Christmas

I was thinking a lot over the past few days about our attitude around Christmas time. There is so much build up to this day and all this rush, stress, excitement, distractions. And then the day comes and its really not as huge of a day as we all make it to be in our heads. Its over just like that...I think I enjoy all the festivities during the month and everything that this time is about...JESUS BIRTH. I know I can so easily get caught up in all the hype and even get easily distracted and not sit quiet with the Lord. I felt the Lord really speaking to my heart a lot over the past few days and I felt myself telling Him no with my attitude..."I am on vacation and I want to do what I want to do." What a little child I was...after the day was over I realized and I already knew this but I felt it in my heart and it was real. Nothing can ever fill us or even compare to the closeness that we can have with Jesus. Its the best gift we could ever recieve and its a gift that never stops filling us. We got a tv the other day and I still like it of course but the excitement that I had the day we got it is gone. My excitement in Jesus will never end...its new, refreshing and thrilling everyday. How can people live and thrive without Jesus in there life...I don't get it. I love the need that have in my heart to be close to Him. I have experienced it and I have a strong desire to get back to Him. I just love Him so much and I am overwhelmed with his power to give us this never ending joy in our hearts. I want to be completely consumed with Him and not get too excited or assume anything in this world could ever bring happiness into my life. What a joke it is to think that stuff would bring me joy. I've tasted Jesus and nothing else could ever come close...how thankful I am for the Lord saving me from living a life of trying to find fulfillment in everything but him...it makes me sad to think of those I know that don't have this amazing, awesome, real neverending joy in there life that can only come from knowign and having a relationship with Jesus Christ. The most amazing gift ever in this world is free! Thank you Lord for your Son, the most wonderful gift we could ever recieve.

Caroling from the Stubbs Family

This evening when I took Micah out of the bath I heard a knock at the door. I quickly wrapped up Micah in a towel and went to the door. To my surprise when I opened the door the Stubbs family was standing there and began to sing a Christmas carol to Micah and I. They were great! They also brought some wonderful homemade goodies for Shane and I, and a cozy warm blanket and pajamas for Micah. I praise the Lord so much for bringing the Stubbs family to our home this evening...it was an awesome gift!

My friend Kim

This may sound kind of wierd but ever since I moved out here I have gotten closer with my friend Kim who lives in Costa Mesa. I have known her since high school but it wasn't until about a few years ago we started to become better friends. She is someone I think is so courageous and seeks the Lord in every situation of her life. She is married to Victor who is the worship pastor at Calvary where Shane and I had attended before moving out here. They have a boy Matthew that is a little over 1 1/2 a girl Rachel that is 7 months and now one on the way. She came out and visited me and Micah yesterday...we just sat on the floor for a few hours with our kids and just shared with eachother about life the Lord and whatever else we felt like talking about...it was so refreshing. I praise God so much for Kim...she is such a wonderful mother and it is awesome to see how the Lord is working in her life, and the strength He has given her to care for two little ones and now soon a third. I thank the Lord so much for my friend Kim, she is a blessing in my life.

Isaiah's Big Night

On Sunday night Shane, Micah and I went to see my nephew Isaiah in his first play. He did such a great job, him and this other girl were the only kids in this Christmas play. He danced quite a bit and had a couple of lines. It was great to see him in his element. Great job Isaiah!

Staff Christmas Party

On Sunday night we hosted the youth staff Christmas party at our house. It was so much fun to see everyone in our little living room enjoying the evening together. We had Pick Up Stix catered and had a white elephant gift exchange. My friend Charlotte got a gift that Micah couldn't take his eyes off of...a huge Elmo doll...I just might have to get him one :) Well, overall it was a great night of fellowship and thanking the Lord and praising Him for how great and awesome He is!

"Rico Micah Suave"

Watch out ladies...chhhheeeeeeeoooooowwwwwwww!

