Have an Incredible Christmas and Happy New Year

So it has been forever since I last blogged, and I really  want to be more consistent with it!! For me, too often,Want and Follow- through are on two different sides of the world, practical strangers.  If I could some how make them bosom buddies in my world of productivity, I would be... THE most incredible woman you've ever met!

Anyway, one of me besties (Monica Gresh...her last name is Rodriguez now cause she got married, like 5 years ago) just posted her top 10 highlights of 2010 which motivated me to also list 2010 happenings for which I am thankful. For now, just making a quasi-list will be my consolation for not being Mrs. Incredible.

I'm not putting them in any order because that would take too much time, and I would have to decide which event meant more to me and so forth, and I am waaaay too analytical about things like that, SO in order to save myself from such mind-chaos, I am going to just jot things that happened that meant a lot to me...I am also forgetful and already thinking to myself that I am going to leave something or someone out (I'm sure the 5 people that read my posts will be so offended), but here it goes anyway:

*Moving to Baltimore , Maryland
*Moving to Kansas City, Missouri
*Moving to Kent Island, Maryland and settling there :)
* Opening our Chick-fil-A on September 23rd... family and friends came to celebrate with us :)
*Paul turning one. Paul learning how to walk and saying a few things(especially, "I love you" and watching him dance when he hears music.
*Josh turning two. Josh singing his ABCs and other songs and recognizing letters, shapes, and numbers and watching Josh absolutely engrossed in building castles, buildings or towers (though the building does not change that much, he does call them different names) with Lego blocks.
*Welcoming my two nieces, Sophia and Hannah to the world this year (Congrats to Matt and Diana and Chad and Christina). Also welcoming Presley, Mia and Kate, our dear friends baby girls (Congrats to Christian and Ashley, Mark and Mallory and Matt and Brooke). Also, finding out another niece or nephew is on the way (Another Congrats to Matt and Diana) .
*Having family and friends together on Thanksgiving
*Getting a blue tooth (Robo mom is way more productive with free hands)
*Being with tried and true friends
*Making new memories with my best friend, Chris
*Learning more and more that His Grace is sufficient
*Visiting Great Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles in New York and Ohio
*Chris becoming a hunter
*reading good books, The Excellent Wife, Shepherding a Child's Heart , The Celebration of Discipline, Treasure Principle, currently, From Rebellion to Redemption and of course tons of Dr. Seuss :)


That'll do...Paul is up. gotta go


Merry Christmas and Happy New Year


yours truly,
Mrs. Incredibly Inconsistent

from "guilt" to "grace" to "gratitude"

I'm reading From Rebellion to Redemption by Randal Working; it is written to be read over a year in reflection of the Christian themes of the Heidelberg Catechism, not something that would necessarily attract me, but the title did draw my attention, and I'm so glad it did. I'm already enjoying the thought and heart so many God-seekers of the past have put into knowing God. I'm especially reminded of how universal, even over space and time, our need for God truly is. Here is a looong quote within the book that encompasses this universal need:

"Many of my daily preoccupations suggest that I belong more to the world than to God. A little criticism makes me angry, and a little rejections makes me depressed. A little praise raises my spirits, and a little success excites me. It takes very little to raise me up or thrust me down. Often I am like a small boat on the ocean, completely at the mercy of its waves. All the time and energy I spend in keeping some kind of balance and preventing myself from being tipped over and drowning shows that my life is mostly a struggle for survival: not a holy struggle, but an anxious struggle resulting from the mistaken idea that it is the world that defines me....The worlds's love is and always will be conditional. AS long as I keep looking for my true self in the world of conditional love, I will remain 'hooked' to the world- trying, failing, and trying again. It is a world that fosters addictions because what it offers cannot satisfy the deepest craving of my heart."
---Henri J. M. Nouwen, The Return of the Prodigal Son: A story of Homecoming

For me, the deepest craving(s) of my heart, I've had most all my life, and I have found it satisfied in my Savior...The craving for goodness, belonging unconditionally, a life that lasts forever and has profound worth,grace... all in God through His sacrifice.
Honestly, it is sometimes still too simple for me. I am used to earning and working hard toward a goal (the ways of the world), I'm ever asking "what do I need to do next?".  I guess it's my pride, but today, I will to remember, His Love is to be received as a child. Not like the "adult" I've become. I mean getting a gift can conjure some thoughts a child receiving a gift never has( a child is just grateful toward the giver), like thoughts about how I might repay to keep someone happy with me.  For instance, someone gets me something for my birthday and my first thought is, oh geez, what did I get for her on her birthday? Was it good enough? or Okay, I need to remember to do something for him/her. This mentality is almost ingrained to the point it's sometimes subconscious. Could I be treating God's Gift the same way? I'd say I probably do, whether I'm conscious of it all the time or not, but today I will to surrender to the Gift of His love through my Savior. I will allow my heart to be grateful for the unconditional gift of His love.

