Sunday, October 23, 2011

Friday, September 23, 2011

The face of Faith

September 6th ,2011 at 10:05am I saw a number that would change our lives forever.559.
I said under my breathe,No F***ing way!!!! NOT MY BABY! NOOOO. I left the exam room in a quick but calm manner,telling my 11yr old daughter that I needed to make a call to cancel a meeting and I would be right back. I got to the end of a very short hall, walked into what i believe was the employee break room and lost it. I called my husband Chris to tell him to meet us at Phoenix children's hospital,our baby's sugar level was 559 and we had to take her to the ER.Type 1 diabetes.incurable,for now.insulin daily, forever. Oh God, please.NO!
The car ride to PCH with just me and Makayla was so hard. I didnt want to cry in front of her, I knew she was so scared already. we held hands as I drove, we listened to KLOVE radio and Makayla rubbed my hand and said "Im gonna be ok mommy, God has a plan". I dont know what was harder, hearing my baby speak a stronger faith then I felt or not being able to hold her and drive at the same time.I could no longer contain my emotions, we cried together, then she says "Im so scared mom, i mean im REALLY scared, but I know God has a plan, I just dont know WHAT it is." Unless you experience this type of life change, I dont think you will ever understand how your heart shatters yet remains. I hurt every time I look into her eyes, knowing that I can never make it all better. I cant make this go away. Right now it hurts to breathe as i type. the raw emotion of sharing this with you is so painful.
Yet, at the same time, I can hear her in the next room, just enjoying the moments she lives in and feels good in, with her friend, as they giggle and talk. WHY?WHY!!?? I DONT KNOW WHY! and neither does ANY ONE ELSE. except for GOD. HE IS IN CONTROL. I must tell myself every moment,daily...that GOD IS IN CONTROL, and HE loves MAkayla more than even I do. So much is going on in our lives, it feels all so overwhelming some days.I used to be able to day dream about goals, and the future..but right now all i can do is live in the moment, and praise God for that.
there is a song that Makayla and I sing together often, its by Matthew West-STRONG ENOUGH.
we believe this with all our hearts. some days are harder then others, but still somedays are AMAZING..because my daughter, who BELIEVES AND HAS THE FAITH OF A CHILD, IS STRONGER THAN ME.I know she CAN grow up, grow old and be ANYTHING she sets her mind to be..if that is Gods plan. I must have faith that that IS HIS PLAN.
Chris's dad is in the hospital right now, silently suffering, im sure crying inside.
He also has Type 1 DM, and just had his toes amputated, his kidneys are failing and now they are talking a higher amputation.Its all to much for us to handle...alone.
I know Im not strong enough.Lord RIGHT NOW, Im asking you to be strong enough for ALL OF US!


Makayla's entrance into this world was a difficult one, she was a surprise, A GIFT and I KNEW God sent her for something special, a reason and journey only she could complete. I must never let go of that belief. I love my daughter more than I can put in words. My cup over flows with the love of my children that God has blessed me with and the love of my husband,who is my rock, my love. SO many things look different to me now. I suspect everything will be different now. I just might bend, but I wont BREAK! http://youtu.be/MmUDDxflt6o

CHOW!!

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Back to the basics.

BASICS... what are they?? I think that a lot of us have been so spoiled with modern conveniences that we dont even know what "basics" are anymore. If you can afford to have the conveniences in life, why worry about?..I will tell you why, because conveniences are not always a guarantee. One day they are there and the next..gone.
Some people dont even BLINK at the cable/satellite bill they get every month. Others dont think twice about the fact that they have multiple cars in the family drive.
But the truth is, those are luxuries, blessings,CONVENIENCES!!
As for us, well, we are gonna search the basics..stretch out from our comfort zone..try living a bit different then we have been.
So, if I seem a bit busier then normal, its because I am (THANK GOD) which allows me to NOT miss the TV (to much). BUT I MUST REMEMBER that in the hustle and bustle of life's never ending changes, one thing will always remain constant..CHRIST!! my focus and salvation, and my family, who needs me and my attention just as much as they always have.I need them as well. Wish us luck(actually, just pray for us!) Chris just reminded me of what "luck" really is..its when the road of preparation and the road of opportunity meet.So, Pray that as we buckle down (PREPARE) and focus on new things (OPPORTUNITY), that the things of constant (CHRIST,FAMILY AND FRIENDS) are not over looked or ignored.
CHOW MY FRIENDS, i hope to talk to you soon!!

