Yosemite

We had the BEST weekend. Yup. I'm claiming it as the BEST weekend. Sure, it was a little rough taking two toddler boys to a national park, but I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat!

The drive up was about 6-7 hours, and as soon as we drove through the national park gates, we saw a group of deer eating grass off the side of the road. Instant amazement and "ohh's!" were coming from our car alone! Then James saw it. SNOW!

"Hey mom, what's that WIPE stuff?"-James
"That's snow buddy!"-me
"Oh yeah, cool! Let's make a snowman!"-James

We checked in at Curry Village, got all of our stuff into our tent cabin, and had dinner (snacks + peanut butter sandwiches). Then we walked around for a bit star gazing and getting acquainted with our living quarters for the weekend. It was all so good. Mitch took James to the bathroom where he said, "Look daddy, a BIG mouse!" which actually ended up being a BIG raccoon! We had a great laugh over that! Totally one of those stories we will be telling his future wife and children someday.

As we got into bed and everyone had on their warmest jammies, we all laid there listening to the other campers as they laughed and talked, it was one of my favorite things this weekend---hearing the voices loud with excitement, but then slowly quiet down as the night went on. Then the wind came. The wind in the treetops reminded me of "traffic", a humming that I thought was coming from the road near the campsite, but then I looked up and realized it was the wind in the treetops! Total city slicker moment! But something I would catch myself doing a lot this weekend, just listening to the wind, you know, when the boys were actually quiet long enough for me to listen to it :) . The cabin we stayed in was nice and warm, the heater worked great and it was pretty clean inside! I highly recommend them! We were close enough to the bathrooms/showers too. 

The next morning we woke up at 645am and yes, we were that LOUD tent with toddler boys begging for milk! We got dressed, packed up our breakfast and lunch and headed to the food hall to begin our only full day in the park!

The boys didn't want to eat their oatmeal, and Mitch and I had 2 helpings of french pressed coffee, so the morning started out rocky since everyone was a little grumpy and not eating their breakfast. But that was all behind us once we biked a little over a mile to Yosemite Falls. On the way there we had to stop for another group of deer making their way right in front of the bike trail we were on. The boys were SILENT as they watched the deer make their way across, and Mitch and I threw each other the happiest of smiles. I loved the look of excitement in my husband's eyes as we stood feet away from such beautiful, graceful creatures. It was heavenly. And a little terrifying because Bambi is GIGANTIC in real life.

When we got to the falls, James hopped out of the bike trailer, found a trusty stick and started hiking by Mitch's side. Henry was snuggled in the trailer and I pushed him up to the falls- I'm sure he was okay with having it all to himself for a bit as he sat back and enjoyed the ride. Multiple strangers commented on how envious they were of him! We got to the lower falls and snapped a few photos, took in the mist falling from the falls and watched the boys reactions to it all. They LOVED it. We LOVED it. Sigh. It was all so good!

We checked out the visitor center afterward, stamped our national parks passport, had lunch outside on a bench and watched squirrels play and blue jays fly by. Then it was NAP TIME. Not only for Henry, but for mama too. As we slept for an hour at the silent campground, James and dad went exploring on their own. An hour later Henry and I were ready to bike to Mirror Lake with Mitch + James! Naps are so glorious that way. 

Ahhh, Mirror Lake. Absolute majestic spot. That's my definition for it. As I took photos, I had a surge of excitement and wonder in my chest. That's the best I can express what it was like to snap away. Pure happiness. So much GOD all around you! 

...full of God's thoughts, a place of peace and safety amid the most exalted grandeur and enthusiastic action, a new song, a place of beginnings abounding in first lessons of life, mountain building, eternal, invincible, unbreakable order; with sermons in stone, storms, trees, flowers, and animals brimful with humanity. - John Muir


It was all so good. 
After our trek to Mirror Lake, we rode around the valley for a bit, and stopped to walk in the meadows. The boys ran full force on the boardwalk, and off in the distance was another group of deer eating. Mitch and I both took some photos, chased after the boys, and made our way to eat dinner on the pizza patio! Dinner consisted of pizza, beer, and chocolate cake! Yup. Carb nation. 

