Legacy - My Goal

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest
You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all who's who and so-n-so's that used to be the best
At such'n'such ... it wouldn't matter much

I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an 'Atta boy' or 'Atta girl'
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trappings of this world

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace who
blessed your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

I don't have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthly list of all that I enjoy
It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile
Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon enough destroy

Not well traveled, not well read, not well-to-do or well bred
Just want to hear instead, "Well Done" good and faithful one...

Music Video:LEGACY (by Nichole Nordeman)

Music Video Code provided by VideoCodeZone.Com

Hint Hint

Disney Album

Are you planning a Disney vacation this summer? You won’t want to miss your chance to become a Disney Scrapateer for a day! Join us as we create a fun 20-page Disney-themed album that’s loaded with fun embellishments. Just add photos, and you’ll have your album completed in a single day. You’ll even get to make a set of autograph tags to take to Disney for Mickey and his gang to sign! $100
June 16th or July 14th from 9a-4p

What a great Anniversary Present, since we are planning to go to Disney World next year.

Family Day

Yesterday, we hosted Family Day at our house. Our church came over and we had a ton of fun. We started off with games and then we ate fajitas, rice, beans and tortillas. For desert we had Arroz con leche (a favorite of mine). Durning the game segment, I got out the water gun and went on a shooting spree. Then my sneaky pastor went into my kids playroom stole a bucket, filled it with water, and threw it over my head. The war was on. I took his wife hostage and she became the next victim. By the end of the day everyone was attacked, we had no mercy on anyone. My sister even locked herself into my bedroom, but we managed to breakin and pull her out. She put up a good fight, but we got anyway. After everyone left a few of us hung out made nachos and watched Apocolypto. Let's just say that I didn't want to wake up this morning. I slept in which is like 6:45 for me, and then took my time leaving the house. It was a fun-filled day yesterday.

More Re-Organizaing

Here was what I tackled today. See my church is coming over tomorrow, so I wanted the house to look it's best. I organized the office, which is a project and Eddie and I started last weekend. Then this morning I brought in my wicker furniture from outside, painted it white, brought some new pillows and put it in the area of the kitchen where a dinette set would go. I gave up on buying a dinnette set, I just buy some bar stools next month and eat breakfast on the island.


Cleaner Office

New Sitting Area

Our Schedule - to be modified as weather permits

For two days out of the week this is what I have planned for the girls while I work.

6:30 – 7:30 – Sign in and work uninterruped
7:30 – 8:00 – Make and Eat Breakfast (no work)
8:00 – 8:30 – Dora the Explorer Show
8:30 – 9:00 – Free play in play room
9:00 – 9:30 – Learing crafts and activities
10:00 – 10:30 – Little Einstein Show
10:30 – 11:00 – Outdoor play
11:00 – 11:30 – Eat lunch (no work)
11:30 – 2:00 – Nap Time
2:00 – 2:30 – Pool Time
2:30 – 3:30 - Movie (sign off at 3:30)

I tried this yesterday, and it worked. Not the pool time of course it rained, but everything else. I got alot accomplished and the girls had fun. Had to stay home yesterday, cause Eddie was working and Emma had a low-grade fever. You know how that goes. She slept late, took some Motrin, and played hard the rest of the day.

A Shining Star

From Beth Moore:

Dearly loved one
You’ve been called by God
To shine like a star
In a dark, depraved world
Don’t blend in
Refuse the daily temptation
To be absorbed in yourself
Take interest in others
Deliberately humble yourself
And live the life of a servant
As you live in the crisis
Of “continue to”
Keep working out
What God is working in
Watch your mouth
Choose words of life
And one glorious day
You will see the face of Christ
And He will show you
Every good purpose
He fulfilled through you
And there will be delight
Even if you are despised or ignored
You are Christ’s star
Go forth and shine

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.
Isaiah 60:1

Beginning the week of June 25

My new boss has allowed be to begin working from home on the days that my husband goes to work. Which is about 2 days a week. This is good, because the girls will be home all the time, and won't have to go to daycare. Granted they were only going 6-8 days a month, but they would rather stay home, and we'd rather them stay home. Being a web developer, I'm not tied to the phones, I'm just tied to my computer, so this is a possible thing to do. I've already got a schedule written out so that, I can keep the girls entertained for periods of time. This will give me plenty of time throughout the day to complete my dev tickets. Another good thing is that my company has given me a work laptop. Everyone in our department got one. It's a cute little Dell one.

In other news...
Eddie and I decided that the girls are going to be going to public school. All along we had made the decision to send them to a Christian private school. But after the parenting conference we went to and the books that we've been reading, we changed our minds.
Basically it comes down to this. We will strive to raise strong kids, not safe kids. We will do our job at home instilling the moral and ethical principals of the Bible, so that in any situation that our kids face they will be able to stand their ground and do the right thing. I would love my kids to be in a ultra-safe enviroment, learning about the word of God, but in reality we can't shelter them from life. School will be a great mission field for my girls to share their faith with lost kids. Plus over the course of 12 years for both girls we'll save $100,000. I know plenty of kids who went to public school, who are men and women of God. Your parents did a great job. My mom did a great job. We will strive to raise our girls for true greatness.

Highlight of my weekend

I get to park my car in the garage. Yes! We finally had the time to organize the garage and get everything off the floor (ok everything except the lawnmower and wagon). The Lord allowed us to do this by keeping our girls asleep on Saturday from 1 pm - 4:30 pm. Hallelulah!

Pictures from Isabel's Birthday Party

Strike a pose


Ballerina at heart


Her first pinata


Dancing Ballerinas


Sitting Pretty


Cake my mom made

Morning Conversations

While at home:
Isabel: Mommy, can we go get those little donuts?
Me: Oh, (looking at the clock knowing we don't have time). Daddy didn't leave me any money. We'll get some tomorrow.
Isabel: Why didn't Daddy leave you money?
Me: He forgot.

In the car:
Isabel: Mommy, do you have a card?
Me: (Card? Debit card?) Yes, I have a card.
Isabel: Does it have money?
Me: (clever little girl) Yes it does.
Isabel: Then get some out.
Me: (trying to change the subject) Guess what? I got you some pan dulce for breakfast.

Still in the car:
Isabel: Is it Sunday?
Me: No, it's Tuesday.
Isabel: Nu uh, I see the sun, so it's Sunday.
Me: Ok, (defeated)
Isabel: Then why did you say it was Tuesday?
Me: Cause it is Tuesday, but if you want to say it's Sunday, that's fine.

