It's Begining to Look A lot like Christmas!

Unfortunately I have not been keeping up with my blog for a while now. Though I hope to continue keeping freinds and family updated more so in the coming year. So, because of my lack of dedication to my sweet, beautiful and crazy blog I am going to bring you up to speed on my beautiful, crazy life in a sort of holiday newsletter.

I think this is a great idea because, a) I'm not "actually" sending out a holiday newsletter; b) I can fill you in on all accounts of our happenings; and c) I save on stamps.

So....Let's begin...

Greetings Family and Friends! (Those of you who know me well will appreciate the fact that I am cracking up right now thinking about that FRIENDS episode where Ross talks about his "Geller Yeller!")

This has been such an amazing year of blessings. After two years of waiting on God, throwing all things aside and really placing our trust in Him, He as always came through in awe and wonder.

As most of you know 2008 was a very difficult year, a year of loss and pain that ended with the beautiful blessing of the sweet birth of our baby girl. She is constantly a reminder to me of the fact that I can trust Him to do amazing things. As we moved into 2009, we faced a year of insecurity when it came to Orlando's job situation and again we trusted the Lord as He continued to close doors when it came to transferring to another city. Praise God for a Husband who waits on the Lord!

And so we waited. And again, He did the unthinkable.

In February this year Orlando left banking after 12 years and began a new career in chemical importing/ exporting and drawbacks. I can't really even tell you what that all entails, but I can tell you that it was what we had been praying for and desiring and it is more than what we imagined!

The company is relatively smaller, though large in the industry. It was nothing He had ever done, but he is doing great and has been such an asset to them and I am so proud of him. The people he works for are amazing men of God with integrity and generosity and Orlando is learning so much more than just about the industry. And the best part is that he is again 10 minutes from home (if he catches the lights!).

He gets home early, is able to go to the kids games and school activities and though he travels a little bit more, he gets to go to fun places like New Orleans and New York City and I get to tag along and have fun while he works!

The kids are growing too fast!




Sammy is so fun. He has a great sense of humor and likes to play jokes and kid around. He is still in love with his sister and takes pride in teaching her so many things. They have so much fun together.




He is in his last year of preschool and will be starting Kindergarten in the fall (more on that later). He loves his teachers this year and has had so much fun and is learning so much. He is into science and dinosaurs and superheros. All boy.

This is also his first year in a children's small group at our church and he has been doing so well. Each week he has a lesson with homework and a scripture to memorize. Up to date he has memorized 10 verses and still remembers most of them! The most exciting news was that in October as we were doing his homework together he asked Jesus to live in his Heart. It was an amazing, sweet moment for me and we celebrated by making a birthday cake since he was "Born Again!" He told everyone that he was "a Christian now." Our prayers that he would seek the Lord at a young age were answered!
This year was our first year of sports. The craziness has begun! Our Saturdays were filled with t-ball and soccer. He enjoyed both, but LOVED soccer. He was quite a little stud, scoring many of the goals at each game. He put a lot of pressure on himself to score and it was difficult when he didn't. Orlando was a very proud dad and was glad Sammy tried so hard. It was a lot of fun. He had a whole entourage at his games, for both our parents came each time and we, to say the least, were loud. You would have thought it was the World Cup instead of the YMCA!


Sammy winning the MVP Ball



Emma cheering on her "Babba!"

Emma is becoming the prettiest, sweetest girl. Her blue eyes have stuck which constantly amaze me! She is such a joy and this year has been so much fun with her. Having her home while Sammy is at school twice a week has been so great. We have so much fun playing and singing. She loves to sing. She is a big fan of Barney, Elmo and Dinosaur train! She sings herself to sleep, she loves to dance around and she is so girly! After my own heart! She comes into the room when I dress her and tells her daddy, "See daddy, I pretty!" It's the cutest thing.

She loves her my little ponies and her baby doll, "Shoo shoo." She's already a little mommy! Her favorite thing to play with is her stroller and she sets the doll in it and pushes her around the house all day waving and saying, "Bye mommy."



Emma with "Shoo shoo," and her "Bie."

