I have been meaning to devote some time on here and blog ever since I was asked to look up the very first time I started Jesus Girlz but I kept putting it off. Today I'm not and if it takes me 3 hours just to finish this blog post, GOSH DARN IT, I am going to do it!
So our new study is The Best Yes by Lysa Terkuerst. I absolutely adore Lysa! Her teaching, her speaking, the way she explains things and opens your eyes to what God is teaching us through His word. She has become my Bible Best Friend (May not be a real person but to me she is!). Jesus Girlz have done 3 of her studies and she hits it on the head every single time!
I always tell my girls, "I am afraid to start 'this' study because I KNOW God's word is going to be tested in my life and I'm going to have to stand on the promises that are being given to me in the study." Sure enough, it never fails!
After looking back recently, I realized how much my life has changed through these studies. Growing in Him, learning His word, building a relationship with my Lord. I truly wished I would have blogged more so that I can not only go back and read where he has brought me from and what he has taken my family out of. But also so that others can come and read it for themselves.
It is my prayer that I not only complete another study, but that I can blog my way through it. Touching lives of those who may need that hope that is only given through Christ.
Am I terrified of what I am going to go through, ABSOLUTELY!
But, I trust Him. No matter what my family will face (because this is life and we are always facing something) He will get us through and we will grow stronger from it.
I also pray that through my testimony you can see that God is good! His grace is always sufficient for us, it's not what we do but what He did!
So, on that note...Yesterday I had to say my Best Yes and I was NOT happy about it! My BAFF called to see if I was busy. Her hubby was going to keep the kids for the day while she got a day away. Did I have "plans"? No. Not technically.
Reading the study and talking with God, trying to iron out my life and the things that I need or should be doing to make my family's future better. My plan is for Mon & Tues to hit Jazzercise at 5:25am then come home, get kids ready for school, take them to school, get home no later than 9:00 am and get working! So, yes, I should be working but I didn't 'HAVE' to.
I had to make my best yes decision. I wasn't happy about it at all! I want a break, I want to get away and hang out with a friend (I seriously NEVER do it! Last time was 5 months ago, one morning after Jazzercise I went to breakfast), I wanted to get away. BUT, I had to say The Best Yes and I had to tell her 'no' so that I could say yes to my work. In the end, I'm glad I did. I was able to make some connections and get some follow up information to get rolling on bringing in some new accounts.
We can always find an excuse as to why we should do something other than what we should really be doing. I have a feeling I am going to be kicking and screaming my way through the next few months until I learn to always make the better decision, in all areas of my life.
Here's to the first Best Yes Decision....Praying I have several more!
PS, it took me 6 hours to do this blog post ;-)
Monday, September 22, 2014
Next Up...The Best Yes
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
30 Days Of Thankfulness, Day 13
I wasn't able to get on here yesterday and blog or post. I didn't put it onto facebook because I have more to say than what facebook will publish. I figured I'd do a blog post instead.
Today I have to say I'm thankful for God. Before you read it and think, "well isn't everyone?" just hear me out.
There have been many times in my life that I wonder, "am I where God wants me? Am I doing what God wants me to do? Am I in the position God wants me to be in?" I don't always get an answer but I will live my life as though I feel God is directing me. Seeking his word, keeping in constant communication with him (Don't get me wrong, I will be completely honest and transparent. I don't spend time with Him in the morning like I should. I don't get up and pray or study in the morning. I don't pray alone or with my husband before I go to sleep, although I do with my younger children. I do my study at night.). I really do try to seek His direction for my life on a constant basis.