Blessed

In January I was looking for a dance school that Isabel could attend. I started calling around. My friend has her kids at "The Dance Workshop", and I knew I didn't want my kids going there. Too competitive. I've heard horror stories of her kids practicing 3 days a week right before the recital, and all the trophies that that's studio has won. My child is only 4, I want this to be fun. So on I went to look for the perfect studio for us.
I called "A Step in Time" which is in our city. They told me it was too late because costumes for the spring show had already been purchased.
I then called "Divine Arts" 20 minutes away. I asked if it was too late and they said no, not too late. Great I signed her up and she started in Feburary. Well in March there was talk about the recital in June. I asked the teacher if she was going to be able to perform and she said "no, because they had ordered costumes in October". Talk about a bubble being burst. I was disappointed. In April, I called the owner and addressed my concerns, I told her I understood why she couldn't perform, but that if there was any way she could, it would just make my day. She mentioned that there was a little girl who had purchased the costumes, but no longer attended. So she was going to double check, and maybe Isabel could have those costumes.
On Saturday, I got the 2 costumes. Yeah! She will be in the performance. This is so cool, cause it saved us the cost of the costumes, and the cost of the recital fee.
At least $160. Thank you God.

Happy Mother's Day

This is a late post, but nevertheless.

Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers out there.

Single moms
Stay-at-home moms
Working moms
Moms of infants
Moms of toddlers
Moms of teenagers
Widowed moms
Teenage moms
Moms of more than 3 kids
Grandmas

You are all very special. Thank You for all the work you do.

Patience with Imperfection

Patience with imperfection
by Jon Walker

“Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love.” (Ephesians 4:2b NLT)

Humorist Dave Barry says, “A perfect parent is a person with excellent child-rearing theories and no actual children.”

The same could be said of a perfect world or the perfect family. Created by God and guided by his perfect instructions, there’s only one way to mess things up: People!

The fact is, living with imperfect people requires patience. And I say this as a friend, but you are one of the imperfect people who require patience! Unfortunately, I keep learning that I’m an imperfect person too.

The Bible teaches that patience is the solution for living with someone else’s imperfections. This patience is to flow from the kindness God shows us, so we’re (not so simply) following God’s love.

Colossians 3:12-13 says: “As holy people whom God has chosen and loved, be sympathetic, kind, humble, gentle, and patient. Put up with each other, and forgive each other if anyone has a complaint. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (GW)

The word translated “patience” also could be rendered “longsuffering.” Patience means putting up with one another when we’d rather lose our temper; it means forgiving one another when we’d rather hold a grudge.

It is love in action, for “love is patient.” (1 Corinthians 13:14a NIV)

In addition, patience muzzles our mouths, stopping the murmuring and complaining that so naturally flow from the human tongue. Paul says, “Let us stop criticizing each other. Instead, we should decide never to do anything that would make other Christians have doubts or lose their faith.” (Romans 14:13 GW).

With patience ruling the day, we become stronger through our differences and we develop a godly diversity in our relationships. We no longer require that everyone act and look and think exactly the same way.

Paul saw this as an exciting model of God’s Church: “Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don't see things the way you do. And don't jump all over them every time they do or say something you don't agree with – even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently.” (Romans 14:1 MSG)

So what?

Patience and a critical spirit are mutually exclusive – Even when your complaints are justified, patience pushes and pulls you toward forgiving and forgetting: “A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.” (Proverbs 19:11 NIV)

You are imperfect – Living with an imperfect person requires patience. You, my friend, are an imperfect person, and there are some people who require patience to live with you! (Think about who they are and thank them today.)

Let love lead – “Most of all, let love guide your life, for then the whole church will stay together in perfect harmony.” (Colossians 3:14 LB) How open are you to other believers who don’t see things the way you do?

Interview by a Tammara

1. What is one thing you did in high school that you really, really wish you hadn't done?

I was really good in high school. I regret hanging out at the "spot". An area where everyone parked their cars, drank beer, and smoked. Why do I regret that, because later I realized it was a church parking lot. That was totally disrespectful. And for the record, I neither smoked or drank. I found those two things disgusting.

2. You can learn to do one thing - anything - expertly in one hour (like Neo in "The Matrix"). What is it?

A writer of best-selling book on parenting. So that I could write one book sell a million copies and retire.

3. By what adjective to your children occasionally call you now that they will be grateful for you being, once they are adults?

My kids are 2 and 4 so the only thing the 4 year old has called me is mean.

4. Is there a quote or saying that you live by (intentionally or not)?

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4

5. If you could have a photo of some event that was not photographed, what would it be?

My 30th birthday party, I don't remember taking pictures.

Strawberry Quick

http://www.snopes.com/horrors/drugs/candymeth.asp

There is a very scary thing going on in the schools right now that all need to be aware of. There is a type of crystal meth going around that looks like strawberry pop rocks. It smells like strawberry also and it is being handed out to kids in school yards in AR. I'm sure it will make its way around the country if it hasn't already. Kids are ingesting this thinking that it is candy and being rushed off to the E.R. in dire condition.

Please instruct your children to not accept candy that looks like this even from a friend and to take any that they may have to a teacher, principal, etc.

Please pass this around it could save some family a lot of heartache! That is what they are calling strawberry meth or strawberry quick.

Thought you'd want to know.

Kathy Johnson, RN
School Nurse, McNeil Elementary
McKinney ISD

Happy Birthday Isabel

Isabel turns 4 today. As my little girl grows up, one of the things we want to instill in her is the act of giving back to others who aren't a fortunate as she is. Also that beauty is who you are on the inside, not merely what you look like on the outside.
Yesterday I thought about my friend Dixie who grows her hair long only to chop it off to donate it to Locks of Love.

Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children under age 18 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. We meet a unique need for children by using donated hair to create the highest quality hair prosthetics. Most of the children helped by Locks of Love have lost their hair due to a medical condition called alopecia areata, which has no known cause or cure. The prostheses we provide help to restore their self-esteem and their confidence, enabling them to face the world and their peers.

I showed Isabel the website and the pictures of the kids with no hair. I told her this morning that since she got alot of presents for her birthday she needs to give a present to someone else. I talked to her about sharing and giving to others who don't have. My hope is that she will make the decision to give back.

Annual Wish List

Ok, with only 3 days to shop, here is my annual wish list.

1. iTunes Gift Card (to buy music)
2. Fry's Gift Card (to buy a pcmcia network card)
3. Amazon.com Gift Card (to buy books)
4. Starbucks Gift Card (to buy a Cinnamon Dolce Latte)
5. Visa Gift Card (to eat at any restaurant I want)

Scholastic Spring Sale

Click here to find the sale near you.

Raising Truly Great Kids

We went to a conference on Saturday given by Tim Kimmel author of several books on parenting. It was a wonderful conference and we were able to acquire several resources that we will be reading over the next couple of weeks. I will be blogging about the things that I will be learning as I read and also I'll blog about the things I learned this weekend.

To begin on Raising Truly Great Kids

"The biggest part of our job as parents has to do with our influence on our children's hearts. The tool that God offers us that empowers us to connect to our children's hearts is God's wonderful gift of grace."

During the next couple of days I will give you guys an overview.

Think of a house.

Roof Aim them at True Greatness (rather than success)
Second Floor Build Character into their hearts
First Floor Create and Maintain a daily atmosphere of Grace
Foundation Focus on meeting their inner needs

Ways to Maintain A Healthy Level Of Insanity

1. At Lunch Time, Sit In Your Parked Car With Sunglasses on and
point a Hair Dryer At Passing Cars. See If They Slow Down.

