Mya and Me

A new video!

2009-09-20T02:58:00.000-07:00

Early Birthday Present!!!

2009-04-09T12:31:00.000-07:00

Mya's Birthday is this Tuesday - and she will be TWO! Eddy and I were putting her trike together last night - and I said "let's just give it to her tomorrow so she can play with it this weekend at the farm" which is typically something I do (I love giving presents I have to tell everyone what it is and give it to them early!)- and so we gave it to her this morning! I'm so glad I had the video camera because I have been practicing with her ALL week long to say how old she is when I ask :)

Just some note thing...

2009-02-27T13:02:00.001-08:00

Finish the sentence...All you do is copy this body and paste it into 'your notes' then erase my answers and fill in your own.

1. My ex is....probably wishing I never existed - I wasn't always so sweet and mature like I am now (ha-riiiight)

2. Maybe I should....be better organised at my house (I rearranged the pantry? that's a start, right?)

3. I love....eating popcorn mixed with M&M's and watching America's Next Top Model, then American Idol, and then PROJECT RUNWAY!! I like Fridays :)

4. People would say....I am creative, but, I am not convinced yet!

5. I don't understand....how God continues to love me even though I screw up ALL the time!!

6. When I wake up in the morning....I hear Mya calling out "Muooommay...Dadddaaay"

7. I lost my heart...on July 15th, 2002

8. Life is full of.......SURPRISES (cliche, I know) but it is! some are really, really great surprises (like My-My) and once you get the surprise you never want to go back to the way it was before !!!!

9. My past is.....behind me, yes...but still bothers me sometimes even though I have let it go.

10. I get annoyed......when people smack their food really loud, drivers don't use their blinkers, when I can't find a good pen

11. Parties are.....cool, when chocolate fondue is involved!! Yay - happy birthday party next Friday night to me and Shanna!!!

12. I wish.....that my family were closer...A LOT closer :(

13. Dogs....are alright, but I hate hate hate when they lick me..blahhhhhhh...and when you touch them and your hand smells. so gross.

14. Cats....are beautiful and smart and so soft and I love them! Well, except for black cats named Reno that drool on you. I could throw up thinking about that..

15. Tomorrow....is Sunday and I am going to church, that's it!

16. I have low tolerance for.....Mya whining at me to pick her up when I am cooking!!!! mummymummymummymummymummym

ummymummy, believe me it would get to you!!!!!

17. If I had a million dollars....I would buy one house in New Zealand and one house in Texas and just move back and forth and stay in Spring and Summer all year around!

18. I'm totally terrified....of the ocean and the sharks and fish that are in it..except when I was in Fiji I went snorkeling and I really liked it - so, I think I am getting better at conquering that fear...

19. My spouse....is the love of my life and I am so grateful for him to be in my life. He is so forgiving and loving to me and Mya :) and she is the luckiest little girl in the world to have a Daddy that loves her so much!

20. My life....is the way God has planned it to be. I just have to keep learning about Him through His Word and continue to want to live for Him and only HIm.

Mya is ALMOST two!!!!

2009-02-23T23:45:00.000-08:00

Here are some Mya updates:

1. The other night we were all eating dinner and Mya threw some food on the ground and Eddy told her off. Five seconds later she looked at us and said "Saaawrry..." It was the sweetest thing :)

2. She is definitely at the stage that she emulates everything I do! (she has probably been in this phase for awhile) If she ever sees that I am putting on my shoes, she runs to get her shoes. Every morning when I am putting on my lotion, she says "on meee" - I have to put it on the exact spot that I just put it on me. If I put my bathing suit on, she says "and meee." I have water - she wants water. I brush my teeth, she needs to brush her "teesh". I can't even go to the bathroom without her saying "and meee!!!" haha. oh dear! I love it, though. It makes me very aware that she is watching every little thing. The picture below is an example of how she wants to copy me, I can't even take a shower anymore without her wanting to take one at the same time!! There is just not room enough for both of us-so I just let her get in there by herself and I shut the door! she loves it.
3. I have started the "naughty rug". Which is just by the front door. She is actually doing it!!! I was so surprised the first time we did it...at first she got up...then I just said "Mya you must stay on your mat" and she sat back down and stayed! She just sits there, I leave for a minute...and I get back she is STILL sitting there!! what are the chances?? haha.

4. She loves going to the park and always has..but - she throws a fit if we pass a McDonald's because she says "paaaaar" haha. Here are some pictures of her at the park...

***Oh, and other than just emulating me, she wants me to emulate her!! So, if she goes down the slide..she finishes...looks at me and says "And Mommy.." haha. and she does that for each toy she sits on - regardless of the size!! I love it, because she just wants me to have as much fun as she is having!!! haha. so sweet :) I'm her best friend!
5. She got a lot of play-dough and cookie cutters for Christmas...but, her favorite things to make is "oh baby" (she says "oh" before everything! "oh baby" "oh mommy" "oh daddy"!) and a ducky.

