Update & Independence

First, an update on my Mom & Mamaw...(thanks to those who prayed for them!)Mom had good news and everything is good. Mamaw had good news as well, but then found out about something else and they are doing some testing...so just say a prayer for her.

Our new energy efficient windows came in and David got them put in over the weekend! I new they would be good for our energy bill, but didn't think they would make much difference as far as looks...I was wrong! They look so so good...now I can't wait to get the house painted (soon!) and give it an update.
On the other hand, I have been waiting all day for the repair man to come fix my dishwasher. I was really annoyed that it broke, we've had it for about three years so I don't know if that is normal or not...but I thought it was too soon. Anyway, after a couple weeks of washing dishes by hand, I will just be thankful to have it fixed, no more complaining!

And on another note, Independence Day is coming up. Most of you reading probably already know...but for those of you in Paris, there will be a Freedom Fest @ the Love Civic Center this Thursday about 6 or 6:30 (July 3rd)...there will be music, bounce houses, free food, and a great message from Pastor Jason...all just before the annual fire works @ Noyes Stadium. If you don't already have plans, make some to come!

We, as a Free country, have so much to be thankful for. We can walk into any church we want, read our Bibles in public, bless our food when we go out to eat, etc...so many countries do NOT allow that. Heartbreaking. I encourage you to say a prayer of thanks for all God has blessed us with. Pray for our country, our state, our town, our leaders, our safety, and for God's will to be done here in the United States of America...we need Revival!

Happy Independence Day everyone!

Prayer request

Well, Again...I know there are only a few of you "constant" readers...but I know that others check in or may come across this blog. I am asking anyone who reads this particular post for prayer. I won't go into a lot of detail...but I am asking for prayer for my Mom and for my Mamaw...they are having some scares related to their health right now. I am just praying that the Lord protect & heal them & take care of them like only he knows how to, and that he helps us accept whatever His will is for these situations.
I am also praying for a specific situation with two of my nieces (they are sisters) and that the problem be resolved with a good outcome where they will be well taken care of.
This is a short post, I know, but a lot is on my mind right now. Thank you to anyone who is led to pray about these specific requests. My heart is thankful.
If you, WHOEVER you are, need prayer of any type, I am ready and willing, just send me an email @ katyibarra@yahoo.com and consider it done.
In His Love,
Katy

"Never worry about anything. Instead, in every situation let your petitions be made known to God through prayers and requests, with thanksgiving."

Mexico & the Lord

I have been on the Internet this morning, of all things, searching through real estate in Mexico. My dream home:

No, we're not moving...it was just for fun. I do have a dream to move there one day. David's parents are from there (but moved here before they had him) and our family has been several times to visit his family who is there. For me, no words can describe it. It is so peaceful. The people are so welcoming and generous. The pace is easier...it seems like people truly enjoy life...instead of rushing through one day just to get to the next. Another thing that I really like, is that it isn't as "material" as here where we live. Here, it is so easy to get caught up in material things...always wanting a bigger home, a fancier car, clothes, shoes, jewelry, big screen tv's, expensive toys, etc, etc...I am not saying everyone is that way, and I am striving to do better, but I am definitely included in that. In Mexico, at least in the part we go to, life is just much more simple, I feel like it's easier to just be more of what God wants me to be (though some may say that's silly, and everyone is entitled to their opinion) because you don't get caught up in all that other clutter (yea, I know, which means I don't need that silly house pictured above :-). The one thing that concerns me, and keeps me from packing up and heading down there (ok, maybe not the only thing, but you know...), is my children's education. The area where we would move, I would be better off homeschooling my kids. I could probably handle it through elementary, but then what? Then the kids would get older, want to come back here probably, and wouldn't have a good education?!

Anyway, all that aside, I was sitting here and thinking "One day it may be possible for us to actually move there". Who knows? I wondered if God would maybe want to use me as a missionary ( I have a lot to learn, but still...). All these thoughts led me to more thoughts... about the life I am living now.

I know we are all sinners, and struggle each day. I know that my life is not as good as it could be if I was living MORE for him. I wanted to pray, but as I bowed my head, I could only weep. Each time I thought I was done, the tears would start all over again. I was thinking "what is wrong with me"!? But, I knew that I was just crying out to GOD, I wasn't speaking, but it was a form of prayer. I was telling Him I needed Him to guide me in this life, to help me be strong enough to let everything but Him & His will for me fall away. I never heard a voice shout from the Heavens...but I was still, and I felt the Lord comfort me. He knew what was on my heart. He always does.

