Anniversary

So yesterday (August 12th) my husband and I celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary! Here is what I said: "Wow, time flys by, it doesn't seem like 3 years ago!". Here's what he said: "I think it's gone by slow, in fact, I thought we were celebrating year number 4!" Ha! I had to laugh. He had to explain. What he said he meant was that after having a child who will turn 2 in October and another one on the way....it SEEMS like it should be longer:) Well, we did only have 5 months of being newlyweds before I got pregnant...so I can see what he means:)

Anyway, I love this man! As I was explaining to him, there isn't one reason why I love him. I can't truly say, "The reason why I love you is because you are a great husband." I realized yesterday there are so many reasons why I love him. They are all wrapped up into his character and who he is....and I love him for him. Honestly...marriage is hard, the hardest commitments I have made (next to being a mother and there are days I would love to have a boxing match with my husband, but I am so in love with him. He is the greatest friend I have ever had and he is so patient with me as I make many mistakes. So anyway, I made a list of just some of the things I love about my husband. Here it is:
1.) He is so creative...there are pics for this one. But honestly....my husband can see something and build it and it's better than if I were to go and buy it. I love this about him!
2.) He is a HARD worker.
3.) He is funny.
4.) He loves having fun and he loves to play with his son.
5.) He loves Jesus.
6.) He loves me and makes me feel beautiful inside and out.
7.) He's Mexican and still does things the Mexican way. This one I really love! He knows how to live with what he has. He never forgets what it was like to live off of beans and tortillas and he appreciates every time we have a choice to eat what our tummy's desire. He always thinks about his parents and family in Mexico and his heart is still half there. He teaches me so much about life. (A picture for this one too:)
8.) He is so good looking (A picture of this one too:).
9.) He is humble...quick to say sorry and even quicker to forgive.
10.) He's such a good leader. I know when I follow him (which sometimes is hard to do because I like control) I will be well taken care of and he won't lead me astray.

**Okay now I have to explain our night. Thanks to some friends we dropped Guillermo off and we went to Texas Roadhouse to eat dinner. After they sat us down, we realized from my side of the booth we could watch America's Funniest Home Videos. We love that show. Mostly because we just like to laugh at other people doing silly things. We don't have cable so this was our chance to watch it and it is also the best show to watch without sound because we don't find the host of the show very funny, so we don't feel like we are missing much. Anyway, so Francisco moved to my side of the booth and we had to laugh because I think the waiter was thinking we were a little cheesy. We shared a Cactus Blossom, a hamburger and a soda...and on top of it we were sitting on the same side of the booth. Little does he know (and he doesn't need to know:) we are just cheap and we think the best way to eat out is to share everything.So we went to pick up our guy. We headed home, put him to bed and we started a fire, to roast marshmallows. A little bit into our good conversation and fire our neighbor started letting off fireworks! I tried to fool Francisco into thinking that I set it all up (since it was my year to plan our anniversary),but he didn't fall for it. What a great night.

And now for the pics...

The first ones are to show is creativity. He made me a flower pot from my parents old deck wood. It seriously is so awesome! We had neighbors coming over telling him he should sell them:) I agree.

These next pictures are of the fire pit he made. I would have bought one of these that's how much I like it. Thanks to the Kampmans and their neighbor he got the idea to find a tire on the side of the road and use the inside or rim (I'm not good with cars, so I can't tell you the exact name). Then, for legs he put plant hooks that I had laying around the garage on the bottom and then he spray painted it with a black fire resistant paint. It looks so cool! And we have enjoyed making s'mores at night.

Here is a picture to show his Mexican side. We wanted to plant a garden, but we didn't want to purchase a till. So he found an old bicycle and used the handle bars on down. I can't explain this one...it is nothing I would have thought of in my entire life. But it works!

And last but not least here is my sweet husband...being goofy. What a handsome man the Lord has given me! And that smile! **So that is it for my long post! What a blessing to know I get to share my life with him. I am so thankful.

Little Helper

I was looking through my pictures and realize I have so much catching up to do as far as sharing with all you bloggers I can't really see:) This is what is so funny to me....I check peoples blogs more than I call or visit them....I guess it's a way to keep in touch:) So I will leave you all with pictures from a trip to Wal-Mart to buy diapers. My guy is a helper (and mommy loves that!). He wants to help me carry lots of things even if they are beyond his strength to carry, he tries his hardest to pick it up. He also throws his own diapers away and he picks up after me (if I leave the wipes sitting on the floor or on the couch, he picks them up and puts them on the counter where they belong:) Anyway, so here he is wanting to carry his diapers out of Wal-Mart. He got lots of smirks and "oh so cute", so I am sure that was what was keeping him going.

Check it out...he's biting the diapers...I think to help him keep a hold of them:)

He still did not want to let them go when Francisco picked him up. In fact, he held on to them even in his car seat the whole way home. What a hoot!

I'm a follower!

