Bean In My Belly

We went in yesterday for my first OB appointment. I am in my 8th week. They did do an ultrasound and we saw our little bean shaped baby, hence the nickname. The baby is measuring just right and we are so blessed. I must admit that I was kind of hoping to see twins, but no such thing. Tim sighed a BIG sigh of relief on that one. "Come on!", I said, "Twin girls would have been SO cute!" God seemed to have sided with my husband on this one.

What I found incredibly interesting was the after visit summary my midwife handed me. She made sure to preface before letting me read it. "The computer sees your age, so they have added the elderly part. Please, don't think that was my doing, since I am 20 years older than you and it would make me look even worse." ELDERLY??!! So, I take a look at the summary and yes, this is what it says:

"Visit Diagnoses: ELDERLY MULTIGRAVIDA"

(Webster's dictionary definition: Elderly: of or pertaining to persons in later life. Multigravida: a pregnant woman who has been pregnant two or more times.)

Nice. Real nice. Now, I know I am no spring chicken, but elderly? Good thing I don't take those kind of things to heart. Not. Guess Tim's foot wasn't inserted as far as my OB's computer system's view of me was.

4 Little Monkeys Jumping On The Bed

I tried to get Walker, Christian, Tristan, and Skyler to pose for a picture on my bed...
I asked for smiles and to look at the camera...
This is what I got.

Priceless!

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to my brother in law, Chris (Cristobal, to me) and my sister in law, Natalie (Nat)!!! You both shine for Jesus so brightly, and I am honored to have you both in my life. I love you.


We went to the Prado for Chris' birthday dinner this past Sunday. It was such a nice night. I am so proud of Chris and the servant he is in the Lord! He is an amazingly considerate man and has been from the first day I met him almost 10 years ago. He is one of the most 'real' people I know. He is kind to my children, and the kids love their uncle Chris. He has been there for Tim and I so many times throughout our relationship, as a encouragement to us. Chris is such a sweetheart and I have been telling him forever that he will make a phenomenal husband some day. Any takers???
(l-r: Dan, Natalie, me, and Chris)


Natalie and I have been through an awful lot together: engagements, weddings, pregnancies (SEVERAL), happy times, not so happy times, watching her getting to know Jesus, her recent hospital stay. So, it is very clear that the Lord has had his hand over this friendship. She means so much to me, and I thank God for her. I hope you know how much you mean to me, Sister.


And, I realize this doesn't have anything to do with Chris and Natalie's birthday, but I did want to take this opportunity to do a little 'excellent marriage' shout out. So, here is to Dan and Natalie... a God fearing couple that has truly touched my life. As we sat and ate dinner together, just the 3 of us, because Tim was in on his road trip, I got a glimpse of their love for one another. Dan talked about how Natalie had made him this delicious dinner the other night. He talked about how she had taken the time to mold the rice into the little 'balls' on their plates, like at the restaurant. That was so touching to me. She was into the details of blessing her husband and children. I am sure she thinks that it was a minor thing, but God sees her effort. That she took the time to find a little bowl, to put the rice in, set the mold, and then put on the plate to present it nicely... that is an excellent wife. I am so proud of you Natalie, for being a Proverbs 31 woman. I am so proud of you Dan, for being a Godly husband that works so hard to provide for and nurture your family. Natalie is always telling me about how kind and loving you are and I see it in your eyes. You both are a sweet example to me, and I love you both.

Coolest Pregnancy Gift EVER

This almost ties in with my other post today.

My sweet cousin/best friend, Jackie, sent a gift home with Tim for me today. It was the biggest couple of jars of green olives! I had mentioned to her that I had been eating them like they were candy lately. I thought it was so sweet how she paid attention and sent those to me. Thanks, girl. They are huge jars, but something tells me they will be gone in the blink of an eye.

I also received a beautiful handmade t-shirt for the baby from our amazing Auntie Natalie. It was so touching because she took the time to make our new baby a little shirt that had 7 arrows...6 black ones, and a green one for our baby that was miscarried in 2002. I can't wait to put it on the baby, and have him/her featured on the blog in it.

