Thankful Thursday

So much to be thankful for, Lord!!
"...let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe..." Hebrews 12:28

Lord, remember how the other day I was enjoying watching the boys play with their 2 Tonka trucks in the sand outside and I said to Karizma, "I wish they had more to play with especially for when their cousins are here." I even went and checked Craigslist and didn't find any? I told Karizma that I wasn't going to go and spend over $20 on Tonka trucks and left it alone. You were listening, Father. Like you always are. So, the following morning, not even 24 hours later, when we stopped at the donut shop and you placed that sweet old man there, I knew it was You, Lord, that had his hand over all our hearts desires. Because this sweet man from AZ came up to the boys and said, "Can you boys play with these without fighting over them?" Then he turned to me, as he handed 2 Tonka trucks to the boys and said, "These are for them. I have no use for them, but I know they will enjoy them." I was in such awe over my Heavenly Father's way of loving me. Jesus, that you would look after me and my boys like that, it was so humbling and I wanted to cry right then and there. It was so sweet, Lord, that this old man you used in our family's life that morning, saw that Zack was without a truck and he quickly retreated back to this car to find him something, too:


It was hilarious how he knew a doll was just not his taste and when we got to the car he said, "I don't want it." I am glad he didn't say it in front of the sweet old man. Christian insists we save it for Isabella, but I have caught him playing with Strawberry several times since. I think I will keep her around to entice my adorable niece, Sonoma, to visit me more often!!

Jesus, thank you also for our dear friends the Schmidt/Lundberg family. We loved visiting their mountain and seeing the new home you have so graciously blessed them with. Going over to Judy and Scott's house was such a cool lesson in how you bless is us with creatures on earth to enjoy. It was like going to a petting farm. Even Walker commented on how it "smelled like a farm." They were so kind to give us food to feed the animals and time to play and pet them all. That was a highlight of our trip to Anza. Bless both families for their generosity and their open hearts to us all. We had fun!






Also, Lord, thank you for blessing me with that Snugrider. I have been searching Craigslist since I found out I was pregnant. I knew you would provide. You always do. Your word says:

" 4 He has caused his wonders to be remembered;
the LORD is gracious and compassionate.

5 He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever.

6 He has shown his people the power of his works,
giving them the lands of other nations.
Psalm 111:4-6

So, when I finally found one the day before our trip to Anza, and the woman was willing to give it to be $10 below her asking price, it was YOU again, Lord, looking out for me. One of the main reasons I know it to be is because I never travel towards that area of town. It is way out of my way, but you timed it perfectly so that I would be in that area, not have to drive out of my way, and made it so that I would not go over the budget I had given myself for this product. I am so excited, Sweet Father, because I am always seeing your Hand in my life. In all the little details. Always tending to my needs, my wants, my hearts desires.

Lastly, thank you, Father, for helping Tim in the area of his medication. We are seeking your infinite wisdom and guidance in this area. To know what medications are for him, and which are not. To know if the neurostimulator is something he should do or not. We have lots of questions, Lord and seek YOUR peace in this area. Give me the strength to be a blessing to Tim and not a hinderance, as I tend to be so often when it comes to this touchy subject.

And, Lord, again, thank you so much for helping Tim settle that case. It was nice to have dinner with Daddy/Timmy last night.

Pregnancy Survey

Thanks to Abigail over at 5 little ones for this survey. I realize it is more for my trip down memory lane, but hey, if you want to check out my answers, then consider yourself tagged and do it on your blog! Leave me a comment that you are doing the survey, too, so I can check it out. I love preggie details!! Thanks, Abigail.




1. WAS YOUR PREGNANCY PLANNED?

Miguel: No. I was only 20, not married, and scared out of my mind.
Karizma: Yes.
Elijah: Yes, in the sense that from the day Tim and I got married, we were trusting in the Lord, and HIS timing is perfect. So, although we don't 'plan' our pregnancies, God does our family planning for us.
Walker, Christian, Zack, Isabella: See above.


WERE YOU MARRIED AT THE TIME?

Miguel: No.
Karizma, Walker, Christian, Zack, Isabella: Yes


WHAT WERE YOUR REACTIONS?

Miguel: Again, scared, but after the shock wore off...in a few weeks, I was so ready to grow up and loved him so much.
Karizma; Excited.
Elijah: Humbled and so overwhelmed with joy.
Walker: Surprised, but so excited that after our miscarriage we would get pregnant so soon.
Christian: Blown away. All I did was take one night off with Tim when Walker was 9 months old and boom...pregnant again.
Zack: Another humbling experience because we did not feel we were ready for another, but when you trust in the Lord to plan your family, HIS timing is always going to be very different from yours. We kept this to ourselves for awhile to relish in the sweetness.
Isabella: Can I say humbled, yet again?! After Tim's accident we thought it would be too hard to handle more children, but our hearts have always wanted to trust God in this area of our quiver. So, becoming pregnant again was a shocker. I can still remember my jaw hanging on the floor for an hour or so.


WAS ABORTION AN OPTION FOR YOU?

Never!


HOW OLD WERE YOU?

Miguel: 20
Karizma: 21
Elijah: 29
Walker: 30
Christian: 31
Zack: 33
Isabella: 36


HOW DID YOU FIND OUT YOU WERE PREGNANT?

Miguel and Karizma: Some clinic.
Elijah, Walker, Christian, Zack, Isabella: EPT, baby, EPT.



WHO DID YOU TELL FIRST?

Miguel: My soon to be SIL and MIL.
Karizma: My then SIL...she was with me.
Elijah, Walker: Jackie.
Christian: My parents.
Zack: Jackie.
Isabella: Jackie.



DID YOU WANT TO FIND OUT THE SEX?

