tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68905672373912030802024-02-20T01:43:47.804-08:00Beauty and RichesTruth: "Beauty is not about being comfortable and being rich is not about having a lot of money."Kenyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760190008933302727noreply@blogger.comBlogger97125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890567237391203080.post-20087958026936262082012-08-09T21:39:00.001-07:002017-03-18T11:36:26.333-07:00Why my husband rocks!Hailey's step dad, my husband, Luca and Nora's dad (all the same person if you don't know that) would not agree with one title I gave him...that title is "step dad". In his mind, he is Hailey's dad. Since the day he took me out on our first date, he loved her. He chose to.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DisneyWorld 2006 eating in France at Epcot</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Disney Cruise 2012 for Hailey's graduation</td></tr>
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Alessandro has NEVER referred to her as his stepdaughter, but only very proudly, his daughter. The thing that makes him amazing is that it isn't only in words...it's in action. He has provided for her since the day he married me.<br />
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He never complained once that she costs us so much money (as girls do...). He never said that paying for her braces was not his responsibility. He doesn't complain about sacrifices he's made to make sure she too, has what she needs. Car insurance, doctor's visits, homecoming and prom dresses, college application fees, oh, and by the way...college! He's taken on that too.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homecoming 2011</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prom 2012</td></tr>
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Which leads me to why I am writing this post. Hailey is leaving for college next week. She and I are taking a road trip to College Station where she will start a new phase in her life. The problem is that her car is not reliable and may not get us to College Station. I realize that there are many kids who go to college without cars, and in some situations that will work. In hers, it won't. Originally we were going to have her take her car and just let the dice roll, but after some thought Alessandro wanted to give it his best shot at getting her a car that would get her through college before she leaves...in just a little over a week.<br />
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Yesterday, he spent a good part of the day with her car shopping. She found a used Honda Civic and fell in love. He wanted this so badly for her, as a daddy would and she wanted this so badly for herself, as teenagers would. He was bound and determined to make it happen.<br />
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The point is I was sitting in my car after work and he was telling me that Hailey found this car and she loves it and he wanted to buy it for her...we don't have extra money just lying around...we are working on it, but that is not yet the case. He wanted so badly to give her the desires of her heart. Because of his intention and the way he has loved her for the last 7 years, I started to cry, tears of joy and thankfulness.<br />
So, he took it to a mechanic who checked it out and said it was not a good deal. He even took it to another mechanic for a second opinion, wondering if the first guy had ulterior motives because he kept telling Alessandro to buy a car from his friend. The second mechanic verified the information. Alessandro tried to do everything to make that<b> </b>her car, but after the bad news, found that it was beautiful externally, but beneath the hood were many, many problems. The car was not going to be reliable. So, I am sure you can guess what happened next...Both Hailey and Alessandro were very bummed out!<br />
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I believe our Father God wants to give us the desires of our hearts too, but sometimes those desires aren't his best and may not be good for us in the long term. The heart of a Father towards his child is so beautiful.<br />
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Anyhow, what next? Alessandro is on the hunt for another good deal on a car that Hailey would love in the next 8 days. Pray for us!<br />
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Also, here is a link for you single moms AND single men out there...a link to one of my previous posts. http://kenyaalu.blogspot.com/2009/11/single-moms-and-single-men.html<br />
<br />Kenyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760190008933302727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890567237391203080.post-83294734391450904992011-12-23T22:17:00.000-08:002011-12-24T07:26:36.788-08:00The most difficult part of parentingNora is two and a half years old and we decided it was time to take away her "paci". We don't actually take them away in our home, we just change their role. Our tradition is to take our kids to Build-A- Bear and allow them to place their pacifiers inside the bear. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CCZxy6UTCjG8XXvjhyphenhyphen-Q1UaN1jJLqRIad3U9FZg3OtKT0gvhufHiccZJoZWday6uYYo5TXNq0F6Oqi1RUmqrwx_Yd5rtcWCPyxxg_9_bLaRFjNI6o7VRCrVlzdpgxiIk7EosH7lthkc/s1600/December++2011+111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CCZxy6UTCjG8XXvjhyphenhyphen-Q1UaN1jJLqRIad3U9FZg3OtKT0gvhufHiccZJoZWday6uYYo5TXNq0F6Oqi1RUmqrwx_Yd5rtcWCPyxxg_9_bLaRFjNI6o7VRCrVlzdpgxiIk7EosH7lthkc/s320/December++2011+111.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>This way they can still sleep with them, only they are not in their mouths. Tonight was Nora's night. She was so excited to pick out her pink flowered bunny and place her 3 paci's inside of it. She held it proudly all night as we walked the mall. Once we got in the car, she realized that she would never "see" her paci's again as she whimpered and asked for them over and over again. Dread surged through my body as I realized the long night ahead for us...and especially for Nora. I knew that she realized that there was a big, unwanted change in her life that Alessandro and I had implemented, and without her approval. We arrived at our house and began our nightly routine of taking a shower, brushing teeth and finally bedtime (which is a routine in itself). She whimpered and asked for her "paci" throughout the whole process. I held her in my arms and tried to explain to her that her pacifiers now had a new home inside of her bunny and that she could hold them and feel them by squeezing "Flower". She buried her little head in my chest and whimpered some more. All the while, my heart was breaking. Why did we have to do this to her? Why couldn't we just let her have them? I'm sure we could find one hiding around here and we could just let her have it for a few more months. Or, I could go to the store and buy her a new one. Another option is cutting the bunny open! It really isn't good for her, it is delaying her vocabulary because that thing is always in her mouth! Dentists don't like them...and they hide her precious smile! She doesn't realize it at this moment and possibly not for several days (I hope not), but this is what is best for her. The alternative is not good for her at all, except for the temporary comfort it provides. Alessandro and I took turns holding her and comforting her until she was so tired she wanted to get into her bed. While rocking her, I realized that my Father in heaven too has to take things or relationships away from us for our own good. He hates, I am certain, that his children are hurting, but knows that giving us everything we want that temporarily makes us feel comfortable is not necessarily good for us if it is hindering our growth or taking us down the wrong path. "<span class="st">But my<strong> </strong>God<strong> </strong>shall<strong> </strong>supply<strong> </strong>all your need<strong> </strong>according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" Philippians 4:19. Sometimes we have to realize and accept that sometimes for God to supply us with what we need, it may mean taking something away or keeping something from us, whether it be to protect us or grow us. I know in my life, He has allowed me to go through difficult things and I have come out on the other side having learned and changed for the better (usually I am closer to Him). I don't always understand the why's, but I know it isn't because he enjoys seeing us hurt...just like I didn't enjoy Nora feeling sad and heartbroken. Nora doesn't understand though. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. " Isaiah 55:8-9</span><br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="0" id="stSegmentFrame" name="stSegmentFrame" scrolling="no" src="http://seg.sharethis.com/getSegment.php?purl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fpost-edit.g%3FblogID%3D6890567237391203080%26postID%3D8329473439145090499&jsref=&rnd=1324740245650" style="display: none;" width="0"></iframe><div class="stwrapper" id="stwrapper" style="left: -999px; top: -999px; visibility: hidden;"><div class="stclose"></div><iframe allowtransparency="true" class="stLframe" frameborder="0" height="350" id="stLframe" name="stLframe" scrolling="no" src="" style="left: 0px; top: 0px;" width="353"></iframe></div>Kenyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760190008933302727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890567237391203080.post-7319372569837390482011-07-11T19:12:00.000-07:002011-07-11T19:12:56.684-07:00So dissappointed...Even as I begin to write this, I am struggling with the motivation to complete it. I am angry, frustrated and most of all, tired of the fight. The fight for my health, the fight for a breakthrough in finances and the fight for security. Ultimately, I know everything is going to work out because God is in control, but as I am walking through this I find myself growing weary; as much as I want to solely depend on God, I can't help but find myself trying to control circumstances and outcomes and then becoming frustrated when things don't work out the that way I want them to. <br />
