A little bit of this and a little bit of that...

This is one of the many shots from Frakes Photography. I love all of the ones we have seen so far. The rest of his shoot should be posted soon and I will let you know the link when I am contacted. For those of you who don't know, I entered Dalen in a photo contest. You can help our family out by voting for him...

Go to www.Frakesphotography.com

Click on the 3rd picture that says model search

Vote for Dalen! You can vote up to 10 times!

*There are only a few days left for voting so go now!

Last night we had one of the most memorable dinners yet. We went out with my parents, Yibby and Meredith. Out of nowhere Dalen began to copy everything my Dad did. My dad would cross his arms-Dalen would cross his. My dad would sigh-Dalen would sigh. We just laughing hysterically at his copycat behavior. We have always known Dalen has a HUGE place in his heart for his "Papa" (he recently began calling him that on his own with no encouragement to do so). So I think Dad has officially gone from Grump to Big Bad John to Papa.

After dinner Dalen got a fever. I have no idea what brought that on he just came down with one. We brought him home and I began to whisper prayers over him as he laid sickly on the couch. He let out a big sigh and whispered "Deedud. Hup." (Jesus. Help.) WOW! One year old and already praying on his own. Don't EVER tell me little ones aren't capable of praying or understanding spiritual dimensions of life. This one is going in the journal for sure!

He is feeling somewhat better today.

I watched Jon & Kate + 8 last night. I think half of the world was watching with anticipation to see what the future holds for their big family. I am many thoughts and opinions about this. Not that anyone cares what I think about a couple I haven't even met, I will share a few thoughts.

1. I do not like that in weeks prior to the airing of their show, Kate was on book tour claiming to every morning show her and Jon were dealing with the matter "privately". I don't recall privately meaning airing her husband's dirty laundry to People magazine and on their show last night.

2. I must say I find it confusing as to why everyone is blaming John for the marital issues. Yes, I get the point there are speculations that he may have been unfaithful but Kate has had just as much an affair with work as he may have had with another woman. Did anyone else see the episode where Jon voiced that fact that he does NOT want to do the show and he is NOT happy and Kate responds rudely and says well I am happy. There is more to the equation than just you Kate.

3. It is so very sad to 2 human beings who share 8 children act so selfishly. John wants to work, Kate wants him home. John doesn't want to do the show, Kate wants to because it provides for their family. I just can't help but to think it's selfish for the both of them to be seeking what they want individually. Why not search and find what makes both of them happy? Obviously, you are dealing with two people who are trained and educated individuals. This is not the only way their family can make it.

Just a few thoughts. I hate seeing the media being so hard on one of them. Obviously, Jon's unfaithfulness and Kate love affair with fame is both to blame for these issues (not to mention the fact she treats her husband like a dog 90% of the time). I hope for the sake of the children they can work this out.

Murphy, NC

This weekend was great. Mario was asked to speak in Murphy, NC on Sunday morning. He did an OUTSTANDING job. Ok, yes I am biased BUT he REALLY did so awesome. I am so proud of all God is doing in his life. Its awesome to see him improve as a speaker every time he speaks.

I was so excited about the weekend because we got to stay with our friends Thomas and Andrea Fields. We love those guys! If you have ever been to Murphy you know its just...different. It's like modern living in the woods. Of course Mario had to feel manly and shoot guns and TRUST ME Thomas had plenty to choose from. I HATE guns but Mario had a blast shooting them and busted a few cans up. He has a pretty good eye, I must say.

They have a dog Coty and he is adorable. Dalen pulled every thing on his body so hard that he would run off with clumps of hair in his hand. You can see in the picture above he LOVED playing in Thomas's boots. I have a video of them playing I will post later. All-in-all it was a great weekend and I am so glad I got to spend time with great friends.

We Need Your Help!

Recently Dalen was entered into a modeling shoot. Out of 62 kids he was picked as a finalist and had a photo shoot yesterday on a farm. I think ducks, a bug net, a big sheep dog and a creek will make for some pretty interesting shots.

