Soccer kinda girl

Nat has been asking to play soccer for about 5 months or so. Actually since the day we watched little Grant play while visiting one of my very best friends in San Diego. We went to American Girl Place on that trip and she just had to get her doll the soccer outfit. One of her Christmas gifts was a soccer ball and goal set. I wanted to be sure this wasn't a fly by night choice she was making, so I held her off and had her continue gymnastics through the spring. When it came time to sign up for the next gymnastics session, I gave her the choice. Gymnastics? Soccer? There was about a three week gap between the end of one and beginning of the other, so we have been playing at the park to prepare her. We bought shin guards and soccer socks, running shoes (they don't wear cleats this young at Soccer First), soccer shorts and last but not least, we went last week to enroll in soccer class. The next day, I mean the very next day after signing her up and paying her fees, she tells aunt Ne Ne, "I'm just not a soocer kinda girl". GASP!!! WHAAAATT!? She talked of wearing a "cute outfit", but not really playing. My sister had a talk with her as did I, about how she talked about this and made a choice to do it...blah blah blah...

I was very nervous how this would all go down on the first day of class, but my worries have been put to rest! She did awesome! She looks like a natural at this sport. She ran hard and played the game. She had a blast!

...and she does have on a cute outfit. 

A Jewel

All your sons will be taught be the Lord, and great will be your children's peace. Isaiah 54:13

After my divorce (ugh, I hate saying that word), I had two choices to make. I could either be hateful, bitter and miserable, allowing others to take care of my daughter and let everything I had worked for drift away, OR I could ask God to heal me emotionally, restore me and guide me to make the right decisions for my daughter and myself. When many times I wanted to choose the easy way, I chose the best way. I have always known that Natalie is a blessing, but this period in her life and mine is where this little jewel shined. I wanted my daughter to remember a fun, loving, childhood with me there (physically,mentally and emotionally) every step of the way. I wanted her to see me as a strong, peaceful, loving, determined and reliable mother. Most of the choices I have made have been for the sake of her and what she needs. Some might find it odd, that her dad and I can be a part of her life together. We can take her to the zoo, go to dinner or just play a game all together. I find it odd to deprive her of her family unit. She is happiest when we are all three together.  I believe one of the reasons God placed this child with me to help me make the right choices and see the differences between what I could've chosen and what I did choose. I believe there are awesome things to come of our lives because of the calling on Natalie's life.

We welcome you summer

After church on Sunday, Nat and I headed to the pool! We had a great day, she was in the pool nearly all day! We even ate our dinner there thanks to the provided grills. She made some friends, hopefully playmates throughout the summer. It was a wonderful day, and we are so excited to enjoy the rest of the summer! As I write this, Nats is still sleeping- I must go wake her for her first day of soccer. After her coversation with aunt Ne Ne about soccer, my next post could be interesting.

P.S. Either I am getting old or the sun is getting stronger. My skin is a shade of red and it's a little tender.

Selah

Selah: "pause", stop, rest and reflect.

From the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people. Selah  Psalm 3:8

This is just what I needed today. I do take moments to read my devotional book and I do look up the scriptures in the bible and sometimes I journal about them, but I don't ever really stop and reflect on it, and I don't do it as often as I should. I want to know what God wants for me and what choices He wants me to make, but if I don't ever Selah, or center myself in His prescence, I'll miss what He wants for me. "Things like deliverance and blessing are no quick fix- these good things take time. With time comes patience, With Patience comes understanding. with understanding come wisdom. And with wisdom comes freedom. Selah."

 

Sweet Day with my sweet girl

Yesterday afternoon, Natalie and I enjoyed an afternoon of "sweets". First stop, Our cupcakery, a unique little bakery in old Dublin. It's tiny coziness, and girly flair, made this a fun little spot. The concept of this boutique of treats, is really cool.

Step One: Cleanse with provided hand sanitizer

Step Two: Choose a bowl to place your creation

Step Three: Pick out the flavor of cupcake (or in a 4yr old mind, pick a color of cupcake)

Step Four: Select a flavor of icing from 8 different choices (again...pick a color)

Step Five: Top it or decorate the cupcake with as little or as many goodies you'd like

*hint* you do pay by weight

Nat's creation was Strawberry Cake, Bubblegum Icing, Gumball Toppings

My creation was Chocolate cake, Raspberry Icing, Chocolate Sprinkles

Our next stop was MJ Candy Bar. It was cool in the way they offered old school candy and the current sweet treats. They offer ice cream as well, but we passed. Nat tends to shy away from candies that she isn't sure of because of her peanut allergy. I built it up in my head to be way cooler than it was. I tend to do that.

We had a great day despite the gloomy rain, but I could sit in a closet with my girl and have a great time!

Open Love

"There is no fear in Love. But perfect Love drives out fear" 1John 4:18

Finding new love is very intimidating, no worries I have not found nor I am I searching for new love just yet. Those that have been wounded by a failed marriage or broken heart have a harder time with this concept than most. I am no exception to this. What I read today was very helpful. God is relational and us girls were made in this aspect of His likeness. We are not meant to be alone and were not made to fear Love. Praying for avenues to find love is so worth it! Children, beauty in nature, ministry, friendships and new romances are all doors waiting to be opened for has to experience Love. God doesn't want me or anyone to fear a broken heart. I've been there and I lived, so what's to fear? He is guarding and shielding my heart.

Perfect love casts out fear. I know no one is perfect but this jumped out at me today. 1 John 4:12 says "no one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in me and I in Him and His LOVE is PERFECTED in me." If He abides in me and I in Him, then I have His perfect Love to cast out that fear.