Well yesterday He showed himself to me in a mighty way (don't get nervous, God didn't show up in my living room and have a pow wow...Although that would be pretty cool!). First off, it was a super busy morning and I had a lot to get done since I was down for two days with a migraine. I knew I had to call and speak with my Pastor regarding the Thanksgiving outreach but the night before when I had texted him, he told me he had some things to discuss with me. I wondered all night and really just wanted to know what he would want to talk with me about. I love my Pastor and our relationship has grown this past six months but the last time he had something to talk to me about it was asking me if I would like to be the church's Event's Coordinator. So this time I wasn't sure what was up his sleeve. So I gave him a call and he was busy at the moment so he shot me a text to let me know he'd call me back...Cool. He called me back and I was able to speak with him regarding some areas of the outreach I needed to talk to him about. Then he let me know what he wanted to talk to me about. I can't honestly tell you what he said. I mean, I know what he said, I was listening, but it was almost as though God was opening my eyes to something. Our church has been in a great trial for about 2 years now. We have had a family loose their infant, many church members left, there was a division (obviously satan's hand was in that one!), financial strife to most recently people struck with cancer, families literally torn apart by those they trusted and did I say financial strife? So much my Pastor's wife had to go back to work full time. So as we spoke, I felt his heart, I KNOW how he is feeling, I'm there! My heart is SO broken over everything going on. PT started telling me about his plans for 2013 and what direction God is leading him in. He basically was telling me, it's time to go back and take back what belongs to us! We needed to rebuild our city and specifically our church! We need to put aside our own "comfort" and step out to do what God is calling us to do, to allow our hearts break for what breaks His, to give a little more of ourselves and do whatever it takes to do it.
This all struck a cord with me. I interrupted PT and had to share with him. I've been seeking God's direction for the next study for my Jesus Girlz group. I read a synopsis on Kelly Minter's book Nehemiah and REALLY wanted to get my girls into this study. But God kept stopping me, literally! He wouldn't let me do it. I wasn't sure why, yet. He was directing me to the study of Ruth by Kelly Minter. No matter which direction I tried to go around it, Ruth is where he kept directing me. So, Ruth it is! I ordered the books and told God, "Lord, you know what you are doing. Have your way. Bring those that need this study to the study." I now see why God didn't want me doing Nehemiah...YET! He is going to take us into the new year studying Nehemiah. Why? Because it is lining up with what HE is going to do in our church.---seriously crying right now!---
Todd confirmed my thoughts as I was telling him this. He is seeking a study out of the book of Nehemiah for our church. God confirmed both of our directions in that moment (HA, PT and I had a moment...HAHAHAHA). Anyways...WOW, how good is God!?!?! I am where HE wants me!
Well my dears, that isn't the end of my day. The night before I received a text message from my newest Jesus Girl, Michelle. She wanted to let me know how excited she is for Friday. I teased her asking her if she was excited for the next CIF game (she assist's the football coach and we are in CIF! Another blog post I owe you all!). Of course I knew what she was talking about. Then I thought...How crazy is it that I met Michelle about 10 years ago. She was a helper at the city after school day care that babysat Ant & Adi. We have kept in touch, thanks to a small town and facebook. Who knew that God would lead me to her to be her bible study leader. That after 10 years she would be coming to my bible study...MINE! I mean, I know I have my girls but it amazes me, truly it does!
Oh and that isn't all...I had another GF posting on facebook wanting to help out with the Thanksgiving Outreach. We started instant messaging regarding some other stuff but this is how it turned:
It is such a humbling thing to see how God is placing you and positioning you for HIS glory. I don't know where this will take us. I do pray God softens her heart and she joins me one Sunday at church. But until them, I'm going to continue to be Melissa. By the way, just to mention it...Jennifer and I met through me doing a Pampered Chef party for her. So don't tell me God doesn't have me doing Pampered Chef for a reason!
To wrap this up, I just thank God for who He is. For His grace, love, mercy, faithfulness...even when I'm not!
I'm going to leave you with a video of a song that struck me today while cleaning. I heard it and thought, that would go good with my blog post!
Monday, November 12, 2012
30 Days of Thanfulness, 11 & 12
Day 10-Thankful my mom has some good meds to help me deal with my migraine.
Day 11- Thankful for great friends that cover for me at Jazzercise and kids that behave and help Mama out when she is down for two days.
My brain hurts too much to think of anything else anymore.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
My Destination?
So on the note of my weightloss & my Destination, I thought I'd update bible study stuff.
Jesus Girlz is wrapping up our first summer study, Balance of the Mind, Body & Spirit, tomorrow and will be starting our new study...
