Revising The Game Plan

Well, I'm happy to say that I'm starting to feel a little better. It's still a bit hard to walk or stand after sitting in one spot for a while. I feel like I'm a Barbie doll waiting for someone to come and straighten me out of a sitting position. Ha! Ha! Ha!

But, my energy is progressing. My Hubby is so funny. He's happy that I'm able to move around again. He said that I've been missed. He's been doing the bulk of the cooking for a while. He's been joking about how "limited" his cooking skills are. He has said that since he's been cooking, all we've been able to have was either fish or chicken nuggets! Ha! Ha! Ha! But, he's been a great help and I'm very thankful for him.

Now, that it's been a week since Zec's been born, my brain seems to be ready to start thinking of new things to do in taking care of the home. Last night, the Lord helped me to revise our daily schedule. He also, has given me some things to do for "school" while we continue to adjust to Zech's schedule. You can read about that here. So, I'm thankful for being able to come up with ANOTHER SCHEDULE (if any of you follow my blog, you know how many times I'm ALWAYS having to have a new schedule. Ha! Ha! Ha!).

Dear Lord, thank You for another schedule. It helps my day to go so much better and I feel like I'm being a good steward of the time that You have given me. But, may I always be open to listening to Your direction no matter what's on the schedule. In Jesus name, Amen.

Baby ALIVE!!!

It's so funny to see things from a little kid's perspective. It's amazing what you'll find when you do. Today was the official day that the kids were able to meet their new baby brother. Since they got back from MD late and the baby was sleep, they were only able to just look at him as he laid in his crib sleeping.

The girls fell in love with him instantly. MJ....well, let's just say that it'll take him awhile to like or should I say even GO NEAR his brother. You see, we haven't been around any babies since we've had MJ. The only thing that he knows about a baby is a BABY DOLL. So, when he saw his baby brother sleeping, it wasn't much to him until...HE MOVED!!

The moment MJ saw Zechariah move and then cry...it scared him half to death. Here's a video clip of his response. Sorry that there isn't a sound on this video. So, we've come to realize that it's going to take him awhile before he'll go near his brother. I trust that it'll happen one day. Ha! Ha! Ha!

Thank You Lord that the kids were able to meet their new baby brother. May they each come to know You as their Savior and may they have a great relationship as brothers and sisters. Please give Matt and I wisdom as to how we can ensure that in them. In Your name, Amen.

Meet The Zec-Man!

He's here, he's finally here! His birth truly send us off with a BANG!!! Ha! Ha! Ha! He was born on Monday after our family came off of a very busy and crazy weekend.

I started feeling contractions around 5am. Since I've been feeling light contractions here and there, I wanted to make sure that the contractions that I was beginning to feel were the real thing. So, I didn't start counting until they got stronger. I was even doubtful that they were going to get stronger.

Well, they did! BOY, did they! Ha! Ha! Ha! I notified my husband that it was time. He's so smart, he didn't take his clothes off that night because he thought that something was probably was going to happen due to how I was acting that following night (I wasn't feeling too comfortable and was a little achy). So, he notified my doctor and the doctor pretty much left the decision up to me if I felt like I was ready to come in (my doctors knew it was my 5th pregnancy and they also knew how quick I deliver babies).

At first, the contractions seemed like they were about to stop (I was hoping that they wouldn't) and praise God that they didn't. They got stronger and quicker. My hubby called my in-laws for my SIL to come and get the kids. Since the contractions were coming closer, we went ahead and called the ambulance. Good thing that we did!!! The pharmaceutics got there (they were really cool!). The contractions were coming closer and closer. They HURT!!!

I tell you, contractions, makes you REALLY think back to the Garden of Eden! Ha! Ha! Ha! It's like, "Man! Why did Eve have to eat that fruit!" Ha! Ha! Ha! When we finally got to the hospital, and I was changing, my water broke!! In having all of my kids, my water NEVER broke on its own. So, I thought that was pretty cool! Ha! Ha! Ha! I told the nurse, "I think my water broke?" She came in and looked and said, "Yep! It did!" Ha! Ha! Ha!

After that happened, the little guy was pretty much ready to start making his entrance. So, they had to start moving quickly because at this time, I dilated to about 7 cm. When they got me to my room, it was pretty much time to push. Now, during this time, there's no sight of Matt! The nurses were so sweet (they might have been midwives). One encouraged me that if I felt like I had to start pushing, to start. I'm so glad she did (but I was already pushing! Shhhh, that's ALWAYS been my secret) because when I started pushing, Zec was coming. I started pushing at 6:13, he was out at 6:19am! Yep! It only took 6 minutes! Ha! Ha! Ha!

