Things for which to be thankful

Thanksgiving was wonderful this year!! I turned 30 the day before Thanksgiving, and though I thought this was going to be horrible, it was an awesome birthday!
My parents came into town and watched the girls so Laile and I could go out to dinner BY OURSELVES!!! IT was WONDERFUL to say the least! Due to my husband being laid off almost a month ago bc his company went bankrupt, we have all been together A LOT! We have not had any time by ourselves without at least one of the girls and needed a date! We love our girls but as any other married couple knows, you always need alone time together too!
Anywho, Meghan and Bryanna were both excited to see their grandparents and vice versa. Meghan is talking so much now and it is really cute to hear all she says and see all she is doing now!
My parents gave me a beautiful sweater for my bday.
Laile and the girls gave me some really nice new red cookware that I wanted, and the biggest surprise was the awesome new camera Laile got me!! A Nikon D40 SLR! I am soo excited to have this (though not sure how much I will get to use it as my hubby is having soo much fun trying out so many things on it.. I think he got it for himself too) ;0)
Anyway, we ate at Abuelos for dinner, and then had a piece of cheesecake from Salt Grass Steakhouse for my bday dessert.
Since then, I feel all I have done is eat eat eat.. I feel so stuffed and fat right now!! I was planning on working out some, but all that fell through bc I wanted to spend time with my sister and parents while they are here!
SOO Things I have to be thankful for:
-My WONDERFUL family that God has blessed me with - my wonderful hubby & beautiful girls
-My parents who have showed me what a relationship with Jesus is all about, and have been such great examples of love, faithfulness and commitment! I am so thankful for their work for the Lord and it is so inspiring!
-That my sister and her husband were able to come for Thanksgiving and I pray a very safe return back to TN, esp with the long drive!
-The sweet presents my sister brought the girls for an early Christmas since we prob. won't see her.. a Radio Flyer wagon for Meghan, as she LOVES wagons (and we had a hard time getting her out of it), some musical instruments and for Bryanna a CD and Nintendo DS game.. they were very excited!
-For the sweet sister necklace my little sis gave me for my birthday
-For how awesome a cook my hubby is!! He grilled a turkey for the 1st time ever and it was DELICIOUS!!
-For all that God has done, is doing, and has given us!!
I know that God is in control and whatever the future may hold it is in His hands.. His timing.. His guidance and wherever He leads!

Raising a preteen.. does it get any easier ever??

Argh! Here we go again.. wow! When did my girl change from listening to this attitude that everone is more important than me??!!! Thankfully, God helped me to have the peace I need not to blow up as I did another day and the goodbyes were a lot nicer this morning.
So then my question is always does it get any easier?? I mean, this is just a preteen stage.. soon to be a teen and I don't know if I can handle it. I mean, I know I can bc I know that I have the Lord with me, but its so rough sometimes bc we don't have a manual that says, "Now, when your child says or does this, you say or do this and all will be well." - Man! Wouldn't THAT be nice!!
Who ever said it would be easy.. no one, but I can still wish eh?
One day at a time, moments with Christ, time in stillness.. I must cherish these times. I love my daughter and I want her more than anything to have the wisdom and knowledge of the Lord and His holy spirit so I have to remember to do my part with my attitude and words so I can do all on my part to be that example.. EXAMPLE.. I have to remember this and focus constantly so I don't let my frusterations and emotions take over.. oh hard it can be too!
I do have to remember even in the times of hardship, when my daughter is more worried about her friends or being late than listening to my words that it is just that.. circumstances. So many times it is the timing and I have to be sensitive to that.. she is growing up.. she has a mind and obligations and she is becoming a lady. I am thankful for how the Lord is working and continue to pray for His hand in her life! I want so bad to establish the right timing and all this before she does become a full teenager.. while I can reach out to her still.. spend time with her.. talk with her.. I pray that the communication will never diminish, even if it isn't always as deep as I would like! I pray for love and respect in this home, for all of us, in Jesus name!

So this is my prayer today Lord - Let me be a light to my child, an example of how to STAY calm and NOT blow up in anger. To be an example and help her learn to be quick to listen, slow to speak and SLOW to become anger for man's wrath does not bring the righteous life YOU desire! Lord fill my daughter with your Holy spirit, with wisdom and knowledge of who you are and let her so desire to know you and seek you every day. Work in all the selfishness in her heart, as well as my own. I surrender my life and my parenting to you once again, daily I ask that you would take my life, change me for your Glory and pour out your spirit in this family and home. I love you Lord and know that I can do all things through you bc you strengthen me. You are my King and I pray that you would teach me and help me to grow in you to be all that you have me to be as a person, wife, mom, sister, and friend. Thank you Lord for loving me even through the tough times and please prepare my heart, attitude and mind for the future, esp. in my parenting and in my marriage. Let me always shine forth your love, and be quick to turn to you! I love you Abba Father!

Crazy times

We have had a long past couple of weekends. We were in Tulsa the past two weekends. The first was to visit family, and we had a great time with the girls at the aquarium while we were there. More on that, along with pictures later.
This past weekend was nice bc we went to Laile's high school reunion. It was great to meet his buddies from back in the day, and to make some new friends that maybe we can hang out with now sometime when visiting T-town.

Now.. Friday morning I was drinking some reheated coffee I had made the day before like I do occassionally. I was getting to the bottom of the cup, when I felt something in my mouth, which I spit immediately back into the cup.. I knew I had not dipped any food in the coffee so I had a really nauseating feeling in the pit of my stomach already, thinking this may be a bug.. Well, I poured out the coffee, and sure enough it was a dead fly! YUCKKKKKK!! I threw up into the sink as soon as I saw it! From now on it is fresh coffee ALL the time.. I am still disgusted and have a knot in my stomach thinking about it!