She is growing up so fast - I can't believe she is TWO years old in April!!! My little baby is a little girl :(

Mommy Survey...

2009-02-21T02:53:00.000-08:00

Here you go mommies - a different kind of survey for a change - it's all about your first born! Just copy and paste it in a new note for yourself!

1. WAS YOUR FIRST PREGNANCY PLANNED? Nope (eeeeeek!) - I'm not much of a planner

2. WERE YOU MARRIED AT THE TIME? Yes, we had been married for 6 months

3. WHAT WAS YOUR REACTION? Excitement and nervousness!

4. WAS ABORTION AN OPTION FOR YOU? No way, no how!

5. HOW OLD WERE YOU? I was 22

6. HOW DID YOU FIND OUT YOU WERE PREGNANT? I took a home pregnancy test and it was positive...even though we kept doubting it.

7. WHO DID YOU TELL FIRST? Well, Eddy was with me to look at the test - then I called my Mom, and she said "Oh, Rachel" haha...like, you have no idea what you've done! I understand now.

8. DID YOU WANT TO FIND OUT THE SEX? fo sho

9. DUE DATE? April 21, 2007

10. DID YOU HAVE MORNING SICKNESS? Never - except one time I was gagging while brushing my teeth, but I realized I do that still!!! haha.

11. WHAT DID YOU CRAVE? B-L-A-T's mmm on Vogel's bread - and mexican food-which I didn't have may options of :( I was really into sliced banana and peanut butter toast, but I came to become disgusted of it!

12. WHO/WHAT IRRITATED YOU THE MOST? I'm not sure...oh I know, when I had to ride the train every morning for work and NOT A SINGLE PERSON gave me their seat and I was 8 months pregnant holding on to the railing above!!!!!!!!! still bugs me to this day. I looked those people straight in the eye with disgust, and I got nothing!

13. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CHILD'S SEX? sweet baby girl

14. DID YOU WISH YOU HAD THE OPPOSITE SEX OF WHAT YOU WERE GETTING? Not really, but I always thought I would have a boy first so he could be the big brother...but, now I wouldn't change it for anything! Now, I have a bossy oldest daughter!!!! She will be the best big sister, though. The next baby will always have it's shoes and socks on, with a ba-ba and a blankie!

15. HOW MANY POUNDS DID YOU GAIN THROUGHOUT THE PREGNANCY? eek..let's think...I might have to do this in kgs...too hard...it was the average amount..

16. DID YOU HAVE A BABY SHOWER? I had one that my friends threw me in the States :) It was awesome - a surprise!!! I had NO idea. And I actually went into labor and had Mya the day of my baby shower for New Zealand.

17. WAS IT A SURPRISE OR DID YOU KNOW? I knew about the NZ one.

18. DID YOU HAVE ANY COMPLICATIONS DURING YOUR PREGNANCY? Mya was posterior, but she moved (thank goodness)

19. WHERE DID YOU GIVE BIRTH? Auckland Hospital

20. HOW MANY HOURS WERE YOU IN LABOR? 8 hours

21. WHO DROVE YOU TO THE HOSPITAL? Eddy - and my mom was in the backseat. I remember them laughing at one point (just chatting normally), I am still not happy about that...

22. WHO WATCHED YOU GIVE BIRTH? Eddy and my mom. Eddy stood by my side.

23. WAS IT NATURAL OR C-SECTION? natural

24. DID YOU TAKE MEDICINE TO EASE THE PAIN? Heck yes.

27. HOW MUCH DID YOUR CHILD WEIGH? 6 lbs 9

28. WHEN WAS YOUR CHILD ACTUALLY BORN? April 14, 2007

30. WHAT DID YOU NAME HIM/HER? Mya Joy Roper

31. HOW OLD IS YOUR FIRST BORN TODAY? 22 months. my big girl :(

Videos! from our Flip camera...

2009-02-10T00:29:00.000-08:00

We got a Flip video camera for Christmas from my mom and dad and we have been trying to capture some funny moments! Please excuse any moment that you can hear my annoying voice and the silly things I say. I am embarrassed, but the videos of Mya are worth it :)

I'm going to have to put one on at a time - it takes longer than I thought it would and I am ready for bed!!!

