New Years Resolution

So... it is that time of year... again...

I love a new year. It almost seems like we can start all over, finally become that wonderful, productive, healthy, happy person we've always wanted to be. The trouble is, the enthusiasm to make changes, especially with exercise and diet, tends to fade once we realize we can't change everything overnight. If I want to make lasting changes, there are three things that I am going to do to make my  resolution work all year long:
Adjust my attitude, change my lifestyle and come up with a plan for success. Time to start thinking about your New Years Resolution. I have come up with mine. I am sure you can guess what it is... Yes- to loose weight. Ever since I have had my son I have REALLY struggled with weight loss. So this time, I thought that I needed to come up with a plan that I could stick to. And this is it- burn more calories then I eat. Beginning Friday, January 1, 2010 I am eating much more healthy and smaller portions and I am exercising EVERY day. More specifically to keep my New Years resolution I have to make LOTS of sacrifices... they include-
1. Break a sweat every day.
2. NO MORE soda.
3. NO MORE sweets or candy.
4. NO MORE fried food.
5. LOTS more exercise.

I am going to do this I AM. No exceptions. My ultimate goal is to loose a pound a week. My sister-in-law is getting married on February 13, 2010. I will loose 6lbs by then!!!!!!!!

Anyone want to do it with me?

Liams 1st Christmas

Liams first Christmas was a success. He got LOTS of stuff. He got clothes, a red radio flyer, a baby basketball game, LOTS of bath toys (my son LOVES the bath), a new playpin, a high chair, building blocks, a jungle toy that sings and talks, and many other toys. He is the cutest and most spoiled kid I know. I love him!

We went to a friends house in Pagosa Springs CO and Liam saw snow for the first time...!

and here we are as a family at our friends house- we had so much fun!

And here is some CUTE pictures of Liam during Christmas...

Liam and his cousin Nolen- they are 3 months apart in age.

My wonderful Grandmother and her two Great Grandsons- Nolen and Liam. She is the most amazing and strongest women I have EVER known. I love her!

That was our Christmas holiday. God is great!

Merry Christmas

From my family to yours- Merry Christmas and God bless!

He was not to happy about Santa, but he did not cry!!!!!

Bye-Bye Boring Baby Food

Too often baby food is, to put it plainly, plain and repetetive. Unseasoned green beans, rice cereal, banana puree, rice cereal, mashed carrots... and did I mention rice cereal?

The foods arent unhealthy, but contrary to what many parents believe, babies do enjoy a much wider food range! I have heard that exposure to different foods now may guard against later fixations on "kids foods"- pasta, crackers and juice- that are not the healthiest thing for them.

So to EsCaPe the rice cereal rut Liam and I have been in lately I have been trying to come up with some tasty ideas for him. I have not tried any of them yet, but I thought I would post about it because maybe someone might have other suggestions, or maybe your baby was not a fan (vise versa). I am trying VERY hard to not let my own tastes get in the way of what I serve my son.

SOUR STUFF- I have noticed that Liam like sour stuff. So I thought about serving him sour cherries (with the pits removed, of course). Mashing them up or cutting them in small chunks will do the trick. Plums might be the sour treat he needs also!

STEWED MEAT- Its easy, and it tastes even better when it is a day old, and it can be cooked a million different ways. I have thought about making a mexican beef stew and seeing how his taste buds like it. Stewed pork (because he is not a fan of the baby food beef) I thought would be neat to try also. Maybe making a pork shoulder with a little lime juice or orange juice until the liquid is gone and the meat is soft. Donovan and I could eat tacos and Liam could have stewed pork.

CRUCIFEROUS VEGGIES- (I can hear you now "what the heck is cruciferous veggies?") cruciferous veggies are a certain type of vegetables that come from on "family". These include cabbage, brussel sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, turnips and radish. Green beans and sweat potatoes are considered ideal baby foods, but turnips and cauliflower? Not so much. Thats a shame, because cruciferous vegetables are packed with important nutrients. And just because they arent your typical baby food doesnt mean babys dont smack their lips over them. So... I was thinking- mashed turnips.