2. Page Yourself Over The Intercom. Don't Disguise Your Voice.

3. Every Time Someone Asks You To Do Something, Ask If They Want
Fries with that.

4. Put Your Garbage Can On Your Desk And Label It "In."

5. Put Decaf In The Coffee Maker For 3 Weeks .. Once Everyone has
Gotten Over Their Caffeine Addictions, Switch to Espresso.

6. In The Memo Field Of All Your Checks, Write " For Smuggling Diamonds"

7. Finish All Your sentences with "In Accordance With The Prophecy."

8. Don't use any punctuation

9. As Often As Possible, Skip Rather Than Walk.

10. Order a Diet Water whenever you go out to eat, with a serious face.

11. Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is "To Go."

12. Sing Along At The Opera.

13. Go To A Poetry Recital And Ask Why The Poems Don't Rhyme?

14. Put Mosquito Netting Around Your Work Area And Play tropical
Sounds All Day.

15 Five Days In Advance, Tell Your Friends You Can't Attend Their
Party Because You're Not In The Mood.

16. Have Your Co-workers Address You By Your Wrestling Name, Rock Bottom.

17. When The Money Comes Out The ATM, Scream "I Won!, I Won!"

18. When Leaving The Zoo, Start Running Towards The Parking lot,
Yelling "Run For Your Lives, They're Loose!!"

19. Tell Your Children Over Dinner. "Due To The Economy, We Are
Going To Have To Let One Of You Go."

20. And The Final Way To Keep A Healthy Level Of Insanity.......

Send This To Someone To Make Them Smile.

Its Called ..... therapy!

Happy Feet

Last night I downloaded the soundtrack from Happy Feet to my ipod. The girls love it. I love it. This is one of my favorite parts of the movie. Brittany Murphy does an awesome job at singing as Gloria and Robin Williams does an awesome job at playing Ramon and Lovelace. He is the one who sings "My Way". I love that song...
Anyways if you haven't seen this movie enjoy this clip.

Microchips for your pets $20

Microchip Clinic
All 3 SPCA Clinics

You and your beloved pets are invited to join the SPCA of Texas on May 12, 2007 as we microchip furry family members for the discounted price of $20 at the Dallas, McKinney and Village Fair clinics by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call 214.742.SPCA (7722).


Dogs and cats should be microchipped and tagged to make sure they can be reunited with their human companions should they become lost. Micro-chipping is a quick, non-surgical process which involves injecting a sterile microchip—about the size of a rice grain—between a pet’s shoulder blades. Each chip has an unalterable ID code that enables animal shelters to locate owners should pets become lost.

Date: Saturday, May 12, 2007
Time: 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM


This event does not require an RSVP. Registered users can request event reminders.
SPCA

Best Buy

I just found out something cool. If you take your 8mm camcorder tapes to Best Buy, they will put them onto a DVD for you for about $20. So now I am going to pull out all those tapes that were never transfered to VHS to Best Buy and have them work their magic.

Wireless Finally

After hours and hours, I finally got my wireless connection to my router. I think I need a new network card though, because I can't seem to get it connected anywhere else outside this house (ie Starbucks). Anyways, I'm glad it's connected at home, so that I'm not tied to the desk. I shall investigate the venturing out of this house with my laptop at a later time.

Butterflies

We have tons of butterflies in our backyard. Over the past couple of days, Eddie has caught a few for the girls to observe. He learned from Go Diego Go, that butterflies like to eat soft fruit. So he caught the butterfly, put it in a jar and gave it chewed up banana to eat. It was in heaven. I said that poor butterfly is going to die from over-eating. We drove about 20 miles to church, and I finally convinced them to let it go. Poor butterfly, now in a strange place miles away from home. As I think of the butterfly flying away, I'm reminded of the young people that will spread their wings and fly miles away from home at the college of their choice. Carlos (my god-son), as you venture off to new experiences, please remember the wisdom of your parents, study hard, and have lots of fun. On a side note... Bianca, as you spread your wings at driving a car, remember keep your eyes on the road, don't talk on the phone, don't text message anyone (remember the story of the lady flipping her car)... and drive safe.

Potty Trained (for the most part)

Well Emma is potty trained for the most part, she is telling us when she needs to go. I'm still working on the at night part though. If she is dry the rest of this week at school which is just Friday, cause she is home the other days, then the price will drop, which will save us $20 a week. That's $80 a month. That's great. Anyways. I'm glad we passed this milestone. My baby is growing up!

I'm sick

I feel like crap today. My body aches, my chest hurts, I feel like my head is in a vice, and my nose is not working to well. What is it you ask? Allergies. I've been suffering since Saturday. Last night I went to my mother-in-laws house to score some drugs. Nasonex and claritin (I prefer Allegra, but beggers can't be choosers). She hooked me up to last me a week. I canceled the dental appt I had today, I just can't imagine going through more pain. My husband is here at home. I laid in bed as he cooked breakfast, and he is now cleaning the kitchen. The good thing is that lunch and dinner are already prepared. I'm just going to lay in bed and sleep, so that I can be 100% tomorrow. Did I mention Isabel started her allergy attack last Monday. She's on a nebulizer everyday now, and takes 2 other drugs by mouth. Fun. Ok, gotta go back to bed now. Laterz.

The tradition continues

Each year I send out my birthday wish. This year I have passed the torch onto Isabel. Here goes..

1. Classic Etch A Sketch


2.
LeapPad Book: Disney - Princess Stories

3. The Princess Bride (book)

3. DVD's

Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella


The Neverending Story


The Wild

Keeping my fingers crossed

Today Eddie is supposed to attempt to build the Mount Forest II. He has until 2:00 before he has to go to work. So I hope he's up and at it. Even if he doesn't finish today, which I'm hoping he will, I give him thanks because he washed and hung a ton of clothes yesterday. Thanks Eddie. You Rock!!!

After much research...

This describes last night and previous episodes to the T.

What are night terrors?
Night terrors occur in at least 5 percent of young children, and can start as early as 9 months. These mysterious disturbances happen during deep, non-dreaming sleep. A child in this state will cry, whimper, flail, and even bolt out of bed. Though his eyes may be wide open, he's not awake and isn't aware of your presence. Once the night terror (which can last anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour or more) is over, your child will return to a sound sleep and have no memory of the incident in the morning.

How are night terrors different from nightmares?
Nightmares happen during rapid eye movement (REM) or dream sleep. A child who's had a nightmare is likely to have a fairly clear idea of what scared him, though he probably won't be able to articulate his fright until he's about 2. He may also be afraid to fall back asleep, and in the morning, he'll probably remember that he had a bad dream.

What should I do when my toddler has a night terror?
Of course, your first instinct will be to comfort him, but your efforts will most likely be futile (remember, he's not really awake and he's not aware of your presence). You just have to wait it out and make sure he doesn't hurt himself. Don't speak to him or try to soothe him, and don't try to shake or startle him awake or physically restrain him — all of which could lead to more frantic behavior. In 15 to 20 minutes, your child should calm down, curl up, and fall into a deep sleep again.