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

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Tuesday, June 14, 2011

25 AMAZING YEARS TOGETHER!!

YEP!! you read that right! TWENTY FIVE YEARS-MARRIED! I am so very blessed and proud to say that..not everyone makes it this far! Chris and I (My opinion) have the best marriage EVER! The foundation for it? CHRIST! you may be asking yourself, whats the secret to staying happy that long? well, I will give you my humble opinion, its called GOD..yes, our relationship is solid in our faith, our trust in Christ, that HE put us together for MANY reasons, for companionship,for procreation, for loving,learning and support.Our "secret" is not a secret, its communication!!!and RESPECT! I have a real pet peeve when I hear people talk about their spouses with disrespect and I really hate it when they DE-EDIFY them..if you dont know what that means LOOK IT UP!!! it will do you good!
You need to LOVE THEM unconditionally, treat them like they are the most important person in the world...DAILY!! tell them you LOVE them DAILY!!! and show your kids how much you appreciate your spouse, how else do you think they will learn to have good and healthy relationships when they grow up? they learn by what they live. I will tell you how Chris makes me feel like im the most important person to him.
First, he NEVER leaves the house (even at 6am,when im still sleeping) without kissing me and telling me he loves me and have a good day! (you get use to being woke up for it..and its worth it!) 2nd. everything we do is SHARED!!! the cooking, the house work, the bills..(ok, so i dont do the yard...but he doesn't do the toilet!hehe)and thats ok. He never let our boys talk disrespectful to me, ever.
(his way of teaching them that I came first and how to treat a woman). 3rd, when it came time for being physical, meeting each others needs,not only in touch, but with words to is very important! we almost ALWAYS hold hands in the car..such a simple act of love, means so much, its almost as intimate as other acts. Saying hello with a kiss when you come home everyday, calling each other in the middle of the day ,just to say, I LOVE YOU! im thinking of you! i want you...those things keep you connected in a way you dont realize.IF MONEY IS A PROBLEM IN YOUR MARRIAGE...tough shit! money is NOT your marriage, its money! YOU DID NOT MARRY FOR THAT REASON IT SHOULD NOT BE THE REASON YOUR MARRIAGE IS FAILING EITHER! NO ONE wants to be poor, or broke! so stop blaming each other. If there is a lack of communication between you and your spouse, THAT'S what is causing the riff...not lack of money..guarantee!
Chris and I have been thru MANY FINANCIAL TRIALS..but never was it "his fault,my fault" it was what it was, a lack of money management, by us both.BUT together we can over come-apart we will fall.
If you haven't figured it out, I feel my husband is the BEST MAN IN THE WORLD AND I LOVE HIM WITH EVERY BEAT OF MY HEART! the butterflies in my stomach still flutter when he touches me, and my heart still smiles when he says he loves me..I am only whole because we are ONE! And I THANK GOD FOR THAT AND HIM EVERYDAY!
so...HAPPY ANNNIVERSARY SWEETHEART, I LOVE YOU MORE TODAY THEN YESTERDAY, YOUR LOVE FOR ME FILLS ME TO OVERFLOWING! I am blessed,grateful and ready for the next 25yrs!
mmmmmmmmmmwwwwwwwwaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!


Saturday, June 4, 2011

pushing through when the smoke is thick.