They are both such fun and such blessings and there is no better sound than to hear them playing and laughing together.



As you can imagine, two kids can keep you pretty busy. Sometimes I don't know where my head is, but we have so much fun together.


This year has been enlightening for me as well. It has been a year of complete, sweet joy that I haven't had in a while. You know that deep within Joy from the Holy Spirit. I spend my days enjoying my kids and my husband.

Earlier in the year a friend was unknowingly used by God to give me a book that has and will change our lives! It changed they way we think about raising our kids and about our priorities. And in the spring we made the decision that we will be homeschooling the kids. The thought of starting this in the coming year is a little scary and exciting at the same time! About 90% scary and 10% exciting!  The great thing is that we will be surrounded by a few other families who are also begining this journey and who have the same goals and desires for our kids. God is moving in ways we don't even know yet.

Last year I started a small little business of embroidery and children's clothing. I added some accessories and some women's clothing this holiday season and it has been pretty successful. It keeps me busy, but I feel like I am doing my own part and being a Proverbs 31 woman.

The Lord has also been showing me how to be a keeper of my home in many ways. He has taught me how to create a sweet atmosphere in my home, to make him the center of it and to keep it orderly and homey. At times I struggle with this especially when the laundry takes over or the kids drop crumbs everywhere! But it is a discipline that I have enjoyed striving towards.

We are very excited to be ending 2010 with a trip to Guatemala. We know we are going to have an amazing time with our family there and showing the kids where we come from. I hope it will be a wonderful experience for them filled with memories.

And so to 2010...It's been a blessed year...but I have a feeling that 2011 will be a year filled with many wonderful, new days!

Blessings to you all!








 

 

I heart NY

Last week my husband and I went to New York City. 

It was glorious. 

I have always loved the city. When I was 13 I read a book about friends who lived in the city and from that moment on I was in love. All I wanted to do was live visit. 

When I was 14 my mom and I took our first mother daughter trip and where did we go?

You guessed it...New York City...Manhattan...the big apple...

It was awesome. We did all the touristy things. Ate at great restaurants. Saw The Phantom and Beauty and the Beast. 

Awesome. 

I loved it even more. 

We went a few times growing up. And the last time my fiance came with us.

So I haven't been since before we got married 7  years ago. 

I miss it already. 

We did the MET and they had a street fair and we shopped. We walked through Central Park and saw Mary Poppins which was fantastic and we ate at some amazing restaurants. Delicious.

Fondue at the Artisinal Bistro, A chocolate pizza at Max Brenner's and the most amazing italian food ever...whoa! 

We talked about when we would bring the kids and how much fun they would have. 

On Monday my husband went to his work conference so I was alone most of the day. 

And for a split second I was a bit intimidated. I felt alone, insecure and thought "what am I going to do all by myself?"

Well, I got over it!

It was the best day. The most refreshing day. 

It started with a croissant and a latte, lots of shopping (by myself without a stroller!) I walked down 6th to Bryant Part and the NYC library, I crossed over to 5th and did lots of shopping. H&M, Zara, Jimmy Choo (If only)...I bought some shoes, a dress, jewelry, pants and two shirts. I then bought a book and headed to the park. I found a grassy knoll and people watched and read. I then headed back to the hotel and stopped in at Manolo Blahnik's! A perfect end for this shoe loving girl! 

I could live there. No problem. I would really enjoy that. Maybe not forever, but given the chance....You never know.

Summer Bags

It's wednesday and I have a summer lovin' tip for Works for Me Wednesday over at We are that Family.

Ok, so I LOVE summer time.

You know, the long and lazy days of summer.

We spend a lot of time outside, at the pool, the park, etc.

In the foyer of the house I have two bags ready to go.

The beach bag has:

3 towels
a bag of sunscreen ( these are in a separate bag that fits into the beach bag. I use various spfs for myself, plus a bug repellent sunscreen and a stick for the kids faces!)
a plastic bag for wet suits
change of clothes for the kids
chip can ( I don't normally buy pringles except for summer time. Its an easy snack and a thin case!)
 a bag of other snacks
 juice boxes
 goggles
hand sanitizer
 pool toys

You never know when you need to head to the pool or a friend calls and says, it's a pool day lets get out there in 30 min. I'm always ready and this way I won't be rushing around and end up forgetting underwear or something!

