Feliz Cumpleanos Jesus!

Merry Christmas
Feliz Navidad
Shenoraavor Nor Dari yev Pari Gaghand
Feliz Natal
Vrolijk Kerstfeest en een Gelukkig Nieuwjaar
Joyeux Noel
Shinnen omedeto. Kurisumasu Omedeto
Nadolig Llawen
E ku odun, e ku iye'dun
Kala Christouyenna
Mele Kalikimaka
Sheng Dan Kuai Le
Chuc Mung Giang Sinh

Happy Birthday Boo!

Boo. Zazz.

Take your pick.

She pretty much answers to them all.

This kid is a mess and a half. She can drive you insane and have you wrapped at the same time.

Energy is NEVER in short supply. Laughter comes at no extra charge. Quirks are proudly displayed with little to no embarrassment.

But I love her. Her little sticky fingers. Her CRAZY hair. Her inability to say 95% of the English language correctly. Her bad nap breath. All of it. I love it!

Today she turns 2. Already the big sister to 2! This girl can eat. Let me tell you! Holy cow! She pretty much loves it all! I think the one thing we've ruled out is plain avocado and grilled cheese/quesadilla. She loves to be outside, running around in crazy circles, inside watching a movie or playing dress up, or at the table "talowing" (coloring).

Happy Birthday sweet girl! I love you so much and I am so excited to watch the little lady you are growing into! Stay Boo like baby for as long as you can!

Bo

I thought it was time to take you on a little tour of me M - F 7:15 - 5:30. It sometimes isn't classy. I'm told it's not a real job. It might not be what someone would "choose." But I love it. I really do. I enjoy hanging out with these little people. Learning their likes and dislikes. How they act, react, respond, grow, and develop.

They each have their own personality and trying to come up with one distinct way to describe all 3 is just as impossible as trying to describe any other group of 3 people. So we will begin the introductions at the youngest and working our way up. Don't worry they oldest will be 2 next week so there isn't that much to climb.

Bo is my baby baby. Totaling at 7 and 3/4 months old he has all things "girl" wrapped around his fingers...all 10 of them. He's a tall, goofy, friendly kid. His baby blues and bald head happen to be a favorite combination of mine. The boy has scored some nicknames...Cam, Bo, Po, Po-Po, Cobble, Soup, and the list increases every day.

He is entering the food stage and doing pretty well at it. Learning that not all he puts in his mouth is "good" but there are certain requirements. Napping with little man has been a nightmare until recently! I was pulling my hair out just getting through maybe an hour and when it was all said and done there was little to no patience left to be had. In the last few weeks he has suddenly adopted this new love of sleep. He still doesn't sleep like my girls do but 2, 2 hour naps a day make me a winner and him a happy baby!

Mobility is his new found joy in life! Figuring out that point A and point B really aren't that far if he doesn't have to rely on someone else to get him there! Crawling has sent me into another level of watching and moving!

The boy loves music, reading books, one on one time, and quiet but only so he can fill it. He is super sweet and such a good baby! I am loving this stage of being able to do things with him! Finally there is some interaction!

So there you have it. Round 1 of my work week!

life as un-normal

I am beginning to think this is the new normal.

Crazies!

I feel like it's been a non stop million miles an hour train ride through the last few months. Since our family beach trip in September "life" as we knew it has been far from a reality.

I am not one to lavish times on the lower end but I can't sugar-coat the truth either. I feel like the last 12 weeks have been full of not so fun stuff. From watching a grandparent enter eternity, to celebrating the small details of wedding preparation I would say that the emotional swing has been pretty large.

Upon arrival home in September the idea of wedding has seemed to consume this house as a whole. Invitations, dresses, patterns, material, decorations, showers...and the list could carry on! I have really enjoyed being able to be so hands on/in this go 'round. With my oldest sister's wedding I was only 14 and slightly on the teen aged self absorbed stage. I didn't "really" care what happened. This time I feel like I have been more involved and I want to be. I am thankful that my job has allowed it! Just this past week my sister had her dress fitting for alterations. The parents of my babies were able to work it out for me to head out about half an hour earlier than normal so I could make it in time to be a witness! Thank you Father for helpful and considerate people to work for!

October was pretty busy and emotionally heavy...for me. Standing on the vague side for consideration I had to watch abandonment from 2 sides with a family that I love dearly. I had to learn to let go of someone who is currently thinking they are living what's best for them. I began watching it weigh heavily on other members and hurting for them. My dad always says something and it played in my mind constantly. People are messy. Getting involved with them means you might get messy too. They hurt. I hurt. Thankfully though it's brought a ton of wisdom that wasn't otherwise there. Just the other day the youngest member asked me (in reference to Mary, Jesus' mom) if I thought God could think that highly of her too. Thank you Father for being present in their lives even when circumstances seem so huge! You are some much greater!

November opened with a new set of challenges. My ailing grandpa had been continually getting worse. After suffering a stroke mid month things went from a slow gentle walk to a fast pace glide down hill. Suffering yet another stroke and paralysis of the body he was on hospice and a week before Thanksgiving we said goodbye. In all of it though God remained faithful to provide the right amount of encouragement from family and friends! The day that I took my sisters to church after we had gone to say goodbye He provided a source of encouragement from one of my youth leaders from high school. She had not been at that church in several months. I had not been at that church is several weeks. Thank you Father for your timing and your perfect ways.

