Only One

Last night I tried to get to bed early (10pm) and I kept hearing Makaila and Isabella yelling at each other and being just plain mean.  I understand that there is an age gap of 7 years, but sometimes it really ticks me off how much they take each other for granted. There conversation went like this:

Issy - "Makaila - I'm hungry, you need to get up and cut an apple for me"
Kayla - "I'm not hungry, get your own apple"
Issy - yelling "I'm too little, so I said get up, or I'm gunna go get mom, and your gunna get in trouble"
Kayla - "Go ahead, your gunna wake her up and then you'll be in trouble"

Makaila gets up and follows Issy into the kitchen and it continues:

Issy - " Well what are you doing just standing there, cut my apple"
Kayla - "I'm not your slave, get the apple out, and wash it yourself if you want it"
Issy gets the apple and thrusts it at Makaila
Kayla - "Don't hand it to me like that, do it right, or you won't be eating an apple"
Issy - "You have the apple, so just cut it already"

Now - I'm in my bedroom listening to this and while usually I laugh at their bickering, last night it was just not that funny to me...so I went out to the kitchen to ask them what the problem is and this is the recap they give me:
Me - "What is the problem with you two - why do you have to be so ugly to one another?"
Kayla -  "It's her - she's all rolling her eyes and yelling at me and stuff."
Issy - "Nu-uh, she is being mean and won't cut my apple for me and I'm hungry, I asked nicely"

I proceeded to get onto the both of them and remind than that they each only get one sister.  ONLY ONE! I tell them - "What would you do without your sister, what if something happened tomorrow and your sister was gone....you would feel bad for how you treated her - so stop being so ugly to each other."
Issy chimes in and says - "I would go get her if she left...if someone took Makaila, I would just go get her back." 

I know it's normal for them to not get along, and get on each other's nerves - especially since my older sister and my younger sister are both 7 years older/younger than me.......but as a mom - I just wish they would understand that they only get ONE for each other, and they need to love and appreciate each other.....

I read a posting that said - YOU TAKE FOR GRANTED WHAT OTHERS ARE PRAYING FOR

It's so true, there are so many woman struggling to have babies, so many people watching loved ones dying, people in abusive relationships, lonely siblings, people praying for jobs, etc.

There wasn't any more fighting amongst the girls last night.....but if you have a sibling and are reading this - take it as a sign that you need to call him/her and tell them you love them.  Appreciate them while you have them.  Life is too short, and our tomorrows aren't promised...love the people around you and treat your sister with LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

THIS IS HOW I LIKE TO SEE MY BEAUTIFUL GIRLS - SMILING, HAPPY, AND BEING NICE !!

Church Rewind

In the month of July our pastor takes the month off and Dr. Charles Lowery comes in to do a four week message.  This guys cracks me up!  He makes church feel like a comedy club - and messages are unforgettable! His wrap up message this week was great, but when I went online today to look at the daily devotionals from our pastor I saw that they already had his messages available in the archive.  I love his messages so much that I listened to each of them again today!  I laughed and laughed....so much that I thought it would be a good idea to share. 

http://www.woodlandschurch.tv/media/steps-to-a-life-of-significance

Now - if you know me - then you know I am not a Christian poster child - by any means.  I have my faults and my issues, but I do love Jesus.  I would love you to join us for church one day, to pray with you or for you; but I also thought that if you have some free time and just need to laugh - then watch these videos or listen to them while you do something else....you will not be disappointed!!

My Favorite Dr. Lowery quotes:

• "Men - do not make decisions in the presence of a naked woman - Adam did it and look where that got us."
• " single guys go into prisons or mental hospitals alot more than married guys...marriage keeps you out of prison and state hospitals" 
• " At a certain age your body and your fat become friends - and it all heads south"
• "When you go to church you look all Holy, the couples are getting along, everything looks good - but then you step out into the real world and it gets REAL!  It's hard to be a good Christian"  
• "That's good preaching - But I've got to hurry"
• "You need someone with a better view guiding you - God is in heaven - view doesn't get much better than that"
• "You are his most prized possession - once you understand that you will live an awesome life"
• "When your marriage has troubles - don't swap mates - fix the marriage!!"