The next bag is the park bag. In my park bag I have the following:

Buubbles and bubble accessories
A blanket
sun screen
Bug spray
Chalk
A kite
juice boxes
bag of snacks
magnifying glass
binoculars
books
hand sanitizer
baby wipes

In my car I have another bag with the following:

A ball (not in the bag but in the back!)
A frisbee
sand toys
extra sunscreen (just in case)
sun glasses
hats
extra clothes
hand sanitizer

Hopefully with all of these in hand we can get up and go whenever we need to for a fun filled summer!

What do you think is necessary for summer fun!

Happenings...

* Last week we had an infestation of fleas! (Full body shiver....and now I'm itching again!) Yeah. Word to the wise...do not miss one dose of flea medication for you dog because it's a nightmare! I swear I had nightmares of giant fleas talking to me and telling me they liked my pillow!  Bleh! Luckily it is all taken care of and we are in the process of buying a new vacuum cleaner b/c ours no longer works.

* Sammy had a fever for about 24hrs. THANK YOU JESUS it did not last any longer. Have I mentioned how sick of being sick we are over here! Of course he is milking it and says he is still "a little sick."

* He's probably just tired because for the last week or so he has been waking up every morning at 6AM! Luckily he only wants his daddy. The good thing is his pull up is still dry by that time so...

*I taught Emma how to say "Fabulous!" Its Awesome! It sounds more like "abuwas!"

* I went to Mardels earlier and bought the new Francine Rivers book! No idea what its about but I am SO super excited. Perfect timing too because I have been ready to read some good fiction! I need to figure out when to start though...maybe this weekend!

* Sammy's last week of school is next week and I am a little sad. He is having so much fun at school and loves it so much. His teachers are jewels and it has been a very good year for him. He has learned so much and has really become so much fun. He is hilarious and always joking and teasing (like his daddy!). But, I am excited about Summer...already started planning!

* Orlando has been sick with major sinus issues all week. Thus, I have not slept much because I can hear him snore, breathe and get up and cough up a lung all night. I am hoping he is at the end of this soon 'cause ya'll I need my rest.

* My house has been clean all week. I am fairly proud of myself for this feat. Let me tell you, I had been really slacking in this department lately. I just couldn't catch up and tackle anything. But after the whole flea issues (yup, itching again) I got it all squared away. And, needless to say. The house has been nice and clean and organized.

* Mothers day was great BTW. I really enjoyed my family time with the ones I love most. Plus (yeah this is sort of the best part b/c ya'll know I can be frivolous like that) I got a GC to a spa day which includes babysitting from my MIL! I really wanted that. Of course, Sammy told me this morning that he was sad about giving me that. He says it wasn't what I really wanted. He said, in a very melancholy voice, "Mom, what you really wanted was a puppy and I'm sorry I didn't get you that."

What a sweet boy...but after the fleas (still itching!) I am all about pampering myself at the spa!

For My Mother

I don't have words to share how wonderful my mother is, how nurturing and generous and kind. 

Everyone who meets my mother loves her. She is fun and strong and she cares about people. 

My mother holds herself with such regard and esteem, she carries herself with such confidence. She has a strength from within that I desire. 

And despite the hurts she has faced, despite the troubles she has had, she holds strong to what she believes. She does not waver. She is steadfast and secure. 

My mother loves the Lord with all her heart. She LOVES the Lord. He is her source and it is evident in who she is. 

People admire her strength. They admire her security and it is all because of who she is secure in - Jesus Christ. 

My mother is not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. She proclaims who she is in Christ and does not back off of it and does not care what others think. 

People may reject her God but she stands firm, she does not cower. 

I have always found that incredible. 

I have always desired that quality. To know who you are, a child of the King, and not worry what anyone things or says. She does that and she does it with grace and dignity. I have always, even as a young girl, admired that. And I pray that I become more like her every day.  

My mother is generous. The most generous person I know. She loves to give. She loves to shop, so it works out well for her! But she will give you the clothes off her back if you needed it. 

