Singing This All Day

We sang this in church this morning and it's just stayed with me... hope you are having a wonderful, God-blessed Sunday.

Five on Friday

Happiness is....

1) A bouquet of flowers... just because
2) Using a gift card on you -- and not necessarily on something practical or on sale
3) An answered prayer request
4) Finding a love letter or card from your spouse that you had put in a drawer and just stumbled upon again
5) Realizing your child is growing up... and growing in God at the same time!

He Cares For You!

Today is a bad day... not for me, but for so many people I care about. It seems like every time the phone rang this morning, it was someone else who had bad needs dropped on them, or had a prayer request. When it rains, it pours or so it seems.

I am so glad my friends know they can turn to me when they need someone to pray. I have several friends who have recently lost their jobs (both the husband and wife in one family!). My sister and her kids are all sick, I have friends with children who are already having difficulty in school, and there are some other important needs that were spoken in confidence and will stay there.

I'm standing with you my friends and praying for miracles and blessings on you and your families. God has not forgotten you - HE KNOWS YOUR NAME! Sending big hugs and lifting you in prayer today!!

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." I Peter 5:7 (KJV)

Things To Do This Fall

The Princess Diana exhibit is in town for those of you who live in the greater Philadelphia area. I saw this exhibit with my sister when it was in Florida and we loved it!! We even had Christopher with us (he was just an infant) and was quite content in the stroller. The highlight had to be Princess Di's wedding dress and many of her famous outfits that were on display. Also, the extraordinary amount of books that held condolences from people all around the world. It was very interesting and I would definitely recommend it. The exhibit is at the National Constitution Center (which is well worth a visit in and of itself if you haven't been there yet). The exhibit runs from Oct 2 - Dec 31. You can find out more details here


I'm also thinking about checking out Melissa Gilbert in her new role as "Ma" in the Little House on the Prairie - The Musical. That will run from Sept 10 - Oct. 10th at the Paper Mill Playhouse here in New Jersey. You can get more info on that by clicking here.

Birthday Dream

It was the night before my 32nd birthday (my mom passed away 2 years before that). I guess I was thinking about her before I went to sleep so she was on my mind. I was sound asleep and in my dream I was back in my childhood home in Queens, NY. I was busy getting ready for work, rushing around when the phone rang. Since I was running late, I decided to let the answering machine get it. After the beep, I heard, "Hi Beth... this is Mom. I'm just calling to wish you a very Happy Birthday and to let you know that I love you very much and I'll see you soon. Have a great day". It was totally my Mom's voice, complete with New York accent. The next thing I knew, I could see her face as clear as could be. It was as if she were reaching down from heaven to give me a kiss. It was as if I could just reach out and touch her. At that moment, my eyes popped open and I was of course alone in my bedroom in Lancaster, PA. It was the perfect start to my birthday -- how cool was that for God to give me a special birthday greeting from my Mom in heaven.

Praise Report

Domingo had to have emergency surgery this morning. The tests he took over the last few days indicated that he had to have his gallbladder removed. So, today was the day and we are so thankful that all went well with the procedure. He is still in the hospital and is resting. Thank you for praying.

First Day Recap

Christopher had a great first day of school - he liked his teacher, his classroom and knowing a few of the kids already went a long way to help him through his first day. I thought we'd start a tradition of doing something special on his first day -- lunch out and then he could pick one store to buy a little something special. When I announced this new tradition, he looked at me and said, "Mom... I'd really just like to stay home for lunch and play games with you.... then we can go to Michael's so I can pick out a craft, ok?" He must have been really tired (or missed me and just wanted some one-on-one time). So, I made his favorite lunch/snack (piggies in a blanket) and we played board games for most of the afternoon.


It was getting late in the day so we headed out to Michaels, only to have the "low tire pressure" light come on. You can read about my last episode with our tire pressure here. Anyway, I pulled into our local mechanic and, to make a long story short, they were not going to be able to fix the tire... something about too many plugs in it already, blah, blah, blah. So, 4 new tires had to be put on the car (we were due for new tires anyway, but were hoping to squeak by for another month or so before making that investment). Then, the mechanic tells me that my brakes were shot, so we wound up getting those fixed too. I won't even tell you how much that little trip to the mechanic cost yesterday... let's just say I was glad Chris only wanted to buy a craft from Michaels because I was not about to drop any more money for anything after that !


