The Launch

Today marks the beginning of it all... the reason why we moved to California in the first place.. today is the beginning of the new Spanish language network, MundoFox.  If you are on the East Coast and care to tune in, check your local listings for MundoFox in your area.  Steve's newscast will air at 6:00 pm Eastern.   We are all excited as the team has been working very hard over the last few weeks to get this station up and running.  So, if you think of Steve, say a prayer for him today.

Let's Give Her A Hand

Up until two weeks ago, many of you know I had spent the last year working in NYC for one of the world's largest executive search firms.  l was blessed with a great job working for a fantastic company.  It was certainly a sacrifice of time .. A big commute via express bus into NYC each day as well as time away from my family.  My days started at 5:15 am and most days I would roll into our front door around 7:15 pm...  But the one thing I could count on every day...no matter what type of day I had in the office...no matter what time I got home at night was being greeted by my hubby and son at the front door.  Not just with a hug, but as I walked in they would stop whatever they were doing and run to the front door to greet me with a thunderous round of applause.  At first it took me off guard..it's not every day you enter a room let alone your home and receive applause.  I came to love this..it made me feel so special and so appreciated.  God knows you are not getting applauded at work for a job well done...it was so nice to get that validation from the people I love most.

Thanks you Steve for always making each day so special!  I hope to continue the tradition now that Chris and I will be the ones to greet you each evening!

The Revelation

As I walked down the corridor leading to the operating room, I looked back tearfully at my husband.  The last two minutes had totally rocked my world and my sanity.  Up until then, I was relatively at ease regarding my upcoming gall bladder removal operation.  I had the best surgeon and hematologist in NYC on my medical team and I was was in a fantastic hospital.  That gave me a sense of assurance.  But, as I was walking towards the operating room reflecting on those things, God had quietly whispered something to me that brought on the tears and convicted my heart.  All at once, the tears started flowing and I felt so ashamed.  You see, I prayed that God would watch over me during the surgery and to especially take care of my blood disorder so there would be no complications.  I thanked God for the surgeons, doctors and the hospital that I was in.   In my heart I knew that I felt confident because I had the BEST.. best surgeon and  best hospital so it eased my fear.  And that's when God said to me, " But Beth.. I have been with you all along.  You should have had confidence in ME all along..but you feel at ease right now because of the people I have placed in your path.  You should draw your strength and confidence from ME alone.  "   I cried.. I repented.. I told the Lord that I was sorry for not finding my confidence in Him.  I wished I had more time to talk to God and tell Him how much I loved Him and how thankful I am for all he has done for me and to tell Him that I DID believe that he was in charge and would see me through.  But my time was up.  I was in the operating room.  The anesthesia was being applied.  So, I just whispered  "I love you Lord.. I trust in YOU. "

I know that God uses doctors and physicians.. I am not knocking that at all.  In fact, I know that God orchestrated everything leading up to my surgery.  It's just that my fears were so great that I forgot to remember that peace and comfort should only come from knowing the Great Physician, while being thankful for those he uses to tend to our needs. 

The operation was a great success with no complications...and I am more careful to remember that God is the giver of peace and comfort ..even in our greatest hour of fear. 

"The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them." (Psalm 145: 18-19)

What I Have Learned So Far

It's hard to believe we've been in California for an entire week.  In some sense, it feels like an eternity.. in another, every day feels like we are still on vacation and starting our adventure.

You'll be happy to know that I've managed to successfully navigate the notorious LA highways BY MYSELF without incident... okay, perhaps one wrong turn, but I am blaming that on my GPS.   Everything you have heard about LA highways are true.. they are big, they are crowded and there is a ton of traffic.  But, having said that, I honestly don't see what the big difference is from NY highways and traffic.  In fact, I dare say that the traffic at least crawls here in CA as opposed to dead stand stills in NYC.   I am happy that my first road trip without my husband was a success and I feel more confident in using the highways to get around.

On the house hunting front, we've seen over a dozen places... honestly, I feel like I have just finished shooting a week's work of house hunter episodes.   Trust me when I say that house hunting is a full time, agonizing, stressful job that can definitely put a strain on your sanity.  And that's only when you are looking to RENT a property let alone BUY one.

