This is a training potty urinal for boys!!Blogged with the Flock Browser
Monday, April 07, 2008
Funniest thing!
Thought this was hilarious! Can be bought at Target for the low price of 39.99:
This is a training potty urinal for boys!!
This is a training potty urinal for boys!!
Sunday, April 06, 2008
A Cherished moment
Tonight is one of the nights that I most cherish being a mom. Where do I begin? Hezekiah mainly sleeps through the night with a once in a blue moon waking up but tonight was one of the night when he last ate at around 6pm and was getting tired around 8:30pm so I laid him down for a nap and decided somewhere around 9:30 I would give him a small bottle and send him back to bed. When I went into his room to wake him up for his bottle, he grasped onto me and ust laid his head on my shoulder as I walked him out to the living room to give him his bottle. and as I was holding him he'd lift up his head to look around and then lay his head back down on my shoulder- just like a sack of potatoes he was pretty heavy. I fed him his bottle and towards the end he's falling asleep again, so I take his head under my arm and he snuggles his little head in the bend of my arm and quickly falls asleep again in my arms. I walk steadily towards his room and gently lay him in his crib where he adjusts his sleeping position and I know he is completely knocked out after just a few seconds.
I really cherish moments like these because I know so quickly they will be gone and I will miss these little things about him being this age. He has such a sweet disposition and smiles at almost every funny face I make. He is getting 2 teeth in and even with that (I know this is not the worst of it) but he is STILL such a sweet baby! I am almost scared to have another baby because I just don't know how we could have another perfect baby?! I can't wait until he wakes up in the morning- my sweet little Hezekiah!
I really cherish moments like these because I know so quickly they will be gone and I will miss these little things about him being this age. He has such a sweet disposition and smiles at almost every funny face I make. He is getting 2 teeth in and even with that (I know this is not the worst of it) but he is STILL such a sweet baby! I am almost scared to have another baby because I just don't know how we could have another perfect baby?! I can't wait until he wakes up in the morning- my sweet little Hezekiah!
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Hezekiah Crawling
We caught Hezekiah crawling for the first time tonight with the video camera. Not a full on crawl but the kid is seriously moving now! AHHHH! Here's the video we took:
Monday, March 31, 2008
A new first!
Hezekiah has his first tooth coming in!!!! We actually just noticed today when he was babbling and we noticed a small little hold on this bottom gums. We ran our fingers on his gums and sure enough he has a tooth coming through!!! He is definitely drooling more and loves his teething toys now but he doesn't seem to be in any pain and isn't even fussy really but from what I hear it's the molar's that hurt the most. So far so good, as soon as it comes through I will make sure to snap a picture! Hezekiah is growing up :)
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Funny face and Faux-hawk
A short little video of Hezekiah's new funny face and a cute little picture of Hezekiah and his Faxu-Hawk! Hezekiah has almost mastered sitting up and playing, he thinks it is funny now when he falls over, such a little cutie!
Monday, March 24, 2008
Heaven Sent!!!
This little baby is so Heaven Sent! He is changing by the day and I love this age, he laughs at a lot of different things like: Hiccups, Itsy Bitsy Spider, and me pretending to tickle him. His smiles just keep me smiling and I love to hear him use his voice! What a cutie :)
**Side Note: We are now going on Andrew's car being in the shop for now 5 months!!!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Holy week
This week signifies Holy week in the church, we use this week to remind us of the walk that Jesus took to Calvary, the sacrifice that continually wipes our slate clean. Let's use this week to be a servant to Christ. Just as Christ Jesus washed His disciples feet, so should we serve others. Let's take some time this week and decide what we can do for our surrounding community that might change the way people look at Christianity?
What kind of lives ought we live? The kind the focuses on money, maybe possessions, maybe even being fake? No, Christ calls us to live Holy and pleasing lives, ones that glorify His name and don't blemish His vision for His people. How do we live a Holy life when we are surrounded by people who cut us off in line at Target or almost side swipe us on the freeway, or just are plain mean? I think about this question everyday because in my own job I have sometimes situations that might come up that would normally upset some other people but I think I have learned to deal with them in a way that is calm and respectful. I think this sometimes sets a tone for how other people handle this situation as well. We are called to be the "bigger" person and turn the other cheek when others have wronged us.
This is not how society deals with someone who has hurt them. They go on myspace and post bulletins and bogs about how much they dislike someone. Or they completely ignore the issue hoping that someday it will go away. Just like with people who talk about wanting to lose weight and think that some pill or some surgery has fixed the problem. When really all they have done is masked the real issue. If you don't change you ways you will go back to the way things were before.
Unfortunately, I am generation Y (I think) and really we should be called generation "I think I am entitled to everything." For some reason my generation seems to think they are entitled to make a certain amount of money (because they've have earned it, only being in the working field like 3 years), they think they are entitled to respect even when they don't give it to anyone themselves, they think they are entitled to being first in line (only God knows why), they think they are entitled to having the "dream house" when they only make $20,000/year.... and I could just go on for hours because in my job I see it everyday with applicants who come in.
For instance, I had this young applicant get a hold of me to find out about his application and why he hadn't been called for an interview. I asked for his information and what position, and when I told him the position had been filled and we thank him for his interest in this position. I hang up the phone and about 2 minutes later my direct line rings again and it's the same applicant and he says to me in a nasty attitude "I just want to know what the other person had that I didn't have" If you could only see my face at this point, and I am think well with that kind of attitude no one will ever hire you, and you wonder why you're looking for a job. I simply responded, "It was filled by an internal candidate who has already been working that position for several months, Thank you and have a nice day!" What is up with the stinkin' attitude! If he thinks that I haven't flagged his application as "NO, don't ever hire!" by now, boy is he in for a rude awakening.
Anyway, what kind of lives ought we live? With the cross in sight and in view of God's sacrifice, ought we fight for what is right. Shouldn't we try to live blameless lives? I know I will make (and have made) mistakes and I have never once claimed that I am perfect... I just try to keep the cross in my sight so I can always look at it as a reminder when I am at my worst to remember that Christ was Holy and He was tempted in every way just as we were. So He DOES know what we go through and he understands our struggles. Just because we are saved doesn't mean we have to lose our fire, doesn't mean we give up on people who are lost, and it certainly doesn't mean that we can go up the alter call every Sunday as if it is Catholic confessionals. and wipe our slate clean. Living a Righteous Life I think means being consciously aware of the decisions we make and trying (even though we may fail) to do as Christ would do. Anyway, this is a pretty long blog for me... I have to call it a night for now.
What kind of lives ought we live? The kind the focuses on money, maybe possessions, maybe even being fake? No, Christ calls us to live Holy and pleasing lives, ones that glorify His name and don't blemish His vision for His people. How do we live a Holy life when we are surrounded by people who cut us off in line at Target or almost side swipe us on the freeway, or just are plain mean? I think about this question everyday because in my own job I have sometimes situations that might come up that would normally upset some other people but I think I have learned to deal with them in a way that is calm and respectful. I think this sometimes sets a tone for how other people handle this situation as well. We are called to be the "bigger" person and turn the other cheek when others have wronged us.
This is not how society deals with someone who has hurt them. They go on myspace and post bulletins and bogs about how much they dislike someone. Or they completely ignore the issue hoping that someday it will go away. Just like with people who talk about wanting to lose weight and think that some pill or some surgery has fixed the problem. When really all they have done is masked the real issue. If you don't change you ways you will go back to the way things were before.
Unfortunately, I am generation Y (I think) and really we should be called generation "I think I am entitled to everything." For some reason my generation seems to think they are entitled to make a certain amount of money (because they've have earned it, only being in the working field like 3 years), they think they are entitled to respect even when they don't give it to anyone themselves, they think they are entitled to being first in line (only God knows why), they think they are entitled to having the "dream house" when they only make $20,000/year.... and I could just go on for hours because in my job I see it everyday with applicants who come in.
For instance, I had this young applicant get a hold of me to find out about his application and why he hadn't been called for an interview. I asked for his information and what position, and when I told him the position had been filled and we thank him for his interest in this position. I hang up the phone and about 2 minutes later my direct line rings again and it's the same applicant and he says to me in a nasty attitude "I just want to know what the other person had that I didn't have" If you could only see my face at this point, and I am think well with that kind of attitude no one will ever hire you, and you wonder why you're looking for a job. I simply responded, "It was filled by an internal candidate who has already been working that position for several months, Thank you and have a nice day!" What is up with the stinkin' attitude! If he thinks that I haven't flagged his application as "NO, don't ever hire!" by now, boy is he in for a rude awakening.