There are a lot of Forrest fires out there right now,and its scary stuff~! I know that I am not in any danger of the fires, im no where near them, but i cant help feel the same fear.
I think "fire" is a means to an end, and there are other "means" out there that pose the same real threat as fire. before man, God allowed fires to clear the way for new growth,even today,the forest dept does the same, they set controlled fires (not whats happening now)For those of us that are not in control(none of us are!) The fear of losing everything and getting burned is a very real fear, just as real as it is when someone loses a job, or gets seriously ill and cant work. They are in danger of losing a lot. Every day can be stressful! sometimes the slightest thing can set us off on a crying tangent. The "smoke" is so thick, its hard to see the "son" in the sky thru it. but if we keep our focus on HIM whether we can see HIM or not, we will come out just fine.All the little "fires" in our lives that threaten our daily existence, are just that...little fires. Its hard for us to understand why and what God is trying to "clear out" to make way for new growth, but that is whats happening..When Chris and I decided to make some career changes, we knew that God was leading us there..what we were not sure about was how HOT the fire was gonna get on the journey to the "clearing".
Here is what we found..we need to ALWAYS carry water with us (The Word)to quench our thirst and protect from burns. the other important items..FAITH,HOPE AND LOVE..yeah that's right, i said it,and i meant it! When I felt the fire the other day and had a crying tangent, it was Chris who provided LOVE and HOPE in the form of a hug and encouraging words, to remind me of my FAITH! and the fact that I had NOT been drinking enough "water" was evident and that is why i felt so weak. CHRIST IS LIVING WATER! and is MORE important to LIFE then 32oz a day.
I hope that you were able to follow me through this allegoric blog. Sometimes i dont always make sense to anyone but myself. I am open for any feed back, let me know how YOU get thru the fires..how do YOU push thru the smoke to get to the clearing?

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Easter blessings

Today has been a great day!!

We served at CCVSurprise in the morning together. then had Easter dinner at my sister Judys with the family..then back to church..the best part being Makayla asking to be baptized. After she was baptized and changed out of her wet clothes I asked her how she felt. She said, empty..empty of the yucky stuff and ready to be filled up with the stuff God wants her to do. I believe she gets it, she really gets it. I had tears in my eyes and pride in my heart as I realized that another stage in her life has just ended and a new one is about to begin. God has done an amazing job this far..cant wait to see who she becomes in HIM. Thanks to all my family and friends who were there to support Makayla in her choice today. I know she was blessed to have you all there. Thanks!
There has been so much chaos in my life lately..changes, decisions,friends leaving for another church,another road. Today the music I signed spoke to me, it said..everything is in HIS hands, and we will be ok..we will ALL be ok. Continue to serve HIM, focus on what you CAN do instead of what you CANT. because either way, your right~~
God bless you all,
CHOW!

Thursday, April 7, 2011

The smell of spring!


The smell of rain in the air, the breeze coming through my windows as my curtains blow open and shut. I LOVE THAT!!! Its SO RELAXING!plus, it makes me want to get my camping gear out and ready! I dont look forward to the triple digits of summer,,but i REALLY enjoy the couple weeks we get of PERFECT weather. To sit out on our patio, reading or eating BBQ or playing fetch with Molly and DayzeeMae.. Its the best..only improved with company. What brings out the "relaxation" in you?? Would you share with me what is your favorite smell?? favorite type day?? I would love to hear from you!!
leave a comment hear or email me! what ever you want.
Me, for right now, im gonna bask in the day I have today!! the perfect day!

CHOW! for now!

Monday, March 28, 2011

I am ready..are you?

What a question~! That could mean so many things! I am referring to PROGRESS! I feel like I am still in the same "parking lot" of life, that I have been in for YEARS! My car is on, its in gear, but the traffic getting out is like trying to get out of the Jobing.com arena after an Eagles reunion concert! and sadly enough, the other"cars" are mostly my faults..laziness,fear,doubt..you name it..what ever usually holds us back from success! I'm tired of hearing about other agents and how much they make! I work hard for my clients, I truly CARE about my clients! and yet, I see agents who could care less about you, racing out of the parking lot, headed for the "freeway" of life...HELLOOOOOOOO!!! I want to get on the stinkin freeway to! IM READY!!! coach, put me in!!!! I know my stuff! Im not afraid anymore! Im ready and WILLING to work harder!smarter!! I FB,Twitter,Link in and BLOG! I hold open houses, I help people with rentals...WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?!!!! should I join a team?? It seems that I have had alot of teams solicit me lately for a buyers agent...but I am on the verge of becoming a team with my husband..so I dont think thats the answer. I can see the mountain..I can feel the breeze..now its time to climb!!!...backpack ready-CHECK,water packed-CHECK, hiking shoes on-CHECK! LETS GO!
SEE YOU AT THE TOP PEOPLE!!!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

sitting on the edge....

