Question of the Week?????

If you go go back and change one thing in your life what would it be and why?

13 Years

I can't believe that my husband and I will be married 13 years tomorrow. Where has the time gone? I am so blessed with the man I chose to spend the rest of my life with. He goes above and beyond and always makes me feel like a princess. To think 13 years ago tomorrow we were 23 and 25, nervously sharing our vows among family and friends. My husband had sang ( or should I say cried) the song " I will be Here" by Steven Curtis Chapman to me.

I Will Be Here(Steven Curtis Chapman)

Tomorrow morning if you wake up
and the sun does not appear
I will be here
If in the dark, we lose sight of love
Hold my hand, and have no fear
'Cause I will be here
I will be here
When you feel like being quiet
When you need to speak your mind
I will listen
And I will be here
When the laughter turns to cryin'
Through the winning, losing and trying
We'll be together
I will be here
Tomorrow morning, if you wake up
And the future is unclear
I will be here
Just as sure as seasons were made for change
Our lifetimes were made for these years
So I will be here
I will be here
And you can cry on my shoulder
When the mirror tells us we're older
I will hold you
And I will be here
To watch you grow in beauty
And tell you all the things you are to me
I will be here
I will be true to the promise I have made
To you and to the One who gave you to me
Tomorrow morning, if you wake up
And the sun does not appear
I will be here
Oh, I will be here.

I thank God for Jim and for husband and father that he is. Pooh Bear, I will love you always and forever. Happy Anniversary! Also Happy Birthday to my Niece Elizabeth who shares this day with us. One of the best Anniversay Presents we could have gotten.

Here Comes the Bride

Yesterday was such a nice relaxing and fun day. I went to a bridal shower for a young lady who used to be in our Young Adults ministry. I hesitated about going due to the bed rest but since I would basically be sitting, I decided to go. I took the "butterfly" with me and she had a blast. I will admit I was a bit nervous because it was at my old church. I was greeted with open arms and I felt loved. I didnt expect anything different but I get so anxious about things. I am so happy that I dealt with my feelings and emotions when I left the old church and didn't harbor any bitterness. I talked things out and resolved things. My family was sent off in love when we left despite our differences in opinions. Bitterness can eat away at you until you are just not a caring person anymore. It changes you. I have seen it happen so many times in my life and it can ruin a persons walk with the Lord. I am not gonna say I didn't have hurt feelings and I am not gonna say that I have super close relationships with everyone but I have learned and grown from it and feel closer to God due to it. My sister in law and husband have shared stories of churches being split and torn apart due to hatred and bitterness. The Bible speaks so strong about it. A few of the verses that I found in the Bible are

• Proverbs 10:12Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.
• Ephesians 4:31-32Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you
• Matthew 7:1-5"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye
• Hebrews 12:14-15Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.

I know there are many more verses that speak on this but these stuck out to me.

It was so nice seeing everyone. I can't believe that Jessica is getting married. Her future extended family were so warm and loving and beautiful Christian people. She was blessed with some amazing gifts. Kiarrah was a hoot. She helped open everything and ran the bows and ribbons to Auntie Frances ( aka Hat Maker) At one point Jess was trying to open a delicate gift and told Ki that she would open it herself and Miss Bossy pants says to her " I have an idea, why don't we open it together" She is so persistent.

Needless to say we had fun. I won a game prize. I got a yummy grapefruit scented candle. I just so happen to be all out of candles so that was a little blessing.

I will try to post so pictures later.

Verses To Mediate on

I need to surround myself with Positive verses that are going to keep me focused in the right direction.

