Selflessness

This morning the kids and I headed out to a doctor's appointment. Before we left, Isaac ran back in and grabbed some of his money from his money management notebook. He likes to have some of his money with him "just in case". Isaac, 8 years old, holds tight to his money unless of course he is buying something fun for himself. He is the kid that struggles to put more money in his tithe envelope than in his savings or spending envelopes. A struggle that most of us can relate to I am sure.

We left the doctor's office and were sitting in line at a stop light when Isaac caught sight of a homeless man holding up his cardboard sign. Without a moments hesitation, Isaac jumped up from his seat, handed me all of his money and said, "See that man Mama? He needs help. Please give him this." And so I did. I made sure to tell the man that my son wanted him to have that money. He thanked us and said, "God bless you"

Isaac didn't say another word about it. Not once did he seek the glory for himself. I simply said, "Isaac that was a very selfless and generous thing to do. Do you know where that came from?" His response, "Yes, Mama that comes from God" Amen and Amen.

I was speechless and awed at the kind act of my 8 year old son, a boy who often gets wrapped up in thinking that everything revolves around him. Not today. Today he followed the prompting of the Holy Spirit and then gave the glory to the Lord.

I could be tempted to "take the glory" by taking credit for my son's selflessness. Instead I follow the example of my precious boy who knew immediately that anything good that comes from us is directly from God.

I love my son more than words can say. I am delighted to see Isaac respond to God in ways that may surprise me, but never surprise HIM.

10 week sonogram

Guess who I got to see today.....

 I went in for another OB appointment today. Just checking in about some routine blood work I had done (all normal). I have been feeling better this week with the nausea and food aversions. In fact, it has basically gone away, which is good but also concerning at the same time. The yucky symptoms of early pregnancy are reassuring that all is going as it should. I have to admit there was a part of me that was a bit worried when those symptoms disappeared. I have still been fatigued, moody, and hungry all the time, but still I am an expectant mother that has the well being of my unborn child on my mind at all times. So when the doctor attempted to find the heartbeat and couldn't I was concerned. It is a little early to hear the heartbeat and this same thing has also happened in previous pregnancies, but that did not stop me from praying non-stop until I got my eyes on this little one during the sonogram. The doctor just wanted to be sure the baby was okay, and of course all was fine. As soon as the sono picture showed up I saw the baby moving and wiggling around. AMAZING! The tiny heart was beating beautifully and I was able to get some fantastic pictures of our little sweetie. It is hard to tell in this picture, but I could see his/her face. The baby is facing toward us. Last time the baby was facing away. Just because this is my fourth pregnancy doesn't mean that I am any less awestruck at God's amazing handiwork. Such a blessing to see this little one today. Maybe next visit we will hear the heart beating strong!

Happy Birthday Julia!!

Six years ago today this sweet little girl came into my life. I have been abundantly blessed every day since. I am extremely proud that I am Julia's Mama and have been able to have a front row seat to all the ways God is molding and making her into the young woman He intends her to be. From a very young age, she has had a heart captured by God which is evident in her compassion and love towards others. Today we celebrate and thank the Lord for 6 wonderful years with Julia Anne Elizabeth. I love this little girl more than words can say.

Our birthday girl enjoyed waking up to our traditional birthday muffin, the birthday song and book (read by Isaac), and of course lots of gifts. Isaac bought her a new shiny zooble, Caleb bought her new My Little Ponies, and Gabe and I got her an ocean puzzle, a dolphin stain glass art project, and a webkinz peacock (whom she named Peackie). She was delighted with the start to her 6th birthday!

Every year I let the kids choose something fun to do on their birthday. This year,just like last year, Julia wanted to go to Build-a-Bear. All my kids love to play with stuffed animals, especially Julia. She is the kid that goes to sleep at night with every single snuggle friend tucked around her in her bed. So we headed to fetch a new friend at Buid-a-Bear. Julia took the choosing of this new friend seriously, but finally decided on a multi-colored bunny whom she named "Rainbow". I let her do the entire Build-a-Bear experience complete with an outfit and matching shoes for her bunny.

After Rainbow was officially apart of our family, we went to Chuck E. Cheese's for lunch and games. The kids and myself had lots of fun. Mid-week is the prime time to visit Chuck E. Cheese's. There was barely anyone there.

Now that we were stuffed and plum wore out, we headed back home for a mini movie date. I rented Alvin and the Chipmunks:Chipwrecked. From what I saw, it was a cute movie. I admittedly snoozed through most of it. First trimester fatigue caught up with me!