Fears

Last night Emma woke up on the floor at the foot of her bed, screaming her head off. I would that thought that something was broken, but this has happened before. She screamed bloody murder for like 20 minutes. She wouldn't let me hold or touch her. She was just kicking and screaming. Finally at 1:00 am she calmed down and went to sleep on my bed. I've got to research this one. This is like the 3rd time it's happened this year.

Our own park

We have a huge backyard. Currently the girls have a small toddler slide, two small exercize trampolines, cones set up to play soccer, and a picnic table. Well just this past weekend we bought them a Mount Forest II outdoor gym set.


We got it from Toys R Us. Originally $899 on sale for $699, then got the credit card to save another 10%, which came to $594. (Yes we will pay the card off at the end of this week). My girls are going to love it. I will soon add a volleyball net to our backyard and a basketball goal to the driveway. We are going to have a blast this spring and summer.

Goodbye Jeff

Well Friday is the day. My manager of almost 4 years will be leaving. All of us are so sad to see him go. As the dynamics of this company change and we become more entrenched in the corporate world of our parent company, we have seen many changes. We will be moving to a new "hipper" building in June, and instead of wearing jeans everyday, we now have to dress up. Yuk!!!!

Now back to Jeff.... Let me just tell you what a blessing it has been to work for him. I was a month pregnant when I was switched over to his department. I had a tough pregnancy, I was always hungry and tired. But he made it just a little easier.
When I came back from maternity leave, he let me use his office so that I could pump. He would walk by my desk and say "Michelle, it's 2:30".
After I had Isabel, I asked if I could work less hours so I could spend more time with her, and it was granted. I thought he would have a heart attack when 7 months later I told him I was pregnant again, but he congratulated me with a smile. I have many more stories like this, too many to tell. What is cool about working for Jeff, is that he is a servant-leader. A leader with a servants heart. Everyone in this department has great respect for him.

Jeff, I will truly miss seeing you on a day-to-day basis, but I know that the Lord has great plans for you. May he continually bless you and your family.

Tornado Warning...or not

Just about to go to bed. Around 8:25, a tornado warning showed up on the T.V. saying it would hit Mansfield in 15 minutes. I grabbed a blanket and all our pillows and made a bed for the girls in their bathroom, which happenes to be in the center of the house. I was so grateful that they cooperated by putting pillows over their heads. Then the sirens went off. I had the T.V. on in the office loud enough for me to hear the news. Finally at 8:50 the tornado warning was called off. Thank God. And thank you friends and family that called to check up on us. As we were leaving the bathroom, Isabel said "Is the tomato gone?"

Life is a fairy tale

Isabel put on her "Belle" dress when she got out of the tub today.

Isabel: Mama, did you know Belle has a Beast?
Me: She does?
Isabel: Yeah, so you be the Beast and dance with me.
Me: (Laughing my head off) Ok.

Do you have a daughter? A must read...

I definately want Eddie to do this one...
I was laughing as I read.

Guarding Our Daughters’ Moral Purity

Road Bully

I love to drive my husband's truck. I miss the feeling of sitting up high, and being able to cut in, because I can. A little history about the truck. It's a 2001 Dodge Ram (black). Back in Dec, Eddie wrecked both back ends on the same day. for like 2 months I didn't quit understand how. What happened was that he had the trailer hooked up and jack-knifed it on both occasions.
Fast foward to this morning....
I was exiting Brown Blvd to come to work. The worst exit ever, because no one on the service road seems to yeild. As I was coming off I was stuck until the light turned green. Some rinky dinky car had the audacity to try and not let me in, to which I ignored. I said to her (of course she couldn't hear me) "I bigger than you, I'll run you over, and I don't care if you hit me." I was being a road bully and loving every minute of it.

Balance

Who knew that the day I went to my gynocologist would open up a huge can of questions about my life.

Do we want to do something permantely where we won't have anymore kids?
Do we want another baby?
If we have another baby, do I quit my job?
Can we afford for me to quit my job.
If I quit my job, I can't afford to send my kids to private school.
Do I home school, can I afford that?
Do we stay where we are in life and just make it better?
Can there be a balance? Yes
What is that balance? I don't know.

But the biggest question of all is God what are your plans for our family?
What are your plans and purposes for me, for my husband for our children.
Lord I pray for wisdom, I thank you that you have put people in my life to guide me. I pray for balance. I pray for your will.

300

The the movie 300 this weekend, and it was so good. I really enjoyed it. It is a ficticious movie dipicting the Battle of Thermopylae.

In the Battle of Thermopylae of 11 August 480 BC, an alliance of Greek city-states fought the invading Persian Empire at the pass of Thermopylae in central Greece. Vastly outnumbered, the Greeks held back the Persians for three days in one of history's most famous last stands. A small force led by King Leonidas of Sparta blocked the only road through which the massive army of Xerxes I could pass. After three days of battle, a local resident named Ephialtes betrayed the Greeks by revealing a mountain path that led behind the Greek lines. Dismissing the rest of the army, King Leonidas stayed behind with 300 Spartans and 700 Thespian volunteers. The Persians succeeded in taking the pass but sustained heavy losses, extremely disproportionate to those of the Greeks. The fierce resistance of the Spartan-led army offered Athens the invaluable time to prepare for a decisive naval battle that would come to determine the outcome of the war.[1] The subsequent Greek victory at the Battle of Salamis in September left much of the Persian Empire's navy destroyed and Xerxes I was forced to retreat back to Asia, leaving his army in Greece under Mardonius, who was to meet the Greeks in battle one last time. The Spartans assembled at full strength and led a pan-Greek army that defeated the Persians decisively at the Battle of Plataea on 27 August 479 BC, ending the Greco-Persian War and with it the expansion of the Persian Empire into Europe.[2]

The performance of the defenders at the battle of Thermopylae is often used as an example of the advantages of training, equipment, and good use of terrain to maximize an army's potential,[3] and has become a symbol of courage against overwhelming odds.[3] Taken from Wikipedia.

A Weekend to Remember

Eddie and I attended FamilyLife Today's "A Weekend to Remember". It was hosted at the Gaylor Texan Resort. The hotel was huge and beautiful. The conference was awesome. I highly recommend that everyone should experience this conference. They will be back next year around June.

Also if you live in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, there is going to be another conference on parenting, given by one of the speakers from this weekend.
The conference is on May 5, 2007 from 8-3pm at Fellowship Bible Church in Richardson.

Raising Truly Great Kids

I don't want to go into detail but this conference has truly made me see what God's plan is for marriage, opened my eyes to the things that I need to do to make our marriage great, and has given me a longing to please God through my service to my husband and kids.

National Goof-off Day

Yes it's that time of year again. Too bad I can't take full advantage of it. What will I do today? Invite a co-worker to play online Wheel of Fortune. Have fun goofing off. (Yes, I know my boss reads this.)

Just the way I like it.

When the Ranger Statdium became The Ballpark in Arlington, I thought to myself "what a dumb name, that's so generic". But over the years the name grew on me. Then in 2004, the Rangers sold out and gave the naming rights to Ameriquest. No way was I ever going to call Ranger Stadium, "Ameriquest Field". Well this morning, I heard on the news that the Rangers took back the naming rights, and it is now called, drum roll please........

The Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.

Latest Picture

Emma (2), Jacob (6, my nephew), Isabel (3)

It's a Monday

So I've decided to buy this book.

ADD-Friendly Ways to Organize Your Life

I so need it. I've had ADHD all my life, looking back to my childhood, adolescence, and so forth, I clearly see it. I took one of those online test and passed with flying colors. Then I went to a doctor and got an official diagnosis. So what does this all mean? Well, I'm not lazy like I've been told. I now know why I do the things I do. Not an excuse per say, just a better understanding. I opted not to take drugs. I instead recieve a newsletter from an ADD coach, and I strive to learn more about this condition. See right now, I should be working, but can't stay focused, instead I'm hyperfocused on writing this blog. Anyways, I found this book and will buy it at the end of the month. See already this morning, I left my lunch at home, yesterday I left my purse at home and who the heck knows where my daughter's 3 pair of jeans are at. I think at the daycare, but not totally sure. One thing that I have done to simplify my life is dinner. See I hated cooking dinner. Constant internal struggle. What am I going to cook, will my family like it, do I have all the stuff? I discovered The Dinner Station, and well lets just say that's one more thing I don't have to worry about.

Here's a little insight about ADHD and change.

Everyone knows that people with ADHD thrive on change. We're impulsive, after all. And when you're impulsive, change is a given.

In my opinion it isn't so simple.

I believe while adults with ADHD do adore some types of change, we find other
types of change disturbing.

Put simply, we adore changes that WE instigate. Yet people with ADHD don't as
easily accept change imposed by someone else.

Eddie, that's why I change my mind so much...

Chicken Red's

We went to a new restaurant in our area called Chicken Red's. I loved it and my kids loved it. The food was good and the outdoor play area was awesome. They had an small indoor play area as well. I'm thinking this would be a great location for a birthday party especially one falling on a weeknight. They had great icecream too.
We will definately be back. When we went yesterday there were alot of kids, and I'm hopeing it was because of spring break, but I have my doubts. This place is kid heaven. The problem that I observed was that the bigger kids would overrun the little kids. My 3 year old tried 3 times to go up one on the ladders and each time a bigger kid would cut in front of her. Finally I had had it. The next kid that I saw trying to pull that stunt, I told him that she was next and that he had to wait his turn. My 2 year old was going up a different ladder. She was like on the 3rd step, when 3 other kids were trying to climb up the same ladder as well. I don't think so. I had to tell them as well, to wait their turn. Me and another parent commented on how disorderly some of the kids were. I had no shame telling those other kids what to do. I'm used to it. I tell kids what do at church all the time. Besides, I was protecting my girls. I, in turn, have no problem with another adult correcting my kids if they are misbehaving without my knowledge. I expect it.

Distractions

The other night the girls were playing the their headbands. The little one insisted that she wanted Daddy to have one on too. The older one insisted that boys don't wear headbands. So the fighting began. The little takes the headband and starts running around the house with the older one not far behind, screaming and yelling. Me and Hubby were too busy watching American Idol to care. As long as there's no blood, right? We hear more screaming and yelling, to which Hubby ask me to check on them. Why me? Anyways, they come back running into the living room. The older one somehow distracts the younger one and takes the headband without her noticing. We tried to give hints to the older one that she should run and leave the room to hide the headband before the younger realizes what has happened. As she leaves, Hubby opens his big mouth and says look (there's something on the TV). He did this to distract the younger one from seeing the older one leaving. What happened was that the older one thought that Daddy was talking to her and walked back into the living room. We're yelling "Leave Leave, get out while you can" The younger comes back from T.V. hypnosis and boom she sees the headband in the older one's hand, grabs it and takes off running. The cycle began again.

My playlist (inspired by Amanda)

"Different Now" Out of Eden
This is the song that you roll down you window, crank up the base and dance in the car to. Love the lyrics.. Being different is so cool.

"Staring Back" Pillar
Good rock song...Really take a look at yourself from the inside out.

"Friend of God" Chris Tomlin with Israel Houghton.
Love this rendition. My girls love it too. We have hand motions and everything.

"Those Who Trust" Salvador
Great beat. Love the beginning guitar and drums, and love the message. Those who trust in the Lord... will not be moved.

"Hypnotized" Pillar
Pillar was the headliner band at last year's Acquire the Fire. I've loved the song eversince. Bought a t-shirt that says Piller (looks like the Miller sign) and had it autographed by the guitarist.

"You Make Me, Me" MXPX
Really fast and upbeat. You make me SMILE. You make me SING. You make me EVERYTHING

"Never Alone" Barlow Girl
It's Barlow Girl, need I say more. Even though you may not see God or feel Him, he is always there.

"Stand in the Rain" Superchick
Girl rock band, love it. Talks about standing strong in the midst of problems.

"Heaven" Live
Don't have to convince me that there's a God... just look at my girls.
For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Romans 1:20

"Glory" Selah & Nichole Nordeman
This is all about giving God the Glory. Love this song. Will sing it at church in the coming month, as soon as some of it can be translated into Spanish.

"I need you to love me" BarlowGirl
Shows how it's doesn't matter how much you've messed up, God still loves you.

"His eye is on the sparrow" Selah
Eversince Lauren Hill sung this song on Sister Act 2, I've been hooked.

"Un dia a la Vez" Salvador
"One day at a time".. a timeless hymn. Used to sing it at my grandma's church as a kid. This version is acoustic and beautiful.

"A Dios le Pido" Juanes.
Another upbeat song. Title translated to "It's God I ask".
He IS our provider.

Identity Crisis

Isabel said this to me today...

"Why is your hair still short? Go to the dentist like I say and get your hair cut long"

Also for the longest she wanted to be a ballerina, we signed her up in Feb. She's gone to class like 4 or 5 times. Now she doesn't want to be a ballerina anymore. She wants to be a football player (she really means soccer). That's because she saw kids playing soccer at the soccer fields by our house. What do I do? Do we pull her out of dance? Do we do both? Is she really sure she doesn't want to do ballet and tap anymore? I always said I wouldn't force my kids to participate in activities that they didn't like, but I spent $78 of dance stuff and it's only been a month. And to top it off, I found out today that she wouldn't get to dance in the recital in June, because they ordered costumes back in November and it's too late. So that's very disappointing too.

Credit Card Debt Free!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can't believe it... We've paid off the last of our credit cards. It's such a great feeling. FREEDOM!!!!!!!

In other news....
I went to the Dinner Station last night and prepared 8 meals with my mother-in-law. It was alot of fun. Tonight will will eat Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas. I'll let you know how I like it.

Online Women's Conference

I've been dying to go to a women's conference, I just don't have the time. I'm wanting to go the the "Weekend to Remember" conference with my husband, but don't think we'll be able to, because we may not have a babysitter. Time and resources, that's what's lacking.
Well I found this online women's conference. And it's wonderful.
Celebrate Moms

Visual DNA

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

Happy Birthday Irma

This posting is a day late, but better late than never. Right?
My aunt Irma turned 49 yesterday. As a child I remember alot of things about her. She is my favorite aunt. Well, she's my only aunt.