After dinner we showered and got back into our warmest jammies. Everyone was fast asleep at 8pm. We originally planned on making some coffee and sitting on the steps to talk and look at the stars again after the babes fell asleep, but that never happened-ha! 


The next morning we woke up, got dressed, ate breakfast, moseyed around and took some snapshots, and finally packed up the car. It was time to leave Yosemite. 
I cried a little as we drove away from the valley. It was all so good. 

But on the way out, we had one last hurrah and stopped at Mariposa Grove and did another short hike up to the giant sequoias, and JAMES HIKED IT ALL THE WAY UP AND DOWN. I was so proud of him! We will definitely be taking him on more hikes, he absolutely loved it. And Henry? Well, once again, he had the best spot attached to mama in the Ergo carrier on my back. Quiet all the way up, and most of the way back down to the car :)

I was having the post Yosemite blues on Sunday evening and some of yesterday, but today I just can't wait to get back. I hope you get a chance to experience it for the first time, or again and again. It's simply that amazing. And all I could think about on the way home was that It was all so good.

***And here's a list of parenthood lifesavers that we took with us, just in case you were curious***

• Snacks. A BUNCH of snacks: a variety of crackers, craisins, beef jerky, apples, bananas, trail mix, banana chips, etc.
• A pack and play: Henry slept in this, played in this, sat in this. A MUST for anyone camping with a baby/toddler.
• A movie(s) on the iPad. I know, I know. But it really comes in handy when you're on the road for hours, or right before bedtime and the littles need some down time. We only had 1 movie on the iPad, but I can officially quote "The Incredibles" from beginning to end now.
• Only 1-2 sippy cups and DISH SOAP so you can wash them!
• WIPES. Like, 2 packs. FULL packs. You will use all of them, believe me. 
• 2 pairs of shoes per child. Yes.
• A baby/toddler carrier
• Did I mention snacks?

And so, I am ending this post with some snaps from the weekend to inspire you to visit Yosemite!

until next time. 

40 Days...

For the next 40 days instead of completely being off social media for the duration of lent, like I have attempted the last 3 years, I will be aiming for some quiet time with my Savior.

That's it dudes...

Just some special time set aside for me and Jesus, and maybe a book too. Right now I'm finishing LOVE DOES ---BY THE WAY, OH MAAAAN! It's rocking my world...a special post about this book will be coming soon!

So today when I thought about what I wanted to "give up" for lent, it hit me that I was making a stank face about giving something "up" because I feel like I have been giving up a lot of things lately. I can't elaborate on it too much right now, but it's definitely a season of trusting the Lord and giving up a lot of comforts...but here's the kicker: I am utterly content in all that I have to give to Him. Like seriously you guys, the thought of being released from fear and what the future holds for our family is astounding, it HAS to be the Holy Spirit because last year's Ana would be freaking out right now...but I suppose that's the beautiful thing about knowing a God that goes before us and prepares a beautiful future for us, whether we see it here on earth or in heaven.

So I realized I couldn't think of anything more important to give, except for intentional time I personally set aside for Him. Don't get me wrong, I do sit and have a cup of coffee and read and pray in the morning, but usually Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood is blaring in the background and two cutie pies named James and Henry need something every 3 minutes, so it's a little bit distracting to really hear His voice in the midst of all the chaos. So when it came down to deciding what I felt like I should cut out of my life in order to focus and spend more time with Jesus, I just decided to ADD to my life and set aside precious time with Him.

I pray you're season leading up to the greatest celebration of redemption and joy is a spirit filled time and that you too clearly hear all He has to say to you!

xo,
Ana

7 years...

Dear Mitch,

Today is our 7th wedding anniversary! Right now seven years ago we were cutting into our wedding cake and having one of the best days of our lives! Can you believe it???

Wait. I can't believe it myself...7 years went way too fast. S E V E N years!!!

Either way, I would not want to do life with anyone but you. You make me laugh, you encourage me, you push me to be a better everything (in a good way), and you also make lattes for me every once and a while. WIN WIN WIN! 

