Control Freaks

Defining the behaviors

Micromanagers get a bad wrap-most often as "control freaks."

They exercise raw power — Micromanagers love to flex their muscles-asserting their power and authority just because they can.

They dictate time — Micromanagers like to control and manipulate others' time. They don't trust people to assess their own workload, so they routinely dictate priorities and distort deadlines.

They control how work gets done — Micromanagers want everything to be done their way. After all, the boss knows best-or so they think. They dismiss others' knowledge, experience, and ideas-no matter how good-then hover over them to make sure they're doing things "right."

If you are a Micromanager, please stop, it drives people crazy.

If you are a micromanager or control freak then this article pertains to you. If not, you have nothing to worry about....

(Jeff it's definately NOT you)

Too close to home

A coworker has family to lived in New Orleans. Thank God that they made it to Dallas in time, but they have no home to go to. Please pray for Jeannie's family as they try to rebuild their lives and homes. Also pray for all the other people whose lives have been affected by this hurricane.

Goodbye friend

I have a friend who I've know for about 3 years. We met at the church that I now attend. This friend grew up in the Catholic church. She came to know our church through our Pastor's wife, Noemi. They work is the same field. Noemi helped her by finding her a place to live, rent free, so that she could go back to school to get her Masters. She even lived with Pastor and Noemi. Durning her time at La Luz (my church), she would always complain about having to serve in the nursery, or various other ministries. She never seemed joyful. Last year, she started having doubts, and left our church, and cut all social ties with Noemi, eventhough she still worked for her. This year, for Lisa, has been filled with having a boyfriend and going out and attending a Catholic Church. I saw her one last time on Friday, and you know what, eventhough she may be having the time of her life partying and staying out until 4 in the morning, she still doesn't seem joyful.

The worldly things are only temporary and can only bring temporary happiness The only way you are ever going to find happiness is through serving the Lord with your heart and not out of obligation. I hope one day you realize that, and find the happiness and joyfullness that you are seeking.

Farewell Lisa.

Talk to Belle

Lately when we are in the car, and I'm talking to whoever is in the passenger seat or talking on the phone. Isabel will yell out "Mommy, talk to Belle"
Ok, Ok, I'll pay more attention to you in the car. Today's topic will be "Who makes the best nuggets? McDonalds or Burger King?"

No Cell Phones Allowed

Is the sign I should have posted on the front door of my house. Tony's cousin arrived late right when the wedding started. When the door opens and closes it makes a beeping sound. Interruption 1 and 2. Then the cousin sits and his phone rings. He get up and goes outside. That's 3 and 4. He walks back in and sits down. That's 5 and 6. Now I'm thinking I want to take that cell phone and throw it in the toilet. Other than that the ceremony was nice.

Here Comes the Bride - Here Comes the Bride - Here Comes the Bride

Saturday was the big event at our house. The living room furniture was packed in the office, the wood floors were mopped and white tool with roses filled the room.
As guest arrived, the people in the kitchen were making last minute preparations.
7:25 arrives, the bride is ready, the guests are ready, and I'm so ready.
I give the signal to Eddie to hit play on the iPod. The classical version of "Everything I do (I do it for you)" starts to fill the house. Isabel and I walk to our places. Eddie starts to play "Here comes the bride"... Everyone stands, stares at the staircase, but no bride. He plays it again. My mom goes up the stairs to find out what's going on. He plays it again. Here she comes, holding her crying 5 year old kid in her arms. Ok, so he was serious when he told everyone that he was getting married. He stood at the front with his mama and daddy as they got married. How sweet.

Things you say to scare your kids...

As a child here are some of the things that I though were true only to find out that they are not...

# If you flip your eyelid up it's going to stay like that.
# If you swallow your gum, it stays in your stomach for 7 years
# If you swallow a watermelon seed, you will grow a watermelon in your tummy
# Don't get close to a horney toad, because it will spit blood in your eye and you can go blind.
# If you stay in the bathtub too long, you're going to get too wrinkling and your skin will stay that way.
# Don't sit too close to the TV because you are going to go blind
# If you cross your eyes for too long they will stay that way.