Here's where you come in...starting at noon today you can vote for Dalen's pictures that he wins. Here's how to vote.

go to www.frakesphotography.com

click on the 3rd picture that says model search

you can vote up to 10 times!

VOTE AWAY

I am sure a lot of you are curious as to what we will win...we will win a BIG framed shot of his shoot, $50 to the Baby Place and much more as the prizes continue to grow! Thanks for your help and may the cutest baby win!

Hugs For Cuz

Poor Yibby. Who knows how she has survived thus far with Dalen in her life. She is almost 1 (we just can't hardly believe it!) and I thought they would play a little better by now but Dalen is still rougher than ever and she still can't hardly stand him around (most of the time). I helped keep her a few weeks ago and the other pics are just of her visiting. Please check out how much Dalen loves her. He literally won't keep his hands off her. Poor thing-she is definitely NOT the touchy feely type.

Dalen was introducing Yibby to Marley and Me. She looks horrified.
3s company! Even she knows better than to take her eyes off Dalen
for longer than 1 second. Look at her stare him down.

You have to love her untameable hair! HILARIOUS!

Dalen comforting her while she cried-it didn't work.

Bring on the waterworks! I want my mom!

Dalen hugging her again. This is right before he socked her

right in the mouth for whining. I have it on video but it was so

bad I'm embarrassed to post it.

Blue Light Special

This morning on my way to work I caught a glimpse of blue flashing lights in my rear view mirror. I wasn't speeding and was very uncertain as to why this policeman was pulling me over. I immediately pulled out my liscense and registration and found a massive young man standing at my window. How he could ever chase a criminal, I do not know!

I rolled my window down, he asked for my liscence and registration and I politley said, "Sure, can I ask why I am being pulled over?" He took the documents and replied, "No, I will let you know in a minute." Hmm, this did not settle well with me. I always thought you are entitled to know 1st thing why you are being pulled over and besides, is reason going to change with time?

He then informed me my tag had expired. It was an honest overlook on my behalf. I really didn't have any clue the tag had expired. I expressed to him that I was totally unaware it had expired and I also let him know I hadn't recieved any reminder in the mail and typically I ALWAYS got one in advance. Can I just express this man was very strange? He began to laugh hysterically and I just stared with a blank stare contimplating whether to or not to ask what was funny. Then he proceeded to tell me with the budget cuts people are no longer being reminded of tag renewals. So for all you people reading this, all 3 of you....Check your tags! Make a note when you have to renew. After a few more laughs (for what reason, I still don't know), he let me go without a ticket.

Thankfully, I drove off straight to the court house (after my morning strawberry limemade of course!) and renewed my tag. I checked my teeth, my nose for boogers and I was not wearing a low cut shirt-so here I am, still wondering what was so funny.

Oh well, I thought I would give you reason to laugh or maybe smile. Check out Dalen's new song her learned. Super cute! I love him to death! My favorite part is him eating a quit bite in between lines.

Daddy Does It-Mommy Tries

Ok hopefully no one will hack into my blog and find out Mario is out of town and I am home alone with Dalen. I guess it really wouldn't matter since he has posted it all over Facebook and Twitter. I think we will have a talk about this when he returns.

Why is it that your toddlers feelings of dislike towards you seem to increase just when your hubby skips town? I mean seriously, every time! It's like I gave Mario the boot and Dalen is taking out his feeling of outrage against me. Mario snuck off to Virginia while Dalen was napping, for a leadership conference. Of course when he woke up he began screaming Daddy! Here we go I thought. Tantrum #1. I thought I would get ahead on cutting coupons and give Dalen the privilege of running free through the kitchen and hallway.

After looking out of the blinds for a moment I hear hysterical laughter and stomping feet at the window. Dalen saw Mario's car parked outside and thought he had returned. Minutes passed and no Daddy came in. Tantrum #2.

