tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74452985220165069362024-03-13T01:39:09.295-04:00Led By FaithWith God in our lives, I believe where we go in life (both physically and growth wise) should be led by faith, even if we don't understand the reasons. I trust the Lord leads us where we need to be.Mamacitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18431637941426009903noreply@blogger.comBlogger156125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445298522016506936.post-22980707971186189672009-11-16T11:18:00.003-05:002009-11-16T11:24:25.000-05:00Mr. Magorium's WisdomWe have begun doing family movie night each Friday night as an event to look forward throughout the long isolated winters. This weekend we watched Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium, which was one of the most enjoyable kids movies I have watched in awhile. My oldest picked it out but it quickly became a mommy and daddy movie as it was a little too old for them. Anyway, Mr. Magorium talks about death and how he will be leaving soon. This quote was so nice, and simple, but I really enjoyed it.<br /><br />“When King Lear dies in Act V, do you know what Shakespeare has written? He’s written “He dies.” That’s all, nothing more. No fanfare, no metaphor, no brilliant final words. The culmination of the most influential work of dramatic literature is “He dies.” It takes Shakespeare, a genius, to come up with “He dies.” And yet every time I read those two words, I find myself overwhelmed with dysphoria. <span style="font-style:italic;">And I know it’s only natural to be sad, but not because of the words “He dies.” but because of the life we saw prior to the words.</span><br /><br />I’ve lived all five of my acts, Mahoney, and I am not asking you to be happy that I must go. I’m only asking that you turn the page, continue reading… and let the next story begin. <span style="font-style:italic;">And if anyone asks what became of me, you relate my life in all its wonder, and end it with a simple and modest “He died.” ”</span><br /><br />~ Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium 2007<br /><br />Just wanted to share today:)Mamacitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18431637941426009903noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445298522016506936.post-70648414664466246622009-10-13T23:27:00.004-04:002009-10-14T00:17:51.861-04:00Ask And It Shall Be GivenGod surely has a sense of what we need - and a good dose of humor with that as well. <br /><br />I was challenged a few weeks ago at a talk to bring a notebook to mass, spend some time before or after praying and asking God what one thing He wanted you to focus on during the week. I can always think of a million I should focus on, but actually just picking one is difficult and easier all in one. It helps me truly focus on the one and not get distracted by the long lists of imperfections I know I have, but it can be difficult to pick one.<br /><br />(Side note: My husband and I split masses right now so our youngest can stay home and not be exposed to all the germs that comes with being at mass and hopefully keep him healthier in the process). <br /><br />Anyway, so I was praying while I was waiting for my hubby to come home so I could leave for mass on Saturday since my kiddos were sleeping. I asked God what He wanted me to work on, prayed a bit and then opened my notebook to write. I started to write patience, and then felt like God was shaking his head saying,"Not this week - that one is for later." <br /><br />I crossed it out, prayed a bit more and then wrote "prudence of speech." That's another one of those I have been working on a lot more the past year. I'm not sure why I used that wording, since I can't remember EVER using the work "prudence" in my life, but whatever. <br /><br />My husband got home, I headed to mass, took a seat and was marveling how amazing it was to have a mass by myself without little boys when the first reading began.<br /><br /><em><strong><blockquote><a href="http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/101109.shtml">Reading 1<br />Wis 7:7-11<br /><br />I prayed, and prudence was given me;</a></blockquote></strong></em><br />I seriously started to chuckle. I think that was a sign I wrote down the right thing to focus on this week:). What do you think?Mamacitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18431637941426009903noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445298522016506936.post-8670675245401927082009-09-10T20:23:00.003-04:002009-09-10T20:38:45.548-04:00My perfect nightLast weekend it was just me and my little boys all weekend. My mother-in-law and I had arranged a trip for my husband and father-in-law (for my hubby's birthday) so hubby was out of town most of the long weekend. Maybe it's just me, but any time he is out of town, seem especially long and tiring. It's not that I don't love being with my boys, but I have no idea how single moms do it. I am exhausted and waiting for that break on Saturday morning. When I don't get it, I feel like I am just especially exhausted. <br /><br />So anyway, the weekend was fine and relatively uneventful. We stayed home a bit more because we are really trying to save some money so on Sunday I was aching to get out and do something ... ANYTHING. I just wanted a real conversation with someone older than three. <br /><br />I promised the boys we would go to this fireworks display if they took good naps. They did so Sunday night we headed out with a blanket and some sweatshirts and waited for the "ka-booms" to begin. It was a bit crowded and I was just ready to head home so I could put them in bed, but figured they were really excited and I had promised them we could go. <br /><br />They were so excited they were jumping out of their skin when we got there. We had to wait a little bit, but then the show started. Both of them cuddled up next to me. They are both so little we had one twin sized blanket we were sitting on that also fully covered us up. I looked down at them and their eyes were wide with wonder. You know the kind only seen in really young, innocent kids? The older one hugged me really close and said, "Thank you mommy for taking me to the special ka-booms." The younger one's eyes never left the sky. <br /><br />A million thoughts ran through my head. I thought about how even though the weekend was tiring and long, it was kind of nice just me and my boys hanging out. I thought about how a year ago the same fireworks show would have sent both of them into hysterics and we would have had to leave early. I thought about how blessed I am to have two beautiful boys and how I don't know how I got so lucky, but am so glad they are part of my life. <br /><br />I barely watched the show, but instead watched them wishing I could stop them from growing up so fast .... at least for a little while.Mamacitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18431637941426009903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445298522016506936.post-52591872311063391782009-09-10T00:02:00.004-04:002009-09-10T08:15:02.872-04:00Thinking of my grandpa<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYmazWPAGqr1LiJh_wIg_hBkdZSq5kLcKIazSHmNE2WQeJzKc8wf29PGc4wtK9MZoMtDtEWJukgk1E6TKfEThqZkw19PgGsqtWVU357fu3Jqar6n9ARfAgfPJwbEMOI6BCTsymZi-VT6v/s1600-h/ria+and+grandpa.