In the midst of all this, work hasn't slowed down, ministry is still pulling from me, I am still watching my Friday friend choose a life that suits her, and witnessing the dissolution of a marriage of a friend.

A week into December and things seemed to be just as busy. Nothing near as emotionally heavy. I am learning in this though that He is faithful. He has never, just like He promises, left us or forsaken us. God says, "yes" to His promises.

For that, I am thankful.

12 in 12

I honestly have such a hard time believing we are coming up on 2012! Where has
time gone?! I remember getting ready to graduate almost 4 years ago and thinking
that by this time I would coming up on graduating from college! Wow! My life has
taken a crazy turn far from any of those kinds of plans! I am so thankful to God
for it!

Coming up on this year I have been feeling impressed to make 2012
a year of accomplishments. I'm not talking huge, gigantic, life-changing
accomplishments. But simple, doable, just avoided accomplishments.The
reason I'm only sticking with 12 is because I'm an "inch by inch life's a cinch"
type person. I don't want to get to this point next year and wish that I hadn't
made such big plans. I want it to be a goal I can reach...will reach.

My hope is that this will be a kind of accountability. I plan to post here on my
progress so be sure to follow along as I inch by inch through 2012 planning to
enjoy it to the fullest!

So here's my 12 in 12!

#1 - Renewed time with God - Firmly establish a renewed way to spend
time with my Father. Not only that but a firm time. That includes getting up at
the same time to partake of His Word no matter what.

#2 - healthy vs. hype - Research the foods that are really healthy vs. what is just
hype. In hopes of establishing a better diet all around but potentially erasing
some of the digestion issues I've been having. Finding out what works for me and
not being persuaded by others and professionals that something else is better.
Finding the right make up to fit together a consumption that sticks!

#3 - preparing for future titles - Be intentional about praying for
and preparing to be a mrs. Do not read: "is in a relationship." But I am
confident that God is still shaping me to be a mrs. and my job is prepare for
that. I need to be in constant prayer for him and our life together!

#4 - Walking for the better - This includes two different things.
First, walking/jogging CONSISTENTLY throughout the week to improve over all
health and utilize the time to pray for my neighbors and friends. Second, to
take part in walks for causes throughout the year. Walk for life, Cancer
research walks, etc. Also some fun ones. I have already planned to participate
in the local Turkey Trot thanksgiving day with my Aunt and potentially my
sister!

#5 - oK - Plan and begin training to participate in a 5, 8, or 10K at least one time in 2013. Eventually working my way up to being able to do various other K's through the year. But like I said...inch by inch!

#6 - accountABILITY - Consistently meeting with a few girls as a disciple of Christ making disciples of Christ. Already enlisted 3 girls and plan to start the study before Christmas! God is good!

#7 - Habla better - Continue to work on improving my Spanish. The. End.

#8 - Crafty plans - pick and execute at least 5 projects from Pinerest that benefit me.

#9 - Good Gifts - Work on being intentional in my gift giving. Planning things out, making as
much as I can (this may include learning to sew...), and making it as personal as I can. Also loading up on my gift basket for those unavoidable surprise needed gifts...**side note** Black Friday is the PERFECT day to do this! Just loaded up on some games and DVD's for $3-4 each! Great gifts! Great price!

#10 - horizontal thinking - Be very intentional about the relationships around me. Parents, sisters, Bros-in-law, nephews, friends, cousins, people I work for, people in my past, people in my present, my pharmacist, check out lady, waiter. To erase "awkward" moments and be Christ to
those around me. Unhindered.

#11 - packing it in - Plan out beginning in January items to pick up throughout the year so that when the OCC deadline comes in November I will be ready with not 1 but 6 boxes to send! One for each age category and gender!

#12 - organi...where did I put that? - Find ways to better organize my calendar, budget, room, craft supplies, life!

with a joyful heart

Today I am thankful for this group of people! All 10 of them. I am so thankful that I am the 11th. I know that God knew what I needed when He made me and gave me them!

I love our growing supply of brothers.

I love the addition of nephews.

I love my parents multi-decade marriage.

I love my oldest sister and her husband's relationship grow and the examples they are to me, my sisters, and my nephews.

I love my next oldest sister's beginning relationship with her soon hubby to be and how they have sought to glorify the Father in everything they do.

I love my little sister's zest and excitement for life.

I love my littlest sister's innocence and joy in the little things that reminds all of us "big" kids that she's still little.

What can I say?! I have a lot to be thankful for!

esteem enhancer and maturity meter

It happened just like the movies, just like she always thought it would, but not like she wanted it to.

He walked her to her car. Opened the doors. Took the bags from her arm and placed them in the back seat. His slight touch wasn't in the least bit offensive or invasive. He was gentle, making small comments about the weather and the evening.

Small talk followed them all the way until she was seated in the driver's seat, car on, and soft music playing, and he was leaning against the outside of her door talking through the open window.

Without much hesitation or strain the words came from his mouth confident and sure he already knew her answer.