1. Ephesians 1:17-23 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
2. Hebrews 11:6And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
3. 2 Chron 16:9For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.
4. Jeremiah 33:3'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'
5. 1 Peter 5:7-9Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
6. Phil 4:6-10Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
7. Nehemiah 8:10This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
8. Psalm 91:1-2He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say [b] of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
9. Psalm 139:13-18You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous — how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!
10. Isaiah 49:1Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: Before I was born the LORD called me; from my birth He has made mention of my name
11. Psalm 27:1The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
12. Psalm 31:24Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!
13. Psalm 46:1God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
14. Psalm 59:16But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.
15. Psalm 105:4Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!
16. Psalms 43:5Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
17. " For I know the plans I have for you," saith the Lord, " plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29: 11

Prayers

Dont really have the energy to blog today . I could just really use your prayers regarding Gracie. Had my echocardiogram today and now I am even more worried about my amniotic fluid. Her heart looks good but I have to go back because they can't seem to get good images. One of the major causes of that is low fluid. They wouldnt confirm if it was still low. I hate when they put all this fear and worry in you.
Could use some scripture verses to lift me up

Day of Relaxing

Today was such a nice relaxing day. I really enjoyed the time I spent with the twins. I can't believe they are 13 already. Where has the time gone. I was their nanny for 8 years and I feel like a second mom to them. They are so excited about my pregnancy and told them they can come to one of my later ultrasound appointments if their mommy said it was alright. That gives them something big to look forward to this summer.
When I took the boys to school this morning Dominic looked at me and said " mommy you can be calm today". He said that after realizing that Kiarrah was going with daddy to work. Kiarrah had a great time and was very well behaved at Jim's work and got spoiled by everyone.
I came home after picking up the boys and I am so exhausted. I was very relaxed today and off of my feet for the most part but it still took its toll on me. The Dr.'s office called and they rescheduled my fluid check for Monday because the Dr is on vacation tomorrow. He wants to be there when it is done to assess what to do if the level is still low. I am trying really hard not to worry about it. I was just hoping to have an answer by tomorrow. I do have to go for part two of my Fetal Echo cardiogram tomorrow. At least that will be done and over with. Please pray that everything is ok. I know my sweet potato is a miracle baby. I just need to stop worrying and trust God.

Freedom

I am actually child free today and it feels amazing. Kiarrah went to work with daddy for Take Your Child to Work Day. I am going to walk the boys to school and then meet some friends for coffee this am. Girl Time. I was then invited out to lunch with my favorite set of twins and their mom because they are on Spring Break this week. I could get used to this. I guess I am not totally child free. I do have this little sweet potato rolling around in my belly. LOL.

Dominic Funny

Yesterday Dominic had Terra Nova Testing at school and on Monday a note was sent up from the teachers just asking that your child goes to bed early and that they eat a good breakfast. Also it was important that they got to school on time for the testing. They had this kid so stressed that he woke up at 5:30 in the morning freaking out that he was going to be late and it was " such an important test and he can't miss any of it". I sent him back to bed and reassured him that we were not late and it was not yet time to get up. He proceeded to wake up every half hour freaking out. I reminded him that we are never late for school and he would be fine. He loves school so much. I hope he keeps that attitude.

Jersey Folks unfriendly?

It has been so beautiful here in Jersey lately. Unfortunately I think we have a cold front coming through again UGH!! I so needed these sunny days. My depressions seems to just linger on the rainy, gloomy days. As much as I hate the heat of summer I get more depressed in the winter. We have been enjoying being outside amongst neighbors and friends. It is so different from where I used to live. It doesn't matter when I go outside, I see people I know and they actually smile and say hi and talk to you. Who says all people in New Jersey are unfriendly? It is amazing that I have to go to an Urban area to find friendly people.

China?

We have always used the proper names for body parts with the kids. Well tonight Kiarrah was in the shower after getting filthy outside and she was singing at the top of her lungs with our windows open " I am washing my China I am washing my China" I about died laughing although I didnt let her hear me laugh or I will never get the girl to stop.
I wonder what our neighbors thought.

