Free to Good Home - 14 year old boy

Yes you read correctly, for this week, we have a 14 year old boy that might be better off with another family. We are watching the Needham’s again. They dropped the kids of Sunday morning before church and will not be home until Saturday evening. Makes for a long week in the Bunch household. Not that our time keeping the kids isn’t crazy enough, but instead of staying at their house they are staying with us while their house is being remodeled. Anyway, I digress. Donna called me on Saturday to tell me that Dylan had gotten into a fight at school last week and would be serving 2 days, Monday & Tuesday, of OSS (Out of School Suspension) and then 2 weeks of ISS (In School Suspension). So Monday and Tuesday he sat at our house and watched movies and played video games all day. Believe me I would have had him doing other things (ie scrubbing toilets with a toothbrush), but apparently his parents are more upset at the school for kicking him out than they are at Dylan for getting into a fight. To make matters worse, last night Dylan and a friend went to the Disturbed concert that Donna had bought them tickets for. Chris and I were both concerned about him going to the concert. The name of the band itself should tell you that their music is not known for its spiritual or uplifting lyrics and melodies. Our instructions from the Needham’s were that if we could get the boys to the concert that the friends step-dad would bring Dylan home. Chris told Dylan that he had to be home by 11:00, which I thought was more than generous, and that if he could not make it by that time he needed to call and Chris would come and get him. At 11:50 when we still had not heard from Dylan and trying to call and text him with no answer, Chris took off to the venue to see if he could find Dylan. At 12:10 Dylan comes running to the front door and before I could even get it open his mouth was running with excuses, mainly that his phone had died (which I tested and was true) and that he could not remember our numbers. I asked him what his mom’s number was and he recited it back to me. I asked him why he did not use someone else’s phone and at least call his parents and have them get in touch with us. I explained to him how concerned and upset we were that he did not even attempt to get in touch with us and that we were worried that something had happened to him. I could hear my own mother’s voice echoing in my head which creeped me out a little. I explained to him that part of being 14 meant he was more responsible and that because of his lack of responsibility he was not allowed to go anywhere for the rest of the weekend because he had not shown us the respect we deserved and that he had not proved himself responsible. I also confiscated his cell phone. I told him that Chris was very upset and that he was lucky Chris was not home. Dylan looked totally defeated. I don’t think he thought we would punish him. I don’t know if we handled it the right way, but I don’t want Dylan to think that just because Chris and I are watching him, he does not have to obey. Any advice from the other parents out there would be greatly appreciated.

Yeah for summer

I know summer is not quite here yet, but with all of the little changes that have been going on in my life (i.e. weight loss, school, etc.) I decided that my look needed a make-over too.

Old me....
New me...

A few pictures until I have something interesting to say

Allie is too cute not to share!!

Allie likes to help me with my homework.

Haley is weird and a little scary!!

Haley walking on Holly's back! Looks dangerous!

Holly giving Haley a pony ride and Allie wondering what they heck these crazy girls are doing.

Allie needed a ride too!

Chris' surprise silly string attack!

The huge pizza we ordered from Papa Murphy's for UFC fight night!!

Ummmm....

Well I have had nothing to really post about this week. I have been sick so I have hardly left the house. I did make it to WW and was happy to have lost another 2.4 lbs. That brings me to a total of 19.2 lbs so far. I still have alot to go, but I am making progress. It is nice to not feel like a bloated cow in my clothes everyday.

Oh my gosh...as I was sitting here typing this trying to think about things I could blog about, I realized that Haley and Holly, 2 of my small group girls, spent the night Friday and I have pictures of that I could post. I will have to get on that.

Also, an update from last weeks prayer request, church Sunday was amazing. Chris got a DVD of the service and he is going to try to edit it to the part that he participated in. I will share more about it when I have the video to post. Please pray again for this weeks service. I know that God is working in the lives of our church, friends and family and I am so excited to see what God has in store for us.

Old Friends + Blogger = New Blogger Friends

I have three new additions to my "Blogs I read Daily" list. You should check them out, I know you will be blessed.

• Lindsay used to go to church with me at good ole' TBC Amarillo. We also cheered together at another "favorite" spot...SJCA. While at SJCA she met her husband, Jeremy, who was a crib baby with me in the church nursery. Visit her page to see where God and the Army takes her, Jeremy and their 2 beautiful daughters.

• Sarah cheered with me at HSU. Her and her husband, Kyle, live a hectic life with 3 growing kids.