What about you, what did your parents say to scare you?

Curtains 101

Who knew that hanging curtains could be so hard. I hung some curtains in my dining room with the help of my mother-in-law and neighbor. I couldn't have done it without them. Although Eddie was against the idea of drilling into our beautiful trim, there was no way around it. I learned alot about hanging curtains although they should offer a class on it in college.

The end result is beautiful. I can't wait until Eddie finishes building the mantle and begins to build our table.

I need that table before Thanksgiving, or we'll be eating on the floor.

Starbucks Hates Kids

Starbucks are now on my boycott list.

Starbucks: A habit easily broken by Meghan Kleppinger
via WorldNetDaily.com

Wow, Cool, Awesome

"Vamanos, Let's go, Come on, Hurry up"

Isabel says as we are heading over to grandma's house.

No more CVS

Revelation 16-17
He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, 17so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name.

We are so moving to this each and everyday.

Yesterday I went to CVS.
Do you have your CVS card?
No
Here's another one.
I don't want another one
What's your phone number
Why?
You need a card to make the transaction
My old phone number is xxx-xxx-xxxx
Here's your new card.
I don't want a new card
Just take it and throw it away.
You throw it away, I don't want a card

Lady behind me, "It's just to save you money"
I don't care, I don't want a card


I should be able to go into a store without having to present a card. I'm boycotting CVS for life.

Pink Ladies

Remeber the pink ladies from Grease? Well my two girls are pink ladies, but not because of the color of their jackets, but because the color of their eyes.
Hopefully the doctor will call in one prescription $30 as opposed to wanting to see them both and getting 2 prescriptions $120

Puppy Love

First boyfriend... hope Daddy wasn't watching :)

I want to sing

Isabel has started to like singing by herself. If I try to sing with her, she yell "I want to sing". Sometimes she'll say "Mommy, sing Bubble", so I'll begin to sing "bubbles", thinking she's going to join me. No, she starts to sing "Spaghetti". She just did that so that I wouldn't be singing the same song she wants to sing. Smartie Pants.

Highway Robbery

I think I'm going to have to start telecommuting 1 day a week.

"Gracias Papa"

Last night was smooth. Arrived home at 8:30, Emma was out. I threw Isabel in the tub and let her play until she was done. Durning this time, I was watching her from my room, while I scrapbooked. I looked up and saw that she was standing.
"Sit down Isabel".. She quickly grabbed the cup before she sat. Sneaky little thing.
After the bath, we said our goodnights and she promptly got into bed to watch Elmo.
Later, before we went to bed Eddie covered her up. She awoke and said "Gracias Papa" and closed her eyes again.

I gave a testimony on Sunday about the characteristics of a Proverbs 31 woman, and how I lacked in this area. But through this realization, I committed to trying my best. If I remain obedient to God and his Word, he will continue to bless me. Indeed he has, by the wonderful children and husband he has provided me with.
"Gracias Papa!"

"Love the Ones You're With"

"Love the Ones You're With"

Renee Swope
Director of Proverbs 31 Speaker Team

Key Verse:
Ephesians 5:1, "Be imitators, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love." (NIV)

Devotion:
When you're with the ones you love, do you love the ones you're with? I am embarrassed to admit it, but there are times when I'm with my family but my mind is somewhere else, getting something done!

I realized this one night while we were all watching a movie. It looked like we were spending quality time together as a family. I was there physically, but I was returning phone calls and emails mentally. I glanced at the clock to see how many hours before bedtime, when I could get some work done, and noticed the silhouette of my son's face. I was struck by how grown-up he looked. How quickly ten years had passed! It made me think, it won't be long before he's counting down the hours until I go to bed, so he can instant message or get on the phone with his friends. That's when I recognized the gift of being with the ones I love and loving the ones I'm with, while they're still with me.

