Bedtime Awe

As I went in to tuck my babies in to bed last night I couldn't help but pop out the camera when I saw how beautiful they all looked in their beds. The house was so quiet and still. Angel was on his top bunk, snuggled up under his blankets, face to the mattress. Alliah was surrounded by all her stuffed animals and snoring like her daddy. And Miss Grace was sitting up playing in her crib, happy as a clam. After saying a prayer that the camera flash wouldn't wake them up I took the pictures and went to bed. I laid my head on my pillow and just stared at the ceiling. My heart was leaping inside of me and I couldn't help but lie there smiling. I am so grateful for these beautiful little people the Lord has blessed us with. I was amazed at how my heart can be filled and overflowing with so much love for them. It was then that God whispered to me that His love for ME was even greater and even stronger than the love I have for my children. Then I glanced over and gazed at my husband's face. My husband. A man who works hard, plays hard and loves with unending love for me, Angel, Alliah and Grace. He is a caring, generous man with a heart that longs to know and be known by God. I fell asleep with an overwhelming sense of gratefulness and the calm assurance that I, and all that I love, are being held by our Creator and are resting safe in His hands.

Angel John, 9yrs
Alliah Rose, 7 yrs.
Grace Renee, 7 mos.
What a wonderful night!

Random Thoughts Tuesday

Another Tuesday has arrived and, yes, my mind is full of insightful things to share with you (or maybe not so insightful)...

1. Church. This Sunday is my first Sunday as worship leader of Mosaic Church. I'm kinda excited and kinda nervous. Our church's last worship leader led for the last time last Sunday morning. Andrew started when the church started and was an off da' hook guitar player. He also had a great voice. He's in the Airforce and has received his packing papers so off he goes to somewhere on the other side of the country. That leaves me, our drummer Jeremy and our bass player Andy. Our lead female vocalist, Jenny, is prego and can't sing anymore. So I've warned the "group" that we're starting from scratch and to be patient as we learn to play together and form our team. I know that there will be those who come out of the woodwork that will be an essential asset to the team, and there will be those, too, that think they are called to worship ministries but are in the category of "making a joyful noise." That's the hard part. I'll have to be creative talking to the ones who can't sing or need more practice on their instrument when their heart is just bleeding music? Pray for me about that!

2. Adoption. For those of you who knew, Grace's birth mother had gone a-wal and couldn't be found anywhere. There were still papers for her to sign and loose ends to button up and they couldn't be done without her. I mean they could, but that meant a long waiting period for other process to happen. I'm glad to share that the lost has been found!! I can't say where she had been, but she contacted Grace's social worker and they met, signed all the papers that needed to be signed, and was so happy to hear that Grace is growing and doing well with Larry and I. That was a HUMONGEOUS burden lifted off my shoulders. Thank you, Jesus. Now, we just have to wait for one more hearing before we can finalize Grace's adoption. We want to see that birth certificate with OUR names on it. Oh we can't wait!!!!

3. Work. I finally feel like I've caught up. I've gotten so much done these last few days and I really needed to! I was even dreaming about work and so worried about my "to do list" that hadn't gotten done. I completed a workers comp audit (in person) and another by phone/fax, renewed all the general liability and insurances, paid the bills, made HUGE progress on the billings and reconciled all my accounts. And in my recons I was OVER by $100 - that's awesome. Yep, I can do all things through Christ who give me the strength to do it...yay me!

4. Vaccuum Cleaners. I lent my sister my vaccumm for a couple of days. I've got to go pick it up today because three days of no vaccuuming leaves for one messy floor. Grace practically LIVES on the floor and now puts everything she can get her hands on in her mouth. I'm dropping by Nikki's after work today to pick it up. Kirby, here I come!

Schools Almost Here!

Hooray! That's what I say! Can't wait for the day when my little angels step onto that big yellow bus and are off to create happy memories in their classrooms with their teachers and schoolmates. Don't get me wrong: we're having a wonderful summer. But Mommy is so ready for summer to be over and is even more ready to get back in the swing of things — with life back to 'normal' (whatever that is). I'm a "scheduler" and a "planner" by nature. Summer has no room for the such. But when it's school time? Ah...I savor each planned moment. In our kitchen we have a white board that lists all of the upcoming actitivies. Be it a book report due, a spelling test, picture day, soccer practices and games, doctor and dentist appointments, etc. it's on that board. Wow, I'm getting excited just thinking about it! So, next week is school shopping and the gathering of school supplies. I state it as so because the list of school supplies is quite exhaustive. I mean two pages long, no exaggeration. Not to mention the $300/yr we have to pay in order for Angel and Alliah to ride to school bus to and from school. Don't you just love our great State of California? Anyways, that's another subject. School is almost upon us and I am so ready to jump into this new season.

Future Barbie Buddies

Pictured above are Grace and Isabella...Future Barbie Buddies. Me and Crystal already joke about how these two are going to inseparable when they grow up. They already smile and laugh, kicking their feet and waving their arms when they see eachother. The most precious thing they've done is touch eachother's faces and smile. I almost cried when I saw that. Since Crystal isn't a "barbie" kind of mommy and I am I agreed to get all the barbies and baby dolls. She can take them to the park and shopping. LOL I'm so glad for family!!!

