My Point of View...

Tuesday tidbits...

2012-02-07T12:35:00.000-08:00

Well, I don't have a lengthy post about something profound or mind staggering information to share with you...I just got Ava down for a nap and I don't feel like finishing as many chores as I can in the amount of time that she sleeps, instead I feel like saying a few things. I know, I need to get up and go, but for now, here is what I call a quicklist. My quick list of things I'm doing, things I like, things I don't like, etc for this day.

Snow, random.
Snuggly day inside!
Finished our taxes.
Ava actually did good laying in her bed for nap. hurray!
Should be doing these chores:
make bed, pick up our bedroom, dishes, pick up living room, a few bills to pay.
I have to work tonight, just 4 hours, but sometimes those hours feel like days. ;)
Supper ideas? I'm stuck for tonight....what could I possibly make with the random things I have in my pantry/fridge/freezer...that might be a whole other blog. haha
Ready for this weekend's marriage conference. Nick and I should practice our skit. :)
Date night saturday night!
Designing at the floral shop sunday-tuesday of next week for v-day. yay extra money!
Nick's birthday is this month
Angel Fire next month!! Yay, I haven't been anywhere since before Ava was born...like over a year ago! YAY VACAY!!
Guess that's all for now..

shaina

So many choices...

2012-01-25T08:59:00.000-08:00

Well, here I am, so many things being thrown at me yet again, to put my heart, time and creativity into. I'm a bit overwhelmed at the thought of them all. I have desires to minister, work for my family, and then this other things has been thrown at me again. I've been a mary kay rep since 2010. December of 2010. I have been selling, but not doing parties or anything since around May of last year when I was put on bed rest. I feel like people think Mary Kay ladies are the most annoying people on the planet and I don't like to be considered one of them, but I love the product and like to be able to provide it for people. Such a dilemma because I don't particularly like parties and facials, but I love clean, healthy skin and I love simple, good quality make up. SO, here is my decision.
If you love good product, like Mary Kay and want to buy it without being haggled for a party or free facial, CALL ME, email me, facebook me etc. I can accommodate you and not bother you. haha! I really need to see if people are interested in this. Thanks :)

A New Look

2012-01-10T09:19:00.000-08:00

I have been trying to put up a new post for a few weeks now. For some reason I was having technical difficulties with this certain blog site, a 7 month old was calling for me and the house needed MUCH attention post holiday. Really though, it feels good to sit here and reflect a bit. So much to catch up on, this might be a long one...

So, let's start with before Christmas. I am a good planner, in theory, but sometimes, well, most of the time I have a hard time following through. That goes for most things in my life. Sad to say, but it's true. I have lots of grand ideas for organizing, planning, gifting, cleaning, blah blah. I get my favorite notepad, make a list and then it gets laid to rest somewhere under a pile. Poor list. It feels so needed and useful and then I toss it away. See, I had this grand plan to get Christmas gifts all done, wrapped beautifully and that each gift would be something fun, realistic and a lot of them, hand made. I made a list of all the people we "drew names" for and all the other family members and friends I wanted to share with. Then I found some great Pinterest ideas, made a list of supplies and got so excited! That is where it ended though. I sat it aside, first of October and then didn't really look at it until Thanksgiving. EEK! No time, or money saved to get this done! RR! So frustrating. So, this Christmas was a hodge podge of various gifts, gift cards, blah blah. I felt real bad inside, but I also knew that the gifts, handmade or not, DID have thought and care in them and as a one income household, budget was going to be an obvious obstacle and so they weren't the most expensive either. None the less, Christmas isn't about the gifts right? It's about THE gift? cheesy? ya. I felt rushed the whole season. We were gone from church 2 weeks out of the month of December, there were no homegroup gatherings all month, I was working a few nights a week, between all the parties, events and nights of trying to "get it together". ha! It was a big blur!!! My prayer and goal for Christmas 2012, is to 1. be prepared, 2. budget all year for it, 3. BE THOUGHTFUL AND MINDFUL OF THE SAVIOR THROUGH IT ALL. The new year could not come soon enough, December 31 was this beacon of light and hope that I was longing for!

So, New Year's Eve comes along and I tried to get a blog up....my annual blog. My resolutions, goals and reflections blog. Well, my blog site was being a pain and there was no way to update or blog at all. It was a sad day. Seemed like the whole holiday season, even this ray of light was now dimmed. haha. Nick played drums that weekend at church and so after church on New Year's Eve, we went to dinner together, (giftcards ARE a good gift for the W's) just sayin. I had a 100 calorie margarita (whole other blog) and we just had a great time to visit and enjoy each other, along with our sweetheart of a baby, Ava! She did so good! (again, another blog in itself). So, we went home after dinner, and get this!!! My best friend and her husband come over, and she helps me take down and pack away all of my Christmas decor!!! No kidding. It was a pleasant and much appreciated surprise because it had been looming over me since the day after Christmas, but with my other sweet sweet friend's wedding, there was no time! SO, just that simple act of getting the decorations put away, made my whole demeanor and attitude towards 2012 that much better!!!! We rang in the new year with our favorite couple and it could not have been more simple or more enjoyable. Thank you Lord.

New Year's Day was a wonderfully, simple day at home getting my house put back together and cleaning out decor I didn't want anymore, etc.

Since the weeks after Christmas were busy, my new year's blog got put off because of technical problems...I'm going to take a shot at it. (by this time, if you are still reading you are crazy, bored, or oddly enough, truly interested in me and my rambling, go figure!) hahaha!

So long 2011!
I loved you because:
I experienced pregnancy
I was showered over and over with blessings, baby gifts and love from so many
Nick and I were able to serve on 2 kairos weekends (both with Ava- one in utero and one along with us in person) :) hehe
WE HAD AVA!! She is the light of our life and makes us better people. She is a precious gift and we love her beyond measure!
I began a new career as a stay at home mother and home maker. I LOVE IT! I AM SO BLESSED!
Nick got a nice raise and I took up 2 small jobs on the side to help sustain our needs.
My sweet friend Gina got married!
So many blessings, adventures and good things happened in 2011! It was truly an awesome year!

Hello 2012!!
I will enjoy you because:
I have a sweet baby girl here to share each day with and teach new things to!
I love my home, keeping my home and making it a better place every day.
Nick has a job that provides for us and for that we are thankful!
My best friend and her husband will be moving. (yes I will be thankful, positive and supportive, not whiney and sad) :)
My sister has lots of new things that might take place and I am excited to see what God does in her life this year!
We are taking a little vacay up to the mountains for a week. :)
Nick turns 30! party!
Ava turns 1! party!
I turn 27. whatever. hahaha
WE WILL CELEBRATE 5 YEARS of marriage! :) party!
Our church has many things to look forward to as well and we are excited to be a part of a body that is so in tune with Christ, his love and sharing that love with those who feel abandoned.
Getting healthy. see how it is way down here on the list? that's another blog. I'll get it up sometime soon.
I will cook more, bake more and be creative more!
Will be thankful, simply thankful for ALL God is doing, has done and will do! He is GOOD!

Thanks for reading. :)
more to come!

shaina

let it snow

2011-12-19T14:51:00.000-08:00

I am enjoying the snow, as I sit here in the cozy house...thinking about how I have to get out and go work for a few hours in a little bit. But, once I get home tonight, I will be inside until wednesday. A whole day to be inside, finish some things for this weekend, baking and projects, get some cleaning done and of course snuggling. The only thing that would make tomorrow better is if we get so much snow that Nick gets to stay home too! :) hehe I'm sure it will just snow a regular amount, nothing too bad. But, at the rate it is coming down now, who knows! Guess we will see!

So many things have been going thruogh my mind lately, like what gifts I have forgotten, what else I need to make for snack a thons and family gatherings, and all the stuff I have to get done for my friend's wedding next week. whew! The MAIN thing that has been taking up residence in my mind is the fact that I am soooo ready to start a fresh year! Here is my list of my 2012 goals and project ideas! Enjoy?!

Kitchen update!!

Paint, new backsplash, paint all hinges and handles, new flooring and shelving.

Utility area update!

new shelf, artwork, lighting, soap dispenser, and organization.

Living room!

keep furniture arrangement, but update decor, get rid of old pieces I don't like, simplify.

Bedroom!

Finish headboard and footboard, find different chest of drawers, clean out closet, buy new sheets and possibly a new comforter

Ava's room!

Rearrange her furniture, clean out closet, create a play area for her in her room.

Plant a garden! A small vegetable garden in our back yard! We'll see how it goes!

Put up a clothesline in the backyard as well, to reduce our dryer use in the summer!

And here is the kicker!!! My huge goal for our house/family, etc is to build a room in our garage as an office/music room!!! I am really hoping that we will be able to tear down some old shelves in the garage and use that area to build a room! Our garage is quite spacious and I think this will be a great addition to the house and the garage. It will open up space for us in the kitchen, to get rid of our "office" in there and we will be able to put nick's drums, the office desk, guitars, amp, art stuff, etc!!

I will want to do a picture diary of it all so stay tuned!

That is a list of remodels, repairs and updates! My goals for this year are as follows!

Continue on my health journey! (lost 4 lbs so far)

Eating within my calories per day, working out every week day

Create and put in place a weekly cleaning schedule for the house so each day I have a few things, not one day a week trying to catch up on everything. Also a monthly schedule of big cleaning projects to keep the house updated and kept. (carpets, curtains, etc)

This whole post is a compilation of very earthly and personally driven almost selfish goals/projects, but I feel that they will improve our home and our family's lifestyle. My spiritual and inward goals will take up whole other post entirely. :)

much love,

shaina

Merciful Rain

2011-12-16T12:21:00.000-08:00

Let the Holy Spirit come over you now
As the healing rain falls from the clouds
There is nothing you can do to deserve it
You don't have to earn His love
Let the rain fall from above

Merciful rain falls over the children
Merciful rain falls over the children
Merciful rain falls over the children of God
Over the children of God
Merciful rain falls

See the Holy Dove descending over you now
Feel the Living Water cleansing your soul
In the name of Jesus you have been forgiven
You have been redeemed forever
Fix your eyes on Heaven

Today has been a whirlwind of crazy, emotion, clumsiness, tears, prayers, frustrations, lack of sleep, a million things going on in my head and finally an enormous and sudden smack on the face to focus me again. Thank you Lord??

2:34am- Ava wakes up....(she has been sleeping so well for months, so this was odd) I get up and try to console her and put her back to sleep.

3:00am - she's back to whining and I respond to her and try again to get her to go back to sleep.

3:16am- I finally give up and take us both to the recliner in the living room and go to sleep with her there.

8:00am- wake up and get her changed, fed.

9:30- Ava goes down for a nap. yay!!! hurry up and get a 10 min workout in (they are amazing by the way www.revelationwellness.org Check it out!! Christian wellness and fitness!

9:45- Ava wakes up. At least I got a work out in. I rush to at least try to wash my hair and dry it.

10:15am - with freshly styled hair, even though Ava has been demanding my attention, I finally get her, pick her up, hold her and she calms down for a bit. Then she just starts to get fussy and nothing really gets her to get back to her happy self. I had already felt tired, cranky, and frustrated and now I could feel myself getting an attitude. Terrible of me, but true. I was frustrated and just wanted Ava to be her happy self so I could get at least a few things knocked off of my list, ever growing one at that, of things to do, accomplished. So, I let her play on the floor for a little while, before you know it, she's upset again. Ok ok...so I pick her up again and entertain myself for a moment by getting on Facebook on my phone. I had an update on our church page about our sweet friends The Taylors. William is there son and he is 4. He has a brain aneurysm and is in Dallas right now. Things are very serious and could take a very rapid turn in either good or bad direction. All of a sudden I realize. Shaina, what are you thinking? Where is your heart? What is your focus? What is your purpose this day? Is it to finish a list? Is your goal to accomplish a few chores so that you can somehow feel better about yourself? Is your goal to make sure Ava is attended to, just so she won't be cranky? Are you being a mother of grace and patience? OR are you being wasteful of your time with your 6 month old? Why would you waste precious time being selfish and frustrated with your baby girl (and yourself for that matter) when there are precious people on their faces for their son's life. Get a grip Shaina. Be humbled and hold your baby tight. Pray for William, his mom Jenny and dad Roland, his three older brothers. Pray pray pray.

Nick got home and I quickly ran to the store while he was here to watch Ava for a minute. I quickly got back and updated him on william and the situation. He leaves to go back to work and I start getting the things in the kitchen done (ava had fallen asleep again when I got back) As soon as I started getting things done in the kitchen, she wakes up. I felt frustrated and interrupted again. Really shaina? Didn't we just have this talk, you and me, the Lord says to me. Yes, we did. So I pick her up, hold her tight, and we play for a bit. She starts to act tired again and so I change her and get her to sleep for her afternoon nap. She's sleeping sweetly right now, in her crib, and I got some things accomplished. God knows my heart.

He knows my humanity fails me often. He knows that my desire is to be His, to be a faithful, healthy, wife and mother. He knows I struggle with busy-ness and lists. He even knows that deep down I want to sit and snuggle all day with Ava, but it's not always possible. He knows that I ache inside for Jenny, as a mom, I can't imagine watching my baby hurt and struggle to get well and not get any closer to being well.

All of that rambling to say...I NEED Christ. I NEED his mercy. I NEED his grace. constantly. every minute. I try so hard to do things on my own, even after having a very blunt reminder this morning from my sweet Jesus. I cannot breathe without Christ. I cannot function at all, much less, abundantly and wholly without Him. His being, his person, his essence.

Forgive me Father for being so selfish. so wrong. so disobedient. Help me to live in your mercy, walk in your grace and serve you, my husband and my sweet baby as you serve me.

blessings all,

shaina

p.s. please please please be in prayer for William and his family. Go to facebook and search prayers for william for updates. Thanks!

Precious

2011-12-04T19:11:00.001-08:00

Sometimes I drive too fast
Sometimes I risk it all
Sometimes I'm reckless
And act like I'm made of steel
But I'm just flesh and bones
A product of the Fall
Still I have purpose
And this I know to be real

Life is precious, life is sweet
Like the earth beneath my feet
Though I know I'm passing through
I know I belong to You
Life is precious, life is sweet
And this truth makes it complete
Knowing Jesus died for me
Life is precious
Life is precious, life is sweet

I can't see past myself
When I get depressed
I take for granted
This life You've given me
There are a million ways
I've been so richly blessed
I can't imagine
Not being able to see

And this life I live in the body
I live by faith in the One
Who gave Himself for me

That is a really old song that I remember singing in youth choir, a million years ago. There was a sweet boy, that I didn't know well at all, but we share an Uncle and and Aunt. My Uncle Brad (on my mom's side) has a brother and his family that live in Odessa. They have 3 children. 2 girls and 1 boy. Carson, the middle and the only boy, took his life this weekend. It was a complete shock to his family. I had met Carson once, when he was tiny, and did not know him really, especially in the last few years of becoming a teenager, learning to drive, getting a first job, etc. I cannot imagine how much sorrow is filling his parent's heart. Just overhearing my aunt talking to my mother when she called was enough to make my heart cringe and my mind fill with the "what if's". What if someone new he was hurting? Did he know he was hurting? Was he getting any help? Was he being bullied? He was an avid hunter, as far as I know and was well aware of gun safety. I cannot fathom the hurt and pain he must have been going through to get to the point he did. I hurt for his parents as they will forever question and wonder about what led their precious son to end his life. My heart and my prayers go to them. I cannot get them off my mind. I know the Holy Spirit is praying for them with words that I cannot express.

Today has been an interesting, but good day. :) Church was a wonderful time of worship, fellowship and Dale shared a message that spoke straight to my heart. Faith is obedient. Period. Always. The mountain I'm facing is still a mountain, but the faith and power I feel inside to climb it is bigger and ready to go. Thank you Dale for being obedient to share the Word, the wisdom God has poured over you and for being real with us. After church, we came home and had home made chicken soup and then Nick got to working on our main bathroom toilet. I know you're jealous. I won't go into unnecessary details, just know that I am so thankful and proud of my husband for being "handy manny" and saving us money by doing it himself, even through the turmoil and frustration of it. ha! We have had a nice snuggly evening by the fire, watching a movie and enjoying the quietness (besides the occasional, ba ba ba, from ava). Life is precious. Life is sweet.

blessings,

shaina

5 Minutes 5 Months

2011-11-09T13:10:00.000-08:00

June 9, 2011 was an incredibly crazy day. I drove myself to the dr for a regular appt, well I was on bed rest at the time so it was a bit irregular, but none the less, an appt. We even had a sono before the appt. Nick went back to work after the sono and I went to my appt. Dr. Chandler said my blood pressure was still high and sent me to BSA for monitoring. Well, about 6 hours later we had Ava Renee'. 5 weeks early, but by God's grace that 5 weeks early was right on time. She had her cord wrapped around her neck a few times when they got her out during the c-section. Imagine if Dr. Chandler had sent me home. I don't like to imagine that, so I don't. I choose to thank the Lord and praise Him for an amazing little girl, who I get to call my own. He has let Nick and I borrow her for this time and we are beyond grateful. There have been some crazy moments and days since her arrival. She was admitted to the hospital around 8 weeks for a UTI. That is when we found out she has a kidney reflux and she is on medicine to help her body stay infection free and when she is closer to a year we will see if she needs a corrective surgery. We are trusting the Lord in this and know surgery or not He is in control. :)

I have been able to stay at home with her from day 1 and that itself is a huge gift from the Lord and it is also, honestly, a huge accomplishment and direct blessing of being smart with our money, living within our means our entire marriage and trusting the Lord that the time will be right to "move up" and enjoy bigger and better things financially. For, right now, we are to learn, grow and be discipled in the small things like living with less, making the most of our money, continuing to trust as we tithe (since day 1 of our marriage we have been united in this and it is being blessed every day) and learning that simplicity is allowing us to be closer to God, closer to each other and better people period. Simplicity is a blessing. It is something that amusingly does not come "simply" or easily. It is something that takes making the right choices, no impulse buying or spending, and when we do come across a blessing in the form of "green agape" as my daddy puts it, to be wise with it, thankful for it and to make the most of it. God is faithful to us.