FISH- I aboslutely hate fish. But that doesnt mean my baby does. Fish used to be considered off-limits for babies because of the risk of allergies, but the thinking on this has changed. So this is what I have in mind- combining fresh or dried dill and cilantro with a 1/2 cup of broth, boil and add salmon. Chop finely and serve.

In doing research on freeing my son from boring baby food I came across a list of the Ten Best Foods for Baby on babycenter.com. They are:

1.Squash

2. Lentils

3. Dark green leafy veggies

4. Brocolli

5. Blueberries

6. Avocados

7. Meat

8. Prunes

9. Garbanzo beans

10. Mandarin oranges

Along with this list came serving suggestions... So, now I am off to test my 9 months old taste buds! Happy Eating!

A. P. D's finest...

I just had to post this when I got it. It is to funny not to. Now dont get me wrong- I fully support our law enforcement, fire fighters and troops, however, I hope it makes you laugh like it did me.

Regardless of the city you live in your local law enforement protect you from every day harm. As well as the troops, they need to be thanked also.

This is the Albuquerque Police Departement at its most proud moment! See what happens when you follow to close?????

Thank you APD for the laugh!

All I Want For Christmas...

Actually, I know I wont get this for Christmas, and that is OK, but I will be happy to receive it for Valentines or my birthday also!

Let me introduce you to the Canon Rebel EOS XSI. It  is 12.2 megapixels, has a 3" LCD monitor, live view function, 3.5fps continuous shooting, but I wont tell you the price.

All my life I have LOVED to take pictures. I carry my camera wherever I go. You never know when you will need it. What if your baby makes the funniest face EVER when you are at the park, or what if you see a flower that you just cant help but to take a picture?

I have a camera now, and it is a piece of junk. Yes, it takes pictures, and yes it is digital, but that is about it. I am hoping I can have this camera before we go on vacation in May. If you some reason you get a wild hair and would like to buy this camera for me you can go here. Have a merry Christmas with lots of picture taking!

The True Meaning of Christmas

Christmas is a time to celebrate the Lords birth. A time to spend time with your family and friends. I time for fellowship and worship. A time to sing Christmas carols and recognize and appreciate ALL Christ has supplied in your life.

All I want for Christmas is to spend time with my family. I dont care about gifts. Gifts mean nothing. It is a time to celebrate our Lord Jesus Christ's birthday. So many people have forgotten the true meaning of Christmas, so it is time that we start with our children and begin to teach everyone what it is really about.

Start with the children- Teach the children that the pure green color of the fir tree remains green all year around, depicting the everlasting hope of mankind, all the needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of mans thoughts turning toward heaven. Teach the children that the star was the heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the star was the sign of fullfilment of His promise. Teach the children that the candle symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world, and when we see this great light we are reminded of He who displaces the darkness. Teach the children that God so loved the world that He gave begotten son. Remember, teach the children the true meaning of Christmas and do not put Santa Clause in the center, for he is but a humble servant of the One that is, and I bow down to worship Him, our Lord, our God.

9 Months

One of the most amazing aspects of motherhood is watching your child grow. He changes so much every day. His personality changes, facial features change, diaper size changes, words spoken, way he cries, how he sleeps, color of his hair and learning milestones are achieved.

Liam is 9 months old today. It is so hard to think that 9 months has already passed. It is crazy how time flies. I remember when he was a new born and I would hold him in the football position to breastfeed him. Now, if I tried to hold him with one arm I would drop him. I am reminded of how much he is growing everyday when I so hard to carry his carseat. I can barely do it. Forget about walking from the far end of the Wal-Mart parking lot to the entrance. I literally have to stop and put him down so I dont chop my arm off.

Just look at how much he has grown...

Fetus

Birth

12 days old

one month

2 months

3 months

4 months

5 months

6 months

7 months

8 months

and FINALLY- the most current picture- taken today- 9 months!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love my son. He is TRULY a gift from God.

Carrie and Capo

Let me introduce you to Mrs Carrie Crooner-Ravioli...

And Mr. Capo "Toto" Tequila...

