Steal a Base. Steal a Taco!!

The World Series and a Free Taco? That's right!

Taco Bell is offering a free taco for a stolen base in the world series.

Since a base was stolen last night, free tacos will be given to customers between 2-5pm tomorrow (October 30th) only.

Click here for official rules.

Now ya know! So, head on over to your local Taco Bell and enjoy a taco on the house (free food always taste a little better)!

Supermarket Savings!

HOLD UP!!

I just discovered this cool money saving system! Did any of you know about this?

I was surfing bloggyville this evening and stumbled across moneysavingmom.

If you're interested in saving some cash on your grocery bills check out CVS 101 and Walgreens 101.

Dewberry Farm

Last weekend we went to Dewberry Farm! We had a great day with friends, Iris and Pablo who were such a big help with the girls; especially chasing "lil bit" around.

Like bozos we didn't think we'd need our stroller. I think we thought it would be too much of a hassle since our little one hates being confined. She likes to be next to big sis exlporing her surroundings. We'll never do that again...this little gal kept us busy! Thank goodness we had some extra hands!

We got to take some great pictures in the pumpkin patch and had fun picking out a pumpkin to take home and decorate! I hear they have a pumpkin lighting in the early evening, so hopefully we'll get to take the girls back soon!

Drum Roll Please....

The results are in...it's a boy! Tim and I are ecstatic! What a great birthday present for the proud Papi who just turned 32 on Wednesday!





Our two girlies were in the room with us when my ultrasound was being done. When our big girl was asked if she wanted a boy or girl, she emphatically declared, "I want a girl, I want a girl!" So when the technician turned to us and said, "it's a boy" her response was simply, "ok, now it's time to find the girl baby!" Hilarious!!

In the words of my big girl, now it's time...to pick a name!!! Noah has been on the table ever since we were pregnant with big girl #1. Being that we did not know in advance the sex of the baby, this was the boy named we had picked out. So it's definitely high on our list!

While we had a great report overall on our ultra sound, the midwives did discover a slight shading over the left ventricle of the heart. They explained that this is pretty common at this stage, but they do want to follow up with another ultra sound at my 28wk visit. They indicated that many times the shading disappears and there are no problems. However, if this shading is still detected at my 28wk visit, then we will need to see a specialist.

So, we are fervently lifting this up to the Lord. We welcome your prayers over our little one and are hopeful that all is ok!

Will keep ya posted!

Night Time Blessings

So it was one of those days. You know, the kind where you're counting down the minutes until bedtime. An hour left...time to start their baths and get them in bed...you can make it....you're almost done. I'm by myself tonight, but I think I can, I think I can...

Big sister watches her movie in bed while mommy tucks "little bit" in. We rock, say prayers, hug and kiss and mommy shuts the door. One down and one left to go!

Next it's big girl's turn. Movie time is over, but no books are read tonight. Mommy is tired and big girl did not take her nap, so tonight is an earlier night.

It's time for my favorite part of our bed time routine...our prayer time. Not only do I love hearing my little girl say the Lord's prayer, but I love hearing her thank Jesus for her day and for her friends and family. She lit up as she said, "Thank you Jesus that Blake and Haley came to my church!" I knew that was something so special to her. Then she turned and asked me if they were coming again. I responded by telling her, " I don't know, you'll have to ask them to come back again. I smiled as I watched her process the information.

Time now for our besitos de mariposas (butterfly kisses), followed by eskimo kisses, and finally topped with sugar (a real kiss)!! As I got up to leave the room she threw her arms up in the air and gave me a great big hug and told me, "mommy, you're my best friend!"

I am floored! Where did she ever hear that? Must be from her other friends at church and school.

Needless to say, I feel truly blessed. My heart melts as I hug and kiss her and tell her that she is my best friend too!

As I shut the door I thank Jesus for a great end to an exhausting day!
Thank you Lord for giving us precious moments like this. Just when we think we can't go any further you send us little rays of sunshine to help lighten our load and encourage us along the way!

Mark Driscoll Video on Joel Osteen

So my husband came home last night and showed me this clip from Mark Driscoll out in Seattle. Good stuff...what are your thoughts?

My Little Pumpkin

My little pumpkin is growing so fast! I can't believe she is already 18months! She is a ball of energy just like her big sister and is always on the go and taking in the world around her!

Here are a few of her favorite things to do:
-Dress up as a princess with her sister. I love to see her click around in her little high heels as she wraps her arm through a little purse...too cute!

--Watch Mary Poppins with her big sister. I am amazed that she can sit through it but she is truly captivated by all of the singing!

