The Power Of Suggestion

Last night I was checking out Amanda's blog at My Remodeled Life and she was talking about how sweet her husband was to bring her a treat she has been craving since she has become pregnant. 'SOUR PATCH KIDS'. Funny how just reading about her craving really had my taste buds working overtime. I crave those like crazy when I am pregnant, too, so I proceeded to leave her a comment letting her know we had the same craving in common. I also started to have my mouth water for them and told her I was going to call Timmy and ask him if he would stop and grab me a little bag of them on his way home.

I did just that. And this is what he brought home for me....




He definitely loves to be in my good graces, doesn't he? He also included a very sweet card along with it. He is so romantic.

But, what I found amusing about this rather large bag of sour candy is what they have printed in the top left hand corner....




Who are they kidding??? They must not know that they have cornered the market for cravings that pregnant women have, or else they would never suggest that we would SHARE. That is just absurd!

Thanks, Timmy, for always doing the little things that mean so much. Even though you go through your own trials on a daily basis with the back pain, you are still the most thoughtful, kind, hardworking and loving man. Thanks also for staying up late to hear me talk, talk, talk. And all the while rubbing my belly. I am so blessed to call you my husband.

How's This For Riding Bare Back...

Naked days continue, but what to do about when he is in public...
We had to be out all day yesterday and he did not tell us he had to use the potty once. I was bummed. However, I will see the bright side in all this. Zack doesn't have accidents at home. Wonder if anyone would notice if I let him roam around in that cute bare bottom at church this Sunday??

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And this picture was just too cute not to stick in. This is what Zack thinks a doctor looks like. He will ask to put them on and says, "I am a doctor!"

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And since this post seems to be a mini tribute to Zack and all his cuteness, I couldn't resist this one:

I found him like this, asleep in our bed. He looked so angelic with his little hands folded together like he was deep in prayer. I just wanted to gobble him up!

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Last, but certainly NOT LEAST, I had to stick in this picture I took just seconds ago. My Timmy just walked in the door as I was finishing up this post.



Isn't he the sweetest?? I was at the store yesterday craving some fresh flowers and said to myself and the Lord, "I will just wait for Timmy to bring me home some." Lo and behold, the Lord hears EACH cry...no matter how miniscule, and I was blessed with these lovely red roses tonight. Now I must close this post, go smooch on my husband, and let him know just how much I appreciate his kindess!

Psalm 40:1
"I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry."

Check Out These Blogs

My lovely SIL, Susan, just started her own blog. WooHoo!!! Please check out her great post about Psalm 119 at God, My Savior forever!




Also, as I was roaming around blogworld I found this blog for the Douglass Family. It is a very difficult situation that this Dad of 4 sweet little ones is going through and I am asking you, brothers and sisters in Christ, to please lift him up in prayer.
Please click here to read about his struggle, pray for him, and leave him a comment that you are doing so to encourage him and his family.

God bless your weekend!

Naked Days At Our House

I realize that the subject line is pretty racy...blame Natalie, she asked for it.

We have wanted Zack to be potty trained pretty much since he came out of my womb. We have been dealing with diapers for almost 6 years straight (first Walker, then Christian, now Zack), so it seemed that as soon as Zack could walk we pulled out that potty in hopes that he would 'get it'.Here he is at 16 months, going through the motions, but not quite ready to give up diapers. That was almost a year ago.

We became more insistent about the little guy learning how to use the potty within the last month or two. He even had it down for about a week, but it was our having to remind him to use it and I don't think he knew when and how to go.

So each Monday became the Naked Day at our house. Zack would run around naked and we would pray that he would be inspired to use the potty. Sometimes he would; most times he wouldn't. I have learned from mothering this many children that when they are ready, they are ready. When they are not, they are not.

This Sunday after church, we decided to start Naked Day a day early. We set the potty out in the middle of the living room and since that afternoon to now, the little guy has only had one accident and this is because he couldn't tear himself away from his beloved Veggie Tales movie.

He runs around the house yelling, after each 'visit' to the potty: I DID IT! I DID IT!!

And his brothers love to check out the contents and give me detailed information on amounts and things of that nature. Boys.

Now, we are very optimistic about this and are declaring to anyone willing to listen: ZACK IS POTTY TRAINED!