Although we have had a few rough years thrown in the pile, I still choose you as my darling husband. We know each other the best, which means we know which buttons to push and which ones to definitely NOT push, but there's something beautiful about this because it leaves room for us to have grace for one another. So hard, but SO NECESSARY. I love you because you chose me, I love you because you have a gentle spirit underneath that giant beard, and I love you because you love Jesus more than anyone on this planet.

Thank you for the husband, father, leader, and man that you are.

And I shall end this public letter with this little snippet that only YOU will understand...

"What is it you want, Mary? What do you want? You want the moon? Just say the word and I'll throw a lasso around it and pull it down. Hey. That's a pretty good idea. I'll give you the moon, Mary."

 "I'll take it. Then what?"

"Well, then you can swallow it, and it'll all dissolve, see... and the moonbeams would shoot out of your fingers and your toes and the ends of your hair... am I talking too much?"

Love ya Mitchell. Love ya to the moon and back! 

xo, 

Ana 

Seeing God in the Snapshots...

On Monday we took the boys to the park for a few hours in the morning so they could experience Halloweentime! I love that they are seeing Disneyland in new ways each time we visit, but it's such a bittersweet realization that they will never be this age again. Honestly, I look at James and I see a completely different boy today than I did 6 months ago. It's beautiful, yet sad at the same time. I would stare at the baby fat under his chin, but somehow I blinked and the baby fat has almost entirely disappeared. And Henry, wow. A year ago he couldn't even lift his head, and now he is a walking-talking-eating machine! Henry has such a comforting smile, one look and the world fades away and all you see is his toothy grin and warm eyes! I love this life, these boys, the gift that Mitch is, both as a loving husband and patient father to our children. All this to say, I see so much overflowing goodness in these photos I snapped on Monday. Sure, some of them were taken quickly, but as I look at them, really LOOK at them, I see the gentle hand of God on my life and the beauty that is family. I hope you see the same in your life and in those that surround you...

Amen.

Feeble Minded Socialmedialite...

Dude. I tried to go without FB, IG, Twitter (ok, I did great and did actually quit you for the almost 40 days) for lent. But....

It's so hard! I tried to convince myself I had to check IG to make sure I didn't win any of those enticing contests I entered, or "what if someone is trying to get a hold of me and it's uber important??!"

Sigh.

All this to say, I logged into my IG twice. And I logged into FB about, hmmm...20 times. I'm such an awful failure.

But sure, there were plenty of instances, and important moments that counted because I was engaged with the boys instead of checking my social media accounts, and then there was the occasional "stop and pray because I wanna check every app on my phone".

I've come to realize it's insanely difficult to QUIT YOU social media, and at the same time, I LOVE YOU social media. It's true that you keep me connected to friends, family, acquaintances, awesome deals on baby items, contests that I want to enter so I can win my boys some Freshly Picked Moccs, etc. etc.

Why do you both rock and suck simultaneously social media?! Why??

Sigh.

Ok, rant over. I'm officially back on social media since my heart has not been in it the last couple of weeks. I will stay off IG for now, try my best to keep off FB for the better part of the day, and instead of beat myself up over failing to completely abstain from social media during Lent, I will thank God for such incredible technology that links us together and encourages us!

Here are the latest happenings around here since Ash Wednesday:

Henry is 7 months old! Scooting, rotating, eating solids, drinking water, smiling all the time (when he's not working on those top teeth), and is on the verge of crawling soon.

James is my rambunctious toddler that currently loves the word "NO!", hot wheels, Disneyland, and library books.

Mitch is living and loving ministry life at RockHarbor Fullerton and the church planters residency. What else can be said about that? I'd choose to be married to a pastor vs. a doctor any day because although one can physically heal you, there's nothing on earth like spiritual guidance and encouragement from an Associate Pastor! Love you, babe.

And I am still here! Surviving! Loving these little monsters and photographing when I get a moment. The art history bug bit me HARD last week, so a trip to LACMA or the Getty is happening soon. Mark my words.

my new granny glasses + perfect baby Henry

choo-choo watching at Fullerton train station

the fab 4

book babes

his hat says, "Not large, but in charge."---it's all true.

