Wrestling, Volleyball and Track

So, my older ones within these past few months decided that they were giving up soccer.  Adriana wants to pursue her Volleyball journey.  She made the club team for Beaumont, which is AWESOME!  She did amazing on the high school volleyball team last season.  I was a proud Mama for sure!  Today she texted me and told me that she tried out for the track team at school.  I guess we will see where this leads her next.  She is currently still playing for her AYSO fall team, they made area playoffs.  She is also no practicing for her club team.  She is going to through track into the mix also.  My crazy girl. But I guess I would rather her be busy than too much time on her hands getting herself into trouble.

Anthony has decided to quite the HS soccer team due to the coach just being a jerk.  I don't blame him at all.  He has wanted to be on the wrestling team for the past 2 years.  He finally went out for the team.  Currently the coach has told him that he won't be wrestling for a while.  I talked with a friend of mine who's daughter is on the team also.  She said she will put a word in for him.  We will see what happens.  He's pretty excited to be learning the moves and techniques.  He is getting into the weights and what not.

I guess I'll keep ya'll updated as I can!

Jingle Buddy, day 3

This morning Delayna woke up looking all over for JB.  She finally found him in the kitchen by the coffee pot, in a cup, eating marshmallows and full of sugar.
Honestly, we weren't sure what he was doing.  So after a phone call to our Papa, he answered our question.  Looks as though JB thought he would help Papa make this coffee this morning and got caught off guard by Papa getting up so early.  Papa thanked him for trying to help and released him of his duties.  JB just stuck around watching Papa and eating marshmallows.

Jingle Buddy, day 2

Well JB thought it would be funny to draw on our family photos.  Not sure where he got his pranks from but I sure hope he straightens up!  He is making enough trouble for all four kids.  They all think it's hilarious, so I guess it's ok...as long as I don't have a huge mess to clean up!

Guess Who Is Back!?!?!

Jingle Buddy!!!! I don't even know if I blogged about our little friend last year or not, but I'll try to stay up on it. I know I said that about the 30 Days Of Thankfulness...I suck, what can I say?

So on to Jingle Buddy.  He is our little elf that comes and visits during the month of December (he arrived a little early this year) and likes to hide and or get into mischief.  ***If you've never heard of this you can read more at elfontheshelf.com

Well, I took Ant & Adi to school this morning and came home to on VERY happy little girl screaming and jumping up and down shouting, "Mama, Jingle Buddy's back, Jingle Buddy's back!"  She was seriously SO LOUD and SO excited she woke Dominic up.  He came out and she was yelling at him wanting him to see what Jingle Buddy was doing.  Once he got his eyes pried open from his sleep crust he got the BIGGEST grin as he looked around my hip and saw some friends playing with our candy canes.



He wanted me to read the book right away but we needed to start getting ready for school and jazzercise.  I went to the back of the house to start laying out clothes and get myself together.  I came out of my room and heard...QUIETNESS!  I was wondering why it was so quiet, because if you know Delayna, she is NEVER quiet!  As I walked toward the front of the house I heard Dominic talking.  I turned the corner and found this:


Seriously, isn't that enough to melt your heart!?!?!  He not only was reading the Elf on the Shelf book to Delayna, but he went and got Oliver (his teddy) to read with them...AWWWWWWWWWWW

We got ready and all morning Dominic was giving me, "Mama, wouldn't it be funny if..." scenarios.  He has all kinds of ideas for Jingle Buddy. But we will see what this little fella is up to this year.  I will promise to try to blog daily!  I have learned that these are the precious memories I need to be journaling!

30 Days of Thankfulness

Day 14- As I sat here about an hour ago pitching a hissy fit not wanting to get up to sweep & mop my floor God whispered in my ear...
Melissa, you should be grateful for the floors you have to clean. The beautiful home that is yours to keep tidy. The legs that get you up to do your chores, the arms that work hard to clean everything, the nose to smell the scent of a clean home, the eyes to see t

he difference between clean and dirty. Ears to hear the worship music on in the background as I clean.
A mop to mop the floors with. A broom to sweep the floors with. Bleach to clean the house with. Music to listen to and Praise Him while I clean.
So, today I am grateful for the blessing my home has been to me (and others). I don't take it lightly to live in the gorgeous home that I do live in and the thought of loosing it rips my heart to pieces!
I'm also grateful for my physical being working in proper order so that I can keep and maintain my home.

