Thankful

This fall has been a blur, and I can't believe Christmas is just around the corner! I need to take a minute to catch up with the blog, and really life in general. We just enjoyed a week long visit from my parents for Thanksgiving, and it was so wonderful to have them here. They took Luca to the zoo and he loved all the quality time with them. It's always so special to watch Luca with my parents, and I hope that soon we will be closer so we can spend a lot more time together. It's getting more and more difficult to be away from our families and every time we do get to be together it just motivates us even more to find a way to get back to Indiana. We are hoping that it will happen soon, and I know that if it's in God's plans for us that He will make a way. For now we have to keep on trucking and wait for His response to our petitions. It's hard sitting here alone with Luca in front of the Christmas tree waiting for Santi to get home from work. I wish I could just pop on over to my parent's house or my brother's house to hang out. But for now I have to be patient. So I will try. I feel that He has big things on the horizon for us. I believe that. Aside from being able to spend Thanksgiving with my parents here, we have many more things to be thankful for this year. So I want to put out the many many positives in our lives and take a moment to truly be thankful where we are in this very moment.

1. Our son Luca-He is such a sweet and loving little boy, smart, funny, and always keeps me on my toes. We struggled to start our family, and there were many many days I cried and cried praying for a baby and worrying that it would never happen for us. But here he is, and he is HEALTHY and HAPPY and every day with him is a joy.

2. Our marriage-We have been together almost 10 years, and married for 6. We are best friends, and we make a great team. I love the couple we have become and our relationship continues to grow each and every day. Our differences really bring something unique and special to our marriage and I am thankful for that.

3. Our dog-Tevez has been a part of our lives since he was a puppy, and he is our first "baby". For the last 6 years he has shown us what true unconditional love is. His carefree and happy-go-lucky attitude always brings a smile to my face.

4. Our home-We built this home together the year after we were married, and while we have had our ups and downs with our decision to build this home, it has severed us well and we have made many special memories together here. I am so thankful that we have been able to own our own home at such a young age, and that we were able to weather the real estate storm here.

5. Our families-We both have incredible families that love and support us in everything we do. We both have parents that are still married after 30+ years who have been excellent examples to us. Our families are truly a blessing.

6. Our jobs-While they may not always be easy, we are thankful to have income that supports our family and even allows us to do some special things once in awhile. And I am thankful for a flexible job that allows me a lot of time off to spend with Luca.

7. Luca's Childcare-It's not easy being a working mom, and every day I struggle with that decision, but we are so blessed with childcare that is like family to us. Every day I know that Luca is thriving at Great Beginnings with teachers that show him the love of Christ each and every day.

8. Teaching-(I guess this one only applies to me) Being a teacher is the most difficult job I have ever loved. Every day brings new challenges, and sometimes heartaches, but my students over the last 7 years have taught me more than I could ever imagine. Sometimes I feel that I get more back than I give. I have been blessed with some truly special students whose names and faces will have a special place in my heart forever. I have also been fortunate to work with some amazingly inspirational and supportive colleagues.

9. Health-After many health struggles in the last year, I am thankful that we are all currently healthy and doing well. Aside from a few colds here and there, we have made it through the start of cold and flu season unaffected and I pray this continues.

10. Our God-This is last on my list but that is not indicative of His place in our lives. I am so grateful for a God that loves us unconditionally and blesses us beyond measure each and every day. His presence in our life is a blessing each and every day, and even though too often we fail to recognize His daily gifts, they are abundant every day of the year.

Keeping It Real

We've been busy. That's an understatement. My blogging has slacked (yet again). The beginning of a new school year always seems to get the best of me. Oh, and our summer was pretty jam packed as well. With that being said, it's time to get real. We are currently experiencing one of those God moments in our lives. You know, the kind that stop you in your tracks and make you "get real" with yourself? Yeah, that kind. I keep telling myself that the end result of this is going to be good. God has a plan. Sometimes I just fail to see that plan until he hits me with a wake up call. Like three years ago when I was pretending like I didn't hear him calling me to take that leap of faith and start our family. Going through our miscarriages and fertility issues was by far the most difficult thing we have been through as a married couple, but wow that was a life changing time. I have never felt so close to God, or seen the evidence of His presence so clearly. So here's what's real:
A couple of weeks ago Santi had an episode of feeling really dizzy while we were out to eat for Andrea's birthday. We went to the ER and his blood pressure was really high, and medications didn't seem to bring it down. We were sent home with orders to see his doctor the next day. After two weeks of doctor and specialist visits and time in and out of the ER (thankfully Santi's wonderful parents were able to fly out to help), we are still waiting patiently for the results of several tests he had done last week. The thought is that it may be a problem with his adrenal glad that is causing all of his issues, and may have even been the culprit for his high blood pressure that he has been dealing with for years. Hopefully tomorrow we should have more information. In the meantime he is still off work per doctor's orders, and I am playing mommy, nurse, teacher, chef, and housekeeper. Now I realize just how much I value my dear husband and what he does for our family. Being a single mom is rough! I am exhausted, and I am trying to keep a clear mind and firm grasp on the peace that surpasses all understanding. And it's not easy holding it together. But the show must go on. I am so thankful in all of this for the truly amazing people in our lives that have jumped in to help and support us while we work though this. Meals, prayers, help with housework and Luca...it's humbling. Through all of this, God has brought a lot of clarity, and I have realized the need for a shift in priorities in our family, and it's been an incredible blessing. I know that He is working in our family right now, and "I will remain confident in this, I will see the goodness of the Lord."

