Purity-a vow rarely taken

Adriana came to Jose and I about 3 weeks ago and told us about an experin e she had over the summer. 

Her friend took a Purity Vow. She admittedly was jealous of the ring the girl recieved during to ceremony and wanted one. But then she told us that she was convicted of the jealousy she held for this ring. She began to talk with God and ask him about Purity. What the purpose of taking a vow is, what his words says about abstinence, etc. 

She told us how God would give her scripture. She would look it up, take notes and allow him to speak to her through it all. She shared with Jose & I a few scriptures God gave her. Talk about WOW!!!!

She opened up about her fears and we were able to speak the word and life into her. She asked about some things that concerned her and again we were able to minister to her. In the end, after us talking she said she wanted to take a Purity Vow. Yeah, try to hold back the tears with that one! After crying for a minute, we discussed two options she has. 

One, to take the vow and make it personal between her Papa, God and I.

Two, to open up to her youth pastors and discuss the possibilities of doing this in front of the church. 

Adriana isn't one for attention (yeah, I am as shocked as you.) She really isn't one to seek out attention although she is loud and obnoxious. Hahaha

Well after some thought and discussion as to why we would like her to take the vow in front of the congregation, she agreed to. 

We went to Angel & Allan the following Friday and discussed everything. They of course are honored to do it and have already taken steps with our head Pastor, Todd. 

Prayerfully we will be able to do it on her birthday, November 3rd. 

Last week we were approached by Angel & Allan about having another girl join Adriana. What a blessing!  Knowing that MY DAUGHTER- OUR- opened a door for another young lady to take this vow is amazing!

God has always shown me, he has GREAT things for my children. Above and beyond I could ever dream or imagine. 

Since the days of our talk Adi has come to me with some personally but truly God Only Testimonies!  She is a teenage girl growing up in a dark and evil world. Sex is every where and accepted by so many. But my baby girl is going to stand out!  Like a seed that is placed into a dark, murky water. My girl is gowing to blossom and bloom like a beautiful Lotus Flower. Her beauty will outshine the dark waters and dirty muck!

So today, I bought her her ring. I've been looking for one with the scripture 1 Timothy 4:12- "Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." (1 Timothy 4:12 NIV)

I found it and in the exact ring style I wanted for a price I could afford!

Praise God!

I can't wait for the day her Papa and I stand with her and present her with this ring as a representation and symbol of an amazing vow she will take as God's Girl!

I'm going to be picking up apples

Ant came home tonight and asked us, "what do you guys think of me getting a job at Rio Ranch?  It'll be seasonal. I'll be picking up apples and helping keep things clean. Shane Aunt is head of hiring and they are looking for HS students."

Jose told him, "Mijo, I really don't think your going to want to work there."

Ant replied, "Pa, it's only weekends from 9:30-5 and I get paid $10 an hour."

Jose responded, "but why would you want to work at a grocery store for only a few days a week?"

Ant replied, "Not Rio Ranch the grocery store, Los Rios Ranch in Oak Glen."

Oh my gosh, I about dies laughing!!!!

I was quiet trying to hear Ant out but was trying to wrap my brain around why he would be working at a store and could only clean up the apples. Then, how is a total white girl head over hiring a crew who predominately speak Spanish (I can kind of understand that as I am a white bilingual woman). 

I couldn't fathom his whole job would to be picking up apples, I mean what if cilantro fell on the floor. He'd ask someone else to pick it up?  

Oh it was too funny!!!!!

Anyways, we will see where this leads. I will be praying for God's will. I know he has been wanting to work for a while now. It may be good for him. I'll keep posted. As well with some more family updates. 

Good one God, you got me!

I've been studying Unglued by Lysa Terkeurst. It's teaching me how NOT to become unglued in stressful situations and how to handle it "God's Way."

Not easy for a hot head like me!

This week I've been struggling doing my study. I have a lot going on and honestly can't seem to focus (even now my mind is racing a mile a minute and I'm Multi-taking). This morning I woke up at 5:30 and sat on the couch reading my study while Jose was on the phone. 

Dominic and Delayna both woke up early and Delayna was in quite the grouchy mood. Struggling to deal with her, enjoy my coffee and read some things were hitting me in the book. 

The morning went on and I took the older ones to school. Traffic at the HS is beyond ridiculous!  Sitting in the turning lane to turn left into the school, it's my turn and I slowly erk forward (because only God knows how dangerous it is, even when it's your turn to go). Well sure enough I pull out and Ant yells, "watch it Mom!"  The suburban to the left of me in a right turn only lane pulls out going left and I almost run into him. I slam on the brake and horn and of course yell at his stupid @$$. Oh yes I did, I became UNGLUED!!!  Along with the other parents in the cars watching the idiot. 

Then I drop the kids off and am now in the right hand lane going to leave the school. The left hand lane is backed up as usual and I go to drive off when a little black Honda in the left lane pulls right in front of me. What the heck!?!?  So I throw my hands up in my car like, "What the heck!?!?"  I follow the car, well we seem to be going the same way. Until we reach the stop sign where I went left and she went straight. I was NOT happy and planned on letting her know when she pulled up next to me at the stop sign. 