I know the true test is when he is not naked, as in tomorrow, when we go to the Wild Animal Park, and he won't have the comfort of his potty. He was rather upset when I moved it the other morning and you could tell he was holding it and had been searching for the darn thing. "Mom, where is my potty?!?!?" Too cute to see my little man naked and desperate for his little john. So, please pray that he will continue to let us declare that he is indeed potty trained, and that we won't have to eat our words and that we can FINALLY be diaper free!!!!!

OH, yeah, diaper free for at least 11 more weeks, then back to the trenches. Hopefully girl diapers are not as messy, smelly, or need to be changed as often. Something tells me some of you will have something to say about that...

We are so proud of you, Boozie! You are a BIG BOY now!!! Now let's celebrate at McDonald's!!! Woohoo!

Love For Sale: Only $6.87 at Walmart!!

Not too long ago, Brooke from Livin' La Vida Garcia wrote the most beautiful post about her wise Grandma. It inspired me to drive to Yuma, Arizona and visit my grandma so I could write one of my own.

So, this past weekend we went to visit my grandma. She will be turning 95 this July. Isn't that incredible?! She is one of the sweetest joys of my life, and I count it all joy to have the privilege of being her granddaughter. I remember always thinking of her as more of a 'cool' aunt, than a grandma. She would tell us these great stories about the cute blue-eyed boy that lived next door to her when she was a teenager. Or the story about the man whose nose fell off because he would iron his clothes with his hair wet everyday. I totally believed that story for soooo long. She told us a lot of those old wives tales, but that is for another post. But, one of my fondest memories of my 'Gramma' was sharing in worshipping the Lord together. We, my sister Amanda and I, would grab all the blankets she had in the house, build our own little temple in her bedroom with those blankets and chairs, slip on some of her church heels, and pop in a worship cassette (Remember those?). The tape was in spanish and she would sing her heart out to Jesus. I would see her close her eyes, raise her head to the ceiling, and lift her arms up as if she wanted to grab ahold of Jesus with the tips of her fingers. Such humility, such grace, such reverence. And, I got to witness it first hand.

My Grandma has been through many life experiences and I will continue to admire the tenacity within her to face any and every thing that comes her way. She has never doubted that God will carry her and that HIS WILL is what matters. She was telling me this past Friday, "We can go to God for anything, but we have to put in our part, too." I know exactly what she meant. A relationship goes both ways...just as Jesus loves me and seeks to be with me, I must do the same: In reading His Word, in prayer, and in sharing about Him with others.

As my Grandma gets older, she has also gotten spunkier. Really spunky and she cracks me up! Just before we were all going to head out to lunch at Hometown Buffet, Tim saw the biggest, baddest, and ugliest bug on the wall. He heroically took off his new shoes, (You know the ones I told you he still puts back in the plastic wrapping with the little packets of silica gel?) and killed it. He doesn't do this kind of thing at our house, but for Grandma, he would do anything. So, he then went in to the kitchen to wipe up the nasty remains and my Grandma had something to say about his lack of conservation with the paper towels. She educated him on how 1/2 a paper towel could have done the job just as well as the 3 paper towels he had helped himself to. This was hilarious and I wished my sister, Amanda or my cousin, Jackie had been there, because they would know that is such a Gramma thing to do. So, after Tim's schooling, we went to have lunch. This little thing of woman was able to have, not 1, not 2, but 3 full plates of food. She wouldn't even stop to look up at the camera! She was already on her plate of dessert by the time I was finishing my 1st plate. She has always enjoyed food and I know that is where I must have gotten my hearty appetite. The boys fought over who was going to sit next to their 'Mama Lina' and they talked to her about themselves all throughout lunch. When we returned to the van, my Grandma pointed out to Tim that her son in law always carries a stool in his car so she can get in easily. Tim apologized for not thinking ahead. He had a look like, I think she is mad at me, but I told him, that it means he is loved by her because she is comfortable enough to let him know what she is thinking.

After lunch we headed to the Super Walmart with Gramma. I love how they have those one stop stores like that there. We had decided we should go and pick up some more paper towels to make up for the fiasco back at her house and surprise her with a stool to get her into the van on our way back home. Who knew that $6.87 could buy you love?? When we presented the stool to her at the van, she was so touched and it was worth every penny to see her climb up on it and not have to work so hard to climb into the van. She was happy to get a pack of towels from Tim, too. I think he made up for the lack of conservation earlier by replenishing her stock.