I remember at Christmas, she would bring out the JC Penny catalogue and let me circle everything I wanted. I thought this was the coolest. Even though I of course didn't get everything, just being able to window shop was awesome.

I remember I got on a plane at the age of 6 with a friend of hers and her friends daughter to come to Dallas to visit her. My first trip "alone". We went to Six Flags, Show Biz pizza, Chuck E. Cheese, Sesame Street Place. It was so much fun.

I remember she gave me her first computer. A TI-994a. She was a computer programmer which inspired me to become the same.

I remember when we moved down her the summer before my 10th grade year, her and my uncle took us shopping for school clothes. We it was actually my uncle. That tradition continue through high school.

I remember her letting me borrow the money for the down payment for my braces. Which I paid back.

I remember her co-signing for me for my first new car.

I remember her letting me borrow the money for my first semester at UTA, the cost was so much higher than TCJC I was in shock. I paid this back as well after I graduated.

I now live 5 minutes away from her which is purely coincidental.

She does have a great pool, which I'm hoping to get use out of this summer. Previous summers we've gone maybe once a season. (hint hint)

Irma, thank you for all the things you have shown me and done for me throughout the years. Love Ya.

Skin Care

So my sister has begun selling Arbonne. She gave me the NutriMinC® RE9® kit. I've been using it for the past couple of days and I like it. This morning I started the 6 step process which takes about 2 minutes to do. After I finished I thought to myself "I don't remember using the eye cream."
Well I had used the eye cream, I just used it all over my face. Hmmm that can't be bad right?

In other news... my 3 year old started taking showers instead of baths this week.
I love it.

Forks are overrated

Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos

Scenes from a horror movie

So, I'm not one to wear high heels or dresses for that matter. Heck come winter, I go on hiatus from shaving (TMI?). Either way it's starting to get warm, so I decided that I need to lady up a bit. Also since we are having to dress up at work now (yuk), I needed to buy some nice shoes for my khaki's and dress paints. I was on a mission. I bought two pairs of shoes, black and brown. Cute too. The only problem is that the "blacks ones" had a bit of a heel, which I am not used to wearning at all. If you know me, you would know that I wear my sketcher sandels, skecther boots and tennis shoes. That's it. So when I tried them on at the store, I said to myself, "Self, I think these will work"....Five hours later I'm showing them to my husband and became a little concernd when the words out of his mouth were "Are you sure you can wear those?"... Well the next day I wore the "black ones", a little tight, but maybe my feet were swollen. After about 2 hours, I was hurting. How can women wear these for 8 hours. Every chance I got I took them off under my desk. By the end of the day I could only walk for 2 minutes at a time. Torture, just plain torture. I've gotta go and buy me some flats.

This morning I was going to put on my sketcher sandals and thought I should probably paint my toe nails RED. I picked up the nail poish and started shaking it. Immediatly the top flew off and there was red finger nail polish on the side of my tub. Oops, hmmm funny I don't remember opening the bottle. Anyways I cleaned it as good as I could without finger nail polish. Then I looked in the mirror. Seeing that I had just gotten out of the shower, I had yet to put on a shirt. My chest look like some killer from a slasher movie had slashed me, and I had no finger nail polish remover to remove it. At this point. I don't know when I'll ever make it to the store to get some, it could be days. I hope it doesn't scare my husband.

Steve Harvey Introduces Jesus Christ

Thanks to Kilikina for passing this one along.

So when is your birthday???

This time of year is crazy. I have a friend who's birthday is Feb 29th, so I never know when to say happy birthday, either before of after. We were having a discussion in the office about how we should steal 6 hours from the 28th and the 1st to create the 29th every year. That way those people born on that day chould celebrate on that day.
My grandpa's birthday is March 1st. I made the mistake of calling him yesterday and wishing him a happy birthday. Not once did he say "It's not my birthday", he just played right along. Later that evening I speak with my grandmother and she told me that I had called and wondered why I was wishing him a happy birthday when his was DAYS away.... "Sorry dear, February is a short month, your birthday is tomorrow" she tells him....
I don't feel silly anymore.

I got your back girl

Yesterday, I was busy in my room and Isabel comes in with the saddest face.
"I want some chocolate milk"
"Well let me finish what I'm doing and then I'll go get you some"
So she leaves. I then hear the conversation between my too girls.

Emma: "What's wrong Bell?"
Isabel: "I want some chocolate milk."
Emma: "you want chocolate milk? oh. I tell mama"

Then I hear little feet running towards my room.

Emma: Mama! Mama!
Me: I'm in here.
Emma: Mama, Bell want tocolate milk
Me: I know. Tell her I'll be there in a minute.
Emma: In minute, o-tay.

She runs back to the table.
Emma: Mama be here in minute.
Isabel: I want chocolate milk.

Emma runs again to my room to remind me that Isabel wants chocolate milk. It was the cutest thing to see how she was looking out for her big sister.

I greive

Today, my heart is filled with great sorrow. A friend of mine lost her husband on Saturday. I greive for her and her daughter. I just can't believe this. I mean we were pregnant at the same time, our babies were born 2 weeks apart. And now her little girl is going to have to grow up without her daddy. I cry for her. I pray for her. Lord please confort this family at this time, you know their needs.

One of those nights

I slept so good last night. It was almost perfect. I fell asleep around 9:30. I remember my husband coming to bed and turning on the fan to low, first for this year.
I awoke at around 12:30, and it felt like I had slept for ages. I awoke again at 5:05 am and hearing my husband driving off to work. For a moment, I had to think about whether it was Friday or Saturday. Crap it's Friday, 30 more minutes to rest my eyes. I awoke got the girls ready, bribed them with donuts and then we were out the door. Traffic was wonderful, it made me question again whether it was Saturday or not or if it was a holiday. Tonight my sister is hosting an Arbonne Party at my house and tomorrow is the Dave Ramsey Total Money Makeover live event. I have my weekend full, but it should be lots of fun.

Win a game for your family.

Rhyme-n-Tyme-Contest/

Check it out!

Girls just want to have fun

Climbing a retaining wall


The chase is on!


Wind in her hair


A long day is over

Handwriting Worksheets

This website will allow you to create a handwriting worksheet for your pre-schooler.
It will create the name that you enter into the box using dots or dashes so that your child can trace their name over and over again.

www.handwritingworksheets.com

Daylight-saving bug could foil computers

Microsoft planned to send its daylight-saving patch to Windows PCs with the "automatic update" feature Tuesday. Users with automatic updates turned off should download the patch from Microsoft. (New machines running Windows Vista are immune, since Vista was finalized after the 2005 law passed.)

However, computers running anything older than the most recent version of Windows XP, known as Service Pack 2, no longer get this level of tech support.

Owners of those PCs should go into the control panel and unclick the setting that tells the machine to automatically change the clock for daylight-saving time. They have to make the change themselves when the moment arrives. (This is a sizable population; according to Gartner, Windows 2000 alone was still running 14 percent of PCs worldwide last year.)

