These our Treasures

Weekend Echoes

2012-01-28T15:57:00.000-06:00

Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. — Ferris Bueller

Because people are writing or sharing clever, interesting, inspiring images and words every day, here are a few echoes from this week that have influenced me. This week's echo? Share your life story.

As seen on a facebook share:

- Source Unknown

This week marked the start of the Just One Conference ! There are amazing leadership women speaking such as Kay Warren and Jenni Catron. One of my favorite points of reflection came from Heather Palacios, Executive Pastor’s Wife at Church by the Glades: There is incredible power in your own personal story if you are willing to transparently share it. Will embarrassment stop me or will faith propel me?

I absolutely ask myself that question each time I sit down and write. There are times that I read my blog and think - do I really want to hit that publish button? Now, do I tell my friends to read this blog??? Hmmm..

There's still time to jump on board. The Just One Conference is going on over the next three weeks.

Great post for reflection from Carlos Whittaker. Be Brave and Stand, though technically not from this week, was new to me this week. Absolutely love his style of laying out some simple, but deep, in your face, kick you in the pants, posts. Favorite line: "Resolve doesn’t come from an easy life." As I read this blog, I wanted to continue - be brave, stand, then share your story! What so many people cloak as hardship and failure and carry as shame, is really a story of resolve, survival and inspiration! We all want to know we are not alone, and hearing your stories of difficult times, or moments when you had to start all over again, encourage all of us - we too can get through and overcome!

Steven Chaparro writes about The Power of Story. Favorite line: "He has prepared words, chapters, and pictures for your future story that will cause you to shake your head in awe. They will read of faith, hope, and love. " So true! Your life is a great novel! If you read back over your life like a book - think about all the small but amazing pieces that make up your story. Foreshadows of things to come. The gradual build to each climax. Beautiful.

The truth about transitions

2012-01-26T22:02:00.000-06:00

Transitions sound glamorous, exciting, and adventurous. They mark the end of a season, and signal the start of something new. Transitions are often periods of great revelation, renewing and restoration.

But a transition at its foundation is also a time of deep renovation. Its when something new is built on something that once served sometimes an entirely different purpose. To that end, a transition can be a painstaking process.

It would be easier to start with a clean slate, an empty lot or untouched piece of land. Transitioning a building, a person, a place from what was to what will be is a labor of love, the project littered with challenges, delays and unanticipated detours.

Yet God's plans are weaved into existing structures - people.

Me.

You.

He is the architect and is intimately familiar with the original blueprint. His eye sees past the damaged parts to the potential at the core of His creation. He sees us as we truly are and as we were created to be.

Constructed not only for function, but to be the foundation of a beautiful masterpiece that would unfold over time with glorious and awe-inspiring expansions, each historical structure is priceless in the Master's eyes. And although time, pollution and storms have dulled the exterior; and although the interior has suffered exhausting wear and deep tears, He sees the value in its incomparable antiquing process. The great artist can appreciate the beauty in every scar and every flaw.

With loving hands He goes about the delicate process of restoration. With a firm and steady hand, critical eye and merciful patience, He carefully wipes away the grime. Pulling away the layers of damaged parts, analyzing each crack and every broken part, He approves the structural integrity.

All this is happening for our good in times of transition, while we wait. Impatiently we want to go about the next leg of our journey. We fidget and sigh like little children, asking 'Are we there yet?, Can we go now?' We toss and pull away from Him, anxious.

Yet for our good He pulls us close again and again as He continues His good work in us. Recalibrating, adjusting, pressing, dismantling once again until He is certain that we are ready for the next stage of His plan.

"He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake." Psalm 23:3

Monday Musing

2012-01-23T21:07:00.001-06:00

Monday's are filled with the vibrations and base tones of Sunday worship, where the words and music settle into my thoughts, stir up self-examination and ignite conviction.

This is the song and these are the lyrics that resonate with me today:

"I want to take Your Word and shine it all around. First help me just to live it Lord. And when I'm doing well help me to never seek a crown, for my reward is giving GLORY to You."

The rhythm ebbs and flows across my sub-conscious and speaks the words of my very soul as I start my week.

My Resolution is You

2012-01-08T15:14:00.000-06:00

"Life is like a ten-speed bicycle. Most of us have gears we never use." - Charles Schulz

Have you made your resolutions? Written down your lists? Are you planning on losing weight? Or reading more? Do you want to finally take that vacation? Or step out in faith in a new career or area of ministry?

I think we all have this quiet fear that we will live our lives and never accomplish those things on our bucket lists. Even if you don't have them written somewhere - you know what they are. Maybe each New Year's you think about them. Are they the same from year to year? Are you afraid you might not ever tap all the gears God has designed within you?

I have to admit, these fears do threaten to push me into a melancholy mood if I don't purposefully push back. Fear is a bully.

I don't necessarily want to jump to top gear. It's not about the destination, but the journey. What I want to experience is the fullness that each gear has to offer. To feel, see, hear, taste and savor life at gears that were tailor designed, created in me, to live out and to share with the world.

Like a buried treasure, or unopened gift on a shelf, it would be a terrible shame to let dust accumulate, and leave it forgotten, denying the joy and light that is waiting to emerge.

I'm starting this year so differently than past years. I'm not obsessed with plans or aspirations for the year. I don't know for sure if that qualifies as enlightened or just lazy.

I'd like to think I am finally entering a season of trust. Resting in the assurance that I can find peace and fulfillment in God, leaning against my heavenly father in peaceful submission to His plans and purposes for my life and His timetable.

What do I want this year? To be able to seek Him continuously and breath in his Presence. No other thing or plan or accomplishment matters. With eyes closed and mind focused on God alone, I have more clarity and find the stillness, greatness and beauty my soul longs for each day. Confident that when I open my eyes, I will see that His paths have been prepared and laid out before me.

How brilliant, how beautiful, how easy are your ways Lord. Daily I will embrace them. You. That is my resolution this year.

"I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD." Jeremiah 29:10-14

A Perfect Instrument

2011-12-31T13:28:00.000-06:00

Lord let me be thy perfect instrument.
pure and strong, unblemished, prepared,
so that your Holy Spirit
may breath life into the hollows of my soul
and my life song can ring true.

May the melody that resounds,
be pleasing to thine ear
and tell the story you wish to tell
to all those who would hear.

Listen to the sweet sound,
hear the beauty of each delicate note,
as it calls you to its Maker,
the great and glorious Musician.

Cleanse me.
Warm the deepest fibers of my being,
that I may never be idle
or far from you merciful hands.

I am Yours and Yours Alone.

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

Cleanse on the Brain

2011-12-28T23:22:00.000-06:00

Over Christmas I indulged in some very rich foods. So much so that I literally had food hang over Christmas morning and went crawling back to my fruits, salads and legumes by Christmas afternoon. When you work hard to eat clean and natural, going back to fats and sugars is overload to the system.

A big plus over the holidays is that I heard so many compliments about how I was looking. While I haven't really lost more weight in the last few months, I have been working out at least 3 times a week. Elliptical sessions, Zumba, Piloxing, and more recently I've tried a couple of sessions of Insanity - yes, it is insane! So I guess its making a difference.

I am notorious for being the anti-new year's resolution-er. Even if I make one, I tend to sabotage myself. But for the first time, I am in pro-health mode at the right time of the year! So fueled by compliments, and a trip to the mall today and finding so many cute outfits that fit well (but not quite great yet), AND a pending Florida trip planned this year - I would love to be down about 10-15lbs by spring and overall just be a leaner, meaner, stronger body! I would also like to become a runner! But at my current weight it is torture to my knees and hips, so I need to lose those "lbs" first, preferably before springtime!

So I have a cleanse on the brain. Just flushing out some of my indulgences and priming for getting in better physical and internal shape for better health!

So wondering what to do yourself? Here are a few I've either tried and had success with in the past, or some that I have heard good reviews on and plan on reading up on, watching documentaries or trying in the next year:

Eat to Live - If you're serious about changing the way you eat, and want to feel GREAT, read this book! It changed the way I eat and the foods you find in my pantry. I go back to this book frequently when I need a refresher on good eating and the why's behind it.

Crazy Sexy Diet - I follow Kris Carr's website. Her story is amazing! It's such a testament on how much influence we have on our own health! The fuel that we place in our body on a daily basis really does make a difference. I found her story inspiring when I was being bounced between doctors who just didn't have the time or just didn't have the answers for ongoing health issues I was having. I have yet to read the book, and beware I have heard she has a bit of a potty mouth in it, but I would like to give it a read and try the cleanse she follows herself.

21 Day Vegan Kickstart - If you're ready to try veganism, why not start the new year with the Kickstart?! I love this site and have done this kickstart a few times. You get daily emails with motivational message and recipe ideas - and they are super easy and soo yummy. Lots of Daniel Fasters find this site helpful as well. My carnivorous hubby has even done this with me, and he LIKED IT! The next kickstart begins January 2nd, sign up today!

Fat Sick and Nearly Dead - Feel that way some days? This is a documentary by Australian Joe Cross who decided to try a juice fast to change the direction of his health and lost lots of weight in the process. He goes on to help others, and the transformations are incredible. If you've heard of juicing or are just curious, watch this! Ready to reboot your life? Go to the website to get started yourself.

So what pro-health plans to you have for the new year? Any other inspiring reads, documentaries or plans you've followed that have worked for you?

Christmas Recap!

2011-12-26T15:15:00.001-06:00

The Christmas weekend was a beautiful whirlwind of faith, family, friends and food! All was as it should be. The highlight of course was the debut of my very own little drummer boy at our Christmas Eve service playing the Mercy Me version of The Little Drummer boy. He did such a fabulous job and astounded us all with his maturity in playing.

His drums were covered like a giant wrapped present. When it was his time to play, the worship team unwrapped his drums, and he walked up with his drumsticks, sat down and joined the band in playing the song. The ooh's and aaah's from the rather large crowd was too much. I'm going to gush here: his timing was on point, he maintained the kick on the song, he built up his playing at the appropriate times, and amazingly for an excitable little boy, brought it back down at the end for the finish.

He was soo sweet as people came up to him to tell him what a good job he had down. So properly he said "Thank you. Merry Christmas". This mama was proud. So very proud.

Of course he is three years old, was tired and overwhelmed after all of the hoopla, and didn't make playing the second service. Although as they uncovered the drums the second service you could here a little voice from the back saying, "I don't WANT to play the drums!" followed by crying.

That's okay little one. You did awesome for your first time, in front of a large audience, and after all those rehearsals and the nervous energy from the rest of the team going on. You are only 3 after all, and we love you.

Through all of this I realized so many things:

My children are their own persons. Gifted and anointed by God with talents and abilities that have absolutely nothing to do with me. He has a plan for them and will bless others through them.
Children do not have the fears, anxieties and self-doubts that we adults carry in ourselves, or for them! How awesome!
Sometimes you need to let go and let your kids do what they were made to do. The are much better equipped than you think to do really great things.
When you start to wonder if you're doing a good job with your children, they display a maturity, kindness and behavior that is beyond their years.
And just when you think maybe they're growing up faster than you're ready for, they fall apart and need you to just hold them and tell them it's alright.

Through it all I know I am blessed to be a part of their histories and have the awesome privilege to do some good for them, to love them thoroughly and make sure they know of a little baby born one day to give His life so that they could live their own to the fullest.

For all these reasons, I am sitting back by the Christmas tree today, sipping my coffee and knowing I am truly blessed.

Merry Christmas to you all. I pray you are all reflecting and feeling the warmth of your blessings this day.

Dream the impossible dream

2011-12-14T19:19:00.004-06:00

“Sometimes we have the dream but we are not ourselves ready for the dream. We have to grow to meet it.” ~ Louis L’Amour

Has God given you a vision so grand, a dream so dreamy, a hope so lofty that before you even attempt it you're overwhelmed by it? Measuring all of your weaknesses and short-comings, lack of talent, credentials and abilities against it, do you squelch the flames of expectations and glimmers of fulfillment with buckets of doubt and fear?

So often I see a goal and am eager to conquer it, to jump in head first only to find the water is shallow?! I bump my head against the water floor and coming up with a smarting headache, I think to myself , "It's too much! I can't do it!", when what I really need to do is to ease into the water, one step at a time, submerging myself an inch at a time.

See God didn't give you a dream that you were going to fail at. He's not that kind of God. In his immeasurable love and generosity, he has given us glimpses of what He can accomplish through us if we let him. That doesn't mean that we jump on board, knocking Him out of the driver's seat and take the reigns! And yet that is what we assume. That He wants us to figure out how to get to that destination, all on our own, without a road map and little help from Him.

Not true! Our loving Father wants nothing of the sort. His heart's desire is YOU! To spend time with you, journey with you, to bless you, to be weaved and intertwined in every aspect of your life, and to see you fulfill the purpose He intended for you.

That dream you dream was authored by God almighty. Ingrained in your DNA when you were in your mother's womb and stamped with heavenly approval before you breathed your first breath!

Approved.

Approved!

You don't need to await God's okay on the matter, you don't need to pray that it happen one day. From the day He first thought you into creation, your life's purpose, your deepest rooted desire for His Kingdom and glory, the vision that you desire to see realized, was sanctioned and blessed.

So why are you hesitating? Grab tight to the hand of God and walk with Him. Let him take the reigns, so that He can complete through you His grand plan for this generation.

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. Revelation 1:5-6

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13

Before I formed you in the womb I knewt you, before you were born I set you apart Jeremiah 1:5

Murmuration

2011-11-06T17:48:00.000-06:00

Murmuration from Sophie Windsor Clive on Vimeo.

There is beauty in organic movement, when bodies move in harmony for a common purpose, toward a common cause. When we work in unison, our efforts become a graceful waltz, a delicate movement of an orchestal masterpiece.

When we move to the tune of our Maker, and in harmony with our counterparts, our service becomes a breathtaking sight to behold. The process itself so beautiful, that it vibrates deep within and no words can articulate the joy that rises.

Life. Good God, what is it good for?

2011-10-22T16:13:00.000-05:00

I think you could call it a mid-life crisis. I'm at a point where I am asking myself, if I don't love it, why am I wasting my time? It's being applied across the board of my life.

I would say my life is the picture of a "typical" American family.

Let's frame it:

Went to college. Have my degree. Check.

Working in my field of study. Check.

Happily married. Check.

Have 3 great, healthy kids. Check.

Have a nice home in a good neighborhood, and good school district. Check.

Have the mini-van. Check.

Kids are adequately on the border of being over-scheduled. Check.

Am an active and serving member at my home church. Check.

I am one of those people who has been focused on getting "there".

When I finish school I'll.............

When the kids aren't babies we can.........

When we move to a bigger house it will be..........

And like so many before me, getting to the destination has left me wondering, now what?

So I think I'm at the life stage where I've decided that I am going to do what I love. Not what I should, or what is expected, but those things that I really truly enjoy.

Except that means unloading all the preconceived notions, expectations and even some of the "responsibilities" that tell me it's ridiculous to even consider.

But every bit of me is screaming, do it!

There is no reason good enough to settle. We were designed for a purpose that we are meant to live. Until we live that life, life just won't be bearable. It's a life that may not make sense to others, 'cause it's not their life to live! It's yours alone. Each breath is a gift, too valuable to be spent just being. Life is meant to be good. Good for me, good for you.

Don't stop until you're living your good life. Enjoy the journey. Start over. Then start again. Remove the pin from the map of life and explore, feel, love, savor the joy in each moment.

Go ahead, you have my permission.

Go.

Live.

