The terrible two's have started early? What?

It could just be that she's beginning to make some changes in her life, and I'm not familiar with her new ways starting to come forth. I need God to help me with my patience and understanding. Sophie is really doing a good job at testing my patience, and I need to learn to be calm through it. It's not so easy. Time-outs have already been given, and she's only 16 months. But, they seem to work. :)

Anyway, life isn't TOO exciting, but I'm enjoying it. We definitely try to get Sophie together with other kids throughout the week, because she needs it.

I can't stop reading Ted Dekker books. I'm averaging about 2 books a week. I never would have thought that I would be a reader! But, look at me go! :) I love it! Who needs t.v. when there are amazing books to read!? :)

Anyway, just thought I'd post something while I had a couple of minutes. Now I'm off to read while Sophie naps.

I LOVE MY JOB!

I really do love my job! This is the perfect way to be a neat freak and be O.C.D. and get paid for it! I clean the orthodontist office Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night. I'm only there for 1.5 hours a night, and I do my complete best. I put my 100% into my job. While I'm there, I get to think, pray and worship God. I put my praise on, and go. Apparently I do more than the previous guy that cleaned. I met some of the ladies who work there last night, and they all were to my surprise, very happy to meet me. They said they noticed the difference right away. I don't know what I do differently.... but all I know is that I want to do a good job, so it reflects positively on my boss.

Anyway, I think I found my calling in life! I LOVE TO CLEAN!! Maybe someday in the future I'll take on more jobs, but I'm going to stick to just one for now, so I can focus on raising my family. Honestly, it doesn't feel like work to me. It's just something I really enjoy doing. :) God knew what I needed and he provided it to me. He has blessed me and has exceeded my expectations! :)

Update

I get online everyday, but not long enough to post a new blog... not until Paul and I get a laptop of our own.

Anyway, I just wanted to check in and give an update on life!

SOPHIE:
Sophie is a very bust toddler! She doesn't stop until I put her down in her crib. She just GOES and GOES and GOES. But she is finally starting to learn how to stop and give mommy and daddy hugs and kisses and love on us through out her busy day. FINALLY! :) She will be 15 months old in a couple of weeks! Crazy how time flies! I love being able to spend my days with her!

ALISHA:
I am home during the days with Sophie. Finally doing what I've wanted to do since Sophie was born! I'm a SAHM. We go to the parks and go for walks, and hang out with friends and family. I have also just started a little job. The perfect job, fell into my lap. It was totally a God thing! My friend Sarah works as an orthodontal assistant and found out the news that their cleaning guy of 14 years was retiring. She thought to ask me if I'd be interested in picking up this night job. After finding out the details, I figured I'd be a fool not to take it. I work Monday-Thurs (the days they're open) and go in around 6pm for about an hour to vacuum, take out the trash and straighten up the waiting room and make sure the bathrooms are clean. On the weekends (which could be Thurs night, or any time I choose on Fri, Sat or Sun) I just need to do a little extra cleaning, like... the dusting or mopping floors. So, how can I deny a job that pays me $60/day? (or per hour if you look it that way). I'm thanking God for that! :)

PAUL:
He pretty much got a job offer right away, but it didn't start until about 2 months after he got the offer. So, as far as money goes, things have been tight, but... he's finally started and will get his first paycheck this week! Thank God, because we have crazy bills to pay! Anyway, he is working at Perkins School as a crisis aid for boys who have behavioral problems. Sometimes he fills in for teaching the classes too if need be. He's liking it, and so am I. He is home by before 3pm everyday. I like that aspect of it A LOT! :)

So, Praise God! We've settled and are doing well! Now all we need to do is get involved in the church and find some fishing spots for Paul. Poor Paul, he misses having a river right down the street. :( If anyone knows of good fishing spots out here, please let me know! :)

God provides!

So, we're here in MA now. Paul has been without a job for a little over a week now, but today he went for an interview at a school for those who require special attention. His particular job will be handling boys who have behavioral problems, which he already has experience with when he worked at a special school his mom was director of in Maryland a few years ago.

So, this place is called Perkins School, which some of you might have heard of. It's a beautiful campus, and I'm looking forward to seeing what's going to happen for him in the coming year! Praise God for Paul having a job with weekends free!! :)

Goodbye GROM, RevGen & Friends

It's Friday, July 17th! This has been one day I've been looking forward to for a LONG time. Long before I even knew I'd be looking forward to this particular day. I've been looking forward to this day since Sophie was born. Why? Because this is my last day of professional work. As of 2:00 PM today, I will officially be a Stay-At-Home-Mom! It was decided about three weeks ago, that we would be moving to MA, and it was then that I gave my three week's notice here at GROM Associates. I've worked at GROM for almost five years. I've made some great friends and I'm going to miss them a lot. I really am. But my excitement for being a full-time momma far surpasses my sadness to leave my friends behind. It also helps to know that I still have friends back in MA. So, I'm just really excited today, and I'm looking forward to seeing what God has in store for me and my little family. I'm homeward bound tomorrow late morning. :)

I'm gonna miss GROM, Revelation Generation, especially my church family and youth. But thanks to facebook, texting and all other technological advances, we won't have to lose touch. :)

See all you MA people next week sometime! :)

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY SOPHIE!

