So Many Posts, So Little Time!

I have so many posts ready to be written and posted, yet so little time.

Martini, Ethan and Carmelita are sitting at the table right now with their friend Kolbi drawing treasure maps. It is so fun for them and so simple. They have such great imaginations:

Ethan: "Here's a web."

Carmelita: "Huh? A web?"

EThan: "Yeah, a web."

Carmelita: "I'm gonna draw my house now."

They talked about how to draw the map compass and which directions go where, skeletons to resemble the bad guys' place, a pumpkin . . . Such fun to listen to.

***

After we got home from dropping Martini off at school, Ethan got out of the van and said, "Who wants to play with me?!" Carmelita was sleeping, so I was the only one to respond and my heart just melted for him. I said, "I do!" and he said, "you do? You want to play with me, Mommy? Ok, after you eat, we can play." Which is normal protocol.

I ate my breakfast and spent a little time in the Word and we drew and colored maps for our treasure hunt adventure. Ethan then led Carmelita and I on a grand adventure through the forest, mud, snakes and scorpians, mountains, and alligator infested waters to the treasure. We did this three times and danced to "Shake your Bon Bon." It was fun and they enjoyed it so much. It is such an effort for me to get the imagination going, but the kids just loooooove and appreciate it. Relatively, it is little effort to the amount of enjoyment they get out of playing with Mommy (and Daddy).

***

Carmelita came out of the restroom this morning and walked up to Ethan on the coffee table and gave him a hug. Ethan told her thank you.

Ethan's Observation

"Mommy! You need new clothes!" Ethan tells me this morning.

"Why, Sweetie?"

"Look!" He says pointing to my belly poking out from under my shirt!

It was so funny.

Bento Boxes

I had mentioned in an earlier post a new hobby of mine. Bento Boxes. They are a style of lunches the have migrated here from Japan. My sister-in-law, Ruslyn, used to make them for a company when they were stationed in Japan while Mike was in the Navy. Hers were "to-go" bentos sold in different stores.

The philosophy of bento boxes, and Japanese cuisine in general, is beautiful, eye-catching food that is colorful and healthy. They like to incorporate red, green and yellow veggies/fruits, rice, some kind of meat.

Now, Martini is not a fan of rice. Even though he has had it since infancy, and we eat it for most dinners, he prefers potatoe wedges or some kind of bread roll. He enjoys pasta, but even though he tends to be picky, he likes meats and certain veggies. For this reason, making his lunches has been a challenge. Many times in 1st grade, he would come home without touching hardly anything, let alone his sandwich. I tried cutting his sandwiches into different shapes and that has helped some, but I still want him to eat other things.

So, this year I happened upon bento boxes and the whole culture out there of over-acheiving mothers who wake up in the morning sometimes to steam veggies and cook little drummettes. I love the concept, the look, and the ideas so I am excited about this journey. This school year I have bought and used a few things to help.

A Sterilite container with an easy lid. If you were to initially see this, you would think it was only enough to hold one whole sandwich. You would be right, but creativity is in order. I have looked online for genuine bento boxes but I am not willing to pay the price or the shipping. There are all sorts. I am due to go to our HongKong Market, so hopefully I can find some there. In the interim, this is what I use.

I just purchased four of these cute Tupperware containers for sauces and dips. They're great, but a bit difficult to open.

I use two cups to make circle sandwiches that seal in the middle. There is a tool for this, but I am imporvising. One day I will probably invest in one, but I'm taking it slowly.

Anyway, this is a little look into my new hobby of bento boxes.

Here is the first layer. I am not sure why it posts sideways. I tried changing it but it wouldn't line up correctly.


This is the second layer sitting on top of the first with a folded paper towel in between.



Here is Ethan watching me make Martini's lunch one morning. He looks so tired.

Not a Graceful Gainer

Here I am at 29 weeks pregnant

Getting bigger has never been the enjoyable part of pregnancy for me. I love having a big round belly, but it's everything else getting bigger that doesn't quite float my boat. I have always said that I am not a graceful gainer, and this time is no exception. I have had various comments that are completely innocent, but reflective none the less.

1.) Are you having twins? (either 2 or 3 times)
2.) Are you sure there aren't two in there?
3.) You have to be due any day now! (Said to me last week)
4.) Annacong, I think this is going to be a big baby! (by my precious mom)

I truly, with all my heart, have not been offended at these comments. I think with my other pregnancies, I would have had a hard time with these comments, but after Lael died at 20 weeks gestation, I am just so blessed to be pregnant at all. I just don't care how I look as much. I am enjoying this time of pregnancy. I am enjoying every little movement of my daughter. It reassures me every time. Knowing that she is alive and healthy really changes your perspective on things.

But, still, I feel big and round.

Trick-Or-Treating

Well, we decided this year that we would take the kids trick-or-treating. In years past, we told them that we didn't celebrate death or evil or monsters or ghosts and that it wasn't anything the Lord meant for us to celebrate. We have always handed out candy with a verse about darkness or hope or salvation through Jesus.

The boys have been asking and asking if they could go trick-or-treating for the last couple of years and we decided that after explaining our position and knowing that they had a good understanding that what we were doing was letting them dress in their favorite characters and showing others while getting candy was fine. Actually, I really didn't know what to do and thankfully, MyLove decided what we were going to do.

So, they went out with Daddy and Grandma while I stayed home and handed out candy to the little ones . . . and not so little ones. I always love giving candy to the shy ones because I can so identify with the mothers who are trying to build their confidence and security.

Well, in the end, the kids had a good time except for the end. Sadly, it ended on a not-so-good note. They weren't gone for long. They all came back and MyLove dropped Grandma and Carmelita off. The boys and Daddy went out one more time for only a couple of minutes and at the door I heard someone crying. I opened the door to find my little Ethan crying. They came in and I held him as MyLove explained that they went to a neighbor's house who was quite "enthusiastic" about celebrating Halloween with elaborate, scary decorations in the yard and the couple dressed the part. Ethan heard the scary voices and just couldn't take the scene. It was too much for his little heart to take and he had enough. He was so scared, poor thing, and they came right home. Martini quickly piped in and said that he wasn't scared. :-)

How does this affect our position on the whole thing and the latest decision? I really don't know. MyLove and I will talk about it more and pray and see. We are learning as we go. It definitely became a good teaching moment to the kids about why we don't celebrate evil things, but things that are good and of the Lord. Giving candy away always feels good and the kids enjoy acting like their favorite characters. We talk about why these characters are good and what qualities the Lord would like us to have.

The journey of parenthood continues. . .

Knock-knock! Who's there?! Why, it's IronMan, Minnie Mouse and Obi-Wan Kenobi!


"Trick-or-Treat!"


Ethan, so handsome and confident in his costume; Carmelita looking for candy; Martini looking out for other little characters to bond with!


Grandma with the kids starting their journey.


***Side Note:

We have never bought costumes at full price. The kids have either gotten them as gifts and one year, I happened to go to Target after Halloween some time. I found the costumes in disarray, but at such cheap prices. So, I made it a point to go this year to see what I could find. Yesterday, I found various ones for the boys and settled on Power Ranger costumes for $10 each that were regularly $20 each. There were no costumes for Carmelita's age except for ugly gothic costumes. We will head to Walmart today to see what we can find. The kids love to dress up and play all year round, so this is a great opportunity for us. Carmelita really wants a princess costume. Hopefully we can find something.

