Life... it happens!

(us at Disney this past month)

 

So, its obvious and it goes without saying (but I'm gonna say it anyway) that I am horrible at this blogging thing!  I started it just to clear my head whenever I REALLY needed to get something off my chest or out where I can see it.  But I've blogged a little bit of this and a little bit of that, so this blog is not really about anything specific except for our life as a family.  That being said, here is an update on our family! 

We've grown by one!  Our beautiful little Liam was born in August 2012.  He's added so much love and joy and laughter to our house.  We love him as if he had always been there our whole lives!  Christian and he got off to a bumpy start.  Well Christiand did.  He didn't know how to share the spotlight.  So it was hard those first 3-4 months trying to find our balance and rhythm again.  Its not for weak I tell you!  Whenever Liam cried or we had to do anything specific to Liam, you can be sure Christian would be there in 2.3 seconds to say "Look what I can do!" and it would be something like spanking his own bum with a smile or jumping or whatever.  So weird.  lol!  But we finally got it under control and he understands that we have to do things for the baby, but he'll get his time too.  So here we are 10 MONTHS LATER!!!  Christian is the best little helper I could ask for.  He keeps Liam entertained when I need to grab something real quick in another room or he helps bring me stuff from the other rooms when I can't leave Liam on the changing table or what have you.  He also just finished his first year of Kindergarten.  And boy was that a rollercoaster!  New baby, new school, new structured day, he was not liking it.  He was bringing home bad reports weekly and we were at our wits end.  Finally, after a conference with his teacher, we decided to give positive reinforcement a chance.  And there is something to be said for that.  We decided to focus on his good days because it seemed, for him, bad attention was better than no attention.  Well, let me tell you, night and day in Christian's behavior.  His first reward was a family camp out in the living room, complete with fort, hot dogs, and smores.  From that week on until the end of the school year, not. one. bad. report.  NOT ONE.  Thats about 10 weeks worth.  I'm one super proud mama.. and now I've gotta get creative in the rewards dept...  Free and fun!  Its all they care about.  It works!  So now off to 1st grade he goes in the fall.  I can't believe it!  Also, small brag, he was the best reader in his class.  No big deal.  ;)

And then there's Liam.  Oh my goodness, I've fallen in love yet again. Yes I'm his mother, but I've got plenty of people reassuring me... HE'S SO CUTE!!!  He loves, loves, loves to laugh.  Always looking for the next thing or person who is going to amuse him.  Seriously, the kid cracks up at anything, lol!  Its pure joy!  I love it!  He also comes with his little temper though...  He hates changes.  He, of course, doesn't like to be told no.  He DEMANDS food.  Especially MY food.  He literally yells for the next spoonful.  He loves music though!  I mean, can you expect anything else from our children?!  He can't hear a beat or music without rocking.  I love it!  He will stop crawling to rock to music, lol!  I can't wait to see what he does music-wise.  Christian is already a singer.  A great ear, always in pitch.  Maybe Liam will play piano or drums!  But anyway, after waiting for 3 years for him, he's made us so happy!  What a little blessing he is!

As far as Fifo and I go, same old there!  Happy and healthy!  Working!  God is good. Fifo lost 50 lbs on weight watchers.  Actually, correction, he had already lost 20 lbs prior and got on WW and lost an additional 30 lbs.  I'm super proud of him!  He started playing football for our church'es flag football league.  His team made it to the "super bowl"!  Team G-Unit!  He's taken up playing racquetball again.  He's doing great.  He's kinda slowed down after football finished, but I'll know he'll get back in the saddle.  I lost all the baby weight and 10 lbs more.  WOOHOO!  Thank you breastfeeding, lol! My fear is once I stop nursing.  Speaking of, I've made it 10 months nursing Liam!  I'm super proud of that!  I barely made it 3 months with Christian.  I was bound and determined to make it work for Liam.  I didn't even keep formula around to fall back on.  I have nothing against forumla... except for the price!  But thank God Liam is a GREAT nurser.  I'm going for a year and probably start weaning then.  Its an amazing thing to experience.  I love the bond and the beauty of knowing I can provide for my son in that way. Unfortunately breastfeeding still has quite a bit of taboo with it.  Not sure why people give it such a "side-eye" but I feel sorry for those close-minded people.  I love it and it makes me sad to think our breast-feeding journey is near an end.  At the same time, I'll be happy to have my body back.

