Always an adventure

Friday I was out shopping with my sick child... (epic mommy fail... no judging necessary)
While we were out, my baby started having a seizure.  As I held his upper body, I asked some of the store associates to help me dial 911.  Never having had any experience personally with seizures or thankfully not much of the 911 process, the operator calmly asked me questions about my little guys health, and history.  I tried so hard not to look at his sweet face struggling to breathe and his body convulsing, and just focus on the fact that soon it would be over.  We took him out of the cart and laid him on his side to open his airways, while we waited for the seizure to stop.  Finally, in what seemed like an eternity, but in reality was only a minute or so, his seizure stopped, and he lay there.   Eyes closed. 
Noisily breathing, but breathing. 
I tried to contact my husband over and over, he wasn't answering his phone.  Finally as the ambulance pulled up, he answered, I couldn't give him clear answers, but told him to head to the hospital. 
It was all surreal. 
The store.
The people. 
My baby. 
The ambulance crew took him on the stretcher, buckled him up, and off to the ER he went.  As we walked out of the store I was hugged, prayed for, and supported. 

 

 

I called my mom as I walked out, and asked if she could get the older kiddos off the bus.  She stopped what she was doing and headed over to greet them :) 
I got in the car, to follow the ambulance, and called my hubs to tell him the full story of what had happened. 
As I drove, I prayed, and cried, but I had no words. 
No words to ask, or plead, but I had peace.
Peace that my sweet angel was in good hands. 
I met my husband and the ambulance at the ER, where we were greeted by nurses, dr's, and residents. 
My little one was so confused, twitchy, and so unresponsive.  It was so scary to see him act that way.  To not even respond to our touch, or our voices.  His body shuttered still, he had no idea where he was.  His temperature was 104.1 when we arrived at the ER.  The nurses and dr's explained that he most likely had what was called a febrile seizure from his temperature being so high. 
He was given motrin, and Tylenol, poked prodded, and examined for any other signs of infection. 
He was so scared.
I laid down on the table, pulled him close, and he slowly drifted off to sleep. 
He was still twitchy, and a little dazed.  We called all our family, and told them the story. 
We heard of all the prayers and support that was happening all around us. 
I know without a doubt that room was filled with angels, that God's healing hand was supporting us, as we patiently waited for the little guy to wake up. 
When he woke, he was a little more responsive, still scared and a little shaky, but a little better than he was.  Finally got the ok to come home, so off we went. 
Nathan was thrilled to leave that crazy place. 
He has still been tired over the weekend, but definitely feeling a little more himself. 
I pray in my heart of hearts that it's never something I have to see again.

So today, my heart is so full of thanks. 
For the associates at the store, the nurses, doctors, and ambulance crew. 
For the unceasing prayer, love, and support from family and friends. 
But mostly, for him, Nathan, whose name means "He has given". 
He is such a gift.
And for my 2 older kiddos too, who make me so complete. 
For the opportunity to stay home with them, to be called "mom"
(no matter how crazy it makes me sometimes).

I am so blessed.

Word of the Year

What's your Word of the Year?  I've been reading Lisa Leonard's blog, and she talks about a word for your year, whether it sums up a goal, dream, personality trait... whatever your reason... but one little word that is significant to you. 

My word this year is Presence.
You make known to me the path of life: in your Presence there is fullness of joy.  Ps 16:11

While there are so many words that mean so much to me, I feel like this one is it. 
I want to live daily in the Presence of my Lord, living a life pleasing to Him.
I want to give my full presence to my children, encouraging them to grow, and blossom, and love more fully. 
I want to give my full presence to my husband.  I am so blessed to have be given this amazing man, who completes me on so many levels. 

Ann Voskamp wrote " The present moment is the only place joy can be received-- because it is the very place where God's presence is-- I AM."   I want to radiate joy.  I want to give my family all that I have, I want to be famous in my home. 

What's your word this year? 

When did it Happen?

Where along the way to we lose our smile?
Do we forget what happiness is? 
Where do we lose the joy in our family and friends?
We forget how to laugh with our children.  Why? 
Do the stresses, running, financial burdens, and technology all make our lives too busy?
We spend our days doing busy work -- does any of it really further or better our lives? 
Does Facebook really bring me anything? 
Do games make my heart happy? 
NO.

My business is the business of people, meeting and letting my light shine.
My business is God's business. 
I need to see the flowers, before the weeds. 

What is success if we don't know how to enjoy it or recognize it?  The success of my business is not how many people I recruit but the freedom of time to spend with the people I love while still being able to contribute to our family.
If my "business" consumes all my time and thoughts then what do I have? 
While my struggle has been tough some days, I wouldn't trade it for someone else's story. 
I'm proud of the way God is shaping me, changing me, encouraging me. 
I love being molded for His desires.