Busy Busy Weekend Of Fun

We had a very full weekend.  On my way home I picked up Ivan and Emily to spend the night!  They were pretty excited, and so were the girls. 

Samantha gave me a Sally's Beauty card, so I stopped to take advantage of their B1G1 on ORLY nail polishes.  Then we went straight home to get ready for Scrapbooking Friday! Margaret, Cynthia and I finished up our cute July layout and spent a good amount of time looking through the new Fall catalogs!!  There are so many things I want in the new book.....but that's always the case!

Saturday morning,  I woke up early and made a big breakfast for the kids, and then we headed out to the movies.  We stopped at Kroger and picked up candies for everyone.  On the way there our "movie hook-up" had an accident, and so we headed back home.  That didn't sound to any of us like fun, so we headed over to Hollywood Movies in Pasadena, for a matinee movie that is cheaper than most.  For $20 we all got in to see Despicable Me 2.  Very cute movie.  We had a good time. 

After our movie, we headed over to Teresea and Nics apartment to hang out.  We had hot dogs for lunch, watched a little tv, and then took the kids swimming for awhile while Teresea and I looked over the new Close To My Heart catalog.  After about an hour it started to thunder, so we headed back to the apartment. 

Issy decided she was staying with her Aunt Teresea, so Makaila, Ivan, Emily and I headed home.  Mario wanted to pick up the kids, so we stopped by the house to get their stuff and met him by the beltway to send them off.  It was still kinda early, so Makaila and I opted for Mani/Pedi's.  Then to top off our evening, we had half price shakes at Sonic.

We spent the rest of the night watching stuff on demand, until we were both too tired to keep our eyes open.

Sunday morning, we woke up kinda early - courtesy of Grandpa Matt giving us a wake-up call at about 8am.  Worked out great because Makaila and I got ready for church and went to hear a great message.  it was the closing of the Dr. Lowery series at our regular church and it was great.  I love him as a speaker.  Some of his quotes just hit home. 

For example....

" Laughter is  a form of faith - its a process of letting go of things you can't control"

" You'll never have it together - so stop waiting for that moment - instead tell your stories, and that will give you clarity along the way"

"Your mess becomes your ministry"

" Stop going to church and holding huddles - get active and run a play"

"To forget about your past - do something awesome in the present."

After church, Makaila and I did some back to school clothes shopping. 

We bought a few things and then Issy called and wanted us to meet them at the zoo, so off to the zoo we went.  It was blaring hot - but luckily for me, Teresea takes Issy to the zoo alot, and they have a firm path that gets Issy to all the animals she wants to see and back out of the zoo in about an hour.  We got to see the limited Lego animals, the monkeys, the cats, the elephants, giraffes, etc.  I got some great zoo pics of the girls and sweat like nobody's business. 

We left the zoo and stopped by Grandma & Grandpa Limons.  Aunt Rose called to say she was making stir fry - so who can pass that up?  We ate some stir fry and Issy played in Tia Sylvia's back yard for awhile with Jade and Emma.  We only stayed a little while because I still had laundry to get done and I would be starting a new work schedule Monday morning; so I planned on getting to bed a little earlier. (Planning and doing are TOTALLY different)

On our way home - Issy pointed out God in the sky - and he was looking extra pretty tonight. Years ago - Issy asked me about God and where he is and why we can't see him; so I told her that he lives in the sky and that we can always see him in the Sun that brightens our day each morning, the moon that keeps us out of darkness at night, the rain that falls down on us to keep the plants green, and so forth.  When she sees interesting clouds, or a nice blend of colors in the sky - we say that it is God smiling down on us.  He seemed really happy last night! He must of known what was on our minds! LOL  

It was magically 8:20 when we were almost home; so we decided to once again partake in half price Sonic shakes.  The logic behind this decision was as a follows:

1. We all had dinner already

2. Half-price shakes are only going on for the summer and its coming to an end so we need to take advantage of them

3. We have only tried a few of the flavors

4. Issy wasn't with us yesterday; so its not fair - and we should go again

As you can see - we will make up just about any excuse when it comes to ice cream - and they all work!!

We went home and the girls gave me a fashion show of their new school clothes.  Followed by sad faces when I told them they couldn't wear any of the new stuff until school started! 