Here's a photo of what you DO NOT want to see on the entrance to the community you are looking to live in.. don't worry, we didn't even step inside this building..

We'll save the "buying a home headache" for a later date.   We felt it was more important to rent initially and get comfortable with a community/school, etc. before taking the plunge and mortgaging my life away in the ridiculously over-priced real estate market here in LA.    I am happy to say that we have found a house that looks extremely promising.  Hope to have more news on that later this week, so please pray for us especially this week!

In other news, Steve is hard at work at MundoFox.  If you are interested, the "launch" is next Monday at 6:00 pm Eastern Time so check your listings for channel information.   We are all pretty excited although I am still traumatized that I won't be able to see ANY of the broadcasts my husband is overseeing because they are ONLY airing on the east coast.. ironic, isn't it? LOL.  Thanks to my Dad who is going to tape a few for me. 

Off to the local supermarket for a few last minute things.  Looking forward to some quiet time at the pool later today (it's a tough job, but someone has to do it!)

Here's a photo of the sunset we got to enjoy at the Manhattan Beach Pier last night.  Have a great day everyone!

Change is in the Air (again!)

You know it's been a while since you've blogged when you forget your log in ID and passcode!  So sorry.  I can't believe my last post was in January!!  I'm sure you are all saying "it's about time" and I hope you've missed me.  I know several of you personally connect with me on facebook so you know all about the adventures, trials and joys that my family and I have experienced in these last few months. My hope is to give you a more "behind the scenes" look at what's been happening.

Our journey has taken us to California and that is where I am blogging from. So this NJ Housewife has switched coasts and I guess I'm an OC Housewife even though I am technically further north than the OC.  My body is still on east coast time so give me some grace as I am adjusting to a new time zone and a new life all at once.  Talk about stepping outside your comfort zone! 

Thought I'd leave you today with my list of what I'll miss about NJ and what I am loving about CA... will blog again soon (I promise!!)

What I will miss about NY/NJ:
- My family and friends
- Dunkin' Donuts (I am outraged that there are NONE in California-- feel free to send me a care package!)
- Delicious fresh NY bagels/pizza (again.. care package!)
- Not having to pump gas (Jersey Girls don't pump gas! LOL)
- Watching the leaves change colors
- Celebrity spottings (most recently the Manzo boys on the Garden State Parkway!) -- although one could argue that I will likely be seeing more celebrities here... So far.. zero

What I love about CA so far!
- the SUN !
- the temperature
- being close to a beach -- always!
- the relaxed pace
- not having to WORK in NYC every day! (Woohoo!!)
- Did I mention the abundant SUNSHINE?

The Room

17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a class. The subject was What Heaven Was Like . "I wowed 'em," he later told his father, Bruce. It's a killer. It's the bomb, It's the best thing I ever wrote." It also was the last.

Brian's parents had forgotten about the essay when a cousin found it while cleaning out the teenager's locker at Teays Valley High School in Pickaway County.

>Brian had been dead only hours, but his parents desperately wanted every piece of his life near them, notes from classmates and teachers, and his homework. Only two months before, he had handwritten the essay about encountering Jesus in a file room full of cards detailing every moment of the teen's life. But it was only after Brian's death that Beth and Bruce Moore realized that their son had described his view of heaven.
>Very thought-provoking...

>It makes such an impact that people wanted to share it. "You feel like you are there," Mr. Moore said. Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was driving home from a friend's house when his car went off Bulen-Pierce Road in Pickaway County and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the wreck unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and was electrocuted.

>The Moore 's framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family portraits in the living room. "I think God used him to make a point. I think we were meant to find it and make something out of it," Mrs. Moore said of the essay.

>Here is Brian's essay entitled:

>"THE ROOM"

> In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings.
>As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I Have Liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.

>A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I Have Betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I have Given,""Jokes I Have Laughed At."

>Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've Yelled at My Brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger", "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I never ceased to be surprised by the contents. Often there were many more cards than expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived.

>Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.

>When I pulled out the file marked "TV Shows I Have Watched," I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.
>When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me.