Today is Sophie's 1st birthday!! I can't even begin to tell you how much we are in love with our little girl. She really is such an AWESOME baby! Anyone who has ever babysat for us tells us this, and they say "Don't expect your next baby to be so good!" Hmm... well, we'd like to choose not to believe that! :) Every baby has their own personality, and Sophie's is wonderful!

Anyway, here are some pictures taken today and over the weekend.....

This was taken this morning (I was not prepared, and didn't have a good camera... so this was taken with Paul's cell phone)... Her daycare had pink baloons and a Happy Birthday banner for her! When we walked in, the kids jumped up and said "Happy birthday!!!" Sophie reacted as if she knew what was going on... she was very excited and was all smiles!! :)

This was taken over the weekend. With ALL of Paul's family together (mom, dad, sisters, brother, sister-in-law, nephew & neice), which is VERY rare... we decided to celebrate 4 days early.

Here we have Sophie's first experience with lit candles on a birthday cake.... she was studying it (while Paul kept her hands down by her side)

Sophie got a few little gifts, and this was a ribbon that said "Birthday Girl." Anything new for Sophie to look at is a wonderful gift!!

Sophie's first taste of cake! She didn't seem overly thrilled for it, but she ate it anyway. I would have let her make a mess with the cake, but there wasn't a high chair for her, and it wasn't my house for her to make that kind of mess. I'll let her do it tonight! :)

The decision has been made...

Well, it's going to happen...

We've decided the move date is going to be July 22nd. We'll be moving to MA. I'm excited and nervous all at the same time. I really do believe God will take care of us though! We are going to leave without having any jobs secured... but I have peace about this. I really do believe God will provide a job for Paul. I will at least have my mom's paper route to make enough to cover paying our phone bill and our car insurance, lol. We'll have to do odd jobs until Paul finds a secure job.

So, yet another thing to pray for... a job for Paul w/benefits! If I need to work, I really don't think I'll do more than part time.

So, if any of you know of someone needing help somewhere, please let us know. We both have experience with administration and Paul has managerial skills. I also LOVE to clean... so I'd be willing to clean too. :)

So, here we go.... taking a HUGE leap of faith. At least we don't need to pay rent for a little bit. HA!

DATE NIGHT!

I'm very excited! Paul's family is in the US for the month, and his mom and sister have been with us for a week. Tonight, Paul's wonderful mom is sending us off on a date, which is long over-due! Bless her heart! I'm SO looking forward to this date! :)

Thank you!

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who's praying for/with me and my husband about these decisions we need to make. It is a hard choice to have to make! We're still praying... thanks again!

Worst teething weekend ever

Sophie has had a miserable weekend. On Sunday, she woke up with a fever of 103.5. She slept most of the day, and barely ate. We did manage to have a little bit of fun with her, but for the most part, she just wanted to cry because she's obviously in a lot of pain.

I stayed home with her on Monday. She didn't have a fever, but she was still miserable. She only ate about 14 ounces of formula, and would cry every time I tried to spoon feed her food. Well, she screamed even when I would put the bottle even near her face. Back arched, head back, tears pouring out of her eyes, kicking, arms flailing.... not a fun day! She even went to bed without having anything to eat because she just wouldn't take it. I woke up at 2 AM just to go in and try to feed her some formula while she was sleeping, and she still shoved the bottle away (this usually works).

She's drooling like a faucet, and her poor wrists and hands are red with teeth marks... so I know it's teething. She usually does get a fever when she's teething like this, but I've never had to endure watching her in this much pain and go without an adequate amount of food for so long. If she continues to not eat today, I'll make a call to the doctor, but I'm just praying that it will be a better day. She was happy when she woke up this morning, but only ate 4 ounces so far.

She's with Grandma Anne today and for the rest of the week. It's very helpful for me and Paul that his parents are visiting right now. We have a built in babysitter. :) I really pray that Sophie eats better today. Otherwise, are we going to need to take her to the hospital and have her fed through an IV? What happens next? Anyone know?

Tough Decisions

I'm going to be very open here... but please don't go spreading news that what I say here IS in fact going to happen. This is just what's been on our hearts and going through our minds lately...