Sooo.. on the way to Tulsa we stopped at Applebees to eat lunch. I was on the phone with my sister, and Laile said I needed to change Meghan bc the guys bathroom didn't have a changing table in it. I was really into my conversation and had the phone in one hand, and Meghan on my hip when I walked into the bathroom. It took me a few minutes to realize there was a man standing up, looking at me over his shoulder with an uneasy smile, like he was saying "hello.. this is the men's restroom.." - Whoa... I finally realized I was in the men's restroom, ran out, and went straight into the women's restroom. My sister said she had done that, which I remember bc I laughed at her! Well.. another reason to get off the cell phone and focus on what you are doing! :)

Last crazy story.. we arrived home at 3am Sunday morning from Tulsa bc Laile was on call and I had to be at church at 8 am. Laile was taking Meghan inside, calming her down so she wouldn't wake up, and all of a sudden he flipped out! He threw his keys down, was flailing his arms, and Meghan was screaming and crying! I was wondering what in the world caused him to do this and wake up Meghan, when he said he walked into a spider web!! I couldn't believe he freaked out so bad! He did not want that spider on him! Well.. he put M in her crib and when I walked in she was screaming.. I told him she was prob. scared bc of what had just happened and we had to lay with her for awhile for her to calm down.
The next day, I actually saw this spider and realized I would have freaked out if I had known how big this little sucker was!! Laile got it down from the door with the broom, and then finally killed it.. not pretty!!
So goes the many adventures of this last weekend.. it was very eventful to say the least! :)

Silly Times

Meghan found this pair of goggles and wanted to wear them around. It just cracked me up! Oh, and a friend mentioned what great pics I could use to show when she gets married!! :)

Its So Bright!

Meghan does not really like when the sun is in her eyes, so when we are outside she likes to cover one eye to block the sun. her eyes, so when we are outside she likes to cover one eye to block the sun.

Then, in the car she recently put her rag on her head to keep the sun out, and I had to capture that also bc it was too cute, and smart!! She does cutest things these days! :)

SHOPPING

We recently went to Super Target with my parents so they could find something for our cousins. Meghan was enjoying looking at the toys, and next thing I know, she picked the one she wanted and started walking off with it! I thought this was too funny and had to take some pics. Too bad this was too expensive and not for babies!

Questions

I have been thinking about what someone brought up in our Life Group at church. There was a broadcast talking about what your family values, and how your children would evaluate that.
I thought surely my daughter would say that we watch a lot of tv and wasn't quite sure what else so I was a bit nervous to hear her answer.
To my surprise she actually said she thinks God is most important to this family! I was so proud and excited to hear that, esp. when I feel sometimes I am really doing a poor job at teaching her and communicating with her. I have always stressed how important our relationship with Jesus is, and that is the only thing that will make us happy and get us through this life. I also explain how important it is to seek Him, but I need to work on being more proactive in reading and studying His word with her more. Though I know that I need to work harder with my children, at least there is some confirmation I am doing something right.
Thank you Lord that you radiate through my relationship with you, even when I feel I am failing at learning and teaching more of you to my children!

So this is one area I have prayed to die to, me time, as we talked about at church today.. dying to areas that we have to every day in our walk with Christ. Laziness is so easy for me to fall into, as well as just taking care of me sometimes. I realize this more when I get irritated with my children bc I am on the computer, or watching a show, or just trying to read or clean... seem to loose my sensitivity when I am caught up in what I am doing. So first I need to break this cycle and be more of an example to my girls and really stop, listen and pay attention to their needs, regardless of the things I think are important that I need to get done! I want to leave a legacy and don't want them feeling mom was too busy (even with housework) to just stop and hug or listen to me. Granted, there are times when I need to focus on these things, but I just don't want them to be in the way of my family, and even more importantly, my time with the Lord.
I get caught up in playing games sometimes too with my husband instead of focusing in my time with God. I think it is great that I spend all that time with him, but I need to make time with Christ first so that I can be fed, and grow in the Lord, and be able to put that forth in my family too! Lord, help me to set my priorities in order, as you would have me order them!

All this to really stir in me even more the desire to really have that important time with Christ each and every day, to die moment by moment to myself and my desires, and instead let the Lord truly use me for His purposes. I know I am not perfect by any means, but I want to continue to be pruned so God can use me to the fullest for His glory! Sometimes I feel I don't always know what His plan is for me, but I know that if I will just trust in Him, read and meditate on His word, wait and listen for Him that he is FAITHFUL!

Thank you Lord that you are always faithful, even when I am lacking in faith. Even when I stumble and when I loose time with you that is SO precious! Thank you that you will perfect and be faithful to complete the good work you started in me! I know that I am not worthy, but I thank you SO much for choosing me as your daughter, grafted into your vine! You are my Jesus, my Savior and I worship you and praise you for you are SO worthy! Abba Father, have you way in my life, in my time, in my talents and treasures, in my marriage and in my family! Be Glorified. Teach me your ways that I may walk in Your path, and Your truth! I love you Lord!! Thank you for the cross! Thank you for your love! Thank you for your words and that you are working in me to make me more like you each day, even when I don't always feel or see it! Thank you for your love and your healing and that you are with me even in my trials! I love you soo much daddy!!!

Small accomplishments, big rewards

It has been awhile since I have blogged, so I thought one was due. :)
Soo.. last Monday, my 18 month old broke her arm in 2 places. She fell off a chair in our kitchen and cried more than usual, and we finally got her to point to her wrist when trying to figure out what was in pain. She got up twice that night, but we decided to see how she was the next day. Though mostly just fussy the next day, she screamed when she fell on the wrist she pointed to the night before. After that, she screamed when I was wiping off her hand when she ate, and that was enough for me to decide to take her to the doc. She acted as if nothing was wrong so I am sure they thought I was crazy, but when they looked at the x-rays, sure enough she had broken her arm! She was such a trooper, and the good thing is that it didn't seem to hurt unless she moved it a certain way, so that has been a good thing. She helped them put the splint on and Ohh.. how sad it was to see her in that sling!

With the hot pink cast / Right after the cast was taken off, on the car ride home

On Thursday she got her hard cast put on. We let her choose what color, and she went straight for the hot pink one! She did good with this too, though she didn't like being held there while it was drying hard. Soo.. she has been great so far, and thankfully she will be getting it off in only 3 wks, versus 6!
Sooo.. back to my original title.. We were so concerned about giving M a bath. She really needed one when this all happened and we wished we could have given her a quick one when they took of the splint, before they put the hard cast on. I bought some more of the disposable soapy washcloths, and we laid her down at the sink to wash her hair. We haven't done this in the past bc she is such a wiggle worm, and she loves to be in the bath anyway. She was great! We were so happy that we were able to wash her hair w/o incident, and she was great about keeping her arm away (the broken one) too! YEAH! We have a wonderfully clean baby again!
I know I know.. not really that big a deal, but a great one to us!