Jesus knew His time with the ones He loved was limited. He valued the years He had here and was very intentional about loving each and every person He was with. Jesus didn't see people's requests for His attention or time as interruptions, but welcomed them as invitations.

I have needed to bring this struggle to the Lord and ask Him to help me in this area. Through His Word He has challenged me to slow down and spend more time being with my husband and my children. He has helped me see that they are the most important people in my life, yet I can easily allow my time with them to get crowded out by my need to "do" things.

What about you? How often are you just with the ones you love - no agendas, no errands, no planning - just being? How often do you laugh together, watch movies together or go out for ice cream? Do your children really know you? How well do you know them?

One thing I did to train my mind to cherish the time I have with the ones I love is to look into their faces and remember what they used to look like. That helps me grasp how quickly time passes. Then I imagine a day they may not be here; the day they might live in another state with their own families; the day I will long for them to call and tell me what they have been doing since we last talked. Sometime I even think back to what life was like without them. That jolts my memory and makes me so grateful for the gift God has given me in them.

Our tasks and "to do lists" will always be here. We will never have a day with nothing to do, but the ones we love will not always be with us. Our relationships are our most important investments and, like Jesus, we can make deposits that will last for eternity! My prayer is that you will join me in slowing down to be with the ones you love and loving the ones you are with!

MY Prayer for Today:
Lord, I thank You for the gifts You have given me to love - even when they are hard to love, even when I feel like I don't have time to enjoy them. Help me to slow down and see them through Your eyes. Help me to treasure the time I have with them as the greatest gift I will ever be given. Remind me that the only thing that will last for eternity is my relationship with You and my relationships with others. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

I needs me one of those...

Experimental Hybrid Cars Get Up to 250 Mpg

University of California, Davis engineering professor Andy Frank built a plug-in hybrid from the ground up in 1972 and has since built seven others, one of which gets up to 250 mpg. They were converted from non-hybrids, including a Ford Taurus and Chevrolet Suburban.

Frank has spent $150,000 to $250,000 in research costs on each car, but believes automakers could mass-produce them by adding just $6,000 to each vehicle's price tag.

So far, DaimlerChrysler AG is the only company that has committed to building its own plug-in hybrids, quietly pledging to make up to 40 vans for U.S. companies. But Toyota Motor Corp. officials who initially frowned on people altering their cars now say they may be able to learn from them.

I hope Toyota and Honda jump on this bandwagon too. The first van that come out as a plug-in hybrid, I'm trading my Sienna in that day.

Nugget, Where are you?

Loba made it back home, but Nugget didn't. I hope he's not hurt somewhere. Pray that he is found.

Glad I live in Texas

I hope this doesn't happen here.

Because Of You

Don’t ever sell short what God can do “because of you.”

It means simply what it says: “…because of you…”
because of who you are
because of how you live
because of the way your faith affects everything you do
because of the way you carry on your life
because of the reality of Christ in your life.

That’s it. No more; but certainly, no less. Paul is suggesting that living your life with a sense of purpose that comes from your faith in God is enough to convert someone.

It occurs to me that this could be applied to all believers in relation to life in the world among people with whom we work and associate who are not believers. General rule: don’t leave the world. (Where would you go, anyway?) Stay in the world – in relationships with unbelievers – for the chance that someone may be converted “because of you.”


(1 Corinthians 7:16).

What Your Husband Wants

Affection
Approval
Appreciation

A loving, tranquil home. (no nagging)

Go home and give your husband and kiss and hug and tell your husband that you love him, you appreciate all the hard work he does.

From the book:
The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands

(from a radio program Focus on the Family)

Unusual

It's unusual...
That we have our staff meeting on Thurday
That I pay my babysitter on Thursday
That I eat dinner with my sister on Thurday

So it's not unusual that I think it's actually Friday.

