Zade Beiber

My son is a Qwerky kid. His newest obsession is wearing jeans everyday. EVERYDAY I tell you! His wardrobe consists of his Gap skinny jeans, OSU SnapBack ball cap, short-sleeved button up shirt, socks with his Jordan. The Jordan's must be tied strategically behind he tongue of the shoes so that "nobody can see them mom!" DUH!!!

Drumroll please......

Isn't he just precious? All gangster and what not?

This is how the dude rolls right here. Roastin' them "smarshmallows" as he refers to them. 

How could a mom resist that sweet face, gangsta or not. 

Me: "Zade what are you listening to on your iPod?"

Zade: "oh just some stuff from Beiber and Lacrae" 

One of a kind indeed!

Fluffy

Life is full of irony. The older I get the "fluffier" I get. I prefer the word fluffy over the three letter F word. (Fat) The last few months I've been trying to eliminate stressful or stress-provoking situations in my life. I have obviously been given a fair share of stressful situations over my 35 years.  I have accepted the life God has given me with gratefulness and picked up and kept going. 

Well, I've decided that the fluffier my physical body gets the less fluff I can handle in my life. Irony? I think so. My thoughts today are that I wish there was enough of me physically, mentally and spiritually to be all that I want to be. I want to be the best mom, best wife, best daughter, best friend, best nurse, best coworker, best sister; ah the list could go on and on.  I've decided in order to de-fluff my life I must learn to say no and be okay with saying no. This is one of the hardest things to do as a woman- to put yourself toward the top of that priority list in life and to not let myself feel guilty for doing so. As a nurse you sacrifice and bust your tail to take care of others. It seems foreign to flip the order of the care plan to put oneself on the list of priorities. So, I am giving myself homework. A care plan of sorts for life. Hopefully I get a passing grade.

 

Resolutions Smesoltuions.....

Happy New Year everyone! I'm not real big on resolutions. I like to call them goals or changes. I think we should resolve to be better everyday, not just once every 365 days. God gave us the 24 hours in a day to accomplish what we need and then a chance to start all over the next day. Each day can be a clean slate.
I thought if I'd blog some of my goals for 2012 maybe I would stick to them so here ya go:

1. Get the clutter out of my house!
2. Learn to make exercise a habit and a necessity.
3. Be more assertive.
4. Spend more time with my friends and family.
5. Develop normal sleeping habits.
6. Do more for others.
7. Worry less and pray more.
8. Worry a LOT less and pray a LOT more.
9. Teach my kids the importance of selflessness and giving to others.
10. Read my Bible more.

There you have it. I really could go on and on....you see, there's lots of room for improvement here! Just thankful that God's still working on me.
Be blessed:-)
ABF

The PERFECT gift

Hello friends!
In the midst of all the craziness this time of year its hard not to realize how focused we are on gifts. Who doesn't love a gift? I love getting gifts just like anyone. Just the fact that someone has taken the time out of their busy life to think of me and want to give me something is so heart warming.
As I watched my children open their gifts today I loved seeing the excitement in their eyes, the anticipation in their little hands as they tore open those packages. Tonight as they put out the milk and cookies for Santa and the reindeer food it was so fun to see the anticipation of what gifts might be coming their way. I am savoring these moments of innocence that my kids have this time of year because I know these sweet moments won't last forever.
What's the greatest gift you've ever given anyone? Joey and I always have the same discussion each year about how awesome it would be to be able to give our friends and family whatever we wanted to give them as if money were no option. What a wonderful feeling that would be!
2corinthians 5:21 says that "Christ never sinned, but God treated him as a sinner so that He could make us acceptable to God." When I think about the BEST gift I've ever been given it is undeniably the fact that Jesus took my sin and I get His righteousness. WOW. That sure beats an iPad, or that new SUV I have been coveting. If you have never received this gift I want to give it to you. Not that it is actually mine TO give you, but it's what I want you to have. It's what I want everyone on this earth to have. Its what i want everyone that reads this post to have. It's not too late if you're reading this..
What is your gift to God? I saw a post on twitter yesterday from Rick Warren; " If I ignore Gods purpose for me on earth, my life isn't waisted, but it is pointless." I love that!! If you're like me I often wonder what my true gift is or what it is that I'm supposed to accomplish for God in this lifetime. I pray the He will reveal those gifts to all of us and that we wont waste them.