The kids love their Mama Lina very much and saying goodbye was hard for all of us, but we are so blessed to have had a chance to share some adventures with this Godly woman. I love that my children have been able to get to know their Great Grandma and have their own memories of her to carry in their hearts.

I also love the fact that our children make up 1/4 of all the great grandchildren. My grandmother birthed 10 children, only 7 survived. She has been blessed with many grandchildren, and great granchildren. I keep reminding Tim that our arrows are investments for us. We will hopefully be blessed with many grandchildren and great grandchildren of our own someday!!

***On a seperate but very important note: MckMama is requesting prayer for her little MckMuffin, Stellan, over at My Charming Kids. The sweet little guy has some serious heart issues going on and is in the PICU. Please lift him and his family up in prayer, and go to her site for more details.

Also, I ask that you please pray for my niece, Gracen, over at Raising Miracles. She seems to have a virus or something going on that is effecting her breathing and now seems to have spread to her sister and brother, Sonoma and Skyler. I know that Natalie can use our prayers. Thank you.

God bless your Monday!!

Wives & Mommies...Another Random Review

This time my review is on ABOVE RUBIES:



They produce a magazine every few months that goes by the same name, Above Rubies and their website is: AboveRubies.org Their magazine says that they are meant "to encourage women in their high calling as wives, mothers and homemakers. Its purpose is to uphold and strengthen family life and to raise the standard of God's truth in the nation."

Does this describe something you need? Do you need to be encouraged in this area? If so, I strongly suggest you click onto their website, and sign up to get their FREE magazine subscription. They function only by donations and every time they receive enough donations to put out a magazine, they do. I long for my Above Rubies magazines. When I do get one in the mail, I DEVOUR it from front to back, then back to front. Knowing that their are women out there striving to be the Proverbs 31 wife, mother, God fearing woman...that I strive to be, has become a bright beacon for me. My Mom has been reading them for years, but I got my first copy, given to me by my Mom after I had become a single mom. Once Tim and I became engaged I attended one of their retreats and it changed my life... our lives forever. The things I knew to be true, were now going to start being applied to my life.



Nancy Campbell is the woman behind this ministry and I have learned so much from her. She is the author of many wonderful books, one of which I am reading right now....Be Fruitful and Multiply.
Tim and I have submitted from day one, with our failings and stumbles, victories and triumphs, along the way, to fully submit to God in the area of how many children we are to be blessed with. That is why this book was crucial in our walk as parents. Please read this amazing excerpt:

"Have we forgotten God's Word that likens our children to arrows? I have heard many people say, "I don't want to have children because I don't want to bring children into this evil world." But, this is the very reason for having children. We train them to be the 'light' and the 'salt' in this dark world. We train and sharpen them to be 'arrows' for God's army.
Satan hasn't forgotten God's Word. He knows that if he can limit the arrows from the Christian parents, he can limit the light that will expose his darkness. He can limit the truth that will expose his deceptions. He can limit the arrows that will destroy his works! Yes, the enemy is scared of the godly seed. He is out to destroy it by any means he can.
Satan, who comes to 'steal, kill, and destroy', seeks to destroy newly formed life in the womb by abortion. But, he has an even better plan than that-and it has been successful. He seeks to limit the godly seed before it is even conceived. By doing this, he limits the army of God. If the Christian Church had not listened to the humanistic lies of the enemy and limited their families, the army of God would be more powerful in this hour. The enemy's camp would be trembling. Instead they are laughing. Contraception has limited the army of God even more effectively than abortion."


This can be a 'touchy' subject, but why?
Isn't it said in Genesis 1:28:
"God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."


This is the first commandment given to us by God...it must be important. I encourage you to pray about what God's will is for your life as a wife and mother. Seek only HIS will, and not your own. And lastly, subscribe to the magazine. I promise you won't be disappointed when you get your hands on one!!

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of this ministry in our lives. Thank you for the support I have from my sweet family and especially from my sister, Nat. It is a blessing to have someone to share this all with. However, I thank you most of all for that afternoon at the Above Rubies retreat, 9 years ago, when Tim and I knew that my womb would belong to you, and you have been so faithful to BLESS us, as your word says, with children, and provide in abundance for our family, even as it continues to grow. So, Lord, thanks to you....


Above Rubies gets a A++++++ rating on my random review!

**By the way, they still hold retreats all over the country, one coming to San Diego this August, that we are eagerly looking forward to attending, along with Natalie and her family. I bet we will both have some awesome posts for you then. To find out about a retreat, any of their books, or to read many of their archived devotionals, go to AboveRubies.org.