Anyway, what kind of lives ought we live? With the cross in sight and in view of God's sacrifice, ought we fight for what is right. Shouldn't we try to live blameless lives? I know I will make (and have made) mistakes and I have never once claimed that I am perfect... I just try to keep the cross in my sight so I can always look at it as a reminder when I am at my worst to remember that Christ was Holy and He was tempted in every way just as we were. So He DOES know what we go through and he understands our struggles. Just because we are saved doesn't mean we have to lose our fire, doesn't mean we give up on people who are lost, and it certainly doesn't mean that we can go up the alter call every Sunday as if it is Catholic confessionals. and wipe our slate clean. Living a Righteous Life I think means being consciously aware of the decisions we make and trying (even though we may fail) to do as Christ would do. Anyway, this is a pretty long blog for me... I have to call it a night for now.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Lessons on Love
Do you have someone in your life that is so annoying at times? I feel like at points of my life this person flares up like a pimple or something annoying like that. And just when you think you've gotten rid of it... it always comes back with friends. I don't know if that is an accurate description but I am trying to get my picture across... well anyway. I don't often question why God put this friend or family member in my life because God works in mysterious ways sometimes. Plus, having people in my life like this is a true test of my character. Meaning, it is a true test of my patience as well. God is teaching me a lot over these last few years and I am really trying to take advantage of what He is showing me so I can be a better (bigger) person about all my tough situations. Some of these may not directly relate to love, but indirectly they do.
Life lessons in love #1, When someone hurts you to the core, always forgive no matter how much it hurts but never forget the hurt because if you forget the hurt it's likely to happen again to you.
Life lessons in love #2, Pick your battles... carefully, sometimes the fight is not worth hurting and/or losing someone close to you
Life lessons in love #3, Always be aware of your surroundings, remember that we are always a witness even when we think no one is looking.
Life lessons in love #4, Don't knowingly hurt someone with the intent that someday "they'll get it"
Life lessons in love #5, Life is not a competition, we are all in different places and different paces.
Life lessons in love #6, It is better sometimes just to walk away than to say something hurtful and regret it.
Life lessons in love #7, You only get 1 family in this life.
Life lessons in love #8, Life is short, so my focus will be on my Adonai and his never ending love for me and desire for me to love back no matter how much I don't want to at times.
Life lessons in love #1, When someone hurts you to the core, always forgive no matter how much it hurts but never forget the hurt because if you forget the hurt it's likely to happen again to you.
Life lessons in love #2, Pick your battles... carefully, sometimes the fight is not worth hurting and/or losing someone close to you
Life lessons in love #3, Always be aware of your surroundings, remember that we are always a witness even when we think no one is looking.
Life lessons in love #4, Don't knowingly hurt someone with the intent that someday "they'll get it"
Life lessons in love #5, Life is not a competition, we are all in different places and different paces.
Life lessons in love #6, It is better sometimes just to walk away than to say something hurtful and regret it.
Life lessons in love #7, You only get 1 family in this life.
Life lessons in love #8, Life is short, so my focus will be on my Adonai and his never ending love for me and desire for me to love back no matter how much I don't want to at times.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Take up your cross
"Jesus said 'HE who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me" (Matthew 10:38). Let those words linger in your mind for a time of meditation before the Lord.
He's telling us that for you and me to even think of following Him in a worthy manner, the cross must be central in our life- which means dealing with sin must be central in our life.
How could it be otherwise? How could be be indifferent to sin when we know how radically God had to deal with the sin issue- at an unimagiable cost to Himself and His Son- on the cross?
It's unthinkable to say "Father, thank you for laying the sin of the world on Your son... but please don't talk to me about sin in my life. I just want to have the joy of following You."
Jesus also said "Whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple(Luke 14:27). Here's a statement that leaves no room or manuever.
There's nothing halfway about it; eother we take up our cross, or it's absolutely impossible to be His disciple. Would it not be important, then, that we understand completely and profoundly what it means to bear our cross?
Jesus never hides the terms of discipleship, and the terms He lays down are non-negotiable. They're absolutes- and it's time for us to let the living Christ once again define the terms of discipleship. "
-Experiencing the Cross by Henry T. Blackaby
He's telling us that for you and me to even think of following Him in a worthy manner, the cross must be central in our life- which means dealing with sin must be central in our life.
How could it be otherwise? How could be be indifferent to sin when we know how radically God had to deal with the sin issue- at an unimagiable cost to Himself and His Son- on the cross?
It's unthinkable to say "Father, thank you for laying the sin of the world on Your son... but please don't talk to me about sin in my life. I just want to have the joy of following You."
Jesus also said "Whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple(Luke 14:27). Here's a statement that leaves no room or manuever.
There's nothing halfway about it; eother we take up our cross, or it's absolutely impossible to be His disciple. Would it not be important, then, that we understand completely and profoundly what it means to bear our cross?
Jesus never hides the terms of discipleship, and the terms He lays down are non-negotiable. They're absolutes- and it's time for us to let the living Christ once again define the terms of discipleship. "
-Experiencing the Cross by Henry T. Blackaby
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Being wiseman
These last couple of months I think we have been taught a lot of about managing our money. My work is still double deducting health benefits so I can get caught up on what I missed when I was on maternity leave. We've learned a lot about what we need and what we want. What we need and what we want are 2 different things, some people is takes them a lifetime of making bad decisions to learn how to be good stewards of God's money. We have made our share of mistakes and we have learned from them. Money is definitely not evil but it is root of many problems in people's lives. What I seek and what I truly desire is to look to God for every money making decision even down to shopping for groceries. I know that God has blessed us way more than we have deserved and Andrew and I have learned a lot about spending our money wisely when we ate nothing but cheese sandwiches and peanut butter and jelly for like 2 weeks straight because that's what we had to do to make ends meet until my next paycheck. I look back even now and laugh because I think man... that was probably the hardest we've had it since we've been married! All is well and God still provided money for rent, daycare, car payment, and some food. I think it's great how God is soo good to us when we show Him that we are faithful to his promises to provide for us. Thank you LORD for the bad times because it makes the good times seem soooo much better :)
Discipline
"Because the theme of spiritual warfare has been such a strong fad in the Christian community for a number of years, too many of God's people see everything negative in that light. But if you can't tell the difference between spiritual warfare and God's discipline of His children, you're in serious trouble.
Why is that?
Because so often we forget the clear truth in Hebrews 12:5: 'For whom the LORD loves he chastens, and scourages every son whom he receives' The God of the universe chastens and scourages every one of his children- and He does it because of His love for them. And it isn't some light slap on the hand correction- but rather something that is indeed painful.
Would it then not be important for us to understand what this discipline is like, and why He does it- so we're able to recognize it when it happens to us? Otherwise, in the spiritual climate of today, when we encounter that painful discipline we'll simply think the devil is responsible for it, instead of realizing this is what God Himself is doing.
...So we need to be very consiously aware of the seriousness of attributing the activity of our Father God to Satan. If we keep on blaming everything negative or painful in our lives on the devil, then we may very well miss the good and loving work of discipline and training God seeks to accomplish in our lives"
-Experience the cross by Henry T. Blackby
Why is that?
Because so often we forget the clear truth in Hebrews 12:5: 'For whom the LORD loves he chastens, and scourages every son whom he receives' The God of the universe chastens and scourages every one of his children- and He does it because of His love for them. And it isn't some light slap on the hand correction- but rather something that is indeed painful.
Would it then not be important for us to understand what this discipline is like, and why He does it- so we're able to recognize it when it happens to us? Otherwise, in the spiritual climate of today, when we encounter that painful discipline we'll simply think the devil is responsible for it, instead of realizing this is what God Himself is doing.
...So we need to be very consiously aware of the seriousness of attributing the activity of our Father God to Satan. If we keep on blaming everything negative or painful in our lives on the devil, then we may very well miss the good and loving work of discipline and training God seeks to accomplish in our lives"
-Experience the cross by Henry T. Blackby
Sunday, March 09, 2008
I hate stupid drivers!
Okay so we started our day by going to church and that turned out fine but after we had to take my laptop to the apple store to check it out because I am having some performance issues. On our way out there on the 60fwy we almost got sideswiped by this Nissan Frontier White with 6 people in so I am sure he couldn't even see his mirrors so Andrew laid on the horn. We get to Victoria Gardens have a nice lunch and head to the Apple store for our appt... turns out they see no issues with my laptop (and of course this always happens when you need repairs- the problem never happens when the tech is looking at it!) So it seems a wasted trip! On our way out we are in the turn lane onto Day Creek and we start to move as the left turn lane turns green and out of nowhere this Black Ford Mustang swoops in almost sideswiping us AGAIN and then runs the red light to get through! Why is it that people have no regard for the laws and even further more have no regard for other people. They think they are so DARN important that no one else matters! Even in they almost cause an accident they JUST DON'T have the slightest care! Sometimes it's so frustrating because you think- What you think you're poop don't stink!? Please!? We all use a toilet and guess what treating people like that gets you nowhere. As I always say "You'll get more with honey than with vinegar!"