I'm not blogging as much these days because my fatigue is getting the best of me, in addition, when I am emotionally down, it is difficult to motivate myself to write. <br />
I guess I should explain what has set this off...I went to the doctor today for my follow up complete w/ labs. Bottom line: they were worse. My EBV levels were elevated and even after all of these treatments! I have poured so much money into them and I have yet to see any benefit (except that on my drive to Las Cruces, I have my talk radio time). It feels like a waste of time and money, neither of which I can get back. My doctor told me that in addition to the treatments, in order to reduce the levels, I have to reduce my stress levels. How? When I asked this question, his answer was "Have you tried hypnotherapy? or how about yoga or Tai Chi?" and "maybe you should put the kids in daycare full time." Let's be clear...I did not have children so that I could put them in daycare when I am not working. If you follow my blog at all you know that my heart's desire is to be home with my kids full time. Although I love my job, I am working because I have to and when I am not at work, I want to be with my kids...why on earth would I drop them off at daycare when I can spend the day with them? The reason my doctor suggested this is because part of my stress is the need to find somebody to watch the kids when I go get my treatments or my "hypnotherapy" (hahaha!). I have no idea how to reduce my stress at this point. First off, I have a Type A personality and I am really not doing anything extra. Other than work, treatment and my children, I don't have outside commitments right now. <br />
So, the question is this...do I continue treatment for a little while longer or give it up and put my money someplace else (like student loans or the credit card) and just accept that I will most likely live with my body until the Lord gives me a new one? I have some decisions to make. <br />
This post is only an update, not a request for advice...trust me, I have tried it all.Kenyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760190008933302727noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890567237391203080.post-16223400466406196872011-06-24T06:50:00.000-07:002011-06-24T06:53:23.757-07:00My NormalI have been battling Epstein Barre for the last 16 years, however I didn't actually get a diagnosis until April of this year. I had been to Mayo Clinic, I saw a naturopath for 3 years, I went to a Chinese Medicine doctor and to a Chiropractor without so much as even a bogus diagnosis. My case was perplexing to all. Finally, my mom suggested that I go see Dr. Berkson in Las Cruces and now that I live in El Paso, getting to his office isn't a big deal. He diagnosed me with a short interview and a series of blood tests. I was so relived to have a diagnosis even if he couldn't help me, but not only did I get a diagnosis, but he is certain he can bring my EBV levels down to normal. I live tired. I have lived tired and with pain for so many years and as the years have gone on, my symptoms have become worse. My body does not function normally. I travel to Las Cruces for IV treatments on the 2 days a week that I am off of work. He has me on Alpha Lipoic Acid drips. I have been doing this for about 3 months now and honestly I don't feel any different. I will have my blood work redrawn in a couple of weeks and the results should be telling. I am hoping that my treatment is working on the underlying cause and that my symptoms just have not caught up with the healing yet. When I got back from my treatment yesterday, we thought it would be nice to do something fun with the kids. Originally we were going to take them to my mom's house to swim, but the pool was out of commission for the day. Instead, we filled the kiddie blow up pool in the backyard and they had a blast playing. I enjoyed watching them, but felt so drained of energy. There is a spirit inside of me that is so full of life and that loves adventure and activity, but my body just can't keep up. I would like for just one day to wake up and feel normal...to wake up and feel up to the active lifestyle my personality is cut out for. Until I was told that there was a reason for my being so tired, I thought it was normal. I thought everybody felt the way I do and I would find myself amazed when friends would tell me that they have a life after their work day. It takes everything in me to get home, feed and bathe the kids and get them to bed....I believe that it is God who sustains me and that it is because of Him that I can function with a smile (and sometimes just function) at work, home and whenever we are out and about. That being said, I am ready for my body to feel normal again!<br />
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Up until Hailey was 12 years old, she grew up without a father. Her dad was not in the picture because of personal challenges he couldn't overcome at the time and I was single. I always worried how it would affect her as she got older...not having a dad around during such formative years. Thankfully God provided our family with Alessandro who stepped in as her dad quickly and wholeheartedly. With her being 12, it wasn't an easy transition and he was met with a lot of resistance from her. It was uncomfortable for her and for him to show affection, afterall, she was just entering adolesence. From an early age up until Alessandro and I met, she had other men like my dad and others from our church who loved her and who were Godly examples of what a husband and a father should be. She has been protected and is a very healthy, well adjusted young woman and my husband has set a standard for her of how she should be treated by men, more specifically her future boyfriends and husband. Hailey is currently on vacation in Indiana, so she wasn't with us this year...boy do I miss her! <br />
I look at my other 2 children, Luca and Nora and am so thankful that they have their dad around with full confidence that he isn't going anywhere by choice. Children should not be fatherless. It is tragic. I am motivated to reach out to children whose mothers and fathers are not around or maybe they are, but those children feel neglected. I am convicted to love on them and open my home to them as best that I can. Whether that means lend an ear, have them over for dinner, buy them some clothes or just take them out for ice cream. It is even more important for men to step in and father the fatherless. If you are a man, and know of a child without the presence of his dad, be that male role model for him. If you are reading this and you didn't have a dad in your life or maybe the memories you have of your dad aren't pleasant, I imagine that Father's Day must be difficult emotionally. Remember that your Heavenly Father will never leave you or forsake you. <br />
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Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there, but especially to my dad and my husband!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_W7og969FttFsGAgoFPtY5vxeuWhxyvVjn7qUcCDf20L2NbLXiA2jFc1PTHW6L97WKpCv21axx2PknXhZkf7AjKHFNYimp29HipSM3RsBmJf8l1qnOC-FEbO5pEd7o-JHnRd-fgrLKys/s1600/June+2011+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_W7og969FttFsGAgoFPtY5vxeuWhxyvVjn7qUcCDf20L2NbLXiA2jFc1PTHW6L97WKpCv21axx2PknXhZkf7AjKHFNYimp29HipSM3RsBmJf8l1qnOC-FEbO5pEd7o-JHnRd-fgrLKys/s320/June+2011+003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Kenyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760190008933302727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890567237391203080.post-61192153117467030382011-06-18T20:14:00.000-07:002011-06-18T20:14:53.985-07:00Hair CutsI took both kids to get hair cuts today (Nora's first one) and decided to go a little shorter than I ever have with Luca. This way I won't have to take him back for a long while! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6eX7cwPib6Diu4sNAJfAOB_ghgtWb-fc7zhBfz7nTbZRu7I29nNAstrKsqEQXQW98jkXBe4ssceTh4Z6QBXZqAGK2EE1HDZ6G-k6wNwzgVHmfgx1FmgSbnhX2ffvZbOpadT6cUnkOR48/s1600/June+2011+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6eX7cwPib6Diu4sNAJfAOB_ghgtWb-fc7zhBfz7nTbZRu7I29nNAstrKsqEQXQW98jkXBe4ssceTh4Z6QBXZqAGK2EE1HDZ6G-k6wNwzgVHmfgx1FmgSbnhX2ffvZbOpadT6cUnkOR48/s320/June+2011+004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6u1qfsosRzWE0fXFWGVUOmr8r9f3wiOFIE2rdYiW9OolKmyrqVn4iZBN3RJ9m6-iZssiWkPFFvmlvl4_paZSUpp0Dq03rS1VGkLE0BATWp79nFzyasXGyEVs-uFU68eHqMaqYntq665U/s1600/June+2011+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6u1qfsosRzWE0fXFWGVUOmr8r9f3wiOFIE2rdYiW9OolKmyrqVn4iZBN3RJ9m6-iZssiWkPFFvmlvl4_paZSUpp0Dq03rS1VGkLE0BATWp79nFzyasXGyEVs-uFU68eHqMaqYntq665U/s320/June+2011+013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Father's Day post tomorrow!Kenyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760190008933302727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890567237391203080.post-75359982545686718732011-06-17T20:52:00.000-07:002011-06-17T20:52:49.013-07:00Too much change to handle at once!Just returned from visiting family in St. Louis and it was such a refreshing time that I was able to collect myself after all this past year has brought to my life and start blogging again. Oh, I know I say this everytime I disappear, but I have missed blogging so much!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisqwJrd_1_K2H5Yq8kVdYu1NdiE_nblvGA4qHgZK_SAhYkLiB-_abMz4kPvf2wyoNgqYdlpjmt8_kavkcEgSh4oeCahksT6S7oWx4ZWbeEb1FysK7svEPgBRYxVtvrH_Ope1T2llEyyqc/s1600/June+2011+214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisqwJrd_1_K2H5Yq8kVdYu1NdiE_nblvGA4qHgZK_SAhYkLiB-_abMz4kPvf2wyoNgqYdlpjmt8_kavkcEgSh4oeCahksT6S7oWx4ZWbeEb1FysK7svEPgBRYxVtvrH_Ope1T2llEyyqc/s320/June+2011+214.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I am going to start light and I will go into the more lofty topics as the weeks go on . <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDu4Q5XkwQKx5PLQFxL8oBMmieQ_b1QgmuuIQssCMosWCe7ajokUY2m3ZGaz6Pw9D3vR5R1TN1lL-kgN38JfAYDKPFba_NclGQsa6e5DaNQVDvhhQUQJtQ_uFaO0nh3X5heKQ6s4upM8/s1600/June+2011+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDu4Q5XkwQKx5PLQFxL8oBMmieQ_b1QgmuuIQssCMosWCe7ajokUY2m3ZGaz6Pw9D3vR5R1TN1lL-kgN38JfAYDKPFba_NclGQsa6e5DaNQVDvhhQUQJtQ_uFaO0nh3X5heKQ6s4upM8/s320/June+2011+002.JPG" width="320" /></a>First things first, we relocated to El Paso, TX in December 2010 (more of which I will get into later because it is one of the more lofty topics...) and we experienced some seriously irritating weather. What started out as novel snowfall, ended up in frozen, busted water lines, electricity blackouts and the cancellation of school for several days...the finale being that our entire household got sick (with the exception of Hailey who is rarely home, so escapes the germ exposure).<br />