On the ministry front, Fifo and I are no longer youth leaders.  We were both so sad to see that part of our lives come to a close, but God has other plans for us.  We are being obedient and waiting.  :)  To clarify, it was nothing bad that we did, its just our future is on a different path.  Hopefully I'll be able to expand on that more in the near future.  For right now, Fifo is pursueing his ministers license!  And I am in limbo...  haha!  Its all good!  We are excited about "our garden" as pastor preached this past Sunday.  It wasn't easy to accept the fact that we weren't youth leaders anymore and to be honest we felt very lost and confused for a minute. But God is good and He's not brought us this far to let us down now!  So, on blind faith we go!  :)

And here I thought I had nothing to say...  haha! I don't know who I'm writing this for.  If I even have followers.  If I do they probably already know all this.  But oh well.  Its out there now.  I'm gonna try to post more regularly.  Shooting for once a week.  Believe it or not I haven't finished Liam's nursery and maybe this will be an incentive for me!  So I can show it off!  Now I'm excited!  Oh also I want to start doing "my week in pictures".  So that will be my next post! 

Alright, till next time peeps.  Love to all...  (sorry for typos, my fingers go faster than my brain).

Its been a while...

Well, its been a while since I posted a blog.  I just don't know what to write about I guess...  I feel kinda like I have writers block or like no one really wants to know what I'M thinking, haha.  But I put that aside and decided to just start typing and see what comes to come. 

First and foremost, an update.. I'M PREGNANT!  And I'm due in 10 wks!  That was fast! :)  I've been meaning to make a formal announcement on here for forever and then time just slipped away and then it just seemed silly.  But here it is anyway.  Here is the cute way we made the announcement:

I cannot take credit for it though!  I found the idea on Pinterest (best website ever!) and then had Fifo recreate it for me.  So yes, we are expecting #2.  Its a boy!  We're gonna have 2 rambunctious boys around the house driving me nuts!  I can see it already...  Is my eye twitching??  Haha!  All that aside, I am so grateful for my precious miracle growing inside me.  I didn't think I would be able to have a baby again, without infertility treatments.  But God is good!  He healed my body and we got pregnant on our own after 3 years of trying, 2 miscarriages, and a diagnoses of Diminished Ovarian Reserve (not many eggs left).  I wouldn't wish that emotional rollercoaster on anyone. But I know there is a purpose for everything.  I have been sharing my testimony to whoever wants to hear.  I told God that when He healed me I would shout if from the rooftops and tell whoever wanted to hear.  To Him I give all the Glory.  I am not ashamed of my story.  Its part of my testimony.  So Aug 27th we welcome our miracle baby boy, Liam Isaac.  Christian is beyond excited.  He talks about all the ways he's going to help out and how he's going to share his toys with Liam.  What a sweet boy. 

Oh here I am at 29 wks (7 mo, 3 wks) just yesterday.

So not much else going on in the Velazquez household, except work, church, and getting ready for a new baby, which I haven't done much of.  Its amazing how more laid back you are with #2.  Baby furniture has been sitting in the baby room, unassembled, since we moved into our new place.  I couldn't (wouldn't) do anything until I picked out bedding, so that's why that was on hold.  But I finally picked out a pattern for the bumper and now I can finally pick out paint.  Then we can put the furniture together.  And I can finally go through the boxes upon boxes of baby clothes and put those away.  Now to find the motivation and energy... 

Anyway, I'm sure I'll have lots more adventures to post about once baby gets here!  Its been almost 6 years since I had a newborn..  :)  So, just keep us in your prayers.  I know God has great things in store for us!

Family photo session

Here is a sweet family I had the pleasure of taking pictures of earlier this year and they called me back for more!  I guess I did good.

This little girl is a total doll and should be a model!  A very curious 6 year old, as they all are.  The older brother has the "smolder" down pat.  Watch out girls!  And mom, she's a timeless beauty and sweet to boot!  So taking their pictures is a fun and not work at all!  Can't wait to work with them again in the future.