We have NEVER found out, except with this one. If God ever blesses us with more, I doubt we would ever find out again. We LOVE surprises!!



DUE DATE?

Miguel: February 17th...my Dad's birthday
Karizma: November 8th
Elijah: January 15th
Walker: June 18th
Christian: February 2nd
Zack: November 30th
Isabella is due: June 10th of this year!!! 15 weeks to go!!


DID YOU HAVE MORNING SICKNESS?

Oh, sweet Jesus, YES!!! With each one! I call it 24 hour sickness..although with Isabella I got 8 weeks off recently. Isn't she kind?


WHAT DID YOU CRAVE?

Miguel: Watermelon and lemons.
Karizma: Can you say chocolate cupcakes out of the vending machine...daily. And the funny thing is that she wouldn't eat cake until she was about 8 years old.

Walker: Lemons and cucumbers.
Christian: Lemons, Big Sticks, coconut bars...the frozen popsicle kind.
Zack: Lemons, Big Sticks and sushi...but, I wasn't allowed to have any...whaaaa!
Isabella: Sunny D and cherry lemonade. Do you see a trend with the lemons?!


WHO/WHAT IRRITATED YOU THE MOST?

Miguel: This was a sweet pregnancy..I don't recall being irritated.
Karizma: The vending machine when it was out of chocolate cupcakes.
Walker: The smell of pretty much ANY food...grocery stores became a thing of the past.
Christian: Rather not say...
Zack: The lady that rear-ended my Timmy.
Isabella: How about everyone. Yeah, I am real fun to be around lately.



WHAT WAS YOUR CHILD'S SEX?

I think all those are self explanatory with their names, however Elijah, we are unsure of. We look forward to finding out when we get to heaven. Now, that is the ultimate surprise!!!



HOW MANY POUNDS DID YOU GAIN THROUGHOUT THE PREGNANCY?

Miguel: I lost 13 pounds in my 1st trimester due to all the nausea, but managed to gain 18 back.
Karizma: 23 lbs.
Walker: 28 lbs.
Christian: 33 lbs. YIKES!
Zack: 23 lbs.
Isabella: I have gained 9 lbs in 25 weeks.



DID YOU HAVE A BABY SHOWER?

Miguel: Yes, given by my then MIL. I had no idea how blessed I would be. We got EVERYTHING!
Karizma: No.
Walker: Yes, my MIL threw the biggest bash. We were so blessed that in the end we had 2 carseats, 2 strollers, and over $500 in cash and gift cards. I don't think we had to buy diapers for the first 6 months!!!
Christian: Yes, my cousin, Jackie, was sweet enough to come down and put something together for us.
Zack: My friend Leigh threw me a morning shower... I loved that idea, because who doesn't like to have sausage and french toast?!!
Isabella: This will be my first chance to have a girl shower. My SIL and a sweet friend Paula are hooking me up this year. I can't wait!!!!


WAS IT A SURPRISE OR DID YOU KNOW?

MIguel's shower was the only one that was a surprise. However, always seeing the generosity from people knocks me OFF my feet.


DID YOU HAVE ANY COMPLICATIONS DURING YOUR PREGNANCY?

None, except for after Christian. I did hemmorrage and the the possibility of having a hysterectomy became an ugly option. To say the least, Tim, my Mom, and myself did a lot of praying that morning, and God preserved my womb!!


WHERE DID YOU GIVE BIRTH?

All were at a hospital. I did try to do a birthing center with Walker and that was so nice...but after some serious pain, we drove to the hospital and barely made it. Walker was born exactly 20 minutes after arriving.



HOW MANY HOURS WERE YOU IN LABOR?

Miguel: 12 hours
Karizma: 11 hours
Walker: 8 hours
Christian: 7 hours
Zack: 1.5 hours
Isabella: Won't this be interesting????


WHO DROVE YOU TO THE HOSPITAL?

Miguel: My then husband. Can you believe, that even though I was already several days overdue he didn't have gas in the car? So, while I am freaking out, he has to stop at the local Chevron first.

I have been so blessed that everytime I have gone into labor my husband has been there and with me through it all.


WHO WATCHED YOU GIVE BIRTH?

Miguel: My then husband and parents. My poor Dad looked like he was going to pass out.
Karizma: My then husband and my Mom.
Walker: Timmy, my Mom, and Jackie.
Christian and Zack: Timmy and my Mom.
Isabella: Of course I expect for Timmy and my Mom to be there, but we are going to have Karizma there for her birth, too. She is so excited.


WAS IT NATURAL OR C-SECTION?

All of them natural.



DID YOU TAKE MEDICINE TO EASE THE PAIN?

I did with Miguel, although I don't know why...he was one of the easier labors. I was so young, I just said yeah to whatever.

I did BEG for an epidural with Walker, hence taking the trip to the hospital from the birthing center, but by the time we got there, he was pretty much ready, so no epidural given.

I have done all the rest without drugs, and plan to do the same with Isabella.



WHAT WAS THE WEIGHT AND LENGTH OF YOUR CHILD?

Miguel: 7 lbs 3 ozs, 21 inches
Karizma: 8 lbs 2 ozs, 19 inches
Walker: 8 lbs 8 ozs, 21 1/2 inches
Christian: 9 lbs 4 ozs, 22 inches..our whopper.
Zack: 8 lbs 6 ozs, 21 inches...I have to check on that one...I can't remember. How did I remember all the way back to Miguel?


HOW OLD IS(ARE) YOUR CHILD (CHILDREN) TODAY?

Miguel: 16 years old
Karizma: 14 years old
Walker: 5 1/2 years old
Christian: 4 years old
Zack: 2 years old


OOHH, that was fun!!