My list

2008-12-19T20:19:00.000-08:00

My List

My mom "tagged" me to do this.
8 TV Shows I Watch (but not necessarily my favorites!):
1) The Big Bang Theory
2) Celebrity Apprentice - it's over now :(
3) The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
4) Imagination Movers (are you kidding me with those guys? is that the best they could get on the Disney channel?? seriously)
5) Who Wants to be a Millionare (UK version) - it's the only "real people" shows Mya will let us watch - she likes to clap with all the people!
6) Maternity Ward (when I remember it's on)
7) Top Model - oh yessss! I love this show
8) Project Runway - can't WAIT for this to start back again!!!! (7 and 8 are my faves)

8 Favorite Restaurants:
1) Captain Anderson's
2) Pappasito's
3) Chili's
4) Cheddar's
5) Cheesecake Factory
6) Pei Wei
7) Lone Star (in New Zealand)
8) Red Rocker Inn (in Black Mountain)

but I need a 9) CHICK-FREAKIN-FIL-A --- How I miss thee

Mom - I am keeping all the EXACT same restaurants as you - because I honestly couldn't have said that better myself!!!!!!!! We have good "taste" :)

8 Things that Happened to Me Today:
1) Eddy and I stayed in bed until 8 ish (we turned Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on...and Mya watched it in the living room occasionally coming into our room to say "I want ddeer" (on our bed with us) so cute!
2) Eddy brought me a coffee in bed - so sweet :)
3) I packed Mya an overnight bag because she was off to spend the night with Gran and Poppa and Cousin Mac - so exciting!!!
4) We went to Waiuku to drop Mya - then we had toasted sandwiches and juice outside on the picnic table - what a beautiful day at the farm!!
5) Eddy and I went for a Mya-free shop at Manukau - so busy - and lots of weird people about which made Eddy and I think of Panama City - hahaha -seriously. I bought a ten dollar dress that I am going to wear as a bathing suit cover up - I love bargains!!!!
6) I am currently relaxing (Mya-free) on the couch just looking stuff online and actually writing on my blog!
7) I am just about to stop the lounging and go make some fruit dip and a salad to take to Helen and Tim's annual Christmas party!! I am so excited :) there are going to be so many people there.
8) Oh - and the Roper family has decided that my haircut is the best one they've seen to date. That is cool! But, it makes me think - my hair must have been pppppretty bad for the past couple of years. oh well! (here's the best pic I currently have of my hair). It's short in the back and angled down in the front - I really love the cut and color (which is rare)!!!

8 Things I Look Forward To:
1) My Mom, Dad and Kyle getting here!!!! Time goes SO SLOW when you are excited for something!
2) Christmas morning!!! I can't wait to see how Mya and Mac act - hehe - at least we already know they love Santa!! or as Mac says "Father Christmas" haha I think that's funny - I don't want Mya to say that though! I like Santa. here's a picture of the two of them with Poppa Santa 3) Going to RAGLAN!!! having a couple of days "Mya-free" even though we LOVE being with her, it is really nice to have time away from her and we can just lay back and relax!!! **Mom-were you joking when you said "Rag-Land"???? or is that what you thought it was called?!?!?!?! hahahaha
4) Getting to have treats like Starbucks and Flat Whites (cause my Mom and Dad will get them for me when they are here, and I won't feel guilty!!!!)
5) Our THIRD anniversary :) January 7th
6) Going to all the weddings we have coming up in the next month - I love weddings!!!
7) Getting to meet Baby Smith - my THIRD time to be an Auntie :) yay.
8) Getting to meet MAGGIE!!!! I miss her even though I haven't even met her.

8 Things I Wish For:
1) That Abby (my sis n law) will have a quick and problem-free birth for her baby girl :)
2) That my family will be safe travelling next week
3) That Ryan and Megan will enjoy their FIRST christmas with their baby girl
4) That I could live closer to my family and Abby :)
5) That Eddy and I teach Mya how to live life loving the Lord and serving Him always
6) That I would be more loving and encouraging to Eddy to show him how proud I am of him
7) That Abby "my Abby" would hurry up and have a baby already!!! hehe...actually, I would like to be pregnant at the same time-so maybe she should wait a couple err ten years!!!
8) Come quickly, Lord Jesus. (i like that mom - Ill leave it)

I'll tag whoever wants to be tagged.

love!

Centerpieces...or should I say centRepieces.

2008-12-10T00:16:00.000-08:00

This is really just for my mom, because she wanted to see some centerpieces that a friend and I did for a Woman's Christmas event at my church...I forgot to take pictures of some of the other arrangements because I was SO busy at the time!

I think the coolest idea for Christmas decorations is spray painting pinecones - I painted mine silver then added a little bit of glitter. Such an awesome affect!

New pictures!

2008-12-09T22:18:00.000-08:00

Look at how big our little girl is! She just wants to brush her own teeth - and since she enjoys being so independent it is not an enjoyable task having to hold her down and really brush her teeth.

We gave Mya her main Christmas present a little bit early - she loves playing at her new little table! Yay :)

oops!

2008-11-30T17:51:00.000-08:00

I am trying to be Christmas-y. But now I have a major clash of colors - I thought the layout I chose would change my writings, etc. too. Now I'm confused!