Here is prayer I found in the book, as well:
Lord, in all the uncertainties of this world, it's good to know I belong to you. Please help that reality to sink into the deepest levels of who I am, so  that I can live my life with peace, confidence, and joy. In Jesus' name, amen.

Life on Kent Island

For the most part, I feel like I'm in a dream, and I need to pinch myself to wake-up because it is so beautiful here. I love the rural feel of this place and being next to the water is soothing. Joshua and Paul are adapting well. Paul seems to be quite a talker as he is already imitating words as I speak to him, and Josh, more quiet, seems to enjoy observing his surroundings, and running science experiments with anything he can get his hands on. As for Chris, preparations for opening the store are going great. He has had some good hires, and is seeing continuous progress of the store. So much for which to be thankful.
One thing I found in myself is that while everything is wonderful, I  started thinking  that something bad must be on the way. A vague and silly fear, really, but, seriously, I was surprised to realize this little pestering thought, " Don't get so happy about everything. It will all end soon" has been lingering, and pestering me.  Once I realized it today,I decisivily pronounced it as a lie, and have since replaced it with gratitude to My Father who always lovingly provides what I need and desire in due season as He sees fits. It made be live the quote, "The only thing to fear is fear itself" It's true. Lies/fears can quietly debilitate you into forfeiting your dreams/goals for today. Knowing I'm in God's loving hands is the most encouraging truth. As one person put it, "Love God with all that you are, and then, do whatever you want!" God has gifted each and given desires for a reason, seek Him first ,and then run with how He fashioned you!

catching up on blogging....

catching up on blogging..... later.

Josh is Two

Wow, Josh is two! He is growing up so fast!! Today, we are reminded of the great privilege that God has given us to raise His amazing creation, our wonderful Joshua. It is not always easy, but nothing that is valuable ever seems to be a cake walk, right? We have so enjoyed this rich journey of parenthood , and pray that we are the parents who God has called us to be, always relying on His grace.

I wish we could have celebrated with all the cousins and, of course, all of his grandparents, and aunts and uncles too! So looking forward to seeing all of you!!! We had a beautiful birthday picnic at the park...I didn't even have to pack anything because we just picked up some delicious Chick-fil-A! Josh's fav is nuggets, fruit cup, and waffle fries, of course. Thomas the train was fun and yummy(his birthday cake) for Joshua. He made a mess with the cake,so he absolutely enjoyed that! The added bonus is that Mishu was able to come into town, so although it would have been wonderful to see everyone, it was a treat to have at least Mishu here!

Josh is taking a nap now :). I just finished setting up his little train set, so it will be waiting for him when he wakes up! Enjoy the pics of his birthday picnic. See you soon, I hope!! Love and miss you friends and family!

I just want more

Goals...I heard that if you write them down where you can see them everyday you double your chance of success. So thinking I'm going to do that and since I just wrote down that I am going to do that, I've just upped my chances of accomplishment.

Goals. Visions to better things. I just want more.

I feel like I go about my days with a backpack load of stuff that I want to accomplish or things I should do, but, huge issue!!! I have no clue what is in the darn backpack!!! I guess because I almost never think of opening the backpack to find out what's inside, and when I do, I realize that the backpack zipper is stuck and... can you believe that?I hate when that happens!! Anywho, that has been me the greater part of these past couple days,

but then steps in MY Great Comforter (and no, I'm not talking about the one on my bed- that would be weird).

"Come to me all who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest"

The best part is, I drop off this heavy backpack at His feet, and as I enter into the acknowledgement of His presence,I find out (as if it was the first time I heard it)...

He loves me.

In this moment, I don't even care what is in the stink'n backpack. The glorious "I Am" loves me!! I think I kind of figure out in this instance that the "I Am" also answers what I'm really after.

and then my soul sings...