Another Random Review

(((UPDATE on the Mushy Monday post: Before I dive into the review, I wanted to thank those of you wonderful, prayer warriors, that prayed for my Timmy. The trial that has had him working like a dog, for the past 2 months, settled tonight. So, hopefully he won't be such a stranger at home from M-F, now. God bless you for being His humble servants!!))) Now onto the review....


Yeah, I finally dropped the weekly in the title to my random reviews. Who was I kidding?!?!

Today's review is on: LYSOL'S NUETRA AIR FRESHMATIC



This thing is the bomb! Literally, but in a really great way!! The vents in our house would make the house smell like whatever we were cooking and I hate that. Even more so now that I am pregnant. It also seemed that our bedroom was the room hit the hardest. So, it wasn't pleasant to try to fall into a restful night's sleep while you are still smelling the garlic shrimp that Tim just made for dinner. I tried candles. I tried Fabreze. (which I really like, too, but it doesn't have the long lasting effects that this product does.) So, next would be some kind of room freshener. I was hoping to avoid sprays because they seem to give me a headache, but was getting desperate. I found this product at one of our trips to Walmart and the starter kit was only $6.00 so I took the plunge. Miguel, of course, set it up for me and put it up on the top of our armoire. Within the hour my room seemed a million times better!! It smelled clean...not like a cafeteria!!! I have it set to go off automatically every 36 minutes, which seems perfect.

Here's the description:
NEUTRA AIR® FRESHMATIC®, from the makers of LYSOL®, automatically neutralizes odors in the air from odor-causing bacteria to keep your bathroom, kitchen... any room smelling fresh and clean!
Uses 3 time settings-9, 18, 36 minutes-to neutralize odors
Comes complete with an X-PRESSTM Boost Button to deliver an extra boost of freshness
Lasts for up to 60 days (on a 36 minute setting)
Each refill can contains 2,400 Sprays
May be attached to the wall or placed wherever needed

I love that sometimes when I get up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night I can smell the freshness, if you will. I can't stand froo-froo smells, but they do offer other scents like lavender and lemon. Plus, when you buy a starter kit, the inside contains a $2.00 coupon for another starter kit! I promised Miguel I would get them one for their bathroom, since they were so impressed with it, too. Then when I get that coupon I will buy another one...and then with that coupon another one....yeah, this stuff rocks!!

So, for my random review of the Lysol Freshmatic it gets two thumbs up and two happy nostrils in the air!

(I already have my next random review in mind. For those of you that love to save a buck or two...it will be for you!)

Mushy Monday

Yeah, I know I am supposed to be doing a Not me! Monday, but its my blog and I will blog what I want to...so, to switch it up a little I am doing a Mushy Monday instead. What is a Mushy Monday? Well, many of you know me as someone that truly values my marriage and is always trying to see what I can do to keep that fire alive. My husband is such a gift to me and he inspires me, encourages me, and makes me want to be a better person. So, my mushiness is all for him. I chose mushy because I remember always growing up with extremely mushy parents. I would tell my Dad how gross it was that he was always sucking my Mom's face off. I would ask to be 'gagged with a spoon' whenever I would see them making out in the kitchen. But, then I became married (the first time around) and saw that what they had was what I so desired. I so wanted to have the mushy stuff in my life. To be so in love with my spouse, and he so in love with me, that we couldn't keep our hands off eachother, even after years and years of marriage. For reasons I won't get into on my blog, my first marriage ended in divorce and I just never thought I would get to experience first hand what my parents shared.

I may have shared this before, but it is one of my favorite parts of my story with Timmy. I prayed. I prayed that God would bring a man into my life that would bring mushiness into my life. My Mom said I should tell God exactly what was on my heart; to share specifics with God. Our Heavenly Father is into details...let me tell you! I remember getting on my knees in the early days of December 1998 and asking God for a man that would love me with his whole heart. That would love my children, Miguel and Karizma as if they were his own. Then I got to the important stuff..."Lord, I know it is weird for me to be asking you this, but you know my heart better than I do, so I guess I will just spill it. Can you make him a 'white' guy? And, about 6 feet tall would be nice. OK, OK, I might as well tell you that I would love him to have sandy brown hair and green eyes, although hazel would be beautiful, too. And, Lord, please, please, please have him be mushy. Really mushy. That he be so in love with me that my kids one day will be saying the same things to us that I would say to my parents. They deserve to see the example of love and affection that I did." I just can't get over how God was listening to me, that he heard my cries. Because just weeks later, the story of Tim and Veronica started. The funny thing is this 6 foot, sandy brown haired, hazel eyed, 'white' guy had been under my nose for over a year at work. However, God's timing is PERFECT and when the Holy Spirit revealed to me what God had in store with Tim, I was overcome that God would love me so much.

My husband is the kind of man that does bring me roses for no reason. He always has. My favorite flowers are daisies, but Tim ALWAYS brings me roses...so, they hold a special, very special place in my heart. They symbolize romance and strength and beauty to me. I got a dozen white ones this past Friday. (I had also gotten some pretty peach colored ones the week before..yeah, I am spoiled...err. loved!!) He usually buys me deep dark red, which I LOVE, but getting the white roses on Miguel's 16th birthday was really sweet. I am looking at them, as I type, in full bloom sitting on the kitchen window sill. The roses are sitting on the window sill, not me. Anyway, Tim has always been into the details, too. Be it roses, or a card out of nowhere (I am a card kind of girl, but only because Tim can write the most romantic cards EVER.), or a treat picked up on his way home from work for me. I know I take this man for granted often. This is exactly why a Mushy Monday is needed.