The funniest thing was that I was looking for them to hook an IV to my hand (which I hate). But, they had no time to do it all due to how fast he was coming. So, they finish all that they do after you have the baby and everyone was cleared out. I called to see where my husband was. When he finally got there, everyone was gone, and it was quiet in the room. When he finally looked up, he was SURPRISED to see me holding the baby in my arms. He said, "You already had the baby?" So, unfortunately Zec came too fast that Daddy didn't get a chance to witness the birth and to cut the cord (sad face). But, the great thing is that Daddy made sure that the other kids were taken care of first.

So, we're thankful for God's grace on all of the births that I have been able to have. Each birth story was unique and wonderful to experience. I'm so thankful for having quick deliveries and to experience them naturally (at least my last 4). Funny as it sounds, but each of my natural births makes me think of the "curse of man" and the "grace of God". The curse - feeling the contractions. Grace - the feeling when it's over. That God didn't let the pain to continue. Ha! Ha! Ha!

Thank You Lord for blessing our family with Zec-Man. I look forward to seeing him grow in our family. May we seek Your face daily as to how to raise him for Your glory. In Jesus name, Amen.

One SCARY Halloween!!!

"Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me." Psalm 50:15

No thriller could EVER scare me like what I experience last night!!! We were having our regular Saturday evening at home. We had some trick or treaters ring the doorbell and the kids got a chance to see kids come and get candy (which is making them excited for when they'll get a chance to do it). We were just relaxing.



Then Matthew came and brought me MJ. He was SHAKING!! You see, when he woke up from his nap, he had a fever. I gave him some medicine. So, when Matt brought him to me, an hour or so had past. Seeing my little guy shake like that made me so scared. So, we instantly decided to RUSH him to the ER. We all got into the car and got to the ER.



The Lord's timing is amazing. I can't imagine what would have happened if we didn't go. When he got checked, his temperature was 106!! So, they keep him in the ER hooked up to an IV to get some antibiotics in his system, check his blood, and do an x-ray. His temperature came down to about 101. We were able to leave the ER, but had to come back today for a follow up.



It was a time being in there with him and around other little kids. MJ is SUCH a peaceful child. He didn't complain not once while in there. He just laid on me. It was as if I was more than enough. As long as Mommy (or Daddy) was with him, he was fine. He was BETTER THAN ME!!!
I know how I don't like having the IV in my hand. He was able to manage having that in his hand, but the one thing that did annoy him (which I was tickled about) was the little ID tag that patients are to wear on their wrist! Ha! Ha! Ha!



I told him, "MJ, you're annoyed with THIS little thing, but you don't mind having this BIG thing on you?!!" It was funny seeing him lift up his arm asking me to take the tag off! Ha! Ha! Ha! Also, when it was getting close for him to be released, the doctor came into the room with an Elmo toy telephone to see if he was alert and able to play. Well, if you know my MJ, CARS and BALLS are his favorite toys. So, when she came with that toy to see if he was feeling better, I knew that it wasn't that he wasn't feeling well, he just wasn't interested in that toy. Then I suggested a car. When she came in the room with this HUGE Lego truck..MJ JUMPED up ready to play. It was clear that he was doing great! Praise God!



So, we're home and it's good seeing him running and jumping around like his typical boyish self. But, I tell you...seeing him shake like that was enough to scare me REALLY bad. I'm so glad that I know Who to call on!! When I grabbed my boy, Jesus was the only name I knew to call. I'm so glad that I'm His child and that I can call on His name!!! It's so sweet to trust in Jesus!!



Thanks for healing our son, Jesus. You are the great Physician. In Jesus name, Amen.

Thanks To Facebook

"but exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin." Hebrews 3:13

I'm often so amazed at how well facebook is working for me. I know some people aren't too thrilled with it, but God has been using it as a way for me to get back in contact with a LOT of old friends. For this entire month, I've gotten in contact with my brother, his future wife, an old elementary school classmate, and the best of all...an old high school friend, "L"!!!


When I saw her name show up on the list to be confirmed...all I could do was mentally scream! You see, God used her in my life back in high school. She was the only teenager that I saw who wasn't afraid to show that she loved the Lord. But, as we got older, she began to stray as God was strengthening me more in the faith. After graduation, we lost contact with each other. It was a sad day for me because I really cared for her and I didn't like what I was hearing what was going on in her life.