***

We made it to WalMart and found Carmelita a Snow White costume that she is wearing right now on my lap as I type. We found some discount Halloween table cloths that we will use for camping this weekend and some %50 off fall cookie cutters and fall sprinkles!

Hunting for Geckos

One of the activities the kids and I have enjoyed late this summer has been spotting and catching geckos. When my brother and I were kids in Okinawa, we used to catch them all the time. Well, my kids see them and they get so excited just the same. They aren't quite ready to try to catch them on their own yet, so they call me over and we try our very best to catch it. I think we've caught about four of them so far. We hold them, look at them, put them in our little mesh bug house for an hour or two and then let them go. They fill the little house with hybiscus leaves and flowers, grass, bugs and acorns. They have such fun just watching the gecko move around and try coaxing the little thing to eat.

Initially, catching them always is a bit of a rush for me. They are so fast and squirmy and have tails that can easily be broken off. Thankfully, I haven't broken a tail yet, but when we were little, it used to happen all the time. Your hand tries to come down quickly but gently and catches only the tail. When you look down, all you have is a twitching tail and no gecko! Ewww! So, I have to put any squeemish feeling aside and be the kids' hero.

Well, here is one we caught last night. It was a feisty one! He would move so fast wherever he went and went all around the bug house like a whirlwind. The others were more calm and not as jittery. MyLove took these pictures so we could remember the fun. It was a high of 62 today, so our gecko hunting days are coming to a close. Hopefully, we will get to catch a couple more before they're gone for the year!










The bug house

Carmelita Loving Daddy

"Daddy, are you done right now?" Carmelita asks Daddy referring to his dinner.

"What, Sweetie?" Daddy didn't fully understand what she was saying.

"Can you play with me?" she asks.

"Oh, sure!"

Carmelita takes Daddy to her babies and they tuck her into her stroller and put "sock mittens" on and place other fun things in the stroller.

After a bit, Carmelita turns the cd player on and plays the Children's Hymns cd she loves so much and sits with Daddy. They sing and sing the songs so beautifully. They are such simple songs but they are the kind of songs you just cherish hearing your little babes singing.

She just loooooves her time with Daddy. It melts my heart to see and I am so blessed to have a husband who loves his children so much. She will grow up knowing the security of her Daddy's love.

Ethan's Favorite Meal

It is such a simple dish, but Ethan just loves it. Carmelita enjoys it too, but not quite as much as Ethan. Here they are chowing down. I just love it when my kids eat well.

An Army of Pencils-Ready and Waiting!

Do you ever need a pencil immediately and pull one out from the pencil holder/drawer only to find it's not sharpened or the lead is worn too low? That kind of thing makes me crazy, especially when trying to teach the kids or write down a phone number or draw something out. I can't stand being inefficient. Well, I just did a sweep of the house and sharpened every pencil I could find - 63 to be exact, not to mention another handful of colored pencils. I didn't open up my box of reserves, but I still had enough to fill a pencil box. Ethan and Carmelita enjoyed helping me sharpen them in the electric pencil sharpener.

Anyway, here is our army of pencils, ready and waiting to serve our sketching/writing needs.

Martini's Fall Festival '09

Martini's school had a Fall Festival last Friday. The boys had been excited about going but on Friday around 3PM, Ethan said he didn't want to really go because he preferred staying home and watching our new movie: Sleeping Beauty, we just got on Blu-Ray. Here's our conversation:

"Mommy, can we watch the movie after we pick up Martini from school?"

"I don't know, Sweetie, because we have to get ready for the festival."

"I don't want to go to the festival."

"You mean you would rather stay home and not go to the festival just because you want to watch the movie?" I asked fully loaded and intending for him to remember that he and Martini have been talking about this festival for a couple of weeks now.

"Yes, I just want to watch the movie."

"The festival is going to be fun. There's going to be games . . . there will be people there . . . " I was trying to think of all the positives, but was kind of drawing a blank.

"There's nothing special about people!"

"Ethan, that's not nice." I say, knowing full well that I don't relish crowds or walking from booth to booth to stand in line for an activity with especially shy children who most likely will not want to participate in 99% of them. "There are going to be fun activities there!" Truthfully, I much prefer curling up with the fam at home to watch the new movie with some coffee or icecream in our comfy house with the nice cool weather outside.

***

Well, our time at the festival went quite well. Martini was Iron Man, Ethan was the Star Wars Emperor, and Carmelita was Minnie Mouse. The kids participated in the bean bag toss, toilet paper toss, dart throwing to pop balloons, and they got their first set of Y-Ties.

The kids enjoyed eating their first cone of fresh cotton candy, and they loved it. They also got snowcones despite the very cold weather that night. We got to see Martini's classmates and teachers and principal and even Auntie Ruslyn and their cousins Michelle, Jobe, Mark and James.

MyLove joined us and the kids were thrilled. I was even able to buy some mini-Tupperwares for sauces and dips for my new found hobby: bento boxes for Martini's lunches. I will try to post something on this later.

I was posted to serve at a booth that evening, but a blessing from the Lord was given to me. There were two teenage girls there trying to get some community service hours and took my shift. They were so sweet. Thank you, Lord!


Carmelita, Juliette, Genevieve and Martini


Cassidy and Martini

My Review of Cutting Food Box

Originally submitted at Diapers.com

Melissa & Doug Cutting Food Box

However you slice it, the Cutting Food Box makes it fun -- and safe -- for kids to practice their culinary skills. Crafted of smoothly sanded and painted wood, the sectioned foods are linked by Velcro; when the dull wooden knife slices ...

Cutting Food Box

My kids love this set!

By Filipina Follower of Jesus Christ from Texas on 10/20/2009

 

5out of 5

Pros: Entertaining, Easy to Construct, Durable, Lots of Fun, Great Features

Cons: none

Best Uses: Toddlers, Range of ages

Describe Yourself: Parent of Two or More Children

This is such a great set. My two older boys (4 and 7 yrs old) as well as my toddler daughter enjoy "cutting" the veggies and bread and putting them back together, even in wacky combinations. The "velcro" makes it sound and feel like you are really cutting them into slices. They put pieces in play pots and pans and act like they're cooking. One time, they brought a "bread slice" into the bath tub. I didn't notice until it was thoroughly soaked. It is still in great condition. The paint stayed on and the wood didn't warp. Whenever kids come over, they love playing with this set as well. What a great investment!

(legalese)

Arabelle

Yesterday, while review letters and numbers with Ethan, Carmelita joined us. I wrote her name on the board and said, "'C' is your letter, Carmelita, because that is this letter at the beginning of your name" while I pointed to it on the board.

"And 'A' is also your letter because of your middle name Arabelle."

"Arabelle is me?"

"Yes, that is your middle name. Carmelita Arabelle."

"Oh, Arabelle is me? Ooooooh. I like that!" She says twisting back and forth enjoying the sound of her new name.

We have called all of our children their full names various times, but I guess it really stuck out this time and Carmelita just loved it. It was so cute.

I am proud of you, my child.

I have had some of the sweetest moments with my precious little ones. They are moments that make this mommy's heart ache with love and joy and fill up so much it feels like my chest will explode. I love my little babes so much and they add enormous amounts to MyLove's and my lives.