THEM. My moon, my men.

Thankful.

"burdee" by James

Hello friends and family! I'd like to be straight up honest with all of you about my current state of thankfulness, especially since our special thankful day is creeping up on us this week. 

I've shared with a few of you on a personal level that it's been an interesting season for Mitch and myself and that we are in desperate need of prayer and support. I have been meaning to do a blogpost strictly about this new journey we are venturing on, but just haven't had the time or energy lately. I know that a lot of it has to do with fatigue and stress, I forgot how much sleep is lost when there's a newborn in the house and that a toddler can make you want to pull your hair out sometimes, especially on those glorious teething days! And please know, I am not complaining, I'm just noting how crazy it can be around here. I know some of you can relate :)
So here are the facts...

I/We are thankful for each of you that have sent us a text, a FB message, or a call saying how excited you are for us and the church planting program. Mitch sent out a letter to most of you, but for the few that do not know about this or are completely unaware of what is going on, here it is: 

My Story

I was born in November of 1981, in Pomona Ca. I was the first born of three boys, then came Vince followed by Ray. I spent most of my early years in Pomona, until my parents bought a home in Ontario, where they still live today. All my life my parents encouraged me to follow my heart and they would support my dreams, but sadly I didn’t know what that meant for me. I spent most of my teen years trying to figure this out. It wasn't until I turned 20 that life made sense. I was working at a retail store called Miller’s Outpost, if you know what that is, you just dated yourself. While I worked there I began attending church with a co-worker. Honestly, I had no interest in God at the time, only an interest in the girl that was inviting me. But after a few weeks of attending, God’s word began to come to life and I gave my life to Christ. For the first time, my life had meaning and I knew what my dream was. I felt the call to ministry, but as a new believer, I had no idea what to do with this call. It scared me, so I kept it to myself. In the meantime, I stepped into whatever door God opened in my life and tried to be obedient in his leading.

Our Story

One of the doors God opened was in our church’s high-school ministry. It was there where God continued to open doors for me to lead and teach. I can still remember the first time I was asked to teach, I was scared, humbled, and excited all at the same time! High-school ministry was not only where God began to open doors for ministry but also where I met Ana. She was a girl who had met Jesus and fell head-over-heels in love with him. She literally abandoned her old life in Arizona in order to pursue him wholeheartedly here in California. And on October 6th, 2007 we were married.

About a year before we were wed, I somehow landed in Fullerton. I knew nothing about this little pocket of North Orange County. But after looking for a home between the Inland Empire and Irvine, I stumbled upon what I now call home. Around 2005, while we were dating, God began to lay a burden on our heart to be a part of the local church. We would have conversations over coffee about how amazing it would be if we knew our neighbors. We dreamed of a community where we would bump into friends at the market or taking a stroll downtown. It was a place where we could become rooted and raise a family in a community. Portland, Denver, Seattle and even Riverside were the cities that we dreamed of, but we had no idea what God had in store for us.

As soon as we settled together, God immediately began to open doors. Ana worked at the downtown Starbucks and I managed a small business a block away. It was during this season where we truly got to know our neighbors. We became friends with police officers, small business owners, artists, teachers, pastors, students, families and the homeless. Our little dream became a reality. We bump into friends at the market, we see them strolling downtown, we have friends to call when we need a truck, and a community that we call Family.

In 2011 we were ready to grow our own family. On February 13, 2012 we were blessed with our first son James Arthur Fierro, and in August we get to meet our second son Henry Robert Fierro. We are in complete awe of how God has blessed our family.

How did we hear about the ROCKHARBOR Residency?

The most crucial part of our dream community is that it revolved around a local church. And sadly that was the only part missing for us in Fullerton. For the first two and a half years in Fullerton, although God was allowing us to build a community, we lacked a home church. We prayed that God would bring us a community, not only where we knew our neighbors but a place we could be the church. For two and a half years we pray and search for a place we could call home.