• Tara (Boto Family) went to HSU with me also and has recently been blessed with an adorable baby boy, Tyson. She also happens to be Ashley's sister-in-law. Small world.

Generosity Revolution

I just wanted to share a little about what is going on at our church. If you click on the link below it will take you to the text of a story one of the local news stations ran the other night. If you scroll down to the left hand corner you will see a place to watch the segment (I would recommend watching it).

Who's life will you impact next?

Chris and I can not stop talking about the amazing things that God is doing in our lives and most of it has come from the passion our pastor, Tommy Politz, has brought out it us. We are so grateful for the amazing staff and their prayerful, servant hearts that lead us every week.

I have been praying all week about what the Lord would have me do with the $50.00 I received. Last night God showed me His plans and I am so excited. I can not wait to put them into action. Please pray for the recipient of my money, Tina, and that she would hear God pleading for her to return to Him and allow Him to be her lover and sustainer. I might have more to share on this later, but for now please just pray.

Also, please pray for Chris. God has called him to step out of his comfort zone this week and Chris needs your prayers for God's comfort and strength. I will have more to share about this on Monday, but for now please lift Chris up.

I am so grateful that when I feel the need for prayer support one of the first places I turn is to my blog friends. I love you all.

Staci

As I previously mentioned, my "cousin," Staci, came in to town last week from sunny Orange County, California. I use the term cousin lightly, because her grandmother was my great-grandmother's sister. It makes our brains hurt to hard to try to figure out exactly how we are related, but I am closer to Staci than some of my other actual cousins. Staci and I met for the 1st time when I was a senior in high school. My grandmother (pictured below) took me to LA for my senior present. We stayed with Staci's grandma and spent the whole week being entertained by Staci and her crazy family. I had the best time and will never forget that trip. A few years later, my family went to Cali for summer vacation and was once again entertained by the "crazies" in California. Staci tagged along with us for most of our adventures that week including our trip to Disneyland. Staci recently graduated from Humboldt State University where she majored in Kinesiology and played 4 years of soccer for the Jacks. She also played for the New York Magic this summer. She is now getting her masters in Physical Therapy from California State University at Long Beach. Staci is one of those people that you are just drawn to. Her personality is so bubbly and warm that you just want to be around her all of the time. When she called a few months ago to see if she could come visit I was ecstatic. Here are some pictures and a recap of our week.

Tuesday: Staci and I laid around the house until about 1:30 when he met my brother, Daniel, for lunch at one of my favorite places, Basil Docs. My best friend, Ashley Higley, was in town for the day and stopped by and visited with us for a while. I was so glad that Ashley came by to meet Staci and it always makes my day to get to give her a hug.

Later that evening we meet my parents, brothers and grandma at Cattle Call for dinner.

Grandma and Staci at Cattle Call.

Staci enjoying her first Chicken Fried Steak.

Wednesday: Staci and I were so miserable after eating such fatty and greasy foods at Cattle Call Tuesday night that we could barely get off of the couch. Luckily we made it to the gym to help us feel a little bit better. We spent the rest of the day eating salads and fruit in hopes that our conscience would stop beating us up. Wednesday night we took Staci to Epicenter, the youth service at our church. She loved it.

Thursday: I sadly had to go back to work so my parents entertained Staci at Palo Duro Canyon. Later that night we all gathered at our house for dinner. I was in charge of dessert and decided to try Mary Beth's suggestion of the Pioneer Woman's Apple Dumplings. OH MY GOSH!!!!! They were so good. I used reduced fat or diet everything that I could in it and it was still one of the best desserts I have ever had. After dinner we watched old home videos that Staci's grandpa, Ray, used to make and send to us every year. We all laughed at how silly everyone was and cried a little when we heard my great-grandmother's voice. I had forgot what she sounded like and it made my heart hurt for her so bad. Even though it was sad at times I think we all felt better after being reminded of the amazing people that have influenced our lives and to be able to call them family.

Andrew and Daniel.




Chris and Staci.

Grandma and Staci.

Me, Daniel, Staci and Grandma.


Chris had to get in one too.

Friday morning Staci had to be at the airport by 8:15 so we all met at the Donut Stop for breakfast. We definitely could not let Staci leave Amarillo without tasting one of the best things about our town. I think Amarillo is the only town in the country that can proudly boast that we have a donut place so good that Krispy Creme only lasted 6 months before it went out of business.

Dad and Mom


Daniel, Staci, Me and Andrew.

Staci and I.

Staci leaving Amarillo.

I was so sad to see her go, but so grateful for the visit. Staci spent the rest of the weekend in San Antonio going to the Final Four and tons of fancy parties and events. She has a rough life.