Do you ever feel like that?? like your sitting on the edge and all you need is a push?! dont think of that in a negative manner...but a positive manner! A push in the right direction, a push to try again, a push to swallow your pride, a push to face your fears! here is my new acronym for PUSH..PEOPLE UTILIZING SUPPORTIVE HELP!
We all need a PUSH sometimes. I know the first place I go to for a PUSH is my husband..and God..should be the other way around..but Im not perfect! LOL
If you ever need a PUSH, I hope that you know you can call me! i will be your PUSH..in the right direction...TO GOD..the ONLY ONE with the answers!
and the only one that matters!
and PUSHING (PEOPLE USING SOME HELP IN NEVER GIVING-UP) Is a good thing to!

CHOW!!

Monday, February 21, 2011

Moving forward...uphill! LOL

As I sit here typing I cant help but humm the song by Miley Cyrus, "The Climb". Cuz thats how i feel..seems like EVERYTHING is a climb to me anymore. Keeping up with bills, losing weight, keeping up my marketing,obtaining new clients,keeping up with the house cleaning....blah blah blah!!!
Chris and I were talking about our lives together and discussing what changes if any we would make if we could go back. We decided that there really arent any, because EVERYTHING has made us who we are today. We might not have material riches, but our relationship is INCREDIBLY wealthy, due to communication and love all based on our love for our God first and our commitment and love for each other second. Our journey has been filled with laughter,tears,struggles and worries and mostly joy. Joy of each other, our kids and our loving family. Material things will come and go...family..they are forever! Our memories will be with us forever..our pictures and trinkets might fade or break, but our memories will last..SO MAKE MORE OF THEM!!!
I'm talking IMPORTANT ones, quiet moments with loved ones, lunches and conversations with parents and kids..impromptu parties for friends and family..TAKE PICTURES, who cares what you look like, how much you weigh~so what...your heart is seen through your actions and your eyes! SO SMILE!
I hope you dont mind me sharing my heart with you all. We all strive for more...more money,more things,more time...but what we really need to cherish MORE of, is our loved ones. One of my favorite sayings is "Life is not about how many breathes you take, but what takes your breathe away!" What takes your breathe away??
I love you all!
Chow

Saturday, January 22, 2011

I'm so proud!

This week Daniel got hired as line cook at the "Twisted Italian" Its a new restaurant in Peoria. Co-owned by the owners of "Lakeside bar and grill" http://www.lakesidebarandgrillaz.com/ . Daniel has Robert Cerrone to thank for the recommendation! Nice networking robert!!THANKS!
Im so happy Dan will have the chance to show what he knows and loves and grow in his chosen profession! Always SO MUCH to learn, but it never gets boring!
GOOD LUCK DANIEL! I know you will succeed if you put your heart and mind into it!
You can take this HUGE stepping block and follow the path to success that God has laid out for you! We believe in your abilities and cant wait to eat your new dishes!!!
LOVE YOU!!

ok... now that im done being a proud and boastful mamma... I will get my day started!
Cake and Ice cream at my dad's house today-HAPPY BIRHTDAY DADDY!!!
CHOW MY FOLLOWERS!!!
TILL NEXT TIME!

Saturday, January 15, 2011

The New Year, The new me??

I'm not one for "resolutions", so NO, i didn't make one...BUT I did decide that I needed some change. Change in MYSELF, my commitments,my weight, my goals.
Most of you who are reading this, know me. Those who are just dropping in out of idol curiosity, well, you might get a bit bored and think~what is she babbling about??
I took a good look around inside my head and my heart and laid it on the throne to my Lord. He had stuff to say to me, and I think I heard what He wanted me to hear...for now.
I need to stay more committed to myself and my family. Stop putting them last on the priority poll when it comes to dividing up my time each day, between clients,family and myself..time is WAY to valuable to let others determine where i spend my time!
I found that if I fail to plan,then I'm planning on failing!
That applies to all aspects of life.If things are to change, then I must change. Failures do what is tension relieving, while WINNERS do what is goal achieving!
I'm tired of relieving my tensions and not achieving what I want to achieve! I am in my early 40's and feel like i have not done what I want to have done by now.
My claim to fame right now are the 3 fabulous children I have, but again, its not my accomplishment alone. I have nothing, am nothing and will be nothing without putting my Lord FIRST!! I want my legacy to my kids to be my love for the Lord and my love for my family, if nothing else. Thanks for reading! This blog entry might not have been the most interesting, but it was insightful in getting to know me more, and maybe with that, you as my friends or family will hold me accountable to my new commitments. I hope so.