Touch and Feel Baby Animals

Paul LOVES animals and especially his puppy dog Oreo. Above is a picture of my sweet boy giving Oreo a kiss yesterday. I just put him down for his nap and he simply had to kiss all the animals goodnight in his book Touch and Feel Baby Animals. He would name the animal first, then make its sound and then kiss it and turn the page and so on and so on. Baby rabbit, elephant, duck, calf and monkey. He is not asleep yet as I can hear him in his room talking..really counting. Too funny! For some reason he sometimes skips eight....

Last Friday night and Saturday I attended a Catholic Women's Conference here in San Antonio. It was well worth the $45 and I will go again next year and take friends. The speakers were awesome and the simple fact of being with all these awesome faith filled women was fabulous. My oxytocin level was way up there!! I want to write a complete and separate entry about the conference. I plan to do that this weekend...God willing! I do wish to write a few encouraging and fun things one speaker brought to our attention. Who were the STRONG ones at the feet of Jesus when he was dying on the cross? -- the WOMEN! And who did Jesus first speak to when he arose from the dead?--a WOMAN-Mary Magdalene. And as 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, "Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, as indeed you do." GIRL POWER Sisters! Keep on keepin on!

As I mentioned before, we are studying the Book of Revelation in CSS this semester. Personally, I have never been fearful of the last book in the bible. I believe too many people and possibly the media types attempt to portray the Book of Revelation as one to fear. Before starting this bible study, my knowledge/thoughts on it: 1. shows is the darkest reality of evil and 2. teaches us the meaning of life..3. teaches us to deeply worship the Lord and follow His Word..4. to stand firm in your faith...5. cause if you don't have the faith, repent and live a solid Christian life....you will succumb to the Devil. In our reading for next week it discusses that this book of the bible was meant to strengthen, encourage and instruct God's persecuted people. It was intended as a promised future. I do wish to share one lesson I read today regarding THE LORD'S DAY: An invitation by Him to hear His word in Holy Scripture. The Lord's Day (Sunday) is meant to be freedom from work, rush, hectic life, noisiness, and speed; freedom to experience the spiritual part of us; to allow God's spirit to speak to ours. Matthew Chapter 5 says, "bear witness to Jesus who alone can save." Let your life during the week, after such a Lord's Day, "shine before all that they may see goodness in you and give honor to your Father in heaven."

Another busy weekend coming to the Niño household. Danny has a big exam Friday night. Saturday brings us MANY chores and an evening out with Holy Trinity Brothers and Sisters. And on Sunday, we're hosting our monthly Teams of Our Lady (http://www.teamsofourlady.org/) meeting here in our home at 5pm. Not to be forgotten---it is also Ministry weekend at our parish and will be working the Teams of Our Lady table after 9:30 mass. Whew.....and maybe a meal or two along the way!

Peace be with you!

Healing Service

Hi gang! Each month at our parish a ministry hosts an event to help celebrate 20 years as a parish community. I am a Stephen Minister and we are holding a healing/prayer service tonight at 7pm! We will be reading scripture pertaining to four areas: faith, healing, peace and forgiveness. Songs will be sung and then four corners will be available for people to visit so they can share what is on their heart and receive a blessing and prayer. I am in the forgiveness corner. I am looking forward to this event. We don't know how many people will show up..I hope a lot! It's all good in the hood and I pray people take advantage of this holy and blessed service. Paul is now napping and I am going to pray and get mentally prepared so that the Holy Spirit can fill me and give me the words to help people. The scripture for tonight's reflection are as follows: Philippians 4: 4 & 7, John 14:27, 2 Thessalonians 3:16, John 16:33, Luke 17: 3-4

Dear Lord, I will open my heart to You. And I thank You, God, for Your love, for Your peace, for Your forgiveness, and for Your Son. Amen.