Lastly, my sweet pea in the pod, Paula, said she had prayed about this and blessed the baby with a gift, too. It was a pretty pink onesie that said "Worth the Wait" on the front. Tim LOVED this shirt. She also included some pink Pooh socks and then a gift of pink socks for me along with pink lotion and bubble bath. I took one tonight, and P, that bath was so what I needed!!

I am truly blessed with amazing girlfriends!!

Read below for another post from earlier today...

If Your Grocery Cart Contains...

Pickles
Green olives
Beef jerky
Sunny Delight
Crunch n' Munch
Ice cream
A bag of lemons

...and nothing else, all in one run, you might be pregnant.

October's Field Trip: Oma's Pumpkin Patch

Oma's is a dairy farm and pumpkin patch. Zack enjoyed petting the calf and goats in the petting zoo.


We took a hay ride around the farm. It was so beautiful and fun seeing where they keep all the cows. My favorite was seeing the pen where they keep all the pregnant cows, for a month, before their estimated due date. Below is a calf that was born just the night before. We got to watch it get up and do its wobbly newborn walk. Precious!


Oma's has lots of activities for the kids. Tractor's to 'drive', cattle to 'lasso', cows to 'milk'. Here is Christian taking a spin n the tractor with his special hat on. He loves that floppy old thing.


Zack loved the time we spent on the swings and slides after our hay ride. It was a really nice setup and all the kids loved it.


Look at all these beautiful kids! I am so blessed!


"Mom, I found the perfect one!!!" Zack picked the very first one in within his reach. He is not a picky child at all.


Walker heading out with his special pick. He took awhile to decide. His is going straight to Gramita's house so she can bake him a pumpkin pie with it. All from scratch.

We had a blast with all our friends and we all ended up sleeping from 7pm until 9am the next morning. Next year we will have another little pumpkin to join us....

How About Palin For President?

I remember a few weeks before McCain announced Sarah Palin as his running mate, Tim had asked me to pray that McCain would choose her to fill the VP seat. I did not know how I felt about it at that point. Tim filled me in on her and I started to really respect and admire this woman. As a passionate pro-lifer, Christian, and mother of 5 myself, I was drawn to her. When McCain announced her as his running mate, Tim was beyond happy and I was blessed to think that this woman could very well be the next Vice President of the United States.

I recently heard an interview with Gov. Palin and Dr. Dobson. She is so articulate, so intelligent, but what I loved the most is that she is so open about her faith. This is important to me, and I know this is why the left-wing is so determined to slay her in the media. However, she holds her head up high and she continues to speak her mind. She is so fearless. But, she is also just like us, so it makes her come off as 'real' and approachable; honest. I loved reading about her stop on the campaign trail at a Walmart. Trig needed diapers. She got out, bought them herself, and bought the generic ones to boot. That is my kind of woman.


I never would have imagined I would be praying to have a woman in the White House. But, I do believe that she is a wonderful candidate to help families maintain the sanctity of life, and all other things that are so important to preserve in this country. It was founded by Christians to begin with. This is God's country! We must get back to our roots.

I am not big into politics, but I am a proud American, and am praying that the Lord's perfect will be done. It will be. God already knows the outcome of this election, so it is pointless to get all riled up. But, I will be praying and letting God hear my cries on issues concerning leadership, marriage (VOTE YES ON 8!!), and life for unborn children. I'll leave the politics to my handsome husband. If McCain becomes our next president, Glory be to God. If Obama becomes our next president, Glory be to God. Why? Because no matter who takes that seat, my Lord of Lords, my King of Kings, will continue to be my God. No one, no thing, no election, will change that.

One last thing... Tim will be celebrating his 32nd birthday on election day. So, I am praying that the Lord give him the best birthday present this year, by preserving marriage and by putting McCain and Palin in our White House.