Handiwork

2011-10-19T18:28:00.002-05:00

There is nothing that inspires me more than God's own creation.
The rich blue of a clear sky on crisp and cool autumn morning
The audacious display of a flaming red bush.
The pure and majestic white of a snow capped mountain.
The lush green thatch of grass carpeting a meadow.
The warm, embracing glow that bathes a harbor as the sun sets.

Beautiful is your handiwork, O God.
It holds me breathless.
It soothes and comforts me.
It brings me joy and hope.
It helps me to understand how good you are and how much you love us.

It inspires me to know that your plans for me, your most cherished of creation, are greater and more awe-inspiring than I dare to imagine.

Vegan Tamales

2011-09-13T13:46:00.002-05:00

In anticipation of the new cookbook I ordered - Viva Vegan! I was over at theppk.com and saw their vegan tamale video. I couldn't find the recipe on the site - so I improvised. Now, normally when I do this...I write down nothing. IN FACT, that's exactly what I did this time too! But I am going to try to recollect, just in case I want to make these things again! And I do - 'cause they were DELISH!

AND there was SO much improvisation, that I feel like I should name them and make them my own...awww. So here it is, if you want to try it too:

Poblano Black Bean Tamales

spice mix:
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoons salt
2 tsps paprika
2 tsps smoked paprika
1 teaspoons cayenne pepper
1 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoons ground cumin

for the filling:
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 1/2 tablespoons garlic, minced
1 large poblano pepper, seeded
3 medium carrots, diced
1 c vegetable broth
1 16 oz can refried black beans, fat free

For the wrappers:
4 to 5 dozen dried corn husks - submerge in warm water for 20 minutes until pliable

For the dough:
6 cups Maseca
1 1/2 tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 cup vegetable oil
1 c warm vegetable broth
3 to 4 cups warm water

In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, kosher salt, paprika, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper and cumin. Divide the mixture in half and reserve 1 half for later use.

In a skillet, saute in 1 tsp oil, carrots, onion, poblano's until onions are translucent. Add garlic, half of spice mixture and 1 c of vegetable broth. Simmer until 1/2 of broth has been cooked out.

For the dough:
Place the maseca, salt, and baking powder into a large mixing bowl and combine. Add the oil and 1 c of vegetable broth and using a spoon, or your hands, knead together then gradually add water, 3 to 4 cups. Mix until the dough is moist, but not wet, you're looking for a fluffy texture - like mashed potatoes. Cover with a damp towel to keep from getting hard.

To assemble the tamales:
Remove a corn husks from the water and remove excess water with a towel. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the dough onto each husk, in an even layer across the wide end of the husk up to about 1 1/2 inches from the narrow end. Spoon about 1 tbsp of black beans, and 1 tsp of poblano mixture in a line down the center of the dough. Fold the husk so the dough surrounds the meat, then fold the bottom under towards the seam to finish creating the tamale. Repeat until all husks, dough and filling are used.

To cook the tamales:
Stand the tamales upright on their folded ends, tightly packed together, in a stockpot. Add water up to 1-inch below the to tamales, try not to get water in the tamales. Add remainder of spice mixture to the water. Cover, place over high heat and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until the dough is firm and pulls away easily from the husk, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

Yum!! Enjoy!

Coming Out! The Veg Closet

2011-09-13T13:42:00.001-05:00

For almost 2 years I've been on this journey of becoming a full fledged vegetarian. I started out as a nutritarian following Dr. Fuhrman's plan. Occasional meat tasting at special events or around the holidays, it worked for me. I was never a steak kind of girl, although a beef stir fry was more to my liking.

In between those events I was a true blue nutritarian, following a mostly vegan diet. Beans, Greens, and Fruit filled my plate and it was great. I was feeling good, looking good and learning lots.

To make something new stick, I really have to keep it in the forefront. So I starting reading books, watching documentaries, scouring the web for blogs, YouTube videos, anything I could get access too.

The more I learned, the more our pantry started to change and meat cooking on my stove become less and less frequent, much to my carnivorous husband's dismay.

Soon I could say I was vegetarian, and now an aspiring vegan. But funny thing is .. I really didn't say it to anyone.

Being vegetarian is so polarizing, especially in the dairy state. Anyone that noticed me skirting the meat dishes, would naturally ask and then would come the slew of questions, the "concerned" arguments (mostly one sided), and yes some obnoxious comments and actions as some of those people felt they had to make up for my lack of meat consumption. Gross.

So it was easier to quietly be vegetarian. So as not to interrupt any one's menu or seem difficult, many meals have been very sparse, or plain unhealthy. I have picked meat out of dishes, just had a bread roll, a side dish, or something that was once a vegetable that is now drowning in butter and some combination of creams.

Honestly, when home I'm vegan, its just when out at restaurants or with friends, I end up resorting to something seemingly vegan/vegetarian to find it's buried in cheese or cream, has eggs or bacon. Vegan fare in my neck of the woods is virtually non-existent, though that is now slowing changing - thank you Lord!

But lately I've just been coming clean up front. Like this week when getting a dinner invitation from some new friends. It's not an inconvenience, it's just a fact. They can acknowledge it or choose to ignore it, a good gauge of whether they are friend worthy to begin with. Then sometimes, just sometimes, my eating habits aren't a victim of gawking or reactionary attacks.

This is me, this is who I am. Now let's move on.

Yes, Peas!

2011-09-11T15:33:00.001-05:00

Ok, first this post has nothing to do with peas, although there is absolutely nothing wrong with peas, really - go eat some fresh snap peas right now, just do it.

What this is about is a new cookbook that I recently nabbed , Peas and Thank You.

I am slowly easing my family over to a primarily vegetarian diet. We're at about 80/20 right now. But with the transition the consumption of cheese in my house has become nearly obscene. And since that stuff is pretty much saturated fats, well we're not getting anywhere. Most requested in my house is mac and cheese. And boxed or homemade variety, several times a week is just not going to happen.

I am beside myself over her mac and cheese recipe. I have tried to pull the switcheroo on the kids before, and since they are connoisseurs of mac and cheese, have not had anything close to success. But Mrs Pea has saved the day - this stuff is AMAZING, and sooo easy to make, which for a busy mom is sometimes first when you're running to swim lessons, dance lessons, music lessons, church groups.....yeah, busy!

If you don't believe me, try it - you can find it here in all its creamy loveliness. Comfort food indeed.

Want something else to try to use up all that garden zucchini coming out of your ears? Zucchini Quinoa Lasagna is another recipe that surprised me, and is no less delish! I substituted brown rice, just 'cause I had a batch of leftovers that we needed to finish up, but I am sure with quinoa it is incredible!

As my 3 year old would say - there's a party in my tummy! so yummy, so yummy!

Fairwell Summer

2011-08-26T11:43:00.000-05:00

As usual the summer was a whirlwind, so welcome, so busy and leaving us all too quickly. The days are getting shorter, the nights are getting cooler and the tree's are showing hints of the dazzling display they'll put on before taking they're long sleep over winter.

To be honest, I'm not a warm weather gal. Unlike all my latina humidity loving, sun worshipping cousins, I am a true midwest girl that endures summer days just for the glorious, crisp, cool fall that follows.

But this year has been different. Maybe because I wasn't knee deep in baby gear, diapers and well let's just admit it, chaos. Maybe it's because I didn't give two hoots about how my overgrown flower garden looked compared to my retired neighbors perfectly placed and manicured space. Maybe it's because we packed up the cooler almost every weekend and spent our days on the beach, in a state park or visiting family.

I have to admit that this year I am actually sad to see summer go. So long summer, it was a great season.

Sense and Cents

2011-06-04T11:42:00.000-05:00

Summer here we come! With only a few days left in the school year, I've been busy with the kids schedules. Closing up the school year and prepping for summer. Getting sports, camps, and getaway schedules all in order.

With all the preparations, I'm looking ahead to what items we'll need to stock up on for the summer.

A chat with a rare local vegan friend has reminded me of what's what. I have been on the verge of loosing my food sense in the quest for saving cents. Saving in couponing can mostly be done when buying highly proessed pre-packaged foods. Not my idea of providing for the family.

With the warm months finally here, and farmer's markets shaking off the dust from their canopies, I'm reminded that the best way to save is to head out for some fresh, local produce. And honestly, nothing can beat the rock bottom price of in season produce. What a relief!

You can seriously lose your head when presented with free products! As consumers we vote with every dollar, and coupon, spent at the grocery store. I don't want to vote for companies who's only focus is the almighty dollar. I'm tired of Americans getting fed chemicals, preservatives, and JUNK! while european and asian countries are putting a stop to it in defense of their health and agricultural well being.

Some things are just worth the investment.

Love for everyone

2011-04-19T18:45:00.008-05:00

It's been a while since I've been to my little blog.

Hmmm. I really need a new start to my posts.

I always intend to blog more often, but it seems like as soon as I say it I run into some life turmoil or massive writer's block. If nothing else, my blog has become snapshot perspectives that give me a clue when I am in desperate need of one.

So what have I been pondering lately? Love.

That's right, its a big one. Probably triggered by this AMAZING song that I've been swimming in the past few months. I realized lately how much I've been telling people I love them. Very uncharacteristic for me. I am usually very very very - you get it - slow and reserved about opening up, taking people in and pouring over them.

Yet lately it's like some the dam has sprung a leak, starts out just a trickle and suddenly I am GUSHING all over people. Very random. Very uninspired. Just a surge of feelings and a burst of words, with the occasional hug.

Awkward? Uncomfortable?

For me, yes.
Maybe others too.
But mostly?
No.
Surprising.

It's amazing how receptive others are to encouragement, optimism, comfort, a smile, a hug, a sliver of light in what can be a terrible day, a tough season, a harsh and scary world.

And yet we're so reluctant to give, share, love ...because we don't want to make anyone uncomfortable, or worse yet - we don't want to seem "strange"

But Love IS sTranGe. By definition it's astonishing, astounding, remarkable, curious, exceptional, marvelous, amazing. Thank God it's strange!

He has placed some extraordinary people in my life over this past year that have demonstrated this strangeness over and over again. They humble me, they inspire me, they bless me as they demonstrate love and grace in various facets. They have shown me the most intimate, beautiful, wondrous and crucial essence in the message of salvation, the heart of God!

Their outpouring of love clued me in to the source, and has birthed my own spring. Its contagious. It's all consuming. There's enough for everyone.

It's holy week. The same power that conquered the grave is thicker and more tangible this week as we all focus on the victory of the cross. Someone you know needs to encounter the love of God today. Someone somewhere is desperate for this life saving message.

Get a little strange. Be extraordinary for someone this week. Share the love. Please.

"If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have 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 move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love. I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." - I Corinthians 13: 1-7

Time

2010-11-06T10:00:00.003-05:00

" Every morning we're credited with 86,400 seconds and every night we lose all that wasn't invested in good purposes" - Unknown

Time is flying! Again the time that has passed since my last post, is too long! My desire is to keep up this little blog, it's therapeutic for me and such an asset to be able to go back and see where I've been, how I've changed, grown or regressed!

The littles are growing so fast. I realize, as most parents do, that I have failed to chronicle my 3rd child's adventures, and he has many!

But mostly I've come to realize through past 'bouts of regret, anxiety, and the bermuda triangle of "what if's", that each day is a new day, an opportunity to do it better, to get it right. I've come to the peace of the knowledge that each day is immensively valuable in its own right.

Having been consumed for so long with the destination, I thank God that he has brought me to the place where I am enjoying the journey. That's not to say that I don't still glance out on my calendar. I am a Martha by nature. I am a planner, and now with the children, well I even have evolved into a color coded calendar mom. See how control and tasks are so important to me?

But God has blessed me with the awareness of his Grace. So beautiful. So loving. And through this awareness I am blessed with a deeper understanding and fuller relationship with him. In this place my mind is at peace, my heart is content and open to love and invest in others, in particular my family and church.

I am able to serve, care, accept and love others, because I myself am confident in these things with my God. Abiding in Him, time just seems to move slower, is richer, and its value even greater and precious to savor.

Ugly Beautiful Scars

2010-08-01T13:07:00.004-05:00

When I was a kid, I thought my scars were pretty awesome. A badge of toughness, of adventure, and evidence of my rights of passage.

OK, maybe they just meant I was a clumsy kid. But as horrific as each experience that gave me the scar may have been, I remember being excited about seeing what new disfigurement would form on my knee, elbow, knuckle...the list does go on.

How weird is that?

I guess life as a whole is like that. We go through tough times, awful traumatic experiences that just take us down to the mats and that leave gnarly scars in our hearts, minds and souls. We carry them like badges of honor. Maybe it's because we think its best to remember what we've been through, perhaps we're just proud of the fact that we endured, survived or conquered something tough.

But sometimes I wonder if we just hold on to our brokenness and imperfections as an excuse to shy away from a new challenge. A scar can also be the proof we want that says that I've paid my dues. Surely you cant expect me to do more, take more...I mean, haven't I done enough? That black shadow of difficulty, the new trial that God wants to take me through so that I can grow, live greater, reach higher....well, surely that can't be for me. See my scars?

So my scars become a crutch. Not really my medallion of bravery and honor, but my excuse for cowardice and a second status, less than fulfilling life.

OH to be bold again! Ready for the next thing that will bring a new beautiful ugly scar with it. Without fear and with complete abandonment, trusting my Savior to bless me and challenge me and help me to attain the life that he intended for me. That is my heart's desire.

Show me your ways O Lord, teach me your paths, guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are my God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25: 4-5

Hello Happiness

2010-05-08T10:22:00.004-05:00

Mother's day weekend has been tough for me, for about the last 15 years - since I lost MY mom, and the day became full of self-pity, bitterness and a little bit of anger. When I talk to other women that have lost their momma's I find that they feel the same way - so of course we have to douse those feelings with a bucket of guilt.

So let me say -to all you gray haired ladies with their white haired momma's out at restaurants or shopping, who get this slightly annoyed look from a usually pleasant latina stranger - I'm so sorry. You see - for so long I've been jealous. And honestly, I still may be from time to time. Cause I really haven't been able to grasp why you and your momma were blessed with a longevity of life, that escaped my line of women. And it became almost unbearable when in the next 7 years I lost my dear grandmother and great-grandmother.

You see my matriarchal line was wiped out. A line that I loved deeply, and dearly. A line I relied on for their wisdom, who's love sustained me in this unreliable world.

But God is good, and in his mercy - he gave me hope when he blessed me with a daughter - the 5th in a string of first born daughters. It was his reassurance, and she was my reason to celebrate mother's day again. And then, because he's so generous, he gave me a second.

So in homage to my momma, and grandma - two posts for years ago. And to my beautiful daughters - thank you for making Mother's Day happy again.

Reconciling a.k.a. working it out

2010-04-21T18:40:00.003-05:00

Hello poor neglected little blog. I'm still here. So sorry I've left you all alone so long.

You see, we have this massive here and there dialogue that has consumed us. But you will be so happy to hear, or read, that we can see the light. It is definitely within reach, and it's a beautiful sight.

I've been meaning to tell you all about it. But I was at a loss for words. That's what being here and there does to you. You tend to lose your train of thought in mid-sentence.

But if you want a clue, take a look here, at Francis Chan explaining much better than I ever could, why he's walking away from something good, why he's leaving the comfortable and secure for a foggy future, full of risk, following only the voice of God into the unknown. Funny, I say "only" the voice of God as if that shouldn't be enough.

Sometimes something can be sad, heart-wrenching and difficult to reconcile, and also be equally exciting, promising and just GOOD. You can be absolutely sure of what you should do with doors flung open wide ahead of you, and still mourn for the closed doors behind. You can be fearless, and full of fear.

Chan articulates all of this, and though I wouldn't begin to compare our little world to his, it is completely parallel, and once again the echos of God's call in our ministry is all around us, and comes in the most unexpected places.