During Christmas in 2009, a friend was visiting from out-of-town. Over breakfast he told us that he had heard that ROCKHARBOR was starting a campus. Not being too familiar with RH, I immediately wrote off the campus. Even the campus peaked no interest in me, I kept finding myself talking about it. Multiple times it came up in mine and Ana’s conversations, after another friend suggest that we at least look into RHF, we did. We went on the RH website and found the info on where they were meeting and decided to go to one of their meetings.

In the parking lot of Monkey Business Cafe in Downtown Fullerton, Ana and I prayed. We prayed for God’s will, His direction, and His Leading. Lastly we prayed that if RHF was God’s will that He would open doors.

To be completely honest that first meeting was a bit uncomfortable. But at the end of the night it felt special. It felt as if we were on the edge of something big, and we wanted in!!! As we began to settle and become rooted, we continued to pray the same prayers. That GOD would open doors. And he did.
We began serving coffee before and after the service. All the while I had the desire to lead, but I still didn't know how to step into that role. So we prayed “God open doors...” and he did. We were part of the first Fullerton life group launch, where God allowed me to lead our first group. It was through life groups that God solidified that this was our home.

Through leading I became friends with Steve Carter (our founding Pastor), Andrew Schey (who now leads ROCKHARBOR Huntington Beach) and Nick Fox (who now leads Prayer in Costa Mesa). Through these men I was able to be apart of the shaping of the community that exists in Fullerton today.

About 4 months ago I was having coffee with Nick. I was sharing with him my desire to lead, and how for the first time I knew I was supposed to lead a community. I told him that I feel I needed help. I knew if I was going to lead I need to be equipped and prepared for this call. This is when he told me about the residency Doug Berry was leading. I immediately set up a meeting with him and I was in! I'm still in awe of what God has done and is beginning to do in me and my family.

About the Residency

The Church Planting Residency at ROCKHARBOR is a developmental position created in order to prepare the resident to plant a church. Whereas Seminary would hold high value, the RH Church Planting Residency differs in that its primary focus is on church leadership. As a resident, my weekly schedule will exhibit various developmental goals that will give me practical application for a church plant. The resident responsibilities will include: theological training, teaching, preaching and church leadership, job-shadowing of divisions of the church (Operations, Finance, Worship, Families, etc.), and also church planting development, vision and obstacles. Every resident will be planted at one of ROCKHARBOR's campus churches to help lead and facilitate weekend worship services (I will continue to be at ROCKHARBOR Fullerton) .

The residency will not only prepare me be sent out in the coming years. It will allow me to be better developed in my gifts and abilities while I am still at Fullerton. I have to say again, that I am madly in love with this city, these people, and the work God is doing here. It is my desire to be the best leader possible and through the residency I believe I will be given the opportunity to grow and be developed into the man God has created me to be.

Your Part to Play

Please pray for Ana, James, Henry and I. Cover us with prayer. Pray that Ana is able to show Christ's love to our boys as their mother. Pray for health of my boys James and Henry, and that they would grow to be men that want nothing more than to love and serve their Savior. As we enter into this season of preparation for ministry pray against the attacks of the enemy and the spiritual health of our family.

Along with praying for our family, I would also ask that you would pray to support us financially. Church plants that are primarily funded by the home church are much more likely to not succeed than those funded by a group of supporters. With fund raising, the church planter is held accountable by his supporters, the supporters have personal investment in the success of the planter and the church, and an overall sense of community develops that fosters productivity and direction.

We have begun raising support now, ROCKHARBOR's requirement is that we may begin receiving financial support once two months of our salary has been met. All donations are tax-deductible.

If you have any questions, please contact me via email mfierro@rockharbor.org or phone 949.683.4729.

So there you have it. If you want to see the actual webpage, please check it out here. Like I said, we are so incredibly thankful for those that have supported us thru a text or call sending love and encouragement, and so thankful for those of you that have helped fund us financially. I know without a shadow of a doubt that my husband is called to ministry, and I am excited for what God has in store for our family. I am trying my best to encourage him in this new season of ministry and hope that you would join us in prayer for our future as church planters. Happy Thanksgiving my sweet friends and family, I am truly thankful for each and every one of you! Now let's hurry up and eat this turkey so we can get to some of that good ol' Christmas goodness! Amen! 