The Desire of Tim's Heart

I have this faithful and beautiful friend, Kimberly. She is such a blessing in my life. Sometimes I think out loud and she is so Godly and wise and the Lord uses her to remind me of things that are so important. For example:

Tim is very excited about the baby. He is being very upfront about his desire for a little girl, and has been asking anyone willing to listen to pray for his heart's desire. I was telling my mommies group that I was having a hard time doing this for him, because it felt 'wrong' and 'weird'. K, as usual, came to the rescue and said:

"Just like any other desire that we pray for, if God doesn’t answer exactly how we requested we can rest assured that He knows what is best and we trust in His sovereignty. But that doesn’t stop us from praying for the desires of our hearts, because you can’t hide them from God. I think sometimes He’s like “My child, I know that you want this and I want to give it to you, I just need you to ask me.” Don’t you do that with your kids sometimes, you want to bless them, you’re just waiting for them to ask nicely? Well anyway, my point is that it would be a true act of submission and love toward your husband if you would pray for the Lord to give him the desires of his heart."

These sentences humbled me, blessed me, gave me renewed strength. Yes, if I do submit and pray for my husband and his desire, I will also be in obedience to the Lord, and obedience ALWAYS brings reward. I have never found that being submissive to my husband is a negative. In fact, it is always such a sweet positive and I know that the Lord is pleased with my act of obedience. So, I must put all fear aside, trust in the Lord, and pray for my husband's desire for a little girl. Will you join us? Also, we know that if God's will is not to give us a little girl this time around, we will be so pleased with a little boy. But, like K said, I can't hide my desires or Tim's desires from the Lord. He already knows our every thought... He is just waiting for me to humble myself and express them to Him.

Thank God for my Kimmy. I love you, girl.

Tim Sticks Foot In Mouth

Sometimes men seem to think that what they are saying is going to go over VERY well... this was one of those cases, but it did NOT go over very well at all.

Tim, speaking to Karizma about me: "Hey, Karizma, did you know that by the time this baby is your age Mom will be 50?"
(Tim has a big kool-aid grin plastered across his face.)

Did he not realize this might make the pregnant girl cry? He did try to make it better by adding, "Baby, you always look good for your age!"

However, this did not erase my thought of being 50 at some point...with a teenager...actually, with 4 teenagers.

Now, there is a sobering thought.

Thank God that HE is guiding me through this. Now, if God can help me to have my husband realize that the age comments are really UNnecessary! He is pretty cute, so I have forgiven him.

1/2 Dozen

OK, so there are the times where you might receive a 1/2 dozen roses...although, I have to tell you, Timmy, that would NOT fly with me.





And, sometimes you might go to the donut shop and decide that a 1/2 dozen is all you really 'need'.




Or, the 1/2 dozen of eggs...those cute little cartons that hold only 6 eggs for people that might not eat them very often.





Then, of course, there is a WHITE 1/2 dozen... this is when 2 people in love get married and trust in the Lord for Him to plan their family in His perfect timing. God then creates the WHITE 1/2 dozen...unfortunately, folks, we won't have a picture of that until June, which is when I am due to give birth to our next arrow in line.

Please keep us in prayer and join us in thanking God for his blessing towards our family.

Dear Diary,

Ssssshhhh... don't tell Tim, but I think this Lyrica stuff is really helping. Zack has been my bed-mate for the last week without a peep or complaint from Tim, and that is HIGHLY unusual. I don't blame him. It must be painful for his back when there are 2 little feet pressing against your spine. (Zack likes to sleep with his head towards me and his feet towards Tim..we have a King sized bed, so we actually all fit) However, he hasn't said anything about Zack and his silly way of sleeping in our bed since he started the Lyrica. There is a drawback, that I do recall from when Tim tried taking the Lyrica back in early August: it keeps him awake. I can't remember any night this past week where he has gone to sleep when it is still considered 'night time' and not 'wee hours of the morning'. He does wake up in a pretty good mood, though. I just don't want him to get run down. So, like I mentioned in the previous Dear Diary...we are encouraged by this medication. He isn't healed, but we are grateful that he can at least start to have some of the pain subside. It has been a long 2.5 years just to get to this point!!!!

Savings At The Pump??