Martini:
1.) When I drop Martini off in the morning at school, he goes from fun, excited stories and conversation with Ethan and me to completely closed-off, obedient student who does not want to make any trouble. His head goes down and he makes a b-line straight to the door, not greeting anyone or saying anything. Well, his shyness has affected various situations and this is an issue we have had to address numerous times. So, one morning on the way to school, I told Martini that he needed to initiate a "Good Morning!" to the kind 4th grader or teacher who opens up his car door in the drop-off lane. We joked about all the greetings he could give like "top of the morning to you!" or "howdy, ya'll!" or "nice to see ya" or "water!" (kids can be so creative), but settled on "hi." We pulled up and I told him to that he could do it and to make sure to do it. A cute little 4th grade girl opened up the door and he oh, so confidently said, "Hi!" Ethan, Carmelita and I drove off when great excitement and pride for our growing up Martini.

2.) We celebrated my mom's 56th birthday recently when she came by to have a little celebration with icing covered blueberry muffins and singing. When she was leaving, we remembered that the boys "owed her $10" for toys she bought them that were beyond the limit. My mom just cringed and was trying to rush out the door, but we were excited about the boys keeping their word and learning the value of money and what impact their decisions have. We urged my mom and dad to stay and reluctantly, my mom waited as they got their wallets. They excitedly pulled out all of their money on the floor and we helped them count out $10. My mom wouldn't even take the money. Dad had to do it for her, but it was such a good lesson for the boys. Then Martini said, "I want to give Mema more money." So he looked at his money and pulled out $6 more and gave it to my mom. She took it and started to cry softly at his generosity. We were so proud of him for having such joy and excitement to give. God loves a cheerful giver!

3.) Martini came home from school today and found Carmelita sitting in a baby bouncer that was given to us the other day. She was acting like a baby and he was obliging her. He took her hands and kissed each one. He rubbed her head and asked her if she would like him to read to her. He read her "Splish Splash! It's Time for my Bath" book and then took her out of the bouncer and helped her put together some puzzles. He is such a loving older brother.

Ethan:
1.) Ethan's sweetness with Carmelita has been heartmelting as well. Carmelita will make knowm that she wants one of her babies and Ethan will go a'runnin' to get it for her. One day, he came running downstairs so fast and picked up Carmelita's little baby carrier and took it upstairs. Another time, Carmelita was sitting on an end table putting on some music and needed help getting down. I couldn't do it right away, but who was there? Ethan came to her rescue and carried her to the ground. "Taint choo, Etan" she tells him.

2.) Ethan is such a sweet soul. With all the birthdays we have in September, birthdays are on the kids' minds. Well, Martini and Ethan have been discussing their plans for Ethan's birthday and Ethan lovingly will ask Martini who he would like to invite. He will also ask Martini if his idea for the theme is a good one or if Matinit likes it. Ethan's plans always seem to accomodate Martini's desires.

3.) Ethan loves to help. He is definitely my big helper. He loves to wash dishes and bring in groceries from the van and if I ask him for help with the laundry, he comes running into the laundry room to take out the clothes from the dryer, transfer clothes from the washer and then start a new load. He asks to vacuum and loves to wipe the table or furniture with a wet towel. Thank You, Lord, for Ethan's desire and love for helping.


Carmelita:
1.) Prayer time has become a time for everyone to participate with such colorful words and expressions to The Almighty. At night, Carmelita prays for Uncle Frank's cancer, for Mema to stop smoking and for things like Mommy to quit smoking too! I don't smoke, but I suppose it's a possibility that I would start one day and she is praying that I don't start. At the dinner table she thanks the Lord for EVERY type of food we are eating and responds to the boys with, "Shhhh, I'm praying!" when they start giggling about the minute details she goes into. She has also prayed that I wouldn't eat chicken before. This was so funny to us because she was completely serious and we just cut up laughing. Poor thing, she just wanted to finish praying but it took a few minutes to compose ourselves again and she finished.

2.) Carmelita has really embraced potty-training and has enjoyed wearing her new panties. It's been so nice having the consistancy, but it is not for the lazy, and lazy is how I have felt lately. As a matter of fact, I just did waited and waited to take her to the potty tonight and she peed in her pants. Oh, well. She is doing great and we are all proud of her.

3.) The other day I went to a maternity wear store and they had a little bin of toys for the kids to play with. I looked around and then told the kids it was time to leave. Carmelita and Ethan came to me and then Carmelita says, "Oh, no! I have to clean up the toys!" She ran back and picked them up while singing "Clean Up." The two ladies who worked there just fell apart with such admiration of this daughter of mine. I was so proud of her and praised her for what she did and then I praised the Lord for such a rewarding experience

We're Having a Girl!

We went for our anatomical ultrasound and were so blessed to find out that the Lord has blessed us with another little daughter growing in my belly. I cried and cried at the ultrasound for the wonder of it all. It's just so beautiful to see such thing. A real life growing in my womb all the while the Lord is knitting her.

She seems like a calm little one. Just hanging out in complete comfort. At one point the tech needed her to turn around so she could get a better measurent. We coaxed her by turning and a bit of prodding. When she turned, she was just as content and didn't change positions. She likes to have her arm in front of her face near her forehead. I still don't feel her much even though I am nearing 19 weeks. With the other babes, I felt them quite early. It seemed to get earlier with each one and they were all so active.

The impression I get with this sweet little one is that she is gentle and mild. I know it's not going off much, but that is the way I feel so far. I look forward to meeting her in person and being able to experience this unique and precious soul.

These moments and thoughts make me really remember the loss of Lael. I think of her everyday, but not always with thoughts of loss. Opportunities to speak of her come up often and I speak of the great hope and excitement I have to experience her presence one day in heaven. But, lately it's been tough. Memories flood my mind of pregnancy with Lael. How every day I thought I had lost her. How much time in prayer I spent no knowing what to do. Remembering going into labor at only 20 weeks. Having an ultrasound in the triage and not finding her little heartbeat and feeling so weak and broken that I could have just melted through the hospital bed. Seeing My dear Love cry with me and the look of despair on his face. Delivering Lael's tiny, tiny little lifeless body and holding her the best I could not wanting to hurt her, even though I knew she was already in heaven with my Lord and Savior. So much pain. So much sorrow.

I remember a peace that I could not understand during this whole process despite the pain. It can only be attributed to The Amighty who loves His children, oh so much; so much more than I could ever love my own children. It became such a sweet time in my walk with the Lord. I grew closer to Him than ever before. I knew and know His love in such a real way. I know Him. I know the God of the universe personally and at such a a trying time, He showed Himself to me in such a way that I don't ever want to forget. He comforted me with warmth, love, peace, endurance. He sustained me. I talked to Him constantly. It was all I could do. I could do nothing else. I had no control and it was O.K. He was all I needed. I longed to go to Him sometimes in moments of despair, but mostly because of His goodness and love. He drew me to Himself.

I hope never to forget, and that is why I write this.

Balloons for Lael

Beauty and sweetness amidst stress and fatigue.

As we drove home from HEB, Martini says, "Mommy, you know what I want to do with my balloon?"

"What, Sweety?"

"I want to let go of it and let it go so high for my sister Lael."

"You mean outside?"

"Yes. So she can have a balloon to play with."

"Me too." adds Ethan.

Tears rush to my eyes and I am brought back to rememberance of then that are pure, and sweet, and good. I am saddened all of the sudden and full of love and other things fade. I just love my children so much and I thank the Lord for them. I didn't go into the explanation that she wouldn't literally get to play with them. I just enjoyed the moment, and it was great.

We got home and immediately cut off the weights and the boys let them go. We watched them as long as we could and talked about how Lael is in Heaven. We touched a bit on how she would appreciate such a gift but that she would not actually be able to touch and play with these actual balloons. We did not dwell on that but on how sweet it was that they wanted to send them to her. They were happy and so was I.