"Our Sick Boy"

Micah had his first case of the stomach flu...I had know idea how much a little baby could throw up. He threw up like 6 times in an hour...we took three baths and went through 3 pairs of pajamas during that time. We had an appointment the next day for shots but we just got him checked out and got him on some antibiotics. Well, I couldn't help but think in my head...am I gonna get? Well...I did...last night I woke up at 2am and felt the worst...I new it was coming and yea it wasn't fun. Shane had to preach this morning so I called up my parents to see if they could come out and take care of Micah since I was sick. I was so thankful...they arrived just about 10 minutes before he woke up. They spent the whole morning and afternoon with him while I got to rest. I praise God for parents who are so giving of themselves and would drop there plans for the day to come out here and take care of Micah and I. Thanks mom and dad! We appreciate you!

7 Months

I can't believe it has been 7 months...I'll probably be saying the same thing at 8,9,10,11 months and well most likely his whole life. Until he gets married...because I don't think his wife would like me to do that :) He is grunting a ton like a boy should...putting everything he touches right into the mouth...loves all food but peas...he has the most adorable laugh and smile I have ever seen...I am amazed daily at this little guy...Thank you Lord for giving us Micah!

Thanksgiving

We spent Thanksgiving this year with the DiLisi side of the family. My parents were heading out to Arizona, so I asked if we could stay at there house so we could visit with Shane's family for a few days. On Wednesday night Shane's parents took us all out to the Market Broiler for dinner...it was delicious! In the above pics is Micah's aunt shannon and grandma
DiLisi. Shannon, her husband Jonathan and there dog Jebba drove all the way out from Colorado for Thanksgiving. I am so happy they did...Shane and I really enjoy spending time with them. Here are some pics of some family time...we've got uncle Vinney to the bottom right relaxing after the feast...my brother in law Jonathan and Shane's grandpa Ken to the bottom left...and on the top middle we have Shane's cousin Brennan and Dad tearing it up on the best video game ever invented "Guitar Hero." I think I still have some of those songs in my head...the easiest song to learn and this is horrible but it was Motley Crue "Shout at the Devil" since we had a lot of first timers this song was probably played at least 20 times. It was pretty hilarious...anyways my favorite one was rocking out to Guns in Roses " O Sweet Child of Mine" with Shannon...we teard it up. Shane was a pro right away...his favorite was this surf instrumental called "Jessica"...when he wasn't playing he would be whistling the tune...it was cute :) The food was great to, but what was most enjoyable was the time with the family. Thank you Lord for these precious times with the family.

On Friday before we headed back home we met up for lunch with Shane's parents at one of my favorite restaurants in old town Orange...Jalapenos. It was so cute...Micah was getting tired, so grandpa rocked him in his arms to sleep. That was the end of our visit :)

What I am thankful for...

#1 Jesus Christ who has given me the most amazing gift in the world of knowing God my savior, creator, redeemer, friend, master, father, counsler, my king and my Lord. Thank you!
#2 My very loving husband Shane, thank you Lord so much for a man who loves you and seeks you first. Thank you for bringing a man into my life that I love and admire so much!
#3 My baby boy Micah...the Lord has blessed me with a joy that I have never known before...I am so thankful for motherhood.
#4 My mom and dad who raised me, love me, and who continue to be there for me in my life...thank you so much for all you have done and continue to do.
#5 My sister and her family...what an awesome gift of family I have been blessed with...thank you Lord!
#6 My Aunt Sissy who has shown so much love for me since the day I was born...I will be missing her this Thanksgiving :(
#7 My friends in the O.C. and the I.E...the listening ear, fun-times, encouragement, support and love...what a blessing they are to my life
#8 My church family at RBC
#9 The highschool girls at RBC, what a joy it is to spend time with them.
#10 CBS bible study
#11 MOPS
#12 Our beautiful home that kind of looks like we are out in the country
#13 Micah's smiles
#14 My nephews who are so creative and funny
#15 My job where I get paid to do art...the Lord has blessed me with such an amazing boss who is my friend and partner...she also taught me a ton about painting and for her I am so thankful!
#16 Painting
#17 Running, walking...I am so thankful for my legs
#18 The Bible...this really should be at the top of the list
#19 Ice Cream...it is the best desert in the world...I surrender to it all the time! If I die early because of too much ice cream in my life...it will be worth it
#20 Lazy days at home with my hubby and Micah