After recovering from the tantrum Dalen took off to the hallway-fine by me I was getting coupons cut! Then I heard something really loud-silence! Something must be terribly wrong. Silence is never good and very loud with a little one. I go to Dalen's room only to find he had literally taken every stitch of clothing out of his drawers and scattered them about his already messy room. GRRR!!!! I guess as I was gathering clothes back up Dalen escaped without me knowing-that little sneaky thing! I run into the kitchen only to find he had taken all of our dirty clothes from laundry baskets and crammed them into the dryer with a freshly washed and dried load of clothes! GREAT! Now I get to do all of this laundry b-c I can't figure what's clean and what's not! GRRR!!!!! Back behind the lovely gated community. Tantrum #3.

I've told you many times before Mario puts Dalen to bed. Dalen was exhausted and just kept crying and crying for his Dada. Tantrum #4. Finally after rocking, singing, reading, praying, interceding and experiencing a miraculous breakthrough-Dalen sleeps sound. My motto for the week-Daddy does it-Mommy tries.

I guess it's true, its the effort that counts.

Abundant Life

Several years ago this book was sent in my path, by way of a professor at Lee. It was actually required reading. However, after the first few pages I indulged in every word as I ventured out into one of the greatest journeys of my life yet. I am reminded of the healing work God did in my life long ago on a day where the pain of past hurts has somehow found itself surfacing again.

During a season of betrayal, hurt, abandonment, and a broken heart God sent me one divine revelation after another concerning healing. I am so thankful on days like today when situations resurface painful situations that God's spirit is here to remind me and re-teach me of God's forgiveness, His greatest forte.

Through reading, writing and studying God's word, resources and listening to His voice here are some powerful things he taught me years ago that I still have to cling to today.

1. Choosing healing is choosing life, abundantly.

Isn't that so true!? Have you ever wondered what living life abundantly meant? It means living completely free through healing. When we are healed and detached from painful situations we are experiencing life the way God intended for us to. After all, he didn't climb the hill of Calvary for nothing!

2. When you forgive, you shouldn't expect reconciliation.

I've been hurt by many people, we all have been. But one situation I experienced was unbearable. I literally didn't think I could make it through the hurt of betrayal. One reason this pain lasted me so long was because I kept hoping for reconciliation. I kept wondering, "What am I missing? When will they be my friend again? When will they apologize for what they have done?" Then the sweet Holy Spirit revealed to me that forgiveness is an intimate matter of the heart between oneself and Him.

My whole life I thought it was between myself and someone else but it is truly something we must deal with through the Father. I honestly believe true forgiveness is supernatural. I think I was deceived somewhere along the way that when you say you are sorry or admit where you were wrong reconciliation would just always occur. Unfortunately, in this particular situation after years of the occurrence, the person and I have not reconciled. I have tried but in every effort I experienced more and more feelings of failure hoarding in my heart. Don't be deceived that you haven't forgiven because reconciliation doesn't occur.

3. Forgiveness is simply a supernatural release.

When forgiving we must release the person from the action, the emotion from the situation and the situation and emotions to God. This is sometimes difficult, especially on days like today. My heart aches, I've cried, I've talked about it but until in the stillness of His presence I release these hurts once again I will not find peace from this hurt.

So, here I am once again. I am asking for God's help, releasing all I can and resting in His supernatural peace. I love His peace. His strength is truly perfect.

Self Check-Out

Do you ever wonder why Wal-Mart has 46 lanes but onlyabout 5 stay open? I wondered that last night for about the 1 millionth time last night. I ran in to grab just a couple things while Mario drove in the parking lot with Dalen. When I know what I need, I promise I can be in & out of Wal-Mart in about 7 minutes. Well, that is IF their lines aren't as long as the greenway (oh, can't you tell I'm a Clevelander?!).

After a quick scan of forever long lines I saw a young girl probably my age, about to finish at the self check-out. I am NOT a fan of self check-out. I do not like the loud boisterous lady screaming at me, "PLEASE PLACE ITEM IN THE BAG! PLEASE INSERT CASH OR OTHER METHOD OF PAYMENT! DO YOU HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL ITEMS UNDER YOUR CART?" She drives me nuts! They should have a soft toned elderly lady with a British accent. I think I would be a lot more tolerant.