Kickin' the habit [day 2]

Just a quick update- Natalie did not suck her thumb on the way to school! This is usually something that occurs, since it takes us 30 minutes to get to school, we are both tired, and not much conversation is exchanged. She was with Aunt Ne Ne and Mi Mi after school and in the evening. The report from them wasjust a few little slips, but she would catch herself. I layed with Natalie last night as she fell asleep, not one urge to put that little thumb in. So proud of her! 

Kickin' the habit

Sunday afternoon, we ran to the red dot boutique to pick up this old time remedy for the awful habit of thumb sucking. I was a thumb sucker as a child and I remember this being used on me.

You simply paint this cayenne pepper concoction on the chosen thumb nail as though it were a pretty polish.

It.is.not.

The second that thumb goes into the mouth, you quickly remember to take it out. I tried to use this on Natalie before, but the child sucked right through it. I also felt horrible putting this liquid fire on my child's nail, knowing it was simply not working for her. She was determined to suck her thumb.

Well the big 5 year mark is around the corner as well as summer and kindergarten.

 We mutually agreed that it is time to break this habit. So Sunday we began the fire polish (before we even left the parking lot). She's slipped a few times when I have caught her and a couple where she caught herself and told me about it. So day one down and we are making progress. Her goal is to be done when her daddy gets back from his work trip on Friday.
UPDATES TO COME...

Blessed to be a Mother

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Psalm 127:3

Being a mother is like a job you take on with God as your "boss". When He gives you a child, he is trusting you with a huge project. In my devotion, I read about several things God commands of a christian mother.

Availability: morning, noon and night. Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Involvement: Interacting, discussing, thinking and processing life together. Ephesians 6:4

Teaching: Scripture and biblical worldview. Psalm 78:5-6

Training: help your child develop skills and discover her strengths (Romans 12:3-8)

and spiritual gifts. 1Corinthians 12

Discipline: teaching the fear of the Lord, drawing the line consitantly,lovingly, firmly. Eph 6:4, Hebrews 12:5-11, Proverbs 13:24,19:18,22:15,23:13-14,29:15-17

Nurture: Providing an environment of constant verbal support, freedom to fail, acceptance, affection and unconditional love. 2 Timothy 1:7, Ephesians 4:29-32, 5:1-2, Galations 5:22, 1Peter 3:8-9

Modeling Integrity: Living what you say, Being a model from which a child can learn by "catching" the essense of Godly Living. Deuteronomy 4:9,15,23, Proverbs 10:9, 11:13, Psalm 37:18,37

The Bible does not say that every woman should become a mother, but those women who are blessed with children should take the responsibility serious. Mothers play a crucial role in the lives of thier children, it's not a chore or a task. Just as mother bears a child during pregnancy and feeds and cares for the infant, so should she play the role in lives of her children as children, teenage, young adult and even adult children who rear their own. The role of a mother will change and develop, but the love, nurture, care and encouragment will never cease. I am so thankful to have the blessing of a child. I have always known motherhood is a blessing and a responsibility, but I need to make a better effort to follow ALL that

 God commands of me for MY daughter.

Happy Mother's Day!

(yes a day late- but I was enjoying my day)

A little catching up

Wow! My last post April 15th...I was doing so well keeping up on my blogging. It's been a busy couple of weeks. Here's the run down...

April 18th: Melissa, my long time and one of my BFFs arrived with her daughter, Maddie. We had a fabulous time hanging out. She was here until the 28th. We caught up on a lot of things with each other, you tend to fall behind when you live across the country from each other. We laughed a lot! We shopped, we ate out almost every meal, ate at JENI'S ICE CREAM 3 times, got a tattoo, went on a hike to see the bald eagle's nest which we never saw, went to the movies, and just enjoyed each others company with our girls! I miss her and the fun we had!

Celebrated some birthdays! My little neice Shiloh turned 3 on Aprill 22nd! She and I have devloped this bond lately. She is such a neat little girl. The child was more than anything to be as old as her big sister and her cousin, Nat. She is so sweet and helpful. Just this week, she spent the morning with Natalie and I. While we were waiting for Nat to wake up, she helped me gather and start laundry, fold laundry and do dishes. I didn't put her to work, she said "I help you do that, Jackie?" I really wish the booger would call me aunt Jackie! We also celebrated my cousin, Ashley's 27th birthday! Natalie and I, Ashley and Andy went to a local mexican joint (that tends to be our choice of cusine), and ended our evening at yet again JENI'S ICE CREAM! Love that girl! She is so talented, kind and giving and so much fun to be around...

Last week, Natalie came down with strep throat. She was out of commission for about three days, but bounced right back, with lots of energy. I guess she had to make up for laying on the couch for three days.

This week, I along with my AMAZING staff prepared and hosted an open house event at the salon! It was a great success! Lots of stress leading up to it, but it was so worth it! Thanks to all the girls @ Studio 31 Salons!

Natalie has learned to ride her bike without training wheels!!! YAY!!! She gets better daily!

Yesterday, was a fantastic day! Started out not feeling to great, but opted for a massage since Nat was at school. A massage was so needed, as I felt so much better. Josh and I surprised Nat by picking her up from school together! She was so excited, she told me about three times during the day,"that was a wonderful surprise that you and daddy picked me up from school". We had a nice lunch and headed to the opening day of the polar bear exhibit at the zoo. It is a really nice, very cool addition to the zoo. I do love the zoo!

So here we are today. My car being repaired, no transportation at the moment, a storm blowing in, things to do no way to do them, Natalie resting, maybe I'll read one of the two books waiting for me.