All in all, it was a great day and he excitedly got ready for his second day. I've already started knocking out some much needed cleaning and organizing.


On a side note, please pray for Domingo who is in the hospital again. He has some pain/discomfort and the doctors are observing him for a few days. Thanks!!

The Big Day

End of Summer Sigh

Today is my little boy's last day of freedom before entering the world of public schools. Tomorrow is his first day of kindergarten and he'll be riding the big yellow school bus as well. My head is already spinning with worry with questions such as: Who will guide him to his classroom? Will he be afraid or brave? Will he make friends easily? Will it be a loving, nurturing environment? So many thoughts. A good friend and neighbor has already invited me over to her house tomorrow morning so we can support one another during this milestone.

I know God will be with him and watching over his little life. I'm just enjoying this one last day together -- he's still in PJs and I'm pretty much letting him do whatever he wants today. You're only little once and I want him to remember this time as being fun and carefree. Please say a special prayer for him (and us) tomorrow.

Now I've Seen It All

I thought when we lived in Florida we "saw it all" when it came to drivers. There were so many times when driving on a major highway (where the speed limit was 75 mph) that we would encounter reckless, crazy drivers. It was common to see a pick-up truck speeding down the major highways going 75 - 90 mph with cargo NOT TIED DOWN in the back of their pick-ups. We're talking mattresses, furniture, washing machines.. you name it. There's nothing like having to dodge washing machines bouncing out of a truck. Who needs Disney when you have adventure like that on a highway.

Well, the other day, I saw something that absolutely took the cake. We were driving on the Garden State Parkway which is one of my least favorite roads to begin with... it's a mini raceway with sporadic toll booths. Anyway, we were sitting in stop and go traffic and the guy behind us would honestly speed up and then jam on the brakes every time the traffic would start to flow again. I had to brace myself more than once because I just knew he was coming so close to hitting us. I couldn't figure out what this guy's problem was... why was he driving so weird and wild? So, I turned around in our mini van (I was in the passenger seat) and what I saw just outraged me... The driver was driving the car WITH A BROKEN ARM..IN A CAST! To make matters worse, he was TALKING ON HIS CELL PHONE WITH HIS GOOD HAND!! Can you just picture that?? The cast was resting on top of the steering wheel and he honestly couldn't "steer" it if he tried, and illegally talking on his cell phone (we have a "hands free" law here in NJ) with his good hand.

Yep.. I think I've seen it all. How about you?? Any interesting stories from your road trips?

Favorite Things

I love the craft store, Michaels, which probably surprises many of you since I have already stated several times that I am not a "crafty" kind of gal. But I could and have spent hours in this store...especially in the clearance bins. I love stationery and this store always has such cute notecards and they are so cheap! There are 8 or 10 blank notecards in each pack and they cost anywhere from .88 to $1.00 a pack! Not bad -- I love having these cards at home -- I am armed and ready to send out birthday cards, thank you cards, thinking of you cards -- whatever the case may be. They also have wonderful little crafts for $1.00 that my son adores -- great for rainy day activities. Here are a few samples of the notecards I have at home. I think I bought 12 packs of notecards 2 years ago and still have some left.

Answered Prayer ?!?

Overheard outside of my house tonight:

"Mom... God answers prayer -- he really answers prayer."

I was so excited. We've been talking to Chris a lot about prayer and he's been praying for his grandfather, Domingo, for months. Maybe he is seeing God healing him ! I was having a proud parenting moment and getting ready to pat myself on the back for being able to get this important lesson across when Chris said... "Yep - God answers prayer -- I prayed really hard last night that the ice cream truck would come today... and it did!! God answers my prayers, Mom!"

Yes, he does -- childlike faith in action

Don't forget!

While visiting my FIL (father-in-law, Domingo) recently, Chris was quoting some of the scripture verses that he has memorized here at home. I'm trying to have him memorize one a week. I write them on index cards and post them by his computer and he has been doing a great job remembering them. So, we were sitting with Domingo and I said to him, "I think it's time for a new verse. Do you have a favorite that you would like for me to teach Chris?" Since he is not able to use his voice fully at this point and still has limited mobility with his hands, he nodded empathically that yes, indeed, he had a scripture in mind.