Ahh.. the joys of parenthood

What a day!! So.. I need to go to bed right after I write this bc I am sooo sleepy! I did not get much sleep last night be M was up screaming bc of an ear infection. She would only sleep with my and the hubby and kicked us all night! Plus, every time she would move around she would scream out in pain. I felt horrible for her bc she was in so much pain. We knew it was her ear bc she could not lay on that side and screamed if we tried to touch it.
Seems she has been getting ear infections righ before we go out of town. In the past we were driving so we just moved our time to leave out, but this time we actually had a flight out of town! We did not want her to go on a plane with her ear feeling the way it did.. not too smart an idea if she was already in such pain.
I took her to the pediatrician and she said it was really bad and that we really shouldn't fly right now. So... we will have to make up the diff. from our discounted fair when we do travel our postponed trip, but it is ok since we are protecting M from more pain and possible rupture in her eardrum! THAT would NOT be fun for her or anyone else. So.. next step is to see how she is doing in 2 wks, and if the doc. thinks so she will refer us to an ENT. She said we may need to get tubes in her ears. I haven't researched this option at all, but I feel we should check it out if it would take away the infections and possibly help her to hear and even poss. speak better. The pediatrician told me that sometimes the fluid in the ears can affect the speack as well, and has known some people whose children were speaking a lot once they received tubes. Not sure what will happen yet, and praying for complete healing, but also for wisdom and discernment in the right way we need to go for Ms sake. I love her so much and like all moms can't stand to see my kiddos in pain! Soo.. that's basically whats going on here!
My hubby took B to the water park to kinda make up for us not going on our trip as she was really looking forward to it. Hopefully we will be able to reschedule in a month or so.

Chaos

Life can be soo full of chaos! Sometimes I don't know how I am going to continue raising my daughter as she gets closer to teenage years and I already have a really tough time! I know that I really need to buckle down and be more proactive and focus more so that things don't blow up in my face and the house, but lately I have not done this as I should! Boy do I pay the price! First I know I need to be in the WORD!! Without that time with God I am walking on egg shells just waiting for a bust! Yes I know this is the first thing I need to do.. so I do well with it until my hubby comes home. I don't try to lay God's word or Him to the side, just seems I spend all my time with my hubby and kids.. not that there is anything wrong with that in itself, but I know I still need to be spiritually fed so I need to do better... for me, my family, my home!
I have to keep my calm and peace so that I can be a peacemaker esp. with my children. I know the main thing is that I need to die to myself and my needs and stop being selfish, focusing on my children before me. This is my calling and what God has placed in my life. I know I need to take it seriously! Things seem to be going well, and the BAM! I am hit hard with so much! The problem that always makes things worse is when I have a bad attitude, and My anger and MY feelings heighten the blow up even more, causing more of a blow up! This has been a struggle and prayer. I have to surrender daily for me to overcome and I do not always stay consistent in this as I should.
Then the hubby goes back to work and all heck seems to break loose! It is as if all of a sudden I have no time with my older daughter and she goes haywire as a result.. just seems there is more disobedience, disrespect etc and it can drive me nuts sometime!! And I love her to death and love how much of a girl she is, but it can really be trying when there is constant drama/emotion/talking!! I know if I were just to start my day in the Bible, prayer and surrender, thinking of others beside myself things would be much better.. maybe this should once again be a clue of how badly I need to continue in that walk, even when my hubby is home, and esp. before he leaves again! I know I am not the only one who is dealing with the attitudes I get, but I know that I can control the situation better if I am walking right and focusing. I know I need to focus to have effective parenting!!
Lord, help me to be a better follower of your example!! Please give me the desire to continue in your word no matter what my circumstances are! Restore the joy of my salvation and renew a right spirit/mind/thoughts/desires in me! Lord help me to love and view my children as you do and to walk in that love and kindness. Please give me peace from the inside out and wisdom beyond measure. Help me to balance my time so that I include both girls and really pay attention to both even when one seems a lot more independent than the other. Help me to be proactive and to focus on the work you have called me to and are doing through me. Please open my ears to hear, my eyes to see and help me to listen to your still small voice.. or be loud and clear, whatever to get my attention. Help me to shut my mouth and walk away instead of giving into frusteration or anger! I surrender all to you and pray that you would direct my foosteps according to your way and let no sin rule over me. Please forgive me for acting out in anger and for causing any hurt in my words or actions in any way! Thank you for you love, forgiveness, grace, mercy and your awesome hand in my life! Without you I am and have NOTHING! I need you more than anything in my life and above all else. Be the center of my life, the head of this family and this home! Bring unity, love, wisdom and obedience in this home and please continue to teach this family everything about you. Help us all to grow closer to you and to be vessels you would use to minister you love, grace and salvation to others.
I love you sweet Jesus!!
Praise your name!
Your daughter

So in love and Amazed!

I am so in love with my sweet little Meghan!! She is almost 16 months and I can't believe how much she has grown!
I am amazed how God can create such beautiful, loving, sweet and cute babies!!! I just want to kiss her little sweet cheeks all the time!
Things I love:
1) Her crazy hair that I can't seem to tame
2) Her big ole grin when she smiles
3) Her adorable laugh when I tickle her!
4) How well she communicates, even without words yet
5) The cute little gestures and noises she makes
6) How sweet and loving and cuddly she is!!!!

She is so cute to me I just can't stand it sometimes! :) Ok.. so maybe I am a little crazy, but aren't mamma's supposed to be over their little ones?
When Meghan wants to talk on the phone, she now puts her hand over her ear and shakes her head yes, while she makes little noises to let you know. Then she will smile really big when I put the phone to her ear and wave hello with her hand to the person on the other line. Sometimes she will chuckle a little, but she hasn't really started talking yet.
She also loves to ask where things are, or have gone by putting her hands in the air in a questioning motion, and making little sounds as if she is asking "Where did mommy go?" when I leave the room, or when she sees an animal on tv and it is gone, she does it also. Also, she will hear a bird or an airplane and do this as well, looking for it and not knowing where it is.
She likes to shake her finger at her sister and make yelling type grunts at her, as if she is telling her what to do.. she also did this to someone's children who were going off the slide the wrong way, as if she was straightening them out! I thought it was too funny!
I am just so amazed and in love with her, and am so thankful and blessed I can stay at home and enjoy her all the time. The good times definitely outway any trying times I have with her!
I love her little toes and when she wants me to play This little piggy.
Her latest thing at night is to rock in her glider rocker that is in her room, while we look at her prayer book. This has become very special to me too, as it is calm and such a sweet way to spend time with her.

