Thanksgiving

I wanna play outside too!

The Grandkids...for now!

The girls minus Jess...:(

We've enjoyed a great Thanksgiving week and day. Kev keeps saying that he cannot believe that his vacation is almost over. We ate a Thanksgiving brunch with Kev's family at 10:00 on Thanksgiving morning and then an early dinner with my family around 2:30. It was a long and busy day..especially with a little one. She had her fair share of family, love and getting into mischief! Thanksgiving is def. busier with a little one...no more afternoon naps on Thanksgiving day. We got home and put e to be at 6:20. She was so tired from her non-napping day...and so was her mommy! I headed out at 5 am on Fri. to finish my Christmas Shopping. I had a list and got most of what I needed! You wouldn't know we are in a recession from the looks of our mall. I love the hustle bustle of holiday shopping. Only 26 more shopping days left! Merry Christmas!

Thanksgiving Day 6

In Ephesians Paul tells the believers to "give thanks always for all things.' Eph. 5:20

One man of God told of meditating on this verse while he was brushing his teeth one morning. He was challenged by the thought of thanking God for everything! He said. " I began thanking God for my toothbrush. Then I thanked Him for the toothpaste. Then I realized that I had never thanked God for my teeth!" Thehe went on to ask this probing question, "If tomorrow's supply depended on today's thanksgiving, how much would I have tomorrow?" Taken from www.reviveourhearts .com

As you go about your day, try thanking God for all things both big and small!

Small things I am grateful for:

my comfy bed, my warm house, shoes and clothes, having my Christmas decorations up, new shampoo and conditioner(sometimes just a switch really helps my hair) my flat iron that gets my curls out, my comfy socks I wear all day everyday, Chick-fli-A, that e can drink her milk all by herself now, my camera that is hot pink, my new shirt I got today, a day spent with Kev and e, that I have family close by, Christmas lights on homes, cold weather, oatmeal..esp. the cinnamon roll kind, and there are so many more!

happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Day5

Today's assignment was to write a letter of gratitude to three of the people listed yesterday thanking them for the blessing they have been in your life. I guess I've got some writing to do.

We went to our Thanksgiving meal at church tonight. It is always on the Tues. before Thanksgiving and always how we begin our Thanksgiving Celebration. Lots of yummy food!

Thanksgiving Day 4

Today's assignment was to make a list of other individuals who have blessed or touched your life. These can include pastor's, teachers, friends, business associates, neighbors, or leaders of Christian ministry.

There are many people outside my family who are dear to me and who the Lord has used throughout my life in different ways.

1. Mr. Doug at Church...he is the kindest greeter you will ever meet. He always makes me feel loved and special.

2. Louise M....a special lady to me.

3. Kev's Aunt Pam..she is so loving and giving to me. She always finds sweet ways to bless our family.

4. Our Sunday School Class..friends who are always there when needed. They model Christ love through their actions...cooking meals, sending cards, praying when needed.

5. Tina G....she organized a prayer chain for me when I was pregnant with e and would randomly call women in our church directory each time I went in for an ultrasound. She has two small kids who keep her busy and this was so kind. I know the prayers helped!

6. My Church as a whole.

7.E's pediatrician Dr. Traynham. It is a blessing to have a Christian doctor who you trust when taking care of your sick child.

8. Our neighbors Pete and Whitney...such a blessing to have Christian neighbors who we trust and know are there if we need anything...like and egg or something:)

I know there are many many more people who have blessed my life. I am thankful for you all!

A Week Of Thanksgiving Days 2&3

This weekend was a bit busy...from shopping, decorating our house (for yes Christmas) and other activities I am finally sitting day to post days 2&3 of the Thanksgiving study I found for this week. (See the last post to locate it.)

Day 2

Make a list of all the material and spiritual blessings you can think of that you have received from the Lord. Thank God for them!

Spiritual Blessings (rec. to read the first Ch. of Ephesians if you need help)

1.I have confidence of my salvation from Jesus Christ.

