Our Miracle From Heaven 11.4.2000

One wam sunny afternoon on the 2nd of April 1998 my husband, Jose, and Allan a friend of ours came up with a bright idea of going to Tijuana, Mexico.  Just like a coupld of teenagers, they became esctatic and called a few or their friends to go along with them.  It was four o'clock in the evening when everyone arrived at our apartment.  Allan and Angel came walking across the way from their apartment to ours.  Jose put on his blue and white Converse and didn't even bother to grab a sweater, figuring that he would be fine in the jeans and T-Shirt he was wearing.  Once it was time for them to leave, Jose approached me, gave me a hug and kiss and whispered in my ear, "I love you, Mija."  He then hugged our two-year old son and rubbed my stomach, saying goodbye to the baby inside.  As they piled into the already full, yellow, 1987 Honda Civic, he waved and blew us a kiss goodbye.  As I watched him drive off, I had a sick feeling in my stomach.  I told Angel that I had a feeling in my stomach like something was going to happen.  She answered, "Estas Loca.  It's just the baby making you feel sick."  I agreed.  My son, Anthony and I went throughout the night as normal, watching Space Jam, two times, eating dinner, bathing and going to bed.

It was 2:52 am when I was awakened by a startling phone ringing in my ear.  It was Allan.  He told me that he and the other guys had just crossed the border but that the Border Patrol wouldn't allow Jose to cross, he is not a legal resident and only had his work permit.  I asked him, "Well, where in the hell did you leave him?"  He answered, "Over the border." I couldn't believe Allan, our "best friend" had left my husband behind.  Allan told me that he and the other guys would be home in the morning and we hung up.  Then, what had just been said hit me; my husband was stuck in Tijuana.  My stomach felt as if I had just jumped off the Grand Canyon and I couldn't hit bottom.  I called Angel to inform her of what had happened, but when she answered all I could get out was a horrible wail that I couldn't control.  She finally got me to calm down enough so that I could tell her what happened.  After talking to Allan once he finally got home, I found out that in the process of crossing the border, my husband had been arrested for perjury.  Now, I was frantic.  I called Jose's boss to inform him of the situation.  He offered to take Anthony and I to Tijuana, and so we went.  After the whole ordeal of finding Jose, I was escorted into a "holding place" for those people who have tried crossing the border illegally.  As I walked into this obscure building, I saw hundreds of Hispanics, all in chairs, eating, sleeping and crying.  I saw infants still nursing on their mother's breasts to senior citizens, all with the same motive: to get to a country of freedom.  Then, I saw him, his small build all scrunched up, his bones extruding in his face as if he hadn't slept in months and exhausted from crying.  I thought I would faint.  My legs went weak.  I saw Jose jump up with all that was in him and call out, "Mija!"  I caught myself and regained my strength.  I had to take my strength from God and be strong for Jose.  I had to get my baby out of this god-awful place.  The officer took me to the counter and advised me on a few steps that I could do, which wasn't much.  While being escorted back out, I looked into his eyes, sunken in and full of tears.  I had to hold in my tears.  I whispered, "I love you.  I'll get you ."

Days went by with no success nor help from anyone.  My Grandfather gave me a number to our Senator, Jerry Lewis.  There, I found his secretary who gave me another number to call.  I spoke with a man who gave me a list of information that I would need to fax over.  He told me to direct it to the woman who was the head or Border Patrol.  He told me exactly what to do, and I did it with faith.  The next day, April 9, 1998 my grandfather, mother, son and I drove to Tijuana on a very stormy day.  We arrived at 7:45am.  An officer escorted us all from the border check point in through a large building into the main office. Jose was there waiting for us.  He looked as if all life itself had sucked everything out of him and all that was left was his corpse.  My mom approached him with our son and they held each other as they prayed.  I spoke with the same officer I had a few days back.  I informed him of what I had been told to do, and he responded as if I didn't know what I was talking about.  He asked me for the phone number that the Senator had given me.  He tried to call the number, but all he got was a message that stated, "this number is no longer in service."  He then called the head of the Border Patrol, and she asked him to come to her office.  We waited very impatiently for thirty-five minutes.  He was finally back with a stack of papers: the ones I had faxed, and a passport, signed, stamped, and ready for Jose.  The happiness that came out of us was overwhelming, as we all stood in the office crying, hugging, and praising God for the miracle He had just performed for us.  The whole way home, all I kept repeating was, "Thank you Jesus, thank you Lord."