So, this being my first Mushy Monday, I will lay down what the post would contain. It would be an opportunity to brag about my husband without sounding like I am bragging. Know what I mean? I could sing his praises and get away with it, because it is his post. His, in the sense that it is about him, and letting him know I love and appreciate him, but mine in the sense that it will help me to take time to remember what a gift he is to me. It is also an opportunity to ask for prayer for my husband from others. To ask for prayer for myself when I am not being the wife I know God is calling me to be. To humble myself in front of you. And lastly, but possibly the one i'm most looking forward to, is hearing you brag about your husbands (wives, fiance's, etc.).

So, Baby, thank you for loving me in spite of me. Thank you for always being so willing to ask forgiveness. Thank you for the nightly foot massages. Thank you for treating me like you believe I am the most beautiful woman on earth...love is blind. Thank you for working like no other man I have ever known, even through your severe back pain. You are truly the sweetest kiss from the Lord to me. I adore you, Sweetheart.

And bloggy friends, can I request that you please pray for my Timmy: That God do a miraculous work on his back and heal him. That God give us wisdom on what comes next where his treatment is concerned. And that God continue to give him strength, determination, and the will to work as hard as he has while he is preparing for a trial. And for me, well, to be more loving and understanding. To be more humble in the area of saying sorry.

Oh, I almost forgot!!! One of the main reasons I decided to start Mushy Monday's was due to Jennifer over at Very Full Quiver. When I posted my story about my funtime in the Long's parking lot, she sent me a sweet email about what she was doing to spice up her marriage. She blessed me by letting me know that my sharing my mushy stories with you, are not in vain, and that she (and a very HAPPY husband after her grand effort to mush it up) was blessed by it. So, thanks, Jen...you, bless me, and maybe one of these days you can post a Mushy Monday about what you did...uh, the edited version, huh? ;0)

God bless your marriages this week and make it a really Mushy Monday...

...As Long As I'm Living My Baby You'll Be

I remember when I first bought this book for you. And I would read it to you before bed, and even had a little tune to go along with the song. Remember? I would say to you out of the blue sometimes, I love you forever, I love you for always. As long as i'm living, my baby you'll be. Remember? I knew I was raising a son that would fit the description of the son taking care of his mother in her old age. I knew you would grow up to make me proud and so blessed to be your mother. Even at your tender age of 16, you have proven to be so much more wonderful than my dreams could have ever imagined, Miguel. You are really a mother's dream. Yes, even through your 'annoying' moments, you are still a mother's dream. Because, those are so few and far between compared to the joy and pride you have brought to me and your Dad, your siblings, your grandparents, and so many more family and friends.

When finding out I was pregnant with you, I was so scared. I knew that God had a calling on my life and I could no longer be selfish. I was going to be a mother. Someone's mommy. I resolved to get my life back on track and start walking with the Lord again. I had spent a couple of years wandering and trying to turn my back on HIM, but HE used you, my sweet son, to bring me back to HIM. Do you see that from conception God had a marvelous plan to use you for HIS glory?!?!

Then the minute you were born...it truly is indescribable. You looked right at me and I knew that I had NEVER in my life known love like this before. It was overwhelming and I recall spending the next 15 hours just holding you, staring at you, crying at the new and amazing gift God had so lovingly bestowed upon me. Having you in my life was really one of the only sweet things in my life those first few years. Your smile and gentleness was what kept me afloat in the midst of so much turmoil. God used you to keep me focused on HIM. He used you to remind me of JESUS' promise that He is always faithful and you became a beacon of hope for me.

As you grew, you continued to amaze me with how quickly you learned to talk and ponder life questions like "Where do babies come from?" You always had a knack for embarrassing me in public. You had to take on a 'man of the house' role very early in life. I would say I am sorry, because it was not a life for a little man, but you have grown so much from those experiences and I wouldn't trade them for anything. I do believe they are what molded you into the loving, caring, and sensitive young man you are now. Just writing this out is really humbling me, because I realize how much I learned from you, Buddy. Remember how you would help me carry ALL the groceries to our apartment by yourself at 5 years old? you insisted because you were the 'man of the house'. And remember when Dad(Tim) and I first started dating...well, we had actually been seeing eachother for several months before you met him, but it was cute to see how protective you were over me. You probably didn't see it as cute, but saw it as your job. Bless your heart for doing it. You would sit between us on the couch and when it was your bedtime, you would politely walk to the front door letting Tim know it was time for him to go, and then escort him out. Remember the day Dad and I got married, and you were crying afterwards because you were so overcome with happiness? You said the tears were from being so happy from seeing me so happy. You have always been so grown up, Miguel. Remember how excited and proud you were at becoming a 'White' when Dad adopted you and Karizma? You seemed to stand taller that day. You held your little head so high.

(Miguel at age 14 with Grandma Murph, whom I believe was probably one of his biggest fans. I know she would be so proud of the young man he is turning out to be.)



Then there is your role as big brother. Honestly, how can I even begin to put that into words? How can I describe in a few sentences what I know you have come to mean to Karizma and the boys, and surely what you will mean to your baby sister, Isabella. Watching how you love them, take care of them, want the best for them...well, it does make me realize you will make an amazing father someday. That I would stake my life on. However, I am so thankful for the example God has given you in Dad. What a blessing to see the relationship God has given you both. Besides the obvious lack of looking like father and son, you both have truly become so close and I LOVE to see you together. I know he is just as proud of you, if not prouder, Bud. So, I know I don't thank you enough for being such a great big brother and son to Dad. I was blessed beyond measure by God choosing you to be the firstborn.



Look, I could write for days and days about how much you have brought into my life, but I think the sentence that sums it up for me, is that you love me...through all we have been through, you love me. You have watched me grow into a mom, wife, Christian, teacher. You have seen me at my best and worst. You have learned to know when I need space and when I need a hug. You are one of the most attentive people I have ever encountered in my life, and God brought you into my life! What did I ever do to deserve such a sweet, loving, funny, handsome, thoughtful, hardworking, intelligent, selfless son like you? Nothing...it is only by God's grace that he brought an arrow like you into my life. And, I will forever sing HIM praises for doing so. I thank JESUS I can be the proud one to say, "He is my son!"