***

Today has been a tough day. We woke up quite early to meet Martini's new teacher. It wasn't too bad, but it wasn't as smooth as it needs to be on Monday for school. His new teacher is the cutest little thing. She just had her first baby nine weeks ago and my heart broke for her and her little daughter at the thought.

We then headed to Target to get some extra supplies when I was pulled over by a police officer. I had been on the phone talking to my father-in-law about an uncle with cancer when the beautiful blue and red lights atop the cops car started flashing for me. I pulled over immediately, hung up, pulled out my license and got my registration.

Turns out, I didn't turn on my right turn signal when I turned. By the Lord's grace, I was give a written warning because he so kindly reminded me that they no longer give oral warnings. I shed a few tears as he ran my info while the boys excitedly told me how they would love to be police officers one day so they could tote around a real gun and have handcuffs for the bad guys.

On to Target where things went relatively smoothly despite the no-tax crowd. I checked out quickly longing to releive my bladder only to find the main restroom closed for cleaning and the only other one occupied.

We left and headed to HEB. Out of frustration, my kids sat in silence while I yelled quite loudly at them in the van for disrespectfulness (ironic, huh?) and warned of consequences if any more foul behavior were to take place.

HEB . . . head straight to the restroom - everyone goes including Carmelita after I took off a full diaper and then had to put her pants back on without a diaper - get a cart and the nice lady gives them each a balloon - immediately, three balloos are all over the place being hit, swung, bopped on heads, almost hitting other customers - quick warning about behaving with balloons - kids are hungry after samples - purchase sushi and eat in eating area - clean up and continue shopping - get more samples because kids are still hungry - try my best to continue shopping - have to stop behind the tiny furniture section at HEB to spank Carmelita's hand because of throwing and hitting balloon and throwing fit and not obeying - continue shopping - check out - head home in utter heat with Carmelita screaming almost the whole way home until sleep overtakes her - home - balloon release (beautiful moment) - unload groceries - put away perishables - sit and eat a bit more - sit in front of computer (while Carmelita screams after waking from her nap). Carmelita has had a tough two days for some reason. Early rising and late retiring have not helped (or contribute to) the situation.

Anyway, may the balloon moment reign in my mind today as a reminder of the futility of stress and the beauty of God's gift called children.

Sit Down!

"Daddy, sit down."

"Sit down, Carmelita?"

"Yes, sit down and play wis me." Carmelita says to Daddy as she gets out her Littlest Pet Shops and big LEGOS.

Lately, she's been carrying around this purple see-through bag/tote that a doll came in at one time. The other day she packed it full of her favorite toys to take to Mema's to spend the night. Ever since, she has treasured and and carried it around and brought it on little car trips.

"I want to buy it my birthday." she just told Daddy and she points to something.

"Oh, man! It's OK Baby." Carmelita says as one of her toys falls over.

"It's OK little mouse." MyLove says while comforting the Littlest Pet shop mouse.

"Not mouse! Baby!" replies Carmelita with a bit of sass and "of course" in her tone.

Ethan Praises the Lord

About a month ago, I was eating breakfast and Ethan was in the living room dancing in his boyish way (with jumps and kicks and stomps) and singing the most beautiful things to the Lord. When I realized what he was singing, I grabbed a piece of paper and pencil and tried writing down as fast as I could what he was singing. Here are the snippets I was able to capture from such a precious moment:

Oh Lord, You're so big!
There is nothing You can't do!
I love you, God.
You are so great!
You're so strong.
I love you.
You're so mighty!
You are King of the mountain.
You are King every day.
God, I love you so much.
You are mighty to save.
You are so awesome!

"From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise . . . " -Psalm 8:2a

- I think that he was going in and out of the song "Mighty to save" by Hillsong. It is such a wonderful praise song.



* * *

Just yesterday afternoon, MyLove and I could hear Ethan singing to the Lord yet again in his creative ways. It brought tears to my eyes.

May the Lord bless you, my dear Ethan, with great boldness to proclaim truth as you get older, with a heart that is fearless of men but who fears the Lord and a heart that is after God's own heart. And may the Lord bless you in ways unimaginable!

Ratatouille

The kids enjoy the movie Ratatouille and since they have watched it, they have asked me to make the famous dish that turns Anton Ego into the lovable, kind-hearted man at the end.

I checked a slew of ratatouille recipes online and this is what I came up with. It is definitely a combination of various recipes, but the gist is the same. It is essentially a vegetable stew.

Ingredients:
1 large eggplant, cubed
1 large zucchini, cubed
2 yellow squash, cubed
1 onion, chopped
4 roma tomatoes, cubed
6 cloves garlic, minced
garlic salt
tomatoe goya seasoning
parsley
olive oil
parmesan cheese

Directions: Sautee onions, garlic in oil.
Add eggplant and garlic salt, parsley. reduce some @ 10 min?
Add squashes, cook til warmed through
Add tomatoes and goya seasoning
Cook in oven for 30 min with lid. (I used our stainless steel pan that can go into the oven. Otherwise you can transfer to a casserole dish)
Cook 15 min w/out lid, at this time add parmesan cheese if desired.

It was a hit! I had my mother-in-law over and she does not usually like eggplant. She loved it. Even the kids ate it. Ethan needed extra parmesan, but he ate some.

***

I made this again but added mushrooms. Yummy!!!

***

I made this yet again but this time I tried slicing the veggies very thin and layering in rows in a casserole dish (more like the movie). On the botton, I first poured in a bit of chicken broth with onions sliced in very thin circles. This helped the veggies steam in the oven. I baked it all with the seasonings originally used and it was beautiful and yummy! Martini really like this one.

Little Mommy-Carmelita

Just now, the boys were arguing about the "rules" of their game, back and forth, back and forth. Carmelita would interject, "Be nice, MartiniEthan. Be niiiiice." They ignored her and after a few more back and forth comments I say, "That is enough, boys!" Carmelita reitterates, "that's enough, MartiniEthan!"

***

The other day. . .

Carmelita is sitting on the counter while I am looking at the computer. The boys are running around in circles through the kitchen, into the foyer, past the couch in the living room and back through the kitchen again. They are having so much fun giggling and chasing when . . .

Snap, snap. Clap clap. A "cluck-cluck" with the tongue. (Snapping is her new talent. It's a faint sound, but she loves to do it.)

Carmelita is trying to get the boys' attention.

"MartiniEthan," She says without pause between the names.

Snap, snap. "MartiniEthan!" The boys continue their game.

Clap, clap. "MartiniEthan!!" She says louder without any response.

"MartiniEthan!!!" She says.

"Boys, Carmelita is trying to tell you something." I say with curiosity.

The boys stop, "yes, Sister?"

"Take a break!"

We all start giggling.

"What do you mean?" I ask her.

"Not playing!"

The boys looked at eachother and me to see what my thoughts were and we all laughed. I told her they could play and she laughed with us.

Adoption

Yesterday on our way home from church, Martini asked, "what does adopt mean?"

"To adopt is when maybe a child's parents die and that child is then given to another family to take care of them and love them, or maybe a mommy and daddy have a baby and they can't take care of him and they give him to another mommy and daddy to be his parents. It's a very loving thing." I told him.

"Oh." he responds.

"Also, it's what happens to us when we believe in Jesus. We will be adopted as heirs of His kingdom. We are all a family. We are children of The King!"

"Oh, O.K.! But that hasn't happened yet. It will happen when we are in heaven."

"Yes, Martini. That is exactly right. Your theology is perfect." MyLove tells him.