>One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards.
>But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.

>And then I saw it. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With." The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.

>And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room.. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.

>No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes.

>Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room.. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.

>Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files.. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. "No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, and so alive.

>The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished."

>I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.

>"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

>If you feel the same way forward it to as many people as you can so the love of Jesus will touch their lives also. My "People I Shared the Gospel With" file just got bigger, how about yours?

Trusting God

We are doing an awesome study on the Book of Joshua at church....if you are having trust issues with God...wrap your head around Joshua chapter 3. Think about your biggest obstacle (for Joshua it was the Jordan river that was at flood stage that he had to get across). Then think about what the worst scenario would be and then the best scenario . Then trust God with the rest. I have some big decisions that I am trusting God for...praying for wisdom and guidance. God can roll back the waters of your Jordan river if you step out in obedience and put your foot in the water!

The Five Finger Prayer

Came across during my devotions and thought it was good...

Thumb...pray for those closest to you

Pointer finger...pray for those who point the way

Tallest finger..pray for those in leadership

Ring finger...pray for those who are I'll or troubled

Pinky...pray for you

Twins!

Before you get all excited, let me say I am not pregnant. A couple of week's ago, Chris started calling me his twin. When I asked him why, he said it's because we look alike and we have a lot in common. He has twin boys in his class and his grandpa is a twin, so deep down I think he wanted to have a twin too. I explained what the term twins really meant. I think he is still wrapping

his brain around the idea of a woman having two babies in her belly at the same time. He is at such a cute age and I am soaking it up...at least he still wants to hang out with me and wants to look like me...wait a few more years and I am sure he will be singing a different song.

What You Didn't Know...

Hi! My name is Beth and I talk to myself...out loud...often...at work. I would like to say that this is a new habit, but unfortunately I started doing this years ago. I have a stressful job and in order to keep my sanity I have to act insane. Makes sense, right? I don't feel too bad because a lot of people do it at work. It would be funny to have a hidden camera to catch the conversations, little squeals of joy, and grunts of frustrations that emit from my desk every day. Throw in the hand gestures (not those hand gestures....I am a Christian lady after all) I constantly use because I am Italian and I talk with my hands, and there you have the makings of a great reality tv show.

I don't know if that will make you chuckle or start emailing me with names of counselors. Lol.

Thought for the day

Nine is a wonderful number when referring to a child's age or a shoe size...not so great when referring to the temperature outside your house while waiting for the bus this mornin. Missing Florida right now..sigh....

The Party is Over

Have you ever noticed that it is more exciting to pack for a trip then to unpack after it is over? Or how much fun it is to prepare for a special occasion whether it's a birthday celebration, an anniversary or just a fun get together with friends, then it is too clean up after the party is over? That's kind of what it feels like after Christmas and New Years, isn't it? The preparation, the excitement..you can feel it in the air. Today as we were taking down the tree and all the decorations, I kind of felt sad. Another Christmas come and gone... a new year is here. It was almost like the anticipation was over and ..now what? Tomorrow life goes back to what ever "normal" is for you and me. My son will head back to school, and my husband and I will work.

Don't get me wrong - there are plenty of exciting events coming, up.. plenty to look forward to... so I said a little prayer as I was closing the boxes and putting away the lights. Lord, let me never lose my excitement over the things that you have planned for me. May each day I wake excited as I anticipate how you are going to use me each day.

My heart feels lighter and I know that I don't have to feel like the party is over.. the party is just beginning!

Reflection

It's time to reflect on the year and set new goals. Did you meet any of your 2011 resolutions? I can't even recall what I had for dinner on Tuesday much less recall a goal I set last January. Another wonderful year is coming to a close. As I reflect on all the good, the bad and the ugly that has taken place this past year, I am still in awe of how faithful our God is. While people have let me down in 2011 ( wasn't you) God has been faithful...always. I am so thankful that God allowed me to meet every challenge while learning to trust him more fully. I truly believe that is one of my biggest challenges...letting go and letting God.

I pray that this new year brings you much happiness and a closer walk with God. Thanks for following me on my journey and for all your words of encouragement. Happy New Year!

