Christian Ways to Reduce Stress

I am not sure who wrote this but this is awesome advice.
CHRISTIAN WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS
Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice.
1. Pray
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14 K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you Jesus."
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more.
34 Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36 Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU. "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)

Busy Busy Weekend

It was such a busy weekend. It is finally getting to the point where I am forced to slow down. My energy level comes and goes and I am getting so worn out so easy. I guess I will need to now with no choice in the matter.
Friday I went to Walmart and bought the kids a small pool to play in. They were thrilled with it and used it that day. It was in the 90's outside so it felt awesome. We had a bunch of friends over later that evening for pizza and just plain fellowship.
Saturday Jim went to sing in a concert in Conneticut with our Worship Team. I was orginally going to go with him but it was so hot and the concert was outside. I knew I would be trying to chase the kids everywhere. Not something I am up to at almost 8 months pregnant. Instead I met with my friend Dawn and her daughter and we went to visit them and then we went to Chuckie Cheese and then to see the movie Surfs Up. We had a blast although I am so not a fan of Chuckie Cheese. It is crazy there. Jim actually beat us home.
Yesterday was an awesome uplifting sermon that really spoke to my heart. I spent a lot of time at the altar just talking to God. I know he has some big things planned for my life and I want to be in His Will. I don't want to be scared anymore of those things. He is bringing us to a whole new level in ministry and I want to be focused on him. I thank God for the friends around me that have a desire for the same things. It amazes me at how much God already uses me to minister to those around me. I want Him to use me.
Later that afternoon we spent time with more friends as different people stopped by. I love living where I live. We are surrounded by people we know.
Today I have a Dr.'s appointment to check on baby Gracie. Next week is another Ultrasound. I am more excited about that one. I do need to talk to the Dr though about all of this pressure I am feeling. It gets worst when I walk around. Baby girl needs to stay in there and bake alittle longer.
Friday I was holding a newborn on my lap with his little rear seated on my belly and Gracie was kicking away. I was teasing Elijah's mommy saying that Gracie is already kicking his butt :)
The boys are so ready for school to be over. Reynaldo is finally doing so much better in school. He is actually liking writing sentences. I really need to work with him over the summer. I think we are going to do some journalling and letter writing to family and also we will work through some workbooks. We will do school stuff for 1-2 hours a day. That will also include reading in that time. I want to work with Kiarrah. My only concern though it that she is so bright now I don't want to get too far ahead or she is going to deal with major boredom in school when it starts. She is already doing Kindergarten work and will only be starting preschool.
I will work with her a little though. She wants so bad to spell stuff and read. Maybe we will start with a few basic sight words. I also need to get some more craft supplies. She loves doing crafts. Dominic does also.
Well, I best hit the shower. Kiarrah is sitting her telling me she wants to get all pretty. LOL

Need Duct Tape

My daughter is driving me bananas. (Line taken from her tshirt that says my brother drives me bananas) She will not keep her seat belt on in the car when I am driving. Any advice? Also she keeps escaping out the door when we are occupied doing something else. Yesterday I was washing my oldest sons hair and I thought she was in the living room with her other brother and next thing I know my cell phone is ringing and it is my neighbor to let me know that Ki is outside. She literally needs to be at my side 24 7 or she is either into something, out of something or just plain in trouble. This morning I woke up to a girl who covered herself in Vaseline which she took from the bathroom. The week before she had used my shaving gel and put it in her hair. The horrible fact is that she then lies about doing it. The evidence is all over her. It is not like I can lock her door or the bathroom door. I just don't know what to do with her. She gets lots of attention so it is not that she is lacking in that. The other thing that she is doing is not doing what is asked of her. It took her over 1/2 hour to get dressed yesterday morning. We had to keep telling her over and over. I even broke it down for her and asked her to put each item on step by step. She would just stand there ad either sing or dance or just play. I refuse to dress her. She is old enough to do it herself.
Is this just a 4 year old phase? I am losing my sanity with her antics.

I am In Awe

The coolest thing happened today. I was sitting on the chair this morning look at my belly and I actually saw it move when Gracie moved. I was in awe of it and waited for a while to see if she would do it again and she was. OK so this is what everyone has been saying. That you should enjoy all of the movements because when she is born they say that you will miss seeing and feeling her move inside. I have to say that after seeing that I agree.

Puppy Love

Kiarrah fell in love with "Pinkie" at Sarah and Vincent's house on Memorial Day. There were the best of buds. All of my children love dogs but we all have Asthma and are allergic to Dogs. If I ever got a dog this is the kind of dog that I would want.