All of you is more than enough

you satisfy me with your LOVE

Trying to Keep it Simple

So It's just me and my boys for a few days. Chris is at Chick-fil-a's annual seminar. I'm keeping it simple while daddy's gone. Stayed at home and enjoyed watching the snow fall in a warm apartment. Eggs and toast for breakfast and some grapes to finish off- Joshua was satisfied with that :) random:I've come to enjoy the Disney channel, kind of scary how addicting, seriously Miley Cyrus is hilarious (we would have been best friends in school). I cut my own bangs while the boys took their afternoon naps YIKES! (I later pinned them back),PB and J for lunch with yogurt and fruit(Easy-simple), a little indoor golfing, playing with cars, chasing eachother up and down the hall, wrestling, left over spaghetti and salad for dinner, paper plates,tickling, snacking on banana puffs, flash cards (counting),bath for both of them, snuggles, simple prayer and night night time...The theme of today could have been "keeping it simple". Sometimes it's the simplest things that bring so much delight.

Something else reminding me to keep things simple (not shallow-there's a huge difference)- "Christian meditation, very simply, is the ability to hear God's voice and obey his word. It is that simple"- R. Foster

While simple, it is just taking the time to hear God's voice, that becomes an unexpected battle, for me. I too often have time for everything else, but to spend time with my God. Oh the distractions...long distance accountability? anyone? anyone? beuler?

The Celebration of Discipline. I started reading the book a while ago, but did not make time to finish. HAH! the irony! so I've started again- It's really good so far, so if anyone else wants to join me in reading it that would be great! Speaking of discipline, I'm also "bringing it!!" P90x that is! Any takers? I love and miss you- friends and family! Good night!

Our Life Lately

We are settled (for the most part)in Kansas City, MO. The above are photos of our whereabouts (Maryland, Ohio, Canada, Upstate New York and everything in between) from the past couple weeks. The week of travels was with My Mom and Dad, Joshua, Paul and me. Chris was working while we were visiting family. It was great seeing my grandparents, great aunts and uncles, regular aunts and uncles, and cousins. Chris met us in OH and then we drove to KC together, as a family. The kids are definitely getting used to traveling...Thankful for the compact DVD player my parents let us use. Joshua got Lion King and Veggie Tales overload, yet he never got sick of them.

The Adventure Continues

So we've really enjoyed being in Baltimore these past couple weeks. What we've been up to.. worshipping at Agape Mission Church with our wonderful brother and sister, Mike and Tina, Visiting with Steve Pavlosky and family (Josh made friends with a St. Bernard at their home and what a warm and welcoming family), seeing snow, replacing old tires on the Durango, reading, cooking a lot...okay, I'm making this blogging-so-everyone-knows -what-I've-been-up-to thing a little too detailed...and it continues

The latest with Josh: Josh really loves books (being read to), hugs and kisses Paul all the time, sings and dances in front of Paul to make him laugh (I think), wrestles with mommy and daddy, stacks Lego's non-stop, plays with miniature farm animals, twirls, loves bath time eats just about anything and has been such a cuddly boy.

The latest with Paul: Smiles all the time, screeches like a chapuchee (whatever you call those miniature monkeys from Night at the Museum) a lot, sat on his own for the first time(as seen in photo evidence), rolls to his back and stomach, prefers sleeping on his stomach, started rice cereal, grabs toys, is cool as a cucumber and enjoys being in the baby bjorn, and bouncing in his bouncy seat.

I must be really tired because I forgot to mention that we are moving to Kansas City, Missouri!! Yeah, I know we just moved up here, but God's got something for us over in Kansas City...Chris leaves tomorrow morning and the boys and I will be joining him soon. Keep us in your prayers. We'll be praying for you guys.

Good Night! We love you friends and family!

It's So Nice!

In January
it's so nice
while slipping
on the sliding ice
to sip hot chicken soup
with rice.
Sipping once
sipping twice
sipping chicken soup
with rice.


The Above is from the book Chicken Soup with Rice by Maurice Sendak currently Joshua's favorite book. I read this book so much that sometimes I just sing it out loud without realizing it. I really enjoy reading books that rhyme. The book also teaches children the different months of the year. For Josh, it mainly makes him say, "Rice! Rice! Rice!" because Josh LOOOVES food and is especially fond of rice...it is ingrained in his DNA. These days,Josh's other favorite thing ,besides food, are planes aka "mlane! mlane!" I keep stressing the puh sound of "p" but Josh really is just fine with calling it a mlane.
Obviously, reading has been on my mind, so we got a membership to the local library today. While at the library, Joshua was the unoffical greeter as he waived everyone hi and bye as they entered and left the library. Several graciously responded, and others well...it IS a library. Yeah, we didn't stay for long. His very enthusiastic greetings are much cuter when at a grocery store or some other not-so-quiet place. We stayed long enough to grab a backpack of books about all types of transportation including ,to Josh's delight, a "mlane!", so that was what was most important. Paul continues to be his sweet smiley self. I just kept him in the baby bjorn the entire time and he was as content as can be. So nice!

