Reflection

As 2009 draws to a close I am given yet another opportunity to reflect on all that has happened to me. God has blessed me so richly this year with yet another daughter to raise. It may not have been my plan to have three kids in four years, but God's plan is infallible. He knew just what he was doing when he sent each of my girls to me.

He knew that I would need patience, so he sent me McKayla. She is so much like me in so many ways. I get such joy regardless of my frustrations, because I see her growing. I pray that as she gets older she sees that her father and I have really really tried to instill the qualities in her that will make her the person that God wants her to be. I know that she is already compassionate and caring. She never fails to hug every person in our church every Sunday, she asks her teacher about every missing preschool student. Her teacher has also bragged to me about her ability to play WITH her sister. (Sure there are times she just doesn't want to be near her, but who doesn't?)

And then there is Natalie. She is really really the stubborn child. She is teaching me that persistence pays off. Somehow that child knows just what buttons to push with me to frustrate me. But she is my loving baby girl. She runs to comfort her baby sister every time she cries. She is the first one to go running for hugs when someone tries to leave our house. Natalie is growing way too quickly! Too soon she will overtake her big sister in size. Looking back at the photos from last December, I can't believe she is the same child! Her little eyes are even starting to look like her daddy's. :)

Alivia may be the youngest, but she sure found her spot in my heart. God sent her to us in April. I never thought I would ever have a baby without that induction, but we did it! She has taught me that I CAN make the nursing thing work. Nearly 9 months later and we are still going strong. People I talk to are amazed we can make it work with me going to school full time and working part time, but we have! She is reminding me to smile, her contagious laughter gets me every time!

As we wrap up 2009, I can see where I have grown. My life continues to grow and change as I do. So much has happened, and I cannot wait to see what 2010 has in store for me! Bring it on life! I am so ready to LIVE IT! :)

Tune in tomorrow to see what goals I have set for myself for 2010 :)

Thankful Thursday

 Another week, another opportunity to be thankful for what we have been blessed with. I have been told that talking about five things you are thankful for can make you a happier person. And what better time to be thankful then the day before Christmas! 

1. I am thankful that the shopping part of the holiday is over. 

2. I am thankful for the opportunity to be with all of my family before my brother ships out to boot-camp.

 3. I am thankful for my sister who helped me really get everything ready for Christmas. 

 4. I am thankful for mail that isn't bills (it is sure wonderful to get all the cards in the mail this time of year!) 

5. I am thankful for the yummy desserts, even though they aren't great for my figure (the weight loss WILL come next year!)

Wordless Wednesday

Merry Christmas!!

If you love the tutu or the head band (or both!) Check out my friend Crystal's Etsy site, she has lots of cute stuff :) (shameless plug by the way, she is AWESOME, and if you live near me, LOCAL [if not, she is still local to me:P])

Merry Christmas!

I heard a song on the radio that I had to share. It is just touching.

The lyrics are sooo important, so I thought I would include them as well 

Mary, did you know 

That your baby boy 

Would someday walk on water? 

Mary did you know 

That your baby boy 

Will save our sons and daughters? 

Did you know 

That your baby boy 

Has come to make you new? 

This child that you've delivered 

Will soon deliver you. 

Mary did you know 

That your baby boy 

Will give sight to a blind man? 

Mary did you know 

That your baby boy 

Will calm the storm with his hand?

Did you know that your baby boy 

Has walked where angels trod? 

When you kiss your little baby 

You've kissed the face of God. 

The blind will see 

The deaf will hear 

The dead will live again 

The lame will leap 

The dumb will speak 

The praises of the Lamb

 

Mary did you know 

That your baby boy 

Is Lord of all creation? 

Mary did you know 

That your baby boy 

 Will one day rule the nations? 

Did you know 

That your baby boy 

 Is heaven's perfect Lamb? 

This sleeping child you're holding 

Is the Great I Am 

 Remember that more then the presents, the santas, the hustle and bustle, the real reason for the season is this small baby that was born to take upon himself the sins of this world so we might all have a chance at eternal life. All you have to do is ask. If you have any questions about today's blog, please feel free to contact me. All my information is on my sidebar.

Thankful Thursday

 Another week, another opportunity to be thankful for what we have been blessed with. I have been told that talking about five things you are thankful for can make you a happier person. I am all for that! So here goes! 

1. I am thankful I was able to surprise my sister with a visit from her bff without her having a clue. 

2. I am thankful for the time I was able to spend with both my siblings this week. 

3. I am thankful for the extra time off I have with Christmas break. 

4. I am thankful that I didn't have to stand in line so long for books this term. (still long, but not as long as fall) 

5. Also thankful I was able to get all the ones I needed the first time in the bookstore!

Wordless Wednesday

Do you see what I see?

Can we say oops! lol

Thankful Thursday

 Another week, another opportunity to be thankful for what we have been blessed with. I have been told that talking about five things you are thankful for can make you a happier person. I am all for that! So here goes! 