I still don't have a clear answer about if I'll ever get to live in Mexico, but if it is in God's will for me, it will happen. For now, I got the message that he wants me to enjoy the more simple things in life...to spend true quality time with my family...and with HIM. To enjoy and appreciate the things He has already blessed me with, instead of constantly nagging Him for more. To be thankful for my life, my husband, my children, my parents & siblings, my friends, our safety and our health.
I leave this blog with a challenge for you:
I know there are moments in my life, where GOD is whispering in my ear, "Savor this moment", and I ignore him because I'm too caught up in the drama, I'm too busy, too stressed, too impatient, too...whatever. I know we all have moments we look back on and say that we "could have", "should have", "would have"...if we'd only known...but time doesn't stand still, and we don't get "do overs". You NEVER know what tomorrow will bring...you just don't. So...sorry this was such a lengthy post...and talking about my dream home in Mexico turned into preaching...but, hey, it's my blog and I'll type what I want to ...lol.

I challenge myself & you...next time HE is whispering in your ear, take His Word for it, enjoy what He has blessed you with.

Love you all,
Katy

“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).

Father's Day

So....Father's Day was yesterday :-)! We were originally going to go out of town for dinner with Daniel and Kayla, until I realized that my niece's b-day party was yesterday afternoon (what a day to have a party). I felt bad because we really couldn't do much celebrating for fathers because of the party. It actually worked out well, because David and his own dad spent the day working on the shop, which is literally days aways from being completed, and that was good for them. The rest of us spent two long hot, sweltering hours @ the park for 'Rissa's party. They were supposed to have a bounce house, hot dog cooker, and snow cone machine, but, they never showed up!!! You can imagine how upset my sister was. Once she got ahold of them they came up and worked out a deal, and she is fine now, but still...stressful! So, that pretty much sums up our day, and our plans are to go out of town next weekend...kind of a late, but still, whatever works.
I just want to say though, that the lack of "celebration" for yesterday, in no way shows how we feel about the dads in our life. My own dad, is such a blessing. Even though he and my mom divorced when I was very very young, I stayed close to both of them. He always made me feel important, like no one in the world meant anything close to what I did to him. Fortunately we all continued to live in the same town, and it wasn't a situation where he got me every other weekend or whatever. If I wanted, he would come pick me up every single day after work, no matter how tired he was. He is so thoughtful, and always puts others before himself. He has turned into no less as a grandfather, those gradkids are the apples of his eye. He is so very good to them, and I am so very thankful. He doesn't care what anyone thinks about him, he is happy just the way he is, and doesn't think people need to dress or act a certain way to be accepted. If my kids want to go to Braum's (or wherever)...he tells them to hop into the truck and any other kid in the neighborhood that wants to go is also welcome, no matter if they are dressed, have shoes, or what (yes, this is embarrassing to me, but, this is my dad). So, if you see a man in cut off's out and about with kids hanging all around lacking shoes, or a clean face...it might be my dad, and just know that you are looking at one of the best dads/gradads this world has to offer...
As for David, my husband, my children's dad...I am also very thankful for him. He and I have been through so very much together. We are working on our 14th year together. We have had lots of ups and downs...we pretty much grew up and matured along beside each other. I wouldn't take for one single day of our lives together. God knew the gift he was blessing me with when he put David in my life (even if it did take several years for the relationship to bear fruit). He is such a good person, and can seem hard on the outside sometimes, but has such a good heart. He works so hard to take care of this family that he loves so much. He brags on me as a mom and wife, which makes me feel good. It is he, who on certain days when I don't feel like getting ready, will say "come on, get ready for church, you know our family needs to be there". :-) He is an encourager, a solid rock who always knows what to do (or so it seems), he is reliable, loving, and my best friend. He is always here for us, and I am truly thankful for that. He is such a blessing to our lives.
I am so grateful for the "dads" the good Lord has put in my life. They add such value to my life. I know men, as a rule, can be less emotional and sentimental than most women. I hope they know without a doubt, without falter, how much they mean to my and my children...what a wonderful presence they are in our lives...and how priceless they are to us. Thank you God.
Hope everyone had a great father's day...and celebrated with someone special...and if you didn't have a dad to celebrate with...remember that all of us share the same father...the king of kings...we are all his princesses...and HE is always a reason to celebrate.


1 Chronicles 29:17
I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity

~Katy

Whew...