We could really use your prayers in the coming weeks ahead. Paul and I have some really tough decisions to make. We're both strongly considering making a move. To where? Probably MA. But we don't know for sure... maybe for a short time. Paul and I need to get back on our feet. It's very possible that we will need the help of family to accomplish that.

I know we're supposed to trust God and have faith that He will provide. He has, and I count every blessing! But, who is to say that it isn't God's plan for us to go be with family for a little while to get ourselves financially stable again? We've gone almost 3 weeks without heat for our water. Paul and I have paid our gas company between $50 to $100 every month, but Amerigas doesn't think that's enough and wants it paid IN FULL before they'll turn it back on. We can't save money, because we're spending our extra money on babysitters for Sophie and then our necessities for us and for Sophie.

I'm not saying this WILL happen, but it's definitely something we're praying about. If we do make a move it will be by the end of summer. Unless God has other plans and makes a way for us to stay here and become financially stable.

If we do make a move, it will be very hard for Paul, because all of his family and friends will be very far away. At least where we live right now is half way between his "people" and my "people". It would also be hard for us, because we would want our privacy and space. But, sometimes we need to do what is best for our family.

SO, please PRAY! Thank you so much!

Swings!

Things have been crazy...

I feel so lost when it comes to knowing that I'm supposed to do with my life! Although I love my job, and the company I work for.... I hate working while I have a baby who is growing up so fast, and I don't have the time with her that I had always dreamed I would have with my children.

This week especially though, has been difficult. Sophie has gone from having two consistant babysitters, to only one. But, Sophie's only babysitter now, has broken her foot, and has been advised to take it easy for 4 weeks. So, now... I'm struggling to find babysitters for FOUR WEEKS. Poor Sophie has been to 4 different people's homes in the past week and a half. Most of whom she's only met a couple of times. Thankfully, Sophie is very easy-going and adaptable, but still... I just don't think it's right!

I started off my work year with 1 month paid vacation, and I'm down to 9 days left! Forget having a family vacation this year, because I need to save these days for the times when Sophie is sick, or doesn't have a babysitter. I'm burnt out and exhausted and I just don't want to do this anymore! I don't want to be a full-time working mother. I just want to be a full-time mother. If I could do that, then I wouldn't need to rely on anyone else to watch my kid every day. Just finding someone to watch Sophie is exhausting in itself. I can't afford day care ($1,200 every month in this area). So... all I can do is rely on other people to watch Sophie, and this drives me crazy!

What can I do? How can I be a stay at home mom? Please pray for me... because this my mind is struggling with that to do! Thank you!

What's that?

My sweet girl asked her first semi question this morning. I say "semi" because she didn't know she was asking a question. Anyway, I handed her a toy to play with and then I said "What's that!?" and she looked at me with a big smile and whispered sweetly, "Sss tha?" And we went back and forth. I'd ask her the same question, and she copied me, over and over again. I LOVE IT!

A recent picture of my Sweet Sophie...

First time at the playground! She loved it!

Sophie can drive

I buckled Sophie in and got her all ready to go. Just told her she needed to be back by bedtime, and she was off for a fun night on the town!

She really is quite the expert

She knows what she's doing!

Just posting a couple pictures!

Sophie just being absolutely ADORABLE!

Sophie in her easter dress at church!

Gnats!

Yesterday was a gorgeous 65 degrees and sunny! So, Paul wanted to take the opportunity to go fishing! I decided that while he was fishing, I would take a nice stroll around the resevoir with Sophie. There are great walking trails and it's just a great place to get some physical fitness in.

So, as I started walking through the forested area... I couldn't help but notice the SWARMS of big black gnats everywhere! Then I noticed them settling on the stroller, and I checked to see Sophie and they we landing on her tray where I had put Cheerios for her to enjoy! WHAT WAS I TO DO??

So, I did the only logical thing I could think of. I started running! Dodging every swarm of gnats I could see myself approaching! Waving my arm in front of me to swat them away! I looked like a complete fool! :) Sophie had a bumpy ride because it wasnt smooth pavement, but she loved it. The whole time she was entertaining herself by listening to her voice sing in vibrato as she "Uhhhhhhhhh, uhhhhhhhh, uhhhhhhhh'ed the whole time. Very cute, I might add. And, somehow her Cheerios managed to stay on the tray.

I finally managed to find a place where the gnats didn't congregate, and the breeze was just right. Sophie loved every minute of our outing. I took a few pictures with Paul's cell phone (posted above). So, Sophie and I sat there, enjoying the fresh air and taking in all of God's beautiful creations... and eating Cheerios.

Aside from the gross gnats, we had a lovely time. :)

Sick of people being diagnosed with Cancer

It seems my blog is nothing but prayer requests, but that's ok. I just want to get the word out.