Merry Christmas!!

Magical moments

Tonight my family and I took a drive to Rhema bible college to look at Christmas lights. The weather was beautiful for a December night; no wind, clear, and cool. We got out of the car and walked around the campus, through the flashing light tunnel, and back to the car. It was truly gorgeous. For a few short minutes we were able to enjoy the scenery and forget about our worries. I caught myself taking it all in; thanking God for simple moments like this and realizing how His mercy has shown on my family over the last few months. Just like the lights that were shining all around me, God is consistent. He is everywhere if you just look and open your eyes and use the five senses He gave us. I enjoyed hearing my kids laugh and sing along to the Christmas music that was playing. I watched them run up and down a small hill, back and forth on the flashing lights bridge. I felt the touch of their warm little hands as we walked along hand in hand. Our mouths watered as we smelled the funnel cakes cooking nearby. Yes, it was much like a scene from a movie for a few short minutes. Take time to savor moments like these. Take it all in. You never know if you'll be given another one in this lifetime.
BF

Part of my insomnia is my friend

Ok, I'll admit it. Some of this sleep problem I have is self- induced. Here's the problem. My only ME time is usually from 11-2 am. I could choose to sleep or I can choose to do something for me that I enjoy. I have read 4 books during my recovery, one of which was a novel that I consider life altering. Redeeming Love is one of the best books I've ever read. It had mad me change the way I look at loving my spouse and forgiveness Nd unconditional love we should have when we take our vows.
I'm starting a third in a series by Karen Kingsbury, and I have two new ones my mom brought me from women of faith that I can't wait to start. I guess my deep thought for the day is that we all need alone time. I also try to always make sure that if I Sacrifice to stay awake that late I should spend some time with God. I shouldn't have to pencil him in....but that's the way it seems sometimes.
I hope you're all ready for christmas! I will send you my list soon....:-)

Deep thoughts

Wow- I haven't blogged in 8 months. Gotta love my consistency.
There's so much going through my mind right now. Granted, I am on prescription pain meds from having surgery earlier in the week so bare with me...
Do you ever wonder what your purpose is? I look at my kids and I just know that God has something big planned for them. I know He has a plan for all of us but sometimes it takes us longer to see it or to be content with where we are in our lives. I've had a lot of things weighing on my heart about what God has brought us through over the past 13 years. I wonder if I've done enough for Him? I've recently had it brought to my attention that I should write a book about our story. I would love to do this but I feel like our story is just beginning....that there are big plans for us and that i couldn't begin to put into words how I feel. In the meantime, I'm praying that the right opportunity for something like this will arise.
I should really go to sleep before this gets any deeper:-)
BF

So VERY random.....

Hey....remember me? I have not blogged in a while. Something happens everyday and I stop to think, "I should blog about that!" The problem is that I don't stop to take the time to actually log onto this thing called a computer (darn smart phones are WAY too convenient). There has been a lot going on recently. I thought the best way to express myself would be to just type out what my brain thinks and get it off my chest. The problem is that a lot of what my brain thinks I should filter due to the possibility of hurting some body's feelings or even causing a civil dispute. I hear some people say, "I don't care what anyone thinks.....I will say what I feel and they can like it or not!!" Well folks, that's not me. Its not my nature. Wish I could be a little more free with my feelings or thoughts but is that really how God has called us to be? Maybe to an extent.... Not that I think we all have to be friends, but really? I mean, do you really want to just hurt others and not feel any remorse?
Okay, I could go on and on.....