I hear a lot of people say, "God will provide God will provide for all of my needs, he is testing me in this by allowing me to this that or the other". I'm not sure I completely agree. I do believe the Lord tests us and teaches us through lessons. I believe that God provides for his children. I also believe that the Lord has very specific instructions about finances, about home living, about our rolls as spouses, as parents and ultimately as His children. There are things that people claim and name and it drives me crazy when they do that and then goof off by not showing up for work, being defiant in their obedience to God in tithing, worship, marriage, parenting, etc. It is not easy to be obedient in pretty much anything, but it is worth it. It is not easy to always respect my husband, but it is worth the occasional biting of my tongue to let him know I submit to his Godly authority and trust his leading. It is not always easy to be quiet or humble or gentle, but it is God's command to me as a woman, a wife and a mother. Self control is not an easy task for anyone I think, but it is something God has set in place for us as believers for our good. Ultimately for His good.

When will we, as believers, as followers, be real with ourselves and each other? When will Godly living be a priority instead of getting the latest game, priciest SUV, biggest house or designer shirt? really. I'm baffled by our lack of priority. When do we quit assuming it is the church's job to raise our children in the Word and make it a priority in our home to read the Word and teach the Word and mainly LIVE the Word to our children? which first takes us reading the Word. When will we as Christian wives encourage our husbands daily by our words and our actions and mainly our attitudes? When will Christian men stand up for their wives and fight for them as they battle self esteem, weight, and significance issues? As Nick and I have grown in our marriage, now into parenthood and in ministry I am aware of how blessed I am to have a husband who continues to learn and want to learn how to better himself as a person, man, husband and father. As a woman, wife and mother I hope that it is obvious that I desire to grow, to be Godly, gentle, self controlled in speech and action, to raise my child in the Word and display grace to her.

ALL of this to say that you can have a full time job, a family, hobbies, ministries, a church home, etc and live simply. It is possible, it takes effort, but you don't have to be friendless, depressed and poor to live simply. But, you can have a crazy schedule and be fooling yourself, thinking you have a full life, rich life, so busy and happy, but what worth do all of the "things" have in your life? How many things are your kids involved in or are you involved in that have no value....how deep does the Word and worship run in your home? Just questions and thoughts that have been stirring in my head. Things God has been convicting me of in this last 5 months of motherhood. I had been asking the Lord to refresh my mind, my heart and my relationship with him and he gave me a daughter.

Blessings,

Shaina

First Snow Cinnamon Rolls

2011-10-27T15:02:00.001-07:00

Yes, it has been this way my whole life. The first snow of the season comes with one thing. Cinnamon rolls. Mom always made them on the first snow. Always. It was as if she was going to get in trouble for not making them. Which she might have gotten in trouble from Mimi because Mimi taught mom to make them on the first snow. AND before Mimi, Meemaw taught Mimi how to make them for the first snow. Meemaw was Pawpaw's mother (my Mimi's mother in law). She made the recipe and it, to this day, is the best cinnamon roll recipe ever. Ever. I will not make another one. This is it.

So, today it snowed. A lot, especially for October! So, Ava and I made cinnamon rolls. Well, she slept most of the process, but every first snow, she will know that we are making cinnamon rolls. I hope someday, she'll keep it going. 5 generations of cinnamon roll making. So sweet in so many ways.

blessings and stay warm!

shaina

someday it will stick

2011-10-24T06:59:00.001-07:00

It seems that I always get these great ideas, goals and "this week it is going to happen" motivations on Sunday nights. For some reason I think that I can solve the world's problems, lose 20 lbs, clean my house til it reeks of perfection, be cute, act sweet, have all the creativity in the world, blah blah...for some reason I just get so motivated in my head on sunday nights and then Monday morning comes....

Monday morning comes and all I can think about is getting my Dr.Pepper on the way to Canyon to do chores and mimi and pop's, in which I forgot to do their laundry this weekend, so I had to quickly go throw it in the wash first thing this morning, I have no desire to be "cute", put on makeup or do my hair....so I just throw on a hat and figure since it is just mimi and pop's house I can get away with looking and feeling grubby. I still have in the back of my mind, "you should drink lots of water today, eat less, go for a walk, make the bed, pick up the junk around the house, do the budget, wash the dishes, etc etc.

I wonder how to funnel all of my thoughts into habits, into disciplines, instead of really lofty thoughts and ideas that haunt me all week....

When do little things like taking vitamins, drinking water, exercising and daily chores become second nature, or will they always be hard? I can visualize myself being healthy, trendy, creative, active, etc etc, but monday morning always shows up. It dampens my Sunday night dreams and thwarts all of my "grand plans for success" that I have mustered up in my head.

Somehow, someday, I will figure out how to wake up on monday morning, just as excited about my goals and dreams as I was on Sunday night.

Please Lord, help me on this! I need my Monday-Saturdays to be as determined as my sundays....

blessings y'all,

shaina

October has almost passed us by...

2011-10-19T12:36:00.000-07:00

Woah! October is half way over. I am just now getting to a new blog and we have had such an eventful month! October started off by serving on the Kairos Prison Ministry weekend #27. It was an amazing weekend. Ava did great staying out at De Falco Retreat Center with us! We brought her pack and play and she just slept great, was a doll the whole time and got to enjoy some wonderful time with her Kairos Family and her first experience in ministry. I am thankful that our daughter is getting her first taste of ministry before she can even sit up on her own. :) God is good to us. PICTURES look at some of the pictures I took. I am so thankful that my little family is so focused on the Lord and serving him. We don't always do it right, we surely struggle at trusting him fully, but we are trying our best to raise Ava in a home and environment of service, of love and of grace. I am so thankful that Nick and I are on the same page as parents and that our hearts are one in this goal.

We have also been continuing to go through Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover. It has been really good for us and has focused our efforts to finish paying off debt, school loans, etc. and educate us on investing for our future, and preparing for our next home, etc. I suggest ALL newlyweds read it and get organized financially before diving into marriage. I also suggest that ALL couples in general read it. It is so good. It is easy to understand and it works. One of the reasons that I think this book is so successful and is getting Nick and I so excited about paying off our debts, is for one, we both believe that being in debt is many ways sinful. Proverbs 22:7

Nick and I have been convicted of this and desire to not live in idolatry to debt and what it brings. We have the "typcial" debt. School loans, 1 credit card and our car payment along with our mortgage. Mortgages are very typical debt and 1 that seems to always be a part of our lives, but the other debts we have are needing to go and not continue to hold us down any longer. God is so good to have Nick and I on the same page on this as well. Not to say that it has been an easy ride so far, but we have grown closer in our marriage, our finances (especially being a 1 income household) are tight but work and we are finding ways to start snowballing the debt we have. So glad to have a husband who does not want to spend money we don't have on things we don't need. I have to say that finding frugal ways to celebrate, decorate and gift give are actually fun and have been a great creative outlet for me.

Ava has been doing lots of new things, lots of slobbering, chewing on things, growing into new clothes, had her 4 month check up and shots and had a clear UA test at the urologist last week. Praise God! We are thankful for no UTI's since that first one and we are still giving her the antibiotics every night. They are keeping her infection free without making her dependent. She gave us a little scare last night with a bout of high fever, but is doing better today. Thank the Lord! I am so thankful for his provision and for me being able to stay at home and be with her every day. I don't have to worry about missing work, etc etc. I can just be here for her. She is getting so much more animated and laughs more. We are working on sitting up on our own and rolling over...she sure hates tummy time, but she tolerates it here and there, long enough to work on getting her head up, etc.

Lauren took her pictures a few weekends ago and they are precious! Check out my facebook page to see them!

This weekend Lauren and I are going to have some craft time. I'm excited to get some of the gifts on my list made and spend time with my sweet friend. God is too good to me when it comes to her and her husband. We are edified, prayed for, encouraged by them and we laugh a ton and enjoy each other so much. Nick and I are so blessed to have them in our life and we are anxious to see where God takes them and what He does in their life in the next year. So much going on there! :) wow!

Ava is still napping, cookies are out of the oven (don't substitute margarine for shortening) blah!! Suppose I should get mimi and pop's laundry done and a little bit of our own laundry while I'm at it. Snuggly evening at home tonight, once nick gets home. Mac and Cheese, baked potatoes and veggies. I love home.

Guess that is all for now. Blessings.

Shaina

I Love My Life!!!

2011-09-21T18:19:00.001-07:00

Stay-at-home mommyhood is the BEST!!! :) I know there are some mothers out there that would argue with me and some who might chime in right along with me. I am just in the middle of the best time of my life and I get to share it with an amazingly supportive, handsome, silly, loving, patient and hard working husband! AND a beautiful, silly, fun, snuggly daughter! SO blessed!

Today, my mother took a vacation day and just came over and played, like we did all summer after Ava was born. Today I got lots cleaned, in getting ready for my father in law and step mother in law to come in to town tomorrow. Then we baked! We baked and baked all sorts of yummy things for our Kairos bake sale going on this weekend. It was great to just hang out with mom and with ava all day and have fun!

Then, this evening, Nick, myself and Ava loaded up the stroller with a blanket and a bag of supper and walked to the park from our house and then we ate at the park and laid there for a bit just enjoying the absolutely gorgeous weather!!! Then we walked the neighborhood at the pretty houses (dreaming a bit) and then walked all the way back home. :) yay!

Life is about to change around here, as we get rid of our satellite, internet will be gone for about a month as we switch service, etc So tonight was practice for the evenings with barely any "entertainment" in the house. We are glad to be giving up some not so needed luxuries in our home in order to get debt paid off and be free from the master of the lender. I've talked about our new dave ramsey plan we are on and it is encouraging. I know within a few years we will be SO glad we did this!

I've noticed a TON of people being whiners on facebook lately. Whether it is the new layout, a headache, their job, their spouse, blah blah. I think we have all had our fair share of complaining on facebook or whatever but really people....get a grip and look at all you have to be thankful for in your life. I think that the least of our worries should be the facebook layout when there are thousands of people finding out they lost a loved one, have cancer, lost their job, won't have food to feed their children, etc etc. I feel convicted of my own selfishness, but am also annoyed and somewhat disgusted by all the negativity and complaining I see on there. Wow!! (that is my rant for the day) Thank you. I feel as though a blog is a place where we can share that, complain, and express opinion and people choose to read it...on facebook it is just there in the open and it seems like it is ALL the time.

Ok, really, that is all. :)

Money Makeover Madness

2011-09-18T18:41:00.000-07:00

So, Nick and I have started Dave Ramsey's Money Makeover Book and work book. So far it has been very eye opening and heart stretching for us both. There are a LOT of changes taking place in our household and I am ready for them and yet at the same time, my heart and mind take time to adjust to such drastic measures. Prayers are appreciated as we go through this massive undertaking. We know we are not alone and that God has asked us to do this and he will be faithful to us through it. I know that in the next few years we will be able to start being out from under the master of debt and we will not be slave to it. God desires his people to not live in debt and to be free from that idol. We want that for our family and desire to be able to be financially sound without borrowing. There is excitement and a slight discouragement as we adjust but it is going to be worth it! I know it will. :)

In Him,

Shaina

Simple Saturday

2011-09-17T09:48:00.000-07:00

Ava slept until 9. Of course we all got to bed after midnight, but still. WE SLEPT IN! hehehehehe. Nick is watching a movie and snuggling with his baby girl, I am procrastinating on finishing the budget, paying some bills, making a grocery list, cleaning the kitchen, vacuuming, finishing the laundry and making the bed....surely I can get to those things later. Right?

So last night, Dad and I went to Canyon's homecoming game. Most of it anyway. I've figured out that getting to anything on time now, is nearly impossible. So, either way, we got there and my sweet Morgan Dean got homecoming queen! Now that takes me back. They were "my" babysitting family. I got to watch Morgan and Weston for a few summers and I loved it. It was an awesome way to learn lots of things, hang out with two great kids and make a little spending money for the summer. They were and still are great "kids"....not really kids anymore. Just crazy how time has flown by! Congrats to Morgan!!! YAY! So proud! On top of hugging her neck I ran into an old high school classmate. It was amazing to see how far she had gone out of town only to make it right back to amarillo. :) Funny how people want to get as far away from here as possible and somehow they realize it is not so bad after all....that all led me to think about the fact that our class didn't have a 5 yr reunion or if we did I wasn't invited to it. hahaha. Either way I have a feeling that the 10 yr is going to sneak up on me and since I still have the bank account statements, I'm going to have to help. Perhaps not? We've got a few years still....I'll cross my fingers.

So, I suppose I should really get off of here and get going on my saturday to do list. This afternoon evening will consist of the park, then breakfast for dinner and a movie. Snuggly saturday nights are my favorite. I am just so thankful for the opportunity to stay at home with my baby and then have our hubby/daddy home in the evenings and on the weekends. It is the life!! :)

We have started Dave Ramsey's Money Makeover book. So far so good and I know we are about to hit a season in our marriage and home life that will be more different and possibly difficult than ever, but I can't wait until years down the road we look at our accomplishments and say WE'RE DEBT FREE! (not that there is a lot, but enough that we want to get rid of it all and celebrate that) :) So, if you see us, encourage us to keep up the work...because it is work. I might even go back to United a few evenings a week to jump start our debt paying and I suppose I could use some away time here and there as well.

Ok, that's all I've got.

Enjoy your Saturday, whatever you find to do, soak it up. Savor today. Love today. Love on your babies, your spouse, your friends and family. Be thankful and gracious for all the blessings in your life, even the ones that don't seem like blessings.

In Him,

Shaina

Restless Heart

2011-09-14T17:54:00.001-07:00

So many people in my life are struggling and going through trials they never thought they would ever have to face. Breast Cancer, brain aneurysms, divorce, rotten relationships, pain-physical and emotional, stress, financial stress, confusion and sadness. I am reminded this evening of the scripture in Exodus 14:14

"The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still."

There are so many things that I wish I could fix, make right, heal, etc and the Lord is telling me that my heart being bowed down, in total surrender to Him in the place of these hurting parents, confused children, sick family members, stressed out friends, etc is right where He wants me. I am best used on my knees, pleading for them. Sometimes it feels like there is nothing we can do for people, BUT pray. Really? BUT pray? I truly pray that my heart turns from thinking the only thing I can do is pray and it change to the first and best thing I can do is pray.

So Lord, we ask for your healing hand, by the power of Jesus Christ's blood that was shed, be over these hurting ones. I pray for William tonight...I pray that in your name, the 2 aneurysms disappear. I ask that in your name and by the power of your blood, they are gone, no traces of them or symptoms of them being there. We ask that of you in total faith, trusting that you know best. We know you are using this for good, you are covering Roland, Jenny and all 4 boys with your peace, your grace and your strength. We thank you, praise you and honor you for being constant, sustaining and powerful. I thank you for loving them and pouring over them, your Spirit. We plead with you for health and wholeness for William.

God I praise you for Nick's Mamaw and her successful surgery today, to remove breast cancer spot. Lord we praise you for your covering and ask for complete recovery and healing. She is a pillar for you in her family and we thank you that she is so faithful to you and to the ministry of her family. Thank you for your testimony of love.

Father I lift up the families hurting by drought, fires, and the destruction it has caused. You can and will rebuild. Give your children hope and peace as you guide them through the the process of trusting you and rebuilding their lives, both here in Texas as far away as Africa. Lord, rescue and save the weary.

I ask for true leaders to stand up and lead our country and our state. I am burdened in many ways that there is such a loss of truth, pride and faith in all facets of government now. Lord make yourself known, but help us that know you and love you to stand up for you more and more.

I trust you with all the things on my heart and mind this evening and know that you ARE in CONTROL. Daddy always says, God IS and all is WELL. So, I trust you Lord, I lay them all in your hands and rest in you. In your name, by your blood and for your glory,

amen.

Bran Bread and Snuggles

2011-09-13T09:23:00.000-07:00

Tuesday is a good day at the Weisgerber house. Ava and I are home all day and we get caught up on snuggling, naps, staying in our jammies, watching food network (not much longer, details later), a few chores here and there and then an evening at home with our hubby/daddy. We like Tuesdays a lot! Today we are making 7 Grain bread, zucchini bread, doing laundry, snuggling, napping and enjoying the clouds.