Question of the Week

What motivates you the most in your walk with the Lord? What keeps your feet walking forward in steps of Faith? Is it a person? A scripture verse? A song? How do you keep your Faith Alive?

Pics of the Kiddos

My little model striking a pose
My boys love cereal. Dominic usually wolfs down two huge bowls every morning.
I know, I know Chocolate for breakfast? Rey loves Coco Puffs

Hot enough for Watermelon

Boy was it hot and humid today. UGH. I just kept reminding myself that Hell is hotter LOL. I can't even imagine. Kids were up at the crack of dawn and I was exhausted because my DH had talked my ear off the night before. He is too much but I sure love him.
We did some food shopping and got laundry done and cleaned house. This evening we had our new neighbors and some other mutual friends from church over for dinner. We had an awesome time eating and fellow shipping. We are so blessed with our friends!!! I love being around other people who I have a lot in common with. We mesh well and the kids can play together. Mind you, their children were younger but the kids still did fairly well together. It is good for my children to be around the babies to to prepare them for Gracie's arrival.
I was grooving on watermelon today. Man was it good. I also bought some peaches and nectarines and Bing cherries. I love this time of year. I can't wait to eat some yummy Jersey grown tomatoes.

Food Program

There is an awesome food program that I don't know if all of you had heard about. Many Churches all over the Us participate. Thought you might want to check it out. My family has been receiving it for several months and it decent quality food at a low price. The program is called Angel Food Ministry . Anyone can participate. For only $25.00 you get a huge box of food including meat.

Little Rant

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Is it just me of is Rosie O'Donnell just completely self destructing and going over the edge? I will admit I used to really like her a few years back but now I just can't stand the woman. She has this I hate the world everyone is out to get me mentality. Every time I see anything about her on the news I just cringe.

What a Day

Yesterday was kind of a stressful day to deal with. I am glad it is over. I got a call from my mom first thing in the morning to let me know that my Dad got let go from his job of 25+ years. The company is not doing good so had to let a lot of people go. My dad had a false hope that his job was secure and that he wouldn't be in the bunch but of course he was. He was nearing retirement. My parents will do OK financially because he can get unemployment but they lost health insurance. My mom is working a temp job that could turn permanent. I just know my dad is happy to be let go because the job was very stressful for him and he hated it anymore. He said he slept better last night than he ever has. He is 1 1/2 yrs away from retiring.
Later in the day I got a call from my OB GYN's office. They got blood results back from my last labs and I have Group B Strep bacteria in my urine so they are treating me with penicillin. I am probably going to have to keep getting treated with it and then through an IV during birth and Gracie will have to be on one to after she is born. Please pray that it doesn't affect her in anyway and that the antibiotics will keep her safe. I have to admit my faith was shaken a little by what I read about it online. I am one of these types of people that have to read everything about everything and then I scare myself.
I went for my last fetal echo cardiogram today and her heart looks healthy. Praise God.
I don't know if I had told you all but I actually had gone 2 weeks without getting sick and unfortunately it started again last night and then this morning. It was too good to be true.
She is a very very active baby and I think she is gonna be a future gymnast with all those flips she likes to do. Sometimes I am like... Baby girl please calm down.
Not much else going on. My new neighbors from my church moved in downstairs and I am really excited about that. They just had a little boy about 2 weeks ago. It will be so nice to have another stay at home mom around.
TTFN

Is it Summer Yet?

My kiddos are so ready for school to be over. I don't blame them. I am so tired of the homework everyday. I think it was made to torture parents.
Reynaldo said he is planning to swim all summer in his pool. Well, we don't have a pool yet but I am planning on getting them a big kiddie pool. That is where you are gonna find my pregnant self. Sitting in the pool with a nice glass of Decaf Ice tea!!!! I'll even let the kids splash me. I even found a maternity swim suit on Sale for $6.99!!!! What a deal!!!!
Kiarrah said she gonna go to the beach all summer. Sorry honey with the price of Gas right now that ain't gonna happen very often.
Dominic is planning on riding his scooter. I just pray for no trips to the ER. He is so rough when he plays outside that I am surprised that we have not had any broken bones.
The kids have about 3 more weeks of school.

