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! 

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! 

Lately...

Life has been busy! But what else is new, right?

Last week I was going to do an update but as I opened my browser, out of the corner of my eye I saw a little thing hanging out breathing heavily near the bookshelf/lamp. I said very quietly to Mitch, "Dude. There is a FREAKING mouse in the house!" Yup. I rhymed and everything.

We think it snuck in under the security door when we had it open to let some of the stuffy heat out, and didn't see it because Mitch was out walking Teddy and I was putting James to bed. So we both HOPPED up and I took off to the linen cupboard to get a towel to block the hallway door so it wouldn't go in the hall to the bedrooms, and Mitch frantically looked around for something to catch it with. Turns out the property manager said he'd call the exterminator in the morning since it would be nearly impossible to get Ratatouille out of the house, so naturally I freak out and run to wal-mart to get some glue traps because there was NO WAY I was going to sleep knowing that a mouse was hanging out in the living room.

I got home and Mitch says, "I think Teddy chased it out! He ran to the door (we left it open just in case the mouse ran out) and started digging in the bushes and running around outside!" Our Teddy rescued us! He saved the day! He got about 10 treats that night and a billion x's and o's! But just to be safe I still set the traps out and we slept with towels under all the doorways :)

The exterminator confirmed it was an isolated incident since he didn't find any droppings. I know, it also made me sick and queasy---don't tell a pregnant lady ANYTHING about droppings man! Eew! But he set a black vermin box outside just to be safe which I was happy about.

And that was just Tuesday night.

Wednesday + Thursday, James and I spent the afternoons/evenings at Disneyland with family. I can't explain in words how great it was to see him interact with his cousins for the first time. He was acting like such a big boy! Walking around with them, holding hands with them, climbing with them, sword fighting...it was precious! I also love seeing my brother + his kiddos so much, it really makes me cherish them since we only see each other a few times a year.

Friday night we hung out as a family at home. MUCH NEEDED. *anyone else really into Grimm?*

Saturday we cleaned the house and got some much needed unpacking done. Yeah, I know, it's been almost 2 months since we've moved, but the boys room + photos/paintings have yet to be tackled. We'll get there someday.

Saturday evening Mitch & I had dinner in Downtown Fullerton with another couple from RockHarbor + we discussed some heavy things and hopeful things and it was just nice to chat and have an "adults only" night out. After dinner, Mitch and I escaped to Downtown Brea for sweets and talked about how long we've known each other and how excited we are for our future together. I love knowing that even though we feel like we know each inside & out, we still learn new things about each other + love each other despite our flaws + crazy days.

Sunday we had church! I love waking up and rushing off to church with James because I know in 45 minutes or less I can sit back and freely worship and cry and slow down a bit while I know James is hanging out with his friends downstairs. Such a comfort + peace in all of that.

And now it's Monday. Hoping this week will be a little slower than last week, but I'll take whatever I get since I love it all. Oh yeah, maybe you saw my FB post last week, and if you didn't I'll share it here. This also pretty much sums up how I've been doing lately as far as being a pregnant mama goes...

"Just saw a Verizon commercial about a mom & her baby that grows up & now I am sitting here with tears streaming down my cheeks. What's happening?! Oh. I'm 22 weeks pregnant & my 14 month old son said two words in a row today. I'm a mess. And a mom :)"

The two words were, "Hi baybee!"

My heart couldn't be much fuller!

The last 5 days...

I've been sniffling, super congested, body achey, head-achey, and tummy achey.

I realize moms around the world do it everyday, all the time, in any season of the year, but this was my first time having to take care of myself and my baby boy, and let me tell you, it was tough!

So my loving hubs took the night watch for me, and I slept on the sofa in the living room where I am positive I kept the books up all night with my sneezing and sniffling.

That humongous pile of laundry in the other room, the dirty kitchen floor, and the dog hair that is in mounds on the carpet doesn't seem so bad now that I can actually breathe out of one nostril, but let me confess, I did have a good crying session last night before I left for work...

