Let's Count Our Blessings

Tonight I was talking at dinner with A.J. about how sometimes things happen during the course of the day, and we dismiss them as good or bad luck and don't take the time to realize the hand that God has on our lives and how He is in charge of every waking moment we are on this earth. Today a painter came over to get some paint colors and to go over last minute details (we are getting the inside of our house painted this week). While I was in the hallway with him, Hannah found her way to the glass bowl that I had just put out for Ruby in the house, in case she was thirsty. Part of me did this out of laziness (I am tired of letting Ruby out multiple times a day to get water) and another part of me thought Hannah wouldn't play with it, since it has been out before and I thought lost its novelty to her. Well, as I was with the painter in the hallway, I heard what sounded like glass breaking. I walked out to see what happened and Hannah was bringing to me what was now the glass bowl in two broken pieces. As she was running over to me, she took a hard fall on her face and sent the two glass pieces shattering into many little pieces. As I watched this happen I was fearful for her but once I saw that she was fine, I quickly got her up, checked her hands for cuts and proceeded to talk to her about why we don't touch Ruby's water bowl. After I cleaned up and the painter left, something hit me. How quickly I dismissed her fall as no big deal just because she was alright. The reality is, this could have been a disaster. She was carrying two sharp glass pieces when she fell...it could have poked her eyes out, could have sliced her throat, could have punctured her heart...anything. She could have fell right on top of these glass pieces. I had to stop, rethink what had just happened, and thank the Lord above that He had Hannah in His hands and kept her safe. If it was a different day, who knows, this outcome could have been very different. So, I am counting my blessings and so thankful that God protected my baby and kept her out of harms way. I am also pondering on the fact that moments like these happen everyday, blessings sent down from God that go unrecognized and unappreciated...I am humbled and in awe of His faithfulness despite our human ingnorances. As far as mommy's lesson...why the heck would I put a GLASS bowl on the ground? Ever heard of plastic?? Oh by the way, this picture was taken a couple weeks ago, and it was the first time we gave Hannah spaghetti noodles to eat all by herself. She loves pasta and got a kick out of the long stringy noodles...another little blessing it was to watch her eat it all up :)

Our Beloved Norma

Well today we said goodbye to our Norma. Norma was the grandmother to the Papi side cousins, Michelle and Jason, but was also my grandma Doris' best friend. So needless to say, she has ALWAYS been present in mine and my sisters' lives, and has been just like another grandmother to us. Every holiday came with a little gift to us, and as we got older and started having children, Norma would always have a special gift for our kids on the holidays. Her presence will be especially be missed at grandma's on Sundays when we don't see her in her same little spot on the red couch anymore. Her sweetness, gentleness, patience and love left an indelible impression on my life and heart and she will forever be remembered for these qualities and the fruit of the spirit which lived so evidently in her heart. Her funeral was such a special tribute to her life and her relationships with all of us. A couple times during her eulogy it was mentioned that Norma loved watching Hannah and my sisters' children playing and growing up. The feeling was mutual Norma and all of our kids loved you so much. In fact, as I was saying prayers with Hannah tonight, I told her that Norma was with Jesus and to say hello to her and she answered back with "I love Norma." She truly did. The last time Hannah and I saw Norma she was in the rehab facility and we visited with her for about an hour. During that time Hannah must have given her four hugs, completely unsolicited. Norma we all love you so much and you will be dearly missed. Thank you for your unconditional love and constant presence in all of our lives.

Where Do You Want Me?

Sometimes I am filled with questions, questions I can't answer and don't know when God will, or if He already has. For the last couple years, that daunting question has been, "God, where do you want me?" Why can't I hear Him? Sometimes my heart says to be patient and that I am right where He wants me, and other times I feel just like I am treading. God, is my purpose to be a mother and raise our children to love you? To be a faithful wife? To love you? Is this all? Is there something more out there for me, someway that I can reflect your love and light on the world and change it for the better if only in my one little way? What is my ministry Lord? This body is your vessel, please use me.

Hannah and her Barney

I really wish I would have started filming Hannah doing this earlier when her love for Barney first developed. I kept telling myself, "you gotta get this on film." She would literally dance nonstop through the whole song. Not just swaying or stomping feet, but legitimate swinging and jumping and getting low to the floor kind of dancing. Witnessing this has brought so much laughter and joy to me and A.J. that we have now resorted to purposely starting Barney (with no intention of letting her watch the whole episode) just so we can watch and marvel in her little Barney dance routine. This video was taken probably two weeks late as now we are getting the shorter versions of her dance routine. Having said that, it is no reflection on her love for Barney lessening as she asks for him multiple times a day.