We're human. We're imperfect. And at the point where God can do something.

Thank you Lord.

God is Good. I am Blessed

2010-03-12T13:11:00.002-06:00

I am thankful. Thankful because God's plan is so great, and I am a part of it. Even though I don't understand everything, don't know why we have to live in frustration, get through sicknesses, financial troubles, and other difficulties, I TRUST that God is still in control and his plans and hopes for me are still in place.

I am thankful, because just when we get through a crossroads, another appears. And when the road is dark and foggy ahead, and we hesitate - suddenly out of the haze he sends a friend, a comfort, a mentor. What seems like a detour from OUR plans, is really just God making our paths straight.

I am thankful, because even when we think we can do it all on our own, our father lovingly shows us we cannot, should not and will not.

He has plans for us. Great plans. And despite ourselves, he will not be deterred or delayed. Regardless of the distractions we get caught up in, the fears we surrender to and the doubts we entertain, He is still on time.

He is the same. Yesterday, today and tomorrow. In that knowledge alone I trust for my renewal, restoration and the blessings he has in store for me.

God is Good. I am Blessed.

Not that I have now attained this ideal... but I press on to lay hold of and make my own, that for which Christ Jesus has laid hold of me and made me His
own.I do not consider that I have captured and made it my own [yet]; but
one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what
lies ahead, I press... on toward the goal to win the prize to which God in
Christ Jesus is calling us upward. Phil 3:12-14

Its a new day

2010-01-03T15:50:00.004-06:00

It is a new day. A new decade. Alll things old are passed. There is hope on the horizon. It's breathtaking. A fresh start. Shaking off the dust of regret and disappointment, frustration and dissatisfaction - I look with anticipation to the adventure that's ahead.

The sun is shining - its frigid outside - but the sky is blue, and the wind is still. Peace.

Believing for what is to come, through we don't yet see it. Claiming a vision for a victorious future, focusing, fasting and going forward. God's divinity and providence, be our guide. He has directed us all this time. Making our paths straight when we're distracted by detours, he has never failed us, and never will.

All things have been made new again. I am amazed.

God First

2009-12-20T12:28:00.011-06:00

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart
from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones.

Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the first fruits of all
your increase; So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will
overflow with new wine.

Proverbs 3:5-10

As we approach the start of a new year, we consider the things we put first in our lives. The scriptures are full of encouragement and the promises God has for our lives when we seek Him and trust Him in all areas of our lives.

Each new year comes with a new hope and anticipation. Our energies are renewed and what seemed hopeless now seems to be possible. As we enter the new year with renewed energy hoping to finally lose that weight, improve our finances, deciding that this year we will spend more time with our families, get ourselves to a church or make a difference in our community - whatever it may be, these promises fuel the inner ember that only need a slight breath of encouragement to ignite into a flame that is contagious and effective.

In the verse above, we are told to acknowledge the Lord in all our ways. In our time, talents and resources we should seek to make God first. As we enter into not only a new year, but a new decade, purposefully decide to surrender the best of all you are and of all you have.

When considering your time, ask yourself where the Lord would have you give your time so that you can have the biggest influence. If it's your talents, prayerfully determine whether the gifts the Lord has given you are being utilized for his honor and glory. And as to your resources, be strategic in your giving. Lay out the resources that God has entrusted to you, plan and budget, then challenge yourself to give a specific amount or level. Make that the first line on your budget and then follow through with that commitment faithfully and joyfully.

When you give of your financial resources, you are becoming a part of Kingdom Building. In the Lord's prayer we read, "thy Kingdom come, they will be done on earth". Kingdom Building here on earth is about spreading the gospel of Jesus to all people. Kingdom Building comes at a cost. It costs money for outreach resources, equipment and facilities to get that work done.

We don't give for personal reward or increase. Not at all. But isn't it comforting that God is telling us that we can trust Him to provide for our needs? Isn't it awesome that he also promises to bless us to overflow when we give him our first and best so that we can bless someone else again? And all of this to only to bring further glory to God, make us more like him and increase the spread of the good news about our God who is good and just and merciful to us, even though we don't deserve it!

God is good, you can trust that when you do what he asks of you, he will take care of you. He knows the plans he has for you and has plans to prosper you and will never hand you any challenge he hasn’t already given you the tools to conquer.

We are on the verge of a new decade. Personally, I want that decade to be marked by putting God first. I challenge you to do the same.

Food

2009-12-19T10:52:00.003-06:00

I know what you're thinking ...you're thinking I'm going to go into some extensive blog about the joys of holiday cookies, roasts, lasagnas...all that stuff I usually gush over this time of the year.

Not going to happen. This next week there will be some of that, its inevitable - for now. But I've had a bit of a revelation, if you will. As with all new things, I wasn't sure if it was going to stick. But it's been nearly 2 months - and it takes at least 21 days to change old habits, I think it's safe to share.

Reflecting on this past year - it's been a roller coaster. Health issues that were a domino effect of underlying problems - my physicians and I had to get through each side effect, before we could get to the root.

Well the root was no surprise - diabetes.

So diabetes is very prevalent in my family, and therefore my DNA. After 3 kids, gestational diabetes, and struggling with being overweight my entire adult life - it was only a matter of time.
And that's the saddest part, I think. I passively just waited for it to come. I thought I'd have until my 40's or 50's. So I was irrationally shocked when my body started going haywire this year. Too early. Way too early.

In October I received my diagnosis - after 10 months of - well a time I'd sooner leave behind me. And something went off in me. For the first time I couldn't accept this "fate" and I decided I had to do everything that I could to change - and trust in God for the rest.

So I logged onto sparkpeople.com and ran into some lovely people that introduced me to Eat to Live, and a journey of learning and changing began.

I heard about the Raw for 30 days documentary , and heard from doctors like this. And decided that I needed to eat a more vegetarian or even vegan diet.

I know this all sounds radical, and it is - I've been living it. But I decided that I have to at least try, right? So since early November, that's how I've been living. I may have a few ounces of the taboo foods here and there - my family still eats it, but I'd say 98% of the time, I'm on plan, feeling better each day and losing weight without feeling hungry or deprived! That alone would be worth it!

Oh but then I see this documentary,Food, Inc. that people are talking about - and OMW. It's not enough that I've taken on changing MY OWN habits, I have to make these changes for my kids too. What we called food 10-15 years ago, is not what is on the shelves now. So if I thought that I ate some questionable things as a kid - well I can't begin to say what we are feeding our children.

So this week, instead of buying the aisles and aisles of overindulgent, unhealthy, food that I would normally flock to in the name of the holidays each year. I'm learning what I need to do to get healthier, organic, nutrient-dense foods into my diet and my family's diet. So that history doesn't repeat itself, and to give the DNA I passed on to them, a fighting chance.

Happy holidays indeed.

It's definitely not going to be easy - but definitely worth it. So, if any of you know any sites or cookbooks or anything that would help to transition a family eating a very traditional American diet to a more wholesome plant based diet - please share, I'd love to hear from you.

Whose report will you believe?

2009-12-14T22:21:00.005-06:00

What is your response in uncertain times?

This entire Christmas season, the hope and joy of the birth of our Savior - all started with a response. When the angel of the Lord appeared to Mary and told her of this huge, unbelievable, awe-inspiring, scary, overwhelming part she could play in the greatest story to ever be told - she responded with "I am the Lord's servant...may it be to me as you have said."

Without that response, would it not have happened? Well, likely. But the fact is that this young, inexperienced, small town woman stepped up and said yes to something that was entirely bigger than herself. She agreed to something she did not wholly understand. She couldn't fathom HOW it would happen or how it could happen. In fact, it was highly probably that she would be misunderstood and ostracized for it. Yet despite all of the unknowns and risks ---she said yes.

That's huge.

Too often our response is more like Zacharias. Rewind from verse 38 of Luke 1 to verse 8, where Zacharias basically says - you expect me to believe this? To which the angel silences him by making him mute.

The life God has for us to live is so much greater than anything we can imagine ourselves. There is something inside each of us that desires a great faith adventure, to witness God working in our lives, in our families, our cities and country.

But unfortunately, with our own doubt and negative words our great stories end before they had a chance to start. We give our own fears and insecurities greater weight than the promises of God.

Has he not said to us that he has plans to prosper and not harm us, plans to give us hope and a future? Doesn't he tell us that he is the Lord, and he will go out before us, stay with us, not leave us or forsake us?

My God - who knew us before we were - says to us over and over in the scriptures: Do not fear. Don't be dismayed. Fear not! nor be afraid.

If you can't hold on to his promises - and his word is full of his promises for us - then at least follow this commandment. If you find fear has taken over you, if you feel dismayed because you thirst for something greater in your life, but you're drowning in doubt and insecurities, it's time to shut that fear down.

Nothing is impossible for God. That's a fact. Speak it. Go to the scriptures and his promises will reassure you - and give you new strength to go for it.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the holy spirit. Romans 15:13.

Letting Go

2009-10-20T16:04:00.003-05:00

Its over. Done.

Well not quite, but the door has definitely shut behind us as we move on to something new. And that puts a feeling of permenance on the entire situation. Funny, but we did not realize that we were the ones that would first be in transition. Poetic justice or something like it - I haven't decided.

As we let go of the ministry and church we invested 15 years into, we found ourselves reflecting and considering that time in retrospect.

Maybe its too fresh, too new.

Feelings of excitement, sadness, regret - they've all come pouring out. It's all part of the letting go, we know. So many what if's that plagued us for so long. So many if only's that kept us in a place that we knew we needed to walk away from.

Sometimes the best decisions are the hardest to make. Sometimes NOT quitting is quitting.

We'll be okay. We'll be great. But the letting go can be a mucky process. Letting go of frustrations, disappointments, regrets....all those reasons why you knew you had to leave in the first place, they haunt you or is it taunt you?

My humanity and limitations have never been more apparent. Thank God he loves me anyway. Thank God he's not through with me.

Looking forward to the adventures ahead. But meanwhile, I work on letting go.

Storms

2009-08-09T13:13:00.004-05:00

Storms and I have had a fractured relationship.

My grandmother loved storms. When I was a kid and we'd hear a distant rumble, or hear the clouds open and heavy raindrops beat the ground, we'd run outside onto grandma's expanse covered front porch to witness the amazing show.

We'd cheer for the lightning displays, we'd dance when the thunder shook the windows and rumbled under our feet, and when it all wound down to a calm peaceful rhythm, we'd run out onto the sidewalk to wash in wonder in the cool soothing shower.

Since then, my childhood confidence and trust has waned. The safety of each day and the hope of my youth has fallen away. All grown up now with the cares and worries of a home, a family, loss, discouragement and difficulties have changed my perspective.

Now when it storms I find myself worried. I cower. I hardly dare approach any of the windows, afraid of the chaos brewing outside. Fearful of the power of the storm and it's destructive force.

I hide under my covers. I rush to check on my kids. I snuggle into the crook of my husbands shoulder. I've even been known to wake up my sleeping children and take them to the basement covered in their blankets to my own brand of safety.

Where did my awe and appreciation for storms go? When did I start to fear the storm rather than revel in its danger and power?

Last night we had a storm. And as has been my practice these past few years, I jumped up covered in my blanket to check on the kids and consider if we needed to move to safety. Satisfied, I went to cower next to my hubby in bed and found myself asking, why does there have to be storms? To which my husband replied - "Because God wants to show us what he can do" before he turned over and fell back asleep. And I felt the tears silently start to fall.

I love my husbands perspective. His optimism, and ability to see God's hand in even the toughest of times.

Even with our new excitement for the purpose God has in our lives, I have continued to struggle with my health and doubts. Irrationally? Unnecessarily? Perhaps. I've lost my awe and appreciation of the storm. The amazing story that is a difficult time in life. A trial per se, that only tells us the stunning and graceful truth that God is right with us through it all, that he is walking us through it - safely and faithfully.

I can watch the lightning and feel the thunder and the eminent danger that it all may seem, but still know that I will dance in the rain. God's hand is right there through it all, and I don't need to fear. I can trust that he is God, and he can still do the greatest of things - and he will restore me body and soul and this story will be to his glory.

All in a day

2009-06-27T00:20:00.003-05:00

My poor girlie had a rough day. 6 years old and she has braces and lost three teeth today. Ugh it was awful watching her go though that. I was totally helpless today...completely handed my girl over to a doctor...and had to trust him with one of the most precious gifts of my life.
That's tough..trust. And ultimately I wasn't really putting my trust in this man, I was really putting my daughter in God's hands today and praying that this gift he entrusted to me, this happy optimistic kind and amazing little girl...well I was trusting that he would give her back again. To love some more, to hug some more, to ultimately and most importantly help her find her way back to him.
So my fears and anxiety today were totally nonsensical. Cause if trust is ultimately believing God - my God who only wants the best for us - well its pretty much a no brainer isn't it?

F's...

2009-06-23T22:29:00.003-05:00

So my optimistic, and highly uncharacteristic, posts of late are likely a surprise. Well, if not to you, definitely to me. All of it is because we've been hearing the call....yes, that elusive and mysterious thing that until now was just this black hole, if you will, that we heard amazing preachers and teacher talk about but that was only this vague idea to us.

But God is consistent. He still speaks in a still small voice, that tugs and tugs until it's so overwhelming that not responding, standing up and shouting 'here I am Lord', seems unfathomable.

So here we go. Its inevitable. It's going to happen, despite the uncertainties. 'Cause failure at this point would be not at least giving it a go. And I say that with a smile.

So hubby and I dream and scheme each night after the kiddies are asleep. We come together to share all of the thoughts and sparks that have been accumulating in our heads throughout the day.

Tonight we listened to this. bob.blog: Why You Should Plant a Church... Audio: Good Stuff and WOW. We were literally checking off each point. Talk about affirmation and encouragement. Thanks Bob, it was like we were having coffee :)

Lest we forget

2009-06-13T22:13:00.004-05:00

Praying gives sense, brings wisdom, and broadens ...the mind. We can learn more
in an hour praying, when praying indeed, than from many hours of rigorous study.
~ Edward M. Bounds

In the midst of our frustrations, confusion, and anxiety, and in the tide of our excitement, joys and dreams..we cannot forget to pray. Sometimes our emotions overtake us. Our pride tells us that we can do this alone. But we cannot.

The truth is we need God. I need God. In every moment, in every up and in every down, I need God's grace and peace to be my anchors so that I'm not swept away by the current of despair, so that I do not hold myself too high.

I will do what is possible, what is required of me, but the impossible I leave to God. I cannot ever confuse the two. That would be my end.

Welcome Summer!

2009-06-10T14:24:00.003-05:00

School's out, scream & shout- its summer vacation. The emotion, the drama, the tears?? There were a lot of tears at the bus stop this PM, and I hear it was just as emotional at school. Apparently these grade schoolers cannot bear to not see each other 7 hrs every day, and are so remorse that they will have to spend more time at home with their parents! *sigh* 6 year old angst.

Thankfully, Girlie 1 was very excited about the last day of school, and so was very excited that Girlie 2, the Boy and I were all at the bus stop to greet her with balloons. Girlie 2 and I worked on a sign to greet our school ager - which she thought was fabulous.

We had blown up a whole bag of balloons which we just scattered around the house. They were also a big hit with the Boy.

Funfetti cupcakes, a gorgeous day, a fun lunch and Girlie 1's choice for dinner plus a Barbie movie for a non-Friday movie night, and this day is officially a celebration day.

Lord, help please & thank you

2009-06-09T20:49:00.003-05:00

Dear Lord,

Please help me to be a better mommy - through health challenges, fatigue, economic troubles, work demands, and all demands on my time and mind. Give me strength and wisdom to cherish my treasures, to smell the roses, laugh at gradeschool jokes, to smile more and hug more and never ever miss our devotion time with you.