"Loving The Unlovable"...Can I be totally honest & transparent? Well, I'm going to! Everytime I think of doing this study I feel like Eeyore! I just kinda go...."UMPH!" And feel like moping. I KNOW God wants me to do this. He presented this to me about a year ago at MOTS. It hit me to the core! And that wasn't even doing the study, it was just Kim aka Evinda Lepins sharing her testimony and focusing on this study. God has been prepping me to do this study, and I truly believe he has the people in this group that need this. I'm believing for a breakthrough, not only in my life, but in others that I've been blessed to have their stories shared with me. So in preparing for this, I've kind of been praying. Yes, kind of. It hasn't been on the top of my priority list and I know it should have been! Simply because, I knew satan was going to attack. And guess what, he did!
Oh yeah, that sneaky little son of a %&#($)#)$*#(#*)#@)@_
And he took a stupid soccer game to do it with...REALLY!?!?! REALLY!
But, God has it all in His hands and I'm standing firm that He is going to do what He needs to do, no matter what the circumstance! I'm currently in a confused state and don't know what to do about somethings, but as I seek God's direction, I believe it will all be revealed.
So, on that...I've had 5 girls inform me that they aren't going to make it to the study tomorrow. I know things happen, but man, satan sure is on his P's & Q's and will use anything for people to not get to their Destination. I'm not worried though (I was at first!). God is orchestrating this all & guess what...If He's in it, His will, will be done!
For now, I'm going to leave you with the beginning of Loving the Unlovable (there goes Eeyore again). I will update you to what happens at the bible study.
Keep your focus, because we may not be what we should be, but we are on a journey! What's your Destination?
Friday, June 10, 2011
Pool Party @ Amber's House
So anyway, today was the first pool party I've ever been to. Amber had an end of school year party. It was so much fun to get away from my house & relax, well maybe not relax, but hang out at the pool with the kiddos. She bbq'd and had chips, dip & fruit. It was so much fun & nice!
Amber has been such a blessing in my life! We are kindred spirits & have so much in common.
Anywhoot, I'll leave ya with some fun pics from the day.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
True friendship...
Today was the final playoffs for soccer. Adriana's team was fighting for first place against the Elmo's Gone Bad, which also happens to be a team with two of her closest friends. Due to the rain, the region decided to go into penalty kicks instead of postponing the games once again.
I received a text from one of Adriana's friends talking smack to me about bringing our game, etc.
Anyways we went out in the rain and faced the team. It was extremely tight going both ways, but in the end the DYNAMITE'S walked away taking the title of first place with a score of 3-2.
Our girls were stoked, of course. But the poor EGB were just heart broken :( As I watched our girls jumping around celebrating, I saw my little go to her friend, Davi (who is from the EGB) wrap her arms around her and hug her as she cried. It truly made my heart melt, cry, and just be proud of my daughter.
To see that she took her self out of the equation to console her friend was awesome!
So now both teams move forward to the Regional Playoffs in Hemet. Can't wait to see how our girls progress!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
30 days of Thankfulness ~Day 17
Well, I had all kinds of stuff I was debating to put on today's blog, but with the turn of events from today, I have nothing.
My emotions are so out of whack and i have so much going on in my brain right now I don't even know how to feel.
Nothing I can share right now, but just please be in prayer for some of our friends.
guess I'm just thankful for this blog to openly ask for prayer and my children. I'm holding them a little closer tonight!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
30 days of Thankfulness ~Day 12
So last night I was stricken with a MASSIVE MIGRAINE! I sat at the top of the football bleachers crying because I was in so much pain and couldn't go anywhere. We finally left the varsity game at half time and came home, drugged myself up and went to bed. So this is why I'm posting late...AGAIN!
I would have to give Day 12 to my fRaZzLeD fEmAlEs!
We had an AWESOME morning with our bible study! I was able to open up and share some things with some women that have taken the step to allow God to change what's inside of every single one of us.
We have made a bond and are opening up to friendship, allowing God to build us up.
God has positioned me in a place in my life, that I never thought I would be...And it's just being ME!
These women confirmed somethings that God has spoken to me.
They opened up and confided in me. Showing me that I have built a trust. I saw that they, just like me, have been hurt in relationships. That we are all in the same boat, learning who/what/when/where we can trust.