---Speaking of...she loves to sing (surprise, surprise) and like her sister can hear harmonies! Course this doesn't surprise mama since they've both been listening to me sing these parts on the worship team ever since they were in the womb. She has a pretty low voice so far and since she gravitates to the alto lines, Tim and I am guessing she may be an alto...we'll see!

--Not only does she love to sing, but she also loves to dance! Anytime she hears music she starts movin' in rhythm! I like to think this is attributed to our trip to Panama when I was 7 months pregnant with her. We attended a wedding with a lot of pre-wedding and post wedding festivities. Needless to say, papi couldn't get mommy off the dance floor!

--Chase Dakota (our dog) around the house with her sister! This drives mama nuts!

--Popsicles on the porch after nap time

--Chalk it up outside with big sister and the neighborhood clan

--Blow Bubbles

--Ride her little tykes red car and attempt to ride big sister's bike

--Play Ball-She loves to hit the ball off the T-set

--Play in the bathtub

--Swinging on the swings

--Baking goodies with mama

Did I mentions she is a little "parrot?" She not only mimicks everything her big sister does, but also repeats everything she hears!!

Here are a few of her words:

--Mama

--Papa/Papi

--No, No, No!!!!

--Hi/Bye

--Mine

--Ball

--Baby

--Up

--Oh Boy!

--Oh No!

--I did it!

--Papaw

--123...5!

--A...B...CCCC!!!

--Poopoo

--Oma-Dutch for Grandma

--Swiper no Swiping--from Dora

--Abre--Spanish word for open

--Tank You/ Gacas for gracias

--More/Mas (Spanish)

--Abidaah--A made up word for pacifier which big sister passed on to her

--Amen-after we pray for meals and whenever she hears the word Jesus

Her favorite Videos:

--Barney

--Dora

--Boz

--Mary Poppins

--Baby Einstein

Her Favorite Songs:

--Ring around the Rosies

--Head and Shoulders

--Bingo

--ABC's

--Praise Music, Barney Songs and Spanish Songs (La Bamba, Cantaba la Rana, Coqui, etc...)

The time is going by so fast and I feel these precious moments slipping through my fingers! Soon we will be moving into potty training and although I have so much joy in seeing her grow, I am somewhat saddened to see her leave behind the baby stage.

So, while these moments are still etched away in my mind and heart, I feel compelled to record them down and mark this season of our journey together! I am savoring these moments and will treasure them forever!

MomTime: Giving and Receiving Appreciation

We had a great time at MomTime last night! It was an Italian themed night followed by a sweet Tiramisu pie...yummy!

Dessert Discussion:
A sweet little boy surprised his grandmother one morning and brought her a cup of coffee. He made it himself and was so proud. He anxiously waited to hear the verdict on the quality of the coffee. As she forced down the last sip she noticed three of those little green army guys in the bottom of the cup.
She asked, "Honey, why would three little green army guys be in the bottom of my cup?" Her grandson replied, "You know grandma it's like on TV, "The best part of waking up is soldiers in your cup!"

We all have similar stories from our children and it was neat to hear everyone share their unique experiences. Some were funny and lighthearted and even slightly embarrassing! But the stories left us all with a smile on our face!

Let’s face it motherhood is a tough job. At many times it can be thankless, overwhelming, challenging, and it is certainly not esteemed by our world. This can often leave us feeling very discouraged.

“Nothing else so inspires and heartens people as words of appreciation. You and I may soon forget the words of encouragement and appreciation that we utter now, but the person to whom we have spoken them may treasure them and repeat them
to themselves over a lifetime.” - Dale Carnegie

1 Thessalonians 5:11 says – “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”

Last night we got to put that into practice!

Group Discussion:
Our group discussion was centered on giving and receiving appreciation. We did a great exercise together in which we actually practiced the act of both giving and receiving encouragement.

Each person was given an index card with the name of every person in attendance. We all took the time to identify one personality trait or characteristic about EACH person that has stood out to us. Then we backed it up with evidence that supported how we have seen that characteristic or quality displayed. One at a time, each person was encouraged by every other person in the group.

Not only can it take intentionality to encourage others, but it can also be difficult to be the person on the receiving end. Ever wonder why that is? I can recall a few times when I have told someone that I was blessed by his or her message or was really moved by a song that was sung. Instead of responding with a simple “Thank You” for the encouraging words, they say something like, "praise the Lord."

At times this has caused me to feel a little awkward, as if my words of encouragement were actually rejected instead of received. Sometimes it’s hard for us to be on that receiving end of encouragement.

So last night, the person who was receiving encouragement simply had to respond with a simple "thank you.”