Wow, talk about bringing up emotions!  This is a true story and after typing it from my written story, I remember details that aren't in the story.  I didn't want to add to it but just know, God is AWESOME!!!  I wish I could write out more stories of when He has 'came to our rescue'!  

I hope you enjoyed my trips back in time....

Old Stories #2

As my husband and I sit and wait for the ride that comes everyday, we enjoy the tranquil setting.  The time that is spent between the two of us is special time that nobody but Jose and I can share.  As we sit together and share our thoughts, the strong wind blows our truck so strongly we can feel it rock us.  As we discuss our plans for the day, the windmills around us spin round and round, preparing themself for the day that is ahead of them, just as Jose and I do at the same moment.  I watch his strong muscular hand reach for his coffee mug as if it were a small tea cup.  Jose's large lips cover the edge of the mug and I hear him sip his creamy yet strong coffee that he enjoys every day.  We look out to the west of us and watch the lights of the traffic glimmer in the morning darkness. As he turns around with his back to me in his seat, he hands me his "liga" so that I can braid his long, dark brown hair.  While being turned to the east, we see the sun rising between the hills.  The hues of the sun turn from yellow to green and then three shades of blue the higher we look into the sky.  The sun creeps higher and reflects off the windows of passerbys, making a beautiful scenic view as if we were at the beach watching the same rays of the sun hit the waves.
I can now see my husband's large hazel eyes that clearly chow the colors of green and brown, the ones I fell in love with seven years agao and with which I still fall in deep "awa" when I look into them.  We look up and see the small, white car come up to the top of the off-ramp; Jose turns and kisses me.  He gets out and I watch his tall yet muscularly buit body go to put his lunch box and tools into the car.  He waves good-bye and it is a sad moment, yet hopeful as we know we will be reunited at the day's end.

Since moving these past few years, I came across a few stories that I wrote when I was in college.  I have them in my desk, but I wanted to post them here on my blog, just to reference one day and share with the world.

I have three to share and only one has a title, so I'm just going to number them ;-)

Old Stories #1

There are many things in my life that I would like to accomplish, by setting goals for myself and the strength from God I can accomplish them.

First of all I would like to get a job within the next few months.  I don't want just any job, I would like a job that offers hours that are earlier in the day to where I'm getting off before 5pm.  I also want my weekends and holidays off, since I do have a family.  I need as many days with my family I can and due to my husband working a Mon-Fri 6-2 job and my son in school 8-3 I need my weekends and nights.  I would also like to work in an educational environment for now so that I can have my summers off with my son and obtain the experience of working with people of different ethnics.

Second my husband and I would like to start our own business.  My husband has already passed his law exam for a general contractor and now he needs to pass the trade exam.  During the time that he is attending class, and if a good enough paying job, we would like to invest in a computer.  By doing this we can also invest in programs that would help to start our business. 

Third I want to receive my bachelors degree.  To do this I am going to take at least two classes every semester until I receive my 60 transferable credits.  By then, I'm sure I will have found the school I want to further my educational goals in.  I predict that by 2005 I will have my B.A. in Business Management.

Finally my most important goal is an on going goal, is to raise my children in a Godly environment.  This goal is very important to me as I was raised the same way.  To do this I need to be more persistent in going to church on a weekly basis.  After moving and getting my priorities together, I would like to enroll my son into Awanas (a children's  christian bible study) so that he has an environment of God's ways and has a godly perspective in life.  By having my life in God's hands and following his ways, I can be a model for my children.

Since moving these past few years, I came across a few stories that I wrote when I was in college.  I have them in my desk, but I wanted to post them here on my blog, just to reference one day and share with the world.

I have three to share and only one has a title, so I'm just going to number them ;-)

Another Delayna-ism

Another Delayna-ism
Ant found a hat of my mom's and Dee brought it out wearing it.  I asked her to let me try it on & see what I look like.  I try it on and Jose says, "naw, it doesn't look good."  I replied, "I must look ugly."
Delayna said, "Mama, you don't look ugly, the hat does not you."

