For those who are new to this blog, every year at this time I take a moment to look back at what my prayers were for the last year. I've never been much of a fan of New Years Resolutions, and this was something I started after moving away from home after 24 years of living in the same place. God can do so much in a years time that even I had forgotten about my previous worries at the years end.
2013 Prayer-Solutions
Lord;
My body is feeling very done with being pregnant. I am suppose to have 4 more weeks left, but I am very much discouraged that you won't have me go into labor on my own. Having a toddler at home to watch while I feel less than spectacular has made the second go at pregnancy much harder to deal with. Please help make this labor be easier on my body and let it do what you designed it to do with out so many medical interventions to bring Nolan into the world. While at the same time, help fill in those additional needs surrounded with maternity leave.
I am finding more and more the desire to be a stay at home mom with another child almost here. You know what is best, and you know the stress I've been under while keeping the Youth Center open. But with out a better income to accompany Mr. G, or my side photography business to be consistent...I just don't know how we will handle everything with juggling more expenses/childcare.
Help me be content with where we live. I would love to be closer to family and have the support that I know others benefit from when grandparents are near by. I also think about where my children are and the things I want them to experience about the world around them. Our area has been hit hard and it is a struggle to expose them to different cultures and opportunities.
Please keep my babies safe and healthy. Keep Nolan strong through the rest of this pregnancy so I may hold my baby boy cry in my arms after this marathon.
I don't know if it is to be this year or not, but I can't help but start to see our growing family needing a bigger vehicle. By all means, please help keep our current cars in good working order and to meet our needs. This may be a "want" more so than "need", but with how big those car seats are and being able to get everyone around if not a few folks who need a ride...a mini van would be a very nice blessing.
Please help us grow our MOPS group. You know of the struggles we've been facing in the steering committee. Give us your guidance and peace as to where to move forward with the group.
Monday, December 31, 2012
2012 Prayer-Solutions Update
Lord,
I ask that you make it clear as to where we are to live this year. Are your plans to be where we are, or is there another move in the works. IF we are to move, please help me with this transition as you know I struggle with these things. May it be close to some sort of family and opportunities to build new friendships in and outside of work. Not to mention all the logistics of moving with a new member of the family and resources needed to make it happen.
Well, I guess it has been pretty clear that we were to stay in Rome this year. Even in the same house after looking at possibilities at larger places. Rent was too high or we would have down graded on the quality of living.
Its been a tough several number of years in the job department. Please provide a good job.....the RIGHT JOB for Mr. G so we can reduce debt, be covered by benefits and have something left over after all the bills.
Mr. G had an interview back in Feb, but it wasn't until April that an actual job offer came through. It took 5 months later, but this job turned into a full time position.
Please, help us find medical coverage. I grow nervous about needing some assistance with my health needs and it stresses me out. I praise you for giving us help with Eliza.
With Mr. G getting a job, the cool thing was medical benefits were offered to those at part time. It cost a bit more each month, but this was such a huge blessing and relief to know we could get coverage.
Lord, you know how much I have struggled with this one and the future plans we believe you have for our lives. Please speak to us about the future family member that we know we desire. We love Eliza and want her to benefit from having a little sister or brother. Yet this requires health insurance and stable income to feel like a responsible parent.
Oh how I struggled with this one! As hard as I tried, I couldn't shake the desire in my heart as to the "when" this was to happen. By the time our health coverage was official, we found out we were expecting. The funny thing is, I was more nervous than excited at the news. SO be careful what you pray for...
Please, please help us make forward progress with our calling. We've hit so many road blocks and I can't help but feel discouraged and defeated in the process. Mountains need to be moved in order to get there, which I know fully you are capable of.
This one is somewhat still in the same place. We attended a conference over a weekend and then later was able to take an online class which is one of the requirements for acceptance. Nothing more has happened since the end of the Spring on this.
Please help current relationships and friendships grow and blossom. I have many friends but not very many that are close. You know how much I miss the ones in the west and would love to have the opportunity to visit with them this year and introduce Eliza in person before she is all grown.
God blessed us with being able to take a trip out west and visiting with dear friends. It was painful to leave though as it was apparent of what I had been missing from the rest of everyone's lives. I am however thankful for MOPS as it has blossomed into some good friends to connect with outside of work and church.
As Eliza grows, keep her healthy and happy. Help me be content with her constant growing up. I hope I can still see the little peanut I held when she grows up to be a God fearing young woman. I love her spunky spirit and smile that could light up Las Vegas.
We have been fortunate at how healthy Eliza has been in this last year. I believe we've only had 2 ear infections, with one requiring a visit to the ER late one night.
I ask that you make it clear as to where we are to live this year. Are your plans to be where we are, or is there another move in the works. IF we are to move, please help me with this transition as you know I struggle with these things. May it be close to some sort of family and opportunities to build new friendships in and outside of work. Not to mention all the logistics of moving with a new member of the family and resources needed to make it happen.
Well, I guess it has been pretty clear that we were to stay in Rome this year. Even in the same house after looking at possibilities at larger places. Rent was too high or we would have down graded on the quality of living.