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 326px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYmazWPAGqr1LiJh_wIg_hBkdZSq5kLcKIazSHmNE2WQeJzKc8wf29PGc4wtK9MZoMtDtEWJukgk1E6TKfEThqZkw19PgGsqtWVU357fu3Jqar6n9ARfAgfPJwbEMOI6BCTsymZi-VT6v/s400/ria+and+grandpa.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379811152941292354" /></a><br />I can't believe it's been six months since my grandpa died. I was just sitting here thinking how much I miss him and thinking what I wouldn't give for kiss on my cheek, a shoulder hug and a chuckle from him. Grandpa, we can't wait to see you again:)Mamacitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18431637941426009903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445298522016506936.post-90062446994878680122009-08-14T14:33:00.006-04:002011-05-19T08:21:44.429-04:00Update on NFP - The Marquette MethodSo it's been awhile since I wrote about the Marquette Method NFP we were trying out. I felt compelled to write about it because when we first heard of it, I could find NO information about how it worked for real people ... just the research. <br /><br />Well, we have decided we are infinitely happier with this method than the sympto-thermal method. Our youngest has continued to have many medical needs, thus really pushing us more to wait to have any additional children and needing a method we had confidence in. <br /><br />He is now 21 months and older than his brother when he was born, which has helped give us time to devote to both of them and their needs at the present time. We have made it to our initial goal of waiting another winter before we would have another baby. Our new goal is to get through one more winter without getting pregnant, knowing how much it takes out of me and my body and knowing the demands of our baby's medical needs (not to mention two little boys:). If we did we would welcome our baby with open arms, but we also turst in God's perfect timing for us.<br /><br />I love not adding more "medicines" to my body and making my body believe it is constantly pregnant. After the initial struggle to learn it, my husband and I both agree it has also strengthened our marriage in ways we never could have imagined. We communicate a lot better with each other. Not perfectly, of course, but a lot better and we have a lot more respect for each other. <br /><br />Plus we have gained confidence in a method that allows us to prayerfully discern if we are called to have more children at the time, while allowing God to make the ultimate decisions. Overall, it has just set our hearts at ease. <br /><br />You can find my other posts on the Marquette Method <a href="http://ledbyfaith.blogspot.com/search/label/NFP">here</a>. I am by no means an expert, but am happy to help out others who are looking for information that seemed very challenging at best to find. <br /><br /><a href="http://nfp.marquette.edu">The Web site </a>for tracking has also made it very easy for us to figure everything out and has been such a blessing. God bless and good luck!Mamacitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18431637941426009903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445298522016506936.post-41470726720088920232009-08-14T13:52:00.004-04:002009-08-14T14:20:46.155-04:00Remembering David with Hope<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0gjZ4yqhvBDQ6s5N1vnd0Hr6f03gPe6ChbDety_UmoJD4L1BzOxnM4FgDd6-wIysSfOqNzbxrL3eqnr3RlbT1SvTVIXH16OTQtffO3JFuA3K6O8N0FOfPeqkT_WWaWZku1dOtuvdWP8w/s1600-h/family28.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0gjZ4yqhvBDQ6s5N1vnd0Hr6f03gPe6ChbDety_UmoJD4L1BzOxnM4FgDd6-wIysSfOqNzbxrL3eqnr3RlbT1SvTVIXH16OTQtffO3JFuA3K6O8N0FOfPeqkT_WWaWZku1dOtuvdWP8w/s400/family28.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369885898926079106" /></a> We just got back earlier this week from home after my cousin passed away suddenly at 24-years-old. Despite of his and my grandpa's death, I have to say our family has been tremendously blessed. Until this past 12 months, no one of our grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins or siblings close to us had died except my one of my grandpas who died when I was 1 and unfortunately I was way too young to remember him. <br /><br />I know I am not that old, but that means for 30 years of my life, I had not had to deal with the grief of losing someone who had been a big part of my life at all. My husband and I lost 3 babies due to miscarriage a few years ago and that was extremely, overwhelmingly painful, but it was still different. To go home and not see both my Grandpa and now my cousin, it seems like a weird dream - one I wish I could wake up from. <br /><br />I think in my head it was almost like babies and the unborn were very venerable, but once they were born alright and brought home, they would not die ... even though all people do at some point. I guess some of that is that invincibility of youth. Regardless, losing my Grandpa and then losing David a few months later is a jerk back into reality. <br /><br />David was a big part of my life growing up. I don't remember him ever not being there after he came into this world. Even when his family lived in Arizona for awhile, every time we saw them it was like no time had passed (which I pray is what happens for my kids should we be blessed to move home some day). <br /><br />We used to live in the same neighborhood, go to the same church and same school and knew a lot of the same people. He was such a good, gentle boy who grew into a good gentle man. My son used to love to run up and play peek-a-boo with him and he had so much patience and a soft