Chit Chat....

[anonsouthernbell]

aww Mary I hope that everyone is feeling better. I will be praying for traveling mercies for you. That's great Polly! And I am sorry Ayles that can be very disappointing. I am so sorry that your uncles are doing that to your family. (We have a small house to and everyone managed for M's party. They either ate in shifts at the table as it only seats 4 or ate on the sofa). I hope that she is able to come over soon!

[Sakura]

about the zoo, Ayles. It'll all work out.


We're home. It's soooooo nice to be here!

I didn't realize you were in my neck of the woods! We could have had a playdate

I grew up in MD! (Cecil County) Where are you at?

[pants]

Hi all!!! Were back from NY. Great vacation and many witnessing opportunities. We even handed tracks out to the toll both attendants (which one spit on and threw on the floor). I'm just reading through all of the posts so sorry if I haven't responded. Just trying to catch up.
We are glad to be home though. Isaiah was great the whole time. It was a long vacation and he met a bunch of new faces but he weathered it like a champ. I think he just enjoys spending time with us. He didn't complain at all on the long car rides. And he got right back on schedule the first day. Love him.

I just started my second trimester!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!! I go for my monthly prenatal with the MW on Thursday.

Chit chat soon......just catching up.!

[Fallenstar80]

Good news/Bad News: Good news it is finally mandarin season, so I can indulge!!!! Also that stupid sty in my eye is gone so I can put in my contacts and see the world clearly again!!!
Bad News: I have a stupid cold!!!! BLEH!!!! Doesn't my body know I am tired enough as it is????
Off to watch Beauty and the Beast and take a nap!

[Sakura]

Get some rest!

Thin mints helped my stomach today.

[Sakura]

Hi all!!! Were back from NY. Great vacation and many witnessing opportunities. We even handed tracks out to the toll both attendants (which one spit on and threw on the floor).

Really?

[Fallenstar80]

Get some rest!

Thin mints helped my stomach today.

Thank you. I will. And yes mints in all shapes and sizes can help!

[pants]

Really?

Yes...shesh it's NY........Anything can happen right. But for the most part people were nice and receptive. The only attendant we didn't give anything other then cash to was one that has his IPOD in and didn't even look at us..just took the money..


How are you feeling today???

[pants]

Good news/Bad News: Good news it is finally mandarin season, so I can indulge!!!! Also that stupid sty in my eye is gone so I can put in my contacts and see the world clearly again!!!
Bad News: I have a stupid cold!!!! BLEH!!!! Doesn't my body know I am tired enough as it is????
Off to watch Beauty and the Beast and take a nap!

MMMMMMMMMM mandarin! Yummy....

Hope you feel better soon.

[Sakura]

How are you feeling today???

Pregnant. I'm feeling ok at the moment. Yesterday was not so fun.

[Fallenstar80]

MMMMMMMMMM mandarin! Yummy....

Hope you feel better soon.

Thank you!!! The mandarins around here are so amazingly good!!! I had never had one until I met DH. DH let me sleep a couple of hours while he let DS run around and he tried to work, he is home sick too. Finally after DS escaped one too many times out the doggie door he asked for help!

[ayles]

So the good news is that my Dad's siblings decided to sign the papers for my Mom to be able to pay the mortgage on my parent's house. It's been a 2+ year battle with them so praise God for their change of heart. The bad news is that my Mom has to take care of all the legal, bank stuff and so she won't make it for Adriel's birthday I'm really confused about what to do. In my extended family/culture, 1st birthdays are such a big deal and with Adriel's birthday being less than 2 weeks away, I don't think I have enough time to plan something "big." The zoo was going to be it but since we can't do it there, there's no place in the area that would be small enough to fit close family and friends yet bigger than our house.