Jedi Knights, Gold Fish and Apple Pie

This year our church had a Harvest Festival and my two favorite boys were Jedi Knights. Arn't they handsome :) The night was a lot of fun. Shane had a booth set up to win a goldfish and I got to be a judge for the pies. It was great...I got to taste 11 different pies and pick my top 3...I think this was the highlight of my week. My friend Charlotte won...she had made the best apple pie I had ever eaten...and since she's my friend Im sure I can get the recipe :) Anyways...I hope you all had a fun Halloween!

My Art Blog

Just recently I have been painting a lot more...so I decided to create a blog that displayed some of my work. If you want to check it out here is the link: http://katiesartstudio.blogspot.com
or you can just click on the link in my links list :)

6 months

Micah is exactly 6 months old today. I can't believe it, the time has flied. He is so much fun and lately he has been able to sit up quite a bit. He still hasn' t accomplished rolling over yet and hasn't really attempted, but hey...he does what he wants :) Shane and I are so blessed and so in love with this little guy...what a joy he is.

Treats in the Streets

Every year in Old Town Orange the vendors close shop and pass out candy the Thursday before Halloween. It is a tradition for my sister and her boys to do this every year, and this year Micah and I joined them. He slept about half the time and when he woke up he had a bunch of colorful candy on his stroller tray. Hopefully next year he will get to eat some of those yummy treats. Doesn't he make a great yoda...my nephews made sure he had to have his light saber.

Micah's Amazing Boogie

The other night Micah did this huge sneeze and look at what came out. Pretty incredible huh!

Pumpkin Patch

Today was Micah's first visit to the pumpkin patch. He wanted to look at, touch and eat the pumpkin. I think today we started our first family tradition :) When Micah gets older we will probably be leaving the pumpkin patch with an actual pumpkin that he'll pick out, but for now the cute October pics will do :)

Nakey Boy!

Nanna and Pappa Visit!

On Sunday my parents came out to visit. They went to church with us in the morning then afterward my parents treated us to Claim Jumper...it was so good. My mom and I shared my favorite sandwich and salad...the bbq chicken sandwhich on tomato basil pizza bread with shoe string fries and the salad is a crunchy spinach salad in an awesome citrus dressing tossed with crunchies, tomato, candied pecans, red onion and feta...its like heaven in your mouth. I am pretty passionate about food and when something is really good to me I love to talk about it. Enough about food:)

Micah loved having nanna and pappa come out to visit...he sure did get a lot of loving!

Mom and dad...thanks for coming out, we love you!

Saturdays

I love Saturdays. In the morning me and this girl Jennifer lead a bible study at my house with some of the girls in the High school group. I cook up some muffins in the morning and they make the house smell so good. The girls usually arrive at around 10:00am and we spend some solo time with the Lord. Then we meet up and talk about what we have been learning, share prayer requests, stories from the week, encourage eachother, laugh...its a great time! I love working with this age and I think it is because this was the time in my life that my relationship with the Lord became real...it was my own, and I new God was real and not just some idea. I pray that God will be so real to these girls and I pray God could use Jennifer and I to lead these girls closer to Christ and that they would come to know him more. Im stoked that I am still able to be apart of this ministry. Well, either Shane is out or he comes home when the study is over and we usaully just chill the rest of the day...hanging out as a family watching college football. In the evening we might grab some take out...I usually enjoy chick-filet, its cheap and so much better then many of the resturaunts in the area. Last Saturday night I took a pic of Micah and Shane together...I love baby pajamas, I look forward to putting them on Micah every night. These are my two favorite people, and I thank God so much for my family. I am so blessed!