Here are some of my favorites from their photo session...

Less money, more memories...

So my last post was about how I wasn't stressed about money and I was in a good place.  Man, did I get emotionally attacked after that.  I started feeling really depressed about our financial sitation.  Not because we can't make ends meet, but because we can't provide what we want for our son.  We can't just get up and go and do whatever we want and eat where ever we want.  It hit hard mostly because of the Christmas season that's here and how we're only going to be able to get my son 1 gift.  We're going to forgo gifts for each other (Fifo and I) and make it 1 GOOD gift.  But still.  While I see others out shopping till they drop on black Friday, I am out grocery shopping cause that's what all I have money for - and thank God for that!  So Fifo and I were really depressed and finding it very hard to get into the Christmas spirit.  Feeling very sorry for myself and our financial situation I vented with some good friends of mine.  And can I just say, I thank God for them?  I do!  They didn't tell me I was being ungrateful.  They didn't tell me there are people who had nothing.  What they did was give me (HUGS) and tell me that even though we didn't have the money, we still could make wonderful Christmas memories.  They offered great suggestions on things that were free or cheap that we can do.  How we can create new memories.  And I did just that!  I sent Fifo a text that said:
Things to get us into the Christmas spirit that are free or cheap:

- Christmas movie night

- Making our own decorations with Christian

- Making Christmas cookies

- Decorating the house while playing Christmas music

- Look for events around town

We have to remember that Christmas isn't about us or the money and enjoy the holiday season.

He texted me back and said "Let's decorate tonight!"  And it was an awesome night.  We put on some good Christmas music and decorated.  I made some hot chocolate and Christian had an absolute blast.  He even put some decorations in his room.  He was SO excited!  So here we were, feeling sorry for ourselves when our son doesn't even know what is happening.  Thank God for their innocence.  He was happy just to help decorate.  We have planned to get a small tree this weekend and decorate that.  We also have planned a cookie baking night with my family.  I'm hoping to finally see my favorite Christmas movie, A Muppet Christmas Carol, if Christian would just indulge me!  haha...  But its just small things that helps us. 

So, another lesson learned...  Christmas is more about the memories and less about the money.  I'm going to try to make it all about memories. 

To all my friends and family...

I hope you have a wonderful thanksgiving day and you eat to your hearts content.  I have so many things to be thankful for.  God is so good to us!  And I know next year will be better!  Love you all!

We have persevered...

“As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.” James 5:11

This verse has really hit home to me lately. We started out the year pretty shaky. We moved out of my parent’s house in March and were back on our own. Fifo was working part time doing graphics from home and it wasn’t a steady income. Then he was getting no work. He had to go back to work full time at a company. I was so nervous about our situation. I carried such tension in my neck. I was breaking out on my face. I was living in complete stress. About 2 months ago we had a preacher come to our church and his message was about Financial Wellness. About our God’s Economy vs Our Economy. And he named off verse after verse of how God wants to bless us. How God will NEVER let us down. He delights in blessing us. He said he doesn’t remember one time he was without. And it was like a light bulb turned on in my head. I knew that already, but I didn’t believe it. I decided then and there not to stress over our money anymore. I refused to be sucked in by those numbers AGAIN. And you know, we haven’t been overflowing with money, but one way or another we have enough to buy food for our family and a roof over our heads. We may not have enough to go out to eat all the time and my shopping is pretty non-existent, but God has been good to us. We are blessed. And more recently I have had this feeling that a BIG blessing is on its way. Like I’m excited cause I feel it! I have no idea what it is or when it’ll come, but it’s coming and soon! 2011 may not have been the best year, but it served its purpose. We aren’t the same people we were a year ago. We’re growing and learning and trusting in God. I hope and pray my photography takes off this next year. (Help me pray for that!) and that Fifo finds a job where he is happy. I’m thankful for 2011, but I look forward to what 2012 has to offer us! Or rather, what Jesus has to offer us in 2012!