And because God speaks SO much through my Praise and Worship and HE knows all that I deal with, here is a song that spoke volumes while I was cleaning today...

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:

• Jennifer
  

  
  

  Thank you. Was thinking this is what we BOTH need. God, answered us through you.
• Melissa
  

  
  

  Awe, your so sweet! You are the second person that has told me this week how God works to place people in others lives for a reason. Pretty cool!
• Jennifer

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  It's true Mel. God is mysterious, and revealing all in one. He puts us in each others lives to make it a better world. All people have to do is listen. Sorry...didn't mean to get all "religious" on you! Lol
• Melissa
  

  
  

  HaHa, I should be the one apologizing for getting religious! Ha Ha...really though, God has us all positioned for a reason. We may never know, we may find out years later. It's amazing the things God does in His timing. I just pray I can be used for His glory!
• Jennifer
  

  
  

  Amen Mel!

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!

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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.

30 Days of Thankfulness, Day 10

After an extremely busy week and even busier last 2 days...I'm grateful for all my family being together, eating homemade pizza, chocolate cake for our birthday girl, ice cream, a nice warm fire, Gold Canyon candle burning and Madea's Witness Protection Program. It's the little things!

30 Days of Thankfulness, Day 9

I'm beyond grateful for my Jesus Girlz! God put me in a position almost three years ago. I fought him for a long time before I took that step of faith that allowed God to use this broken, hurting, fearful, non-confident girl. I never thought anyone would ever come to a bible study I would be leading. But God has brought me 15+ different girlz in my life. Some are die-hard and still her

e, some have left due to life circumstances. I have been open and raw with each of them. Some have heard things even my husband hasn't.
They haven't judged me or anyone else that have opened up. They are loving, truly caring, Godly women searching for more of God. Each one has touched my life in ways they may never know. Each one has helped to bring healing to my life, have helped me to love, trust, care, appreciate, find joy, see more of myself than I ever have.
God continues to use me to reach these women. Lead them, pray for them, speak life into them and whatever else God has for me to be to them. But I have gained do much more in return.
I love you my Girlz! Future, present and past!

Christmas 2011

30 Day of Thankfulness, Day 8

I'm so grateful for my little Stinky! He has been such a blessing in all of our lives. He is funny, rediculously intelligent, extremely loving, sweet as can be, a great big brother, a true friend, has a heart of gold. Loves his Star Wars, games, cartoons, movies, Captain Underpants & anything nerdy. He is teaching me daily a whole other side of this "mommy job". I love being around him, he truly is a joy! I love you my Stinky, forever and always! — with Dominic Herrera.

The silly side of my Stinky!  Wearing his sister's dress after not feeling good for a few days.

30 Days Of Thankfulness, Day 7

Thankful for sports and all that they entail--especially coaches. My kids have had the privilege of being in soccer, softball, volleyball, wrestling, football...each sport was of their own choosing. My one rule was they could not quit before the season was over. Some sports they loved, some proved to be more work then my kids anticipated, but they all accomplished so much in the lives of my children. They learned sportsmanship, commitment, skill, teamwork, dedication and perseverance. They also learned how much their parents loved them to buy the uniforms, equipment and drive them to practice and games...I acted like it was a huge burden and they should appreciate the effort I made (and they should) but I wouldn't miss these games and these memories for the world! I am thankful they have stayed safe through dives, tackles, kicks and slides and I am so very thankful for the men and women who have coached, volunteered as team moms, took photos, and set examples for my kids...sometimes it really does take a village...and thanks to friends who have made my children feel like celebrities as you stood on sidelines and sat in bleachers cheering them on--I love you for that! ♥

30 Days of Thankfulness, Day 6

Day 6- Today I am grateful for the right to exercise my beliefs. God gave us the ability and women fought for or equality. I thank God for living in a FREE country, founded under God. Now lets pray for a change and to get our government back to the place it was originally founded on. No matter who is President...
In God I Trust!

Cousins!