2. I have been forgiven for my sins.

3. I will have a home in heaven when I die.

4. God has given me peace and help through the rough spots in life.

5. God continues to show me my need for more of Him in my life.

6. God has been both good and kind to me even when I didn't deserve.

7. God has a plan and purpose for my life.

8. God has blessed me with a church that loves me and loves the Lord.

Material Blessings

1. I have a family who loves me.

2. I have friends who care about me.

3. I have a church that i love.

4. I have a home that the Lord blessed us with at just the right time in our lives.

5. I have clothes...too many...and way too many shoes.

6. We have 3 cars...wanting to sell one...we are so blessed!

7. I have pretty much everything I want...doesn't that sound terribly spoiled...it's the truth!

8. I have lots of pretty things in my home...I am feeling more and more selfish!

9.I have food...we have a well stocked pantry...and if I needed more I know tons of places I could get it!

These are just a few! I am so blessed! I know most of the world's population would give anything to live my life...even for a day! Thank you Lord for these many blessings that I do not deserve!

Day 3

Today's assignment is to focus on gratitude for your family members...and write qualities that you are grateful for about each person.

My husband Kev- hardworking, so giving, so loving, loves to make me happy, loves helping others, passionate about the Lord and serving Him!

Daughter E- so funny, so loving, loves to snuggle with me, loves be right with me, I love that she has my hair, she makes my life so so much fun!

Dad- committed and giving...my dad has faithfully preached God's word every Sun. for the almost 29 years of my life (except for the 2 sun. he takes for vacation) He is faithful to study and seek the Lord...and he has never once in my life acted prideful about his knowledge or service to the Lord. He is very humble.

Mom-Giving and giving and giving...she will do anything she canyo help us girls. She always makes time to spend with her grandchildren and children..even if it is just a chat on the phone. She loves the Lord and has been a Godly example of a wife and mother to me.

Sister Joy-Compassionate...when you have a sick child joy is so understanding...(probably because one of her children have already had that sickness) She is also fun to just hang out with. We do that a lot! I ask her for lots of advice about babies and pregnancies and such.

Sister Jess- Sentimental and strong...she may not feel strong some days but I feel she is as she has gone about lots of changes this past year and continues to trust the Lord and seek His will for her life. I admire her!

This is just my immediate family. I could go on about my great brother-in-laws and others but you get the point. The Lord has truly blessed me with a wonderful family and I am so thankful for each of them.

Ephesians 1:16-19 " I have never stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you might grow in the knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future he has promised to those he called. I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people." (NLT)

Being Thankful

Since Thanksgiving is almost here I want to spend the next few days focusing on being thankful I found some great material that I am planning on using at http://www.reviveourhearts.com/ that I am going to be using in my personal devotion time. I really liked it because it focuses on being thankful for different areas of my life and is broken into seven days.

Day 1 the reading is from Colossians 1:3&12

2:7

3:15,17

I really like Col. 2:7 "Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with THANKSGIVING for all he has done." (NLT)

Col. 3:15 "And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members f one body you are all called to live in peace. And always be THANKFUL." (NLT)

And Col. 3:17 is def. convicting to me...."And whatever you do or say let it be as a representation of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving THANKS through him to God the Father."

Truth is we all have so much to be thankful. Hope you will join me these next 7 days in focusing on what the Lord has done for us!

A few pics for the Fam!

Riding along in my automobile...my baby beside me...


I luv she-sha!


here are a few pics of e for autie she-sha in Oregon! We love and miss you! Can't wait till Christmas to see you looking nice and prego!

Easy Crockpot Chili Soup

This recipe is from my friend Tina. I tried it last night and we loved it! The best part is that it makes a lot and is super easy! Thought I'd share! I am always looking for new, easy recipes...please feel free to share with me! I'd love them!