I have no idea what to do. With things being so iffy with DH's family and his Mom going to CA for a wedding on Adriel's birthday anyway and now with my Mom not coming, I don't even know who to invite etc. Initially we were just going to do our immediate family and Adriel's God parents but half the immediate family can't make it. Maybe I should forget family altogether and just invite our family in Christ who has shown more love and acceptance to us than anyone in our immediate family

[Sakura]

So the good news is that my Dad's siblings decided to sign the papers for my Mom to be able to pay the mortgage on my parent's house. It's been a 2+ year battle with them so praise God for their change of heart. The bad news is that my Mom has to take care of all the legal, bank stuff and so she won't make it for Adriel's birthday I'm really confused about what to do. In my extended family/culture, 1st birthdays are such a big deal and with Adriel's birthday being less than 2 weeks away, I don't think I have enough time to plan something "big." The zoo was going to be it but since we can't do it there, there's no place in the area that would be small enough to fit close family and friends yet bigger than our house.

I have no idea what to do. With things being so iffy with DH's family and his Mom going to CA for a wedding on Adriel's birthday anyway and now with my Mom not coming, I don't even know who to invite etc. Initially we were just going to do our immediate family and Adriel's God parents but half the immediate family can't make it. Maybe I should forget family altogether and just invite our family in Christ who has shown more love and acceptance to us than anyone in our immediate family

I wouldn't forget family altogether, but inviting your fellow Christian siblings is a good idea! Especially if they are people you want to be involved in Adriel's life, you know?

[ayles]

I wouldn't forget family altogether, but inviting your fellow Christian siblings is a good idea! Especially if they are people you want to be involved in Adriel's life, you know?

Well DH and I talked about and we've decided that we'll just do something casual with our Christian brothers and sisters in town. DH's Mom won't be here; his brother and his family said they won't be coming; my Mom and sister won't be here; only my older sister said she'd try to make it and then my spiritual sister and her husband who are also Adriel's godparents said they would want to be a part of the celebration. We'll probably just do a evite thing to let the family know we'll be having cake and ice cream at the house or something but other than that I doubt anyone will come.

[pants]

yeah I would say do something casual too. I think it'll be less stress for you. And when your family is in town maybe you can have a small cake even if it's not close to his birthday!

[KC's wifey]

Ayles - I think that's a great decision. I hope you guys have a ton of fun!

[Sakura]

Well DH and I talked about and we've decided that we'll just do something casual with our Christian brothers and sisters in town. DH's Mom won't be here; his brother and his family said they won't be coming; my Mom and sister won't be here; only my older sister said she'd try to make it and then my spiritual sister and her husband who are also Adriel's godparents said they would want to be a part of the celebration. We'll probably just do a evite thing to let the family know we'll be having cake and ice cream at the house or something but other than that I doubt anyone will come.

Y'all will probably have a great time.

[ayles]

Thanks ladies.

So my MIL and I texted back and forth this morning. I told her good morning and that I love her and pray she has a blessed day. She responded with you too and love you much so praise God for that. Then I asked her how long she was going to be in Cali for and she told me Fri-Mon and then asked if we were planning a party for Adriel. I told her we were trying to figure all that out and that we'd probably do something small at home and left it at that. I think we'll just send an evite out to her too as a gesture. Praise God for His wisdom and direction and His spirit that leads and guides me through challenging situations.

[Consensus]

Keep us posted on the party planning! That seems to be very encouraging that you had an open 'text' conversation. It's amazing how technology has changed us! Imagine 10 years ago texting your MIL

So things have been going well at home. I've been reading "Feminine Appeal: 7 Virtues of a Godly Wife and Mother" and doing the study at the back of the book. I used to keep things like that separate from DH and not let him know I was doing it, but he sees me reading the book and I ask him personal evaluation questions, my homework. He hasn't been very big into personal time with God, reading the bible, doing studies, marriage counseling, classes - nothing - but this seems to have woken him up and I think kind of broke the ice. We also had a small heated discussion last week where I was upset about something, and I told him that I have expectations for him to take the lead on certain things because he is the head of the household, in a loving (and frustrated) manner, and praise God it wasn't poorly received, he was silent and thoughtful for a while. I pray that this is just the beginning of a journey our family can take together.