1. I am thankful for an extended winter break! (THREE WEEKS BABY!) 

2. I am thankful for the good grades I worked for fall term. 

3. I am thankful for an adviser at school who seems to genuinely care about my success in school. 

4. I am thankful that the dishwasher was only pretending to be broken tonight. 

5. I am thankful for special holiday creamers. (The international delight "Mint Chocolate Truffle" is to die for! :)

Wordless Wednesday

Obviously there is something Natalie is trying to tell me, she took pictures with my camera the other day most of which were of these two objects,

her blankie, made by her aunt Lindsey (who now lives in STUPID Colorado!)

and

duckie. 

This duck goes EVERYWHERE with us, and if it weren't so big, the blanket probably would too!!

Not me Monday!

 Another chance to talk about all the "not me's" from last week! 

1. I did not give my baby sister her birthday present yesterday, even though TODAY IS HER BIRTHDAY!! (Happy birthday Colleen!!) I knew I would be busy with finals and her with her jobs. :) 

2. I did not put off my Interpersonal communications paper till the last minute. I still think I pulled it off though. 

3. I did not spend much of my weekend playing New Super Mario Bros Wii. (**Warning!! Insanely addictive and fun!!)

4. I did not sit myself down and get some blogs ready for pre-posting. I am in a funk, hoping that getting back into my blogging groove will help (prayers are always appreciated too!!) 

5. I did not reverse look up two numbers that I missed on my phone today, only to figure out it was the Chinese food place I ordered from looking for my house! lol

Twas the night....

Twas the night before finals
and all through the house
every child was sleeping,
hope we don't have a mouse!
The daddy was playing the xbox with joy
in hopes to stay far out of the way

The mommy was locked up
all snug in her room
surrounded by books
and a jar full of dew.
She had great plans for the cramming
what good it would do
but ended up blogging,
oh whoop de do!

Twas the night before finals
and all through the house,
everyone felt ready,
just not that mouse!

a lesson in empathy

A young woman was on her way out of the store. She was using the self checkouts. I could tell, just looking at her, how exhausted she was. It appeared she was trying to hurry out of the store and moments later when I heard a small cry I realized why. This young woman was not only in a hurry but a first time mom with her newborn son. The cry was pitifully small. It made me feel like going to help. You could just see the desperation in that poor woman's eyes. I'm not sure if her son was just a crier or she was just having a bad day, but at that moment I felt real and true empathy. I was able to put myself in her shoes and feel what she was feeling, because I had been her not so many months ago. So, I did the only thing I could, I told that poor worn out mommy that it would all be worth it soon. All the tears and the crying. She just needed to remember to breathe and try to sleep when she could. I did that and smiled at her. Trying myself to hold the tears back. I knew how she felt. I only pray she was able to glean some comfort from my words, for they came straight from my heart.

I may just be a cashier, but I can make a difference in the lives of the people I come into contact with every day. I just ask that as you hurry through your day, your season, your life, that you take pause and realize that girl behind you in line, or that man in the grocery store who is always cranky, may have his or her own hard life. Just share your kindness with others. Together we can really make this a better place.

Not me Monday!

Another chance to talk about all the "not me's" from last week! 

1. I did not fall down the stairs at school. (don't worry it was only like 5, and I was only slightly bruised) 

2. I did not make my husband take Alivia along to the day after Thanksgiving shopping (hey! She was already awake!) 

3. I did not guess what the double clicking turn signal meant (FYI, usually means you have a burnt out bulb) 

4. I did not get most of my final project done over the weekend for my speech class. 

5. I did not do a happy dance, can you believe fall term is almost over!? I have this week and three finals. YAY!

Thanksgiving Thankful Thursday

Another week to share what I am ever so thankful for. This Thursday is especially special, being Thanksgiving. I really think this is a time for reflection on what we are most thankful for. So, my top five things in my life right now that I am thankful for.
1. I am thankful for a healthy family and my three beautiful girls.
2. I am thankful for my extended family (especially my mom, sister and brother) who have made it possible, with their care for my children, for me to return to school.
3. I am thankful for a husband that is so supportive of my goals. He knows what I need to get there and he is really helping me ALOT with the house so I can focus on my studies.
4. I am thankful for a church family that uplifts me in prayers and keeps me grounded in my roots with my God.
5. I am thankful for an online support system who really offer more friendship then I could have ever dreamed of.

Thankful Thursday

 Another week, another opportunity to be thankful for what we have been blessed with. I have been told that talking about five things you are thankful for can make you a happier person. I am all for that! So here goes! 

1. I am thankful for the fact I have made it seven months nursing my sweetie without an issue. 

2. I am thankful for the weight LOSS I achieved this week. Only a little, but it will add up. :) 

3. I am thankful for the support I have in my sister and husband in my weight loss journey. 

4. I am thankful that I have found a photographer that really wants to help us get the shots we want and not just upgrade us to make an extra buck. 

5. I am thankful for the breaks we have been having in the rain. Its refreshing not to get wet every time I go anywhere.

I'm so excited

And I just can't hide it!