Its been a tough several number of years in the job department. Please provide a good job.....the RIGHT JOB for Mr. G so we can reduce debt, be covered by benefits and have something left over after all the bills.
Mr. G had an interview back in Feb, but it wasn't until April that an actual job offer came through. It took 5 months later, but this job turned into a full time position.
Please, help us find medical coverage. I grow nervous about needing some assistance with my health needs and it stresses me out. I praise you for giving us help with Eliza.
With Mr. G getting a job, the cool thing was medical benefits were offered to those at part time. It cost a bit more each month, but this was such a huge blessing and relief to know we could get coverage.
Lord, you know how much I have struggled with this one and the future plans we believe you have for our lives. Please speak to us about the future family member that we know we desire. We love Eliza and want her to benefit from having a little sister or brother. Yet this requires health insurance and stable income to feel like a responsible parent.
Oh how I struggled with this one! As hard as I tried, I couldn't shake the desire in my heart as to the "when" this was to happen. By the time our health coverage was official, we found out we were expecting. The funny thing is, I was more nervous than excited at the news. SO be careful what you pray for...
Please, please help us make forward progress with our calling. We've hit so many road blocks and I can't help but feel discouraged and defeated in the process. Mountains need to be moved in order to get there, which I know fully you are capable of.
This one is somewhat still in the same place. We attended a conference over a weekend and then later was able to take an online class which is one of the requirements for acceptance. Nothing more has happened since the end of the Spring on this.
Please help current relationships and friendships grow and blossom. I have many friends but not very many that are close. You know how much I miss the ones in the west and would love to have the opportunity to visit with them this year and introduce Eliza in person before she is all grown.
God blessed us with being able to take a trip out west and visiting with dear friends. It was painful to leave though as it was apparent of what I had been missing from the rest of everyone's lives. I am however thankful for MOPS as it has blossomed into some good friends to connect with outside of work and church.
As Eliza grows, keep her healthy and happy. Help me be content with her constant growing up. I hope I can still see the little peanut I held when she grows up to be a God fearing young woman. I love her spunky spirit and smile that could light up Las Vegas.
We have been fortunate at how healthy Eliza has been in this last year. I believe we've only had 2 ear infections, with one requiring a visit to the ER late one night.
The Excitement of Art
As you can see, our little budding artist enjoyed some of the fruits of her Christmas gifts from some kind family friends. Eliza did NOT like having her paper taped to the table and quickly protested by ripping said tape off.
But in actuality, I think she like big kid art supplies better than anything grip modified. At least most of the marker went on the paper than her face and hands.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Before and After
Christmas just keeps getting more fun each year as Eliza continues to grow and becomes more aware of Christmas and the excitement of Christmas morning. We were blessed to have the opportunity to get out to Mr. G's parents house a day earlier than expected. Also, to have the extra help with a toddler so parents could also rest and relax. This came in handy when I came down with an infection and any moving or getting much sleep was a struggle.
 |
| I love the curiosity of her first present opened and the joy which came afterwards. |
 |
| What could this be?......Oh wait...it's clothes! |
 |
| Some fun shots taken of the Nativity set at the alter on Christmas Eve |
By the way:
Still getting underwear for Christmas is still very awesome!
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Captive Thoughts
Have you ever encountered a situation that was hard to shake from your thoughts for the rest of the day? It could be hearing bad news, a disagreement or even disappointment.
I struggle to leave my work mind at work at the end of the day when all the kiddos have gone home and I've secured the building. I pick my daughter up from the sitters and meander through thoughts of what on EARTH shall I fix for dinner and if Mr. G will be home for the evening. Then there are those days where I am frustrated with a situation while my brain wants to analyze it in every dimension and it festers.
Fester...isn't it an interesting word? Dictionary.com defines it as: to putrefy or rot.
It rots alright, taking away my joy for the rest of the day and maybe into the next few. Tonight I struggle to keep my thoughts captive and instead be positive about the joy I've had at MOPS and the fun to look forward in this coming week.
Easy?
Far from it!
I have lost count at how many times I've had to redirect my thoughts to something else. Even writing this post temps me to wander back to this situation.
I am a sinner, forgiven by Christ and a work in progress. I am no better than anyone else in thinking I must be given Christian brownie points in ministry 101. I too, am imperfect and need the strength of my heavenly Father to make it through even the most trivial aspects of life.
I struggle to leave my work mind at work at the end of the day when all the kiddos have gone home and I've secured the building. I pick my daughter up from the sitters and meander through thoughts of what on EARTH shall I fix for dinner and if Mr. G will be home for the evening. Then there are those days where I am frustrated with a situation while my brain wants to analyze it in every dimension and it festers.
Fester...isn't it an interesting word? Dictionary.com defines it as: to putrefy or rot.
It rots alright, taking away my joy for the rest of the day and maybe into the next few. Tonight I struggle to keep my thoughts captive and instead be positive about the joy I've had at MOPS and the fun to look forward in this coming week.
Easy?
Far from it!
I have lost count at how many times I've had to redirect my thoughts to something else. Even writing this post temps me to wander back to this situation.
