Today, as I sit for the last time at my desk, seeing it empty as I have taken down all the pictures of my family, my friends; taken down my beautiful Butterfly 1903 Calender, put away my coffee mug and cleaned out my computer... I think of how fast time passes and how much things change over the course of the years. I worked at Almex for four years and four months. When I started, I was single. Now I leave, married and with a beautiful baby boy. I have gained so much in this short time.
Truthfully, I am teary eyed. Change is hard sometimes. Not because I'm sad, I'm not. I'm very much looking forward to being with my son. It's just weird how my life will be so very different.
But change is normal. Change is necessary.
A friend and co-worker put it simply as seeing life as a ride on a Train. People come, sit for a while, sometimes a short while, sometimes a little longer, then get off, or simply switch wagons.
People come and go. Jobs come and go, people get married, people move away, babies arrive and people die. That's just how it goes.
Change happens.
But, as I sit here taking it all in, I realize that the ONLY constant thing in our lives is the Lord.
Psalm 139 7-10 Says:
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your Presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; it I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, it I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
Nothing happens to us, that He is not already aware of. No change can come, that He does not know. For all the coming and going we do, He is there. He is always there.
I find this SO reassuring.
People may leave us, they may dissapoint us, let us down, and make us feel "unworthy". Material things come and go. But He stands by our side.
Today I am so thankful for this. For my God´s constant presence in my life. That I never need to feel alone. He is always with me.
For my father. Caleb's personal babysitter for these past 4 months. He has been SUCH a HUGE help. What a blessing he has been by taking such wonderful, loving and patient care of our son.
For the past 4 years, 4 months of working at Almex. The people I met, the things I´ve learned.
For this incredible opportunity to be able to quit my job and stay at home with Caleb. I know so many women would love to have a chance like this. I understand it is such a huge blessing.
For the closing of chapters, and opening of new ones. Change is good.
For the birth of one of my best friend's daughters this morning!! Niamh MacCabe =) Welcome to this world baby girl. We love you.
"Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" Ephesians 5:20
miércoles, 30 de noviembre de 2011
lunes, 28 de noviembre de 2011
Vows & Vacation
This past weekend we took our first ever family vacation with Caleb to Puerto Vallarta.
To be honest, we were pretty nervous about it.
The amount of things that need to be packed for traveling with a baby, how he would take the 4 and a half hour drive, how he would behave at the wedding and how he'd like the beach and water.
But as my boss told me the day before we left, it went much better than expected.
Our friends' Sandy & Kobus's wedding was beautiful, the sunset absolutely stunning and their vows, wow. Brought tears to my eyes.
They made me remember my own beach wedding just two years ago and the beauty of the whole event. The enormous commitment that we chose to make, wanting our marriage to be very different from all the others. And truthfully, I think we've achieved it. But in the midst of the fun stuff, God is in the middle of it all. That's the greatest gift, I think, and the thing I feel has helped us achieve our goal.
Sandy, in her vows, stated that she knew that Kobus was not meant to make her happy, but to simply be a part of her happiness. Not to make her dreams come true, but to be a part of them if they DO come true.
I thought that was brilliant.
One of the things I think messes so marriages up is that we put so many expectations on our other half. We expect THEM to please US, to fit OUR requirements, to make OUR dreams come true. When it's not intended to be so. So, when we're unhappy, when our dreams don't come true, or our lives take a path we don't want them too, who do we blame??
WE are in charge of our happiness. No one else. WE are in charge of how we look at the world and how we face moments of crisis. Where in the book does it state that HE (or she) has to fulfill our every fantasy? I'm sorry, but WE are responsable for our own lives. And more importantly, our Creator has to be the CENTER of our lives. When we put other things before Him, even our spouse or our children, we get off track. They are important, of course, but they are not, or shouldn't be, the center of our lives.
WE have to seek our own paths, our own goals, our own dreams, our own happiness.