Those six little words. Every girl at some point wants to hear a variation of them in her lifetime. They are esteem enhancers. He found her desirable enough to ask to be seen alone with her in public. That he wants to be labeled "together." That she is worth the time of a relationship.

The look of confusion crossed her face. The only time she'd ever been faced with an answer she was about to give was with guys that had little respect for her or her family or convictions. Then the answer was simple, blatant, and obvious.

A wave of thoughts crashed over her thinking. Thought after thought tumbled in her mind like seashells under a currant. But, unlike the ocean the turmoil ceased and the answer wasn't as cloudy as she thought.

This is where those six esteem enhancer words became a maturity meter. The attention was wonderful. The thought of being sought after was flattering. The idea of being in a "relationship" was exciting. But they were not what she wanted.

She wanted something forever. Not a couple dates, facebook status changer, free time filler, half a year fun time.

She wanted to be lead spiritually, emotionally from now until death did them part.

She wanted her next "relationship" to be her last. She had no intention of throwing her heart at anyone to have anything done to it and returned at some point tattered and scarred.

She never once thought that would be his intentions but the maturity meter in those words made her search for the details she was looking for and she didn't find them. Where she might have at one point jumped on the opportunity her desires to be the Father's desires won out in the end. She knew that He was preparing the best for her and patience is key.

You see my friends, her heart is whole and untouched. The only people who have access are her father and her Father. That's it. It will only be released to one other man in her lifetime. That's it. One day her father will hand it over with her Father's leading. Until that day comes it is to be left untouched, protected, whole, and pure.

She didn't leave that night regretting her decision. She left knowing confidently that he wasn't the one her heart would belong to. She was sure and peaceful about it.

In the end those six words served both purposes. They did enhance her esteem. They also tested her maturity. She is still anticipating what future her Father is preparing her for and for her. Right now, I'm pretty sure she is happily enjoying Him.

That my friends is a wonderful start to a happily forever after.

Dirty Do's

It's been a tad on the heavy side around here lately! Sorry!

So, to break the cycle of tough to digest posts I have decided to give some insight into a little something I have grown to master based on various trips I've taken.

This may be irrelevant to some but for me I find it important and I wanted to post about it! Note: If you are one to NEED to wash your hair every day, would never find themselves in foreign country where baths are not readily available, or find the need to have freshly dried, curled, and styled hair than you should not read further. However, my heart is for ministry and sometimes that ministry takes me away from cleanliness.

So, something to cover...dirty...dirty hair that is!

On both my trips to Peru baths have not been something...eh, let's just say readily available. My first trip we spent 4 days in the mountains with showers that had just had the water connected.

No hot water...

none!

Let me remind you that we were there in the DEAD of winter so the idea of washing anything in that water at any point was out of the question...let alone in the middle of the coldest time of year!

So you wash your hair before you go up and that's it for days...let's just say maybe close to a week...no comments. =)

So, with that being said, I have learned a few tricks. I DO NOT keep a habit of dirty hair and don't have to practice this other than being away. BUT, I figured it could be a help to someone who might need it. One day I plan to go back to Peru or another country that would require some creativity on my part. So, let's begin!

**Disclaimer - my hair is long...wavy...and tends to get flat and greasy quick. These tricks and products work on my hair. Sorry if it doesn't qualify for you!**

Let's get started with products first! This is some of my favorite stuff! It will give you a fresher feel and look in seconds! The trick is getting it even or you have some hair that's big on one side and flat and greasy on the other side!

I like to bend over so all my hair is hanging down. I grab various sections all over my head to distribute it as close to my scalp as possible!

The bottle says to brush out after spraying but I have found that my hair goes back close to it's greasy mess if I do! I tend to leave it and style it from there!



Have your hair completely brushed before applying the spray. It will be helpful in the long run but initially it helps to distribute the spray evenly.

The second product is a volumizing shampoo. These tend to strip a lot of the grease so as to give you volume. A lot...probably most tell you that it adds volume with out drying it out but it still does it some extent. This kind of shampoo is helpful so as to keep hair clean (looking) longer! Go for the cheaper version so as to not do a good job not drying out! haha!

Now let's move onto the day by day. I have never worked with a time period longer than a week so bare with me. I am pretty sure...no I am confident that if my time with out washing my hair touched 7 days I would find myself freezing through it. But the time that I am in the mountains on these trips is limited so I don't mind making it work until I can get to a shower.

Day 1 - I wash my hair with the shampoo of choice but as I mentioned I find that volumizing kind helps. I try to let my hair dry with little to no touching it all. The more you mess with it the faster it's going to go to the greasy side. I keep it wrapped in a towel for the majority of the process. This is a TERRIBLE picture but work with me. I washed my hair the morning of this picture and left it down or just a little pinned back. That way I didn't mess with it too much but it wasn't held close to my head to get dirty fast.

Day 2 - I pin the top part back...If I have bangs** or not. That way it keeps it off my head and gives it the illusion of a style. Then I braid the bottom or pull it into a low bun. Whatever you do keep it on the softer side. The tighter you do it to begin with the more hastle it will be in the next day or two.

This is pinned back in a 1/2 up. Later that day I twisted it into a loose bun at base of my neck. Loose and simple but keeping it clean.