This was followed by my search for a J-O-B, which if you know me at all, you know that my dream job is to be home with my kids (although being a stay at home mom is not much fun if you are stuck in the house with the kids 24/7). Unfortunately, in order to pay for some medical expenses not covered by insurance, I am working part time, which seems easy, but it feels like I am working more than part time, most of the time...and the juggle, well, that's another blog post altogether. The good news is that in my other world of nursing, I did get my dream nursing job. I deal with people who voluntarily come to see me and I get to make them happy. :) <br />
Let's just say that my life is not exactly how I thought it would turn out at my age. I have a multitude of personal challenges during this period of my life, yet I have so much to be thankful for. There are times when I let myself get down because of what seems to be the uphill battle we (my husband and I) have been fighting, yet I find myself smiling daily because of how I have been blessed with my children and my man! I know God is in control and sovereign, but let's get real...life has challenges and problems and right now, my life is hard. Details to come...Kenyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760190008933302727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890567237391203080.post-46784299125766932992011-04-05T13:33:00.000-07:002011-04-05T13:33:14.162-07:00A Haircut...finally!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_jaFvIGMuFzLLyzsqg_I10Q7Qoj-YX0Xx5mjuuHyvUTeXbs_v9922745yL6QuGBkp2RKv8aSsY_yDfKuyc2BRiLCDged-PuiSV1bqub8uLiiZAxL5Gbvf5UrI36jgoqMUEE1jkWeeVo/s1600/March+2011+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_jaFvIGMuFzLLyzsqg_I10Q7Qoj-YX0Xx5mjuuHyvUTeXbs_v9922745yL6QuGBkp2RKv8aSsY_yDfKuyc2BRiLCDged-PuiSV1bqub8uLiiZAxL5Gbvf5UrI36jgoqMUEE1jkWeeVo/s320/March+2011+012.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">If you have seen any recent pictures of Luca, you know how long his hair was. I knew I needed to cut it, but couldn't bring myself to do it! My dad kept threatening to buzz his hair, to which I would respond..."go ahead!" Not that I really wanted Luca to get a buzz cut, but it wasn't his first haircut and fortunately, hair grows back. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Last week, Nora and I left town to visit my friend Kelly and her new baby girl. Luca stayed with his daddy for some good bonding time for a couple of days. Alessandro had a meeting so he asked my dad if he could drop Luca off for an hour and a half. My dad, of course, said yes and at that time, took the opportunity to make good on his word. That's right! I came home to an older looking Luca with much shorter hair. They had to have cut at least 5 inches off! Thank heavens my dad didn't buzz cut his hair, but he took him to a salon and had it professionally cut. It actually looks great! Thanks dad! One less thing for me to do!</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmfV1ZRWqJQmaLGTACMb7U4Rapf9U1RP3PV7K2OT6mXft6Jpj_3rBRquxXxXli07fGOxJ9C0vzVsXJAIbOEqjdcGGy9H-clTRoIszcp3Ugr9WddyMkINIMiFvabC9nuEhCrhc8dKm9HEI/s1600/March+2011+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmfV1ZRWqJQmaLGTACMb7U4Rapf9U1RP3PV7K2OT6mXft6Jpj_3rBRquxXxXli07fGOxJ9C0vzVsXJAIbOEqjdcGGy9H-clTRoIszcp3Ugr9WddyMkINIMiFvabC9nuEhCrhc8dKm9HEI/s320/March+2011+008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">A note about the trip: Nora and I had a great time...just the girls. She was so easy going I almost forgot she was there! I loved getting to see Kelly and was so sad to leave her. Preslie is gorgeous and Carsten and Hudson are so big! The only bad thing I can say about the visit is that is was way too short!</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZwemXhQp1qZJ0kQtO6msEyD5UitA5eKjXypaxXRVvP6-kPNyL1mcuGutXephkciDDYEdZ3NMpu1otIfRzZoiMd82QOPNacoR7p7tVr9efn5Yl3rc8TnM8hntFsxdZUoQv9N1YRVXng4/s1600/McKinney+Trip+054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ZwemXhQp1qZJ0kQtO6msEyD5UitA5eKjXypaxXRVvP6-kPNyL1mcuGutXephkciDDYEdZ3NMpu1otIfRzZoiMd82QOPNacoR7p7tVr9efn5Yl3rc8TnM8hntFsxdZUoQv9N1YRVXng4/s320/McKinney+Trip+054.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_UexE4K24RCV_jTbn2Mq4UtHJbjuggkZ7iS-89JDl_0FZd7OQ2MfzEuqHpDLDy44bT_YpieMfDgt80h2OnIwIWyfi0ueQTfZGwpbmiCnbrwNtZF5GKjHconK_Lk85BDRkkKCLvYALqg/s1600/McKinney+Trip+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_UexE4K24RCV_jTbn2Mq4UtHJbjuggkZ7iS-89JDl_0FZd7OQ2MfzEuqHpDLDy44bT_YpieMfDgt80h2OnIwIWyfi0ueQTfZGwpbmiCnbrwNtZF5GKjHconK_Lk85BDRkkKCLvYALqg/s320/McKinney+Trip+013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Kenyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760190008933302727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890567237391203080.post-51765531373848409152011-03-13T15:10:00.000-07:002011-03-13T15:23:56.760-07:00Where do they get this stuff?Sometimes my kids say things and I am clueless as to where they heard it in the first place. Luca, especially, is like a parrot these days. He repeats everything and takes everything in. <br />
We had to go to a funeral the other day and as we were sitting quietly in the pew, my 3 year old taps my leg and whispers "Mom, rub my back!" It was pretty cute, so I cracked a smile and started rubbing. I couldn't quite figure out how he even knew about back rubs! Radio, television, where??? I am about 98% sure he didn't hear it from me...I am not a back-rub kind of person. Don't get me wrong...I love getting massages, I just don't like giving back rubs.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh04YCZ9XOZrogONvZQkgOPumAqKn9holWVVrHy3xZRjIpBmR1fVvXth4ZLt6Fd4YZ1h8gTC4OXUVGti9RicsI868JfVzBitRMO-3ZwFisIPqRX5_CLeMe1bbzfwyrLZfnoHM1BV2uRaO4/s1600/March+2011+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh04YCZ9XOZrogONvZQkgOPumAqKn9holWVVrHy3xZRjIpBmR1fVvXth4ZLt6Fd4YZ1h8gTC4OXUVGti9RicsI868JfVzBitRMO-3ZwFisIPqRX5_CLeMe1bbzfwyrLZfnoHM1BV2uRaO4/s320/March+2011+001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizXb4iLJMldYYuBzQxYPsGND_HQuMShP_yZ9eINoXWB1W7NXN21pZfuNhTqjkVJPXuMjywo1RnoYZ9xoBh4jzt1WqUJggrISjiXhhnGXuMfuHMLVGQb2sHckARzQytgyQL9f1EfR7XXE/s1600/March+2011+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizXb4iLJMldYYuBzQxYPsGND_HQuMShP_yZ9eINoXWB1W7NXN21pZfuNhTqjkVJPXuMjywo1RnoYZ9xoBh4jzt1WqUJggrISjiXhhnGXuMfuHMLVGQb2sHckARzQytgyQL9f1EfR7XXE/s320/March+2011+002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This whole scenario, along with other words and comments he has been making, made me reflect on what exactly I am allowing his innocent ears to hear. What is on the radio when my kids are in the car with me? What is on television? What conversations are they present for? What terminology am I using? Our home gets even more complicated with a teenager's vocabulary in the house. Hailey's language is innocent, but she uses some slang words that I would rather my toddler not use. Taking it a step further, I begin to evaluate what attitudes am I demonstrating to my children in everyday life as everyday situations present themselves. Am I dramatic? Is my voice raised? Am I rude or do I treat others with love and respect? Am I joyful or negative? It is a lot of pressure to be a parent...our children will react the same way they see their parents react. <br />
I know there is so much in society that we can't prevent our children from being exposed to, but I also know that I have to take responsibility for those areas in which I do have control over. <br />
Self reflection isn't a bad thing if the end result yields a better you!Kenyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760190008933302727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890567237391203080.post-71145685804528546782011-03-04T11:33:00.000-08:002011-03-04T11:44:19.967-08:00Date Night<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_C-iWXEN9iCUDYOqI5xQqD864-H2x9B3jGwzO5SBHRo0eur419KLxVPD3XrQiPttwBBetPPD0t5feM6Bpby8a7EqUZSvaI1TzRDlU32Nd93btuwABPqXcZVgbQOocrPme85Nr_5VFyA/s1600/March+2011+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_C-iWXEN9iCUDYOqI5xQqD864-H2x9B3jGwzO5SBHRo0eur419KLxVPD3XrQiPttwBBetPPD0t5feM6Bpby8a7EqUZSvaI1TzRDlU32Nd93btuwABPqXcZVgbQOocrPme85Nr_5VFyA/s320/March+2011+004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Alessandro and I got to go out last night by ourselves and it was glorious! He took me to a burger joint on the east side of town, which is about a 30 minute drive from where we live. He had eaten there once before with his boss and really wanted me to try it. We are "foodies" if you will, so finding a good hole in the wall is right up our alley! I ordered a cheeseburger with long green chili and Alessandro ordered a double cheeseburger. Burgers come with lettuce, tomato, grilled onions and then there are other toppings you can add. We also shared fries and we had to get the egg roll! Yes, I did say egg rolls. Frisco Burger is owned by an oriental woman, so on the back of the menu, there is a limited, but very good Chinese food selection. <br />