My final ruling is: People need to take an IQ test, anger management, and a personality test before even qualifying to apply for a Driver's License! Someone, please someone stop the insensitive and stupid driver's from being on the road with me :)
My final ruling is: People need to take an IQ test, anger management, and a personality test before even qualifying to apply for a Driver's License! Someone, please someone stop the insensitive and stupid driver's from being on the road with me :)
Saturday, March 08, 2008
6 months old
Last week Hezekiah turned 6 months old and I still can't believe that he is half a year old already! Boy does time fly with a baby! He is so active, he loves his jumping toy where he builds his leg muscles and is babbling like crazy, he makes bubbles with his mouth and loves is when I try and imitate his sounds. He is trying to crawl so bad but cant do it yet, I am helping him along my supporting his torso a little while he moves his arms and legs- we'll see if that helps. He brings so much joy to our lives, everyday and every week brings something new that he has learned and I just love watching him grow up. I took his 6 month pictures courtesy of mi casa and camera (that is now fixed, yipee!) Also, we have started baby food with him and as much as I would like to think that I would make my baby food from home I just don't have the time and with as expensive as fruit and veggies are I just don't see it being anymore cost effective than $0.82 for a weeks worth of baby food at Hezekiah's age. Anyway we started with peas one week and his face was hilarious and this week it is squash and I think he really looks forward to eating his "big boy" food after he finishes his bottle. Here are some funny pictures of him eating his peas and squash and his 6 month old/Easter pictures!
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Life's not fair
Life is at time not fair, but who am I to say that God's plans are not justified. I know that everything God does is justified and I am no one of importance nor do I think I am anyone of power to say to God "YOU CAN'T DO THAT!" I have no right after what Christ did for me to say anything like that to the Creator of the Universe...But sometimes I (metaphorically) lay on my belly like a little baby in a tantrum and pound my fist and kick my feet saying "Why!? It's not fair!" We are all selfish creatures at times it comes out in this monster and breaths its fire. I know that God had a greater purpose for that tragedy but today I was extremely selfish and pounded my fist hard and wished that this person was here.
Expelled the movie
This is Ben Stein's movie coming out in Spring 2008 and I am so excited to be able to share this with everyone. Skeptics of the Christian beliefs will be astounded and of all people I would have never guessed Ben Stein to make this kind of movie. I hope all of you will be able to see this! Share this will everyone you know:
Click on the picture above to see the trailer in a big format or watch below from you tube-
Click on the picture above to see the trailer in a big format or watch below from you tube-
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
A Romance Thesis
This is the name of a band that Andrew's co-worker's are in (their link is at the bottom of my blog) and they have been signed and released their first CD and so I was listening to this song "If I am a bird you're a bird" and I really liked this bit of the lyrics:
"one last chance to live...
cause a bird is not such a great
creature to be
one wrong move of the wind
and you get swept into the sea...
...I'll continue holding on
for as long as it takes
I'm not ready for goodbye
I'm not ready to part ways
I'm not ready to let go
or watch you fall to this fate...
....I'll breathe my life into you
If thats what it takes...
then thats what I must do
But I guess I'm too late
It's not my life to save
I've done all I can do
Now it's your step to take"
I guess I just thought about the people we know in our own lives that continue to make bad decisions and we watch from our ledge as they crash into the sea and break. And they HAVE to learn it on their own but you wish you could help. It's the whole reaching hand syndrome, where you can reach your hand out but if they don't want to grab it then that is their choice and you can't make them! I felt so burdened in a sense because I want so much for these people to really know Christ and follow in his paths but we powerless until they come to the realization on their own. I just keeping praying for them that their eyes would be opened.
"one last chance to live...
cause a bird is not such a great
creature to be
one wrong move of the wind
and you get swept into the sea...
...I'll continue holding on
for as long as it takes
I'm not ready for goodbye
I'm not ready to part ways
I'm not ready to let go
or watch you fall to this fate...
....I'll breathe my life into you
If thats what it takes...
then thats what I must do
But I guess I'm too late
It's not my life to save
I've done all I can do
Now it's your step to take"
I guess I just thought about the people we know in our own lives that continue to make bad decisions and we watch from our ledge as they crash into the sea and break. And they HAVE to learn it on their own but you wish you could help. It's the whole reaching hand syndrome, where you can reach your hand out but if they don't want to grab it then that is their choice and you can't make them! I felt so burdened in a sense because I want so much for these people to really know Christ and follow in his paths but we powerless until they come to the realization on their own. I just keeping praying for them that their eyes would be opened.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
New High Chair
Our friends Katie & Kendal were so nice to give us a brand new high chair, which they got when they had their baby but never opened and never needed it. The coolest part of it is that it fits right on top of a regular chair so it's a space saver which I absolutely love! I think Hezekiah really likes sitting at the table with us both even if he isn't eating anything :) Here are some great pics!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Friday, February 15, 2008
Latest & Greatest
Okay I'll start with some little things that I have found and really LOVE! Found a family owned Organic Grocery store close to us called Goodwin's Organics & also a Fresh & Easy market will b e opening February 27th right close to us as well. I am so excited for both of these stores, more and more we find out about the pesticides and hormones used in our produce, dairy, and meat the more we find out how horrible these things are for us. I absolutely love that there so many more options for us to be able to buy Organic. I even managed to pick up 2 jars of Babies First Foods by Earth's Best Organic baby food for a low price of $.079 each. Not bad if I do say so!
Also, Hezekiah is just developing so fast, I cannot believe it!!! He is slamming his arms down of objects to make noise and laughing at the wierdest noises as you will hear on the video. I found this noise that for some reason he thinks is hilarious. He still sleeps on his belly, and now instead of waking up crying he wakes up cooing and talking away and I absolutely love it! Makes life so much easier for me :) Here is the latest & greatest of Hezekiah's developments!
Also, Hezekiah is just developing so fast, I cannot believe it!!! He is slamming his arms down of objects to make noise and laughing at the wierdest noises as you will hear on the video. I found this noise that for some reason he thinks is hilarious. He still sleeps on his belly, and now instead of waking up crying he wakes up cooing and talking away and I absolutely love it! Makes life so much easier for me :) Here is the latest & greatest of Hezekiah's developments!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Fox should be ashamed of themselves
Most of you know who Montel Williams is, he has been a television host for over 17 years and is dealing with MS disease. After the below interview, he lost his job due to speaking the truth. He was sick and tired of hearing the news dwelling on Heath Ledger and not even mentioning not 1 troop who has lost his life in Iraq. I say, Go Montel for speaking the truth!!!!
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Fullness of Life
"I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain." Galations 2:21. Paul refused to overlook or ignore all that God had done or him in the cross. He knew that REAL life meant Christ living out His life within him. Paul would never try to love on his own,, in his own strength, or by his own legalistic righteousness, because that would mean Christ died in vain.
That last phrase in this verse is a crucial one for all of us. If you don't want the cross to be emptied of its meaning and power in your life, if you want everything God intends you to be because of the cross, then let all that God accomplished in the cross have full effect in your life. Don't set aside what God has done and try to live apart from full dependence on the living Christ.
When Paul stated in 2 Corinthians that anyone in Christ is a "new creation", with all things becoming new in their lives, the newness he referred to was the living presence of Christ Himself. That's what's new (and stays new) in our lives when we live by the cross.
You now have Christ living out the newness of His life in you. He's not only cleansing you from sin, guarding you from sin, and giving you victory over sin, but He's also filling you with LIFE. Don't let anybody tell you that the life of holiness if drab, boring, and lifeless. It is not. How could it be? It's full of the complete, abundant, overflowing life of God. It is full of joy. It is full of victory. It is full of promise and hope. As you follow the way of the cross, you'll see things you've never seen and hear things you've never heard."
Taken from "Experiencing the Cross' by Henry T. Blackaby
That last phrase in this verse is a crucial one for all of us. If you don't want the cross to be emptied of its meaning and power in your life, if you want everything God intends you to be because of the cross, then let all that God accomplished in the cross have full effect in your life. Don't set aside what God has done and try to live apart from full dependence on the living Christ.
When Paul stated in 2 Corinthians that anyone in Christ is a "new creation", with all things becoming new in their lives, the newness he referred to was the living presence of Christ Himself. That's what's new (and stays new) in our lives when we live by the cross.