Day 3 & 4 - I don't know about you but at this point my hair is gone. The first 2 days it looks somewhat decent and I'm able to make it work. By day 3 my favorite waterless shampoo is broken out and used...and a lot of it!

For these 2 pictures the process was about the same. I flipped my head over and brushed the mess out of it. I separate pieces of hair and spray the waterless shampoo. I try not to get close to the scalp but you want it decently covered. Separate and spray the hair from back to front and left to right.

For the picture on the left I pulled it into a messy bun on the top of my head and for the picture of the left I braided it in two braids.

Day 5 - This has typically been my final day of dirtiness. This has been the day that we are headed down the mountain back to Lima. That day is long and tiring but we all know that on the other end of it is shower and clean clothes...and shoes!

For this picture I twisted the 2 sections back to a bun in the back of my head. I didn't spray the spray this day because it is easier to twist and pin dirty hair than it is to do dry clean hair!

By the time we get through with the showers that night I'm pretty sure that poor block needs to restock the water supply. From there on out it's a clean and fixed.

I have learned ways to make it work for my hair. I'm working on a few clean hair tutorials but as for now we'll stick with the dirt of the matter! =)

I would love to hear from some of you about your mission trip experiences!

Thanks!

I can't be silent

Today, thousands of people from across the country will not say a word for those that never got a chance. I am glad that these people are choosing to make this stand this way. But as for me, I can't be silent.

So many every day never have a chance to say anything. Their little lives are cut short. Many would say before it began but oh my dear, how wrong they are. Their lives already began. They were living.

At just 6 weeks a baby has ears, eyes, and a mouth forming. Their heart is beating and has been for a week or more.

It's a life that doesn't need to be taken.

So, today I won't be silent. This day or any day...

the hard prayer

I've spoken many times about my Friday friend. Her friendship comes and goes and changes faster than the weather in the fall. She's here, she's there, up, down. With this friend I had many people try to change my mind about remaining her friend from my end. It was hard to just walk away. It wasn't until someone taught me one of the hardest prayers you could ever pray over someone.

Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy. NIV

A man who hardens his neck after much reproof will suddenly be broken beyond remedy. NASB

Proverbs 29:1

When this person told me about praying this verse over someone it crushed me. How could I pray for someone's destruction? It took me having to really realize that God was to be obeyed and if someone is going to be so stubborn to continue then they need to be broken. Besides, God's power is made evident in our weakness. Not only evident but magnified! I have been praying this prayer over my Friday friend for years. I still have witnessed the brokenness but that doesn't stop me from praying it.

I find myself praying that prayer lately in a second dose. This time for another friend. I can't say who. Can't say why.

I've been a fan of John Waller for a while but my sister introduced me to his new CD, As for me and my house. The CD is nothing but lifted Scripture (which I love!). The CD begins with this song!

**the video really has nothing to do with the song but I wanted to find it so you could hear.** Make sure you scroll down and turn off my music!

Spirit of death
You have no place here
I command that you leave
In Jesus' name

Spirit of fear
You have no place here
I command that you leave
In Jesus' name
You're not welcome here
So go, just go

Spirit of doubt
You have no place here
I command that you leave
In Jesus' name

Envy and jealousy
You have no place here
I command you to leave in Jesus' name
Go back from whence you came 'cause

Our God reigns here
Our God reigns here
We claim this ground
In Jesus' name
'Cause our God reigns
Our God reigns here
Our God reigns here
The battle's won
Have no fear
'Cause God reigns here
He reigns here, our God

Anger and rage
Guilt and shame
I command you to leave
In Jesus' name

Depression, anxiety
Addiction, infirmity
I command you to leave
In Jesus' name
Go back from whence you came 'cause

God reigns here, there's no doubt, He has overcome the world
God reigns here, there's no doubt, He has overcome the world
God reigns here, there's no doubt, He has overcome the world
Our God reigns

I have found myself praying these prayers over this situation. My friends, in Jesus' name please join me commanding the enemy to leave. He has NO place here.

Our God Reigns here! There's no doubt!

600 miles too many

My sister and her family have been staying with us this week while my bro-in-law finishes up some classes that he needed near our house before heading back. This past week marks that they have spent the same amount of time in their new place as they did here.

If you asked anyone one of us during that 7 months if we enjoyed every single minute of every single day being piled in bedrooms and beds to make us all fit and our answers would all be the same. There were moments when we drove each other crazy...beyond crazy. We slammed 2 worlds together and lived 9 different lives under one roof. With 4 different jobs, 6 adults, a teen, a 10 year old, and a toddler things got a little, no a lot crazy.

If you asked anyone one of us now if we would do it all again our answer would all be the same. Yes!

No amount of laundry,

Dirty dishes,

toys,

unavailable bathroom space,

food prep and clean up,

spit up,

crumbs,

sippy cups,

pacifiers,

dirty diapers,

messes,

empty milk containers,

additional coke can boxes,

even come close to making a single one of those 600 miles that separate us from them worth. Not a single one of them!

I know that with all things there is a season and this season, all 16 days of it, will be over on Sunday. I am not looking forward to it. I don't want it to happen but it must and I must be supportive. I'm trying to have the Pollyanna disposition in this and try to play the happy game. I came up with one. Don't laugh, I'm trying people!