Yesterday I was driving Timmy's car home from bible study and went to fill up his gas tank. I got excited when I saw that there was an Arco selling regular unleaded for $3.21 a gallon. Woohoo...I thought to myself! Then, across the street I saw a station offering it for $3.09 (cash only, of course, and I never carry cash...I've got to do something about that). So, I get even more excited. Giddy, even. You would think I had just won the lottery at how much this was making my night. Then, it hit me. Gas is still over 3 bucks a gallon. This is RIDICULOUS!! Am I really paying this much for gas? This is crazy...

I think this is what you call a prime example of the glass being half empty. Well, I did start off with it half full...that's got to count for something, right?

My New Camera

Never wake a sleeping angel....


I took this picture with my new camera. The pictures do come out so crisp and clean and clear. I hope the quality shows up on the blog. It is the Canon Power Shot and has gotten rave reviews. Thank you, Timmy, for being so sweet and kind and getting this for me. You are my sweetheart.xoxo

Dear Diary,

It has been such a long time since I have updated the blog with a dear diary post about Tim. Things have changed so much lately with medication, his level of being able to function...or not function, using a cane...not using a cane. It has been a roller coaster ride to say the least for the last 3 months. However, we must keep our eyes fixated on Jesus to get through this time. It is the only thing that will help us maintain sanity.

Tim did start a new medication, Methadone, within the last 2 months and it seems to be working better for him than the Oxycontin did. He seems to be able to function more on the Methadone. What I mean by 'function' is being a bit more alert, more able to move (he seemed so stiff before), and in an overall better mood. I suppose when you are in less pain, it would make you happier. Plus, with the Chargers winning this past Sunday, he was in a really fantastic mood! He also started to take Lyrica this past week, which seems to have encouraging effects already.

Of course, our heart's desire is for him to be healed completely and off all the meds, but we are so grateful that God is looking out for him and that after all this time seems to have found a medication that fits his needs a little better. Without the medication, he would most likely be immobile because of all the pain.

So, he only uses the cane if he knows he will be walking a lot in a day... like Disneyland. Otherwise, it sits behind his bed as a possible use for a weapon.

Please, continue to lift up my Timmy in your prayers. Please, remember to cry out in his behalf. Thanks for your continued support.

We love you all.

Child Like Faith

Sometimes the conversations I have with my children can be very convicting. God uses them to sharpen me and I am not above learning from these wonderful little people. If anything, God has placed them in my life to grow me, to shape and mold me, to bring me closer to Him. Just wanted to give you a peek into my world:

WALKER: Mom, I know you were married 2 times.

ME (mom): Yes, I was. What do you think God thinks about that?

WALKER: I think he only wants you to be married once. Did you pray for him, the one you first married?

ME: Yes, I did.

WALKER: A lot?

ME: Yes, a lot.

WALKER: Was he nice to you after you prayed?

ME: (This was a hard one to answer, but he asked, and I don't lie to my kids.) No, I am afraid not.

WALKER: Well, maybe you should have kept praying for him.

ME: (In tears, feeling very convicted, because I agree with him.) You are right, Walker. I shouldn't have given up on him and on God. Are you disappointed in me?

WALKER: No. I could never be disappointed in you.

ME: I just want to be the best mommy you can have.

WALKER: (Looking deeply into my eyes.) Well, Mom, no one is perfect.

Only because of God could I have had a sweet and touching conversation like this with my son. I love the honesty between myself and my children. My parents were also very open and honest with me, and I will never forget that.

So, God truly wants us to have that child like faith that Walker has. That we trust in him with all our hearts that HE will make it better, or HE will give us wisdom on what to do. Our pastor has been teaching about this very subject and it can be very convicting, indeed.

Disneyland Trip Tips

1. Never go the day after Christmas. Everyone and their mama, and grandmama for that matter, will be there, too.

2. Make sure to catch the parades. They are totally worth the 45 minutes you will sit and save a spot for your family. Make sure to bring a light blanket or towel to sit on. Or, go early and grab a bench and sit comfy!