I remember one time we were at the Star of Hope during Christmas handing out supplies to the poor. There was this one, small asian man who did not step up and get any supplies and before we knew it we had run out and were unable to give him anything. At that moment, my mother took her jacket off and gave it to the man. I won't forget the look on his face. He was so thankful. I remember I was fifteen, foolish, frivolous and full of vanity and pride, but in that moment I thought, "I want to give like that." I still do. 

If you have a need, she doesn't care how much it costs her, she will do all she can to help you. No questions asked. 

My mother is a prayer warrior, like her mother before her. I know my mother prays for my family. She prays for everyone she loves. She prays. Deep, heartfelt prayer. And she doesn't just pray...she believes.

My mother is a woman of excellence. She pushes others to excel, to be better. She will take you out of your comfort zone so that you can grow and mature. She believes in people. She believes in doing your best all for the Glory of God. 

My mother loves my kids. And I am so blessed by it. They love their yaya so much. She is wonderful with them and when they are with her I don't worry about them. I know that they are getting more love and attention and candy than any child needs! When I need her help she responds without fail. She enjoys them. I love it.  

My mother loves my dad. Despite whatever life has thrown their way, they have a deep love and admiration for one another. She respects him and is the crown on his head. 

My mother is my friend. My best friend. Our relationship has grown from being mother and daughter to being true friends. She does not question how I raise my kids. she does not judge or interfere. She advises and encourages with grace. 

I would not be who I am or be where I am if it were not for my mom. She pushes me to be better. She believe in me. She taught me to love the Lord with all my heart. She prays for me. And I am the mother that I am because of her. 


Happy Mother's Day!

With all my heart...

Secret Garden

I went walking the other day on on a different trail than normal and I passed by a house with a lovely back yard. They had a pool and what I think is a greenhouse and then in a small corner of the yard was a small garden.

It was so quaint, with nice rows and little signs indicating the plants and little sprouts were coming up...

I LOVED IT!

I have been wanting a little garden of my own for a while now. But I didn't think I had the room for it. Our backyard has lots going on. We have the trampoline in one corner, the playset in the other corner and a few trees and against the fence we have it all nicely landscaped so I only have a few places to put a little garden.

And after seeing how small but perfect this little garden was, I figured I can surely find a place for it somewhere.

We have started eating more healthily and more organic around here. I am making our bread, I have joined a produce co-op that has been super yum, but despite this all  I would really love a garden.

My problem...I have no idea how to start one, where to begin, what to plant or where? I would love to be able to use pots as well if possible.

I would also love to grow some herbs.

I live in the deep south. It's almost summer time so maybe it's too late to start planting, but any suggestions or help would be wonderful even if I don't get started until next year.

Lots of tips over at Works for Me Wednesday, so head on over!

Struggling, but Rejoicing.

I'm having one of those days....one of those days I use to have back in my pre-postpartm days. One of those days from 2008.

I'm struggling today.
But I'm fighting.
Trying.
Trying to fight.

Maybe it's hormones. Maybe I'm tired and my diet needs to change.

My family has been under a sickness attack and I'm not retreating, but I would really like to hide under a rock!

My little girl had a fever again last night. She feels warm today, but is acting fine so maybe it's over.
My house is a mess and I can't seem to get a hold of it!
My dog for the first timein 7 years, ever in her life...has fleas.
So I feel itchy all over.
And it grosses me out.

And I know it's all going to be taken care of today. Got the medicine, she's going to the groomers, etc. And I know my baby girl is feeling better and is getting better.

I'm just weak today.

But, I'm trying to fight.

I have praise music going and I am about to get out of the house.
And during my quiet time I realized that I have to focus on my kids. Enjoy them and revel in them. Nothing else matters but that.

So that's the plan.

This is the day that the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it.

I WILL Rejoice.

Message of Truth

From the Message...




Don't love the world's ways. Don't love the world's goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father. Practically everything that goes on in the world—wanting your own way, wanting everything for yourself, wanting to appear important—has nothing to do with the Father. It just isolates you from him. The world and all its wanting, wanting, wanting is on the way out—but whoever does what God wants is set for eternity.