Devin came over & spent the night for two nights! The boys had TONS of fun together & it was nice to have them playing more than they were fighting. I gave the boys a bath & couldn't resist to take pics of them. I have pics of them

Songs To Robin

A few days after Robin went home, Lourdes texted me and told me to turn the radio to 95.1. This song was playing and it was talking about how this girl flew up to heaven and she walks with Jesus and smiling down on us saying, "don't worry about me".
OMG I cried like a baby while I was driving, knowing that, that's my girl talking to us.
Here is the song...

In her Papa's arms...

Delayna is such a spoiled baby. I don't mean in a bad way. She is SO loved by all of us and is just a spoiled little girl with love. Out of everyone, she adores her Papa! He has always been the only one that can get her to sleep, and it's always done in his arms.

30 Days Of Gratefulness, Day 5

Day 5- I'm beyond grateful for Jazzercise! I have been working out for 16 months now. I have learned that I have a strength I never knew I had. It has allowed me to not only grow health wise but also mentally and spiritually. I've pushed myself beyond a point I never thought I'd ever get to and continue to train and push. It has given me some great friends that pour into me and others God has allowed me to pour back into. 
I can't wait to see where the next year leads me in this area!

Here is a picture of my Sister In Law and I after I completed my first 5K!  Something I would have NEVER thought I would EVER do!  I've always HATED running with a passion. 

30 Days Of Thankfulness, Day 4

I didn't type everything out on Facebook because today has just been crazy hectic.  Today I must dedicate to my sweet cousin, Robin.  Here is my post:

Happy Angelversary My Sweet Girl. It's been three years since you left us to take your place in God's arms. Your stories still reach and touch many. Your legacy will live forever. I an wearing your necklace and bracelet, feeling your presence with me. I love you more than you'll ever know. Celebrate your day as we remember you on earth. 

30 Days of Thankfulness, Day 3

Day 3~ Today marks 14 years of a beautiful blessing that Jose and I were given. It was a chilly but sunny morning. After 12 hours of the most unbearable pain a woman could ever experience our beautiful baby girl was brought into the world, Adriana Herrera.
She is incredible intelligent, amazingly athletic, has a heart of gold, is a great big sissy (and little one too), absolutely beautiful inside and out! Silly, obnoxious, a complete air head but is our girl and we all adore her!
Happy Birthday my precious girl. Mama loves you more than words could ever say!

Ant & Adi~Winter Formal 2012

Here I go again on my own...

Ha Ha Ha, yes that song is running through my head as I start to pic my blog back up.  I've been going through things that I REALLY need to start blogging.  I suck at writting and keeping a journal, so blogging really is my best bet.  Getting on everyday and making the time is the problem.  But, I need to really sit down and figure out my schedule and plan my days.  More things are going on my plate and I need to FOCUS!
So, I'm going to post all my 30 Days Of Thankfulness and hopefully keep up with what is going on.  I'll do it all in different posts, for anyone out there interested in reading...

30 Days of Thankfulness, Day 2

Day 2~ It seems everyone is on the same page with Day 2. I've been thinking and I'm going along with everyone else!

Jose & I supporting our #1 Football Player

I'm beyond grateful for my Honey! He is my Yin to my Yang, my calm to my storm, my #1 supporter, my soul mate, my better half, the spiritual leader of our family, our prayer warrior, an awesome Papa to our 4 blessings, a VERY hard worker that allows me to stay home to care for our 

blessings. My husband is everything and more! I thank you Jose Herrera for all you are and all you do. Our paths met when I was 12 years old. Our story has an AMAZING testimony that will touch lives we may never know. But God knew what he was doing when He placed us in that trailer park. I praise Him for you. I couldn't ask for anyone better. I love you more today than ever! ♥

30 Days of Thankfulness, Day 1

Day 1~ I'm am BEYOND grateful to be blessed and have the privilege of being a stay at home mommy. With all my sick babies this week, I haven't had to worry or fret over one of them being home alone or with someone else caring for them. I get to treat them to yummy food being served on the dinner table that I know what is in it, who prepared it and that it's healthy. I am able to be at 90% of their games and be their #1 cheerleader. I am an alarm clock, cook, maid, waitress, teacher, nurse, handyman, security officer, photographer, counselor, chauffeur, event planner, personal ... I may not be anything to you but I am EVERYTHING to someone.