Brothers and Sisters...

I am extremely blessed to have 3 brothers, 2 sisters, 4 SIL's, 3 BIL's, and a possible SIL on the way...This post is about some of the SIL's in my life and the men that love them.

(Let me just say a quick little something about my first SIL, Natalie. I LOVE HER. She and I have been through the most together, and although she is 10 years my minor, and is very much the little sister I never had (although I have 2), our friendship has been such a wonderful part of my life and I cherish her. OK, enough mushies...on with the post...)



One year ago today, my SIL, Natalie, over at Raising Miracles, had her water break at 22 weeks pregnant. She sat in a hospital bed for the next 10 weeks, praying and crying out to God to keep her little baby safe and to protect her from doctors that were full of negativity. My BIL, Dan, worked tirelessly to continue to provide for their family, be a parent to the kids while Nat was in the hospital, and trying to keep things as normal as possible for all involved. As hard as I know this must have been for them, seeing their baby, Gracen, now so BIG and BEAUTIFUL is a wonderful testament to God's faithfulness.
"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Romans 5:3-5 (niv)

I truly saw this loving couple, this dedicated mother and father, grow so much through this trial in their life...and YES, they suffered, but like God's Word says, it produced perseverance in them that I still can't wrap my brain around. And as far as their character goes, they are such a blessing to be around. They love the Lord with all their hearts, and it is evident how God used this time in their lives to grow them in every aspect. Hope...their experience gives me hope. It is giving others hope. Thank you Dan and Natalie for letting us be a part of your lives.

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I also have another amazing SIL, named Susan. I constantly ask my little brother, Manny, how he ever did it!! I mean the girl is gorgeous, sweet, SMART, and such a blessing to our family. I still don't know what he did to snag this girl up, but it helps me to know that there is DEFINITELY A GOD!! OK, just kidding, Manny, you know I love you, little bro..but, really, though, how did you do it???!!!!



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Last, but certainly not least, there is Chris. Cristobal to me. Another BIL. When I first met Chris a little over 10 years ago, I knew he was special. He is one of the goofiest, funniest, craziest people I have ever met. However, he also is one of the most intelligent and God fearing men I know. Recently he announced that he found someone special. OK, when he said he found someone, I guess in my head I had concocted a really interesting picture of what she, this someone special, would look like...and let me tell you, it was not a pretty picture. Not because Chris has bad taste women...on the contrary, his taste is definitely of the 'finer' kind. But, if you knew our Chris, as goofy as he is, well, you would understand. So, when I got to meet Kelley, I was blown away. She is also another truly beautiful, smart, woman of God.

I have to say that although Kelley is not my SIL, I am praying that God make that a temporary thing. I do believe that she would be an amazing addition to our family. This girl would fit in SO WELL with each of us kids in the family.

Speaking of Kelley, she just started her own blog today, and let me tell you, it will bless your flip flops off!! Check it out at Remember When We Danced. It is a wonderful post about love letters and I think you will be surprised at what she has to say. I loved it and look forward to her future posts.

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Even though I poke fun at my brother and BIL's, I do want you to know that I admire and respect them VERY MUCH. They are hard working men that are faithful providers, that love their country (2 of the have served in the military), and each of them are humble servants for HIM. They waited on the Lord to give them the helpmate in their lives and I see the fruit from their commitments to their wives/girlfriend in their actions and dedication towards these women. So, thank you Dan, Manny, and Chris for being such good friends to me...and then bringing these amazing women into my life, to also be my friends. I love each of you guys so much and thought that there would not be a girl 'good enough' for each of you, but God was so faithful to provide the perfect one. So, I am doubly blessed!!

Now, I can't wait to see who God has chosen for the baby of the family, Elisa. If you think Chris is goofy...she is a million times goofier!

(This is her on the right with my daughter...I love you, Baby, and you are going to make the most 'interesting' wife ;0)!!)