Please pray for Ryan Deal, who was recently diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. Ryan and his wife Elanea live in Western PA, where Ryan is a youth pastor. If you're interested in checking out their prayer blog, here is the website: http://patientinaffliction.blogspot.com/

Thanks everyone! I really believe God will heal Ryan, but we just need to keep him in prayer!

A new body for Aunty Patty

Very early this morning, Pat went home to be with the Lord. Although she was weak and very ill, I truely believe she died in peace, because it was evident in her last days here on earth.

I'm rejoicing in the fact that I know she is in heaven, and I know she has a brand new body! Her days of suffering are over and right now she is worshipping God!

Rest In Peace, Aunty Pat! :)

Praising God!

My aunt Patty has been battling cancer for a long time now. But she was just told that she only has a couple of weeks to live (obviously depending on God). So, Wednesday night I was washing my dishes and I was praying for 1) her salvation and 2) that God would heal her.

All of a sudden, I felt an unexplained joy instead of sadness. I looked at the clock to see what time I felt this. I told myself "Either Patty just got saved or she was healed!" So, I expected to hear something the next day. Well, it was until today that I found out at she accepted Jesus Christ into her heart on Wednesday night! I KNEW I WOULD HEAR AWESOME NEWS! So, next I'm waiting to hear that she is competely healed. I know God can do it if He wants to. Will you please pray with me?

God is amazing!

The bus broke down...

Our church has a bus ministry, and last Wednesday night the bus died (after all the kids were dropped off THANK YOU GOD!)

Since the bus ministry brings in most of the kids who make up our youth group, we really need to get a "new" one. The kids coming in on the bus do not come from Christian homes and are from a really rough area. We look forward to giving these kids a "safe place" every week, but it looks like we won't be able to until we can find a bus.

SO, I'd like to ask for you to please think of this when you're praying and ask God to provide us with a new bus quickly and for FREE. Or for cheap. :) Thanks so much!!

RIP Shepherd of the Valley Green Youth Bus!

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST

I can't believe I didn't blog about this before! Well, I am now, and I really need you guys to please pray for baby Ty who is 20 months old. I don't personally know this boy or his family, but I know the pastor of the church his family is a part of.

Here's the story:

A couple of weeks ago, Ty was playing in his brother's room and fell off the bed. He hit his head on the floor in such a way that it has caused internal hemmoraging, and he has been in ICU ever since. The doctors say he is brain dead and that things "don't look good." They've talked about pulling the plug on this little boy.

Some good news:

SO many people have been praying for a miracle. I know God has been showing me that I need to strengthen my faith. So, as far as praying for baby Ty, I have been praying as if the miracle has already taken place and thanking God for his healing power over Ty's body. I know his church is doing the same. Just yesterday my mom told me that Ty all of a sudden started making some progress!!! The doctors say because of the severity of his brain, this shouldn't be happening. So, already God is starting to do something miraculous! We need to pray for his TOTAL healing!

ONE more thing to pray for in this situation:

The parents are being investigated because they weren't in the room when he fell. So, the older brother (4yrs old) has been taken from them until their investigation proves they are fit to care for them. Anyone who knows the family say that they would never do anything to harm these boys. So, we need to pray that this case is dropped. The parents have enough to worry about with their baby in the hospital. We need another miracle with this situation.

PLEASE PRAY WITH ME!

Blessed Child

I'm reading a book right now by Ted Dekker & Bill Bright. It's called Blessed Child. All I can say is "WOW!" I believe the main focus of the book is to get a different picture of the spiritual world. The world in which really does exist, but we can't see, unless God opens our eyes to see it. I'm not sure if the picture Ted Dekker paints is really what it looks like, but it definitely opens my eyes and is a reminder to how powerful God's love is, and how powerful our prayers can be. I'd love to get past my worldy view and see things as they are in God's kingdom. That's my desire!

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. Colossians 3:1-4

It's amazing to think that the heavenly realm isn't just for when we die. It's here for us now, and things are happening on our behalf right now. We need the eyes of faith to see what's really going on. God can heal hearts, heal bodies and change situations and it all happens because God is working in the spiritual. If we have enough faith to believe that, maybe we'd see more of what God can do.

Anyway, I definitely recommend this book!

Another year older

So, today I turn 25. I'm SO thankful to be where I am in life - married to an amazing man and being the mother to a beautiful, healthy, funny little girl.

Tonight we will celebrate with the youth group and our church family... I think that will be much more fun than working, like I am right now. :) Oh well...

Anyway, thank you God for giving me another year to be with my family! :)

Twitter

Do you understand Twitter? Can someone explain it to me, please?