"This is what Jesus promised us in the Bible." I tell him as he smiles ear to ear with excitement.

Yucky Biscuits!

O.K. I just baked one of my favorite recipes this morning and hated it.

Sour Cream Biscuits. They are so yummy and dense and yet light. I bake half of them normally and the other half with cinnamon and sugar. Well, I pulled them out fo the oven and they were so dark. They hadn't risen and when Carmelita and I tried them, we spit them out because they tasted bitter and maybe rancid.

I did my investigating and found that I had used three teaspoons of baking SODA instead of baking POWDER! Oh, that stinks!!! All those ingredients gone to waste and then there's the wasted effort. You know, taking out all the ingredients, mixing, rolling, cutting out with a biscuit cutter, cleaning up. Oh, man?!?!

Well, on to the compost pile these yucky things go. Maybe the birds will enjoy them.

Ethan's World

Ethan has a world of his own that he transforms into in the most amazing ways. No matter where we are, he becomes this incredible fighter and fights off bad guys. He punches, kicks, pushes, jumps, runs around and around. He gets hit and flies back and tosses his head to the side clearly being punched with a right hook or something. He makes the most realistic noises of punches, "aaah!"'s, short pieces of dialogue, vehicle noises, gun blasts. It's really quite a sight.

Ethan becomes an incredible specticle when he finds this world of his. We can be in the halls of church, at the store, visiting Martini's school, the zoo, of course our home, anywhere he can move. People see him and smiles grace their faces as they undoubtedly ponder the wonder of my boy. Kids watch him sometimes with serious faces or inquisitive faces maybe thinking, "What is he doing?" or "I want to play what he's playing!" or "Wow, he is really having fun. Why can't I play that?" or "I'm stuck in this cart/stroller! Get me out!!!"

Now, I am a total supporter of containment and strollers and carts. Believe me. I use them. I wore my babies on my back and side and front for that matter! But, sometimes Ethan is a force to behold. He has to get his "wiggles" out. And, it is another joy the Lord has given us as the parents of Ethan to watch and behold.

Circumstances

Last night, Uncle Daniel came over to hang out. He was showing Ethan and Carmelita a new game on his iphone. Martini was talking to MyLove and me and decided to see what was going on.

"So, what are your circumstances?" he asked Uncle Daniel.

Where does he come up with this stuff?!

***

Martini had a playday at his school yesterday, and I was sad that I wasn't there to help with the activities. When I picked him up from school, I asked him all kinds of questions about what he did, what flavor snow cone he ate, what movie they showed, if they had popcorn, etc. I told him, "Martini, I am sorry I wasn't there to help with the activities. Do you wish that I was there?"

"Yes, because then I wouldn't have to explain all these things. You would already know them because you would have been there."

"Martini, it's fun to hear these things! You need to be patient and willing to share!"

A Mother's Journey

Carmelita has been particularly sweet lately. She's been saying "thank you" very easily and readily and she's been beautifully cuddly with me. I just love it when she wants me to just sit and hold her, or she puts her head on my shoulder/chest while I carry her. This being said, she has also been disciplined A LOT lately as well. For what? Hitting her brothers, biting her brother, hitting Mommy, melt-downs at Target, WalMart, or HEB, blatantly not listening to instruction or doing the complete opposite from what she's been told.

Discipline is such a weary process. For it to be truly effective, you have to be consistant, and that takes perseverence, which takes energy! Then I second guess myself and wonder if I am being an over-bearing, micro-managing, crazy-controlling mother who will only be resented by her little ones for the rest of their lives.

This is where my knight in shining armor steps in . . .

I share my discouragement with my hubby and he prays for me, encourages me with the sweetest words, and encourages me in the Lord. He praises me for my efforts and tells me that I am doing the right thing.

. . . all of the sudden, all is well again and I trek on.

Happy Mother's Day

. . . to all of you lovely mothers out there! What a gift bestowed upon us are our children.

"Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him." -Psalm 127:3

. . . and what a responsiblity we have of incredible proportions as mothers!

"do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." -Ephesians 6:4

The other day on KHCB, a Christian woman was interviewed and she said something that resonated with me: "Being a stay at home Mom is the one true full time job. It truly is 24/7."

There are so many things I have learned in my journey as Mommy, but there is a practical tip I learned from an organizational video from my dad. Keep a diaper bag always ready. It seems so simple and obvious, but it has helped me loads. When I come home from being out, I try to replenish the diaper bag right away and have it ready to just pick up when I leave the house.

Some of the things I try to keep in Carmelita's bag is:

2 diapers
plastic throw-away bags
a pair of pants and a t-shirt
a bib
a sippee with water

The sippee the one thing I usually grab right when we leave and fill it up. When my babes were infants, I would use a big backpack and have a lot more little things in there, but not so much anymore. Her little bag is a panda backpack small enough for her to even carry around.

By the way, we started using these Thermos Funtainers last year and absolutely love them. They are made of stainless steel and don't impart a funny taste when left in the van or used all day. The kids love them. Although, when open, they leak. So this is not a cup for very young children who don't know how to close the lid.

Tip #2:
I keep a plastic bin of wipes in the van at all times. We are constantly using them before/after eating, going to stores, cleaning up my own coffee spills, etc. I have never regretted having that bin in there.

Tip #3:
Keep one or two diapers in the front tiny storage bin at the front of the van. If for some reason, we've run out, or don't have the diaper bag, or something, we always have a couple on hand. We have also been able to give some to others when in need!

Tip#4:
Keep a "swim bag" always prepared and together. We have a huge Ikea bag we keep all of our swim stuff in: everyone's swimsuits, four or five huge towels, sunscreen, a couple plastic bags to throw wet things in, hats, extra flip-flops. I think I got this tip from my friend Teresa. It has helped us many, many times. The other day, we found a water park near our house had opened (the kind with water shooting out of the ground). We went home and pulled in the garage, I ran in and grabbed the bag and left in no time! What a time saver. No gathering swimsuits in everyone's respective drawers, grabbing towels in the linen closets, looking through under-sink cabinets for sunscreen. What a time saver!

I would love to learn more tips you might have. Please share!

Sounds and Dialogue

"Aaaaaaaaaah!"

"Awe. Oh!"

"Ching! Sharpness in my nails."

Laughing. Talking about the next part of their mission.

"This is my bubble gum gun but it sprays peepee!" says Ethan.

Laughter.

"Pshew, Pshew! Yayayayayayaya" shoots and fights Josiah.

"I'm the ninja king." - Ethan

Peering down his gun, Josiah chases Ethan around the house.

"Hold on, let me go and get something." - Ethan

"I'm coming too." - Josiah

. . . they come down the stairs again

"We fight swords!" - Josiah and Ethan say together.

Ching, clang, clang. Their sword hit eachother and they laugh and fight as little worriors in their own little world.

We just dropped Martini off to school and the boys are playing away while Carmelita still slumbers in our bed amidst all the noise. Martini so lovingly explained to his cousin Josiah that he had to go to school today but that he would be back later on to play. What fun these boys have together.

We have Josiah from Wed. night 'til Sunday because my nephew Jonathan is graduating from Army bootcamp! My sister and her hubby went to be with him.

Carmelita is 2!

It has already been almost a month since Carmelita turned two, and I haven't even written about it yet. My heart is saddened. This will not be perfect or nearly close to how I want to honor her, but I need to get something down fast!