Potty Training

Ok, so Meghan is only 15 months old, but she has become interested in the potty some, and she indicates to us when she goes to the bathroom, esp #2 bc she wants to be changed immediately! I told her pediatrician this at he last check up, and she thought that was great and told me I should try to introduce her more with a potty chair or something.
I went to Once Upon A Child, a second hand store nearby, to see if they had any potty chairs bc I wasn't sure if I wanted this for her, or if I wanted to get one that goes on top of the potty like we did with my first child. I showed one to her and she tried to get on it backwards first, sticking her foot right in the cup where you go in, and then pulled her foot out and sat down on the now hole in the chair. The pee cup was still on her foot! Oh goodness I thought.. I really felt she may just try to throw it around at this stage so I decided I would forego the potty chair.
Well, I went to Super Target and got her an Elmo potty chair that you sit on top of the toilet instead so we could try it out, and for when she really is ready if not now.
She was SOO excited about this and wanted to take off her clothes and sit on it! We got her all situated and asked if she wanted some water and she said yes. She was just sitting there, drinking her water and Laile and I were shocked bc she started peeing!!! YEAH!!! We were so excited and started clapping for her and cheering her on! She was excited too, and put her cup down so she could clap for herself!
So.. she hasn't done anything else since then, but she loves to sit on the potty. She at least wants to get a piece of toilet paper and wipe herself off, even if she didn't do anything. Sometimes I think she just wants to for the toilet paper so we will have to keep an eye on the whole thing.
ANYWAY.. how exciting! We will see where this leads.. :)

HAPPY 3 YEARS!!

Happy 3 year anniversary baby!!

Three years today I married the most wonderful man ever! We have actually been together now for 6 years, but it doesn't even seem that long! We are still so in love and so comfortable with each other. God knew he was the perfect person for me! If ever there was a "soul mate," I really feel he is mine! He is so loving, kind and patient.

Bryanna, my 10 year old is the reason (and she doesn't let me forget it) that Laile and I started dating. We were going to church in the school building where Laile was a flight instructor, and she would run into his office and play around in him. I mentioned that my daughter was getting me a date, but little did I know that would really happen! We glanced at each other often and finally started to talk a little when we were there on Sundays. I never really experienced butterflies in my stomach with anyone, but found myself just that way whenever I thought he was not going to be at the school! Finally, one day when I felt this way, I saw him coming up from the runway outside. That day he asked me for my digits and put them in his cell phone.

It had a been a long time since I had dated anyone so I was both really nervous, but also excited! He called me the next day right before I started to work out and asked me to dinner on Thursday and I said yes.

First date:

I was running around trying to get ready for Laile to come pick me up for our date. I was really nervous and was hoping he was not going to be one of those people who ask me where I want to go, instead of having it all planned and taking me wherever. When he showed up, he had a rose behind his back that he surprised me with, and after showing him my place, we left for dinner. He took me to a restaurant named McGills in Tulsa, and it was a very romantic setting with dim lighting and a fire place. I felt good that he talked a lot too bc I was chattering like crazy bc I was nervous. (Mind you I know I talk a lot, but this was more than normal.. and it was the 1st date so I wanted to make a good impression too!) It was crazy bc even on the first date, I was talking about having a baby and this and that, that you would never think to talk about with someone you just started to talk to!! But Laile was so interested and even asked questions. It was great how well we got along! The food was great but the company was even better! After we finished, he asked if I liked coffee.. OF COURSE! He took me to Nordaggios, which happened to be owned by a friend of the family, and this was one of my favorite places to go, as was his! A friend from work said we were meant to be if this was the case. ;0)

We had great conversations over coffee and really enjoyed hanging out. I asked him if he wanted to go with me to pick up my daughter, who was almost 4 at the time. He agreed. When we picked Bryanna up, she looked miserable bc she had an allergic reaction to the dog my friend had. Her eyes were all swollen and I felt so bad for her! When we got home, I was hugging on her, and Laile gave me a sweet hug and left. It was a great date!!

The next day, a bunch of people from work told me there was some 3 day rule that the guys doesn't call for 3 days after a date, which I thought was absurd! They warned me in case this happened so I didn't get upset. Luckily for me, he didn't feel this way and he called me that evening! He said he was helping someone move, but I said if he wanted he was welcome to come hang out with Bryanna and I. Shortly after I received a call back to take me up on that offer! We had lots of fun playing with Bryanna and she wanted Laile to dress up like Peter Pan for her 4th bday. He said he would, but luckily Bryanna wasn't down that he didn't actually do that.. kinda thankful for that! ;0)

After this, we were inseparable, and I could not believe how wonderful he was to me! I think it was the day after he hung out with us.. or it might have been after our first date, I came home and found a pink and red rose laying on our doorstep! He left one for Bryanna and I both! It was so sweet! Then, our days of dating were filled with romantic cards and notes left on my car at school, and we had lots of coffee dates and such. He really treated me like a queen, and Bryanna like a little princess. It was more than I could ever imagine!

After a year of dating, I ended up moving to Dallas, TX due to a job change. I figured that this would be a good test to see if Laile truly was the one for me, as this would be long distance, and since he was a pilot I knew there would be times we would not be together if we got married. Things still went very well, though we missed each other while we were apart. It was great through all the years we dated, for us to really get to know each other, and each other's families too.

Three years, January 1st, 2005 Laile proposed to me at Fogo de Châo. I kept wondering if this was the night, but couldn't figure out where the ring might be. We had been eating for awhile when he reached down for a minute. He started talking about various things, and then asked me to marry him! I told him yes, but I don't think he heard me at first bc while I was looking at the ring, he asked if that was a yes. I told him I had said yes, but again yes yes yes! The ring was/is beautiful. He had it hidden in his sock! He knew I wouldn't think to look there! The waitress heard him propose and they gave us a free dessert, with Congratulations written in chocolate sauce around the plate! It was really neat! Though we were stuffed from dinner, we felt obligated to eat it since they gave it to us for free! When we left I called everyone I could to tell them the news! The next day I just went to David's Bridal to check out what they had at their $99 sale, and ended up getting my dress already!

We made plans to get married in Tulsa, on April 2, 2005. - More to come on details later.. baby is crying.

For now, Congratulations to us honey! I love you SOO much and thank God for you everyday! Even though you can't be here right now bc of work, I know there will be many more anniversaries in the future too!

Jesus never changes!