Mrs. Carrie Ravioli is 19 years old and married to 50 year old "Big Jim" Ravioli. She is an aspiring jazz singer who used to sing in her church choir. The year is 1920. Her mother was a famous jazz singer in her prime and her name is Vanessa Crooner. Carries husband Big Jim ownes several night clubs. On this particular night she was all dolled up for the opening of Four Dueces. Four Dueces is a night club her husband opened with his right hand man, Don Wannabe. Carrie sang that night. Yes- she sang. She sang Happy Birthday. Happy Birthday to Pookie. Who is Pookie? Pookie is her husband Big Jim- but her nick name for him is Pookie. She referred to Big Jim as Pookie all night. A murder was committed at the grand opening of Four Dueces. The victim was her husband Big Jim. Poor Big Jim, Carrie was so devastated and cryed all night. You may not notice in this picture, but she has a bruise on her left cheek. Many suspected it was from her  husband Big Jim, but in actuallity she fell off the stage during a performance a week before the grand opening of Four Dueces.

Capo "Toto" Tequila is the mob boss. He is the high roller of rollers. He is the gangster of all gangsters. Him and Big Jim were VERY close pals but Big Jim knew Toto was always up to no good. Toto fell madly in love with Big Jims daughter Rebecca, and tried proposing to Rebecca all night long, but she kept refusing. He was on bended knee all night long. He is from New York. Very wealthy and very well known. He was trying to make lots of business deals on the night of the grand opening of Four Deuces. He propositioned almost everyone at the party. Carrie suspected him right away of murdering her husband Big Jim. However as each person continued there own investigations Carrie quickly realized it couldnt have been Toto who committed the murder. He came to proposition Big Jim on opening another club with him in NY.

Rebecca Ravioli, Big Jims daughter was the murderer. She had every motive in the world to do it. Only one person, the Inspector, was accurate in there assumption of who murdered Big Jim.

I am in the process of getting more picutures of the other characters from that night. It was the FUNNEST thing I have ever done. Acting out was so fun. You showed up to the party in complete character and could not come out of character until the murder was solved. Everyone should do a murder mystery party. They are a GREAT time!

Prayer Request

To all my believers in Christ- A Prayer Request

Please pray for my Grandfather both tonight and tomorrow. He is having a major surgery tomorrow and his Dr's are advicing all family to come see him tonight because his chances for survival are slim. Please pray for a healthy recovery and pray that God helps him through this time. Pray that my family finds peace in whatever the Lord decides for him. Thank you.

Matanza Fun

Matanzas are always fun! It brings friends and family together for lots of food and fun! It all starts with a really big pig. Its slaughtered and cooked in the ground. Then family and friends gather for lots of pork, red chili, potatoes and tortillas. YUMMY. The best part of a matanza is the chicharone!!!!

Ohhh, and my baby- he loved it too!

We all need friends and family in our life- They make the world a happier place (and so do matanzas)!

Standing Up For My Beliefs

The Manhattan Declaration

The Manhattan Declaration is intended to make clear a significant point: As Christian Americans who believe each person's life is a gift of infinite worth, we have an urgent, ongoing responsibility to continue standing for biblical principles in the public square.

Given the magnitude of this document, though, I'd like to share with you now why I was so eager to sign it--and why I hope you will, too.

It is important, first off, to note that the Manhattan Declaration is not a partisan or political statement-Instead, it addresses and elevates four specific areas of universal consensus. Some have referred to these as "threshold issues," meaning they represent the foundation of our faith and the pivot point from which everything else flows. This is the bedrock. If we can't agree on these areas of doctrine, everything else will be of reduced value. These four areas are:

1. The sanctity of human life.

2. The sanctity of marriage.

3. The protection of religious liberty.

4. The rejection of unjust laws.

The document is a fresh and lively presentation, a renewed rallying cry to those who have been engaged in this historic effort of spiritual and cultural conversion. This is not a manifesto for culture war; it is a prescription for cultural change. It is also a thoughtful invitation to those who might be sitting on the periphery, perhaps hesitant to join this effort, maybe because they've never been fully aware of the consequences of inaction. As a unified body, we are acknowledging that our faith is strong and redemptive, but it's not necessarily a comfortable and easy pursuit. Standing up for our beliefs can often come at great cost.