My sweet Mimi taught me to cook. I remember always being in the kitchen with her and helping her make dough, learning to knead dough, making meatloaf with our hands, frying chicken in a cast iron skillet, oh and cornbread from scratch, mickey mouse pancakes and that half a grapefruit she always had for breakfast on the weekends we would spend the night. She knew how to cut out the fruit pieces perfectly. I want to introduce Ava to all those fun things and joys of the kitchen that I am remembering and falling in love with all over again. Now that I am home with Ava, I have found this new love for home making that I have never really had before or maybe I've just suppressed it for a long time. Either way, I am loving the desire to get back into the kitchen and pull out the old recipe books. Instead of a pancake mix, why not make a pancake batter? Instead of buying pre-made dinners and heating them up, why not make a meatloaf from scratch? Instead of throwing out old bananas or zucchini, make bread! I guess my point is that lately I have needed to be frugal and creative, yet we are enjoying the tastes and flavors of farmer's market produce, fresh breads, home cooked meals and I love making my kitchen feel like my mimi's. used. :)

My Mimi gave me her cookbooks when the downsized living spaces and I love them so much. Simple recipes, from a simple time in history. She has two boxes of recipes that are mine when she is done with them. Someday, hopefully not soon, Lord willing, they will find their new home in my kitchen, but I think they'll feel right at home. Out of mimi's daughters, and 4 grandchildren, (yes 2 are boys), I got that cooking gene and I'm forever thankful!

So, today is baking day. Ava sleeps in her little lamb chair right by the kitchen door, I bake, work on laundry, listen to pandora and enjoy the easy going day...soaking up this time and savoring it for all it's worth. Ava doesn't realize it, but someday she'll get to help mommy cook like her mommy helped Great Mimi a long time ago. Is this what is was like for Mary to "ponder these things in her heart"? Perhaps... either way, this is what it means, in our life, to really live. The hustle and bustle happens regularly, hard to get away from it, but most of the time, we strive to live simply, richly and thankfully. I pray Ava grows up knowing that "the stuff" of the world is just that, "stuff" and that this home has been built upon generations of the same people, living simply, richly and thankfully...with Lots and Lots of love!

In Him,

Shaina

I'll leave you with a recent picture as well:

Ava Renee'

2011-08-25T16:04:00.001-07:00

Here are some recent pictures of our sweet Ava for your viewing pleasure!

new project...

2011-08-21T13:35:00.001-07:00

I will post pictures when I'm done with it. :) so exciting! A freebie picnic table for our backyard!! Can't wait to put it to use...maybe when we have some cooler days/evenings.

shaina

whew!

2011-08-19T07:47:00.000-07:00

So it has been a few weeks since I have posted and lots has happened in that time. Ava had a urinary tract infection and high fever and was admitted to the hospital for 3 days. She is doing better, but will have to have a procedure done on her bladder in order for her "reflux" or urine backing up into her kidneys to stop. It is a common procedure and is not invasive. No cutting or anything. I am not sure when it will be scheduled but I'm sure dr.medford's office will call us today or monday to figure that out.

Nick got a large raise at work and we are so very very thankful because he no longer has to work at united on the weekends and in the evenings. PRAISE GOD! we are so thankful.

I am craving fall. All things fall. I posted about it last time. I am so ready for cool mornings, cool evenings, crock pot wonders, baking, crafts, pumpkins, decorating the house (13 days til decorating day) haha! yay!! I am going to be crafting and making gifts this year for christmas! I am trying to stay on a one income budget gift plan this year and seeing that I have an art degree, I'm sure I can think of something. If I didn't have a degree I'm sure I could still muster something up. haha I'm excited though, to get things going and when the evenings cool down I'd love to go out to the garage studio and get working while nick watches our sweet Ava inside. (they like to watch old spiderman cartoons) hehe

I've also decided that pintrest is one amazing website and a treasure trove of inspiration and ideas!! I love it and I feel so inspired every time I get on and see all the pins other people pin and then finding pins as well. I am excited to try some things out this fall!

It is entirely too hot to do anything else this summer. I just keep the curtains and blinds closed most all the time now, to keep the cool air in the house and I am even keeping the lights off half the time too. depressing. I'm ready for natural light, breeze and taking Ava to the park in the mornings for walks! (and evenings to daddy can go too).

Overall, loving life, loving my Ava, getting inspired to be creative, and all around happy, blessed and just down right spoiled. :)

love you all,

shaina

This Fall...

2011-08-03T14:18:00.001-07:00

Can it come soon enough?! NO I don't think it can come soon enough. I am so so tired of this heat! With that being said, not only am I ready for cooler weather, but I am ready for all that is going on this fall! Here is my list of fall things that I am excited about!

Anything below 100 for the high

soups, stews, anything crock pot cooking can make

baking

layers

football

thanksgiving

trip to the mountains

fires in the fireplace

art lessons (The gallery is starting to offer art lessons for kids) yay!!

painting in my garage studio

pumpkins

family

friends

blankets

snuggling without sweating...hahahahha

Here are some of our family pictures Lauren Paris took! She is amazing! We love her for many reasons, this is just a perk!

So many amazing pictures! So little frames! :)

A small sidenote:

The G@llery- Fine Art & Design is going to be offering ART lessons for kids this fall! We will introduce young adult/adult lessons after we see how the kid lessons turn out! We are excited to offer this and will be getting details out soon!

Aunt Staci comes home today! We are all excited and since it is mom's first day back at work, Nick's work has been crazy today and Dad is soo wishing he was retired today, we are all in need of some EXCITEMENT! :) yay sissy!

love...

shaina

craftiness...

2011-08-01T18:38:00.000-07:00

So my mother has been an amazing helper the last few weeks. She has been off of work for the summer and I am so thankful she has been able to come and help me get my house in order now that I am a stay at home mommy. :)

We decided to do some decorative stuff to the walls, windows, put the mantle up, mom made decorative pillows, we organized closets, the kitchen, hung up things around the house, etc. etc.

Here is one of my favorite things we have done.

The empty frames that are hung diagonally will have family pictures in them soon. :)

Here is part of the process...starting with a blank wall. the blankness has been there since the day we moved in...finally corrected! :)

mom stenciling the background....

finished stencil background...

i took a cheap frame and painted it like the w's I painted. easy!

Overall the project cost around 30 dollars. I did not get any close up pictures of the "bookshelf". There are some easy DYI tutorials online for making them though!

Thanks to mom for her help and craftiness! and pintrest for so much inspiration!

enjoy!

shaina

I confess...

2011-07-21T21:05:00.001-07:00

I hate breastfeeding. there I said it.

well...that was weird!!

2011-07-12T17:46:00.000-07:00

So, we did not make it to our due date of July 14...that is in 2 days...haha! Nick and I had Ava Renee' Weisgerber on June 9, 2011! That would be 5 weeks early! There were things going on, like high blood pressure and swelling that led to bed rest for me. About a week after being put on bed rest, we had her! The C-section went well and they even found out that Ava's cord was wrapped around her 3 times. PRAISE the LORD that he got me in to surgery in order to deliver her, because she could have died, with the cord wrapped so much. God is sovereign and so amazing!! We thank Him and praise Him for his hand on our daughter and on me through the whole surgery, recovery, and for Ava while she was in the NICU for 6 days. The whole time she was in the NICU we felt the Lord with us and knew he was with her. She grew, got rid of tubes each day and did so well! I could write and write about the whole experience, but I won't. It was a learning time, a time of true faith testing and trust. We also realized the amount of support, love and encouragement that was surrounding us the whole time. WOW! God is so amazing to provide such sweet and thoughtful people in our life.

So, life since June 9th. I have been at home with Ava and will continue to be a stay at home mom. I am thrilled and so blessed to be able to do this! Wow! Nick is one amazing husband, dad, provider, worker, etc. He works so much for us to be able to do this, but still manages to make time to help out, love on our sweet Ava and myself, and serve. Such an amazing man and we are so thankful for him!

Here are some pictures of our journey so far!

That is nick getting ready...

off to surgery...

nick showing her off...on the phone of course...Ava went straight to the NICU

things went great! :) he looks a little tired haha (not as tired as i was)

recovery...feeling yuck still, but on the mend....can't wait to meet Ava (saw her for a second, but then didn't see her again for 1.5 days)

feeling like crap still...hahaha

Miss Ava Renee' - all grubby from birth, but doing fairly well at this point.

day after her birth, she was on a C-pap machine for her breathing. it regulated it for her and the next day she got to take it off.

nick and his sweet girl before bath in the NICU. She weighed in around 6 lb 6 oz then. We were happy to get to "hang out" with her for awhile.

mommy got to hold Ava :) (this was a day after we got discharged, I had held her a couple times before now, but this was a good few minutes of snuggling) and make up makes a girl feel amazing sometimes

going home! :)

one of my favorites now that we are home together... :) squooshy face haha!

Again, thanks for all of your prayers, support, love and care. We are thankful and just want to let you all know that! I will try to keep this updated for everyone! Lots of stuff to write, but I better get back to other things.

love,

Shaina, Nick and Ava

bed rest day ??

2011-06-07T17:21:00.001-07:00

haha. so I have been put on continued rest probably until Ava gets here. Parts of me, like my feet, legs, knees, abdomen, hands, fingers, head, and stamina are glad about it. My always active and going and doing something mind, heart and will are struggling. I get emotional being alone all day at home while Nick is out working his butt off for our well being. I get to where I want to do something around the house and I get part of it done and then get so tired, so I stop and rest for awhile. I know people are telling me to soak up the rest, the quiet, the being waited on hand and foot, etc. and I am in my own way, but I am desiring to be back to my "normal" self in many ways. I would love to lose all of the fluid retention, I desperately desire to meet my sweet baby, I am tired of pregnancy hormones, I want to be able to tie my shoes, ok WEAR my shoes. haha.

I am thankful for this time of being quiet, of being surrendered completely and still learning to be even more surrendered to Him. I am thankful for the rest. Don't get me wrong. I will desire rest again soon I know. I also know that being home with Ava I will have the opportunities some don't, to rest in the day with her, to soak up as much time with her as she grows and develops than some people because of the sacrifices we are about to make financially. Nick is so amazing to want this as well and work for it.

So this evening I am trying to do some small chores so that when people come visit, the house won't look too horrible. :) haha. I do have visitors coming tomorrow and thursday so that will be nice. Sweet friends and family.

I just can't thank nick enough for all he does, for all he is doing and what he is becoming for our family. I pray that I am becoming the wife, mother and woman that God wants me to be during this time of transition, emotionally, physically, spiritually, etc. I feel like we joined hands and jumped off the cliff into parenthood, stay at home mommy-hood, 2 jobs to provide-hood etc and nick's face is like WEEEEEE and mine is like HOLY CRAP!!! haha. :) He is so patient and quietly full faith and strength. I am weak and a cry baby! We fit well together, God knows that full well. :)

guess that is all for now.

shaina

You Are Good- Nichole Nordeman

2011-06-06T17:59:00.001-07:00

When the sun starts to rise
And I open my eyes
You are good, so good
In the heat of the day
With each stone that I lay
You are good, so good

With ever breath I take in
I'll tell you I'm grateful again
When the moon climbs high
Before each kiss goodnight
You are good

When the road starts to turn
Around each bend I've learned
You are good so good
And when somebody's hand
Holds me up helps me stand
You are so good

With every breath I take in
I'll tell You I'm grateful again
'Cause its more than enough
Just to know I am loved
And You are good

So how can I thank You
What can I bring
What can these poor hands
Lay at the feet of a King
I'll sing You a love song
It's all that I have
To tell You I'm grateful
For holding my life in Your Hands

When it's dark and it's cold
And I can't feel my soul
You are so good
When the world is gone gray
And the rain's here to stay
You are still good

So with every breath I take in
I'll tell You I am grateful again
And the storm my swell
Even then it's well and You are good

bed rest day 2

2011-06-03T05:06:00.000-07:00

well, we're on day 2 of bed rest. I guess things have gone well so far. I have a terrible cough with a lot of drainage. It is drying out my throat and making it real sore, so that is very frustrating. I'm praying that it is not a cold or anything too serious, that way I won't have to be on any medications. I am figuring out that I am quite swollen all over. I didn't realize it until I stopped and now I see I am swollen all over. I also didn't realize just how much pain I have been in until I stopped long enough to notice. So, overall I'm praying for some peace, healthy blood pressure, blood/urine tests, etc to be found out on monday. then for ava to be ok and keep growing.

suppose that is all for now...

bed rest...

2011-06-01T16:01:00.000-07:00

so I didn't think I would have to get to this point in our pregnancy. Things have been so smooth and great the whole time. But, here we are. Until monday, I will be resting at home. This seems like a great little vacation but it isn't. I feel rather useless and I am struggling with feeling like I'm letting everyone down. I know the enemy is just trying to keep me anxious, stressed and frustrated, so I am looking at bed rest, as a time of surrender, quietness, and a time to listen and prepare for this huge life change coming. I am always going a million miles a day and so God is forcing me to stop, slow down, be quiet, still and listen to him. Pray I surrender and really listen to him during this weekend. I pray I can sleep, read, pray, work on some stuff for design and mary kay (while on the couch) and also make flower balls for Robbie's wedding! (while on the couch) :) no worries, I won't be up and about. prayers are appreciated. I'm sure I will blog again sometime this weekend.

shaina

so ready...

2011-05-31T18:17:00.000-07:00

I still have a little over a month and a half before our due date...and I am already just a bit miserable! I have not had any problems until now...so now...swelling. terrible swelling. I'm praying for things to lighten up a bit. The swelling used to come and go, but now it is pretty constant. I know this comes with the whole package...but some relief would be good and we really can't afford for me to be on bed rest right now. Prayers appreciated. more later I'm sure

7 weeks

2011-05-26T09:59:00.000-07:00

I know, I've slacked. so we have hit the 7 week mark. Of course, this little girl might just want to come before the end of the 7 weeks...i think I will be ok with that. :) I am hitting the almost miserable stage right about now. we go to the doctor on june 1st. We will have another 2 week check up after that and then we'll go every week. Crazy to think how fast it has all flown by. I know the years will speed up even more now. There are some odds and ends things to get ready and to buy before she gets here. I'm trying to rest as much as possible now that I am in this last stage. I think she is growing an inch this week. literally, I read in an article that this week in the pregnancy she can grow up to an entire inch!!! no wonder I feel so incredibly tired and miserable today. Laying on my left side is what works best for me. I want to just lay there like that all the time, it is the most comfortable. Looks like I will have to find some way to get through work and everything for a few more weeks. lots of water.
I suppose that's all I've got today...
more later perhaps...

shaina

10 weeks to go...

2011-05-09T19:47:00.000-07:00

I could say we have been going at this for 30 weeks, but saying we have 10 weeks to go is a lot more fun and exciting right?! :) We have been blessed and showered by so many gracious people over the last few months, especially this last weekend! What an amazing blessing to be in the middle of! I cannot imagine doing any of this without our families, closest friends and more than anything or anyone, Jesus. He has been guiding us and holding us up this whole time and I know he will continue to.

As things get closer, we get a little bit more tense about things. money, insurance, etc etc. I keep telling myself that somehow it all just irons out and that holding sweet Ava makes it all worth it and come together. At some point I will post pictures of the shower and more sono pics. Soon I'm sure we will be posting Ava pictures. unbelievable! I am doing her first few loads of laundry this evening, amongst dishes, picking up junk around the house and trying to nest her room a bit :)

Nick had worship practice tonight and then got called into his real job to "fix" the computer...hoping it is not too serious, but hopefully he can figure something out...

Lots to do and lots to soak up in the next 10 weeks. Life is about to change in every way.

crazy.

shaina

29 weeks

2011-05-01T19:10:00.000-07:00

We're in the middle of the 29th week....it goes by fast. I know there are some weeks ahead of us that will not go by so quickly, but for now, things seem to be flying by.

There are lots of things to get finished. The main thing I have on my mind right now is the shower coming up this weekend. First of all, I have the sweetest friend God could have ever placed in my life. The best thing about this friend is that I didn't go out and find her, try hard to make her my friend or exhaust myself in keeping her my friend. I am just beyond blessed to have this woman of God who encourages me, sharpens me, keeps me accountable, loves me at my worst and understands my struggles and pushes me through them. I have gone through my life having lots of acquaintances, and sweet "friends", but I have yet to have a friend, until now, who serves me. A random coke dropped off at my work, a little baggie of goodies when I've had a bad day... the shower of the century she is planning, besides that, all the emails we share during the daily grind of the week and then great date nights with our amazingly Godly and wonderful hubbies. This season of my life, is so crazy busy, a bit stressful and so wonderful all at the same time, but without her here to talk with, complain to, have prayer from and just be the biggest encourager, I would be that girl on facebook complaining right and left, skipping out on things, whining about this and that, etc. Her noticing my attitude and diligent effort to keep my mind and heart positive throughout this entire experience has been such a blessing.

There have been amazing blessings come in and out of my life, there are women in my life that are still special to me and God continues to put new women in my life as well, but never before have I been as blessed and as encouraged by a "best" friend, than when I have with her. Thank you Lord. I'm blessed beyond measure. I pray I am as encouraging, as honest, inspiring and sweet as she is to me.