Weight Loss Realization

Honestly didn't even know how to title this one.  So we all know I've been on my weightloss journey for some time.  Well, I haven't blogged as much as I would have liked.  But tonight I was trying to cheer a dear friend of mine up regarding her WL Journey and I responded to a facebook post.  After reading what I wrote to Jose, I knew I needed to keep this.  Sometimes I just write what I feel and don't give it a second glance.  But some things I need to take in and take my own advice.  Learn from it and allow MYSELF to heal from what's inside.
This is what my precious friend was dealing with:
I think it's so messed up that I started dieting & working out before Bryan yet he's lost 15lbs in 3 weeks and I've only lost 3 lbs!!!!! Ugh! I'm happy for him but Geesh it's discouraging! My body sucks!


So here is what I wrote...

Can I share a story ;-) I have a friend that started dieting. She was literally shrinking before my eyes. I was SO sad and devastated! I was on my journey but getting no where real fast! I beat myself up, A LOT!!! Told myself I wasn't good enough, that I must have something wrong because I'm not loosing like her, etc.
Just a few months in is when I started jazzercise. I knew this was a LIFETIME change for me! I knew that I would get 'there' wherever 'there' was in time. I had to learn to do for Melissa and not compare myself with others.
I lost a friendship and didn't talk with this 'friend' for quite sometime. The next time I saw her, she was no where near where she was from the last time I saw her. She was actually heavier and had gained a ton of weight back. Come to find out she was the incredible shrinking woman because she was taking stimulants to help her loose weight. Once she stopped her body went right back to where it was.
July 18th will be a year doing jazzercise. I haven't lost a child like some of my friends. I haven't gone down from the double digit clothes to single digit. I haven't made a HUGE dent in my weightloss.
But what I have done is: learned that I am STRONG! Physically, mentall and spiritually. I've lerned to do for Melissa and NO BODY ELSE! I have learned that I like food, A LOT! But, I don't have to allow it to control me! What I have gaine outwighs what I have lost! I am on this journey for the rest of my life. If I never become a skinny MILF, I'm okay with that. I know I'm healtier than I've ever been and I will continue to fight. Love you girl!!! Keep your head up! You will face challenges, but you will learn that you are AMAZING, no matter what may you have to face!

BTW...just another note...be greatful that you have a soulmate on this journey with you! My husband has ALWAYS been skinny! He would take suplements to beef up and they never worked. He has never had to watch what he eats. But let me tell you, I can now out crunch him, I can make it ALL THE WAY through Blow and he's dying! There are things I'm out doing and it's awesome to be able to see my progress with my husbands struggles!

Wow, really?  Is that really Melissa?  If only you knew where I've come from.  Feeling so insignificant and worthless for so many years.  God is placing me in places and I don't know what He's doing but WOW!!!

That's all for now.

KFGHDGP&*(p8UFRE4WIOJRVNGU7&*(uio

YUP, that's about how I'm feeling right now!  I won't go into details, because my life doesn't always need to be put on public display.  But I'll just say...same 'ol crappy ola with my mutha.
But, my computer did some updatey thing and shut down and restarted.  When it restarted, it was loading facebook and it happened to stop on someone's status update that I follow.  Delayna was messing around and so I hit the little thing that stops her from moving the mouse.
Man, God knows what He's doing...ALL.THE.TIME!
Because I read this and it was exactly what I needed!  I am worn out and exhausted and this really hit home!

"I pray in Jesus' name, may you fight the temptation to engage in relational battles that drain your strength, trying to prove your point or win your way or defend yourself. I pray you let your Lord be your defense. I pray you will never again get caught in the trap of blame of bitterness. May our God give you the wisdom to know what to fight for, for those your love, and how to fight in a way that brings blessings and breakthroughs to all of your relationships. In Jesus' Name, Amen" ~ Taken from Freedom for His Princess by Sheri Rose Shepherd

Perfect portion

I bought these cute little plates at Target last week.  They are not only the cutest little plates, but so perfectly portioned!  This is Delayna's lunch for today (hence the Hello Kitty utensils).  But while I was making it, I thought... "hey Melissa! (yes, I talk to myself) this would totally work for your lunches!"
So, I'm going to make me some lunches on these nifty little plates.  Using the bigger spaces for the fruit & veggies.  Ha, pretty clever I am every now and then :)