For example: Person giving the encouragement might say something like this: "Sue you are a person of great strength. It takes courage to share your faith and yet you are able to do so without fear of rejection. This greatly encourages me to step out in faith and take more risks!" Receiver says: Thank You

After everyone had an opportunity to give and receive appreciation, we discussed the following questions:

1. What is the value in showing sincere appreciation?

2. Applying this in our life, what is one specific area where you can offer encouragement to your husband? How about your children?

Just practicing the act of giving and receiving made for a very refreshing evening. Let's face it; we all need (and at times hunger for) encouragement! In addition, we had a great thought-provoking discussion that allowed us the opportunity to identify one specific area that we could encourage our husband/children and how we would actually go about implementing that!!

Thanks for such a great evening ladies!

If you’d like to be a part of our next MomTime group, feel free to shoot me an email – mbarosh@gmail.com.

Can I get a translator please??

A sweet little boy surprised his grandmother one morning and brought her a cup of coffee. He made it himself and was so proud. He anxiously waited to hear the verdict on the quality of the coffee, and as she forced down the last sip she noticed three of those little green arm guys in the bottom of the cup.
She asked, "Honey, why would three little green army guys be in the bottom of my cup?" Her grandson replied, "You know grandma it's like on TV, The best part of waking up is soldiers in your cup'"

This story reminded me of all the funny ramblings of our 3yr old that I have been meaning to record. Our 18month old is picking up on them too! Little girl is officially in that "parrot" stage. It feels like she's picking up a new word every day! Only problem is...she's learning some of our big girl's "fangled" words.


At times, we've actually caught ourselves using their words instead of correcting them with the actual word. I know, I know, I should be teaching them the proper vocabulary but hey, it's just not as much fun! I know these moments will be short lived, so for now I am treasuring them while I can.



So, here are a few new "fangled" words you would need to learn if you lived in our home.

Pacifier: abidaah (don't ask??)

Chucky Cheese: Lucky Cheese

Lollipop: Leeee-pop

Napkin: Lapkin

I'll be right back: I'm gonna reback

I want a hamburger: I wanna hangaber

Refrigerator: Ridge o Rator

Your impossible: Your impostible

Happy Birthday: Happy Dirt Day

Grandpa: Prampa

Grandma: Bamaw

Yellow: Lellow

Butterflies: Otherflies

Porcupine: Porpikine

Cocoa Puffs - Coconuts

Macaroni - Rack-O-Roni

For those that have kids or or nieces and nephews...do you have any funny words? If so, feel free to share in the comment section!

Confessions of A Pastor's Wife

Ok friends, just wanted to share with you a new book that is out called Confessions of a Pastor Wife. I am so thrilled to say that this book was written by one of my dear friends, mentor and personal life coach, Kathryn Bonner! I know you'll enjoy it as much as I did!

Description
If you could hear God whispering, what would it sound like? Are you able to recognize His voice? In Confessions of a Pastor’s Wife: He Speaks… Can you hear Him? Author Kathryn Bonner shares her true confessions, revealing her teenage pregnancy and the many different ways God has spoken into her life, through subtle and profound ways, and even through humorous means, shedding light on the unique voice of God! Anyone from the outside looking in would think Kathryn’s “charmed life” had always been just that. As you read this page turner of confessions, you will discover that has not always been the case. Discover how to take steps with God, believing Him to guide and direct you, even when you don’t know where He’s taking you! Are you ready to hear Him speak into your life? Kathryn’s prayer for you is to know how God reveals Himself to you. You will learn to hear Him, and recognize His voice after reading Confessions of a Pastor’s Wife: He Speaks… Can You Hear Him?

“Kathryn’s zest for life and love for God jumps off of every page! This intimate personal story is like sharing a conversation with a girlfriend. Curl up in a favorite chair and be ready to laugh, listen and learn from this Sister in Christ.”
- Mary M. MacGregor; Women’s Ministries Consultant and Director of Leadership Development for the Episcopal Diocese of Texas.

Kathryn Bonner has a God-given passion for you to experience your life from this point forward with new ears to hear! Shhh… listen, can you hear Him? He is speaking!

Then a choice came out of the cloud, saying,”This is My Son, My Chosen One; Listen to Him!” Luke 9:35 NASB

I would love to encourage you to pick up a copy at your local Christian bookstore or click here to purchase on line.

Motherhood...something to be passionate about!

It's about 10:00pm and I just returned home from my weekly Dale Carnegie course. As I mentioned before I am currently serving as one of the assistant coach's training to be a certified instructor.

Tonight the topic for one of my presentations was to share a brief one minute report on something that I am passionate about! A few goals with every presentation is to deliver a clear and concise presentation within the time frame outlined. For this particular talk we were required to leave or audience with one specific action and benefit. Below were my thoughts on motherhood.