In the meantime, we seriously have the cutest, sweetest little boy in the entire world. I don't know where I would be without that kid. I really and truly don't. Even when he is a total two year old tyrant. I just can't get enough. I know this hasn't been easy for him either, but he's a trooper, and I love him for it.

Sunday Blessings

Before Luca arrived, I set a goal to blog more regularly and to get more creative with my blogging. I also wanted to have some regular weekly posts. To be honest, I am not great at keeping up with regular posts like some of my blogging friends, but I really want to make an effort. I love blogging. It's my outlet. Since I began this blog four years ago I have had periods that were just uninspired and other times when I had so much going on all I wanted to do was blog. Now as a new mom I feel like I have recovered my passion for blogging. I have so much on my mind and so much to share. This new phase in life is so full of new experiences and inspirations.
One of the "regular" posts I tried to start before Luca arrived was Sunday blessings. I wanted to take a moment each Sunday to come up with at least one thing I am thankful for. One blessing among many in my life. One "shout out" to my awesome God, full of mercy and grace.
Now this particular Sunday I have finances on my mind. Not too different from any other day of the week honestly. When we found out we were expecting Luca, we began saving for my maternity leave because I knew I wanted to take the full 12 weeks, even if it was unpaid. We decided we would just put away enough money to live off for those weeks, plus cover the expenses of the hospital bill and any baby expenses we might encounter. We thought we had plenty saved up and I was feeling good about taking all this time off work. Well we all know things don't always go as planned...in fact, they rarely do. Since Luca's arrival, in addition to the couple thousand dollars we had already dropped on the hospital and doctor bills (the amount they had given us initially as an estimate), we have received additional doctor or hospital bills almost every other day in the mail it seems like. Partly because of the issues I had towards the end of my pregnancy that resulted in extra ultrasounds, and party because when it comes to doctors they are never up front about what you really are going to have to pay. What we had estimated for medical expenses has doubled easily. Additionally, we have had not one, but three incidents with our cars that required repair. Tack on another thousand. The money we had saved for my leave is quickly disappearing, and part of me wants to feel really anxious about how we are going to pay the bills for the next 10 or so weeks of my leave. But then I remember that I serve a generous God...and He provides. I have to remember that. So, my Sunday blessing for today: our fridge is full of food, we have clothes on our backs, and a roof over our head. I am not sure how we are going to stretch out our savings until I get paid again...but I do know that He knows. We have been faithfully tithing for over a year now, and I know He will take care of us. He can do more with 90% than we can with 100%. I am ready to watch Him work. We are blessed.

Sunday Blessings

It's hard to believe Sunday has almost come and gone once again. Time is flying by this month! It feels like I just posted Sunday Blessings. Anyways, here they are in no particular order, the blessings I am counting today:
1. A great doctor's appointment on Friday
2. A bonus from work that allowed a little extra cash for a pedicure (I am so thankful for that foot massage), and a decent chunk of money was able to go into my maternity leave savings fund
3. The weather is beautiful here in the spring, and we have been able to enjoy a lot of time outdoors which we are taking advantage of before it gets too hot.
4. Luca- I am so blessed by him already and we are so thankful to have such an amazing little boy on the way.

Blessed

“As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.” Ecclesiastes 11:5

It's been awhile, I know. We have been BUSY. I know I always say this, but we are ALWAYS busy. Since the last time I posted we have had some major life accomplishments worth celebrating!!! On March 21st, Santiago became a United States citizen!!!! What an amazing gift from God. I got teary eyed during the ceremony. Just looking back, just thinking of all Santi and I have been through together. Thinking of how long he has waited for this moment. Thinking of the weight that has been lifted off his shoulders. Thinking if how proud he is to have reached this point and have this opportunity. While he is now a U.S. citizen, he will always been an Ecuadorian first. I know his pride for Ecuador will never fade, but I also know he is just as proud to be an American. God is good!
So that leaves us with working on his parents immigration status. Practically as soon as we got home from  the ceremony, we got rolling on all the paperwork for his parents. We are really looking forward to being able to lift this weight off their shoulders as well. They have been waiting over 13 years. It's been a long time coming. I will keep everyone posted on their status as well. It will be yet another moment to celebrate.
At the end of March God brought us to another milestone, and Santi completed his bachelor's degree! He has worked so hard and I know it has not been an easy road for him. We are so grateful he had this opportunity, and not only that but it was completely paid for. I know he is so relieved to be finished, and I know he feels truly accomplished. He is actually thinking about pursuing a Master's degree already! I am so proud of my husband. I have the best husband in the world, and God truly blessed me when He sent Santi my way.