God, the Lifter of My Head

Has anyone ever taken your chin in their hands and lifted your head up to meet you eye to eye? Whether it be to show you adoration and just get your attention as they're trying to give you encouragement? I know my mom would do this to me as a child. And this is what I think of when the scriptures say that God is the "Lifter of my Head." (Ps. 3:3)

When we're feeling down, discouraged, depressed, as if life it too hard, and we just want to wish it all away - that's when God wants to take your chin in his hand and lift up your head and speak His life into you. I picture Him saying "Why is your soul downcast? Why so disturbed? Put your hope in Me! Give Me praise!" (Ps. 42:5)

Praise brings glory to God, and it brings our spirit to a higher place! I can't ever think of a time when I was giving praise to God that I felt low or depressed. Praising God is like medicine for the soul. True praise to God brings victory! Satan hates it when people praise God!

After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose. (Acts 16:23-26)

There is power through praising God! God can take your circumstances and turn it around. Life is not supposed to be easy. Actually, we need to have our "ups" and our "downs." Each time we learn to overcome an obstacle, we become stronger, we learn to depend on God and not on our own strength.

God wants to bestow on you a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. [You] will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of His splendor. (Isaiah 61:3)

God is a powerful God and He can take you through any situation. Give it up to God, give God praise from deep within your heart and allow God to break the chains that have a hold of you. Allow God to set you free.

He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God." (Ps. 50:23)

I used to believe

I was listening to the radio this morning and they made a little comment about this website. It's called http://iusedtobelieve.com/ . It's just a fun website, where people tell something they used to believe (usually as a child) and it makes for some good laughs. Do you have any good stories of what you used to believe? Feel free to share them if you so desire. :)

Here's something I used to believe: When I was in kindergarten, I used to believe that my vanilla yogurt was Elmer's glue and wouldn't eat it. I thought my mom was mean to give that to me as part of my lunch. Why would she give me glue to eat?

Just being a mom

I am loving this picture right now. It's also one of my favorite outfits on Sophie. :) This is my big (almost) 7.5 month old. :)

HEY MASSACHUSETTS PEOPLE!

I'll be visiting this weekend, so make sure you go to the first service at church. :)

If I miss my chance to see you this time, then hopefully I'll have a chance to see you when I visit for a week in March (3/23 - 3/29). I'm hoping to actually be able to get together with a bunch of friends in March... I'll try to make plans for that. I'll keep you posted. :)

Hope to see you at church this weekend! You can also feel free to drop by my parent's house too. Give a call to make sure we're there.

Ok, that's all! :)

Loving Sophie

Well, I love everything about Sophie, but here are a few things that she does, that melt my heart:

• Sophie's smile, especially when I walk in the room
• When she dances
• When she sings
• When she touches my face while I'm feeding her and she's asleep
• I love watching Sophie play. I know she's learning and developing and becoming her own person. It's amazing to me.
• When she crawls over to me and reaches her hands up for me to hold her with a big smile on her face.
• When she crawls over to me and grabs on to the couch and pulls herself up to stand and then she gets this REALLY EXCITED look on her face and starts laughing as if to say "WOW!!! MOM LOOK WHAT I JUST DID!!!"
• I love the special bond she has with her daddy.

The list could go on and on....

Feeling bad

Here I am, making a spring-looking blog, knowing that Judy will make one for me for a small donation for missions, but right now, I barely have a "small" donation. I want to give, I'm sorry Judy!

My blog doesn't look as nice as what yours would look like, and when I can afford to give a donation, I'll have you re-do mine, or at least my banner. I did my banner in my Paint application from my computer. I'm not sure how you make such cute banners, but mine is what it is, ha ha!

Anyway, I for some reason, felt like I needed to explain myself. Probably didn't need to, but I felt the need.

Have a Happy Valentines Day everyone!

Holy Spirit, Savior, Healer

I can't think straight today. For the past couple Wednesday nights, I leave our youth group feeling uneasy. Sometimes I wish I could just stay oblivious to the evils in this world. I am outraged and devastated at the situations the majority of our young girls have had to deal with in their short lifetimes. I now understand how confused they are about their value, their worth and their stand on purity.

I want to take them all away for a while, starting from the basics - salvation, and gradually lead them to a place where they can understand the importance of God and his commands, and also just know the kind of God that He really is. These girls need more than just a Wednesday night meeting of 1.5 hours of church.

I wish I was qualified to counsel these girls, but I'm not. I wish I knew what to do, but I don't.

For now I will just pray for these girls. Since God can do anything... I know He can speak to, minister to and heal these girls hearts and minds. I just hope these girls will open their hearts and ears to listen. And, I need God to give me wisdom.