I'm excited, because God is going to continue this. I see His hand working on all of us and knowing that we are going to move into the next one, excites me.
WE are planning things out, WE are working together, WE are growing & WE are learning.
This is a group effort and we all bring so much to the table each week. I'm so blessed God has "given me" these women to learn from and with. I can't wait to see the future!
Thank you, each one!
Monday, November 8, 2010
30 days of Thankfulness ~Day 8
Hmmm, I have a coin to flip for today =)
But, I think my friends are going to take this day...
I have been blessed with some really good ones, if I say so myself!
I want to point each one out individually, but if I did that, I would never end this post and I may miss someone and I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings.
But there is one special friend I want to brag on...
One that's been in my life for a couple centuries, one that has been through the dirt with me and still loves me for who *I* am, one that has loved my mom and brother through all of their crap and never judged or condemned them, one that has probably known more about me than even my husband (no, I don't tell him everything...there are things that just don't need to be said).
This friend has been more of a friend and more like a sister to me, the one I never had. No matter where life has taken us, the roads that have separated us, circumstances that have taken our lives down different paths, we still come together like we were never separated.
We went to school together, got drunk together, did things together only her and I will take to the grave.
We've laughed together, cried together, mourned together, been frustrated over the same family members, had our babies together, graduated Jr. High and High School together, watched our babies graduate Jr. High together.
We've both walked away from the Lord and church, while our moms prayed our butts back in. We understand each other, hold each other up, give advice to each other without condemnation on what we did.
She's held me up in some of my darkest hours, and walked with me through some of my hardest years.
Remember those heart necklaces that half said BEST and the other half said FRIENDS. I can honestly say, she has a piece of my heart and tattooed on it it says, "Best Friend".
I haven't always been the 'best' friend that I should be, but we both know, we are there, no matter what!
This special person would be Jessica Yvonne Hale (amongst her many married names =) Love ya Jess...LOL!)
I remember the day I met you. Your mom and my mom picked us up from school in her little funky green car. Since that car, our lives have taken us down some memorial paths. No matter what, through thick and thin, we still stand, bonded as if that day we were born to be sisters.
I don't say it enough, nor do I show it enough. But I love you!
You have a piece of my heart forever.
Here is a pic of Jessica, Cera, Me & Ant at their Jr. High Graduation (remind me to look for our graduation pics...I have them somewhere!)
30 days of Thankfulness ~Day 7
I just want to say a simple...
I am so thankful for my blessings! God has truly blessed me beyond measure! I have 4 awesome children that can drive me to insanity, but continually put a smile on my face and fill me with so much contentment.
I have a husband who is just awesome...He's already received his spot light.
I have a mom who loves me, supports me, and raised me to be a heck of a woman...even though we butt heads more than we get along.
I have great friends, women and people in my life.
Many talents that God has allowed me to use to bless his children with.
I can go on & on...but you get the point.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Twilight Trilogy!!!
Our local theater had a showing of Twilight, New Moon and the premier of Eclipse. I got tickets for Little & I to go to our first "Girls Night Out". We met up with Cynthia and Loretta at the theater...It was SUCH an awesome time and a night I will always remember!!!
Here's a pic of Little & I
Cynthia & Little
Cynthia & Adi's feet...we were waiting in line forever just to get in! Nothing else to take pics of I guess...LOL!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Friends & Heartache
After reading my friend Jessica's blog, I decided to blog about my friends.
Once again, I'm at a crossroads as to who my "real friends" are. You think you have them and there are those who lead you to believe that they are your friend...BUT are they?
I had a deep intimate conversation with a friend recently who informed me that some of my "friends" have really been talking about me. Not only to her, but others. As well as others talking about me.
I'm not going to lie, it hurts. But I guess that's why I have this wall built up around my heart. Pastor Todd has taught us that if we have illness with our "brother or sister" we are to go to them. But how do you go to someone who is intentionally doing this...it's their character. I've heard it come out of their mouths about other people. Never thought that it would come out about me, but I guess if that's their character, they will talk about everyone.