2 lbs ground beef browned (You can use 1 lb turkey and 1lb beef if you want)

2 cans Minestrone soup

2 cans Rotell (I used mild and it still gives it a kick..You can sub. diced tom. if you don't like the heat)

2 cans Pinto beans

One Med. log of Velveeta Cheese (there are 3 sizes of Velveeta and you need the med. one)

Add it all in your crock pot and cook for a few hours until warm. I cooked it on low for about 3 hours and it was perfect!

I also cooked Jiffy cornbread and the sweetness went well with the spicy soup! Hope you enjoy! Let me know if you try it!

Christmas Shoppping!

So the Christmas Shopping rush is right around the corner. I love Christmas shopping! Well, let me clarify...I love to go out with my mom and sisters..I love the hustle bustle, I love the Christmas music playing in stores....but I really prefer to have all my shopping done before Thanksgiving so I can "enjoy" Christmas shopping! I know I am weird! I haven't done as well this year. In fact I haven't bought one single gift for any of the guys in our family! I always have a harder time picking out gifts for them! I have done pretty good on getting a head start for the females and niece and nephews!

I was in Bath and Body...a staple shop for great gifts and I found a great little gift for just 5 Dollars! This would make a great teacher gift (teachers really prefer Bath and Body lotions over the rose floral stuff from Wal-mart...Trust ME!) I also thought these would be great to give individually if you just needed something small to add! My favorite scent right now is the Winter Candy Apple...but my mom really likes the Twisted Peppermint! It smells good too...a lot like cotton candy to me! Just thought I'd share a cheap gift idea with you! Better get them soon while they are only $5.00! Happy shopping!

Discipline

E is now 13 months and everyday I am seeing the need for more and more discipline. I really don't like to discipline. As a teacher this was always the hardest part for me. I think as the years went by I got better at consistency and having high expectations for the behavior of my students...and as the year would progress I would def. see the benefit of this. On days that I was tired or just felt like being a nice teacher...I also would see the need for consistency and rules. Now that e is growing she is challenging me more and more. Oh for the days when she would just sit and let me snuggle her. If you've seen us at church lately you've probably seen me chasing after her or seen me wrestling to hold her. I am praying for the Lord to give me wisdom as I enforce rules and expectations even at this young age....and pulling back out my parenting books!

We Survived

We survived our garage sale of 2008! WHEW...def. much easier than our garage sale of 07...I was 6 months pregnant and it was the middle of a very hot summer! I vowed that I would never do it again! But... I am one who loves to get rid of anything we are not using. I hate clutter and I find enjoyment in cleaning out closets! I know...please no hate mail! So every year I go room by room and clean out everything that is not being used or no longer needed and we have a garage sale. The best part is that whatever I make Kev lets me keep (that sounds like he never gives me money...he does I assure you) but I get to keep my cash and I don't even have to tell him what I spend it on! The joys of life on a budget. I am looking forward to heading to the mall this week. Oh, did I tell you that one of e's favorite words is Tar-get! It is too cute. She is working on Cost-Co and almost has it down. Happy Monday!

Nov. 7 Defined my Pro-life view

Nov. 7th, 2005 was a day that changed me forever. I was almost 26 and 20 weeks pregnant with my first child. My husband K and I had planned on having a family since we got married but the timing was finally right to start our family. We tried once and to our surprise we got pregnant (I don't say that bragging because it surely wasn't that easy the second time around.) I say that to note that this was God's plan.

Back to Nov. 7th, we arrived at my ob office for my 20week ultrasound followed by an appointment. I had taught school all day and could hardly contain my excitement! I was dying to know if we were having a boy or a girl. My pregnancy so far had been picture perfect. Little morning sickness, great appointments, and I was just so excited to be having our first child. I could hardly focus enough to teach my class of first graders throughout the day. I remember as I left school that day my teacher friends yelled down the hall, "Call us as soon as you find out!" We were all excited.