Dear Henry...

Well. Here we are, son. Nearing the end of week 39! You've been the best baby in utero! Can I just say that I can't wait to meet you?? Tonight I held a one week old baby and you know what? I am SO ready to hold you too! Your brother James did so good when I held baby Josiah, he was so curious, I can't wait to see his reaction when he meets you!

Tomorrow we have an appointment to make sure you're still doing good. But please take your time, there's no rush, I'm feeling pretty good these days, considering how awfully uncomfortable the end of pregnancy can be for some moms. Dad & I even took your bro to Disneyland yesterday! Walking is supposed to encourage you to make your debut, but honestly, I think you're just too cozy. Maybe you'll be a September baby like your mama? :)

Anyway, I just have to say I'm so proud of you for turning over two weeks ago! I was a little nervous about you being breeched at 37 weeks, and all the doctors and nurses were so shocked that you actually flipped over at 38 weeks! You, my sweet boy, seem to like to do things your own way! You stumped the medical world! And you are a testament that prayer truly works! We had a lot of people praying that you'd flip in time, and that's exactly what happened! I felt you turning over on Tuesday morning at 4am, had 4 contractions within' an hour, and then you were so still and quiet at 5am, I knew you'd gone to sleep from all the excitement of flipping over. And then on Wednesday morning at our special ultrasound appointment to see if you'd flipped or if we'd have to schedule a C-section, the tech confirmed that you were the right side up (down!). Here's a little photo of your fist from that morning. I like to think of it as you saying, "I. GOT. THIS."

We are so thankful for the community of friends and family that rallied beside us to pray for you and your amazing summersault skills! We love you and can't wait to meet you!!! See ya soon baby Henry Robert!

-Mom

Here we go!!

Lots of changes in store for the Fierro family this season. 

First, I'll tell you all about her. 

Say hello to Miss Clara Portland Fierro. Or as we like to call her, "puppy", "Portland" and sometimes, "Hey! Don't chew that!" 

A good friend told us there was a litter of labs that needed a good home, and we just happen to have a good home! We know it's a little crazy to have a puppy only 8 weeks old when we will be having a newborn in about 15 weeks, but hey...sometimes you gotta embrace the crazy and learn to love it! 

We talked about getting another pup for well over 2 years and so we just went for it! ***ask me in September how I'm handling everything, mmkay?*** 

The other news can't be shared right away, but it's coming soon. Promise. I know you're all dying to hear what it's all about! *Wink face*

And this week my dear friend Emily is getting married!! I am so excited to be by her side as she experiences what will possibly be the greatest moment in her life! Cue the church bells, strike up the choir, it's bound to be the best of times this Sunday! 

So with all of that being said, can I admit to you that I didn't handle life so well last night? I had a melt down. Mostly from fatigue and the heat (pregnant, 100 degrees, and the news that can't be shared right now all seemed to have gotten to me) but it was bad. I reacted OVER THE TOP and even had to take a cold shower just like the little sister Kit in "A League of Their Own" does when she finds out she's been traded to a different baseball team. It was awful. I was angry, confused, hurt, disappointed (in myself), sweaty, and emotional. All that to say, I'm in serious need of a reality check, and I completely lack in the dept. of trusting in God. I worry. I feel anxious. I feel lost. And the worst part is, I know it's all such a lie to feel so helpless. 

This past Sunday we were in Matthew 6: 26+27, 

"Look at the birds of the air:they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?"

Hard truth to live by, but the truth nonetheless. So here's to living out the gospel...stay tuned! 

Also, this. 

Can't wait for baby Henry to get here so I can have double the snuggle! 

Ps-love the photo editing of Portland & of James/me? It's called "A Beautiful Mess" and it's by the creators of ABM. Great job ladies! I love it! 

Christmas...

it's coming! 

Wonder // Christmas 2012 from ROCKHARBOR on Vimeo.