spot for little kids, he never turned them down. <br /><br />All I kept thinking during his wake and funeral was, "It isn't fair. This isn't supposed to be this way." You know when you are little and your parents tell you life isn't fair - well I always assumed they just were referring to trivial matters like it wasn't fair my brother got a bigger cookie. But this is no trivial matter and we aren't talking about a smaller cookie. <br /><br />Still, I think every person is put on this Earth for the amount of time God needs them to do His will. Some of them, like my niece Sydne and my babies only get a little bit of time, but touch and change hearts. Some may get years and some decades. I think although David's life ended at 24, his loving nature and good heart will continue to touch everyone who knew him and maybe even some who didn't and hopefully draw them closer to God. I pray maybe it makes some of those kids who weren't nice to him growing up stop and think twice before treating someone like they don't matter and I pray it helps all of us reevaluate where we are going and what we are doing or avoiding to be where we aim to be, living in God's presence.<br /><br />I have this great vision of David sitting up there with both my grandpas and my Sammy, Annabella and Esperanza as well as Sydne and my Uncle David (who he was named after) just having a great big Mexican party waiting for us to arrive. That leaves me with a big smile on my face.<br /><br />This song touched my heart as I lost my babies and it seems fitting for losing David too. The beauty is we have faith and hope we will be reunited again ... knowing that helps us carry on.<br /><br /><em><strong>With Hope<br />Steven Curtis Chapman</strong><br /><br />This is not at all how<br />We thought it was supposed to be<br />We had so many plans for you<br />We had so many dreams<br />And now you've gone away<br />And left us with the memories of your smile<br />And nothing we can say<br />And nothing we can do<br />Can take away the pain<br />The pain of losing you, but ...<br /><br />We can cry with hope<br />We can say goodbye with hope<br />'Cause we know our goodbye is not the end, oh no<br />And we can grieve with hope<br />'Cause we believe with hope<br />(There's a place by God's grace)<br />There's a place where we'll see your face again<br />We'll see your face again<br /><br />And never have I known<br />Anything so hard to understand<br />And never have I questioned more<br />The wisdom of God's plan<br />But through the cloud of tears<br />I see the Father's smile and say well done<br />And I imagine you<br />Where you wanted most to be<br />Seeing all your dreams come true<br />'Cause now you're home<br />And now you're free, and ...<br /><br />We have this hope as an anchor<br />'Cause we believe that everything<br />God promised us is true, so ...<br /><br />So we can cry with hope<br />And say goodbye with hope<br /><br />We wait with hope<br />And we ache with hope<br />We hold on with hope<br />We let go with hope</em>Mamacitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18431637941426009903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445298522016506936.post-44880692967117770772009-03-18T21:36:00.005-04:002009-03-18T22:13:40.033-04:00My Grandpa<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xiIdLlhrtCkrYrKs4Xvjpra1JcGtEMlgfENMzuig-pAOgsI99ouMTSGJRaHNOHVjOXsirEVJpCuxWTE6q6BbgbH6Tn-HOKng2EtBrvCSEkuaxxYcKk6u7IWuqtKrWpVX4V2jzrJaBoOv/s1600-h/DSC_0165.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 284px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xiIdLlhrtCkrYrKs4Xvjpra1JcGtEMlgfENMzuig-pAOgsI99ouMTSGJRaHNOHVjOXsirEVJpCuxWTE6q6BbgbH6Tn-HOKng2EtBrvCSEkuaxxYcKk6u7IWuqtKrWpVX4V2jzrJaBoOv/s400/DSC_0165.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314715339818644386" /></a><br /><br /><br />When someone you love dies, there's not much to say. It hurts, you miss them more than you can ever express and you wish there was more time. My grandpa died suddenly last week, about 48 hours after going into the hospital. I have tried to write a few times, but am not able to express how much he meant to me. He had always been a very important part of my life and who I am and I am still not sure all of it has sunk in yet. I think my brothers said it best in their part of the eulogy on behalf of my siblings and cousins: "I guess I just miss my friend." He was everything a child wishes a grandpa to be. This poem was also a good reminder for me to focus on all he gave to us and keep his memory alive by living our lives and honoring him with what he taught us.<br /><br /><br />You can shed tears that he has gone,<br />Or you can smile because he has lived.<br />You can close your eyes and pray that he'll come back,<br />Or you can open your eyes and see all he's left.<br />Your heart can be empty because you can't see him,<br />Or you can be full of the love you shared.<br />You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,<br />Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.<br />You can remember him and only that he's gone,<br />Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.<br />You can cry and close your mind,<br />Be empty and turn your back,<br />Or you can do what he'd want;<br />Smile, open your eyes, love and go on.Mamacitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18431637941426009903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445298522016506936.post-27628974955374549362009-01-27T07:49:00.001-05:002009-08-14T15:29:23.990-04:00Imagine The Possibilities ....Check out <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2CaBR3z85c" target="_blank">this ad</a> put out by <a href="http://www.catholicvote.com/" target+"_blank">catholicvote.com</a>. It makes you remember the possibilities of all life and how all life is precious.Mamacitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18431637941426009903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445298522016506936.post-52626110757971738302009-01-26T21:46:00.002-05:002009-01-26T22:13:03.385-05:00What Scares MeEntering the second straight year of doctors, testing, pretty regular sicknesses and no diagnosis with my son is starting to wear on me, my husband and son and everyone else more than I realize sometimes. <br /><br />I keep myself so busy talking to his doctors, pushing for something productive to happen, trying to get all the doctors who keep telling me they don't know what to do with him to keep racking their brains in hopes that someone will be able to help him and at the most unexpected times it hits me hard. <br /><br />I know intellectually none of this is in my hands. I know tons of people are praying for him and us, and for that I am grateful. I also know God create us with a brain to use and not sit ideally by while life happens to us.