Only God knew what was coming! I'll fast forward to the ultrasound. After a few minutes I began to realize that something was not right. The tech was asking me some questions like...had I been sick...had I leaked any fluid..and a few more...all to which I answered no. Then she began to tell us that she was concerned because I had very very little amniotic fluid! I began to panic and squeeze K's hand as she continued to scan. I really didn't know what this meant. I guess the worst thing I was thinking was perhaps a child with a mental disability, downs syndrome, or perhaps a physical handicap..and at the moment that seemed devastating...but I would soon find myself wishing it was only one of those things.

Of course the doc. was called in and told us that this was most likely one of two conditions. One that was a genetic condition...meaning K and I would both have to be carriers or another condition that is NOT genetic but has no reason for it's cause...they call it a FLUKE! Okay so what does this mean for us for my baby??? They wanted us to go to another Doc. for a higher risk ultrasound that day but because of the time they could only get us in the next morning.

We went to my parents house that night...just to shaken to go home. We began to research these conditions and what we found was that both were always fatal. Babies with these conditions do not survive..do to many issues at birth. Totally scared and just in shock....I remember thinking these kinds of things aren't supposed to happen to me! We went to the appointment the following morning. I was so nervous, anxious...I felt like I was going to throw-up! I'll never forget as they scanned ... it was hard to see our baby. Since this was my first pregnancy I had nothing to compare it to...but it was so hard to really see what was what due to the low fluid levels. But as the doc. scanned he went over the face of our baby and there we could see two little eyes and a little face looking right at us. There it was...my baby...still unsure whether it was a boy or girl...and really that didn't seem nearly as important as it did the day before.

I remember being asked on more than one occasion..."Mrs. Giordano, are you sure you want to continue your pregnancy?" I knew the right answer... yes! Of course I was going to continue my pregnancy...I mean I am a christian. I have always said that was was PRo-life...of course I want to continue this pregnancy. It was my baby for heaven's sake. And yet at this point I began to feel somewhat unattached to my baby. UHHHH...such a hard time in my life. I was carrying this child and yet I knew that I would not get to have this child but for a short time.

The doc. began having me come in every week to listen for a heartbeat because there was a chance that our baby could die in utero. They told me I could sit in an outside waiting room to avoid all the happily expecting pregnant mothers. It just wasn't fair. Week after week our little baby's heart continued to beat strong. I was trying to just make it! There were days when I just so wanted this all to just be over. Over so that I could get my body back and no longer look or feel pregnant...over so that we could try again. As crazy as it sounds I just wanted...needed a baby!

I often though that if I were not a christian I could see how a women when found in a hard situation would choose abortion. Seemed fast and the nightmare would be over! Yet I knew the truth...that God had Knit this baby together in my inmost. That he knew this child and I could trust HIM..that he had a plan, had not forsaken us, and would be with us. I was terrified about the delivery, scared of the unknown..yet the Lord continued to give me peace which sustained me day by day.

I think the Lord knew my anxious heart and I went into pre-term labor at just 33 weeks. and on Jan.31, 2006 I met a my precious little Samuel for a few short hours. Samuel was 3lbs 4oz and way more beautiful than I ever imagined.

I write All this not for your symphathy or condolences...as the Lord has step by step been faithful and true and GOOD to us. I write it because as the elections are over my mind has recently thought so much about the decision I made to carry our child. I without a doubt know that either way my baby would have been okay. I trust that God loves each child no matter how small, wanted, or unwanted. I often think of how I would have been the one to suffer. Had I have not pressed on toward my goal I would have missed seeing my child, missed holding my child, missed having pictures which we cherish, a lock of his hair, and clothes that he wore. I would have missed seeing how God orchestrated events so detailed and perfect for Samuel's birth. I couldn't have done this if I had tried. I would have missed hearing my doctor with tears in her eyes tell me that although she believes in God she did not understand my choice...but after coming to Samuel's funeral and seeing his pictures she understood why we did what we did. I would have felt guilty. I would have wondered what if...I would have regret.