Grant us peace and grace each day.

Thank you.

Amen.

Change and Enjoy

2009-06-06T11:25:00.004-05:00

Is there anything more exciting than change? Nervousness and anxiety, butterflies and goosebumps turned good. The sun is brighter today, the flowers more gorgeous.

The beginning is where you start. The point at which you said go, commence, move, step! There is no right way or wrong way. As much as this slave to checklists and methods would like a manual or recipe for success, there really is none - and strangely that's freeing. Their is no burden to sling on and carry. There are no measures, but the ones I chose to set on myself. It is what it is.

Each time, each place, each purpose, each person is completely and wonderfully different from the other. That's the scary part. That's the best part.

That's what I'm counting on.

No more delays. No more count downs. Just jump in.

And dance :)

Somethin from Nothin

2009-06-04T18:26:00.002-05:00

Give God your all. …Give him those things that you judge as not good enough. Hand over those areas of your life that appear to be too broken to be used. Let Him sift and sort things through. You'll be amazed at what the Master Creator can make… ~ Katherine Walden

Heard this quote on my drive to work today, it completely sums up the last few months for me.

From health concerns, economic difficulties, church admin worries and not to mention working at a non profit that depends on the generosity of its donors, who are struggling themselves....well things just seem broken.

But how great is God that he steps in when we need him most. Like a father watching his baby taking wobbly steps, trying to figure out how to manage, right when he's about to topple over - there HE is. He's there, always there, but yet we're surprised each time.

There's a lot to be sifted and sorted these days....turn it over to God, let's see what he makes of it.

7 Keys to Starting a Movement

2009-06-03T17:15:00.004-05:00

You have to go check out 7 Keys to Starting a Movement at Ragamuffinsoul.com (warning - if small kids are around, watch it on mute).

I found this highly amusing, but also inspiring!

We are about to embark on a new chapter in our ministry. That is so refreshing to say OUR MINISTRY, because for a long time we were in this spiral of what we should do based on what the people around us wanted (basically good christian syndrome) vs. what God had been molding and fashioning us to do.

God has been preparing us for a shift, and let me tell you it hasn't been without its frustrations and pressures, but we can see the new day - the sun shining on our faces again, and it's beautiful.
But like anything new and unknown... well there is uncertainty, and well who is ever comfortable with that. That's the best thing though, it doesn't matter. We are so EXCITED. It's great.

So pray for us, we're going to get up and dance. Start the music! Musica, musica por favor!

You're old

2009-05-30T09:57:00.002-05:00

We were watching Pride and Prejudice the other night, my absolute fav movie. And while enjoying one of the dancing scenes, my 6 year old turned to me and said, "Is that how they use to dance a long time ago, like in the 70's or 80's?"

!

I just about spit out my diet coke. How hilarious is that?

A few weeks ago I turned 34 (gulp!), which isn't THAT old I know. But considering the health issues I've had recently and that no man zone I seem to hit after going through challenges to my system, well it is forefront on my mind.

I so did not appreciate my 20's, but who does really, when your body is neither in that growing phase and not yet crested that hill to full on aging. But then your 30's are definitely a time of new confidences, security and overall sense of well-being.

So doesn't it seem uncertainly cruel that its also when we start facing grey hairs, dry skin, hormonal imbalances, loss of disposable organs, irregular test results, and the constant teetering that goes on over our kids safety and development?

Wow - okay maybe it's just me and I just needed to vent. But as my crowd creeps further into its mid-thirties, it just seems like the theme.

So its likely just obvious that I'm in that desert where I'm not down and out in my sickness anymore, but I'm not completely well even though I FEEL like I am, and so all the aftershock health issues are still ongoing and haven't quite turned around. And I am NOT dealing with it all very well. Let's just say that my imagination is overactive. Yes people, I'm an anxious worrier - and I know, I know - need to go back to my verses on not worrying.

But if you read my blog you know I never have claimed patience to be a virtue. However, apparently, God really thinks its important for me to take it on.

Hello God

2009-04-22T20:28:00.005-05:00

The last few months have been a struggle. I've had some strange health issues and medical tests that were telling some threatening stories. It's challenging to do daily life, when doubt is whispering in your ear morning noon and night.

Last week I got a tune up aka triple surgery, that layed me down. God bless my hubby who has taken on this household and me with the strength of a 100 soldiers and angels. He's been my lifeline, my spiritual mentor, my friend and dear dear hubby through a time that I chose to keep to myself.

It was my trial, it was ours and if God wanted to deal with us through this - then he was going to and we would take it on - despite the faucet that had suddenly turned on inside me and would NOT stop. I am not one to shed a tear - loved ones have come and gone, we've suffered losses and sickness - and tears are just not how I deal, but WHOA who turned on the water works during this one. I can't stop them. I literally cry everywhere - in the car, in the yard, at a service, when I'm happy, when I'm said, when I'm tired...in all things I am CRYING!

But I know God has been calling me. I KNOW IT, and I've been pretending I couldn't hear. There I said it. I'm sorry. So sorry.

But I finally looked up. I acknowledged it. That's all he wanted..I think. He's getting us ready for a shift. Bring it. Bring it.

I think that's why Isaiah is speaking to me lately. With all the world spinning every which way, Isaiah is grounding me. Like today...one of the lovely blog ladies I read posted this one: but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

LOVING IT.

And this one:

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me [Jesus]…to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and opening of the prison to those who are bound…to comfort all who mourn and provide for those who grieve...…to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.” (Isaiah 61:1-3)

Powerful.

Did I mention?

2009-04-21T16:19:00.004-05:00

The boy can walk backwards. I thought I heard somewhere that not all kids can do this at a very early age. He must be a genius.

He dances in a circle when I pick him up from preschool and showers me with kisses.

He yells..whoa, whoa, WHOA..as he crashes into his toy box with his tonka truck ..at full speed... every time which is at least 20...every day.

His first words so far are..mama, daddy, taco(??), goverder(Go over there), hi and bye. Yeah, in that order...totally logical.

He rides his sisters three wheeler - its pink and purple - much to his daddy's dismay. Apparently we MUST buy him a boy bike immediately.

He's fallen off the deck, just once, so far. *sigh* That did not, btw, stop him from trying to step off it again....is that a boy thng?

The girls like Junie B story times before bed, the boy rocks a jam session with his playschool boom box, electric guitar and drum, bopping his head very serious before starting the jam (so adorable)..and his ever loving mommy in the audience. He's a one man band. Boy's got feeling.

Did I mention there is a little bit of bias when it comes to all things between a mommy and her boy....yes mom, now I get it. You win.

God is Good....all the time

2009-04-20T21:16:00.003-05:00

This is the current quote of a childhood friend of mine. He has it at the end of each email, he tosses it out on facebook every so often. It is his default. It's contagious, and blesses more people than he knows.

Daily I talk to people who have lost their jobs. Friends, acquaintances, family. It's tough when this happens to one person you know and you find yourself trying to encourage, be positive and sympathetic. But multiply it, and daily...well, I'm sure there are lots of you out there who are experiencing this and it just plain hard.

Take today alone - two people I know. One really worries me because her husband has been out of work for a few months now, they have little bitty ones - 4 to be exact, and they were also helping to support his mom. Now what?

The second, well her hubby is at a company that's struggling, and hers was the "steady" job, that she REALLY really enjoyed by the way.

You can't help but read an article or watch the news to hear one heart breaking story after another. Stories of great difficulty and need.

God have mercy. Christ HAVE mercy!

But in the ashes that is the hurt, the difficulty the uncertainty, there is also resilience. A light that still burns in the hearts of those that trust that God will get them through this all....that the end of these tough times will come and will be better than when it all began - Ecc 7:8.

They leave me in awe. They shame and humble me completely. Each day through their adversity, their hope and strength they scream to us all: God is Good, all the time, ALL THE TIME.

Amen. amen...

Food for thought

2009-03-23T17:19:00.007-05:00

you have to read this post - save the world

well said

ministry couple saying amen here

hubby and I work to keep this balance as well

its the ministry God permanently placed at the top of the listwhen he made us parents

stewards of most precious talents

if we don't get it right - what does the rest matter?

Baking..or something like it

2009-03-17T19:14:00.008-05:00

So every since I saw cake pops over at Bakerella's , I've been dying to give it a try. So the girlies and I gave it a whirl. Not bad for a first try. I did completely underestimate the amount of chocolate necessary here.

Pink sprinkles were ala the girlies, of course. There's girlie 2 licking the bowl of chocolate. These treats are ultra-sweet. you only need only, very satisfying. And they're cute too!

We used the red velvet mix, cream cheese frosting and white chocolate. This was the first time we've had red velvet anything - isn't this a southern thing - but have wanted to try it out for a while now.

So no surprise that I didn't realize how messy this could be? Very dangerous since the old owners of the house we recently bought installed cream carpet in the dinette area!

See it in the background there? This winter has been very harsh to it. It goes all the way through the entry area!! Anyway, subject for another blog...

Next try is going to be carrot cake and cream cheese for our ladies social this Friday. Yum yum.

We call it the "Ouch"

2009-03-13T19:31:00.002-05:00

Any mommy knows that she cannot brush her little girls head without the inevitable, "Ow, OW, OUCH!". Inevitable because it's heard any time a hair brush slightly hovers above a little girlies head of hair.

So given this fact, is it no surprise that the Boy picked up the hairbrush at 14 months, showed it to his mommy and said "OW, mama, OW" before proceeding to brush his hair - which he loves doing right now btw.

Yes little parakeet - that is what we call it here. Run along and brush your hair with the ouch now.

*sigh*

:)

Home sweet home

2009-03-06T20:09:00.001-06:00

I am blogging to you tonight via my lovely pink palm.

We're heading back to the hometown to visit family & friends. Cruisin' down the I94, listening to some smooth Salvador, kiddies are all snoozing in the back, with full tummies. It's all good.

The past week or so has been all about connecting with old friends.
And when I say old, well we're all older, but two people I reconnected with I've known literally since I was a babe.

There is nothing more invigorating and refreshing as the mental throwback that goes on when you reconnect with the people who were there when IT all began.

All that hope, excitement and exuberance all come flooding back with the nostalgia of going back to your roots..

Can you tell I'm excited and happy to be heading out for a visit to the land of my youth? :)

Wide world of prayer

2009-03-05T19:22:00.002-06:00

Without going into too much, I work at a wonderful place that actually pays me to sit down and develop my faith alongside my co-workers.

We're currently discussing the importance of prayer in our faith walks. This of course is nothing new, but I was struck by a thought today as I was doing my reading for the discussion.

Prayer has no definition! Mind you - there are components and parts. But I cannot fit "PRAYER" into a box or an equation, into an hour or an explanation. No explanation would suffice to encompass the depth and breadth that is prayer.

So often we lament that we need to pray more, as if prayer doesn't naturally fit into our busy lives and schedules. But prayer is like the breath we take. We cannot live without it. We cannot be without it.

It's purpose is to bring us closer to God. It is being in and around God. It is to think, speak and feel God not only in the moments when we close our eyes, or hide away in our meditation corner or prayer closet. It is being in love with God. It is my heart bursting and yearning for more.

When our every thought, our every step, our every word is deliberately lived to get closer to Him, to know Him better, and to honor Him - without ceasing -there is prayer.

Ponder that.

And this: http://lotsofscotts.blogspot.com/2009/03/prayer-and-vows.html

Hello New Year, Let us Hope and Pray

2009-01-05T21:29:00.002-06:00

Not my will Lord, but thine will be done. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. Acknowledge the Lord in all thine ways and he shall direct your paths.

If anything is certain, it’s that times are uncertain.

Each new year comes with a new hope and anticipation. Our energies are renewed, what seemed hopeless now seems to be possible. I still think about B. O.'s acceptance speech. It was filled with inspiration and encouraged Americans everywhere that we have the power make change and improve our situation, with hard work. He reassured us that this situation that has spiraled out of control, is no larger than our collective hands. He has placed the responsibility back in our hands.

I’m not naïve enough to believe that no one will try to cast blame, or expect him to change the world single handedly. What I'd like to believe is that his speech made enough people consider that the responsibility to fix what is broken in our nation, in our city’s and communities, and maybe even our personal lives, belongs to each one of us.

As we enter the new year with renewed energy, hoping to lose that weight or improve our finances, deciding that this year we will spend more time with our families, or make a difference in our churches and communities, his words are fuel to a small inner ember that only needs a slight breath of encouragement to ignite into a flame that is contagious, and God help us, effective.

In prayer and anticipation.

Boo hoo back to work

2008-12-30T18:35:00.002-06:00

Strange but true I head back to work tomorrow. I actually woke up today thinking about all the lovely year-end work I get to do over the next few days and weeks to transition from one year to the next. If only I could fast forward through it all. I can feel the ball of anxiety growing in my stomach already,

Each new year is always a mix of dread and excitement for me. Like most anyone else I think of fresh starts, making changes and getting things right. But that also means a lot a work and getting started again and well - frankly, I remember how exhausting the last round was.

But tonight I am still marveling at the smiles on the kiddos faces after a full week of attention from both mom and dad. Am loving the snow tonight and the fire burning, hot chocolate and leftovers, kids playing with brand new toys in their brand new pj's. I can hear their giggles and squeals. Hold on a moment while I pause to create a permanent memory of christmas time this year.

Lovely.

Story Check

2008-12-24T13:30:00.001-06:00

*Girlie1 wore a "Jesus loves me" snowman necklace to school. When she told her friends what it said, and they replied, "Who's Jesus?" She exlaimed: "Don't you know Jesus you lives in heaven and loves you? Christmas IS his birthay.", as she pointed up high in the sky.
Way to testify girl. Preach it to them!
*Baby Boy is now walking holding out his hands, as if he's driving a car, to balance. As with all things, there's no tentative steps, he just goes out of the gates like a thorough bred in the Kentucky derby.
*Girlie2 is as usual, salt and light, sweet as can be and stubborn as ever. She currently has a bad case of antsinthepants, and cannot sit without bouncing, or simply walk accross a room - she must skip or hop.

ARgh!!

2008-11-16T21:22:00.002-06:00

Ok. Who else is like me? I get a lovely new book, and one week later, last night precisely, I finished it. Actually, I did fairly well 'cause this was a busy week at work. Most of the time, they only last 3 days *blush*

I just can't set them down! Time to start hitting the library again. A reading addiction can get expensive when you run through them like I do.

The Joy of Predictable

2008-11-16T21:08:00.003-06:00

Since moving to the new house, our family routine has become more of routine. Or rather a better routine. I don't think what we did before could be called routine, unless general everyday chaos is a routine. Then we had it covered, in a horrible disruptive mess.

One of our major accomplishments is that we are eating a home cooked meal each night. Now they're not yet the example of health and nutrition, but compared to our previous menu of fast-food-take-your-pics from the take out menu - we're are doing excellent.

Girlie's were getting quite picky about what they were eating, and unfortunately their preferences were becoming chicken nuggets and fries, with the occassional apple slice option tossed in just to easy mom's guilt. They were completely leaning to a carb and preservative diet. Very bad news.

But since we've moved to our new home cooked menu, the consistency has made them braver and more willing to try what mom makes. It could be that they just realized that dining out was no longer an option, and their growling tummy's were overtaking their stubborn denial of homecooking. Either way, its going well.

So here's our menu. It's a rough sketch and offers some variety or ease, whichever the day or week calls for, that makes menu planning easier.

Monday - Chicken night.
Tuesday - Taco Night
Wednesday - Pasta Night
Thursday - Fish Night (or Leftover Night)
Friday - Fun Food Night
Saturday/Sunday - Red Meat Weekends.