But when things don't go the way we want them too, who's fault is it? Is it ours? Is it His? Is it because He doesn't love us?
Romans 8:35,37-39 says:
Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted or hungry, or destitue, or in danger, or threatened with death?... No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow- not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below- indeed, nothing in all creation will ever separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
We choose our paths. God gave us free will to do what we wanted. But be aware! We must always seek His presence. We must always go to His word for the answer. It may not be written very obvious, but His answer is there. We must open our hearts and our minds to His word.
For those of us who trust in Him, we know victory is ours.
And for this I am so thankful.
Anyway, we ended up having a GREAT trip. Caleb was so good, and he enjoyed the new scenery. At first he didn't like the pool too much, because it was cold. But once he got used to it, he had a great time.
We took him to play on the sand, we put his feet in the ocean (he wasn't crazy about it) and the noise of the sea made him nap.
It was a beautiful experience.
After this trip, our beloved newlywed friend Sandy, goes to live to another country. We will miss her so much, but we are confident the Lord will bless her new life, in her new home, with her new husband.
Tonight I'm thankful for the Love of God. And His promise that He will love us not because of who we are, but in SPITE of who we are.
For our wonderful trip to the beach. That we went and came safely.
For every day of new memories with Caleb and my wonderful husband.
For the beautiful sceneries we take so much for granted. The beach, the mountains, the sunsets... Gorgeous gifts from God for everyday pleasures.
To be honest, we were pretty nervous about it.
The amount of things that need to be packed for traveling with a baby, how he would take the 4 and a half hour drive, how he would behave at the wedding and how he'd like the beach and water.
But as my boss told me the day before we left, it went much better than expected.
Our friends' Sandy & Kobus's wedding was beautiful, the sunset absolutely stunning and their vows, wow. Brought tears to my eyes.
They made me remember my own beach wedding just two years ago and the beauty of the whole event. The enormous commitment that we chose to make, wanting our marriage to be very different from all the others. And truthfully, I think we've achieved it. But in the midst of the fun stuff, God is in the middle of it all. That's the greatest gift, I think, and the thing I feel has helped us achieve our goal.
Sandy, in her vows, stated that she knew that Kobus was not meant to make her happy, but to simply be a part of her happiness. Not to make her dreams come true, but to be a part of them if they DO come true.
I thought that was brilliant.
One of the things I think messes so marriages up is that we put so many expectations on our other half. We expect THEM to please US, to fit OUR requirements, to make OUR dreams come true. When it's not intended to be so. So, when we're unhappy, when our dreams don't come true, or our lives take a path we don't want them too, who do we blame??
WE are in charge of our happiness. No one else. WE are in charge of how we look at the world and how we face moments of crisis. Where in the book does it state that HE (or she) has to fulfill our every fantasy? I'm sorry, but WE are responsable for our own lives. And more importantly, our Creator has to be the CENTER of our lives. When we put other things before Him, even our spouse or our children, we get off track. They are important, of course, but they are not, or shouldn't be, the center of our lives.
WE have to seek our own paths, our own goals, our own dreams, our own happiness.
But when things don't go the way we want them too, who's fault is it? Is it ours? Is it His? Is it because He doesn't love us?
Romans 8:35,37-39 says:
Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted or hungry, or destitue, or in danger, or threatened with death?... No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow- not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below- indeed, nothing in all creation will ever separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
We choose our paths. God gave us free will to do what we wanted. But be aware! We must always seek His presence. We must always go to His word for the answer. It may not be written very obvious, but His answer is there. We must open our hearts and our minds to His word.
For those of us who trust in Him, we know victory is ours.
And for this I am so thankful.
Anyway, we ended up having a GREAT trip. Caleb was so good, and he enjoyed the new scenery. At first he didn't like the pool too much, because it was cold. But once he got used to it, he had a great time.
We took him to play on the sand, we put his feet in the ocean (he wasn't crazy about it) and the noise of the sea made him nap.
It was a beautiful experience.