Although many American Christians understandably feel under assault, the degree of faith-based domestic persecution cannot compare with the ghastly violence perpetuated against believers in other parts of the world. In the Sudan, for instance, hundreds of thousands of Christians have been slaughtered not because of what they're doing, but because of the One in whom they believe. It is a wise people who act to protect the freedoms they enjoy.

And so I ask you to join me and my friends and colleagues in embracing and standing up for these crucial biblical principles. How? You can start by reading the document, in its entirety, by clicking here. What I think you'll notice is that, in addressing the issues noted above, The Manhattan Declaration is an excellent example of achieving the balance of Truth and Grace required of us as followers of Jesus. This is a document that exhorts us to champion Christian truths in a Christian manner. It stands for something.

Then, after you've read the declaration, consider adding your name to the list of signers--and urge your friends and family to do the same. We are all imperfect. But if we honor God by promoting biblical principles, resisting our sometimes insatiable and admittedly prideful motivations, He will honor us.
 
As Christians there comes a time where we MUST stand up for our faith. God bless.

Thanksgiving

It's that time of year for us to remind ourselves of what we should be thankful for!

I am thankful for the husband who is on the sofa being a couch potato, because he is home with his family and not out on the town.

I am thankful for the taxes I have to pay because it means I am employed.

I am thankful for the mess I have to clean after a party because it means I have been surrounded by friends.

I am thankful for the clothes that fit a little too snug because it means I have enough to eat.

I am thanful for my shadow that watches me work because it means I am out in the sunshine.

I am thankful for a lawn that needs cleaning, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing because it means I have a home.

I am thanful for all the complaining I hear about the government because it means we have a freedom of speech.

I am thankful for  the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot because it means I am capable of walking and I have been blessed with transportation.

I am thankful for my huge heating bill because it means I am warm.

I am thankful for the lady behind me in church who sings off key because it means I can hear.

I am thankful for the pile of laundry and ironing because it means I have clothes to wear.

I am thanful for the weariness and aching in my muscles at the end of the day because it means I have been capable of working hard.

I am thankful for the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours because it means I am alive!

And most important, I am thankful for all the blessing the Lord have given me!

Have a very blessed and joyous Thanksgiving!

This Weekend

This weekend is going to be filled with good times and great friends! No shopping on black Friday, I absolutely refuse to do that. We have some friends staying at our house from Colorado, a matanza to go to, church, and more time with family (specifically you Bri!). I am excited for this weekend! Lots on my plate, but that is OK. We ALL need to suround ourselves with GOOD people. They come into our life for a reason, and one of those reasons is to spread joy to our hearts!

I have been thinking about doing a matanza (not on my land of course). It is quit expensive, but YUMMY. Just thinking about the food is getting me hungry. Chicharrone, pork, potatoes, tortillas, red chili and MORE pork. Delicious!

Food, family and friends... what more could a gal ask for?

Exercise

Dear Exercise,

Recently I started you. The last two months have been sooo great! You make me feel so great! Everyone could use more of you, some more then others. You are good for my blood pressure, heart rate, and most important my weight. A lot of people have a misconception on what "obese" really means. Because of you I am NOT going to be obese anymore. I obtain you at the gym. Oh how going to the gym makes me feel so good!

Exercise you really are important to me. I never got to serious about you, but I am now! Better late then never. What I loke most about you exercise is cardio. After I do cardio I feel so good!!!! Thank you for coming back into my life. I really needed you!

Today Was A Good Day!

Today was a VERY good day! Donovan got a new job!!!!! A new job that comes with a pay increase. A job that he worked really hard to get. A job that he truly deserves. Good things happen to good people, God blesses those who worship Him!

Liams chickenpox are healing! He looks healthy and happy. Today we went to breakfast. This was Liams first trip out of the house since he got chickenpox. All his pox are scabbed over... so when we walked into the restuarant everyone turned there heads to look at him. He has chickenpox all over his face. I love my son. God has blessed me TREMENDOUSLY with a child. A child that I love. A child that loves me.

