Happy Boy!

Does this look like a happy boy?
This is actually Harrison's first Ice Cream Cone.
Due to his milk allergy he hasn't had the finer things in life like milk, ice cream and cheese! This is Tofu ice cream. The kids love it. It's not too bad if you don't have a bowl of Bluebell next to it to compare.

Feliz Navidad!

I wanted to wish everyone out there a Merry Christmas! It is Christmas Eve-Eve and I am trying to get everything packed up and ready to go. We are going to Paul's folks for Christmas in Spring Hill then the kids and I are going to Elijay for a few days to spend time with my parents. I am looking forward to Christmas finally. It has been hard to get into the season this year - being 75 degrees outside. However the last couple of days, even though still warm, I have gotten more in the mood. I have been baking ginger cookies and making peppermint bark (thank you Debra). It makes if feel a little more like Christmas (even though I can't eat any of it - I did cheat a little).
I have felt less stress this year than ever before. I think because we have decided to take the emphasis off of the present thing it makes it so much more enjoyable.
I don't think Harrison fully understands what is going on yet and Julia is so funny. We have been very open with her about Santa not being a real person - that he is a fun pretend. Yet, she still is asking if Santa is going to come and if he can find her stocking in the office (it is still in a box on top of the book shelf). I'm sure the whole Santa thing is very confusing. Almost as confusing as the fact that we are celebrating Jesus' birthday. Someone she has never seen, yet we talk to him all the time, supposed to love him, and are going to make a cake for him even though he won't eat it. Hmmmm. Oh, the faith of a child. If we could all have just an ounce of it.
I hope you all have a wonderful holiday!

Happy Birthday to me

I finally did it!!

After 2 years of thinking about it I got my tattoo for my birthday. I really love it. It has a lot of meaning to me. My good friend Chanda helped me design it and she drew it for me. Emily - (pictured with me) friend from church is a tattoo artist at Billy Joes downtown.

It was a great experience.

Meaning: The vine represents Jesus to me. The flower is me blossoming because of what Christ has done for me and the butterfly symbolizes the transformation I have been through this year. I do feel like a new creation and now I have a forever reminder of that fact!

inspiration

I was so blown away tonight. I had a date night with myself. It was actually quite strange to be in my house all by myself. I don't remember the last time that happened.
Anyway. After a bath and doing my nails...
I watched the 2 hours of Extreme Home Makeover. I always cry when I watch this show. Tonight I balled for 2 hours. It was so amazing and inspiring.
The family was a mom/dad/20 mo. old and grandmother. The mother and father were both police officers for the LAPD. The mother was recently shot in the line of duty causing her to be paralyzed. The Grandmother moved in to help with her 20 month old. Their current house was small and she couldn't get around in her wheel chair. Of course ABC and EHM, did an amazing job with the house giving her a some of her freedom back. They sent them on vacation while the house was being built and gave the family some amazing opportunities.
I was just so amazed by this mother. (and the husband for that matter) She lost a huge part of her. She was an active person who loved doing things physically. In an instant that was gone for her. She however is determined to go on. Her husband is supportive and helping her. I know that is a huge part of it.
It was also cool to see the community support this family. They are realized what a sacrifice this mom had made for them. She was protecting them when she was shot. They saw her as a hero and wanted to give something back to her to say thanks.
I guess when I see these stories it just makes me thankful. It also makes me think of how I would want to be if something terrible happened to me. Would I have strength and courage? Would I be a fighter or would I give up? Would I have a great attitude and give glory to God for his blessings?
There are so many times that I look at our present situation and I think...man this just isn't fair. Why can't we get a break? But yet, we get one everyday. We are so blessed. We are loved.
I am so grateful to have a husband who loves me and loves his kids. Paul is amazing. He goes to work without complaint. He fights hard for our family. I am overwhelmed by him and the love that he shows us. He truly is my hero. I love to pray for him. The kids pray for him every night. They pray protection over him and they pray that God will bless him. I know that God has great things for Paul and our family. God is preparing us for something big. I know he is preparing my heart and getting me ready. I can't wait to see what is coming.