<br /><br />Every visit with a doctor and every day he gets sick and no one can tell us what is happening is scary. It's scary to know if he gets one really bad respiratory illness, he may not have the resources to fight it off because his body is already fighting hard. <br /><br />It is scary to weigh the effects of medicines that in a normal kid may have bad effects, but in a kid whose future health is so uncertain may be the only way he even has some future health. <br /><br />It is scary to watch my boys play and imagine what happens if my baby goes to the hospital one day and doesn't come home. <br /><br />It kills me to stick the tube down his nose into his stomach to make sure he is getting enough extra calories to maintain his status quo and hopefully put on a few ounces in the process.<br /><br />You know your children aren't yours solely - they are on loan from God. The further we delve into the possibilities of health issues and the more time we invest in doctors and hospitals, the more I wonder if our time would be better spent not looking for the "answer."<br /><br />I want to capture every moment with my boys ... I am a photojournalist, it is in my nature. I think situations like this just make that urge 100 times stronger. I don't want to miss one second I am given with them. <br /><br />I think what scares me more than not finding an answer sometimes, is finding one and what that means for our future; for his future.<br /><br />My husband and I have talked about many different scenarios and what we know is we love our boys and no matter what, we want them to have as normal childhood as they can regardless. So even though that may include tons of trips to the doctors and hospitals and lots of tubes and medicines and who knows what ... it also includes a lot of toys and reading and laughter and hugs and giggles, and I hope that is what they remember most when they are older.Mamacitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18431637941426009903noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445298522016506936.post-2948759445444052002009-01-16T14:34:00.005-05:002009-01-18T17:14:02.178-05:00Exercises You Are Better Off Without This YearWith the start of the new year, it seems like everyone is always giving you advice on how to better exercises so it caught my attention when I was listening to the radio, the broadcaster began speaking about exercises we are better off without this year. I couldn't remember them all (I was driving and trying to remember while paying attention), but wanted to share what I did.<br /><br />Jumping to conclusions - maybe we should step back and re-assess before making any hasty conclusions that are oftentimes wrong.<br /><br />Fishing for compliments - I know I do this sometimes without even knowing it, but I know I need to do the best I can and rejoice in who I am in God, instead of looking to other people to build me up.<br /><br />Beating our own drum - same as above. I need to be secure in who I am as God made me and know my rewards and the only ones that truly matter await me in Heaven.<br /><br />Dragging our heels - I know there are many things I need to do and I tend to try to put off the ones I don't want to complete. I read somewhere that doing one thing you are dreading most in the day first thing gets it out of the way and you enjoy your day more. I know I tend to think more about what I have to do than it takes me to actually just do it.<br /><br />Anyway, this isn't the whole list, but I thought it was pretty creative:)Mamacitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18431637941426009903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445298522016506936.post-82751870008763202222008-12-31T22:18:00.004-05:002009-08-14T14:57:33.141-04:00Happy New Year!<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9a/Fireworks_5041.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 284px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMEEX6fsdIvKdrDgU-Serggc_96k5z9J57xpVR2hCHvK6AEvAumcKKZYtyADMgKKRRvtqb3yJF4XPp5R3iqS1mr1wkO_2zo1klOyDCxFyHGLrLEOnA1YagD2OEzlc9qSPFtIi-1332Eiy/s400/800px-Fireworks_5041.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286161737025838450" /></a> Happy New Years! May 2009 bring health, security and peace to all! We are enjoying a wonderfully low-key evening and I can't imagine a better way to spend this New Year's. May yours be equally as blessed.<br /><br /><em>Source: Photo taken by Kabir Bakie at Blue Ash Community Fireworks July 2005</em>Mamacitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18431637941426009903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445298522016506936.post-74519370814736943952008-12-27T20:42:00.000-05:002008-12-27T20:52:43.382-05:00A Matter Of PerspectiveTo be grateful, sometimes it helps to change our focus in situations. I don't do this perfectly so this is what I am striving for in my life. <br /><br />Instead of being frustrated because my husband arrives home late from work, I am grateful he has a job that supports us. <br /><br />Instead of being frustrated with all the medical care my son needs, I am grateful we have the insurance that covers a majority of the care he needs. <br /><br />Instead of focusing on how far away from home we are, I am grateful we have found such strong faith communities and many families that now feel like part of our family. <br /><br />Instead of getting frustrated with the loads of laundry that need to be washed, I am grateful we have the clothes we need. <br /><br />Instead of getting frustrated with the messiness that inevitably penetrates this house, I am grateful we live in a good, safe neighborhood and all our needs are met. <br /><br />Instead of getting frustrated when I cannot find a good spot at mass, I am grateful so many people have decided also to attend that mass. <br /><br />Instead of being sad because we cannot be close to our extended family over the holidays, I am grateful I have the Internet, phone and digital pictures to keep in touch as well as two beautiful boys and a great husband to celebrate with on Christmas.