You now have Christ living out the newness of His life in you. He's not only cleansing you from sin, guarding you from sin, and giving you victory over sin, but He's also filling you with LIFE. Don't let anybody tell you that the life of holiness if drab, boring, and lifeless. It is not. How could it be? It's full of the complete, abundant, overflowing life of God. It is full of joy. It is full of victory. It is full of promise and hope. As you follow the way of the cross, you'll see things you've never seen and hear things you've never heard."
Taken from "Experiencing the Cross' by Henry T. Blackaby
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
So I tried
Today to vote, I went down to the registrar of voter's because I didn't know where I was supposed to vote, and I ended up walking like 1/4 of a mile because parking was so bad to vote there too. I got there and they told me I was still registered under my maiden name and I needed to change that as well as my address so I went ahead and made the changes and she said go ahead and stand in line and they will give you your ballot. So, I waited and waited and finally got up to the counter to get my ballot and they told me you can either vote democratic, independent, or only on the issues and not primaries. So I asked, how come I cannot vote Republican? The lady told me that because I marked "Choose not to disclose" on my party affiliation that the Republicans do not let me vote. I was like what the heck, I have never had this issue before? She said you can change it before the next election otherwise you will have the same problem again. I was so stinking mad, I WAS NOT about to vote for a democrat at this point and with the baby with me I ended up walking out because I still had to get diapers and pick Andrew up from work. So I feel like I have failed as Christian on this issue because I feel so obligated to vote and we have the privilege to I don't want to take that for granted. So guess what? Tomorrow, I am calling the Registrar of Voter's and changing my party affiliation so I can vote how I want to. Ugh! On the brighter side, I save some money buying diapers at Sam's club :) OKay and by tge way, I beg a question... Does Mitt Romney wear the "special underwear" since he claims to be mormon? Just food for thought!
Sunday, February 03, 2008
It's been a while
Since I have posted anything, it's been crazy around here in between work and spending time together as a family. Here's what we've been up to lately...
So , Andrew's car is still in the shop and hopefully will be done by the end of this week but as always no guarantees. So, Andrew and I are still keeping up the crazy schedule of: Andrew driving me to work, goes back home with baby, drops baby off at daycare, drops the car off at my work, literally runs to work, I get the car and pick up the baby from daycare, go home, drive back down and pick Andrew up for work... and then on Mondays go to youth group! Phew....Definitely not saving anything on gas with all the running around. Makes me VERY thankful that we do not have to do this forever and thankful that God has blessed us with 2 cars.
January 27th, Hezekiah was baptized! Most of the family was able to attend, of course, my Dad was not there since he now lives in Oregon, but nonetheless it was very exciting. I had a lot of emotions about it all, and our Pastor was talking about bringing him up in the Lord and when he grows up and makes the decision to follow the Lord.... it was a realization that this baby I so deeply love will someday make a decision about the kind of life he will live. It almost made me cry in front of the whole church as I thought about the weight of our responsibility to bring him in the Lord and the kind of joy I think will be inexpressible if and when he decides to become a Christian. Anyway, it was so awesome to be able to do that in front of the church. Pictures will come later, as I have to get these from my mom.
Tomorrow, Hezekiah turns 5 months... man does time fly by fast with a baby! He rolls over both ways now and still loves to sleep on his belly. He is starting the babbling stuff now, he's kinda of doing the dadadadad and raspberries and funny little sighs a lot. I love being his Mommy, it's so much fun to watch him develop and see things click together now. I sometimes am taken back by how big he is and how fast he is growing and I really want to just cuddle him all the time because I know this phase will be over sometime and I will miss it! I really cherish every little thing and sometimes when he is playing on the floor, I just lay next to him and stare at him because and just stand back amazed at him and how God has chosen to bless us.
Being back to work is a nice change, I missed my co-workers and am starting a new area in my Human Resources field, I am doing a lot of recruitment work, reports, helping my bosses with projects so it's working out nicely and I really love my job so I am grateful for everything right now. My schedule is only 8am-2pm and I really think this is going to stay for a while, my boss made it clear that if I wanted to stay at this shift it was at my option when Hezekiah even gets into school so I can pick him up, I have really great bosses and I could not ask for better!
Photography for me now that the baby is quite a bit better and he's on formula now is working out really great with how much we are NOT home. He's adjusted well! So, I have a job coming up in March for a wedding, a portrait session next weekend, and another wedding schedule for July. A little extra income goes a long way in our house. Hopefully some more jobs will be coming!
Also, has anyone been watching the news on the Economic Stimulus they are trying to pass... We could really use that about now! Make sure you vote on Tuesday and some people hate tax season but we cannot wait, can you say refund with a new baby? Ha ha, sorry I know that probably sounds so greedy, I promise we're not but with all Andrew's car work we could really use it :) Anyway that's about it for now! Here are some pictures of Hezekiah:
So , Andrew's car is still in the shop and hopefully will be done by the end of this week but as always no guarantees. So, Andrew and I are still keeping up the crazy schedule of: Andrew driving me to work, goes back home with baby, drops baby off at daycare, drops the car off at my work, literally runs to work, I get the car and pick up the baby from daycare, go home, drive back down and pick Andrew up for work... and then on Mondays go to youth group! Phew....Definitely not saving anything on gas with all the running around. Makes me VERY thankful that we do not have to do this forever and thankful that God has blessed us with 2 cars.
January 27th, Hezekiah was baptized! Most of the family was able to attend, of course, my Dad was not there since he now lives in Oregon, but nonetheless it was very exciting. I had a lot of emotions about it all, and our Pastor was talking about bringing him up in the Lord and when he grows up and makes the decision to follow the Lord.... it was a realization that this baby I so deeply love will someday make a decision about the kind of life he will live. It almost made me cry in front of the whole church as I thought about the weight of our responsibility to bring him in the Lord and the kind of joy I think will be inexpressible if and when he decides to become a Christian. Anyway, it was so awesome to be able to do that in front of the church. Pictures will come later, as I have to get these from my mom.
Tomorrow, Hezekiah turns 5 months... man does time fly by fast with a baby! He rolls over both ways now and still loves to sleep on his belly. He is starting the babbling stuff now, he's kinda of doing the dadadadad and raspberries and funny little sighs a lot. I love being his Mommy, it's so much fun to watch him develop and see things click together now. I sometimes am taken back by how big he is and how fast he is growing and I really want to just cuddle him all the time because I know this phase will be over sometime and I will miss it! I really cherish every little thing and sometimes when he is playing on the floor, I just lay next to him and stare at him because and just stand back amazed at him and how God has chosen to bless us.
Being back to work is a nice change, I missed my co-workers and am starting a new area in my Human Resources field, I am doing a lot of recruitment work, reports, helping my bosses with projects so it's working out nicely and I really love my job so I am grateful for everything right now. My schedule is only 8am-2pm and I really think this is going to stay for a while, my boss made it clear that if I wanted to stay at this shift it was at my option when Hezekiah even gets into school so I can pick him up, I have really great bosses and I could not ask for better!
Photography for me now that the baby is quite a bit better and he's on formula now is working out really great with how much we are NOT home. He's adjusted well! So, I have a job coming up in March for a wedding, a portrait session next weekend, and another wedding schedule for July. A little extra income goes a long way in our house. Hopefully some more jobs will be coming!
Also, has anyone been watching the news on the Economic Stimulus they are trying to pass... We could really use that about now! Make sure you vote on Tuesday and some people hate tax season but we cannot wait, can you say refund with a new baby? Ha ha, sorry I know that probably sounds so greedy, I promise we're not but with all Andrew's car work we could really use it :) Anyway that's about it for now! Here are some pictures of Hezekiah:
Sunday, January 27, 2008
First taste of Cereal
Yesterday, we attempted to give Hezekiah some rice cereal for the first time... most of it came out of his mouth and he gave us some pretty wierd faces as well I think all in all it went pretty well. He was more enamored with chewing on the spoon than actually swallowing the cereal. Here are some pictures of the fun event!
Friday, January 25, 2008
Kendra- The Supermom
This is what I have labeled myself after 8 days without Andrew. I started back to work on the 14th and then Andrew went on his annual missions trip to Mexico. Needless to say, I was BUSY! Woke up at 5:30am to take my shower and get ready before Hezekiah wakes up and it hungry and mad that he has been asleep for like 9 hours. I make my lunch (which by the way consists of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and some type of crackers) gotta love a poor man's lunch! Then get my pump, and snacks, Hezekiah's stuff ready for daycare, and out the door at 7:00am to make it to the daycare and to work on time... phew... that was a crazy few days :) I managed to make it to bed by like 9:30pm every night, me and the baby were EXHAUSTED.