So, do you understand now, my Son, why Dad and I work so hard to preserve the gift God has brought into our lives...you? Why we want to help you make wise and Godly choices with your life? Why I discuss purity with you on a regular basis? Because you are more precious than gold to me. You are more valuable than any thing that this world could produce. You are my son. You are my baby, and as long as i'm living, my baby you'll be.

I love you, Bud. Happy 16th Birthday!

xoxo, Mom

The Funnies

My cousin, Jackie, told me about this comic strip. She said she thought of me when she read it.. funniest thing about that is she is a public school teacher. Thanks, Jackie. I loved it!



I remember 'Luann' being one of the things I looked forward to reading each morning growing up. I felt like she 'understood me'. Then I became a mom and graduated to the 'Baby Blues'.



Now, this was a comic strip written especially for me...a mother of many small children, that breast-feeds, baby-wears, and loves her husband. She is real, and she made me feel like I wasn't the only one feeling like I was losing my mind sometimes.

We stopped getting the paper at home many years ago, due to how liberal they are and also since the internet has so much information readily available without having to pay a newspaper subscription. However, seeing these 2 strips today, is making me a little wishful that I could have a few minutes a day to check them out, in my favorite chair, while sipping some hot cocoa.

I didn't like reading the political ones or the ones with talking animals, but most of them were a nice way to 'escape' for a few minutes in the morning. The cool thing is that you can now go online and just click on the archives for the Baby Blues and read all the way back from when they started in '96. Here is another funny one:


This one was in honor of Ms. Sandra whom has been known to say that kids will find a way to play war, even if it is with their fingers...looks like these kids got a little more creative, huh?! So funny! HAPPY PARENTING!

Not Me! Monday

Here we are again, my chance to be totally honest with you about what I was not doing this past week. And we owe it all thanks to MckMama at My Charming Kids.

I did not just spend 2 hours on the phone with my Mom while the 3 little guys ran around like mad men attacking eachother with their nerf swords. I did not proceed to make my Mom have to listen to them screaming and yelling in the background, as if I didn't notice the super loudness of it all. I also did not see 12pm roll around, and watch my 4 year old pull out the ingredients for a quesadilla and like a big boy make one for his little brother and for himself. It was not me that sat, yep-still chatting on the phone, watching my 2 year old eat his cold and non-melted quesadilla with a big grin on his face like it was the best meal he had ever eaten, without going and actually heating it up for him. I am of hispanic heritage and would NEVER dream of allowing my children to eat a cold tortilla. That would be unheard of in our home. I did not tell my Mom what her grandson was doing for his little brother, so that she could be as proud of him as I was at the moment for being so sweet and caring.

It was not me that sat at the charity dinner that was held at our church this past Saturday night praying that I would win the jewelry being raffled off. No way would I send my husband (In the name of helping the missions efforts, of course) to purchase 2 more raffle tickets to give myself a better chance. It wasn't me that won...no, really IT WASN'T ME. But, our pastor's son did win and then passed the gorgeous jewels onto his mother, whom they were meant to belong to, obviously. It wasn't me that tried to be consoled by reminding myself that I got a set very similar to it for my 30th birthday, so what was I upset about. I am truly glad that our Pastor's wife got them. I know she will look stunning in that set.

It surely is not going to be me missing my husband as he has to go out of town for the next 2 days on business. I am not a big wuss when it comes to staying up on our mountain alone and would definitely NOT ask my 3 little guys to camp out in our king size bed to keep 'Daddy's side of the bed warm'. I am fearless and enjoy having a big, huge bed to myself. Yep, that is right...love sleeping alone. OK, I hate it...so, hurry home, Baby. Oh, and by the way, Timmy, it is not me that noticed the 'xoxo' you have been leaving on all the receipts you leave for me to file in the check book. No way did that touch my heart and make me want to give you a big squeeze. I certainly do not consider you a thoughtful and sweet and romantic and kind man. No way would I feel like the most blessed wife in the world, because then I would have to take back my little tantrum last night. Which brings me to...it was not me having a tantrum last night.

It is not me trying to hold onto my youth for the next few days, due to my eldest son turning 16 on Friday. No way am I feeling like I am super old and wondering why I still don't have all the answers to the pressing questions that life brings. Maybe, if I really get my act together I can have those answers for you by next Monday....yeah, right, not me.

Thankful Thursday

It is almost Friday, so I must make sure to get my thankfulness for the day in.

1. I am thankful my Dad works at a dealership, so that when I need to get my car worked on, it is under his employee discount. I can't believe how much work we had done and for how little. Praise God!

2. I am thankful that our tax refund can be direct deposited into our account in as little as 5 days from when Tim sent it in. We were able to pay off the kids tuition for the year, fill the propane tank for the property, and will take Harlan, our basset hound, in for a much needed check up.(This is him wearing one of Tim's favorite sweaters after Tim snagged a hole in it. Karizma couldn't resist putting her dog in it.)

3. I am thankful for our Pastor. I am so blessed to have such a Godly man in our lives that treats us like family. He is exactly what I would expect a Pastor to be. Thanks, Pastor Steve.

4. I am thankful for the all the girls I have come to know out in blogger world. So many of you have been so supportive and sweet to leave comments. You guys truly have no idea just how much it means to see that someone out there is reading what I have to say.