Dearest Carmelita, you are so precious to Daddy and me. Here are different thoughts and descriptions and "lately's" I don't want to forget:

~ You are so loving when you are comfortable. Tonight, while Daddy was sleeping and we came downstairs with Ethan, you went up to Daddy and kissed his arm over and over.
~ You shout "Daddy, Daddy!" when he gets home from work and are now one of the first to greet him with a hug and kiss.
~ You are so beautiful, you make Daddy's and my heart melt. People are always commenting on your blue eyes.
~ You are very petite. Someone asked the other day if you were one year old. Mommy used to get uncomfortable when people would say that you are small because I thought it meant you were too thin, or maybe they thought I didn't take good care of you. But I'm getting over it now! You are as healthy as can be, just small. The other day Daddy put on one of your favorite shirts, and it is for 6-12 months!
~ You love rice and chicken (marinated and grilled on Daddy's grill), tomatoes, soy sauce and vinegar, chicken adobo, popsicles, bananas, ice cream, oatmeal, toast, strawberries, grapes, and ONIONS!!! You amaze us at how much you love sauteed or grilled onions! And butter.
~ You love digging in Mommy's purse. I packed an old one of mine for you to rummage through, but it didn't work for long. The next day you gave up on it. I even packed a Hello Kitty one that Mema gave you, but you don't look at it anymore.
~ You are so cute acting like you are talking on the phone.
~ You love to chew gum. And you don't swallow it. You were the earliest gum chewer I've ever met!
~ You like to brush your teeth . . . with everyone else's toothbrush but your own.
~ You enjoy going peepee in the potty, but have only gone poo once.
~ You like to walk around in my heels and wedges and flipflops.
~ You love to run, especially down long hallways (like at church or at the store or doctor's office)
~ You dance with your shoulders a lot.
~ You love your brothers' Big Wheels.
~ You love to swing at the park.
~ You still remember some Mandarin. We truly hope that we can get you and your brothers in another program.
~ You love to change your clothes all the time and you definitely have an opinion on what you want to wear. Sometimes a dress, or a skirt, or maybe shorts and a tank. Quite particular.
~ You are so precious taking my fabric when I am sewing and wrapping it around your tiny frame and looking in the mirror to see how it looks. Then you'll ask me to put it on somehow.
~ You love to poke my pins into fabric or clothing. I nolonger keep them away from you but let you use them in your room by me. I ask you to put them into the pin cushion when they are loose.
~ Mema calls you my shadow because you follow me wherever I go. I just love that.
~ You can be so demanding at times and quite a drama queen. Sometimes Mommy is at a loss and has no idea what to do. Daddy too!
~ You love your big brothers, despite the arguing and fighting. When they leave, you get sad and ask about them. You love when Martini gets home from school and during the days, Ethan can be like your little caregiver looking out for you and helping you.
~ You like to read books and have them read to you. Barney, any books with babies, and animals.
~ You still enjoy throwing balls.
~ You pray prayers at the table and before bed that usually are for Daddy and his work and then you close with AMEN!. It is hard to understand what else you say, but it is so precious.
~ You are talking better every day. You told me "You're welcome" the other day.

Sweetie, we love you so much and look forward to watching you grow, grow, grow. May the Lord, whom we serve, guide us in raising you up in the way you should go. And we pray that one day you will be a courageous woman of God who loves Jesus more than anything else in the world!

Splendid Morning

Cup of coffee, the book of Psalms, a beautiful morning . . . simply splendid. Then, a meltdown by Carmelita because I wouldn't give her my coffee (after already giving in twice!). All is well again. Thank you Lord, for this awesome morning!!!

I have so many posts I'd like to write, but haven't had time to upload the pics, and get my thoughts together. Hopefully soon!!!

Martini Reads!

This school year has been quite wonderful with all the things Martini has been learning at school, but most of all, it’s been a lot of fun discovering the wonders of reading with him. He loves to read signs while we are driving, books, and any word he happens to see while we are out and about. It’s such a neat thing to see your little one discover reading and all the things out there to read. I remember this realization when I was learning to read. I started reading the store signs and different posters on the windows. It was like a whole new world to me. I don’t enjoy reading like I wish I did. But, I sure do hope that Martini loves it more and more as he grows up. I think it is an admirable trait.

Well, some grateful recipients of Martini’s new skill are his siblings. Here is Martini reading to Ethan and Carmelita this morning. I was in the kitchen and found them all sitting down to a great book and laughing at the pictures and story. I was so proud of this moment. I hope that there are many more to come!!!

New Kitchen Sink

MyLove so lovingly installed a new sink for me in January. Our previous sink was a white acrylic sink that had so many ugly stains in it and various chips. It was quite unsightly. Well, MyLove found this most awesome sink that is a granite composite and also a beautiful faucet to go along with it.

Our little Carmelita is our water baby. She has probably not missed any more than 20-30 baths in her entire two years of life. She loooooves her bath time, and she does not settle down without one. She gets quite grumpy actually and even reminds us of bathtime before bed sometimes.

Well, the other night, I decided to give her a bath in the sink, and she was in water heaven. It combines her two most favorite things: acting like she is washing the dishes and taking a bath. Oh, she just loved it. We have given her a bath in the sink again and now she sees the sink and the water running and tries taking off her clothes to get in or points to the water and says, “Bass, bass!” (for bath, bath )






Thank you, Honey, for my most splendid sink! You are my hunky handy man!

"Taken"

Last night, after my time at Starbucks, I came home and met MyLove. We got dressed up and went on our date to Thai Cottage for some awesome curry beef and shrimp and scallop skewers. We then headed to Target for a pint of ice cream and went to see the movie "Taken."

What an intense movie it is! MyLove and I were gripped the entire movie. It is a despairing premise but you leave the theatre feeling like it ended well. Yet, MyLove and I were impacted by the injustice and reality of the underground sex slave industry. We had seen a special on this a while back on PBS and were so impacted. When we came home, we prayed that if the Lord wanted to use us somehow, that He would. It is all so overwhelming, to think that we could actually have some kind of impact in this large, dark world, but we do know that we can pray. Our hearts were also brought to prayer after seeing the movie "Blood Diamond" and the cruelty of forcing children to become soldiers.

These issue lay so heavily on my heart, and MyLove's heart. Again, it is overwhelming because we have such a strong desire to do something. But, where do you start? How do you get the ball rolling? What to do first?

Before we were married, one of the biggest aspects that drew us together was our desire to one day live somewhere internationaly and share the Love of Christ. Well, we continue to pray for this and just wait on the Lord. It's all so unsure. We know we have this desire, but we don't want to jump the gun and take things into our own hands without letting the Lord lead. We do not want to be a mission field casualty - one who goes in too quickly and gets burnt out and never wants to do it again, or worse, ruin our testimony and lead others away from Christ.

All this to say, when we hear of these things: sex slavery, children soldiers, the children sex trade (running rampant especially since the tsunami in December of 2004), we ask the Lord what He wants us to do. Maybe these are the venues He will want us to be a part of to rescue those who are helpless, give a voice to the voiceless, shelter and care for the motherless/fatherless.

However the Lord leads, we know this. We can pray our hearts out! And that is what we'll do!

A Blessed Respite

So, this week, Martini is on spring break. My mom so lovingly offered to take the kids for a few days while I relaxed and enjoyed some time by myself and alone with my fantastic Love! Right now, I am at Starbuck writing this post in my comfy leather chaise lounge (I know, isn’t that wonderful? It’s the first time I’ve seen one of these at a Starbucks.) I am conveniently tucked away in this little nook with three walls about me and my feet pointing out toward the open space. It’s wonderful. I praise the Lord for this time. It’s been so sweet. I have had uninterrupted time in the Word soaking in beautiful truths and taken my time cross-referencing, going off on rabbit-trails and reading whatever fluttered my heart. What bliss! I long for this experience for everyone.