I'm not sure how acurate this is, but I've heard that 1 out of 4 girls have been secually and physically abused. I believe it. This world is evil, and I can't wait until Jesus comes back.

Worth Posting (Common Sense)

Obituary for Common Sense

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend by the name of Common Sense who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such value lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm, and that life isn't always fair.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not kids, are in charge).
His health began to rapidly deteriorate when well intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate, teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch, and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer aspirin to a student, but could not inform the parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
Finally, Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense finally gave up the ghost after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot, she spilled a bit on her lap, and was awarded a huge settlement.
Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason.
He is survived by two stepbrothers, My Rights and Ima Whiner. Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you still know him pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing.

- Author Unknown

Some tough stuff

We had our girl talk at FUSION (youth group) on Wednesday night. It went really well. We had one of our adult leaders give a testimony and from there, the girls had a million questions (ok, so maybe not a million, but there were a lot of questions).

Some girls felt comfortable enough to share some stuff with us. One girl took me aside to tell me some issues she has dealt with in her life. All of these issues I have never dealt with (THANK YOU GOD), but my heart breaks for this girl. She can't afford professional help, and I might need to go out and buy her a pregnancy test. For the sake of confidentiality, I won't go into all the details, but I do just ask you to pray for this girl. She would benefit GREATLY from Christian counseling. I wish I knew where I could direct her, because she really does not have the money to pay for services like that.

These girls are so young, and already have been used, hurt, mislead and are so confused about what they know from their home life and what we talk about at church. They get two different messages, and I just don't know how seriously they take God's word.

What I would like to do is put on a purity retreat - SOON. We have a lot of unresolved topics to go over, and I know they're interested in hearing more. Please pray for me, and the other youth leaders that God will direct us and show us how to handle some of these really fragile and extreme situations.

THANK YOU!

Can't wait for more 60 degree weather!

We went to Salisbury, MD for the weekend. It was great! Paul got to see some of his old buddies, and we just relaxed. The weather was gorgeous! It was 60 degrees on Sunday and Monday! It felt like freedom! Sophie went outside without her big huge fluffy pink marshmallow snow suit!

This is a picture of Sophie outside in her hoodie and pink sunglasses, because it was pretty bright outside! :) And, I just couldn't resist putting them on her!

Well, as far as the superbowl goes - we weren't happy with the end result. We were hoping the Cardinals were going to win. You know, the underdogs defeating those bullies called the Steelers! That would have been awesome! I do think the referee showed favoritism toward the Steelers though. So... who knows, the Cardinals might have won if not for one of his calls earlier on in the game. And, who am I to talk football? I don't even get the game! But I saw what I saw, and I think the referee made the wrong call. :)

I hope everyone else had a great weekend! Ours was beautiful!

A car for Paul! :)

In late March, my husband will be driving down to Florida to get his late grandparent's car. They passed away about a year ago (both within a few months of each other). So, Paul's aunt has been living at their house, and has her own car. We've been offered their car, which is a 2001 Mercury Sable. I can't even begin to tell you how much we need another car! Paul's car is falling apart! Another blessing coming our way! WOW! :)

We are so thankful! :)

WOW! BABY!!

Need baby wash? Baby lotion? I have ALL kinds! My VP just came down with a "late" baby gift from all the guys here at GROM. He said that with Revelation Generation going on this summer, they totally forgot to get something for Sophie when she was born. One of our clients is Johnson & Johnson, who's headquarters are only 20 minutes away. One of the account managers went there for a meeting today and brought back this HUGE basket full of:

• Lavender Baby Wash & Lotion
• Aloe Baby Wash & Lotion
• Shea Butter Baby Wash & Lotion
• Aveeno Baby Wash and creams
• Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment
• Shampoos
• Desitin
• Travel size products
• Children's Motrin (perfect timing because we need to get some more of this!)
• OH MY GOSH, the list just goes on and on!!

I have counted 24 products in this basket. AND the bottles are the 15 oz. size bottles that they have. WOW, WOW, WOW!! Ha ha!!

So, I am set for about 4 years. Unless someone needs anything. If you do, let me know! :)

NO lie... I'm going to need one of the men to carry this out to my car tonight... it's THAT heavy.

WOW, what a blessing!!!!

Cool perks

Ok, so my back hurts from my chair/desk combination in my office, but one of the cool perks about working here in this office is the chance to meet cool people like the founder of Tooth and Nail Records. He was meeting with my boss today. I'm also the front receptionist, and had the wonderful chance to meet this cool guy (so young, so "emo" looking!).