3. The Nemo ride is sooo cute! However, definitely see it when it is still sunny outside. Going on at night does not do it justice.

4. Stop at all the picture sites and have them take lots of pictures and place it on your 'card' (it is the credit card looking thing that they somehow put all your pics on). You can have them take pictures at each character greet and meet and at places like the front of the castle and purchase a CD at the end of the night. There is also someone on the west side of the castle taking pictures during the fireworks that would make for really awesome pictures.

5. If your kids like Star Wars they will love the Jedi training show. I really liked it, too. Grab one of the tables on the side, so you are comfy and still have a good seat.

6. Definitely do the fast pass for the big rides...lines can get crazy. Especially for Indiana Jones. Great ride!

7. Have your almost tall enough kids wear their 'tallest' shoes. The extra height might be what gets them on that special ride.

8. Be aware that some rides, usually the ones in Fantasyland, do shut down during parades. Check with an employee.

9. If you have small children, ask about the child swap...it will help you each get on the ride, and not have to wait 2 separate times.

10. Remember, this is the happiest place on earth, so don't let long lines, crowds, heat, and cranky children ruin your day. The lines will die down, the crowds dissipate, and the day cool down. Honestly, just seeing the smiles on my kids faces is worth going through any of that.

Say HI to Mickey for us!

My Arrows

My blog is about my life with my arrows.

PSALM 127:3-5 "Sons (daughters) are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hand's of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man (woman) whose quiver if full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies at the gate." (parenthesis added)

Tim and I love that the Lord blesses our quiver and that it if full according to Him. As you see on the target picture, there are 6 arrows. Each one stands for each of our 'arrows': Miguel, Karizma, Elijah, Walker, Christian, and Zachary. There is a sixth arrow. This arrow stands for our child that we never had the privilege of meeting due to miscarriage. But, we do believe that this child, that my brother lovingly named Elijah, is waiting for us in Heaven. We have such comfort in the knowledge that we will be reunited with our child someday.

I just wanted to let you all know that we do believe that life begins at conception, and we look forward to the day we can hold our baby in our arms. We also thank God for giving us the strength to fully committing to trusting him with our family planning. I don't know of a better planner than the Lord, and he has proven to us time and time again, that He truly is rewarding us with each child. Every time we look into those faces, hear them speak, watch them sleep, it is a reminder of God's infinite love for us.

So, please pray for us as Tim and I continue to trust in the Lord's timing for any future arrows.

Have you hugged your arrow(s) today? Better yet, have you thanked God for them?

Excuses, Excuses, Excuses

Yep, here is my excuse...

Can you believe it was over 100 degrees at Disneyland these past 2 days? It was ridiculous!! We did go to CA Adventure for a few hours on Monday, but we just had enough time to check out the new Toy Story ride (AWESOME!!!) and then sit and watch the parade. They close at 6pm, so sorry, did not do the Tower of Terror alone.

We did go to Disneyland on Tuesday, but we only hung around for about 3 hours...the lines were long, the crowds thick, and the heat scorching. So, as we walked past the candy shop, I could see Ivy saying, "Double Dog Dare Ya!" But, I don't do well in the heat and like the movie (Fools Rush In) says: "The White People Are Melting Out Here!!!"

So, I am a chicken...but, I will make it up next time. Hope Ivy will still love me. I did do something a little crazy and change Zack's diaper while we were in line for Toy Story...does that count for crazy, wacky....or is that just plain ghetto?? Hey, you would do it too if the line were that long and it was that hot outside.

Thanks for playing...
and sorry I didn't.

Proverbs 31:28

PROVERBS 31:28 "Her children arise and call her blessed..."

We just got home from our road trip (I will post about my dare later) and I am exhausted!! I sat down to clear out my inbox and heard a little voice trying to get my attention.

"I love you, Mama!"
"I love you, Mama Mama!"
"I love you, Mama!"

I thought Zack was just jibber-jabbering, but he was saying, I love you to me for the first time without my having to say it to him first. That is one of the things that reminds you just what a gift children really are from God!

