IF YOU THINK IT, DO IT!

This has been on my mind a lot lately – concerning acts of kindness, generosity, phone calls, notes, etc.  Often times, I think of someone and something I should do for them, but  let the moment pass, forget about it or just never get around to it.  I allow the busyness of life to get in the way of what I believe are little nudges from God to be a blessing or to minister to someone.  I have been reminded over the past few weeks to slow down, stop, listen. When God is speaking, I need to follow it up with action.

Who do I need to write a note of encouragement to?

Who do I need to call?

Who needs a text/email to let them know I’m thinking about them?

How can I be generous today?

These little things don’t take too long, but can really make a difference in someone’s day.  I know I’m encouraged when others think of me, so why don’t I follow through when I think of others?

It’s time to take some action!

I had a great plan for his birthday morning.  A perfect picture, all in my head, of what the morning would be like.  Wake up earlier than everyone else, set a fun table, make delicious waffles (no frozen Eggos today), put some birthday candles on his waffle, sing happy birthday, toss some confetti, smile, laugh … you get the point.

He woke up in a fowl, fowl mood.  Did not want my fancy waffles. Did not want candles. Did not want any singing, smiling, laughing … heck, he didn’t even want us to look at him.  You wanna know what he did want?  A FROZEN WAFFLE!

I was so frustrated that he was passing up something that could have been so great for a mediocre frozen waffle (with no syrup, singing or anything!).  So disappointed that the plan I had for him was ruined because he was stubborn and whinny.

The more frustrated I got, the more God reminded me …

“How many times have you acted this way when I had a great plan for you?”

“How many times have you thought you knew best, when in reality your best was mediocre?”

“How many times have you whined and pouted because you didn’t get YOUR way?”

Yup. That’s me, got it, got it, got it.

God taught me a valuable lesson through my three year old that day.  How many times do I pass up on God’s best for me because I’m whinny, stubborn and think I know best?

I’ve done it plenty of times.  Hope I’ve learned my lesson.

Thanksgiving week has been a bit different for us this year, but there is so, so much that fills my heart with joy! I am one happy gal and so thankful for the many, many blessings God has poured out over my life . . .

- His unfailing love, grace and mercy.  God loves me and I am so thankful that He is so patient with me.

- My wonderful husband, who follows where God leads, even when it’s not the easiest thing to do.

- My sweet little man.  His tight hugs, sloppy kisses and sweet “I love yous” just make each and every day so much brighter!

- Coming soon baby … thrilled, thrilled, thrilled!

- My brothers.  They’re the best! They know exactly what to do to get under my skin and do it quite frequently, but when it comes down to it, they’re always here for me – protecting me, checking up on me, loving me.

- The rest of the family! So thankful not only for “my” family, but Michael’s family as well – couldn’t have asked for a better set of in-laws, sister and nieces.  God really took care of me here. : )

- Friends, precious, precious friends.  So thankful for each and every one of you!

Matthan loves race cars, so that’s exactly what he wanted to do for his 3rd birthday party.  He chose two of his favorite NASCAR drivers, Jimmy Johnson and Kasey Kahne (he has their toy cars) as the main attraction for the party – Jimmy Johnson cake and Kasey Kahne piñata – the boy knows what he wants!

I found the perfect invitation (that just happened to match the blue and red of the chosen race cars, whoo!) . . .

We ordered the birthday cake and cupcakes from the fabulous Holly (who also made his first and second birthday cake) and were not disappointed.  Her cakes  always look amazing and are incredibly delicious!

We had boxes ready for each of the kids to make their own race car.  They chose a number and “decals” to decorate their cars with, then our helpers (my wonderful nieces) helped put their tires on their cars.

Before they could head to the race track, they had to make a pit stop to tighten their tires and gas up their cars!

We planned on having some racing events, but had a few freak outs due to the many adults staring at them (I guess I can understand that).  Thankfully, at the end of the party (and after getting some sugar from the cake) they all went back outside and ran around the track while the adults chatted inside.

The party ended with a Mexican tradition (Matthan is 25% Mexican after all).

Everyone got to hit the piñata, then we had to have our friend David finish it off so the candy would fall out! These Mexican piñatas are very well made! : )

The kiddos each got a bag to put their candy in and took that, and their race car, home as their party favors.

The party was so much fun and a big success (thanks Megs for all your help).  So thankful for all our friends and family who came and showered Matthan with lots of love on his special day.  And, to make things even better, he did get to “drive” the race car like he wanted to when it first arrived! : )