My job has changed quite a bit and I like to call myself the "jack of all trades" at work now, since I have my hands in every sort of pot while at work and just making myself available to anyone who needs help. Currently, I am helping with Leave of Absences, recruitment, and front desk duties.. I am sure there are more to come. Being at work from 8am-2pm everyday goes by extremely fast. I am excited about the changes to my job now that I have returned and really learning more about my area of work only makes me more of an asset to the company and I love that... job security :) I so look forward to the weekend and getting to spend all day Saturday and Sunday with the men in my life (Andrew and Hezekiah that is). Makes me that much more appreciative of my husband and baby when I get off work.
Yesterday, Hezekiah had his 4 month check up and immunizations. As of tonight, we was running a low grade fever from them and has wanted to eat 6 or more ounces of food every like 2 hours when we were home and didn't necessarily like being put down We gave him some Tylenol so hopefully that helped my little man. Tonight, he knocked out in like 2 seconds after I laid him down at 9:30am. My poor baby is just exhausted from the whole ordeal. This morning, while feeding I touched his little thigh where the shots were done and he cried in the middle of eating, I felt so bad for him. Gave him a bath tonight and hoped that eased his muscle pain and what a good baby he is! He now weighs in at 12.13 lbs (25% of his age) and 25in long (75% of his age). He is becoming a chunker now to me, he wants to eat about 7 ounces at each feeding, so I now he will be gaining quite a bit of weight now, I already noticed his thighs getting more chunk. The Dr told me that it's good I am giving some formula because somewhere around 6 months breast milk loses a lot of it's iron content so formula replaces that lost iron which is good. He is getting so big now, he is a tummy sleeper for certain now. He rolls over both ways now, and can really put a lot of weight on his legs, I have no doubt he will be crawling soon. He is getting ready to sit up on his own, he kind of does it on his own for like 3 seconds and then tumbles over. This weekend we are attempting the rice cereal, so we will see how that goes. Anyway that's the update for now. I have to say I am so happy to have my husband back in my bed with me and helping me with the baby. I don't know how single mother's do it... I really don't! Kudos to those single moms out there :)
My job has changed quite a bit and I like to call myself the "jack of all trades" at work now, since I have my hands in every sort of pot while at work and just making myself available to anyone who needs help. Currently, I am helping with Leave of Absences, recruitment, and front desk duties.. I am sure there are more to come. Being at work from 8am-2pm everyday goes by extremely fast. I am excited about the changes to my job now that I have returned and really learning more about my area of work only makes me more of an asset to the company and I love that... job security :) I so look forward to the weekend and getting to spend all day Saturday and Sunday with the men in my life (Andrew and Hezekiah that is). Makes me that much more appreciative of my husband and baby when I get off work.
Yesterday, Hezekiah had his 4 month check up and immunizations. As of tonight, we was running a low grade fever from them and has wanted to eat 6 or more ounces of food every like 2 hours when we were home and didn't necessarily like being put down We gave him some Tylenol so hopefully that helped my little man. Tonight, he knocked out in like 2 seconds after I laid him down at 9:30am. My poor baby is just exhausted from the whole ordeal. This morning, while feeding I touched his little thigh where the shots were done and he cried in the middle of eating, I felt so bad for him. Gave him a bath tonight and hoped that eased his muscle pain and what a good baby he is! He now weighs in at 12.13 lbs (25% of his age) and 25in long (75% of his age). He is becoming a chunker now to me, he wants to eat about 7 ounces at each feeding, so I now he will be gaining quite a bit of weight now, I already noticed his thighs getting more chunk. The Dr told me that it's good I am giving some formula because somewhere around 6 months breast milk loses a lot of it's iron content so formula replaces that lost iron which is good. He is getting so big now, he is a tummy sleeper for certain now. He rolls over both ways now, and can really put a lot of weight on his legs, I have no doubt he will be crawling soon. He is getting ready to sit up on his own, he kind of does it on his own for like 3 seconds and then tumbles over. This weekend we are attempting the rice cereal, so we will see how that goes. Anyway that's the update for now. I have to say I am so happy to have my husband back in my bed with me and helping me with the baby. I don't know how single mother's do it... I really don't! Kudos to those single moms out there :)
Monday, January 21, 2008
2 things
I think since we have been married (almost 3 years now) this about the toughest we've had it financially. We are just waiting for my paycheck to come in so we are dependent on Andrew's income alone while I work and wait for a check.... And even when I do get a check it will be pretty small right now because they are double deducting my benefits for the last month since I was on leave... so it will be tight for a little while here. But I still seem to praise God even when it's extremely hard right now. Andrew's gone, I went back to work, and dealing with finances. Even with that said, we still don't have it that bad... even what I think is our lowest still isn't that low because of Go's provisions in our life. I thank God for all the blessings and I remind myself that it's just a season and it will soon pass.
These 2 songs really hit me hard this week:
"Believe" by Mainstay
"When all around me starts to fall and when my faith it seems so small
Even in my darkest hour, I will believe
Even if the sun begins to fall, even when I feel nothing at all
Even if I'm all alone, I will believe"
And also this amazing song my David Crowder "Everything Glorious"
"You make everything glorious
And I am Yours
What does that make me"
Thank you God for making all things glorious!! I cannot wait to see your glories become even more evident in our lives. Only 2 more days until Andrew comes home Yipeee :)
These 2 songs really hit me hard this week:
"Believe" by Mainstay
"When all around me starts to fall and when my faith it seems so small
Even in my darkest hour, I will believe
Even if the sun begins to fall, even when I feel nothing at all
Even if I'm all alone, I will believe"
And also this amazing song my David Crowder "Everything Glorious"
"You make everything glorious
And I am Yours
What does that make me"
Thank you God for making all things glorious!! I cannot wait to see your glories become even more evident in our lives. Only 2 more days until Andrew comes home Yipeee :)
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Craziness...
I have to say this is how I describe this week. Monday was my first day back at work. So since we are down to 1 car this is how the last couple of days went:
Andrew drove me to work
Andrew went home with baby til 11am
Andrew dropped off baby at daycare and goes to work and drops car off at my work while he walks to work
I get off work drive to get baby from daycare & head home. Feed baby
Drive to pick up Andrew from work
Ahhh... exhausting.
As if going back to work wouldn't be stressful enough, Andrew left on Wed for his missions trip to Mexico which is hard for both of us I think since we are both away from the baby so much right now. Work is going great, I have never felt so welcomed back, with everyone saying how much they missed me and can't wait to see pictures of the baby! I told myself I wouldn't bring pictures until next week because I didn't want to cry at work.
I have my own office, so I thought pumping at work would be easy but seen as how I only have 2 10 minute breaks yeah now quite working at all while I am at work. I have resulted to expecting next week the baby going from breast milk during the day to formula as soon as my stored milk runs out. I am still breastfeeding while at home, but I can't pump in 10 minutes- No way! Ehhh my expectations of pumping have floated out the window at this point. Ahh well that's what I get for minimizing my schedule so I could spend more time at home with the baby :)
I miss Andrew so much right now and cannot wait for him to get back and I know this missions trip is good for him, it is definitely hard to see him go. I cried all the way to daycare because I didn't want him to go :) I'll get used to it... someday!
Andrew drove me to work
Andrew went home with baby til 11am
Andrew dropped off baby at daycare and goes to work and drops car off at my work while he walks to work
I get off work drive to get baby from daycare & head home. Feed baby
Drive to pick up Andrew from work
Ahhh... exhausting.
As if going back to work wouldn't be stressful enough, Andrew left on Wed for his missions trip to Mexico which is hard for both of us I think since we are both away from the baby so much right now. Work is going great, I have never felt so welcomed back, with everyone saying how much they missed me and can't wait to see pictures of the baby! I told myself I wouldn't bring pictures until next week because I didn't want to cry at work.
I have my own office, so I thought pumping at work would be easy but seen as how I only have 2 10 minute breaks yeah now quite working at all while I am at work. I have resulted to expecting next week the baby going from breast milk during the day to formula as soon as my stored milk runs out. I am still breastfeeding while at home, but I can't pump in 10 minutes- No way! Ehhh my expectations of pumping have floated out the window at this point. Ahh well that's what I get for minimizing my schedule so I could spend more time at home with the baby :)
I miss Andrew so much right now and cannot wait for him to get back and I know this missions trip is good for him, it is definitely hard to see him go. I cried all the way to daycare because I didn't want him to go :) I'll get used to it... someday!
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Crucified with Christ
"Galations 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ." How have you understood that phrase?