#1 Thankful for modern technology to be able to fly/drive from here to there in a day's time instead of going from stage coach, to horse and cart, and walking for dayS at a time, and to be able to talk anytime we want with the click of a button or the pounding of a few keys instead of writing a letter and waiting weeks for it to reach it's destination and then waiting weeks to hear back.

Ok, that's it. No more happy about it.

Sand, Sun, and Surf

What more could you ask for right?! So enjoying this week away with my family! Sad that it has to draw to a close soon but soaking it up while I can!


By the way, useless fact of the day, I stink at mini golf! haha!

a little getaway...

Forgot to mention that my family were headed out of town... now it's a tad on the side of old news! We got away Saturday for a week and have enjoyed the time as a family!



Since leaving on Saturday I have gained 2 new family members! One sister into my eternal family and a brother into my earthly family! Praising the Lord for "my" little sister's decision to say, "yes" to the Father and my big sister's decision to say, "yes" to her fiance. It's been a house of excitment!




We are thoroughly our time as a family, all 10, er...11 of us! Looking forward to getting back and squeezing the neck of my newest sister but that can wait for a while! =) For now the sun, sand, surf, and silliness are wonderful!

May we,

never, NEVER forget!

Day 7

Day 7 - Favorite movies

I've gotten asked this question a lot recently.

I'm not sure how to answer.

I enjoy movies that don't make me turn green, shift uncomfortably, cover my ears, or hide my eyes.

If I'm I am going to sit and watch a movie I want it to be worth it. I enjoy movies that have slapstick type of humor. Crazy, stupid, fun. Unfortunately along with the majority of these movies comes a great deal of crude humor or yucky jokes. I have to admit that I enjoy a little Adam Sandler from time to time.

A little.

Leagally Blond might have to rank close to the top in that category too!

Other than that I like "feel good" movies.

Facing the Giants

Fireproof

One night with the King

Remember the Titans

Blind Side

I am sure there are more but this is all I can think of for now!

Probably the top of the top would be all things Jane Austen.

Pride and Prejudice

Sense and Sensibility

Persuasion

mine vs. mind

On Labor Day some friends and I decided to head to the mountains to a local orchard and pick peaches. This was a new experience for most, including me!


I have been apple picking in the fall nearly every year for as long as I can remember and took a group last year. This year we decided peaches would be fun! We had been planning to go since before Father's Day and this was the first day that was made available!

I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know this group of people. I enjoy the church and have for a while but often we do things outside of services and dinners it is just this group give or take a few. Most of them are around the same age and there is nothing "there" that makes things like this uncomfortable (*whispers* if you catch what I'm saying!).

After a wet day of picking peaches we headed back to the pastor's house for dinner and movies. This quickly turned into dinner and an English lesson. One of the guys asked me to help him with his English and then it morphed into a full fledged class...we will see how this goes! =)

On of the words that they had the hardest time saying is "mind." They chop the "d" off so it becomes mine. After several failed attempts from a lot of them I looked at them and asked, "your what?" Needless to say English jokes aren't really understood yet! haha!

It was a fun day all in all!

Day 6 and 8

Aaaannnnddd, we're back!

Ohmygoodnessgraciousme! How long has it been?!

Don't answer that!

I has been a back to back last few weeks and I think that with the cooler temps come calmer schedules!

So, we are back to our regularly scheduled programming!

Day 6 - something that makes you happy.
Day 8 - A place you have traveled.

To me this one took forever to decide. I wanted to find something that was a little out of the ordinary. So, Day 6 and Day 8 will be together in 1!

Feel jipped? So sorry!

So, something that makes me happy, Peru!

I don't know what it is about that place but I love it!

Maybe it's the rock hard beds.

Maybe it's the fresh air in the mountains.

Maybe it's the beyond freezing temps.

Maybe it's the cow poo everywhere.

Maybe it's the lack of cleanliness.

I really have no idea but I love it!

I know it's been quiet

neglected.

yup. that would about sum up the status of this blog.

neglecting.

yup. that about sums up the status of, well...me.

So much for a solid 30 days. HA! That ended when I missed day Idon'tevenremember. In my defense I would have been one day further from failure but blogger didn't post when I asked it to. Then when I logged on to rectify the situation did I post the post...?

no. I deleted it!

Ohforcryingoutloud!

Ridiculous, right?

Anyway. I will resume with blogs of meaning. I will finish the 30 days. I will.

Soon.

Oh, and stay tuned! I am bringing my younger sister in on the blogging band wagon. We have begun the preliminary construction of a place ladies young and old alike can enjoy stealing some tips on embracing their Biblical femininity while making current fashions modest and functional.

SO can't wait to announce it!

Thanks for reading!

oh. how. beautiful.

...As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Romans 10:15

How beautiful.

My friends, how beautiful it is indeed to see this picture today.

My baby sister has chosen to spend a week of her summer ministering to a family by spending the week with their daughter at Camp Barnabas. She is literally being her hands and feet as they spend time doing "camp things."

My sister is beautiful but oh my, how beautiful she looks as she is serving the Father.

I am so proud of her and the choice she has made.

oh. how. beautiful.