If you don't know, my boss not only runs an SAP consulting firm (his main source of income), but he also founded the Revelation Generation music festival, which will be going into it's 5th year this Labor Day weekend. http://revelationgeneration.org/

I had the opportunity and the privilege to be a part of the first year RevGen started. I was one of the main coordinators the first year (and found that I didn't have the years of administrative skills I really should have had!) In the first year (2005), we had about 4,000 in attendance, and RevGen 2008 we had about 20,000 in attendance. That's totally a God thing for a new venue that's only been going on for 4 years!!

As backstage hospitality coordinator, I have had the privilege of meeting some really great bands and speakers. Can I drop a few names? I really want to, just because it's fun and I'm so thankful for the cool opportunity. The list includes: Skillet, Barlow Girl, Newsboys, Paul Coleman, Newsboys, Relient K, The Afters, KJ-52, MxPx, Brian Littrell (of the Backstreet Boys), the Katinas, Building 429, Jars of Clay, and Stephen Baldwin who was one of our guest speakers, and maybe some more that I just can't think of off the top of my head...

So, it's an awesome experience to be a part of. I never thought I'd ever step into something so cool and this big when I first moved to NJ. It definitely gives me cool stories to tell someday. :)

Sometimes beauty brings pain

The pictures below are of my office and my desk. I know I have a gorgeous office, and I love it so much! But, the desk is not practical. I honestly believe that I'm having severe pain in my neck and upper back because of the way I sit at work!

If you notice the way the keyboard sits right up on top of the desk - so already this is problem #1. My arms are always higher than they should be and this causes tension.

Problem #2 lies with the way the computer moniter is positioned off to the side. So, whenever looking at my computer (which is most of the time), my neck is turned in a different way than the rest of my body.

So, I say all this because of an episode I had last night of severe pain starting from the center of my upper back and the pain surged to the center of my chest. I thought I was having heart problems, but it turns out I have something like a pulled muscle. Man, was this painful! I'm feeling better today, although this might return tonight after spending the whole day sitting at my desk again. What I need is healing from the pain in my body and a new desk. But I don't think I will be getting a new desk, because I KNOW this one was VERY pricey. So... looks like God needs to work his mighty hand and take away all of my tension. I know He can!

We sang!

Friday night was a ton of fun as we sang at Connections Cafe. We had a packed house, which was very encouraging! We also had a very full band - 10 members, which is the most we've ever taken with us to play at the cafe', but we really wanted everyone to have fun with it! So, hopefully we'll be back in the spring or summer to hang out at the cafe' again! It's always a good time! :)

Singing at the Cafe'!

In just about an hour I will be singing with my church's worship band at my boss's wife's cafe' here in town. She owns the local Christian bookstore, and recently had a cafe' added on. So, every weekend they have bands or artists come sing and play music. It's fun!

So, that's what I'll be doing tonight. I'm nervous, but looking forward to it! :) I'll try to post some pictures next week of the fun night we'll be having tonight! :)

In need of advice...

Sophie will only eat bananas!

At first, I gave her butternut squash, green beans, carrots, sweet potatoes and peas. She seemed to like them all when she first tried them - especially butternut squash.

So, then I introduced her to bananas, and she LOVED them. I then tried the other fruits: pears (not a fan), prunes (she thought they were o.k.) and also tried apples. She did NOT like the apples AT ALL.

So... am I supposed to just keep on giving her bananas? I want her to eat her vegetables! Any advice for a picky eater?

Just need to vent...

God, forgive these people who revere Obama as equal to a "god."

Ok, I'll be honest. Having a black president in office is pretty cool. This is definitely a major event in history. I have no problem with that whatsoever. But, as I'm sure most of you agree... the way people are reacting about our new president is over the top. It's wrong. I'm sorry, but even many christians are taking this way out of hand. It just doesn't settle right with me.

We have heard President Obama being called "the messiah", a "savior". Many have claimed that they have "seen the light." That is SO scary! Since when did a man who has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God deserved such praise? What has he done anyway that can make us put our confidence in him with this country? I'm not doubting that he won't be a good leader. He seems to be a very smart man. I definitely don't agree with many of his views, but I respect him, and I will pray for him. But, WOW - people need a reality check! He's not superman, and he's definitely not equal to our messiah! He NEVER will be. He is a man, just like us who has decided to serve his country and was elected president of the United States. Thank you for taking on the responsibility of serving our country President Obama, may God direct your steps.

That's all.

Two thumbs up!

So, the dilema was that Sophie has all of these really cute pants and play outfits to wear, but I never felt comfortable putting her in them, because she ALWAYS found a way to kick off her socks within 4 seconds of my putting them on her! So, instead, I only put her in her little feety pajamas every day, to ensure that her feet would not get cold during these winter months!