As I sat at the kitchen table feeding James cereal and carrots, I cried because I was sooo tired. So I embraced the fact that I was just a little run down, and that even though the house was a mess, little James Arthur was happy + content with that bowl of carrots, so what was I freaking out for?


And today I'm actually starting to feel more like myself and less like a zombie with a vicious head cold...and you know what, it feels so so good to be back to normal!

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? 

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 :)

David Crowder* Band-Give Us Rest

Really enjoying this final album. Reflecting on these past 10 years I have been listening to this band & all the growth that has accompanied that. Can't wait to see what will happen in the next 10 years!

Mornings such as this...

are cherished.

I absolutely love waking up, and knowing I have most of the day to do what I please.

Today I woke up and immediately took Teddy on a little stroll through the neighborhood (his bladder is smaller than mine).

Then I picked up the house a bit, made breakfast, and dove into Job, Morning & Evening & BIG GOD...

Now, here I am jotting away about how great mornings are. What separates mornings like today from any other morning? Time spent with the one who loves spending time with us. Period. No doubt about it...I absolutely believe this is what makes mornings such as this wonderful.

Britt Merrick says it best, " You can tell everything you ever wanted to know about peoples' hearts, passions and priorities from the way they spend their money and the way they spend their time."

I pray my life would say "Jesus".

God is...

patient.


"For us he prayed, for us he taught,
For us his daily works he wrought;
By words, and signs  and actions, thus
Still seeking not himself but us."
-Unknown 

Today I am 8 years old...

Taken on 8-9-02

8 years ago today I began to realize my life was in need of a savior. I began to read the bible (which I had never done before), pray, go to bible studies & sing along with Christians to songs that praised God...it was the beginning of a new way of life for me.

This morning I finished reading Hebrews & reflected on the word FAITH. Has mine increased these past 8 years? Yes. The past 3 years alone have been incredibly blessed & enlightening. God has done so much in my small world whether it's sickness, to new family, to my husband, to personal conviction... all has been GOOD.

Because "... he [chastens] for our profit, that we may be partakers of his holiness" Heb.12:10.

& no matter what I will never be left to flounder because "he himself has said 'I will never leave you nor forsake you'" Heb. 13:5.

& as I grow with age & learn that I need to cling to God vs. push myself away, I realize my life is more full than I could have ever imagined it to be.

Have I mentioned how much I love love love Mitch & Teddy?

Very much.

Today I miss...

Ireland.

Me. Missions Trip October 2003.

Twi-Love...

It's true. 

I love the Twilight saga. 

If you would've asked me if I loved these books 1 year ago, my answer would've been a laugh. 

But now that I have read them & love them, I can honestly put them in the category of: 

Romeo & Juliet, Mr. Darcy & Elizabeth, Mickey & Minnie Mouse...

Eclipse debut: June 30th, 2010

Today I realized...

having your guitar out & in the open makes you want to play it.

18 Days...

Until we move into our new home.

This home will be ours for 1 year.

We aren't sure what comes after that.

But, we are excited.

Niceness...

"The sweetness and generosity and politeness and gentleness and humanity of the French had shown me how lovely life can be if one takes time to be friendly."

- Julia Child

The giving tree...

Drawn circa winter 2009

Growth...

I really needed something to jump the cables of my academic life...I'm so happy to have received this & am now amped to study some anthropology this evening! I am really praying about getting an internship this summer, taking up to 21 units this fall & graduating in December 2010/January 2011 with my BA, all for the love of art history & the gift of being able to attend school. I emailed some close family today & forwarded this email to them saying,

I got this email today from school. I was really excited to share it with you all! Whoo hoo! I'd just like to say, I don't think I could've done it on my own...I'm very blessed to have such great family to encourage me along the way...& I can't wait to graduate whenever that day may come. So thank you for being a part of my life & loving me & telling me "I can do it". You deserve to be on this deans list with me :)

Love, Ana-Alicia

Blessed=me.