<br /><br />It's all a matter of perspective ...Mamacitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18431637941426009903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445298522016506936.post-10809314040018933552008-12-23T06:51:00.003-05:002008-12-23T06:52:34.891-05:00Angels Always Watching<a href="http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=434538999&albumID=327849&imageID=1795040"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnR9Z82Q9outItYGZvp9s6gYl2wQXo92VNSwy7FW2YNSgqMPgw-EpJGPc-OOIG7ck4NdIVGZYxVAL2HqPAdLvl_9h9JS8ofyn3xBammULt68vZBM8Fs1MDBExfldZXgJjGH4wAykS_Kkq/s400/angel.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282952001715154210" /></a><br />There is a very cool story about angels my sister-in-law sent out to our family the other day. I believe very strongly in angels and that they are present in all we do. <br /><br />The story was linked from a series of links beginning at my SIL's blog, <a href="http://www.obsessedwithlife.com/">Obsessed With Life</a>. It gave me goosebumps ...<br /><br /><br />-------------------------------------<br /><em><br /><br />So many of you have heard me tell the story, but I wanted to pass it along anyway to those who didn't hear it and for those who wanted it in email.<br /><br />A couple of Wednesdays ago, I got an evening phone call from the pediatric ICU at Presbyterian Hospital, where I work as a child life specialist. Usually when they call at night, it means something bad has happened. This, however, was different. My coworker told me that the most amazing thing had just happened and she just had to call to tell me.<br /><br />We had a patient who has really grown up in and out of the hospital. All the staff knows her and her family. She had been in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) for about a month, and had been intubated - on life support. She was not doing well. The doctors had approached mom about taking her off life support the Saturday before. Mom was okay with it, and said that she'd been through so much and if was her time to go she wanted to honor that. So they had taken her off.<br /><br />It was Wednesday and she was still alive. Amazing. The doctors approached mom about taking off her oxygen mask. Mom was supportive, and began praying over her daughter. The mother of another young patient who was in the bed next to her began praying with her.<br /><br />The nurse practitioner went to the nurses station to chart that she had taken off the oxygen mask. While doing so, she looked up at the security monitor that videotapes the double doors leading into the PICU. It records anyone who may be waiting outside the doors to get in since it is a secure unit. She saw a man standing there, and it looked a little funny to her, so she decided to walk down the hall to open the double doors personally. When she opened them, no one was standing there.<br /><br />She walked back down to the nurses station to finish charting, assuming he had walked away, but saw him still standing there on the monitor. So she opened the doors with a button near the nurses station and leaned over to see him walk in, but no one was standing there.<br /><br />She pulled over another nurse and both stood staring at this man on the monitor and opening the doors to find no one there. The nurse practitioner leaned in closely to look at the man on the monitor and said, 'Oh my gosh. That's an angel. You can see his wings!' <br /><br />They said that the sun starting shining so brightly and the whole PICU was strangely filled with light. They said he was a tall man and you could see wings behind him.<br /><br />They pulled over all the staff of the PICU and the two praying mothers and everyone was staring at this man on the monitor and opening the doors to find no one there. Crying, everyone pulled out their camera phones to take pictures, but no one could get it to show up on their camera. The mother of the girl pulled out her camera phone and finally got a picture of the angel who was guarding the doors to the PICU. He turned out as a man of light. I have attached the picture from her phone.<br /><br />The girl was later discharged from the hospital to go home.<br />A Miracle.<br /><br />This story makes me so grateful for the way that God reveals himself to us, and the how Great He is really is. We have much to be thankful for this holiday. :)<br /><br /><br />-- <br />Katy L. Field, CCLS<br />Certified Child Life Specialist<br />Presbyterian Blume Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Clinic<br />Charlotte, NC <br /> </em>Mamacitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18431637941426009903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445298522016506936.post-55932275552521670722008-12-16T08:18:00.002-05:002009-08-14T15:03:41.598-04:00The Advent VirusI thought this was really cool. I especially like it because we have spent so much time looking at different conditions my son may have and it is worded just like so many ... lol. It was in our church bulletin this past weekend. It didn't have an attribution, so I'm not sure where it came from. <br /><br /><strong>The Advent Virus</strong><br /><br />The hearts of a great many have already been exposed to this virus and it is possible that people everywhere could come down with it in epidemic proportions, posing a serious threat to what has, up to now, been a fairly stable condition of conflict in the world. Some signs and symptoms:<br /><br />—A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on past experiences<br /><br />—An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment<br /><br />—A loss of interest in judging others<br /><br />—A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others<br /><br />—A loss of interest in conflict<br /><br />—A loss of the ability to worry (This is a very serious symptom.)<br /><br />—Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation<br /><br />—Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature<br /><br />—Frequent attacks of smiling<br /><br />—An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen<br /><br />—An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend itMamacitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18431637941426009903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445298522016506936.post-24544593841860324602008-12-14T20:15:00.004-05:002008-12-15T08:19:20.974-05:00New Nephew<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4h6tWApcl1gaIRXAD05cqwCYAix88HLvEVXz3znCXfT-ZvRsE71QQKBoSuEvOAjAt286gR-0qIlGzqihtXZ-t0fcI4hjHAmbtlFz4tiN6UiiA9XfnLo-3rVS7XaAPHPgBsr-Bgx-KUO5/s1600-h/PC140133.