As for my last post that said I could finally take a break...yeahhhhh...not so much. I ended up helping out with VBS @ our church. I wanted to help out, but am a total procrastinator...I am so glad Jennifer H. stayed on me to "get involved"! I got to do the fun part...arts & crafts...loved it! This week reaffirmed that I really love our church...I get along, and love the women/girls there...I feel like we have a lot in common...need to find more time to hang out for sure! I do finally get to take a little break, or maybe I shouldn't say that for fear of jinxing myself! I have been joking to friends that next week I am going into hibernation (lol).
Anyway, I had a long online chat with Amy about all the stuff I wanted to do to my home (remodel/decorating wise) and it just made me realize that there is something I want done in every single room! I have only been saying this for weeks, but David really is almost done with the shop, then it's on to the bathroom...and then hopefully Andrew's new room so I can split the boys up! They pick on each other constantly and it is really difficult having them share a room. Anyway, maybe we will get that "to do" list completed by 2020 (though my true goal is within the next year 1/2)!
Today we are going to the lake to celebrate my niece, Elizabeth's, 12th bday. I can't believe she is getting so old. Makes me feel old. yuck! Yes...I will be getting in the water, though in previous years I refused because of it's totally disgusting state. Trash, snakes, mud, sticks, fish poo, probably human poo and at least pee (ok, maybe I should rethink this!)! Now, it's just too hot to sit in a chair and watch the other's splash in the water, I've given up and given in...funk and all...here I come!
One more quick note, I sent out an email with the link to a Youtube.com video, "Cardboard Testimony"...if you didn't get it, go to Youtube.com and search that title...and watch it! Hope it touches you and makes you think!
Romans 3:23...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
Psalm 51:10...Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me


TTYL,
Katy

Finally!

Wow...I can finally take a breath! School is out! Baseball is over! And, we are still alive to tell the story...lol.
We lost our playoff game last night, to the Athletics, who played a good game. We were down by a few points, had runners on bases and Joseph hit a good one...I thought that was it, and we were going to catch up and possibly over take them...but, their first baseman caught Joseph's pop-fly and got all of our boys out! I guess it just wasn't meant to be for us. Needless to say, I am glad it is over with...and definitely wish the Athletics luck in the LAST playoff game tonight!
As for school...as hard as it is for me to face how fast these kiddos of ours are growing (as mentioned in previous posts!), we are ALL ready for a break! I am so excited that Summer is "here" for us. In a few weeks when the kids are driving me nuts, remind me of this post :-). The boys got their report cards, which were great. I was disappointed though, that they hadn't gotten the class lists together so we would know what teachers we would have next year. Don't misunderstand me, those ladies have plenty of work to do and getting the students divided into the classes is a chore, no doubt! I just meant I was disappointed because I am DYING to know who Joseph will have next year! As for Andrew, at Crockett, he will have several different teachers...I think they have 7 periods...so I'm not as particular with him because he doesn't spend too much time with any one teacher. Joseph is a lot more sensitive and I am very concerned about what class he will end up in. So far, he has had GREAT teachers...and we are going to miss Mrs. King incredibly :-(...maybe the luck with good teachers will continue on next year!
After I have a rest, I am hoping to dig deep down inside and find some energy to clean my casa...it has been seriously neglected these past couple of weeks!
Well, that's it for now...I hope that all of you have a safe, happy, blessed summer...no matter what you are doing or where you are!
Blog to you soon :-)
Katy

End of the school year...

OK...I have to admit, I could collapse at any moment. This week has been even crazier than last (if that's possible) and the only thing that keeps me going is my Mexican Mocha...thank you Paris Coffee Co.! Praise the Lord for caffeine!
So, we've had two ceremonies and a graduation, and I have to brag a little on my boys...I mean, if you can't brag about your kids, who the heck can you brag about??!!
Joseph got every award given, except for one, @ his 1st grade ceremony. He looked so handsome, and watching him walk across that stage...I was just thinking how much he has grown this school year, and wondering how he is still one of the smallest in his class...lol! He really did have a terrific year...I am sad to see him moving on from Mrs. King's class, but I guess that is what first graders do...move on to second grade :-).
Joseph's awards...

Joseph & Mrs. King...

Joseph's class in the tees they made w/ Mrs. King...

Andrew also had a great great year & got several awards at his ceremony...

I am especially proud of the "Presidential Outstanding Academic" award he got. He also got "commended" on TWO of his TAKS tests this year.
On Monday night Andrew had his graduation. It was really neat...each teacher would go up to the stage and call the names of the kids in their own class who were graduating. As each child name was called and they walked across the stage, A one slide power point was shown on the big screen that they made all by themselves. They got to choose the content and they also played a recording of their voice reading the power point. Andrew's said that he was most proud of his parents...for always being there for him. Yes, it made me cry, and yes, before we even got to graduation I had already had two breakdowns. I was just fine, excited even, for Andrew to be moving on to Junior High...but come Monday the harsh reality of just how fast time has flown by began to set in...and I've been a sob story ever since. Anyway, Andrew also noted on his power point, that he will be attending college for 7 years...afterwards a lot of the parents were teasing me asking how David and I were going to afford it?!

Anyway, to say we are proud of him would be a total understatement. My heart is overflowing with love for our son. I am anxious about him growing up, and moving on to Jr. high...but I know he is a great kid and is going to do well there. As you read this, please say a quick prayer for him that he is able to do well, stand up to any peer pressures, stay focused on his goals, and just be the kind of person that God wants him to be. We all know that kids face so many challenges in this world, it's harsh out there, and it's so scary sending your baby out in it.

Hope you all are having a great week. One more day, and Summer officially begins for the Ibarra household!