I've ALWAYS had issues with making friends. I'm one who will love and trust you with all I have, and even if you hurt me, I will push it aside and continue to love you. Guess that's what happens when your abused as a child. But as I've grown older, I've learned to build a wall up. It's a defense mechanism. It allows me to let people "in", but if I'm ever hurt, the wall is there not allowing the pain to penetrate me. After an offense is done, I learn, I can't trust that person. I don't even know how to deal with it.
There was an incident that happened recently where someone meant to tell someone something about me, but ended up telling me. Not the other person. How do I deal with this? I acted as if nothing ever happened. It hurt, but I don't even know what to do. I now know this person isn't a friend. I now know I can't trust this person. I now know this person is another one of those people talking smack about me. I will NEVER be a "friend" to this person.
But how do I address this person? I feel as though it needs to be confronted, but how?
Melissa knows to just let it go & not say anything. To keep my wall up, but still be there to hang out or whatever.
I guess once again, it's been proven...You can't trust anyone! I've been hurt in my life enough, it's no wonder why I have such a hard wall built up around my heart and don't let anyone in to love me.
I've never really allowed anyone to break through and love me with the love that I deserve. Not God, my mom, Jose, no one. It really sucks, because I honestly don't know what it is to be truly loved. I've tried opening up, tearing my walls down, allowing God in. But sure enough, as soon as I open myself up, I am stabbed right in the heart by someone, causing me to close back up.
No wonder I have such a hard time with acceptance.
I don't know how/what to do to fix this. Guess it will take God & time.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
My Friend, Jen
I have a friend from Rodchester, NY that I met a little over 5 years ago on SheKnows (a board where a bunch of women chat about life issues. All of our babies were born in Dec '04).
Jen has been through some major obstacles, to say the least, in her life. She has ALWAYS been such an inspiration to me. Recently she started a journey of weight loss, which at this point, has gotten her 115 lighter than she was. She was featured in Democrat And Chronicle dot com...
Here is the Link: Jen Moore
I hope it inspires you as much as she has me!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
So Long 2009...Hello 2010
What a year this has been, let me tell ya! I think everyone is in the same boat as to financial bumps, but there have also been so much more that my family, friends & loved ones have been affected by!
I started last year, 9 months pregnant, stressed and just believing God for great things as we were about to have our fourth baby.
God showed himself in a miraculous way, very personally. I saw things working together as he continued to teach me to trust in Him & Him alone. I had something deep down inside telling me that my baby was going to be a girl (because if it were a boy, things would have been MUCH more difficult!). Well, I feel as though God was showing me that it in fact was a girl, it was a promise to me about our blessing & for me to learn that "ALL things work to good for those who love the lord."
January 20, 2009 we gave birth to our blessing, promise, baby girl, Delayna Lynn Herrera.
My Honey has truly grown tremendously in God. He always loved the Lord and attended church with me, but MAN this past year he has really become a Man of God!
Anthony & Adriana had AWESOME soccer success. They both made tournaments & Spring Select. We traveled with Ant's team all over, watching them play AWESOME games!!!
Adriana set a goal for most goals made in a U10 girls division...My girl KICKS BUTT!!
Anthony went to Hooters for the first time with his soccer tournament team.
I have lost a total of 30lbs since getting pregnant with Delayna.
I clothed diapered, then gave up.
I learned the true meaning of the need to take care of myself. As a mom, wife, Youth Leader, Soccer Fundraiser Coordinator, friend, and the list goes on I forget to remember I am a human & need nurturing also.
I was blessed with the position of a table leader at MOTS.
We got a Wii! Yes, that's a big deal!
Dominic came down with a CRAZY illness, that we still don't know what was wrong with him. He was running crazy fevers, lethargic, blood in his urine, just crazy! Through prayers & trusting in the Lord, he was healed.
I went to my first LIFT conference. Wow, incredible!
My baby girl promoted from the 5th grade & started 6th grade
My baby boy started kindergarten...Now that was hard! He is such a MAMA's boy!!! It was a transition!
My BFF's Allan & Angel made the decision to commit their lives to God & were "re-born" in my church and have been serving besides us since!