Mia has been having tummy troubles for the past couple weeks and yesterday I brought her to the pedi who diagnosed her with a milk allergy. It's been a long few weeks battling diaper rash, which we were always able to easily keep in check, horrendous diaper changes, and overall some long days as she's been more clingy. Hopefully switching her off dairy for a while will help. Today was our day completely off, so the next week will really tell if this makes the difference.
How are all of you doing?

[ayles]

Keep us posted on the party planning! That seems to be very encouraging that you had an open 'text' conversation. It's amazing how technology has changed us! Imagine 10 years ago texting your MIL

So things have been going well at home. I've been reading "Feminine Appeal: 7 Virtues of a Godly Wife and Mother" and doing the study at the back of the book. I used to keep things like that separate from DH and not let him know I was doing it, but he sees me reading the book and I ask him personal evaluation questions, my homework. He hasn't been very big into personal time with God, reading the bible, doing studies, marriage counseling, classes - nothing - but this seems to have woken him up and I think kind of broke the ice. We also had a small heated discussion last week where I was upset about something, and I told him that I have expectations for him to take the lead on certain things because he is the head of the household, in a loving (and frustrated) manner, and praise God it wasn't poorly received, he was silent and thoughtful for a while. I pray that this is just the beginning of a journey our family can take together.

Mia has been having tummy troubles for the past couple weeks and yesterday I brought her to the pedi who diagnosed her with a milk allergy. It's been a long few weeks battling diaper rash, which we were always able to easily keep in check, horrendous diaper changes, and overall some long days as she's been more clingy. Hopefully switching her off dairy for a while will help. Today was our day completely off, so the next week will really tell if this makes the difference.
How are all of you doing?

I am so proud of you! And I know God sees and honors your efforts to continue working on being the wife and mother He's called you to be. I pray for your continual strength, motivation and committment to the process as well as for your DH's heart to be transformed and won over by your actions (1 Peter 3:1).

Sorry to hear that Mia hasn't been well but praise God for revelation about the cause and that He is a healer!

Love ya!

[anonsouthernbell]

about the zoo, Ayles. It'll all work out.


We're home. It's soooooo nice to be here!




I grew up in MD! (Cecil County) Where are you at?

How neat! I grew up in upper Balt Co but now we live in Anne Arundel so not too far away You will have to let me know the next time that you are in the area - if you have time of course

I have to catch up on the rest of the thread later. My dad was visiting for a few days and so I am behind. I really technically shouldn't be on APA at all but I am being "bad" and procrastinating studying for my bio final. Soooo bad on my part!

I just wanted to share with you ladies that I just love this time of year! I have gotten so much enjoyment and fulfillment out of seeing Matthew's little face light up at the light displays that people have in their yards. When we are driving he will do the baby sign for more and point out the window. He also does the same sign once he has had enough of the house that we are looking at, which tends to happen at the more "boring" yards. Tonight we took him to 34th street in Balt City, which does things up BIG and gawdy as a tribute to the Miracle on 34th Street movie.

So I just googled to see if I could find you all a picture so you can see what I mean and it turns out that the street has its own website! We had such a great time as a family and Matthew seriously had a blast! I also have to mention that he has been doing the cutest thing lately. When we go look at lights he will grab your leg and drag you toward the lights as he wants you to touch them and experience what he gets to experience. him! Well I am off to cuddle and talk w/dh. Hope you girls are having a great weekend!

[Fallenstar80]

Just got back from DS's birthday party. We had a lot of fun. He got a gift that had a toy truck and all he wanted to do was play with the truck. He was furious that we made him finish opening the presents. Not that he really opened them...his cousin did that for him

[Sakura]

How neat! I grew up in upper Balt Co but now we live in Anne Arundel so not too far away You will have to let me know the next time that you are in the area - if you have time of course

[Sakura]

Dh and ds went out to play in the snow this afternoon and dh made a snowman.

Ds knocked it down, calling it an idol. He and dh had just read in the little kids' bible about King Hezekiah's men smashing the idols because God is the only one we should worship. So ds knocked down the snowman, smashed it, and threw pieces at dh. I wish I'd been outside to see it.