After this trip, our beloved newlywed friend Sandy, goes to live to another country. We will miss her so much, but we are confident the Lord will bless her new life, in her new home, with her new husband.
Tonight I'm thankful for the Love of God. And His promise that He will love us not because of who we are, but in SPITE of who we are.
For our wonderful trip to the beach. That we went and came safely.
For every day of new memories with Caleb and my wonderful husband.
For the beautiful sceneries we take so much for granted. The beach, the mountains, the sunsets... Gorgeous gifts from God for everyday pleasures.
miércoles, 23 de noviembre de 2011
Turkey Day
Ok, so, I know it's a U.S. tradition, not a Mexican one, but as I've said before, I grew up in the states, so for me, it's a tradition I came to love very much.
I love the food, the smells, the cold weather letting me know Christmas is JUST around the corner.
The beautiful fall colors (and some years, SNOW), and the gathering of friends and family.
Every year we went to some very close family friends' home for dinner, and I LOVED it.
I miss it very much, but I'm certain that in a couple years, Lord willing, I'll be back for it, husband and baby in tow. =)
So for everyone (in the U.S.) reading this post, please eat some turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie for me.
And, just for the record, I'm thankful for:
My family. They make my days so much more complete. I love you.
My wonderful husband, I don't know what I'd do without you.
My beautiful healthy baby boy.
Salvation. The Lord is so good, and His love so huge. And He gives us so much, and asks for so little. Why would ANYONE not want to be close to Him??
Friends, and strangers reading this post, and especially for those willing to do the favor I asked. ;)
Happy Turkey Day!!
I love the food, the smells, the cold weather letting me know Christmas is JUST around the corner.
The beautiful fall colors (and some years, SNOW), and the gathering of friends and family.
Every year we went to some very close family friends' home for dinner, and I LOVED it.
I miss it very much, but I'm certain that in a couple years, Lord willing, I'll be back for it, husband and baby in tow. =)
So for everyone (in the U.S.) reading this post, please eat some turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie for me.
And, just for the record, I'm thankful for:
My family. They make my days so much more complete. I love you.
My wonderful husband, I don't know what I'd do without you.
My beautiful healthy baby boy.
Salvation. The Lord is so good, and His love so huge. And He gives us so much, and asks for so little. Why would ANYONE not want to be close to Him??
Friends, and strangers reading this post, and especially for those willing to do the favor I asked. ;)
Happy Turkey Day!!
martes, 22 de noviembre de 2011
Five Months
Five months ago today, my son Caleb was born at 9:41AM weighing in at 3.610Kg (7.95Lbs) 50cm (19.68in). HUGE, healthy, perfect, and REALLY mad.
I will forever remember that day. I was so nervous. I remember laying in the O.R. shaking uncontrollably, the anesthesiologist was trying to make conversation with me, and I wasn't even paying attention. All I could think of was: I'm about to be a mom.
I couldn't believe it.
I couldn't believe how blessed I was for the oportunity to be a Mother. To grow within my body a little person. I had seen my tummy grow and grow for 9 months, I had felt his kicks and hiccups, but it was so surreal. I couldn't believe a baby was going to come out!!
I was amazed at my body, but so much more so, of God. Of His perfect creations. The miracle of life.
The love of my husband and myself, made flesh and blood.
And the responsability! Oh, the responsability. It was so frightening. Could I do it? Would I mess up? Would I mess HIM up??
I remember the doctor saying "he's coming!"
I was like: "NOW?? Already??"
I remember hearing Caleb's muffled cries, still inside me, as they were cleaning out his mouth.
It was then that I started crying.
The moment that I had waited my entire life for, was here.
I had a baby. I was a Mother.
He was so mad. He screamed and screamed. Poor thing.
When they finally brought him to me, the first thing I noticed was his full head of black hair, and his chubby chubby cheeks.
I spoke to him. And he calmed down. It was the most BEAUTIFUL moment of my entire life.