Lately I have had a lot of friends here and there who have just been blah feeling.. even spiritually. Some have just felt they really need to get back to God. I don't really know if it is so much we need to get back to God, as it is that we just need to refocus. I think sometimes we get so caught up in life, and we neglect the most important part.. our relationship with Christ! I find things to go haywire and to be unsettling when I am just living, instead of focusing on Christ and allowing Him to live through me. I find worry, uneasiness and even strife in my family. This is an area I really need to work on.. mainly just having some quiet time to reflect and even just read His word. I know that when I am reading the Word more, esp. throughout the day, I do feel uplifted, peaceful, reflective and I try to focus on Him instead of my own selfishness and pride.
Today, in the midst of some thought on things, I heard some great praise songs. One reminded me that Jesus NEVER changes! He is always the same.. yesterday, today and forever! He knows my coming and my going. He knows when I struggle and when I fight. He knows when I am mad at myself for loosing control and yelling at my kids sometimes, or just being frusterated. But no matter what, He is ALWAYS there if I will just run to him, and he will always be there!
I really think we go through times where we feel God isn't there. Sometimes we may be truly seeking Him and still feel some loneliness. It reminds me of a song to just be still and wait on the Lord. Even in these times we need to reflect and trust that God is still there and in control. I know I need to really seek and pray that God would just show me what it is I need to know.
Thank God that He never changes, even in an ever changing world! Things change in my life constantly, and there are disappointments and things that happen that I could not have anticipated, but the one constant is Christ! I thank God that I can run to Him whenever I want!
The other song that really brought me hope even more was one that a new group Disciple wrote.. that talks of how God has had his eye on me since I was born.. sooo true! It reminds me in Psalms where it talks of Him forming me in my mother's whom, in the inner most being! He knew me before my life even began.. how much more does he know where he wants me to go, and who he wants me to be! That is such an awesome and amazing thing to think about!
The other part told of how God is with us through and after the rain. He will never leave us! Thank God he is always there, not matter what we struggle through!
Be encouraged! Run to Christ!! Fall at His feet and fully surrender all to Him! He loves us SOO much!

Serenity Now

Has anyone seen the Seinfeld episode where George's dad says "Serenity Now," as if that changes the stress or chaos he's in? Well, I find myself saying that quite often.
I can definitely say Serenity Now.. right now! :)
Peace at last.. not that we have had that much of an eventful day, but one child has been whiny and mopey all day, and the other one has been soo sweet one minute, but clingy and whiney the next.. argh! I have been a bit tired and just blah to add to things, partly because of our dreary weather! We went swimming at the gym after I worked out, but that didn't last too long because Meghan was getting pretty tired. No problem for me bc I was ready to go home and relax a little. Bryanna wanted a little more time, but this should have been a warning to me to just tell her to get out bc she tends to lag behind a lot, and doesn't always get things done as quickly as I would like at times. After we left there was whining of being SOO cold, and needing hot chocolate from Starbucks.. ehemm.. I made hot cider at home instead to save money.. then just lounging and mumbling.. was quite frusterating. I made her go to bed by 8 (usual bed time is 9) and told her she needs to sleep off all the whininess/fatigue/not feeling good/attitude so she is more respectful, reads and cleans her room like she is supposed to be doing. I really think the main thing today was she was very sleepy! So.. they are both in bed earlier than normal and I have a little quiet time!
Wishing my hubby was home.. not sure when he will be bc of his work.. kinda makes things harder bc I miss him, and things just come together and are usually just more complete when he is home. Now I have time to clean, but I am tired too and don't feel like it! Hopefully I will get more done tomorrow. Sooo serenity now! ;0)

Amazed

I am in a state of awe at how awesome and glorious my King is!! He is worth far more than gold and silver! I am so blessed to have a Saviour and Redeemer who has called me by name and I know that I am His!
As I am listening to praise music and just loving Jesus, I am thinking also about various things. One of these things is I can't believe my baby girl is going to be 10 in a week! I can't believe it has been that long, and I am so proud of who she is and who she is becoming. I pray that she will have a true and close relationship with Christ and that she would grow and mature in Him. She is very excited bc she is going to have an ice skating party. Her grandparents bought her a cute ice skating outfit, which she has decided she wants to wear for her party. I thought that was a bit strange at first bc I figured none of her friends would probably do this, but she is the bday girl, and I need to rejoice in who she is! I have realized so much how much I feel God has really given my sweet girl the gift of art. She is so talented and has a lot of artsy thinking, and she does remind me a lot of my mom too! She is also probably one of the sweetest kids and really wants to be everyone's friends. I know that she is in God's hands and I pray Lord that you would continue to hold up my precious daughter. Thank you that she is your child first and that you are guiding her and holding her up in your hands! Thank you that you are the perfect dad, regardless of who her earthly father is and whether he is here or not for her. Thank you for Laile and his desire to be her father. I pray you would help him to love her and see her through your eyes, even in times of drama and just plain being a girl! Thank you that Bryanna can love and forgive her biological dad, even when he hurts her so bad by not being there. I have been really angry and frusterated that he wouldn't take the time to call her more or come see her, even for her birthday when she asked him to come, but I just give it all to you! You know what's best for Bryanna, and maybe that would not have even been a good thing if he had come. Please just continue to protect her precious heart and emotions, and give me wisdom beyond measure with her and her emotions and feelings she deals with. Help me not to put her dad down, but to encourage her in you instead. It amazes me how she can love and forgive him, but I know that is what the Lord would want, and it is better than her growing up hating him bc that is now what she needs to walk in either.
ANyway.. back to my main point which is how amazed I am in what God does and is doing through my children!!

Prayer

Lord Jesus,
Thank you that no matter how inadequate I feel, you are adequate and enough for me! Thank you that you are my guide and my help in all areas of my life. Thank you that you are my peace and my hope and that I can trust you with every part of my being! The reason I live is to worship you and I lift you up today and pray that you be glorified in every part of this day! You are worthy of ALL the Glory and Honor and Praise! I Love you Jesus!!! Daddy! Abba Father! You are Righteous and Just! You are so HOLY! Help me to live a life worthy of your calling. You are my strength and my song!
Help me to have peace with where you have placed me in this time in my life. Give me wisdom and love beyond measure with my beautiful children. Thank you for my wonderful blessings! I love to see Bryanna's sweet heart and her love for others. Thank you for her ability to love even and forgive even when others have hurt her. She is such a wonderful friend and I pray you would protect her from all harm and hurt!!! I pray you would help me to rejoice and look at all you have done in my children, and how they grow and learn each day. Help me to have creative ideas on how I can teach them more each day of your love and faithfulness! Give me words of love, comfort and encouragement for them.
Thank you for the blessing of children and help me to step back and just look at them through your eyes and love on them, even in times of turmoil and strife. When I look at them and think about them as you do, things tend to immediately soften and I thank you for that! Thank you for Meghan already showing signs of obedience and all of her sweet love!! She is so loving and I love her hugs and kisses!! Thank you for all the times I can just be amazed at your creation through my children! You are so amazing! Help me to remember all of this when I start to feel bogged down with things I wish I could get done, things I would like to do and things I wish I were better at. You have created me for such a time as this and I pray you would just remind me of this daily and help me to wake up, surrender completely to you and allow you to order my steps as mom, wife and just as your daughter. I love you so much my sweet sweet Jesus and I thank you that I have the freedom to worship you, and just write out all of the things I am feeling right now. You are my king and I pray you would help me to rest in your peace and your guidance! I lift up all of my life to you, my marriage, my husband, my children, and I lay all selfishness and pride at your throne. Teach me your ways that I may walk in your path that you have set before me. I lay everything aside and pray you would show me how to prioritize in every part of my life. Help me to be a better wife and mother. I love you SOOO much!! Praise you my father and King! Help me to be still and know you are God! Praise you Jesus!!!
Love, your daughter

