My Sweet Sophia Grace

he day of your birth 10 years ago was one of such anxiety but also incredible beauty. You see I had already been in the hospital for several days by your birthday. I had been being monitored because of my liver as well as my blood pressure. That morning they had taken blood and noticed that my liver wasn’t functioning as it should, and they determined that I would have to have an emergency C-section that day, as you were also facing the wrong way, trying to come out feet first. I remember being so scared. I tried to call Meme’ but there was no answer. I then called grandpa, auntie Denise, Uncle DJ Uncle Dennis and Auntie Doreen. But no one was answering the phone! I was getting so upset because I needed to tell them you were coming.

What I didn’t know was that at that very time your grandpa was having a heart attack and that everyone was avoiding my phone calls so that they didn’t have to tell me. They were protecting me from something that there was nothing that I could do to help. And so we called your auntie TeeTee to see if she could take Sam so that Daddy could come in the delivery room with me. I remember weeping for joy when you came out. You were the most beautiful baby I had ever seen. You had these beautiful chocolatey eyes and these perfect little pouty lips. You were seriously the most perfect gorgeous baby I had ever seen. And when you cried immediately after birth it truly was one of the most amazing days of my life. I was laying there waiting to hear you cry and you did. It was amazing!

And now you, my gorgeous girl are ten! I cannot even fathom that time is flying so quickly by. I look at the resilience you have, your zeal for life, the way you allow people to see your heart, your courage and energy and I cannot believe that you are mine. You have been such a blessing to me. I am so enjoying watching you grow up into the woman God wants you to be. My prayer is that 10 is a year in which you become so close to God and His will for your life. That you realize the incredible blessing and gift that you are. And that you know how much I love you!!!! Happy birthday BEAUTIFUL sweet compassionate creative smart hard working dedicated and talented little lady!!!! KODAK Digital Still Camera

Busy weekend

I love weekends when there isn’t tons of commitments. Where I can enjoy these kids and not be too stressed. I am so heartbroken thinking of the families in Florida who have lost their family members due to this terrible shooting. I have really been reminded repeatedly this week that we are not promised tomorrow but we are promised eternity. Though this flesh may be taken before I am ready my peace comes in knowing that we will have eternity. It seems a little cliche to think about that in light 9f recent events but I can’t help bit remind myself that we are not of this world. That this world is not my home. In the chaos and heartbreak what peace that knowledge brings to my soul.

Fly like an Eagle

So this is a silly title but I had to write it. I LOVE the NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS. I have been a Pats fan as far back as I can remember. And though I was thoroughly disappointed with the turn out of the superbowl, I am thrilled to see that it was a team of believers that beat us. I love that the Eagles are using this huge platform to share their faith and to allow others to witness it. I was absolutely thrilled as each player came up and said that the glory belonged to God first. So today I want to “Fly like an eagle” And that got me thinking…

We each have a platform that we can use every day every moment every second to bring glory to our God and lead others to Christ. Do you use that platform? Do you take every second that you are blessed with to lead others to Him? Sadly I admit that I don’t, but I surely want to.

My oldest was absolutely reduced to tears with the Patriots loss. And he was so worried about what the kids at school were going to say and how they were going to tease him. My husband and I tried our hardest to encourage him, to support him and to try to remind him that truly it is ONLY A GAME. We shared with him how our actions and our responses to others and to criticism and trials speak volumes about who we are as Christians. He begged to stay home, he didn’t want to be teased. But we made him go, and he realized that his attitude can affect those around him, and by continuing to be a kind kid they left him alone.

We all come across difficult people and situations, difficult family, difficult jobs, difficult teachers difficult coworkers. Our response to each of these situations speaks directly to our relationship with our Father. What does your reaction tell the world about you?

Saying Good bye

Today was a pretty hard day. My sweet brother Dennis and his wife Johanna are moving away. God has called them to Texas, and it is so hard to see them go. My brother has been such a tremendous influence in my life and in my faith walk. As a military soldier that has had to bury too many friends, and who has seen his friends suffer horrifically, as a police officer who has seen the worst of human kind, he has remained true to our God, true to the knowledge that God is with us in whatever comes our way. My brother has reminded me continuously about claiming God’s promises over my life and the lives of my children. With all the illness, hospitalizations and anxiety that comes along with that, I often times get worried and stressed and he brings me right back to the realization that God has totally got it all under control. It is going to be hard not seeing him as often as I would like.

We had so much fun planning his party. It was texas as well as patriotic themed. My brother DJ and his wife Lyndsea came up from Florida and the rest of us were all here as well as my parents.. I also love getting all the cousins together. There are now 12! And they range between 2months to 15 years. SO MUCH FUN!!!!