Like I said, the ultimate menu for each can be easy or creative. Shopping is easier too - practically making the entire list staples. Toss in some sides - rice/starch/pasta and a veggie and have tortillas/bread/frozen rolls on hand - Voila. Lovely stuff. Whoever knew?? :)

The Weather Outside is Frightful

2008-11-09T17:49:00.003-06:00

After a few false starts, and a few 70 degree days in November (!), the cold winds have blown in. Running a few errands with a 6 and 4 year old, with a 10 month old on my hip, has taken on a whole new level of challenging.

So forgive me if I tell you that we cut our errand trip short, Mommy treated herself to a book buy, and we ran back home for an evening watching Ratatouille, and munching on fried chicken, bread and cheese. Yum.

But then back to my book. I could barely store away the groceries when I picked it up to delve into the first chapter. I am loving Sam's Club and the lovely low price they had on a book I've been waiting to read - Home to Holly Springs a la Jan Karon.

I jumped on the wagon years late after eyeing her first book at rummage sales across town. But I quickly caught up. pillaging every second hand store and yes, even WalM*art when desperate until after only a year, I had read through every last volume.

After a summer of selling a house and an autumn of getting settled in a new one, its so delicious to read a fiction book again. Stealing moments here and there, between "Mommy's?!", dirty dishes, laundry and my apparent career as a short order cook, the read is welcome.

What is better than curling up on the couch in your flannel PJ's, warm knit sweater, and a good book on a blustery and cold day.

All I need is the large and lovely sectional that we are expecting this week, and then the kiddos cold feet and squabbling over who's taking up more room on mommy's old college days plaid love seat - which was perfect when it was just me and hubby- will be a distant memory.

It is so lovely. Dark and leathery with a chaise on the end, just asking for lovely cozy throws. Something I've wanted for years and years and finally had an excuse to splurge on. Thank goodness for buy now and pay later deals. Believe me when I say it will contribute greatly to my keeping insanity at bay and the improving family contentment. Whoever had such high hopes for a piece of furniture?! :)

Moving on

2008-11-08T13:50:00.004-06:00

I hadn't shared that we had moved to a new house early this fall. Perhaps because I was traumatized by it all.

Our home was small, but we loved it. We knew, however, that we had to say goodbye to it. We were outgrowing it quickly and couldn't have friends and family over often, because it ended up being an uncomfortable standing room only wall to wall gathering.

With 3 of the 5 of us having winter birthdays, it was becoming frustrating having to set limits on who exactly we would invite to celebrate with us. Any edits or restrictions we placed on our party lists never seemed to be quite right.

Anyway, after a few months of limited effort to sell our house, we decided to actually de-clutter the very small house and have an open house. We really were only trying to prove to ourselves that there was really no interest out there. I mean, the housing market is what it is. So, much to our surprise, a few days later one of the people who walked through the open house actually made an offer. Our plan had been to take the house off the market and get creative about how we could continue to make the house work for us.

Of course, all this came right before our church's tenth anniversary. Something hubby and I were coordinating, as well as hosting the special speakers that we had lined up. I was also leading the choir for the event and was directing a youth drama. Needless to say, that along with the everyday business of taking care of three little ones, a household and a near full time job, well it was a lot to handle in a short period of time.

We received the offer, accepted, got serious about finding a new house, made a few offers, entered into some negotiations, bought a house, packed and moved all within a period of 2-1/2 weeks. Our realtors were so great. With hubby's odd work schedule, they were actually showing us houses at 9-10pm and trying to get us everything on our wish list. Quite honestly, knowing how the market was, they encouraged us to look higher than our price range so that we could get the best house. Ultimately we really did get a house that we just laughed about when the realtor first asked us to go see it. Really, it was above what we would have ever looked at.

But having been on the market over a year, the sellers were very very motivated. It was truly a blessing that they met us on an offer that was much, much below what they were asking, and what the house is worth but within the price range we had decided could work for us.

We ended up moving in a two day period. Closing on both houses on Wednesday morning. I wouldn't have closed on our new house, without the old house sale being sealed up. There are just too many horror stories about deals falling through out there. Our buyer was gracious enough to allow us a few days, fee free, to move out of the house.

But with 9 years of accumulated stuff and 3 very little kids - I had to wonder what we were thinking! I spent the entire summer clearing out every corner of the house. We had rummage sales and made countless trips to the goodwill and other second hand stores. But it seemed to be endless. Even while we were moving, there were some truckloads where we just left boxes in the uhaul to just go straight to donation.

I must be the ultimate pack rat - it drove me crazy to think of everything that we gave away. I hope someone is enjoying it all.

By the end of it all - I thought my feet were going to explode, and we were exhausted from head to toe.

It's nearly two months since we moved now, and I think we're finally getting settled. We've only hung pictures in one room, and there are still about half a dozen boxes sitting around the house waiting to be unpacked.

We've gained more than twice the amount of square footage and with that our mortgage has grown about that as well - a little scary and something it will take a bit to adjust to. Half of the rooms are empty and so are the closets, so we have room to grow.

The house is in great condition, and is basically a blank canvas for us to put our own touches to. It's definitely a place we can make home over time. Already the girlies and the boy are very comfortable here. And we can't say enough about the additional bathrooms here which are already invaluable with two girls in the house.

And we all fall down

2008-10-25T16:42:00.002-05:00

This week has been a peach. I started the week out by starting up some medication that I had been prescribed a few weeks back - but just kept putting off. WELL, what do you know - I have a reaction to the stuff - nauseous beyond belief, dizzy, slurred speech, burning sensation in my head and veins. Yucky, yucky stuff. Called the doctors office and they have me needlessly go into the ER because, they tell me, these were not listed side effects! Listed or not - the only thing that had changed in my world was this prescription. I have never taken anything on a regular basis and was willing to try this out to deal with...well let's just say some personal issues...and well that will teach me won't it?

So after about 3 days of feeling really bad, waiting for the stuff to leave my system. Hubby has a sleepness night of - some nasty stomach bug - meaning so did I, and in the wee hours of the morning I start feeling the same. Except, of course, I'm a woman - so I don't stay home to ride it out, I GO TO WORK! Yes, I'm insane.

About 3 hours in - and it's just worse, so I head home and thank goodness because then it got really bad.

Girlie 1 started her awful experience with this bug last night. Very messy, and mom and dad still not fully recovered made it all the more horrible for us all.

Baby boy has had a mild version of it all week - but he had a rough night too - kept waking up abruptly crying. Poor boy.

The last one standing is Girlie 2. Let's all say a prayer for Girlie 2. Maybe she'll be the one to escape it.

Not the TOOTH FAIRY!!!!

2008-10-23T16:04:00.002-05:00

Two stories here, I just have to share.

1. So my DD (age 6) lost her first upper tooth. She looks adorable. And talks like "thith" now. Like I said ADORABLE. So mommy has a cold and asked dear old dad to make sure the tooth fairy came last night.

Well of course DH forgets, so DD is so sad this morning because the tooth fairy dissed her! It can break a momma's heart - so I enter into this elaborate tale about how she DD came to our bed last night, so the tooth fairy must have come by and thought there was a mistake because there was no little girl in that bed, so she didn't check for the tooth and I'm sure she'll come tomorrow (cue: give DH the look of flying daggers).

2. At which point DD tells me she was afraid to sleep in her room last night. Surprising, since she's slept in her room on her own for quite some time now. So then she asks - how big IS the tooth fairy? And how does she get into our house at night?

!!!! OMG, she is afraid that this huge creepy fairy is going to sneak into her room and freak her out!

Enter into elaborate lie #2 where I tell her that the tooth fairy is like Tinkerbell except much smaller and can't fly faster than we can see. Well no - I've never seen her. Nobody has since she's so very small and so very fast.

But, momma, if she's so small - how can she carry the money?

!!!

Ummm - magic?

She then gave me the look.

yup - mommy's a big liar and she let's huge hairy fairy's into the house to sneak into your room at night, who diss you anyway.

IN OTHER NEWS, baby broke his first tooth yesterday. Awww... it's about time, almost 10 months old!!

Special Categories

2008-03-29T10:51:00.005-05:00

I didn't know that adding a third child qualified us for the "bunch of kids" group. Adding one more child to our idealic & quaint family of four made us a "whopping" family of five and suddenly merits us for comments such as - who will babysit, ALL those kids?, or when you have A LOT OF KIDS. .....

Goodness! Who knew adding such a little boy could move us so monumentally into another category.

I was able to escape to my women's retreat last weekend, where I found I was suddenly in this super secret society of women who are in the "boy's club". I knew I was surprisingly enamoured with my baby boy. But that other mom's of my group had this special place in their hearts for the bond they had with their boys as well - well I never knew. It is so much different than with the girlies. And while I love them and understand them, I think better than their daddy, I understand their special bond with their dad and always knew it would be that way. But no one had ever shared with me the special bond between a mother and son. Maybe because mom's don't like to disclose anything that would sound like favortism, or maybe because sons don't really talk about it out loud. But it's an interesting discovery.

I remember hearing a song once that I thought was a romantic love song. But in listening to the words I realized that the guy was singing to his mother! I was shocked - please, I thought, what is with THIS guy?? My husband treats his mom with special consideration too - and while I never heard him croon about her in song - I know he shows her an affection that not all of his siblings do. He's a good guy, and I've never questioned that I'm the love of his life and he would absolutely choose me if ever he had to choose, but I know there's something special there - something I guess I love him for. Respect and love for your mother is always a good quality, while I will admit that a few mother-son relationships I've observed in my life have disturbed me a bit.

My point(s) being - I never knew I wanted a son until I had one. I think every woman would be blessed to have a son. Having a son opens your eyes to your husbands relationship with his mother.

And did I mention, I love having a little boy to cuddle? :)

Baby boy update

2008-03-06T17:18:00.002-06:00

Baby boy is growing so fast. A hearty 10.5 lbs now, he received his first shots last week. He also gave us a scare and started crying unconsolably a few hours later, his right leg was swollen and he spiked a temp that tylenol was not bringing down. So needless to say, his first urgent care visit at 8 weeks was made. Poor guy. Thank goodness I was still nursing - that finally settled him down. Of course, then he was all grins and coo's for the doctor. Typical of my kids :)

But yes, he's all grins and coo's now, and has this shy/flirty look away that he does. He's also trying to work the hands now. Bringing them to his mouth of course, and reaching for toys in his little jungle mat. He doesn't have it quite yet, but it's adorable to watch him try.

And also - thankfully - he's spending more time in his bouncer or floor mat - which has mommy doing a mad dash trying to catch up on the last two months of bills, church books and yikes - I have to get to those taxes soon! Especially since I'm at the end of maternity leave now, the hospital bills are becoming urgent, and yes we are definitely running low on the dinero.

If only someone would pay me to just be a mommy!

Time goes by...

2008-02-07T13:27:00.000-06:00

Today marks Baby Boy's 6th week. And also the first night he's sleep through completely (6 hrs!!!!) I can't complain really. Although he does demand lots of attention during the day, hugs and holding, he has been a lovely little boy in the area of sleeping at night. 3-4 hrs is heavenly for a newborn, but to stretch to 5-6 hours - well what can you say about that.

It also means I have to go for my 6 week checkup tomorrow. (Ugh!)

It comes with lots of reflection, like the fact that we've survived the first 6 weeks with our third child. How that third child makes a huge difference to the routine we had established as a family, and how all things can be brand new again when you go from a household of girls and add a little boy.

Looking though some items this week, I ran across a picture of the girlies back when girlie 2 was only a few months old, and I can't believe how big they've grown, and I wonder - did I miss something? Will I forget all those precious moments of their teeny tiny tender years?

It reminds me to document all those little, seemingly insignificant firsts, temperments, comments and whatever else they may ask me about one day, that I will likely forget. Hubby and I often sit and talk late night during baby boy's feedings trying to recall if girlie 1 or girlie 2 did some of the things that baby boy does - and we're lucky if we do remember something.

It also makes me consider my health, my relationship with God, and assess where I'm at with the great gift his had the grace to grant me - motherhood - 3x!

I was reading Roman's 7 today, and if not always, now more than ever I find myself being hard on myself. I've made a lot of mistakes. Offenses I find unforgiveable when I consider these failings have been in the area of parenting my little little children.

These are the questions we all ask ourselves at one time or another. There's nothing like a new baby to consider it all again.

So I just want to remind myself - to love a little more, listen a little more, stop and smell the roses and study life a little more through the innocent eyes of my children. Don't forget that they are primere in life. A the other busyness is only that.... busyness - let it go. Don't forget to let it go.

Welcome Baby Boy

2008-01-10T14:13:00.000-06:00

Its was a whirlwind holiday season, with the early arrival of Baby Boy smack dab in the middle of x-mas and the new year.

I think we all overdo things during the holidays, attending events, extra choir practices and programs at church, shopping, family traditions - but add being about 36 weeks pregnant in the mix - and well, what happens is sometimes little babies decide they want to join in on the fun.

Actually, I had gest. diabetes - that had to be treated w/insulin - this time around. And, as the doctor put it, my placenta was taking a beating and losing - so we had to evict the little guy. If nothing else, it just confirmed for us that we would be settling w/ 3 of the 4 we had planned on years and years ago. A family of five, we are now complete.

This was the longest labor I've had = about 12 hours total. Which I know some people would take in a heartbeat - but considering 3 hours was my longest w/ the girlies, I was beyond being done when that 12th hour arrived. I was doing alright (not great - I was in labor!) but baby boy wasn't and that had me and hubby worried.

Poor boy kept moving out of position - and when I finally delivered, we found out why - his cord was wrapped around his neck. Thank GOD that he was born naturally and okay. Toward the end I kept thinking I was not going to escape a dreaded c-section 'cause baby boy's heartrate kept dropping.

The first week home baby boy was jaundiced, so we also got a first experience with a bili-blanket. It was sad and humorous all at once - when we hooked him up he lit up like ET! And he was such a trooper - he bore it well, even when they poked his foot and drew vials of blood from his heal for 5 days straight - he didn't scream, just whimpered and bore it like the little man he is.

Thank heavens his color is better and he's up a pound! We are all enamoured w/him at the moment. Enjoying these early, sleepy days w/ the newborn.

Countdown

2007-11-28T19:45:00.000-06:00

The countdown begins. In the next six weeks there will be activities and festivities galore. In the midst of it all, I will be trying to attack an accountants year end activities before the actual year end, do preliminary audit preparation - endure an internal control audit, update insurance policies, deal with... well I'll just stop before I overwhelm myself again.

I know I shouldn't be so vested, but yet I find myself staying later and later at work (either in office or at home). Something I thought I had learned my lesson on before.

And am I ever nesting! 'Cause did I mention at that end of these six weeks, we will be adding a family member! Which is exciting but unfortunately is another item on my impending to do/prepare for. Isn't that awful?

So no, I haven't started baby preparations, this pregnancy has been difficult and tiring, and Girlie 2 is old enough now that I am wondering - what were we thinking? Its fun, and yet a chore, the fact that we need to buy new baby clothes and equipment, since after two girlies, and the fact that everything is/was pink, worn out or given away 'cause I couldn't bear to have all of those clothes sitting unused! Plus I was paying it forward. A good friend of mine has supplied her girls hand me downs and toys. I thought I should do the same, and forfeit the 50 cents I might get for some of it in a garage sale.

So looking forward to 2008, when you know what - there will be nothing I can do to save the world, neither here or at work. I will have to succumb to days of baby cuddling and tending my little ones. There's the light..... let the countdown begin.

Snutty

2007-09-25T19:37:00.000-05:00

Snutty

Definition- Sneaking around eating nuts

Used in a sentence: The squirrels are being snutty.