My dear friend Arlene was diagnosed with cancer. We are believing for a total healing in her body!
I turned 31! I must say, they are SO much better than 20's!
Jose & I were called to be leaders in our church. Where we will be leading is still to be determined, but God has a plan that we are working on. NOT easy, believe you me, I have been going through some growing pains.
Patrick Swayze died...Yes, it was sad!
I taught my first small group at FUSION.
My dear cousin Robin went home to be with the Lord. As much as it was a great homecoming for her, she is dearly missed! I wear her necklace her mom sent me everyday. Seriously, it hasn't came off but one day to wear another that matched what I was wearing better.
We learned that Delayna is allergic to Cefdinir. And not the easy way!
I learned that the Lord has SO much for my family than I could ever dream or imagine. That as long as I walk in his will, it will all come to flourish-in!
I hope you had a great New Years Eve & a blessed New Years! Welcome 2010
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
He cares about the little things...
As I just did my WFW post, it was meant for this post. I intended on sharing my story, but the Lord had another plan & it ended up being the post that I posted.
So, now on to my story...
With everything going on lately with Dominic, I have been ubber busy! Well, Adriana's promotion is tomorrow & I haven't had a chance to do anything to prepare her or for her luau on Saturday.
My plan was, Little & I were going to go have mani-pedis done today after school. I was planning on buying some decorations for the luau and just making everything special for her.
So much for my plan. How does the saying go, "We make plans & God laughs". Yeah, well he must be laughing histarically right now. Needless to say, NONE of my plans have gone accordingly. But, I've also continued to trust that the Lord is working, not only in my little boys body, but for my girls party. I know, it sounds funny, that He would care enough to 'help' me get her party done & made special, but He does.
Yesterday, I was late picking up Adriana. It was just one of those days. She called me and told me that she was over at her friend, Chelsea's house, to pick her up there. So, I went over to Joanna & Chelsea's to pick up Adriana. Joanna & I started talking about Dominic (Joanna is Guatemalan, just like Jose. They have different 'beliefs' I guess you can say regarding health issues. They amaze me, they make me laugh & sometimes I wonder about some of them). While we were talking, Chelsea announced that she was going to get her nails done. I told Joanna that I planned on taking Adriana, but with things going on, I haven't had the chance to take her. So Joanna said, "Melissa, why don't you leave Adriana here & I will take her with Chelsea to get her nails done." Like the typical Melissa that I am, I told her no, that I would take her at some point. Joanna wouldn't let me tell her no & made me leave Adriana to go with them.
See, God even cares about my daughter's little nails being pretty for her promotion! Not to mention, What an awesome friend I have in Joanna! She has really blessed me with Adriana so many times! She is a great friend!
Then, today was my MOTS day. Yesterday Jose was telling me that I just shouldn't go, to stay home & get stuff done. I told him that I needed to go, I needed just 2 hours to myself with my "sisters" and some spiritual uplifting. I got up this morning, took the kids to school & had my whole morning planned. Well, once again I was faced with opposition! I went to take Ant to school, when he realized that he left his yearbook at home. So I turned around to get his yearbook. When he went in, Dominic was at the top of the stairs crying, which in turn woke Delayna up (now before I get bombarded with comments or messages...I don't leave the little ones home alone. My mom is up in her room when I run the kids to school). So now I had to pack them up into the truck & take them with me. Then instead of coming home & showering while the two littles were asleep, I had to feed Dominic, change a dirty diaper, answer my cousin's text messages & shower with a fussy baby outside my shower door. Dress the fussy baby while being wrapped in my towel, blow dry my hair with the fussy baby on my hip, put the fussy baby into the sink with a towel while I did my make-up, fight with Dominic to get dressed & ready to go. Then pack them into the truck & head out...
Once we got there, Dominic did NOT want to go into his class. Had to fight that, yadda yadda yadda. MAN, let me tell ya!
So once I was able to go into the group, sit & eat, I was good. We were doing raffle baskets.
