Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Food For Thought

I am currently reading the book of Exodus. I find the Old Testament a challenge to read through since much of it I don't understand. I don't like the way it was written and although it is rich is context, personally, I like when Jesus talks to me way more. But, if I am committed to reading the entire Bible, the Old Testament I must tackle.

So this morning I stumbled on a verse I have been pondering over this morning.

Basically Moses is reassuring the Israelites to remain faithful and trust God to save them from the Egyptians. The Israelites are complaining that Moses led them to the desert for which they thought they would surely die. Moses firmly says to them

Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.
Exodus 14:13

Stand firm....Do not be afraid.....

How many times do we panic over life's daily battles. How many times do we question our Lord and his motives. How many times do we become frightened over pure uncertainty. As I raise my hand, I proclaim "Too many." Although I have become better about turning to God in prayer rather than turning to myself, I still am lured back into believing that I can fix things or that I can overcome or that I should be worried. During these crazy up and down times, I think many of us are worried, scared, frightened, uneasy. But use all of those purely natural feelings to draw yourself closer to your Heavenly Father. He yearns for us to turn toward him. As Exodus states "...you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today."
Granted, God is not parting the sea for us today but he could be doing so much more - if only you let him.
Let go of your worry, let go of your anxiety, and let go of your uneasiness and simply Let God.

Monday, March 30, 2009

The News We've Been Waiting For....Kind Of



The news is this.... we are heading back to ENT (Ear, Nose, & Throat) and will be aggressively trying to figure out why Paloma still isn't breathing right and sleeping.

The even better news is....we are going in less than 2 weeks!

The bad news is....a grossly infected ruptured ear drum is helping facilitate that visit.

Yep, Paloma has been miserable these last few days. Spiking temps up to 103 for the last 6 days. In and out of MD office, numerous phone calls to other peds nurses???? and oodles and oodles of Tylenol and Ibuprofen finally led us to the conclusion that Paloma's eardrum has in fact ruptured and is now full of "gunk and pus." Exactly what you want to hear after a long - long weekend of work. Even better is being told she will be placed on another course of antibiotics stronger than the first and most certainly guaranteed to again cause diarrhea. Great! Can you sense the excitement in my voice.
I think I have just about had it with Paloma's ENT problems. I just want some normalcy and solace to that poor child. We are hopeful after making the decision to switch doctors that we will get answers. I will not leave the office without being told repeat tests will be done. I'm bound and determined to figure out once and for all what is wrong with sweet little P.

Take A Moment

Prayers for Stellan


Hey Everyone - take a moment and head over to www.mycharmingkids.net

This little cutie needs our prayers in a very big way. Let us extend our hearts to a little boy who's heart is failing him.

Friday, March 27, 2009

It's Only Fair



After all, if I posted a spring break pic of my sweet little Paloma, I must post one of my equally sweet little Mattea.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Waving at Jesus



This morning I took the girls to an indoor play area for a "Spring Break" treat. This place has an indoor climbing gym, some games, rides, etc. Kind of a fun place to hang out every once and awhile.
Anyways.... one of the games is some pirate game that has a very large, ugly looking pirate standing atop the game. There are flashing lights, sounds, etc. Well, as Paloma and I are walking into the indoor climbing gym she begins waving and saying "Hi Jesus, Hi Jesus. Mama, I say Hi to Jesus." I looked around, confused at first and asked her "Who are you waving to?" Then I looked up at the ugly, frightening looking pirate and realized she thought she was staring at Jesus. At first I thought my daughter was having one of "those moments." You know, one of those great moments where Jesus reveals himself to those who believe in him. No, no chance of that. She had just inadvertently thought the pirate resembled Jesus. Gosh, at least she was brave enough to say Hi. I wonder what I would do if I saw Jesus.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Too Cute Tuesday



Yep - I'm looking a bit worked over but in my defense - it has been a long day. And I didn't get a whole lot of time to "primp" after Mattea grabbed the camer and yelled cheese! Sweet little Loma looks beautiful as ever.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Monday, March 16, 2009

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.

1. I most certainly did not attempt - in my exhaustive state - to begin a very large pot of coffee for both of my husband and I without the actual coffee pot in place. Anybody who is thinking of doing that - ummm doesn't work so well. Not Me.

2. I absolutely did not have to "dig out" a fancy pair of princess panties from the garbage because I had "accidentally" thrown them away with the pull up that was already in place. My philosophy is 'once in the garbage, always in the garbage.' Not Me.