The fun is not over yet! Tonight is AWANA and Julia wanted to make cupcakes to take up there to share with her friends.

 
This weekend her Papa is taking her camping all by herself, something she has been dreaming of doing for a long time. And if that wasn't enough we are going to have her birthday dinner at home on Sunday night. Oh wait, there's more! We will have her swimming/ocean themed birthday party on May 5th! Now that's the way to celebrate a birthday, stretch it out for two weeks.

I have to admit, those that know me would agree, I tend to really celebrate my children's birthdays. I love to spoil them on their special day!  And since we don't get to spoil them much at all any other time, then why not?! I am pretty sure Julia is having a spectacular 6th birthday and will never forget it!

Ju Ju Bean and Boo

Just wanted to share a sweet picture of Julia and Caleb. Caleb is finally getting old enough to really play with Julia. They often pretend they are birds, lions, or puppies. It is cute to watch them use their imaginations together. She is a great big sister to him. On this particular day I was taking pictures of Julia for her birthday invitations and Caleb jumped in the picture with her. Love them dearly!

Guess What...

Our family is getting bigger. We are so excited to announce that we are expecting the arrival of our 4th child around November 24th! Thanksgiving baby!! I am a little over 8 weeks along. My husband and I have known for a month now, but waited to visit the doctor before sharing the news with our children, family, and friends.

Last Friday we visited my doctor to take a peak at our little one for the first time. We went in thinking I was at 7 weeks, but the baby measured bigger and we found out I was further along than we thought. Not complaining. Two months down, seven to go!

We were on our way to see my family in Coleman this past weekend, so we decided to make a stop in Fredricksburg to go to Enchanted Rock with the kids. Enchanted Rock holds a lot of special memories for us. It was there that we told Isaac and Julia that I was pregnant with Caleb. So we took the kids on a hike to the top of the rock and they suspected nothing. When we got to the top, we found a place to sit down. We told the kids we had an "S" (surprise) for them. They hid their eyes and I slipped a t-shirt on Caleb that said "Caleb - Promoted to Big Brother. Effective December 2012" (the shirt was made before we went to the doc and got the new due date) I thought they would figure it out quickly, but it took them a minute. I loved the realization on Isaac's face and his reaction. He said, "A New Baby! My legs feel wobbly" Priceless! Julia immediately jumped up and down and wished for a girl. Caleb was so sweet. I was surprised how fast he caught on to the concept that there was a baby inside Mommy. Of course, he stuck his hand down my shirt looking for the baby!! (wanted to post the video of us telling the kids but for some reason it won't load. I'll try again some other time)

When we arrived in Coleman, we slipped the shirt back on Caleb and surprised my family. Isaac and Julia made cards for Grammy and Grandaddy to share the news as well. Everyone was elated. On our way back to San Antonio we stopped and took a picture of our family and then sent it to Gabe's side of the family. It said, "If you know the answer to this math problem or want to know, call us" Pretty obvious that the answer to this math problem is 6!

After a month of waiting, we were finally able to spill the beans with all of our friends. I don't think I could have hidden it much longer anyway. My little belly started popping a couple of weeks ago, much sooner than any of my other pregnancies. I guess the 4th pregnancy will do that!

Years ago God put it on both mine and Gabe's heart that there was another baby for us, be it through pregnancy or through adoption. We have prayed and waited and prayed and waited. I can honestly say that after a year and a half of trying I didn't think I was pregnant when I took that first test. I was completely floored when it immediately showed "pregnant". Thank you God for this beautiful blessing of another child, such a precious gift.

Red Belt

Isaac has now been attending karate for over a year. He hit a big milestone a couple of weeks ago when he tested for and received his red belt. He has been working towards that one for a long time. Karate has still been a struggle, some days he is really excited about it and others not so much. We are still working on teaching him about work ethic, perseverance, self control, and setting goals. We will get there eventually and karate is a great avenue to teach these characteristics.

Super Boy!

Caleb is such an energetic little boy who lives life to the absolute fullest. I know it may sound strange to say this, but even at 2 years old he seems to completely embrace life. I adore this about him even though this characteristic is what leads him into trouble sometimes!

Lately he has enjoyed sportin' this cape. He runs around saying, "SUPER BOY! Dun dun da dun" I caught a few pictures of my super boy the other day. He is my little hero!