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I meant to take a picture of our order, but I was so hungry, I forgot to pull out my camera before we started eating! You will just have to go there yourself for proof. <br />
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Frisco Burger Inn has one of the very best burgers I have ever eaten! Everything was fresh and quality from the burgers to the fries to the egg rolls! It is a small, diner-like atmosphere and when we left, every table was taken. <br />
Whether you live in town or are just visiting...you should acquaint yourselves with Frisco Burger Inn.<br />
Great atmosphere, great food and last night...I couldn't have asked for better company.<br />
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On a side note, while on the topic of dates with your spouse, date nights for married couples are so very important, especially for the wives. They help us to feel connected to our spouses, reminding us that we are a couple, not just parents, and helps us to recharge. This affects <strong><em>every</em></strong> aspect of our marriages. We are all too familiar with the financial excuse not to go out together, but we have come to realize that it isn't about what we do or how much we spend...it is simply about getting out of the house together for some connection time. I remember very clearly one of our first dates...we picked up slushies and walked around the park just spending time together talking and hanging out. One of my most precious memories of our courtship cost us all of about $1.50.<br />
I am so very blessed to have a husband who treasures our date nights, not really because he needs them, but because he knows that I do.Kenyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760190008933302727noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890567237391203080.post-89860912241587349302011-03-01T14:05:00.000-08:002011-03-01T14:05:55.956-08:00Parents respecting parentsWell, sometimes unfortunate circumstances will inspire a blog post such as this one. <br />
As a parent of 2 small children, I work very hard at keeping them healthy. We take vitamins, get plenty of rest, practice good handwashing and I wipe down the grocery carts before my kids put their hands on them. Still, sometimes they become ill because of the spread of germs that are beyond our control from playgrounds, restaurants, airplanes, weather changes, you name it. Germs love to spread and every parent knows that a sick child in the home alters a person's lifestyle. For example, housework gets put on the backburner because, let's face it, it is hard to vacuum, prepare meals, do laundry, pick up toys, etc when you have children who simply want you to hold them all day because they don't feel well and schedules have to be rearranged. <br />
The one place I feel should be a safe place to take my kids for a couple of hours is my bible study. They have childcare and my kids enjoy playing with the other kids very much. I don't worry because I assume that the other parents practice the same etiquette that I do in regards to sick children. I recently missed 2 weeks of bible study because my kids had colds and I didn't think it would be fair for me to expose the other children when I knew that my kids had germs to spread. I wanted to be there, I really did, but how fair would that be?<br />
This week, I didn't get to enjoy my bible study because within the first 45 minutes, I learned, by her own admission, that another parent brought her sick children into the nursery. She prayed, "I pray that my kids get well because I feel like I can't go anywhere, even though I'm here, and thank God that they haven't paged me from the nursery. I pray that the other children are protected and my children don't spread their germs to them." I hope they couldn't read the shock on my face! I believe in healing and God's protection, but I also believe in wisdom and respect. This was an optional bible study, not a job where putting food on the table depended upon it. <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I tried to stay and just put it out of my mind, but I couldn't get past it. I kept thinking that the longer I left my children in there, the higher the chances were that my kids would pick up whatever her kids had. I had to get out of there and rescue my children! I know it sounds dramatic, but so is having to cancel our plans for the next week and a half because of illness, not to mention what my kids would have to go through physically. I quietly gathered my things and slipped out the door, retrieved my children, immediately taking them to the restroom to wash their hands and wipe down their sippy cups. How sad. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Bq83sA979a-yytF7qL7-mxEiCtJDNm8L_uNh_fYvglNEDXV9ZWcskERT0044P3vR1G2pkCpPSMgjbq_jklqjVH2IC9DL-DmsPHSLiQCwk61a5sNQ9LflYRTg6frWfIcuDfAlbD581Qg/s1600/February+2011+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Bq83sA979a-yytF7qL7-mxEiCtJDNm8L_uNh_fYvglNEDXV9ZWcskERT0044P3vR1G2pkCpPSMgjbq_jklqjVH2IC9DL-DmsPHSLiQCwk61a5sNQ9LflYRTg6frWfIcuDfAlbD581Qg/s320/February+2011+002.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFV79XIK1Ycs4GGZ0SgEoikR8bZyt28lO8aWJ9UI9Hl7xo_xW-p_1AX9KfSRSgRalHKd0nfII66OKsUcEC2_f3jOY0R4dIgt8KRBgJOubpYWsk4qsvqvDv-DUgGDdx_bVCCFLy9KHQJ0/s1600/February+2011+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFV79XIK1Ycs4GGZ0SgEoikR8bZyt28lO8aWJ9UI9Hl7xo_xW-p_1AX9KfSRSgRalHKd0nfII66OKsUcEC2_f3jOY0R4dIgt8KRBgJOubpYWsk4qsvqvDv-DUgGDdx_bVCCFLy9KHQJ0/s320/February+2011+013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">If you are a parent, from one mom to another...when you knowingly put your kids in a nursery/childcare setting when they are sick, it is selfish and disrespectful. Think about how your actions affect others....just because it's the right thing to do.</div>Kenyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760190008933302727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890567237391203080.post-89330777659524401112011-02-21T20:50:00.000-08:002011-02-21T20:50:23.746-08:00AranciniOne thing my husband takes seriously is food...especially when he's cooking it. To me, food is just something that keeps me from going hungry and gets rid of those hunger pangs. Don't get me wrong, sometimes I get a craving that I just have to satisfy, but for the most part, meals are something I have to partake in to survive. To my husband, a meal he gets to prepare could be likened to how an artist views a big, blank canvas. He doesn't care how much work or how much mess, as long as it tastes good.<br />
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Alessandro is a very busy man, so the opportunity for his creative expression in the kitchen doesn't come around very often, but when it does...watch out! Today was one of those days. My husband's mom passed away several years before we got married, so I never did get the opportunity to meet her, but I hear she was amazing in many ways...especially when it came to her culinary skills! She would gather the entire family, sometimes 50 people, for food and fellowship. She and my father-in-law would cook Italian feasts. It has been said that she was happiest when she was cooking. Alessandro inherited some of those traits from her and has every intention of keeping her signature recipes alive and passed down.<br />
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Today, he made Arancini (his mom's recipe of course) and it took him about 5 hours to complete it! He took such pride in it that he wanted me to video tape some of it to post for his family to see, just so that they'd believe that he actually did it! After much preparation and many steps to the finished product, it turned out delicious!<br />
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Arancini are fried rice balls coated with breadcrumbs, said to have originated in Sicily in the 10th century. They are filled with a meat sauce and peas, along with some mozzarella cheese. My son, Luca, who is now 3 years old calls them "fry balls". Makes me laugh!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSewxLogwkfDmmKZtfwJyecMtbLTVacj-o43W7G6b773XCUzOBGwBvXOycueb-QCxlCqua1yuyOhuz-P0NYrAJvM99PHXDhawoXwsesZyzRsFH1hut3JWojWqDB1N7e9C9Xfh4S_0Cv3o/s1600/February+2011+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSewxLogwkfDmmKZtfwJyecMtbLTVacj-o43W7G6b773XCUzOBGwBvXOycueb-QCxlCqua1yuyOhuz-P0NYrAJvM99PHXDhawoXwsesZyzRsFH1hut3JWojWqDB1N7e9C9Xfh4S_0Cv3o/s320/February+2011+028.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> (Before the frying: the oval ones have only cheese and the round ones have meat and peas)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxTG45gXcfftuLvPTI30B3Z5PDbvrDBRkORgF709vISB8I4ltaGIJBf51_DO7OrrkqKL2FFD4_f-PXcKSraIw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love the goofy side of my man's personality! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Kenyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760190008933302727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890567237391203080.post-88740570935055436672011-02-08T08:42:00.001-08:002011-02-08T08:44:32.864-08:00How I Have Missed You!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Ok, it is a new year and the blogging must begin again. We have been through a lot since I last posted because I felt that I needed to keep some things private for many reason, but the time has come to share what has been happening in our lives! Stay tuned...more to come soon!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihjYbWVPPaNK70UMCz0cALHciHZo5HUf23eYUui53wu9BAlw1qBsopgu92FnFDpZJGX6iVVBz5-QLKqgtWNvpoHR6ZpQlS5LqmnKNpMos1vBb0MNH55q0p3MiwKQ0O672BcNOiLJXwcIY/s1600/January+2010+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihjYbWVPPaNK70UMCz0cALHciHZo5HUf23eYUui53wu9BAlw1qBsopgu92FnFDpZJGX6iVVBz5-QLKqgtWNvpoHR6ZpQlS5LqmnKNpMos1vBb0MNH55q0p3MiwKQ0O672BcNOiLJXwcIY/s320/January+2010+017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Just a fun picture for your viewing pleasure...</div>Kenyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760190008933302727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890567237391203080.post-88475453396573585792010-09-17T17:58:00.000-07:002010-09-17T17:58:11.409-07:00My Baby is Seventeen!!!!<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3GyF_O8cZmlKCBVK3TPWTv-vWlgUVi099Yip03JRY3dVegWKuXKpAgsvkE1P9v_N2TrUysD2uhrZJft-ZJW8uLr3Ej1wKCkLlPMn06TPPwpftSH7q1Dd2gR-f-UWBXKEBst0Ro70LKYM/s1600/Hailey+Born.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3GyF_O8cZmlKCBVK3TPWTv-vWlgUVi099Yip03JRY3dVegWKuXKpAgsvkE1P9v_N2TrUysD2uhrZJft-ZJW8uLr3Ej1wKCkLlPMn06TPPwpftSH7q1Dd2gR-f-UWBXKEBst0Ro70LKYM/s320/Hailey+Born.jpg" /></a></div>Seventeen years ago today, I gave birth to my firstborn daughter, Hailey. It doesn't seem like that long ago, but a birth certificate doesn't lie, I suppose. I remember clear as day being her age myself. How I regret not treasuring each and every moment of her childhood...getting too busy with life and things that I thought were important, when really, they were silly. <br />