Questions

2008-11-15T18:23:00.000-08:00

I have been so lazy with my blog the past couple of months. I have started working at my church two days a week and then two mornings I am working for Young Life. So - I have been so busy and just getting into the hang of being a working Mommy! But, Emily has given me this questionnaire to get back into the bloglife...so here we go.

I'm supposed to answer the following questions with single word responses and pass the award on to other bloggers (I am going to cheat, too, because it is impossible to answer questions with one word!):

1. Where is your cell phone? on the couch
2. Where is your significant other? playing cricket
3. Your hair color? blonde, with mouse-ey roots
4. Your mother? hilarious
5. Your father? smart
6. Your favorite thing? summer!
7. Your dream last night? I can't remember details - but I did sleep walk
8. Your dream/goal? to be a good mommy
9. The room you're in? living room
10. Your hobby? painting
11. Your fear? soggy bread
12. Where do you want to be in six years? where God wants me
13. Where were you last night? at my sis-n-law's house
14. What you're not? rich!
15. One of your wish list items? haircut/coloured
16. Where you grew up? Spring, TX
17. The last thing you did? talked on the phone to my mom
18. What are you wearing? my cut-off jean shorts
19. Your T.V.? not mine
20. Your pets? nehhh
21. Your computer? Mac
22. Your mood? sleeeepy
23. Missing someone? ALWAYS!
24. Your car? silver
25. Something you're not wearing? shoes
26. Favorite store? Redcurrent (NZ) Kohls (USA)
27. Your Summer? is just beginning!
28. Love someone? YES
29. Your favorite color? black
30. When is the last time you laughed? just did
31. Last time you cried? this morning

Rahab

2008-07-29T14:56:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I gave a testimony at my church and some of you (Abby and my Mom!) have asked me to post what I said here. So here it is, exactly as I spoke it!

"When Monique asked the group if anyone was interested in sharing anything they learned through our study I automatically knew I had to. I would usually be happy to let someone else speak up, but I couldn't let this pass without saying anything. I grew up in a strong Christian environment where my parents were open about their relationship with the Lord. I actually accepted the Lord when I was four with my mom. She was a little weary of how young I was, but she saw that what was in my heart was true. But as I look back through my life I realise that I have limited my God and not learned His Word the way he asks us to. This Bible Study has shown me that God's Word can be alive and active in me if I am active and faithful enough to learn it and believe it for myself.

The most memorable moment for me was when we studied Rahab - the prostitute who allowed the Israelite spies to hide in her house before the walls of Jericho fell down. She risked her life to hide these men because she chose at that instance to have faith in the one true God. She was actively making a living as a prostitute when she decided that she might just believe God. Romans 5:8 - "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this; while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." She is listed in Hebrews 11 among names we are all familiar with like Moses, Abraham, Noah, Joseph, and many more to include what is called the "Hall of Faith."

Beth writes, "were you expecting someone a little less rough around the edges? Now glance up and down the Hall of Faith portraits. Does she seem to be a misfit? Ah, but she's supposed to...for the sake of all the rest of us who are."

The spies promised Rahab that she would be spared after the walls of Jericho fell down if she were to hang a scarlet thread from her window. And she was. And so was her family. And they lived among the Israelites. She even married an Israelite. If you then look at Matthew 1:1-16 - the geneology of Christ - you find Rahab's name right there in the middle of it! Not only that though, her son is Boaz, who married Ruth. Beth says, "She didn't just have the faith to be delivered. She had the faith to be redeemed. Then accepted. Then made a bride. Then she exercised the faith to rear one of the finest men captured in Bible history."

For me, I have been struggling with missing my family in the States and questioning God on why I have to be in New Zealand. But through this particular story, I know that I can have faith and rest easy, because where I am is where God wants me to be. Jeremiah 29:11. He has intricately and purposefully stitched our lives together as much as he did for Rahab. Looking back on my life I can see that God has always had a master plan so that I can trust in His sovereignty and know that he is in control. God was able to take a prostitute and accept her into the line of Christ - so obviously he can use me in my life wherever he puts me. He is interested in my life and every detail of my growth and he is able to make something beautiful out of it through His grace. To sum up, the Holy Spirit has used this bible study for me personally to deal with the daily struggles Im facing. It has made scripture come alive for me. For one of the first times in my life, I get excited about opening the Bible and learning what God says - I have come to understand that through daily scripture reading, it is the Holy Spirit that brings God's word to life. We have to make ourselves available to be used. I have felt God's presence. God took this scripture and applied it to my life that very day and he is continuing to apply it."

That's a Miracle!