Anyways, the girl begins to place cash into the machine and she is carefully unwrinkling every bill and just looking around aimlessly while doing so. She then begins to pull out a coin pouch very carefully and count each peice of change. Her reciept then printed and she placed it strategically in the middle of her wallet after precisely folding it down the middle. COME ON GIRL! Get the show in the road!!!

After minutes of her piddling in her bags I kindly asked her to step aside. I mean seriously, people are so inconsiderate! Fine, I understand you want an organized wallet and track of all of your purchases...but do ya mind stepping aside to organize so I can begin to ring my stuff up? Ok so I lied, I don't understand wanting an organized wallet...just throw it in your purse. It doesn't have legs and its not going to walk off. If you need it later just dig...it will be there.

A Very Happy Mother's Day

Today I am a little upset with myself that I let a whole entire Mother's Day slip away without capturing a picture of me and my boys. So I had to dig through old ones for this post. This picture really is perfect for this post.

I got a Happy Mother's Day a little earlier than expected. In fact, at 12:16 a.m. to be exact. Little Dalen began to scream over and over from his crib. This too shall pass, this too shall pass I kept telling myself-but it didn't. So, I figured some sleep was better than none and laid Dalen snugly between Mario & me. After about an hour, I drifted asleep. I was jarred awake hundreds of times as Dalen kicked, hit and yes, even head butted me. I was awake and saw it coming after he randomly sit straight up in his sleep and quickly collapsed his forehead right between my eyes. He never woke up and Mario snoozed on. At 4 a.m. I gave up and moved to the couch. Nothing was on TV.

Finally about 6 a.m. I drifted back asleep only to be startled awake to the roaring alarm! What in the world was the alarm doing going off on a Sunday morning at 6:15 a.m.?! I kept waiting for someone to turn it off and after waiting and waiting that someone became me. I shook Mario awake wondering what the alarm was doing going off. He rolled back over. GRRR!!! Can't a woman get some sleep!? It was so not funny at the time but what a wonderful way to spend the morning of Mother's Day-on the couch with a throbbing nose, while the boys snoozed through everything that happened.

At about 7 I thought I could possibly sleep maybe 15 minutes-i woke up at 8:40!!! We had waaay overslept! We rushed off to church and had a WONDERFUL guest speaker. Yanna Higging from New Hope spoke. What an amazing and moving message she delivered. Praise God for timely words from his servants.

Dalen went off to lunch with mom, dad and my grandma while Mario treated to me to lunch at the Bistro. It was a great way to spend Mother's Day. Right after lunch we got Dalen and spent some time outside. I am very thankful for a healthy son and wonderful mom and grandmothers.

Blog-O-Mercial

Blog-O-Mercial

"Because good products & quality services are few & far between."

Well as promised-here she is! Another Blog-O-Mercial. I must confess I have never eaten at Sonic before in my life. Although, Cleveland has two I have never gotten anything from either one. I literally can't even say Chili Cheese Coney without gagging. I intimately nicknamed them CCCs when referring to them because I just can't even process why someone would eat something so disgusting.

Anyways, I gave Sonic a chance after hearing so much about their limeades and slushes. I tried a Strawberry limeade on Monday and...YUM, YUM, YUM! I have been back everyday since. I love that you don't have to get out of the car and you have your own little speaker and your own little individual menu billboard thing. So, aside from CCCs and their commericals that I have never once found humorous I give their Strawberry Limeade a double thumbs up! TRY IT!

PS-Don't let the lime scare you away from give these awesome drinks a try. I've never been a big fan of limes but the perfect mix of fruity fun flavor makes it so perfect!

1-2-3 JUMP!

Yesterday was a fun filled day. Dalen went to Parent's Day Out and as soon as I picked him up we went to the doctor. It was time for a new eye exam for myself. For all of you new moms-don't EVER take your child to the eye doctor.