Day 5 of my 21 Day Daniel Fast

I have been really wanting to blog about the Daniel Fast I started on the 1st of January.  But 1-I've been too busy to be on the computer and 2 I haven't really known what to blog about. 
Sure, I can blog my prayers, struggles, praise reports, but I guess I just haven't been able to pu my thoughts into words.  I have a some things I wanted to put on today, just for rememberance.
Yesterday, I made the kids potatoes and ham per their request.  I figured, since Jose was out of town (or so I thought) I would just make extra potatoes for myself and some soyrizzo on the side to go with it.  I was kind of excited for the potatoes, something yummy, comforting and fried :)  I didn't expect to have any issues...
Du Du Du  Yup it was coming!
I warmed the kids up their ham and MAN, I wanted to devour it!  Especially the fat!  I had to move myself to the counter next to Oscar's bowl and dump the trimmimgs off into the bowl.  I made it threw and my dinner was very scrumdiddleyumptious, but it wasn't easy.

Now today has been challenging today also.  I was faced with a ghost from the past.  Thank God for friendship, because without me being able to reach out to my friend (not someone who will tickle your ear, someone who will tell you like it is and put you in yuy place!)
She talked me down and gave me revelation.  Thanks Jen!
I did okay with food.  I ate really well all day.  I made the kids spaghetti for dinner and Jose & I a yummy soup.  I had Adi make most of the dinner.  I went in the kitchen to check on her (I was getting ready for my PC TRNG) she had the pasta sitting in the pot of water.  Um HELLO!?!?!  She said she didn't know if it was done or not.  So I automatically took the spaghetti fork and pulled 3 noodles from the pot and popped them in my mouth.  After I chewed them, I realized what I did and yelled, "Oh my gosh, I just ate pasta!"  Ha Ha!
But, it made me realize the nindless things we do, just out of habit or routine.  I want to be more concious of things I do.  It can't be a good thing to be living life so mindlessly.  Which takes me to ny scripture I was reading tonight (because I skipped my morning read & had to play catch up.  But, God knew what He was doing.  I wouldn't have had this scripture hit me after the circumstances from the day)
So we are reading Proverbs for the mont of January, through my church & bible study.  Today was obviously Proverbs 5.  I almost highlighted the whole chapter it was that good.
Of course the program I use won't let me copy and add my notes, so I'll try later.  But I wanted to just jour down a free things for the day :)

Kids say the darndest...Delayna

We just picked up Adi's friend Cynthia and are all heading  to the movies.
Cynthia complemented Delayna's shoes and said, "I like your shoes."
Delayna came back with, "I know, there pretty."
Oh my goodness, we laughed soooo hard!  The innocent mind of the child.

Woah Buddy!

Just found a pic of me at about 225lbs.  I can't believe where I was and where I am today!

Here is a pic I just figured out how to merge from ^there^ to now...

Jesus Made...

Delayna and I were driving to Wal-mart earlier after dropping the kids off at school and she tells me...
D- "Mama, guess what."
Me- "What?"
D- "Jesus made the twees."
Me-"Yes He did.  Aren't they pretty?"
D-"MM HMM"

D-"Mama, guess what else."
Me- "What baby?"
D-"Jesus made the back yard."
Me-"He did.  So you can play in it, huh?"
D-"Yup"

D-"Mama, guess what else Jesus made."
Me-"What baby?"
D-"The flowers."
Me-"He did, didn't he?  And he made them beautiful!"
D-"MM HMM"

Me-"Delayna, guess what else Jesus made beautiful."
D-"What?"
Me-"YOU!"
D-"No He didn't.  He made me pwetty."

Then we went through the whole family and close friends.  I love this little girl!

That's yo seat

Anthony was eating menudo and Delayna wanted some. So he got up to get her some. While he was up, she took his chair and placed it for her to sit on, then brought him the horse to sit on.
Too funny!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

30 Days Of Thankfulness, Day 2

I'm thankful for my baby boy Anthony Herrera! He brings me MANY proud moments. He is loving, caring, sensitive (I know you don't believe that one), smart and amazingly athletic! He has been blessed with talent that could only be given by God. 
Anthony, Mama loves you more than you'll ever comprehend! We've been through some stuff, but God ALWAYS see's us through! You've been made for greatness and God will bless you with only the best as long as you stay in Him. 
I'm extremely proud of you and thank you for everything you bring into my life!