Day 4 - my siblings

Or in my case, my sisters. That's right, no brothers! Wouldn't trade it for anything! Now that marriage has entered our house we are adding bros a little as we go but from the start it was all girls all the way.

**Disclaimer, I REALLY wanted to have pictures for this post and I will get there but it did not happen today. My baby (well just above the baby) sister is leaving for MO in the morning. She is headed to Camp Barnabas to minister with about 30 from her youth group. Everyone over the age of 15 is headed to be a buddy to a camper while anyone 15 and younger will be there for KP, clean up, set up and running games, etc. Super huge opportunity. For that reason I have been helping her get last minute stuff together today and have not had a chance to pull any pictures together. I will post some in this post when I pull them together this week.**

So, onto the sibs! First we have Meg. She is 7 years older than I and we're probably the most alike. As far as looks go we don't resemble each other AT ALL! It's kind of funny! For the most part our opinions, tastes, likes/dislikes, etc. will probably match. 6.5 years ago she added the first of the brothers. Since then she and her hubby have given me my most prized title I own! Aunt x 2! Beeto and Poco are amazing little boys that I just love! I literally can't get enough of them! In fact I am headed out to spend some time with all 4 of them next month! SO looking forward to it!

Next is Lina. She is 4 years older than I and we love to hang out when we can. Which these days it's a miracle to see her alone and not running around trying to get something ready for longer than 5 minutes! She works hard to do the best she can at her jobs and ministering to others! While Dad and Mom and the girls went to TN to see my sister and her fam and get ready for the baby she and I chilled together here! We hated being away from everyone but we had a blast just being us!

Just below me is Madalee! She 16 and encompasses everything that a sweet, God honoring 16 year old does. She is loud and spunky. She loves to be with people. She loves to know what is going on. She is up on the latest of everything. She loves to love on people. She's crazy! We are 5 years apart and she has finally reached that age where the age difference isn't as noticable and hanging out is a blast! Our most recent undertaking is girl blog that we will co-author. Looking forward to announcing it soon! Stay tuned!

Last but NOT least is the Bean. Her given name is practically irrelevant. She has been called Bean longer than she hasn't. She is the Bean. There really is no denying it! She is 10.5 and loves the color blue, animals, going around barefoot, and living in a body of water. She is quick to be your friend and will give you her right arm if she thought you needed it! Creative thinker, animal lover, and older sister mimicker! She is a mess! Cracks me up nearly every day!

I love to be near my family. There really is no place I would rather be. I like to go "hang" with my friends but I love to be with my family. I could go on and on about my sisters! I have the best!

Like I said, pictures will be coming! Promise! I have some good ones to put up! Just need to get them uploaded and pasted! Soon, promise!

Day 4 - My Parents

My parents are awesome.
They are.
There is not argument there!
My dad has worked hard to provide for us.
My mom works long to school us.


Here are some current favs on the parental units!

1. They have currently been married for 28 years, 11 months, 1 day, 7 hours, and 18 minutes. My mom often says that she is more in love with him now then the day she married him and it shows! An amazing example of a God-filled marriage!

2. They encourage my endeavours. My dad loves to accompany me in attending the Spanish church when he can. Both my mom and dad love when I have them over to the house. They help minister to them with food, fellowship, and ice cream.

3. They choose to put family first.

So there you have it! My parents!

Day 3 - My first Love

I don't have 1. I have two first loves. To this day they still hold my heart.

One gave me the gifts and abilities I have.
The other encourages me to use them.

One gave me life.
The other works hard to provide for me to maintain life.

One gave me forgiveness.
The the other showed me the way to accept it.

One is my Father.
The other is my daddy.

It may sound cliche.

Let it.

I don't really care.

But it is true. From the beginning My father and my Father have had my hearts. There have been times when I am certain it has been hard to "want" to be obedient. I would be lying if I said that I was jumping with joy e.v.e.r.y. time I was asked to obey or do something I don't/didn't want to do. But, I know that they both love me. There is not doubt about it. It is out of that love that I know I want to obey.

I will let you in on another secret. I have never been in a relationship before. Ever. Never has a boy captured my attention long or strong enough to take my heart. I thank both of my first loves for protecting me from that so far. Because of them I know that my desire, now as an adult, is for "the one" my daddy has been praying for and my Father has been preparing. They gave me a gift and I don't want to play with it. It is special and only meant for "the one."

My first loves have given me life, security, protection, guidance, forgiveness, love.

So there you have it. My first love...(s)! =D

Day 2 - Blog Name meaning

Life is a waiting game. Most everything you do involves waiting.

One of my favorite books is one by Dr. Suess, Oh the Places You'll Go.

I don't have a particular reason for why I like this book, I just do. But about half way through this is what you will read.


"You can get so confused
that you'll start in to race
down long wiggled roads at a break-necking pace
and grind on for miles across weirdish wild space,
headed, I fear, toward a most useless place.
The Waiting Place...

...for people just waiting.
Waiting for a train to go
or a bus to come, or a plane to go
or the mail to come, or the rain to go
or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow
or waiting around for a Yes or a No
or waiting for their hair to grow.
Everyone is just waiting.