For people who store their appointments in Microsoft Outlook or other desktop-based calendar programs -- rather than dynamic, Web-based programs such as Google Calendar -- the situation gets trickier. Patches for calendar programs are available, but appointments entered before a patch was applied might still be registered in standard time rather than daylight time -- off by an hour.

Microsoft advises heavy calendar users to go online and download a small program known as "tzmove" -- Time Zone Move -- that can retrofit all previously booked appointments to the new daylight-saving rules. Other vendors offer similar tools for their systems.

Of course, it's likely not everyone would take that step, said Rich Kaplan, a Microsoft customer service vice president who oversaw the company's Y2K efforts and heads daylight-saving preparations. Hence Microsoft's advice to be cautious about meetings between March 11 and April 1.

"Because if one person applied the update, and one person didn't," he said, "you could end up there at the wrong time."

Pastor with 666 tattoo claims to be divine

Can we say "weirdo". It's so sad that people fall for this kind of stuff.

Read Article Here

Learn something new everyday

The United States seized Puerto Rico in 1898 at the end of the Spanish-American War.

Puerto Rico's 4 million people are U.S. citizens and can be drafted into the military but cannot vote for president and have no voting representation in Congress. They also do not pay federal taxes.

(I have a friend who was born and raised in Puerto Rico, so I found this interesting)

Subtle hints

Last night me and Isabel were in bed, she was cuddled up with me and said:

Isabel: "Some mommies give kisses"
Me: "Do you want me to give you a kiss?"
Isabel: "Yes", she nodded

To my Valentine

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, --- I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! --- and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

Ear Infection

I took Emma to the doctor this morning. She has a ear infection on her right ear. Dr said caused by all the nose and chest stuff that she has. Poor baby.
In other news... want to hear something funny? A co-worker pulled a muscle in his back while flossing. So be careful when you floss.

It got us

Well, on Friday night Emma woke up with a fever. She had a cough throughout the week and had thrown up on Monday, but she was still feeling ok. Well I stayed home with her yesterday while Eddie and Isabel went to my in-laws to change the oil in both cars. We watched Aladdin, Sleeping Beauty, Mary Poppins, we slept, we played. We are at home again today. Eddie had to go to work, so it's just me and the girls. What was going to be a busy day of church activities is now a day of just taking it easy. I hope to get Emma well by Wednesday because that is when Eddie has to work again, and I want her to be able to enjoy her Valentines party at school for which I have to take cupcakes to. So be praying that we get better. Oh yeah I have the crud too. I have some congestion, and cough.

upper lip = mustache

Yesterday my 2 yearold was putting on chapstick all over her lips and around her mounth and upper lip.
My 3 year old said "Emma you don't put lipstick on your mustache you put it on your lips!"

Flu Epedimic

The school that my nephew attends is shutting down for the next 2 days. They have had 30% of the kids out due to having the Type B flu.
Here at work there are have several people sick with Sinus infections. I've had some initial symptoms but have taken extra precautions so that I can avoid having one myself. Take care out there.

BirthVerse

Check yours out here.

Here is mine.
1 Peter 5:10 NIV
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

Here's Eddie's
John 10:14 NIV “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—

Here's Isabel's
Romans 5:8 NIV
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Here's Emma's
Zechariah 10:1 NIV
Ask the LORD for rain in the springtime; it is the LORD who makes the storm clouds. He gives showers of rain to men, and plants of the field to everyone.

The Protector

Sunday morning the girls were laying in my bed and Eddie was sleeping. I was trying to convince Emma to bite her Daddy on the nose to wake him up, because nothing else was working. As she went in for the kill, Isabel stopped her and said "That's not happening!". So I had Emma kiss her Daddy on the nose instead.

Smelly Monday

All was going well in the Valenzuela household this morning. I made my lunch, got breakfast ready for the girls, filled their cups with milk and headed out the door. I was running 15 minutes behind, I all was good. Throughout the 23 minute ride to school I urged Emma to eat her toast. She had already downed a whole glass and a half of chocolate milk. We pulled up to school and (blaaaaaaaaaa) and again (blaaaaaaaaa). Emma through up everything. Oh my gosh what do I do. Eddie is working today. Do I go back home to change her? Do I keep her at home? Ahhhhhhhh.
Well I called Eddie and he suggested that she should be fine, probably was just too full. So I locked the doors and ran into the school to get her change of clothes that were in her cubby hole. I saw Isabel's teacher and told her that the kids were in the car and we had an accident, so she was the lookout. Ran back to the car and changed Emma, tried to clean her coat the best I could, and went in. Saw Emma's teacher and told her what happened and she said they'd keep an eye on her. Then got in the car and went to work, noticed that I didn't have my purse, which means no make-up. My cell phone and wallet were in my pocket, so I stopped at Walgreens and got make-up, mascara, and lipstick. I will be keeping these in the car for future emergencies. So that was my morning. Hope yours was better.

Facing the Giants

We saw Facing the Giants this weekend. It was a wonderful movie. I cried, I laughed, and I cried some more. I will definately buy this one for our collection. You should check it out if you haven't already.

The Debt Snowball

On Feburary 24, we will go to Dave Ramsey's The Total Money Makeover Live Event. We went last year and it was really cool. This year we are taking 5 other people with us. Let me just tell you what an impact this was for us. We were living paycheck to paycheck, in a huge house that we couldn't afford, driving new cars, stressing out all the time, struggleing to see how we would pay our property taxes. Finally got tired of it. We make really good money so we should be able to enjoy it.
So we got on a plan to pay off our debt. All our debt.
First we sold the van and bought my grandmothers 1997 Chev Lunima with 32,000 miles on it. My van 2004 already had $80,000 miles. Then we sold the house and moved into a another new one but just not as expensive. Now we are able to really attack the debt. We've paid off 2 credit cards and plan to pay the other 2 off by March. We plan to be completely debt free cars and all by the end of the year. We will then throw bunch of cash into our emergency fund. Then save up to go to Walt Disney World (we will pay this in cash). I can't wait until I can call the Dave Ramsey Show and yell "WE'RE DEBT FREE!!!!!!"

Pictures of House

I finally got the pictures downloaded from my camera. Enjoy!


The House



Walking through front door


Kitchen

Princess Isabel's room

Emma's Dora room

Literacy Websites

Here is a great web site for kids and literacy!

http://www.picadome.fcps.net/lab/currl/kindergarten/la.htm

Moments that make you proud

As we were driving we passed a church. Isabel yelled out.
"Look a cross! Jesus died on a cross!"

Yes he did.

Her Favorite Gift

Dora the Expolorer Backpack Set includes: checkers, bingo, dominoes, Tic Tac Toe, Go Fish, Match game, Crazy Eights and Old Maid.

This is Emma's favorite Christmas gift. I have to be careful and not let her just pull everything out, because then everything would be all over the floor, cards, checkers, bingo dots, dominoes... and it's a pain to clean. She's learned that we only plays with one game at a time.