So thanks to Em....I feel like a new blogger woman! :) I had to jump on the wagon:) Seriously, I love these new FREE blog designs. I especially picked this one....because my favorite color is green and also because I think it looks like it is wrapped in a gift...and that is exactly how I feel about this life the Lord has given me and everything I am able to experience is a gift from the Lord. Anyway, here is where I got the new blog design:
http://aquapoppydesigns2.blogspot.com/

The Shack

If you are looking for a book to read, I HIGHLY recommend this one! It is a book that uses a fictional story to try and illustrate the trinity. I am so wrapped up in this book. The story is a great one and the way the author brings in the trinity to illustrate it....it is truly captivating and amazing. I already need to go back through because it is full of a bunch of good stuff! It has helped me understand more of God's character. There is more info about the book and the suthor at theshackbook.com.

My Dad continued...

So, my dad is still in the hospital and they are saying probably 1-2 more weeks he needs to be there. He fractured and sprained his pelvis and he also broke off a bone that comes off his vertebrae. Besides that he is very bruised and sore. He currently can't walk and he is also in a lot of pain. On top of it he is extremely sad that he may not be at home next week when all of his children and grandchildren will be in town visiting. Pray for his strength...that he would be strong to walk and also pray for him emotionally. I will keep you all updated.

My Dad

Please pray for my dad. On Saturday evening he fell off a ladder. It was a far fall. The Lord provided my mom with some good neighbors of theirs that were close by at the time to help call for help as she was a little shaken up.

No one likes to receive news like this, especially when it hits so close to home. As of right now, the thing I know for sure is he did break a vertebrae and they are concerned about his pelvic area. He is in a lot of pain as I am sure you can all imagine.

Please pray that the Lord would heal him, quick. Also pray that through this time he would find comfort in the Lord and be able to rest despite his excruciating pain. Also pray for my mom, that she would hold up okay for him and be able to rest.

I am still trying to find my place in all of this, as I want to jump in the car right now and go help out, but I have a job to do on Monday and a son to take care of. I love my dad and I want to be there like he has been there for me.

Thanks for praying blogger buddies:)

He delivers

So I told him what I wanted....and he delivered! So I think he overdid this one a little...but I'm not complaining. So we aren't a hug fan of Mexican restaurants (surprised? I was a little too..but when you've tasted the real stuff from Mexico, there is just no comparison). Anyway, I am addicted to the chips and salsa from a restaurant located by us (Plaza Jalisco). Seriously folks...I could drink the stuff (Francisco tells the workers there that his wife drinks the salsa so that is why he has made frequent trips there:) Anyway, check out the picture...it's a glass of salsa and a huge bag of chips. I think he wanted to avoid trips to this restaurant for a while:) To say the least, I craved and he delivered. What a man!

PS Don't pay attention to the grease spots on the bag...it's okay the chips are fat free! ha!

A little different....

So pregnancy the second time around is a little different. With the first one I could rest when I wanted and puke when a wanted. Now...hmmm...just a little different. I now just make it to the sink in time to vomit while I pee my pants at the same time (that's right Emily Ward...you are doomed on this one:) I vomit and pee at the same time). Also while all this is going on, my son is playing between my legs and tends to think I am a jungle gym. It is quite interesting.

I live from nap to nap and hope I have enough energy to tend to my son and the other children I take care of during the day. When I feel sick all of a sudden I stick a movie in and lay on the couch while my child jumps all over me.

So yes, my second pregnancy is just a little different:) I hope I survive past my first trimester.

Guess What?

3 Amigos

Don't these guys make the cutest 3 amigos:) So sweet. This picture just makes me want to squeeze their cheeks.

Brokeness

That's right folks. I have a broken nose. And yes my 18 month old son did it. Let's just say I hope this is not the beginning of all the pain he is going to cause me in my life:) No one told me this was part of motherhood...but I guess anything can happen!

**Tomorrow, Monday I am suppose to get it fixed...please pray for me. I am scared:(

I'm missing you today

It's so strange to think that she is gone. I loved my grandma and I loved spending time with her. Sometimes we would just sit together and say nothing, but it felt comfortable. She was my friend. I am missing her today. I will forever cherish her and the time we spent together. How fast life passes by. I am thankful that my son was able to be with her for a year of his life. I pray he will remember her gentle touch and her sweet words she would speak to him or a song she would hum to him. I miss you grandma.

Just want to share....

I just wanted to write and share with you all how good and gracious the Lord is. It just hit me tonight (and about everyday) that the Lord supplies everything we need and so much more. Francisco and I smile and sometimes get a chuckle out of the way the Lord works. We are considered poor in the eyes of the world. We just make enough money to pay rent, the bills and food...the basic needs. But, we seriously live like rich people. It is so sweet to see the Lord provide. Let me share some of the things in our lives that have been given to us by other people. This list blows my socks right off my feet!

1.) Our so comfortable bed (wedding gift)
2.) Our awesome bedroom furniture.
3.) Our laptop
4.) Our printer
5.) Our Kitchen table
6.) sofa and love seat (that are only 4 years old)
7.) T.V. stand and end table
8.) Guillermo's bed and dresser (pretty much is whole room)
9.) A nice T.V. and sofa that are in our basement
10.) Clothes for Guillermo and toys and shoes.
11.) all of our dishes, cups, etc.