So I'm sitting there and look over to give her the evil eye. She pulls up with the biggest smile, waving. It's then I realize...It's my friend Lisa!

Gah, I couldn't help but laugh and shout..."You Got Me God!"

It's not easy to deal with situations the way God wants us to. But if we allow HIM to control us we can do it. I will admit, I have a HOT temper and fly off the handle at the drop of a dime. I'm trying and as life's pressures keep getting tossed my direction I'm learning to have the spirit and attitude God intended me to have. It was never his intention for humans to be angry, hateful, nor ticking time bombs. 

His way will prevail one way or another. I guess this was his little reminder to me this morning. 

Here's to a better day!!!

Re-Building the walls

I can't even begin to tell you how much this blesses me! My Honey is writing up an estimate for a potential job.
For 10 years now he let his dream go of owning his own company. We can see now that it wasn't God's timing and we had some growing to do. God is rebuilding those walls and bringing the desire back along with a peace that I never had before. We are excited to see where God is taking us. Jose is so humble and gives of himself so much. He deserves this & so much more!

Not your typical Senior

Anthony came home with his 2013-2014 Senior HS Pre-registration form Tuesday. Typically your senior year you take 4 classes, you are in school half a day and you are OUTTA THERE! Well, not my son. I am so stinken proud of him! He has decided to take a full load his senior year. He is taking his four mandatory classes plus taking a semester of Spanish 2 (because he is a dork and failed a semester) as well as a Security & Protective Class (he wants to get his guard card). After his semester of spanish He can either be done and only take 5 classes after the semester of Spanish or replace it with another class in which he has chosen to take a semester of culinary arts.
I'm honestly surprised that he is choosing to take a full load and not take half and get a job. I always say, "I have been blessed with an AWESOME son." And I truly have been. He makes his Papa & Mama so proud of him.
Oh one more thing, if you take a look up top he is on track to be accepted to a UC/SCU college. His dream is to go to USC but we will pray God opens the doors to his future. As sad and scared as I am of my baby boy growing up and moving on in this next chapter of his life. I'm excited watching how hard he is working towards his future. Most kids are just done and ready to get out of high school and become an adult. Anthony is making some very "grown up" decisions and the right choices for his future. I can't wait to see where his future leads him.
~One Proud Mama~

Things I learned about Volleyball today

Today was my Littles first volleyball tournament. I wrote out some things I learned today. All in all it was a great day. I'm a VERY proud Mama! My Little did great. Even Anthony made a point to let her know how proud he is of her and how well she did. It was fun.
We are of the minority, short people don't play this sport. I think they measure you and your parents when trying out and minimum height requirement is 6'.
All tournaments are in warehouses, built by block, aluminum doors and NO HEATER! It's colder than the North Pole and you should dress accordingly if you want to be comfortable and not get sick.
You will be getting up at the butt crack of dawn for every single tournament and you will be traveling very far away! Get used to it, it will be worth it! Just make sure you get your sleep.
It is a LONG day! Plan accordingly. A Leap Pad or another DS might be a great investment.
Man, do I feel out of my element! Thank goodness for great parents on the team!

Blessings Galore!

We have been getting blessed left and right lately! And from the least unexpected people/ways.
I believe I posted (I'll look, if I didn't I will) about us not being able to go to Ant's football banquet. A sweet friend of mine blessed us by paying our way. Totally unexpected, especially from her since we aren't very close and haven't even really talked in quite sometime. Thank you Natalie Tschudy!

Friday I cancelled bible study and went to Jazz. Well I got a text from Christy asking me if I'd be there. I told her I was and she told me she had something for me. So after class she called me over and said, "I know you have wanted one and can't afford it so I wanted to bless you". She gave me a banner that she recently started making (check out The Banner Girls on Facebook).

This past week was NFL Playoff's. Our Broncos made the playoffs and we were stoked! I met a girl who is a friend of The Bray's from church. She lives in Colorado and we converse through Facebook. I asked her about getting me a shirt for Jose. Well, he saw the messages and told me not to do it. I told her and she said, "let me bless you". Wow, really!?!? I told her to let me pay for shipping. She insisted I let her bless us for me being so kind to her. Wow!

Tonight my mom went to go out the front door and she found a bag. Inside was a Mickey Mouse Broncos blanket. It is GORGEOUS!!!! Come to find out Claudia saw it and thought of us and bought it. So sweet!

God is just blessing us in ways I wouldn't expect. I'm beside myself and learning to humble myself to allow others to bless me. I want to post every time we are blessed this year as a remembrance.