5. I am also thankful for the super comfy maternity leggings they sell at Target. Those things are only $12.99, are long enough to keep me warm, and absolutely amazing to hang in. They give you a ton of room to grow into. And the way this pregnancy is turning out, if I still have a little less than 1/2 way to go, and look this ready to pop...well, it should be interesting to see what I will fit into then. I will have to keep you updated on how big I am getting. It would make you other preggies out there feel pretty good about yourselves, ha ha! But, in my defense, I have surely earned my stripes with 7 pregnancies and baby #6 due in June, right?!?!

6. Lastly, I am thankful for my husband's boss and his wife, whom have so generously shared the clothes their sweet daughter Ava wore. Some of it still had tags and all of it was in pristine condition. Honestly, Isabella is set for the first 9 months of life with the 3 ziploc BIG BAGS they provided of clothes. My SIL also gave me a bunch of stuff recently...I had no idea little girls required such an extensive wardrobe. I am getting so excited!!!

When Is The Last Time...

As I was driving home the other night from our first 'Home Builders' meeting at church (A meeting that gets couples together to discuss marriage and how to build a Godly one.), I was thinking to myself: When was the last time I made out with my Timmy in a parking lot? When was the last time we took a few minutes to ourselves to be spontaneous and fun? When was the last time I made a request that would surprise him? So, as I listened to the slow jams on the radio station on the way home, I gave him a call on his cell and asked him, "Do you wanna make out?!" (Sorry, M and K...my teenagers...this might gross you out, but one day I pray that you will be thinking of ways to keep the fun in your marriages going, too.) I may have caught my husband off guard, but he agreed. I found a good spot next to a Long's and took the clip out of my hair, so I wouldn't look so matronly, and started to think about how I should sit, or what I should say when he approached my car. It hit me then, "I am anticipating his arrival. I am getting giddy (Did I just use the word giddy?) over being alone with him in a parked car, on a cold night, under the full moon, in this dark corner. I am actually getting butterflies, just like when we were dating!" There have been days where I questioned where those feelings had gone. I was sad that we could never get the sweetness of first kisses back. I found out tonight, that is only true if you allow it to be. My husband is a great kisser, but things do get comfortable. That can be dangerous, for sure.

It made me love him even more when I realized as he got in the middle seat of my minivan with me (the back seat is full of carseats..ha ha) that he also had been anticipating this moment. How do I know? He had popped a Tic Tac in his mouth just as he had driven into the parking lot. How I enjoyed those few minutes alone in the dark with my handsome husband. I felt a spark that I thought might have been gone. Of course, all things must come to an end...the cell phone rang. "Walker won't listen to us and we told him to pick up his room, but he won't do it." Karizma needed some help disciplining our child, and Tim and I were brought back to the real world, but not before laughing and realizing that this is something we should be making time to do more often.

Hey, Baby, meet me at our special spot???
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On another note:

2 of the mommies from my group had their babies today!!! Thanking God for Brody and Kayla. They are healthy and I can't wait to get my paws on them!!

(left to right: Lila; 37 weeks (Brody's proud Mama), me; 20 weeks, Malia; 37 weeks (Kayla's proud Mama), and Janet; 21 weeks.)

Here we are at a baby shower not even 2 weeks ago...all of us still pregnant. There is always somebody having a little one from our group, but it was cool that 2 of the babies were born on the same day. Congrats, ladies. Love ya!

Praising God With Vacuums And Brooms

Psalm 31:16 Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.

We love our church. We love our Pastor. We love our church family. So, when we started attending Grace a little over 2 years ago, one of the first things we wanted to do as a family, was contribute to keeping our church clean. Back then Timmy's back was about to undergo surgery, so he would come and keep an eye on Zack and Christian. Now, 2 years later, everyone gets in the act, praising God with our cleaning instruments and thanking Him for the opportunity to honor Him in anyway we can. We are blessed to get to do this once a month and I love watching how each of the children work diligently and with a cheerful heart.

By some act of God, Zack slept in the nursery while we finished most of the work. He looked so refreshed and happy when he woke up amongst all those toys!


Although Timmy's back progressively got worse after the surgery, he refuses to not be a part of this. He vacuums the auditorium. What a blessing it must be for the kids to see that even through his pain, he will praise the Lord!


Walker is taking chores very seriously as of late, so bringing his own vacuum was a must. He asked if there was something special he could do. I told him that when I clean I pray for the people that will sit in the seats, and for the Pastor, and for lives to come to Jesus. He loves the Lord so passionately, and I was so blessed watching him go about being a soldier of the Lord. (That's him with his newly shaved head. NOT my choice. Daddy egged him on, letting him know how much time he would save in the morning by not having to do his hair. Walker loved that idea.)


As always, Miguel gives with a loving heart, never expecting in return. He is probably the hardest worker, because he has to do any heavy lifting, carrying all the trash to the dumpster, and he likes things done in a certain way, so he makes sure to get it done in an orderly fashion. He does the mopping and cleaning of the mens bathrooms, along with so many other things. I am blessed that my sons see his dedication to serve the Lord.
Psalm 86:4 Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.


Karizma is usually on kiddie duty and sweeping. The boys love her, so it just seems natural to put her in that position when we are busy getting things done. She is going to be such a sweet Mama someday.


Christian didn't want to get left out. He didn't have his own vacuum so decided to bring his 'popper toy' as a substitute. He felt it did the job just fine. Although he isn't quite 4 in this picture, he is so determined to be a part of whatever we are doing and seeing his willingness to give and give, well, it tells me I am doing something right as a mother. He just blesses our hearts daily.


Seeing this picture lets me know how far we have come. When we started to clean the church 2 years ago, Zack was just a newborn. I would sometimes have to sit in the babies room and nurse him to sleep or vacuum as he laid in the sling, so we could get everything done. Now, he is working just as hard as everyone else and refuses to not do his share. He used that little dust pan and broom to sweep up that entire room and did it with that gorgeous smile the entire time. He actually started to cry when we told him he was done and it was time to go.