Cancellations, drama and going home

Last week we were supposed to start our trip to Nashville to see my sister and brother and families. We were planning for awhile and really looking forward to this, especially since we hadn't seen them since last July! Megan, my brother's wife was planning to decorate an Easter basket with Bryanna, and had bought one for Meghan too so we could go to an egg hunt at a near by church. We were also going to grill on Easter Sunday! My sister also said she made a neat gift basket for us! So.. we were going to start our trip Tues. night, spend the night in Little Rock, Arkansas to break up the long trip, and then end up in Nashville the next day. My hubby was excited bc he wanted to eat at his favorite sushi restaurant in Memphis, where he used to live for awhile and then maybe go to this neat little river there with the girls.
Laile's last day on call was Tues, and of course things can change with his job in an instant. He was supposed to fly to Fort Worth that afternoon and then drive back. The pilot who was supposed to take his place and fly with the other pilot was flying from Ohio. Laile had a bad feeling bc the weather was so bad, and sure enough, the other pilot's flight was cancelled leaving MY husband to fly to Canada. He was not back until really late on Wed. so we would have to had made the whole trip to TN in one day to make it worth such a long trip. To add to this disappointment, Meghan had started to have fever and we found out she has an ear infection. NO wonder she was screaming at the doc. when she was getting ear wax (3xs mind you) out of her infected ear! Poor thing!! On top of that, mine and Laile's stomachs were really upset, and I think we may have caught something Meghan had the week before. We seem to catch a lot around here and it makes me not want to go anywhere with the baby!! C'est la vie..
So.. instead of going to TN, we decided we could handle the 4.5 hr trip to Tulsa, OK and visit Laile's family and some friends. This was a good test for Meghan, and we realized we will probably have to fly to TN when we go because it was all she could take being in that car towards the end of the trip to Tulsa. It is also hard when you are in a strange place, bed and don't have all the freedom to move and do whatever you want.. esp. for a baby!
The first night we were there we stayed at a Holiday Inn Express and Meghan came out of the bathroom with a kleenex in each hand. They had one of those holders on the side of the counter to easily get one when needed. So.. I had to remover the box from this which did not make her happy, and we had to put trash cans up above where possible so she didnt try to get into them either! Argh.. baby curiosity! We also had to constantly remind Bryanna to pick up her glasses and jewelry and such bc if left around, it would be lost by her sister! That hotel room was pretty small for our family and we needed more room for the baby to play. We tried to go to the indoor pool, but it was not warm enough and Meghan was shivering after a few minutes. We had to cut that short, much to my 9 yr old's dismay.
The next morning we had some good breakfast and let some drama begin.. Bryanna spilled her cranberry juice all over the table! Luckily it didn't get on anyone, but it wasn't too fun to clean up.. ahh.. kids.. seems we all were a bit clumsy though on this trip.
We had the priviledge of staying at my Aunt and Uncle's house Friday and Sat. night while they were out of town. This was great bc we had a King size bed for Laile and I, Bryanna had her own room with a comfy bed, and there was plenty of room for the girls to run around. Also, Meghan loved the dog and birds my uncle has for pets. Daddy took Meghan to play throw the ball for the dog to catch and she had a good time with this. They also have a playground my Uncle built for my cousins when they lived there for awhile with there 3 children (now 4). Meghan enjoyed the teeter totter and the swing especially. This was a great place for us to have, and we didn't have to pay for it so that was a nice savings. We visited some friends and family and had a great time with them. Bryanna and I went to see Horton Hears a Who by ourselves and had some mommy/daughter time. We wanted to do this for her esp. bc she had some prior disappointment over a friend of mine and I wanted to make her feel a little better anyway.
The last night there we were able to stay at the Embassy Suites, per my request! My husband has many reward points since he travels for his work, and so he let me pick and of course this is where I chose. I have never stayed in an Embassy Suites bc we could never afford that growing up for sure! It had another room to it, and a little kitchen so it was really nice with the girls. Meghan had lots of room to run around and Bryanna liked having her own little room. We ate really late that night with a friend, and then decided we would try out the pool for the girls since it was heated and they had a hot tub which I was looking forward to. It was nice, but still a little cold outside of the water so Laile took Meghan up to the room and gave her a bath to warm her up, while Bryanna and I stayed down in the hot tub for just a bit longer. I think she really enjoyed some alone time with me here and there. The next morning we had a great breakfast with made to order waffles and omlets, and then just hung out and relaxed before our journey back home. Meghan was a lot happier on the way home so it was good. We were just really tired of driving and very happy to be home!!
Soo.. that's our excited Easter weekend. Oh.. one more thing.. we went to church with Laile's family on Sunday. It was nice to be with them, but the sermon was all about death! I was thinking, umm.. Jesus is alive.. shouldn't this be a really happy joyful sermon? The even more inetersting thing was that it was supposed to be about hope, and the pastor only mentioned anything about hope at the very end, and not in a very memorable way either. We talked with the family and I guess sometimes it is a bit like this here and there with this pastor. The rest of the service was nice to me adn I enjoyed seeing the lady who signs, and the people who are deaf praising with signs too!
Sorry for such a long blog...

Blame it all on caffeine..