Not Me! Monday

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

My brain is a bit on the fritz, so I can't think of too many Not me's this time around...although, if I left the post up to my husband and children, I am SURE they would be able to give me an endless list. So, as a sorry attempt to do a not me! post, I will once again resort to the not me's! of my family:

It is not my Timmy that is so in love with the new shoes he bought 2 weeks ago and is taking care of them like they are his most treasured possession. He is not putting them back in the closet, after wearing them, as if he never wore them to begin with. Let me explain...you know how when you buy a pair of shoes from the store they come in a box, right? And inside of the shoes is usually some tissue and the little silica gel packets? Then, if they are nicer leather shoes, sometimes they will be in plastic wrapping so they don't scratch against each other, right? Well, that is what he goes through the trouble to do. He has been polishing them and everything. This is obviously a man that is not a good steward of his money...uh-uh, he totally does not take seriously what a blessing it is to have a new pair of shoes and honor God with them, by being a Godly example to me, the kids, and now all of you, of how to take care of the things God blesses us with. I am so not proud of that man!

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It was not my sweet 4 year old, Christian that said to me this morning, "Mom, let's go to the doctor so he can take out the baby and we can see how pretty it is." It is not making me even more excited about Isabella Grace's upcoming arrival because my little man has been asking all weekend when Isabella is going to come out of my tummy. Then to top it off, he did not bless my heart beyond words when he drew me the sweetest picture ever today:(The picture is of me, with little Isabella in my tummy, on the left..how do you like the hair? And of Christian next to me on the right. It is so awesome to see what is going on in that pretty little head of his. By the way, he wanted to make sure I understood he was wearing sunglasses in the picture.)

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My poor daughter is not starved for affection right now. Nope, I am a wonderful source of hugs, kisses, and cuddles for her. She did not barter with me yesterday for a hug:Karizma: "Mom, can I have a hug, please??!!"

Me: "Karizma, come on...you know how I get about that." (I know, i'm a peach, huh?)

Karizma: "But, Mom, come on..."

Me: "Fine. If you help Christian get dressed after his bath, I'll give you a hug."

Of course, Karizma would do this chore, even if she wasn't getting anything out of it, because she is that kind of sweet daughter. But, it was hilarious, ok...wrong, to be making this deal with her. She and Miguel know that when I am pregnant, I am not much for touch, so they like to tease me throughout the day asking for hugs and telling me all day long how much they love me. They get these grins on their faces and I act like a bratty kid and they seem to enjoy this nutty little game. However, for some reason, Karizma is the harder one to 'touch' these days. Could it be something as silly as the fact that I am pregnant with a girl? I totally would not use that as an excuse for not loving on my kids when they ask me to. Nope, that would make me look like a totally horrible mother. Oh, by the way, she did get her hug and it was sweet to see how much she relished in making me squirm, until I hugged her back so tight that she couldn't breathe. That'll show her to love me again!!

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Isabella Grace is not already the proud owner of the largest chest of drawers in our house...13 weeks early. Nope, it would be ridiculous to give a child that hasn't even been birthed yet, the most space for clothing. And to top it off, I did not clear the entire bottom part of my armoire for other things she would need like blankets, sheets, etc. No way would I go to that extreme, because we have absolutely no storage to begin with up on our mountain! And I did not go through the huge bags of clothing that were so generously given to our little cupcake to come in June, wash them and separate them into piles according to size and type of clothing...yes, 13 weeks early. It wasn't me that went the next step and folded them and put them into the chest of drawers that is now hers, and then made everyone come and look at all the cute clothes folded and put away. It wasn't Timmy that said, "Wow, now that's a color I haven't seen before." (Talking about all the pink in the drawers.)

Since Tim pointed out that I was nesting already, it was not me that would make my family nest with me giving them each chores to do around the house, like cleaning out the cabinets in the kitchen and the laundry room. I wouldn't take their leisure time on Sunday away so they could fulfill my dream to have everything ready. It was not me that thought long and hard last night, after putting all the little clothes away, that I NEEDED to go and buy the baby's bassinet NOW, to really be ready. Even though I have gone LATE with each pregnancy. I am just getting excited about my Bella. I watched a movie the other night that had a newborn baby girl in it that lit a fire under me, I suppose.

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Lastly, I guess there was a not me about me. It was not me craving bologna last night and asked Tim to make me a 'bologna special'. He did not know what this was because Karizma makes me these. He did not consider waking her up, at 11:30pm to get the recipe, but decided against it. He did not end up making me his own version of the 'bologna special'. (fried bologna, slice of melted sandwich cheese on a tortilla) that knocked my slippers off! It was not one of the most delicious midnight snacks I have ever tasted. I was not super bummed when I finished it and wished for another. He did not read my mind, like the sweet husband he is, get out of bed, and proceed to make me another one, just a few minutes before midnight. I did not get some crazy heartburn afterwards...but, didn't mind, because I could still taste the 'bologna special' in my mind.