Martini, Ethan, and Carmelita are all spending the night at mom’s tonight and then tomorrow I will pick up Carmelita. The boys will stay there another night and I will pick them up on Thursday!

Tonight, when MyLove gets home, we are going to see a movie (either “Taken” or “The International”), and then who knows. Just be together. What bliss! My heart is overflowing with anticipation and excitement and gratefulness.

Here’s to blissful times. I hope that your day has been wonderful!

My "Important Job"

I was cleaning off the cutting board about to make dinner when Ethan says, "Mommy, your job is to clean."

"That's right, Son." I said wondering if I should expound on that and let him know that we all have to clean as a family, and that Mommy can't do all the cleaning. But, I figured he was saying it since I was cleaning the cutting board and around the sink, so I just kept quiet.

"That is your job." he says.

"That is right." I respond, still wondering quickly in my head if I should again expound on this.

"You have the most important job, Mommy." My heart melted. Wow, affirmation from my four-year old. What a blessing and what encouragement to this mommy!

"Thank you, Sweetheart. It is an important job. Did Daddy tell you that?"

"No, I just know!"

Thank you Lord, for these little beings who add so much to our lives! I love them so much.

Ethan and Carmelita on the couch together. Ethan laid next to her to share his cookie with her. Such sweet moments

Chronicles of Narnia

Yesterday, Martini's school had a book fair and we bought The Chronicles of Narnia series of six books for children. Tonight, MyLove read to them the first chapter and they loooooved it. I am so excited for them to go throught this series. They are going to love it and so are we!!!

We usually read the children's Bible, a boy's devotional, Beatrix Potter, or one of many we've read over and over. This is going to be a wonderful change. What books do you read to your children? Please share!

This is Martini and Ethan with Clifford at the book fair.

Martin Ford, Jr.

So, the other day Martini's teacher calls me and tells me that Martini told her that he nolonger wants to be called Martini, but Martin now. Actually, Martin Ford, Jr. She immediately honored his request (she is awesome like that) and called him Martin. Martini's classmates told her, "that's not his name. It's Martini!" She told them that he wants to be called Martin now and the class had such a fun time calling him his new name. I got a paper back and he so nicely wrote out his entire name.

Our little man is growing up. We always said that we would let him decide when he wanted to be called Martin, but we didn't think it would be this soon! One day, you're holding your precious one in the crook of your arm wondering what they will be like when they're older, then you blink and your little one is six years old telling you what he prefers to be called and explaining that he is his father's junior!

My Pity Party . . . With a Happy Ending!

So, I warned you that I would have a pity party soon. My house has been a complete disaster since this weekend. I have been tired and rundown. Social gatherings and such are quite enjoyable for me, but I am always drained at the end. MyLove tells me it's because I'm an introvert. Anyway, the kitchen had dishes everywhere, the floors were strewn with toys, clothes, papers, toys, pencils, just about anything else you can think of, our bathroom was gross, our bedroom needed to be made . . . I can go on.

Well, praise the Lord, I got a burst of energy and started with our bathroom. I thought to myself, "I'll start here and blitz the rest of the house." Well, after I got started, I kept going and going and before I knew it, I had to pick up Martini from school (our bathroom was filthy). I walked through the rest of the disaster zone known as our home completely discouraged. We picked up Martini and came home, then I laid down with Carmelita and fell asleep while the boys played upstairs.

Suddenly, the doorbell. I hear the boys make their way to the door. It must be their friend wanting to play. I have to tell him, "no." I can't bear him seeing our place like this. What more? He might happen to mention it to his parents!

I run to the door and who is it? It's my dear mother!!!!! I love her! I miss her! I need her! Not only is she here, but she comes bearing pizza and cinnamon rolls! "I don't want you to cook tonight, anakong!" (Filipino term of endearment)Can you believe what an angel she is?!?! If you know her, then you can believe this. I was ashamed that my mom saw my house in such a wreck, but was so happy to see her. Of course, she immediately takes the kids outside for a walk to the park. I had a whole hour or so of uninterrupted time to myself and I was able to get the house in good order. I didn't have to cook and got more done than I would have all day without her!

I love you, Mom!!! I am so grateful.

I Love Our Life!

The other night I told MyLove that I am just so thankful for our lives. I love our family, I love our times together, I love our home, I love that we have so much food, I love our fellowship,I love our van. I just love the lives he has given us. We have been given so much and I just thank the Lord for it all.

Well, a few mornings later, I heard the sweetest words to my ears. Martini, Ethan and I were getting ready to have breakfast and Martini said someithing like, "I love our times/life!" I can't remember exactly what his words were, but they were along the same lines as what I told MyLove. MyLove and I were alone when I told him, so I know that Martini wasn't repeating my words, and that made it that much sweeter.

Thank you Lord for contentment in you and all that you have given us. You are an awesome and generous God!!! We love you.

Now, things are going well and I believe that the Lord has given me a new perspective on just being alive since He took our precious Lael home, but I also have my down times of distress and being overwhelmed. But I praise Him for the times of pure joy. My next post may very well just be a pity party for myself, but please enjoy this moment with me while it lasts!!!

Sign of the Times

Last Monday, I got an automated phonecall from Martini's school saying that there was a gunman spotted by his school and that all studens would be taken to a jr. high nearby and if you could, keep your little one at home. I was quite rattled and listened to the message probably five or six times to make sure I didn't miss anything important.

I prayed and thought about what I would tell Martini because he had already eaten breakfast and we were soon about to leave. I told Martini that they canceled school that day and he said, "Oh, good. I can go back to sleep!" It was so cute. He reminds me of a teenager sometimes. I didn't tell him details, just that they canceled class that day.

We went back to sleep for an hour or so and woke up to the sounds helicopters circling above. They were searching for this man in our neighborhood and in the surrounding neighborhoods. Early that morning the gunman had attempted to steal a man's car who lived right next to Martini's school. The man was leaving for work and tried to stop the theif. They were struggling with eachother when the man's wife called 911. The gunman pulled out a gun and forced the man into the car. The man was able to somehow get out and the gunman stopped the car and forced the man in once again. By this time, the cops showed up and the gunman took off on foot past Martini's school into a neighborhood. He shot at the cops.

Well, long story short, after SWAT, police dogs, Houston and Pearland Police, methodical checking house to house in the neighborhood next to us, around 10PM that night, a police dog caught his scent and found him in a shed. He was hiding in my brother-in-law's (Mike's) neighborhood. Mike was interviewed by Channel 13 and it was aired that night:

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/video?id=6700605

A few days later we found out that he is the same man who kidnapped and murdered a woman in Silverlake (west of Pearland) a few weeks ago.

This was quite rattling after hearing about all the school shootings going on. Martini told us of drills they have if "an intruder/stranger" comes into the school and how all the students have to hide and stay quiet. I am reminded of the bomb drills back during WWII. Now, it's terrorist drills, or gunman drills. I tell you, since we stopped homeschooling Martini and decided to send him to first grade, we have continued contemplating homeschooling again, just taking it a day at a time. But, ultimately, it reminds me of how no matter how much we want to be, we are just not in control. I have to pray constantly. Pray for peace, pray for the protection from my loving Father, pray for wisdom guidance.