When we said our prayers for bed last night - I started out like I usually do but Issy had other plans so just a few lines into it Issy took over and asked for God to place angels in our doors and windows to keep the devil out, and to make Makaila be smart and nice and do good things for her sister, and to be a big sharer.  She asked God to keep blessing us and to help us be healthy and let us go outside tomorrow to play with our friends, and keep daddy safe and make Makaila do good in school and her chores and not get in trouble or yell at her family, and get in trouble because that's not nice.  Makaila finally chimed in and asked " why are these prayers focused on me?!?" that of course was followed by way too much laughter and silliness for 11:40 in the evening.   I started to pray again - and Issy says...if your gunna finish it mom - make sure you tell him nice stuff about us - okay?!?! That girl is something else!!!  Gotta love my babies!!  As I write this post today - I am so thankful for my friend Valerie and her insistence on me journaling.  She was completely right.  In just this first week of posting simple journals I am intensely more aware of our day to day blessings that I normally took for granted.

As as a side note - I had a couple select experiences this weekend - that are not mine to detail; but I feel obligated to make this statement (for years from now - when we come back to this page to read it). EVERY PERSON HAS WORTH AND VALUE.  No child should watch their mother cry herself to sleep, or be talked out of calling the cops for help - when someone is hurt  No woman should make excuses or try to justify abuse in any way - be it physical, mental, emotional, etc. 
Our children learn by example, and we need to be aware of the ones we set for them.  No relationship is perfect; but nothing makes it ok for a woman to be abused - and as a woman do not make excuses for anyone else doing this to you.  DO NOT expose your children to that and if and when they are be strong.  Know your worth!  Set the right example!!!  Get away from the people who hurt you and bring you down because you need to remember that you are loved by a father who under no circumstance wants you to endure that kind of heartache or pain.  He loved you SO much that he gave his life to cover your sins and wash you clean - so don't ever let anyone convince you otherwise. 
Teach your kids to love God, to honor their parents, to be faithful, true to their marriage, the power of respect, patience and self worth.  If as a woman you don't know your worth and value - then how can you expect your kids to know that? If you don't want your kids to experience the pains and trouble you endure - then be strong enough in yourself to get out of bad situations and if you truly love the person hurting you then lead them to help, lead them to God, but do not enable them to continue this hurt.  You are not the only one hurting by this!! Love is patient, love is kind.  Love does not boast, or judge, hurt, or weaken.  Do not confuse love for lust, or a fear of loneliness.  You are better off alone and happy then with someone who hurts you and makes you feel scared, unworthy or miserable!!!  Besides - you are never alone. (Don't forget that)

The stories I heard, and the decisions I saw being made - made me SO grateful for Danny.  We are not perfect in any way as husband/wife or even as parents, but I am so grateful for the blessings he brings into our lives and the examples of love we set for our girls.  I know from time to time I complain about stupid things - but in this moment I am so grateful for the man I have in my life!  He is the best dad in the world, and I love him!!!

Mr. Ouch

We recently had the house repainted.  While that took place, Danny noticed that most everything in our house was hung with tiny little nails, and or thumbtacks!  In my defense, I ask him to hang things all the time and he doesn't, so therefore I take matters into my own hands and as a result we have things hung on thumbtacks! 

One of the major reasons he got mad is because it is unsafe and things can fall.  When rehanging our wall items he made sure he did all the hanging.  Well, since not every single area of the house was repainted, we still had a few things hung haphazardly.  As if to prove his point, something fell last night.  Issy tried to change the date on her wall calendar last night and it fell down on her.  Unfortunately it made a small cut right on the side of her nose.  She cried for a moment, but luckily I got her smiling again once I mustached her band-aid!

How cute is Mr. Issy!  She just needed a top hat to go with her cupcake pj's.

NEVER A DULL MOMENT AT THE LIMON HOUSE!

Wicked

OMG - THAT WAS AMAZING!! - The final review from Makaila.

So I got home from work yesterday at about 4:45 to find that my date for the evening was ready to go and looking gorgeous!  She hoped into the car with her purse and her face just a smilling!