What have you NOT been up to this week?

A Little Mush And A Lot Of Thankfulness

My days are all off since we have been off the mountain for a week. But, we loved the little 'vacation' at our in-laws house. When we got back on the mountain last night I was already missing their central heater (we use a wood-burning stove for our heat up here, but it takes awhile to take effect.) and the cushy/not so freezing toilet seats. We have the porcelain ones and they are so stinkin' cold when you sit! Anyway, when Timmy got home he commented on how much he missed his bed and his smile said it all. It is good to be home! Plus, I see a happier set of kids up here. It is funny how they have acclimated to the mountain so well. Guess you can take the city out of the boy/girl, afterall. (However, I am ALL CITY...and do look forward to moving back down the mountain, someday.)

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Tim and I have really been benefitting from the 'Home Builders' project we have going on at our church. We had our 'date' to do our homework a week ago, and ended up having to finish it in the van, because the seats inside the Starbucks were not made for a pregnant woman and a man with a spinal cord injury. It was great though, because we had such sweet fellowship, no matter where, and such a sweet time of prayer together. We have loved doing the homework, because we are finding out things about one another, that maybe before we overlooked because we weren't in a setting meant to write down our thoughts and look deeper into what they might mean.

I did really want to mush it up for Timmy and surprise him for our date. He has been bugging me for YEARS to get another spiral perm, like when we first started going out, but I hate to deal with all the product, etc, etc. I have seen so much lately how God is in all the littlest of details, so I thought that I could also be in the details for the love of my life and off to the salon I went a few hours before our date. I wish I could have captured the look of happiness on his face when he saw my hair...he was so grateful and it was worth every second at the salon.





We attended our 2nd 'Home Builders' meeting this past Monday and we had to each write out a floor plan of our dream house. We actually had a very, very similar plan, except his included a 'smoking room'...he likes to enjoy the occasional cigar. And, when I say occasional, I think it has been almost a year since his last one...so, I think the smoking room should be a scrapbooking room...although, I have never scrapped a page in my life. Maybe having a room for it, would encourage me!









BTW, what do you think of our shirts?


We will have to wear them every time we have a meeting as our 'uniform'. Pretty cheesy, but cute, huh?







You should have seen the looks we got walking down the aisles of Target after our meeting with all 5 kids and my VERY pregnant belly.



I must tell you that we have started to incorporate something back into our marriage since our date. We used to use this method a lot through the first few years of our marriage, but after the accident, so much changed. We both talked about how stupid it was to let it fall away, because it was a good method to use. It is called the 'Kiss you 'til you shut up' method. If one of us is trying to argue with the other, the sane one should kiss the other, until the other shuts up. Works every time!

I can't wait until the next one because it means I will have to top my spiral perm for our date. I better start thinking of what to do to wow Timmy, now!

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I am so thankful for my sweet friend, Nicole! I have wanted to do a post honoring her for all she has done for me. She has been in my life for almost a 9 years, but we have been good friends since our birthing class together about 7 years ago. She has always extended the hand of friendship out to me, and she makes me laugh like it's no ones business. She is GORGEOUS, inside and out, and I do thank God often for bringing her into my life. So, thank you, Nicole for loving me and letting me be a part of your life. You are such a cherished friend. If it weren't for you, I would be a lonely mountain mama...barefoot, pregnant, braless, and probably unshaven legs, too. So, I am sure EVERYONE thanks you for being my friend!







Thanks also to Nicole for including us in the special BEE SHOW that was put on by a doctor friend of her Mom's. The kids got to see bee's up close and personal, and were even able to hold the drone bees, since they don't have stingers. Did you know that?


It was great to watch the kids all having a blast holding the drone bees, but once the 'lesson' part of the show started, off to the swings and slides they ALL went. So, it was all of us mommies soaking up the amazing information. Boy, was I totally mislead about bees!
After the lesson, our Bee Doctor, brought out a jar of honey taken from the hive itself and it was soooo tasty! All the kiddos and Moms got to try some. I didn't know you could eat it straight from the hive. It tasted amazing!








