Well, I wanted all of you to be among the first to know...



guessing a due date in mid May 2007, and maybe 4 weeks along right now.

The girls were sooo excited they were jumping up and down screaming, "We are going to have a baby! We are going to have a baby!" Little One was saying, "I'm going to be a big sister! I'm going to be a big sister!" And she has made it clear that she wants a girl baby. Dancer Girl says she wants both. Little One just said that she wants 2 babies just in case the first one is a boy.

A couple of minutes later, Little One (I guess I will have to change that) said we needed to go to the hospital to get the baby. So cute, she is 2.5. Dancer Girl said she was "100% three times excited" about the baby. We are, too.

Right now, he or she is about 4-5 weeks, as shown below.

"The embryo?s tiny heart begins to beat by day twenty-one. The brain has developed into 5 areas and some cranial nerves are visible. Arm and leg buds are visible and the formation of the eyes, lips, and nose has begun. The spinal cord grows faster than the rest of the body giving a tail like appearance which disappears as the embryo continues to grow. The placenta begins to provide nourishment for the embryo." So the baby already has a heartbeat, probably, though it would be too early to be heard on a Doppler.

We would appreciate your prayers as baby grows. We are so excited, thank you for sharing this with us!

To Motherkitty and Tomas, congratulations! We know we will probably be getting a late night call from you. Long Hair Daddy took above picture & suggested I blog about it to surprise you guys. I took the test later Thursday evening right after we ate. We will see you tomorrow. The girls and I are so excited about our trip across the state to celebrate Abandoned in Pasadena's birthday. She is my Dad Tomas' sister.

I have been thinking, thinking, thinking about Corrie ten Boom, and the post I wrote. I have been mulling over and over her words that said, "a wise hand put it there (a stone) so that you may take a good look at it". Well, I cannot certainly wholeheartedly agree with that, and I wanted to make it clear. I totally feel that if, for every trial and trouble and anxiety you have, you take it to God, He will direct you and give you peace.

I totally do not think all trouble and bad things that happen come from God. I have come to realize that at least for me, the question of why bad things happen is not relevant to how I handle it. For me, in the long run, it does not matter at all where the thing that is causing me trouble comes from. It only matters what I do with it. I think that it is this part of the stone devotional that clicked so much with me. I could hypothetically do something really wrong and it would cause me trouble. Some bad person could hypothetically do something to me or my family and it would cause me trouble. Some good person driving carefully at the stop light could cause my "trouble" if I am being impatient and not loving or rushing around not on time. The rain could fall when I wished for sun, and I would feel troubled. Now not all of these things would necessarily be considered stones. However, if they make you or I stumble, it could be a stone in our path.

I have been trying to practice a good reaction to trouble, instead of looking for a place or person to place blame. If you really thought something was God's fault, would that change your responsibility to act like a loving, patient, forgiving human being? I have come to find out that it doesn't for me.

In fact, there is more peace in my life when I quit trying to figure out if something bad is from God and instead try to focus on what He would want me to do in that situation, whether it be to speak up, be quiet, walk away, choose not to be offended, be patient, or just wait. It is quite difficult to actually believe that He truly truly cares about the little things in life, but He does. I want to show God's love everywhere, at the stop light, at home, at Wal-Mart, at church. I want to be the same person everywhere I go. I want anyone looking at me at the stop light to see a patient loving person, and not a grumbling, sour, impatient one (this is one reason my husband and I do not put bumper stickers on our vehicles, but that is another post entirely--it is not God's fault that His children act very ugly sometimes).

For me, my reactions always begin with my thoughts. That is one reason I like to meditate on the word of God. One of my favorite verses is the "think on these things" one (Philippians 4:8). Think about it, if you or I only thought about things that were lovely, pure, virtuous, good, etc., would there be any room for negative thoughts which would surely lead to something done or said that would be regretted?

KJV: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

So, when I come to a stone and take it to God, sometimes I find that I put it there by my own words and actions. Then, God help me tell the truth. Maybe I spoke ugly. Maybe some ugly things in my life are due to my own inaction or action.

The good news is that I have realized that I should give myself a new start every day, to forgive myself, and give my self grace. To give myself some love and patience that I do not deserve.....because God has already forgiven me, and He waits every day for me to ask Him for help at every stone, in every situation. I hope you give yourself some grace, too, and trust Him to help you because He is an ever present help in time of trouble. (psalm 46:1)

Corrie ten Boom's Opinion Means a Lot to Me

Yesterday did not go exactly as planned, but it was good. I ended up at gymnastics watching Dancer Girl(which I rarely get to do), while Long Haired Daddy took Little One to the store. We ended up having a nice family dinner with Uncle Brent. This post really has nothing to do with that, though.