I remember also, when they brought him to our room, holding him, talking to him. I remember his cheeks were SO soft, that even when touching them, you couldn't feel them. They were like air.
Every day has been amazing. Some harder than others, but I wouldn't change anything. Not one thing. Every moment has taught me something more about my son. About his likes, and dislikes, what he needs, what he wants.
I always heard people say they could distinguish their baby's different cries. I didn't think they could have that many! But I know Caleb's cries. I know when he's hungry, when he's tired, when he's bored.
I know my son. So for all those who try and tell me what my son needs, or why my son cries, thanks, but no thanks. I got it.
Thank you Lord, for my son. Because he has filled my life with so much happiness, words could never express. Because he is a big, happy, healthy boy, full of energy and love. Thank You for these months with him. For every day of smiles, giggles, cries. Help us to be the parents he needs. Help us to love him more each day, with discipline and kindness. Help us, to lead him unto Your path so he grows to be the man You want him to be. Thank You Father.
I will forever remember that day. I was so nervous. I remember laying in the O.R. shaking uncontrollably, the anesthesiologist was trying to make conversation with me, and I wasn't even paying attention. All I could think of was: I'm about to be a mom.
I couldn't believe it.
I couldn't believe how blessed I was for the oportunity to be a Mother. To grow within my body a little person. I had seen my tummy grow and grow for 9 months, I had felt his kicks and hiccups, but it was so surreal. I couldn't believe a baby was going to come out!!
I was amazed at my body, but so much more so, of God. Of His perfect creations. The miracle of life.
The love of my husband and myself, made flesh and blood.
And the responsability! Oh, the responsability. It was so frightening. Could I do it? Would I mess up? Would I mess HIM up??
I remember the doctor saying "he's coming!"
I was like: "NOW?? Already??"
I remember hearing Caleb's muffled cries, still inside me, as they were cleaning out his mouth.
It was then that I started crying.
The moment that I had waited my entire life for, was here.
I had a baby. I was a Mother.
He was so mad. He screamed and screamed. Poor thing.
When they finally brought him to me, the first thing I noticed was his full head of black hair, and his chubby chubby cheeks.
I spoke to him. And he calmed down. It was the most BEAUTIFUL moment of my entire life.
I remember also, when they brought him to our room, holding him, talking to him. I remember his cheeks were SO soft, that even when touching them, you couldn't feel them. They were like air.
Every day has been amazing. Some harder than others, but I wouldn't change anything. Not one thing. Every moment has taught me something more about my son. About his likes, and dislikes, what he needs, what he wants.
I always heard people say they could distinguish their baby's different cries. I didn't think they could have that many! But I know Caleb's cries. I know when he's hungry, when he's tired, when he's bored.
I know my son. So for all those who try and tell me what my son needs, or why my son cries, thanks, but no thanks. I got it.
Thank you Lord, for my son. Because he has filled my life with so much happiness, words could never express. Because he is a big, happy, healthy boy, full of energy and love. Thank You for these months with him. For every day of smiles, giggles, cries. Help us to be the parents he needs. Help us to love him more each day, with discipline and kindness. Help us, to lead him unto Your path so he grows to be the man You want him to be. Thank You Father.
viernes, 18 de noviembre de 2011
Surprises
I hadn't had any time to write since last week because... SURPISE! My sisters came in from the U.S.
God is so good in so many ways. These are a few of the things I'm thankful for from the last week.
*My sisters, all 4 of them, and my brother in law Nathan. That they had a safe trip, and could surprise us with their visit. It has been soooooo much fun.
*My husband (once again). Thanks to him because he has taken care of Caleb so I could be with my sisters a while longer (especially in the evenings).
*Tortas Ahogadas from Ajijic. It's a typical dish here from Jalisco, México and we went on sunday to Ajijic, a town about an hour away from Guadalajara to eat them. Oh-so-good.