I am also thankful for the mommies in my group. They have been a very important part of my life for years now. I hold them all in a very special place in my heart because they pray for me, for my family, and for my husband, faithfully. They encourage me, they lift me up, they love me with all my flaws. I was telling my husband that it is so sweet to have this group of women that are kind of in a different world from my church, or family, because I can go to them with personal prayer requests and not be concerned about it getting out. They have been like that special piece of jewelry you just never wear out in public because you are afraid you could lose it...I hold them near and dear to my heart, enjoying the sweetness of the privacy I am allowed by having them be a separate part of my life, but a huge one as well. They have made me fee like I have 2 church families. I love you, girls!! I know you guys read my blog, even if you don't comment. (Special thanks to Deana for letting me love on Jonathan. He is so sweet! I miss baby boys!)












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And, for your viewing pleasure.....









Zack had a blast celebrating his little friend's 2nd birthday. It was a Pink Poodle in Paris Party and you have to check out the cupcakes!


















My girlfriend is so talented! Check out these little pieces of art, known as cupcakes. She made these little poodle ones, ones with pink doggie buscuits on top, and then beautiful sparkly ones, as well. She also handmade the goodie bags and everything looked so beautiful and was presented in a way that made you want to go and have your very own 'Pink Poodle Party'.







That's why when she offered to do our Isabella Grace's 1st birthday...You know I was all over that..since the only thing I am crafty at is: being pregnant, nursing, and things of that nature.

Still Here

I know I did not do my Mushy Monday, and I know I have been MIA for days, but I have a good reason...we are housesitting for my in-laws and I am not at my computer, so I can't load my pics and really sit down to write like I usually would.

Just a little note to let you know that I am still here, and that I have tried to keep up with your blogs, and pray for your requests, Sisters.

I do hope to do my Thankful Thursday tomorrow, but since I won't get home until the evening, my Thankfulness may have to wait until Friday.

I sure miss everyone, but this time in town has been sooo fun. I hit a few Targets and found some crazy deals and got to visit with some girlfriends this week, and Tim and I have had time to go out alone, so it has been productive. But, I must admit, I miss my mountain and am ready to return.

I do think that the Lord used this time to have me 'Be Still and Know That He is God'...especially after my last post about Tim and the meds. It has been a good week. Oh, and as of today, I am headed down the home stretch...I AM IN MY 3RD TRIMESTER!!! Hallelujah, and thanks be to God! Only 1/3 of the way to go now. I can't believe I will be holding my Isabella in 3 months. God is amazing.

And on another note: Please pray for Ohilda and her little boy, Kai, over at Bouquet of Blessings. You can check out their blog for the details, but I ask that you please pray for God to have his healing hand over this little boy, to give the doctors' wisdom and guidance, and that Ohilda (Our Sister in Christ) to have the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Thankful Thursday...and a praise report update!!

I am thankful for the wonderful resources available to homeschooling families. We were able to go to Sea World for a VERY discounted price and were able to have my BIL and SIL's family, Dan and Natalie, over at Raising Miracles, join us. God is our faithful provider and we were able to go in without paying for parking and able to have a nice family lunch with Daddy before he had to go back to work.

Here we ALL are (My family in bold face letters, Natalie's in regular, top row: Zoey, Karizma, Myself, Tim, Walker, Elmo, Christian, Miguel, Natalie, Dan. Next row: Zack, holding my hand, Skyler. Bottow row: Sonoma and her 'baby', Gracen, and Tristan. (Sorry, it is so dark, but you know I wasn't going to try and edit this one. I will leave it to someone with actual skills!)


Since Natalie is without child (for the time being), she got the 'joy' of taking the little ones on the teacup type ride. Can you tell how much fun she had??


Waiting for the 'Pet's Rule' show. The kids, including the big ones, LOVED this one!! Who knew the best show at Sea World would have nothing to do with the sea?!?


Zack adores his cousin, Ponoma, as he calls her. Can you tell how much she loves him back?


There were quite a few rides that Christian and Skyler could not go on with their big brothers and cousins, so they were so bummed. I promised Christian he could go take his frustrations out on the punching bags. They had a blast in there.

They have a cute area with some musical instruments that the little ones enjoyed. Zack was making some beautiful music.

Thank you, Jesus, for making it possible for us ALL to go on this trip together. What a gorgeous day it was!