I thought I'd post a few random thoughts that have crossed my mind lately.
1. I feel old.......physically I feel old. I don't want my kids memory of me to be "remember how mom was always tired and wanted to sleep all the time?"  Therefore, I will be making some major changes in my life and my priorities. Working on making myself one of those priorities.....
2. Do not take your health for granted. You cant buy it people.
3. I want to be a better friend. I miss my friends. I miss spending time with my mom. I miss dates with my husband. I miss my brother. I miss golfing with my dad. But I am soooooo thankful for my kids who consume my life. "It won't be like this for long..."
4. Remember there are two sides to every issue or conflict you hear about. I hate being in the middle of drama. I don't choose sides. Maybe that makes me a bad friend? I don't know.....Call me passive.
5. It makes me sad to see people so focused on this life. Materialism is so unattractive. I will be the first to admit I like nice things, and I am NOT perfect but does it really matter? Do you think people won't see through all the materialistic stuff to see what type of person you are? Do you think Jesus will say, "since you drove a nice car and had the latest styles you're in!" It is not about this world. If you don't know Jesus and know HE is the only way to eternal life you need to get to know Him. I want all my friend and family to know Him. He forgives weirdos and screw-ups like me!!
6. Self-centeredness is so very unattractive. Have you ever met someone who instantly starts talking about themselves or tells you all of their aches and pains. We have all met that person who has "had it much worse. Oh yeah? You had a heart attack? Well once I had a heart attack and my heart exploded and I almost died and I was much worse......" ugh. If you really want to make people want to be around you and enjoy your company than focus on THEM.
(I have had health problems lately so I apologize if I have been THIS PERSON!!! ha ha)
7. My husband is amazing. I should really write a book. If you knew what he does everyday- beginning most days at 4:30am, you would just be blown away. He is my hero.
8. We are the most unique family. Husband in a wheelchair, mom that is 33 going on 80, a daughter who is stuck in the middle of all of us, and a son who holds his breath until he passes out almost daily but is normal in every other way.......Why don't we have our own reality show? Who cares about the Kardashians or the dreaded Jershey Shore crap? This is real life!! We are the Fast Freak Show!
9. I hope I make a difference in this world.
That is all. There is no number 10. Sorry for the randomness.......that's how I roll!

slow down

I hope everyone is enjoying this time. I am seeing a lot of posts about being bored, cabin fever, ect....I totally get what you're saying, but I don't. I cannot even think of the last time I was bored! (yes, I have a toddler...)
 I think we are all so used to going through life at a fast pace and not enjoying down time that we don't know how to relax or just "be". I hope you will take the next few days or hours that you are secluded to think of your blessings and be aware of your surroundings. Maybe God gave us this snowmageddon, snowpocalypse, or snowthunder to let us rest and just "be".  Now, don't get me wrong, my kids were loud and stir crazy today and I was slightly annoyed. But then I was reminded of the song "It won't be like this for long" and the lyrics in the song. It always makes me cry.....(shocking, I know)......You see, my Zoey will be 8 in 16 days and I was just pregnant with her the other day!!!!

Hope you're all safe and warm. Make some Paula Deen snow ice cream and chill......