2008-07-01T19:35:00.000-07:00

I definitely believe in miracles. They may not be the same as the miracles in the days of Jesus, but miracles are still happening today. We often just say, "oh, that's a coincidence." But, the past month or so I have started a Beth Moore bible study "Believing God" and I have found myself waiting for miracles! I love it. This afternoon, I got one! I'm serious. There is no other explanation. I had just been out for coffee with my mother in law and sister in law, and I was putting Mya in the car. She does the arched back thing, where there is NO way she will get in that car seat! I have the keys to the car in my mouth, and she is reaching for them..so I think "sure, Ill give them to her if she will stop this screaming!" She's happy! yay. I just think to myself...I better open a door while Im getting this stroller in the car, etc. So I open the drivers door and put everything away..shut the trunk..LOCK. and I think to myself.."good on you, Rachel, for opening that front door! You are so smart!" I walk to the door..it's a little open..I pull on the handle..NOT BUDGING..it was closed! Well, it was more that halfway closed..so I pull a little harder. NOTHING. it is locked. there is no way Im getting in the car. I am starting to get a little bit panicky. OH my goodness..oh my goodness..I look through the window at Mya..she is showing me the KEYS...and the button she pushed and laughing and smiling at me..thinking I am so funny! and I think, Oh, maybe she'll press the button again! I look through the window again..she threw the keys and decided they weren't that fun anymore and started playing with something else~ ahhhhhh. I run after a car and ask a very nice lady if I can use her cell phone. Luckily, she said no problem. But, Eddy's number is the only number I know off by heart, and he is NOT answering! I tried a couple of times..no luck. I asked her if she could text him for me..I jiggle the door some more. nothing. Meanwhile..she is slow at texting..so I just just leaned up against the driver's door..and I thought "Oh, I don't want to shut even more" so I kind of got off of it..and I heard a click..and the door just SWUNG open..the lock waas still down! Me and the lady that was helping me just looked at eachother..like...what in the world!!!!! THAT IS MY MIRACLE..the things you can't really explain..they just happen...those are the miracles that God gives us in our lives. I love Him for it~!

My little Toddler!

2008-06-29T18:01:00.000-07:00

Hi..yes, everytime I post I have to say - it has been such a long time! Sorry everyone that I am not a religious blog poster :) OH well - even though it is much to my Mom's despair.

Mya is getting to be such a BIG girl! and I mean really BIG. haha. she is sooo heavy to carry around now! - even Eddy has decided that we are entering into the phase that Mya will have to be forced to enjoy riding on his shoulders! luckily she does love it! We have this joke going on that she is really dense like lead or cake. Actually it's not a joke at all-she really is! I always tell people..she doesnt look big but carry her around for ten minutes and you will know exactly what Im talking about. I think she gets it from me, I have always thought I am dense. I may not look big..but Im heavy. haha. I like it - I don't want her to be a pipsqueak! She's got the cutest little buddha belly. Oh, and that is our new game at the moment - pointing and patting that lil' big tummy! It is so cute! I am also trying to get her to do head, shoulders, knees and toes. She is just watching me do it for the time being, but she is soaking it in..and she has the head part down! But I will tell you what two body parts she loves loves the most..1) BELLY button 2) NOSE...actually, finger UP the nose (yes, all you who say she is going to grow out of it, or it's just a phase..I don't believe you..because it has become a COMFORT! much like sucking her thumb-which would be wayyy cuter). I love that she is learning to notice things on herself..and interacting with me when we sing songs! She is learning so much - and she takes notice of EVERYthing. YIKES.

She has been walking for about a month now..but she still tends to hold onto the walls and the couches over just walking around..even though she can get anywhere without holding on. I was singing in church yesterday, so I had the BEST view of watching everything she was doing during worship! It was so cute...and I was so happy that she was so confident walking up to everyone and holding onto people's knees and smiling at them - it just shows how much she has grown up, especially in the last couple of months and maybe, just maybe she is growing out of that clinging to Mommy and Daddy stage!!! eek. As much as I love that she wants us...I want her to have independance, of course! Mac (her cousin) was holding her hand and making sure she was doing what she was supposed to be doing! it was so cute..and it is actually amazing to see her interact with him, and just watch him with adoring eyes! They are the perfect age apart..but Mya is still not so sure about some things Mac does! haha. I hope they are going to be like brother and sister - she's gonna need a big brother!

Here is a picture of Mya walking around with her faaaavorite walker...she has THE most fun with this thing these days...she loves it..and practically RUNS with it! and runs into EVERYTHING (on purpose) and the whole time just laughs and laughs - so this is her doing two of her favorite things...be naked and run around with her walker!

FAITH!

2008-06-08T15:14:00.000-07:00

I have just started a Bible study called "Believing God" by Beth Moore. I have been wanting to do one of her studies for such a long time. My Mom has done almost all of them and I think they have changed her life. In fact, everyone I speaks to that has done her studies have had life changing experiences through her voice. She has such a strong and amazing desire to help people understand the Truth - it is addictive! I believe the Lord has really put a strong fire in her heart and a depth that I only could dream of! This is one of the first times I feel led to be "in the Word" - I know that sounds horrible since I have been a Christian since I was six!! but, honestly, I never really understood lots of things I read in the Bible - I just knew some verses and liked them, ya know? Beth Moore really helps me want to read the Bible - it's amazing! I know that is not some new discovery to most people, but it is for me!