Courtesy of: Girlie 1

The squirrels have invaded our backyard. They're quite obnoxious too. They lounge, yes lounge, on our yard furniture and chew on their acorns. Even when we head out into the yard, they'll stay a few seconds too long, before they decide to lug their chubby behinds back into the tree or into the neighbor's yard.

We went pumpkin and apple picking this weekend w/friends. They're from Milwaukee so were shocked at the prices at the family owned apple farm that we like to take the girls to. They were practically shouting - only $2.50 for this pumpkin?! Do you know how much they charge in Milwaukee?? The hay ride is FREE??!! How much for the apples? - Honey go get some MORE!

Shhh!!! - silly city folks :) But it's true. We've been w/them to some of the overly commercial apple farms around Milwaukee. It's nearly robbery what they charge.

We got some nice pumpkin picks that I was going to set outside with fall decorations - but alas, the snutty squirrels will probably tear right into them and make a mess ala last autumn.

Snutty Squirrels!!

Watch out for Pokey Potato Chips

2007-09-11T17:25:00.000-05:00

Dear Girlie 1 found mommy's book about how a fetus grows in the womb. I found it in her room while cleaning, and quietly took it back and put it away.

A day or so later, she asked me - does the doctor need scissors to take the baby out sometimes?Does it hurt?

So I explained that sometimes doctors have to help the baby out of the placenta which, I explained, is like a bag that the baby grows inside of to protect the baby and help it grow healthy.

Girlie 1 was concentrating very hard as I explained this, so I asked, Do you understand?

She said: Yeah. The baby has to grow inside a bag to protect it so that when you eat potato chips, they don't poke it in the eye, 'cause potato chips are very pokey!

!!!

What can I say to that logic? :)

Happy B-Day Girlie 1

2007-08-20T19:52:00.000-05:00

Girlie 1 turned 5 today! I cannot believe it's been 5 years since our little sunshine arrived. I can't believe it's only been 5 years!! I can't remember what it was like not having her around. I wouldn't want to.

I've had these moments of anxiety. You could chalk it up to the pregnancy hormones, and that's likely it, but I just have these moments when I just want to round her back up, homeschool her, anything to keep her close and to keep the influences of the world just plain away.

What a scary realization - that her going to kindergarden will forever affect who she is, what she knows, and what she'll become. I don't like it. Not today anyway. I know all the other working mom's around me are convinced, or maybe they are still trying to convince themselves, when they tell me it's time to let go, let her move forward, let her move on.

Are you kidding me?? She's 5. She's still my little, so little, girl. No I don't like that advice today.

But then, today isn't about me, is it :)

It's my little girlie's b-day. And she is so proud to be 5. She is the most generous little heart too. She got two Barbie's for her b-day. And without batting an eye, she gave one to her sister so they could play together. She told her she could use it until it's her b-day and then she can give it back when she get's her own.

Is this really my child? :)

BTW

2007-08-13T21:56:00.000-05:00

BTW - An announcement....

Yes it's true. We will be "A 5 Family" as Girlie 1 puts it. She is so very excited. She's drawing diagrams of the baby's room and how we should set it up. She's making up lists in her head of all the equipment we need. And she's volunteered to change the baby's diaper! But I have to buy her gloves first - yes, also according to her.

She cracks me up, my little going to be 5 soon, girl. Oh, and she's announcing the news to the neighbors, family, friends, acquaintances, strangers at the grocery store - no secret here.

Girlie 2 on the other hand, isn't taking it so well. I suppose if you've been the baby your whole life, news of a NEW baby could be upsetting. When we told her, she gave us this mean look - like we had betrayed her, and proclaimed: "But I want to be the baby".

We have had to give her extra hugs, and quiet talks. She's not quite happy about it yet, but she's warming up to it. Although she has been a little - um agressive, stubborn, and well she cries whenever she doesn't get her way - and did I mention she's stubborn?

Yes, I think we'll be taking that little - so you're going to be a big sister - class they offer at the hospital. Oh, and extra, extra, extra time, talks, hugs and kisses for the big sister to be - and lots of prayers.

Kindergarden Here I Come

2007-08-13T21:42:00.000-05:00

Girlie 1 started her summer school course - getting ready for Kindergarden. It was a big day for us all.

Girlie's 1 & 2 and I went down to the elementary school to get our big girl started on the school days chapter of her life.

I think I was more nervous than Girlie 1. Although, when it came time to starting class, she did need me to hang out a bit while she got comfortable. But that didn't take too long.

I think I was more concerned. Being used to day care and the sign-in's and outs, and the locked down nature of the place. Well, even though they do lock down the school, I couldn't help but be a little worried. And the way they just walk the kids out. Now it's good that the teachers walk out and stay outside until it's all clear to keep an eye on the kids - I just am not accustomed to it. Overprotective? Yes, I know. I can't help it.

Poor Girlie 2 was all shook up by the whole event. Being separated from your sister for the first time is hard to understand. And why she couldn't start a new school, or stay at Kindergarden - well, she didn't like it one bit.

She refused to get out of the van at day care. And poor girlie cried, a first, when I left her with her teacher.

Ultimately, I was very, very late for work. Which wasn't too horrible. I needed a short day after that - I was exhausted.

Like I said, a very big day for all. The girlies were of course overtired and are now very much asleep. Big Big Day.

Forever and A Day

2007-06-29T18:57:00.000-05:00

And the months go by! Yes, I'm still here and have horribly neglected this little blog.

All the happenings of Girlie 1 and Girlie 2 that I've neglected to document here these past months.

It all started with an audit at work that wouldn't stop. Well this week I was finally able to put it to bed. There were some rough moments in there, but thanks be to God, I can see the light of day again.

Toward the end, hubby, girlies and I were able to escape to a lovely resort and the girls went ga-ga over the massive indoor and outdoor waterparks.

Girlie 1 practically turned into a fish, we could not pull her away from the pool and the high slides she managed to muster up the bravery to slide down on her own.

It is unbelievable how much she's stretched over the past few months. Gone is all the toddler chubbiness, and the preschool fits. She is officially the WHY-girl and ready for Kindergarden. We can't ride to the grocery store without an endless attack of the WHY this and WHY that. And apparently I don't know enough answers to satisfy her. Yes, she told me so. "Mom, you need to know ALL the answers." So much for being honest with this one, but surely the girl stumps me sometimes. I truly have no answers for the why's of some of the practices of humanity. I mean, that's just the way it is.

Of course her first concern was that she needed money to go to school (mind you, she has no idea about the concept of money- or so I thought??). I asked her why she thought she needed money to go to school, and she tells me ' "Mom, I need to get a backpack! So I can carry my books, and necklaces, my lipstick and bracelets." Oh boy!

Girlie 2, on the other hand has become extremely sensitve, clingly - oh, at a hearty 40 minus 2 lbs wants dear daddy to carry her everywhere. (My daddy tells me that I was the same - OF COURSE!) Poor daddy's arms are sore, but he's developing some big muscles! :) But we'll take it. Soon enough she'll be off and we'll long for those moments when she needs to hold mommy's hand, just because.

Girlie 2 came along to Girlie 1's kindergarden orientation. I think it was tough on Girlie 2, first being separated from Girlie 1, while she spent time with her new teacher and class - all on her own. And basically because this is the first time Girlie 1 is doing something that's all her own.

Poor Girlie 2, the tragedy of being so close in age to your dear sister and experiencing the change as Girlie 1 steps out without Girlie 2 at her side.

GOOD NEWS! They've agreed to let me cut back on work hours. So next week officially begins more time at home with the girlies to enjoy the summer. And once Fall comes around, I'll be able to drop off and pick up Girlie 1 from school, be there for the homework help - and YES!! actually have a homecooked dinner for my little pixies each night (hubby is exited about that one too ) - should be a nice relief to the pocketbook.

Exciting times. Glad to be back ! :)

Cold, colds, bugs and ...gross

2007-03-18T12:09:00.000-05:00

This is the fourth week we haven't been to church. 1 'cause we were out of town. But 3, count 'em 3 because one of us has been sick in some way or form.

Now those of you who aren't use to or can't stomach the frank talk of the in and outs, quite literally, of young children --- stop reading now.

But really, I could do without a weekend of vomiting, runny noses and especially diarrhea. That which plagued our poor Girlie 2 derailing her potty training - sigh and double sigh.

Cleaning up after Girlie 1 this weekend after, lets see her 3rd regurgitation today is no joy when your own head is spinning, eyes watering and nose is running like a leaky faucet. Not to mention the general appealing and sexy feeling of needing a bath and a major disinfecting of all things surrounding you.

I had planned to do some major organizing, which has gone largely ignored the past few weeks due to demands at work, not to mention the craft fest intended for the girlies, which never seems to get realized.

Yes, I know - boo hoo for me. I'll stop now.

In The Wilderness

2007-03-18T12:00:00.000-05:00

It was Joyce Meyer's frankness and gruffness that at first put me off. But perhaps its actually because she often hits the nail on the head. Something I've grown to appreciate and look forward to.

I enjoy listening to her testimony. It often really seems to be a recounting of my own. A blessing really, to have visual living proof that if I preservere, and endure the longsuffering, that there is hope that I can find and become the person God intended for me to be.

Three points today that really hit home:

Lacking friendship. I am not a people person. I am not a person who has cultivated friendships. Partly because I'm introverted - I enjoy people, but need extra long periods of refueling and personal quiet time after much interaction. Sometimes I regret this fact, and it wouldn't seem that this is a characteristic of a person involved with ministry - nevertheless, it's true. What I've never stopped to consider, is perhaps God has not given me many or varying friendships because I really need to cultivate my relationship with him first. Before he will bless me with those strong, steady, always there friends that I long for, God wants me to know and learn to depend on him. I just read somewhere that we should learn that we shouldn't expect friendships/relationships/marraiges to fill the needs and desires within us that only Jesus can fill. Once we learn that, we're much more useful to others and to ourselves.
Longsuffering is Lo-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-ngsu-u-u-u-u-u-u-u-ffering. So just like the Isrealites, God's chosen people, wandered in the desert for 40 years before they reached the promiseland - why do I wander through this wilderness of my life asking, "When, God, when will I arrive?" 3 years or 5 years is just a start.
If you really desire that sweet spot God has designed for each and everyone one of us, we have to desire it. When my husband and I were dating, he would tell me he loved me, to which I would always respond - prove it. We need to prove that we desire the higher blessing and privileges God would have us achieve. These higher blessings cost personal committment to better ourselves and to commune with God. I know I'm guilty of often falling short.

It's not as if I dont' know these things already, but sometimes you need someone to say it, remind you and tell it like it is to help you stay (or get back) on track and give your soul's battery a jump to continue the journey with hope.

Regarding Books

2007-03-12T21:20:00.000-05:00

I am in need of a little funishness. (I think I may have just created a word! - What is funishness? Foolishness that is fun of course!)

Found over at Rocks in my Dryer. Have you played along yet?

Hardback or trade paperback or mass market paperback? Mass Paperback - I loves me a deal!
Amazon or brick and mortar? Brick and Mortar to browse, and read a bit before I decide. I like finding the things I would never have thought to look for - know what I mean? Amazon if I know what I want and want and am willing to wait for that cheap-o price.
Barnes & Noble or Borders? Barnes & Noble - but I admit it's only because there's a Starbucks in there. When I get to escape for some me time - it's where I go for an uninterruped coffee treat and some book browsing - no little people to chase or pull down from the shelves. Bookmark or dogear? Bookmark - but can be anything from a clothes tag to, yes, sometimes I actually have a real bookmark.
Alphabetize by author or alphabetize by title or random? Title - when I can get to it. But the bookshelves are full right now - so they're actually stacked on my dresser, under the bed, beside the sofa....
Keep, throw away, or sell? KEEP. To a fault. I sometimes break down and sell, but then I inevitably look for it a few months later and regret it, even if I think I so done with it!
Keep dustjacket or toss it? Keep it.
Read with dustjacket or remove it? Remove.
Short story or novel? Both. Usually go for a good Novel for summertime. Short stories during busy times.
Collection (short stories by same author) or anthology (short stories by different authors)? Collection. Once I find an author I really like, it's just a joy to read several stories by the same one.
Harry Potter or Lemony Snicket? I really like Harry right now.
Stop reading when tired or at chapter breaks? When tired, but I'm infamous for not stopping and reading a book through during an all nighter. I very often regret it when I'm a zombie the next day.
“It was a dark and stormy night” or “Once upon a time”? Once upon a time. I want a happy escape. I think my imagination is too creative, or disturbed maybe?, to read the dark and stormy nights.
Buy or Borrow? Both.
New or used? Both.
Buying choice: book reviews, recommendation or browse? Recommendation and browse.
Tidy ending or cliffhanger? Tidy ending. I need closure.
Stand-alone or series? I am really into series right now. I like when a good stories continues and follows the lives of the characters. Like Mitford - LOVE THAT SERIES.
Favorite series? Again, I say, MITFORD
Favorite children's book? Mexicali Soup - It's out of print and crazy ridiculous to buy on e-bay. I had one as a kid, and it got left behind when we moved. I'm still not over it.
Favorite books read last year? Finished the Mitford series.
Favorite books of all time? Pride and Prejudice.
Least favorite book you finished last year? Yeah, can't say I've finished a book I didn't like. If I don't like it, I usually toss it off and pick up something better.
What are you reading right now? Who God Peanut Butter on my Daily Planner?
What are you reading next? Having a Mary Spirit.

Close as we're gonna get

2007-03-12T21:14:00.000-05:00

Friday was take out night, so hubby went to pick up some chinese food. Girlie 1 is the question queen these days. Here's a conversation he recounted to me that went on as they picked up the food:

Girlie 1: Daddy, what is this place?
Daddy: It's a restaurant.
Girlie 1: It is?
Daddy: Yes.
(Girlie takes a look around)
Girlie 1: Are we in China?
(Cashier and cooks think this is tremendously funny :)

Better late than never

2007-03-04T18:25:00.000-06:00

Blog Party - Introduction to ME!

Mom to two sweet, energetic girls.
Wife to a loving husband.
Wife to a pastor.
Accountant
That works outside the home
But like many working moms dreams of staying home
currently considering having a third child
my maiden name means flowers in spanish (thought it was the coolest name when I was a teen)
my married name means "to sing"
which I love to do by the way
at church, at home, in the car - you get it.
a midwest girl - born and raised
that loves to travel
but hasn't much in the last 4 years
busy raising the girlies
wondering where the time goes
has learned its true that they're only babies for a very short time
love to read
own tons of books
i have the tendency to sign up with home businesses for the discount
i love to cook
have piles of recipe books
i love to laugh
love romantic comedies
my current favorite movie is Pride and Prejudice
was last My Big Fat Greek Wedding
before that was Emma
before that was French Kiss
Yes I own them all
i'm 31
spanish impaired latina for most of my life
which I remedied by taking 6 years of spanish classes
would love to take some cooking classes
and have my own food network show
I watch food network way to much
which is evidenced by my girlies who mimic Rachael Ray
trying my best to do my best raising up the treasures God has trusted me to raise
am currently in the trenches of potty training a reluctant girlie 2
having fun getting girlie 1 ready for kindergarden in the fall
love God
love my family
been blogging for about 3 years
found WAH about then - great group of women

We'll that's much more than a start :)

Sopito

2007-03-04T16:43:00.000-06:00

Grandma gave Girlie 2 a toy dog for her b-day. She named him sopito. It's either because her grandma always feeds her sopa (soup) when she goes over or it's Dora related. I think one of the characters is name Pepito.

Either way, it's creative. Hubby and I think it's adorable.