James' Dedication...

This past Sunday night, our sweet James Arthur was prayed over by our church. 

I prayed a promise that James would know all about Jesus, how phenomenal God's love is for him, and how blessed life can be if the Holy Spirit is allowed to lead it. 

His father's life, and my own, proves to be a testament of how much God has given to us...how can we not share this love with our own son? 

"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other."-John 15:16-17

Daisy Love...

Ever heard of Miss Daisy Love?
It's incredible what God is doing in this sweet girl's life.

photo via prayfordaisy.com

First diagnosed with a Wilms tumor at the age of 5, this little warrior has been fighting on.

Today she is battling cancer for the third time, and it's no surprise how much her story has affected people. Her addicting personality mixed with her hope in God's power of healing, is nothing short of inspiring.

"The fragility of Daisy's life and health has kept them constantly looking to Jesus for strength and grace, and He has been their only hope...Daisy and her family are trusting Jesus. But they are also in a battle for Daisy's life. The next steps include chemotherapy and a possible stem cell transplant. Her parents are pursuing both traditional and progressive cancer treatments in America and Israel. The estimated cost not covered by insurance will total close to half a million dollars."

So what does this mean for those of us that believe in the power of God?

A few things:

1. Prayer for her, and her family.
2. Donating to The Daisy Merrick Trust.
3. Taking part in fundraisers dedicated to her.
4. Did I mention prayer? 

If you want to find out more about this courageous girl and her amazing story, check out, prayfordaisy.com 

Ps- I recently took part in #3 and purchased a bracelet from 31 Bits where 100% of the proceeds will go to The Daisy Merrick Trust. If you want to learn more about them check out 31Bits.com + while you're at it, check out the Blossom Breeze Bracelet for Daisy. 

photo via 31Bits.com

A recap...

This week was a whirlwind! Here's a little recap for you:

Monday: Spent the morning and afternoon with my baby boy, and in the evening went to work at Starbucks.

Monday night: Found out I didn't get a job I applied for (one of many I've applied for), & was given my birthday present early (my husband really does know how to cheer me up!)

Tuesday: Spent the morning and early afternoon with my baby boy, followed by a trip to his Dr's office for his 6 month shots and wellness check. James is in the 90% for his length/height, 80% for his head circumference, and 70% for his weight. Not too shabby.

Tuesday late afternoon: James crawls! Not on his knees, but we put him down in one spot, and he's on the other side of the room in seconds! We were both home to witness this, feel free to check out the video below :)

Tuesday night: crying crying crying. Shots would make anyone feel like poop.

Wednesday: Spent the day with my semi-lethargic baby boy. Lots of kisses and hugs to make his vaccination blues go away.

Thursday: Spent the morning and afternoon with my once-again, happy baby boy, and in the evening went to work.

Late Thursday night: Baby boy fell off the bed, mom's heart broke, and dad saved the day by calming everyone down. Ugh.

Friday: Spent the morning and afternoon with my baby boy (who's getting really good at this army crawling thing), and in the evening went to work where I found out my health insurance went up $75 a month. Boooo.

Saturday: Spent the morning making coffee at work, and the rest of the day at home with my family having important conversations + watching baby boy bump into things.

Sunday: The day of fresh beginnings! Spent the morning with my baby boy while dad served at church, then spent the afternoon with my family as we went out to eat, shopped, and drove around.

Sunday night: We all went to church where God consistently reminds me of how blessed I really am... even if the week was a whirlwind, the truth is his love is new every day!* No matter what kind of week I'm having! *Lamentations 3:23*

So here's to a new week full of promises and love!
Oh yeah, any advice on baby proofing a home? 

Dear Ana...

I read this post over at Darling Magazine just now, and was completely inspired to do what the post asked of me: write a letter to my inner child...

 

Dear Ana,


Hi. You most likely don't care too much to read a letter from your future self, because you're a rambunctious girl that likes to do things her own way with no help from anyone. I know you're headstrong, bossy, and a little defensive with most people because you feel like you have to be your own protector. Growing up seeing divorce, custody wars, re-marriages, abusive words, jealousy, and anger has been pretty trying for you and your little brother Bobby. 