My plans was to put 4 of my 22 tickets into the 'Green Basket', 6 of my tickets into the 'Picnic Basket' and the remaining 12 tickets into the movie basket in hopes of getting the movie 'Fireproof' and 4 movie tickets. I did them wanting the movie basket, but willing to take the other two. My theory behind it was to get something I could make time to spend with my family enjoying each other. Well....I didn't win any =(
BUT, God had another plan!
When everyone was cleaning up, Suzanne went & asked Wendy what she was going to do with all the Hawaiian stuff that we used for decorations.
Wendy told her she was going to throw it away, unless she wanted it. Suzanne told her that I needed it & she told her to give it to me!
So out of nowhere, Suzanne yells at me, "Hey, Melissa, all this stuff is yours for Adriana's Luau!"
PRAISE GOD!
He knows ALL my cares & cares about them more than I do!
I am completely besides myself with his blessings & love!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Shout Out To My MOTS Girls...
I tried posting from my phone, but so much for that. I don't know what happened.
Anyway, at MOTS today, we played Bunco & I was able to mingle with some of the girls. About a hand full of them commented on my blog.
I didn't know it was so popular. That kinda makes me feel good!
So, since I am so popular with my MOTS girls, here's a shout out...
Thank you ALL for your friendship & kindness! I hope to get to know you all more!!!
Much Love
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Easter 2009
Easter has become a VERY special holiday for our family. For the past 4 years we have been involved in our church's Easter Outreach. Starting Saturday we help with the outreach at the park (which is a very long & hard day, but SO fulfilling!!!!) and then Sunday we have church in the park.
This year Jose and I partnered up with Noe & Monica to do the Food Crew on Saturday. We were up at 6:30 am getting ourselves ready & I packed Delayna's stuff up, because she was coming with us. We got to the park about an hour later to meet up with Noe & Monica. This was their first year leading the food crew & were as nervous as I'll get out. They were too cute, but did great!!!
Here's Noe directing some people.
Here is Jessica & Courtney doing hot dogs
We had over 2,000 people come out this year. It was nice seeing old faces & some of my friends come out. I just realized, I didn't get not one pic of my besties (Allan & Angel), who came out and helped for the first year!
We were home around 4 pm. And I got going on the house & the eggs.
We had a blast doing the eggs, as we always do. I love that my husband & son aren't "too old" to participate in such a family fun activity.
Here are some pics...
3 1/2 dozen of eggs
Kids coloring
Jose tried to get Delayna to 'help'
Mom looking on
I used my Avent breast milk storage cups to die the eggs in...ROFLMBO!
Here's some buzz worthy eggs (we always make special eggs)
Jose playing with the kids & the eggs
I also made cakes. My first attempt was a flopp. They stuck to the pan...WHATEVER!
My mom tried "peicing it together". She's such a dork!
So, I re-did them. Here's my "Dirt Cake" (recipe to follow later)
And my Easter Bunny Grass Cake
Easter morning we had to start early, because Jose & Adi had to be at the church by 8:15am. Here's pics & video
The baskets
Waiting for their baskets
Anthony passing the baskets out
Anthony, Dominic, Delayna & I all got ready for church & headed out. It was a gorgeous day! The message was remarkable! The skits, and message were really good!
Here's a link if your interested in watching The Rebounder.
Pastor opened up for those who want to accept Jesus as their personal savior. We had about 48 people accept and one of them was my Bestie, Angel. Allan shared his story with me about him accepting Christ as his personal savior the week before & here is his wife accepting Christ into her life. What an awesome moment! I've been praying for them for quite a while. Now to stand with them and walk with them!
After church we got home & the Easter Bunny hid eggs all over the house (not where *she* was supposed to, but it turned out great!).
In the bathroom
Front Room
Mantel
Some outside
Later Mona, Alvaro & Emilio came over to share an Easter Dinner. It was very nice to have company over & enjoy my good cooking with friends! Just as we sat down to eat, Gail, James, Mark, Sarah & Devin came by.
My Easter Dinner Table
My Famous Glazed Ham (I've had requests for this!)
The end of a long day! Me and my girls
Don't know which is better
The kids went through 2 HUGE bottles of bubbles!
My baby girl's first Easter
God really blessed our day & I loved it! Hope you were all blessed as much as my family was!