Deciphering the Book of Revelation

This morning was the first day of CSS (Catholic Scripture Study) aka Bible Study. We are tackling the last book of the bible...the Book of Revelation. My small group leaders are a fabulous couple...Carolin and Bernie Denisio. I anticipate an interesting road ahead. Revelation is considered one of the most controversial and difficult books of the Bible, with many diverse interpretations of the meanings of the various names and events in the account. Pope Benedict said to read the Book of Revelation as Christ's victory over evil. The pope said that while Revelation is permeated by continual references to sufferings and trials, it is equally marked by expressions of praise and exultation, which represent "the luminous side of history."

Tonight -- Girls Night Out. We tried a new place and it was very yummy! Nine of us lovely ladies attended and had many laughs. Here's to the eight fabulous women, who left the kids and husband at home, and made it safely to the restaurant. You're marvelous and I look forward to another evening together. I appreciate your company!

I leave you with a little inspiration (hopefully).

"God delights to meet the faith of one who looks up to Him and says, "Lord, You know that I cannot do this---but I believe that You can!"

Amy Carmichael

Lock Up Your Daughters

It's official..my son is a ladies man. At MOPS this morning my friend Gina was checking on her daughter Brenna (who is also 2 and in Paul's classroom for MOPS and Pre School) and I asked her..was Paul doing ok? Her reply..something like, "yes, the care giver was telling him to get off a little girl!" Now keep in mind...he was not hurting her, but messing around. YIKES! All I can do is laugh. Can you hear me at the playground or a playgroup.."Paul, it's not polite to lie on top of a little girl." or "Paul, please remove your body so it is not attached to Caroline's.." Oh My goodness....and he hasn't even hit puberty..or maybe he has.... hmmmm

Real quick before I head to bed...check out cute kid and baby t-shirts with really cool sayings. www.cafepress.com Here are some of the funny t's your kiddos can wear:

Don't look at me

that smell is coming

from my Daddy

Dude, your girlfriend

keeps checking me out!

Does this diaper

make my butt

look big?

Playground Pimp

My Mom's a hottie

Mommy drinks

because I cry

The two's aren't terrible,

I'm having a blast!

So many more..so browse and pick your favorite! Enjoy.

September is half over....oh my

I read a cute quote on a local restaurant's website yesterday and wanted to share it..

"All you need is POSITIVITY!" - The Spice Girls

Last night was a gathering of some ACTS sisters at Marge's house. The food, drinks and fellowship were all fabulous! Thank you to Marge for opening up her lovely home. It was a grand time. As usual, I enjoyed talking with a few of the children. Debra's two little ones are 7 and 3 1/2. They are both sweet and fun to be around. And Marge has 2 older sons. Evan seems to be more talkative than Ryan. Again, being around teens makes me dream of teaching high school again one day. But where were Sisters Julie and Mary?! I thought they were coming to the party.....maybe they were tired from working hard all week.....

Paul and I took Miss Oreo this morning to have her nails trimmed. It was kinda cute when they took Oreo in the back at Rob Cary..Paul cried and was rather upset about Oreo being taken away. She was gone all of 5 minutes or so..and when they returned her to us..he lit up and said..."there she is...my puppy dog!" He then proceeded to hug and pat her. It was so dang cute!

Can you believe that September is half over?! Halloween will be here before you know it!

Check out the really cool educational toys at http://www.learningresources.com/ I purchased some pretend ice cream cones with different color "scoops" to assist Paul with learning colors. Santa may be bringing a few of these items... Paul knows blue, yellow, red, orange, green, purple, pink and is learning white, brown and black. I am trying to teach him to say Texas for the color orange and Kansas for the color red! Is that wrong?!!!

I need to go play with Paul before he has some lunch and a nap. Peace be with all of you today and the rest of the weekend!

Theme for today..in our house anyway: PATIENCE

Dear Father God, I am encouraged when I think of your patience, and of your unfailing love. Help me to be patient---with people (like Paul), with circumstances, even with myself. Amen.

Somebody Stop Me....