Because of Dalen's love for Wheel Of Fortune every time I had to read letters for the doctor he would randomly scream other letters to the point the doctor could barely even understand what I was saying. Then he would show me different slides and say which is better 1 or 2 and he would scream 9! 3! 6! After a while the doctor just couldn't hold his laughter in any longer. he assured me before leaving Dalen would DEFINITELY go places in life-hmm, I am not sure what places he was talking about so I'm a little leery of taking that as a compliment. Dalen then tried on some frames while I picked new glasses. Professor Dalen

After my appointment we headed home for while before Dalen's first swim school class. I am not convinced he learned anything but it was really fun to have him in the water. He was totally dependent upon me since he can't swim yet and I accepted that as a time to bond. Dalen had a whole audience come to watch him including: Gran, Mario, baby (Yibby), Aunt Mary and Gigi (my grandmother). He jumped in bravely and slid down the water slide squealing and laughing.

The cutest part was his brand new swim trunks from Aunt Mymel. He sported them proudly.

This morning I gave my beautiful wedding ring up to be repaired. Thank God for lifetime warranties! One of my diamonds fell out and she will be back in about 2 weeks. I learned while at the store my ring is no longer sold but people still want it. You can only find it in outlets. So now I am just wearing my band which is totally fine. Dalen also tried out to be a model for a local photographer who is new. She was looking for some young ones to photograph to add to her portfolio. We will know by the 11th if they are interested in working with him!

Weekend Recap

This weekend I realized just how busy life can get if you allow it. Our weekends seem to stay so crammed that they come and go before we even know it. Friday, Dalen had to get shots. Of course that took up half our day because our horrible, unprofessional, slow pediatrician's office takes FOREVER. (We have to go to this one b-c its the only office in town that takes our insurance.) Friday night Dalen invited Yibby over and they played(faught, tortured, whined) for quite a while. I was able to get some great footage of them on our home video camera. Including Dalen falling completely on top of Olivia.

Saturday, we had breakfast with the rents. I did the hair and make-up of one of my closest friends, Damaris, for formal. That was so much fun. We hadn't done something like that in a looong time. Dalen then went to my parents for the night and stayed over. Him and Yibby both! Yea, my parents are troopers. We went to a Bible Study with close friends and didn't get in bed until about midnight (VERY late night for us!)

Sunday, we had service, hour of prayer at night, ministry coordinator meeting and then a meeting for arise with our dream team. WHOA! So much to do so little time. Here are my favorite highlights of the weekend.

1. Spying on Dalen playing in the bathroom only to find him fully clothed sitting on his potty with toilet paper. He would pretend to wipe over and over and laugh hysterically.

2. Dalen becoming angry with my dad because he wouldn't let him dig in his belly button.

3. Hearing pitter patter feet up and down the hallway and complete silence. When I went to check I found Dalen wiping up spilled milk with Mario's underwear he had sat out on the counter after he showered...needless to say he didn't wear them.

4. Dalen being able to go in a class at our church on Sunday instead of staying with us in service. YAY! He loved it and we look forward to him being able to go back again and again.

Here is Dalen tickling Olivia's feet. Notice she is NOT laughing. Listen to him say easy, easy as he pounds her back over and over. I guess he STILL doesn't know what easy means.

Can you tell who the boss is out of these two?

music to my ears

Yay, for cable! Today were able to catch my favorite Christian artists, David and Nicole Binion, on Daystar. Although I couldn't hear much between Dalen's screaming and Mario's phone calls, its always such a blessing to hear a couple that is so anointed. Their lyrics are so heartfelt and their harmony is nothing short of amazing.

Every time I hear them I am taken back to labor and delivery. I love their music so much and it is so soothing I listened to their CD while in labor. In fact, I listened to it so much my CD doesn't play anymore. If you are ever in need to genuine worship check out their MySpace or website at www.soundofheaven.org.