Flash

2007-03-04T15:52:00.000-06:00

Thursday we had another storm. This one icier and, well - scarier.

After picking up the Girlies, I found that my windshield wipers weren't working like they should, so I hopped out of the van to fiddle with them. The flakes the were falling were huge, and there was ice falling as well. Visibility was low.

So now that I've set it up, when I did, suddently there was a series of 3 flashes. It was so bright, I was blinded for a second and really confused. And it was followed a few seconds later by the scariest, longest rumble of thunder.

Needless to say, I achieved new speeds as I quickly hopped back into my van. It was an eerie drive home.

Lightning in a snow storm. I've lived in Wisconsin my whole life, and this was a first for me in my memory. It must have been the way the light bounced off of the flakes, but it was also the brightest I'd ever seen.

In hindsight, it was pretty awesome.

Sunday Snow

2007-03-04T14:16:00.000-06:00

Sunday was Girlie 2's B-day. It was the day of our biggest snowstorm this year. It was beautiful. We spent the day together, relaxed and happy. Girlies played outside and we made a snowman, had a snowball fight and played princess of the mountain.

All the neighbors were out, shoveling and snowblowing and catching up after what's been a very cold, nearly snowless winter.

We bought Girlie 2 a cookie cake with snowmen. She loved it.

Jesus watch over us through the night as we sleep

2007-02-25T12:47:00.000-06:00

"Jesus watch over us through the night as we sleep.." is part of our nighttime prayers. You never know how the little ones interpret what you say each night until they just lay it out.

Conversation between Girlie 1 and Girlie 2 overhead:

Girlie 1: Jesus sleeps with us at night.
Girlie 2: Yeah, God takes care of us when we sleep.
Girlie 1: God doesn't sleep. He stays up all night. Jesus sleeps all the time.
Girlie 2: Jesus is a sleepy head.

!!

We did have a conversation after that to discuss what that line really means to us.

Swonderings

2007-02-19T17:16:00.000-06:00

Today's Swonderings is from Margaret Mason No One Cares What You Had for Lunch: 100 Ideas for Your Blog

You can live your whole life following the path of least
resistance. No risks, no unknowns, no discomfort. And goodness knows that we all dream of a tombstone that reads, "I was comfortable."

Tell us about the biggest risk you could take in your life
right now. It doesn't have to be cliff-diving dramatic. Perhaps it would be easier to jump out of a plane than to go after your dream job. Or maybe something that seems simple to other people is terrifying to you. What would you risk if you had the nerve?

Ok. This is a bit of deja vu for me (yes been here and done that). But the biggest risk I could take, is to stay home with my kids.

A few months ago I received a promotion and significant raise. Rather than being excited about it, I was actually resentful. It made me feel trapped. Like: "How could I rationalize walking away from this?"

I know the answer. My kids of course!

But I also remember what it was like coming up short when it came to bill paying time, the guilt of not contributing to the household finances and moments of feeling like I couldn't pull it off - yes, the perfect mommy syndrome. I know we're on track for getting a bigger house (our's is tiny), in a better neighborhood, by better schools. But my babies are 3 and 5 now. Where has all the time gone? I definitely can't get it back.

And yet I struggle! Lets see.... stressful job vs. priceless moments with my fast growing girls.

A struggle???

Go figure.

So if you're reading this, pray for me! I need courage to take the leap. If not now, when??

Exhausted

2007-02-19T16:51:00.000-06:00

"Master, we toiled all night and caught nothing. But on the ground of Your word, I will lower the nets." Luke 5:5

Its been an exhausting couple of weeks. The company I work at is relocating (big move), we had a pledge drive (long hours), it's time to close up the end of the year (translation for an accountant = nightmare), and the girlies and I have been playing tag: Tag, you're sick now.

I always thought that once you got through the infant period, your nights were full sleep nights. NOT - add that to the "things I wish someone would have told me before.." book.

So in the midst of sick and whining girls, swimming heads and nausea, demanding work schedules, and difficult co-worker interactions - well it's easy to get caught up in the dreariness of it all. Pop in some extra cold and cloudy weather, and it's easy to lose perspective.

But the blessing in all of this is just when I'm ready to throw in the towel, and I basically do by not going into work these past few days - succumbing to the fact that YES, I'm sick, literally, and tired, I find the moments.

The little moments that I wonder if I'm missing. The goofy moments, the silly moments, the silent moments that make you realize: it's all good. My kids are good (come on - you know you wonder sometimes too), my husband is great, a home cooked meal is awesome, and God does have a plan and purpose for my life. A plan of abundance.

Just like when Peter and his crew were exhausted, discouraged and really didn't want to go fishing one more time, they did 'cause He told them to press on and hold on. By not giving up, just when they thought they couldn't any longer, they found God stepping in just in time. The abundance God had for them was just one more net cast into the sea.

So for all you tired mommies out there: Keeping on keeping on. You never know what's waiting for you right over the horizon :)

Cooking 101

2007-02-16T17:27:00.000-06:00

Girlies have colds, and mom wasn't feeling much better. But the day at home was productive. Girls made this for lunch. Very easy for budding preschool cooks:

Ham & Cheddar in a Loaf

1 lb. frozen bread or pizza dough, thawed
1 pkg. (9 oz.) OSCAR MAYER Shaved Smoked Ham
1 cup KRAFT Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1/4 cup MIRACLE WHIP Dressing
1 egg, beaten
1 Tbsp. KRAFT 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese

PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Place dough on lightly floured surface; flatten slightly with hands, then roll into 12x8-inch rectangle with a rolling pin. (If dough is difficult to roll, cover with plastic wrap and let stand at room temperature for 30 min. before rolling out.)

TOP dough evenly with ham, overlapping slices slightly and leaving a 1/2-inch border around all sides.

MIX Cheddar cheese and dressing; spread evenly over ham.

MOISTEN edges of dough with water. Starting at one of the long sides of dough, fold 1/3 of the dough over filling and then repeat with other long side of dough. Firmly pinch ends of dough together to seal. Place, seam side down, on lightly greased baking sheet.

CUT three diagonal slits in top of dough with kitchen shears. Brush evenly with beaten egg; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

BAKE 35 to 40 min. or until golden brown. Cool 10 min. before cutting into six slices to serve.

From Kraft

LOST!

2007-02-15T22:23:00.000-06:00

Yes, I am one of the many lost, completely absorbed in the series.

Had to quote Semicolon who gave me a chuckle. My thoughts exactly - what a sci-fi geek I am!

Oh, and they can’t kill off Charlie. If the Orcs couldn’t kill him and Saruman couldn’t get him, then what chance has a puny old universe that can’t even keep Desmond from buying a ring that he wasn’t supposed to buy? And if the universe self corrects, what was the white-haired lady so upset about? It would all get corrrected anyway, right?

The things kids say

2007-02-15T22:19:00.000-06:00

Last night Girlie 1 fell asleep before we were able to change her into her pajamas. As Daddy tried to change her clothes, while she slept, in a complete state of sleep she declared "I'm not a toy!" and continued to sleep.

!!!! We both fell over laughing. Who is this girl? :)

First Valentine

2007-02-13T22:13:00.000-06:00

Girlie 1: Mommy, I have a Valentine. A boy valentine.
Mommy: Really! What's your Valentines name?
Girlie 1: Jacob Joe-bee-lee-us
Mommy: How do you know he's your Valentine?
Girlie 1: Because I told him he was!

(Silly mommy)

Flower so Rare

2007-02-05T23:07:00.000-06:00

Ms D published this recently - I had to repeat here - love it!

I wandered through my garden
on a lovely summers day
gazing at the beauty
of the flowers in full array.

The snapdragon so colorful
the poppy red and bold
I reached to touch the sunflower
with her petals of yellow gold.

In the garden I saw the lily,
so white and ever pure
the marigold so hardy
and the petunias galore.

Yet by the garden wall
there stood, my lovely velvet rose
Her beauty more magnificent
than any that I chose.
Her colors were so delicate
her scent a pure delight

I never saw the thorns she bore
too late, I felt the bite.
I jumped back for a moment
I couldn't understand why
a flower so soft and lovely
could hurt, and make me cry.

But still her beauty captured me
and once again I tried,
but this time I was careful
not to touch the bitter side.

In the garden of the children
there are beauties everywhere
the delicate and pretty
and the ones with charm so rare.

There are those who will grow stronger
in the pleasant summer sun
there are some that fade and wither
despite love from everyone.

But the rarest of the children
are the ones who bear the thorn
the children who will struggle
from the day that they are born,

But they also bear the beauty
of the soft and gentle rose
their scent is of most bittersweet
and this is the child, I chose.

And reaching out to touch him
I felt his prickle there
but once again I stretched my hand
and found the beauty rare.

In the garden of the children
where they grow so wild and free,
I picked the one who has a price
and found the one for me.

Sally Meyer

To Disney or not to Disney

2007-02-05T22:46:00.000-06:00

That is the question on our minds right now. Hubby and I have debated about when the perfect time to go to Disney would be for our little flowers. They are respectively 4 and 3(almost!). I know they are a bit young, but I think Girlie 1 would think it's the most, and Girlie 2 would enjoy it too.

Of course I know that in a few more years, they would will just go ga-ga over the castle etc etc, but the truth is - I need a vacation, in a warm climate. And seeing as a caribbean island vacation will likely not be happening anytime soon in the next decade, I figure Disney is my chance!! Plus I have family right in Orlando - my very best friend/cousin/maid of honor - who just had her first baby this past year and is already brewing # 2!!

I've been pricing out different locations - and wow, traveling with 4 definitely costs more than 2. I am SO GLAD, hubby and I did lots of traveling before the kids - 'cause wow was it ever a steal when it was just the two of us.

But the cutest thing ever was when Girlie 1 saw a Disney commercial recently and, in awe, turns to me and said: "Mom, what IS that place?? Can I go there?" As if it were the best place EVER - it was adorable!

Even funnier was when she saw a second commerical with a mom and daughter and the mom turns into a kid. She tells me - MOM, you can be a kid like me there!

She didn't like the looks of the roller coasters though. She then told me - Mom, I want to wait until I'm a big girl to go there. But MOM, I want to go there still okay. But when I'm a big girl. Alright?

I can't stand it - she's a hoot!

Self-Control & Discipline

2007-02-01T22:17:00.000-06:00

Self-control and discipline are two things I am in short supply of. My short temper, my impatience, my weight, the sharp tongue; yes, it's very evident that self-control is a virtue I am not even close to mastering- much to my shame. How can I be useful to myself, my kids, my husband, my church, my community - to GOD, need I say more, if I don't have self control?

Proverbs 25:28 says it perfectly: "He who has no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down and without walls."

It was one of those days. The kind of day where I didn't react rationally or wisely. The kind of day I wish there were a rewind button and I could undue, start over and get it right. Make better choices and listen to that voice that tells me to reign it in.

I'm ashamed to say that I saw it in my mind's eye like a flashing light - self-control, self-control - but I ignored it. But there may be hope for me yet. That sign - it was the first time I saw it. The sign that in the past I wish were there to warn me when I was entering that frustrated and unfruitful area.

I could just feel guilty, cause I do. But what will that gain me? Instead I'll remind myself that this bad habit can be broken. Instead I'll think on Proverbs 1:3 "Receive instruction in wise dealing and the discipline of wise thoughtfulness", and pray that I'm wise enough, and strong enough to exercise self-control.

Home

2007-01-31T22:53:00.000-06:00

"By wisdom

a house is built

&; through understanding

it is established;

through knowledge

its rooms are filled

with rare and beautiful treasures"

Proverbs 24:3-4

One Thousand Gifts Pt3

2006-12-19T21:50:00.000-06:00

32. Fuzzy slippers
33. A warm home
34. Little girls that smell like cookie dough
35. Hot chocolate
36. Chai
37. Christmas carols
38. Choirs
39. Christmas movies
40. Christmas cartoons
41. A good book
42. Fun socks
43. Christian television
44. Powerful prayers
45. Childhood friends
46. Cousins
47. Babies on the way
48. Peanut Butter
49. Chocolate covered potato chips (no I'M not pregant)

One Thousand Gifts Pt 2

2006-12-12T22:50:00.000-06:00

16. Husbands that warm up the car for you.
17. Starbucks coffee
18. Positive & encouraging women
19. Christmas lights
20. A beautiful, eloquent prayer
21. Advent readings
22. Little girls singing
23. New friends
24. Christmas cards
25. Husbands that make your morning coffee for you
26. Patient husbands
27. Loving husbands
28. Generous husbands
29. My HUBBY *heart*
30. Long hot showers
31. CHOCOLATE

One Thousand Gifts

2006-12-03T21:07:00.000-06:00

I don't know that I'll reach one thousand, but I'm giving it a go!

1. God's love.
2. God's mercy.
3. God's omnipresence.
4. God's goodness.
5. Grace
6. Laughter
7. Moments of joy
8. Moments of awe
9. Snowflakes
10. Trees highlighted white after a fresh snow
11. The innocence of children
13. The peaceful stillness of an early morning
14. The beauty of fall leaves
15. Pumpkins!

Pictures!

2006-11-29T21:49:00.000-06:00

Today the girls had school pictures taken. So you of course know what happened? Yes. My dear Girlie 2, ran right into a doorknob last night and has a dent and bruise on her forehead. We went ahead and took them for pictures, although not as originally planned. It was a much more casual event.

So, the scary part? About 15 -20 minutes after the collision and subsequent icing of the goose egg on the forehead, Girlie 2 started throwing up - yep, a sign of a concussion. This morning she wasn't looking too good and threw up again, so we took her into the ER. Yessir, my 2 year old has a concussion.

These are the times I really want to be a SAHM again. Between cleaning up messes, comforting a little one that isn't feeling well, and trying to get WORK done - well, I'm just pooped!

Bread I Am

2006-09-11T19:15:00.000-05:00

If you've been following my blog at all you'll realize that we've had a little saga going on in our lives. Stay or go. Stay or go. But AH, finally some light! Hope again!

Well we've certainly felt a need to go. We've been frustrated beyond belief. Wanting, YEARNING, for something more. But being the church raisied, bible believing couple that we are, we felt uncertain that wanting and being exasperated with our current situation was .. you know.. very christian-like. I mean, we've always been taught to bear with a situation, see it through, overcome and all that.

And we were disappointed with ourselves, feeling guilty really, that we just couldn't seem to be satisfied, content with our circumstances.

Every word, every prayer, every counsel suggested that we should move on. Reading through Genesis, really hit home: Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go the land I will show you. I will bless you. I will bless those who bless you. You will be a blessing.

Sometimes we misunderstand God. That's okay, 'cause apparently he's quick to correct you when you're wrong, if you're just willing to listen.

See we thought - let's go to another church. We didn't really get that maybe he's been calling us to something more. We didn't see that unperfect us, unexperienced, so much to learn, but so desperate for a great movement of God, could actually be called out - to something altogether on our own.

Inexperienced. I suppose that's an understatement. But you know the old saying - the more you know, the more you realize you need to learn? That's us, completely.

So I posted before that the bishop was coming. He met with us, we layed it all out on the table. Ms. Self-control here, let the flood gates open. The dam broke. Then we waited - what would he say? Would we get scolded like children? Would he be upset that we couldn't keep it together?

A moment of clarity is what transpired. I mean, the words came out at us, and I couldn't help but thinking I knew exactly what he was going to say as he said it. I knew that the answer had been right before us the whole time. God had been holding up huge signs this whole time, with very clear instructions - but we couldn't accept it.

Is it really time for us to go out on our own? Spread our wings and fly? Us? Really??