My Best Friend

I would have to say that my sister Jenni is my best friend. Last Monday when Shane went out to school I got to visit her and my nephews. We went for a walk to the circle and just talked while we pushed the strollers along, as my nephew Tanner cruised on his razor. I look forward to those days I get to go out and visit my family. Its especially harder now that I have Micah but it makes those times together even more special. She is just so giving and caring. Micah has a nice place to nap there and she sets up the bed and even puts a fan in the room. Its just so comforting having a sister who has been through the whole baby stage before 3 times. Micah is also quite entertained by my three nephews...they even give him a guy to be while they play with there action figures. I have always felt close to my sister, but now that I am a mom I feel like I understand her much better, and I even have much more respect and admiration for her. She is an amazing mother and such a wonderful friend to so many people. I learn so much about being a wife, a mother and a friend from her. I praise God for blessing me with such a great sister and friend. Love you Jen...thanks for everything :)

Too Cute

Our good friends the Harrell's just recently got a couple of dogs and the female gave birth to a litter of 12 puppies about a month ago. They are so adorable. Since our home is on their property, Micah and I have the privledge of visitng often. I would love to have one...but when I really think about it I know it would be a lot of work. Maybe someday...probably when Shane and I are empty nesters and I am feeling the need to take care of something...well see :)

Micah's Meal Time

Micah loves his cereal especially if mommy puts juice in it to spice it up. We tried this weird plastic bib that kind of looks like a red rubber ball. Its suppose to make clean up real easy. I only used this once...he couldn't move to well in it, I felt like I was torturing him. They make some funny pics though.

How Crazy is This

I went to my first MOPS meeting a couple of weeks ago and it was awesome. The women were fun, uplifting, loving, encouraging and silly to. They even dressed up like the Brady Bunch and did a really funny skit. It brought back memories in high school on ASB when we would make up the skits for the assemblies. It was great! They even had this amazing spread of a breakfast buffet that was deliscous. I can't wait to go again...anyways here is the crazy story. I met this girl at my table and I asked her how old is her baby and she said 6 months. I soon find out it's a boy, its her first and his name is Micah. Then we go up and get recognized for our Birthdays and she said your an August birthday to...whats the date? I said August 3rd and guess what hers is as well. We were a little freaked out by this point. Then we were talking later about college and her major was art the same as me. She also has a husband named Shane who is a youth pastor in Murrietta...just kidding :) The first three are true though...isn't that crazy.

"America is Sick"

I cant' believe what I just saw on Oprah today. The topic they were discussing was open marriage which I had know idea is a common thing in America. They had a couple on there sharing about how the husband was completely fine with the wife having a boyfriend. He said, "she just has more love to give." Is that bogus or what? Oprah stated, which kind of upset me, she said "well at least the wife isn't being dishonest or betraying her husband." What is that, so I guess it makes it alright then? Oprah said she just wanted to have an open mind about it. She also said, "Aren't you glad you live in America?" Yea, a country that is free to live by the idea of if it feels good for me then it must be right.
It just makes me so upset how they distort these sick behaviors to make it sound like what there doing is ok and not sin. God made rules for a reason. He loves us and whats to protect us. Its crazy to think that many people in America live without the consciencenous of God in there life. I couldn't even imagine not having someone so much bigger then I, who knows all and created me, to direct and guide my life. I am so thankful for the authority of Christ in my life. I am also thankful that God does have the authority in the souls of at least some men and women in America. I would be scared to see if he wasn't. Still though...America is sick and in desperate need of Jesus.

I have found a solution!

A couple of months ago a friend from church showed me this bumbo seat she puts her baby in to help him sit up. As long as they have a strong neck the bumbo can support the baby in the upright sitting position. The past couple of months all Micah wants to do is to sit up. He hates being reclined when he is awake. In a previous post I wrote about how he hated the stroller and I'm thinking its because he is unable to sit up. I purchased this Bumbo about a week ago and I am so happy I did. I put it in the stoller and I think this week we he have taken about 10 walks. I love it...and even more he loves it. He's up and looking at everything...its awesome! Its great for feeding time to. Micah went to the doctor this week and he is almost 17lbs. The doctor said it was time to start sumplementing with food, so we began that new little adventure this week to. Its been interesting...he is not too much into the rice cereal, I'm tempted to spice it up with some sugar. Anyways, praise God for the Bumbo!

