* On the no Sleep System *

I think since I became pregnant with Samuel I have had sleep issues.  I know that while pregnant with him, I would wake up a lot and I thought it was practice for when the baby arrived and all the sleepless nights.

Although I don't have interrupted sleep (usually) anymore for diaper changes and feedings, I still miss a good sleep.

There are days when I am running on maybe four hours of sleep.  Day's like today when the wee hours of the night creep up on me and I am still awake, still thinking, still working and making mental lists of all the million things I need to do the next day.

Fast forward to tomorrow and it will look like this;  I will be woken up no later than 6 am 6:30 am if I am really lucky.  I will lay in bed beg the kids to read books until at least 7 am but not fall back asleep due to someone needing help in the potty or someone singing the Star Wars theme song very loudly for all of America to hear.

I then will slowly get up and pick up my devotional meanwhile background sound effects and crazy noises will ring from the kids bedroom.  I will read and attempt to retain the verse for the day and ponder the devotion message and then let Sam know it's time to take down the gate.  (This is a job he likes to have in the morning and it's a baby gate so that while I am attempting to lay in bed half dead the kid's don't go into the living room or kitchen and therefore get tempted into doing things they aren't supposed to do.)  Anyway, after the ritual of "taking the gate down" happens I will sit on the couch with the kids and hug them good morning.

At this time one or BOTH Of them will announce that they are starving even if it is only 7 am.  I will make breakfast and make my instant coffee and then begin to feel a live.  (Just a little bit)

"How I miss sleep" is what I think each morning and then daydream of the day when my kids will be in bed at 8 am and I will be the one having to rouse them.

The kids get to make it all up and take their naps during the day and well I just don't get that privilege because that means I can get other work done.  Sometimes though I take a nap with them on a very rare occasion if I'm sick or super tired when my once a month situation visits me.

I have a great husband though because on the weekends I get to wake up at 7:45 am sometimes even 8am! That's sleeping in for me these days.

Until next time I should try to catch some zzzzzzzzz

* June Birthday's *

This month for our family is filled with Birthdays on BOTH Sides of the family.  June starts off with Marco and ends with Jasmine and my friends' son Justin.  Everyone in between is well pretty much everyone in our family!

Today is my mom's birthday as well as my father in-law's birthday.  They share a birthday but that is pretty much the only thing they have in common.

I got in a Tea mood again and decided to do a mini tea party for my mom.  The guests were; my aunt Lili, Jessica, Samuel, Samara and of course me!   It turned out very well and let's face it Tea Parties are my thing because there is no "real" cooking involved.  Below is a picture of our spread. 

I think my mom was quite pleased with the yummy food and the one thing I did have to bake "Scones".  Everyone had a lovely time and I enjoyed sipping a nice hot cup of freshly brewed Chai Tea.  The real stuff!

Here is a picture of us this afternoon looking quite full I might add after having our Tea Brunch.

I realized that I love to entertain and even though I may not have a home large enough to house the large parties I would like to have, I do the best I can and keep it cozy. 

I have a few things up my sleeve for Father's Day this Sunday but after that I can focus on the next big party I am doing.  It is a Star Wars theme party for....you guessed it SAMMY!  My little boy will be turning 5 in July and it's all too exciting and emotional all at once.

I am thankful for these memories and hope full that they mean as much to other's as they do to me.  Until next time....

* Let Go, Let God *

I've heard people say "The minute you think that you are in control you are in trouble."  I know what this means.  It means that you need to check in and make sure that your still submitting everything unto the Lord and that we are not in control of our lives but really God is.

CONTROL:  The power to influence or direct people's behavior or the course of events

That is the basic definition.  It defines a little part of me.  I know I'm a control freak and in no way do I think it is terribly bad.  I realize that at this point in my life as I mature, and grow in my walk and relationship with God things are getting a bit more clear in this matter for me.  I know that having "POWER TO INFLUENCE" is great the question is What kind of influence?

I don't want to be the bossy mean lady barking things left and right at people/family in order to get things done according to my standards.  I want to learn to be more of an inspirational leader who sees the unique gifts and talents of individuals and helps them to grow and then influence them and direct them towards GOD!

Anyway, I'm learning to give up being controlling in a bad way and instead learn the power of influence. 

As I write this I am thinking specifically about a new job endeavor I have.  I'm an independent contractor for a Christian Painter named Ron, I am in charge of securing speaking engagements for him and organizing his calendar.  This was an entirely new position created within this ministry for someone like me I believe.  Someone who likes to be in control work at their own pace and get things done. 

However, because it is a brand new position I have been relying on certain things to get completed by the CEO of the company for me to actually get started and do my job.  That has been frustrating for me but I am hopeful that once we get all the edges smoothed out and forms completed etc. etc that I will be on my way and will be able to help this ministry.

I need to Let go and Let God.  Getting frustrated isn't going to give me the right attitude towards this new job of mine so for now I will be optimistic and pray and do the best I can with what I have.

Lord, I pray today that you be with me in every conversation with the pastors and staff at any Church I contact.  I pray that you work out the right speaking engagements and that you can anoint Ron to share your message.  Ultimately we do this because we want people to hear about your word and be saved.  Please help me to be thoughtful and patient with people and to be efficient and helpful.  AMEN!

* I survived Camping *

We camped officially for 3 days and 2 nights.  It wasn't so bad at all.  Here is a picture of the kids having their smores.

Samuel kept telling us that he really wanted to help build the "fire court" a.k.a "fire pit".  He had a blast helping his uncle Marco and daddy build the fire, roast some hot dogs and then roast yummy marshmallows.  Even Samara enjoyed roasting them on a stick, she didn't seem to mind at all sleeping inside the tent either.

I know we all enjoyed this trip and even though we didn't have the best shower conditions and didn't have a sink to wash dishes in, it was a pleasant experience. 

I really do look forward to our yearly camping trips with the kids and as they get older and can learn and do more things, I believe they will enjoy it more also.

My favorite part about the whole trip was our walk along the beach.  We looked at rocks and sea urchins and picked up some treasures along the way.  Here is a picture of us on our beach walk with the kids. 

we had a cute little path covered in flowers and to the right of us was the ocean a perfect little walk and adventure for the little guys.

I can't believe I'm saying this but I can't wait until our next camping trip!