Practically everything in our home has been given to us. Now, these are the materials...seriously if the Lord is excited to give us this much how much more excited is he to give us his time. I have a relationship with Him not because of the gifts he gives me, but because He satisfys my deepest needs. He is the reason I was created. I am so thankful for the hope that is found in Christ Jesus. I don't worry about bills, rent, clothing, food, shelter, transportation, etc. because I know from experience that the Lord has never failed to supply us with everything we need. There is so much more to this life than materials, but I am also encouraged when the Lord blesses us with things we never even dream of having.

Precious

Isn't this a classic. This is the good-bye window. All the kids go there to wave good-bye to mommy or daddy. The one on the right is Lauren. She usually comes once a week. She is a cute one!

My gang

Num!

Here is the video to his discovery

New Discoveries

So Guillermo got this candy bracelet from his grandma. He had no idea what it was and actually made his wrist immobile when he had it on. He then stuck it in his mouth, like he does with everything and discovered that it tastes sweet. Num! He says.
So here are some pics of him discovering the bracelet...

So then a few days later he sees me wearing a necklace that looked like the candy bracelet and sure since his bracelet tasted good why wouldn't my necklace? So he dug in...sucking on my necklace and sucking a bit harder thinking maybe it would start tasting better. Hilarious. No pictures of that event. But, I do have a pic of the necklace and you will see that it does sort of look like a candy bracelet.

Mistaken Identities

Wow. I just watched the Dateline special on the Mistaken Identities and I definitely recommend watching it. You can get it over the Internet and watch it while you fold laundry:)

I am not sure if you all heard in April 2006 when 2 women got mixed up, so while one family buried the one they thought was their daughter and another sat 24/7 next to the hospital bed of who they thought was their daughter...they discovered 5 weeks later that it was a tragic mix up.

Both of the families are believers and are amazing in their interview with Matt Lauer. I cried mostly at the faith of these two families and the wisdom and truth that flowed from their mouths. It was one of the best interviews I have seen. And I thought if people don't walk away attracted the Jesus I would be surprised. They challenged me in my walk with Jesus and gave me hope. What amazing families and what amazing young women of Jesus.

Felicidades

Congrats to our friends Joel and Luz on their marriage MArch 20th. They are a sweet couple from church/Bible Study. It was cute Guillermo saw Luz (the bride) before anyone else and he just got really excited and starting cooing at her. It was funny.

Guillermo and their nephew showing some love at dinner....

The friends we sat with at dinner. Maria and her son Omar (Rosendo, the dad and Mayra, the daugther were in Mexico at the Casa Hogar for a missions trip.) They are another sweet family we have gotten to know through Bible Study.

So for dinner we went to Plaza Jalisco (behind Wal-Mart). If you ever go, I recommend tacos al carbon. Mmmmm...it was delicious! And a very beautiful wedding.

Marriage to a Mexican Part 1

So, being married to Francisco I have realized the many differences between the two cultures. Some make me laugh, some make me frustrated and some make me ponder the meaning.

Anyway, I was always brought up to fend for yourself as far as food. Now, we get together my mom cooks and we have big homemade meals. But, for the most part because of our busy schedules we would grab something to eat and run. My mom was not in the kitchen for all 3 meals cooking and making sure that my dad was fed and fed well. Waiting on him hand and foot.

Well, in the Mexican culture it is completely opposite. The woman is slave to the kitchen, but prepares meals with love for each member of her family...often she will eat the scraps because everyone has eatten the food and ran. She is then left to clean up all the mess with not a bit of help. I sometimes wonder how she finds the passion to keep on cooking.

In our marriage, we have had to find a happy medium. Why Francisco is not extreme on wanting me in the kitchen for every meal and waiting on him hand and food, he very much does appreciate being fed and fed well. I think that is one way he definitely feels loved and appreciated.

SO this brings me to my point. I am super willing to cook for Francisco and have meals ready for him, becuase I actually love to cook and see my man happy because of what he is eatting. BUT Francisco is a picky eater. Why he likes many foods from here in the States, he also dislikes many. And I absolutely hate throwing food away. So when I make him something I am taking the chance that he might not like it and then I have to eat it for a whole week straight:(

So sometimes I opt not to cook. Which then becomes an issue between us.

So the other day I attempted tamales (one of his favorite foods) for the 100th time in 3 years. I was feeling ambitious. This time they turned out!!!!!!! YES. I did it, I made them like they make them in Mexico. Let's just say the Lord shed a whole lot of grace on my cooking that night because I had the right heart about it. I have made them 3 times since and each time they taste just as good. I may sound like I am boasting....but let me tell you, after 3 years of failing I am excited to celebrate. I totally pleased my husband with some good tasting tamales! Mmmmm.

If you are unsure of what tamales are. Here is a picture below. You make the dough (tortilla) then you fill it with meat, cheese and salsa and wrap it in a corn husk and then you steam them.