I woke up this morning an hour late because last night I thought it was Friday. But as I was dreaming, Eddie told me otherwise. I jump out of bed, and immediately called my boss. I hate when that happens. It's nice that I got to sleep in, but when I get to work I feel that I've wasted my whole morning...

Oh well. Tonight is Friday Night.... Yeah.

The ? Song

On Elmo's World whatever the topic is about (ie. Birds), Elmo will sing a song about it. He says "Let's sing the Bird song". Then to the tune of Jingle Bells he sings

"Bird, Bird, Bird,"
"Bird, Bird, Bird,"
"Bird, Bird, Bird, Bird Bird"

Now with Isabel, she if we say sing the Baby Song or the Dinosaur Song or the whatever song. She'll sing using whatever word we substitue to the tune of jingle bells.

So Cute.

Back To School - Back to Sleep

I can't believe another summer is almost over. Last night we gave out school supplies to some inner city kids. Next week we are going to have our last backyard bible study with these same kids, so we're going to have a party. Most of these kids has now started attending our church, this summer was a great success.
If you've never participated in a mission project, I highly recommend it. The benefits are great. This December we are going to visit an orphanange. Isabel doesn't know it yet, but most of her stuffed animals will be donated. Not that I don't like stuffed animals, but with her allergies they do more harm than good. She'll for sure keep her Elmos. Last night was another successful night at putting Isabel to sleep. I think we are on a winning streak. I now have my sleep back.

Random Thoughts

Last Night...

Well I put Isabel and Emma in bed at 8:15 they are watching Elmo, hopefully Isabel fee asleep. I know that Emma is asleep. Just finished watching a new show from ABC family called "Beautiful People" I liked it. It will become one of my DVR events. I missed the first 30 minutes. But guess what it's showing again. Yeah!

Fastfoward to today...

Didn't finish watching the show. Isabel was calling saying that her hour long video was finished. I proceeded to get into bed with her, because she asked. I feel like Buddy the Elf, you know from the movie. We really need to get her a twin bed.
I'll look into it.

Somebody give me a gun...

I want to shoot somebody, specifically my sister. I called her this morning and asked her if she locked the gate. "No, but the latches are on, that's all that counts right?".... "Uh, no... don't you think that Loba is smart enough to get out?"

I ran by her house this morning to put the lock on the gate. The gate was wide open with no dogs in sight.

Lord, please bring them home again. I promise I'll take all precaution to see that they don't get out again. Microchiping, 15 ft fence, barbed wire, you name it I'll do it.

They're Back

Last Monday night, my sister called to tell me that my dogs had escaped from the back yard for a second time. I really didn't have the money to get them out of the shelter, assuming that the shelter would find them. I visted both shelters in Arlington and Grand Prairie to see if they were there. Then I would call everyday. I was a little concerned, but I told God that if he wanted me to get the dogs back then he was the only one who knew where they were at. He'd either have to lead me to them, lead the dog catcher to them or find them another good home. Either way I would be content in knowing that God had a plan.

Well guess what. Saturday night my sister went to her house and they were in the back yard. We still don't know how they got there. We are thinking that they found their way back home and that the neighbor might have let them in. Anyways, God is so cool. Now question becomes should I get them microchiped in case this happen again. It will cost $50 a piece. Ouch.

Hidden Talent

Your Hidden Talent

You are both very knowledgeable and creative. You tend to be full of new ideas and potential - big potential. Ideas like yours could change the world, if you build them. As long as you don't stop working on your dreams, you'll get there.

What's Your Hidden Talent?

Asleep at last, Asleep at last...

For the last week I've been at battle with Isabel and her willingness to fall asleep in her bed. This has been a problem ever since we took the pacifer away from her 3 weeks ago.
Last night, she didn't even want to enter the hallway that led to her bedroom. She kicked and screamed. I finally got her to calm down and lie in her bed. I layed on the floor next to her bed and put my feet on her bed and she put her feet on top of mine.