It then became so clear. Recently I felt like we had been beat down. Deflated. Then it occured to me. We were dough!! Like clay in the potter's hand, God had been fashioning us from the beginning. God had guided, chosen, our parents for the specific ingredients. As they raised us, all those elements were mixed and kneaded until we became adults. And as we entered ministry, we were like dough rising in the bowl. And this past season in our lives had been a time when God had allowed us to be "punched down". It's as if he said to us, Okay now we're getting somewhere - just when we felt like there was nothing else we could do, God said - Good, now I can use you.

And there's hope again. Knowing that God has a purpose for us and that we're still on the right track is unbelievably wonderful. Yes, there's more preparation. No we're not there yet - and coolest - we won't ever (see Philippians 1:6 in my bio). But God has made us a promise, and we are happy to trust him when he says:

“I know the plans I have for you, ..... to give you a future and a hope” Jeremiah 29:1

Rain falling down

2006-09-08T23:24:00.000-05:00

It's raining out.
Slight cold from generous girlies.
Hubby is at a men's retreat.
I *heart* hubby.
It's feeling like Autumn
Favorite song right now: Stand in the Rain by Superchick
Favorite verse today: "Let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint." Galatians 6"9
Favorite phrases today: Renew your mind with the truth of God's word. Keep on keeping on.
Rain - refreshing, cleansing, soothing, calming, restorative, replenishing, good reading, snuggling and girly mush movies.
Let it rain.

Christian TV !!

2006-09-06T22:22:00.000-05:00

So we've indulged and have Direct Tv now. Hubby is so excited. He gets that Sunday NFL ticket. And the biggest bonus of all is we have all the christian channels - yahoo!!

Tuesday night we settled in and watch the Joel Osteen broadcast. Wow did that entire service speak to us. It was awesome.

As we watched the broadcast, we were encouraged and uplifted. It was as God was talking to us through him in a very direct way. As he preached, I felt a restoration occurring. Then I thought one thing : we have to share this.

Afterwards as hubby and I were talking we realized we were thinking the same thing. And we felt like we were coming out of a fog. Like someone had kicked us in the pants and said what are you doing? Are you really giving up? Are you running away from your problems? Aren't you a conquerer? Isn't your God greater than your problems? Have you doubted that God will do the work? Are you doubting that God can overcome?

I knew we were discouraged and frustrated. I didn't realize how beaten up we had been along the way. I didn't realize how much we had succumbed and lost hope.

As we listened to the sermon, all I could hear was - have you forgotten who you are, and who it IS that's with you?

We both received a nice shaking, and could feel the reason and confidence that we had somehow lost, returning.

The root of it all - for me

2006-09-03T19:08:00.000-05:00

Thoroughly enjoyed church today. The sermon was about Abraham leaving the land of his fathers and inheritance and stepping out in faith. That's the amazing thing about this new place. Everytime we've been to service there, and our visits were scattered and few between while we were deciding what to do, the word that we received was so very timely.

As always, we left feeling fed. It was obvious the girls had had a good time and had learned something. Today I asked girlie 1 what she had learned. So she sang "Read your Bible, Pray every day", told me about the cute boy and the lion (once we straightened it out I figured out they had talked about David and Goliath - adorable) and almost as an afterthought she told me "oh, and I jumped for Jesus" with the cutest little grin that told me she thought that was pretty cool.

There's a potpourri of ministries to get involved with. I'm tempted to jump in head first. But am trying to be selective until we're settled in. And until we're sure we're sure. I am looking forward to talking with bishop. While knowing he's on his way is a bit unsettling, since we thought we had finally settled all this business, I'm also looking forward to it. I know that talking with him will bring an end, and hopefully not just another pause, in this saga.

My biggest concern about this all was hubby basically giving up his ministry that he had worked so hard for. He's been offered his own church in the past, and I'm sure that was in his future in our particular denomination. But this change for us is also a change in denomination. Rather huge. Neither of us are certain that he will be a pastor again with this move.

Ministry on the other hand we know we'll always be involved in. You don't need to be an evangelist to bring people to Christ and help make a diference in someone's life. The question is, whether if in his heart he desires to be a pastor.

Hubby has share with me his vision of a future congregation. It's something we've shared for a while. The uncertain part, or maybe it's just become uncertain recently, is whether that vision includes him being the senior pastor, or just a part of it in different ministry roles.

So there it is. Specifically what we need clarity on. But regardless, I know we need believe that whatever road we're on, ultimately if we have faith and give God control over our lives, that we will arrive at the point we were predestined to reach.

I just hope we're not taking any unnecessary detours.

Paella

2006-09-03T18:26:00.000-05:00

Tried a new recipe today. As usual I didn't completely follow the recipe and changed a few ingredients, and YUM! It was delicious. My house smells so good.

So for once I'm documenting exactly what I did so I can recreate it. With a pic! Try it. You'll like it.

PAELLA

3 cloves garlic crushed
1/2 tsp red pepper
2 cups white rice
3c chicken broth
1 packet sazon (I like Goya )1 bay leaf
4 boneless, chicken breasts cut in strips
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
3/4 lb chorizo (mexican sausage), uncooked
1lb shrimp
1c frozen peas

In 2 tbsp of olive oil, sweat garlic, add rice, red pepper and sazon & saute briefly. Add 3c chicken broth and bay leaf. Cover and simmer until rice is fully cooked. Remove bay leaf & add peas, cover.

While rice is cooking, in skillet, brown chicken, season with salt & pepper to taste. Add bell pepper, onion and chorizo. Cook chorizo through. Add 1lb cooked shrimp. Add cooked rice blend. Cover and remove from heat to let flavors blend about 10 minutes.

Garnish with fresh parsley.

MMMM...good.

In Limbo

2006-09-01T21:47:00.000-05:00

After agonizing for what seems like ages, hubby surprised me last Friday and told me he had talked to pastor and told him we were moving on. The news was shocking. I was beginning to think he wouldn't budge on the subject and we'd be stuck in a sort of freeze frame forever. Unable to move on, unable to go back. So often the whole ordeal seemed hopeless.

We spent the weekend feeling light, but uncertain. We wanted to grin from ear to ear, but still were slightly trepidacious. We spent the weekend with old friends, a comforting place to a certain extent. Yet, melancholy surrounded us. We've always known we can't go back home. Home isn't home anymore.

It's as if we had jumped out of a plane. Just enjoying the wind carrying us along, but secretly wondering if the chute would open.

We returned back home completely expecting to face the consequences of that little talk. Parishoner calls. Concerned, confused and likely truly upset family members. But eerily, all was quiet.

So on we walked, attending service at the church we've decided to spend this interim time at. Talking to the pastor who had counseled us at times during all of it. Slowly moving toward our new church home, and new life.

Except.

Ever hear of those people that don't take no for an answer? Yeah, so last night we find out that pastor let bishop know the news. Bishop put the brakes on it all. He's making a special trip here to talk to hubby and me about this decision.

Bishop is that one person in my hubby's life who can influence him. He trusts him. He respects him. So do I.

So here we are in limbo. At least for another week.

Trepidation. The short story of my life.

Pray my sisters. Pray for us.

Sincerely,

Working it Out

Happy B-day Girlie!

2006-08-20T23:26:00.000-05:00

Today was Girlie 1's FOURTH b-day. It was a great day for my big girl!

A happy b-day wake up! She could hardly stop grinning when we told her, after months of anxious waiting, that today WAS her b-day. And she was finally FOUR!
Breakfast w/ Grandpa.
Trip to the amusement park where she rode the Ferris Wheel, Tilt a Whirl and other big rides. She is so brave! I think I was more nervous than she was.
Back home for her PRINCESS b-day, with cake and her new favorite dinner - SHRIMP - she suddenly decided that she loves it. Big step for someone who's normal favorite is mac n cheese and pb&j.
Stick ball, scooter and other sporty fun gifts.

It was a long and lovely day. She's bathed, and sleeping - happily exhausted.

Homesick? Honestly..

2006-08-15T22:21:00.000-05:00

Is it really possible that I can be homesick - 12 years after leaving home? It seems a weekend back home to see Dad and the family can do that to me every time. Even now, though when I go back entire buildings, streets and the very atmosphere of the neighborhoods I use to know have changed.

Or could it be that in the face of change, new and unpredictable, scary and exciting, I recoil, uncertain and a little afraid, and long for the familiarity and predictability of the place that I came from?

Then again, it could just be that I've been miles and miles away from a family that is close knit and supportive, for - yeah, I'll say it again - 12 years. My loud, musical, always laughing, have to out-joke you, crazy, beautiful, quirky family. A family I never get to see often enough. Maybe it's mostly spurned this time by the sound of my jolly, strong, uncle's voice telling me, with unexpected sadness in his voice, that he just doesn't get to see us enough.

Maybe it's mostly the fact, that my girlies, don't know them nearly as well as I'd like, and won't have the same wonderful memories I do of a large extended family gathered at every possible event, celebration or loss.

It could be that I'm just overly nostalgic (aka homesick).

NEWS!NEWS!NEWS! GIRLIE 1 CONQUERS FACE IN THE WATER FEAR!!!
Girlie 1 put her face in the water at her swim lesson today! This is something that normally made my heart race. Our number one tub rule has always been - Don't put your face in the water!

But, today - total change! It's huge. Yes, yes - one small step - but after weeks of her dreading having to put her face in the water at swim class, it seems a new pair of goggles made her braver today.

It was a beautiful sight to see. Kind of like when the Grinches heart grows 3 sizes (is it 3?), you could practically see her become braver. It could mostly be that she figured out that if she keeps her mouth closed underwater, she won't come up sputtering and choking. Nonetheless, it merited ice cream cones for all tonight!

A whole dozen

2006-08-07T22:15:00.000-05:00

Yesterday hubby and I celebrated our 12th anniversary! Hurray for us. Nothing romantic. Actually we were at the Ponderosa with the kids. Ah, yes. The anniversary meal every woman dreams of - a buffet with two little chatty girls that don't give mom or dad a chance to even answer them :)

But really, my dad has graciously offered to babysit and let hubby and I go spend a night at the state fair like a couple of teenagers - for a couple hours anyway. That's all the energy he can really manage with my high strung girlies. Now he knows how good he had it with me! I was the most obedient, quiet, well-mannered kid EVER! Mostly I was just very shy - but it still counts :)

So it's lovely cream puffs, and related junk food, heaven for us this weekend.

So here's a quip. Girlie 1 is very extroverted. I really don't know where she gets it from. Uh, actually - I might have asked for that characteristic in her when I was expecting. Now I get the whole you might get what you ask for.

Anyway, so because of her outgoing nature, we interact with MANY more people than I would normally. And she's gotten much bolder about approaching and talking to strangers.

So I decide, good mommy that I am, to have the stranger talk with her that goes something like this (picture mommy and girlie walking through the mall having this conversation):

Mommy: Girlie. You shouldn't talk to strangers if mommy or daddy aren't with you. Only talk to strangers if mommy or daddy say it's okay.

Girlie: Is that a stranger? Is that a stranger? Is he strange?

Mommy: If you don't know the person's name, then he or she's a stranger. (Note: Mommy thinks this is an excellent explanation and can see the gold star glowing over her head)

Fast forward to bookstore..

Girlie: Mommy, can I talk to her? (her = stranger)

Mommy: Do you know her name?

Girlie: No.

Mommy: Then no you may not. She's a stranger. (mommy turns back to book she's coveting)

Girlie (strangely from a distance): What's your name? Hi Donna! My name is.... Mommy, this is Donna. I know her name now. Can I talk to her?

Hmm.. guess we have more work to do on the whole talking to strangers lesson.

What's happening?

2006-07-24T18:36:00.000-05:00

Two months! It's been two months since I posted a thing. Quick catch up:

Took girlies to their second theatre movie - CARS. We all loved it. New catch phrase for the girls when they think they've done something really cool is "Ca-chow"
Purchase goldfish and tank for first pets. I really didn't realize how much effort it takes to get a tank going. We of course rushed into it figuring "They're just goldfish". Sadly, one of the four we brought home bit the dust less than a week after being home. Which meant, I had to explain death to my 3 year old. Which I must say she took very well. Also very cute, is that she name them herself - Jaba, Luke, Kink and Shabalah. Yeah. I have no clue. Totally names of her own creation.
We took a trip with my dad. Girlies and he were in another world, they had so much fun. 4 solid days with grandpa was very nice for all of us.
I've just found out I have stomach ulcers - ugh, ugh, and ugh. There is no way I can live with the bland diet they suggest. Not cool.
Girlie 1 starts swim lessons tomorrow. I haven't told her. She will be ecstatic. She's becoming a little athlete. Her birthday is coming up and she's asking for baseball gear and soccer stuff. Oh, and a guitar (that's her grandpa's influence there)
Hubbies parents speak Spanish at home, and Girlies have decided they want to learn. We bought them a Spanish CD of kids songs to listen to at home. The first song is La Bamba. It's hilarious. They both know all the words to the first verse. Girlie 1 will come into the room and randomly declare a "Speak Spanish" period where she proceeds to speak her own version of Spanish - which is spanish words sprinkled with spanish sounding jibber jabber. Funny thing is Girlie 2 seems to understand her perfectly.
My boss gave us a trampoline her kids have outgrown. Girlies love it. They'll jump away for nearly an hour at a time! They come up with the funniest games. Like human popcorn. It's a hoot to watch them.
I bought a Jewish cookbook. Now I don't know why. It was on sale, had lots of pictures, and I was hungry? It'll be fun to try out the recipes.
On the reading front, I've been flying through fiction. Nothing very meaty this summer. I've been through about 3 Mitford books, and am now hooked on the Confessions of a Shopaholic series. My mind is total mush this summer. It's so nice :)
Girlie 2, who is more like hubby and reserved with her words, has really begun to let the words flow. She's so reserved we would regularly be surprised by the flow of sentences that she would speak. Now, she's becoming a real conversationalist. My baby! :( :)
Girlie 2 is also not taking to potty training - at all. Which is really stinky for us - literally! I guess I was really spoiled by Girlie 1 who was going #2 in the potty at about 16 months. #1 is really not a big deal - and she actually liked being a big girl. Girlie 2 on the other hand, has outright refused to even sit on the potty. The Potty training in a day book is totally not working for this one. She is coming along though - there's still hope :)

Well I'm sure there's more I wanted to put in black and white. But I'm tapped at the moment.

Time To (in Two's)

2006-05-22T19:16:00.000-05:00

From over at Olive Tree

2 things you compliment your husband on while in his presence.
1. His helpfulness
2. His calm spirit

2 compliments you make about your spouse to your friends.
1. His calm spirit.
2. His dedication to study.

2 traits you married him/her for.
1. His love for God.
2. His love for me!

2 days you cherished the most with your husband being together.
1. Our wedding day.
2. Birth of the babes.

2 material things you could give your husband if you just inherited a fortune.
1. Tuition to get his doctorate in theology.
2. A brand new, decked out, manly truck.

2 things you would miss the most if she/he left for two weeks.
1. Our discussions.
2. His help with the girlies!

2 thoughts that crossed your mind when you first met/saw your spouse.
1. What a catch!
2. He's so sweet :)

2 favorite dates
1. Coffee and browsing at book stores.
2. MWS Christmas Concert

2 funny odd things you love.
1. He makes up words to popular songs, on purpose.
2. His love for typical guy movies - Rambo, Rocky etc.

2 two places you have lived with your spouse.
1. Apartment
2. Our first house

2 favorite vacations
1. Newleywed trip to Orlando.
2. Cruise through the Caribbean.

Happy 31st!

2006-05-17T18:47:00.000-05:00

Yesterday - very nice birthday. Hubby bought cake. Girls sang. Present nice - cookbook I was coveting. Hubby arranged for kiddo care so we could go out for dinner. Coolest.