I think the average Christian assumes Paul is saying something like "Christ died for me." I've heard theologians discuss whether this isn't merely a "positional" statement, whether it was only "as if" Paul had been crucified with the Lord Jesus. But as a pastor, having walked alongside so many broken people who have looked to the cross for redemption and restoration, I have to conclude that no, this statement from Paul is absolutely real."
"...At every turn in the process, Paul watched His dying Savior, he would cry out, "My Lord! This is where I should be!"
"Yes, I know," he Lord would say to him. "But, Paul you cannot pay this price; only I can. And i cannot avoid it, or else you will never live. You'll have no life, Paul, unless I shed My blood for you."
"I have been crucified with Christ, Paul said. How does that statement apply to you and me?
Again, the average Christian would think, 'Well, it doesn't really."
I disagree.
If you saw Mel Gibson's film The Passion of the Christ, did oyu sense that you were being crucified with Christ, or that He was being crucified for you? I'm sure most of those who watched it had great sympathy with Jesus, but I doubt many of us sensed that we were up there on that cross, crucified, and bleeding with Him. Yet I believe you and I are called to begin understanding those depths just as Paul did, and to know the transformation that Paul knew as well."
"There must be a point in your life where you can say- not just doctrinally, but experientially-
"I have been crucified with Christ." Only the living Lord himself can bring you to that place.
The deepest meaning of the cross and it's transforming power can be understood experientially. Don't ever equate knowing a doctrine with having experienced the reality of the truth. The cross must be experienced to be understood."
Taken from Experiencing the Cross by Henry Blackby
I think the average Christian assumes Paul is saying something like "Christ died for me." I've heard theologians discuss whether this isn't merely a "positional" statement, whether it was only "as if" Paul had been crucified with the Lord Jesus. But as a pastor, having walked alongside so many broken people who have looked to the cross for redemption and restoration, I have to conclude that no, this statement from Paul is absolutely real."
"...At every turn in the process, Paul watched His dying Savior, he would cry out, "My Lord! This is where I should be!"
"Yes, I know," he Lord would say to him. "But, Paul you cannot pay this price; only I can. And i cannot avoid it, or else you will never live. You'll have no life, Paul, unless I shed My blood for you."
"I have been crucified with Christ, Paul said. How does that statement apply to you and me?
Again, the average Christian would think, 'Well, it doesn't really."
I disagree.
If you saw Mel Gibson's film The Passion of the Christ, did oyu sense that you were being crucified with Christ, or that He was being crucified for you? I'm sure most of those who watched it had great sympathy with Jesus, but I doubt many of us sensed that we were up there on that cross, crucified, and bleeding with Him. Yet I believe you and I are called to begin understanding those depths just as Paul did, and to know the transformation that Paul knew as well."
"There must be a point in your life where you can say- not just doctrinally, but experientially-
"I have been crucified with Christ." Only the living Lord himself can bring you to that place.
The deepest meaning of the cross and it's transforming power can be understood experientially. Don't ever equate knowing a doctrine with having experienced the reality of the truth. The cross must be experienced to be understood."
Taken from Experiencing the Cross by Henry Blackby
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Returning to work
I have so enjoyed my maternity leave and I am so sad to see it go. Would it be nice to be a stay at home mom- Heck yeah! For now, we need the extra money to, of course, save for the never ending goal of buying a house. I am excited to return to work, because I absolutely love my job and bosses so much and man, when you find a place good like that to work you better hang onto it as long as you can because it's rare.
It's bittersweet, I am giving Hezekiah a bath tonight just thinking about how stir crazy I will be at work and missing my little baby wondering if he is crying or wants his mama. Ahhhhh, I am going to miss him so much! The plus side to my work situation and Andrew's is that we only have to have someone watch him for like 3 hours a day so it'll be good for him to get some socialization with some other children too. We found a wonderful lady through our church who runs a daycare for just a few children so Hezekiah will get the attention he needs as well. It'll be quite a change for both of us I am sure :)
On top of going back to work Monday, Andrew will be leaving on Wed for his missions trip for a week! Could this come at a worse time, I think not. So imagine me, trying to adjust to going back to work, not having my husband in town to help me, and getting myself, the baby ready in the morning and somehow managing to get to work on time... ugh! How on earth did this ever get planned like this!? I am going to have my hands full that is for sure... I am a little stressed thinking about that week, but I am trying to just pray about it and hope that Hezekiah doesn't get cranky in the morning with the new scheduling and let me have it easy. Keep that in prayer for me :) That is all for now!
It's bittersweet, I am giving Hezekiah a bath tonight just thinking about how stir crazy I will be at work and missing my little baby wondering if he is crying or wants his mama. Ahhhhh, I am going to miss him so much! The plus side to my work situation and Andrew's is that we only have to have someone watch him for like 3 hours a day so it'll be good for him to get some socialization with some other children too. We found a wonderful lady through our church who runs a daycare for just a few children so Hezekiah will get the attention he needs as well. It'll be quite a change for both of us I am sure :)
On top of going back to work Monday, Andrew will be leaving on Wed for his missions trip for a week! Could this come at a worse time, I think not. So imagine me, trying to adjust to going back to work, not having my husband in town to help me, and getting myself, the baby ready in the morning and somehow managing to get to work on time... ugh! How on earth did this ever get planned like this!? I am going to have my hands full that is for sure... I am a little stressed thinking about that week, but I am trying to just pray about it and hope that Hezekiah doesn't get cranky in the morning with the new scheduling and let me have it easy. Keep that in prayer for me :) That is all for now!
Friday, January 04, 2008
Tummy sleeping baby
So every night this last week, I go in and check on the baby and he is sleeping soundly. I place him on his back to sleep (per the AAP) to prevent SIDS. I find him asleep on his tummy his little head cocked to the side. I flip him over before I finally go to bed again and I wake up in the morning and he has managed to flip himself back on his tummy again. I guess I can give up trying to get this stubborn little baby to keep sleeping on his back... So wierd. I thought they weren't supposed to do this until they got much older.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
2 families say Welcome to the world...
Congratulations to Ty & Lauren Briggs - Kendal & Katie Pool
Ty & Lauren said Welcome to the world to their new daughter Jovie Alora Briggs at 7:26am weighing in at 6lbs and 15oz. and 19 inches long. Lauren delivered that Jovie in an amazing 4 hours from start to finish! Whoa, great job Lauren !! Please keep little Jovie in your prayers as she was placed in NICU today because she had stopped breathing a few times today.
Also a Congratulations are in order for Kendal & Katie Pool , she delivered her 2nd baby a girl this time, Dana Grace Pool 6lbs 3oz and 17.5 inches long (who couldn't be any more opposite from her almost 10lb brother), she was born at around 11pm tonight. Katie was induced at 8am this morning, and delivered a healthy baby girl just before the next day. Yeahhh!!
We say Congratulations to the new proud parents!! We are keeping a fast recovery for both mommies in our prayers :)
Ty & Lauren said Welcome to the world to their new daughter Jovie Alora Briggs at 7:26am weighing in at 6lbs and 15oz. and 19 inches long. Lauren delivered that Jovie in an amazing 4 hours from start to finish! Whoa, great job Lauren !! Please keep little Jovie in your prayers as she was placed in NICU today because she had stopped breathing a few times today.
Also a Congratulations are in order for Kendal & Katie Pool , she delivered her 2nd baby a girl this time, Dana Grace Pool 6lbs 3oz and 17.5 inches long (who couldn't be any more opposite from her almost 10lb brother), she was born at around 11pm tonight. Katie was induced at 8am this morning, and delivered a healthy baby girl just before the next day. Yeahhh!!
We say Congratulations to the new proud parents!! We are keeping a fast recovery for both mommies in our prayers :)
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
2 unique/ special gifts
For Christmas my mom gave me this special gift of a very unique baby book. This book, pictured below, was handmade by a mother of a company called Kisses 4 tristen, her daughter has cancer. She makes these books for people to help raise money to buy wigs for her daughter. She asks the customer all sorts of information about the baby and then designs the books based on what information you give her so amazing!! This gift brought so much joy to my heart! If you are interested in purchasing one of these amazing little books, here is the contact information: Kisses 4 Tristen, Monique Crouser (owner and designer), mccrystal@earthlink.net.
Also, Andrew bought this very special necklace at Knott's last night since I was at home with the baby for New Year's while he and a few friends went and rung in the new year enjoying Praise 2008. The necklace is cool, it comes with a mollusk and the necklace- you crack open the mollusk and get your pearl, clean it off and then open your necklace and place the pearl inside the chamber of the necklace. The necklace is called Pearl of Love, I love it and so sweet of him to think of me when I was at home. I love you Andrew!