Waiting for the fish to bite
or waiting for wind to fly a kite
or waiting around for Friday night
or waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake
or a pot to boil, or a Better Break
or a string of pearls, or a pair of pants
or a wig with curls, or Another Chance.
Everyone is just waiting."

The book goes on to talk about leaving this place and moving on. How it's not for you and you're better than that. Until recently I would have agreed, but God...

See, as a human we like to think we "know" what He knows. But my friends, He is so much wiser than we are.

I began doing a little digging to find out what He had to say about waiting. You know what I found? That He never classifies it as a "bad" thing.

Psalm 25:3
Psalm 25:21
Psalm 27:14
Psalm 33:20
Psalm 37:7
Psalm 37:9
Psalm 147:11
Psalm 139:5
Proverbs 20:22
Isaiah 25:9
Isaiah 40:31
Isaiah 49:23
Micah 7:7
Hebrews 6:15

By the way, this list is NOT in any way exhaustive. This is just an overview. It took me about 3 verses into to realize that waiting was not a bad thing. Waiting on the Father that is. I knew that was where my heart found peace and my mind ceased it's constant fretting. I didn't have to "worry" about the next or the process to next. Waiting on the Father was it. That was all He wanted me to do.

wait. on. Him.

Thus the meaning of this blog. God has shown me and brought me to and through so many amazing things. But, in this life it is constant waiting. Most would look at the title and instantaneously think that I'm waiting on my husband. While this is true, it it not what is being mentioned in my title. I am simply waiting on the Father and His timing in my life in ALL things!

30 day challenge - Day 1 Me

I have pasted a huge sticker on my shirt that proclaims the obvious! Slacker!

Oh I know it's been quiet here! In all fairness, life hasn't been quiet! Remember when I posted this? Well, if you don't, it's OK. I didn't either. I was trying to weed through some past posts to find some information on something and stumbled upon it.

Well, I still think it's a good idea...it's just been a good idea that's been neglected! =) So here we go! Let's see if I can get 30 days of good blogging under my belt. After all, 21 days makes a habit right?

Welcome to my blog!

I'm AH.

I am the 3rd of 5 girls Spread out over 17 years.

I turned 21 in February and some days I don't feel a day over 10! There are times when being an adult stinks. Like hospital bills, taxes, and insurance. But, I wouldn't trade where God has me for anything!

15 facts about me...let's see.

1. I do not like chocolate. I will sample some things that contain chocolate. There are a few things that contain chocolate that I do enjoy. But over all I am not a sweet fan. So my guy is going to have to try a little harder than a chocolate bar!

2. I do not like feet. Can't stand them. They are sweaty, stinky, and just all over gross. Don't put your feet on me and I will return the favor. =D

3. I don't like peanut butter.

4. I love most all fruits and vegetables.

5. I've been babysitting since I was 14 but I am not sure I would trust a 14 year old with my own children. Read that: there is no way a 14 year old outside of my sisters is watching my child unattended!

6. I've been to Mexico and Peru and traveled in or through about 20 states. I would really like to have seen every state and Continent from outside the airport at least once.

7. I am a Jane Austen fan. Not addict, just fan! Mr. Darcy and Colonel Brandon being my favorite characters.

8. I love being outside. Love it.

9. I have partial hearing loss from ear infections as a child but my doctor blamed it on being homeschooled...yes, that's what I thought too.

10. I played basketball and soccer in middle and high school.

11. I have never had a loan of any kind. Dave Ramsey nerd right here! Woot Woot! I have paid cash for both cars I own. 1 being a Honda Accord and the other being Toyota Rav 4. I don't like American cars!

12. I love every part of flying aside from the actual flying part. If all flying was, was take off and landing I'd be fine. But being in the air is so boring!

13. I hate having my sisters being more than 2 hours away. Short term trips are one thing but longer than that it drives me CRAZY! With my sister being in TN now I can't stand not being close!

14. I am not a writer. But I love to write. Hate that I'm bad at it!

15. I love my family. Love them.

Our God can!

If you haven't caught on now to the fact that adoption is a desire of my heart then you have been blind or you are just now stumbling upon this blog! Because of that, things like this make my heart ache!

Yes, this is the same little girl. When I first saw this picture I thought it was 2 different children. The precious baby on the left lived in the baby house in her country in Eastern Europe until recently when she turned 5. No longer can this sweet little girl reside in a baby home and had to be moved to a mental institution. The picture on the right shows the effects that places like a mental institution have on a human being.

I don't have all the details but head on over here to find them out!

God is moving!

Pass along the information!

Get the word out!

suitcases

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:1-2

There have been some things in my life that I have tried to hide. Carrying them around in suitcases, tucking in the pieces that slip out every now and then. We all do it. We all tuck and hide our "unmentionables" of life as if no one else has them either. How dare someone else see even the tiniest edge. Some become flustered and embarrassed. Others pull out humor to cover or gloss over things. A few shrink away or hide, fading into backgrounds to become "not really there."

We all journey through life packing in our suitcases until the weight would merit you a over-weight checked bag fee enough to cover 3 plane tickets! We shove and push. Squeezing things in left and right as if we have to carry them.

Our backs are bent over and in pain from the weight being drug behind them. Our hands are calloused and raw from lifting, pulling, and dragging the handles of our pasts. And yet we won't let go.