My Grandpa is moving into a rehab facility tomorrow- WOOOHOOOO. This is great news also. He no longer needs to be in a hospital setting and can begin to recover! The Lord is good all the time!

Letting Go

I pray every day. I pray every night. Last night my prayers lasted exceptionally long. One of my prayers was for Him to help me let things go. I can no longer stress about things I can not control. I asked Him to help me learn to just let it go. Give all my worries, concerns, and mean feelings I have to Him. I woke up this morning with a renewed sense on life. I have let it all go!

Some people come into our lives and stay only for a short while. Some of those people are friends, acquantences, neighbors, spouses of friends, family and just random people you very briefly meet. Over the past several years different people have come into my life. Some of these people have been true blessings to me- the most important my son! Then there are a few people that have left me wondering why God brought them into my life. I am not one to fight or argue. Yes I will defend myself if need be, however, I am not one to play any type of fighting game. A lot of stress has rested on my shoulders lately. Stress about my Grandfather, stress about my job, stress about my son having chickenpox, stress about my house not selling, stress about my Grandmothers well being, stress about EVERYTHING. So this morning when I woke up with that renewed sense I said to myself "I am just going to let it ALL go". I have decided to not stress about people who cause me stress for no apparent reason (no, I am not talking about the stresses I named above). God has a plan for them. I pray it is a good plan, a fullfilling plan. I prayed that these certain people who have caused unnessary stress in my life find the Lord.

I pray that these people find Christ. I pray that all the anger and bitterness they have in there heart is flushed out and filled with His love. I have let it go. In doing so, I distance myself from those people, and this is OK. I have become the better person by not stooping to there level and praying that they find the Lord.

Sometimes letting go of friendships is the best thing to do. I have realized that this must be done and will benefit all parties involved. Life is a series of choices of how to behave. Often we make those choices automatically, without really being aware of what we are choosing and why. There is no point in denying that sometimes you have to let it go and realizing that there is no future in wallowing in it. Letting go is simply making a decision- no longer to allow something from the past to influence my life now or to reduce my inner sence of well being .

Grandpa

Just a quick update. Please keep praying for my Grandpa. He is still in the hospital and recovering from surgery. He has his good and bad days. Please pray for more good days and pray that he recovers to his healthy happy normal self. Prayers can move mountains!

50/50

The surgeon is giving my Grandpa a 50/50 chance of surviving his surgery tomorrow. Please pray for him. He needs all the prayers he can get. Thank you.

Eight Months

Happy eight month birthday my son. I love you! I can not believe eight months has passed since the day I brought you into this world. I dont know what I would do without you. You are my everything.

My Grandfather

My Grandfather is the STRONGEST man I have ever known. He has perservered through many rough times in his life. My Grandmother and him have been married 59 years. He is a true Christian and worships the Lord everyday. I have never met a man who loves the Lord as much as he does. He attends church EVERDAY and prays the Rosary EVERYDAY. He worked until he was 76 years old. Yes 76. He was a hard worker. He built homes for a living among many other occupations. He has been there for all of his children and grandchildren in EVERY way.

Recently my Grandfather has experienced some major health issues. Things are not great at the moment but we are remaining as positive as possible. Things are going to be really rough for my Grandfather for a while. My Grandfather fractured his hip and does not have a strong enough heart for surgery. Because of this he is going to be bedridden for the rest of his life. The doctor says he will only have 4-6 months to live and will most likely die from bed soars, arthritis or pneumonia. They are looking into the possibility of strengthening his heart enough to do surgery but odds look slim now.

Please keep him in your prayers. I know the Lord has a plan for him and will never give him anything he can not handle. At the same time, I have come to peace with my Grandfather eventually passing. What I am struggling with is the circumstances involved. It is not fair that he has to be bed ridden the rest of his life and try to fight any illness that could kill him. Please pray his heart gains enough strength for surgery, or that his hip heals quickly and he does not have to remain in a bed.

His family is very strong and we are all here to support him, but prayer heals. The Lord answers prayers.

Almighty and merciful Father, by the power of your command, drive away from my Grandfather all forms of sickness and disease. Restore strength to his body and joy to his spirit, so that in his renewed health, he may bless and serve You, now and forever more. Amen.