This study is all about FAITH! Wow. I have learned only in the past two weeks...how LITTLE faith I have. However, with that little faith, fortunately for me, the Lord has allowed us to be able to grow in faith. It is not a noun. It is a verb - our faith is constantly changing everyday.

In our group we just watched the second video (it is a video based study) and I think we were all challenged! After the video was over, we just kind of sat there in silence thinking about it! I think those moments are amazing - when you realize - I could have that kind of faith?? At the end of the video she said she always tells the Lord, "Show me Your Glory, do everything but kill me, just show me Your Glory. But, Lord, if you have to kill me for me to see Your glory, what a way to die!" WOW. It is not everyday I say that. But, I want a faith like that. I want to taste that faith. We talked about this line she said after the video - and we thought about our friend Tony McClean, who recently died in a canyoning flood. He was a teacher, and he had taken some students to an Outdoor Education Center. There was a flash flood - in what is usually a small stream - and 6 students and Tony were all killed. Tony was found with a 16 year-old suffering from a cerebral palsy, strapped to his back. We keep thinking of Tony in this study, it is hard not to, because we all knew of the work for the Lord he had done in his short life. We immediately thought - how do we not know Tony had prayed this to the Lord? And already, so many people in New Zealand and at our church have seen the Lord's Glory shown through this. (you can see one of the articles in the nz Herald by clicking on this link - http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10505045 ) It is an amazing story and testiment for all of the kids and families involved.

The Lord is alive and at work. Which is amazing to know. and see. and believe.

I am sure some of you would like to know what My-My has been up to as well!

Here are all of the things she enjoys at the moment:

1. Picking her nose (she loves it. she thinks it's hilarious) how do i stop it? hmm
2. Pointing at EVERYTHING! (her nose, her hair, and her belly button)
3. Clapping.
4. Dancing and moving her hips. (especially while Mac "plays" his guitar at church during worship)
5. Looking at her belly button! (this is probably her next best thing to picking her nose!)
6. Sitting on the front step outside the front door. (oh and climbing up and down the step-holding onto me of course)
7. Sucking her blankie and putting Tatiana "Baby" to bed.
8. Turning on the glo-worm (neeeed to put new batteries in it!)
9. EATING EATING EATING everything/anything. She loves to eat.
10. Watching Jo-Jo's circus. and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse!
11. Going on walks to the park.
12. Kitty Cats.
13. BIRDS (we point at them of course)
14. Going in and out the front door a hundred times to practice stepping over the threshold.
15. Feeding herself. oh dear.
16. OH - and of course she loves listening to "We are the Dinosaurs!"
17. Looking through evvvvery Baby Einstein book!!!!!

I think that is enough for now!!!!

My lil Bum Scooter

2008-05-15T15:42:00.000-07:00

Yes! Mya is our lil' bum scooter. She just scoots all over the house. She has been doing it for the past month (since her 1st bday), but since I have been slack at blogging, I don't think I have told everyone. I think she is starting to get pretty good at it!

I do think that once she starts walking (which could be anywhere from next week to next month) she will be SO proud of herself! She walks all over the house, she just has to hold on to something/ANYTHING! She dragged a chair across the mall and used that as her walker when my Mom and grandparents were here! Everyone was laughing as they walked by :) My grandparents really fell in love with Mya - it was so great to have them here for over a week. Mya loved them and they really connected with her too. How special to not only have great-grandparents - but great-grandparents that are still willing and able to travel across the world to see you. She is one lucky little girl - so loved.

OH! not only does she just use chairs and walkers - she also has decided the grocery cart is her walker. She pushed the FULL grocery cart around the whole store! She would cry if I tried to hold her ( I felt a little bit like a child slave driver - but she WANTED to push the cart - I wasn't foorcing her! )

I always get annoyed when people ask "is she walking on her own, yet?" Why do they ask that? Do you see her walking? Believe me, when she is walking by herself she will be off and running! They will know it. I am going to hold onto her needing me to do stuff for her a little while longer :) But no, seriously, some people say the strangest things. Like, for example, when Mya wasn't crawling...which SOME babies don't do...a lady said to me "I would like to see what other developmental delays she will have." I was stunned. Here all the Plunket nurses, etc., were telling me that some babies don't crawl and it was completely fine...and here this lady insensitively says my baby has developmental delays?!?! Oh not only that, she said Mya probably has dyslexia. Excuse me, if you are not a doctor can you please not diagnose my baby. I would rather her talk about it to someone else. Not straight to my face! ahhhh. deep breath. I am over it anyway (can't you tell?? ha). I have moved passed it.