So with that said, I am so excited to be the honored guest at the baby shower this weekend. I am truly beside myself with how adorable I can only imagine it will be. :) so fun!

There is a room in our house that now has pink walls. All of them, Pink. :) I would never have thought that I would have pink walls on any room in my home, but they are precious and the entire room for Ava is coming along so well, thanks to my mother and my mother in law. Mom and Sharon painted and it already just looks so great! I can't wait to show pictures of our final product!

OK, on a total opposite side note....I have some great product for mother's day, in stock, or gift cards/certificates available for your mom, mother in law, grandmother, etc. Just let me know what I can do for you. I have new catalogs, if you'd like a copy, let me know! www.marykay.com/sweisgerber if you like to look online!

Schedule a FREE facial for yourself and your mom and each of you get a $10.00 gift card! Contact me and we'll get yours set up! Make it a party and earn FREE product! 50.00, 100.00, etc. Give me your guest list and I do the rest for you!! :) Easy and fun!

k, that's all!

shaina

28 weeks...

2011-04-25T18:25:00.000-07:00

ok ok. I've slacked at the blog....I've slacked at a few things lately, I think mainly because I am so exhausted. Nick has been working a few evenings a week and so I feel like there are things here at the house that I need to get done while he is gone, since he is working so hard, but there have been a few evenings that I cannot seem to muster the energy to do any of it. Hoping tomorrow I will have some better "umph" to get the laundry finished, the kitchen cleaned up and some of Ava's stuff gone through and organized.

Mom and Sharon came over and painted Ava's room Saturday and just lack one coat of paint! So pretty!! I love it and I think the whole room is going to come together so well. :) We have a few big pieces to get put in and finished, but I think it will come together quickly, once we get those few things ready.

Nick and I have a lot to finish around the house before Ava comes...lots of cleaning out and de-cluttering.... as well as re-arranging our bedroom to accommodate months of late nights and a little one who will need to be fed often and so forth.

We're having a garage sale this weekend in Canyon. Stuff combined from nick and I plus my grandparents will be in it and that should help us get rid of more stuff. I hope to make a little bit off of the garage sale as well, to put towards some bills and stuff.

Ava likes to move a lot these days! It is getting harder to sit, stand, lie down, bathe, just about everything is getting to be a bit harder to do...and that is fine, just trying to adjust to it all.

Lauren took our pictures saturday evening and I can't wait to see them! I'm sure she did wonderfully and I think we will be so glad we got them done. Such sweet times to remember.

I think that's all for now. My brain is a bit fried. I'll try to scan and post the newest sonogram pictures soon, probably after the shower, because they have the book of prints! :)

blessings,

shaina

23 weeks...

2011-03-22T18:08:00.000-07:00

we've made it past the half way mark by a few weeks...it is crazy to think about it really. Lauren and I went thrifting and to hobby lobby on saturday and found some great stuff for Ava's room! We are going to pick out paint, register and find a crib, hopefully soon. :) Time is running short, when I think about all that there is to do before she gets here...it is crazy!

I'm beginning to actually feel pregnant. My left foot keeps swelling up and I am having to force myself to slow down and rest. It is hard for me to do that...especially feeling lazy and unproductive, but I know I have to rest and keep off my feet more and more.

Really there is not much else to report. I go to see Dr. Chandler tomorrow, so hopefully I will have more to report, good news anyway. I'm sure she'll schedule the glucose test and another sonogram. So, hopefully I will be able to get through that...I've heard it is a monster of a test to get through.

Guess that is all for now...

Picture Time...

2011-03-05T19:50:00.000-08:00

for those of you who are interested.... Miss Ava Renee's first big photo shoot...I'm sure her Aunt Loo will be photographing her as much as she can once she makes her arrival, until then here she is!

we think she is already the cutest thing we've ever seen. :)

Shaina

week 20...half way

2011-03-01T19:17:00.000-08:00

well, we have made it half way in this journey. Things have been fairly easy on me, physically. I have not been sick, felt too bad or anything, but I have gone through quite the emotional roller coaster, one which most pregnant women will tell you they have ridden on. So, I do not feel alone in that. I do know for certain that I have had to truly live what I believe though, in faith and trusting the Lord. It is such an incredibly scary and emotionally draining time, yet exciting and amazing all at the same time! Seems as though, when I am down, Nick is up and when Nick is down I am up. God is amazing to us in our marriage that we are usually not down at the same time, but we love when we are both up. :) Not sure if that made any sense at all, but we are learning a lot about how we adapt to change and the unknown. Lots and lots of growing. :)

I started selling mary kay, about a month into the pregnancy. So far it has been good and so far it has been horrible. ha! Starting a business is never easy, in any arena, but Mary Kay sure helps make the process as easy as possible. I am finding more and more excitement and push, each week, at least I am trying to and I am trying to just get the word out that I am even selling it. It is an amazing company and it is really an incredible opportunity for any woman who wants to start making some amazing changes in their life. I have already begun to see myself changing some habits and trying to push myself to better things and bigger goals. I would love to share with whoever is reading this, about it all and let you in on how you can benefit from it all too. I know, I know, a sales pitch, in the middle of my baby blog....but I have to. It is how I am going to get to stay at home!

Now for the BIG NEWS! We found out last monday, the 21st of February, that we are having a GIRL! I know! I think most of us thought we were having a boy, but God surprised us with a sweet girl! We are excited and are already having fun planning for our precious Ava Renee'. I love her name, I love that her room will be full of birdies and bright colors and that our house will soon be filled with more love than we can stand. :)

July 14th is coming so quickly, I can't believe it is March already! Time is flying! I am thankful for this journey God has put me on, the new role he is placing me in and the strength of his power and mercy that is keeping me and will keep me going through this new phase of life.

He truly is in control of even the littlest things, especially when we LET Him. Gosh, it is remembering to let him. allowing him to be in control of our lives. I am so so bad at that. This journey has been forcing me to give it up. I know I will get to July 14th(ish) and laugh at myself for ever being so anxious and worrisome. :)

I suppose that is all for now...

Any suggestions on where to register? I'm thinking Babies R Us and Target.... someone told me wal-mart was the best place they ever registered? really? I'm not a huge fan of wal-mart. help!

week 18 & 19

2011-02-19T07:16:00.000-08:00

I missed week 18. I guess there was not much new to report, besides the craziness of our schedule... Things are just busy as ever. Week nights are full except for wednesdays. Weekends are always full. If I can get a saturday morning at home I soak it up, as well as the quiet. This morning I am at work for a few hours, which is good. It's been kind of busy, as always when we first open, we're hoping for a mild morning, nothing too crazy. Then we have an Art Party to work at 1:00. Worship practice for church is at 3:30 and then church is at 5:15. Dinner with mimi, pops, mom and dad, and the aunt and uncle this evening after church. Church again in the morning and then I have girls coming at 2:00 for facials at my house for mary kay. CRAZY. I guess that is why I went to bed at 7:30 thursday night for a "rest" but did not get up until friday morning. tired. The baby's room is not cleaned out yet. I reallly want to get that finished by monday, since we are supposed to find out on monday what this baby is. I'd like it to be cleared out and ready to decorate asap. :)
I still have not felt the baby a whole lot. I'd like to know for sure that he or she is moving around...of course in a month or so I will be wishing him or her to settle down a bit, so I wait. :)

I'm excited to find out who we are having, JRW or ARW. :) can't wait!!

Any guesses??

week 17

2011-02-10T15:57:00.000-08:00

So, week 17 is I suppose, officially over...but I can't just skip a week. This week I think I shall dub the week of the breakdown. Yes, there were at least 3, count them, 3 breakdowns. good sized, hormonal, emotional, cryfests that were just exhausting, but I guess they are to be expected and were needed in a way. Good to get it all out and start over again on the faith building, trusting the Lord, believing he is good and has our best interests in mind...ya. God is gracious to me. He loves me where I am...in my unbelief, in my doubt, and he takes my mustard seed and moves mountains. I guess that is week 17 in a nutshell.
We find out on the 21st what this little bb is....I'm anxious to know! I am still waiting to feel that kick, that I know is a kick. I've felt some funny feelings and so I hope that is what I'm feeling, but I want to know for sure. :)

love,
shaina

week 16

2011-02-01T19:00:00.000-08:00

Well, we are almost to the end of week 16 and I think I quite possibly felt our little baby moving in there....but I am not for sure. I mean, it's not like I have ever felt anything growing inside of me before, so I do not know what to feel other than what has been told to me. I am getting excited that in a matter of weeks we should be able to know what we are having. Our dr's appt is on Feb 21st and if he/she cooperates we will know. I feel as though things will start to move really fast after that point. It will be the half way point of the pregnancy, we'll be able to start decorating and registering and things will seem to move quickly I think.

My heart is to be able to stay at home with our little one and I believe with all of my heart that God is leading our family to that point. It is a matter of waiting and watching to see where God is going to move and work in order for that to be possible. We're praying and waiting. Actively at that. God is placing things in our life to help supplement and prepare, but Nick and I both feel that this is a matter of faith as well. Getting to this point has and as we surrendered our desires and our ways of trying to make things happen in our life, he provided and blessed. I know it is the same thing with this. I'm trusting.

Prayers for us are appreciated as we continue to trust, pray and prepare for all this newness that is about to bombard our life.

love,

shaina

week 15

2011-01-20T19:31:00.000-08:00

this is day 1 of week 15 and the hormone bus has hit me once again. yay. I just love going from great to bad in a matter of minutes. I guess my mind gets to thinking too much and I start freaking out about all the stuff that is going to change, has changed and is changing, plus all of the other life changing things that go on with having a baby. Suppose I am just a bit overwhelmed tonight. One is never really ready for this. You can be as prepared as you possibly think you can and still be unprepared. I'm asking that the Lord just keep me going day to day right now and to help me not get caught up too bad in all the things that make me anxious. On that note, a few chores and bed are all that's left on the schedule tonight; that and some quiet time with Jesus. The one who can calm my anxiety. :)

Night all,

shaina

week 14

2011-01-18T17:03:00.000-08:00

This is the middle of week 14 and I have felt a bit less energetic and spunky. haha. I have felt a bit slow and my mind is definitely dragging. I am not "on top" of things like I wish I could be or need to be. I am having to really think through things and fight to keep focused. Nick and I have been talking about the nursery and of course I thought I had it all planned out either way, but you know, I had to change my mind. We don't even know what this baby is yet and I have already changed my mind on the nursery theme or lack of theme, if it is a boy. haha. I am glad I am changing my mind before any money has been spent, etc. :)

I decided to finally put a sono up here. This is actually from 6 weeks....so 8 weeks later, I am sure this little one is quite a bit bigger than a poppyseed now. :) more like a lemon, but I know some of you who actually read this might enjoy a picture! no belly pictures yet. I still just look fat. hahaha

So there he or she is...at 6 weeks. Now that we are almost to 15 weeks, I just can't wait to get to see him/her again and possibly find out if it is a he/she. :) yay!!

I suppose there is not a whole lot to put on here right now other than I am a bit overwhelmed recently with all of the "stuff" one needs and some stuff that one doesn't need but wants when it comes to newborns. so so so much stuff. I guess I am going to have to get rid of more of my stuff around the house to make room for it all. :)

question for those mommies who read this: I was asked what bottles I will be using...ummm, I'm only 15 weeks barely and I have not yet even thought of what bottles to use...any suggestions??

thanks y'all!

shaina

week 13

2011-01-12T20:45:00.001-08:00

Well, tomorrow ends week 13. Kind of crazy how time has flown and yet I feel like we are creeping by. Some great advice I received today was, "soak up everything about your first pregnancy. Not that the others aren't precious but they are not the same as the first." Sound advice and words that I want to take more seriously as I notice things flying by. I want to continue to be aware, soak up every moment, yes, good and bad. I want to not be so consumed with doing things to prepare that I totally miss out on the absolute blessing of it all as it unfolds.

So, I started a journal the week after we found out we were pregnant and have been fairly good to keep up with it until the last few weeks. I would love to catch up a bit in that and write down just the daily things that I would want him/her to have someday. It is for me now, but I know it will be special to him/her later.

Nick and I got a lot more done in cleaning out the extra room, soon to be nursery. I think we ended up just moving stuff from that room to other places or the garage, but it is not in that room, so it is progress. :) I will be happy to have things cleaned out and ready for whatever decor we go with. Lots to figure out before then though! I will post our ideas sometime soon.

For now, what cribs do any of y'all recommend for us? What did y'all use and what worked best for y'all? My parents are gracious and are excited to get us the crib for bb and I want to start doing some homework on them and get some advice! :) thanks!!

shaina

p.s. maternity pants seem to be the comfiest pants I have. besides my pj's. :)

12 weeks

2011-01-06T19:13:00.000-08:00

well, week 12 ended and 13 has begun. I still have not felt sick this entire time, so I am thankful for that over and over. I do feel more energy and "alive-ness" I know that is not a word. haha. I just feel better and know that this will now be the time when I must get things accomplished. :) Things are going well on most ends of the life spectrum. Nothing outrageous has happened and the holidays are over, so we are happy! :) Not that the holidays were bad, but it is nice to settle back in to normalcy.

Mary Kay is so fun and I am enjoying it so far! Things are going right along and so I am confident that with my coaches and my inspiration growing inside of me, to stay home when he/she is born, I know I will succeed and enjoy the journey there! So far I have learned so much about myself, pushed myself, stretched myself and have really learned a lot about myself and how much having a baby is changing my work ethic, desires and heart.

Out of all of the things going on I desire to grow deeper in prayer and study with the Lord, yet keep failing in planning ahead, setting aside that special time and really digging in past deep. I am praying for a place I can settle into daily, to spend time with Jesus as I am going through so many spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical changes. My mind runs all day and my heart is growing bigger every day.

Question of the week for all you moms:

What is your favorite gadget or gizmo that has helped you with the first few months of mommyhood? :)

shaina

11 weeks

2010-12-27T19:31:00.000-08:00

Well, our 11th week is about half way over. We went to the doctor today for a check up and to hear the heart beat! We got to heart it and it was pounding away! We are so blessed and thankful that so far everything has been smooth and we are both healthy. My blood pressure, glucose, etc was all fine and so I am encouraged that all I am doing to stay healthy and relaxed is paying off. :)

I have so much I want to do around the house that I don't even know where to start. Maybe if I wait another week or so, the energy will kick in and I will get things into gear. We are getting a new office desk and are going to begin getting our new "tiny office" put together in our utility area of the house...so that our old office can be turned into a nursery. exciting and tiring at the same time!

I have started to sell Mary Kay. So far I am loving it and even just getting started has been a growing time for my faith and my personal growth. If you or anyone you know would like to try some mary kay or already does and needs product, give me a call! I'd be more than happy to help you! Selling mary kay and getting my business running will help allow me to stay at home when this sweet baby comes along! Prayers are appreciated. :) and sales. :)

Christmas was great this year and we both realized how different next year will be with a sweet 5 month old in our life. We are still trying to get it in our head that we are having a baby...it is still so unreal sometimes. :)

I have been blessed to not be sick during this first trimester and for that I am so deeply grateful to the Lord. I have been exhausted but have managed to still muster energy when I need it. :)

Question of the week for all of you moms who happen to read this....

Did y'all do any of the genetic testing and why did you or didn't you?

(we are praying about it, but strongly feel that we will not do any of the testing, but I would love feedback please!) thank you much!

Shaina

10 weeks

2010-12-21T19:59:00.000-08:00

So, this week has been really up and down and I suppose the hormones have something to do with that. haha. Thanks to all of the advice everyone gave me on the stay at home thing....So many great pieces of advice and encouragement. With that said, there have been some opportunities that have come up for us and I am taking big leaps of faith and taking them. More details on that later, but I am quite confident that by the time we have the baby, I will be able to stay at home! Prayers are appreciated and I will blog later about the whole thing. :)

Since we found out so early along that we were pregnant, I feel like we have been pregnant a lot longer than we really have been. haha I'm sure I'll continue to have that feeling for the next 7 months. hah!

On the 27th we go to the doctor to try to hear the heartbeat! So exciting! I'm ready for Christmas to be over, so we can get to a normal schedule, get things done around the house, start the nursery and get things put together around here. :)

Christmas stuff is piling up around here, so I'm off, but more later I'm sure.

shaina

Full time Mom and full time job?

2010-12-13T19:56:00.000-08:00

I need guidance and MUCH counsel on this subject. My heart and mind are burdened at the thought of me having to go to work when our little one is only 6 weeks old. I truly want to cry at the thought of working 40+ hours a week, missing so much, not being able to teach and guide in the most crucial years. God has known and continues to know my deepest heart and longing for being at home with our children. I know he has a plan and a way, just like he always has with everything in our life, thus far. I do not want to miss opportunities that God is putting in my life to be able to make my dream come true. For those of you who stay at home, what do you do to help support the income of your home? Or do you? What are the pros and cons, what are the concerns and down falls? What are the biggest joys and benefits? For those who struggle with the income part of not working, what are some things that you have done to supplement?

I know God knows my heart. I trust that. I continually give this concern to him, knowing he can blow me away with his plan, show me that even my own plans are insufficient compared to his, and that when I fully trust him with every fiber, he is always faithful. my mustard seed seems so small, but He says that is all I need.