We brought a Bible to him and through some guesswork and shake your head yes or no, we figured out that the verse he wanted to impart to Chris was Proverbs 3:1. " My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart". I burst into tears... what a beautiful verse, but even more so, was the deep emotion that spilled out from my FIL to Chris through this verse. Here is Domingo, unable to read his Bible everyday, unable to sing praises out loud to Jesus, but holding on and clinging to the verses he has committed to memory. Can you imagine how you would feel if you were unable to audibly cry out to the Lord at your greatest time of need? It was so moving to realize that Domingo has been doing just what this verse said... not forgetting the Lord's teachings (or promises), but keeping them in his heart and thinking on those things. I love verse 2 of this chapter as well. It goes on to say "..For they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity."

We are seeing wonderful things happen in Domingo's life. He looks more like himself (from before the stroke) these days. He is able to eat more solid foods and last night was the first time since March that he did not have a feeding through the feeding tube. He is getting stronger, is able to laugh so hard that we can hear him laugh. I was able to share a morning cup of coffee with him -- that was a treat! We are believing that he'll be talking and walking within the next few months-- please continue to pray and believe with us!

What's On Your Mind?

Yesterday I found my mind going a mile a minute. It was honestly just going from one thought to another of things that had to get done. I was making so many mental lists in my head that I just had to run to find a piece of paper and write it all down. It's amazing how men and woman are so different in this area. Our former pastors gave a marriage seminar entitled "Men are Like Waffles, Woman are Like Spaghetti". This basically means that men are very compartmental (like a waffle) in their thinking. One thought or category at a time. Don't go at them with a million questions or a big list... one thing at a time. Woman, however, are like spaghetti - you put spaghetti on a plate and it spreads out.. it's all over the place, mixed between other pieces, swirling around -- just like us --we are all over the place. Our mind is just able to go from one thing to another.

I hate when my mind is so frantic with thoughts. Yes, there are important tasks to take care of, but there are days I just want to have my mind filled with thoughts of God's blessings, his peace, stories of his redemption and his grace. Max Lucado says that "Change the thoughts, and you can change the person. If today's thoughts are tomorrow's actions, what happens when we fill our minds with thoughts of God's love? Will standing beneath the downpour of his grace change the way we feel about others?" It's not enough to keep the bad stuff out. We've got to let the good stuff in."

So, today I'm following Philippians 4:8 (KJV - because that's how we memorized it growing up!) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things!

Oh Brother....

Well, today Chris asked the dreaded question...."Mommy, am I going to have a brother?" I shouldn't be all that surprised that he asked this questions now. He's been spending lots of time with his friends who all have brothers and sisters and I guess he finally figured out.. "hey.. I don't have one of those." My heart sank and broke for him as he looked up at me with his bright, anxious eyes as he waited for my response. Steve and I talked about this day for a while... we knew he would eventually ask about having a brother or sister. And today was the day (big sigh...)

I delicately explained in 5 year old terms that until God healed Mommy's body, I would not be able to have any more babies. I told him that God makes each and every family special. Some of his friends may have brothers or sisters, but for now, God saw fit for us to have just 3 people in our family. We are blessed and if it's God's will, maybe one day down the road we will be able to add to our family, but for now, we are a happy family of 3.

He seemed to take that pretty well and scampered off to his next activity which was a good thing or else I would have broken down in tears for sure. Don't worry, since some of his friends have dogs, I'm sure he'll be asking for that next week.

The Battlefield

In each church I join, I like to serve in some way. I've been on worship teams, sang in choir, played keyboard or piano, Missionettes, Youth Leader, etc. I truly believe that just because I have a gift or talent in an area, that I still need to seek God's guidance and direction for what ministry he needs me and wants me in. I feel it would be a big mistake to be in a ministry that God didn't need me in --- what if there was someone else he wanted to use in that area and because I was ministering and filling their spot, I was in the way? Anyway, that's just me. Well, at our current church, I'm working on the front line... on the battlefield... the NURSERY!