3. I did not wipe off Mattea's snotty nose this past week with my sleeve when I dug in my pocket and realized I didn't have anything else to use - Definitely not me. (I seem to have this problem - if you remember a few Not Me's ago)

4. I did not ask both of my daughter's this past week who was going to pray at the dinner table. I should know by now that I don't ask - I assign. Anyways, their response in unison (I kid you not) NOT ME

5. I did not leave my children alone at the lunch table for 5 minutes to touch up my hair and makeup before leaving for the afternoon. I of all people know that disasters can happen in 5 minutes. Paloma's finger was not drawing all over the table with pudding. I did not raise my voice and ask "Paloma what are you doing." Her response was not "dwaaing BJ and Baby Bop" Really - with pudding. Creative overkill. Not me

6. And last but not least, I did not awaken in a panic on Sunday morning when I got up and realized the power had gone out. I did not find the actual time eventually and realize it was 6:15 AM. Wouldn't be a problem except that I need to leave my house by 6:15 to get to work by 7:00AM. I did not scare my husband out of bed by proclaiming the power had gone out and I was going to be late for work. He did not jump out of bed calmly say "oh no" and run downstairs to pack my lunch and start some coffee (pot in place.) I did not throw off my clothes, start the shower, and then look over at my alarm clock before jumping into a too hot shower. I did not just then realize that the entire clock had been "ripped" out of the wall. I absolutely did not explain my findings - or rather blame my husband - for my finding on my way downstairs. He then politely did not then inform me that when he went to bed at 2AM the clock was intact....leaving still a mystery of what happened to the "ripped out clock." It certainly was NOT ME who would ever be so hesitant to arise in the morning.

Stop Staring....

Ok - I am hoping this post will be a quick vent session -BUT it could very well turn into a wordy, rambly post about 100 million other issues except the one I want to address. So here goes.

People - stop staring. Mind your own business. Keep walking. Don't bother turning your heads. Move along and for pete sakes, stop whispering. What am I referring to?

This....



I am referring to the ridiculous tantrums that ALL children throw in the stores. Not just some of the world's children - I'm talking all of the children in this world have thrown an embarrassing, blood curdling, tear jerking, head banging, leg kicking tantrum. I know it! Don't need a degree in child development to tell you that one. Just experience in parenting. So, what is the big deal? Move on people. Keep picking out your produce, round the corner toward dairy, don't forget your loaf of bread. But my goodness, stop staring.

I made the mistake - I know it is entirely my fault - of taking my children to the grocery store today for a very quick "in and out trip." They were acting very naughty this morning and Dave had said their behavior was less then stellar this weekend. BUT I needed to go and I wasn't about to let 2 grumpy children stand in my way. Well, as I tried to check them in to Freddy's play land, Paloma threw tantrum #1 and refused to go. Scratch playing, mommy would have to do shopping with two kids in tow. As we rounded the corner toward the Easter aisle, Mattea threw tantrum #2 because she wanted Easter candy. Hint - should have probably left the store by now, but I had stuff to get. As we came around the corner to dairy, Paloma clocked Mattea in the face and tantrum #3 exploded - this time from both girls since Mattea's head now hurt and Paloma just got pinched - ummm- reprimanded for hitting her sister. Continuing along, Mattea threw tantrum #4 at the bakery when I picked up blueberry scones instead of raspberry. Seriously! This is where mommy stopped - mommy lost it - mommy had enough - and mommy put her foot down. Enough I said.

I refused to budge until Mattea was done. People walked on by watching as my absurd 4 year old screamed her head off because of the raspberry scones. But I refused to move until her tantrum was done. Giving in and leaving the store was not an option. And unfortunately pulling her pants down and swatting her bum in the bakery was not an option either since I think that would have been considered a felony?

Things did improve slightly as we neared the end of our nightmarish morning. The children did throw a tantrum in the car though as we drove right past McDonalds - the McDonalds that we were supposed to stop and play at if the girls had been "good listeners" in the grocery store. By this time, I couldn't even hear the screaming - I was numb. Numb and downright embarrassed.

So the point to all of this. If you see a mom standing in the middle of the bakery with a screaming 4 year old and an obnoxious 2 year old with her finger up her nose and tears streaming down her face as well - it is probably not me. Do not stop, do not say HI, do not stare, do not whisper, and for heaven's sakes do not point. It is not going to help the situation. And if you ever think that the person you may see standing in the bakery with two screaming kids is me - think again since my children will not be entering into society with me ever again.

Done!

Ok - one more look

On A Lighter Note

ACN - A Great Opportunity

So my fellow blog readers, I know that I have briefly touched upon my whereabouts in a previous post. I have been busy with work, relishing my children and the stage they are currently in, now teaching the 3 year old Sunday School class, being a wife..... But I also touched on my new business - ACN.

I know I have contacted many of you and briefly touched on what ACN is, what services it can provide, and what it can do for my family. I sincerely wish I could have the opportunity to talk to each and every one of you to fill you in on what my goal is, what I'm hoping to accomplish for not only myself but for my family, and the possibilities it has for others.