1 John 2:15-17

Tomorrow is the first of many fun nights...

Tomorrow begins a new tradition here in our home. 


A new, fun family night. 


I have been waiting for this year. This time. This day. 


Tomorrow will be our first ever- 


Family Movie Night!!!


Woohoo!


I am a movie lover. I'm the type of person who calls movies, films. The Oscars is my Superbowl. I hate when they make replicas of old films because they never do as good of a job as the original, i.e. Guess Who with Ashtom Kutcher, ugh! Ashton Kutcher v. Sidney Poitier! Seriously? What where they thinking?


Anyways. 


As I was saying...I love films. I love cinema. I love original songs and cinematography...I love a good movie.


I don't like, um, stupid movies that have no reason for being. (Yeah, I know I am sort of a snob when it comes to films). 


What's a good movie? You ask.


Steel Magnolias, Saving Private Ryan, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, The Bachelor and the Bobbysoxer, The Blindside, Remember the Titans, Covergirl, Singing in the Rain, Thelma and Louise, anything with Morgan Freeman, Barefoot in the Park...and I could go on and on! Almost anything with Tom Hanks! 


Classic films, black and white, technicolor, musicals, comedies, tear jerkers, chick flicks...ooh The Philadelphia Story...I love them!


I grew up watching good films. My parents introduced us to good films. My mother taught me who Shirley Temple is and the artistry of Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy. We had movie nights and shared in that. I loved it. One of our favorite games is to quote films!


I remember watching Casablanca with my grandmother in her room. Crying when they began singing La Marseillaise. 


I remember watching Shirley Temple singing "On the Good ship, Lollipop!" 


I remember watching Dirty Dancing over and over and over again..."Nobody puts Baby in the corner!"


I can't wait to share the movies I love to Sammy and Emma. I want them to know who Audrey Hepburn was and to appreciate how far films have come and how great they are and use to be. I want them to live in a world of imagination and to be able to experience films the way I did. 


I want them to think back to when they first saw Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and think of the fun they had with us. 


I want to see and hear what they think when Indiana is fighting the Nazis or when Marty goes back to the future or when Scarlet drives the buggy home to Tara or when Anakin turns into Darth Vadar! 


I can not wait. 


And so tomorrow is the first of these nights. 


We'll get out the blankets, make popcorn and put in the film!


What are we watching?

Alvin and the Chipmunks, The Squeakquel! 

A place for Everything...

You have heard that saying, "A place for everything and everything in it's place."


Yeah...that's not the way it is at my house. 
I have been under major conviction about this because:


1) nothing is in it's place
2) few things really have a place
3) everything kinda gets lost or misplaced


Thus, the old saying.


For example, as I write this I am sitting in my kitchen looking all around.


On my kitchen table I have the following items (I'd show you pics but we lost our camera and will hopefully have one by the weekend)...

• Church Bulletin/notes (which is sad b/c we didn't make it to church this past Sunday so needless to say this has been on the table for maybe 2 weeks)
• Mail
• Folded gift bag
• A picture my son drew for his cousin
• Tip Toe Ballerina Board book
• A lighter
• Lint remover rolly thing

Now, don't judge me yet because I will say that my house is very messy right now. Well the kitchen is for sure...yeah the living room is too! I looked back to check and sure enough I haven't gotten to picking it up yet either (we all know blogging is more important!) Anyways, the reason it is so messy is because my little girl has been very sick and I have been one tired, stressed out momma! (See, I need this blogging therapy!) 


So, back to what works for me...


My kitchen being as it is you can see that things aren't in their place. And I came to the conclusion that many things aren't in their place, not just in the kitchen.


Therefore...It is time to create places.


This is the dream...

Not even close!


These are things on my list that need spaces of their own...


Crazy kids Art projects - I don't keep all the kids projects (though I have for the last umm... eight three months because I have not gone through them and decided what goes in the keep pile. A friend suggested these amazing things called "under bed boxes!" And I realized that may just work! 