I have had the blessing of watching Hailey transform into a beautiful young lady. Yet, still, a teenager, with some of the typical teenager traits that drive a mom crazy! Smart, beautiful, determined...those, of course, are not the traits I speak of when referring to a teenager, but they are what I think of when I think of my little Hailey. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu3LkmIP8xIZcN8TE52b0ffjqsYTEWYRNd_jMClg1VYYEuiRh6trRs6ApZ7QSScl0CtqHm1fC-D2HX-MV2CwbwgRRR6EWMKynPASPYUCcoo62Iw7k1p22ZsFPVcR__znQ2lnrG_jmn4Tw/s1600/September+2010+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu3LkmIP8xIZcN8TE52b0ffjqsYTEWYRNd_jMClg1VYYEuiRh6trRs6ApZ7QSScl0CtqHm1fC-D2HX-MV2CwbwgRRR6EWMKynPASPYUCcoo62Iw7k1p22ZsFPVcR__znQ2lnrG_jmn4Tw/s320/September+2010+019.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I know that there are many moms who have gone before me as their own children have changed almost overnight from a child who is being raised to a young woman who simply needs guidance before she ventures off to live the rest of her life. Still, it is difficult for me to put into words what I am feeling as her mom at this moment. Although I am proud of her, I feel a sort of tearing of my heart as it seems she needs me less and less...</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1RPtEn_l9JUb5T4ZPJIT0x33TVUHPb1tCdjhtZjw0-ETV-A6_WpYGJy_xMF2oNN_7s3f0bgnNX3ja-rN8VUHrMeh1WFzgDzBZQ-K8g8fe1EkzUO1_Whl8N9hDTBF5fZBmB_KAGxUx668/s1600/September+2010+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1RPtEn_l9JUb5T4ZPJIT0x33TVUHPb1tCdjhtZjw0-ETV-A6_WpYGJy_xMF2oNN_7s3f0bgnNX3ja-rN8VUHrMeh1WFzgDzBZQ-K8g8fe1EkzUO1_Whl8N9hDTBF5fZBmB_KAGxUx668/s320/September+2010+025.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Kenyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760190008933302727noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890567237391203080.post-29165927081939568462010-08-16T16:47:00.000-07:002010-08-16T16:47:29.310-07:00What it means to be Pro-lifeInspired by what my pastor preached about at church I just had to write this blog post....<br />
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"In the beginning God created....." Out of nothing, He created... That statement is so incredible and overwhelming when you think about it. God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness..." (Gen 1:26). Every single person was created by God in His likeness. <br />
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He knew each one of us and has a plan for all of us. :<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><i> </i><b>"For you created my inmost being; <span style="color: maroon;">you knit me together in my mother's womb.</span> I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, <span style="color: maroon;">your eyes saw my unformed body.</span> All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be (Psalm 139:13-16)."</b></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IiJ_v1EUmeoZaXBQ6sc9c5obDalpQ2t4eCLDv2VjIznAwG6n1UEVHN5mCFgYl6UWO_xynUJ3lsc7s6d37PHNV4p5oYyK7oPkMaCN26XrynHAnFbHn1QVf1u2T1O7_pNULmpGTCooZ4s/s1600/alu13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IiJ_v1EUmeoZaXBQ6sc9c5obDalpQ2t4eCLDv2VjIznAwG6n1UEVHN5mCFgYl6UWO_xynUJ3lsc7s6d37PHNV4p5oYyK7oPkMaCN26XrynHAnFbHn1QVf1u2T1O7_pNULmpGTCooZ4s/s320/alu13.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Many are faced with some very difficult choices, but I know without a doubt that abortion is the wrong choice. As created beings, we don't have the right to destroy helpless, unborn babies and take away their choice to live. We were created by God in His likeness and He loves each an every one of his creations. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">That being said, what qualifies a person to be pro-life? Is it standing in front of Planned Parenthood praying and holding signs? Is it voting for pro-life candidates only? Is it volunteering for a pro-life organization? The simple answer is maybe, it can mean those things, but those things alone do not make a person pro-life. If the same person who votes for a pro-life candidate doesn't help to feed, clothe and minister to the millions of children around the world who are dying from starvation or illness, then they are NOT pro-life. After all, God does not discriminate. God made every person in His likeness, no matter what color, socioeconomic status, gender or nationality that person is. We cannot stand by and save unborn babies, yet allow those already born to die because of inconvenience, greed or afterthought. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggYA6lUwwFSaKs4t_BZN-z4NwIAae-JLeozLC_PYkHTga7jVtH5QPvnOMwqx_pr27gwuGzi6hx69uRP1EUKOfANViet58H8FQTj5_faQEgfwftKWEollqq89BEkOPd-Lx8_BCBd2AClUY/s1600/south+africa+2010+046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggYA6lUwwFSaKs4t_BZN-z4NwIAae-JLeozLC_PYkHTga7jVtH5QPvnOMwqx_pr27gwuGzi6hx69uRP1EUKOfANViet58H8FQTj5_faQEgfwftKWEollqq89BEkOPd-Lx8_BCBd2AClUY/s320/south+africa+2010+046.JPG" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">The message this past Sunday at my church was about the greatness of God, but walking out of service, I felt so challenged to get more involved in doing justice and teaching our children to do the same. Not only in the monetary sense, but in the physical sense. Not as a novel thing that we do at Thanksgiving time or Christmas, but as a way of life. Not once a year on a mission trip, but every day. Caring for those in need should be as routine for us as brushing our teeth. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">It is all centered around Christ and His love.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><i> </i></span></span>Kenyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760190008933302727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890567237391203080.post-45689218755361909172010-07-22T14:29:00.000-07:002010-07-22T14:29:08.561-07:00Jim Deakin: In personMost of my readers know that I am passionate about politics and the health of our great country. The senate elections currently underway have been very interesting and very important, especially during this time in history<br />
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While I respect Senator McCain for the long time service and sacrifice he has contributed to this country, and I enjoyed J.D. Hayworth's radio talk show, neither of these men hold true to the conservative values I feel are so important. I never would have thought that I would give a "no-name candidate" a chance, but after watching the debates on Friday and Saturday night, a driving force inside of me insisted that I find out more about the "other guy", as labeled by KFYI's Barry Young. Following the debate on Friday night, I was completely disgusted with McCain and Hayworth slamming one another, while Deakin sat there appearing uncomfortable and unable to put a full sentence together without falling over his words. I was so discouraged...then, the Saturday night debate in Tucson invigorated my hope for the outcome of this election! Jim Deakin answered each question with a level of ease that was missing the night before. His answers were intelligent and made sense. In the meantime, McCain and Hayworth continued to sling mud at one another and put on quite a show!<br />