Jenny recently told me that Julia never crawled and she didn't start walking until 17 months. she just bum scooted around like Mya does. She is perfectly fine!!!! yay :) I think honestly that it is just a personality thing with Mya. She is a cautious little girl. I love that about her...I think that cautiousness is a good characteristic (at least from a mother's point of view!).

Alright, there, I blogged. :)

Mya's FIRST Birthday!

2008-05-02T21:28:00.001-07:00

FINALLY! I could put a couple of pictures from Mya's Birthday party :) It is really hard to have a blog when I don't have my own computer!!! Actually, it is extremely frustrating. Mya's party was awesome, and stressful, but altogether it was a really great time. There were about 50 people there...let's just say I was not expecting that many people!!! That is about how many I invited (you never expect everyone to come!) I really loved celebrating her because she is special of course! It was a ladybug party, hence, the ladybug cake - which my mom and I baked and decorated. Not bad if I do say so myself! It was amazing to have my Mom, Grandma, and Grandpa there to help us celebrate. But, my Dad, and the rest of the family that was not there was sorely missed :( maybe next year!!!! She had an awesome time eating a piece of cake...and a whole cupcake all by herself!!!!! SO CUTE!

Almost one year!

2008-04-10T15:41:00.000-07:00

This Monday (April 14th) Mya is going to be ONE! I can't really believe it. I honestly remember being pregnant and thinking this baby is going to be in here forever!!! and I am going to look like this FOREVER! Seriously, when you are pregnant, you cannot remember what "normal" or "skinny" feels like. Kind of like when you are sick, and you can't remember what it feels like to be not sick! Speaking of relating pregnancy with sickness...one of my best friends in New Zealand (Erika), who is also my cousin-in-law (kind of), used to say while I was pregnant "When you get better..." I used to always laugh so hard when she said that...and I would allllways say "I don't have a disease, I'm just pregnant!!!"

Back to My-My's first birthday...My Mom is visiting and helping me organize with the party, she has been such a help, I don't know how I would have afforded or planned this party alone!!! But we are trying to make Mya's party so special with lots of little extra touches. It is a ladybug party - oh I can't wait to post all the pictures from it!!! I am ladybug crazy, I think I have even been dreaming about ladybugs!!! everything I see ladybug I have to buy!! oh dear. polka dots everywhere!!!!!!

We are also having her Baby Dedication at church the same day of the party, I am so excited about it. It is going to be so special - our Pastor came over last night to discuss the layout, verses, readings, etc...and I just got goosebumps so many moments while we were talking about it...just because Mya is so special to Eddy and I and its just so cool to get to delight in her and show how we are so happy to have her here with us - these are the verses we are going to include in the dedication.

Psalm 139:13 - 18
"For you formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are your works, and my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them. How precious also are Your thought to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand. When I am awake, I am still with You."
AND
Psalm 25:4-5
"Make me know Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all the day."
We just pray that we can teach her about the Lord and that she will know that He is her Creator and that she is unique and special and beautiful...we HOPE that we will help make the ways of our Lord known in her life. It is such a responsibility!!! we could not do it without our friends and family :)

Easter

2008-03-23T00:33:00.000-07:00

I was in church this morning and Mya fell asleep on me while we were singing. *I laughed in my head (we were singing "Crown Him with Many Crowns") and I could have fallen asleep too. Beautiful beautiful words, but...just so...dated!* Anyway, I soaked that time with her being so limp in my arms and just trusting me so much to take care of her. She is a busy busy girl always wanting to be doing sooomething - so I take those moments and hold on to them dearly! All day I have been thinking how special and innocent she is. Of course I want to protect her and show her love, but more importantly I want her to know Jesus and feel the Grace he provides in our lives. I pray that she will love the Lord and treasure his Word. I can't stop thinking about the words of "Because He Lives" whenever I get worried about anything happening to her.

God sent His son, they called Him Jesus
He came to love, heal, and forgive.
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives.

How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives.
But greater still the calm assurance,
This child can face uncertain days because He lives.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives.

And then one day I'll cross the river,
I'll fight life's final war with pain.
And then as death gives way to victory,
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone!
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living just because He lives!

How powerful are those words? Why do we allow fear to seep into our lives?? He is ALIVE!! and He has saved us. He has already WON! He has beaten that fear. It is just so amazing that we don't have to worry or be anxious about fears that penetrate our mind. I love that He is in control. I have been reading some blogs of some women that have lost children and I pray - Lord please do not allow that to happen to me, I could not do it - but, these women show such amazing faith and courage. I don't have to fear anything that might happen because the Lord will be there to help me face "uncertain days" just as he will for Mya throughout her life.

24! Can you believe it??!