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 244px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4h6tWApcl1gaIRXAD05cqwCYAix88HLvEVXz3znCXfT-ZvRsE71QQKBoSuEvOAjAt286gR-0qIlGzqihtXZ-t0fcI4hjHAmbtlFz4tiN6UiiA9XfnLo-3rVS7XaAPHPgBsr-Bgx-KUO5/s400/PC140133.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280005285550361618" /></a><br />We have a new nephew:). He was a big baby, but mom and baby are doing well! We are so excited to welcome him into our family!<br /><br />Emmanuel(Manny) Joseph<br /><br />8 lbs 12 ozs<br />21 Inches Long<br />5:46 AM December 14th, 2008 <br /><br />Congratulations to my bro and sister-in-law. She was a rockstar in what seemed like the never-ending labor (and it wasn't even mine:). We sure can't wait to meet him!Mamacitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18431637941426009903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445298522016506936.post-89022110230731539872008-12-13T13:59:00.003-05:002009-08-14T15:30:44.112-04:00Props To My Brother<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VOgVOS4I46bCPjObEZZk-FtQoOAM3LTY6zsQZMcBLKBWA-ubQgWH_-zQIv8MPvRysXld7j0VC6OwI01RW_cnbVQLHdiaPfHwm-3HmNdQBNtisx743vgj0X3AoXSqAb34Bfqhja9pBm1Q/s1600-h/12-12.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VOgVOS4I46bCPjObEZZk-FtQoOAM3LTY6zsQZMcBLKBWA-ubQgWH_-zQIv8MPvRysXld7j0VC6OwI01RW_cnbVQLHdiaPfHwm-3HmNdQBNtisx743vgj0X3AoXSqAb34Bfqhja9pBm1Q/s400/12-12.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279352670641488274" /></a><br />I just wanted to send a shout out to my second youngest brother who just completed basic training in the Marine Corps just before Thanksgiving. It is a difficult feat and one he worked very hard to complete. Congratulations little bro (he's the last one in the row on the right). We may raz you, but we're pretty proud of you!Mamacitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18431637941426009903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445298522016506936.post-81782043816282419942008-12-13T13:06:00.003-05:002009-08-14T15:39:24.481-04:00Broken & BlessedI have been pretty quiet on this blog lately because I have been exhausted. Our baby is still quite sick and after his week-long hospital stay and between sicknesses and around-the-clock meds and daily doctors appointments, we have had little time for much else. <br /><br />I don't believe God only gives us what we can handle, because then we would never need to reach out to Him for help. This is important for me because I can be quite stubborn and know I need God, but don't always follow through in my life. The more challenging life gets, the more of a reminder I have of all the ways I can still put more of God in my life. <br /><br />I do believe He gives us the resources and comes to us in people around us though to help us through when we just can't do it on our own. <br /><br />While we have been overwhelmed with the realm of reality we are dealing with, we have also been overwhelmed (in a good way) with the graciousness of our family, friends and church community. <br /><br />A ministry at our church I had just begun to get involved with has flooded us with offers to help in all sorts of ways. Many of the families we have never met or are just meeting now. <br /><br />We have good friends who have been a good listening ear and who do the simple things that don't seem to get done. Thank you doesn't seem to be enough, but I don't think any words really can be. <br /><br />We also have such a wonderful extended network of friends from the many places we have lived who are praying across the country and world right now, and that brings us the strength to do what we need to do as parents. <br /><br />I never could have imagined what this year has brought. It has been challenging and a struggle, but we have been so blessed with the kind of community we have longed for and the type we grew up with, it is impossible not to be grateful. <br /><br />It is humbling to accept help, but when you really need it you have little choice and it is important in our world of always building ourselves up, to be humbled. <br /><br />One of my favorite praise songs, "Humble thyself in the sight of the Lord," runs through my head. Because without us humbling ourselves, we cannot get closer to God. And if we are not growing closer to God, we are growing further away, which is not the direction I want to be headed. <br /><br />I read somewhere once when it is too hard to just handle the week, handle the day. When it is too difficult to deal with the day, just deal with the hour. When it is too much to deal with the hour, deal with the minute and if that is too much, deal with the second. It sounds a bit silly, but thinking about that tends to make me smile because even when life is overwhelming, you can at least handle the day, hour, minute or at least second and the rest gets taken care of as it is needed to be addressed. <br /><br />The greatest graces and gifts tend to come out of the most challenging situations in life - at least this has been my experience in my life - and I pray God will shape me more into the woman, wife and mother He wants me to be. <br /><br />I am so glad I am a work in progress, because I still need a lot of refining:).Mamacitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18431637941426009903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445298522016506936.post-13673428351067920112008-12-02T14:21:00.003-05:002009-08-14T15:24:31.995-04:00ThankfulI am finally getting a chance to post my Thanksgiving thoughts. I was pretty sick on Thanksgiving, the preceding and following days and couldn't muster the energy to sit down and type what I didn't need that day. But we are so grateful this Thanksgiving for our many blessings and it's so important we acknowledge all the good in our lives. <br /><br /><ul><li>For my hubby's job and the good insurance that comes with the job - not everyone is so fortunate</li><br /><br /><li>For my two beautiful boys and my loving husband who make this journey so worth traveling</li><br /><br /><li>For my baby coming home from the hospital just in time for Thanksgiving</li><br /><br /><li>For our gracious friends who have helped us deal with all the medical chaos and help us take care of our older son we run out of possibilities</li><br /><br /><li>For the wonderful care at the children's hospital and all the