Prayers are appreciated. Any advice and counsel is appreciated. Encouragement is also appreciated as well as prayers for Nick's job. :)

:) Thank you,

shaina

Week 8

2010-12-05T14:16:00.000-08:00

Well, we're in the middle of week 8 and I can still say that I am not feeling sick nor have I thrown up. :) :) I'm blessed and a little spoiled I'd say. There are a few friends of mine that have been so sick and I hate that for them. I have had a head cold/allergies this week and it has been quite annoying. I got some nasal spray and that seemed to help me. At least it got me through singing in 3 services at church this weekend. :) I started cleaning out the office this week. It is going to take me longer than I thought. Used to, I could get in there and really have at it and get it done, but I can't do near as much as I used to as long. So, I am taking my time, doing it right and going through every little thing so that it is all cleaned out and I don't have such a collection of odds and ends. haha

I'm tired all the time, still, but so far I think things have been really good! There is just not much to update until things progress more. I want to wait until we've found out what we are having before I do much to the nursery or purchase anything, so until then we'll just keep praying for a healthy, lovely, sweet little one. :)

The holidays have been great so far, so busy and fast paced as usual, but so fun! We are going to Angel Fire for Christmas weekend and I could not be more excited or ready! Bring on the family, snow, fun, pajamas, rest, games, laughing and all that goes along with it :) yay

Suppose that is all,

shaina

week 7

2010-11-29T20:17:00.000-08:00

Well, we're in week 7. I have been blessed to not deal with much to any sickness thus far. I have had plenty of nausea and tiredness, but no throwing up. Thank you Lord! I am so thankful for that. :)

I suppose that so far I have not really "felt" pregnant and it has all been so surreal that I am still grasping the fact that we are going to be parents. All of it is still so fresh and new in my heart and mind and I think I am still processing it slowly. :)

I, by no means, am a small girl and this week I have felt huge(er) than ever. Not sure if it is post thanksgiving, even though I was really pretty good over the holiday, or if I'm just bloating or water logged or what...I'm just feeling like a beached whale and it is frustrating. I just keep drinking water, trying to eat right and hopefully I will stay on the right track.

I got the Christmas decorations up this weekend and got to put our "Bb's" first ornament on the tree. My parents and sister got us each a new ornament this year. They are all so cute. I'll have to post pictures sometime. It got me thinking of all the sweet traditions my mother has had over the years and what kind of traditions I will start with our children, in our home. What crazy thoughts and expectations I have been having lately, ones I didn't think I would have for awhile.

I'm trying to decide when to start the baby room preparations, but have not had the time to really get in there and start cleaning out all of our office stuff. I suppose I will start the nesting process soon enough, so I am enjoying resting for now. :)

I'm thankful, blessed and truly excited about all the Lord has in store for us.

Love you all,

shaina

6 weeks

2010-11-18T16:18:00.000-08:00

So, we are 6 weeks along. We had a sono today and got to see a tiny little fetal pole and we even saw the flutter of a heart. :) beautiful! We're getting more excited everyday and hope to really start getting some things cleaned out of the office and stuff this weekend. I can't start too early right? haha Time is going to start flying by.

I'm feeling a bit yucky, most of the time, but have been eating healthy and trying to rest a lot. :)

Soaking up as much sleep as I can get right now is high on my priority list!!

I'll post the sono pictures soon!

Thank you for the prayers.

Blessings,

shaina

Week 5

2010-11-15T20:32:00.000-08:00

Well, for those of you keeping up with our blog, we had some more bloodwork done, just to see my progress of hormones increasing. They are increasing "beautifully", my nurse said. :) We found out so early along that they were wanting to make sure we are still pregnant and progressing. We have another sonogram on Thursday afternoon. I'm excited about this one, because I have no doubts that we are pregnant and God is truly performing a miracle inside of me.

I think we are going to start cleaning out the office this week, so we can clean out the entire room completely and get it ready to host a little one next summer. We are still early in the process, but you can't start preparing early enough right? :)

Thank you all for your love and support through all of this and I will try my best to keep this updated instead of through email or facebook.

much love,

Shaina

A New Beginning

2010-11-09T17:23:00.000-08:00

Well, I suppose for now, this blog is going to turn into an update central for all of our family and friends to see the progress of our....

NEW LITTLE ONE. :)

Yes, we found out we are expecting and had our first sonogram today, to see how far along we are. We are not far along at all. :) Maybe 4 and a half weeks. We will go back on the 18th for a second sonogram to see if we have made any progress.

There are so many things that are about to change and we thank you for your prayers and support through it all! Keep checking back for updates on all that is going on with us!

God is so good and we are so thankful to Him for this new adventure He has us on!

Nick and Shaina

Holy Vocabulary - Michael Kelley

2010-10-16T20:34:00.000-07:00

Michael Kelley, whom I've known since I was a young one, has written another great resource, Holy Vocabulary. It is an incredibly refreshing read and is a wonderful study for personal or group use!

I am incredibly under-qualified to write a review of this book, but I'll give you all a "laymen's" critique of the book and why I encourage anyone who has grown up in the church, to give it a read. Of course, those who have not grown up in the church and need a clear, easy to understand study of the basic terminology of the faith will benefit from the book as well. Holy Vocabulary is refreshing and gives such great insight and a new found reverence for many words and subjects that those of us, who grew up in the Christian subculture, throw around daily.

Anyone who uses the Klingons in their book, for any reason, has won me over anyway, (I am a proud Trekky) but beyond that, I could not put it down for quite awhile after that. I read it rather quickly the first time through and now am beginning to go through it in more depth and at a much slower pace to stop at each place, study and journal. One could easily read the entire work in an afternoon, but would benefit even more through deeper study.

There are some great resources throughout the book that remind me of a "pop up video" type blurb that catches one's attention and gives them a nugget of information! I enjoyed those so much and found them helpful and insightful as well as just plain fun! Great addition to the book and great for discussion in a group study setting.

Again, overall, it is easy to read, easy to understand and easy to get a group discussion going with any of the words/topics in the book. Holy Vocabulary is a wonderful resource for your personal library, church library and life group or home fellowship study library. There are resources for small groups that you can purchase along with the book. I have not looked at them, but I know that they will help enhance your group time as you go through the study.

If you have not read Holy Vocabulary, I strongly suggest that you give it a read! You will be enlightened and refreshed as Michael leads you through the basics of the faith and the importance we have sometimes failed to realize in our subculture of Christianity today. Do not just take my word for it. I hope you will go out and read it for yourself.

Last, I would also mention that if you are new to studying your Bible, do not have an idea of where to start, or are stuck in a rut with your quiet time or group fellowship, Holy Vocabulary will wake you up!

Thanks to the author, Michael Kelley for his graciousness in allowing me to write a review and enjoy his work! Blessings on him, his family and his ministry. Check out his website at www.michaelkelleyministries.com He is an amazingly blessed minister of the Word and I've enjoyed being under his teaching many times! There is much more information about him and his ministry on his webpage!

Thanks for reading and let me know how you enjoy it!

Shaina

My A List...

2010-09-30T18:39:00.000-07:00

So Lauren Paris has inspired me to write my own list and she owes me a coke or $100.00 either one. hahaha.

So my list is definitely what makes me happy and what I am truly thankful for recently...in no order actually.

this is try #2 because my computer's battery went dead in the middle of my last draft. :(

Here goes...

1. Nicholas Robert.

2. The fact that I have been placed, since day 1, in the most incredible family. MY DadT, Mother and Sissy are my precious prayer warriors, open ears and strong shoulders. ILYBBITWBW!!!!!!!!!!!

3. Seeing my Mimi improve weekly in her daily activities and seeing her personality be restored. :) Thank you Lord.

4. Lunch dates with PawPaw.

5. Godly, refreshing, inspiring, funny, silly, friends and the almost weekly dates we have with them.

6. Being under the leadership of a worship pastor who is passionate and purposeful in her commitment to leading the flock she is over into the presence of God Almighty, as well as being mentored and encouraged, prayed for and loved by her all at the same time. :) :)

7. Preparing for Kairos 25, at the Neal Unit, next weekend. The family of Godly women and men we are able to work with, the laughter, Godly advice and fun the women have! So excited!!

8. A job, work place and team that are fun to work with, full of grace (for the new girl), and the fact that I am not in charge there. :) So blessed!

9. Fall Air

10. The morning time on the couch with Bible in hand, kitty in lap and the day slowly waking up with me...I used to not like mornings at all, but I'm beginning to....weird.

11. Lauren. For letting me honest, real and still loving me despite or in spite of it all. ha.

12. Our cozy, lovely, sweet home, which God has blessed us with and filled with His love and spirit.

13. Learning that God does not deprive me. ever. ever. ever. When I desire things, that is healthy and to ask Him for those desires is expected, but if He chooses not to grant those desires in my time, that does not mean I am deprived.

14. The new curtains in our living room. :)

15. getting pedicures and my nails done regularly now. so fun and so thankful for that me time.

Well, at this point, I could think of the tiniest things I am thankful for and make me happy, but they would become redundant. quickly. I'll stop here and just wrap up by saying that everything in our life right now is so amazing...and with that said, bad things will happen, we expect them, but our attitudes are in a place of humility that God is molding us along as we go.

shaina

Happy Fall Y'all!

2010-09-24T15:56:00.000-07:00

Well, so much has been going on that I have not had the time to blog much! The G@llery is starting to really launch some great new stuff, marketing wise and event wise. I'm really excited about the pumpkin party we will be having at United on Gem Lake Rd on October 23rd. More details to come! I have our business cards ordered from the printer and some examples of advertising materials like pens, mouse pads, etc coming as well! So excited! I'm really in love with our logo and all it is going to do for our business! Thanks to Lauren Paris Photography for the great idea for the pumpkin party and for the help with the planning as well as being a part of the day by taking pictures and advertising herself! So many details to come, I will be sure and post!

I suppose I can and will throw in some of what Nick and I have been doing lately, besides the business side of things. So, if you are interested, here goes...

Nick and I have been busy and enjoying my new schedule that I have with my new job! I have been there almost a month and I have enjoyed every weekend off, with the exception of last weekend, since I spent it sick. :( but still, it was not bad being on the couch all weekend, watching tv, being waited on by my sweet hubby and relaxing. haha. We truly are blessed that I have switched jobs and have such an amazing environment to work in and freedom on the weekends! We are LOVING our church! Family Life church is exactly where God wants us to be. I've been struggling with an example or a picture of what I feel we have been through the last 10 months. It is like when you are in a school, say elementary and your parent requests that you switch teachers, due to whatever reasoning. We are in the same school(body of Christ) just a different classroom.(church family). We are all routing for the same mascot, just in a different environment. Not sure if that makes sense, but through months of prayer and listening to the Father, I am full of peace about our decision, where we are at and that we have been obedient to the Father. I am so thankful for that peace and discernment I have learned through this experience. My heart is learning to trust, ever so slowly, yet again and I am opening up to new friendships, leaders and family. I have started singing again. :) It is a great thing! The worship team at FLC is great and I am truly blessed to be a part of it. What passion and vision we have to come and worship weekly, in spirit and truth, as well as live in an attitude of worship.

I got out all of our, or should I say, my fall decorations last week. I couldn't wait til yesterday(first day of autumn) haha. I still need some front porch decor, but I'm sure I can get that done this weekend! I LOVE fall and all it brings. Cool air, crisp mornings, pumpkin pie, family gatherings, thanksgiving holiday(my favorite), warm candles, and sweaters. yay! not to mention, football and blankets. yes! I am looking forward to many things this fall and have been busy preparing! The picture I posted is from Thanksgiving dinner last year, on the Byrd side. We all drew what we were thankful for on the table. So fun! Have to keep that one back for when we have kids someday...

Nick and I will be serving on the Kairos 25 team in October. Nick will be playing drums and I will be on the kitchen team! We are excited to finally serve on a team, as a married couple. Kairos is so special to me and my family and to do this with Nick is like a new season of this ministry for me. Since 6th grade, I have had Kairos in my blood and this is just the next step! SO excited! Lots to get done before then as well! yay!

If any of you didn't know, Nick has been working for FastSigns since June and has been doing so well! He is enjoying it and is blessed to be in a new and better work environment! He is moving up fast and doing well in the production shop downtown. IF you need sign work done, give him a holler!

I suppose there is not much else to write about at this point. I'm just so blessed, content and we're both learning SOOO much right now, in our personal lives, in our marriage and in our relationship with the Lord as a family. Thank you Jesus! We're beyond blessed!

Love y'all!

Shaina

FALLing into place...

2010-09-04T20:30:00.000-07:00

So much has happened lately, I have to get it written down somehow. I usually use this blog for art blogs and creative rants, along with posting pictures of my latest projects, but this time I want to use my blog for less art and more life blogging.

I love fall. So so so so very much. This summer ended with a wonderful vacation to see Bob and Carrie (Nick's dad and stepmom) in St. Louis, as well as driving from St. Louis to Corry, PA to see Nick's brother, Keith and his wife Patti and their family. It was a wonderful trip and we came back ready to hit the ground running. I finished up my last week as Floral Mgr at United Supermarkets and then this past Monday, started as a customer service rep in the office at Glass Doctor here in town. I know what you're thinking, The Glass Doctor?? Seriously Shaina? What do you know about auto/home glass? Ya, I know. I don't. That's the funny thing about God's plans...sometimes they don't make any sense until you just dive in and see what there is for you. In this case, I have dove in head first into a pool of blessings and abundance that I have not had in years. The environment as well as the management are just amazing. I feel that the work I do is done well and I can have a close relationship with the entire crew, not a cordial relationship with 200+ people. There are about 12 people in this shop and it is a family. So great! I could go on and on about this new job, but I won't.

I have been so much more attentive lately to God and his voice. I have been listening and looking for him more than I have in so long and he is everywhere, in every situation. I am learning, soaking up and getting excited about so much in my life. God is just pouring out.

Coming out of a time of waiting on him and truly pressing in so hard and long to see him move in my life, it is refreshing to be at that next step in it all. There is so much to be thankful for and new things to experience! Christ is teaching me daily, about the things I struggle with and is spurring me on to change the things He and I both know I can.

Some of the things that have made my life rich and full lately are:

my sweet Jesus

my sweet Nicholas

Word

journaling

new work environment

Godly bosses

new friends

sincere and passionate worship (and worship leader)

our home fellowship family

learning forgiveness

receiving and extending mercy to others

today. Yes, today, September 4, 2010 has been one incredible day! I was able to sleep until 9:00am! Nick and I just laid in bed and watched tv for an hour after that. Got a few things done around the house and then went to see my sweet Mimi and PawPaw in Canyon. Praise God Mimi is home after a 6 month ordeal in the hospital and rehab for her back surgery. Then we had a lovely lunch with a dear couple. What a blessing they are to us and my how they sharpen us, as well as enrich us, just by being them. So wonderful! Then for most of the afternoon/evening, I was blessed to be a part of and help lead worship at Family Life Church with an amazing group of blessed, anointed and Godly people. To top it all off, Nick said we could go shopping this evening after church and I was able to find some incredible deals!!! I don't buy anything full price, so I found some wonderful bargains on some staple items that I needed, as well as getting a few blessings mixed in, like a free necklace! The cherry on top, was seeing my dear friend Brett. :) He is a sweetheart and it was refreshing to visit with him and catch up! Cannot believe we live in the same area now and I rarely see him! Need to fix that...

Tomorrow is looking just as good! Worship in the morning with the team at FLC and then a nice afternoon/evening at home with Nicholas getting things done around the house, because Monday is Labor Day and we are planning on doing no such thing. No laboring around our house Monday, only "vegging and relaxing". Can't wait!

So glad to have gotten all these good things in my life out there for others to know about. (even if no one cares or reads this) I just have to PRAISE Him for such an incredible life. So many believers live their life as if God is depriving us of "things" and He is not. He knows exactly what we need and when. Trust Him.

shaina

Office/Studio

2010-08-08T12:35:00.000-07:00

So, my parents have had this entertainment center in our family since....well, at least 1986ish...I'm sure I was little when they got it. It has been painted every color you can imagine, been used for multiple things and has been passed down to me, when I moved into my first apartment. I now have it in my office/studio and it seems to have settled in nicely. :) I'm excited to have a nice spot for decorative items, as well as books and supplies. I figured that if I have place for my paint that is not strung out everywhere, I get the best of both worlds...organization and style along with the ability to get to it all very easily. :)

Starting my next painting this afternoon as well. Sketching and brainstorming are on the agenda.

If you are wondering or know anyone who enjoys custom artwork let me know.

Prices vary from size and media used.

Most of my works start at $50.00 for small & go up from there.

Nick also does great work, as well as sketching and drawings as well.

I cannot wait until we have the space to give lessons and have art access to all!

Shaina

Create in me...

2010-07-27T16:16:00.001-07:00

This is Tuesday, but I am going to do an art blog today...I think I'm finished with Staci's painting. I say I think because I just don't know if I might get one more chance before thursday night to put some last minute touches on it. If I don't, than it is finished. :) I am not sure why, but I want it to almost look, "unfinished" mainly because that is how we are with God, as the song says, "he's not finished with me yet". So, I feel as though, painting what I think about Staci, means that God is not finished with her and there will always be more to paint.