On some days, I skim through a devotional by Corrie ten Boom called This Day is the Lord's. I like this devotional because they are short and can be read quickly, say, like when you are going to the bathroom. The bathroom is my hiding place. ha ha.

Ok, for those who didn't get my joke, Corrie ten Boom also wrote The Hiding Place, which is her true story account of her time in a concentration camp. Though she and her family were Christians, they helped many Jews to escape from Hitler's grasp, though they were punished themselves. Those who bless the Jews will be blessed, and those who curse them will be cursed. It says so in the Bible, though I don't remember exactly where. Some industrious person out there can look it up for me.

Anyway, today's devotional was really good. Here is an excerpt.
"Do you think that any stone or obstacle on your path is there for no reason at all? Whether it be ugly, big, or small, you must believe that it has to be just where it is, but certainly not to hinder you from getting on, certainly not to weaken your courage or strength. A wise hand put it there, in order that you might take a good look at it and then talk about it with God, asking Him what He wants to make clear to you by it. And if you meet God at every stone, then every stone will bless you.

These trials are only to test your faith, to see whether or not it is strong and pure...I Peter 1:7 (Living Bible)"

That said, I do not think every bad thing is from the hand of God. The Bible is clear that the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but God wants us to have an abundant life (from John 10:10). Also, it says in Psalm 91 that he who has his hiding place in God will be guarded by angels, who will keep your foot from being dashed against a stone (my paraphrases).

Even so, what Corrie ten Boom says has weight with me. Think about it, how can a woman who survived life in a concentration camp come out and say that our trials are blessings from God? She saw and survived horrible things, even the death of her sister in the concentration camp. If she can put her trust in God, even through all that, it gives me courage to do the same through my small daily trials. It is always good to get a bigger perspective.

By the way, if you have never read The Hiding Place, I highly recommend it.

Happy Thursday!
We have had a busy day so far. We went to art class from 10-11. The girls want to have a picnic so we will be going out in the backyard to play on the swingset and eat PB & J. Sweet husband, on his way to work, said that he would take both girls to gymnastics this afternoon. What a surprise. Dancer Girl's class is two hours, but I bet I will be the one dancing. Two hours alone in the house. Woo-hoo! I had better make a good dinner for them. Now I am off to play and think, think, think, as Pooh would say.

9/11 Tribute

I don't know why, but blogger put my tribute post on 9/9, instead of today. Scroll down to read it.

So what were you doing on the morning of 9/11/2001? I was sitting on the couch, nursing 5 week old Dancer Girl.

to read other tributes by other bloggers, go here http://www.jamulian.com/db911/

Other family bloggers who wrote a 9/11 tribute that I know about are my mom, writing a tribute to Cynthia Wilson at Motherkitty, and my aunt, mom's sister, who wrote one to Catherina Nardella at Mrs. Greenthumb. My dad wrote about 9/11 on Sep 8, aka Tomas. I am sure there might be more, but that was all I know about at this point. Pretty heavy stuff. This is a wonderful project, a good way to get to know the people who perished more, and remember them

Good night, all

Hey, just wanted to wish you guys and girls good night and sweet dreams. We are brushing our teeth, picking out bedtime books and clothes for church (which usually doesn't happen til the last minute, btw, ha ha).

Though at this point, I think it going to take until the morning for Dancer Girl to pick something out. First she comes out with a basket. Then we spend the next five minutes remembering what she went to her bedroom for. Then, she brought out the thickest long sleeve dress she could find. Then we spent five minutes on weather.com, so I could show her the forecast, 84 degrees. Finaaalllly, she comes out with something to wear that I like. I know it is not all about me, and lots of times I just her pick our own clothes. I just don't want to hear the "I'm tooooo hot, Mama" whiny voice.

