn't really say OK... but yeah, you get the picture). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sooo, I go for my yearly check up... the fun one that makes you absolutely <strike>hate</strike> uhm, I mean, <strong>LOVE</strong> being a woman and have the privilege to bring a miracle into the world... yeah, <strong>that</strong> visit. And to make it even more enjoyable,<em><strong> they weigh you</strong></em>. I won't enlighten you with numbers, but let's just say - I weighed more than I weighed when I was 9 months pregnant with Jayda. <em>Uhm, yeah</em>. And I wish I could say I was one of those blessed pregnant girls that only gained the amount that the baby weighed... yeah, maybe Jayda's weight at the age of 5. Anyhoo...so I don't think I need to REALLY tell you what the doctor told me... do I?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yeah... something about<em> <strong>losingweight.1200caloriediet.workout</strong></em>... it was all such a blur... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>so yeah... </em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I went to workout out with Leah Wells <strong>that very same day</strong>... <strong><em>seriously</em></strong>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All to have another baby...<em> IF God wanted us too</em>... (can't leave that out- it's important... really).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So that was the plan... I had a year to lose the weight- then we'd try to get pregnant... in that order. (I was sure God would say yes... really).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well, a year later (I do have a point- promise)... I lost some of the weight... enough in my opinion to try... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>We tried.</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em>God said no.</em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Surprisingly... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>I was <strong>OK</strong> with that.</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But, what now God? Is this it? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em>"HA, HA, HA... is this it? Of course THIS is not it."</em> God replied (no, really, He did). </strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He went on to say...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em>Don't you feel your confidence? Don't you feel stronger? Aren't you liking your results? Don't you feel like YOU can do things now? You CAN... you CAN... you.. you - meaning ME?? </em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em>I can. </em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You see, God knew that the only way He would get me to commit to the weight loss was the idea of possibly having another baby. And <strong>He knew that I needed to lose the weight to gain my confidence. And I needed my confidence to do what He needed me to do</strong>. So, He went with that. I lost the weight... but He had a better plan. A plan for me to get <strong><em>physically stronger, mentally stronger, become confident, feel so good about myself, accept my disablity, follow dreams, accomplish goals... </em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He found a way to show me that I was <strong><em>worth so much</em></strong>. <strong>He knew it</strong>... but <strong><em>He needed me to know it</em></strong>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I found <strong><em>my value</em></strong>, I showed my daughter things that her mommy <em><strong>could do</strong></em> instead of<strong><em> focusing on what mommy couldn't do... </em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><u>I found me. </u></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong> That was His plan all along.</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, ok, He was done... right?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Uh, NO! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>He has been speaking to me.</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He wants me to follow <strong>His plan</strong>. I had so many questions for Him the other day and I found myself with some down time, <strong>on my own</strong>, so I opened up my bible and was led to to the following scriptures:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Luke 1:45</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><strong>Blessed is she that believed, for there shall be fulfillment of the things which have been spoken.</strong></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">OK, God... I believe... but what... what do I do?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So He then led me to:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Luke 1:79</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em>To shine upon them that sit in darkness and the shadow of death; to guide our feet into the way of peace. </em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">OK, you want me to help others, others who are hurt, suffering... disabilites, illnesses, perhaps? But how Lord? <strong>How?</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Revelation 1:19</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>WRITE</strong>... <em><strong>write therefore the things which thou sewest and the things which are and the things which shall come to pass hereafter. </strong></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But, Lord... I have VERY limited knowledge on YOUR words... I am knew to scripture... How can I really do this and be successful? Where do I start? Who can guide me? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I closed my bible at this point... not sure on what was next.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Went to service this morning to listen to this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>"Use what you've been given." </strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em>Serve the Lord with what YOU can do.</em></strong> And if you are not sure what it is exactly that YOU can do... just start with something... <strong><em>experiment. </em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And this is where my committment to our Lord begins... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>With my God</strong>... <em><strong>I can do all things</strong></em>... <strong>with my God</strong>...<em><strong> I will do what He wants me to do</strong></em>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>I'm on a journey... and I am ready.</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Be blessed my friends. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-7737928987269074263?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-88119804094422180592011-05-10T15:24:00.001-05:002011-05-10T15:34:27.966-05:00MommyHood<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ORwt27QkB7A/TcmcEDAmS2I/AAAAAAAAARA/D65RxKWu6AU/s1600/2034069875551_ORIG.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ORwt27QkB7A/TcmcEDAmS2I/AAAAAAAAARA/D65RxKWu6AU/s400/2034069875551_ORIG.jpeg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Celebrating Mother's Day this past Sunday got me to thinking of my role as a mommy... Jayda's Mommy... and the thought of the 3 women before me who are my role models... leaving a legacy for all to see.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j8NFLMgwr1w/TcmePlia7gI/AAAAAAAAARI/2PbjCxhAp6A/s1600/3236+ex+c+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j8NFLMgwr1w/TcmePlia7gI/AAAAAAAAARI/2PbjCxhAp6A/s320/3236+ex+c+web.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">What can I say? She is my life. I adore her. Her happiness & and her success is important to me. I can't thank the Lord enough for allowing me to be <strong>Jayda's Mommy</strong>... <strong><em>Jayda's Mommy</em></strong>... I love it... it defines me. Before you tell me that it shouldn't be the <em>only </em>defining role in life - <em>it isn't.</em>.. it has helped me find myself. It has led me to <em><strong>love me</strong></em> as well. It has gotten me to be <strong>the best I could be for <em>myself</em></strong> and to become <em>a better mommy</em>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>She saved me. </strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></div><div style="text-align: center;">While I want to get her the best in life, make sure she gets <em><strong>all </strong></em>she <strong><em>needs</em></strong>, a <strong><em>few of her wants</em></strong>... what scares me the most is... <strong><em>will I raise her to know Him</em></strong>? He who allowed me to <strong><em>borrow</em></strong> her... He who <strong><em>loves her</em></strong> <strong>MORE</strong> than I do. Am I doing right by Him with her? All I can do is pray for His continued guidance. I know He has <strong>BIG</strong> plans for this sweet little girl with a <strong>BIG</strong> heart... I can't wait to see what <em>her story</em> is. It is going to be a <strong>good one</strong>. I just know it. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">For now, she knows she is beautiful... on the outside, but I have truly emphasized to her <i>the beauty she holds <b>within</b></i>. <strong>THAT </strong>makes her my <strong>pageant queen</strong>... <i><strong>her beauty within</strong>. <br /></i><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-8811980409442218059?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-57028948461542806812011-04-24T20:49:00.003-05:002011-04-25T12:19:53.344-05:00Everything to Me<div style="text-align: center;"><br />Listen to song -<em><strong> Everything to Me</strong></em>- <a href="http://youtu.be/CTr1TiPNdWw">HERE</a>!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I knew the stories. Christmas time was about <em>His birth</em> and Easter was about <em>His resurection</em>. They were neat stories... I believed them. I knew He, <em>without a doubt</em>, <strong>existed</strong>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I prayed, <em>sometimes</em>, OK, so it was "Our Father" during an occassional church service.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I DID talk to Him though... OK, OK...<em> I yelled at Him</em> when things <em>felt</em> <em>wrong</em>, when things <em>went wrong.</em> But when things were going <strong><em>MY way</em></strong>... He never had a place in my thoughts.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <em>Really. </em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Wow</em></strong>. I just typed that out and <strong>admitted it</strong>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> And that lasted for quite a long time. In fact, I can honestly say<em> it wasn't until recently</em> that I truly started <strong><em>talking to him</em></strong>. Like, <strong>real,</strong> <em>one on one converstations</em>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em> It wasn't until recently</em> that I started <em><strong>listening to Him</strong></em>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em> It wasn't until recently</em> that I knew <strong><em>He had BIG plans for me</em></strong>... LIKE<strong> REAL big plans</strong>... I am talking about <strong>"wow, Lord, really, you think *I* can do that?" type of</strong> <strong>plans.</strong> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>It wasn't until recently</em> that<strong> I realized</strong> I was <strong>meant to have cancer</strong>, <strong>I was meant</strong> to <strong><em>walk with a limp</em></strong>, I <strong>was meant</strong> to be <em><strong>Jayda's mommy</strong></em>, <strong>I was meant</strong> to <strong><em>be a teacher</em></strong>...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But,<em> it wasn't until today</em> that <strong>I realized EXACTLY what HE did for me</strong>... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>it wasn't until today</em> that <em><strong>I realized the pain, the hurt, the discomfort, the ridicule, the anguish</strong></em> that <strong>He went through for ME</strong>... <strong><em>yes, ME</em></strong>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>It wasn't until today</em>, that<em><strong> I realized that He is everything to Me</strong></em>... because <strong><em>I am everything to Him...</em></strong> and, yes, <em>REALLY</em>, <strong>He KNOWS</strong> <em>I can</em> do what <strong><em>He has been talking to me about</em></strong> these past couple of months. <strong>He knows</strong><em> I can</em>, and when I get startled, scared, or nervous... <em>He will be right there</em>... He will remind me that I can do it... because HE already saw the end result... He knows what I am capable of. Thank you Lord, thank you. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">*********</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My Easter was wonderful today. <br />We first went to church and got to see a very touching drama on the Crucifixion... very powerful. <br />Then we went and spent some time with My brother Jaime and sister-in-law Jessica... where we ate a lot!! Everything was so good! I am extremely blessed to have an amazing family. After that celebration we went over to see my grandparents. It was a quick visit, but I am glad I got to see them and wish them a Happy Easter. My grandma is one of the women in my life that I look up to. She is loving, giving and so, so strong! I love both of them very much... and I thank them for being in my life and teaching me what true, unconditional love is. <br />Here I am with them... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T4gDi7hMGYc/TbTOTQq6WxI/AAAAAAAAAQI/j9WRu2EfD1Y/s1600/easter5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T4gDi7hMGYc/TbTOTQq6WxI/AAAAAAAAAQI/j9WRu2EfD1Y/s400/easter5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And of course no Easter is complete without JAYDA pictures ;-)...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VcUHKv_2Pp0/TbTPQiHNldI/AAAAAAAAAQo/gGF4xlPTqrs/s1600/easter2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VcUHKv_2Pp0/TbTPQiHNldI/AAAAAAAAAQo/gGF4xlPTqrs/s400/easter2.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I0JjohUgkkg/TbTPc4UdnKI/AAAAAAAAAQw/2Iq7qpP-4Ks/s1600/easter3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I0JjohUgkkg/TbTPc4UdnKI/AAAAAAAAAQw/2Iq7qpP-4Ks/s400/easter3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TbfktY1N7E4/TbTPqcYVx6I/AAAAAAAAAQ4/MPOFsWpM1h0/s1600/easter4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TbfktY1N7E4/TbTPqcYVx6I/AAAAAAAAAQ4/MPOFsWpM1h0/s400/easter4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have a blessed week!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-5702894846154280681?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-6003829822675163202011-04-22T22:24:00.000-05:002011-04-22T22:24:29.224-05:00There Had to Be a Last Time...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RHO_yjj1UAE/TbJFfrNbwmI/AAAAAAAAAQE/un2u07fjQn8/s1600/us.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" i8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RHO_yjj1UAE/TbJFfrNbwmI/AAAAAAAAAQE/un2u07fjQn8/s320/us.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7vFddOYDx2c/TbJEVNO3QII/AAAAAAAAAP8/Vyvhtg_Z7Cs/s1600/bennynsam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7vFddOYDx2c/TbJEVNO3QII/AAAAAAAAAP8/Vyvhtg_Z7Cs/s400/bennynsam.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There had to be a last time...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>I told Juan to take a break from studying... in high school that is.</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></div><div style="text-align: center;">There had to be a last time...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Jazmine spent her lunch period with me.</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There had to be a last time...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Sam and Benny helped me with something.</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></div><div style="text-align: center;">There had to be a last time...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Benny realized just how well I knew him.</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There had to be a last time...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Yoli got "shhhhsed" during lunch.</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There had to be a last time...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>I read Ale's facebook status during school... or I should say, status(es).</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There had to be a last time... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>We laughed the entire lunch period.</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There had to be a last time...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>I hurt with them.</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There had to be a last time...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>I did what I could for them.</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></div><div style="text-align: center;">There had to be a last time...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>I cried with them.</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></div><div style="text-align: center;">There had to be a last time...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>I celebrated with them.</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></div><div style="text-align: center;">There had to be a last time...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>They hurt for <strong>ME.</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></div><div style="text-align: center;">There had to be a last time...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>They came to my defense.</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></div><div style="text-align: center;">There had to be a last time...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>I called them <span style="font-size: large;">MY</span> seniors.</em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /><em></em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;">Why did there have to be a last time?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>So we could begin <u>our next time's</u>...</em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Love you guys! And for all the times I've helped you all... you all helped me in return. Thank you for the memories. </div><br /><br /><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-600382982267516320?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-11882206035424665862011-04-13T13:57:00.001-05:002011-04-13T14:15:02.008-05:00Things My Mother Taught Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RYKUDsS4hGs/TaXneJKieGI/AAAAAAAAAPw/1iOZ2sh_x7E/s1600/5generations1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RYKUDsS4hGs/TaXneJKieGI/AAAAAAAAAPw/1iOZ2sh_x7E/s400/5generations1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>My mother taught me...</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;">The importance of persistence. Through her persistence, my cancer was found and I was healed.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>My mother taught me...</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;">The importance of faith. Through her faith she accepted God's plan for our journey in life. And because of her faith, my faith grew.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>My mother taught me...</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>The importance</strong> of strength. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>The importance</strong> of forgiveness.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>The importance</strong> of loving unconditionally.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>The importance</strong> of strength during heart-ache.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>The importance</strong> of family and family values.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>The importance</strong> of rules - because nothing good is happening after midnight- so be home!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>The importance</strong> of being honest... <em>nothing </em>ever gets by her-- <strong>EVER.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>My mother taught me</strong> <em>how to</em>...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>love</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>cherish</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>pray</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>believe</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>endure</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>persist</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>forgive</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>honor</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>respect</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>value</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But, most importantly,<strong> my mother taught me</strong>...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: large;">how to be a mother.</span></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X3cCkG32dSQ/TaXuFoWPTZI/AAAAAAAAAP4/nDYQl9KrGZU/s1600/IMG_7413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X3cCkG32dSQ/TaXuFoWPTZI/AAAAAAAAAP4/nDYQl9KrGZU/s320/IMG_7413.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Thank you</em></strong> mom for being <strong>my prayer warrior</strong> through it all...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">the battle with cancer.</div><div style="text-align: center;">the battle with living with a disability.</div><div style="text-align: center;">the tears, the heartache, the fears, the joys, the successes, my marriage, and</div><div style="text-align: center;">my journey as a mommy. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Thank you</em></strong> for the unconditional love.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Thank you</em></strong> for the forgiveness.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Thank you</em></strong> for the support.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Thank you</em></strong> for the guidance.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Thank you</em></strong> for being my best friend through the times that I felt all alone. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Simply,</em> <strong><em>Thank You</em></strong> Mom, for <strong>EVERYTHING. </strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You are truly my angel sent from heaven. God knew what He was doing when he paired us up- he knew your strength. He knew we needed each other.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <em><strong>He just knew.</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">All I am, I owe to YOU. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Loving you<em> always & forever. </em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Birthday Mom!! </span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">~Myra~</div><br /><br /><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-1188220603542466586?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-30182163052112324452011-04-04T13:31:00.000-05:002011-04-04T13:31:48.434-05:00My "Why"...<div style="text-align: center;">I had already read the book, <em>So Long, Insecurity</em> by Beth Moore, but something got me to re-read it. And I am learning <strong>so much</strong> more this second time around… the following caught my attention because it seems to be an answer to my question of “why did you make me this way God?” All the ideas that have started floating in my head recently are God’s callings for me… my purpose… my “why”… </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is the excerpt from the book that truly spoke to me… or rather… here is the message that God spoke to me… </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Personal Limitations:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Attitude is everything when it comes to limitations, and the way you view yourself will acutley shape how others view you. Nothing is more impressinve than a person who is secure in the unique way God made her</em>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here Beth Moore speaks about a man she met who produced ove a hundred biblical video series and traveled ALL over- up Mount of Olives and down the streets of Old Jerusalem and across a boat ramp to Greece, Turkey… <strong>all from his wheelchair</strong>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">She says “his mind and vision went as far and wide as they did because his body was trapped in that chair. His disability was <em>his freedom</em>…. His wheelchair took him somewhere the strongest legs never could have carried him."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>God can bring freedom and vision to your life because of those limitations that you would have never discovered without them. You can let your limitations make you either insecure or unstoppable. </em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm hoping to accomplish BIG things... If it is His will... they WILL happen! </div><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-3018216305211232445?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-85880018264181397562011-04-02T09:53:00.000-05:002011-04-02T09:53:52.598-05:00Let's Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4XDAFpL_Wbw/TZc3sU8b_cI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/NkZ3HRQM3FA/s1600/blogparty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="108" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4XDAFpL_Wbw/TZc3sU8b_cI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/NkZ3HRQM3FA/s400/blogparty.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.5minutesformom.com/34651/ultimate-blog-party-2011/">BLOG PARTY</a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Welcome to the party!! <br />This is my blog Dancing with Cinderella. Here I share all about me and my family-- mainly about the journey I am on as being Jayda's Mommy. Jayda is my 5 year old daughter who is my world! Look around! I hope you like it... </div><br /><br /><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-8588001826418139756?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-75957878409503747682011-03-31T19:58:00.001-05:002011-03-31T19:59:59.768-05:00Jayda & The Beauty Within Our Hearts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PR5BO38bkVs/TZUZ1l_vwfI/AAAAAAAAANg/wrsPIs2mrtk/s1600/num4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PR5BO38bkVs/TZUZ1l_vwfI/AAAAAAAAANg/wrsPIs2mrtk/s400/num4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A blessing.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That is what our kids are.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That is what Jayda is for me.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am glad that through the journey that I began 2 years ago I have been able to become a better mommy-<strong> not perfect</strong>, but<strong><em> better</em></strong>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And it has been a result of</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <strong><em>my faith</em></strong> <strong><em>increasing</em></strong>,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em> my self-confidence increasing</em></strong>, </div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>my self-worth being discovered</em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;">.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I have become the mother <strong><em>I've wanted my daughter to have</em></strong>... </div><div style="text-align: center;">the mother that my child <strong><em>deserved</em></strong>, </div><div style="text-align: center;">one that she can look at and <strong><em>be proud of.</em></strong> </div><div style="text-align: center;">One that can show her that <strong><em>nothing is impossible</em></strong>. </div><div style="text-align: center;">One that can help her find the<strong><em> beauty within her heart.</em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /><em></em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;">And although <strong>rough patches</strong> in our future are <strong><em>certainly guaranteed</em></strong>... </div><div style="text-align: center;">I know through<strong> faith</strong>... </div><div style="text-align: center;">and through our <strong>hearts</strong>... </div><div style="text-align: center;">and our<strong> God</strong>... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>we will be ok</em></strong>... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Will <strong>WE</strong> fall? <strong><em>Definitely.