The Power of a Positive Wife

I have just started reading a new book called "The Power of a Positive Wife" by Karol Ladd. I am discovering that this book actually goes along with my New Years Resolutions. Last night, I started reading it and my husband came in and looked at what I was reading. I immediately wanted to hide it because I was thinking - PRESSURE! If he sees me reading this, he will expect me to be positive. :) I didn't get very far because I was too tired to read, so I don't need to feel pressure yet.

I can tell this book is going to be so good just from the beginning. The first verse in the chapter is: "A worthy wife is her husband's joy and crown." Proverbs 12:4. I really love this because I want to be this to my husband. I am not saying to be like the old days where I don't have a voice- because anyone who knows me knows- I need to have a voice. :)
I just mean that it goes along with my serving focus. I want to go deeper in my role as a wife. God has blessed my with a wonderful husband and best friend and I want to be a positive and loving person to him- not just my words, but in my actions.

The real focus though is not really putting all your hope in your husband, but into God. Letting Him fill my heart with joy and contentment and then in turn- God's power allows me to be the wife He created me to be. I want a godly spirit in me.

I loved this other verse in the book: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies." Proverbs 31:10

I am so honored and humbled because I know God is working in me. I have always known that He had been working in me after the fact, but not during the moment and not on my own free will. What a gift to allow Him to come into my life and fill me with His spirit. My precious Heavenly Father, I am truly humbled by your presence in my life.

Caroline's 1st Ballet/ Tap Recital

Caroline had her 1st mini recital on Sat., Dec. 20. I say mini because it was 2 songs and lasted about 15 minutes. All the craziness trying to get ready there, and if you blinked, it was over. She was so cute- the youngest and the smallest. This was great practice for the bigger one in May and she enjoyed performing for an audience. I am so proud of her!! She was so thrilled to get flowers after the show! She is a ham. :)

New Year's Goals

I have been thinking of my New Years resolutions. I always do the ususal - lose weight, etc.- which of course will be a goal, but there is more. This year my focus though is service. I want to follow my Lord, allow Him to work in me, and serve others. This starts at home. I get so burned out on cleaning and making dinner and breaking up the fights, but these tasks are my way to show love to my husband and children and God. God has given me such special and amazing gifts. I must remember to appreciate them and serve even when I don't feel appreciated. My children were put into my care! What trust God has in me- I don't want to let Him down. I want a heart like Mary's- she gave herself to Him and trusted Him. My heart is open to Him. Come lead and I will follow.

Christmas Eve Blessings

Our priest gave a blessing that was so beautiful on Christmas Eve. It really touched my heart.

"Lord, brighten my heart with your Holiness."

I love that!

Pumpkins, Pumpkins, Pumpkins

Every year I try to get the kids pictures with the pumpkins at the Arboretum. This year some friends of ours went with us- Grace, Katie, and Max Moon. I was not able to get everyone together, but only individually- Kate was the trouble maker this day. Still cute- maybe next year!

Caroline was having fun until someone ran into her in the maze- then she needed to pout for a while.

Halloween

Here are some Halloween pics. Wish I could have had a theme for all the little ones, but now they have opinions!! David was a power ranger (Brent was one years ago- didn't think that would still be around), Caroline was a princess- of course, and Kate was a kitty (she likes to crawl around and say meow- even before the costume).

Looking for some new music?

Here are some great new music suggestions: all Christian and wonderful! My favorite is Sara Groves. Also love Meredith Andrews, Derek Webb, and Sanctus Real. Even Brent likes them! I checked them out the library to make sure I liked their CDs. Didn't know there was such great music out there!

"What is a date?"

My 4 year old David told me today what a date is. "It is when you go to eat at a restaurant and then go to a ball to dance together."

How sweet!

Mother's Day projects

The kids did such a great job and loved making their gifts for Grammy and Grandma. They painted clay pots and I am going to add their picture with a poem. Grammy got a bigger pot that they worked on together, and Grandma got three separate pots (easier to take back on a plane). David and Caroline did a great job and had fun painting. Kate painted a little bit of the pot then started painting all over the paper on the table. She was a big yellow mess! They turned out so cute and they were so proud of their work!!! Happy Grandmother's Day!!!

"Mini Me" Caroline

Caroline is me all over again. We are so alike it is so funny. She repeats everything I say also. Uh oh!

Last week David was having a meltdown while getting out of the car when we got home from school.

Caroline calls out to him in the garage: "David, get in this house RIGHT NOW! You have lost your mind!"

Hmmmm- yes, I have said that before.

Where are my little kitties?

Okay, maybe I need to stop referring to Kate as my little kitty. The other day we were getting ready to leave school, and I said, "Where are all my little kitties?"

Kate looks at me and says in her little sweet voice, "Meow, meow, meow."

Want a great book?

I just finished a really good book. I love reading anything from Jodi Picoult and it is her new one out- Change of Heart. Great drama and suspense and keeps you wanting to read.

Peace and quiet...