My entry two times ago talked about shoes and the fashion fanatic. I like to think of myself as a fashionista. One of the all time greatest fashionistas I have ever known is my beautiful (inside and out!) friend Courtney. She is a size 4....after 2 kids. Moving on....Courtney recently wore some really killer silver heels with a peep toe and a buckle. I assumed she purchased them at Saks Fifth Avenue or Nieman Marcus...but NO...some inexpensive shoe store in North Star Mall..upstairs by the food court. So, you know what happened next.... Paul was at pre-school today and off I went..after exercising of course. VOILA....found the store and there they were. Don't tell Courtney I bought the same pair! The best part...$21!!!! Want to see a picture of them?! Let me know and I will post one. They are way cute and I do love them. I might have to wear them with some sexy jeans to the Happy Hour event in October for my 20th high school reunion. So maybe if my shoes are killer..people won't look at my chunky thighs or belly. :-) Ha Ha Ha

Had lunch with one of my many church friends today..Ms. JoAnne. She is the parish receptionist and do it all kind of gal. We're also ACTS sisters, EM buddies and Stephen Ministers together. The only neg thing about her..her hubby Bob..went to K-State..and if you didn't know..I attended and graduated from Kansas.

Girls Night Out was fun..as usual. Four of us gals met at El Mirasol on Blanco. Yup...you guessed it..Mexican food!! Yummy! I enjoy their salsa a lot ..and cold beer!

I need to eat some dinner and do some things around here before bed. My plan....hit the hay early...like 9:30. Wish me luck that I can get some much needed sleep tonight.

Cheers!

Birthday Dinner, Sports and more of Paul..of course

Howdy ya'll! That's Texas talk for hello friends....

We had a nice weekend. Saturday night was dinner with lots of friends at Bravo Cuccina Italiano to celebrate Danny's birthday. It is this Thursday, but he leaves for a men's retreat that day and will be gone all weekend. The evening provided excellent food, fellowship and fun! Many thanks to Terrence and Rhonda for paying for our meals. That was awfully kind and generous of you two and we thank you much! Damn..I should have had a another cocktail! :-)
The manager, Jesse, attended the same high school as Danny, Darren, Mike and Diane (all in attendance for dinner.) He is a very nice man and also very generous. He sent over a tier of 3 divine and delicious desserts and 11 plates! His treat for the bday boy and his gang! All I can say is YUMMY for Susan's tummy! Little Miss Caroline (age 2) enjoyed the tiramisu....must be the alcohol..she is IRISH!

I do need to mention (or maybe I shouldn't jinx it) that Master Paul has been sleeping a lot lately. Thursday night was a late night b/c I had a meeting at church and Danny has CFP class every Thurs..so Paulie did not get to bed until 10pm. However, he slept until 11:30am Friday! And he slept 12 hours Fri and 12 1/2 hours Sat night. Mommy is wearing him out!! AMEN!

Exciting news---Danny's childhood friend and now mine..and Paul's Godfather, Mike, is going to attend the Men's ACTS retreat this weekend. Danny is on team (again) and we are thrilled that Mike has decided to go!! He is ready and I know that timing is everything and God will let you know when it is your time to go....thankfully, Mike was listening. :-)

For my sports buddies out there....Texas, A&M (barely) pulled out a win and my alma mater...Kansas..painfully destroyed SE Louisiana...62-0! Rock Chalk Jayhawk baby! Moving to the PGA---Sixty is Nifty for Tiger Woods. He won his 60th major...and all at only 31 years of age! This is really quite an accomplishment. NFL over the weekend-- well, my favorite teams include Kansas City(lost), Detroit(won), Houston(beat Kansas City), St. Louis (lost), Indianapolis (won) and Tennessee (won)! And Halle Berry is 3 months pregnant. Not married however, but nonetheless..with child.

One more sport..I love MLB too! My Cardinals are the defending champions from 2006! American League East--Red Sox are on top. AL-Central...we have the Cleveland Indians on top. AL-West..LA Angels. National League East--the Mets..YUCK! NL-Central..close race between Milwaukee, Cubs and Cardinals! GO RED! NL West--Arizona Diamondbacks.