I don't know why. The extent of my knowledge on this subject ends there. It doesn't make sense to me that we value these packages enough to carry them through life. We attempt to run miles with suitcases that drag us down. Have you ever tried to run with suitcases?! Did it once through an airport to make my flight...wasn't pretty...not gonna happen again.

I heard this song for the first time a few days ago. I have never heard of her before until now and can't seem to point out anything else she's done. But, I love this song. I love the simplicity of it's meaning.

Please go here to hear the song! It is a good one! Scroll down to turn off my music!

Looking into this subject a little more, I realized there's a lot more there than simply dropping it and leaving it. In some instances it's more of a passing. In others it's a laying down. And still in a few it is a process of taking it out piece by piece to release the individual from the thing(s) that are entangling.

In several of my experiences they were things I needed to ask for forgiveness for. In others I just needed to tell someone to verbally speak my forgiveness of someone else. Forgiveness is freeing. It's the process of handing over, bag by bag, the pieces of luggage that slow us down.

But, it shouldn't end there. It CAN'T end there. You have to walk away from that moment and place. You can't return. It has to stay there you have to move on. If you're anything like me I thought I needed to grab a thing or two out of the bag as I walked away. That my past still had to be a part of future. What I didn't realize was that it already was. They were circumstances that occurred in my life. My Savior had taken these parts of my life and molded them into the person I was becoming. They were a part of me. They were not me. But they made up who I was in Christ and how I would serve as the body of Christ.

After the moments of acknowledging my suitcases, casting off my suitcases, and allowing the contents of my suitcases to become evident for the better in my life, I had to allow God to use the items in my suitcases for Him. He wanted to take these parts that He had worked into me and use them to reach someone else. He wanted to use my suitcases to empty someone else's.

Are you tripping over your suicases?

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:6

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28

Happy Birthday Poco!

It's been a long week having my parents gone. Just me and the girls most of the day which gets strange when I start talking to the 18 month old like she knows what I'm saying! =)

I have missed them TERRIBLY! Not only are they gone but they're all together! *sniff* *sniff* Envious doesn't really begin to describe it! I was talking to someone about them all being gone and they looked at me like I was crazy! "Don't you like being alone?" To be perfectly honest, yes. There are days when I want to go away for an hour. But not 3 weeks. Ever. I love my family and I desire that our desire never fades to long to be together.

Anyway, way off topic from the original thought. They've added one more reason to the mix of why I don't want to be home.

Meet my Poco who is exactly 17.5 hours old and has this aunt so very much wrapped already!

From this very proud aunt, here is my nephew! By the way...I have the cutest nephews!

Can't wait to meet you little man! I love you already! Being tu tia is my favorite thing right now!

So long monkey!

(Sorry these pictures are so grainy. They aren't on the camera, F*cebook, or files on the computer don't know why they are posting to blogger this way.)

Last week was our farewell to Monkey week! We spent the time doing things that Monkey wants to do. From tie dye shirts and cupcakes to swimming in the pool from early morning til nap time. Most anything Monkey wanted to do we did!

I first started with Monkey October 2009. I had just resigned from a higher stress position to take this job. Instantly I knew it was a perfect fit for both of us. For several months it was just me and my little man until Boo came along.

Here's some Monkey facts that I think are just too cute to forget!

1. He is totally in love with babies. He gets all excited and giddy around babies. This gentle and calm side comes over his 3 year old body as he rubs their leg or arms and gives them kisses on their heads. He did the same for Boo and now baby enjoyed Monkey's attention for several weeks!

2. He can't say several letters. Even at 3 he pronounces things wrong and it is SUPER cute. His c's sound like ch. He can't say L, W, or S. So a simple sentence like, "I like cupcakes" comes out like, "I yike chupchaketh."

3. The child would turn orange because he drank so much Tang and if it had been possible to "be what you eat" he would have been a mac 'n cheese noodle. He would eat mac 'n cheese all day, for every meal. As much as he loves the stuff he is also a terrific eater. I was able to give him anything and he would at least try it. Some favorites were, guadamole and tips (guacamole and chips), tocholate toast (toast with nutella), hummus and chwactos (hummus and crackers), dump sawad (dump salad), and there is probably more but we'll stop there.

He is a sweety and I will miss seeing him daily.

Last day with all 3 kiddos!

I am thankful that God called me to watch him. It has been an awesome training ground.

Life hasn't seemed to slow down now that he's gone though. I do, however, get an unexpected week off. The first week in July Boo and her sister are headed to the beach with family. So that whole week I will be able to do somethings I have been anxious to take care of. For most that might be sleeping in, taking it easy, and enjoying myself but much to my sister's dismay we are going to tackle crazy things like closets and under her bed! It will be a good week!

Another thing that changes things for the next few weeks. My nephew has decided to make his appearance before his due date. Don't really know when that will be but he is indeed on his way here. Mom, Dad, and Bean are headed to my sister's house Sunday a.m. at dark:30 Dad will only stay a week and then fly home. Mom and Bean will stay to help my sister out for a few weeks and then the rest of us will somehow make our way out there when she's ready to come home.

That's all for now! Thanks for reading!