Silent Night

The minute I turned on my computer I knew that Christmas was here.. There was not one email from any stores promising me last minute sales or super shipping deals. At long last the silent night had arrived and not a moment too soon. Doesn't it seem like a whole lot of cooking,, baking,wrapping and preparing each year ? I will admit that as my son gets older, Christmas gets more meaningful and fun. He had a great day followed by what he claimed to be the best birthday yet. It's hard to believe he turned eight yesterday. To mark the special occasion we stopped at the Disney store for him to pick up a few things...while he was there I used a gift card at the Coach store..hey shouldn't the parents be rewarded too?

I must have been a very good girl this year because Santa gave me an Ipad2. What that means for you is more blog postings...hold the applause.. I know I have to make up for lost time. Hoping each of you had a great Christmas and that you are enjoying the last few days of 2011.

Christmas Eve

Welcome to the day that I always remembered as a child to be the LONGEST day of the year. It’s our first Christmas Eve by ourselves…ever. I’m not sure even where to start. We are so used to being at someone else’s home, that we don’t have any “traditions” of our own. I want it to be memorable, and I can’t help but think of the special traditions that my own family held on to year after year. We always had a chocolate advent calendar, a wonderful tradition that my Aunt Lou continues with my son. Each year she lovingly sends us one of these beloved calendars that the whole family enjoys as we anticipate Christmas! I am so excited to see what traditions that we start this year that Christopher will incorporate into his future celebrations.

My husband has already volunteered to make a Turkey, so I’m thrilled that he’ll be handling that. Chris is such a picky eater that up until Thanksgiving he wouldn’t touch Turkey. Thank God he tried it and decided he liked it. Turkey it is. Don’t tell my husband, but I am sooooooooo using the fine china on Christmas Eve. If you follow my blog, you know up until recently it’s been sitting in boxes for 3 YEARS! Yes, those babies are making an appearance and I’ll wash them myself thank you. Good thing there are only 3 of us! LOL

We’ve invited a couple of our neighbors to attend the candlelight service at our church tonight and I’m so looking forward to having them join us for that, followed by dessert at my house.
Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas as we celebrate the birth of our Saviour!

Goodbye November

What happened to November? For that matter, what happened to this year? Can it really be that tomorrow is December 1st? By looking around my house, I can tell that it is. Christmas tree, check; house decorated, check; gifts purchased, working on it!

Today I had my pre-December panic. Around the last few days of November I start to panic about my son's birthday. You see, his birthday is the day after Christmas and every year I go into full panic mode that I will somehow in the hustle and bustle of Christmas forget to buy him a card or (gasp!) even a gift!! So, today during my lunch break I ran to Duane Reade (thank God there is one on each NYC street it would seem) and purchased his card. Since we've already purchased his birthday gift, the only task left to panic about is making sure I wrap it in Happy Birthday paper as opposed to Christmas paper, and to bake him a cake before his special day.

I hope each of you can take a few moments over the next few weeks and enjoy this wonderful time of year.

Holiday Spirit - NOW

I know for the majority of you, you are going to say it is WAY to early to be thinking about Christmas. Not only am I thinking about it, I am buying gifts, wrapping paper, decorations for my home, etc. Trust me when I say, that Christmas kicks into high gear around here the day after Thanksgiving. I love EVERYTHING about the Christmas season... especially the REASON behind all of it.... Jesus himself.

There is one family tradition that Steve & I just started last year with Christopher which we absolutely fell in love with. Operation Christmas Child through Samaritan's Purse. It's a way of bringing joy and the Good News of Jesus Christ to children all over the world who need hope.

It's so easy to do:
1) Get a Shoe Box.. find one at home (standard size) or pick one up at your Christian Bookstore. You can wrap the box and lid with wrapping paper if you wish. Most importantly, pray as a family over the child who is going to receive this box.

2) Boy or Girl... have your child/children decide should the box be sent to a boy or girl and pick the age category. Last year Chris decided to send it to a boy his own age. The age categories are 2-4; 5-9; or 10-14.