Now, I realize that there aren't any pictures of me here. No one ever thinks to take my picture, however, I will have you know that I do my part, too. I clean the women's bathrooms, the nursery, and all the counters and tables. It has become a sweet time of fellowship for our family and we do look forward to it when we get our turn. The last few times, before this time, my SIL Natalie was joining in and helping, too. I remember her steam cleaning the carpets when she was pregnant. She is a faithful servant of the Lord.

There are many ways to praise, worship, and serve our Lord. As a mother I am so blessed that my children are getting to be a part of something so important and that their hearts are always ready and willing to serve so humbly.
Psalm 100:2 Worship the Lord with gladness!

Not Me! Monday

By now most of you know the deal...this is Not me! Monday, where I reveal the things I have not been up to this past week. MckMama, over at my charming kids, is responsible for this blog carnival.

I have to tell you that it is not me that is sitting here dreading every minute of trying to come up with something clever, funny, and embarrassing to post about. Uh uh, no way. I am in such a chipper and go get 'em mood this morning. You would be saying to yourself, "Wow, what a genuinely great attitude she has!" So, it was not me this morning that felt totally convicted when Jessie Dawn at intense blessings nominated me for a blog award. One of the rules for her nominations was to pick a "blog which show great attitude and/or gratitude!" So, it is not me knowing that it was God reminding me to perk up since he has given me all the joys of life this morning: My favorite kind of weather (POURING rain outside...and being up on this mountain makes it a million times more beautiful), quiet and still children this morning, a pregnant belly stuffed with the little girl we have prayed for and longed for. Life is good. So, it is not me still feeling drained from a long weekend. Because, that would mean I did not learn my lesson. By the way, thanks to Jessie Dawn for the super cool award. Honestly, it did make me feel loved and it made me feel like God always has His hand over me...reminding me that HE loves me like no other. Plus, since I am a lemonade freak...well, it was just so fitting. Jessie Dawn, you are too kind, Sister!!!

It was not me yesterday sitting in the coziness of my parents home wishing I was six again. Of course, I love being an adult and cherish all the responsibilities and demands that come with growing up. I was totally not wishing that I was in pigtails again and having my Mom sit on the couch reading me a children's bible book in Spanish, while my little sister, Amanda, sat on the couch next me, fidgeting and wondering when she could get up and go play with her toys. It is not me missing her terribly as the 10 year anniversary of her going to be with the Lord passed this weekend. I do want to say that knowing she is with Jesus is the ultimate comfort. Knowing I will be with her again does bring me peace. However, although I am not sad, I do miss that girl all the time.

It was not me at Costco this past week, checking out all the cute little Carter dresses and jammies for our little Isabella Grace. And since that was not me, then of course it would not be me that proceeded to buy 2 little dresses, (polka dots and daisies, thank you very much.) and 3 pairs of jammies, because she would certainly NEED them!! In my defense, I will say that I bought larger sizes since my SIL would be saying, "But, I am throwing you a shower!!!" and they were all so reasonably priced, I just couldn't resist. Although, I already have a little girl, back then we couldn't afford to buy her anything, so this is my first opportunity to do the 'girl' thing. And Karizma was the only baby I did not get a shower for, so I am sooo looking forward to having a pink shower. It is not me wishing I could invite my bloggy friends, like Jennifer from Texas, or the other Jennifer from Kentucky...it wouldn't be a party without Kristi from Michigan. Something tells me that each of the girls would love some time in Cali. One day we will all have to not get together here on my mountain and not have a slumber party and not eat until we explode.

It was not me that decided that Zack is officially potty training now. Cold turkey. Walking around sportin' his Handy Manny underwear. It was not Zack that left a little present for us on the kitchen floor...thank God it was the kitchen, as we tried to direct him to the potty. And of course, it is not me that is incredibly proud that 2 of the 7 days last week, he stayed completely dry. I did cold turkey potty training with Miguel and Karizma, too, and with a baby coming in June, well, I need to have him out of diapers, asap. I am so not deliriously happy at the thought that he will be walking around in his tightie whitie's on a regular basis. No way do I delight in how adorable little tush's look in size 3t underwear.

Well, I better start doing something productive on this Monday. I never sit around in my robe and feel completely sluggish and like I don't want to do laundry at the beginning of the week. No way! I LOVE Mondays!!

How Time Flies When You Are Having Fun

Wasn't my little boy only a newborn yesterday, nursing, as I caressed his little, peachy face? Wasn't that little man that we called our 'strong willed child' only running around me in circles last night, having me wonder if he would ever grow out of this difficult stage, as he looked so stinkin' cute with the faux mohawk and 2 fingers in his mouth?
I know it was just this morning that he stood up on the chair, it fell back and he hit his forehead so hard it caused bruising throughout his face and eyes, also making his tooth bite down on his tongue and poke right through it causing a hole that my pinky could fit through, and he was at the emergency room again for the 4 time since he was born!! I was freaking out because a hole through your child's tongue can't be good...but it actually was closed up within 3 hours. (He's been 1 extra time since then...funny thing is that he has gone more times alone than all my other children and myself combined.)
And, I am pretty sure it was just a second ago that he still had those chubby baby cheeks and cute dimples in his hands...
My, how time flies when you are having fun, and Christian Luke, with you it has been a blast from conception to this present moment. How God has honored us with what must be the sweetest demeanor, ever, in a child. You are one of a kind, sweet, loving, QB, and no matter if you are 4 or 94...you will always be my baby. However, I will let you grow up, a little at a time...so, congratulations, Buddy, on getting to use a butter knife for the first time today!! I am so proud to call you my son.(Oh, and mad props to you, little chef, for trying out your new hot dog bun/banana/pbnj recipe. You NEVER cease to amaze me!!