Daniel Fast 2013-thoughts and encouragement

Just wanted to share and send some encouraging words. I remember doing the fast last year and everyone talking about how God is revealing Himself to them. How they are "growing" and learning. I was pretty envious and wondered if I was going to feel this way. No, I didn't.
Then this year I went into the fast and didn't know what to expect, what God was going to do, where I was going to be led. But one night during my bible study I read, "we need to be willing to be willing." I told Fod at that moment that I am willing to be willing for His works! Honestly, I always worry what I'm going to go through or what He's going to have me do. Well so far there has been nothing great or grand. I am seeing Jose in his days watching him lean on our Father as we are going through horrible withdraws (I blogged about that one!) and he is growing before my eyes in our Father's strength. I kind of started feeling down and questioning God. Wondering what I'm doing wrong. Well, this my friends is what he told me:
"There are four common categories of toxic thoughts. These are negative, fearful, discontented, and critical. Chances are you are struggling with toxic thoughts in one or more of these four ways. Don't let these toxic thoughts grab hold of you and consume you. The deeper you let them take root inside you, the harder they will be to shake off. Identify those thoughts and reject them today.

Which types of toxic thoughts do you experience most often? What are some examples of your toxic thoughts?"
I am letting those thoughts toy with me. Let me encourage you, if Satan has come and made you question why you are doing this fast, what your getting out of it, etc. KNOW, it's the enemy trying to come in and make you question. Stand strong. God may not use you in the way you think or you expect him to. Just being there to speak life into someone or encourage them is a sign that God IS USING YOU!
Take those thoughts captive and stand on His word!
Huge Hugs from Me!

Daniel Fast 2013

Jose and I are on our Daniel Fast again this year.  Last year we really enjoyed it. Our relationship as husband and wife grew tremendously, the relationship with our kids and most importantly the relationship with God.  We were really excited to start it again this year.
Well, I said and always stand by my honesty.  And being totally honest, we are struggling!  Jose's body has been having horrible withdraws and not feeling good at all. He has been suffering with a headache since starting.  He was driving home yesterday having horrible hunger pains.  He came home and told me the story of what happened when he was driving home.  Pretty cool!  I've been feeling horrible.  I'm exhausted and just feeling very sluggish, having dizzy spells, body aches, sinus feel icky.  Could be lack of caffeine, although I don't drink a lot.  Could be food withdrawals. I could be coming down with this cold all the kids have had.  Who knows but I don't like it at all!

Yesterday when I was just feeling blah, I had a "wow moment".  I realized that my body is detoxing (you should have seen how many times I tried spelling that.  Even my brain and figures aren't working!) of all the junk I put in to it.  That my body is addicted to some of that stuff like it's a drug.  I've seen my mom go through withdrawals, they aren't fun!  I have very vivid memories of my mom coming off of things and her body going into shock from it.  I can somewhat sympathize with someone withdrawing now and would see why they would throw in the towel and say "forget this"!  But, I remember why I'm doing this.  It isn't about me and my flesh, this is about God and His plans.  Not only for my life, my kids' lives but others that I impact.  Others who watch me and are inspired by me.  Others who think, "I can't do this, it's too much" and then just by chance (or I like to believe it's a Holy Spirit Intervention) they run into me or my writings and read this.  Let this be an encouragement that YOU CAN DO THIS!

Jose was talking to me about his experience last night when he was coming home from work and was literally starving.  He felt horrible and was having horrible hunger pains.  He had thoughts running through his head and maybe it was the Holy Spirit that prompted me to send him a "sneak peak" at his dinner.  But he said the Holy Spirit spoke to him and told him, "Jose, these are just small hunger pains you are going through.  Can you imagine the pain Jesus went through for you?  Your pains are minuet compared to the sacrifice Jesus made.  Remember why you are doing this, it's to grow closer to Him."

WOW!  So true!  I've been watching others in my church going through the Daniel Fast also post on facebook or my Pastor's messages he's been posting.  They are really great encouragements.  But what Jose said last night gave me another WOW moment and brought it all into a perspective for me.

We must remember why we are doing this.  I made a plan before I started and wrote down why, who, what.  Why I'm doing it, Who I'm doing it for and What I want to get out of it.  Take a moment to do one for yourself.  When you get tired or weary, go back to your plan and remember why your doing it.

There is NO giving up, NO turning back, NO shortcuts!  Think of it as a woman in labor, because believe you me, we are birthing something!
#whateverittakes

Reindeer Donuts

Yup, that is what Jingle Buddy made last night and brought the kids.
Delayna was very excited, they very rarely get donuts let alone reindeer ones!

Sweet babies

These two are so sweet together!  They are laying in bed watching Mistle-tones, eating gingerbread cookies.  Notice Delayna's legs over Dominic's, too sweet!   I'm sure facebook is over seeing me post all these pics soooooooo, back to my blog!

Oh, and while I'm here I might as well post the earlier pics.  Dee ride her bike up to meet Dom & Adi.  On the way home she have Dominic a ride on the back.

Jingle Buddy, day 3

He was playing in the Jungle this morning.  Seems as though he likes Grammy's plant.  He was found just hanging out watching everyone.

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!