25 Things You Might Not Know About Me

1) I love to sleep.
2) I clip coupons and love to see how much I can save at the grocery store.
3) I grew up in Indiana.
4) I was a writer and managing editor of my school newspaper.
5) I sang in high school choir for 4 years.
6) I am terrified of mice and snakes.
7) I love to scrapbook.
8) I am teaching myself to crochet
9) I love to cook new recipes
10) I hate liver
11) I hate scalloped potatoes( they make me gag)
12) I think armpits are ugly
13) I am the oldest of three girls
14) My favorite movie of all time is Mary Poppins
15) I was a nanny for 15 years
16) I love grandma underwear (TMI I know)I am a comfort kind of gal
17) I love eggplant parmigiana
18) My hubby calls me sweetness
19) I loved riding my bike and playing ditch em when growing up.
20) I used to have the same reoccurring nightmare about a wind up mouse for years.
21) I can pick up quarters with my toes
22) I love country decor and stuff from Amish country
23) I am a want to be photographer
24) I was raised Catholic and went to Catholic school for a few years and survived
25) I hate Math

Whiny Wednesday

Do you ever have a day when all you want to do is turn into Wendy Whiner? Well I am having one of those days. Today I am trying to clean my house and am amazed that we just did a quick cleanup yesterday and today we need to re vacuum, dust and pick up. My kids drive me crazy. I am on them all the time to put their stuff away but they still leave it out. They aren't even phased when I take it away for awhile unless it is my oldest's PlayStation or a game boy. I feel like a broken record" Make your bed", Put your clothes in the Hamper" Pick up your toys" . I should just put it all on a tape and push a button when needed.
And the Bathroom!!! Need I get started on that? Daddy Jim needs to give the boys a AIM lesson. Time for Let's sink the Cheerios. Maybe I need to cover the mirror in there. I have on more than one occasion seen the boys looking at themselves in the mirror when they are supposed to be watching their aim. Can you spell GROSS!!!! I thank God I am having a girl. Maybe I should turn bathroom cleaning duty over to all "three little boys" in the house. Maybe then they will be more careful.

Memorial Day BBQ

Yesterday we spent a wonderful day up in North Jersey close to the PA line at the home of an awesome Christian couple at our church. We had a fun day eating, fellow shipping with our Pastors and friends. I fell in love with the log cabin home and just being surrounded by the woods. I was a little disappointed to not catch a glimpse of a black bear. They are said to frequent the area along with many deer. My kids loved their two little doggies. It is just so peaceful out in the middle of nowhere. We are truly blessed with our friends. I am amazed at the dedication that Sarah and Vincent have. This couple drives an hour and a half to church not once but twice a week. I never understood how they could do it until I saw the area that they live in.
I pray that God richly blesses them for their faithfulness and commitment. I will post some pictures later once I find my camera.

Adoption

Here is Kiarrah waiting patiently for the judge to finish After she is adopted. Dominic was so overwhelmed there and had pure terror written all over his face. Rey had to perform for the cameras.

No Turning Back

I think I am going through a change in my life. God is changing things but for the better or should I say that I am finally allowing Him too. I am so tired of compromising my beliefs and morals to be accepted by others. I have done it for years to please friends or should I say people who I thought were my friends. It amazes me how eventually you find out who your true friends are. I want to be transparent. A what you see is what you get kind of friend. I recently read a quote on Kari's blog that really struck me. "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. " Dr. Suess. It is so true. We get wrapped up in fitting in and conforming. We are only hurting ourselves in the end because we then become someone we are not. I spent years being friends with people who would curse and and not live a life of Christ yet would claim to be Ultimate Christians. I am not talking about people who aren't Christians. It is those people who know better. It is a hypocrisy. They live two different lives. I am by no means claiming to be a perfect Christian because that is so far from the Truth. I am no longer going to sit back and allow people to corrupt the Christian Faith in my presence. The gossipping, foul mouths, and negativity about My Lord and Savior. I am going to only surround myself with people who are not Joy Robbers, people who walk what they talk and those that live a life glorifying God. I want to Shine for Him. I want people to see something in me that they want. I want them to have my peace! I want unbelievers to see that I can truly love them. There is no turning back now.

Interesting

Your Linguistic Profile:

70% General American English 15% Yankee 5% Dixie 5% Upper Midwestern 0% Midwestern

What Kind of American English Do You Speak?

This somewhat shocks me considering I am from the midwest but have lived in the East for almost the same amount of time.

Gracie knows....

her name. Last night when my hubby and I were laying in bed he was talking to my stomach and rubbing it. Every time He would say Gracie's name she would kick really hard. Like she was saying " here I am daddy". She did it like 6 times. He has felt little flutters here and there but these were full force kicks.