[Sakura]

This is very cheerful: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXh7JR9oKVE Man, I am totally getting in the holiday mood. And I just bought a ton of gifts off of Amazon this afternoon. Yay for good prices and free shipping!

[Fallenstar80]

Dh and ds went out to play in the snow this afternoon and dh made a snowman.

Ds knocked it down, calling it an idol. He and dh had just read in the little kids' bible about King Hezekiah's men smashing the idols because God is the only one we should worship. So ds knocked down the snowman, smashed it, and threw pieces at dh. I wish I'd been outside to see it.

That is awesome. We didn't get to church today, but we went to breakfast as a family and then went for a drive. It was VERY needed. Now we are just waking up from our naps and bumming around. I Sundays!!!

[caligirl07]

girls! Yikes been busy around here! thinking of all of you Our streets of Bethlehem presentation is over at our church... we estimated 15,000 attended! So now Im just praying for my next event a week from today, we are planning an outreach Moms night out. I talked to several moms at the Streets event and invited them, so Im praying a few were receptive and come!

[pants]

Jenn-That's awesome about you sharing your thoughts with your husband. And I hope that your little one starts to feel better after going off of milk for a while. Keep us posted on her.

Amanda-I'm in a cheerful mood too!! And love the idol reference. kids are so great!!


WE had a great weekend. We got our Christmas tree Saturday and as it snowed out we decorated the tree with Christmas music on and lit a fire in the fireplace. So cliche I know but great!!!!!! Our Sunday school Christmas party was this weekend too.. WE packed 30 of us in my friend Blair's house. It was pot luck and everyone went all out (I made a strawberry swirl cheesecake), Blairs husband, David, gave a short message on the Christmas story from the Old testament, then we sang a few Christmas carols. Then we played this game (you can't really see it that well but here's a picture) where we all got a chance at trying to open up this gift box that had like 100 gift boxes in it to get to a gift card at the bottom....but the trick is we had gloves on AND as the person in the middle was opening the box there was a set of dice going around the circle and the next person to land a 7 jumps up, grabs the gloves off of the person and starts opening the box where the last person left off..it was a fast moving fun game....our youth pastor out of all people leaped into the air, landed an elbow drop, and pop several of its proud tape-sealed layers. IT was the funniest thing ever..The second picture is of me and hubby and another couple in our class. She had tables set up all over the bottom level to accommodate everyone. It was such a fun filled night. I love Christian fellowship.

[Sakura]

Brenda, that sounds like a ton of fun! I Christian fellowship, too. There is honestly nothing in the world like it.

[ayles]

Brenda~What fun! You are glowing!

So we got some things ready for Adriel's birthday today and it hit me that my baby is going to be 1 Where did the time go?!

We're getting a monkey cake as the main cake and then a smash cake with all natural ingredients for him to get into although knowing him he won't be the least bit interested in it

More disappointment from family. Adriel has two sets of godparents; the reason being that when I was pregnant, DH wasn't in a good place spiritually, emotionally, etc. and he didn't want my spiritual sister and her husband (my former pastor) to be Adriel's godparents but wanted his cousin and his wife to be his godparents. At that time God told me not to fight it so we compromised on having both of them. Well now a year later DH realizes it wasn't the best of decisions because his cousins aren't unfortunately in a spiritually stable place and they've been a bit off towards us this past year. Well I sent the evite to Adriel's party and DH's cousin's wife said not to worry about them; they weren't going to come since we decided to have it on a Sunday (which is his actually birthday). We did it early enough and it's a total of 2 hours and we didn't think it would be difficult for them to come (they live about an hour away) It was really important for us to have it on his actual birthday since it fell on a weekend especially DH wanted it on that day so we did it.

I'm feeling emotionally drained about family right now. I know the Lord said it wouldn't be easu but sometimes I just wish we had godly relationships/interaction with at least one of our families. It seems our stand for righteousness and to be obedient to God has separated us in such a painful way from family

I have to keep reminding myself that it's all for God's glory and keep my eyes on Him; otherwise I become really overwhelmed and start to fall into a depressive state.