Trees, breeze, finger sucking, napping...what could be better?

This afternoon Micah and I went outside and enjoyed the amazing weather. I got a towel and we laid down watching the trees blow in the wind. I love where we live. You know how somedays you just feel so blessed to be exactly where you are at, at that exact moment. Thats how I felt this afternoon with Micah, being outside with him and just watching him look at the trees while sucking on his fingers. I took advantage of his contentment and took a little catnap for myself. Anyways, I just wanted to share apart of my day with you that I really enjoyed :)

4 1/2 months

Here he is...the boy I get to be with everyday and watch grow :)

These are some things that Micah can do:

smile

coo

laugh with a little sound

drool (I think maybe a gallon a day)

hold a toy for a few minutes and explore it with his mouth

observe his surroundings

loves to be outside (if he is fussy we take him outside)

sucks on his thumb and fingers

gets super excited to see me in the morning

extends his elbows and locks them when he is on his belly to hold himself up

Yea...its great. When they are first born it is basically crying, pooping and sleeping. All of a sudden he is blossoming into this little human being that is active and responsive. Its a lot of fun :)

Ice Cream

I love ice cream. I just ate a bowl and I was sitting here trying to think of something to write about, and I couldn't stop thinking about how good my ice cream was. Ever since I can remember ice cream has been my favorite treat to eat at night. There is rarely a night I don't crave it. I love it when it is is partially melted, for some reason it makes it even richer and creamier. Shanes not into the melted ice cream, he always leaves it in his bowl. He'll probably think I'm wierd for noticing such a meaningless thing. But oh well, I love ice cream. Well, since ice cream is very high in fat, sugar, sat fat...you know all the bad stuff, I try to find something that is light and satifying. I have purchased many different kinds of lite and I have found nothing that can compare to the real deal, until now. If any of you are ice cream fanatics like I am you will for sure appreciate this information I am about to reveal to you. It is only 100 calories per serving compared to the 180 with the regular stuff and 1/2 the fat. It may not be the most exciting flavor but it does taste like the real thing at it is very satisfying. It is "Dreyers Double Churned Vanilla Bean Lite ice cream." I can eat my ice cream now, and not feel one bit of guilt. I am free to enjoy every bit of that rich and creamy desert :)

"Must see Movie"

Last night Shane and I borrowed a movie from some friends to watch. I have been wanting to see it, but I didn't have any idea of how good it would be. It was called, Freedom Writers and it starred Hilary Swank. It was about a high school English teacher who took on a class of students that lived in the projects in Long Beach. Most of them were involved in the gang life style and grew up in crazy rough family situations. She wanted so badly to get through to them and reach them in any way she could. Watching it I thought...she's crazy, this cute little preppy teacher getting through to these hard core, gangster teens...no way! She does though, and it is great how she does it. She sacrafices a ton to do it, and eventually gains there respect. This awesome change happens in their lives and it is so cool to see their lives transform and the way they view the world. I love it! It kind of reminded me of what Christ does with us. The minute we accept Him into our lives, He begins to change us and how we think. Before, all we knew was the life of sin...we didn't know any better. But when Christ comes in He puts our sin to death on the cross and we are set free from that life, and no longer have to live under that power any longer. We are free to know God and understand the things about Him. It's awesome!

Well anyways, I highly reccomend this movie...it's a tear jerker, so you might want to get out the kleenex.

My son, "The Stroller Hater"

Last night I wanted to go for a jog. It had cooled down a bit and it was a beautiful night...I had just felt like getting some fresh air and some exercise. I don't know why I thought things would be different, I know that Micah hates his stroller, anything that is not me or another person holding him he hates. I am pretty optimistic and I thought its close enough to his bedtime I was sure he would be out in a few minutes. Boy was I ever wrong. He wailed, and it only got worse the further I got. At about a mile out I gave in, I couldn't take it anymore. I took him out and carried him about a half mile until he seemed to calm down...I put him back in and he screamed even louder, but what was worse were the stares I got from the neighbors. They looked at me like I was a crazy person. I just waved and said hi as if nothing was wrong...it was actually pretty funny seeing there faces. Well, I hope this stage will pass soon. When I was pregnant I would picture me and my baby going for walks, jogs, shopping, anywhere to get out in the stroller and it would all be enjoyable for him and I. I had know idea that some babies hate the stroller. Its crazy too, I've got 3 different kind. Hopefully someday I'll use them. If you have any stories or advice I would love to hear. I know its not a huge deal, but its tough not being able to get out that much and the baby bjorn can be a killer on the back. If you think of it...and I feel wierd asking for prayer for this but why not, God cares about even the small things. Thanks:)