</em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Will <strong>SHE</strong> fall? <strong><em>Most certainly.</em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> But, the job of a parent is <strong>not</strong> to make sure our kids <strong><em>don't fall</em></strong> </div><div style="text-align: center;">or to expect that they <strong><em>never fall or fail us</em></strong>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> It is to make sure that we gave them <strong><em>the purpose</em></strong> and <strong><em>the ability</em></strong> to <strong>get back up</strong> and keep moving forward.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>That is ALL we can do. </em></strong></div><strong><br /><em></em></strong><br /><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-7595787840950374768?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-33824319534281085972011-03-24T21:53:00.000-05:002011-03-24T21:53:18.455-05:00Bungee Cords<div style="text-align: center;">You take the risk... it looks fun... a leap of FAITH... why not? It'll be alright... you take the leap, the jump... you go for it... after all... the cord is there... the bungee cord will hold you... it makes you feel secure... it will keep you from falling flat on the ground... it will hold you up. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That is how a bungee cord works. They can secure just about anything. It can withstand a lot of pulling of force. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It has a strong looking exterior. It is strong. It will HOLD you. It will NOT let you fall. It allows you to take risks...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Do you have a bungee cord?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I do.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">3 as a matter a fact.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ECh3ZX1BOKI/TYv_421xdBI/AAAAAAAAANc/mDIF9xsFTuo/s1600/family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ECh3ZX1BOKI/TYv_421xdBI/AAAAAAAAANc/mDIF9xsFTuo/s320/family.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Michael, he hold me up always. Never thinks my crazy ideas are out of reach... always encourages me... always fights for me, defends me... motivates me... and my biggest fan. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My other two cords... my behind-the-scenes cords...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=momdad.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/momdad.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">They are what I like to refer to as the reinforcements. I love them so... and I know they will always be there to keep me from ever completely falling head first.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My bungee cords...</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-3382431953428108597?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-71099686676497676602011-03-17T23:47:00.000-05:002011-03-17T23:47:19.875-05:00The Story Behind Every Story...<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>"But there's a story behind everything. How a picture got on a wall. How a scar got on your face. Sometimes the stories are simple, and sometimes they are hard and heartbreaking. But<span style="font-size: large;"> behind all your stories is always your mother's story, because hers is where yours begin</span>." </em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">— Mitch Albom</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=meanmajesusita.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/meanmajesusita.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am so blessed to have <em>my life story</em> originate from such strong and wonderful women. I can only pray that I can be to Jayda what they have been to me. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I recently read<em> The Five People You Meet in Heaven</em> by Mitch Albom and it made me realize how many questions I will have for my great-grandma when I get to see her again. I had a special bond with her when I was younger, she was a huge part of my life at a very young age, sadly she passed when I still a young age... and I didn't physically have her around as a teen or an adult... but I know she's been around in other ways. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I know, without a doubt, she and Jayda have a very special connection. I know they <em>"know"</em> each other. I believe in my heart that she held Jayda before I ever did. Since Jayda was a very <em>"planned"</em> baby (IUI)- I know exactly when she was conceived-- Mami Jesusita's birthday- November 7. It was through a procedure that usually isn't successful until the 3rd attempt... we got pregnant on <strong><em>our first attempt.</em></strong> Coincidence? I think not. Jayda also has shared strong desires to visit her grave. She has this connection. Too strong of a connection to not believe that they know each other. And I can't wait to see my great-grandma and hear all about it when that time comes. It is a true blessing!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But, we all have great stories to tell... and yes, they have all started out from our mother's... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>wonderful, God fearing women!</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=Jaydasfirstchristmas063.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Jaydasfirstchristmas063.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=family-3.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/family-3.jpg" /></a></div><br /><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-7109968667649767660?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-9703163477676296002011-03-15T21:38:00.000-05:002011-03-15T21:38:27.706-05:00Do Not Fear; He Will Help You<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.</span></i></b><br />Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It took me a long time to realize that I wasn't alone. I mean, I always knew I had my mom and dad, Michael... my entire family, but yet many times weakness would hit, the "this is too hard" mentality would take over. The "I can't do it" syndrome would strike, and believe me, it would knock me down hard. Then, through many trials, many tears, many frusterations... I realized... I am not alone... I am never alone...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">He, my God...</div><div style="text-align: center;"> is with me... </div><div style="text-align: center;">He holds my hand...</div><div style="text-align: center;">always... </div><div style="text-align: center;">and He<em><strong> helps me</strong></em>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As I teach my class... <strong><em>He helps me</em></strong>.</div><div style="text-align: center;">As I raise my daughter... <em><strong>He helps me.</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;">As I strive to be a good wife... <em><strong>He helps me</strong></em>.</div><div style="text-align: center;">As I strive to be a good daughter, sister, niece, aunt and friend...<em><strong> He helps me.</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;">As I work towards goals...<em><strong> He helps me.</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;">As I completed my first half-marathon... <em><strong>He helped me.</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;">As I lift more weight I ever thought possible...<em><strong> He helps me.</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;">As I continue to reach for what many think as<em><strong> impossible</strong></em>...<em><strong> He will help me</strong></em>... when I get weak and grow tired... <em><strong>He will help me</strong></em>...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">He will<strong><em> always help me</em></strong>... because <em><strong>I am worth it</strong></em> to Him... and His greatest desire is for me to <em><strong>be worth it to myself</strong></em>... We are all worth it. So need to be scared...<br /><br /><strong>Believe that.</strong><br /><br /><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-970316347767629600?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-75631046103010545742011-03-09T12:00:00.000-06:002011-03-09T12:00:38.656-06:00She Spoke The Truth<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>I really have nothing to add to what I am quoting below... just read it and learn. This is truth... not religion... just <em><span style="color: purple;">good, old-fashioned, Jesus lovin' </span></em><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;">truth</span>.</span> </strong></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://thebigmamablog.com/8994/love-never-fails/">Love Never Fails</a></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://thebigmamablog.com/">Big Mama</a></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>I am sick and tired of watching Christians eat their own. And what I mean by that is all the attacking and the back-biting and the endless arguments over what Jesus said and how he said it and who is right and who is wrong. I will never claim to be a great theologian, largely because I am not a great theologian, but I believe in a God who loves mercy and grace. I believe in a God that tells us that without love we are just clanging cymbals.</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /><strong></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>And I believe when we spend so much time dissecting the Word of God merely to argue with others over who is the most right, it makes God sad. I think it makes Him shake His holy head and wonder how we are missing the entire point of Christianity while we eat lunch and go to work and shop the sales at Gap with people all around us who don’t know Him. But instead of showing them who He is, they see us fight and argue and judge each other instead of extending grace and understanding and mercy.</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /><strong></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>Don’t get me wrong, I believe we are called to examine God’s word and to know it. We are called to be able to give an answer for what we believe and why we believe it. But when we use that knowledge to belittle others or condemn them? OH NO MA’AM.</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /><strong></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.” 2 Peter 1:5-9</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /><strong></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>I think Satan (oh yes, I just dropped in a Satan like I’m the church lady) loves when we get so distracted by all these small debates that cause us to become so inwardly focused that we forget about the world around us that is hurting, hopeless and lost. A world that is desperate for something that looks different. Something that offers a hope and a future that’s different from the wreckage of the past and present.</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /><strong></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>I have lived a large chunk of my thirty-nine years in rebellion against God. I’ve ignored His word, run from His love, and tried my best to screw up my life with a lot of wrong decisions. I’ve also spent many years devoted to Him to the point of becoming legalistic and judgmental and losing the joy of my salvation because I’ve been so worried about the rules. I’ve looked at a lot of specks in other people’s eyes while ignoring the big old plank in my own.</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /><strong></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>But somewhere over the last several years, I’ve begun to realize that my small mind can’t comprehend the love and mercy of God. He is not a one size fits all Creator. He is the God of the Universe and He has made us all uniquely different and equipped each of us with gifts and abilities to fulfill plans He has for us. Why would we assume that our walks with Him or even our understanding of Him would look the same? As it says in Isaiah 40:13 “Who has understood the mind of the Lord, or instructed him as his counselor?”</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /><strong></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>My walk with Christ is as uniquely mine as my personality. I’ve spent a lot of time believing I should be more like this Bible teacher or more emotional like this person or hear from God in a certain way or adopt a child from Africa or sell all my earthly possessions, but He’s made me to be me. And He’s made you to be you. If God was only after one type of relationship with one type of person, it probably would have been a whole lot easier for Him to just create one person and be done with it. I speak from experience. I only have one child and it’s easy to know her because she’s the only one I have.</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /><strong></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>But I know from watching my friends with multiple children that they have unique relationships with each of those kids based on their personalities and their gifts. They talk to their kids differently and show them how they love them in ways that speak to that child.</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /><strong></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>I believe God is the same way.</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /><strong></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>And I believe it’s ignorant when we start to think that our understanding of Him is the only way and there’s no room for growth. I don’t believe any of us will get to heaven and receive a trophy or a plaque with “YOU WERE THE MOST RIGHT” engraved on it. Throughout my life, He has been my Redeemer, Protector, Provision, Salvation, Lover, and Friend. He has caused conviction where I am in the wrong and He has loved me lavishly and extravagantly where I am just His child in need of grace and mercy.</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /><strong></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>I am not a Biblical scholar. I can’t tell you all the Greek and Hebrew translations in the Bible. In fact, I just bought a fancy Bible a few weeks ago with the Greek and Hebrew translations and I’m sure it will be great as soon as I learn how to use the dadgum thing. I’ll keep you posted.</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /><strong></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>But here’s what I do know. I do not want to serve a God who fits into my limited understanding. I don’t want to serve a God who can be completely explained in the human realm. I want a God that is so much bigger than me that I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to know Him more, love Him more, and serve Him better.</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /><strong></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>I believe in a God that removes my sins as far as the east is from the west because that’s a distance my mind can’t comprehend. I’m doing Beth Moore’s study of Revelation and she talks about when John has his vision and sees the throne room of God. He describes so many incredible, unbelievable things, but he never describes God. Most likely because God defies description.</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /><strong></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>To me, that’s the God who is worth my devotion. That’s a God I want to share with a lost world instead of reducing him to what my limited human perspective can understand.</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /><strong></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>It makes me think of a passage I read to Caroline last night in Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis where Lucy sees Aslan after a long time apart and exclaims, “Aslan! You’re bigger.”</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /><strong></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>“That is because you are older, little one, ” answered he.</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /><strong></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>“Not because you are?”</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /><strong></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>“I am not. But every year you grow you will find me bigger.”</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /><strong></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>I pray that every year I grow I will find Him bigger.</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /><strong></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.” I Corinthians 13: 1-3</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>........................</em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Did you learn something? If you didn't-- <em>go back</em> and <em>re-read</em> it with an open mind. Yep, I said it... be <em>OPEN MINDED</em>. </strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /><strong></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /><strong></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-7563104610301054574?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-58373276228903197522011-03-07T21:15:00.001-06:002011-03-14T11:52:50.861-05:00If You Really Want To Do It... You Do It<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">There are no excuses.</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_z3kfS93sd0/TXWdQ7u9cRI/AAAAAAAAAMg/BzS3jVxZl1c/s1600/doingit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_z3kfS93sd0/TXWdQ7u9cRI/AAAAAAAAAMg/BzS3jVxZl1c/s400/doingit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you have working legs- <em><strong>use them.</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;">Many would<strong> love</strong> to have them.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you have working arms- <strong><em>strengthen them.</em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;">Some don't have the ability to simply feed themselves.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you have both-</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>seriously </strong></em>- <strong>get off your behind</strong>... and<em><strong> just do it.</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dig deep for the <em><strong>desire</strong></em>, the <strong><em>energy</em></strong>, the<em><strong> want</strong></em>, the <em><strong>need </strong></em>and most importantly - the <em><strong>self-worth</strong></em>. <strong>YOU</strong> are worth it. Don't sell yourself short.<strong><em> Ever.</em></strong></div><br /><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-5837327622890319752?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-272353261687111222011-02-25T22:42:00.000-06:002011-02-25T22:42:35.363-06:00Destination: Holland, With Frequent Visits to Italy<div style="text-align: center;">Yes, I was born to live in <a href="http://www.scrapbook.com/poems/doc/18771/288.html">Holland</a>. It has been a wonderful place, wouldn't change anything about it. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dbkobTTy464/TWiCof5SpWI/AAAAAAAAALM/VGVr2NYxZS8/s1600/holland_w400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dbkobTTy464/TWiCof5SpWI/AAAAAAAAALM/VGVr2NYxZS8/s320/holland_w400.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Living in Holland,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I've learned that obstacles are only things that will <em><strong>delay</strong></em>, but<strong><em> not prevent</em></strong> a goal. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I've learned that sometimes you need to work a little harder to prove to people that, you <strong><em>can</em></strong>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I've learned ignorance<em><strong> does</strong></em> exist.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I've learned that many would<strong><em> not</em></strong> survive one day living in my shoes.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I've learned that things <strong><em>could be worse</em></strong>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I've learned that<strong><em> I am stronger</em></strong> than I ever thought I was. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Most importantly, I've learned, that<strong><em> NOBODY</em></strong> can<em><strong> EVER</strong></em> tell me that<em><strong> I CAN'T</strong></em> visit<em><strong> Italy</strong></em> whenever </div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">the heck I please. </span></strong></div><br /><strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> You see, Holland provides its residents with determination and yes, even <em><strong>stubborness</strong></em>. Ever heard of Helen Keller? Yeah, stubborness... ;-)</div><br /><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-27235326168711122?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-35608902078580471172011-02-23T20:56:00.000-06:002011-02-23T20:56:22.331-06:00Just Going For It... Why Not?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L-6bzHg8E0w/TWXHaccQZQI/AAAAAAAAALE/E5NPIVaZMfY/s1600/Run-at-Borderfest-LoGo1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L-6bzHg8E0w/TWXHaccQZQI/AAAAAAAAALE/E5NPIVaZMfY/s400/Run-at-Borderfest-LoGo1.png" width="396" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">So, I HAD signed up for the 5K... you know, start slow... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Uhm, so, yeah... I don't work that way...if I'm going to do this, I'm going to do this... so, forget the 5K... I'm doing the half marathon. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So, PRAY for me!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As Jillian Michaels says, <i>Unless You Puke, Faint or Die, Keep Going!</i><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So, here I go...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">No excuses, just results. </div><br /><br /><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-3560890207858047117?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-68924753216026149552011-02-18T21:05:00.001-06:002011-02-18T23:30:47.714-06:00Broken<div style="text-align: center;">This week brought forth many challenges, but along with the challenges the Lord blessed me with a huge breakthrough. A lesson in letting go that relieved me of so much. It felt so good… so redeeming… so honest. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I was reminded of a post Angie Smith (Bring the Rain) wrote soon after the death of her daughter <a href="http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/2008/01/beginning-of-story.html"><strong>Audrey</strong></a>. If you don’t know Angie…<a href="http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/"> <strong><span style="font-size: large;">GO MEET HER HERE</span></strong></a>. She is an amazing woman of God. She is beautiful, funny, brilliant and a great writer. I want to be HER when I grow up ;-). </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The following is a "borrowed" post from Angie that can be read in its entirety<strong><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></strong><a href="http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/2008/05/past-and-pitcher.html"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">here</span></strong></a>. I was reminded of this post because I feel it really describes the point of my life that I am fighting my way out of at the moment… being broken… but putting myself back together again.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Rebuilding my life <em>one piece at a time</em>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Angie’s post is titled "The Past and the Pitcher" and it discusses how Angie decided she would follow some advice she had read in a book about grieving the loss of a child. A therapist encourages those grieving to take something and break it. At first, Angie thought the idea was ridiculous but then the Lord began to speak to her heart that breaking something was exactly what she should do. So, she went to her cabinets, pulled out a perfectly good pitcher, walked outside onto her front porch, threw it on the ground and watched it shatter into pieces...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UtgPQh4IDPo/TV8tin4iS6I/AAAAAAAAAK0/dWW8nOgY-pM/s1600/shattered.bmp" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UtgPQh4IDPo/TV8tin4iS6I/AAAAAAAAAK0/dWW8nOgY-pM/s400/shattered.bmp" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo from <a href="http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/">Angie Smith</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">She stared at it for a while then God spoke to her…</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Put it back together...</span></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And after several hot glue gun burns on her bloody hands… <br /><br /><em>she did...</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ybX9-h0Nl4M/TV8tyQhR_HI/AAAAAAAAAK8/jbP0uVWx0DM/s1600/put%2Bback.bmp" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ybX9-h0Nl4M/TV8tyQhR_HI/AAAAAAAAAK8/jbP0uVWx0DM/s400/put%2Bback.bmp" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo from<a href="http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/"> Angie Smith</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Then she wrote these<em> life changing</em> words on her blog:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><br /><span style="background-color: black;"></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><br /><span style="background-color: black;"></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="background-color: #a2c4c9; color: black; font-size: large;">And as I worked, He let me think about my past. Mistakes that I have long regretted. I began to realize that this pitcher was my life, and every piece was part of a story that He had chosen to put together. I started crying, and remembering things I thought I had forgotten. It took a long time to finish, but it was time well spent. Every nook and cranny whispered to me, until at last it stood in all its imperfection. </span></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /><strong><span style="background-color: #a2c4c9; color: black; font-size: large;"></span></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="background-color: #a2c4c9; color: black; font-size: large;">Here you are, Angie.</span></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /><strong><span style="background-color: #a2c4c9; color: black; font-size: large;"></span></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="background-color: #a2c4c9; color: black; font-size: large;">You are mended. You are filled with my Spirit, and I am asking you to pour yourself out.</span></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /><strong><span style="background-color: #a2c4c9; color: black; font-size: large;"></span></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="background-color: #a2c4c9; color: black; font-size: large;">The image of my life as a broken pitcher was beautiful to me, but at the same time, it was hard to look at all of the cracks.</span></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /><strong><span style="background-color: #a2c4c9; color: black; font-size: large;"></span></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="background-color: #a2c4c9; color: black; font-size: large;">I ran my fingers along them and told Him I wish it had been different. How I wished I had always loved Him, always obeyed Him, always sought Him the way I should. I was mad at the imperfections, years wasted, gaping holes where it should be smooth.</span></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /><strong><span style="background-color: #a2c4c9; color: black; font-size: large;"></span></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="background-color: #a2c4c9; color: black; font-size: large;">But God, my ever-gracious God, was gentle and yet convicting as He explained.</span></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /><strong><span style="background-color: #a2c4c9; color: black; font-size: large;"></span></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="background-color: #a2c4c9; color: black; font-size: large;">My dearest Angie. How do you think the world has seen me? If it wasn't for the cracks, I couldn't seep out the way I do. I chose the pitcher. I chose you, just as you are.</span></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>---</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><br /></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wow! It is not <em>bad</em> to be broken. We will <em>all </em>break… some of us<em> more often</em> than others… but the true test of faith is… can we glue ourselves <em>back together again</em>? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Being broken doesn’t mean you are now worthless… it doesn’t mean it is time to give up… it simply means it is time to <em>trust in Him</em> who can give us the hot glue to put the pieces <em>back together again</em>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We need to stop looking at the broken pitcher, the broken heart, the broken life...and seeing all that is wrong and useless… we focus too much on the brokenness of our life instead of the blessing that can be found in the cracks. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have lived my life seeing the pity in people’s eyes when they see me walk. I have been told, “God still loves you.” I nod to be polite, but what I really want to say is, <em>of course He does</em>. Why wouldn’t He? Because I can’t walk “right”? It’s funny the way people’s minds think. I know they mean well, but still. I know I am blessed. Broken, but blessed. And I am to the point where I have realized that I need to share with <strong>EVERYONE</strong> that I am <em>ok. </em> I am VERY blessed. I am a<em> testimony </em>of His goodness and mercy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Where are <em>you </em>today? Do you look at your life and just stare at the broken pieces? Do you hide your scars, your pain, your hurt - or do you allow God to use those cracked areas of your life to pour into you so that you can overflow into the lives of others? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Those cracks are what will allow people to see a true miracle; the miracle that the Lord has created in each of us.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Be blessed my friends and allow yourself to shine through your cracks. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-6892475321602614955?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-51674738495882006042011-02-16T14:58:00.000-06:002011-02-16T14:58:58.641-06:00The Running Shoes<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Mc_L3EFEeM/TVwyB__wLbI/AAAAAAAAAKs/HXhJV_2j4Ug/s1600/nike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Mc_L3EFEeM/TVwyB__wLbI/AAAAAAAAAKs/HXhJV_2j4Ug/s400/nike.jpg" width="100" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I had wanted to get myself a new pair of tennis shoes for a while now, but I’ve never been a <strong><em>tennis shoe type of girl</em></strong> so I always struggled to find a pair I truly liked. But, there is something about new workout attire that gives a person a sense of “<strong>power</strong>”… at least <strong>I</strong> think so.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Anyway</em>, back to the shoes… <em><strong>running shoes</strong>...</em> to be exact… that’s what the box did say. So, could it be? A true miracle in a orange shoe box with a <strong>“swoosh”</strong> across it… could they really get me to <strong>“Just Do It”</strong> and <strong>run</strong>…?!?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Uhm, yeah, I think not. </strong> <em>And for the record</em>, <strong>no</strong>, I never did think they could. My run has been and always will be “<em><strong>broken</strong></em>”, as Jayda puts it, (<a href="http://dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com/p/jayda-isms.html">Go HERE for more Jayda-isms</a>)…but it’s ok, because I’m running a marathon with Jesus one day- mark.my.word. I got the shoes because they were cute. For the first time I found tennis I really, really liked and I wanted them. PLUS… they were ON SALE! SCORE!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Soooo, </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The real miracle? Yes, I did experience one… </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Are you ready for it...?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">When my card was swiped to pay – Visa didn’t decline it… yay, ME… and thank you Jesus </div><div style="text-align: center;">(kidding, kidding)! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">OK, no, seriously…</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> my point is… </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I got myself some really cute running shoes that really don’t make you run, but, yeah, anyway… I really, really like them.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And they did make me realize that… </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Buying a pair of running shoes will not be the miracle that instantly gives me the ability to run nor was I expecting that… <em>but</em>, I am<strong><em> blessed</em></strong> to have <strong>two</strong> feet to put them on, the <strong>ability</strong> to buy them (<em>kinda-sorta</em>)… and a <strong>really great</strong> sense of style<em><strong> if I do say so myself</strong></em>!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But always...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Look closely in everything life hands to you – really, really look—see it… admire it… be thankful for it… because it’s there, a miracle… in everything -- be blessed always. </span></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-5167473849588200604?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-41698429172399275082011-02-11T16:00:00.000-06:002011-02-11T16:00:36.766-06:00The Bench Seat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-avOPpldxmfg/TVWOwdQyPWI/AAAAAAAAAKg/ntOPZs3SJI8/s1600/imagesCA54LGBV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-avOPpldxmfg/TVWOwdQyPWI/AAAAAAAAAKg/ntOPZs3SJI8/s400/imagesCA54LGBV.jpg" width="223" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was our love seat.<br /> He wanted his car to have a bench seat up front, not the now standard bucket seats. Why? Because he wanted me right by his side… <em>always</em>…. <br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">“We need to keep it this way forever”, we’d say to each other. <br />We had every intention of always having a bench seat in every car we were to ever own…<em>always</em>….<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We had the misconception that the moment we lost the desire to have the bench seat with me right by his side, we’d lose our love. <br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Well, the bench seat quickly faded away. <br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Times <em>did</em> get tough. Times <em>are</em> tough.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We struggle.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We argue.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We get on each other’s nerves.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We hurt.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We cry.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We fall.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But, after the falls,<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We get back up.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We laugh.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We share.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We dream.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We wipe each other’s tears.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We say “sorry”.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We hug.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">He is my best friend, my strength, my love.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=IMG_5038.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/IMG_5038.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">While life will always bring challenges, hurts, obstacles… it is easier to get through it all with a partner. Someone who holds your hand through it all… someone who will be right by your side when things get tough and someone who will be thankful with you when those tough times turn into blessings and someone who will laugh with you in the good times as well.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am so grateful Michael proposed to me 8 years ago. <br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=img002.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/img002.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So, while we did lose the bench seat, <em>we never lost our love</em>. <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We traded the bench seat in for a...<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=IMG_5044.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/IMG_5044.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Car seat… <br /><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(silly child included)</span></em><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And it has been totally worth it. <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">He has been a great husband and a wonderful father. </div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Seeing this… </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=IMG_5089.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/IMG_5089.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=Image279.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Image279.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Makes me love him the more than he will ever know.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Who knows… </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bench seats might be back in style when we are old…</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But for now... bench seat or not... <br /><br /><em><strong><span style="color: red;">I love him.</span></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=IMAG0383.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/IMAG0383.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-4169842917239927508?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-29607707396895448692011-02-09T22:10:00.001-06:002011-02-09T22:12:15.694-06:00Me- According to Jayda<div style="text-align: center;">So, do you want to know more about me? Well, allow my 5 year old to share with you...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">According to Jayda...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uX1XBzXeOpE/TVNk2BjWehI/AAAAAAAAAKY/jftDkU86_qE/s1600/IMAG0303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uX1XBzXeOpE/TVNk2BjWehI/AAAAAAAAAKY/jftDkU86_qE/s400/IMAG0303.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">1. What's something I always say to you?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Clean your toy room.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">2. What makes me happy?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Me being good.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">3. What makes me sad?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Not behaving</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">4. How do I make you laugh?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Tickling me</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">5. What do you think I was like as a child?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Me (meaning I was like her)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">6. How old am I?</div><div style="text-align: center;">50... uhm... you are 50? What are you? I know, 40... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">7. How tall am I?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Uh, I dunno. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">8. What is my favorite thing to do?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Disney World!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">9. What do I do when you are not around?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cry... (LOL)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">10. What am I really good at?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Shrugs shoulder... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">11. What am I not really good at?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Turning on the lights (????)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">12. What is my job?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Work at high school</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">13. What do I do at work?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Work with your students</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">14. What is my favorite food?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Chips with salsa (Got this perfect)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">15. What makes you proud of me?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Clean my toy room for me</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">16. What do you and I play together?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Blessings</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">17. How are we the same?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Long hair</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">18. How are we different?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Long hair and short hair</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">19. If I were a cartoon character who would I be?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Rapunzel</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">20. How do you know I love you?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Berry much!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">21. Where is my favorite place?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Disney World!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">22. What is your favorite place to go with me?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Disney</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">23. What is my favorite TV show?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Desperate Housewives</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">24. Would you like me to have another baby?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">25. What do you wish we had named you instead of Jayda?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Kimberly</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">26. How do you know I love Daddy?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hugs</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">27. What do you want to be when you grow up?</div><div style="text-align: center;">A doctor.</div><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-2960770739689544869?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-63043353078507538202011-02-04T19:16:00.003-06:002011-02-04T19:59:31.134-06:00The Condition of My Heart<div style="text-align: center;">I have come a long way from October 2010 (<a href="http://dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com/2010/12/enjoying-not-so-perfect-life-in-oh-so.html">BEFORE PICTURE</a>), and while I am loving the feeling of fitting into my clothes better, looking better, and having more energy, what I am loving the most is<em> the condition of my heart</em>. I have found a new me. I now have more confidence, more patience, more peace and a new outlook on life. I am trying to enjoy every moment and not let time be wasted. I am trying to share my faith more and lengthen my alone time with God. Share blessings with my daughter. I'm setting goals and reaching them. And best of all- <em><strong>I am letting things go</strong></em>- and it <em><strong>feels oh-so-good!</strong></em> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So, while I think my outer confidence is showing pretty well...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=IMAG0413.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/IMAG0413.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It's this...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=IMAG0420.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/IMAG0420.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(art work courtesy of Jayda Hough)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I want people to notice the most! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Speaking of heart... take a look at what Jayda does during her spare time at home...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=IMAG0423.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/IMAG0423.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">She's gonna be famous someday! Mark my word...</span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Part of her jewelry collection...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=IMAG0354.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/IMAG0354.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Paper doll collection...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=IMAG0425.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/IMAG0425.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Calendar Collection...<br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=IMAG0424.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/IMAG0424.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Disney Collection...<br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=IMAG0407.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/IMAG0407.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bow Holder...<br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=IMAG0195.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/IMAG0195.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">All occasion cards (eat your heart out Hallmark)...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=IMAG0132.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/IMAG0132.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Fashion...<br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=IMAG0124.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/IMAG0124.jpg" /></a><br /><br />"Creativity is intelligence having fun." <br /><br /><br />— Albert Einstein<br /><br /><br /><br /> </div><br /><br /><center>This is confidence baby...</center><center> </center><center><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=IMAG0199.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/IMAG0199.jpg" /></a></center><center> </center><center>The condition of my heart is strong right now. Don't get me wrong it is still vulnerable, it still hurts at times, it can still be broken, but it is strong enough to handle what life throws its way. <strong><em> I'm strong enough. </em></strong><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /></center><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-6304335307850753820?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-17481874364347794142011-02-02T22:13:00.000-06:002011-02-02T22:13:19.689-06:00It is SO On...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AtXDruajGeg/TUopvjpO67I/AAAAAAAAAKQ/-cVkjK6ktHs/s1600/Run-at-Borderfest-LoGo1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AtXDruajGeg/TUopvjpO67I/AAAAAAAAAKQ/-cVkjK6ktHs/s400/Run-at-Borderfest-LoGo1.png" width="396" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://runatborderfest.com/?page_id=68"><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><strong>2011 Run at Borderfest</strong></span></a><br /><br />Sunday, March 6, 2011</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I signed up for the 5K and I am not running(I know, I know - shocking, but I don't own running shoes) ;-)<br />- so, the handcycle it is. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><strong><em>No Limits, No Excuses. </em></strong></span></div><br /><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-1748187436434779414?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-78129329363239095252011-01-30T20:26:00.001-06:002011-01-30T20:37:58.804-06:00Me and MY CRAZY ideas, that somehow I make come true...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AtXDruajGeg/TUYXcaNPiwI/AAAAAAAAAKE/mVuiCo9afbM/s1600/imagejpeg_2_24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AtXDruajGeg/TUYXcaNPiwI/AAAAAAAAAKE/mVuiCo9afbM/s400/imagejpeg_2_24.jpg" width="371" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A while back a crazy idea crossed my mind (which usually happens several times a day, but this one idea really was special). I wanted to complete a marathon. Crazy, right? Especially for me, I mean really... my legs don't work ya know!?! Oh wait, but I wanted to do it on a wheelchair, I knew I was leaving a minor detail out... but have you seen the cost of those wheelchairs -- CrAzY expensive. So, yeah that became "dream". </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">SIGH... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Then about a year and a half ago I began working out again and doing major upper body strength training and yes, the idea was still waaay in the back of my mind. I never really thought I'd actually do it (I still haven't done it ;-P...). Then, <a href="http://therodriguezson18th.blogspot.com/2010/11/marathon-momma.html">Jessica</a>, my sister-in-law began her training for a full marathon (she had already done half-marathons before) and I saw her motivation and how good it made her feel... and <em><strong>that thought</strong>, yeah, the crazy one that was in the back of my mind</em>, was slowly creeping back up... and after Jessica completed her marathon she sent me a text that totally convinced me to do it. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So, I bought that <strike>funny looking contraption,</strike> uhm, I mean, handcycle that you see pictured up there... and that is how my journey has begun-- I am going to complete a marathon. When? I haven't thought that far, but I guarantee you, it WILL happen ;-). </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And, while yes, actually getting this handcycle to reach this goal of mine is great, the true greatness of it all-- the little girl right next to me in that picture riding her bike. It hit me the moment I got on it... I fought back the tears when the salesman was showing me the features... I was riding a bike... I was going to ride a bike with my baby girl... I... ME... on a bike... yes, me, the girl with the legs that don't cooperate with her and would never stay on the pedal, even when strapped down, was on a BIKE WITH HER BABY!!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And that my friends... <em><strong>that</strong></em> is God... <em><strong>that</strong></em> is what you call a <em><strong>miracle</strong></em>. Many think a true miracle would be God "fixing" my legs, but no. This was it. This is a true miracle. And while I can't wait to complete my first marathon and feel that sense of pride that Jessica has shared-- I know this feeling was pretty good too. Pretty <em><strong>darn</strong></em> good I tell ya! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, and God IS good friends. Very, very good. </div><br /><br /><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-7812932936323909525?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-8514613130140208762011-01-23T19:29:00.002-06:002011-01-23T20:22:57.841-06:00Seriously...<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.</span></em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Philippians 1:3</em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Beyond blessed to be trusted with this beauty!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=loveher.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/loveher.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=num1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/num1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=num3.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/num3.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=num4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/num4.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=princess-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/princess-1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=num2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/num2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=princess5.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/princess5.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=princess4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/princess4.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=princess2-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/princess2-1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=princess1-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/princess1-1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=beautiful.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/beautiful.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=attitude2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/attitude2.jpg" /></a></center><center> </center><center>Yeah, she's beautiful and she totally knows it too.</center><center>To order this outfit or different color- GO <a href="http://www.joymariesboutique.blogspot.com/">HERE!</a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-851461313014020876?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-21569568404073728832011-01-19T14:41:00.000-06:002011-01-19T14:41:48.544-06:0010 Things I Believe<div style="text-align: center;"> </div><center><a href="http://www.workwifemomlife.com/"><img src="http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss185/julialadewski/125420-matte-white-square-icon-p-3.png" /></a></center><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">I Believe:</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">I believe that I am where the Lord needs me to be.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I believe in a place where I will one day be able to run and take long walks without getting tired and without a limp.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I believe you can do anything you set your mind to, if you really want to.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I believe everything happens for a reason.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I believe in God.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I believe that if something or someone is important to you, you WILL find time for it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I believe in love.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I believe in soul mates. We all have one.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I believe that legs are overrated! :-)</div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I believe in ME! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">What do you believe?</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div> </div><br /><div> </div><br /><div> </div><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-2156956840407372883?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-80295994142045151012011-01-17T14:02:00.001-06:002011-01-17T14:04:17.389-06:00Learning...<div style="text-align: center;">In hard times</div><div style="text-align: center;">I had learned three things-</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I was stronger </div><div style="text-align: center;">than I ever imagined.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Jesus was closer</div><div style="text-align: center;">than I ever realized.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And I was loved</div><div style="text-align: center;">more than I ever knew.</div><br /><br /><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-8029599414204515101?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-51434920629008837772011-01-11T11:45:00.002-06:002011-01-11T13:57:58.800-06:00All I Really Need to Know... I Learned from My Kindergartner<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=_1215_web.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/_1215_web.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;">ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED IN KINDERGARTEN</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">• Share everything. </div><div style="text-align: center;">• Play fair. </div><div style="text-align: center;">• Don't hit people. </div><div style="text-align: center;">• Put things back where you found them. </div><div style="text-align: center;">• Clean up your own mess. </div><div style="text-align: center;">• Don't take things that aren't yours. </div><div style="text-align: center;">• Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody. </div><div style="text-align: center;">• Wash your hands before you eat. </div><div style="text-align: center;">• Flush. </div><div style="text-align: center;">• Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you. </div><div style="text-align: center;">• Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some. </div><div style="text-align: center;">• Take a nap every afternoon. </div><div style="text-align: center;">• When you go out in the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together. </div><div style="text-align: center;">• Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the Styrofoam cup: the roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that. </div><div style="text-align: center;">• Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup - they all die. So do we. </div><div style="text-align: center;">• And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned - the biggest word of all - LOOK. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I had always seen this posted in classrooms, posters in stores… I would hear the saying often, but I never really knew what it meant- until yesterday.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It took MY kindergartner to TEACH me just what was meant by this “saying”. Yes, my five year old has taught be a lesson <em>or two</em> on love, acceptance and most importantly- <strong><em>forgiveness</em></strong>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Jayda never fails to make me SO proud to be her mommy. And I thank God each day for blessing me with her. I also thank Him for making her such a wonderful little girl – a challenge, but a wonderful challenge. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>In kinder Jayda has shown me…</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><ul><li><div style="text-align: center;">To love the people who are “different”</div></li><li><div style="text-align: center;">Be the voice to those who haven’t yet learned how to fully use theirs.</div></li><li><div style="text-align: center;">Be open to new ideas</div></li><li><div style="text-align: center;">LOVE to learn, LOVE new knowledge</div></li><li><div style="text-align: center;">Keep trying; even if they are not responding to your kindness… don’t give up on them</div></li><li><div style="text-align: center;">POPCORN words are FUN</div></li><li><div style="text-align: center;">SHARE often</div></li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>"It doesn’t feel good when someone is mean to you"… BUT, “I can give her a second chance Mommy…”</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes, my baby, my five year old, my kindergartner… has taught me so many life lessons. She loves people. She sees the good in everyone. She is SO giving. She is SO forgiving… and she just LOVES to be at school to learn new things…</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Even to those kids who she keeps talking about – they are <strong><em>“mean sometimes” </em></strong>and <strong><em>“I am trying so hard with them Mommy, I’m just trying to make it work…”</em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Yes, baby</strong>… I see your efforts. Through your efforts, Mommy is learning to keep “trying to make it work” and learning to not be so judgmental… </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>And yes, baby</strong>, everyone <em>does</em> deserve a “second chance”… <strong>thank you</strong> for reminding me when I was telling you to do the opposite. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love you with all my heart Jayda… forever and always! And I am SO proud to be your Mommy!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-5143492062900883777?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-16624244013295704122011-01-07T21:19:00.000-06:002011-01-07T21:19:54.837-06:00Woman to Woman... Looking Out for Each Other<div style="text-align: center;">Stop Making Comparisons</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We as women always tend to compare ourseves to other women… you know you do! Don’t deny it. It’s in our nature. But, that is what is causing us the most insecurity. I know I am VERY guilty of it. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Picture this…</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You are heading to a party and the entire way over there you are wondering if your blouse looks ok, hoping your pants don’t look too tight… how is your hair?? "UGH, should have worn the black pants… black is MY color. Oh, well… I will just try to ‘hide’ the muffin top as much as possible… uhm, ok I will wear this sweater." You walk in, and yeah… there she is.. she looks great, like always. Why did I even try knowing she’d be here? I look so dumb next to her… </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">C’mon, you can admit that you HAVE had these thought… you have felt that way at one time or another… RIGHT? RIGHT? Seriously, don’t leave me hanging… </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Then you have the OTHER scenario… the “Yeah, I know I look good… She.is.no.competition for me… I will stay with this crowd because all these ladies ENVY me… “ Yeah, we ALL know someone like that too… OR perhaps we <strong><em>HAVE</em></strong> been this person at some point in our life?!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Beth Moore discusses this ‘complex’ in Chapter 15 of her book – <i><strong>So Long, Insecurity</strong> </i>(have I meantioned it is an amazing book?) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>The nature of our competition depends to a large extent on what we tend to value. If intelligence is high on the list, given the opportunity, we will try to assess whether or not the people around us seem smarter than we are. If appearance is a personal premium, we have the tendency to rate ourselves according to the looks of those in eyeshot…same with talent, giftedness, spirituality, and success… .</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>… we can stop playing the game… when we work from an activated mentality of God-given security, we are fully capable of thinking another woman is beautiful without concluding we are ugly. We can esteem another woman’s achievements without feeling like an idiot. We can admire another woman’s terrific shape without feeling like a slob. Where on earth did we come up with the idea that we have to subtract value from ourselves in order to give credit to someone else?</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>More examples…</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>I tried to talk to her + she seemed really distracted = she hates me</em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>She’s really gorgeous + she gets a lot of attention that I don’t= she must be really conceited</em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>She’s got this + she’s got that= I’ve got nothing…</em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Are we getting the picture? Yeah, I know… </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I mean, I will admit… math has <strong>ALWAYS</strong> been my weakness, but I never thought I was <strong><em>THIS</em></strong> bad at it!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Galatians 5:26</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>'We will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original.'</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You heard it here… straight from the sacred text itself!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So make the commitment… catch yourself in the act of comparing… call yourself out! You are better than that… tell yourself that…</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong> I AM</strong> better than that! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Blessings always,</div><br /><br /><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-1662424401329570412?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-71062114924862029152011-01-05T21:20:00.003-06:002011-01-06T15:07:43.222-06:00So Long...<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Insecurity</i>... </span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;">I mentioned in my last entry that I am reading Beth Moore's book, <em>So Long, Insecurity</em>. It is absolutley amazing! I am about half way done and it is hard to put down... but other interruptions have not allowed me to finish it. I did write down a couple of excerpts (yes, I am a dork that takes notes as she reads) that really stood out for me and hit very close to home...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><i><strong><span style="font-size: large;">God can bring freedom and vision to your life because of those limitations that you would never have discovered without them. You can let your limitations make you either insecure or unstoppable.</span></strong></i></i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(p. 66)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">WOW... so true. I am working hard on letting my limitations make me be unstoppable!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another excerpt that actually almost made me tear up was this...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: large;">He knows it's scary to be us.</span></strong></em></div><em></em><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>He does not take lightly that some of us were raised in a veritable madhouse. He does not take lightly that some of us have been mentally berated or physically beaten or sexually abused or simply abandoned. He does not take lightly that some of us are still trying to recover from that midnight phone call. He does not take lightly that <span style="font-size: large;">some of us were born with legs that don't work.</span> Or eyes that can't see. Or ears that can't hear. He does not take lightly that <span style="font-size: large;">some of us have endured the cancer treatment of our very own children.</span> He does not take lightly that some of us, have buried our own children.</strong></em></div><em></em><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: large;">He knows it's scary to be us</span></strong>.</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I didn't cry because I read this in the middle of silent reading during a class of 30 sophomores. I can't show weakness with them ;-). But this was so powerful for me!</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong></div><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-7106211492486202915?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-20888657026406380632011-01-04T21:45:00.002-06:002011-01-04T21:51:27.206-06:00The Blessing Box<div style="text-align: center;">One of my "goals" this New Year was to be more thankful. My goal is to find something every day to say "thanks God... I know that was you!" As I was <strike>blog stalking</strike>, uhm, I mean, as I was visiting some of my favorite blogs, I came across <a href="http://www.lemusingsofmoi.com/2011/01/blessing-box.html">this one</a> and got a GREAT idea! Create a <a href="http://www.designspongeonline.com/2010/12/diy-project-vintage-postcard-calendar-journal.html">blessing box</a>! I thought this was a fun and creative way to hold me accountable and best of all, Jayda can do it too! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So, with the help of my cute, #1 blessing in my life... Jayda... we found two "boxes" and some index cards and discussed what "blessings" were and created our very own...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=myblessingbox.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/myblessingbox.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=jaydasblessingbox.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/jaydasblessingbox.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Blessing Boxes"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Jayda was so excited and so was I... we just labeled the top of the card with the date and then we put the year on the left side and wrote our blessing for the day. We then "filed" today's cards to the back and will repeat tomorrow. Great tradition!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ours isn't as "decorative" as the one where we got the idea... but, a blessing is a blessing! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another thing I am doing is spending some quality "Me and God" time... One way I am doing this is by reading this book:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=madetocrave.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/madetocrave.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Made-to-Crave/Lysa-TerKeurst/e/9780310293262/?itm=1&USRI=made+to+crave+satisfying+your+deepest+desire"><em>Made to Crave: Satisfying Your Deepest Desire with God, Not Food </em>by Lisa TerKeurst</a> It is opening my eyes to some bad habits and what I need to do to "fix" them... which in turn is leading me into some very serious talks with our Lord! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am also reading:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=solonginsecurity.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/solonginsecurity.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><i><a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/So-Long-Insecurity/Beth-Moore/e/9781414336978/?itm=1&USRI=so+long+insecurity">So Long, Insecurity</a></i></i> by Beth Moore it is an awesome read so far! I just LOVE <a href="http://blog.lproof.org/">Beth Moore</a>! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So, 2011 is going good so far! I'm sure it won't be perfect... but hey... perfect is a bit boring don't ya think?</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-2088865702640638063?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-85396848341903647252010-12-30T19:34:00.004-06:002010-12-30T21:12:53.774-06:00Enjoying a Not-so-perfect Life in an Oh-so-perfect way…<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I’m guilty of every year making the usual resolutions… I will eat better, exercise, lose weight, etc. While I have done pretty well at that…<br /><br />Before:<br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/?action=view&current=before.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/before.jpg" /></a><br /><br />After:<br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/?action=view&current=me.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/me.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">... it wasn’t because it was my “resolution”. <br />So, I think I am skipping the resolution thing this time and just focusing on being thankful this year. </div><div style="text-align: center;">My goal is to express my gratitude and say thank you for anything and everything I can. Even the little things that Jesus blesses me with.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Things like…</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you for playing my favorite song on the way to work today.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you for only having to “redirect” 10 students today instead of 11… or an entire class of 30.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you for the opportunity to see the look on that student’s face when he/she FINALLY got that open ended response…<br />Thank you for the meltdown Jayda just had, because it means… I <strong>have</strong> Jayda<strong><em> here</em></strong>… and she is <strong>healthy</strong>.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you for that headache… because it makes me appreciate the days I <strong><em>don’t</em></strong> have one… just that much more…</div><div style="text-align: center;">Just… thank you, God… </div><div style="text-align: center;">This past year hasn’t been perfect.<br /><br /> I did my share of crying. <br />My share of <strike>questioning,</strike> ok, <strong>yelling</strong> at God.<br /> I did my share of<strike> hating</strike>, uhm, I mean disliking a person.<br /> My share of judging, criticizing… </div><div style="text-align: center;"> And-- I’m sure<strong> I</strong> was judged. I’m sure <strong>I</strong> was <strong>or</strong> am hated. And I’ve probably deserved it.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I created messes that I had to clean up… </div><div style="text-align: center;">My heart got bruised… many, many times.</div><div style="text-align: center;">But… in the end… <br />everything was always ok…<br /><br /> in the end…<br /> I always found the <strong>“thank you”</strong> the <strong>“blessing.”</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;">In 2011…<br /> I am sure this <strong><em>not-so-perfect</em></strong> life will continue…<br /> in its<strong><em> perfect</em></strong> little way… <br />and I <strong>welcome</strong> it.<br /><br /> I will need Jesus by my side because I am sure I will hit some more road bumps… detours… but, no time to be weak … no time to surrender… we just need to roll with it. And roll is what I shall do! <br /><br />I may not understand <em>everything</em> that happens to me or to those I care for, but I will trust Jesus when those questionable events do occur.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, and I know I said I wasn't, but it just wouldn't be me if I didn't come up with a new <strike>resolution,</strike> uhm, I mean goal... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=TopEndXLTImage08.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/TopEndXLTImage08.gif" /></a><br />Yep, who needs feet... my hands can do it... feet are so over-rated anyway...<br /> ;-). <br />I'm just doing it to go to Disney again... that<a href="http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/events/rundisney/princess-half-marathon/"> marathon</a> thing... you know me...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-8539684834190364725?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-16530520681862634262010-12-26T02:34:00.003-06:002010-12-26T02:44:25.398-06:00Anything Can Happen... If You Just Believe<div style="text-align: center;">TURN UP THAT VOLUME!! <br /><br />Yes, Mommy DID kiss Santa... BUT it WAS for a good cause... He demanded a kiss in exchange for the Rapunzel wand... and a mom has to do what a mom has to do... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/?action=view&current=oops.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/oops.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But... enough of that... ;-)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So Christmas was a HUGE success this year! I'm guessing Santa was somewhat lenient on the "good" list this year- ;-)... OR maybe it was the kiss?!?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As I have mentioned before, Christmas has always been special for me. I love the lights, I love the presents, I love Jesus... and having Jayda has only made it THAT much more magical! I love starting traditions with her...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Like Ernie...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/?action=view&current=ernie.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/ernie.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Writing a letter to Santa...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/?action=view&current=dearsanta.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/dearsanta.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/?action=view&current=santanote.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/santanote.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Getting a new outfit for the school Christmas picture...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/?action=view&current=schoolpic.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/schoolpic.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Visiting Santa...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/?action=view&current=santa.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/santa.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Going to the Festival of Lights...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/?action=view&current=ligths.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/ligths.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/?action=view&current=festivaloflights.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/festivaloflights.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our Disney Tree...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/?action=view&current=ourtree.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/ourtree.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dressing up for Church & then heading to Grandma Wera's for Christmas Eve Dinner...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/?action=view&current=beauty.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/beauty.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/?action=view&current=MommyandJayda.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/MommyandJayda.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/?action=view&current=myloves.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/myloves.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our Christmas Cards that we LOVE to receive...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/?action=view&current=christmascards.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/christmascards.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Baking...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/?action=view&current=cute.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/cute.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/?action=view&current=mmmm.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/mmmm.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/?action=view&current=ibaked.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/ibaked.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Knowing Santa DID visit...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/?action=view&current=santainroom.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/santainroom.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/?action=view&current=caught.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/caught.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/?action=view&current=byesanta.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/byesanta.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Getting EVERYTHING you asked HIM for... even if it meant Mommy HAD to kiss him! ;-)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/?action=view&current=gifts.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/gifts.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/?action=view&current=thankssanta.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/thankssanta.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And the BEST part was spending it with EVERYONE that you LOVE...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/?action=view&current=RodriguezFamily.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/RodriguezFamily.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So blessed this Christmas! Nothing else could have made it more perfect!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Especially when **I** got this stuff...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/?action=view&current=mygifts.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Christmas%202010/mygifts.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">May you and your family enjoy all the BLESSINGS that have been given to us by the ONE who was BORN to be OUR BEST FRIEND in the GOOD and the BAD! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Birthday Jesus!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-1653052068186263426?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-29957070203958879522010-12-19T23:14:00.000-06:002010-12-19T23:14:29.496-06:00Yes in Christ!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AtXDruajGeg/TQ7iUqcUhhI/AAAAAAAAAI0/rvp6GCTBWVo/s1600/1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AtXDruajGeg/TQ7iUqcUhhI/AAAAAAAAAI0/rvp6GCTBWVo/s400/1000.jpg" width="128" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>"...yes to this moment and yes to last year's illness and yes to the cracks of my childhood and yes to the nail and yes to my name in the Book of Life, hear me say YES! Not "I'm worried." Not "I'm stressed out." Not "I'm anxious." Not "I'm too afraid." Hear me say <i>thank you</i>. Hear me say YES! Watch me <i>live a life</i> of yes. To all that was and is and is to come.... The answer is always YES!"</strong></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><em><a href="http://productsearch.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?WRD=one+thousand+gifts&page=index&prod=univ&choice=allproducts&query=one+thousand+gifts&flag=False&ugrp=1"><strong>One Thousand Gifts</strong></a> </em>by <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2010/12/exceprt-of-one-thousand-gifts-free-gratitude-list-printable-decjan/"><strong>Ann Voskamp</strong></a> is life changing to say the least. I highly recommend this book to all, expecially if you have ever asked the question... "Why God?" It opens your eyes to the Lords blessings, it makes your realize that our life is His story. It is His story to share, it was the story He wrote. And we should be thankful that He did write it and that we can't change it. He knows what He wrote and why He wrote it and all we need to do is say-- Yes, Lord... Yes and THANK YOU for writing my life story. <strong> </strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Much love,</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Myra </strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-2995707020395887952?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-33596485714400547362010-12-16T11:03:00.001-06:002010-12-16T11:04:45.172-06:00This Christmas...<blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><em>This Christmas, mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a letter. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologize. Try to understand. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more. Express your gratitude. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love and then speak it again.</em></div></blockquote><div align="center">Thank you <a href="http://lovetobreathe.blogspot.com/">Somer</a> for sharing that. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This Christmas <em><strong>I </strong></em>will also...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Be proud of myself more often. Try not to sweat the small stuff so much. Keep in mind what truly matters in life. Read for pleasure. NOT waste a precious second with my baby girl. Have a date night with my husband at<em><strong> least</strong></em> once a month. Say, "<strong>I Love You</strong>" to my family more often. Say, "<strong>thank you</strong>" to my family. <strong>Say, "I Love You and Thank You" to the Lord --DAILY! </strong></div><strong><br /></strong><br /><div style="text-align: center;">So, from my family to yours...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=houghcardfinal.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/houghcardfinal.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-3359648571440054736?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-16538685705023442812010-12-13T19:52:00.000-06:002010-12-13T19:52:54.670-06:00Feeling Blessed<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=_1215_web.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/_1215_web.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><em>Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! </em></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>2 Corinthians 9:15</em></strong></div><br /><br /><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-1653868570502344281?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-87561731593000996292010-12-08T17:51:00.006-06:002010-12-09T11:06:49.075-06:00Making Cancer History... MD Anderson Cancer Center<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=mdanderson.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/mdanderson.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thankfully we serve a God who knows our strengths. A God who knows just how much you can handle. He obviously had a lot of faith in my strength... but in reality, the one He knew could handle the most was my mother. She took it all! I was a baby... I don't remember the constant pokes... I don't remember those first surgeries... I don't remember the chemotherapy... but my mom does. She was by my side the entire time. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Now that I am a mother I can't even begin to imagine seeing Jayda go through that. I can't. But, somehow, my mother had the strength and the faith to do it. I was once told by a doctor-- to cherish my mother, to respect her if she ever seemed <strong>OVER</strong>protective... because this was the woman who spent countless hours praying for her baby girl who had... yeah, that horrible, no good word... <em><strong>cancer</strong></em>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My mother and our God held the major role in my recovery and my ability to defeat cancer... God did it through the wonderful staff at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. He blessed all those nurses and doctors with the knowledge to help people fight this... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Years later, at the age of 18 and graduating from high school, I was visitng the hospital for a routine check-up when I was asked if I had applied for the Children's Art Project Scholarship for current and former patients. I quickly got more information on it and applied. I was awarded money every single semester from day 1 of college to the time I graduated. And it was enough to pay the whole thing!! So, yeah... The Children's Art Project technically "owns" my BA in English! HA!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So, because of that, this project is very dear to me. I've always tried to help it out by purchasing cards and now I want to try and do a little more. I want to encourage others to buy the merchandise that they offer. This is ALL designed by cancer patients... children, at MD Anderson. They have ties, cards for different occasions, bags, jackets, sweaters, umbrellas, iphone covers... I can go on! Go look for yourself...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.childrensart.org/">Children's Art Project "Store"</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.childrensart.org/default.php?ourdata=donations">Make a Donation</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.childrensart.org/default.php?ourdata=volunteer">Become a CAP Volunteer</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Or, find out where you can buy the CAP merchandise in your local hometown... most CVS Pharmacies carry the merchandise.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you live in my hometwon, Weslaco, TX... I am sponsoring the display at our CVS Pharmacy! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Please help in whatever way you can!</div><br /></div><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-8756173159300099629?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-85089719210880354882010-12-08T09:34:00.000-06:002010-12-08T09:34:44.089-06:0010 Things You LOVE About Christmas... Or NOT...<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><center><a href="http://www.workwifemomlife.com/"><img src="http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss185/julialadewski/125420-matte-white-square-icon-p-3.png" /></a></center><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Join me for Working Mom Wednesday by clicking the picture above! Today's discussion is... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">What are the 10 things you love or hate about Christmas?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Love...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Driving around looking at lights.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Our small town Christmas Parade.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Our Christmas tree.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Christmas music.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Two weeks off from work!</div><div style="text-align: center;">The FOOD -- tamales!! YUM!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Jayda believing in Santa.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Shopping for the perfect gifts for Jayda.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Jayda's excitement over cookies on Christmas Eve for Santa.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Wrapping gifts.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hmmm, I an't find anything I hate... it is my favorite holiday! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-8508971921088035488?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-15640755282067247832010-12-04T22:23:00.000-06:002010-12-04T22:23:25.951-06:00It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year...<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><strong><em>There is no greater gift at Christmas than to have everything you want before you open the gifts.</em></strong></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>I LOVE Christmas!! It is, without a doubt, my favorite holiday. I never thought having Jayda and having her love it as much as I do would make it even better, but it did! I give the Lord so much praise and thanks for trusting me with Jayda. It has been and it still is an honor for me. </strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Here are a few things going on with us Hough's during this precious holiday season...</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Our Family</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=choice2.jpg" target="_blank"><strong><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/choice2.jpg" /></strong></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>My Miracle</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=jayda2-5.jpg" target="_blank"><strong><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/jayda2-5.jpg" /></strong></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>She has quite the sense of humor</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=IMG_7165.jpg" target="_blank"><strong><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/IMG_7165.jpg" /></strong></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>My Fave two girls in the whole world!</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=IMG_7166.jpg" target="_blank"><strong><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/IMG_7166.jpg" /></strong></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=IMG_7077.jpg" target="_blank"><strong><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/IMG_7077.jpg" /></strong></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>My Other Half</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=IMG_7181.jpg" target="_blank"><strong><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/IMG_7181.jpg" /></strong></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Our Tree</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=familytree.jpg" target="_blank"><strong><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/familytree.jpg" /></strong></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>The Princesses Princess Tree</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=princesstree.jpg" target="_blank"><strong><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/princesstree.jpg" /></strong></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Our Christmas Book Collection</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=books.jpg" target="_blank"><strong><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/books.jpg" /></strong></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>And, yeah, Ernie is still around...</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=ernie-1.jpg" target="_blank"><strong><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/ernie-1.jpg" /></strong></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>And this picture is a "just because it's true" picture... hey, I will admit it! ;-)</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=issues.jpg" target="_blank"><strong><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/issues.jpg" /></strong></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Have a Blessed Holiday Season Y'all! Don't stress... enjoy it! </strong></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-1564075528206724783?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-46253602579809482512010-12-03T10:43:00.000-06:002010-12-03T10:43:36.384-06:00For 25 Days... A Christmas Challenge<a href="http://themcclenahans.blogspot.com/"></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=christmaschallenge.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="160" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/christmaschallenge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></a>I found this challenge through <a href="http://themcclenahans.blogspot.com/"><b>The Macs</b></a> and I thought it was a great idea. I too get carried away with the hustle and bustle of Christmas that I allow the true meaning to be distant from my heart. So, I am challenging myself to dedicate some alone time with the Lord and read His word. I know it is already December 3rd, so my challenge will go until December 28th and hopefully just keep going!</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Join me! </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=christmaschallenge.jpg" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-4625360257980948251?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-76574514640532275542010-12-02T12:10:00.000-06:002010-12-02T14:32:03.482-06:00Becoming the person I’ve wanted to be…<div style="text-align: center;"><br /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: large;">You must begin to think of yourself as becoming the person you want to be. </span></em></div><div style="text-align: center;">~David Viscott~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=me-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/me-1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So, I am two years into my thirties and I will dare to say – I am LOVING it! This is THE age to be!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have found confidence I never knew I had.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I feel pretty.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I feel so blessed.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I feel so, SO loved. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have dared to take chances. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I have done things <strong>most </strong>thought I could never do. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I have done things <strong>I</strong> thought I could never do. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I workout out regularly. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I lost 31 lbs.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I found my love for shopping again – for myself that is. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am learning to adapt to people. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I am learning to take insults with a grain of salt. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I am learning that regardless of what others do or don’t do for me, I WILL be there for them. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I am learning that life is not always going to go your way, but it’s ok.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am learning people will hurt you, but don’t hurt them back!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am learning that you need the storm to get to the rainbow.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am learning that things that don’t kill you WILL only make you stronger! </div><div style="text-align: center;">I am learning that I need to talk to God in the good times, not only the bad ones.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am learning that the learning will.never.ever.end my friends. Don’t allow it to. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am also learning to follow Jillian’s advice-- </div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: large;">When friends tell you how awesome you look, drop the "I still have more to go" crap. You worked hard and you deserve the compliment! </span></strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I HAVE worked hard and yes I DO deserve the compliments!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So life is good my friends, life is good! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">How could it NOT be when you are the mommy to this precious one…</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=jayda2-4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/jayda2-4.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=IMG_5294-Copy-Copy.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/IMG_5294-Copy-Copy.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Who, might I add, was Superstar for the second six weeks, got perfect attendance AND science fair award! So proud! </div><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-7657451464053227554?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-48671997489803517292010-11-23T20:26:00.000-06:002010-11-24T20:46:56.498-06:00History in the Making...<div style="text-align: center;">TURN VOLUME UP!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/east%20football/?action=view&current=WeslacoEast.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/east%20football/WeslacoEast.png" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">What is so great about working at Weslaco East High School? Well, as one of our teachers once said, “You have to work here to understand”. No words can ever explain it. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I remember the games where you knew all fifteen people in attendance and that is because 5 of them were the administrators, ok, ok – so maybe not exactly- but sort of. Back then you never worried about ticket lines or what your ticket said about your seat because you’d just buy one and sit wherever you wanted to.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/east%20football/?action=view&current=crowd.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/east%20football/crowd.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I remember having to defend “the few, the proud, the Wildcats” even to other students in class. Often asking, “Are you out there trying? Then don’t talk!" <br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/east%20football/?action=view&current=IMG_6741.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/east%20football/IMG_6741.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I remember arguments with community members and even my own family members about the Wildcats… this was as recent as yesterday! I have held back a lot as well… and I know- it will never end… but, I will also, never quit defending them. <br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/east%20football/?action=view&current=seniorsonparade.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/east%20football/seniorsonparade.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I remember the 0-10 seasons.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I remember the “Crawling into the Play-offs” shirt and yes, I proudly own one.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I remember each and every football player that I have had the pleasure of knowing. Who I have had the pleasure of seeing walk down the hall -proudly sporting the Wildcat jersey.<br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/east%20football/?action=view&current=myboys.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/east%20football/myboys.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love what WEHS was and what is has become. I love what it represents. I love the opportunities it has provided for our Wildcats.<br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/east%20football/?action=view&current=IMG_6755.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/east%20football/IMG_6755.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love that “tradition” will not blind me when it comes time to select a high school for my daughter. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I will admit that for a brief time, I was blinded by tradition – I quickly saw the light!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So, here we are – enjoying these students and watching them make history. What is all this history we keep talking about you ask? Well, allow me to enlighten you… <br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/east%20football/?action=view&current=trophies.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/east%20football/trophies.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><ul><li><div style="text-align: center;">For the first time ever, they have an 11-1 record.</div></li><li><div style="text-align: center;">For the first time ever, they are Co-District Champs for 32-4A.</div></li><li><div style="text-align: center;">For the first time ever, they won a play-off game and became Bi-District Champs.</div></li><li><div style="text-align: center;">For the first time ever, they won a second play-off game and became Area Champs.</div></li><li><div style="text-align: center;">For the first time ever, they are now in the 3rd round of the play-offs and playing at the Alamodome and they are the first football team in Weslaco- yes, I did say WESLACO, to make it to the 3rd round by playing every single one of those rounds against out of valley teams. </div></li><li><div style="text-align: center;">And, for the first time ever… I will say – BRAG boys!!! You’ve earned it!</div></li></ul><div style="text-align: center;">Did I mention this has all been done in less than 9 years? Not, 19…oops… did I just say that? ;-)<br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/east%20football/?action=view&current=history.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/east%20football/history.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">These boys did this not only for themselves, not only for WEHS, they did it for ALL the Wildcats – Past, Present and Future… Not only are they EAST SIDE, STRONG SIDE – they also have a STRONG HEART! <br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div></div><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-4867199748980351729?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-57897856115608520042010-10-09T22:21:00.000-05:002010-10-09T22:58:40.366-05:00You and Me, Forever... Everyday.<div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: large;"><b>So it's not gonna be easy. It's going to be really hard; we're gonna have to work at this everyday, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever, everyday. You and me... everyday.</b> </span></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">—</span> Nicholas Sparks, <i>The Notebook</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=img002.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/img002.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, 7 years later... it hasn't been easy. It has been hard; we've had to work A LOT at it, every.single.day, but we did, because we wanted "US", forever, everyday. He and I... <strong><i>everyday</i>.</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">And it has been worth it. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Michael, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I’ve said hurtful things that I regret – <i>you've always accepted my apologies.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I’ve panicked over all things big and small- <em>you've been there to calm me.</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I’ve felt hopeless when things got rough- <i>you've shared your hope with me.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I’ve wished for more than I should have- <i>you’ve done your best to grant those wishes.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I’ve cried many tears- <em>you’ve been there to wipe them off.</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I’ve weighed the highest I have ever weighed- <i>you were there to make me feel beautiful.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I’ve thrown my fits- <i>you’ve been there to give in to them.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I’ve needed more than you had to give- <i>you've made it all possible especially in giving me Jayda.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I’ve questioned you- <i>you’ve answered. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I’ve shared my deepest secrets- <i>you’ve been my greatest listener.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I’ve laughed until my stomach ached- <i>you’ve been the reason for much of the laughter.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I’ve given myself to you unlike any other- <i>you’ve accepted me as I am.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I’ve loved more intensely than my heart thought possible- <i>you’ve done the same in return. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I've given up on many battles- <em>you've fought for me.</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I’ve grown as a woman, as a person, as a wife, as a mother – <i>you’ve been my greatest fan.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=wedding.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/wedding.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"We'll be Friends Forever, won't we, Pooh?' asked Piglet. </div><div style="text-align: center;">'Even longer,' Pooh answered."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you for being my love, my best friend, my supporter and the best father to our Jayda. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I promise to be your friend and to love you </span><i><strong><span style="font-size: large;">even longer than forever!</span></strong></i><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">-Myra</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /></div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-5789785611560852004?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-71839273074880738202010-09-18T16:46:00.000-05:002010-09-19T20:11:47.665-05:00Spirit of the Sun, The Moods of the Moon and the Will of the Wind...<div style="text-align: center;">She is my Jayda, my miracle, and my perfect blessing from the Lord. She makes us laugh, she makes us wonder, she makes us worry, she makes us proud, and yes, she even frustrates us on many, many occasions. But, we would not want it any other way. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This year, her kinder year, oh boy has she made me worry-- well, stress is more like it and yeah it is only the 4th week :-/. But, you know what? That is Jayda! LOL! She made me worry and stress the minute I knew I was pregnant with her.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So, when I started worrying about her ability to be on level in kinder and wondering... should I have "red shirted" her and had her start kinder at the age of 6? Is she mature enough to be in kinder right now? I started asking questions, I started e-mailing many people that could give me advice, I started googling everything I could... and quickly I realized, once again, THAT IS JAYDA! She is going to test her limits, she is going to prefer to dance around instead of sitting, she is going to want to make things entertaining, but in the end... she IS going to learn what she needs to learn, she IS going to be on level, and she IS going to shine... it may not be in the most ideal and structured way... but it WILL be in the most creative, most fun, and in the way that will definitely cause the most stress for her mama, because again, that is the way she rolls. That is what Jayda does best. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I stated in my previous entry that she "thinks outside the box", Michael made me realize that I needed to correct that, for Jayda, there is no box. And, although, it stresses me to no end... I never, ever, ever want her personality to change. That is MY Jayda... she is the girl with the sun in her eyes. She is sure of herself, she knows when SHE is ready, she has herself figured out... and figuring out who you are is the whole point of the human experience... and boy does she know who she is... now it is time for the world to embrace her!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=beachbabysiggy2.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/beachbabysiggy2.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-7183927307488073820?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-1498183885992023122010-09-11T23:51:00.000-05:002010-09-11T23:53:02.114-05:00How I, Uhm, I Mean... How Jayda Survived her first day of kinder...<div style="text-align: center;">The day had arrived. It was time for the "big" school. No more Mid Valley Christian, sigh. I wasn't sure how it was all going to be. I was preparing myself for the first day of school jitters. How would the crying go? How long would the nervousness last? How would the "goodbye" go? Would the tears start before or after the" goodbye"? Or the entire time? How would the day go? Were the minutes that day going to go slow? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Well... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I only cried a little... it was in the car AFTER the goodbye. I was strong and held them back as I, nervously, walked her to class and hugged her. My day went ok, although my mind was on Jayda the entire time. And, yes, the minutes that day... went.by.very.slow. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, did you guys want to know how Jayda did? Oops! Well...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">She was FINE. She had no tears, she was not nervous, she said goodbye with a smile on her face. She LOVED kindergarten. She LOVED her new "big" school. She LOVED being with grandma. But, that is my girl... so brave, so independent, so open to new adventures, so NOT like her mama! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Jayda,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Never change baby! Always keep that enthusiasm. Always keep that smart, loving, outgoing, crazy, fun-loving, strong-willed, caring personality of yours! Don't EVER stop "thinking out of the box", because we all know, that is what you do best! I love your courage, I've learned from your courage. Have a great KINDER year my baby! I know you will shine... it will be YOUR way, but you will shine! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">-Your biggest fan, Mommy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Jayda's Kindergarten year at Ybarra Elementary: </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view¤t=IMG_6700.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/IMG_6700.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=IMG_6699.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/IMG_6699.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=IMG_6701.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/IMG_6701.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/IMG_6702.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-149818388599202312?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-28471199198555473362010-07-12T09:15:00.001-05:002010-07-12T09:16:23.090-05:00Glimpse at life with Jayda...Click to view video... turn speakers on! (make sure to pause blog music at the bottom)<br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view¤t=VID_00016.mp4" target="_blank"><img src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/th_VID_00016.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" style="width: 160px;"></a><br /><br /><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg"><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-2847119919855547336?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-13397137451638000472010-07-02T20:47:00.000-05:002010-07-02T21:22:24.367-05:00My Thoughts as "Jayda's Mommy"<div align="center"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=invite1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/invite1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Dear Jayda,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have many titles in my life, I’m known as Myra, Mrs. Hough, Mrs., Ms. Rodriguez, etc… but being known as “Jayda’s Mommy” has brought me the most pride. I am so proud to be your mommy. It has been the greatest honor that I have ever received. I LOVE it when random people come up to me and ask me “are you Jayda’s mommy?” I think my face lights up-no, I know it lights up! I proudly respond “YES”!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am sitting here in tears as I type this. Tears of joy of course, but tears nonetheless. I don’t think it is possible to love you more than I do right now, but everyday it seems like the love does get bigger, everyday you find a way to amaze me more. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Silly. Confident. Stubborn. Dramatic. Artistic. Life of the party. Talkative. People flock towards you. I love that about you. Did I mention that you are stubborn? Ha! Daddy says you are four generations in one… Great-grandma Jesusita (who I believe had a lot to do with you being here with me now- she talked to God directly to make that happen and I believe with all my heart she held you before I did, before you were sent to me), Great Grandma Cuqui and Grandma Mari – and anyone that knows these three women, knows that being like them is NOT a bad thing… it is great actually! And o f course me being the 4th generation in you. I guess I can admit the stubbornness comes from the four of us…haha! But being stubborn can take you a long way baby!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There are days that I lose myself in your eyes and wonder how you became the person you are today. Are you really my daughter? Bubbly, boisterous, and beautiful. I am so grateful for who you are. I am envious of your passion for life, your confidence, your ambitions. You have taught me so many great things and opened up my eyes to a new world. You make my heart sing out loud when I look in the rear view mirror of the car. I see you break out in song as your limbs start dancing and I smile at your honesty. You are always happy. You can’t hear music without dancing – it is just in you!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=invite3.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/invite3.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You are my world Jayda. I love listening to the conversations that you have with your imaginary friends (yes, you still have them) and I hear you repeat things to them that we are always saying to you. At least that proves to us that you do hear us when at times it seems like you don’t. My favorite “conversation” was when you were telling one of them “You have to graduate from college”… ahhh, that brought such joy to me! I hope that we are instilling that in you, although it seems so far away I want you to have that thought in you. You see, you were born into a family that takes education seriously, we take pride in that. That is important baby. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love seeing the pride in your eyes when you tell your friends that I am your mommy, that is one of the best feelings in the world for me (besides your hugs and kisses). I love how you embrace my differences. You don’t care that you r mommy can’t run or jump like the other mommies, you accepted that with such bravery. Thank you baby, thank you. That has meant so much to me. I remember this past year walking into your class and you stood up and loudly exclaimed, “Hey guys, this is MY mommy. She has a leg that doesn’t work right. I have a book about it.” I fought my tears back at that moment, not out of sadness baby, but out of pride! I was so proud of you for doing that. For showing me that you LOVED me being your mommy no matter what. Again, thank you!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love how understanding you are when I take you somewhere and we have “our talk”, when I tell you “daddy isn’t with us here so you need to stay right by me, ok?” and you nod with understanding. I ask you “do you understand?” and you reply with “yes, because you can’t run after me.” I just simply love you.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You have taught me so much baby. So much. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You are “mi pequena traviesa” (my mischievous little girl –don’t change!). Happy 5th birthday my love! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Love always,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Your biggest fan- Mommy</div><div style="text-align: center;">A.K.A Jayda’s Mommy<br /><br />P.S. I know it's early for your birthday, but we are heading out to meet Sleeping Beauty (oh how you have studied her in preparation for this trip) and I wanted to have this up before our July adventure begins! </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-1339713745163800047?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-63686616144669735232010-06-16T21:57:00.000-05:002010-06-16T22:02:55.111-05:00What Life in Holland has been like...<div style="text-align: center;">Welcome to Holland - <i>Part 2</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have been in Holland for over a decade now. It has become home. I have had time to catch my breath, to settle and adjust, to accept something different than I'd planned. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I reflect back on those years of past when I had first landed in Holland. I remember clearly my shock, my fear, my anger - the pain and uncertainty. In those first few years, I tried to get back to Italy as planned, but Holland was where I was to stay. Today, I can say how far I have come on this unexpected journey. I have learned so much more. But, this too has been a journey of time. I worked hard. I bought new guidebooks. I learned a new language and I slowly found my way around this new land. I have met others whose plans had changed like mine, and who could share my experience. We supported one another and some have become very special friends. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Some of these fellow travelers had been in Holland longer than I and were seasoned guides, assisting me along the way. Many have encouraged me. Many have taught me to open my eyes to the wonder and gifts to behold in this new land. I have discovered a community of caring. Holland wasn't so bad. I think that Holland is used to wayward travelers like me and grew to become a land of hospitality, reaching out to welcome, to assist and to support newcomers like me in this new land. Over the years, I've wondered what life would have been like if I'd landed in Italy as planned. Would life have been easier? Would it have been as rewarding? Would I have learned some of the important lessons I hold today? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="color: #38761d;">Sure, this journey has been more challenging and at times I would (and still do) stomp my feet and cry out in frustration and protest.</span></strong></em> And, yes, Holland is slower paced than Italy and less flashy than Italy, but this too has been an unexpected gift. I have learned to slow down in ways too and look closer at things, with a new appreciation for the remarkable beauty of Holland with its' tulips, windmills and Rembrandts. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have come to love Holland and call it Home. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have become a world traveler and discovered that it doesn't matter where you land. What's more important is what you make of your journey and how you see and enjoy the very special, the very lovely, things that Holland, or any land, has to offer. Yes, over a decade ago I landed in a place I hadn't planned. Yet I am thankful, for this destination has been richer than I could have imagined! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Author Unknown</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The following line really stood out for me because it is so true...<em><strong>Sure, this journey has been more challenging and at times I would (and still do) stomp my feet and cry out in frustration and protest.</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I don't think people realize how often this really does happen, I throw my <strike>tantrum,</strike> umm, I mean, I 'talk' to God and <strike>ask</strike> him, ok, ok, I yell at Him and STOMP my feet and demand answers (that I have yet to get). But, you know what? I worship a God who can take it. HE CAN TAKE IT... it's ok to be mad at him sometimes... He knows you need to<em> just let it out. </em>The best part about it though is that once I am done throwing my' tantrum'... He is <em>still</em> there, letting me know that everything will always be ok. And, although I do not understand His reasons, they are exactly that, <em>HIS</em> reasons. I know He has so much faith in me, He knew I could handle this!!! He knew it. So I can't let Him down now....right?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So, when someone says "don't put a question mark where God has placed a period"... they are correct... throw a tantrum instead (HA! J/K) - HE knows you need it and it's OK! Trust me, I know, been there, done that... and will probably do it many, many more times!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-6368661614466973523?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-49184634729333826632010-05-29T23:29:00.001-05:002010-05-29T23:37:09.932-05:00We don't play with Barbie Dolls...<div style="text-align: center;">We just play with bats and balls... well... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=IMG_5158.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/IMG_5158.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=IMG_5170.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/IMG_5170.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=IMG_5173.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/IMG_5173.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=IMG_5166.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/IMG_5166.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=IMG_5159.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/IMG_5159.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />OK, maybe just a few barbies... umm and princess... and dresses... and...Uh... OK who are we kidding...?? They LOVE girly things but are great with a bat too!</div><br /><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-4918463472933382663?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-14282781346649351882010-05-25T09:14:00.000-05:002010-05-25T11:29:14.131-05:00Dancing Like Nobody is Watching...<div style="text-align: center;">Yes, that is what Jayda does... dance, dance and dance some more! She LOVES to dance. Ever since she was in the womb... she danced! I remember so clearly Dancing with the Stars making its debut and I was instantly hooked and I would sit and watch every week, 8 months pregnant, and you should have SEEN my stomach <i>just go</i>! She was having a blast in there!! To this day she loves watching "Dancing <i>on</i> the Stars".</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So, because of this love for dance it was not a question of whether or not she'd be in dance -- she was enrolled at the age of 3... and it has been a JOY! We are very blessed to have Gracie, a cousin of mine, own a dance studio and that is where Jayda attends. Gracie has done an amazing job with the girls. May 1st, Jayda had her 2nd dance recital and it was beautiful!! Gracie definitely outdid herself, AGAIN! Here are a few pictures of my Dancing Princess...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Her smile was HUGE because of the fact she was on STAGE!! This girl has a thing for the limelight!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=closeup-Copy-Copy.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/closeup-Copy-Copy.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bow Chicka Bow Wow...that's what my baby says...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=IMG_5333-Copy-Copy.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/IMG_5333-Copy-Copy.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=IMG_5336-Copy-Copy.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/IMG_5336-Copy-Copy.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here she is "Flying to Mexico"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=IMG_5321-Copy-Copy.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/IMG_5321-Copy-Copy.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here she is just posing for the camera...she is such a HAM!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=IMG_5294-Copy-Copy.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/IMG_5294-Copy-Copy.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We are now ready for summer ballet and tap and are also looking for a gymnastics class! This is her callin! LOL! <br /><br />I hope she continues to "Dance like nobody is watching" but always realizes mommy will ALWAYS be watching!</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/2z9dyyu.jpg" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-1428278134664935188?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-38064878651601269452010-04-08T19:25:00.000-05:002010-04-08T19:29:04.553-05:00Simple Pleasures1. Taking a nap during a thunderstorm.<br />2. Finding unexpected money in your jacket or a check in the mail.<br />3. Making brief eye contact with someone you love.<br />4. Hearing the right song at the right moment.<br />5. Laughing. <br />6. First sip of a beverage when you are thirsty.<br />7. Realizing you have more time to sleep.<br />8. People watching.<br />9. Forgiving someone.<br />10. Getting complimented.<br />11. Holding your baby in your arms.<br />12. Knowing your workout <strike>hurt</strike>, ummm, I mean is working. <br />13. Holding hands with someone you love.<br />14. Spending time with family.<br />15. Making someone smile.<br />16. Someone making you smile.<br />17. Feeling the presence of the Lord.<br />18. Crying it out once in a while and then realizing you needed to SNAP out of it and realizing, <i>you could</i>.<br />19. Finishing what you started.<br />20. 3 day weekends! <br /><br />Comment and tell me your-- Simple Pleasures! <br /><br />Always, always be thankful! Life will never be perfect, but the way you handle it can be perfect. <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=jaydasmommy-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/jaydasmommy-1.png" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-3806487865160126945?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-80120064992590926252010-04-04T21:19:00.001-05:002010-04-04T21:25:26.836-05:00Lots of Gold in His Heart!<div style="text-align: center;">Yesterday we celebrated my grandfather's 88th birthday...yes, 88... and he still looks soooo awesome!</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=grandpa.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/grandpa.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A grandfather is someone with silver in his hair and gold in his heart. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Author Unknown</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My family is extremely blessed to have both my grandparents... they are unique and we love them so!</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=jaydasmommy-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/jaydasmommy-1.png" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-8012006499259092625?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-36195322113669172662010-03-30T22:06:00.000-05:002010-03-30T22:06:02.643-05:00Women of Faith<div style="text-align: center;">Who wants to join me?</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.womenoffaith.com/sanantonio/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="125" src="http://www.womenoffaith.com/banners/10/125x125_City/sanantonio.jpg" width="125" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=jaydasmommy-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/jaydasmommy-1.png" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-3619532211366917266?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-17459930885202782512010-03-21T00:38:00.000-05:002010-03-21T00:38:15.230-05:00Happy Birthday!<div style="text-align: center;">He's the funniest, smartest person I know. It doesn't mean he doesn't bug me and I'm sure I bug him sometimes.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">-- Sarah Jessica Parker</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Birthday to my best friend! Love you. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=IMG_5038.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/IMG_5038.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=IMG_5089.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/IMG_5089.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And a "just because"...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=IMG_5044.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/IMG_5044.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=jaydasmommy-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/jaydasmommy-1.png" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-1745993088520278251?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-66919729508470032922010-02-25T21:15:00.000-06:002010-02-25T21:53:26.655-06:00From Holland to Italy... in His time...<div align="center"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=blankie-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/blankie-1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=meanmajesusita.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/meanmajesusita.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><div align="center">Welcome to <a href="http://www.our-kids.org/Archives/Holland.html">Holland</a> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">(this has always made me think of my mom)</span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disabilty- to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center">It's like this...</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#6600cc;">When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.<br /><br />After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland."<br /><br />"Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."<br /><br />But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.<br /><br />The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.<br /><br />So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.<br /><br />It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.<br /><br />But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned."<br /><br />And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss.<br /><br />But... if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things ... about Holland. </span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#6600cc;"><br /></div></span></em><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Emily Pearl Kingsley</span></div><p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"></p></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><div align="center"><br /></span>My mother had a 'lay-over' in Holland for many, many years...but 4 1/2 years ago, she finally got her ticket to, yes, you guessed it...<strong><em> Italy</em></strong>...</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=Jaydasfirstchristmas063.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Jaydasfirstchristmas063.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=jayda3.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/jayda3.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/beach/?action=view&current=beachbaby2.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/beach/beachbaby2.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The best part about it all is... we are exploring Italy... together. </div><div align="center">I must say, it is absolutely breathtaking!<br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/beach/?action=view&current=beachbaby3.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/beach/beachbaby3.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=jaydasmommy-1.png" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/jaydasmommy-1.png" /></a> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-6691972950847003292?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-37475811510875407732010-02-21T19:42:00.000-06:002010-02-21T20:00:48.495-06:00My Brightest Gem<div align="center"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/beach/?action=view&current=beachbaby.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/beach/beachbaby.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><em>Guard well your spare moments. They are like uncut diamonds. Discard them and their value will never be known. Improve them and they will become the brightest gems in a useful life.<br />~Ralph Waldo Emerson </em><br /><br />This past week both our girls and boys basketball teams made it to the playoffs and both had out of town games scheduled and of course...Mr. and Mrs. Hough NEEDED to be there ;=)! How can I let my kids down? NOT me! So off we went... first stop Corpus Christi... and then we thought... let's stay the weekend! Why not? So luggage in tow... our drama queen included in all of this too. And I must say, what an amazing weekend we had! Our girls lost... but it's ok... it was a great effort. We spent Saturday just "hanging" out. We started our day at Barnes & Noble where Jayda enjoyed storytime, then Chuck E. Cheese for lunch and then BEACH time! I'll let you decide by her look in the following pictures if you think she enjoyed herself?<br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/beach/?action=view&current=9.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/beach/9.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/beach/?action=view&current=8.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/beach/8.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/beach/?action=view&current=6.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/beach/6.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/beach/?action=view&current=3.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/beach/3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/beach/?action=view&current=2-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/beach/2-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/beach/?action=view&current=10.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/beach/10.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I'd say she did...<br /><br />I love this little girl more than words can say. She is my world and I love that we have our 'spare moments' to just 'hangout', I love to see the smiles and hear the giggles. I love how blessed we are. She is 'my brightest gem' and I will continue to let her shine! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Next stop... Laredo... my boys need me too! GOOOO WILDCATS!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=jaydasmommy-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/jaydasmommy-1.png" border="0" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-3747581151087540773?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-22638869393459176912010-02-20T22:56:00.000-06:002010-02-20T23:02:22.654-06:00<a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view¤t=nook.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/nook.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Finally got it! It was between the Barnes and Noble Nook or the Amazon Kindle... being the impatient person that I am... I got the Nook because Barnes and Noble was right in front of our hotel and had them <em>in stock </em>and the Kindle would have had to have been shipped to me! Good reason... right? Well, I think it is! HA! <br /><br />Downloaded <em>The Last Song </em>by Nicholas Sparks... only to probably LOVE it and be disappointed in the movie... as always! Anyway...off to read!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=jaydasmommy-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/jaydasmommy-1.png" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-2263886939345917691?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-49194160625685136492010-02-06T22:18:00.000-06:002010-02-06T22:30:20.269-06:00Show Us Your Life-- Beauty Tips & Favorite Products<div align="center">Anyone that knows me knows I DO NOT have "beauty" tips LOL! I rely on my hair stylist Elida for EVERYTHING! HA! Most recently I added in Leah to make me feel better about myself. And finally, I rely a whole lot on this...<br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=chi.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/chi.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I'd be LOST without my Chi! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Go to <a href="http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/2010/02/show-us-your-life-beauty-tips-and.html">Kelly's Korner </a>to find more "Show Us Your Life" blog entries!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=jaydasmommy-1.png" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/jaydasmommy-1.png" /></a> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-4919416062568513649?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-38359636990559035182010-01-25T21:04:00.000-06:002010-01-25T21:42:32.640-06:00Living with 'Holly'...<div align="center">Yes, Jayda has a bff named Holly. She talks to Holly, plays with Holly, lectures Holly... Holly even joins us for some shopping, dinner and the occasional sporting event... sounds ok, right? Well, the thing is, <em>only</em> Jayda can "see" Holly... HA!! Intersting huh?? After a lot of googling, talking to former professors from my school counseling program and a quick e-mail to her current teacher... I'm OK with Holly! I will admit I worried at first... but now I know I just have a VERY creative child! One of my former professors even pointed out the fact that Holly has bounderies... Jayda doesn't take her to school... LOL!<br /><br />I am waiting for the arrival of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Imaginary-Companions-Children-Create-Them/dp/0195146298/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1264474565&sr=1-1#noop">this</a> book:<br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=book.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/book.jpg" /></a><br /><em>Imaginary Companions and the Children Who Create Them</em></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">By: Marjorie Taylor</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span>I want to learn more about my chid and her amazing imagination! For now, I am going to follow the advice given to me by Jayda's pk-4 teacher... I am going to "enjoy Holly." Afterall, they are only little once!<br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=silly.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/silly.jpg" /></a><br /><br />(LOOK CLOSELY... You just might see HOLLY)! ;=)<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=jaydasmommy-1.png" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/jaydasmommy-1.png" /></a> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-3835963699055903518?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-45951698778269565652010-01-15T23:48:00.000-06:002010-01-18T20:50:20.519-06:00The 'Weigh' it's Going...<div align="center">Back in October (the 28th to be exact) I set out to find a "new" me. I knew it was going to be a challenge, but I also knew it had to be done. I went out and joined my old gym, WFC, I asked Leah Wells to be my personal trainer once again and I managed to "change" my eating habits, which has been the hardest part of the entire journey! So, now for the results...</div><br /><div align="center">16lbs. AND 23 inches lost off my body! WOOHOO... LOVING it! And this is only the beginning!<br /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I'm hoping to write another update soon with even more results!! <br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=jaydasmommy-1.png" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/jaydasmommy-1.png" /></a> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-4595169877826956565?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-16552250196722464682010-01-04T21:28:00.000-06:002010-01-04T21:49:29.454-06:00Because That's How Jesus Made Her...<div align="center">My beautiful baby girl has finally come to the realization that her mommy does not walk like the other mommies and, yes, she wants to know 'why?', I mean, wouldn't you? Heck I still wonder 'why?' myself!<br /><br />Ever since her birth I wondered how I would handle it when that time came. And, sure enough, it came,and I, somehow, handled it -<em>I think</em>.<br /><br />I simply told her...'that's how Jesus made me.' For Jayda, that was a simple enough answer, for me, well, I still want something clearer. I guess it will do for now though. I tell myself I definitely NEED to make it to heaven... I HAVE to have a face-to-face talk with The Man upstairs and get some answers! HA!<br /><br />I have also read this book to her and she LOVES it!<br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=crippledlamb.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/crippledlamb.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Go <a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Crippled-Lamb/Max-Lucado/e/9781400301812/?itm=6&USRI=the+crippled+lamb">here</a> for a synopsis! I have become HER Joshua!<br /><br /><br />Jayda has done some cute things though... she asked us to buy her a decorative candy cane that you put out on the yard, only she wanted it to be her 'walking stick' AKA, cane like the one mommy uses...LOL! She also sometimes "walks" like mommy too...I have to admit it is hilarious!