30 Days Of Thankfulness, Day 1

Okay, so I started this on my facebook, but things get buried and I know here I can reference it all back.  So I'm just going to cut & paste =)

Today I am thankful for my husband, Jose. He works extremely long hours, 6 days out of the week. Is the most amazing man I've ever known. He is the spiritual leader of this home that leads us daily. He lifts me up when I'm down, is there to be a friend whenever needed and is an awesome Papa to his 4 blessings.
~I ♥ You My Honey~

Halloween 2011

After many different plan changes...my brother, sister in law, my nephews (Mark, Dakota & Devin) and niece by law, Jess all came over.
We went out here in our housing track.  We had a blast!!!!  Devin normally isn't into it, but he had a great time.  Delayna loved every second of it and literally ran house to house.  She was sooooooo cute!
Jose took the big wagon out to pull the kids when they got tired.  But Ant & Jose ended up taking turns laying in it and chasing after kids scaring them.  It was hillarious!
Heres some pics...

There's a snake in my boots!

A couple of weeks ago I was rushing around trying to get ready for a party I had that night and I had to go and pick up Anthony from football practice.
When I went there to get him, he was no where to be seen, wouldn't answer his text or phone calls.  I was pissed and freaking out.  I called Jose for him to call Ant.
He finally got ahold of him and told him to get to me now.
When he got in the truck, he was giddy laughing about a snake that he caught and was chasing his friends with.
Delayna shouted out, "Bobo Anty, there's a snake in your boots?"
I started chuckling, even through my anger.  So once she heard me laughing, she started feeding off of it.
She then said, "Bobo, there's a snake in your butt!"
After that, Ant and I just busted into laughing.
Through all the anger, frustration and the nerves geting to me, it's the little thing that made us bust a gut!  And of course, leave it to Delayna and Anthony, my two little clowns to get me into a better mood.

Weight loss journey

January 5, 2011 vs September 26, 2011
Save outfit, but different body

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

My New Necklace

So this isn't the best picture, but I didn't even think of taking a pic until now.
This is my new necklace, it may not be anything grand looking, but it's the story behind it.
I picked up Dominic from school today and as we got out of the truck and go into the house he told me, "Mama, I had such a good day today, I was able to pick a prize from the prize box."
I replied, "you did?"
He said, "yup"
Then he held out his hand and said, "this is what I picked, it's a present for you." He opened his little hand and inside was this green necklace.
After thanking him and smothering him in hugs and kisses, I decided I would revolve my whole outfit for my show tonight to match my new necklace.
So I wore my green bracelet & earrings and my green apron.
When I got home from my party, he was in bed, but came running out with Devin and the first thing he asked me was,
"Mama, how did everyone at your party like your necklace!?!"
Isn't he the sweetest!?! He is my precious little boy!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Having fun with lunch

I'm loving Pinterest.com lately! I saw something the other night where they made PB&J sushi rolls.
So Stinky is benefitting today.
They were super easy to make!
Just flatten your bread out with s rolling pin. Add your filling & roll!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Scary thought

So, I'm sitting here helping Ant do his homework and I happened to mention it on facebook (and maybe I complained that I'm exhausted). My Grandma Wallace commented about remembering her days doing the same thing (just an fyi, grandma had 7 kids). Then I replied, as long as I follow my grandparents examples, I will have successful kids.
Then I started thinking. Unfortunately, both of my parents have had quiet the share of struggles in their lives. And then the saying popped in my head, "you will always have one kid that isn't as good as the others."
It's hard for me to imagine one of my kids not succeeding. I have HUGE dreams for my babies. I've seen each one as particular things.
Ant is going to be my successful athlete. He wants to become a pro football player and I not only see him doing it, but he will succeed in it! Athletisism runs through his veins and he really is a natural!
Adriana will be my doctor. She plans on moving to the OC to study and then eventually move to Denver where she will practice in the OBGYN field.
Dominic is my brainiac & will do something in engenering, owning his own business, something like that.
Delayna is going to be my model/dancer, singer. She is ALL girl and loves music!
So to ever think of one of my precious babies not succeeding or not making it isn't even an option for me.
What are your thoughts?

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4