Hopefully I will have something else to blog about tomorrow, if not I know I will be posting a special blog soon about the book, Holy Vocabulary by Micheal Kelley. Stay tuned!

Shaina

Stirred not Shaken

2010-07-22T20:46:00.000-07:00

So I've begun a painting for Staci, as a housewarming gift. I have the first layer almost finished. I paint in layers, I suppose most people do, if they know what they are doing. You don't just start slapping paint on, all the time. There is a place for that, but when you're really trying to be conceptual and real about a painting, you have to start inside. Inside your heart, your mind, inside a sketchbook or a scrap piece of paper that you had nearest you when the inspiration came. Either way, inspiration strikes and you are able to begin putting your emotions on canvas. I think that is part of the reason I love art so much is because I am such an expressive person.

Psalm 51:10

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

So here is the first part of a journey I'm on to create something that reflects what I see God doing in my sister.

shaina

Invited

2010-07-14T15:49:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share some of the invitations that I have done. From wedding shower to baby shower, college graduation and all those things, here they are...

Call me or email me shaina.weisgerber@gmail.com if you have an event coming up! I'd be happy to work with you on an invitation that encompasses all that you want for your event!

shaina

A look back...

2010-07-07T20:25:00.000-07:00

I love going through some of my older digital art pieces, mainly because they tell me the story of where I've been and things that have been meaningful to me. It takes a photograph and makes it into much more than just a photograph, but a journal in digital form.

I suppose that is enough for now. Just staying creative and keeping myself in tune to the things I enjoy. Hope you can find some enjoyment in these pieces.

Shaina

pARTies

2010-06-30T19:28:00.000-07:00

So this week's art blog, I want to plug our pARTies. Nick and I have begun to do art parties for kids. Birthday parties particularly, but we could do an art party just because! Basically, for one fee, we do everything for you, for your kid's birthday! We bring the art supplies and do an art project with the kids, we bring the cake, balloons, party favors and when you book your party, we provide invitations that you just fill out and send to your guests! I wanted to take this opportunity to plug our business a little bit.

Package 1

up to 15 kids

invitations

cake

balloons

art project(supplies included)

party bags

party favors

$300.00 dollars

Package 2

up to 20 kids

invitations

cake

balloons

art project(supplies included)

party bags

party favors

$375.00

Package 3 (best package)

up to 25-30 kids

invitations

cake

balloons

art project

party bags

party favors

$450.00

When I say "art project" I mean that we come in and each kid receives a canvas, we guide them step by step through a series of techniques and colors and by the end of the project time, they have an abstract, even modern, piece of art (which dries during the gift and cake time), so when it is time to go, everything is dry!

Right now, we work on site, at your house or place of choice. Hopefully we will have a set place soon!

Here are a few pictures of the last party we had!

The kids LOVED their artwork and the parents enjoyed watching them be creative, have fun with art and NOT HAVE TO CLEAN IT UP! yay!!1

If you have any questions or want more information on our pARTies, call me 806.681.6233 or email me shaina.weisgerber@gmail.com

I'd be happy to tell you more about them and all the services we offer along side!

Shaina

My Little Shelf

2010-06-28T15:50:00.000-07:00

So when we bought our house in October, we acquired many odd things, one of which is a small shelf. It is a bit wobbly and I could not think of anything to do with it, until this weekend. We were getting ready for our garage sale, going through things in the garage and I came across this shelf again. I thought, eh, I'll just sell it and make 2 or 3 bucks off of it. The more I looked at it the more I realized I wanted it. Mom and I are re-doing my bathroom (birthday present) and I am doing a yellow/gold, red and black, argil and fluer de lis theme, along with my awesome shower curtain of old circus/theatre posters. So here is the shelf before...

Here is the shelf after...

Close up of the top...

I bought some scrapbooking paper from Hobby Lobby and decoupaged the paper on with MOD-PODGE I love mod podge. So neat!

I feel so accomplished, even though it is a small project, I'm getting creative again. I'm really loving it. I know I am made to make things. That is a fact.

Hope you find a project of your own today!

Shaina

Dust Furniture

2010-06-23T18:59:00.001-07:00

So, I have been dreaming a bit, for our studio/shop. Someday I will own an entirely functional studio/art gallery/shop that will be funky, fresh and fabulous. How's that for alliteration? :)

While looking online at front desk designs, retail furniture, art desks, etc, I came across this...

Love it. Go to www.dustfurniture.com They have the coolest furniture I have ever seen! Not only is it eclectic, funky & fun, it is fresh and new! It is out of the ordinary, and as far from "run of the mill" as you can get! It is truly great art! Not to mention, functional art. :)

Another note of interest, their logo is simply lovely.

Now, before you go off to purchase this fine furniture, remember, IT IS NOT CHEAP! Whew! Great work comes at a price!

Go check their website out and enjoy!

Shaina

A New Season

2010-06-22T15:47:00.000-07:00

The first day of summer was yesterday. The first day of a new season of blogging is today. I have not been a faithful blogger, ever really. I would sort of use it as a means of unloading everything I had simmering in my heart and head, but would not continually update it, in the times when things were not as heavy on my mind and in my heart.

I have decided that in order to continue in my creative arts, post degree, I want/need to start assigning myself more creative projects. So, in order to do that, I thought I would start blogging on art, creativity and things that relate to such things, as well as business and freelance events.

I'm shooting for every Wednesday; to have a piece of art, a type of art or a technique to blog about. Hopefully even having some of my own art to blog about and ask for critique on. Not only will this stimulate my creative juices again, but it will keep me focused and learning more and more about what I love. It will also keep me from rambling about things no one cares about, such as what bothers me and why I struggle with the things I do. ha.

So, tomorrow is Wednesday and so I am anxious to post the first blog on The G@llery's blogspot.

thanks,

shaina

Father's Day

2010-06-20T07:22:00.001-07:00

I was born on Father's Day. I suppose I sufficed as an appropriate Father's Day gift for both of my parent's fathers. Well, I hope so anyway! haha. My dad is a quiet hero, a humble man, a servant leader. He always does things for others, thinks of others, treats others better than they ever ever treat him. If you know TByrd, you know that he is the bar, in my mind, as how a husband should treat his wife, a man should raise his girls, director should run a dept. on and on. He could live in other people's shadows, sit quiet in a corner and watch the world pass by him while reading a book, or he could choose to get involved, know the people around them and appreciate them for who they are, be involved, be in the mix and be an example all at the same time. I've been so blessed to be able to say, "I'm Tracy's daugther" and get tons of "oh he is just the best" or "You are one lucky gal" or even "how did you get so blessed?" I'm thankful and proud of my dad. I pray that I am a blessing to him and to his name, so that when he says, "shaina is my daughter" he gets the same things I get when I say he is my dad. Happy Father's Day DadT.

Love,

Nain

A Day Off

2010-06-09T07:57:00.000-07:00

I really do love my days off. I only get two a week, like most people, but it is not on the weekend. I have a day in the middle of the week somewhere usually and that means I have a lot of time to sit and think, dream and evaluate. Usually that can be a bad thing for someone like me. I get all excited about things and then the next day I go to work and back to real life and forget all that I thought about and get jaded. I get so caught up in daily things at work and everything else going on that I forget about what I want to do with my life, what God wants me to do with my life and how I'm going to get there.

There are things ahead of us in life that I feel like I have to be in control of and do all in my power to make happen and I think God is telling me to let go and let Him take care of those things. In His time, things will happen and it will be amazing. If I rush it, then I know it will surely fail. That, being, our business, a family, etc.

So, I am going to enjoy my day to myself, give all my dreams and ideas to the Lord and know that He has all things in His hands. :)

The G@llery - Fine Art & Design

2010-04-30T18:55:00.000-07:00

Well, here we are! This is where we start this next chapter of our lives...hopefully we are doing the right thing! :) more details later.

In the mean time, if you need any designed materials, let us know!

My Love Hasn't Grown Cold. -Bethany Dillon-

2010-02-19T20:46:00.001-08:00

You shake your head
What is so hard to believe?
When you are in your bed
I sing over you the sweetest things

Because oh, my love does not tire
I'm awake when the moon is full
And I know the times when you feel lost
And you just aren't sure

Lo and behold
My love hasn't grown cold
For you

You cold steal away in the middle of the night
And hide in the light of day
While you cloak yourself in the darkest lies

But oh my love, it swims in the deepest oceans of fear
And as soon as you lower your head
I am here

Lo and behold
My love hasn't grown cold
For you

If only you could see
How heaven stills when you speak
I know all your days
And I have wrapped you in mystery

And oh, my love for you
Is as wide as the galaxies
Just hold out your hand and close your eyes
And come be with me

Lo and behold
My love hasn't grown cold
For you

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

2010-02-05T18:15:00.000-08:00

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

There is something about hymns that takes me to a place of simplicity, quietness and reverence. They take me back to 6:00 o clock Sunday Evening services at First Baptist Church in Canyon. They remind me of a time in my life when life was less crazy and every turn in my walk with the Lord was new and exciting. Being a new Christian and seven at the same time was odd, but it was when the other kids in the youth group hated hymns, that I liked them. I learned how to harmonize from singing hymns and reading the alto line in the hymn book. They are sound. They are relevant and more than that, they are everlasting. When was the last time you sang, oh, Shout to the Lord, ya, a few yaers maybe? Praise songs are wonderful, but they fade in and out of "popularity'. Hymns will forever be sung. They are deep yet simple songs of faith, from the Word.

I'm so glad He is faithful, even when I am not.

Sitting here at home this evening after a long day of wrapping, arranging, blowing up balloons, running around town, eating dinner with the inlaws, etc and my soul finally quiets. I'm just sitting, wide open, vulnerable and needy for the Lord to sit quietly with me at my little table in my humble house. If He doesn't mind coming and sitting with me for awhile, it would be lovely. Seeing that the last week, well, weeks, I have seemed to have ignored him. I hate that. I do. I desperately need Him and yet I keep putting myself back into the driver's seat, thinking, for some dumb reason that I can drive this car better than He.

There is so much change and newness ahead of us, right ahead actually. I'm so ready for some of these changes to take place and some of them I am not. I guess I've been that way my whole life. I was so incredibly scared to go to Jr High, while everyone else was pumped. I hated Jr High, with every fiber of my being I hated it. so much. Then everyone was scared to go to high school and I was so ready! I was excited and I loved high school so very much. Change in my life has been good and bad, scary and safe, wanted and unwanted. Either way, it happens, regardless of my opinion on it or my desires for it. I'm glad I don't have a say in some of the changes or else I would have and will miss out on so many good things, lessons learned and even hurt experienced.

The hymn, "I have decided to follow Jesus" was the song that I "walked down the aisle" to, to tell everyone I was accepting Jesus. Pretty fitting I suppose. I have not always lived it though. I have decided to ignore Jesus is more like it. At age seven I didn't know how hard it would be to trust and follow, I just knew I wanted Jesus to be the one I followed. I didn't realize it would entail hurting others, being hurt, feeling lonely, being alone, sacrificing or even that I would receive more blessings than I have ever known. At seven I just simply loved Jesus and realized I needed him to save me from "lying to my parents, being mean to my sister, and most of all eternity without him". There were things I didn't realize I would go through and that the journey with him would have so many twists and turns, even though it is called the "straight and narrow". I'm glad I trusted him at seven. I'm glad I trust him at 24. I'm so incredibly blessed that I have parents who have allowed me to be raised in such a secure and steadfast home. Foundation secure, roots firmly planted and love pouring over.

My life has been filled and has runneth over with blessings. Abundant blessings.

On June 23, 2007 I walked down the same church aisle, different color carpet, thank goodness, at First Baptist Church Canyon to become Mrs. Nicholas Weisgerber. I entered into the most precious covenant relationship I will ever have besides the one I walked into down that same aisle in 1992. "Come thou Fount of Every Blessing" was strummed as my daddy walked me down. One Godly man, secure and strong, walking me into another man's arms, strong and secure. The same God who drew me into an adventure with himself was now drawing me into an adventure with my sweet Nick.

Hymns will always be the deepest woven strands of my heritage and my soul. When parts of my heart are breaking or torn by life, the strands that were wrapped in the hymns of my childhood have held strong and have sometimes held my weary heart together. The strength in the words are a tangible reminder of the one who is holding all things together, sustaining all things in His power and sovereignty.

So in the quietness of this evening, in the midst of many changes inside and out, I hold fast to the Word, evident in the hymns of my growing up. They have been the soundtrack of my life and I pray they always be sung in my head, hummed as I do my daily activities and shared with the generations to follow me.

I desire that my children and their children and so on, whether or not the "church" thinks their relevant or not, learn them and know them and at least appreciate how they have woven my heritage into their own.

A Snowflake for My Thoughts

2010-01-28T16:26:00.001-08:00

So, as you can see outside your window, on the news or via facebook, twitter, etc you probably know by now, that it has been snowing all day. I have been inside this day and have had lots of time to think, sit, sleep, eat, clean, organize, sit around some more and enjoy some much needed down time with the Nick. :)

I got up to work on some stuff, came back a few hours later and have lost all train of thought...

darn.

Resolutions Part 2

2009-12-30T18:48:00.000-08:00

This time last year I posted on resolutions. I am a planner and an organizer, but I tend to have problems following through. There are so many things that I desire to do and accomplish in 2010. Personal goals, marriage goals, health goals, work goals, dreams and desires are running around in my brain and in my heart. I desire to get them out on paper, but it is hard to organize it all. I could go through each thing and reasons why, but I suppose that would take all day. If I only list them all, what good is that? So, I guess I list them with a short explanation, getting the best of both worlds.

My personal goals have a lot to do with some things I learned a few months ago:

I need sufficient sleep

time with Nicholas everyday

working out 4 days a week or more

vitamins, regular medicines daily

lots of water

personal and quiet time with the Lord

time with my best friend, accountability and prayer partner every week

corporate fellowship/worship weekly

Business Goals:

more freelance customers/orders

to meet all goals and continue to grow sales in my current job

to find new/interesting ways to display, sell and create

to somehow get a raise. :)

Ministry goals:

to seek out and find where I am to be serving

organize and promote Manna Ministries as God desires me to

All of these things encompass being me to the best of my ability and also allowing God to mold me, shape me and help me become a woman of grace, mercy, gentleness and beauty.

more to come in 2010.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

2009-12-12T09:19:00.000-08:00

A few years back I was a scrooge. I did not want to decorate, have a tree, help mom with her house, go to family gatherings, cook, bake goodies, buy gifts, give gifts, of course we always WANT gifts. :) haha. None the less, it was a bad year. It was miserable. Since being married for a few years, we have noticed that the holidays are so very busy with house hopping and sharing time with families. Now that we are home owners we are finding that the holidays are even better because we have kitchen space, a fireplace and plenty of room for people and pretty decor. Well, I have found that anyway. I enjoy it. I think that I have a nack (that how you spell that??) for having company over, being a hostess. I am finding that I love planning and decorating and having people in my home. Anyway, all of that to say, that this Christmas, so far, has been quite wonderful! It can only get better with all that is ahead!

I've had a small setback yesterday and today. Apparently my body decided to make me halt and rest. I had a temperature of 100.4 last night (which if you know me is like 103 for most people). It was miserable and with a good dose of advil and sleep I seem to be on the mend today. BUT, I feel like I am now behind and off schedule for the month. If you took a look at my day calendar, you'd see that there are barely any clear days. I like it that way, but my body does not sometimes. So, a fever got my attention.

Speaking of being a hostess; I just hosted a recipe shower for a dear friend of mine, last sunday. It was one of the most wonderful times I've had since my wedding showers. A room full of Godly women sharing advice, stories and the hearts with each other about marriage and life. Tears, laughter, really yummy snacks and cozy fellowship made for a completely love afternoon! I was so pleased and blessed to have such a compilation of amazing women in my home, at one time! What a blessing!

I will post some pictures of our house soon. I suppose I should pick things up a bit and then take pictures! :)

I could have made about 5 different posts out of this one post, but I have the time to sit and write this afternoon and I haven't had the time in quite awhile. My best friend is home. aaaahhhh. Although she is home, we've seen each other once. hahaha. talked quite a bit, but have not hung out. I'm so ready for sunday night! That will fix it. :)

Suppose that is all for now..who knows, I might be back later today....never know what I might think of to write.

Round and Round....

2009-12-01T19:55:00.000-08:00

I go. Up and down. Week to week it is something different. Lately, things have seemed rather stable and steady. The Thanksgiving holiday was blessed and my cup ran over with blessing, rest and goodness! Then Monday happened. Seems as though I was due for a typical monday. I generally have pretty good mondays. This week has just started out so rotten and I have found myself, in my recent growth, pushing myself to not go slip into my hole, but keep my head up, my knees bent in prayer and my mind focused on the things of Christ. Not the things that keep dragging me down. The hole is so comfy and dark. It is known and yet I am learning to resist.