I wonder who they took after.... wink wink

On Sunday, Isabel's sunday school teacher was raving about how smart she was. She was surprised that Isabel (3 years old) corrected her on how to spell Isabel. See the teacher normally spells it Isable. But Isabel, stopped her and showed her how to spell it right.

Last night me and Emma, who is 2, were playing Dominos, (yes she knows how), ok let me clarify it's Dora dominios, but she can still play.

Loba, our dog, wanted to go out in the middle of the night, but our door was shut to our bedroom, so she stood outside our door and shook (which makes her collar make noise) until I woke up and let her out.

My house is just full of smartness.

Potty Elmo

This doll has been very instrumental in helping both my girls get potty trained. We are on day 3 on using this doll with Emma. Let me tell you, she loves it and loves imitating it. In fact, today my husband caught her trying to hold it and asked her if she needed to go potty and she said "yes". We are on our way!!!!

Are you on the list?

Tonight is the night that Heroes starts back up again. Also 24 is showing at the same time. Seeing that I live in the stone ages and I don't have TiVo, I'm going to have to bust out the old vcr and record one. My favorite hero is Claire.

Communication

I have been having problems with my camera. It won't communicate with my laptop to download pictures, and I have so many to share. Not only that, my card is full, so I can't take more pictures and video until I download the ones on my card. I think I have to make a trip to Fry's to get a cf card reader, much easier than the usb port.
Speaking of communication, God had been really talking to me lately about things that I need to do to change and to get closer to Him. On Sunday, I will start a new journey that will help me do just that. Also, in February, we will hopefully attend the Total Money Makeove Live event hosted by Dave Ramsey for a second year in a row. We are hoping to get some of our friends and family to attend as well. It has changed our lives and we know that it will help others as well.

On a side note.....

Generous Wife Tip:
Do something with your husband that supports or encourages a friend. Are they responsible for children or an elderly parent? Volunteer together to sit for them so that they can run errands or have a date with their spouse. :)

Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves. Author Unknown

24

So I started watching 24 for the first time on Sunday night. Very exciting. Too bad I don't have DVR, I going to have to bust out the old VCR and buy a tape, just incase I ever miss it.

Ice, Ice Baby....
I hate ice on the road. Yesterday, Eddie had to work but he went in on Sunday and just spend the night. The girls school was closed so I had to stay with them. It's freezing outside. My dog doesn't even want to stay out, and she's a Siberian Husky. Funny huh? She doesn't know what winter is, being born and raised here in Texas. I spent the day cleaning my house and unpacking and organizing my office/scrapbooking room. Fun.

Guess what? I got new glasses. My had been broken for months, although I never wore them outside the house, I like these new ones so I'm wearing them instead of my glasses.... I'll take a picture soon.

Love....

Me: Isabel do you love me a little bit or alot?
Isabel: A little bit. (As she giggles at the surprised look on my face)

Me: Emma do you love me a little bit or alot?
Emma: Alot. (Guess whose getting a brand new car when she graduates)

Starbucks wanna be

I am not a starbucks drinker. Simply because I'm not really a coffee drinker and because Starbucks is too expensive. But I got a $20 gift card to Starbucks for Christmas. Needless to say I've treated others to Starbucks, because if I didn't I'd never get rid of all the money. The other day I walked into Barnes n' Nobles because it had a Starbucks in it, or so I thought. I ordered a frappachino, slid my gift card into the machine and it wouldn't work. The cashier asked me if it was debit or credit, and I informed her it was a Starbucks gift card. To my surprise she said that they were not starbucks, but a Barnes n' Noble SERVING Starbucks, so they couldn't take the gift card. So be warned all you owners of Starbucks gift cards.

Life Training 101

We we've started potting training Emma. Actually, her teachers started potty training her. They informed me last week that I need to bring pull-ups and start her on the same schedule on the days that she isn't in school. I don't know how I feel about this. Am I ready for my baby to be potty trained? She is 2. But then she won't be a baby anymore. That kind of makes me sad. Where has the time gone. Before I know it she'll be in kindergarden, then junior high, then high school, then college, then.... I can only pray that she and Isabel will seek the Lord in their lives and that they will follow his plan for them. There is so much that we need to teach them and we only have 18 years to do it in.

On a side note, my God-son, Carlos is graduating this year, and has decided to apply to the Honor Academy for a year.

The Honor Academy is designed to cultivate and develop the leadership potential in young adults while preparing them to impact today's world for Christ. The scope of the program is extensive and includes classroom instruction, practical hands-on experience, and life-transforming events. All are designed to give each intern at the Honor Academy a balanced, strategic approach to Godly character and lasting leadership skills.

Wow, I can only pray that my girls will grow to mature into Godly women and that their lives will be focused on serving him in whatever area he puts them in.

Dora Dil-Emma

So, Emma go the "I know your name" Dora the Explorer doll. This is a cool doll, because you insert a cd into your pc and program Dora to know your childs name, favorite everything, wakeup time, betime, stories, songs, etc.

Here's the problem. Isabel loves this doll, and Emma really doesn't really play with it much. Last night Isabel slept with the doll and woke up this morning with it. I told Emma to take the doll to her room. At that point Isabel through a total fit saying "mine,mine". Of course, Emma nags her on saying "no mine".

So here's the dilemma, Do I buy Isabel the doll ($40), just let her play with Emma's (It say's Good morning Emma! and other stuff), or reprogram the doll to say Isabel's name? Cast your votes now.

Rain, Rain

Yesterday as I drove home, It started to rain, it was cloudy on the east side of me and sunny on the west side of me. As I looked back over to the east, I saw the most beautiful rainbow. The entire rainbow. It was so beautiful. My girls were so excited to see the rainbow too. I also got the opportunity to tell them the meaning of the rainbow. God's promise to us that he would never again destroy the earth with a flood. Wow! Anyways, we sang the tradition rainy day songs and it reminded me of when I was a child. I used to think that a rainbow was round and went completely around the earth, and we only saw half of it and the other side of the earth saw the other half. I would also hope that my mom would reach the end of the rainbow while driving. That never happened. What are your fondest memories of rainbows?

Re-Solutions

Re-solution: To again try to find solutions to my problems, issues, and annoyances. To accomplish a goal. (my definition)

My re-solutions the year 2007.

1. Exercize on Thursday and Saturday by taking my dog and children on a walk.
2. Bringing my lunch to work everyday except Fridays and special occasions.
3. Getting my new house in order by the end of January.
4. Being completely debt free (cars and credit cards) by the end of the year.
4. Clean as I go, so that my house won't turn into a pig's sty.

So far I'm on track. I've got to go buy a harness for my dog (Siberian Husky) her name is Loba (spanish for a female wolf). I shall go and do that today at lunch. For lunch I brought a salad, soup and orange. I am cleaning as I go, I even put my husbands clothes that he left on the floor in the washer. Lucky him, I didn't turn it on. It still had his cell phone and keys in the pocket. I'm almost completely unpacked. The office is going to take a while because I need Eddie to build me some book cases. I paid off one credit card yesterday and will payoff another one by next week.

What have you resolved to do this year.
Side note: I will post pictures of my new house as soon as I take some.