nurses and doctors that take care of our son</li><br /><br /><li>For our friends who planned a Thanksgiving meal for us and brought it over as well as for our friends who invited us to join them in their celebrations</li><br /><br /><li>For such a loving and caring church community</li><br /><br /><li>For wonderful parents who do what they can to help us out, even across the miles</li><br /><br /><li>For all those who pray for us on a daily basis</li><br /><br /><li>For God taking care of our needs</li><br /><br /><li>For such loving families who stay in touch even though we are so far away</li><br /><br /><li>For the invention of wireless Internet (yes I am serious about this - I can still take on jobs even when my baby is in the hospital)</li><br /><br /><li>For all the beautiful children in our lives, including our children, godchildren and nieces and nephews - life wouldn't be as fun without them</li><br /><br /><li>For the little things that make a world of difference</li><br /><br /><li>For all that we have been blessed with</li></ul><br /><br />There is so much more, but those are the most important things right now. We are so blessed and we are so grateful we have been giving the abilities and opportunities we have in our lives.Mamacitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18431637941426009903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445298522016506936.post-14827575015376608662008-11-24T19:00:00.003-05:002009-08-14T15:38:28.041-04:00Coal And Diamonds"Don't be afraid of pressure. Remember pressure is what turns a lump of coal into a diamond."<br /><br />This has always been one of my favorite quotes and it's great encouragement for all kinds of situations, because who doesn't want to be a diamond instead of a lump of coal?!?!?:)Mamacitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18431637941426009903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445298522016506936.post-50632732525920616072008-11-22T22:05:00.003-05:002008-11-22T22:35:10.479-05:00Why We're HereSo my youngest son has been in the hospital since mid week and although we're not here because he is sick (although he is), we are still having our fifth visit this year. <br /><br />When we were praying about where we felt God was leading us to in the country in terms of jobs, we wanted with all we had for God to tell us we should move back home and have Him make it all work out. I knew I wanted it so bad I decided to pray that if that wasn't where we supposed to be at the time, no possibilities would present themselves and all doors would be closed. Well, all I can say is be careful what you pray for because there were literally NO opportunities in my husband's field when we were looking hard-core near home. Not only none there, there were also no opportunities anywhere in the surrounding cities either. I'd say God was speaking pretty clearly. <br /><br />When we had our options laid out in front of us, I felt God was telling me we needed to move to Pennsylvania and the reason really disturbed me. I felt for months over and over and over again we needed to move here because the children's hospital was the best in the country. I was freaked out. I tried to find other reasons to move other places. I was 5 months pregnant and kept thinking, well my older child is well so what is going to be so wrong with my baby that I would need that kind of care anyway? I was praying for God to show me a definite answer and every time I turned around, I would see an ad or an article or something about this hospital, which 6 months earlier I hadn't even heard of. <br /><br />God was showing me and I didn't like the answer so I was playing dumb. I feel pretty confident when I feel God speaking to me about most things that I know when He is truly speaking to me or if I am trying to feel like God is speaking to fulfill a selfish desire of mine. <br /><br />I didn't want this to be the answer. I didn't want to start over again. I didn't want to think about having a kid that needed specialized medical care, much less any medical care. I just wanted to go home. But I knew God was speaking to me and so I shared this with my husband and a month later we were living out East. <br /><br />Most of all, I didn't want one of the main reasons I felt like we were here to be true either. It took me nearly six months to share that thought with my husband. But now, a year into my youngest's life I finally can look at it and admit that is the main reason I felt like God was calling us to live here for right now. It shook me so much and I thought if I ignored it, maybe it wouldn't become true. But it did, even while I tried to ignore it. God knew what we needed and made sure we would have it. <br /><br />I have no doubt we can get good medical care in many places across the country, but one thing they are seriously concerned of with my son is currently mainly treated in one of three locations across the country, and we just happen to live in one of the cities people bring their kids for treatments. We don't know still if this is what is going on with our son, but if it is, then we already have an experienced medical staff. How blessed are we that we just drive less than an hour?<br /><br />One thing I have learned (over and over again:), is that life turns out so much better when God is the driver - not a passenger. A lot of times I don't understand where he is leading me, but in hindsight, it was the best option. I pray I can always put aside my selfish desires and follow the Lord wherever He leads me. He provides us with what we need and for that I am so grateful.Mamacitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18431637941426009903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445298522016506936.post-78797369052574034192008-11-16T23:50:00.004-05:002009-08-14T15:09:25.913-04:00FamilyFamily... In my world that encompasses a LOT of people. Coming from a family of eight kids, now several of us married and having kids, plus all the grandparents, aunts, uncle, cousins and in-laws can make for a very large family. I LOVE having a large family! I can't imagine it any other way and because I love it so much, it can make living away from home more difficult. <br /><br />My husband always laughs at me when I watch "Cheaper By The Dozen" because I tend to be an emotional person anyway, and at the end of the movie when they are looking for their brother who runs away it's sappy and I always cry because in a weird way it reminds me of my