Peaches

Baby Elijah

Meet My Newest Godson,
Elijah Matthew Davis

Date: July 21, 2009
Time: 10:00AM
Weight: 5.14-1/2 lbs.
Length: 21 inches
Mother: Nicole Davis
Father: Corwin Davis
Siblings: Ciara, Chanel, Isaiah

Welcome to the world Love!

My Gracie

Picture above is Miss Grace sitting at her brother's All Star Tournament against Paso. Below my cool baby was sitting out in the sun flashing her Tia Nicole's sun glasses. This kid absolutely amazes us! She leaves on her ball caps, girly hats, bows and ribbons and now sun glasses? Wow, we've definetly got a keeper! Grace opens and shuts her hands and says a whispering "hiy" when we do it first. She is sitting up like a big girl, enjoying her baby food and holding her own bottle until it's "all gone." Now if she'd just sleep through the entire night we'd call her "Wonder-baby!"

And to prove that Larry hasn't turned my baby girl into a tomboy yet, here's a picture of when Gracie got her hair done for the first time. She's lovely!!!

Why The Old Songs?

I have absolutely NO CLUE where this came from, but I've had these songs in my head all day. I mean they're good songs - but like from 50 years ago maybe...

"Jesus, use me. Please, Lord, don't refuse me. Surely there's a work that I must do. Even though it's humble, Lord, help my will to stumble. Though the cost be great, I'll work for You!"

And what follows??? "I'll say yes, Lord, yes to Your will and to Your way. I'll say yes, Lord, yes. I will trust You and obey. When Your Spirit speaks to me, with my whole heart I'll agree. And my answer will be yes, Lord, yes."

Ya think God's trying to tell me sumthin'?

The Office

I woke up this morning feeling so rested. I had a great night sleep, thanks to Gracie sleeping all through the night. I didn't have to go straight into the office today. I had to stop by the store for some office supplies so I took my time getting ready. Angel and Alliah ususally go to the Boys & Girls Club while I work but I decided to surprise them and take them to work with me today instead! They love coming to my office with me because they get to color and read and play on the computer. Of course playing on the computer is what they like to do best. And I can't forget to mention they like going to the little store across the street and the bakery next to it. Having them here is just another reminder of what great kids I have. They let me get my work done and played together so nicely. I didn't have to get after them not once. Yeah, I got GREAT KIDS!!!

My Birthday!

Photo #1 Me and my neice Isabella (Fermin & Crystal's daughter)
Photo #2 Isabella is sharing her thoughts with Grace & Tia Crystal
Photo #3 Me, my nephew Isaiah (Nicole & Corwin's son) & my Dad

Sunday Afternoon

I was thrilled to walk into the living room on Sunday afternoon to find my kids relaxing on the floor reading books and coloring. Even Grace joined in! I just had to pull out the camera to capture that moment. What a wonderful, relaxing afternoon that was. If you look in the upper righthand corner, you can even see Daddy (Larry) taking an afternoon nap on the couch. :D

And yes, Alliah is a few shades darker here, people. She spent a week in Fresno with Grama Silvia and came back DARK!! lol

Time To Eat

SWEET POTATOES
CARROTS

DID ANYONE NOTICE THE HAIRCUT? THE GIRL HAS SO MUCH HAIR IT WAS GROWING INTO HER EYEBALLS. DADDY WASN'T TOO PLEASED, BUT MOMMA'S THE ONE THAT HAS TO WASH IT AND BRUSH IT. LOL

Random Thoughts Tuesday

It's another Tuesday and it's time to dump out all of the random things that have taken up residency in my head.

1. My walking regiment. Yesterday was the first time in I don't know how long that I didn't take my walk. I had absolutely no motivation! I was going to ask Larry to walk with me to Starbucks but, eh...no. I did, however, go outside, open the back of the truck and sat on the bed with Grace to watch Angel and Alliah ride their bikes. It was such a beautiful evening that I at least had to go outside and breathe in the evening air. Yes, I missed yesterday, but I WILL walk today.

2. In-Laws. My in-laws are still staying with us. They've been with us since mid-April. Silvia and David came to help take care of Grace while I returned to work. There are days I still work from home every now and then, but I don't need to worry one bit about Gracie because Grama has her covered! Grace lights up whenever she sees Grandpa David. She loves him probably about 5-7 degrees less than me! He plays with her, sings to her, makes up songs on the piano for her... Grama Silvia can get Grace in a rolling laugh with her "boo!" and "I see you!". It's so cute to watch. Sometimes I'll walk in the house and hear them making all kinds of weird noises and jumping and clapping, trying to make Grace laugh. It's hilarious! I thank God for this time we have to spend with Silvia and David. Because they live in Clovis, Angel and Alliah have not spent a lot of time with them either. Now they're used to Grama and Grandpa being around. Grama takes good care of them. She always is offering them something to eat and Angel loves that. Alliah and Grandpa David play games, read books, sing songs, play piano and more. It's been a HUGE blessing to have them and we'll miss them when they have to go back home.