"Fathers Love Letter"

" Father's Love Letter ''
Author Unknown

My Dear Child,
You may not know Me, but I know everything about you ..Psalm 139:1 I know when you sit down and when you rise ...Psalm 139:3 Even the very hairs on your head are numbered ...Matthew 10:29-31 For you were made in My image ...Genesis 1:27 In Me you live and move and have your being ..Acts 17:28 I knew you even before you were conceived ...Jeremiah 1:4-5 I chose you when I planned creation ...Ephesians 1:11-12 You were not a mistake ...Psalm 139:15-16 For all your days are written in My book ...Psalm 139:15-16 I determined the exact time of your birth and where you live ...Acts 17:26 You are fearfully and wonderfully made ...Psalm 139:15-16 I knit you together in your mother's womb ..Psalm 139:13 I brought you forth on the day you were born ...Psalm 71:6 I have been misrepresented by those who don't know Me ...John 8:41-44 I am not distant and angry, but I am the complete expression of love ...1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could ..Matthew 7:11 For I am the perfect Father ...Matthew 5:48 Every good gift that you receive comes from My hand ...James 1:17 For I am your provider and I meet all your needs ...Matthew 6:31-33 My plan for your future has always been filled with hope ...Jeremiah 29:11 Because I love you with an everlasting love ..Jeremiah 31:3 My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore ...Psalm 139:17-18 And I rejoice over you with singing ..Zephaniah 3:17 I will never stop doing good to you ...Jeremiah 32:40
For you're My treasured possession ...Exodus 19:5 I desire to establish you with all My heart and all My soul ...Jeremiah 32:41 And I want to show you great and marvelous things ...Jeremiah 33:3 If you seek Me with all your heart you will find Me ...Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in Me and I will give you the desires of your heart ..Psalm 37:4 For it is I who gave you those desires ...Philippians 2:13 I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine ...Ephesians 3:20 For I am your greatest encourager ...2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 I am the Father who comforts you in all your troubles ...2 Corinthians 1:3-4 When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you ...Psalm 34:18 As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart ...Isaiah 40:11 One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes ...Revelation 21:3-4 And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth ...Revelation 21:4
I am your Father and I love you even as I love My son, Jesus ..John 17:23 For in Jesus My love for you is revealed ...John 17:26 He is the exact representation of My being ...Hebrews 1:3 And He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you ...Romans 8:31 And to tell you that I am not counting your sins ...2 Corinthians 5:18-19 Jesus died that you and I could be reconciled ...2 Corinthians 5:18-19 His death was the ultimate expression of My love for you
...1 John 4:10 I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love ....Romans 8:32 If you receive the gift of My son Jesus, you receive Me ..1 John 2:23 And nothing will separate you from My love again ..Romans 8:38-39 Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen ..(Luke 51:7)
I have always been Father and will always be Father ..(Ephesians 3:14-15)
I will never give up on you ...(Philippians 1:6)
I am waiting for you ...(Luke 15:11-12)
Love, Your Dad
Almighty God

Question of the Week

What are some of the most important attributes you look for in your friendships?

22 Weeks

Everyone that has seen me says that I am glowing. I just wish I could stop throwing up. LOL. Yesterday at church I had someone come up to me and say God, your stomach is huge. I was like Gee thanks, just what I needed to hear when I already feel like a cow. My stomach is so hard. I weighed myself today and I am now back to my prepregnancy weight. Weigh less felt good while it last. I just pray that I can get this weight off after Gracie is born.

Shine Make them Wonder What you Got....

It seems like forever since I have posted. It has been a very crazy weekend for me. Friday I went to the Dr. for an Ultrasound and they feel my amniotic fluid is getting too low. So needless to say I have to increase my fluid intake ( water) and go on a modified bed rest. Keep my feet up as much as possible, don't lift anything heavy and get much more rest. Also reduce my stress level. Easier said then done with my gang of kiddos. They want me back in on Friday to see if the level has increased. I had to be a dummy and go read up stuff on it on the Internet and have myself worried. Too much info is not good for an anxious person like myself.

Saturday I got up slowly ( no throwing up Yea!!!) and took "the butterfly" to Ballet. Before I left my doorbell rang and it was a sweetie from church that came to help with anything I needed help with. She picked up my house for me and did some vacuuming. What a blessing. Jim has stepped up to the plate and is helping with as much as he can but it is a lot on him to do everything. I try to do what I can but know I have to take it easy. I don't want to end up on complete bed rest. I don't know how we would ever manage that.