Alive and Tagged

Well I survived the week with my cousin, Staci, but have not had time to upload my pics yet. I have great plans for that tonight. Ok, I know RyAnn just rolled her eyes cause she thinks I won't get around to it until Thursday, but I promise to try to do something productive tonight besides watching Dancing with the Stars!!

I was tagged by Ashley who although she lives probably less than a mile from my house and who seems to be at church at the same times I am, have not actually gotten to hug in about a month. We did share a wave through the car window at the carnival at church from about 50 feet away, but I don't think that counts as quality time. (I secretly think Ashley is trying to avoid me due to the enormous man crush my husband has on her husband. Chris is like a giddy little school girl whenever Brad calls. ) Anywho, here are the rules:

1. Link your tagger. Post the rules.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself (random and weird).
3. Tag 7 friends.
4. Leave a comment letting them know they've been "tagged."

Brace yourselves people. You are about to get a little insight into the craziness that is Amy Bunch...

1. I had two imaginary friends/crushes when I was a kid. One was with B.J. from B.J. and the Bear, you can read about my obsession with him by clicking on his name. The second was with Elvis. Elvis was my first imaginary friend/boyfriend at the ripe old age of 3. I was obsessed with all things Elvis. I had an Elvis t-shirt, Elvis book (which I begged my grandma to spend $75.00 on) and tons of 8-tracks. I used to beg my parents to let me stay up late and watch the Elvis movie marathons all night. My mom still gets embarrassed when people remind her of my infatuation with Elvis. She used to have to go behind me at church and clean out the pews because I had written "Elvis was here" and I love Elvis" all over the offering envelopes within a 3 pew radius of where we sat.

2. My "crew" in 3rd grade used to pretend we were the characters from Saved by the Bell and reenact the latest episodes at recess. I, of course, played Kelly Kapowski and whomever her boyfriend was for that episode was played by my boyfriend, Nathan. One week Nathan would be Zach and the next week he would be Slater. Chris' role never changed. By 4th grade he had totally mastered his role as Mr. Belding.

3. I have a signed autographed picture of Chuck Norris!!

4. I sing a song to Allie every morning when I get her out of her kennel. It goes a little something like this..."Good Morning! Good Morning!! It's time to rise and shine!! Good Morning!! Good Morning!!! I hope you're feeling fine!!!" I have no idea why Chris hates it when I do this?!?!

5. My morning is just not the same without watching at least the first 20 minutes of Good Morning America. This has been a staple in my morning for about the last 5 years. I love Robin, Diane and Chris like they were my own family.

6. I am a HUGE sports freak. Chris was never really into sports until he met me. I am really into football, especially the Cowboys, but love watching it no matter who is playing. The first year of our relationship was a little hard on Chris due to the fact that I booed and heckled him every time he tried to carry on a conversation with me during a sporting event. He got a glimpse of my craziness the first time he watched a football game with me and I stood up and through my imaginary penalty flag, I don't think he truly realized the severity of my passion for sports until I wore the same shirt and shorts during every game of the Yankees short stint in the playoffs last season. I was convinced that their winning or losing was based on my clothing. I am a die hard Yankee's fan along with every other member of my family. I have informed Chris that even thought I took a vow to be married to him until death that did not include, should the event arise, my receiving a call or meeting a member of the Yankee's team who wishes for me to have their baby at which point my marriage to Chris will be null and void. Don't worry God has assured me that any relationship I have with a member of the Yankee's will be looked upon favorably and my crown in heaven will double in size for my contribution to the team. I am sure that it will be no surprise to you that I hate any and all things even remotely associated with the Red Sox and have never felt convicted for having thoughts about how I could injure or do severe damage to Manny Ramirez or David Ortiz. One of the greatest moments in my life was watching the Yankees and Red Sox play in Yankee Stadium and seeing Melky Cabrera go to the wall and bring back Manny Ramirez's near home run drive for the final out of the 8th inning and then joining my brothers and every other member of Yankee Nation in chanting "RED SOX SUCK! RED SOX SUCK!" until I had no voice left. Priceless!!!

If you can't read Daniel's shirt it has a picture of Jesus and says "Jesus hates the Red Sox." It was a huge hit at the game.

7. I am married to Christopher Shawn Bunch. Enough said!!

Thanks Ashley. That was fun and turned out longer than expected. Anywho, I tag Ry, Rachel, Nissa, Mary Beth, Melissa, Nelly and Suzanne.