<br /><br />So, now when asked..."Why does your mommy walk like that?"... she proudly replies..."Because that's how Jesus made her!" Who can argue with THAT?!?<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=jaydasmommy-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/jaydasmommy-1.png" border="0" /></a> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-1655225019672246468?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-36982158076573183422010-01-02T01:50:00.000-06:002010-01-02T01:58:48.695-06:00Some ideas are too good to NOT copy...One of my good 'imaginary' friends from my birth board gave me a great idea that she and her husband decided to do in 2010... start dating again... each other, that is. <br /><br />You can read Tracey's blog <strong><a href="http://photosbytracey.blogspot.com/2010/01/i-will-begin-dating-in-2010.html">here</a></strong> <br /><br />So, I decided to challenge my husband and myself to do the same thing...date! Thanks for the great idea Tracey... I hope you don't mind that I am 'copying' you! <br /><br />By the way, if you do go read Tracey's blog...leave a comment...She loves that, and I do too!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=jaydasmommy-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/jaydasmommy-1.png" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-3698215807657318342?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-81159056585081171652009-12-29T19:49:00.000-06:002009-12-29T20:31:54.680-06:00Yes, Jayda, There is a Santa Claus...<div align="center">Whoa! It's been a while since I've updated. I'm still here...LOL! We survived Christmas and due to the fact I have a spunky four year old running the house (yes, I do mean 'running' the house, literally), it was a great one! Christmas has always been my favorite holiday, but it has gotten so much better now that Jayda is old enough to 'get it'. I love that she knows the meaning of Christmas (the Birth of Christ) and I also love the fact that she is in total belief of Santa! Boy did we use that to our advantage! HA!<br /><br />Well, enough of my chit chat... here are the pictures...<br /><br />Here she is at her school performance...if you know Jayda, you know she LOVES to be on a stage...so she cherished this moment!<br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=Picture001-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Picture001-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=Picture022.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Picture022.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=Picture023.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Picture023.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is in the church lobby after her performance...<br /><br />With mommy...<br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=Picture035.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Picture035.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />With mommy and daddy...<br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=Picture036.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Picture036.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />With cousin Lily...<br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=Picture039.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Picture039.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It was a great little Christmas program. We are so blessed to have Jayda at Mid Valley Christian School. It is nice to know she is being taught the 'true' meaning of Christmas.<br /><br />Then on Christmas Eve Santa had to make an early delivery because this first gift was way too big and it needed it's own delivery time (so nice that she totally buys into all this...ha!)...<br /><br />Seeing the Cinderella Carriage bed for the first time...PRICELESS (even Grandma's look was priceless)<br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=Picture051.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Picture051.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=Picture056.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Picture056.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=Picture058.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Picture058.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Then we needed to prepare for Santa's stop later on...of course we need the cookies and milk and we can't forget the reindeer!<br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=cookies.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/cookies.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=reindeerfood.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/reindeerfood.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Then Santa's final delivery...<br /><br /></div><center><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=santa-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/santa-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=santa1-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/santa1-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=santa3.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/santa3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=santa4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/santa4.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></center><br /><br />As you can tell, she did not lack for anything this Christmas (heck, she never lacks for anything, EVER...thank you Lord). We all had a great Christmas and we are very blessed.<br /><br />This was our 2009 Christmas card...<br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=chistmashough.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/chistmashough.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And even mommy got a visit from Santa...<br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=ring.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/ring.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Michael said he wanted to 'outdo' me this Christmas...well, if you think a diamond ring beats Ghiradelli Dark Chocolate... he won...hands down...HA!<br /><br />Hope everyone had a blessed Holiday and wishing you the best in 2010! Thank you for sharing in my life!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=jaydasmommy-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/jaydasmommy-1.png" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-8115905658508117165?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-39061192577493213942009-11-27T21:37:00.000-06:002009-11-27T21:52:00.463-06:00Christmas Traditions<div align="center"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/”http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/”" target="”_blank”"><img alt="”Show Us Your Life with Kelly's Korner”" src="http://www.blogger.com/”http://i737.photobucket.com/albums/xx15/tricianaedesigns/KellyShowUs.jpg”" border="”0″" /></a><br /><br />This is the first year we have started our two 'traditions'. The first one is Elf on the Shelf... Meet Ernie...<br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=ernie.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/ernie.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Ernie was sent to us by Santa to keep an eye on Jayda...every night he heads back to the North Pole to 'report' Jayda's behavior... IT WORKS!!!<br /><br />Click <a href="http://www.elfontheshelf.com/#/home">here</a> to adopt yours!<br /><br />Our other tradition is 'Key for Santa'...since we do not have a chimney, we have a magical key that only works for Santa on Christmas Eve!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=key.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/key.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We do the usual leave cookies by the tree and read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" as well. Christmas is our absolute favorite holiday! Oh and we can't forget our letter to Santa!<br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=jaydasmommy-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/jaydasmommy-1.png" border="0" /></a> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-3906119257749321394?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-80450125947889644852009-11-25T23:59:00.000-06:002009-11-26T00:03:12.607-06:00Thank You<div align="center"><em><strong>If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice. </strong></em></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">~Meister Eckhart</span> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">So, here it is, <strong><span style="color:#000099;">THANK YOU</span></strong>...</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Thank you for it ALL Lord! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">May you all have a blessed Thanksgiving and don't forget to just say 'thank you'. <br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=jaydasmommy-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/jaydasmommy-1.png" border="0" /></a> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-8045012594788964485?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-34168200956644429042009-11-22T21:40:00.000-06:002009-11-22T21:44:55.539-06:00My Greatest BlessingA daughter may outgrow your lap, but she will never outgrow your heart.<br />~ Author Unknown<br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/2.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view¤t=IMG_4700.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/IMG_4700.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I thank God daily for my greatest blessing, Jayda. I can only hope that I never let Him down and waste a single second with her.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=jaydasmommy-1.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/jaydasmommy-1.png" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-3416820095664442904?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-14677053231643701982009-11-08T18:56:00.000-06:002009-11-08T19:01:33.335-06:00Words to Live By...<div align="center">Found this on one of my facebook friend's page... I LOVED it! Makes so much sense. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio<br /><br />"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me.. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:<br /><br />1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.<br />2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.<br />3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone...<br />4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and<br />parents will. Stay in touch<br />5. Pay off your credit cards every month.<br />6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.<br />7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.<br />8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.<br />9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.<br />10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.<br />11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.<br />12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.<br />13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.<br />14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.<br />15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.<br />16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.<br />17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.<br />18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.<br />19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.<br />20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.<br />21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.<br />22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.<br />23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.<br />24. The most important sex organ is the brain.<br />25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.<br />26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'<br />27. Always choose life.<br />28. Forgive everyone everything.<br />29. What other people think of you is none of your business.<br />30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.<br />31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.<br />32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.<br />33. Believe in miracles.<br />34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.<br />35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.<br />36.. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.<br />37. Your children get only one childhood..<br />38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.<br />39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.<br />40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.<br />41. Envy is a waste of time.. You already have all you need.<br />42. The best is yet to come.<br />43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.<br />44. Yield.<br />45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=jaydasmommy-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/jaydasmommy-1.png" border="0" /></a> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-1467705323164370198?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-64608396508080468902009-10-28T18:35:00.000-05:002009-10-28T18:49:22.360-05:00A 'New' Me...<div align="center">I'm doing less of this...<br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=burger.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/burger.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=pizza.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/pizza.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And a WHOLE lot of this...<br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=water.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/water.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=weights.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/weights.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I came to the realization that I was 'all talk' when I'd say...'I will do ANYTHING for Jayda'...I mean really... by NOT taking care of myself was I really doing what I needed to be doing for her? She needs ME... and I have been neglecting ME! But, not anymore...I have made a commitment to her and to myself to get healthy and get stronger...I have let myself go completely... but the time has come for the 'new' me! Stay tuned!!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=jaydasmommy-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/jaydasmommy-1.png" border="0" /></a> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-6460839650808046890?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-64206511377809079162009-10-18T15:16:00.000-05:002009-10-18T15:32:08.198-05:00You're Just too Good to Be True...<div align="center"><br /><br /><em><strong>You're just too good to be true.<br />Can't take my eyes off you.<br />You'd be like Heaven to touch.<br />I wanna hold you so much.<br />At long last love has arrived<br />And I thank God I'm alive.<br />You're just too good to be true.<br />Can't take my eyes off you.<br /><br /></strong></em>This has become Jayda's favorite song. She sounds hilarious singing it. Ever since she heard it for my mom and dad's anniversary she was hooked! <br /><br />Here she is singing...</div><div align="center"><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=singing.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/singing.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Then some 'just because' pictures...<br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=IMG_3896.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/IMG_3896.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=IMG_3934.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/IMG_3934.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=IMG_3949.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/IMG_3949.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I LOVE you baby... and if it's quite alright I will ALWAYS need you baby!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=jaydasmommy-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/jaydasmommy-1.png" border="0" /></a> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-6420651137780907916?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-56884850468447003582009-10-04T16:15:00.000-05:002009-10-04T16:50:31.150-05:00With God's Grace...<div align="center"><strong></strong><br /><em><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">I love being married. It's so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.</span></strong> </em></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Rita Rudner<br /></span><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=wedding.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/wedding.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center">October 11, 2009 will mark our 6th year wedding anniversary. Although it has been far from the 'perfect' marriage, we've made it. We still have our struggles, but along with that we have our good times, our love, and most importantly, our Jayda. We have been through a lot these past 6 yrs... but it has only made 'us' stronger. </div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center">We have made it because of our faith in the Lord. Although, we are not frequent 'church go-ers' (like we really should be) our faith is just as strong as those who are. We pray, we believe and we know that, with the Lord, our marriage and our love will only get stronger. The struggles will always be there, but together with our Lord -- we will prevail. </div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">If many only knew what Michael went through to 'give' me Jayda...you would know the most incredibly unselfish man ever (and I don't mean the surgeries). For that, I am forever grateful!</div><br /><div align="center">I love you Michael and thank you!</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Here are some God 'billboards' that I LOVE and are oh so true!</div><div align="center"> </div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">"Loved The Wedding, Invite Me To The Marriage" - God</div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center">"Need a Marriage Counselor? I'm Available." - God<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=jaydasmommy-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/jaydasmommy-1.png" border="0" /></a> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-5688485046844700358?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-77009570256851733862009-09-23T22:48:00.000-05:002009-09-23T23:03:26.828-05:00Life...Obstacles...Success...FAITH...<div align="center">ob•sta•cle : something that impedes progress or achievement<br /><br /><br /><em>Every difficulty in life presents us with an opportunity to turn inward and to invoke our own submerged inner resources. The trials we endure can and should introduce us to our strengths.<br /></em><font size="1">--Epictetus, Greek Stoic philosopher (55AD–135AD)<br /></font><br />My life has revolved around obstacles; small ones, and some not-so-small ones. Did some knock me down? Definitely! I am thankful I worship a God who doesn’t mind my questions; He is even patient with me when I get angry at Him. That in itself has been therapeutical.<br /><br />Obstacles are a part of life. We have two choices when faced with obstacles – fall to their mercy or overcome them. I have chosen the latter. People who really do not know me only see me from the outside, they see the limp, the slowness and they see it as a limitation, a weakness. I’ve dealt with the judgments many times—did they hurt? Absolutely. I've felt hurt. I've gotten angry. I've felt insulted. I’ve wanted to react. But I know that if I had just reacted, I woud have let myself down. That is not me. That is not who I want to be and I realized it’s human nature to have the doubts that they had – I don’t blame them for those thoughts- not at all. So, thankfully, I've just let it go (after much venting with family and friends). They are just more obstacles. They are just more incidents of people not knowing what I am all about and not taking the time to know me. But they have made me stronger.<br /><br />They don’t know the Myra who has never known what a day without pain feels like, who has never known what it was like to just go for a walk, who has never known what it feels like to run and jump with my baby girl, who has never known what it felt like to NOT deal with stares from people wondering ‘what is wrong with her?’, who has never known how it felt to answer the question from a curious 5 year old ‘what happened to your leg?’, who has never known what it felt like to just pick up her little girl and swing her around and just carry her without having to sit down to do it, and most importantly who has never known how to accept someone telling me I can’t do it (I have to find out for myself if I can or can’t). They don’t know the Myra who has “never known” any of the things listed above, but still gets up every morning to enjoy the things that she can do.<br /><br />I can get up and go to my job, I can get up and hug my baby girl, I can get up and say I carried that baby for nine months – I did it. I can get up and live a life that is “normal” for me. I can say that I have the BEST family in the world. And I can absolutely, without a doubt, without hesitation say I am BLESSED. I, to this day, have not let an obstacle BEAT me, and nobody should ever think that I will EVER allow something or someone to <em>impede my progress.<br /><br /></em><br />I leave you with the following chorus to a song that is very dear to me:<br /><br /><em>Bring me joy, bring me peace<br />Bring the chance to be free<br />Bring me anything that brings You glory<br />And I know there'll be days<br />When this life brings me pain<br />But if that's what it takes to praise You<br />Jesus, bring the rain<br /><br /></em>~Bring the Rain~<br />(MercyMe)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=jaydasmommy-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/jaydasmommy-1.png" border="0" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-7700957025685173386?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-55783628586394935592009-09-14T12:47:00.003-05:002009-09-14T12:49:28.568-05:00Anniversary Video...I know some family wanted to watch it and my other method was not cooperating...so here it is. Jessica, my sister-in-law, put this together... she did an awesome job! Enjoy!<br /><br /><strong>PAUSE MY BLOG MUSIC AT THE BOTTOM OF SCREEN BEFORE PLAYING!!!</strong><br /><object width="400" height="300"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=6560638&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=6560638&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="300"></embed></object><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/6560638">Mari & June ~ 40 Year Anniversary</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user2290865">Myra Hough</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=jaydasmommy-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/jaydasmommy-1.png" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-5578362858639493559?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-84551020839153914812009-09-13T13:33:00.000-05:002009-09-13T13:52:02.602-05:0040 Years of Love and Forgiveness...<div align="center"><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=Anniversary007.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Anniversary007.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />September 7, 2009 my parents celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. It's been 40 years of great memories, some heartbreak, but most importantly 40 years of a lot of love and learning the value of forgiveness.<br /><br />Last night, September 12, 2009 we celebrated with them and it was a beautiful evening. We enjoyed the night with family and close friends. Thank you all for sharing in the celebration with our family.<br /><br />I can't even begin to describe my family, my parents. They are amazing. They taught me to never give up, to never say 'I can't'and the value of an education. Not to brag or anything, but in our family alone we have a combined- 12 degrees ;)... a lot of it is owed to the expectation that my parents set for us. We WERE getting a college education, no matter what! No excuses! I hope we can all pass that to our own children... and I am pretty confident that we are heading in the right direction with that.<br /><br />It has not been a perfect 40 years, not by a long shot. But as a family and by the Grace of God we got through it, we survived. So, thank you mom and dad for EVERYTHING you have done for all of us and for EVERYTHING you still do for us. We could never, ever repay you for it all. Always know how much we appreciate it, how much we love you guys and how BLESSED we are to call you our parents. Happy Anniversary!<br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=Anniversary052.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="," src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Anniversary052.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="center"><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=Anniversary001.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Anniversary001.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=Anniversary004.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Anniversary004.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">The music playing right now on the blog is a song my dad dedicated to my mom years back...enjoy!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=jaydasmommy-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/jaydasmommy-1.png" border="0" /></a> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-8455102083915391481?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-49087162342056729932009-08-16T16:28:00.000-05:002009-08-16T16:48:24.009-05:00Find Your Wings my baby...<div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=IMG_3922.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/IMG_3922.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /><br />In one week Jayda will be a PK-4 student, yikes! Where did the time go? I am incredibly grateful for the school we chose for her, it is the same school she attended last school year and we LOVE it! Mid Valley Christian...they have done an amazing job with my baby girl and I could never thank them enough. This year Jayda is with Ms. Blessington and I have heard great things about her and I can't wait!<br /><br />I found this song recently and the words to it fit perfect for what I want Jayda to know... my prayer, for my baby girl:<br /><br />It's only for a moment you are mine to hold<br />The plans that heaven has for you<br />Will all too soon unfold<br />So many different prayers I'll pray<br />For all that you might do<br />But most of all I'll want to know<br />You're walking in the truth<br />And If I never told you<br />I want you to know<br />As I watch you grow<br /><br />Chorus:<br />I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams<br />And that faith gives you the courage<br />To dare to do great things<br />I'm here for you whatever this life brings<br />So let my love give you roots<br />And help you find your wings<br /><br />May passion be the wind<br />That leads you through your days<br />And may conviction keep you strong<br />Guide you on your way<br />May there be many moments<br />That make your life so sweet<br />Oh, but more than memories<br /><br />Chorus:<br /><br />It's not living if you don't reach for the sky<br />I'll have tears as you take off<br />But I'll cheer as you fly<br /><br /><br />It's only for a moment you are mine to hold<br />The plans that heaven has for you<br />Will all too soon unfold<br />So many different prayers I'll pray<br />For all that you might do<br />But most of all I'll want to know<br />You're walking in the truth<br />And If I never told you<br />I want you to know<br />As I watch you grow<br /><br />Chorus:<br />I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams<br />And that faith gives you the courage<br />To dare to do great things<br />I'm here for you whatever this life brings<br />So let my love give you roots<br />And help you find your wings<br /><br />May passion be the wind<br />That leads you through your days<br />And may conviction keep you strong<br />Guide you on your way<br />May there be many moments<br />That make your life so sweet<br />Oh, but more than memories<br /><br />Chorus:<br /><br />It's not living if you don't reach for the sky<br />I'll have tears as you take off<br />But I'll cheer as you fly<br /><br /><br /><strong>PAUSE MY BLOG MUSIC AT THE BOTTOM TO LISTEN TO ACTUAL SONG!!!</strong><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/IPQ9WvSZnF0&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/IPQ9WvSZnF0&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=jaydasmommy-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/jaydasmommy-1.png" border="0" /></a> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-4908716234205672993?