Before signing off for the night, I would like to complete my entry for today with some inspiring, encouraging words.

Choose to be happy! Happiness is a choice. We each have the power

to choose whether we will live a life filled with happiness or a life that’s thwart with pain and fear. Make a choice today. Start putting the pieces in place to live a happy, productive and faith fulfilled life.

And I hope this scripture verse empowers you like it has empowered me the last 5 days!

John 16:33 "I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world." AMEN

Fashion Fanatic

Do you know who Stacey London is? She is the second half who hosts What Not To Wear on TLC. I love that show and have gotten Danny into it as well. A couple of Sunday's ago, I was flipping channels and came upon a new show called Fashion Fanatic..hosted by Stacey London.
Her new series on TLC takes her excitement for fashion design and craftsmanship to the next level. The first (maybe only?) episode I viewed featured "shoes & handbags"...asking: just what is the difference between a shoe that costs $80 and one that costs $800? It has to do with the balance and engineering. Yes, those kicks ain't just pretty, they're engineered...feel special. But Stacy London is REALLY special, she got to go to the Salvatore Ferragamo workshop and actually create this engineering first-hand. How cool is that?

Stacey also visited the "podiatrist to the stars" in New York who charges $500 a session to help alleviate the pain of wearing high heels. First thing the good doctor says is "Did you know that for every step you take you put three times your body weight on the soles of your feet?" Why no, doctor, I didn't know that... Hmmm. That explains a thing or two.

And for those of you reading this are saying..who is this Stacey person anyway and what does she know?! A LOT!! She's smart, savvy (try Phi Beta Kappa from Vassar!) However, I think Danny would fall over dead if I spent $800 on a single pair of shoes. So, I went hunting for a shoe I could purchase that is both stylish, trendy and comfortable. And voila--I found one at Nine West for a mere $80. Metallic high heel with an ounce or two of sass! Oh yeah....

Moving on...Paul started pre school this week and his first day did not go very well. He is there now and I am waiting for the phone to ring..please don't ring..please don't ring...please don't ring. I think I prayed all day and all night and all morning that he would have a better day. I am working on some items and meeting my friend Jessica and her new baby boy for lunch. I am excited to see them and meet Master Cristian Alejandro Martinez. I bet he is way cute!

And finally.....each day I am striving to see how God is working in my life. There is a workbook titled Experiencing God...Knowing and Doing the Will of God by Henry T. Blackaby, which I am using. Beware, there is also a book, but this is a workbook and it is not easy, but well worth the time. I highly recommend it to all. Here are a few snippets from the beginning of my homework...
1. God is always at work around you.
2. God pursues a continuing love relationship with you that is real and personal.
3. God invites you to become involved with Him in His work.
4. God speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer, circumstances, and the church to reveal Himself, His purposes, and His ways.
5. God's invitation for you to work with Him always leads you to a crisis of belief that requires faith and action.
6. You must make major adjustments in your life to join God in what He is doing.
7.You come to know God by experience as you obey Him and He accomplishes His work through you.

Not easy right?! So pray for me please as I press on.....

Hugs compadres!

Bestest Husband

Many of you know that I have a super husband. Well, yesterday he allowed me lie down around 12:45 (when Paul was going down for his nap) and I fell asleep in about 15 min and basically napped for almost 5 hours! And while I was asleep he swept and mopped the kitchen and laundry room floor. I will hire him out..but he does not come cheap! Upon waking from a nice long slumber, it was time to get ready for a night out. My friend Courtney invited us to Mad Dogs to celebrate her sister's 30th birthday. Jennifer and Ryan came over at 7:30 to be with the lad. He seemed happy to see them..so going out the door went well. The party was fun. I finally got to meet Courtney's sister and Dad. Ed is a character and very handsome. He and Danny enjoyed talking a little football. I enjoyed visiting with everyone and especially Courtney and her lovely Mom. I would have stayed longer..and Ms. Courtney wanted us too, but the sitters needed to get home, so we arrived back at the homestead at 11pm.