Gift Bags- I recycle a lot of gift bags. I still have bags from my wedding! Right now these actually do have a place...the one on the table just isn't there. I have this large antique furniture piece...let's call it an armoire, where I keep all the bags. This has proven to be an ineffective place to store them so you know where I am going to keep the,,,,Under bed box! 


Next...Medicine. I've written about us being sick a lot lately here and here. And I have noticed our medicine is scattered around a few places and I will confess that there have been times when we just can't find the thermometer so I need some crates for under the sink (ha, you thought I was going to say bed didn't you!).


And I think I am going to get a few more crates for random other things that need places. I could go on and on but so far those are the things on my list. 


I'm hoping this works for me. I think it will. I crave organization, I've really let things go lately so I need to get better about this. So...tomorrow I'm off to Walmart in hopes that they can help organize my beautiful, crazy home and save me some money too! Now off to find that label maker! 


Any other suggestions or tips? For more ideas that work click here. 

Sweet Content

Life has been so sweet. It has been full of blessings and promises fulfilled. 


As I mentioned in this post here, I have been trying to not allow the enemy to take this time away from us and despite that we are still fighting against sickness. 


I had a moment or two of weakness this past weekend. And my sweet friend over at "The best is yet to come" reminded me to savor every moment and not keep looking for the better. 


Wow did I have to hear that!


We have a lot of planning going on over here for summer time. 


My husband and I LOVE summer! We are beach people. We like laying by the pool, going to the beach, soaking up the sun, etc. 


Our ideal vacation includes a beach and good tans! 


So we are ready! It was a cold winter and a rainy spring so bring on the sun! 


Anyways, we have a lot of plans for summertime. We are going on a trip to NYC sans children! I am so excited about this, you have no idea! I haven't been to Manhattan since I don't remember when and our trip is booked, musical tickets are ready and woohoo! 


We are also traveling with my family to Alabama for a family trip. I am very excited about this as well. It's going to be lots of fun, on the beach every day! Love it! Plus we will be celebrating my parents 30th wedding anniversary while there so it will be a sweet time with everyone. 


We also are planning a few trips to our local beach and a few to schlitterbaun as well. 


Anyways, with all this planning I suppose I have gotten ahead of myself. I love to plan. I love control over where to go, what to do, etc. I love lists and laying out all we can do! CRAZY! 


This is where my problem lies. Control. When I don't have control. When I can't plan. When I can't make lists I go a little crazy! 


So, this weekend I went a little crazy b/c I could not plan something, I had no control of it and I really had little power over it. 


I knew nothing nor could I do anything! 


This control freak was having issues! 


And then, I realized...this is just another thing that is taking away from my joy. Another things that is distracting me from this sweet, content, peaceful time. 


And it did exactly that. I was totally distracted. I was sad. I was frustrated. I wasn't enjoying anything. 


Last night my little girl was sick with fever. She woke up around 3:30 and I went up to hold her, soothe her and give her some medicine. Every time I tried to put her in her bed she would clench on to me, her little hands would grasp my shirt and her legs tightened up around my waist and she would start to wimper. 


So I held her. 


I was so tired. I was uncomfortable and her fever broke so my shirt was wet from her sweat. 


But as I sat there with her I felt such a peace and joy...total content. 


Yes, she was sick. I hated that. I had no control over her little body. I was tired, but I treasured that hour. I was able to hold and smell her sweet head and stroke her soft hair. She's getting so big I don't get to do that as much anymore. 


Sweet fulfillment. 


And whatever else comes along or doesn't, whatever plans I have, none of it matters; God has better plans and great blessings in store and in the meantime I will wait on Him and enjoy my gifts now!


"Father, I am constantly tested and thank God constantly growing! Thank you that I am not stagnant! Not anymore! Thank you for all you have blessed me with. Thank you for plans, they are good. We are going to have a great summer, we are going to have fun and enjoy this special time in our lives. You are so good! In your precious name, Amen." 

His Grace is Enough

We have been sick over here. Lots of sick.


And I'm tired. Tired of the sicky.
The kids have been sick. I have been sick.
Luckily I have been sick more than the kids. Which is better than sick kids though not much.


I was finally able to get some medicine and was starting to feel better when all of a sudden...baby girl is sick.