HAPPY 4TH BIRTHDAY, Christian Luke, Mama's QB boobie.

We are 9 kids already with just mine and my nephews and nieces, so Christian picked a few close friends to invite to a playhouse and then lunch at McDonald's. He LOVED it and it was so nice to see him delighting in his day.

I loved seeing the sheer joy on Walker's face when he would go down the slide every which way but the normal way.


If Mama's having fun, everyone's having fun!


Even Auntie joined in on the fun!

Zack with one of his many mother hens, Kelsey.

Christian and Frankie...double trouble. (How do you like them smiles?!)

And, last but not least, THIS is what a miracle looks like! Our beloved niece, Gracen. (Read about her miracle story on my SIL's blog by clicking on her profile.)


Thanks to all our friends for making the long drive and for always loving on our family as if we were your own. We are so grateful for each of you.

Even In Utero: A Right To Love Shoes

I was warned. I expected it. But, not so fast. Not in such a manner. What, you ask? Not being able to walk past the little girl section at the store once I found out what we were having. I admit that I did not purchase a thing for our little one until about 2 weeks after...when these ridiculously amazing clearance sales began at Target. (But a small disclaimer does need to be printed: I am not going crazy, spending a ton of money, and buying a ton of things like some people seem to think I am. I have bought a few things, yes, but not a single thing I have bought for IG was over $4.00 and that was a steal because it was a little cheerleader outfit for the Chargers..originally $24.99.)



Each time I went to Target, I would scan the clearance racks, shoe racks, and so on...searching, on a mission, to find the cutest stuff for our little girl, without feeling guilty about the amount I spent. I was able to not only bless our sweetie, but grab a couple of pairs for my niece and a friend of ours, and some for baby shower gifts. SWEET!



Not a single pair of these shoes was over $2.48. One pair was under $2.00! So, how could I resist?!? And I did prepare by buying different sizes and colors. She is an answer to prayer, our Isabella Grace. She has been on our hearts for almost 10 years. I have a feeling that she is going to be my new dolly like Karizma was for the first 2 years of her life. That is until she figured out she had a voice, a personality, and an opinion. I am aware I will have to share my dolly with many people, but she will be more blessed for it!

I am blessed that a good friend of mine and my SIL have both asked if they could throw me a shower this spring, so I know that will take care of the outfits to go with the shoes. Plus, my nieces are outgrowing things left and right and my SIL has already given me lots of clothes for our cupcake. I finally have pink lint in the dryer. Isn't God sweet?!!

Not Me! Monday

I can't believe a week has come and gone already!! This is Not Me! Monday where you can be brutally honest about what you were not doing this past week...a blog carnival created by MckMama at MyCharmingKids.

Of course I never do anything that would qualify for Not me! Monday, so I decided that today I would use others in my life for my post. This is what my family and friends totally did not do.

My good friend, Nicole, did not use a sandwich ziploc baggie to hold her make-up in with her really nice and expensive Coach purse. No, of course not! That would be such a faux pax and a what not to do in the fashion world. So, when we were at a baby shower this weekend, and she won a make-up case with pouches that can be removed, she did not get super excited that she could now toss her old ziploc away and now use an actual make-up bag...one that will not put her to shame. I didn't notice her acting like a little girl at Christmas getting a pretty new toy and putting it to use immediately. I also did not consider putting it on Ebay so that I could just put her through further embarrassment. Uh-uh, not me!

My Godly husband is totally NOT going to a Motley Crue concert tonight. Absolutely not! He is not taking his brother, that is just as God fearing, with him. There is no way you would catch a Christian man at one of these concerts, even if it was their favorite band growing up. And there is no way that I encouraged my husband to keep from selling his tickets so that he wouldn't miss the opportunity of taking a little trip down memory lane with his brother. Why would a woman striving to be a Proverbs 31 wife encourage her husband to go to this thing?!? Honestly though, I am really excited for my Timmy and BIL, Chris. I think they are going to have a really fun time. Maybe they can find a few people to share Jesus with at the concert...you think?!?!?

My 5 year old son did not do a happy dance this morning when I told him he is now in charge of changing Zack's diapers. He did not proceed to give me a million kisses on the soles of my feet, like I was the queen of Egypt or something, because he was so honored to be given this chore. He also has not kept thanking me all day since then, about every 10 minutes, for trusting him with changing a poopy diaper and 'can't wait', he said, for the next one. I also will not admit to letting him have this chore now because we have started to train Zack to use the potty so he isn't even wearing diapers through the day anymore. That would be mean and would be setting up a false sense of hope in my sweet son.

And lastly, my FIL and husband did not use my 2 year old's little white potty as a 'net' for their badminton game in the front yard as Zack ran around in only his Handy Manny underwear, for all the world to see, just before the Super Bowl was about to begin. No way would my lovely, sophisticated family do something that ghetto to keep the potty training going while Zack played outside.

OK, OK, OK...I will say this about myself, because I have not been posting about everyone else: I am not still sitting here on the computer in my husband's robe at 10:48am. Not me!

Serious.life magazine

I wanted you to know about this publication I’m a part of called Serious.Life Magazine. They just published the February issue today, and I am in their Featured Blog Directory. It’s a very high quality magazine… you’ll really like it.

The magazine includes a lot of great content from bloggers you’ll appreciate, as well as great features, photos and other content. The magazine is owned and published by a family who have seven kids, three adopted and one who has Leukemia (www.riggsfamilyblog.com). The magazine gives away a bunch of ads to charities and ministries. Besides great articles on interesting people, there is a lot about family, adoption, personal finance, spiritual life, humor… all sorts of “life” topics.

Again, the subscription is free, and I know you’ll enjoy the magazine, so take a minute to check it out and sign up to get future issues. www.seriouslifemagazine.com