The first thing I want to say is that this is no cushy job. I leave there sweating, exhausted and in need of a shower. I've been spit up on, slobbered on and God knows what else during those 2 hours. It is WORK!! The kids are so precious and keep me on my toes!! We've had as many as 23 kids at one time in the nursery. Here are some observations from my experiences over the years:

1) The child to pee through their clothes will be the one child whose parent did not pack an extra pair of clothes in their diaper bag. Who goes out without an extra pair of clothes for a baby? (I'm just saying..)

2) Bite marks and accident reports are inevitable -- never thought I'd have to explain either of these to parents, but sadly, it happens.

3) For the first timers ---- Do not come into the nursery with your child... just pass them off to the nursery attendant. Yes, they will scream at first when you leave, but it's all an act -- they'll get over it -- we just need you to leave so we can get them into the mix of things fast !!

4) Please don't ask me to serve your child a separate snack (unless they have a food allergy). Trust me.. your kid is just going to want to eat the animal crackers like everyone else's kid not to mention how all the other kids will want the one little snack you provided for your child.

One of the best things about teaching young kids is that they love to learn about Jesus... it's so true. They are the best worshippers, by far!

A New Normal

He was only about 1 week old. I was recovering at home in Wayne from the c-section the doctor's determined I needed in order to bring him safely into this world. My body was so sore, tired, swollen not to mention the emotional changes a new mom has. I was more than a little nervous about caring for this new little life that God had blessed us with.

Luckily, we had some extra hands around. My sister-in-law, Shirley, and father-in-law, Domingo, were staying with us and helping us out with laundry, cooking, cleaning...basically whatever we needed.

On this particular morning, I was feeling more like myself. I was able to move around better and, for the first time since I gave birth, I felt strong enough to take a shower, put on make-up, do my hair and basically pull myself together as I was finding my way in this new mommy world. This would be the first day of my new "normal". So, with Shirley & Steve changing Chris and tending to his needs in his room, I went down to the kitchen made myself a bagel and grabbed a tall glass of orange juice. The idea was to take my breakfast back to my bedroom, sit down, relax, watch a little news and just have a few moments to myself. Sounds awesome, right!?!? What new mom wouldn't want that?

So, on my way to my bedroom, I had to pass by Chris' room. I stopped for a mere moment in the doorway where I observed them in the midst of changing his diaper. The next thing I know, pee is flying through the air... literally like an arc of a rainbow... and lands directly first on my beautifully buttered bagel and then in my orange juice. It also splattered my arm. A perfect shot... Shirley told me later that the look on my face was priceless -- I didn't know whether to laugh or cry although I think I was leaning more towards crying. From that moment on I knew what my new "normal" was going to be... a blend of laughing and crying at every precious moment with this little guy.

Favorite Things - Ice Cream Edition

Since my friend Lois suggested this last week, today's topic of favorite things is ice cream. Honestly, I don't even know where to begin with this one. I can't say I have just one favorite... there are so many categories too. Here are a few of my favorite ice cream flavors/brands and where I like to go to get some:

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough - Ben & Jerry's
Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Blizzard - Dairy Queen
Rainbow Italian Ices -- wherever I can find it (Rita's does not serve it much to my dismay)
Jahn's Ice Cream - in Queens, NY
Chipwich -- remember those from the 80s? Love to get them from the ice cream truck that comes around.

So, I want to hear from you guys as well. What is your favorite brand or flavor or place to indulge?? I think I'll have to run out for some ice cream this afternoon - this is making me crave some!

Catching Up

I didn't want you to think I vanished... just took an unexpected blog break. Summer is going by so quickly. Chris started swim lessons this week and just loves it! We also have a very good family friend (Dave M) visiting from Florida this week. He and his family grew up with my husband's family in Brooklyn. Years passed and the families moved around the country. Steve & I connected with Dave M's family at the church we attended in Florida (that's such a God thing!) So, Dave M traveled all this way just to spend time with my father-in-law and us. It's been a tremendous blessing and we are so thankful for the amazing friends that the Lord has placed in our paths.

For those of you who have been praying for Domingo (my father-in-law) he is looking very good these days. He has been eating more solid foods and is getting strength from that. He is happy to be home and he has therapists that come to the house to work with him each day. Please continue to pray for him and for the family. We rejoice in what God has been doing in his life.

The Perfect Gift

A good friend emailed me this and thought I'd share with you all...