School's Out - Right On!

It seems like the last couple of weeks have dragged out. I think I have been anxious for this summer mainly because I am ready to get into my new house! Less than a month to go! Eeek!

Yesterday I went to my brother's house in Dalhart to hang out with them. I don't get to see my niece, Jaylee, and nephews, Wes and Kolin as often as I would like. They are a blast, and always make me feel loved!

While I was there I went to a dog shelter and found a new Golden Retriever that I am adopting. His name is Bentley, and he is not quite a year old. He is a sweet guy and I think he'll make a nice addition to my little family. Addy got to meet him too, just to see how they would get along. She seemed a little indifferent to him. I thought it would be a good idea to adopt around the time we move so Addy didn't have time to establish her territory. I'd prefer to not have a repeat of when my mom's dog was here.

So as it is, they will keep Bentley for me and have him neutered and all his shots up to date. He is going to need a lot of work because he isn't leash broken, and maybe not house broken either. I'll have a lot of time this summer to help him transition into his new home.

My brother, Jason, set up the tent in their backyard. The kids and I got to sleep in it last night. I actually slept better than I thought I would. Addy, and Abby (mom's dog) kept trying to get in the tent with us. Mind you it is a 2-3 person tent, and we were already at maximum capacity. I got to the point where I was just too tired to chase them out, so Abby slept over on Jaylee, and Addy slept tangled up around my legs. I guess it is no wonder why I was tired all day!

Nonetheless, we all had fun riding bikes, camping out, playing with the dogs, and watchin' movies. I am really thankful that God has blessed me with such good family, particularly the youngest Floyds!

Sweet Bentley!


Jaylee, Kolin, Wes, and I snugglin' in the tent!


Brothers, Kolin and Wes


Kolin taking me and Wes' picture


Wes trying out his mad photography skills on me and Kolin!

People Who Inspire Me - The Santos Boys

I have talked a lot about my friend, Elaine Santos, as well as her sweet boys. I really want to tell you all about how special these three boys are to me.

Mark is the oldest, and is finishing 6th grade at Hutch. Mark is one of those kids who is so smart and excels at everything he sets his mind to. He is a kind, thoughtful, outgoing 12 year old. Elaine says he is a carbon copy of his dad, Chris. In my estimation, it doesn't get much better than that. His dad is a wonderful, godly man. Mark is following suite.

Matthew...ah precious Matthew. We have been working together on his reading for the past couple of years and he has grown leaps and bounds. I have never known a child more willing to work for something that doesn't come easy to him. Matthew has been such an encouragement to me over these past years. He has worked so hard for me, through his own frustration and tears. Matthew has the most amazing manners. When I introduced him to Sherry, he told her "I am very pleased to meet you." The thing with Matthew is that is just who he is, genuine. At a time when he was so frustrated with reading, I would say to him "We don't have time for the tears, we just have to press on." He would just say "Yes, ma'am." and trudge on like a soldier! And just to brag on him a little more, he made straight A's all year in every subject. Hard little worker bee!

Noah, is the youngest in the Santos clan. He is the most lovable child. My favorite Noah quote is "Miss Sarah, I need a hug!" Noah is so cuddly and loving. He loves unconditionally. Sweet Noah never complains, only focuses on the positive. This is amazing considering that he has had some medical hurdles in his short six years. Noah has eczema and his mom told me the most amazing story. One night on the way home from church, Noah proclaimed that even if God didn't take away his eczema he would still obey Him. If that doesn't warm your heart, well, I don't know what will.

I had the privilege of spending the afternoon with the Santos boys at the soccer fields today. I have to say, I don't think I feel more loved than when I am around those three amazing children!

I only hope that in my life I can have Mark's cheerful, outgoing spirit, Matthew's never quit attitude and genuineness, and Noah's ability to love and obey unconditionally. These three young men have set an amazing example of how a Christian should conduct themselves. God has BIG plans for each one of them and I can't wait to watch it all unveil.

I am blessed to have them all in my life!

A Home of My Own

Well, it looks like I have found myself a house! I have been looking for a while, and it has been kind of discouraging here lately. I don't have the stomach for making large purchases. Shoes, yes. Houses, no.

On Sunday at church, we had been talking about asking God for what we want. I said I wanted to find a house. After church, one of the men there came up to me and suggested that I look on the Lubbock for sale by owner website. On Monday, I found the house.

I am becoming more and more of a believer in asking God specifically for what I want. He spoke to the blind men in Matthew 20 and asked them what they wanted. They didn't waste any time telling him they wanted their sight. They got exactly what they wanted. They had faith enough to know that Jesus could give them what they requested of him.

We won't close on the house until the end of June, so it won't be mine for another month or two. It already feels like mine, though.

I have put off buying a house for a few years thinking that Lubbock wasn't where I wanted to settle down. Once I got back from my trip last year, I came to realize more and more that I absolutely want to be here. I am close to my family, love my job, have AMAZING friends, and finally feel like I BELONG to a group of believers here.

This is all exciting and frightening at the same time. I told my dad the other night that I didn't like being head of household, at least not for this! The people I am purchasing the house from are the kindest couple. They have been so flexible through the process.

So, I guess this makes me a grown up now....YIKES!!!!