But I want you to know that the walls you've built around you not only keep out enemies, but your friends and family that love you.


You don't need walls to keep out pain, because the pain you fear won't haunt you forever. There's someone that takes your sorrows and turns them into gladness...which I'm pleased to say, you will embrace as truth when you're at the ripe age of sixteen (Eek! I can't wait for you to experience this!).


But for now, try not to worry so much about your little brother and how he will get along in life, or how you have to be the 'class clown' because you'll be accepted by kids at school, or wonder when your family will be 'normal' like everybody else's. 


Just be your beautiful little self that loves to play solitaire with a real deck of cards (none of that computer non-sense), read the newspaper comics everyday, play baseball in the field with all the neighborhood boys, daydream about your future husband who we will call "E", and of course all the great laughs you share with your best friend Crystal. 


I love you little Ana. You really are a gem.


Love, 
Ana



I encourage you to do the same! Write a letter & connect with your inner child as suggested by Lauren Lax:

Somewhere along the way in life, our inner child gets lost amidst the hustle and bustle of obligations, stress, deadlines and worries. We grow up, and unfortunately there is no magical fairy dust to make us stay young forever. But today, as a young adult, I have discovered that there are many ways to reconnect with my inner child, even though birthday candles may tell me otherwise.

After you are finished writing your letter, check out these fun ideas for reconnecting with your inner-child below below. Or feel free to create some for yourself…

• Wear mis-matched socks, or a top that doesn’t match your skirt or pants. Dare to be fun and crazy—free your inner child fashionista to shine.
• Climb a tree and read a book in its branches, or do cartwheels in the park.
• Dance and sing along to songs from your youth—be it boy bands, Spice Girls, rock and roll, or 90’s hits.
• Laugh with your friends until your belly hurts.
• Go to your local library or bookstore and pick out a couple of your favorite kid books to sit and read in the store.
• Watch your favorite Disney movie from the past.
• Eat like a kid for a day—PB&J, mac and cheese, Eggo waffles, Lucky Charms, whatever you loved when you were young and carefree.

On His Grace...

It's been a pretty crazy month. Needless to say, postpartum anything can be pretty intense.

I've gone from pregnant, to not pregnant, to emotional wreck, to being able to tune EVERYTHING out, to not being able to take a shower until 9 o'clock at night (a full 24-48 hours goes by sometimes which was NEVER a common thing for me), to balling my eyes out over breast feeding, to being ok with NOT breastfeeding, to changing sheets/diapers/his clothes/my clothes 5-10x a day, to forgetting to eat or drink or go to the bathroom for hours upon hours, to even forgetting to let Teddy go outside to the bathroom, and lastly, to caring for the most beautiful baby in the entire world.

whew. right?

So today when I read this by C.H. Spurgeon, it seriously hit home for me...

"Like a tree, he bears sweet fruit, not to hang on boughs, but to be gathered by those who need. Grace, whether its work be to pardon, to cleanse, to perserve, is ever to be had from Him freely and without price; nor is there one form of the work of grace which he has not bestowed upon his people." (re: 2 Tim. 2:1)

I understand that all these things that have happened these past 4 weeks are natural and almost all moms out there can agree with me...but I am still in need of His grace. Not because I am tired and trying to get this mom thing down, but because my fatigue and stress can turn into self pity very quickly, which can turn into frustration and anger.

The amazing thing about realizing how good God really is, is the realization of how much we are in desperate need of his image in our lives. Let me go ahead and admit to you that I am downright dumb when it comes to thinking I have to be a perfect wife, mom, and christian, because at the end of the day, I fail miserably. But the cool thing is by reading authors like Spurgeon and the bible, I can boldly say I am glad I don't have it together 100% of the time. That means more opportunities to ask for the grace that can 'pardon, cleanse, and perserve' me in my weaknesses, and I am completely ok with admitting and asking for it (it = grace = help).

I hope you can boldly say you need help too. It makes a world of difference :)