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I recently began writing for Examiner.com and thought I would ask Mr. Deakin for an interview to learn more about him and help to inform others as well. I extended the same invitation to J.D. Hayworth and John McCain and I am still waiting for their response. Mr. Deakin, on the other hand, agreed to an in person interview. Remember, all I knew of this candidate was what I saw on the debates...I had never met him before and only knew that there was another guy running. I had heard of rumors regarding another candidate taking votes away from Hayworth and even heard that Deakin was actually working undercover for the McCain campaign to make sure Hayworth lost. How ridiculous! I never did believe those falsehoods.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlA_iAO5Vso9IrQC7jxrqWUzSRHqwDcVLLQaD4Y1XGDl-Xk_xgvFYmM71OYLt30EoWgF6x_zLcoTfw2VYlT-YSHtVSZFbOChZQyNX9hVawM7cTd8lqKZx3hQwWXbbY5Fdt8JMswFpGyo4/s1600/July+2010+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlA_iAO5Vso9IrQC7jxrqWUzSRHqwDcVLLQaD4Y1XGDl-Xk_xgvFYmM71OYLt30EoWgF6x_zLcoTfw2VYlT-YSHtVSZFbOChZQyNX9hVawM7cTd8lqKZx3hQwWXbbY5Fdt8JMswFpGyo4/s320/July+2010+013.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> I met Jim and his wife Adonia at Barnes and Noble at Tempe Marketplace and spent about half an hour with the couple. He is a very warm man with a great personality and a lot of courage to put himself and his family out there for public scrutiny. He is a pro-life Christian conservative disgusted with the direction of our country and concerned for his children and now, his grandchildren. The couple recently had their first grandbaby and they are thrilled! Adonia is a very "real" woman, no acting here. She is just as passionate as her husband about bringing change to our country. Her phone rang off the hook because she was taking all of the campaign calls because with the campaign's budget, they are unable to hire any help. The entire campaign is run by volunteers. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1Ey3xACyEmyUCgH6foCAG5s1QuMqG7EA2so9pbqo_lRieo5s8_4pclposK-H0-aML_1L0_xwBsPo0Z4fvTwWEn7Pi4vzGYncgiYzj66yGMa6eSrVVFkQ5O-fB2xWjecWfR0qdi4IR2o/s1600/July+2010+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1Ey3xACyEmyUCgH6foCAG5s1QuMqG7EA2so9pbqo_lRieo5s8_4pclposK-H0-aML_1L0_xwBsPo0Z4fvTwWEn7Pi4vzGYncgiYzj66yGMa6eSrVVFkQ5O-fB2xWjecWfR0qdi4IR2o/s320/July+2010+020.JPG" /></a></div><br />
A refreshing breath of fresh air in the political scene, most likely because he is untainted by politics as usual! Exactly what we need in Washington to represent the people! Dare we take a chance on this man with no political record to speak of? How fed up are we the people?<br />
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So, you are probably wondering by now, what exactly does he stand for? Small government and everything that comes with it. You can read more about where he stands politically and find the link to donate to his campaign at <a href="http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-57251-Chandler-Conservative-Examiner~y2010m7d22-Jim-Deakin-Who-is-this-political-newcomer">http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-57251-Chandler-Conservative-Examiner~y2010m7d22-Jim-Deakin-Who-is-this-political-newcomer</a>.Kenyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760190008933302727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890567237391203080.post-73516929681252815712010-07-14T18:42:00.000-07:002010-07-14T18:42:13.861-07:00Hailey's South Africa TripI have been thinking about how I could write about Hailey's mission trip considering I am not the one who went to South Africa. I thought about it and came up with the perfect solution...you will hear from Hailey herself. She came back and wrote a letter to people who supported her both financially and prayerfully. <br />
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So, in her own words...<br />
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"Thank you so much for your support as I ventured to South Africa this summer. My trip was filled with so many memories and new friends. I gained so much knowledge about different cultures, people, and most importantly God. <br />
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In the beginning of the trip I did not know why I was there, and then I realized what a privilege it was to have God use me this summer. This was truly a once in a life time opportunity as people from all over the world were there in attendance of the FIFA World Cup. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKj89xGHAPf19Jn1iqmDEA4w2F6qXydJDylJvOpPtCSr3VLPf0NDLKTunhm9yUfY5-T0Iy3aplAZN5C1IijrC_FZqW70UGh9bLsFj8fDirK4jg-3pnrnH9QofDtBDpn_LnPZzfEBvLKg/s1600/south+africa+2010+160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKj89xGHAPf19Jn1iqmDEA4w2F6qXydJDylJvOpPtCSr3VLPf0NDLKTunhm9yUfY5-T0Iy3aplAZN5C1IijrC_FZqW70UGh9bLsFj8fDirK4jg-3pnrnH9QofDtBDpn_LnPZzfEBvLKg/s320/south+africa+2010+160.JPG" /></a></div><br />
We spent most of our days in the slums of South Africa in a town named Diepsloot. I cannot even begin to explain the level of poverty that plastered this area. There was sewage running through the dirt roads, kids running around barefoot begging for water, and the stench was nearly unbearable. These people craved love more than anything. <br />
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Over 600 lives were saved during a three week time period. Their hearts are so open and they only want someone to talk to. Over the course of my trip my day out on ministry consisted of ministering to adults and for the kids we reviewed a lesson and played songs for them to play, dance, and praise to. The children were also given opportunities to accept Jesus into their lives and many did so. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy4KQumhmaM5echvqecHAYkjiHab1mh3GCLBw6jVOCkW1uAAGdBDPdPRIP3UOFe0srdh095Uu6aSfjMTTMmQoUnHpxdOSU1uZQt3fTFjDJnwpHvTAFzxTDq_BmPgwTP6mDmEZUfwebjR4/s1600/south+africa+2010+178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy4KQumhmaM5echvqecHAYkjiHab1mh3GCLBw6jVOCkW1uAAGdBDPdPRIP3UOFe0srdh095Uu6aSfjMTTMmQoUnHpxdOSU1uZQt3fTFjDJnwpHvTAFzxTDq_BmPgwTP6mDmEZUfwebjR4/s320/south+africa+2010+178.JPG" /></a></div><br />
The group I was with was also given the opportunity to go on a safari. I saw elephants, zebras, and I got to pet a baby lion. After the safari, a dinner was hosted for us on the mountain in the middle of South Africa! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAS9BtbeT9COfGziJW3HGqL5cdOJfjzXjUxvEHthktq4UkYUZcw3teXkHz4Dd8_al_tpZpBcwhnlRd-l614u8h4v4YuBCDntB7juHziTOW6_WJUImyCezVLHiEdRaT_4_sJvM3ILNSkgo/s1600/south+africa+2010+103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAS9BtbeT9COfGziJW3HGqL5cdOJfjzXjUxvEHthktq4UkYUZcw3teXkHz4Dd8_al_tpZpBcwhnlRd-l614u8h4v4YuBCDntB7juHziTOW6_WJUImyCezVLHiEdRaT_4_sJvM3ILNSkgo/s320/south+africa+2010+103.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5paN98MolTZ-3BPzEpVj5TomVV6UqA69WLwXxWlNSNZiVPn3r61QBeb6SU6Efqu6PWp_bPsycZcr02-A5CdPozt0qLKJ3k69iNFPo8ndRfbFKWOS6w1sV202utcq9b6D75LiCOSPgthE/s1600/South+Africa+Team+Fearless.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5paN98MolTZ-3BPzEpVj5TomVV6UqA69WLwXxWlNSNZiVPn3r61QBeb6SU6Efqu6PWp_bPsycZcr02-A5CdPozt0qLKJ3k69iNFPo8ndRfbFKWOS6w1sV202utcq9b6D75LiCOSPgthE/s320/South+Africa+Team+Fearless.jpg" /></a></div>The whole trip was a great experience and I am so blessed to have been given the opportunity to go. Thank you for making yourself a part of my adventure."Kenyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760190008933302727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890567237391203080.post-41537983969707660052010-07-14T18:13:00.000-07:002010-07-14T18:15:39.738-07:00Potty Training!No, not Luca! My goal is by age three we will have that conquered! This story is about Nora, who we affectionately refer to as TiTi. <br />
I have shared before that TiTi had a habit of having a bowel movement almost every time she took a bath. This meant for a very clean bathtub because I had to sanitize it just about daily. She has cooled off and no longer is this a habit of hers, but we almost had an incident today. <br />
She and Luca were taking a bath together, splashing and playing away, when she took the stance and made the face. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZj7NMC1GNUZFAlVnRJ-wZWyhIQKJUY3A_aW9YC4HbJsHXsMIpAOX1stkxR-fjmeX2od4s7BJsiQDHw5-nRRWpYN7wsYnmINjIRwZML23bDpx6J8pD_CLr3HLxiEA2W0HEDsWUk1d3z4/s1600/Nora's+look.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZj7NMC1GNUZFAlVnRJ-wZWyhIQKJUY3A_aW9YC4HbJsHXsMIpAOX1stkxR-fjmeX2od4s7BJsiQDHw5-nRRWpYN7wsYnmINjIRwZML23bDpx6J8pD_CLr3HLxiEA2W0HEDsWUk1d3z4/s320/Nora's+look.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Yes, that is the look)</div>I panicked because I knew if I didn't do something, Luca was going to completely freak out! Wouldn't you? <br />
Anyhow, I saw the expression on her face, grabbed her and sat her down on the potty, dripping wet! She did her thing, got lots of praises and back into the bath tub she went. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFO6x_PZ3_CjG5iKmZNuJRx5nFVL6Ad14WUjjCOp2mH4t-Z4NMsjU166LTjKwf4TJMBKuuaiw2C24PvQM5fOnKqxYXRgLNrbLQJj4UAhFWUjIfny7VRaekDu6vfV9C6KR4NkxF1Kdup4U/s1600/July+2010+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFO6x_PZ3_CjG5iKmZNuJRx5nFVL6Ad14WUjjCOp2mH4t-Z4NMsjU166LTjKwf4TJMBKuuaiw2C24PvQM5fOnKqxYXRgLNrbLQJj4UAhFWUjIfny7VRaekDu6vfV9C6KR4NkxF1Kdup4U/s320/July+2010+017.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Luca loves to help shampoo Nora's hair)</div>Ah, such sweet moments...Kenyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760190008933302727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890567237391203080.post-15125430350405203552010-07-03T14:13:00.000-07:002010-07-03T14:13:35.502-07:00Keeping Sane in the Arizona HeatI think I have found a safe haven for the Arizona summer heat. Today, Alessandro and I loaded up the kids and went over to the City of Chandler Aquatic Center. We lathered up with sunscreen and set out to spend the first half of the day in the water. I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical of the whole public pool thing because I tend to try to stay away from them. My past experiences with water parks and public pools have left much to be desired. In my mind, they are dirty and smelly. Alessandro, however, loves the idea of spending the day in the water for a minimal cost to us, so I decided to be a good sport and try it.<br />
To my surprise, the aquatic center was not only clean, but so much fun! Although the temperature outside was over 100 degrees, we all stayed cool whether we were floating in the lazy river, going down waterslides, playing in the splash pad area or just sitting in the shallow water. The kids had a blast and the only time there was any crying or fit throwing was when we told Luca it was time to leave.<br />
We may have to make this a weekly event during the hot months. It felt like we were on vacation!<br />