We headed back into downtown and had a nice dinner at Birraporetti's in the theatre district.  Our waiter was wonderful. We shared an order of cheesy bread as an appetizer.  Makaila ordered the Jumbo Cheese Ravioli's while I had the Chicken Parmesan.  They were both delicious!!!  I also enjoyed a frozen peach Bellini...yummy.  While the food was great...the company was even better.  Makaila entertained me with stories about her friends, the latest "cool fashions", her plans for the coming school year and more.  She was so happy and I was loving it.  After our meals, I was too full to try dessert, but Makaila enjoyed a giant slice of Tres Leches cake.  (I wish I would have taken a picture - it was gorgeous).  She said it was delicious - but I'm not a fan, so I just took her word for it.

Once dinner was over we walked over to the Hobby Center.  After three attempts in the wrong direction, we arrived about 20 minutes before the show.  We checked out the sales stands and while we both found t-shirts we liked, I just couldn't bring myself to pay $40 for a t-shirt, so we just kept going.  We stoped by a wicked poster and a nice lady offered to take our picture.  Then we went up to the Mezzanine and took our seats.  I snapped a picture of the stage before the show began..

It was a map of the land depicting The Land of Oz, Munchkinland, The Emerald City,etc.

About ten minutes after we took our seats, the lights dimmed and the show began.  Makaila and I were so entranced by the show, we didn't feel the hour and a half  pass us by. Makaila was so happy, and well - it was contagious.  We got up all smiles to find the ladies room. Makaila actually thought the show was over - she didn't realize there was a second act.  We got ourselves come candy and a  drink , and got into the long line for the ladies restrooms.  Luckily the lines went by really fast and we were back in our seats a few minutes before the second act began.

I didn't think it could get better and yet it did.  We had the best night.  The show was amazing, spending the alone time with Makaila was wonderful, and I wouldn't have changed a thing.   As we walked back to our car that night she told me that she wants for me to take her to see Annie when it comes into town, and The Nutcracker at Christmas time.  I'm so happy that we enjoyed the show and that God willing, we will be able to enjoy this little pass time for years to come. 

             A big THANK YOU to Danny for getting us the tickets.  We had an amazing night!! 

One of the songs in the play said " Who can say I have been changed for the better?...Because I knew you I have been changed for the Good."  It was my favorite part, and it made me think of how blessed we were in that moment to be there together, for Danny watching Issy at home, and for how GOOD our lives really are!  Thank you Lord for my family, for our joys, our sorrows, our today's, and our tommorrows.  :)

Excited for Wicked!

Ok...so my birthday was a few weeks ago, and Danny surprised me with a pair of tickets to see Wicked.  I might have mentioned a few hundred times how much I REALLY wanted to go see this show, and what a great present it would be, and so forth! LOL He took the hint, so tonight...I get to go see Wicked at the Hobby Center. 
I am really excited about it.  Not only because I have heard wonderful things about the show; but because I am taking Makaila as my date.  I am really hopeful that she enjoys it and we can make seeing plays and musicals a regular thing for her and I, eventually Isabella too. 
When I was Makaila's age, I don't think I even knew what the Hobby Center was, or that the world of theatre existed.  It was not a part of my life growing up.  To be honest it hasn't been a part of my adulthood either.  My first theatrical show was  A TUNA CHRISTMAS at the Verizon theatre in 2002.  I got to see the show because I took a part time job as an usher for some holiday cash.  I LOVED it!!!!!  The only other show I can remember going to (with an actual ticket) was THE PRODUCERS in New York.  I LOVED that one too.  I don't know what it is exactly...but I felt so special.  I want Makaila to feel that too.  The shiver of excitement, the dressing up, the sense of prestige, the captivation.  I feel all those things, and I hope she really likes it.  (She was even trying on dresses last night...very cute)  Stayed tuned for how our evening turns out! 

The start of our life journals!!

My niece Angel created this blog for me years ago and I forgot all about it.  I've been contemplating starting a blog and started looking into it this morning only to find this one again and figured it was a sign!!!  Here recently I have been reminded in many ways that I need to be journaling for our girls. 

I have a friend named Valerie who seems to be an angel to me.  She calls at the most opportune moments, and prays for me, and reminds me of God's greatness.  Every time we talk she asks if I am journaling.  Sadly I always answer no! :(  Today that is going to change!  I want to start this blog today to take notes of our daily lives.  To be reminded of our blessings to log our special moments, and track things I want our kids to remember.