Well, we began e-chatting and then I just called her last night and the conversation was SUCH an example of God grace and love for His children. I'm so honored that God chose to use me to be the one to call and began to encourage her to live a life for Him. We talked about our past and where we are now in life and mainly our faith.



In our discussion, she mentioned about attending a popular church in the MD area. The church is pastored by a very popular man. But, unfortunately, he isn't displaying a good example of godliness. By God's power and boldness, He lead me to share with her that she needed to not be there. I believe the Lord was already beginning to show her some things that weren't right in that church anyway. So, I trust that what He had me to say, just confirmed it even more that she needed to leave it!



So, I look forward to helping her find a good church home, sending her some resources, and possibly finding ways where we can communicate more so that she can be encouraged to grow in the faith. Facebook is like another way for me to evangelize and disciple. Especially since I can't really do much now. But, I'm thankful for this little way of sharing my faith and exhorting others who are in the faith.



I'm finding that people are lost. Some are completely lost meaning they know that they aren't saved and are totally "fine" with not accepting Christ as their Savior. But, I'm finding that some THINK they are believers and are SO deceived! I'm finding a bunch of old friends caught in that deception and my heart goes out to them and my desire is to witness and show them the truth of scripture as to how to live the Christian life. So, I was so encouraged to be able to reach back and grab my old friend and to began to walk along side of her as she grows in the faith.



Dear Lord, thank You for allowing "L" and I to talk and to encourage one another in You. May I be found faithful in whatever Your plan may be for reuniting us back together again. In Jesus name, Amen.

My Five "Senses" Retreat

I've come to notice what I need to help me relax after a hard day with the kids or just after having a hard day of working in the home. It makes me think a lot about my mother. My Mom loves (and still does) taking hot baths! I remember that was her place where no one was to disturb her! I didn't get it then. But, I understand now.

I think every woman should have something she uses to help her to relax and regroup. After 6 years of mothering, I think I've come to see that hot baths works for me. Whenever I take one, I set it up in a way that covers all five senses.

Sight: I love looking at candles lite in the dark and seeing running water. I purchase one of those fountains (I hope to get more).
Sound: I put a speaker from our stereo inside the bathroom with me to listen to water sounds that I got from the dollar store. Or, I'll play some music or listen to scripture verses.
Touch: Hot water!!!! I love getting inside a hot tub. I make it hot (not dangerously hot). But, hot to the point where I'm feeling so relaxed.
Smell: I purchased this bath vapor from Dr. Teal's. I LOVE how it smells the moment I'm pouring it in my bath. Just smelling those special vapors just takes me to a new place to relax and forget all of my troubles! Ha! Ha! Ha!
Taste: I haven't been able to do this in a while but I use to take a couple peices of peppermint candies in the bath with me. Just tasting and smelling the mint was also soothing too.

Doing those 5 things has helped me to learn how to relax and regroup. I come out feeling so refreshed and ready to enjoy the rest of my evening with my family.

Thank You Lord for blessing us with those little things. In Jesus name, Amen.

I'm Truly Blessed!!

"Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!" Psalm 34:8

This pregnancy has been a bit hard on my body compared to my other pregnancies. I guess being pregnant and running after 4 kids and caring for the house can wear someone out. It's been hard to just simply stand for a period of time. I've been spending a bulk of my time either sitting or laying down.

Doing those two things has been quite humbling because it's causing me to see that I can't do ANYTHING without the Lord's help and also without the help of others. So, I can the blessing of being so tired physically with this pregnancy. It's teaching me to GET OUT OF THE WAY and to rely TOTALLY on the Lord's strength and to train my little girls to be the helpers that He has created them to be.

Those girls has been such a help to me. They've been helping and doing things in such a way that I confess, I had to repent for not using them like I should have been BEFORE I've became so tired. They can REALLY do a lot to be so little!! So, that's one of the blessings I've been seeing during this time.

I've also come to see how blessed I am to have a church family like I do. Ladies have been making meals for me and also have been praying for me. Seeing and knowing that there are some ladies doing these things, really helps to CRUSH any lies from the enemy that he may try to throw at me.

One more blessing I've noticed is the fact that I'm blessed with a GREAT husband. He's been so helpful and patient with me. Even during my whiny or fussy moments. He has TRULY let "love cover a multitude of sins". Ha! Ha! Ha! But he has been great.

Thank You Lord for how You are using these tired times to show me how blessed I am with my family and my church family. In Jesus name, Amen.