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I wish I had photos to post, but Hailey has the camera in South Africa. I did take a couple of pictures with my phone, but have not yet figured out how to upload those photos. I will add them later.Kenyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760190008933302727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890567237391203080.post-71969510639176648092010-06-18T14:39:00.000-07:002010-06-18T14:39:43.608-07:00Catching up the rest of the Family trip to ArizonaOkay, I am going to knock this out in one post because I realized that with all I have going on in life (a strong-willed 2 1/2 year old son, a 1 year old daughter, and a 16 year old daughter going to South Africa for a mission trip this summer...it would be a miracle if I finished blogging this trip by the end of the year. So, now that I have a few minutes, I am going to tell the rest of the trip right now.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pKZIJ_wYei6ExkaXNaG8nD7qdzdlCSghvB_QS38cFvPAbB3kWaIZL3hF4TPE-FsNdLCWjhNZLHUvvSXOnCt4zfs2EqEmQDZB3eN83o83isRy6_l7ER6MhCSNos-Wf9nhyphenhyphenbN-CWowZnY/s1600/April+2010+047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pKZIJ_wYei6ExkaXNaG8nD7qdzdlCSghvB_QS38cFvPAbB3kWaIZL3hF4TPE-FsNdLCWjhNZLHUvvSXOnCt4zfs2EqEmQDZB3eN83o83isRy6_l7ER6MhCSNos-Wf9nhyphenhyphenbN-CWowZnY/s320/April+2010+047.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaHd-_8V737xeTH_413WBtM22t0YO0mOhbMXUfyLYPyjpxkfG9Tl1j4lX13AUEP8wxgnyub65CU2jgj3kW9JmLCY1H8dfpsiItx9xYI5zAgjTTDft5mMcY0juyc8Fx6VobINUe_9ZynrU/s1600/April+2010+058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaHd-_8V737xeTH_413WBtM22t0YO0mOhbMXUfyLYPyjpxkfG9Tl1j4lX13AUEP8wxgnyub65CU2jgj3kW9JmLCY1H8dfpsiItx9xYI5zAgjTTDft5mMcY0juyc8Fx6VobINUe_9ZynrU/s320/April+2010+058.JPG" /></a></div>Sunday, April 4th was Easter, so we took Sal, Jo and the boys to church with us and then we went to the Arizona Grand Resort.<br />
We had plans to stay there overnight and boy, was I in for a surprise. I really should have known that it was probably not the best idea considering the ages of my kids. Trying to wrestle with their schedules and demands while trying to relax and enjoy myself and relax was really just a contradiction! Crazy times...once we got settled in the room for the night, we got everybody ready for bed. There were two queen beds and a pull out couch, where Hailey and her friend Taylor slept. Luca must have been teething because he woke up about every hour screaming and consequently, Nora woke as well. The original plan was to wake up and go to breakfast with the family, hang out by the pool and then take the kids home for their naps while everybody else went to hike Camelback. Needless to say, all I could think about was getting home, so when I woke up at 6:30 or so, I frantically began to pack bags and get everybody loaded up in the car because all I could think about was getting home and that is exactly what I did. The resort was amazing as long as you weren't there with 2 babies and no hired help! So, everybody else hiked the mountain and had a great time. When they got back, we all showered and got ready for our adult night out. Hailey babysat the kids and we were able to go out for dinner, and let me tell you, did I ever need the kid break! I love my babies, but I needed a few hours to rejuvenate. Culinary Dropout was our choice for dinner and it was delicious.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVWPn4Av3Xwj4Pt42yMPOU3AmTKRblaCoBFudDXe1TTKY0XMGQOHoD3cjPJgjPLbWdF0tkUrDSOJrz29WvYEq0TcYgLYhHFPd8wiPPmNNzXmT7ivMrNGniUFhoDmSjD8XPNTyUvZTijoo/s1600/April+2010+067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVWPn4Av3Xwj4Pt42yMPOU3AmTKRblaCoBFudDXe1TTKY0XMGQOHoD3cjPJgjPLbWdF0tkUrDSOJrz29WvYEq0TcYgLYhHFPd8wiPPmNNzXmT7ivMrNGniUFhoDmSjD8XPNTyUvZTijoo/s320/April+2010+067.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BxOa_LautXauaBzEk2dQddTTMVVsCE3cTU5hBFBSVTJNPWWtrxsFWaoY3tp9GT9d47uCKv3zs9m7xsJEMgTeoRHwVfhzNAbzNKMXr1S76C8BsE8hRi1m1q1gxVzNOnp6w0aBH851MXg/s1600/April+2010+068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BxOa_LautXauaBzEk2dQddTTMVVsCE3cTU5hBFBSVTJNPWWtrxsFWaoY3tp9GT9d47uCKv3zs9m7xsJEMgTeoRHwVfhzNAbzNKMXr1S76C8BsE8hRi1m1q1gxVzNOnp6w0aBH851MXg/s320/April+2010+068.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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The next morning, Tuesday, we got up and made our way out to the Wildlife Zoo and Aquarium and picked up Lebanese food for dinner from 16th Street Bakery. Sal originally suggested that I make Lebanese food for dinner and all I could do was laugh! I said that I would buy dinner, but if they wanted me sane, making it was out of the question! The food was delicious, but I am not sure the boys were very excited about the cuisine. They were pretty good sports about it though. Mellow night at home...very nice.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtyVl1LJfuDx-DGdCCKkA2GFlaDMnBV9J4SA3kz2oai5_kdF3ZwW-cUdxgy_s9KSQb9x8hCWY5KhqzP9ZVoPqQOgYX0IeWhqqSqwyIAfKth3W233aWPG0WdsU-YcISjBjGjg8FzV3n2oQ/s1600/April+2010+069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtyVl1LJfuDx-DGdCCKkA2GFlaDMnBV9J4SA3kz2oai5_kdF3ZwW-cUdxgy_s9KSQb9x8hCWY5KhqzP9ZVoPqQOgYX0IeWhqqSqwyIAfKth3W233aWPG0WdsU-YcISjBjGjg8FzV3n2oQ/s320/April+2010+069.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPq2-_Z0kuPCbhzzsLZotgkMwyJAnVlhKtxgqiRHenxq63Wq1ejvxV9hLpr3WW6RvHvU9EFaJNJg_wHSF4sdSDNKhQU9BPABIA2xDB40p8Ywm-epDhlSmDJpRGYkLEYY875bzSylUB40/s1600/April+2010+096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPq2-_Z0kuPCbhzzsLZotgkMwyJAnVlhKtxgqiRHenxq63Wq1ejvxV9hLpr3WW6RvHvU9EFaJNJg_wHSF4sdSDNKhQU9BPABIA2xDB40p8Ywm-epDhlSmDJpRGYkLEYY875bzSylUB40/s320/April+2010+096.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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Wednesday was the day of departure, so we drove out to Kierland, shopped around a little, ate lunch, and drove around Arcadia. Good byes are always sad to me. Sal, Jo and the boys had to go home and we were really going to miss having all of that action in the house. I do love a full house!Kenyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760190008933302727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890567237391203080.post-13645680423393038502010-06-14T21:24:00.000-07:002010-06-14T21:28:46.532-07:00Hailey's Adventure BeginsSo, Hailey left for her Global Expeditions Mission Trip today. She is in Dallas for training at the Teen Mania Headquarters, then off to South Africa on Thursday. We got all of the packing done by Thursday, so rather than spending her last night here scrambling to gather the last few things, we were able to just spend time as a family. It was so nice. It consisted of ordering pizza from Basha's grocery store and just spending time in the backyard with the entire family and Hailey's good friend Paige. It was so nice.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikQ9OIBfZhXnDx9bNkWpQfKeB1-RcuGSVH2U3ks0UhB9yPNFytmuS4Bbi91Hp1kdyq58VyFe3s4db22-p1qUFaO-UjFcBZaki6ZxE_1IoYNK8hrZAo7uqwspJBcvveTcezsZzE3Yamg7c/s1600/june+2010+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikQ9OIBfZhXnDx9bNkWpQfKeB1-RcuGSVH2U3ks0UhB9yPNFytmuS4Bbi91Hp1kdyq58VyFe3s4db22-p1qUFaO-UjFcBZaki6ZxE_1IoYNK8hrZAo7uqwspJBcvveTcezsZzE3Yamg7c/s320/june+2010+011.JPG" /></a></div><br />
We woke up early this morning to get to the airport and my friend Hannah, who has 2 little ones of her own, came by to stay with my kids so that I wouldn't have to wake them and drag them with us to the airport. Good for them and very good for us! This isn't the first time Hannah has made my life easier!<br />
I can't tell you about all of the financial miracles we have experienced in the past month and a half. Not only did she make the half-way mark deadline, which was just under $2000, in only 10 days, but she raised the rest of it way before the deadline! Then, as with everything, there are always unaccounted for costs that you don't factor in when planning a trip like this...supplies (you should have seen the list from GE!), immunizations, spending money, etc. I found myself a bit stressed out about the spending money part of the whole thing and the surprise we got from American Airlines regarding the fact that checked baggage is no longer included in the fare. Not even one bag! Then I realized that if God had brought us this far, why would He stop now? Well, He didn't! I wasn't really surprised. He provided financial gifts through so many people who were willing to forgo the tax deduction and give the money directly to Hailey for checking baggage, spending and supplies. Thanks to all of you who contributed to make this trip happen for Hailey.<br />
So, let me just briefly talk about the packing list from GE. It was so long! There were specific weight instructions too and I thought there was no way it was going to happen. We put our heads together and figured things out. She took a Dallas bag, that will stay in one of the team leaders dorm rooms while they are in S. Africa and then another bag that will go with her to S. Africa. Her American Airline flight allows 50 lbs per bag and the international flight, Air France, allows 70 lbs. This will allow her to make a transfer of a few necessary items along with the required 2 tubs of peanut butter and 2 squeeze bottles of jelly! The peanut butter and jelly alone weighed 10 pounds! One carry on and her personal item (her backpack) and she was set!<br />