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-31925111204708253762009-08-09T14:45:00.000-05:002009-08-09T15:15:31.599-05:00Family<div align="center">Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one. </div><div align="center">~Jane Howard~</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">And I am blessed with one of the best in existence...</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=img1249159263427.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Sprint PictureMail" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/img1249159263427.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="center">Our trip to Dallas..."Cowboy Stadium"</div><div align="center"><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=img1249159204393.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Sprint PictureMail" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/img1249159204393.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="center">"Sisters"</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=img1249159149809.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Sprint PictureMail" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/img1249159149809.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="center">Jayda asking for something...my guess...MONEY!</div><div align="center"><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=1246079968.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/1246079968.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="center">Jayda & Joe fishing</div><div align="center"><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=cousins-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/cousins-1.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="center">The Rodriguez Kids</div><div align="center"><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=Image254.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/Image254.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="center">March '09 at the most magical place on earth!</div><div align="center"><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=IMG_2409.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/IMG_2409.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="center">Jayda and her cousins!</div><div align="center"><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=family-3.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/family-3.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="center">The Wildcat Fan Club! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=bday2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/bday2.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="center">Jayda's 3rd Birthday!<br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=KIDS.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/KIDS.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="center">The Rodriguez kids at one of their awesome vacations!</div><div align="center"><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=mybrothers.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/mybrothers.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="center">My handsome brothers!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=cousins.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/cousins.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="center">My Beautiful Cousins!</div><div align="center"><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=family-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/family-2.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="center">The Hough Family</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=IMG_1591.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/IMG_1591.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="center">Victoria and Karissa!<br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=gordy2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/gordy2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Shhh.... I stole this from her FB account! My brother Gordie and sis-in-law Zeida!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=jaime2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/jaime2.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="center">I stole this too! My brother and my sis-in-law Jessica!</div><div align="center"><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=mom2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/mom2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=img1249847092963.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Sprint PictureMail" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/img1249847092963.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I am very blessed with an amazing family...Thank you Lord!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=jaydasmommy-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/jaydasmommy-1.png" border="0" /></a> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-3192511120470825376?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-36207743174854976952009-07-12T21:00:00.000-05:002009-07-12T21:15:27.216-05:00Cousins by Birth...Sisters by Choice...<div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>God made us cousins, because he knew our moms couldn't handle us as sisters. </em></strong></span></div><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em></em></strong></span> </p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="font-size:100%;">HAHA! So true!</span></strong></p><div align="center"><br /></span><br /><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=1247450398.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/1247450398.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=1247450394.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/1247450394.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">These two have become so close over the past couple of years. Lily (my ONLY niece) is the typical "big sister" that obviously loves Jayda, but when Jayda starts acting like the typical "little sister" it frustrates her! But still, they want to be together every chance they get. They are each others "sister that neither one ever had". </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">The funny thing about these two is that they are TOTALLY opposite! One is into sports and won't be caught dead in a dress and the other is completely into dresses and bows and all things girly. Too cute! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Watching Lily care and watch after Jayda totally melts your heart. I hope they remain close forever, I do think they will. The love is there and they both ADORE each other. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I want them both to know that I love them to pieces and that I love watching them interact with each other!! Stay close girls and continue being each others "sister".</div><div align="center"><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=jaydasmommy-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/jaydasmommy-1.png" border="0" /></a> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-3620774317485497695?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-23730299148199283952009-07-09T10:43:00.000-05:002009-07-09T11:29:37.977-05:00A Letter to My Daughter<div align="center"><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=_1215_web.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/_1215_web.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">I dreamed a baby, I wanted a baby, I planned for a baby and waited and waited for a baby and finally, there was you!<br /><br /><br />Jayda,<br /><br />In just a few days you will no longer be my 3 year old, I will now have to say you are 4. It is bittersweet for me. Although I am cherishing every moment of watching you grow, watching you learn and laughing at all the silly things you say or do I am sad that my baby is not really a baby anymore. I love you more than words or actions could ever explain, and I hope you always know that.<br /><br />You are a joy, you are funny, you are stubborn, strong-willed, beautiful, energetic, NOT shy, you are my life. You do things at your time and you have proven to us over and over that that is the way it WILL be. You are everything I ever dreamed of having in a daughter and so much more. I thank the Lord daily for blessing me with you.<br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=_1166_web.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/_1166_web.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I love watching you select your outfits, that in itself shows people your free spirited personality. I hope that never changes in you. I love watching you sing and dance and immediately be drawn to a stage when you spot one. I do see myself sitting in many audiences watching your performances, and I can't wait. I love how even if you don't know the words to a song you make them up! I simply love you.<br /><br />Not a day goes by where you don't amaze me with something new that you say or that you learned, just last night you were 'teaching' me how to pronounce the word 'graduation' you divided it up in syllables for me... 'grager-ation'-- like I said you make your own things up!<br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=_1099_web.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/_1099_web.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Baby, you are my everything and I hope years from now you will be able to read this and know what joy you brought and are still bringing to my life and to many around you. Enjoy your birthday celebrations (yes, plural) because with you we need to celebrate it several times! Last year for a whole week we hit up many restaurants and had them sing to you because you adore things like that! I see us doing that again this year and for many years to come!<br /><br />Keep dancing in this life my love, and always know I am right here enjoying every minute of it.<br /><br />Love always,<br />Mommy</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">P.S. Before the first stars blazed in your sky,</div><div align="center">before the sun ever kissed you,</div><div align="center">before you cried your first cry</div><div align="center">I loved you.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-2373029914819928395?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-46801511411700646642009-07-04T12:28:00.000-05:002009-07-04T12:32:54.743-05:00Prayers for Kate<div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">"For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." </span></strong></div><div align="center">Matthew 18:20 (NIV)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ese3zYZ-NA4&feature=player_embedded">CLICK HERE </a>to meet her family and hear her story!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=jaydasmommy-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/jaydasmommy-1.png" border="0" /></a> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-4680151141170064664?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-5210215608373322652009-06-12T20:41:00.000-05:002009-06-12T20:47:27.635-05:00So much to "teach" her...she has shopping down!<div align="center"><strong><em>I have so much I can teach<br />her and pull out of her. I<br />would say you might<br />encounter defeats but you<br />must never be defeated. I<br />would teach her to love a<br />lot. Laugh at the<br />silliest things and be very<br />serious. I would teach her<br />to love life. I could do that. </em></strong><br />~Maya Angelou~<br /></div><div align="center"><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=img1244841816906.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Sprint PictureMail" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/img1244841816906.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=img1244841710402.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Sprint PictureMail" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/img1244841710402.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=img1244841489249.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Sprint PictureMail" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/img1244841489249.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=img1244841297320.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Sprint PictureMail" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/img1244841297320.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And I just can't forget this one...we are working on her "style"...<br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=img1244842212222.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Sprint PictureMail" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/img1244842212222.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Have I mentioned how much fun it is to shop with your daughter??? No greater feeling in the world. Listening to her go on and on "mommy, look at this...it's so cute...should we buy it?" I love it!<br /><br />Next on our "list" for the summer...going to get our nails done! :)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=jaydasmommy-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/jaydasmommy-1.png" border="0" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-521021560837332265?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-45941308989452043792009-06-08T21:51:00.000-05:002009-06-08T21:55:15.824-05:00<div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Cousins are different beautiful flowers in the same garden.<br /></span></em></strong> ~Unknown~</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view¤t=cousins-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/cousins-2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=jaydasmommy-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/jaydasmommy-1.png" border="0" /></a> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-4594130898945204379?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-70949192013069148452009-06-08T19:39:00.000-05:002009-06-08T19:43:14.458-05:00JOY Marie's Give Away!!Go visit <a href="http://joymariesboutique.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#ff0000;">this</span></a> blog for some FREE Earrings, yep, that's right... FREE!!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=jaydasmommy-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/jaydasmommy-1.png" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-7094919201306914845?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-50734880689470263472009-06-05T17:38:00.000-05:002009-06-05T17:43:12.924-05:00Phenomenal woman, that's me, and you!<div align="center">I love, love, <em>LOVE</em> this poem! To all the <em>phenomenal </em>women I know...</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Phenomenal Woman</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Maya Angelou</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><br />Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.<br />I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size<br />But when I start to tell them,<br />They think I'm telling lies.<br />I say,<br />It's in the reach of my arms<br />The span of my hips,<br />The stride of my step,<br />The curl of my lips.<br />I'm a woman<br />Phenomenally.<br />Phenomenal woman,<br />That's me.<br /><br />I walk into a room<br />Just as cool as you please,<br />And to a man,<br />The fellows stand or<br />Fall down on their knees.<br />Then they swarm around me,<br />A hive of honey bees.<br />I say,<br />It's the fire in my eyes,<br />And the flash of my teeth,<br />The swing in my waist,<br />And the joy in my feet.<br />I'm a woman<br />Phenomenally.<br />Phenomenal woman,<br />That's me.<br /><br />Men themselves have wondered<br />What they see in me.<br />They try so much<br />But they can't touch<br />My inner mystery.<br />When I try to show them<br />They say they still can't see.<br />I say,<br />It's in the arch of my back,<br />The sun of my smile,<br />The ride of my breasts,<br />The grace of my style.<br />I'm a woman<br /><br />Phenomenally.<br />Phenomenal woman,<br />That's me.<br /><br />Now you understand<br />Just why my head's not bowed.<br />I don't shout or jump about<br />Or have to talk real loud.<br />When you see me passing<br />It ought to make you proud.<br />I say,<br />It's in the click of my heels,<br />The bend of my hair,<br />the palm of my hand,<br />The need of my care,<br />'Cause I'm a woman<br />Phenomenally.<br />Phenomenal woman,<br />That's me.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=jaydasmommy-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/jaydasmommy-1.png" border="0" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-5073488068947026347?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-55775437887618265502009-06-02T18:40:00.000-05:002009-06-02T18:51:13.494-05:00A Challenge!I decided to join in on the Crystal Light Challenge! I really need to lose some weight and along with that means DRINK MORE WATER! If you are interested in joining me click on the badge off on my sidebar.<br /><br />Time to give up this...<br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=dietcoke1bg_031900.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/dietcoke1bg_031900.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />For this...<br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=crystal-light.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/crystal-light.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=jaydasmommy-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/jaydasmommy-1.png" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://deliciouschange.glam.com/"></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-5577543788761826550?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-33440608024143403202009-05-25T22:49:00.003-05:002009-05-25T23:20:56.796-05:00A Thank You to Two Special People...<div align="center"><em>We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.</em></div><div align="center">Cynthia Ozick </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=jaydabdayparty23.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/jaydabdayparty23.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">I could never ever thank these to amazing ladies enough for the role that they played in Jayda's schooling this past year. The love they showed for her was very evident. I saw her grow in so many ways these past 9 months and it is all because of her two teachers -- Mrs. Morin and Mrs. Nadia. She absolutely adores them and I thank them for taking care of my precious baby girl!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">I know that I can trust these two ladies with absolutely anything, afterall I did trust them with my life! </div><div align="center"><br /> </div><div align="center">Thank you!<br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=jaydasmommy-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/jaydasmommy-1.png" border="0" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-3344060802414340320?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-12864732461009171412009-05-19T21:06:00.000-05:002009-05-19T21:12:41.347-05:00All dressed up and probably should have no place to go...<div align="center"><em><strong>Only a TRUE PRINCESS could get away with as much as I do!</strong></em><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=1242784746.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/1242784746.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Yes, we went to H.E.B with her like this! :)... That's my girl! I love the way she absolutely does NOT care what anyone thinks... she flaunts her personality! <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=disneymyracopy.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/disneymyracopy.png" border="0" /></a> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-1286473246100917141?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-27272609690010034702009-05-16T20:50:00.000-05:002009-05-16T20:55:05.407-05:00Waiting for Rain...<div align="center">Bring me joy, bring me peace<br />Bring the chance to be free ... Jesus bring the rain!</div><div align="center">~MercyMe~</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=1242524494.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/1242524494.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=1242524491.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/1242524491.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=disneymyracopy.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/disneymyracopy.png" border="0" /></a> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-2727260969001003470?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-5306415258399563222009-05-03T15:39:00.000-05:002009-05-05T16:34:58.771-05:00My Mireya (My Miracle)...<div align="center"><em>Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body. </em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>~</em>Elizabeth Stone<em>~</em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=jaydaspics013.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/jaydaspics013.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=newsiggie.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/newsiggie.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center">My life changed the day I found out I was pregnant with Jayda. It had been an emotional roller coaster just getting to that moment, the moment that I could take that pregancy test and finally read the results "pregnant". I remember it so clearly. It was something that I really didn't think was going to happen for me, but it did. I thank the Lord daily for giving me such a blessing.</div><p align="center">For me, Mother's Day is a celebration of my daughter, my miracle. The following song meant so much to me the minute I heard it, it instantly became "our" song. </p><p align="center">PAUSE BLOG MUSIC AT BOTTOM!!</p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"><br /><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/VGNQ9bu1mDk&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/VGNQ9bu1mDk&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />When trying to decide on her name I knew I wanted something that related to the word "miracle" because that is what she was to me. So I looked it up and immediately found "Mireya" which is Spanish for miracle. And so she was My Mireya.</p><p align="center">Enjoy your day Mom's..and cherish your miracles. Afterall, they are the Lord's greatest gifts to us. </p><p align="center"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=s42537ca106110_9.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/s42537ca106110_9.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=jaydatu6.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/jaydatu6.gif" border="0" /></a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-530641525839956322?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-72699378200504381862009-04-25T14:18:00.000-05:002009-04-25T14:19:31.087-05:00You are Cordially Invited to...<div align="center"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=ballet-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="WIDTH: 426px; HEIGHT: 229px" height="229" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/ballet-1.jpg" width="320" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=disneymyracopy.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/disneymyracopy.png" border="0" /></a> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-7269937820050438186?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-21633058646608442142009-04-18T16:26:00.000-05:002009-04-19T11:13:47.236-05:00The Time of MY Life...<div align="center">Turn up the volume and listen to my opening song...listen closely.<br /><br />And I’ll taste every moment<br />And live it out loud<br />I know this is the time,<br />This is the time<br />To be more than a name<br />Or a face in the crowd<br />I know this is the time<br />This is the time of my life<br />Time of my life </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">This song simply describes my feeling right now, my feelings with life. It's amazing. I feel so blessed at the moment, and this little girl has <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">EVERYTHING</span></span> to do with it...</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Enjoying the simple things like her excitement about the Easter Bunny:</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=img004.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/img004.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Watching her dance her heart out at ballet:</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=jaydaballet04-09.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/jaydaballet04-09.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">The silly faces that she makes:</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=1239419499.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/1239419499.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Giving her presents that we know she will LOVE:</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=1239510709.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/1239510709.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Going to school with her and watching her have the time of <em><strong>her</strong></em> life:</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=class3.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/class3.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Being able to dress her adorably and taking cute pictures:</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=IMG_3491.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/IMG_3491.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">And, yes, even her messes:</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=1239419501.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/1239419501.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">This is definitely, without a doubt, <strong><em>The Time of My Life!</em></strong></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=disneymyracopy.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/disneymyracopy.png" border="0" /></a> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-2163305864660844214?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-51339474032047384912009-04-11T23:59:00.000-05:002009-04-12T00:00:44.076-05:00He Died For Me...<div align="center">He Died For Me<br /><br />Wandering, bewildered by this wilderness of sin<br />Lost and lonely, there was only One who'd take me in<br />Days of sorrow, years of shame was all I had to give<br /><br />Yet He died for me, O can it be<br />His blood has paid the price<br />Laid on the line His life for mine<br />Love's greatest sacrifice<br /><br />I could spend eternity just trying to repay<br />And still I'd be indebted for the sacrifice He made<br />Heaps of silver, mounds of gold could never buy my peace<br /><br />So He died for me, O can it be<br />His blood has paid the price<br />Laid on the line His life for mine<br />Love's greatest sacrifice<br /><br />Now I want to live for Him who died for me that day<br />Pure devotion, life's ambition following His way<br />I would never dream of leaving Christ, my dearest Friend<br /><br />Because He died for me, O now I see<br />His blood has paid the price<br />Laid on the line His life for mine<br />Love's greatest sacrifice<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=disneymyracopy.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/disneymyracopy.png" border="0" /></a> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-5133947403204738491?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Myra Houghnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4359263384302825493.post-24697405792465421852009-04-06T22:23:00.000-05:002009-04-06T22:25:25.163-05:00My Prima Ballerina<div align="center"><em>She seemed to move everywhere dancing & music followed her like leaves on the wind.<br /></em></div><div align="center">~<em>The Storypeople</em>~<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=jaydaballet04-09.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/jaydaballet04-09.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/?action=view&current=disneymyracopy.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/myrahough/disneymyracopy.png" border="0" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">www.jaydasmommy.com<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4359263384302825493-2469740579246542185?l=dancingwithcinderella.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>