Our friend Philip came over this morning at 9am to help Danny finish putting together Paul's play set in the backyard. Danny hurt his back last weekend trying to complete the task and so I recruited Mr. Philip to assist. After an hour---all done! Can you believe it? It took hours and hours to put this thing together. I will post a picture of it this week! However, it is raining this afternoon, so Paul will have to wait...ho hum. Thank you Philip for getting out early on a holiday to help us. You're the best and we love you!

Danny then mowed and trimmed the front and back, while I was doing dishes and laundry..oh and feeding and playing with our little boy. He is napping now...since 1pm..so we have 2 hours under our belt. I feel that when he gets at least 2 hours, he is a happier boy and I am a happier Mommy for the rest of the day! Danny would like to go to Rudy's BBQ for an early dinner. Anyone interested?!

Tonight I have to get Paul's backpack ready for school. His first day of pre-school is tomorrow--9am is dropoff. And this prob happens all over, but I had no idea. To assist the kiddos in getting used to school and to ease separation anxiety, all we (parents) do is drive up, hold up our child's custom made sign (with color and animal to show which class) and his teacher opens the car door and gets him out of the car seat and away they go. I don't even have to get out. And when I pick him up at 2..same thing. Drive up and the teacher gets Paul in and strapped in and we're off! How cool is that?! Way cool in my book! Does that happen all over????

Did I already mention his class name is the BEARS?! Pretty neat since Paul just recently got into bears..from our Michigan trip and being with Grandma and Grandad. There are 7 boys and 4 girls in his class. Thank goodness for Ms. Charisse and Ms. Laura. Go get 'em gals!

I end this post with a few helpful reminders from His book...these came in an email from my dear friend Pam.
You say: "It's impossible."
God says: "All things are possible." Luke 18:27

You say: "It's not worth it."
God says: "It will be worth it." Romans 8:28

You say: "I can't imagine."
God says: "I will supply all your needs." Philippians 4:19

You say: "I'm afraid."
God says: "I have not given you a spirit of fear." 2 Timothy 1:7

You say: "I am always worried and frustrated."
God says: "Cast all your cares on Me." 1 Peter 5:7

May your life be full of peace, prosperity and power. Seek a closer relationship with God. He is waiting for you.....

Sept. 1 - David vs. Goliath

Anyone who really knows me and is reading this will not be surprised with my excitement as we begin college football season..which only brings us closer to college basketball season too. Ranked #5 in the country, the Michigan Wolverines (M GO BLUE!) welcomed division II foe Appalachian State. The little Mountaineers pulled off one of the greatest upsets in college football history in the final seconds of the game. Appalachian State 34, No. 5 Michigan 32. Unbelievable! You might ask..where is Appalachian State? I bet over 100,000 fans in the MI stadium were asking the same question. The team from Boone, N.C., took the lead with 26 seconds left when Julian Rauch kicked a 24-yard field goal. Corey Lynch blocked a 37-yard try on the final play, and the Mountaineers sealed a jaw-dropping upset that might have no equal. As I type this entry, Texas (Danny's Alma Mater) is playing Arkansas State and my Alma Mater, Kansas, is hammering Central Michigan in the fourth quarter. ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK baby!

For all my girlfriends---I will move on. :-) Today is my sister-in-law Alleson's 39th birthday. She is married to my brother Tom and they live in Littleton, CO. Above is a picture of her and my brother and Miss Lauren (age 6). This photo was taken on Aug. 15 in Hawaii. Alleson's sister Marsha married John (finally!) I think they have been together for 9 years. Marsha and John are fun to be around and very sweet people. They live in Ft. Collins, CO. It was a lovely afternoon in Maui for the big event! Marsha was a beautiful bride!

I am off to read a little and then sleep....adios folks.