family. <br /><br />I used to fight constantly with my siblings and they with me when we were growing up and we thought we hate each other at times. But as soon as anyone ever said anything bad about one of them, I found myself fighting for them and I know I saw it play out in reverse. <br /><br />I remember getting in a huge fight with each of my best friends growing up (yes one that I am still best friends with today) because they made fun of one of my brothers and I refused to be their friend until they apologized. That's what gets me about that movie ... they may rag on each other a lot but when it comes down to it, it's obvious they would do anything for each other as well. <br /><br />I'm glad I can't imagine my world any other way. I can't imagine not having all my siblings and all of the additions we've made along the way. They make life crazy and fun and I can't imagine trying to walk through life without them. I may have less people giving me a hard time, but I would have less people who truly care about me in the way only your family does. Like my mom always said, "You don't have to like each other, but you have to love each other." (Yeah for another quotable one mom;)<br /><br />Whenever I get caught up in missing home, I look at my little boys and focus on creating a home and memories and family where they will experience the love and joy I have received through my family.Mamacitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18431637941426009903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445298522016506936.post-35276394640349454262008-11-16T23:44:00.003-05:002009-08-14T15:08:03.149-04:00Free Photo Book Deadline ExtendedYeah! Since I had a crazy weekend, I was very excited to see the deadline for the <a href="http://ledbyfaith.blogspot.com/2008/11/free-snapfish-photo-book.html">free Snapfish Photo Book</a> has been extended and I can still put one together. The Snapfish Web site said the deadline was extended until Saturday evening (November 22) at 11:59 pm PST. <br /><br />If you have never created one of these you should! They're fun and usually nearly $30. I have several I still want to create and this is a great opportunity to do it.Mamacitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18431637941426009903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445298522016506936.post-42998199670398754782008-11-12T16:55:00.005-05:002009-08-14T15:08:30.624-04:00Free Snapfish Photo BookOprah has a two-day special where you can get a free Snapfish photo book if you go to this <a href="http://www.snapfish.com/info18" target="_blank">link</a>. I use these types of books often for gifts and it's always sweet when you can get a free one since they're usually $29.99. If you're too late for this, you can always sign up for email offers from <a href="http://www.kodakgallery.com/Welcome.jsp" target="_blank">Kodak Gallery</a> and <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/" target="_blank">Shutterfly</a> who often send out deals, and once in awhile send out free book offers as well.Mamacitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18431637941426009903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445298522016506936.post-64848380687587670922008-11-12T08:07:00.005-05:002009-08-14T15:04:59.848-04:00Sydne's ObituaryIt's been nearly two weeks since Sydne has died and her obituary was <a href="http://www.legacy.com/STLToday/DeathNotices.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=120101110" target="_blank">printed today in the St. Louis Post Dispatch</a>. The quote included is perfect for her short life and hopefully makes people think about the gift of all life, no matter how brief. <br /><blockquote>Lozano, Sydne Isabelle Baptized into the Church of Christ, Oct. 30th, 2008. Beloved daughter of Dominic and Liz Lozano; sister to Hannah Rose; granddaughter of Ralph and Pattie Canter and Bob and Carol Lozano; dear great-granddaughter, great-great-granddaughter, niece, and cousin to many. Services: Funeral Mass will be celebrated Nov. 15th at 10:00 a.m. at Incarnate Word Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to <a href="http://www.stpatrickcenter.org/" target="_blank">St. Patrick Center</a>, c/o Jan Rasmussen, Chief Development Officer, 800 North Tucker Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63101. 'Give us the grace- when the sacredness of life before birth is attacked, to stand up and proclaim that no one ever has the authority to destroy unborn life,' Pope John Paul II.</blockquote>Mamacitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18431637941426009903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445298522016506936.post-13373318953739301442008-11-10T09:14:00.003-05:002008-11-10T09:26:34.627-05:00Special Needs KidsI was watching Extreme Home Makeover last night and LOVED the quote made by the dad of the family they were helping. He has special needs kids and is a doctor and he said with special needs kids, people just need to look around and see the potential, not the problem. <br /><br />What a refreshing statement to hear. Kids with special needs are more challenging. They are more work. They are also such a blessing! <br /><br />Our baby's problems are so mild compared to what families deal with every day. They do affect our life, but not having those responsibilities would mean not having him and that's a terrible thought. There are definitely times I'm overwhelmed as a mom just looking into all the doctors and treatments they want for him, but ultimately he brings so much joy just by being and we would do double the work if he needed us to. <br /><br />I had a "friend" suggest we should have looked into genetic problems while I was pregnant and could have had an abortion if there was anything wrong. It breaks my heart to hear that statement. Even if he has a genetic disorder, does that make it ok for my child to be denied the possibility of life? <br /><br />Sadly in our society, we seem to only be happy with the "perfect" child and truly no one is perfect. God has a great plan for each of us and I know God has a great plan for our baby. It may just be his adorable smile and the way he still flirts with the nurses even after they have had to stick him all over, but he has a reason for being here. I pray more people will be able to see the possibilities in all human life, even those not starting out perfect.Mamacitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18431637941426009903noreply@blogger.com2