Eggs & Dairy

Look honey, Liam has a rash all over his legs...

From what? He asks.

I have no idea, but it looks like mosquito bites.

Then he says, well why are his cheeks so red also?

I have no idea, I say. Maybe its hives, maybe he is having an allergic reaction to something...

So we monitored him through the night. He could breath fine and he was not vomitting.

The morning came and he says "You know, I was thinking, when I took him to get his flu shot on Tuesday the doctor asked me if he was allergic to eggs and I said I had no idea- we have never fed him eggs before".

My reply was "well today is Saturday, if he was having an allergic reaction to the flu shot I would think he should've had it already"... So I decided to call his doctor. His doctor agreed- that it was to late of a reaction to be the flu shot but that maybe it was the beef and vegetables I had fed him the night before. Hmmmm she said, "why dont we do some lab tests on him and to see EVERYTHING he is allergic to?". Great idea!

At two weeks old we found out he was allergic to cows milk- through trial and error. That incident landed us in the pediatric urgent care because he had blood in his diaper. He was put in Enfamil Nutramigen- this formula is more expensive then gold- SO REDICULOUS. Oh well...

When he was 4 months old mamma had errands to do so he stayed with daddy. Daddy had a grand idea to give him some of his milk shake- I got home about an hour later and Liams eyes were almost swollen shut. I asked Donovan- what is wrong with him, why are his eyes so swollen. Then Donovan broke the news "I gave him some of my milk shake and I think he had an allergic reaction to it"...

Blood test results- Severe allergy to BOTH eggs and ALL dairy (the reaction above was a REALLY delayed reaction to the flu shot). Notice I put the word "severe" in that sentence. Both the flu shot and H1N1 shot are manufactured with eggs.. so he can not have his follow up flu shot nor the H1N1 shot. Someday he might grow out of it, but for now, no eggs, cheese or milk.

Boys are so darn senstive...

Seven Wonders of the World

The seven wonders of the world is a list of man made structures built during the classic era. Scholars believe that ancient historians began compiling the list in the second century B.C. and included places like the Great Pyramid in Egypt, Gardens of Babylon in Iraq, Temple of Artemis, the Lighthouse of Alexandria and the Tomb of Mausollos in Turkey, Statue of Zeus & the Colluses at Rhodes in Greece.

About six months ago I made it a goal in life to see the seven wonders of the world. But then I started to do research on what exactly the seven wonders were. Then I came across an article on the Travel Channel that says in 2007 100 million people voted on the NEW seven wonders of the world. They are the Great Wall of China, Christ the Redeemer Statue in Brazil, Machu Picchu in Peru, Chichen Itza in Mexico, the Roman Collosseum in Italy, Taj Mahal in India, and Petra in Jordan. So needless to say, I have changed my goal in life to the NEW seven wonders of the world.

Recently, traveling has become a hobby of mine. I would love to travel the world someday. I have never been to another country other then Mexico and I would love to go see the world. So, someday, when it rains money I will travel the seven wonders! China, Brazil, Peru, Mexico, Italy, India and Jordan- HERE I COME!

by the way- I still do not have a spell check button on my blogger... it drives me crazy.

Look...

Look at these CUTE guys! Wow, how I love them!

Side note- look at my cute Grandma in the background with her cute little hat on and pedal pusher pants. I love her!

Pray For My Brother

I had to deliver very somber news to my brother today. His estranged wife passed away. How did I know before him? Well, I didnt. He had heard from a coworker who knows a friend who knows a friend. That friend told the other friend who told the coworker who told my brother that she was dead. Being the investigator that I am, I did some investigating online and found that it was true (He didnt believe it because of a really good reason, so he asked if I could go online and just see what I found). Well, very sadly she passed away. She passed away back in February of this year, but he did not find out until now.

When I saw it online I immediately called him. My brother never cries... NEVER. He started bawling. I felt so bad. He said "Even though we were estranged she was still me wife and I still love her". I started crying for him. Even though his wife and I did not get a long AT ALL, I still feel very sad for him. He is taking it hard. Please pray that God lifts his spirits.