The other day, I picked up these crew socks from Kohls and found that they actually stay on!! I think it's the tighter elastic top that doesn't slide down as easily. I'm not saying they're perfect, but I think I only had to put them back on only ONCE! That to me is pretty amazing. So, as silly as posting a blog about baby socks may seem... it's something that makes me very happy, because now she can wear her adorable little play clothes! SO fun! :)

And for any new mother I know that is expecting, you can expect a package of these from me! :)

God's answer was immediate!

I had to put in a complaint to our landlords about our heating and insulation problem. We don't go above 65 dgrees in our apartment, and we're still paying a TON for our gas bill. It's getting out of hand! I mean, we turn the heat down to 60 at night and also while we're gone to work all day, and then only move it up to 65 between 7am to 8am, and then again from 5pm to 10pm. Why are we paying so much? Because we lose so much heat due to our poor insulation and drafty windows. So, because of this problem, we have a portable heater in Sophie's room to keep her warm at night. But this has made our electric bill higher than we've ever seen!

So, I was praying about this yesterday. I mean, really pouring my heart out about what we're supposed to do. And this is what God decided to do the next day:

I got a call from my landlord, and this is what he said:

"In the next few days, we're going to be going up in the attic, we'll be throwing down insulation and getting that all sealed up. We're going to rip up your floor boards, so we can put insulation down (in our apartment). I'm going to go out today and look for storm windows to install. And we're going to pay half of your gas bill. We're just sorry, we meant to work on that, but time got away from us, and we just feel bad. SO, we'll be working on that this week."

God is good. He answers prayer!! And, the fact that they'll be paying half our bill is absolutely shocking to me! God went over the top! Because He loves us. :) Apparently our landlords love us too. :)

THANKS TO GOD for answering prayer! :)

Proud momma

I just can't help being so excited and feeling the need to tell everyone how proud I am of Sophie! I LOVE watching her grow, develop, explore and learn. It's SO amazing to me!

So, this weekend, I decided to open a new toy that Sophie had received for her dedication back in October. It is for ages 6+ months, so I waited on it. We finally took it out of the box on Saturday, and Sophie absolutely LOVES it.

I'll be honest, I wasn't sure if she'd figure it out quite yet, but she just totally amazed me. I showed her how to work it, and she was pressing that blue lever over and over and over again. She's starting to learn "cause and effect." It just made me so proud to watch her. THEN, at one point, she even took one of the gumballs and tried to put it in the top of the machine (which she saw me do). She didn't quite make it in, because it was too high for her, and she didn't pick herself up onto her hands and knees... but still. Just watching her attempt that brought happy tears to my eyes. Just a proud mommy, that's all!

Stop growing up so fast!

Actually, it makes me really happy to watch Sophie grow, learn and discover! But, seriously...she needs to slow down!

Last night we were playing on the floor in her bedroom. She was crawling her way over to her crib, and was reaching for the bottom (actually reaching for one of the slats). She grabbed onto it. Then she put her other hand on my arm, and proceeded to PULL HERSELF UP to a STANDING position. ALL BY HERSELF! (Literally took my breath away and made me SO proud!)

Sophie turned 6 months yesterday... Where is she going in such a hurry? :)

"Yah-Yay"

So, last night Sophie was acting cute as always... She was making squeals and sounds of excitement and happiness and really interacting with her daddy.

Paul continued to play with her and he said, "Say DADDY!" and she smiled and said, "Yah-yay!" It took my breath away! I looked at Paul and said, "Do it again!" So he did, and she repeated "Yah-yay!"

Oh wow... my sweet little girl! I'm so proud of her! :) She will be 6 months tomorrow! Where did the time go?

Life lately

I just quickly wanted to say "Thanks!" to Judy for updating my blog layout. Looks great! :)

Well, aside from both Paul and I having strep throat, life has really been pretty fun! I've been able to spend a lot more time with Sophie because of the holidays. It was really such a blessing! Sophie has just been a happy and wonderful little baby. And, for the first time last night (since about 2 months ago), she slept the whole way through - until 6:30! Yay for Sophie! Let's keep it up! :)

We haven't had youth group for two weeks, because of the holidays. So, we're looking forward to getting back with the kids this week! We're about to do a "girl / guy talk" in the coming weeks. As much as we stress how important it is to save yourself for marriage, these kids just don't seem to see the real importance of it. As I've said before, about 95% of the youth kids come from the projects. They come from broken homes, and most of them do not know what it's like to be raised in a Christian home. So, they're not taught "save yourself for marriage." They're taught "save yourself for someone you love." How many teenagers know what that kind of love really is? God help us! Please be praying for us. We really want to get through to them the importance of staying pure until marriage. Also, their image, self-worth, and other topics.

That's about it for now. :) Hope you all had a great Christmas and new years! Happy 2009!