3. Church. This August I'll be returning to Music Ministry. I've been on a hiatus since last November. It's been a much needed break. It's been 21 years that I've been in ministry - without any breaks long enough to mention. Fifteen years in full-time ministry (wow that's long time). I think I'm ready to jump back in. I've had an itchin' for a while now so break out the backscratcher, Lord!

4. Friends. Life has been so busy that I haven't had time to meet with any of my friends. I have some of the best friends in the entire world. My best buddies are Lillian, Crystal, Erin, Bridgette, and Naomi. None of which I've had a chance to visit with in a quite a while. I wish I could just cancel everyone's schedules and all meet for breakfast at a quaint little restaurant or something. All of us live such busy lives. When we get together it's like oxygen is being put back into our lungs. All of them love the Lord completely and I always feel so refreshed and encouraged after talking to them. I love messaging them on Facebook or chatting via email, but I miss their hugs and I miss hearing their laughter. God, I thank you for all my friends and ask you to bless them, protect them, and meet all their needs according to your riches and glory by Christ Jesus.

Wal Mart

Larry rented some movies last week and hadn't returned them to Blockbusters so Alliah and I decided that we would walk them back. I try to walk at least a half hour each day, but I knew this walk would take us a little longer. We got our comfy walking shoes on and I strapped Gracie in the carrier and off we went. We talked, sang songs, stopped by the duck pond and I answered uh...about a million questions on the way there (Alliah is always full of questions). On the way back Alliah became thirsty. I told her I didn't bring any money with me and that she'd have to wait until we got home. As we were walking past Wal Mart I decided to pop in just to see if anything new had come in. Alliah LOVES going to Wal Mart. Alliah looked up at me and said, "But I thought you didn't have any money..." I replied that I didn't, but if there was something I wanted to buy that I would buy it with my good looks. :D She said, "You can DO that?!" I said sure I could and she gave me the biggest grin ever. We walked in, smiled at the door greeter and began to wander around the clothing department. I saw some pajamas that I LOVED (you know me and my pajamas!) and I picked a pair off the rack. She said, "You're really gonna buy those with your good looks, Mama?" I just smiled. She walked over to her section and said, "Okay, then, can you buy these?" We grabbed two pair of pants for her and my pajamas were in hand, so we went up to pay. Alliah was very excited to see how this was going to go down. She told the man, "My mama is going to pay with her good looks." The man raised his eyebrows at me as to say, "What? Are you for reals?" I smiled at him and pulled my ATM card out of my back pocket. Alliah let out a loud, "MAWWWM!!!" Now all three of us were laughing and I told Alliah that I had already bought something at Wal Mart with my good looks and people are only allowed to do that one time a year. The Wal Mart employee was laughing and said, "Yep, just one time!" As we walked out of the store Alliah looked up at me and asked, "Can you really buy things with your good looks?" I told her, "Baby, these good looks have gotten me A LOT of things. Your good looks will too one day, just wait and see."

For Reals

Okay, this is real life....today sucks!

Today's Post

Okay, so I skipped a few days....but what a WONDERFUL few days they were! We had a fantastic 4th of July. All of the family was together (both Larry's and mine!) and we ate, played games, watched the all the kids play, ate some more, and did fireworks. Ah, it was so much much. The kids had a blast jumping over the smaller fireworks and backing off when the big ones came out. My brother Fermin and nephew Pete presented the best fireworks show using stacked boards, buckets, ladders, holding the fireworks up with their hands like the Statue of Liberty. We even sang our national anthem as we watched the dozens of illegal fireworks light up the sky. We all were wondering how Gracie was going to do with the fireworks. She's never seen them before. We sat back quite a ways because we thought she'd be scared, but no! She was jumping up and down in my lap and laughing hysterically. So much so that I handed her off to Larry who can control that chunky monkey a little better than I can when she's that excited. Angel and Alliah are pros when it comes to fireworks. They're not afraid of nuttin! As for my birthday, my honey got me a five layer round chocolate cake from Rosine's with one burning candle on top. If you've never eaten cake from Rosine's, then you ain't never ate cake :D Rosine's is a restaurant on Alvarado Street in downtown Monterey known for it's enormous desserts. Don't eat a meal if you want cake. Seriously. It's HUGE! I'll post some pics of everything when I'm able. Right now I'm still at the office and have work to finish so I can go home. I hope you had a great 4th and have a great rest of the day.

This Weekend

I am looking forward to a wonderful weekend! Today is Thursday, which is my Friday, and I am ready for a four day weekend of fun, family, food and lots of rest. Tonight we're kicking off the weekend by eating out at Papa Chanos (a yummy mexican restaurant if you can't tell by the name), sleeping in tomorrow morning, then my sister Liz and her familia are coming to visit for the weekend. There's a family barbecue planned for Saturday at my dad's house and it's my birthday! Time to go get the kids ready to go out to eat so I'll write again tomorrow.