"Our Summer"

With Shane being a youth pastor his schedule was full of exciting, fun events with the kids. Here is a list of some of the things Shane got to do with his students this summer: White water rafting up at the American River in Sacremento, Hume Lake Christian camp with the Junior Highers, weekly poolsides on Wednesday and Thursday nights, Club Med where the kids and Shane meet up at a park and the kids learn how to spend a quite time with the Lord, paintballing, VBS, Magic Mountain, Beach days...I think the list could go on for awhile. I love it though...he has such a huge heart and I do as well to see the youth come to know Jesus Christ. We are so blessed to be where God has us...I could'nt imagine anything more perfect for us to be doing.

Well, other then the list I gave you...while Shane was out of town I made trips out to the O.C. to visit with friends and family. I got to visit with my good friend Erin who lives in Denmark with her husband Danny who is a professional soccer player and their two children Blake and Paige. I visited with my parents, my sister and nephews often. And one night we all went to the Fab Four Concert(a tribute band to the Beatles)and my nephews came out of the house wearing beatle shirts, they were so jazzed for the show...it was the cutest thing. My sister turned "30" and had a lot of exciting things happen with that, one of them I'll mention, going to New York with my mom and aunt sissy. I was bummed of course that I could'nt go, but I'll just have to wait till I am 30 and not nursing. Going to the beach a couple of times was great and I even got to surf, It was awesome:)Other then nursing, changing diapers, and soothing, this has been one of the best summers I have ever had. Having this little person and watching him now smile and coo, even his cry sometimes I can find to be kind of cute, nothing can compare. God is so good!

Motherhood

It has been such an awesome gift for Shane and I to get to know our little guy and watch him change and grow daily. I could have never had imagined how amazing it is being a mom. It is the best job in the world! It is so physically draining yet so fulfilling at the same time. I feel like I am living life in a different world now and through different lenses...it's definitely a big eye opener to how much my life really isn't mine anymore. I know it's ultimately God's, but Micah comes first before my needs. I don't think I realized it until I became one how selfless being a mother really is. If any of you have a mother out there thank her for mothering you. She gave so much of herself for you so that you would be happy, and have all your needs met and taken care of. There is nothing else I'd rather do. I praise God for the awesome gift he has given us!

The 4th of July

Every year my sister has a 4th of July block party on her street in old town. We BBQ brautwurst, cook up smores, the kids enjoy the water slide bounce house and sparklers, then in the evening we set off some fireworks. It was fun this year with Micah celebrating his first 4th! I know he won't remember much but it will be fun to bring out the old pics of his 1st 4th when he is older, and still then because he is a boy probably won't care...but I'm his mom, and I will make a big deal about every event that happens in his life :)

Micah's Aunties

Micah has two amazing aunts. Jenni who lives in old town Orange with her wife Seth and has three boys of her own. And another who lives in beautiful Longmont Colorado with her husband Jonathan. Just recently Auntie Shannon came down for her cousins wedding and Micah got to have some sweet time with her. On the 4th, aunt Jenni had a 4th of July block party and Micah got to take a little snooze in her arms. Micah loves his Aunties! He is a lucky boy!

Shane's First Wedding

On Friday June 22nd Shane had the honor and the privledge of conducting the marriage ceremony of his cousin Tara. It was a special day and Shane made it very special and personal for Tara and Danny. Family and friends couldn't believe it had been his first wedding. It was also a cool opportunity for him to share about God and his purpose for marriage. It was a beautiful day!