*Chapalita. It's an area around town with a roundabout. Every sunday artists put up their work and tons of people go to listen to music, look at the paintings, walk their dogs and best of all... EAT! Oh my goodness. It is WRONG how much we ate there. But sooo yummy! :D
*Gifts for Caleb and Daniela, my niece, from my sisters. They brought SO much stuff from the states. I'm pretty sure I'm not going to have to buy Caleb any more clothes until he's like 2 and a half years old!! Thank you guys so much!!
*Tacos, my sisters (and I) love them so much! And they are SO good. =) (REAL tacos, not the hard shell- taco bell stuff people think is Mexican)
*Tlaquepaque. Another town nearby we went on Wednesday. It was great walking around and just enjoying being with everyone.
*Laughing. Oh, so much laughing. My sisters crack me up. Whenever the five of us are together, be afraid! Be VERY afraid. LOL (my poor husband...)
*Love. So much of it. We all live very far apart (Minnesota, Miami, San Diego, Mexico) but the love is always there!!
*The three day weekend that lays ahead. Oh how much I need to rest!
One of my sisters left yesterday, and we already miss her so much. It's not the same without her. But I'm also thankful that she got home safe. Back home with her husband and her two gorgeous boys.
The other two, and my brother in law leave early sunday morning. I want time to go by slowly so we can make the best of it!
God is good. God is GREAT.
In the good times, like the past few days with my sisters, He is with us.
But we have to remember, that in the hard times, He is also with us.
VISA UPDATE!
I got my visa!! Thank you for ALL the prayers. As I said before, I felt confident. But not in myself, in my words, or even the U.S. Embassy. But in the Lord. And once again, He has shown Himself faithful and loving. I can't wait to travel!! =)
God is so good in so many ways. These are a few of the things I'm thankful for from the last week.
*My sisters, all 4 of them, and my brother in law Nathan. That they had a safe trip, and could surprise us with their visit. It has been soooooo much fun.
*My husband (once again). Thanks to him because he has taken care of Caleb so I could be with my sisters a while longer (especially in the evenings).
*Tortas Ahogadas from Ajijic. It's a typical dish here from Jalisco, México and we went on sunday to Ajijic, a town about an hour away from Guadalajara to eat them. Oh-so-good.
*Chapalita. It's an area around town with a roundabout. Every sunday artists put up their work and tons of people go to listen to music, look at the paintings, walk their dogs and best of all... EAT! Oh my goodness. It is WRONG how much we ate there. But sooo yummy! :D
*Gifts for Caleb and Daniela, my niece, from my sisters. They brought SO much stuff from the states. I'm pretty sure I'm not going to have to buy Caleb any more clothes until he's like 2 and a half years old!! Thank you guys so much!!
*Tacos, my sisters (and I) love them so much! And they are SO good. =) (REAL tacos, not the hard shell- taco bell stuff people think is Mexican)
*Tlaquepaque. Another town nearby we went on Wednesday. It was great walking around and just enjoying being with everyone.
*Laughing. Oh, so much laughing. My sisters crack me up. Whenever the five of us are together, be afraid! Be VERY afraid. LOL (my poor husband...)
*Love. So much of it. We all live very far apart (Minnesota, Miami, San Diego, Mexico) but the love is always there!!
*The three day weekend that lays ahead. Oh how much I need to rest!
One of my sisters left yesterday, and we already miss her so much. It's not the same without her. But I'm also thankful that she got home safe. Back home with her husband and her two gorgeous boys.
The other two, and my brother in law leave early sunday morning. I want time to go by slowly so we can make the best of it!
God is good. God is GREAT.
In the good times, like the past few days with my sisters, He is with us.
But we have to remember, that in the hard times, He is also with us.
VISA UPDATE!
I got my visa!! Thank you for ALL the prayers. As I said before, I felt confident. But not in myself, in my words, or even the U.S. Embassy. But in the Lord. And once again, He has shown Himself faithful and loving. I can't wait to travel!! =)
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