Ok, so I was going to blog around 3 am bc I was not having a good night sleep!! First, I drank a couple cups of coffee at home yesterday morning.. no big deal. Then, I was still tired so I decided to boost my energy with a small iced coffee from McDonalds, which usually makes me pretty awake to do some things, but didn't seem to do too much this time. SO.. was not too hyper or anything like that. We went to dinner with the rents last night and I had 2 cups of regular coffee, which I don't normally do in the evening, or this must have been pretty strong or something. I only did it bc I was cold and apparently wasn't thinking! To add to this, I took Claritin D in the afternoon, which messes with my body and makes me fidgety at night, if I take it too late in the day. SOOO.. needless to say, I could not sleep for anything!!! AND to add to it all, my mind was racing with thoughts, which I guess wasn't too bad bc I did a lot of praying for people, but I also had to deal with the baby getting up about 3xs! I don't know what her issues are lately, but she has been getting up every night since Tues when she had been a bit sick. Don't know if she has a little bug she is getting over or what, but she has been pretty grump on top of things, and some nasty diapers.. I am hoping it is only teething, but praying for wisdom with it all. She seems to feel ok, no fever or anything.. just the diaper thing and really grumpy.. I am trying to figure out how I can adjust her schedule, sleeping and napping too, to see if that may be part of it. Still, I just can't help but wonder if it is more a little sickness.. or maybe that we took the bumper out of her crib so she wakes up a bit afraid bc of the change. I am going to put it back in her crib before tonight, and hope and pray it does the trick! All you who read this.. please keep her in your prayers and pray that she would get over any slight bit of sickness!! :)
Other than my wonderful night last night, things are pretty good here.. My hubby got back last night from a day trip so that was nice to have him home with us. I am hoping he only has day trips the next couple of days so we can leave in good time Tues night for our trip to Nashville and be able to break up the long drive in Arkansas. Otherwise, we would have to leave really late and will be more tired, but whatever we have to do.. also another prayer.. save travel, and really great, awesome, wonderful kids and attitudes!!!!!!!! I am praying for peace over the baby esp. due to all the car time... ANYWAY I am soo excited bc I get to see my lil sis, who I have really grown close to, and who wants to see the girls really bad too!! I also get to see my big bro, and his wife of almost 1 yr.. which is exciting too! She is a great gal and even bought Easter baskets for the girls so we can do an egg hunt. I am very excited! I will also get a night out w/o the kids, which is well overdo!!
Last in my long blog.. I bought some resurrection eggs from Family Christian store that I am excited to play with and teach the girls with! I think it is a neat idea and will give interaction too. Aside from that, I bought my older girl, B a kids Bible, a version that she can understand a little better too, and a devotional book. I am hoping this will encourage her to read the Bible more and grow more and more each day! Plus, now I think I can understand the language better than some in her other one.. part of the reason for the new one too.. couldn't figure out how to explain the meaning of some verses bc I was a bit stumped on a passage I read her one time. ANYWAY... Hope everyone else out there is doing well and has a wonderful time celebrating the life of our Lord Jesus!! Praise the Lord He is ALIVE!!! Jesus is so wonderful and I pray you all experience Him in a deeper and deeper way each day!!

Epiphany through self pity

This morning I was pretty upset about my husbands questions of what I was doing. It really wasn't that big a deal, I was at a second hand store, shopping for shoes for the baby. However, I decided to be a smarty by telling him where I was and that I was going to by a whole lot of stuff. I was a bit sarcastic bc I knew he would wonder, but I said it anyway. The conversation proceeded with words of annoyance at me shopping yet once again. I was a bit upset. You see, my hubby has had the priviledge of traveling to Cabbo Mexico, which is just one of many trips in the previous months he has had to a beach. While I have been home with the same ole, kids.. at home.. hot then cold weather.. he has been at the beach. I know this is his job, but he gets a lot of perks. Guess I can't fault him for wanting this profession! ANYWAY.. I was a little peeved and conversed that I didn't know what his deal was bc it was just a pair of shoes (that he knew I was going to look for), and that we had some money for me to get them anyway. He said I was right and he was giving me a hard time. Sometimes I wish he just wouldnt bc it really did hurt my feelings, or maybe I should say my pride..
I felt bad about ranting a bit to the total stranger next to me in the store about how he has it so hard at the beack while Im here and hes complaining about me buying a pair of shoes at a second hand store! It wasn't like I was getting them at full price.. and I didn't even end up finding any anyway! She of course was in agreement with me.. but I remembered something I had just heard in my LG at church last Tues.. that sluring a neighbor includes our hubbys!! ARGH! I felt conviction, yet in spite of this revelation and even asking for forgiveness, I started to rant a little again to a friend I saw next whom I was catching up with. I got all the support I needed, but also made sure to say I really have no right to complain bc he is a great provider and really goes above and beyond..
All this to say.. more conviction.. and revelation.. as I was talking to my friend, who has 3 young children and has a hubby a little more typical, who doesn't really do much to help out, and then complains and wonders what she does all day.. HELLO??!! 3 kids!!! I realized I needed to shut up and thank God first of all for my hubby. Second, instead of being in a state of self pity, as this led me to feel like a bad wife too bc I don't ever seem to get as much done, even with the baby as he can do.. and he cleans fast and a lot, I had to wake up. I just prayed God would really help me to view my role as a stay at home mom, and wife, and that he would help me to desire to get things done more.. and not put other things in front of what I really need to do.
I just sucked it up and cleaned the kitchen, living room, our room, and started a lot of laundry.
I want my husband to feel good when he comes home, and always appreciate me. This was part of my self pity, as I feel I haven't done things to the fullest. I want him to call me blessed. Of course, I want this spiritually first, but I also want him to feel at home and at peace when he does come home from trips. I just had a lot to wake up to, but reminded of, and pray about today.. funny how little comments can cause a lot of thought..
I really had been feeling as if I was spending more than I should lately, and was trying to lighten up a lot on that. This just happened to come at the right time for me to get really offended, even though my husband had no clue what I was feeling. I was able to talk to him about it very light heartedly and we laughed together.

Soo.. other than my "waking up" today, I was able to sleep in more after I took my older one to school bc the baby fell back asleep. That was really nice, as I was feeling the time change, and had taken Nyquil the night before. Good thing the older one said something or I may not have woken up at all!

Meghan was adorable today and I was just so thankful for her and loving on her! She was making little noises that she wanted something when I was washing my hands, and she was moving her hands like she was washing them. It is cute to see how she communicates and that she is learning so much. That was really neat to see her showing me she wanted to wash her hands too!

She also has become attached to her Rag.. a diaper rag.. as her blankie. Her older sister did this too when she was young, and I think it was partly bc she fell asleep with it while nursing a lot. It is kinda nice bc we have an abundance of them so they are easy to wash and replace!

The only other really exciting thing that happened.. hmm.. Meghan peed on my bathroom floor! After her bath, I was letting her be naked for a short time while I put some hair styling stuff to smooth/shape/ do SOMETHING with her hair if poss., and when we were leaving the bathroom, I noticed a wetness at the end of my jeans.. felt her and voila, she had peed! Then she decides to give me the diaper bc now it is time to put it on! I looked and sure enough, there was a little puddle right when you walk in, with a smaller one and a trickle where she started.. had to get a wipe and clean it up. She is a little stinker, and my hubby got a kick out of that story! He thought it was pretty funny!
Well better go nod off for now so I can get up tomorrow!!