I want for nothing more than to obtain a customer list of my closest friends and families. I would love to be able to offer great deals on the services y'all are already using and use each and every day. If you are hesitant on what the company is and what it can provide - talk to me. Allow me the opportunity to speak about what it is that our family has become involved in and how we can help you. You can also head on over to my web page - www.nurseheather.acnrep.com. This business has given me an opportunity to get plugged in and begin making residual income all while continuing to be home with my children. The beauty of the company is that it is designed to be manageable, doable, and easy.
If you simply still are unsure of ACN or how it works or how it can work for you, I highly recommend tuning in to NBC on Sun. March 22. There is a "business related reality show" that is featuring ACN. It will elaborate on the company and what services the company can provide. I have never watched this show in my life - heck who has time to watch TV at all - but I will make an effort to watch this particular program and see how this new company is portrayed. The company is confident that following this premier, our business will soar. My hope is that y'all will join with me.

I appreciate your patience and support while I have begun this journey.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Move Over Michael Phelps

Paloma's Plug, Questions, Where in the World????

Oh, this will be a random post - but a post nonetheless.

To begin, I have a quick question
Was wondering how everyone felt about the new Twilight series. I have heard many people talk about how good they are and how addicting you become to Edward - the vampire. I myself am torn about my thoughts on them - whether or not they are appropriate and follow suit with my beliefs. But I have talked to other Christians who have read them and think they are totally acceptable. I have started reading the first one because I guess I can't judge it until I have read it - but I would like to hear what others have to say. Is the Twilight series appropriate reading material?

Paloma's Plug
My little Paloma has been spitting out some of the cutest stuff lately. I can't keep up with documenting it all - but surely I'm trying. Here is just a sampling of what has spilled out of her mouth the last few days.

Me: Paloma, what did you learn at church today (as Mattea and I were discussing her recently learned lesson)

Paloma: Me no learning annnnyfing
*I guess that sums it up.

Just today as I caught her rummaging around the computer desk...

Me: Paloma what are you doing?

Paloma: Talm down, me just wooking (Calm down, me just looking)
*Hmmmmm

So, I'm perfectly aware that my blogging break has decreased my traffic into my blog - for which I'm sad. I loved seeing comments from people - both good and bad - about the crazy happenings of my life. I have lost some readers - but am hoping to bring them back. Please know that although I've desperately wanted to blog, finding the time has been a challenge. To begin, I have increased my running effort and quite possibly could be training for a half marathon (haven't officially given the OK) but with that attempt comes a certain dedication. I have loved the effect running has had for me - it is a natural high. Although it has required me to arise hours before the rest of my family, it is well worth it. I have been basking in the beauty of my babies, as well. Taking in the uniqueness of the stage in which my children are at. They are so adorable and learning to love each other in the most amazing way. They have become excellent friends and I relish the relationship they will one day have. Watching them grow has made me a bit sad that Dave and I have left the baby stage and are in the thick of toddler/preschool stage. I kick around the idea of possibly adding another (crazy huh) but in my heart feel like the two kids I have are blessing enough. They are God's special gift and I will be thankful for what I've been given. I have also put some effort into my new home based business - ACN. I have contacted some of you and would love to get you on board as my customers. I'm excited about the possibilities ACN can offer my family and I look forward to the months ahead. But with that has come some time and dedication as well.
So with that all being said, blogging has taken a back seat. I am hoping to get back into it and catch everyone up on my great little family. Thanks to the dedicated readers who have stuck by my patchy period. I hope to not disappoint.
Have some great pictures to post - so stay tuned....

Too Cute Tuesday

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Wordless Wednesday

In Case You Were Wondering....







Just in case you all were wondering what was smeared all over my children's faces in the previous post - wonder no more... it was their new favorite food. Nutella smeared all over mini croissants. Neither girl can resist the taste of "lutella" smothered over just about everything - including their faces. It is so darn cute but so darn messy at the same time.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Too Cute Tuesday



Craft Day

Due to the recent run of sickness, the girls and I have been spending more time at home than usual. If you remember from many posts ago, I stated that we are an "on the go" family - always at the gym, or swimming, or at the park, or playing at Carl's Jr. Whatever it is, we like to be busy. Well, because of the runny noses, persistent coughs, and occasional fevers, we have been forced to slooooow down. So the other day was designated craft day.



The girls were excited - because to be quite honest - I have not done a craft day in awhile. My stash was kind of depleted but we did manage to get creative and make a few things for daddy when he came home.



After the girls got bored with foam animals, shapes, and letters, we moved on to noodles and rice. Paloma actually thought noodles and rice were pretty cool! I tried to incorporate some fine motor skill work into that but she wasn't cooperating. We did get a counting lesson out of it though!





As we are home bound again today, looks like I'm going to have to start getting the creative juices flowing to keep these kids engaged. Maybe marshmallow lessons after breakfast?