Now, it's on to reason # 557 why I don't want her to wear her beach flip flops to church. And you know, I really don't care if she wears flip flops. It is just that she can't keep them on her feet. I have enough stress without having to get everyone's shoes back on every time we go somewhere. Because you know, if Dancer Girl's shoes come off, then Little One takes off her shoes, takes the laces completely out, takes off her socks, tosses them into the nether world which is the back of our Big Green Van. Which brings me to why I really like velcro. Or should I say, hook and loop tape, or whatever is the most politically correct thing to say right now. I just don't like re-doing things I have already done. Getting children ready to go somewhere is not like any other check things off as you go lists. Just estimate any amount of time, and multiply by at least 3, and count on doing everything on the list at least twice. Most of the time.

So now, it is 20 minutes later, and I am not getting ready for bed, I am still blogging. And they are whining and pleading, and the 2 yr old is saying, "I'm ready to go to sleep now", among other things. So enough of neglecting my motherly duties to worship at the altar of blog land.

Anyway, I just wanted to say good night, and I was thinking of you.

9/11 Tribute for Gregory Wachtler

This is to honor Gregory Wachtler, who was age 25 when he was killed on September 11, 2001 in the World Trade Center on the 93rd floor of the North Tower due to a terrorist attack. He worked as a research associate for the Fred Alger Management company. Gregory was a resident of Ramsey, NJ. He liked to play basketball with his friends.Here are some thoughts from a co-worker.

Because he was avid participant in blood drives, his friends, family, his company, and many generous donors raised enough money to purchase a Bloodmobile in his honor and in honor of all those who perished on 9/11. Here is an article about this. Gregory's parents, Paul and Nassima Wachtler of Ramsey, teamed together with Community Blood Services to collect 15,000 pints of blood - the same amount that was lost that fateful day when 3,000 perished. As of February 2006, they reached an additional goal to raise enough money for an additional bloodmobile, which will be known as Gregory's Bloodmobile and will bear his likeness as an incentive to other young people to make blood donations a part of their lives.

Gregory is an alumni from Rutgers University, who also honored all those lost in the 9/11 attacks. Here is an article about another blood drive in Gregory's honor at the Rutgers Student Center.

I found this list of victims from 9/11 that were alumni of Rutgers University, including Gregory Wachtler. Four alumni were on board Flight 93 that crashed in Pennsylvania. One alumni was aboard Boston Flight 175 that crashed into the WTC. Thirty-two Rutgers Alumni died in the World Trade Center on 9/11, and two alumni family members also died in the World Trade Center that day. That is almost 40 people, and those are just the ones related to Rutgers University, somehow.

The goal of the terrorist is to make us say, I am afraid. Well, I say, I will not fear, but trust in my God, who is my refuge and strong tower. I will not be afraid. God's Word in the Holy Bible says that "the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I [Jesus] came that they may have life, and have it abundantly" (John 10:10, NAS version) . What those terrorists did was definitely stealing, killing, and destroying innocent lives. They destroyed the life of Gregory Wachtler and thousands of others.

That morning on 9/11/2001, I sat on my couch nursing 5 week old Dancer Girl. As I watched the news, I cried and prayed for hours. On that day, I did not know Gregory Wachtler, or anyone else in those towers or on those planes. Well, Dancer Girl is 5 now and someday I will sit her down and tell her what terrorists are, and how unlike our God they are. A God of life and hope and mercy.

I pray that we will become consolidated in our beliefs that no one trying to follow that which is good and right will participate in or endorse any behavior that leads to stealing, killing, or destroying any human life. God gives us mercy and grace, and I think every human is due our respect and prayers, especially the victims. Also, I say, pray for the terrorists. Apparently they are clueless, if somehow they can wholeheartedly believe that the death of humans is for God's glory and will lead people to know Him. God have mercy on their souls, and may they turn away from the ways of destruction and death, and turn towards life, mercy, and peace.

Gregory Wachtler gave of his own blood countless times so that others might have health and life. Leviticus says that "the life of the flesh is in the blood." (Lev 17:11, NAS). Terrorists took away the lives and spilled the blood of thousands. May we not be wasters and destroyers like the terrorists, but givers and promoters of life like Gregory.

My Life is a Musical

long labor day all gone alternator loads of laundry rustic nina replica surprise sleepover dozens of dishes crunchy colorful cereal arid astilbes drilling dentist kitchen kittens clothing consignment lincoln logs stretched out slinky slept through story hour television turn-off full of leftovers fridge coloring book crayons happy handwriting busted balloon broken barrettes more mathematics silly songs brimming bookshelf possible playdates rolling road trips breezy barges untangled yarn unfinished hide-and-seek scavenger hunt

finding myself breaking into song....where are we going? Down by the riverside....

next time won't you sing with me