After Ballet we took the kids down to the waterfront to eat our picnic lunch and then we drove around alittle checking out new areas since we are still new around here. We then headed to a park for the kids to ride their scooters and play on the playground. They had a blast. It was very relaxing and the weather was just so beautiful. We then looked for a Dairy Queen with no luck. It sounded so good. Our neighbor called us and invited us over for ice cream when she heard we were looking for a nice ice cream place. We spent the rest of the evening over there and grilled out. A beautiful night!

A Thought....

I have been thinking today about what the Autism Puzzle piece means. Many Autism Awareness and Support Organizations use the logo of a puzzle piece to signify how one piece of the autism puzzle is missing. It is a mystery. It is a very puzzling disability. You even see the puzzle pieces on the support ribbons. As much as I understand this and see this I also see the puzzle piece as signifying something else. I feel a lot of times society views all children as a puzzle piece that fits into the big picture. The problem is that the puzzle piece has to be shaped and cut out a certain way. If you are not that shape you don't fit in. When you are doing a puzzle you try to fit the pieces in and when they don't fit you put them to the side until maybe they will fit in later. I know we have come a long way in today's society compared to years ago but so many people are uneducated and lack understanding of today's children and the disabilities that have changed their "FORM".

Asperger's Syndrome

This is a video on ABC News that explains alittle more about
Asperger's Syndrome that my oldest son Dominic has. It has many challenges but I have to say that early intervention is key in helping a child with this cope. Dominic has gone through therapy for behavior and social skills. He would not be where he is today if I could have ignored it and acted like it wasn't an issue. We still have challenges with it but it is still better than it would be. I am alittle apprehensive about how the teen years will go with him. It can be an awkward stage in your atypical child but I think the challenges might be a little tougher for him socially.

Interesting Perspective on Education and Special Needs Children

This morning I read a very interesting and deep felt blog about Special Needs Children and Education. Since I have a lot of mommies that read my blog that are parents of special needs children I thought I would pass this blog on to you. Check out Bart's Blog

Question of the Week

I again forgot to post my weekly question of the week. This question is for all those scrapbookers out there. What is the one scrapbooking tool that you can't live without and why?

Rain Rain Go Away

What a rainy yucky day. We are getting hit by a pretty intense rainstorm. It is supposed to last for a few days. Kiarrah is home sick with a bad cold. She is miserable. The only positive thing when she is sick is the fact that she doesn't misbehave. She is usually on her best behavior. Dominic even allowed her to come into his room to play with him which is a rarity.
I have been pretty lazy. Not feeling so hot with this morning sickness. Baby girl must be dancing on my bladder too because I keep running to the bathroom. I am sure it doesn't help that I have been enjoying cups of hot tea this morning. It is just one of those days when I am chilled to the bone. My friend Desiree in Kansas had sent me a great assortment of teas to try and I had a hard time drinking any during my first trimester. I am just actually getting where I can enjoy the flavored ones. For a while I could only tolerate regular Decaf tea.
I think I am going to curl up with a good book. I just bought a book called Grace based Parenting by Tim Kimmel. So far it has grabbed my attention.

Frustrated

I am not sure what to do and welcome any advice you might have. My 7 1/2 year old has Aspergers and with that comes a delay in potty training skills. Night time has been his only issue. About a month ago he wanted to stop wearing pull ups at night because he felt he could stay dry like he had with the pull up. After a week of no accidents we proceeded to let him go without it. We started out ok with a few accidents here and there. I would tell him that he could wear a pull up if he wanted to and he would get very upset and not want to wear one. Who can blame him? Lately though it has been happening much more frequently. I do not have a washer and dryer and have to go to the laundry mat and it is hard to get there everyday to wash this bedding over and over again. I just don't know what to do. We have tried waking him up when we go to bed but sometimes he still ends up wetting the bed. I know this affects his self esteem and I don't want him to feel bad. He doesn't get in trouble for the accidents and we try not to make him feel bad. I just want to help him. Maybe there is a birth history of bed wetting. I have no clue.