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Recently I have been dealing with an issue that is very heavy on my heart. Tim and the pain he has to endure on a day to day, hour to hour, minute to minute, basis. There have been times lately that I have had a serious pity-stinkin'-party on account of all the pain medication he has to take. I start to melt down when I see him have to pop a pill. I will actually leave the room, just so I don't have to watch. I have found that I have some serious resentment towards those little pill's, enough so that I sometimes find myself cursing them under my breath. I have started to see a side of myself I haven't seen since the accident: anger, resentment, hurt, fear, unforgiveness, defeat, and the biggest one, as I mentioned before, pity. Lots of self pity.

Anger: "Lord, I am so angry with that negligent woman! How could she not be paying attention!! She hit my baby's car and now our lives are changed FOREVER! Why is she walking around not having to see what my kids are missing (Daddy picking them up, playing and running around with them). What I am missing (my husband before this ordeal). What my Timmy is missing (sports, roller coasters, life without meds)!!! I am so mad at her, Lord!!!"

Resentment: "Those pills are such a pain, Father. They make my husband tired, have loss of concentration. He isn't the same Timmy, Father. I hate those pills!"

Hurt: "I just want to cry all day about this, Jesus. I am so hurt this is happening to us."

Fear: "What if Tim becomes paralyzed? What if Tim has to stop working? What if I become a young widow? What if, what if, what if...?"

Unforgiveness: "She has to know what she did to us, Lord. I just can't forgive her."

Defeat: "This is too hard. I am prayed out."

Self Pity: "Why me, Lord? Why me?!! It's not fair! I am just going to curl up in a ball in the shower and cry until it goes away!"


Then, I see a man with so much courage, strength, determination. My husband. I am being completely and totally honest when I say I have NEVER seen him have a moment of self pity. I have never witnessed him behave angry, resentful, hurt, with unforgivness in his heart, or defeated about his accident. Of course there have been a few times I have seen him a little fearful. Wouldn't you be? But, he is so quick to finish his moment of fear with a commitment to believing that God has this in the palm of HIS hand and remind me that this body is only temporary and that one day we will both be in heaven in new bodies. Bodies that have no pain. OH, Jesus, the tears of joy that is bringing to my eyes right now. Imagining my husband without pain. It is overwhelming and as I feel the sting of those tears I am humbled by my husband. That he is the one truly suffering, but I have been the one whining and feeling sorry for myself. I have been laying my cross at Tim's feet instead of those of Jesus. I have not been following my own advice. Oh, sweet Jesus, break me. I want to be broken in this area. I want to surrender all these things that have been keeping me bound and feeling heavy. I don't want to focus on the things I don't have. Help me to see what I do have! Such as a husband that still can walk, work, and love me like no one ever has. Children that bless me without ceasing. A baby girl, whom we prayed for, growing in my womb. A family that is so supportive. Friends that love you, and in return love me. A home, food, clothes, a car. So much to be thankful for, Lord. But more than anything, I know I will be in heaven with you, one day. At your feet! What more could I ask for?!?!? I have it all! Having you, Jesus, means I have it ALL!

Please pray for me, Sisters. That I truly remember that the reason Jesus died on the cross was so that I wouldn't have to carry these burdens. That he so wants me to rely fully on Him and seek His guidance and comfort. That I stop and smell all the roses, instead of seeing the dead weeds growing around them. Would you also pray for healing for Tim...and that we, as a family, are open and content to whatever HIS will is for Timmy. I am thankful for your prayers and support.

So, I will, with a very humble heart, say: Thank you, Lord for those pills. Thank you for the medication you provide for my Baby. Thank you for giving us a country where this is available to him. Thank you for the means to pay for insurance and for those prescriptions. Thank you for giving Tim guidance on what to take and what not to take, and help me to keep my non-doctor trained mouth quiet unless it is to encourage and support him.

It has been a very Thankful Thursday.

UPDATE, March 6th, 8:55 am: I just had to post a praise report about what has happened since I posted this. Your prayers were heard and they are being fulfilled in my life. I truly learned so much early yesterday morning. I had to die to myself and give it to Jesus. What liberation came over me when I did. What freedom and joy followed. I was able to ask my husband forgiveness for 'giving him my 2 cents, especially since I have NO knowledge about medicine and any kind of background in the medical field.' We had something come up yesterday evening concerning the new medicine he has to take and can I tell you the Veronica before your prayers and my act of submission would have been back in the shower, wallowing in self pity and anger, but JESUS doesn't want me to bear that cross! What a great and productive conversation it ended up being between Tim and I, and we had a very loving and romantic night. So, take that Satan, you punk!!

Psalm 118:5
In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and he answered by setting me free.