I was reading a book that suggested a couple of good calming CDs for the family/ kids. They were Handel - Water Music and Vivaldi- The Four Seasons. Yesterday on our way to school, there was crying and screaming from all in the car- very annoying. I put in one of the CDs (Handel- Water Music) and there was silence. They were all quiet all the way to Brent's school and their school. Wow- nice!!!!!!!!!

Little people conversations

D: Who made painted that new picture? (on the refrigerator)

Me: Caroline did that.

D: Caroline, that is soooo great. Great job on your painting!!! Come over here and give me a hug!

C: You like it? Thanks, David. I paint at school.

D: Yes- good job. Come sit here with me. (at counter eating lunch)

She climbs up on the other stool and they share his orange and continue a little conversation just between them. They have gotten really close. So precious! David loves giving her encouragement.

Not just yummy....

When Caroline loves something she is eating, she doesn't just say it is yummy-

she says, "That is guwicious!!!!!" (delicious)

Sanford and Son

Well, once again one more gigantic piece of the same tree has crashed down through a new piece of our fence. The big storm went through our area around 4 am on Thursday, April 10. We are still waiting for the insurance adjusters to come and look at it/ take pictures. I took a few of my own. It did damage the fence pretty bad and the kids' poor little house is smashed. David said he was so angry and sad about it. I am sure it is quite devastating and scary for something like this to happen. Luckily, Bliss wasn't outside during the storm- she was in the garage - safe and sound. She wasn't able to run free out for a day until Grandpa Salazar saved the day and posted up our fence with boxes. Looks like Sanford and Son, but it keeps Bliss in the backyard until it's fixed. I have seen other houses that have had far more damage, so we must patiently wait for insurance to get to us. It is weird though that this is the 2nd time for the same tree to be split from a thunderstorm in the past 2 years. I am thankful our house was not damaged or the swingset- very close!!!

Brent's First Concert

Brent had his first jazz concert!!! I am so proud of him! He did so well- I can't believe how well he and the other band members did! It was really fun to watch! He looked so nice and grown up!!!!! Where did that little boy go that only wanted chicken nuggets & honey and peanut butter sandwiches? Bittersweet to watch them grow up! Way to go, Brent! I love you and am so proud of you!!!!

Kate's Musical Debut

Here is Kate playing the harmonica. She loves playing it and dancing to her own music. What talent!!!! :)

April Fools!!!!

Yesterday on our way to school, I turned to Brent and said,

"I was going to wait to tell you this, but I am not sure when would be the right time. We are going to have one more baby."

Caroline and David were arguing in the backseat going back and forth with "No, I am not talking to you" etc.

B: "Are you serious? You really are?"

Me: "Yes, I hope it is just one- not twins. Won't it be fun- just one more?"

B: "Once they are here, it is good, but that is a lot of kids!"

He turns and looks out the window. He is annoyed and almost to tears thinking it couldn't get any louder and crazier!

Me: "April Fools!!!"

Dancing with the Stars

Caroline loves to dance and watch Dancing with the Stars. David has been watching, too and learning some new moves. He does really well with spinning her and it is so cute to watch! At the end, he dips her and leaves her on the ground- so funny! Poor little Kate wants to join in, but they think she is too little, so she just dances solo. Watching them makes me feel so proud and just in love with them!!!

Easter Hunt

We had a great Easter. We actually weren't sure what the weather was going to be like, but it turned out very nice. We hid the eggs in the house for Easter morning and filled their little baskets with goodies, so when they woke up, they were so excited and suprised. They couldn't believe all the treats the "Rooster Bunny" (what David calls the Easter bunny) brought. I actually did get more fun toys this year that I knew they would love - I don't buy toys much for them all throughout the year, so I wanted to get a little extra. Plus, I would rather buy toys/ books than candy.

They loved the hunt. David was running quickly to get everything, but Caroline would find an egg and what to eat whatever was inside before moving to the next egg. Family came over for a delicious lunch and we did another hunt outside. Caroline and Kate understood a little more this time around and got into it. This is the first year that Brent didn't hunt eggs. I think he didn't enjoy it last year quite like he used to and really wasn't too excited for animal cracker filled eggs.

I love when all the eggs are found and they sit with their baskets looking all the treats they got. So cute! My sweet little ducks!

Enjoying the Tulips

Recently we went to the Arboretum for Dallas Blooms. It was beautiful like usual with all the tulips. Our friends went with us- Tracy and her 2 kids (Margo and Cooper). Very fun! I really wanted to get some pictures with all the kids together, but very difficult task even with the goldfish to snack on!

Making a wish

We were outside enjoying the nice warm weather, and David finds a dandelion.

He blows on it and says, "I wish for a big piece of chocolate cake!"

And the teenage bear said,

"Who's been eating my porridge?"

The hair- that is a whole other story!

Pictures of the girls

Here are some recent pics of the girls. Kate loves to sit on David's garage to watch TV, but what about that pose? Then little Miss Caroline- yes, without a Cinderella shirt on- for now.