2008-03-11T00:17:00.000-07:00

I am 24! Yep. Not too much to say about 24 other than I am going to be 25 next year which is really weird. I had an awesome birthday though - my friend Shanna and I had a joint BBQ - lots and lots of great friends :) I got lots of great gifts too!!!! Here is a picture of the birthday cake Eddy made me...I think it is really cute and sweet...I think he remembered that last year I didnt get a cake. and I cried. which I happen to do every birthday that I can remember. Honestly. (even this one which was really great) My mom has even admitted to it. and I think Eddy could admit it too, well, if I remind him the reasons :) which I easily could. I dont cry because I am getting older...I dont cry cause I miss my younger, easier, more carefree days. I think I just get dissapointed easily. and each year the dissapointment spurs from totally different reasons.

Oh my gosh, I just remembered my 7th (or 6th?) grade birthday...DRAMA of the YEAR!!!!! Seriously. I had a huuuuuge sleepover. Too many girls in too small of space. Just never works. (I need to remember that when Mya is older) Let's just say the party ended up in a lawsuit. no no..not a real lawsuit. The t.v. room upstairs was made into a courtroom (in the middle of the night) Was Channi the lawyer?? How appropriate if she was! I cant remember who the judge was--well, I think someone's nose (Colleen) got slammed in a door and of course someone did it on purpose. huge fights. me-of course-in the middle of it ALL. cue my cries. I remember that night so clearly. Megan Hendrix was sailing to tahiti(??wasit?) in the popposon. oh so strange and funny...so so funny. I think all the girls that were there would remember that night.

Anyway, onto some updates of MyMy. I dont really have anything planned about what to say about her, but, she is beautiful and special as always. As you can see from the picture below, she is liking to hold the spoon herself these days. Dinner is getting a little frustrating (she does really well for breakfast and lunch) but not so great for dinner. I think because we are not as organized. and she knows it. oh they always know it. Plus, she looooooves fruit and loves sandwiches. which is easy easy brekkie/lunch. and I am a gooooood snack/lunch maker. Not so good at dinner. Poor Eddy. and Will now too. Sorry. oh well. cant be good at evvvverything. gimme a break. ha. Yeah, so she is becoming picky. or...we are allowing it oh sorry IIII am allowing it. Eddy is more strict. I am just not good at being very strict with her. eek. gotta be though. I just dont want to randomly be strict for random things and confuse her. ya know? She is wanting to eat off of our plates. she thinks it is better or something. But, actually, I think she just wants to do it herself because our food is bigger...or at least she wants to put the food in her hand and then throw it (quite skillfully and pretty far) off the side. I am just going to start making her the exact same stuff as us - she wont eat baby food - well most of it anyway. fair enough though! She was so funny tonight - we had chicken "nibbles" which are just like chicken wing like bits of chicken - she just wanted to chew on the thing and get the chicken off herself. she had greasy chicken fingers! and face! I love her. how could anyone not???

Just a little update - she now has 5 and a 1/2 teeth. Man why does teething last FOOOOREVER!??? these last two teeth have taken ages. I am not enjoying teething. no bueno. I better get off the computer. I have two boys waiting to use the internet. Who will get to use it next???

10 month My-My

2008-02-13T00:33:00.000-08:00

Sorry that the one picture is sideways (not sure how the change it) but that is one of My-My's new standing toys. Oh and this is her new sleeping position. Very, very Ryan like. I'm not sure how it is comfortable...maybe Ryan could share with us how. The other picture is just cute :) She thinks it is hilarious for me to play peek a boo at this door.

Valentine's Day

2008-02-13T00:16:00.001-08:00

Here is one of Eddy's Valentine's gift...so sweet! It's just a block of wood painted with black - and I just glued a black and white print of MyMy. I am going to put a gloss or figure out something to finish it with.

Also attached are the Valentine's Day cards I made - I already gave some of them away though, so these are the ones I haven't given yet :) Oh - and I got the flower template from madebyjill.blogspot - they are my favorite cards, not necessarily just for Vday.

2008-02-12T20:54:00.001-08:00

This is for you Mom

2008-02-12T01:40:00.000-08:00

Mom, this is all for you...

I am finally giving into my Mother's attempts to get me to have a blog. I do agree that it is a great place for me to let everyone see how My-My is doing and show how she is growing :) which she is doing quickly! TOO fast...she is almost ONE YEAR old. I just can't believe that she is such a big girl - still not too big though :) She has just started really huuuggging me...like really squeezing my neck and I love it. She is such a sweet little girl...I like that she really looks at people, it makes me think she will have a sense for people. She's not a really giggggly girl - but it makes it sooo special when she giggles - you can't help but smile and laugh with her!!! Kind of along the same lines, Eddy and I were walking around the mall on the weekend with My-My in her stroller and we were just amazed at how every single person that walked by us HAD to smile when they saw her. I have even seen people make the person they are with look at her. She is a special little girl. We love her so much.