Now that he is finally finished with his degree, the job search begins. It is a little scary and overwhelming to be looking for a new job in this economy, especially because he needs to find one that matches or exceeds his current salary, which isn't too shabby. What he really needs is regular hours (weekends off so I am not stuck home alone every weekend), and a job that fulfills him. I know his current job is stressful, and it's not where he wants to be. We could really use your prayers that God sends the right job his way at the right time. I just have to remember that God's timing is impeccable.

Along with all of these blessings, we have also had some personal struggles this month. And while I know things aren't always going to be easy, and life is full of ups and downs, I find comfort in knowing that God is in charge. My strength is in Him and Him alone. He gives and takes away. In the end, we are truly BLESSED.

Holiday Blessings

It has been awhile since I have written, so I wanted to update everyone on how things are going here. It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving and Christmas have come and gone. We enjoyed a nice, quiet Thanksgiving just the two of us. We made all of the traditional Thanksgiving foods (and then ate them for a week afterwards!). After we ate we got to spend some relaxing time together and put up Christmas decorations. Although I missed being with family on Thanksgiving for the second year in a row, it was nice to just take a break from school and work and spend time together. December was a blur. I had bronchitis which wasn't pleasant. Things at school were crazy. By the time Christmas arrived I was exhausted. Although I was tired and ready for a break, the last day of school was very special. For my students (many of whom don't have a lot of things) I bought several new games and toys for the classroom. I put the presents under the tree in our classroom, and I picked several students to open them while everyone watched. They were so cute! There were so appreciative and understood that they had to share the presents and they were to use at school. They were already asking when they would be coming back to school to use them! Giving is my favorite part of Christmas:) Santi's parents arrived on the 16th. It has been nice to have them here. Santi's dad has been working like crazy doing things around our house. So far he has put knobs on the kitchen cabinets, lights under the kitchen cabinets, painted the guest bathroom, put shelving in our garage, and a new shower head in the master bathroom. Plus he has fixed a few things here and there that we didn't do such a good job with:) Our Christmas was nice and quiet. We went to church on Christmas eve (they had a beautiful service), went to zoolights which is a new tradition for us, then came home to a delicious meal that Santi's parents made. On Christmas day we went to see Marley and Me and of course I cried my eyes out. I love the book, and the movie didn't quite do it justice, but it was good none the less. Both of our parents were very genrous to give us money for our backyard for Christmas, so that project is lined up to be completed in the next couple of weeks. It is going to be a lot of work, but it will be so nice to have a backyard we can actually use and enjoy. We are very grateful for this gift, and the labor that Santi's dad is going to put into it! They are going to be here until the end of January, and we are enjoying spending time with them. Next week I have to go into school and get ready for the 3rd quarter. On Friday we are going to Las Vegas with Santi's mom and dad which was our Christmas present to them. This will be my first Vegas trip so I am looking forward to it. We also plan to stop by the Hoover Dam which I have heard is amazing.
As 2008 comes to an end, I feel so blessed. We have had some ups and downs this year as everyone does, but God has truly provided for us. In 2008 we moved into our first house, I started graduate school, and Santi continues to be successful at work. I love my job, even though at times it can be very stressful. Our families are doing well, we are both in good health. We have a lot to look forward to and be excited about in 2009. We are BLESSED! I feel espcecially blessed this year because I have seen those close to me go through very difficult times. Our neighbors I grew up with lost one of their children to a heart attack at age 23. He died at their home just 4 days before Christmas. Every day for the past couple of weeks there has been a homeless person sitting up by the cross streets just outside our neighborhood. I can never see the person because they have made a make-shift shelter out of plastic bags and cardboard that always covers them. There is a black dog that sits with that person all day. Despite how sad this is, I think it has shown the good in others. Every day I see people bringing food to the person and the dog, and yesterday someone had brought a huge bag of dog food. There are still pleanty of good people in this world. Despite all that is going on in the world around us, we have much to be thankful for.

Blessed

I just wanted to take a minute before we move into yet another week of work to just be thankful for all of the blessings in our life. It seems so easy for Santiago and I to get overwhelmed and stressed out by all of the things we have going on in our lives. We get caught up in the whirlwind around us and we forget that God is in control and even though we face struggles, they are only part of His plan to build our faith and make us stronger. We may not be rich by any means, but we have jobs that pay our bills every month and even leave a little to enjoy life and share our blessings...and there are people all around us struggling to make ends meet. Santiago is able to complete his degree, something he thought he would never be able to do, and it's paid for! I have my own classroom after waiting and hoping and searching for a year. We are actually able to be building our very own house right now...when many people don't have a roof over their heads. We live in a great place that we love...and we enjoy warm sunny weather the majority of the year. We have wonderful family and friends that love and support us in all of our endeavors and hardships. Bottom line...WE ARE SO BLESSED.