**I've been Tagged!**

So I have been tagged for the following survey. And this time I am going to participate!A.The rules of the game are posted at the beginning. B. Each player answers the questions about themselves. C. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

What I was doing 10 years ago: Hmm.. well, lets see, I was having a baby.. no wait, she was almost 1 by this point in my life~! I was taking care of my almost 1 yr old baby. :) I was a stay at home mom at this time, trying to find some little here and there jobs I could do from home to make a little extra money. I was also trying to really figure out what to do in my life with a lot of drama going on with my former husband, trying to survive as basically a single mom, and really seeking Christ in everything I was dealing with. This was a time of major growth in my life, as well as a period of happiness with my daughter, and very trying times in my marriage. I was probably also very excited about soon celebrating my daughter's 1st birthday!

5 Things on my To Do List today: Try to get some work done on the computer, eat lunch with my good friend Juli, go to Ny & Co. and get a few new clothes, spend time with the family, and give the baby a bath!

Snacks I Enjoy: Snap Pea Crisps.. from Sprouts.. very yummy!, Chocolate covered pretzels (from Sprouts they are the best), toast, occassionally chips and salsa, but really try to cut back on unhealthy snacks.

Things I would do if I were a Billionare: I always think I would give a ton away, and that would really be my dream. I would love to have money to both take care of my family ie bros and sisters, mom/dad, and to be able to use a lot of it to minister to those who are poor, lost and need help. I really have a heart for the people in Africa, and the Humanitarian effort my parents are involved in, and would love to bless the many children who are homeless and orphans due the many sickness/diseases and tradegies. I would really also like to bless people who really had needs here too. Other than that, it would be nice to have a nice looking and size car, but don't really need anything too expensive, have cute clothes for my girls, and be able to travel with my family. I would love to travel and do some mission work with my family.

3 of my Bad Habits: Being on the computer too much when I need to spend time with my girls.., watching 1 soap opera which I have a hard time breaking, and nit picking sometimes on my hubby when he is doing things the way I like already and I have nothing to worry about! (Love you hubby!)

5 places I have lived: Africa, San Jose CA, Fort Worth TX, Columbia SC, and Tulsa OK (Now reside in Flower Mound TX)

5 Jobs I have had: Sonic (very briefly), BoJangles Chicken.. yumm, J.C. Penneys jewelry dept., in bound telemarketing, and group insurance quoting with 2 diff. companies.

I would like to tag: Lynsey C., Purple Teacup, Mama Mia, and From God in the shower

Pressing on and having strength

Ok so lately I have noticed all my good friends blogging a lot and realized I just don't do it enough. I guess it is partly just bc I end up being on the computer more than I realize checking email and doing a little part time work too. I also get caught up in reading things and then remember I need to get my little booty off and spend time with the family, esp. my girls. That has been a struggle lately because I do notice I get on the computer too much some times and my oldest esp. points it out because she really wants that time with me. I guess it is somewhat an escape for me when I don't want to deal with being a mom sometimes.. is that really harsh?
I know I don't have it that bad so I shoudn't complain.. Lord help me to have a better attitude about what you have placed in my life for your work. My family is my joy and I need to ENjoy them and take that time so it has not all slipped by, regardless of how I am feeling.
Lately it has been a struggle because I really want to work out, but don't have the motivation and often feel tired. Aside from that, I feel like I really need to get some hours in, trying to get leads for a friend I am kinda working part time for, but it is cold calling and really hard to get the desire to call people and try to get them to listen to me. This can really bring me to a stand still and make me want to just sit on the couch sometimes and veg bc I really don't want to do it! I am praying for wisdom whether I should even bother, but my hubby always tries to encourage me, and its great when I actually get someone interested too. The guy I am doing this for also makes me feel I should stick with it, just because he isn't pushy and just wants me to do things as much as I am able. So.. guess I will press on and perservere in this, spending more time off the computer when both the girls are home, and doing my best to 1st make time in prayer and the word, and then exercise where I can..

Baby videos.. miss these times already!!

I was checking my pics and noticed I had some videos. This is when Meghan was about 3 months old, when we were visiting my friend Stacey and her family in North Carolina. This was before she was even rolling.. I miss her being a baby baby!! She is growing so fast!

Getting this all started

Well.. I decided I would try to set this blog up and start blogging more often. So.. umm.. where do I start? Well, things have been pretty good here. We are all healthy now, Praise God!
Meghan is a little stinker and loves to get into things she shouldn't, and wants to eat snacks a lot! She is so sweet though!! When I get her up from a nap she lays her head on my shoulder and pats my arm. They are the sweetest love pats and I love them! She will give us kisses some, and it is so sweet when she just sits back and chills with us while we watch a movie or some cartoons.
She loves to brush her teeth, but she really likes the toothbrush more than anything. In fact, it is a struggle because she does not want to unhand the toothbrush. She is quite a fit thrower lately, which can be very trying on our nerves. When she gets upset about some things, she really screams! I try hard to get her distracted by something else. I have often felt that sometimes God gives you a pretty easy child the first time so that you actually want more children. Don't get me wrong, Meghan is a sweetie, but she is much more of a handful than Bryanna! I am not saying we won't have another, but still undecided whether we actually do want anymore kids. We would say no at this time, but we will see if that changes.. do we want to go back to square one again??
Soo.. Bryanna is doing well in school and has been very busy with Girl Scouts as well. She has had to do some projects, go to parties, and go on outings a lot lately, so we have been quite busy. She is a great big sister and I can't believe she is going to be 10 this year!!! She is growing too fast and I am not so sure about these preteen/teen years coming up!
Laile is flying about again and will have been gone for about a week by the time he comes home, if not longer. I miss him, but I am sure he is glad to finally be out and about again, as it has been awhile since he has had to go on trips! I know he misses the kids, but I am sure he enjoys his sleep in the hotel with peace and quiet! I do envy his "work" sometimes! :) I keep joking that he is going to stay home with the girls one week, while I go somewhere and stay in a hotel for a week, and I will say that I am working. ;0)
Well.. that is all for now! I must run, as Meghan is cranky, screaming and Bryanna is not helping too much.. and they probably BOTH need to go to sleep.. then I can have a little solitude! :)
I will be posting pics soon.