"She thinks she can She thinks she can....."

drama queen

2009-11-11T20:33:00.000-08:00

Lord, may I not be the one to cause drama in others lives. To be an annoyance and burden to anyone. I desire to edify and encourage the people around me, not bring pain or corruption. Lord be my helper. Keep my mind pure and when others get to me and make me waiver, help me to ignore the drama and remember your plan and desires. Keep my mind clear of anger and rude thoughts. Help me to just let things slide that are not from you.

Our little kitty

2009-11-08T20:01:00.001-08:00

Meet Dot
She is the newest member of our little family. :) Nick went to the SPCA and the opened her cage and she crawled up his arm and onto his shoulder and Nick knew she was ours. She is a snuggler and a stinker at the same time. She is fun and sweet. We are glad to have a new little friend and we already spoil her a bit. :) she is fun and is already making herself at home!

A New Day

2009-11-04T07:42:00.000-08:00

So there are many reasons why today is a new day for me.

First of all, it IS a new day. It is only 9:42am and I have until 12 midnight to make the most of it. Second of all, it is the day after one of the biggest "falling outs" I have been involved in, in a long long time. It is a new day because I am beginning to realize how much I have and do neglect my heart, my relationship with the Father and I allow myself to be depressed, down and feeling responsible for other people's spiritual walk, life, etc. I have let go today. I have let go of the hurt, the pain, the crap that I have put myself through over the last 2 years. I think there have been times when stuff has fallen apart and I pretend I'm ok, I pretend that I am in control of my heart, etc and I put on my happy face. I cannot pretend anymore. The past two years have been the hardest emotional years I have had since my first year of college. It has been draining, hurtful, and yet growing and exciting. A lot has been taught and learned, but a lot has been thrown into the swine pin and lost for good. BUT, because this is a new day, my Jesus has gone down into the swine pin, found my pearls and brought them back....he's washed them gently until they shine and put them together into a strand that he has placed over my neck. He swam in pig junk and muck, just to restore my heart and my pearls. I am so grateful for my Jesus and his sweet care over me. I'm thankful for my husband, who defends my heart. I am thankful for Regina who is my shield-bearer and warrior sister. I am thankful for parents who have loved me at every awkward stage, bad attitude, stupid decision, etc. They have loved me and raised me in the Lord. I am thankful for my sister who is like a best friend. We talk about anythig/everything. I can count on her for prayer and support and also a truthful word. She is special and so sweet. :)
Today is a new day because I am making a new list. Making new goals and asking for those closest to me, to love me through this time of change in my life. New seasons are good things. Not always wanted or welcomed but necessary and needed.
So to tangibly write and see the things I desire for myself now, I am going to list them and come back to them to continue in them. I am going to be vulnerable enough to put them on here, for the world to see, so that I might not be sitting in the same place I was yesterday.

Things I need daily:
7-8 hours of sleep
at least 15 -30 minutes of quiet time to myself
at least 30 minutes to an hour of quiet time with the Lord
to journal
conversation with my husband
a walk or bike ride
64 oz of water
my medications for allergies
vitamins - prescribed by doctor
herbal supplement
to be productive at work

Things I need weekly:
time with a mentor
time with the body of Christ
dinner with Nick's family - fridays
conversations with my mom, dad and sister
to be creative
to clean my home

Things I want to learn:
spanish - still
how to be a gentle woman
how to be a wife/woman of noble character

Things I desire:
to be a Godly wife
to be a faithful sister, daughter, grandaughter, cousin, niece, etc.
to be a mom
to be a business owner- work from home
to know what ministry God wants me to serve in
to have friends that are mature and desire to edify me, not manipulate me.
to be healthy

So, now that I have poured my heart out for the world to see, I feel free. Free to be me and be purposeful with my life. To be able to dust my feet of the past and the people who have kept me in the pig pin. I am wearing my new strand of pearls and the armor of the Lord. what a picture huh. :) pearls and armor. May I forgive those who have hurt me, and I pray so much that they can forgive me, if/when I hurt them. I do not want my name to be one of negative reputation, but one of honor. May I start today, seeing things in a clear, new perspective. Thank you Lord for my life and the ups, downs and in-betweens. :)

Friends

2009-11-03T14:52:00.000-08:00

I'm tired of trying. I'm tired of trying to be friends with everyone, please everyone, make sure everyone is happy, taken care of, etc etc etc. I just get hurt. The level of hurt I feel and have dealt with in the last 2 years is at an all time high. I would be quite content to just keep the acquaintances I have, the close friends I have now, and my family near and that's all. I'm tired of meeting people, being vulnerable enough to share with them and trust them....only to betrayed and hurt.
so right now I'm done being the friend. I'm done being the one who makes sure everyone is happy. I am just me, Nick's wife, Tracy and Lisa's daughter and Staci's sister. If you are my friend and we're close, I treasure you. If you've been hurt by me, I'm desperately sorry and if you've hurt me, I'm trying to forgive you. If you do not belong in one of those categories, I'll try to open up some. For now, I just want to be...

Time to Lay it Down...

2009-08-23T20:36:00.000-07:00

Well, for the last almost 2 years Nick and I have been involved in collegiate ministry. It has been a huge blessing and yet it has been a huge burden at times. This is one of those times and I have decided to take a much needed sabbatical. In this time of rest I am asking the Lord to show me what He desires of me beyond ministry and the church. What does he desire of me? period. What is next in my life? I am anxious to see where God takes me in this time of release. there is hurt that needs to be released, rest that needs to be soaked up and blessings to be harvested while I settle my heart and mind. We'll see what God decides to do in me now that I have finally surrendered.

On the Hunt...

2009-08-19T19:29:00.000-07:00

For a house...

ya. nuff said. keep us in your prayers...

don't know a thing...

2009-07-04T20:49:00.000-07:00

I'm not completely sure why I still write on this thing. Ever. No one actually reads it or anything. I am not blogging about getting married, buying a house, having kids, a new amazing job, moving cities, getting a new pet, or a new car or even a raise. No, I'm just writing to get stuff off my chest. Boring, but gosh, there sure is a lot right now. Its built up over the course of the last few months. People get on my nerves. I'm to the point where sometimes I would rather not associate with so many people because it would allow me to avoid much of the pain i tend to feel these days. I've gotten to where I know better and press on towards relationships and trying so that I will not clam up in my home and never come out.
People change. a lot. all the time. it is a good thing, but people go about it in the wrong way sometimes. well, a lot of the time. either way, we all need change. Why is it that people don't know how to change and still be aware of others around them. Why is it that in the midst of GOOD change, people think it is BAD and ASSUME things about people that aren't true.
I'm tired of feeling pulled in all directions. Like these people, don't like these, go to this church, don't go to that one, do this with your life, don't do that, have kids now, wait to have kids for then, buy a house now, don't wait any longer, no wait until you're ready. gosh. I'm just tired. I'm tired of everyone around me thinking they know me and what is best for me. I sound like I am 18 and barely out of high school, rebelling against my parents and needing to go drive for a thousand miles in one direction.
I don't care where you go to church, what you do for a living or who you call your friends. I'm doing my best everyday, to be my best for the Lord and to trust that He is guiding Nick and myself into his plan for us. Please don't try to get in the way of that.
Nick and I will buy a house when God leads us to one. We will have children when he is ready to bless our socks off. We will own our own business when he says, JUMP, I've got you! AND, we will always be content and satisfied with the life God gives us because without Him, we would be miserable.
I don't know why people think after a few months of time, things just go back to normal. I don't understand why people hold grudges. I don't get that fact that people think they are better than others. I wish I knew why college girls fight all the time. I have never understood why pastors think they have to please everyone and I sure as heck don't know why I do some of the things I do for the people I do, BUT, without all of that misunderstanding, confusion and questioning, I am coming to realize that God was not lying when he spoke through his Word saying, "he holds all things together". His purpose prevails even amidst people's grudges and egos.

I just talked to my best friend. somehow, she makes things make sense.

frustration

2009-06-11T20:43:00.000-07:00

since I don't have the ability to get my paints out i'll just spill then...

Why is it that so many people are so stinkin lazy these days? I don't understand how it goes through their mind, "oh, i'll just slide on by and let everyone else do stuff for me". RRRR. I was taught to work hard, to put my best in all that I do and to be proud of what I do. I feel like there are little to no people, younger than myself, that think that way. It drives me crazy. stinkin crazy. My kids will know the meaning of work and putting your best in what you do. I can guarantee it.

attaining branchness

2009-06-03T11:54:00.001-07:00

John 15

The Vine and the Branches

1"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. 3You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

9"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command. 15I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17This is my command: Love each other.

What is it that makes me reluctant to living on the vine? I tend to live off of my own energy, work, church, people, events, activities, even my laziness at times. I cling to and live off of all these things that have no life in them and then I wonder why I feel so dry, tired and burnt out. The Vine is the Lord. Abiding and remaining in Him is all he asks, yet I make that one of the lowest things on the priority list thinking that if I get all these things done, accomplished, etc that it will make it easier to live on the Vine. Why is that? Why am I not just satisfied in Him, the Vine, the creator of life itself? My desire is to be so connected to the vine and His life giving nourishment that the things I find myself wrapped up in will slowly unwrap themselves and I will be solely attached to Him, not anything else....that He will be the core and the center of my life, guiding my decisions, showing me His will and His way in all things.

Dry & Bitter

2009-05-19T21:46:00.000-07:00

I haven't painted since my last semester of college. I suppose it is because the last painting that I finished or even worked on has a lot of history and memories attached to it and I still avoid that part of my life and heart right now. So, as I think about a blank canvas, the possibilities abound. There is so much I could do with a blank canvas and yet I am almost afraid to approach it. It causes things to surface that I thought I had buried so well. I'm not bitter, at all. I'm over that. Some people don't know how to get through the bitterness. Dry though, yes. It is time to let go and be open to refreshment and fluidity. hopefully i'll end up with a piece of art that somehow quenches the thirst.

Abundant Life

2009-04-05T11:47:00.001-07:00

Is the fullness in my heart that I have right now. Grace, redemption, love, the relationship with true believers, seeing God's plan unfold, growing out of doubt and growing into faith. THIS is abundant life. God's fullness bubbling over. My cup is overflowing. My life is in His hands. My heart is overjoyed that there has been made beauty from ashes.
simply satisfying, lovely and worth all the growing pains and hurting.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow...

Vacation Ramblings...

2009-03-19T13:21:00.000-07:00

Well, we've been here in St. Louis since Sunday and it has been WONDERFUL!! We got here Sunday night and had some mexican food and good conversation with my father in law and stepmother in law. On Monday we just stayed in the house; slept in, watched TV, and just chilled out. We did get out once, for White Castle and a few groceries for the house. :) Tuesday we stayed in all day as well. In fact, we didn't leave the house all day, until about 8 and we went to Baskin Robbins for ice cream. :) So on Wednesday we decided to go to the Budweiser Brewery for a tour! It was really interesting and we had a great time together. We also enjoyed a free drink at the end of the tour. :) Then we decided to go to the St. Louis Cathedral Basilica. It is GORGEOUS!!! It is the largest collection of mosaic art work in the WORLD!! Every square inch of the place is either mosaic or marble. Just breathtaking. We could have just sat there and looked up, for hours. :) The weather has been BEAUTIFUL and it even RAINED last night. I hadn't heard thunder in forever!!!! It was a pretty rain and we enjoyed it. I think Bob and Carrie thought we were crazy. haha. We went to the St. Louis Zoo today and had a blast as well! They have a really neat collection of various animals! Even though we don't have kids we noticed how kid friendly it is and if you have kids and are in the area, you should definitely go. It is FREE and there are LOTS of neat things to see and do. There are a few things that cost money, but they are optional. Anyway, it was a fun time and now our feet are completely aching. :) We were going to try to make it to the Art Museum today, but ran out of time, so I think we are going to try to go Saturday when Carrie isn't working since she will enjoy it as well. Tomorrow we're sleeping in, chillin at home and then for dinner we are going out to The Bistro Restaurant for dinner and jazz music. That should be a fun time! :) Then on Saturday we are doing some more sleeping and resting, as well as going to the movies and the Art Museum. Then on Sunday we make our way back home... :) It has been such a wonderful time of just hanging out with each other!!!! I mean, we generally see each other for 5 minutes in the morning and then for a few hours in the evening. So, this has been very nice, just getting to spend time together. Love it!!!

Back to the normal pace next week, but until then, we still have 3 days. :) we'll soak it up!!

Vacation.

2009-03-13T21:22:00.000-07:00

This time on Sunday I will be nestled into the in-law's home, ready for a full night's sleep. I am so ready to get up to St. Louis and relax and refuel for a week. I am excited to get to spend an entire week with my Nicholas and really get to relax together. I think I might even get to read a book, journal, design and sleep (very excited about that). I won't have to be concerned with work, dishes, laundry, more work, more work, cleaning, etc etc. We have also not seen Nick's dad and stepmom since our wedding day! So we are very excited to get to spend some time with them as well. It will be such a blessing to get to catch up with them and enjoy their company.

Please pray that we have a safe trip, with much rest, relaxation and fun times! :)

Credibility.

2009-02-17T13:55:00.000-08:00

cred⋅i⋅ble [kred-uh-buhl] Show IPA Pronunciation
–adjective
1. capable of being believed; believable: a credible statement.
2. worthy of belief or confidence; trustworthy: a credible witness.

Are you credible? Can people trust that you will do what you say you will do? Can people believe you when you speak with them? Are you worthy of someone's confidence or belief in your word? just something to think about. Whether you are a top leader in your company, a mother, a sister, a father, a brother, a friend, a co-worker, etc etc Do you say what you mean and mean what you say? Do you walk what you talk? It is something for all of us to think about. Something I have not thought about a whole lot until recently.

Swept Away

2009-01-23T20:31:00.000-08:00

Every girl loves a bit of romance, right? I know that in life, we tend to remember the times when we have been romanced, by our significant other. My husband is amazing and loves me more than I know, but there is a romance that is deeper and more lovely than even his.

It is my rescuer's romancing me that has swept me away today. It has been awhile since I have been swept away by the beauty and simplicity of my saviour. Mainly because, I have not allowed myself to be vulnerable to him. Being vulnerable is not an easy way to be. I know it sounds weird, but in order to accept the true love that awaits you in your saviour and rescuer, you must be vulnerable, you must let go and you must trust. Those three things are very difficult for me to do. I have come to the point in my life where I do not want to be vulnerable because I might get taken advantage of or hurt by friends, co-workers, etc. I do not like to let go. It means I am not in control. Another character flaw that I possess. Letting go means, nothing more than, just that, letting go. completely. That tends to scare me. Lastly, you must trust. I have come to the point in my life where I trust very very very few people. I think I trusted people at face value so long, gave people the benefit of the doubt and thought everyone was just good that I learned that I got hurt way too easily, way too often. So, I don't trust many people. at all.
Tonight, I found myself driving to Canyon for the first time in about a month. Driving to Canyon generally is nothing special, but tonight I felt like I was being driven. I was along for the ride. My rescuer had come to save the day and restore some of the softness that has left me for some time now. He gently comes to me and reminds me of my worth, my beauty and his undying love for me. After months of fighting and struggling and feeling at a place where I was so hardened and so cold that I could not love people again, I felt a tender hand on my face, gazed into the savior's face and saw pure love. My best friend, my redeemer, my lover, my friend, my King, loving on me, the least of the least. No matter how many friends I see come and go, hard times come and go, and even good times that come and go, his constant, pure, unmatchable love is mine to experience, to soak up, to revel in, to enjoy, to delight in, to rely on, to mourn in, to grieve in and to also celebrate in, find joy in and worship in for the rest of time. He has ordered my steps, but he has shaped my heart. He created the heavens, but mended my torn edges. He is just and mighty, but he romances me with simple music, sun beams and a warm home on a cold night. He deserves more than I could ever give him, but he accepts my tiny, little offerings of praise when I'm all alone in the quiet. He has destroyed nations, and yet he wipes the tears from my cheeks and says, "my love, you're safe with me". What a beautiful place to be, in the arms of the Almighty. No other place on earth is as safe and yet majestic than his embrace. Oh how I long to remain here. Cozy and nestled within ultimate peace and delightful joy. It is worth waiting upon him. It is worth humbling myself to nothing. It is worth the fight and struggle we have with the enemy, for this moment of pure romance with the King of Kings. Don't give up on Him. Cry out for Him. He is mighty to save and gentle with his child. When you find yourself lost in his beauty and his delight, you realize your "problems" are but a tiny spec in the picture of his goodness. How lovely He is.

Day at a Time

2009-01-18T15:37:00.000-08:00

So I have had quite a few people ask me in the last week or so if I am happy. I automatically think, "why yes!". BUT, when I stop and think about it, I am not for sure about that. Nick and I are being obedient in every way we can, following God's leading, seeking out what is next for us, and learning to be content in his perfect grace and plan. None the less, that does not mean it is easy. We were seriously contemplating buying a house, but we feel that God has told us to wait on that. I've felt that "settling" has been something I've done career wise right now, but God reminds me that He has me in the right place for the right time. We have dreams of owning our own business, but feel so far from that day that it seems impossible and unreachable. Then God reminds us that all things are in His hands and on his time line. So, we wait. We strive to seek out what God is wanting us to know for this day. For this time. We wait.

I know we will always be waiting on something... for now, we will actively wait upon the Lord for whatever He has for us.

how long?