PSALM 127:3 "...Children a reward from Him."

(My Mom just called, and as I was talking to her, Zack came and said it again...she heard it, too, and talked about how clear it sounded. So, I have a witness. Us Moms know how hard it is to get our kids to do their 'tricks' for other people. I am glad someone else heard it, too.)

Double Dog Dare Ya!

We are headed back to Disneyland next week. So, I was thinking...do you want to double dog dare me to do something and take a picture to prove I did? (It has to be within moral boundaries, OK??!!)

I am feeling a bit spunky tonight...but, don't be surprised if I delete this post before I actually am put to the test. Oh, and I do have the power of veto.

So, bring it on...and I will post the pics to prove I am no wimp...well, I suppose it is easy to say when I have not read any suggestions.

Should be the most interesting trip to 'The Happiest Place On Earth' yet!

Big Kids Night Out

Several months ago Miguel and Karizma asked if they could go to the concert that would be featuring Third Day and Switchfoot...their favorite bands. I thought to myself, "I have 4 months to save up a couple hundred $$!" Oh, but with a family of 7, those couple of hundred $$'s are needed for car repairs, or gas, or food. I knew how much they wanted to go, but knew we could not afford the tickets. I honestly, gave up and told them, they would not be able to go. They are very gracious children and accepted my answer with much understanding.

Then God intervened. I am so glad He does that!

Our good friends the Loren's emailed me saying they wanted to take Tim and I to the concert playing at the Cricket Amphitheatre that Saturday. I knew exactly what concert it was, and although happy that Tim and I could go, sad that I would be going instead of the kids. My heart was feeling so bittersweet. I did let my friend, Kimberly, know that we would love to go and shamelessly told her that the kids had really wanted to go, too. Well, my big mouth actually worked in my favor this time because, she said they had enough from their vouchers for 6 tickets! Are you kidding me? You are willing to use your vouchers to take ALL of us?? Well, if you know the Loren's, that is just the kind of generous people they are.

Now, the obstacle of finding a sitter, a trusted sitter, for our 3 little guys. Grandmom and Grandad had plans. I told Kimberly to please try to find someone else to go with them, because I did not think we would be able to find a sitter. She told me, no way, that she was trusting God to take care of it all.

God intervened, again...

I called my sweet friend, Brianna, and she was quick to say she would take in all 3 of our little men. As most of you know, my kids are only allowed to stay with very select people...usually starting with the names Grandma or Grandpa...but every once in awhile you will meet someone that you know would treat your children with the same love and kindness that you do. Brianna is one of these people.

-We BBQ'd with the Loren's before heading to the Marquez's to drop off the boys. That was one of the best BBQ's!!
-The Weather was absolutely perfect!!
-Did I mention, no parking fee??
-We grabbed our seats, which were really great seats, and got to watch some really cool bands....

Jars of Clay (whom I had never heard before, but loved due to their 80's influence) was awesome! Then the Robert Randolph Family Band...these guys were PHENOMENAL!! They blew us away. Then my favorite of the night, Switchfoot. We have seen them in concert before...and they did not fail to amaze. They had everyone on their feet. Then Miguel's favorite alltime band, Third Day. It was so sweet to see him worshipping the Lord so freely when they came on. That meant so much to me, to be able to witness that. We were all worshipping God throughout the night and I loved having that time to hang with Miguel and Karizma. No diapers to change, or potty breaks, or faces to wipe after the nachos. It felt like a really grown-up night.

We had such a blast!! So, thank you Matt for being obedient to the Lord and asking us to join you and Kimber. Thank you to Brianna, Gabe, and Jacob for feeding, changing, playing with, loving on, reading to, and cleaning up our 3 little men. I don't believe they ever even noticed we were gone. Extra special thanks goes out to Jacob, though, because I know it had to be shell shock to share all his toys with 6 extra hands. And, sharing his mommy, well, I know that was real love on his part. Jake, you are a saint, Buddy.

(By the way, this concert's proceeds went to benefit: Habitat For Humanity. Great cause!)