Also, Andrew bought this very special necklace at Knott's last night since I was at home with the baby for New Year's while he and a few friends went and rung in the new year enjoying Praise 2008. The necklace is cool, it comes with a mollusk and the necklace- you crack open the mollusk and get your pearl, clean it off and then open your necklace and place the pearl inside the chamber of the necklace. The necklace is called Pearl of Love, I love it and so sweet of him to think of me when I was at home. I love you Andrew!
"Formula Hope"
"Formula Hope" is an idea of an organization I would like to start someday. Formula Hope would be delivering sanitary and disposable bottles to AIDS infected areas. Unfortunately, even though a mother is infected, HIV-positive, many children are born negative but because they breastfeed their babies the child then becomes HIV- positive because they have no other source for food. A child that is born with hope, but is doomed because of lack of sources.
Taken from http://www.aids.harvard.edu/news_publications/har/spring_1999/spring99-2.html
"Breastfeeding
If breastfeeding is to be eliminated as an avenue for HIV infection, alternatives such as bottle feeding must be made safe and available. One cannot safely clean bottles and prepare formula in an area that is without adequate supplies of clean water. In some rural areas in Uganda for example, 85 percent of the infants who are fed formula die because it has been made using water contaminated with deadly bacteria. In the same areas, the death rate among infants who become infected with HIV through breastfeeding is 27 percent.
Even when clean water is available, the money to buy formula often is not. In Uganda, the cost of feeding one child adequately with formula is about one and a half times the annual earnings of an average village family.
Cultural issues also are factors in women’s decisions on whether to feed their infants by breast or by bottle. For many years the United Nations and public health organizations have been promoting breastfeeding as the healthiest way to feed and the best way to nurture a child. In many countries, the idea that the "breast is best" is still very strong, and the cultural view is that a good mother is one who breastfeeds."
This is an awesome idea that would be great for the organization I would like to start. Patent pending disposable bottles, which comes pre-filled with sanity water and formula you just would squeeze the bottle to mix the contents and feed your baby. Man, think of how much we could change the amount of infected children if we started using these:
You can find information on this patent at: http://austin.craigslist.org/vol/503524310.html
Taken from http://www.aids.harvard.edu/news_publications/har/spring_1999/spring99-2.html
"Breastfeeding
If breastfeeding is to be eliminated as an avenue for HIV infection, alternatives such as bottle feeding must be made safe and available. One cannot safely clean bottles and prepare formula in an area that is without adequate supplies of clean water. In some rural areas in Uganda for example, 85 percent of the infants who are fed formula die because it has been made using water contaminated with deadly bacteria. In the same areas, the death rate among infants who become infected with HIV through breastfeeding is 27 percent.
Even when clean water is available, the money to buy formula often is not. In Uganda, the cost of feeding one child adequately with formula is about one and a half times the annual earnings of an average village family.
Cultural issues also are factors in women’s decisions on whether to feed their infants by breast or by bottle. For many years the United Nations and public health organizations have been promoting breastfeeding as the healthiest way to feed and the best way to nurture a child. In many countries, the idea that the "breast is best" is still very strong, and the cultural view is that a good mother is one who breastfeeds."
This is an awesome idea that would be great for the organization I would like to start. Patent pending disposable bottles, which comes pre-filled with sanity water and formula you just would squeeze the bottle to mix the contents and feed your baby. Man, think of how much we could change the amount of infected children if we started using these:
You can find information on this patent at: http://austin.craigslist.org/vol/503524310.html
Monday, December 31, 2007
Sleeping on belly
Hezekiah managed to flip himself over twice last nice to fall asleep on his belly. So, last night I kept light sleeping because I couldn't figure out if I should let him sleep like that or try and flip him over on his back... I am doing some reading right now to find out.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Vanity thy name is
Doing my devotion this morning and was really touched by this thought. When we consider our relationship with Christ do we have vanity and pride. Do we take seriously that Christ died on the cross for us. If we do not treat this act of love for us seriously, we are making a mockery of Jesus Christ dying for us on the cross. Does your life have meaning or is it empty and void? If your life feels empty, put down the vanity and pride and seek Christ in His true form and come with an open heart ready to receive. Here is some I typed from the book that really hit me:
"One of the best of the old gospel hymns opens with these lines:
Years I spent in vanity and pride
caring not my Lord was crucified,
knowing not it was for me He died
at Calvary
Perhaps you can identify with spending too much of your life in vanity and pride. Vanity simply means that whatever you do ends in emptiness; there's simply nothing there. And pride won't let you admit it.
But though all this can be true about us, God marshals the resources of heaven to pursue us and rescue us. It's all grace; it's nothing we deserve. Simply because He loves us, He begins to draw us to Himself. Suddenly, the lights come on and truth dawns. We experience great grief over how we've treated Him, how we never really cared that He was crucified.
Inevitably, every Christian comes to stand at what the hymn calls Calvary a name for the place where the cross of Christ stood. There, as you let God open your understanding, you see the truth: 'It was for me He died!" By faith, we accept that this was God's plan, God's purpose. This was God's way of providing salvation for us.
It changes everything. Your heart receives and knows what before you knew only in your head. And it begins to affect the whole of your life."
"Are you believing all that He says about the cross and responding to all that He is in His grace and love, as demonstrated in the cross? If not, you're in danger of making the death of Christ a mockery.
Be assured that the death of His Son was not a mockery to God- it was His supreme and solitary provision of salvation, fully adequate for every person everywhere in the world, at all times, under all conditions, and totally effectual to bring any and every sinner into a vibrant relationship with Himself.
So the question I keep trying to get believers to ask themselves is this: Where is the evidence that my life has been transformed?"
Taken from Experiencing the cross by Henry T. Blackaby
"One of the best of the old gospel hymns opens with these lines:
Years I spent in vanity and pride
caring not my Lord was crucified,
knowing not it was for me He died
at Calvary
Perhaps you can identify with spending too much of your life in vanity and pride. Vanity simply means that whatever you do ends in emptiness; there's simply nothing there. And pride won't let you admit it.
But though all this can be true about us, God marshals the resources of heaven to pursue us and rescue us. It's all grace; it's nothing we deserve. Simply because He loves us, He begins to draw us to Himself. Suddenly, the lights come on and truth dawns. We experience great grief over how we've treated Him, how we never really cared that He was crucified.
Inevitably, every Christian comes to stand at what the hymn calls Calvary a name for the place where the cross of Christ stood. There, as you let God open your understanding, you see the truth: 'It was for me He died!" By faith, we accept that this was God's plan, God's purpose. This was God's way of providing salvation for us.
It changes everything. Your heart receives and knows what before you knew only in your head. And it begins to affect the whole of your life."
"Are you believing all that He says about the cross and responding to all that He is in His grace and love, as demonstrated in the cross? If not, you're in danger of making the death of Christ a mockery.
Be assured that the death of His Son was not a mockery to God- it was His supreme and solitary provision of salvation, fully adequate for every person everywhere in the world, at all times, under all conditions, and totally effectual to bring any and every sinner into a vibrant relationship with Himself.
So the question I keep trying to get believers to ask themselves is this: Where is the evidence that my life has been transformed?"
Taken from Experiencing the cross by Henry T. Blackaby
Friday, December 28, 2007
Who doesn't love a good sale??
I love the after Christmas sales... and who doesn't right? Especially since a lot of places are still offering- yep you got it FREE SHIPPING :) Here are a few links to a few of my favorite places to shop online:
(I only shop sephora for the mineral make up because I love thier mineral make up so much)
(Love this for home decor)
(I only shop sephora for the mineral make up because I love thier mineral make up so much)(Love this for home decor)
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Christmas 2007
We celebrated our first Christmas with Hezekiah and he really had no idea what was going on but he did relatively well considering all 3 of us are sick with a cold. We had family over to our place this Christmas since Hezekiah is so small I didn't want to cart him around everywhere this year. My mom and step-dad came over, my sister, her husband and my nephew came over and even my niece was dropped off. We cooked Eggs Benedict with fruit and OJ and ate breakfast together using my Grandma's silverware (since this is the first Christmas without her here anymore)... I really miss my Grandma! We opened all our presents and then just hung out watched some TV played some video games and just relaxed. I loved it, and was so happy everyone was so accommodating with Hezekiah. It would be nice if we could rotate Christmas every year to someone else's house so everyone has a chance to host Christmas.
