Two of the best!

We have been so very busy the last few weeks. Our daughter just wrapped up second grade and I don't know who is happier that summer is here, me or her? We are in the process of enrolling my son into kindergarten but I may not let him go.. I'm not quite ready for him to be in school full time. He just seems so little. My husband has been working 6 days a week and this coming week (on father's day) he will be working 7 days a week for the next few weeks and gone for 14 hours each day. Military life is no joke.

 In saying that I just want to say how much I appreciate David for being such a hard worker. Never once has he complained about having to work to support his family. He has sacrificed so much to guarantee that our kids will have everything they need when they are older. He has sacrificed so much time and precious moments with the family. By God's grace he is able to do this. He has been such a wonderful Dad for our kids. Each day he comes home from work the kids run to the door to greet him with hugs and kisses and he is there receiving them with a huge smile. He has been the best husband any girl could ask for. He always puts others above himself. I just love him for everything he is and all the joy he adds to our lives. Happy Father's Day Sweetheart!

Also, I want to brag about my Dad. One of my favorite memories with my Dad is when I was very little. We use to go for car rides just riding around town snacking on a carton full of Whoppers, just me and him. It's one of my earliest memories with my Dad. Whoppers are still one of my favorites to this day :) Whenever we wanted to do something my Dad has never told us no. He is always up for anything. He never gives up on anything or anyone. He is the rock in our family, always there and never shaken. He has taught us so much. The relationship he has with God is inspiring. This is why his kids and grandkids love him so much! From all the funny faces he makes to all the silly dances and raps he comes up with we think he is tops! And I am one blessed girl to be surrounded by two of the world's best Dad's! Happy Father's Day Dad!

L-O-V-E

  Okay so these days I hear a lot about how judgmental christians are and how hypocritical we can be. We hear in our everyday lives that some christians themselves are putting judgement on other people. Some christians are pointing fingers and blaming people saying you're the reason bad things are happening in the world. Or you shouldn't be living this way or that way. This is not the norm or the majority.
   In the bible I have never read a judgmental, or hypocritical word come out of the mouth of Jesus. Whenever I think of him all I think about is what a loving, selfless person He is. He showed kindness to everyone He came into contact with. No matter what religion, race, political views or whatever, love is shown. Why are so many of us not projecting these same characteristics? I mean we are suppose to be in his likeness.
   I believe the greatest tool we have in living a christian life is showing love. Its like that famous saying "love conquers all".  In the bible Jesus was asked what is the greatest commandment? He answered..  "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22: 37-39). By showing love and kindness to people and being nonjudgmental shows the true character of God. So many people out there are seeking it. God is not the way most of us portray him. He is not this big angry guy who says do this and do that or else. He is full of love and mercy and only wants the best for us. He is always fighting on our behalf. He desires a relationship with us. Just as much as you desire a relationship with a mate or close friend God also desires of us. He wants all to know of his love and live long and prosperous as originally intended. In doing so we can turn so many more people onto this way of life instead of away. I have seen the love of God in action in so many ways in my life I wouldn't want anyone deprived from it. And truth is so many of us are laying down all we have just to share with others the goodness of God. We don't always get to hear about all the ones who are selfless helping those in desperate need. Or the ones who go out of their way to love their neighbor or co worker unconditionally no matter their walk of life. Sometimes all we can do is show them love and the rest will soon speak for itself. So a little more loving and a lot less judging. Let your actions speak through you and for you.

Her children rise up and call her blessed

 Back in the day when I was little I would get in trouble for getting into my moms make up without permission. Even though I knew I would get in trouble I just could not resist. I don't know if my mom knows this but I would also wear her shoes and old purses and also some of her earrings. I loved dressing up in her things. I wanted to be just like her. I have a daughter now who does the same thing. I frequently find her getting into my very expensive make up. I find all my old shoes scattered around my room after she's been playing in there. I guess it's my payback ;) Still to this day I want to be just like my Momma. I want to have her kindness, her positive attitude, always seeing the good in people and every situation. I want her strength and grace. I want my children to be inspired by me the way I am inspired by her.

 This past week My parents drove over 1,200 miles to be with us. While they were here we got to celebrate Mother's Day with my Mom. What a special treat for me and my sister. What a great women to celebrate. I love all the times we get to spend together. I take none of them for granted. Every time we get together we are always laughing and having such a good time. Oh, to be a fly on the wall when we get together ha. We love telling old stories and sharing new ones. We pick up right where we left off from last time. Such good times!! Their visits never seem long enough. I can hardly wait for our next time together! 

Proverbs 31:28-31 

       ²⁸ Her children rise up and call her blessed; 
      Her husband also, and he praises her: 
       ²⁹ “ Many daughters have done well, 
      But you excel them all.” 
       ³⁰ Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, 
      But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. 
       ³¹ Give her of the fruit of her hands, 
      And let her own works praise her in the gates.

