its been tough.

I haven't abandoned the blogging world. In fact I think I enjoy writing so much I don't think I would ever abandon my "soap box". However, I have had many plates to balance over the last few weeks. I take that back, I have been balancing plates for a pretty long while now. I think over the last few months some where along the way I dropped a plate or two and it caused some major chaotic messes in my life.

I'm struggling with things, in all honesty. Without more detail than that.... I ask for you to pray for me and my family.

I will leave it at that.

Today after church my little girl threw the biggest fit I have seen of her yet. She is in a screaming phase. A VERY loud screaming phase and a "mine" phase. Everything is hers.

Today she wanted to ride in a friends car with the other kids as were were all headed to lunch together. She couldn't as she didn't have an extra car seat. I had to use every ounce in me that I could to get Morgan into her car seat. It took me probably a good two minutes or so to wrestle with her to get into the car seat. At first I was laughing and couldn't believe my very eyes. With in a moments time I stopped laughing and realized this isn't that funny anymore. I went from laughing, to annoyed to trying to take a deep breath to crying myself really fast. I gathered my composure and just continued to do what needed to be done in that very moment. Getting Morgan to calm down and in the car seat.

Finally, I got the snaps between her legs buckled and I begin to drive. She is jerking her body around, scream and crying as loud at her little voice and lungs would let her. I tried to void out her scream with some music, but the pierce of her scream just hit such nerves in my ears I couldn't help but cringe.

At the light I decided I would grab a little mini clip and video record her screaming the way she was. Is all of this really over wanting to ride in the other car my sweet girl?

I get to the place we were meeting at and I walk in, she begins to throw a fit again about her shoes bothering her. This girl and her shoes. I am telling you, I am in so much trouble and she isn't even two yet. I take the shoes off, she screams. I put the shoes on, she screams. Like many things in life, I can't win. As she begins to cry and scream inside the restaurant, I just looked at my friend standing in line waving at me, shook my head in a no motion and said I have to got home.

And I left.

My son stayed with her as he wanted to have a playdate with her son. He felt bad for mommy and decided he wanted to bring me a burrito for lunch anyway. So by the time I get home, Morgan screamed herself to sleep. I sat in my chair eating a cold sandwich in the quietness of my home and my little boy dropped of my burrito, that will now be tonight's dinner.

I love my children and my friends. I am blessed.

But these past two months of my life ..... its be tough.

Yet, this little girl of mine, no matter how many fits she throws or the tears she makes me shed. She also makes my life full, content and happy. I just smile looking at this little face of hers.

I love you baby girl.

but you promised.

I am back from a long weekend in Toronto and boy is my 'blog post' list getting long. As I am constantly thinking of things I want to blog about. While I update pictures from the trip, unpack all this dirty laundry and get my ears unplugged from all the flying. I wanted to share this.

I am a fan of Rick Warren's. There are many that are not. That's okay. Rick Warren isn't for everyone, just as toasted peanut butter and jelly sandwiches aren't for everyone.

Oh, I guess I am hungry....and boy does a toasted peanut butter and jelly sandwich sound good right about now.

I often find myself in these kinds of traps....and I have to consistently remind myself to not fall into them. Its easier to get in, than to get out.

Here is what Rick Warren wrote today.

It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows. Proverbs 20:25 (NIV)

Have you ever ...

... promised to deliver by a set date and later regretted it?
... volunteered for a job you had no idea would take so long?
... agreed to a deal that looked great but wasn't?
... accepted an invitation you wish you hadn't?

Eventually, we all learn by experience a basic law of life: It's always easier to get in than get out! The Bible says, "It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows." (Proverbs 20:25, NIV)

There are three common commitment traps:

• The Money Trap -- It's always easier to get into debt than out of debt! It's always easier to borrow than to pay it back.

• The Partnership Trap -- It's always easier to get into a partnership, or a relationship, than to get out of one!

• The Time Trap -- It's always easier to fill your schedule than to fulfill it! You can get so many irons in the fire that you put out the fire!

The solution: remember what the Bible says; don't make rash vows.

In other words, choose your commitments carefully; think before you speak; under-promise and over-deliver. With this, you'll build a reputation as a person of your word.

(Don't get trapped!)

A FREE gift for all of you {No strings attached!}

Here is the deal.

CanvasPeople.com want to get a FREE 8x10 Photo Canvas in every home. Their only dream, is to spread their name by example of their own product. What better way to spread the word than to offer out a FREE 8x10 Photo Canvas to every home? There isn't.

A friend of mine already received her FREE photo canvas and loves it. I just placed my order in today, and am looking forward to it's arrival.

You feel left out now don't you?

Well, not anymore. Here is a personal gift certificate to YOU from ME, for FREE {no strings attached!}

Just click here and it will take you straight to the website for you are to upload your picture and place your order. The ONLY thing you have to cover for is shipping. Mine was only $14.00. Not bad. I know some of you will see them asking for a credit card number will freak out and turn away. DON'T DO THAT!