I can not believe you are three today, THREE! You are a big boy now and you make sure that we all know it.  I have loved seeing how you’ve grown and changed throughout this past year.  Your personality continues to develop, and if it’s even possible, I love you more and more each day.  You are kind, thoughtful, helpful and so funny.  You are going to be such a wonderful, fun and caring big brother.  You make me laugh almost every day, even at times when I am trying to get on to you, you say or do something that cracks me up!  I think you’ve caught on to this and are  using it as your technique to stay out of trouble.  You are most definitely a talker, full of stories, questions and just plain ol’ stating facts.  You’ve also developed quite a bit of musical talent – you love to sing (especially songs from church, your current favorite is “March to the Beat”), play the drums and play the guitar.  You are not satisfied with just standing on the floor and performing, you must climb on your bed or the couch and perform from your “stage” then request that I clap for you when you are done.  I try so hard to get your performances on video, but you just won’t do it for the camera!  There are plenty of other things I’ve been able to take pictures of – you are one mischevious little fellow and we’ve caught you doing some pretty funny (although messy and sneaky) things this year!  You’ve also grown to love race cars (thanks to Papa).  You know a lot of the NASCAR drivers’ names, sponsors and their car numbers and you love having races with all your cars.  Your favorite part of the races are the wrecks!. You also love to run around and race, pretending you are a race car, but we must always start by saying, “Gentlemen, start your engines!”  You enjoy watching CARS and Toy Story and reenacting Lightning McQueen’s big wreck or Buzz Lightyear’s flights – it’s so fun to watch you play and talk when you think we aren’t listening.  You still love all kinds of trucks – garbage trucks, dump trucks, firetrucks, construction trucks – you can name them all (I’m amazed at some of the trucks you know names for, you’ve taught me so many).  And, you are a master at making their sounds, especially a firetruck, you are right on with that one!  It brings me so much joy to see you loving church and coming home to tell Daddy and I what you have learned.  You not only love to sing the songs you learn there but you have started memorizing scripture, thinking about what God’s Word says and retelling Bible stories.  I love peeking into your room at nights, when you are supposed to be sleeping, to find you reading your Bible.  You have so many books to choose from, but most often you choose the Bible.  I pray that you will always enjoy reading your Bible, allowing God to teach you, mold you and shape you into who He wants you to be.  I know God has an amazing plan for your life and it brings me so much joy to see you already growing and learning more about His love for you.  Daddy and I are so proud of you and are blessed to have you in our lives.  You have taught us so much and are a tremendous blessing in our lives.  We love you!

Your third year …

November 2008

December 2008

January 2009

originally posted on November 18, 2008

My sweet boy, you are two today. You are such a blessing in our lives – more than you could ever imagine. You bring a smile to my face and so much joy to my heart every single day. These past two years have gone by so quickly (everyone kept saying they would, but I didn’t believe them) and now look at you – you have grown and learned so much! You are a child full of joy, smiles and laughter. You are so laid back and easy going, but you are also full of determination. That’s one of my favorite things about you – you don’t give up easily. When something difficult comes your way, you keep trying and trying until you make it work or you finally say “help you mommy?” The sound of your voice is oh, so sweet and you have such a great vocabulary (I’m your mom, I can brag). I am amazed every single day with the new things you say – you are starting to put sentences together, ask so many questions, remember stories and even sing songs in Spanish! Your favorite things right now are planes, cars, trucks, anything that moves, but especially garbage trucks. You are fascinated by garbage trucks. We have a special container of “trash” just for you to use with your garbage truck toys. You talk about garbage trucks all day long – to me, to daddy, even to strangers at the store! You love watching Mickey Mouse and Handy Manny in the mornings while Mommy gets going (I think you may be the only morning person in our house right now) and you eat your favorite breakfast – waffle and yogurt with a straw. You’ve also been known to wake up way too early in the mornings asking to play – you are crazy, boy! : ) You are definitely full of energy – I don’t think you ever walk anymore – only running and jumping for you. You love counting and having us catch you as you jump, you love running around the tree outside as you say “round and round and round,” you love looking out the window as we drive and naming everything you see (school bus, car transporter, motorcyle) and you love to look up to the sky at night to find the moon then quickly remind us that the “cow jumps over the moon.” You amaze me every single day! I love being your mommy and spending my days with you – I wouldn’t have it any other way. I look forward to what lies ahead – I know God has an incredible plan for your life. He will use you in a mighty, mighty way! I love you!

Your second year …

12 Months – November 2007

13 months – December 2007

14 months – January 2008

15 months – February 2008

16 months – March 2008

17 months – April 2008

18 months – May 2008

19 months – June 2008

20 months – July 2008

21 months – August 2008

22 months – September 2008

23 months – October 2008

2 years old – November 2008

Two candles – 2 year old birthday celebration

Taking a look back at the past three years this week.  This may not be of interest to anyone but close friends and family, but I love looking back and reflecting on the amazing blessings God has given us through Matthan.

Up first … year one.

Matthan’s birthday is coming up and we’ve been busy preparing for his party.  The one thing he’s been most excited about and anxiously waiting for is the arrival of his piñata, all the way from Mexico.  This is a thank you to my wonderful friend Karla and my dad, Abuelito, for making this happen!

All we’ve got to do now is fill it up with candy!

I’m a list maker, and I’m pretty sure I have already posted about this, but I’m too tired to go check.  I’ve actually had a pretty productive day and been marking things off my list, in preparation, of course, to get another list started of more things I need to accomplish – we do have a three year old birthday party coming up next week! : )

Last week I had dinner with some sweet friends and we were talking about making lists and crossing things off and how great that felt and blah, blah, blah, when one of the gals said something to the effect of, “Maybe I should become a list maker.  So, what do you put on your lists?”  Love it! Girl, if you don’t even know what to put on a list, then you are most definitely not a list maker! : )

So, how about you?  Are you a list maker or not?