Tonight, she said goodnight to Papa, went to the bathroom, we read 2 stories, drank some milk and went to bed. As we were walking to her room she said "Mommy, you sleep on floor, ok?" I stayed for about 5 minutes and left, with her still awake, and I haven't heard from her since. I'll check on her in the next 20 minutes. Hopefully she's knocked out.

Kate Hudson on Monogomy

Just read an article talking about Kate Hudson and her thoughts on monogomy

"I don't believe (monogamy) is realistic. But, I believe that we, as people, have the power to make it happen."
She added: "I will not disrespect my husband and stray."
"If for some reason, that's what he has to go do, I just don't want to know. As long as things are good in our house, just please, don't get caught."

Does she not worry about diseases, hepatitis and AIDS to name a few?
She is so naive. Sounds to me that she has very little faith in her husband, herself as a wife, and her marriage.

Love Triangle

Andres (my friends son who is almost 2) is in a love triangle between my two girls. Some days he chases and kisses Isabel (who is 3 months older than him). Lately he's been fascinated with Emma (my 10 month old). Yesterday they were sitting face to face kissing with their mouths open. Not just a peck either, but they would sit there for more than 5-10 seconds at a time.
It was too cute. Later Eddie asked Emma "Were you kissing Andres?"... She promptly shook her head no, denying the whole incident ever happened.

Rescue Me #1

"Rescue Me" is going to be a series of stories told to me by my husband who is a fireman for the City of Richardson. This story is very greusome, so don't read if you have a weak stomach.

The call came in around 3:30 in the morning, motorcycle accident. They still don't know exactly how it happened, maybe he fell asleep, maybe he was drunk, in any case he's dead.
White male, maybe in his 30's, can't tell because he was missing his head, and part of a leg.
Looks like the head got smushed into his body, and the top was blown off somehow. The head wasn't severed, it just wasn't there by any means.

Human Life at Stake

"I am pro-life," Frist maintained. "I believe life begins at conception. It is at this moment that the organism is complete — yes, immature — but complete. An embryo is nascent human life."
But in spite of that, he went on: "I also believe that embryonic stem-cell research should be encouraged and supported."

How can someone who agrees that life begins at conception, support embryoic stem cell research? Did he go brain dead? I'm posting a link to this article so that everyone can be aware that

"I don't think we can dare cross that ethical divide," Coburn said, "nor should we even consider crossing it, especially when what we're seeing is so much positive research being done with adult stem-cell research and cord blood stem-cell research."
Coburn, a medical doctor like Frist, asked: "Shouldn't we try everything else but embryonic stem-cell research first? That's the question we ought to be asking our selves, because if we're going to devalue embryos, what's next?"

What's next... I'll tell you what's next. They are going to want to start creating embryos just to destroy them. Cloning is what that is called.

"Adult stem-cell research offers the promise of cures," Swann said, "not the mere 'dream' Frist spoke of today. A dream of cures through embryonic stem-cell research is a nightmare for the unborn."

Please get informed on this issue. You can read the article in it's entirety by clicking on the link below.

http://www.family.org/cforum/feature/a0037397.cfm

The Battle Begins

The sound is ear-wrenching, at least above 160 decibles, (equivalent to a jet engine close up) and the bed is soaked with a river of tears.

Isabel cried for 1.5 hours last night when I put her to bed, with and without me in her room, with and without me holding her. At 10:00 I gave up and brought her to bed with me. (I'm so weak)
Then at 12:30, Emma woke up. This never happens. She might have had a tummy ache.
Eddie was kind enough to get up with her. (Thank You)
This morning I find one of our pillows in the crib. I guess he was trying to elevate her head, because he couldn't breath through her nose well. I had to remind him about the dangers of suffocation.

I hope tonight is better.

Score:
Screaming Toddler: 1
Hopeless Mom: 0

The Ultimate Measuring Stick

10 [c] A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.
16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.


These are BIG shoes to fill. I've been married for 6 years and been a mother for 2 and I'm barely realizing the significance of this passage.