I am a sinner, forgiven by Christ and a work in progress. I am no better than anyone else in thinking I must be given Christian brownie points in ministry 101. I too, am imperfect and need the strength of my heavenly Father to make it through even the most trivial aspects of life.
Friday, December 14, 2012
You Don't Exist!
Eliza was NOT a fan of Santa this year.
Eliza- "If I close my eyes tight enough, he doesn't exist"...
Santa-"If I cover my eyes, she doesn't exist"
Our first encounter with the Jolly Man
 |
| What a difference a year makes in a child's fear factor! |
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Say What?
I've come to the recent observation that having a toddler in your house is much like having a dog again. NEVER did I think in this difficult patience building stage would I be repeating on a daily basis corrections like:
Sit
Stay
Get down
Drop it
Stay out of the trash!
I am sure "Do you need to go potty" will eventually follow.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
It Is Finished
The light at the end of the tunnel had come into focus. And after a bad night of pregnancy insomnia that I used to get through the brunt of the production work, enabled me to make the real push through. Each leaf is a name of a person or family who contributed to raising the funds required to adopt Reheim (age 5) and Tia (age 7) from the Caribbean, on the island of St. Vincent.
The family loves it, and I am pretty satisfied with the outcome considering all the names to be incorporated. Even after years and years since some of these photo textures were taken, I still seem to remember the story or past visit of where they came from. I will have to add to the library again as it proved to be hard to get enough variety as I scanned and re scanned images for use.
The final piece resides at a little over 700 megs as a Photoshop Document while the finished print is 16 x 16. I think the last PS layer created was counted as 113, yeowza!
The family loves it, and I am pretty satisfied with the outcome considering all the names to be incorporated. Even after years and years since some of these photo textures were taken, I still seem to remember the story or past visit of where they came from. I will have to add to the library again as it proved to be hard to get enough variety as I scanned and re scanned images for use.
The final piece resides at a little over 700 megs as a Photoshop Document while the finished print is 16 x 16. I think the last PS layer created was counted as 113, yeowza!
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Finally a Name!
My first pregnancy, we had a name for our daughter at 20 or so weeks.
This time around, I had one picked out at at maybe 23 weeks.
But...
Mr. G was not sold on this first name even when I said it did not come from any online list of boy names, but directly from God. For weeks and weeks I have been bugging him about what his thoughts were about it, as I wanted to publicly use it and bond with my son. Most times, the response given was, "I haven't really given it much thought."
Oh did that drive me nuts!
Then late this evening, after discussion over dental insurance plans and coverage, Mr. G comes into the office and drops the news that our son will be named:
Nolan James Matthew G
He normally doesn't like two middle names, but this was my bargaining card to play in order to try and increase my chances of the first name. For myself, I am particular with boy names because I want a name that doesn't get circumcised from childhood to adulthood or has various nick names to go with it. Not very many girls names go through this, so the idea is kind of lost on me as to why it happens with boys. Granted, when he is a baby or young boy, we may use the moniker with in the family or Facebook as Champ.
Nolan: Champion
James/Matthew: Family member names
This time around, I had one picked out at at maybe 23 weeks.
But...
Mr. G was not sold on this first name even when I said it did not come from any online list of boy names, but directly from God. For weeks and weeks I have been bugging him about what his thoughts were about it, as I wanted to publicly use it and bond with my son. Most times, the response given was, "I haven't really given it much thought."
Oh did that drive me nuts!
Then late this evening, after discussion over dental insurance plans and coverage, Mr. G comes into the office and drops the news that our son will be named:
Nolan James Matthew G
He normally doesn't like two middle names, but this was my bargaining card to play in order to try and increase my chances of the first name. For myself, I am particular with boy names because I want a name that doesn't get circumcised from childhood to adulthood or has various nick names to go with it. Not very many girls names go through this, so the idea is kind of lost on me as to why it happens with boys. Granted, when he is a baby or young boy, we may use the moniker with in the family or Facebook as Champ.
Nolan: Champion
James/Matthew: Family member names
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
The Finer Motor Skills
 |
| "If God didn't want us to pick our noses....he wouldn't have made our fingers fit so well" |
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Trying to be that COOL mom
I've seen this on Pintrest for quite some time, but never could remember to pick up some glow sticks from the dollar aisle at Target. After looking for a cart near the electronics section, there was an abandoned one with a few misc items. Low and behold, a tube of 15 sticks for a buck was found!
When the lights turned off and the door was shut, this friendly tub didn't look the same as before. But as soon as I placed Eliza in the water, she quickly warmed up to the fun!
I did my best to try and capture some of the fun. The camera had a hard time finding enough light in order to focus to some extent. Things worked when she pulled the rings out of the water and I got a few fun shots. Enjoy!
When the lights turned off and the door was shut, this friendly tub didn't look the same as before. But as soon as I placed Eliza in the water, she quickly warmed up to the fun!
I did my best to try and capture some of the fun. The camera had a hard time finding enough light in order to focus to some extent. Things worked when she pulled the rings out of the water and I got a few fun shots. Enjoy!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)