And I think that ultimately, that is all the Lord wants us to do. He wants us to rely on Him. Not live in fear. He wants us to cast all our anxieties on Him because he cares for us (1Peter 5:7). He wants us to ask Him for wisdom because He gives generously to all without finding fault (James 1:5).

"The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies." -Psalm 118:6,7

I feel I can say this for myself, but it is my struggle to think of this for my children. This is a constant prayer and releasing to the Lord, my children, and how much I love them. But I know that the Master Weaver wove these precious little beings inside of me and gave them breath. Does he not love them so much more than I do? Of course!

"Original Girl"

It was cold outside and we were driving home from the store. Ethan and Carmelita had their hoods up and Ethan commented that I should have a hat on. I put on a beenie and asked him how I looked.

"You look like an original girl."

I'm not sure what that means, but it tickled me.

The Movie 300

Last night, MyLove, Uncle Daniel and I watched 300. We had to fastforward through various parts but the movie was quite inspiring with the passion and dedication of the Spartans. A heathan people with misguided focus. If only their focus was on something . . . Someone, worthy: JESUS!

May I live with passion and fortitude for the One who died for me and gave Himself for me!

Strep, strep, go away!

Strep, strep, go away.
Please never come again to play.
Strep strep, go away,
You sure make life quite hard I'll say.

It started off with Ethan, then me, then Caremelita, now MyLove. Our precious Martin is our lone ranger we keep praying for. Lord, please spare our Martini from this yucky mess!

I hope that you and your family are in good health and enjoying the sunshine!

I Love Their Comments!

After his nap this afternoon, Ethan was in such a good mood. He asked me, "Mommy, did your bracelet break?"
"No, Sweetie. I'm just taking off my necklace."
"Oh, I thought it broke."
"No, but I have a bracelet that did break in the car a while back."
"Oh, no. I'm sorry, Mommy. One day, I want to buy you a new one."
"That is so nice of you, Lovie."
"I just hope it's not expensive." !!!!! Isn't that hilarious? I was not expecting that last comment!

Hope this brightens your day as it has brightened my heart.

Precious Moments II

"Mommy, I just love you. I just love you so much. I love you a bunch much. I love you munchy much."

Ethan told me this on the way home from running errands this morning. I was so touched and kept saying the words over and over in my head so I wouldn't forget them, verbatim! Everytime he would say something, I would respond with "I love you, too, Sweetheart!" or "Thank you, Sweetie!"

Ethan has also been enjoying talking about heaven. We will be talking about something and then he'll say, "Sooo, let's talk about heaven now. Mommy, let's start from the beginning."

I was astonished when I first heard him say it about a week or so ago. Now, he says it pretty regularly and I love it. We talk about how when we die, we will immediately be in the presence of the Lord. How we will get to be with Lael and meet such mighty men of God like King David, Samson, Paul (who was once Saul), Moses. It has been so refreshing to dwell on such lovely things.

The mind of a child. The mind of a child of God! What a gift you children are to me.

Thank you Lord for these most precious children that you have entrusted to my care. I praise You!

Precious Moments

"Mommy, you are my best friend." Ethan told me yesterday as we were doing his activity book.

Carmelita's Broken Finger

The day before yesterday, the kids were all playing in the back yard. It was getting late and the boys' friend had to go home. While Carmelita was sitting on the back step at the door, the front door was opened. Air sucked through the house so fast and slammed the back door onto Carmelita's middle, ring and pinky fingers. I ran to the back door and opened it and she began screaming. I started panicking and crying out expletives (and completely ruining my witness to the rest of the world) as I went back and forth from our bathroom to the kitchen trying to figure out what to do all the while MyLove was following me trying to look at Carmelita and asking me questions. I was so angry at myself for letting her hang out by the door and not being smart enough to move her or prop the door open.

Long story short, we got x-rays and her ring finger has a break at the very tip. There is a little bit of bone that broke off. There really isn't anything you can do in these situations. To wrap her hand would really be more to set MyLove and me at ease than to help, and it would be a nuisance to Carmelita. Yesterday, her finger looked like a little black balloon. Today, praise the Lord, it is already getting pink again, the swelling's down, and she is completely back to normal (as she was yesterday actually)! Total healing time should be around 4-6 weeks.

We give glory to God that she wasn't more severly injured and that she is just fine. She is such a trooper.

McManner Man Award

Today, we had donuts and juice with Martini at his school. He, along with some other children, were awarded a McManner Man Award. Kids are encouraged to practice good manners and being polite and when they do without being asked to, they get a "McManner Man Ticket." These tickets are then put into a giant M&M man thingy and names are drawn.

We are so proud of our Martini because his name was drawn! We praise the Lord for his good manners and good attitude. What an ambassador for Christ he is becoming. Here are a few pictures from today.





After the ceremony, MyLove, Ethan, Carmelita and I ran some errands and here are Ethan and Carmelita in the cart at Home Depot.

The Potty Already?!

Tonight, I told Ethan to go peepee, but he didn't need to and while we were discussing it, Carmelita walked up to us saying, "peepee, peepee," and pulled at her diaper. I was excited and took her to the toilet. I took off her diaper and she peed in the toilet! I was so happy and praised my sweet Carmelita while she squealed with excitement. We kept cheering and then I told her that she could have some gum, and she was elated. She just kept squealing and cheering.

Now, this is not her first time going in the potty. Once, she went with my mom and about four times, she has gone with MyLove. I am convinced it's because they are patient and actually take her to the toilet when she mentions it. I, on the other hand, assume that she is saying "baby" and move on hoping we can continue whatever else we are doing. To tell you the truth, I am not quite ready to do the potty transition. In stores . . . night time . . . dropping everything to help her take her pants and diaper off. I definitely have grown to appreciate the convenience of diapers with my third child. With Martini, I hoped that he would potty train when he was six months so that I could parade him around like some trophy of my doing. What a nerd. I know that there are cultures that actually do this (potty train by 6 months, not parade them around!): in Kenya, the Philippines, some in China, Iran. Ours isn't one of them. I realize that all milestones we have with children: learning to walk, first tooth, eating on their own, talking, they are all acheived within months of the more "advanced, exceptional" children and really there is nothing to worry about most of the time.

In the end, Martini fully transitioned at 3years, 4months. Ethan: 2years, 5months. Sooo, we'll see. Carmelita is currently 21.5 months. I only stopped nursing her in late Novemember. She's growing too fast!!!

Today was a Good Day

I got Martini ready this morning and took him to school for the first time in months. He has had MyLove, my sister and my mom all chipping in to take him and pick him up for some time now. But, I missed our time together in the morning. I made him eggs (which he did not want) and his favorite, cinnamon rolls. He was so happy to hear that. Ethan came with me to drop him off and we joked and laughed the whole way there.

One might ask, "What do you joke about with a 6 and 4 year-old?" "Why, poop and pee of course!" You just mention those words and the boys cut up. It is so funny. It doesn't matter what the existing conversation is about, just throw those in and you've got an automatic joke.

Afterward, Ethan and I headed to Target to get some things and then to Michael's for some frames and other things I needed for Lael's shadow box. In it currently are a little gown, her I.D. bracelet, a picture of her feet, her burial program, and an angel pin that was given to us. I will post a picture of it when I am finished. We went to the post office and then headed home to MyLove and Carmelita. We got some things done around the house with my new purchases and had a photo shoot. The picture at the top of the page is one of the billions I took. The house right now is an absolute disaster zone, but despite that, today was a good day!