Happy Mother's Day Momma!

little sponges

 I absolutely have the most beautiful, hilariously funny, smartest children ever! I am always so shocked and amazed by the words that come out of there mouths. I'm constantly thinking "Where do they get this stuff, who taught them that?! HaHa. One day, a few months back my 5 year old son was telling me about a little boy who had made a mean face toward him at church. I asked him well what did you do about it and nonchalantly he shrugs his shoulders and says "I just let God handle it". I could not have been more proud. They are truly my pride and joy and I just want to protect them from every horrible, mean, evil thing in the world forever.

 I remember when I was in my teens thinking that I would be a little more "free-er" with my kids. I remember thinking does it really matter what music they listen to or what movies they watch? Well fast forward to 2011 and I'm thinking YES! it does matter! Have you heard the crud that is out there?! I mean seriously, anything goes these days.  Don't get me wrong, we like to jam out to a little Selena Gomez or Justin Bieber in the car from time to time. But then we also enjoy listening to some Jesus Culture or Tenth Avenue North just as much. These kids are just like little sponges soaking up everything they hear and see... If I had it my way I would just lock them up and never let them out. I just want to guard them from every bad influence. But I know thats just not realistic.

 The other day my 7 (and a half) yr old daughter was telling me about some stuff she heard at school from fellow classmates. Stuff they shouldn't be worrying about or discussing. Anyway, I let her finish telling me about their little discussion and and in the end I found out that her and the other classmates THANKFULLY didn't even know what they were talking about. Whew! dodged a bullet there!.... The older they get the harder it is for me to shield them from the craziness of this world.  But I realize I do have the ability to equip them with the tools and knowledge they need to survive. I have the ability to build them up so when they face challenges they know how to handle them.

 To me it seems they are growing up so fast and I just want to keep them little and innocent, but deep down I know if I do they will never blossom into the extraordinary people they are meant to be. And it's not like I can REALLY keep them little forever anyway... right?

 Parenting is something I am always learning more and more about every single day. Every move I make, every word I say, every thing I do is being mirrored by those two little people.

Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is older he will not depart from it. - Prov. 22:6

love like this

What a beautiful day it is today here in Florida. We have so many fun and exciting plans for this weekend. It's Easter weekend so we will be doing the traditional egg coloring, egg hunts, easter baskets and enjoying lots and lots of candy!!! We may even let the kids join in on all our fun ;)... Also the Lakers are playing in the playoffs this weekend! We are huge Laker fans! So a win would be icing on the cake :)


Well, Today is GOOD FRIDAY! The day Satan thought he had won. He thought his evil plan had been completed. But an even bigger plan was in play... Jesus had to die so that we could live, so that we could be whole again! No longer separated from him. Jesus had conquered hell and the grave!  All this done because He loved us so much. No longer do we have have to live in suffering of any kind. I get to enjoy this life on earth, I get to enjoy beautiful days in Florida, I get to enjoy my family without a care in the world because of what He has done for me. I am so grateful for my Jesus!
Have a wonderful Easter Weekend celebrating in the joy of your salvation!

I've been thinking 'bout something...

 So this is my first blog ever. I have been wanting to start this for a long time. So why not now? Well I have had a little more free time since David is currently "underway" on his ship for a week. I really started missing him badly today. He was finally in range to call for the first time in a few days. When the phone rang and I saw that it was him I got all giddy. I was so excited David was calling. We didn't get to talk long since the connection wasn't very great but I enjoyed the couple minutes I had been able to talk to him. After we said our "i love you's" we hung up and I found myself smiling.. It's so wonderful to have been married for over 9 years and still feel so happy by the sound of this guys voice (sigh). I know, I know gag right?! haha. 

 Well I've been thinking a lot about love and marriage. Mostly because as already stated I miss my husband like crazy and also because I have been watching almost all the coverage of Prince William's upcoming marriage to Kate Middleton haha. All this thinking reminds me of the times people have asked us what is the secret to our marriage. Why do we still behave as newlyweds? "How do I love thee, let me count the ways"... lol. I could give them a list of reasons... but the truth is bottom line there is only one answer and it's no secret at all... GOD! He is our rock, our foundation. He brought two people together, totally made for each other. He put together a team that in every situation good, bad, happy or sad we will overcome! We push each other to do better, (and sometimes each others buttons), we hold each other accountable, and we are each others biggest fans.
 I see so many people get married these days just because its the thing you are suppose to do next, or the  need for health benefits, or get married out of lust or a spur of the moment "lets do something crazy" thing, or this person "completes me". I feel like the sanctity of marriage is not held to it's holy standard. Not many people even know the meaning of marriage anymore. Some view it as just a piece of paper. I for one take marriage very seriously i get highly offended, even sickened by these celebrity marriages that people jump into and then dissolve after a few short months. I do root for these marriages to last. I just dislike how they count it as no big deal. How do you take something so holy and precious and just stomp all over it.
 Marriage is a sacred union. You go before God and man and profess your commitment, your promise to each other. Your promise to always love, honor and obey. To always lift each other up and pray for one another.
 I am so grateful for the man God has given me. He truly is a gift!

 Thanks for checking out my first blog. I feel so much better getting that off my chest. lol