3) Fill the box with gifts! You don't have to break the bank... a simple trip to the dollar store will do. School Supplies, small cars, balls, dolls, hygiene items, socks, ball caps, etc. We also had Chris put a picture of himself in there along with a note from our family letting the child know that we are praying for him/her.

4) Include a $7 donation (to cover shipping)

5) Drop off the box - our church collects them or you can call 800-353-5949 to find a drop off center near you. National Collection Week is Nov 14-21!

For those of you who just can't wrap your head around doing this now with everything else on your plate, you know you think you'll get to this "later". Trust me when I say, this is so worth your time and your child will LOVE being a part of this process. If you truly don't have the time, you can even do this ONLINE! Go to www.samaritanspurse.org/occ. All the steps I mentioned above can be done online -- you can fill a box for a boy/girl and they have items you can "buy" to fill your box. All online. So simple and you control how much money you want to spend on the box. You can upload a photo of your child and can even follow your box around the world! You can find out exactly where your box winds up, whether you fill a box online or the old fashioned way.

I hope many of you will take the time to do this with your family, or perhaps you have another organization that you work with and that's great.

The long awaited update

Hi everyone. So many of you have texted me, emailed me and called me to see how my health is doing and what's going on in general. This is literally the first moment I have had to sit at the computer to try to compose somewhat of a response.

Most of you know that my infamous gall bladder surgery did not take place as scheduled on Oct 21st. At the very last minute, seriously, the doctor cancelled the surgery. He did a last minute blood test, and because of a prior blood disorder I have in my body, he decided that we need to take some other precautions and cancelled the whole thing. I honestly was VERY relieved. I was never concerned about the actual gall stones, it was always about my blood disorder that had me very concerned.

So, next step is for me to see a Hematologist this Friday in NYC. I am so blessed because my former boss is very well connected in the NYC medical field and was able to refer me to one of the best hematologists in NYC. God is so good.

Continue to pray for me-and also for my father-in-law, Domingo who is in the critical care unit of a south NJ hospital. He needs a touch in his body and we are so thankful for those of you who are already praying for him.

Love you all!

Smile!

I bet you didn't know that I'm a model... I must admit, it can be pretty annoying to have cameras going off in your face at any given moment... I didn't set out to become a model, but people just want me in their photos.. You see, every day at 5:00 pm I have to walk through Grand Central Station in NYC. If you have never had the thrill of walking through this super busy train station, let me tell you.. it is a full blown contact sport. Thousands of people dodging one another trying to get to their train on time! Not only do you have to contend with the commuting crowd, but the tourists as well! I don't know who told the hundreds of tourists to come to Grand Central at 5pm, but they are there... every day.. and they take my picture.. every day.

You see.. whether I want to be or not, I am photographed every day.... I must be in THOUSANDS of photos.. it could be just my arm, my leg, my hair, the back of my head.. but I can guarantee you I'm in those photos. In fact, a photo of me could be lurking in your best friend's mother's cousin's husband's nephew's facebook page... or a photo of me could be on their cell phone! If they have been to Grand Central Station.. I promise you I am in there. So, if your friend says they've been to NY.. ask to see their pictures and look for me!

It Has Been A While!

I hope you are still there.. I wouldn't blame you if you gave up on me. Life has just been busy so you'll have to excuse me if I haven't been blogging lately. I'd say "it's been the best of times, and the worst of times", but that line has already been used. Some wonderful things have happened in the last month... Chris started 2nd grade and playing soccer, Steve has started his own business and I now have a permanent full time job with benefits in NYC. And while it's been great to dance on the mountain top and celebrate God's goodness, we've also been down in the valley as our family mourned the passing of a beautiful 14 year old girl... my cousin John's daughter, Brenda, who unexpectedly passed away earlier this month.

It's funny because I am constantly thinking about blogging.. little tidbits that you will find funny, but somehow getting to the computer and putting my thoughts together takes a little bit more energy then I same to have these days. Hoping that will change soon!

You can do one thing for me.. say a prayer for me this Friday. I am having surgery to have my gallbladder removed. Should be a routine procedure, but the "s" word frightens me. So, if you could pray for peace and for a speedy recovery, I would certainly appreciate it!