2009-01-06T15:27:00.000-08:00

Why since you’ve wounded my heart
Don’t You heal it?
Why don’t You heal?
And why since you’ve stolen my heart,
Do you leave it so?
Oh this heart of stone.

Why don’t you carry away my heart
You have stolen and left here broken
Why don’t you carry away my heart
Already taken

Awaken the dawning of a new heart
Where stone begins to bleed
For the arrow of God that runs through me
Leaves me in need
Here in need

Awaken

How long? How long? How long?

2009 Here we come!

2009-01-01T20:31:00.000-08:00

Generally I don't get all excited about the new year. I don't buy noise makers, or make a long list of resolutions, scream and yell and get all excited, start a new diet, do anything out of the ordinary or whatever.

This year I have been very encouraged by the whole concept of the new year, new ideas, new goals, new experiences and adventures!

There are so many things I am looking forward to in this new year! I am refreshed and I know that the Lord is doing some amazing things in this new year.

I am encouraged that I am in the middle of God's will right now. It is easy to get swayed and serve off to the side. To get distracted by fetishes, people, habits, etc etc Even good things in life can be a roadblock. But, everyday is like a new year. New Mercies are abundant. Thank the Lord!

This new year has much ahead and Nick and I are blessed to have such amazing family, friends and especially our Lord and the union we have in marriage. We are excited to see what God will do in us and in our church family. So much of our lives are poured into things that don't matter and have no eternal value, and this year I know that Nick and I have a heart for serving and doing things that will effect the Kingdom, not just ourselves.

There are opportunities everywhere. My prayer for this new year is that we would be awakened, cleansed, purified, renewed and ready for service. I am working everyday to change old habits, create new habits and better myself, for His purposes.

I hope that your new year is as encouraging and blessed as ours has been! Start by counting your blessings, not being discouraged by what you don't have.

Happy New Year!

Blessings,
Nick and Shaina

Tis the Season!

2008-12-23T20:00:00.001-08:00

So here is a list of the things that have made me full of joy lately...

lately meaning, 2008.

to be continued..

ThankFull

2008-12-04T08:39:00.000-08:00

I am full, not because thanksgiving was last week, but because of what I am thankful for. It has occurred to me in just the last few evenings that I blessed, yet again, beyond measure. For instance, Nick and I went to go visit his mom last night and then had to run a few errands and as you all know it was, freezing yesterday, and when we got back home, we walked in and I was just overwhelmed with the fact that it was warm. It was a warm, cozy, safe, haven of a home and it was ours. I mean, it is a small little, typical one bedroom apt with nothing fancy about it, a mess strung around everywhere, we even didn't have hot water for a day or so, you know, all the usual apt life problems, but it is warm, it is ours and it means that God has put together the beginnings of an amazing family. Being thankful for this home makes it easier to go work to pay for it, it makes scrubbing the kitchen and doing the laundry that much more enjoyable, simply because we have the privilege of dwelling here.

Overall our Thanksgiving was so great this year! We are blessed beyond measure and we have been awakened to that and are so thankful to our Lord for all that he does in our lives and will do in the future.

I am so so so very thankful for the relationship that I have with my Jesus. I am so thankful for the grace he showers over me daily. I am the least deserving. He loves us so much.

I am so blessed with an amazing husband, who is sensitive to me and to what God has for our home and our family. He is a servant and works hard for us. He is smart and talented in many ways. He loves me for me and it is so amazing to have someone that knows me so well and still loves me. :) He is such a huge blessing in my life and it is amazing to get to share this life with him.

I have a family who loves me dearly as well. I love them and we can all be ourselves, have fun, go through junk, etc etc and still come out better than ever. What a blessed family I have. My parents have been married over 25 years. My sister is my closest gal and we live 4 hours a part. I am thankful that all 3 of them support me and love my nick. I talk to all of them most every day. and I'm not ashamed of that. :) haha

I have grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, etc etc that are very close as well. It is rare to have such close family that get along and genuinely love each other. I have in-laws that are great as well. Very blessed all the way around!!

We have jobs, a home, plus stuff we don't even need. We have friends and family. We have a church family that is right along with us in the life thing and amongst our mistakes and mishaps, we all just bear down and get through it all together. It is tough, but it is worth it for family like that.

We have friends abroad, especially Regina, that we love dearly and are so proud to support as they serve on the mission field. We are blessed to get to go and serve a long side her and now have many new friends and brothers and sisters in Christ, in Costa Rica. what a huge blessing!!!!

With all that said. Thank God for all his provision and blessing over us. We are so thankful.

Nick and Shaina

I have decided to follow ...

2008-11-21T19:53:00.000-08:00

I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.
Though I may wonder, I still will follow;
Though I may wonder, I still will follow;
Though I may wonder, I still will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back.
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.

That song always brings me back to a place of innocence, simplicity, and renewal. I suppose it is because when I was 7 I walked down an aisle to that song and let Jesus have my heart. I was in complete surrender, even at a young age. I can remember being emotional, mainly because it was the first major decision I made in my life. It wasn't even hard either... the hardest part was walking down that aisle in front of a room of a couple hundred people....
It is easy to follow Jesus in our privacy, but in front of people, it is not easy.

At least for me it is not, but by the actions of those I know, and those I don't even, it seems as though it is hard for them as well. Repentance seems to be old fashioned now. People don't take responsibility for their actions, mistakes, irresponsibility, etc and then they think that with enough time or words, things are just normal or ok. I don't understand that. It is hard to admit fault, to own up to our mistakes and sin. we are called to do it though. I can say this because I have had to do it, and I have done it. There is a difference between needing to and actually doing it.

I feel as though, our country is in this bailout mode because of the lack of responsibility of the country's people. I have a very miniscule amount of debt, besides my school loans for college. It isn't even about debt and money so much as it is about taking responsibility for ourselves in general. I'll save the political realm for those who enjoy it, I personally don't, however, I have just been so frustrated by the lack of responsibility taken by ourselves, for ourselves. Quit blaming others for the things you've done. Own up to it, lay it down and leave it at the cross, but be willing to suffer the consequences for the wrong doings, and LEARN FROM IT. learning from it, well, takes effort and a desire and commitment. woah, scary word. commitment.

Is anyone really committed to anything anymore? Everyone seems to bail when things get tough or hard to swallow. Whether it is your job, your marriage, your relationships with parents, siblings, friends, the church, etc. OOPS, this is too tough or we don't like them or her or him or that...

All in all... choose whom you will follow. don't sway from it, for any reason.... hard or not. it is not worth being cool or popular or different, to choose the life without Jesus Christ. Choose to be set a part, clean, not perfect but whole. Admit to your sin, accept the grace given to you, and then live like you mean to follow Jesus. If you don't want to follow Jesus, don't pretend to. Save us all the crap and just be honest about it. If you want to follow Jesus, also be honest about it and be real.

blessings.
s

Seasons

2008-11-09T21:00:00.000-08:00

Every Season
Nichole Nordeman

Every evening sky, an invitation
To trace the patterned stars
And early in July, a celebration
For freedom that is ours
And I notice You
In children’s games
In those who watch them from the shade
Every drop of sun is full of fun and wonder
You are summer

And even when the trees have just surrendered
To the harvest time
Forfeiting their leaves in late September
And sending us inside
Still I notice You when change begins
And I am braced for colder winds
I will offer thanks for what has been and was to come
You are autumn

And everything in time and under heaven
Finally falls asleep
Wrapped in blankets white, all creation
Shivers underneath
And still I notice you
When branches crack
And in my breath on frosted glass
Even now in death, You open doors for life to enter
You are winter

And everything that’s new has bravely surfaced
Teaching us to breathe
What was frozen through is newly purposed
Turning all things green
So it is with You
And how You make me new
With every season’s change
And so it will be
As You are re-creating me
Summer, autumn, winter, spring

Friendship

2008-10-29T20:14:00.000-07:00

My best friend in the world, is obviously, my husband. People who know us, know that fact. We are goofy, we love each other more than anyone in the world and we are the only ones who get each other. :) It is such a blessing to be married to my best friend.
Like any relationship, obviously, marriage takes work and more than anything, God's grace. :)

I think that in my life there has only been one other person, other than Nick, that comes close to knowing my heart, my weaknesses, my strengths, my heart's desires, and my fears. She doesn't judge me, nor does she expect things of me that are not expectations God has for me. She lets me be me. Always. It is funny that we are closer now than when she lived in the states. :) There will be a month or so pass and we won't communicate, but the second one of us emails, it is at the right time we need it, the right words, or whatever, from the Lord. When she lived here, where her cell phone worked, we could text at any time of day or night for prayer or support. I miss that, now that she is in a country where her service is not reliable, I don't have that privilege to bother her at 2 am nor does she have that convenience to call for help at any time of day or night. It is something I took for granted. I took for granted the fact that the closest friend besides my husband, was at my fingertips for years, and in the last 10 months I have wanted her close.

The point I want to get across is that, there were times in my life that I would run to her before I would run to Jesus. There are times today, that I run to my husband and best friend, Nick, before I run to Jesus, my ultimate best friend. I wonder, a lot, if Jesus sits and just waits for me to choose him first. He has the answer, the time, the wisdom, the knowledge, the peace, the comfort, the closeness, the shoulder, the everything I need. I don't run to him. I run to Nick, I run to Gina, I run to other friends, to my mom or dad, or to myself.

I have noticed in the last 10 months I have had some amazing friends come and go in and out of my life. There were friends that I held too close, and did not cling to Jesus instead. God awoke me to that and I am now aware of the pure and desperate need I have for my Jesus. (key word: my)
We talk about Jesus, like he is a stranger or someone we can't reach. He is mine. He is yours. Not in a selfish sense, but in a desperate sense. Without our Jesus, we are nothing. Does that pierce you at all? Does it awaken your soul and mind to a realization? To admit, realize, and then relish in the fact that we are desperate for Jesus, is truly life changing.

Gina's pastor spoke of passion last night at college group. He defines the word, passion, I believe. The Spirit follows that man wherever he goes. No, he is not a perfect man, but he is desperately relying and loving Jesus. With all he is, he is following his Master. His desire is to see his friends, his family, his small poverish community in southern Costa Rica, and the world, even Amarillo, a city he has just met, to meet His Jesus. What a beautiful person.

I suppose this has gone on longer than I had planned, but I will wrap it up in this:
keep your best friends close, but not above your Jesus.
have passion for your Jesus.

i'm overflowing...

shaina

Blessed

2008-10-26T11:33:00.000-07:00

I get frustrated, like in the post below, about bills, working hard and barely getting anything out of it, student loans, medical bills, rent, etc etc. God tenderly and sometimes forcefully reminds me that I am blessed beyond any part of my imagination. We have more than enough and we are blessed to not have everything handed to us. We are having to work hard and work our way up from the bottom. It is good and it makes you appreciate what you have, because it is your own.

BUT, that brings me to a point that we push aside and forget too often. NOTHING is our own. It has all been given to us by God. Stewardship is no longer a word in many people's vocabulary. People toss their money, their belongings, their own friends and family around like its nothing. The things we have been given are to be cherished and taken care of.
I remember as a kid, my parents would tell us to take care of our things, especially our home and the things that they had worked so hard for, but to take care of each other and ourselves, spiritually first and then in the other ways.

We are not our own. The main point I have is that we don't have anything unless given by God. He has given us the strength, the mind, the power, abilities, desire, etc to have the things we have and do the things we do. We are to be stewards of those things, especially the people in our lives. I have been bad at that. I have been forgetful, rude, negative and careless with people in my life. I'm sure that is part of the reason that I have very few true friends. BUT, I know that I have been on the opposite end of that. People have flung me around, forgotten about me, left me and so I know both sides of the fence.

I feel as though we are careless with not only our things in our lives, but the people. We need to remember we are GIVEN our children, our families, our friends and the people in our lives. We must take care of those relationships, learn from them and THANK GOD FOR THEM. Thank God for our spouses, our families, our siblings, our friends, teachers, co-workers, mentors, relatives, even our enemies. For without all those people, we would not be the same. Thank God for the people in your life and act like you are thankful for them. It will make a difference in your life. and theirs.

blessings.

The Grind...

2008-10-14T21:40:00.000-07:00

As you all know, we pay bills. I'm sure you all know how that goes. It gets old, but, I know that when the going gets tough, I am way beyond blessed, we are more than taken care of, and I cannot be happier than I am being, God's child, Nick's wife and the world's best Shaina. :) hehe.

Things are really tough right now, for Nick and myself. We work A LOT and get the bills paid, someday we will have enough to, what's that called again.....oh ya, SAVE. :) There are things that we want now, but know that it is not the time and so we wait on the Lord.

Nick takes two classes and works every week. I just work now and I'm trying to get some freelance clients going strong. The grind of daily life can take its toll and we hope to be able to enjoy getting away for the holidays, and then again in January to see Bob and Carrie, Nick's dad and stepmom, for those of you readers who don't know them. We are trying our best at everything we do and sometimes just feel like we are dragging our feet in the mud. BUT, like I said, that's when we remember that we are blessed beyond what we will ever deserve.

We are almost done with paying Nick's appendix bills!! : YAY! and PRAISE THE LORD!!!

There is not a whole lot of anything to update anyone about, other than, the daily grind is something we are learning to deal with, but to rejoice in. Hope you can do the same.

love.
nick and shaina

to keep or not to keep...

2008-09-30T19:23:00.000-07:00

Well, I've had this blogger thing since Nick and I have gotten married and I have written a whopping three blogs. I will write a blog on how we are and what is going on and then this time I will let family know and out of towners know that we have it and maybe someone out there will be interested in it, if not, i'm deleting it. :)

Fall is here and I love this time of the year. Nick is back in school this semester and really enjoying his classes. I for once am not in school! I'm done and graduated, as most of you know! I moved stores, with United, from Canyon to Amarillo. I really like my new store and I'm trying, slowly, to get it where I want it. It is coming along. SLOWLY, I said. :) None the less, we are enjoying life so much right now. We are both finding out that we enjoy just being home and appreciating the stillness it brings. Especially after working all day and you all know how it goes. :)

There are a lot of things ahead for us. I have begun to take a few freelance clients under my wing and I'm trying my hand out at small business in the graphic design world. This is giving me a chance to open up and round out my portfolio for future reference. It is also teaching me a lot about cliental and all that comes with them.

On another note, I am going to start tutoring on Thursday. I will be helping a girl with Elements of Design Class. I am glad to be doing it, for cash and for keeping my mind tuned to design elements. :)

I can't really think of anything else right now, but I will post some pictures of recent. Maybe I'll post another blog soon and show you the apt. Since, most of you haven't seen it.

love you all.
Nick and Nain

First picture is us at Rodger's wedding
Second Picture is us in OKC with the college group
Third Picture is of us going to Costa Rica!

Home Sweet Home

2008-05-30T20:57:00.000-07:00

we moved.
again.

Well, for us it is not a whopping amount of moving. 2 times is not that bad.

For me on the other hand...

I have moved every year since 2003. Sometimes 2x in a year.

woah.

2003 - from home to WTAMU
2004- from WTAMU to home
2005 - from home to 1st apartment
2006 - from 1st apt to 2nd apartment
from 2nd apartment to home
2007 - from home to nick and my first apt
2008 - from our 1st apt to our 2nd apt.

whew...

I feel as though I cannot be satisfied in one place, but it is just that there have been circumstances that have forced me at times to move and other times it has worked out nice to be able to have this or that in a newer or different place.

I really love this new place. It is a typical mass apartment complex with many apartments. it has pools and the typical grassy lawns, etc etc.

but, it is comfy and there are things I took for granted that I now have that I am so happy about.
take for instance, my own washer and dryer, in house. :)
simple.

simplicity. it is something that we don't tend to experience anymore in our society. I remember so much of my childhood was simple fun, simple love, simple agenda, etc etc. It was a beautiful life. not always easy or fun, but it was always sustained and simple. There was no need for glamour and glitz and this expensive thing or that new car. God always always always sustains me, satisfies me and has always provided for me. In all things.

so, here we will live, probably until we find a house. I am ok with that. We have everything we need. Plus more.
God is faithful and oh so good.
s & n

so ya.

2008-05-20T20:30:00.000-07:00

Dan brought it to my attention that I have not updated this thing in quite a long time. Yes, I even forgot that I had this blogger thing.

So I guess a LOT has happened since the last blog.

Nick had his appendix taken out.
I started a new position at work.
I finished my internship at McCormick.
Nick quit his job at Hoarel and now has two jobs.
I graduated from WTAMU.
We started and are still continuing in the College Group at GOW
etc etc etc

We are almost finished with one year of marriage! What an adventure it has been! We have been through a ton of crap, but at the same time, we have had more fun and had so many amazing things happen to us. :) We are still just taking everything a day at a time and enjoying the ride!

Don't really have much else to put on here.

well....2 months and still going!!

2007-08-24T12:01:00.001-07:00

Hello all! Yesterday marked 2 months of marriage for us. It has been, as most of you know, one crazy ride!! It has been wonderful and adventerous and at some points pretty scary, but we are having a ball! I just wanted to start this blog to keep everyone up to date on our lives and what's going on. I guess I'll add more later!