Passion

I am passionate in my role as mom to my children! I am discovering that being a mom is not only the toughest job I will ever have, but it is the highest position I will ever hold. It is not a glamorous job and is certainly not esteemed by our culture but it is the….

Toughest Job because:
It requires more patience than the average person possesses
You are never first, but always last
You don’t get a pat on the back or a raise for a job well done
You don’t have a fancy title and the world does not esteem your position,
You always work overtime and
Never get paid vacations or sick time

Does this sound like a job you might be lining up for?

The Sacrifices are steep…but the rewards are so great!

Not only is it the toughest job, but it is the greatest position I will ever hold because….

Highest Position:
No one on this planet can fill this role except for me! Because of that, I am discovering that I have the potential to be the greatest influencer in the lives of my children. WOW!! That’s a huge responsibility and one that I don’t take lightly.

Action: So, take the time to value those you know who are mothers

Benefit: and you will encourage them greatly in their role!

So You're Thinking About Homeschooling

I can't believe I'm here and even considering doing this! God has done major heart surgery on me this year as I continue to pursue him more and more concerning my role as mommy to my little ones. Just check out my reading list to see the growing passion God has been producing in me for motherhood as I have adjusted to this new season of being a stay at home mom!

So, to add to my reading list is my new book, "So You're Thinking About Homeschooling" By Lisa Welchel. I'm about half way through the book and have gained some insteresting insight. Many of my preconceived notions about homeschooling have been challenged. The more I read and research, the more I can see that my original assumptions on homeschooling were merely that...assumptions. Assumptions based on generalizations of those I judged as being socially awkward and overprotective in sheltering their kids away from the world.

While homeschooling may not be for every family, I believe it is a viable option worth exploring and praying about. This is where Tim and I are at. Who knows where God will lead us...will keep ya posted! :)

Update: Adoption on Hold

Many of you already know, but others have asked where we're at with the adoption that I blogged about a while back. Here's a little update:

Tim and I didn't get too far in the process before we found out that we were pregnant again with our newest addition due in March. Because of that, we had to put the adoption process on hold.

I have to admit, even though I already knew what the agency would say, I was bummed when I got off the phone and heard the official "no, we cannot accept your application at this time." If anything, I now have a greater understanding of just how deep the need is for loving families to open their homes to children in need. It has only served to increase my passion for us to adopt a child into our home.

I am deeply saddened that so many children around the world go without many of the things that we take for granted. Things like food, water, and a place to lay thier head at night. They don't have a mommy or daddy to hug and kiss them, to tuck them in at night, or wipe their tears when they're scared or hurt. Instead, they often become slaves to child prostitution or end up playing in fields filled with land mines. I can't even fathom this??

Tim and I feel compelled to reach out...how can we not! Even if it's only one child we are able to help.

So, for us it's not really a matter of "if," but "when." With that, we know that all is in God's hands and that his timing is perfect. For now, we celebrate with great joy the life that is growing inside me and the blessing it is to be able to provide for our children what so many others around the world should be able to have.

Some friends of ours Jamie and Aaron Ivey are doing what I talked about above...they are trying to save a young boy in Haiti from some desperate situations. He is currently living in a rescue center and is awaiting the adoption process. Check out a video they recently received of their son they named Amos Dowensky Ivey. He's the one in the blue shirt and he is opening up a care package full of toys and family pictures he received from Aaron and Jamie.

You can be a part of helping the Iveys bring their son home by purchasing one of their T-shirts. So, I encourage you to stop by their site at http://savingdowensky.wordpress.com and find out more about how you can help in their adoption process.

"A Few of My Favorite Things"

Fall is my favorite time of year! Here are a few things that I look forward to!

• The Cool Weather


• The beautiful turning of the leaves on the trees..."if" your lucky to find them here!


• A cup of coffee on the porch with my husband before the kiddos wake up


• Bundling up underneath the covers and snuggling with my hubby


• Seeing the girls run around the house in their warm pajamas...you know, the kind that have the feet on the bottom...too cute!


• Now that I know how to use my bread maker, the smell of warm bread baking when you walk through the door!


• Lighting our fire place,...that is...when the weather is cold enough!


• Hanging out at the property with family and enjoying each others company


• Enjoying a camp fire and roasting marshmallows with the girls


• The random smell of wood burning outside


• Putting on a pair of flannel pj's and curling up on the coach and reading a great book!


• The many trips to Starbucks!


• Baking Cookies

• Carving Pumpkins
  
• Celebrating our Anniversary


• Taking our family vacation
  

What about you? What are the things you look forward to this season?