I am so excited for her to be a part of something so incredible...I believe that God is going to grow her through this experience and that she will touch the lives of many, making lifelong friends and memories in the process.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzDdvafN5BeDT2gzcBQLLgDYAJa26q4i4_3H8Y1ZWWpxxVHnm64jR1IQpXXIrzeju0B7ep3GbynDowiF-5WjP5Lk7SrlPMFC-x9dqJFcU5v4q11LqezH_aETVzrkcBk80tmJuD9-NmM-g/s1600/South+Africa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzDdvafN5BeDT2gzcBQLLgDYAJa26q4i4_3H8Y1ZWWpxxVHnm64jR1IQpXXIrzeju0B7ep3GbynDowiF-5WjP5Lk7SrlPMFC-x9dqJFcU5v4q11LqezH_aETVzrkcBk80tmJuD9-NmM-g/s320/South+Africa.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Surprisingly enough, I don't really feel anxious or nervous...I will miss her, of course, but all in all, I feel peace about what she is about to embark on.Kenyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760190008933302727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890567237391203080.post-83384961031511774742010-05-21T14:26:00.000-07:002010-05-21T14:26:00.672-07:00Mother's DayI know I am late in writing this, but I have had so much going on and am now playing catch up. Mother's Day was fabulous this year.<br />
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Alessandro takes over on Mother's Day every year and won't let me lift a finger, unless I have to! I don't cook, do dishes, laundry or any other form of "housework". He tries to completely take over where the kids are concerned, but naturally, there are some things that only a mommy can do (nurse)!<br />
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After a fantastic church service, Alessandro took over the kids and Hailey and I got to go out for lunch, just the two of us. We went to Oregano's and had delicious salads! I don't get much time alone with Hailey these days, so my time at lunch with her was definitely a highlight!<br />
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Once we got home, the kids were still napping, so Alessandro insisted that I nap too. It felt so good! The kids woke up and played outside in the water for a while.<br />
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When playtime was over, bath-time commenced. We put Nora to bed at about 7:00 p.m. and Hailey took responsibility for Luca. She fed him and put him to bed so that Alessandro could take me out to dinner. We went to my favorite restaurant, True Food Kitchen where I had the delicious Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad, Local Arugula, Beets, Pomegranate, Lemon, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, followed by a Banana's Foster Milkshake from Zen Burger and a walk around the Biltmore. Truly Amazing! <br />
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The only thing missing this mother's day, was spending it with my mom...I really wish she lived close by.<br />
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Thank you for a fantastic Mother's Day! I am so thankful for the family God has so generously blessed me with!Kenyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760190008933302727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890567237391203080.post-56740360629984808792010-05-16T21:11:00.000-07:002010-05-16T21:11:26.191-07:00Nora's First Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdt6qCQPAfExDNZSrIA3CYFskUlprwBo5KNfMujcyCTu6RZFcZYMRUofGmPqbgN7s1eYiTRS_nAIIBBYC7qApvdoHhpl0qWP4KoMiqe0uHDlPVWo4Ic3SWu9O0QVjiJ2xTLXgCsIJq5VM/s1600/May+2010+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdt6qCQPAfExDNZSrIA3CYFskUlprwBo5KNfMujcyCTu6RZFcZYMRUofGmPqbgN7s1eYiTRS_nAIIBBYC7qApvdoHhpl0qWP4KoMiqe0uHDlPVWo4Ic3SWu9O0QVjiJ2xTLXgCsIJq5VM/s320/May+2010+015.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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My sweet, sweet baby girl is already a year old and I feel like she was born just last week! Some of Nora's attributes...she is such a content baby, she loves to cuddle and be held, she has a smile that just melts me, she loves to hear her own voice (in a pleasant way), she only cries when she is teething, hungry or needs to be changed, when she is tired she starts to grab her ear, and everything she does is dainty. She was even dainty eating her first piece of birthday cake! She would grab pieces of it with her index finger and her thumb and kept herself clean for a while! Once she got a little comfortable with the taste and feel of it, it was coating her hands! So precious!<br />
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I am so thankful to Jesus for Nora, I am overwhelmed that He would choose me to steward over her life...what a big responsibility, I hope I do a job worthy. At times, I just want to freeze time. I just want to make it stop because these moments are precious and they are going by way too fast. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk99k6C_7_JW35E5SKqLlYVnN8I08zo7Ni6TXL0rVj-sLj83vVvcsUAYMMQ0oylVFp_79Jw1jtAox3E0xTCF8dOk3rev-u9EtkWFIG581sOrp3EeeHiGUjlWl4eansJz9yzvhMLnMldhg/s1600/May+2010+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk99k6C_7_JW35E5SKqLlYVnN8I08zo7Ni6TXL0rVj-sLj83vVvcsUAYMMQ0oylVFp_79Jw1jtAox3E0xTCF8dOk3rev-u9EtkWFIG581sOrp3EeeHiGUjlWl4eansJz9yzvhMLnMldhg/s320/May+2010+009.JPG" /></a></div>Psalm 127:3 Behold, children are a heritage from the <span class="sc">Lord</span>, the fruit of the womb a reward.Kenyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760190008933302727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890567237391203080.post-81128903308832110332010-05-02T20:57:00.000-07:002010-05-02T20:57:09.945-07:00God's ProtectionFriday was one of those days where I had just about every minute planned out and accounted for and in an instant, all of my plans were debunked. We went to get Hailey's passport for her mission trip to South Africa on Friday morning. She was following me in her car and there was bumper to bumper traffic as it was 8:15 a.m. On a two lane road, with a ditch to the right of me, traffic began to move and so did I. Before I knew it, the cars in front of me slammed on their brakes, and in order to miss hitting the vehicle in front of me, I did too. Not only did I press hard on the brakes, I swerved onto the gravel to avoid collision with another vehicle. In doing so, I lost control and landed in a ditch. My little ones, Luca and Nora were in the backseat unaffected emotionally or physically. They just continued to watch their movie. Like I said, Hailey was behind me and she got out of her vehicle and in a panicked voice asked if I was okay. In her words "I thought you were dead!". She said that all she saw was my vehicle bounce up into the air and land in the ditch. From my position, in the car, it felt as though it were almost completely on its side. I thought for sure the car was crushed on the passenger's side. I called Alessandro and told him we were okay, but that I didn't think the car was going to make it. At that moment, Hailey came up to my window and told me that the body of the car was not touching the ditch. Obviously, I didn't completely believe her, but I climbed out of the car and saw for myself that there was very little damage done to the car, and it was in fact, not touching the ditch. Hailey almost rode with me and if she had, there is no telling what condition she would be in. She took her own car because we figured she would get to school faster that way. It was as if God lifted my vehicle and placed it into the ditch very strategically. I remember thinking that I wished I had my camera with me so that I could take a picture because nobody was going to believe me.<br />
The police officers were very kind and went above and beyond. So beyond that one of them got Nora's stool on him. So gross and a very long story!<br />
Okay, I guess I have to elaborate a little on that one. Of all days and times, Nora's diaper leaked up her back and I pulled her out of the car first, without knowing the state of her back. She rubbed against Luca's car seat and got it dirty. The officer took Luca out of the car, but left him in his car seat and he grabbed the exact spot of the soil. He was so gracious about the whole thing!<br />
So, anyhow, the guy with the tow truck showed up and decided that if he pulled my car out himself, it would cause damage, so he called for another truck and together, they slowly and steadily lifted my car out of the ditch and because these men took the extra time and took pride in their work, I was able to drive my car away after a couple of hours.<br />
I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to meet these 6 very kind men who were so helpful and considerate. I feel overwhelmingly blessed and grateful to the Lord for his hand of protection over my children's lives and my life.<br />
So, my plans were thwarted and my car very slightly beat up. Big deal! I was told several times by several different people, "I hope your day gets better" and my response was, "I can't really complain about today because my kids are safe, I am alive and my car is drivable!".Kenyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760190008933302727noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6890567237391203080.post-22876275092107260762010-04-29T15:20:00.000-07:002010-04-29T15:20:54.850-07:00National Honors SocietyLast night, Hailey was inducted into the National Honors Society. I am such a proud mom! She really is an exceptional young lady. Not only is she very helpful around the house with the little ones, she holds down a job and makes good grades.<br />
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She looked beautiful, as always, at the ceremony.<br />
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I had to actually get a babysitter because Alessandro was in school and I wasn't going to miss the ceremony. I am so excited because I have known Samantha for years, she lives close by, and Luca adores her. She did a great job last night and Luca even went to bed for her! I put Nora to bed before I left the house, but she probably could have handled both kids. <br />
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All in all, we had a great night, celebrated at Grimaldi's and then Alessandro met me for 31cent scoop night at Baskin Robbins!Kenyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02760190008933302727noreply@blogger.com0