AUGH!!!


Seriously! Augh!


Sick of being sick!


Here's the thing. I came to a revelation. Enlightenment.


For two years life has been...at times a struggle. Hard. Tiring. CRAZY!


I went through an emotionally difficult pregnancy, house issues from Ike, and the loss of two grandparents.
I walked out of 2008 ready for better. Ready to be new...to not be that sad, depressed girl of the year before. I had a new baby and I was ready for a new me.


But 2009 was...strange...up and down...My husband's job was secure, praise God, but going through lots of changes. Too many changes. Not fun changes. A lot of decisions had to be made. Move or stay. More money, promotion or wait?


We waited because God told us to wait. Wait on Him. Wait for more. Wait.


Waiting is hard. Waiting sometimes.., well it sorta sucks!


2009 passed with little change.


And then, God moved. The waiting was over. The depression of 2008, the tiredness and stress of 2009 were over. God moved.


A new job. A wonderful, more than what we could imagine job came through.


And for the first time in two years I can say that I am 100% me.


I feel stronger, better...me.


I think I have grown so much in the past two years.  My faith was tested it failed me...and by it failing it grew by leaps and bounds...more than my faith has ever been in my entire christian walk. I have learned to trust the Lord more. I have become a better wife...a better christ follower. I am careful with my words, I am encouraging, I am not judgemental and not as proud as I use to be.


I'm a better me. And I love it.


All that being said, I haven't really enjoyed this time of sweetness, of this new me, of blessing because...I've been sick.


The enemy thinks he's slick, doesn't he? Everything else is beautiful, but all he has to do is make me physically ill and he thinks he is able to take away that Joy. That Peace. The things I have been patiently waiting on for years now!


I DON"T THINK SO!


I KNOW that no weapon formed against me shall prosper! And I am not going to let this sickness take over my joy and peace that I have been waiting for for so long! NO WAY! I am going to sing and dance and Praise my God despite it all! Because this time is sweet. It is precious. The enemy has taken too much time away and I am not giving him anymore! So if he thinks I am going to fall into that dreary, sad, poor me pit again, he's got another thing coming!


My God is good. He is so Good. He is my healer and my provider. And he is healing me right now. He is healing my kids right now. And we are going to revel in this time. Revel in his blessings.


I am going to enjoy life like never before. I've been to ugly. I was ugly! I will not go back. And if it get scary again. If it gets ugly again, and it can very well get that way because this is the life we live in, then I will face that ugly and scary head on and I will know how fight and how to praise and how to pray and how to have faith and trust that My God is protecting me and fighting for me.


"Father, thank you for this time of sweetness. I have missed it. And it is so good. Help me to revel in it. To enjoy it. To hold on to it. Thank you for this peace and this Joy. It is so precious to me and I am not letting it go. Thank you for the fire Lord. It was hard. It was painful but I have been purified and am more complete. I know I have a lot more to learn and a lot more growing but I am willing and wanting it because it makes me a better me, a better wife, a better mom and a better friend. I love you Lord. In your precious name, Amen."

Some fun...

I am copying a post from one of my bloggy pals this week. We have been so sick this past week...we'll I have been sick and praising God that my kids and husband have been saved from it! Either way, I have been tired, sick and ready to get out of this yucky point and move on to more energy and feel goodiness!


So, all that being said I read a post from Amanda, at Vintage Dutch Girl and she as always made me laugh and I decided to take her questions and answer them myself...it takes little brain power but it's fun! Plus I know how much you are just wanting to know more about me so...Here goes. ( And I promise to have a fun, here's what's going on in my life post next week!)

High heels or boots? High heels...always high heels. As my friend says, even my flip flops have some height on them! I'm short...5'2 1/2 and I insist on the half! When you're short you gotta wear heels, at least that is what I have told myself since 1995! Funny story, one time my husband, at the time boyfriend, was at my house and I was walking around barefoot. All of a sudden he looks at me with this questioning, shocked look and says, "When did you get so short?" We still laugh about that today! Of course I love boots...with a nice stiletto heel!