We both had a rough night last night, he woke up around 4am and was fussing so I laid there in bed for a bit to see if he would go back to sleep and eventually he did but I could hear his little runny nose... aww poor baby! He woke up again this morning around 6am, I fed him and put him back to sleep and he is still asleep right now at 10:15am- I wonder how long he will stay asleep? He is sooo not feeling good today with being sick. Just gotta let him sleep it off... I guess. Here is a slideshow of some pictures we took from Christmas. Hope you enjoy :)
We both had a rough night last night, he woke up around 4am and was fussing so I laid there in bed for a bit to see if he would go back to sleep and eventually he did but I could hear his little runny nose... aww poor baby! He woke up again this morning around 6am, I fed him and put him back to sleep and he is still asleep right now at 10:15am- I wonder how long he will stay asleep? He is sooo not feeling good today with being sick. Just gotta let him sleep it off... I guess. Here is a slideshow of some pictures we took from Christmas. Hope you enjoy :)
Monday, December 24, 2007
Done, Done, and Done!
Done #1: This week has been somewhat stressful for me I have been really blessed in the fact that I have been able to stay home with the baby for the last couple of months and I just love being home with him. But alas, I knew this would only be temporary and I have been trying to come to grips with that fact that I will be returning to work in about 3 weeks. Which is 2 weeks earlier than originally planned because silly me misunderstood the maternity leave information. I do get 8 weeks off for my c-section and then 12 weeks for my Paid Family Leave, but of those 12 weeks only 6 of them would be paid and I was NOT prepared for this. So this is why I will be returning to work a little bit earlier. So our schedule will consist basically of me working 8am-2pm M-F (to keep my benefits), Andrew taking care of the baby from 8-11am by working from home from 9am-11am and then dropping the baby off at daycare from 11am-2:30pm or so when I can pick him up after I get off work.
Done #2: Praise the Lord, I was so stressed about trying to find someone to watch the baby and yet God is still so good to me through this stressful time and he provided a path for our family. Someone from our church's daughter does day care during the day, she has 2 wonderful kids herself so I know she will be great. And because she is so amazing, I will only be paying approx. $100/wk versus $265/wk (Kindercare). God has once again been gracious to us and provided an open door, I give thanks to God for such a blessing. I am really excited to bring the baby for daycare. I really like the idea of Hezekiah getting the social interaction with other kids so I think 3 hours or so is just an awesome thing just for that reason alone.
Done #3: Well almost done #3, Christmas is almost here and I think I covered all the bases or ar least tried to considering I had no car the last 3 weeks now and had to do all my Christmas shopping online. So now I just get to share the wonderful presents I bought with my family on Christmas day :)
Done #2: Praise the Lord, I was so stressed about trying to find someone to watch the baby and yet God is still so good to me through this stressful time and he provided a path for our family. Someone from our church's daughter does day care during the day, she has 2 wonderful kids herself so I know she will be great. And because she is so amazing, I will only be paying approx. $100/wk versus $265/wk (Kindercare). God has once again been gracious to us and provided an open door, I give thanks to God for such a blessing. I am really excited to bring the baby for daycare. I really like the idea of Hezekiah getting the social interaction with other kids so I think 3 hours or so is just an awesome thing just for that reason alone.
Done #3: Well almost done #3, Christmas is almost here and I think I covered all the bases or ar least tried to considering I had no car the last 3 weeks now and had to do all my Christmas shopping online. So now I just get to share the wonderful presents I bought with my family on Christmas day :)
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
2007 Christmas newsletter
Here is our Christmas Newsletter 2007, you can open it up by clicking the link below. Hope you all enjoy :)
The Holybee Family Christmas 2007
The Holybee Family Christmas 2007
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
If you can't say anything nice...
Please don't say anything at all. I love it when people don't have enough guts to put their own name on such a rude comment. At least if you're going to be rude and vindictive, you should at least own up to it. Thanks for the comments- Love ya!!!
Thoughts of work
Time is closing in on my being at home with Hezekiah. I found out surprisingly today that I received my last check from the state for being off of work with the baby. I am really disappointed, and things are definitely a lot tighter now that we know this is basically all I will have in pay until I return to work January 28th. Andrew and I will have to sit down tonight and look at finances and decide whether or not I have to return to work earlier than I had planned. Andrew's car is in the shop right now and won't be finished until after Christmas, and the work that HAS to be done is going to end up costing us like $8000!!! Which really puts us in a tighter spot than we wanted right now with me not working full time and being home with the baby. I am praying that God will open a door, and things will work out financially so I don't have to return to work right after the new year.
When I return to work I will only be working from 8am-2pm M-F, which allows me to keep my full time status and my benefits for me and the baby which works out great because I was scrambling on how to figure out how to get the baby and I health benefits since I was only going to be going back to work part time. I really miss my job, and being in the department with my co-workers but I am so torn because I cry just thinking about not waking up with the baby and being able to feed him all day and see him develop. I know I will probably miss a lot of his milestones now that I will be working more hours than I thought. I praise the LORD that Andrew's work has been so accomodating, they are allowing him to work from home until 2pm when I get off work and come home then Andrew will be able to go into the office and finish his hours... I am sooo thankful for that! I am going to miss my baby so much, awww I just cry thinking about leaving him :(
When I return to work I will only be working from 8am-2pm M-F, which allows me to keep my full time status and my benefits for me and the baby which works out great because I was scrambling on how to figure out how to get the baby and I health benefits since I was only going to be going back to work part time. I really miss my job, and being in the department with my co-workers but I am so torn because I cry just thinking about not waking up with the baby and being able to feed him all day and see him develop. I know I will probably miss a lot of his milestones now that I will be working more hours than I thought. I praise the LORD that Andrew's work has been so accomodating, they are allowing him to work from home until 2pm when I get off work and come home then Andrew will be able to go into the office and finish his hours... I am sooo thankful for that! I am going to miss my baby so much, awww I just cry thinking about leaving him :(
Friday, December 14, 2007
The overflow
It's the overflow of my heart. I am not a prideful person except when it comes to my little son! I just love him more and more each day. Every week seems to bring new adventures, and what worked last week in getting him to sleep doesn't work this week. He wants to be held while he gets drowsy and then I can lay him in his crib and he falls right to sleep. Whereas before, he had no problem going right to his crib and falling asleep after about 5 minutes of sleep. I know that pretty soon he will probably start putting 2 and 2 together that if he cries he is always going to get picked up, so I am being cautious with that during the nap time.
He is such a great baby, and I could have NEVER asked the Lord for a better baby. What baby doesn't have his bad days, but as a whole he's pretty independent... doesn't mind playing on the floor or wierd people holding him. He only cries when he needs something, and when he gets tired he gets fussy. What baby doesn't though right!? His personality seems to be very happy, he smiles at almost everything I do, and stares at me in wonder when I eat a meal. With a face of like "What are you doing?" I just love his little voice, me and him play on the floor together while he just talks up a storm. Cooing at everything inlcuding the TV, hopefully he doesn't get hooked on the TV yet! I have so much love for him, and as I was rocking him so he would get drowsy I just stare at him and smile and I still think.... I cannot believe you were in my belly. I love you Hezekiah!
He is such a great baby, and I could have NEVER asked the Lord for a better baby. What baby doesn't have his bad days, but as a whole he's pretty independent... doesn't mind playing on the floor or wierd people holding him. He only cries when he needs something, and when he gets tired he gets fussy. What baby doesn't though right!? His personality seems to be very happy, he smiles at almost everything I do, and stares at me in wonder when I eat a meal. With a face of like "What are you doing?" I just love his little voice, me and him play on the floor together while he just talks up a storm. Cooing at everything inlcuding the TV, hopefully he doesn't get hooked on the TV yet! I have so much love for him, and as I was rocking him so he would get drowsy I just stare at him and smile and I still think.... I cannot believe you were in my belly. I love you Hezekiah!
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Merry Christmas...
From the newest addition to the Holybee family! I just had to make sure and post this picture because he just looks so doggone cute with the santa hat. These were not taken at a studio, I did them myself at casa de Holybee in his room and used a nice white soft blanket for his backdrop... so much fun. My poor baby is gonna hate me when he gets older because I take so many pictures of him ;) Christmas time is always fun!!
Friday, December 07, 2007
Hezekiah rolling over!
Hezekiah has mastered the rolling over from his belly to his back, he's on his way from back to belly. I am so excited to see this development, he has such strong legs that when on his bac will brace his feet on the floor and lift his whole body off the ground. Crazy kid! Take a look:
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Monday, December 03, 2007
First time for everything
Feeding the baby this morning and I finish with him and attempt to burp him and instead of a burp coming up I get all of the food he just ate all over me and the couch and the boppy. So, it's official I have been initiated with him pooping all over me and now throw up. I guess he just wasn't hungry or something because he doesn't seem upset or anything after it happened. So wierd, Thanks for the memories kiddo!
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