Here is the preaching if you want to hear it:
"God's Economy vs Our Economy."
http://sc.fhview.com/sc_customplayer/seriesitems/1/114821

Photography

So... I started doing photography!  I've been doing it for about a year or so now. My husband bought me my first DSLR 2 years ago for my birthday.  I was very intimidated by that thing, haha!  But I finally took a couple classes to help me understand my camera and how to work it and I LOVE it!  I can't go back!  So anyway, my original intent for my camera was just to take nice pictures of my son and the things I love.  Well... that turned into "I want to do this all the time!".  While I cannot quit my job and just go shoot people (ha!) everyday, I am doing it as a side thing for now.  I have no plans to go full-time, but who knows what the future holds.  So you will be seeing more photography posts from me on here, besides our everyday life posts.  I'll probably start with past photoshoots that I've done, just to share with y'all.

So with that said, let me show you a recent photoshoot I did for some close friends of ours who just had their third baby, a beautiful boy!  He is an angel and did very well for his first photoshoot!  :)  I also got some pictures with his rambunctious and adorable older sisters.  They made for a fun and interesting day!  PS, this was my first "newborn" shoot and I was nervous.  But, oh what fun!  And I get to hold that bundle of love and breath him in.  <3  Now that's a perk!

So, without further ado, the Turner kids.... 

Letting go.

Letting go of something I want SO badly, with all that I am, is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.  EVER.  How do I do that?  How do I just let go?  Everyone is telling you wait, hope, don’t give up.  But everything is against me; even time.  And when time and time again nothing happens, it hurts.  It hurts so much.  Never in my life did I ever think I would be HERE; never crossed my mind.  I’m so sick of tears.  I’m sick of heartache.  I’m sick of emotions.  I just want to let go.  But at the same time, I’m afraid to.  Which is why I’m stuck in this emotional roller coaster of torture.  Sometimes I momentarily forget.  I smile.  I’m good.  But it consumes me.  Unless you've been there, you won't fully understand.  I want to let go, but I can’t.  And what does this all say about me???  Do I not believe enough??  I don’t have faith enough??  Is the answer a “no”?  Because if it is, I just want  P E A C E.  Peace that surpasses all understanding.  

Not a fake movement

Its been a while. I just haven't felt like posting. But I'm feeling stirred today...

God is doing something in these last days that you don't want to miss out on! Don't get me wrong, there is and will be devastation, famine, disease, and so much more.

"But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by. Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven." Luke 21:9-11

But He also said there would be an out pouring of His spirit like never before seen!!

"And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:" Acts 2:17.

I want to be a part of that! But not just me, I want everyone who can and wants to, to be a part of that!! Its not meant for me alone! It's not meant for the "saints" who have been in church for 50 years already.... Its not about US!!! Every ear needs to hear this. Every eye needs to see. Every spirit needs to experience it! I've tasted and I've seen that GOD IS GOOD! I want YOU to taste and see! I want you to EXPERIENCE it! This is no fake movement. This is real. And its now. Don't miss out and don't say I didn't tell you so! Love you guys!! You haven't heard the last from me yet...

Updates...

Lots of new adventures going on in our lives!

First, Fifo decided to venture out on his own and start a graphics business and also go into the cleaning business with my mother. It's a leap of faith, but we have full trust in God that both of these business will take off! He already has 2 accounts that are using him regularly for graphics. And today they got their first call for the cleaning business! See, the blessings are pouring in already!

Second, we are trying to find a house... this is the hardest thing! It's so hard to wait on God's timing. Do we do our own part? Do we get out there and look for a house ourselves or do we wait for something to fall in our laps? Ack! I just want a place of my own. That's it.

On the Christian front, he turned 4 in December and is a little smart aleck! I wonder where he gets it from....? I cannot believe he's going to start VPK (voluntary Prekindergarten) in the fall. Where did the time go? For now he continues in daycare, but his daycare lady does an amazing job with him! He is writing his numbers and his letters. He already knows how to spell and write his name. He loves for us to read him books. He's very active and loves all sports, in our backyard of course. I'm telling ya, he's a smart kid!

On the ministry front, we've been very busy with our church youth group and our church music. But God is so good. He continues to pour out His spirit and showing himself strong in our church. We are seeing lives changed. What an awesome thing to be a part of. We are being tested, that's for sure. But trying to steer through it all and see what is God's will and what is not. But just continue to pray for the Velazquez family as we continue on in our journey to Glory!! It's not without it's trials...