She was 30 years old. He went to go talk to her parents today after I told him its true (Yes, her parents couldnt even call him to tell him when it happened, ughhhh). Her mom told him that her heart just suddenly stopped. For those of you that knew her, you probably know exactly why her heart stopped, but regardless, my brother is really mourning.

Please pray that he finds strength in the Lord and keeps his head up. I love you brother and I am here for you.

Its That Time...

Last night as I was sitting on the couch watching my husband type his school paper and my son play I started thinking about this time last year. What was I doing? For starters, I was four months pregnant. It is amazing how life just flies right by us. I remember thinking that around Christmas I will be six months pregnant and what will I look like then. I remember this is the time that I was DYING to find out if I was having a boy or girl. Stubborn Liam had his legs crossed and the sonographer couldnt tell. I had to wait until I was 25 weeks pregnant and even then they were not 100% sure. It was a guess.

I remember thinking what my life would be like this time next year, and here we are. My son is almost eight months old. About a week ago he finally started sitting up on his own without any support! GO LIAM! He is making progress crawling, however, he has not mastered it yet. All these thoughts about motherhood were flying through my head at this time.

I remember thinking about how scared of child birth I was. I must say, I was blessed with the easiest child birth ever! I remember thinking about Christmas gifts, what to get everyone, if I should get people gifts, or just learn to appreciate Christmas for what it really is! I remember thinking about how GOOD Thanksgiving dinner sounded. The turkey, ham, red chili, mashed potatoes, pumpking pie and of course green bean casserole (I am making myself hungry, YUMM).

I remember developing PUPPPS at this time in my pregnancy last year as well. I do not wish PUPPPS on my worst enemy.

So, I find myself thinking, again, about the all the Holidays coming up. This year my thoughts have turned... turned to why we even celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas. Over the years these two holidays have lost there meaning to a lot of people and all they think about is turkey and Christmas shopping. It makes my heart hurt. Thanksgiving should be a time of thanks. When we give thanks to the Lord for everything we have. Roofs over our heads, heat to heat our homes, food in our stomachs, good health and a family to love. It makes me so sad to think that people dont care anymore. Dont even get me started on Christmas- thats even worse. People care way to much about gifts. What gifts they or there kids are going to get. What gifts they are going to buy. I am making a vow this year. My vow at Christmas time is to NOT buy any gifts. I am going to celebrate Christmas for what it is- the birth of our Lord and Savior! OK I will by a gift for my Grandparents and my Son, Mom and Husband, but that  is it.

We really need to focus on why we REALLY celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas. Rejoice and love Him!

Oh yeah, one more thing- only TWO MONTHS until we celebrate His birth!

Sidenote- Can anyone tell me where the heck the spell check button went???? They took it of blogger... I think.

One more sidenote- I am no longer sick, and NEITHER my Son or Husband got the H1N1 from me- WOOHOO!

SOOOOO SICK

I have been extremely ill since Monday evening. I am pretty sure I have the H1N1. My Dr. told me to NOT come in unless I need emergency help and to then call 911. He said that because I am not pregnant, over the age of 65 or an infant there is nothing they can do. His advice "get lots of rest and drink plenty of water". Isnt that what they ALWAYS say. Please pray that I start feeling better. This is the most sick I have been in years.

What The World Needs Now...

What the world needs now is less tears:

more toe sucking:

and more laughter:

$829 Billion

$829 Billion. That is the cost of the the new healthcare reform bill. It was passed today in congress by thirteen Democrats and one Republican on the Senate Finance Committee. It would require nearly everyone to obtain coverage, bar insurers from denying coverage because of preexisting conditions and make insurance plans easier to afford by providing lower-income consumers with financial help.

It would cost an estimated $829 billion over 10 years and be paid for by taxes, fees and reductions in Medicare costs. Yes I said it- MORE TAXES, MORE FEES AND A REDUCTION IN YOUR GRANDPARENTS MEDICARE BENEFITS. Thanks to Maine's Olympia Snowe, a moderate Republican, she said she backed the measure ``with reservations.''