Circus circus

Joey's quote from the ride home tonight is priceless. "This may be the worst vacation I've ever had." I quickly reminded him that it was NOT the worst, but was definitely a "Christmas to remember." Poor Joey began his vacation last Wednesday with a horrific stomach virus. Poor Zoey had it too, which required me staying home to take care of them both; running a marathon across the house from bathroom to bathroom. This, all the while missing the birth of my one and only nephew. After the stomach virus finally subsided on Friday morning we were out and about to the mall in Muskogee to pick up a few last minute gifts that Joe was determined to buy for me and the kids. When we got to the mall he took off on his own, only to discover that he had left his wallet at home. So, this required me to be WITH him for all of his surprise purchases which he was pretty bummed about, but it wasn't the end of the world.
Our traditional Christmas eve gift exchange with his parents had to be postponed because my mother- in- law was now blessed with this same stomach junk. Since Joey was feeling a little better we decided to drive to Tahlequah and eat at Del Rancho. When we got there they were closed early so we decided to try other places.....which were ALL closed because DUH....its Christmas Eve. So we drove all the way to Tahlequah to eat at SONIC ladies and gentlemen.  We had also tried to go see our new nephew only to learn their household was also cursed with the gift that keeps on giving.....stomach virus!
 Saturday came and Santa brought Zoey an ipod touch which was her only request. We quickly learned that Santa did not do his homework before he brought this.  We only have cable internet so there is no wifi for her to connect to. So now mom and dad must clean up Santa's mess and get a wireless router.......sigh....
Moving on to today.....Joey's last day of vacation. We decided to venture to Woodland Hills mall to exchange some boots Zoey got for Christmas at Journey kids. When she tried the boots on at home they were too small. I felt them.....there was NO room in the toe. So keep in mind this was our ONLY motivation to go fight the crowd in Tulsa.
Upon arriving in Tulsa, 71st street was a madhouse at 2pm. It took longer than normal to find a wheelchair accessible parking space but we finally accomplished that. The first 5 minutes in the mall I almost had a stroller fight with a dad who was rudely trying to cut in line in front of me and my wheelchair bound husband to get into the elevator. No words were exchanged, but I am pretty sure he understood that I meant business when I assumed my spot in the elevator. (my blood pressure rising.....) We got to Journey only to discover that the boots originally purchased did indeed fit and the larger size was HUGE......REALLY? how does that happen? And why did we drive all this way to fight the crowds???? So embarrassing......
On our way to the next store we stopped in Disney because Zade spotted Woody, Buzz, and Lightening McQueen. He attempted to run out of the store with as many items as he could and had a melt down when I stopped him and attempted to explain that he must first PAY for these items. (like a 2 year old cares or understands this concept.....) anyway, most of you can guess what happened next......Yes, he held his breath and passed out. Right in the middle of Disney with McQueen and Buzz in hand.....
Next stop was Claires so Zoey could spend some of her money. The line was to the door in Claires and Justice was insanely crowded as well. So, we ended up shopping in Claires. Yes, we drove all the way to Tulsa to shop at Claires and then we left. 
When we got home I was putting Zades pj's on him and he decided to bite me on the arm for some strange reason.  Joey was talking to him about this and his behavior when he suddenly fell forward and dropped Zade on his forehead and almost dumped himself on the tile floor. I quickly helped him up into his chair and proceeded to help my son who was having another of his "spells" from this whole incident. So this is how we have ended the day. 


As I type this I am hesitant to post it because it sounds like a bunch of whining. I am annoyed when people complain that their days don't go their way. I truly believe our days go exactly the way they are supposed to. We have honestly been laughing about all of this. We realize we are so extremely blessed. Our kids are healthy, our parents are healthy,  we have food and money to buy gifts, and we love each other and know God is in control. What more do people really need?  So sorry if this is whiny.....


Objectives from this post:
1. Wheelchairs, strollers and crowds with rude people do not mix well.
2. Always double check sizes before driving a ridiculous distance to exchange.
3. Make sure your toddler has a nap before shopping.
4. Try to avoid shopping with a toddler.
5. Be thankful that your family didn't get the stomach ba hum bug!


later....

newbie

Well, after much thought I have decided to start a blog. Yes, I know, I am cool. I've been told I should write a book about our lives and the events of the past 19 years that Joey and I have known each other. The thought of writing a book gives me a small anxiety attack. I've been thinking of a blog for a while but in all honesty I've been hesitant for one simple reason; I wanted a cool name for the blog. Being the UNcreative person I am I decided to make a cheesy one up so here it is. My blog in all of its Cheesiness........

Its 2am on Christmas morning and yes, I am awake. Thinking of all the miracles I have witnessed over the last 10 years and wondering how Mary felt those thousands of years ago when Jesus was born. I feel like God has HUGE plans for my kids. I look at them; stare into their eyes and wonder what God had planned when he decided to create them. I wonder why he let me be their mom?

I hope everyone looks at the miracles around them. They are everywhere people! God is good and He doesn't always make sense to me......but I'll talk about that more later. I am just glad he has a plan.
Merry Christmas to all.........