I am thankful that God has used this in my life...almost on a weekly basis. I very often get asked it e is my only child and I always reply that we have a little boy in heaven that we lost at birth. They usually reply...oh I am so sorry. This gives me an opportunity to share my faith by saying, "It was the hardest time of my life but the Lord got me through and has blessed us with a beautiful baby girl."

Hopefully this will encourage someone when faced with a tough situation to trust God and leave the results to Him. For He does all things well.

What can a 13 Month Old Understand??

One of the things I am loving most about being e's mom is seeing her learning new things everyday! I find myself so proud of the little accomplishments in learning that I see...maybe this is the teacher in me...or maybe all parents feel this way.

On Tuesday I picked up e's only girl cousin from school. The boys were in the car as well and I was trying to help my sister out as little bit had his 2 week check-up! NO one should have to go to the doc. with 4 children in tow. Okay, back to my story. E has a doll that we keep in the car for entertainment purposes. It has a cute little hat attached by a string. So when we got in our car yesterday... many hours later...I noticed that the hat was now unattached. I said, "e did you get this hat off?" Then in her cute little way she said AAAAADEEEE. She can say her cuz's name but I was just very curious if she really understood.

So last night I asked A who took the hat off (not that I care at all if the hat comes off) and she said she had on the way home from school. I was surprised that e was able to understand and answer me. Maybe she knows more that she lets on at times!

The Wheels on the bus....

This morning as I was changing e's diaper (trying anything to keep her still) I was singing "The wheels on the bus." So I sang the babies on the bus...you know go wah wah wah...all over town. Then we got to the mommies..you remember they go sh sh sh ...all over town. Then I got to the daddy's...and they just read read read and then I couldn't help but laugh! This old song proves quite true! I am sure there are exceptions..but can't you just picture this poor mommy trying to calm her baby on the crowded bus where she is making a scene..and the daddy is just calmly reading his paper. I don't think it's because he is trying to be rude or unhelpful....HE just DOESN'T HEAR IT...or maybe he does??? This song was def. written by a woman!

Sorry...maybe I am still a little stressed after waiting in line for 2 1/2 hours to vote yesterday..with e or over my night last night!

I have a confession!

Ella slept in her room at night for the first time last night..and she is almost 13months. This is something that I have struggled with for a long time. When she was born we had her in our room in a bassinet, when she out grew that we switched to a cradle, and then to a port-a-crib. I have had this fear...that she will smush her nose in the bumper, get a leg caught, the house catch on fire, or a burglar...and I can't get to her fast enough. So it just seemed safer, wiser, and I slept better with her close by. Every night we pray over her asking the Lord to surround her with his angels and watch over her throughout the night. I have to admit since losing Samuel...and then getting ella her safely...my biggest concern was SIDS! I have been terrified to walk into her room after 12+(Hopefully) hours to check on her! I ALWAYS made sure she went to sleep on her back...until I could no longer keep her on her back...and made she there were no blankets, toys or etc. in the crib. She has always napped in her room throughout the day and loves her big crib so this was not a new space for her! Kevin has been as weak on this issue as I have been. I'd have her in her bed sound asleep and when it got time for us to go to bed he'd say...let's just let her sleep in here...so off I'd go to move a sleeping child back to our room. Is that not sad or what! Needless to say last night was the night... and we both were so tired that we stuck to our guns and although I checked on her 3 times throughout the night she slept great and so did we. I think we'll try again tonight!

The Cutest Cow EVER!

We dressed ella up as a cow for Halloween. I totally get why parents enjoy dressing up their little kids..she was soooo cute as a little cow! We visited a few relatives and stopped by our neighbor's Halloween Party for a few minutes and then ella and I answered the door for trick-or-Treaters. She loved running to the door every time the doorbell rang and seeing the kids in costume. Finally at 8 I closed up shop and put her to bed. She was a worn out little cow but it was so much fun.