What time did you get up this morning? 7:30...my goal is to start getting up at 7, going out for a walk and making breakfast for my husband, especially now that he is leaving much later. It's really the only time I am going to be able to get up and work out...plus it's spring and spring mornings are the best times to walk! And we are going to NYC in June and my goal is to lose 20 lbs a few lbs. before so I can enjoy my shopping at Saks, bloomingdales and Barneys!


Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds are a girls best friend! I love pearls too though, but I have this idea that I can't wear perals until I am 40. I don't know why...but I think that pearls are so classy and you don't become really, super classy till 40 with fabulous pearls!


What was the last film you saw at the cinema? I have to agree with my pal Amanda, here...we don't do theaters anymore...which in a way is sad because I love films. My parents instilled a love for all films at a young age...it's what we did. But for this stage in life, we don't take the kids to the movies and honestly...it's super expensive! Seriously...$20 for tickets only! For crying out loud! So, we are big fans of the red box thingy...in fact that has been a part of our date nights for the last few...and I gotta say that I love it. We drop off the kids at the grandparents, order take out (which is cheaper b/c we don't have to pay a tip) and get a movie or two and get in our pj's and have fun! It's cozy, you know.


What is your favorite T.V. show? Hmmm...this is tough. I'm gonna change it to what do I DVR regularly...Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, Project Runway, Dancing with the Stars and rerun episodes of Friends, which by the way, I hadn't watched rerun episodes of Friends for a while and I decided to DVR them just recently and can I say that no matter how many times I have seen the episode I still Crack UP! Seriously, the best show ever hands down!

What do you usually have for breakfast? About 6 sips of coffee...I never finish it! My friends laugh at me because I will never say no to coffee, but I rarely finish a cup. So my husband will pour me 1/2 a cup which iritates me though becuase just cause I don't drink the whole thing doesn't mean I don't deserve a whole cup! Anyways, I don't drink a whole cup in the morning because I am the type that likes to sit and enjoy my cup of coffee but with two kids, there's not much sitting time. And Eggs. I eat eggs almost every morning.
What food do you dislike? Weird food...and spicy food...and not a fan of seafood.


What is your favorite CD at the moment? Um...the radio?
Favorite Clothing? Anything pretty that I feel good in.


If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? All I need is a beach, an Instyle or Glamour mag, a fruity drink and some SPF and I am one happy girl!
Are you an organized person? I try to be but fail at it continuously! I have to really make an effort at it and its not easy.


Where would you like to retire? In a nice big home on some land close to my kids so that they can come and visit and bring all the grandchildren over for loads of fun! Or on a beach!

What was your most recent memorable birthday? I have been able to spend my birthdays with friends and family that I love and they have all been great!

When is your BIRTHDAY? October 25th.
What are you going to do when you finish this? Clean my house.


Are you a morning person or a night person? Night person! I get energy at night! But I wish I was a morning person because when I make myself be one I am able to do so much and have such a good morning. So, I'm trying to change it around!

Any exciting news you'd like to share that is great? My sweet baby girl is saying so many words! It's so fun! She says juce and chews (shoes) and ow! And she now says Daddy, but it sounds more like deddi! Super exciting.


What did you want to be when you were little? A mommy


What was the last thing you ate? Chick fil a sweet tea...that is a food group!


Last person you spoke to on the phone? My mom! She rocks!


Favorite soft drink? Sweet tea! That counts right?


Hair color? Dark Brown, but I change it often.
Summer or winter? Summer! I am ready (except for those 20 lbs I mentioned earlier). It gets hot down here in the South...but let me tell you...we have had a long winter and I am so over it. In August I am ready for winter but after two weeks of cold, and too many clothes I am ready for Summer!


Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate!


Coffee or tea? Coffee!
When was the last time you cried? Literally a few seconds ago!
What is under your bed? Flip flops!
What did you do last night? Watched TV with my husband instead of working!


Best quality you have? Uh...? No idea!


How many years at your current job? Mommy for  4 years!
Favorite day of the week? Saturday!


Positive or negative? Positive! Jesus is my Lord and Saviour and I have life overflowing and abundant!

Ok that's it! Aren't you glad you know more about me now! Have a great week! Love....