We have a park right in front of the apartment, so that's been nice too! Trying to keep this post short, so I can go to bed.
Side note: We enjoyed a semi-gourmet pizza for dinner created by yours truly. Thank you very much! What was in it? Why, glad you asked...
Bobolli (sp) pre-made pizza crust (wheat) little bit of tomato sauce, lots of Italian blend cheese, shrimp (pre-cooked in butter with fresh garlic), meaty part of bacon cut into tiny pieces,fresh garlic minced, roasted red bell pepper, fresh portabello mushroom, a little parsley and 8-10minutes in the oven...We thank God for a smooth transition...it's been nice!

happy once
happy twice
happy...

Continuing the Race Set Before Us

Leaving home is very emotional. As we drove off to start a new chapter, Chris and I couldn't help, but shed some tears. We have made so many wonderful memories with family and friends and have started our marriage and our life as a family of four in GA. So now what? Well, more emotions...excitement, zeal, anticipation and a zillion other emotions. There is something refreshing and exciting about starting a new chapter though, especially with the promise that as we seek Our Lord and Savior, He will take us from glory to glory as He continues His good work in us.
continued...

Today, I was lead to Hebrews 12:1-2 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

I recently finished a marathon with my twin sister (a few days ago, actually),so the above verse hits me in a new way. You see, I started the race with more comforts (so I thought) than I really needed. By mile three, I took off four articles of clothing which were keeping me way too hot and additionally "weighed me down". I wonder what in my life is keeping me from living the life that God has for me. What sins have I become so comfortable with that I don't realize that I need to get rid of them to continue in God's call for my life?
"Running with endurance" also has a new meaning. For one, it hurts sometimes. I mean, I had some major calf crampage at one point and for a couple miles, I was doing some kind of a jog-limp, where I had to swing my right leg and use my left leg to push off the weight (I'm sure I looked ridiculous)and all of this in the pouring rain for 26 miles. A picture of running my spiritual race with Christ? Afterall this life with Christ is not meant to be a cake walk. As a believer I am promised tribulations WILL come with my spiritual race on earth, so what will I do when they do? Hopefully, like the marathon, just keep running with endurance toward the prize, relying on Him.
The other major revelation is that I need fellowship with my brothers and sisters. I prayed my way through a good bit of the race, but I know I would not have run the entire thing if my sister, Debbie Richie, and twin sister, Shahla, weren't there to encourage me. Shahla and I met Debbie around mile 15 and she said, "Good job! Keep it up!" We immediately attached our selves to this sister of encouragement all the way to the finish. We found out right away what she wasall about. She was a track and cross-country coach for the past 7 years. She was also someone that lived for the Lord. She quoted scripture, stopped to rub bio-freeze on my calf and just kept encouraging with motivational stories and words of affirmation. It was Debbie's 33rd marathon, so not surprising that she was prepared with everything imaginable in her fanny pack to help those around her. She later told us that she considers running these races a part of her ministry of coaching. You can not imagine how thankful Shahla and I were for her ministry to us. Fellowship...oh the power of fellowship and accountability!!! Before Debbie came running next to us, Shahla and I talked to each other wondering if we'd have to give up our goal of running the entire race and resign to walking, but once we entered the fellowship of Coach Debbie, walking was not an option. No doubt that's what fellowship does in my spiritual life. I know that when I am surrounded by those that are living a holy life unto the Lord, sins that were optional become undesirable in the light of His Best. Thank God for my brothers and sisters in Christ!!
Lastly, it's all about looking forward towards Christ. What has lasting value? Living for Him, the prize that is eternal...even more, He actually does have rewards for us in heaven. There is a joy set before us, which no eye has seen no ear has heard...I mean I finished a stinkin marathon for a t-shirt and a medal!! How much more willing to suffer for my Savior? Hopefully, a lot more each day with His strength! Amen!
Like the race, sometimes it is about taking one step at a time. I remember a wise woman once told me to Love your Lord one day at a time in His strength and sometimes one hour at a time...perhaps sometimes it will even take one minute at a time, but always in His strength. One more thing...I felt a need to pray throughout the marathon. Perhaps whenever I really set my minds to run THE race Christ has called me to, I am more eager to pray in my need to recieve His Strength. Basically, I'm called to live in and through Him, so if I'm still living in my own strength then maybe there's more in store that I'm missing...Maybe