We have our Christmas picture portrait session booked. Caffinated Nerd photography is going to take them again. I can't wait to see what we come up with. I got beautiful MATCHING dresses at Sears. I am just loving finally finding a photographer that REALLY cares what we want from our photos. We are even ordering cards from them. :)

I thought since I am in the writing mood I would just update everyone on how we are doing. Things have been busy, but manageable. Jimmy is still getting quite a bit of overtime with his work, so he isn't home as much as we would like, but the money will really come in handy for the holiday. I thank God everyday that he has a steady, stable job. I am still in school and even have straight A's for the moment. :) Only like 4 weeks left of the term too!

The girls are all doing well too. McKayla turned four the end of October, she is really a smart girl! She is even starting to read. So far I have heard her read two books. Not sure at this point if it is just memorizing or if she actually knows, but we are working on the letters now, so she can learn even more. I just love hearing her play now. She has this active imagination. Though sometimes she does scare me a little. The other day she was playing with her animals and made them get into a car accident. No more TV dramas for her! lol. Then there is Natalie. What can I say about Natalie. She is my challenge at this point. She makes me really strive to have the patience I have been praying for. She is in the TERRIBLE twos like McKayla never had. Every single thing we do is a battle. But at the same time, she is the most loving and affectionate child I know. She HAS to have a hug and kiss from every family member who leaves our house, even if they are just getting the mail. :) I love it! I keep trying to look at her positively, because I know she will learn who she is by who we shape her to be. And then my little Alivia, she isn't so little anymore! Seven months old now. Growing like a weed. I was just looking at her today, and I love her little baby thighs. I just wanna tickle them all the time! She is the only one of my girls to have the real chub on her, so its different to hear other people exclaim how big she's getting. Sad as it sounds I have to keep telling myself not to be insulted. I am so used to hearing how small my girls are! lol.

Anyway, thats my update. :) How have you all been? Sorry I haven't been reading and commenting so much. I am still trying to find that balance. :)

Not me Monday!

 Another chance to talk about all the "not me's" from last week! 

1. I did not worry about my Medical Insurance Procedures test ALL WEEKEND only to learn I scored and 82! 

2. I did not beg my mommy to take me into Costco with her membership so I could see the dresses (PRAY they have affordable ones in the sizes we need!) 

3. I did not put off blogging till late for the past few days, but at least its getting done. 

4. I did not use the empty cheese-it box to write the appointment times on for mine and McKayla's vision appointments. I don't know why I couldn't find ANYTHING else to write on! 

5. I did not watch all three of the CSI's back to back last night (was awesome since NY, Vegas and Miami all tied together) :)

Ch ch ch ch changes!

As some of you have been reading, I have been working on shaping up. Last week I even took my measurements. I know that sometimes you can be loosing inches even if you aren't loosing pounds (though I would REALLY love to see the pounds come off!) I have been working really hard the last two weeks on getting moving at least five times a week, and not to toot my own horn (toot) but I have done EXCELLENT! I love having people around me who are supportive, so I found two ladies who are also working on loosing some pounds. Leah and Kaci have been really really supportive and wonderful. Even if they don't know it. And Kaci has quite the journey! Head over and check out how she looks now! She is so inspiring. :)

I know that alot of weight loss has to do with your choices in the foods you eat. As soon as I get in the habit of working out (they say a habit takes a month to form, so I am in it for the long haul) But I would LOVE to hear from some of my readers, what has (or hasn't) worked for you? I know there are some lurkers out there. Leah and Kaci can't be the only readers I have left :) Anyway. This is begging I guess, for things that WORK! I am tired of the fads and can't even handle starving all the time!

One flaw in women

Women have strengths that amaze men.....
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in..
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they
think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what
makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their
family and friends.
Women have vital things to say
and everything to give.
HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,
IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

Thankful Thursday

 Another week, another opportunity to be thankful for what we have been blessed with. I have been told that talking about five things you are thankful for can make you a happier person. I am all for that! So here goes! 

1. I am thankful that the day of my kidney appointment is FINALLY here. I should have results of my x-ray by 5 pacific time :) 

2. I am thankful for the few hours I had with just Liv and I yesterday. Mom took the girls to the Veterans day parade 

3. I am thankful that I was able to get my paper written and all my other homework before the kids came home. 

4. I am thankful that my daughters have friends we can bribe to help clean the bedroom with candy! 

5. I am thankful that I met my goal of working out at least 5 times last week :)

Not me Monday!

 Another chance to talk about all the "not me's" from last week! 

1. I did not dip into the kids Halloween candy ALL WEEK (not gonna mention the other junk, but at least it wasn't Halloween candy right?) 

2. I did not fake Alivia out and slip a blanket in front of her in the swing so she would stay there. I admit it, I am not above tricking the kids to get stuff done! lol 

3. I did not tell my mom it would be okay for her to take both girls to the parade for Veteran's Day. She wanted them in the van for the church's part, and I really didn't want to go. But when she ASKED if she could take them, I jumped on it! Just me and Liv Wednesday morning. 

4. I did not miss the meeting to learn the new music system because of work, and now have to run it alone on Sunday because my sister won't be there! This should be interesting. You know what I will be doing Wednesday now, learning the system! 

5. I did not put off my blog till almost too late to post yesterday. I got it up though, without cheating!