Oh, and government mandated and provided health care is NOT the only possible solution, and not the best because historically (and today is no exception):


1. Bureaucracy has always been known to be expensive and restrictive, and no one has ever known it to be otherwise. Mandatory health care will be expensive and restrictive as well.

2. There is a laundry list of scandals readily available from countries that provide government provided health already. (A good example is Canada.)

3. A quick reminder that “The grass is always greener”. The sun doesn’t automatically shine when the Government dirties its hands the way the media portrays it.

4. Think about the vast history of government spending scandals, and then incidences where the government has been applauded for its frugal spending, which is more numerous? Is the answer significant?

5. “You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time”: the press has the ability to create a temporary ‘mob mentality’ with people who don’t take the time to think through the problems themselves when they run away with an idea. Just because it sounds ‘humanitarian’ doesn’t make it so, good, or even the ‘right thing’.

6. Our country came to be precisely in order to limit government control and so prevent abuses by government imposed on its citizens. That has historically been the source of our countries greatness, and this bill is in direct contradiction to that rule.

7. Each of these points can be easily supported against attack, and there are many more strong arguments that can made concerning this bill.

A quick note: We Americans like change. “Change is good”, or so the adage says, right? But isn’t it more true that Change is neither good nor bad? Change can happen for better or for worse, and it takes a discerning eye to tell the difference between the two – not a passing glance at some text and trust in other’s opinions. You have to look at the stuff yourself, or risk adding to the problem.

Side note: Albuquerque is FINALLY going to get its own Hard Rock Casino and Hotel!!!! We are moving up in the world!!!!!

Third Time Is The Charm

I have come to the conclusion that the third time is NOT the charm. I love the balloon fiesta every year it rolls around here in Albuquerque. It is a huge event, and people from all over the world come to see. Every year I go... it never changes, same balloons, same atmosphere, but I still like to go. I prefer the balloon glows over the early morning balloon launches.

For the past three years I have made an attempt to see a balloon glow. The first two years it was way to windy, and we went and say absolutely nothing but a lot of people. This year I thought "ok, this is going to be the year, the weather is perfect and the third time is always the charm". NOT.

Thanks to Brianna we had FREE park entrance passes. The passes said "Balloon Chase Crew Gate Entrance". So we thought we would be smart and enter where the balloon chase crew people do. The guy told us that this pass only got us into the park, however, we had to park with the rest of the crowd. He was nice enought to let us park there anyway. We parked for free, and went inside the park for free. All the balloons went up. Next thing I knew the wind picked up and balloons were collapsing all over the place. Five minutes later there was no balloons standing. Glow was canceled. We went home.

A Mothers Intuition

"Mother's intuition" is more than a cliché. It's a powerful tool that can help  raise your baby. Moms know baby best, so they can be an especially astute judge when it comes to changes in our baby's condition.

As Benjamin Spock famously wrote in the first line of his classic 1946 book Baby and Child Care, "Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do." If you feel something's not quite right about your baby's health, development, or general well-being, don't be too quick to dismiss such feelings. Many a parent has been ahead of the medical community in detecting the first signs of a problem, whether it's the beginnings of an illness even before fever appears or the presence of an undiagnosed disorder that's causing behavioral changes or a developmental delay.

Don't worry if you make mistakes or suspect a problem when there isn't one once in a while — everyone does. Between recognizing gut feelings and learning from experience, we figure out how to do what's right for our baby .Almost every mom will tell you that she has a special sense about knowing what is right for her child and family. Some believe that moms have a bond so strong with their children that they have an intuitive way of knowing when their children are at risk.


Unfortunately, many mothers have been trained to ignore this voice, trusting that surely educational experts and child psychologists know more and better than we do. While I believe it is possible to gain a wealth of knowledge from the experts, I don't think that anyone is more likely to love a child as much as the child's mother. And in this way, the parent is uniquely qualified to be the expert on what is best for their child.


As moms, we need to reclaim our special unique ability, our women's intuition, when it comes to our children and family. When it comes to our kids, listening to our heart instead of the opinions of well-meaning outsiders. More often than not, we can save the day for our young ones. And even when the victories are minor, we are still the heroes of our young children