Thank you Lord, for a new day.  A fresh Start. 
I believe that together we can write a new script for my life.   A life less dependent on things, and more dependent on you. 
A life filled with humor, patience and self control. 
A life of abundant blessing.
Not just financially, but spiritually and mentally.
A life full of LOVE.  SO. MUCH. LOVE.
Where my children are free to be children and not scared of their parents reactions. 
Where they know how much they are loved and needed and loved some more. 
Help me to be free of the chains that rush me, stress me and scare me. 
I am Chosen.  Never separated from the love of Christ, and freed from sin.
All of the worldly stresses fade when He is the only one I try to please. 
Am I acting, doing, talking, like He would want me to? 
Am I offering forgiveness and grace as He offers ME? 
He will take care of and conquer all the earthly problems if I simply lean closer.
I can go confidently in this dream because He goes first.  I am spirit-led.
Forgive my desires for earthly riches and successes.  I want so much to bless others and be freed from my earthly debts that I forget to live as pleases the Lord. 
Help me to see the positives in life... rather than the negatives. 
I am Blessed.
God's favor has been poured on me and together we can move mountains. 
Thank you Lord.

Holy Smokes!

I live! Can you believe it? A whole year without posting?

This is where we turn the corner. My new game.
The Grocery Game...The savings game.
I feel like I'm playing monopoly sometimes, with a little fake money:)

I will walk you through, show you the ropes, and direct you to the deals!

All you need is a printer for coupons, and an open mind!

The days all seem to blur together, each one moves faster than the one before.
Got back from LA last week, out to visit my brother and family. It was such a nice visit, their little one is growing up so fast! Jason and I have decided to venture out in a little photography business, so if you know anyone who needs some pics taken, let us know. He's planning on doing head shots in LA, while i'll work on families and senior pictures out this way. We'll see, one step at a time. Something about that fire within, you just know when it's right.
Overall, it's good to be back.
Back from the warm sun, and sweet smell of saltwater.
Back with my lovebugs, I am really enjoying them right now. Don't get me wrong they drive me crazy some days, but I don't want to wake up one day and realized I've missed everything. So the house will be messy, and laundry will wait, but we are going out to play!

While out in LA mom stumbled on this little bit of heaven. In Redondo Beach, every thursday they have this little farmers market, fresh fruits and veggies, flowers, fresh nuts, and handmade goods. All nestled in the sweet hill overlooking the ocean. Why wouldn't you visit every week?

It was heaven on earth. I can't wait to go back just for the market. Oh, and the visit will be nice too!

Blesssings on you and your day.

The fire within...

Sometimes I see the pieces fall together, like when Uncle John died. Not that it was fair, but it all made sense.

Things are starting to make sense. My faith grows stronger. My hope in the Lord is my strength. I know that everyday will not be easy. I know that life throws curve balls. But I also know that I have this fire within me. A fire to create something out of nothing. A fire that flickers - sometimes a brighter more intense burn, and at times a dim light. But none the less it's this need to CREATE!

This fire is so strong I can't sleep some nights...

A blessing and a curse some days. A fire to create, to work, to contribute, to be successful.

Success isn't measured in monetary value. It's how we see ourselves. I have a beautiful family, hobbies I enjoy, that hopefully might go somewhere. But most of all I have Love. Love of my family, friends, and the unconditional love of a heavenly father. A heavenly father who started and nurtured this fire within. So for now I will sit back and enjoy. I don't know where I am going, or what tomorrow brings, but all I have to say is "Burn baby, Burn."

Blessings on you and your day. May you find peace in his love, and find your fire within.

Moments.

Where in the world have I been?
This fall has been a whirlwild, not that winter slows down any, but at there is at least the chance to hibernate and catch up a little.

These two keep me busy that's for sure.
They were being crazy the other day and then finally they plopped down in the chair together.
I couldn't resist the photo op you know...

I had to bribe them to get them to stay for any period of time, but they still turned out cute.

These are the moments that make everything worth while.

They don't happen very often, but every once in a while I catch a glimpse of how close they could be when they get older. Right now it's love/hate, but someday.... I know they'll be best of friends.
They look so innocent don't they.... don't let them fool you. They are just plotting to destroy the universe!

I've been missing this whole blogging thing.

I've joined facebook... if you're a member look me up, and maybe we can be friends.

I read the best book...

The Shack by William P. Young

It's pretty cool... Read it and tell me what you think.

Changes you, changes how you think.

Well, that's it for now, I know it's not much, but it's a start.

Blessings on your day.