Be sure to pay attention to the size that your photo must be in order to get the best quality on the canvas. Have fun with it and treat yourself, a friend or a love one with this free gift.

Don't forget Valentines is around the corner! So take advantage of this huge offer. I'll share mine once is arrives and I plan on going back and ordering more.

Here is your FREE GIFT CERTIFICATE FROM ME! Enjoy!!!

the best and worst date ever.....

Last week, Mark was called to a meeting at last minute out of town. Hunter was with his dad, leaving just the girls home alone together.

It ended up being such a fun peaceful time, just us girls. We ran errands together. We played, read books and made little videos. Anything that could be done in the home since it's been high 30's here in Sunny Florida for about two weeks now.

Finally, I decided I was in the mood to get out of the house and go on a dinner date with my baby girl.

Ruby Tuesday was the nearest thing to where we live that sounded good and child friendly. Off we went.

Get there it ends up being a half hour wait, so I thought about saying 'forget it' and head to subway instead.

But.... you know how it is when you get something in your mind that sounds good. Its hard to turn away and redirect yourself. I was in the mood for their Ruby Mini Burgers. I drove around the parking lot a couple of times really debating my options.

A) Do I wait with a toddler for that long and risk a chance of a possible melt down and a miserable dinner night with her?

or

B) Head to subway, walk around Wal-Mart and entertain ourselves.

Ruby Mini Burgers pulled the hardest and won.

We put our name on the list and found a place to let a toddler run around as much as possible until our name was called. Another couple came in with their 18 month older daughter Maggie. Morgan quickly made a friend and being the organized parents they were, brought snacks. Maggie was happy to share with Morgan. Thank you, Maggie.

The wait actually went by fast. We waited about 15 minutes. So that wasn't bad.

We were quickly seated to our booth, just me and my girl.

We already knew what we wanted and placed our order the moment our waitress came to the table. My thought was 'the quicker I order, the quicker it comes out and I get to eat before my daughter gets bored or tired, with a meltdown on top.'

So we ordered..... grilled cheese buns sandwich for Morgan. Don't even ask about that. I order my mini burgers.

It had to be the quickest and the easiest order in that entire room.

We wait....

We wait some more.....

Finally, I ask for something to hold Morgan over as she is starting to get a little bored.

They bring her a bowl of mashed potatoes, in which she really loved. While demanding she feed herself. Could they have given her a bigger spoon? The waitress obviously didn't have children.

That buys a few minutes.

We continue to wait....

Then, I break out the phone, and let her watch a little Wizard of Oz previews on YouTube. Are you surprised by her choice in Wizard of Oz. In which she now says "boz" for Oz.

"Mommy, Boz. Boz."

She is really into this saying "cheese" thing when she sees a camera. When she sees a camera now, she says "cheese" almost as if she thinks the camera is called "cheeeeese!" HA!

She picked up my cell phone and she put it up to her face and said "cheeeese!"

Finally, our waitress brings her 'grilled cheese buns' and tells me that they made mine wrong and so she is having them remade.

Ugh... how hard can it be to make mini burgers plain with just cheese??? Really?

Finally, she brings out my plate. Morgan and I say our prayer and as I touched my mini burgers, I realize they're COLD! Not even luke warm.

By this time I am really starting to lose my patients. Then the question arises:

A) Do I waste MORE time and WAIT even longer for another order?

or

B) Do I just take a bite and try to make the best of my cold burgers, although I was looking so forward to eating these darn things?

I took a bite.

Ewwww!!!!

I can not eat these cold like this.

I look around, my waitress isn't to be found. I asked the nearest waiter to please get me the manager.

Morgan's dish didn't look any better, but she was hungry enough to not care and was digging into her dish.

The manager arrived and I give her my complaint.

She apologizes and said she would comp my burgers and bring out a new hot plate.

The new ones arrive and sure enough they were hot. FINALLY! It only took three tries to bring out the second to easiest thing being made back in the kitchen, next to the grilled cheese for kids.

I haven't even mentioned.... the waitress, not once did she offer to refill my ice tea. I ended up waiting through three plates and eating my entire dinner before she finally swings by and asks if she can get be another tea.

By this time (something I would normally never do)....

I don't replay or look up at her. I give her 'annoyed' with my body language and nod my head 'yes, I'd like another glass, and how kind of you to think of it now that I am done with my food.'

She comes by and tells me the manager took care of the entire bill and to have a good night.

Good!!

Hey, I am all about paying for my dinners. I used to waitress, so I am also about leaving great tips. But this was the worst service. I can't recall in years the last time I have complained to a manager about the service or food.

I did (although, didn't feel it was deserved), leave her a tip. I felt bad about my entire meal being taken care of, so I left a tip that probably would have been less had I paid the actual bill.

Whatever!

I had a free hot dinner at the end of the night. It may have been the worst service I have received in a very long time. It however, was the BEST date I have with just me and my girl!!!

will they know me in heaven?

Death is something that is all around us. Lately, I have felt that death is getting nearer to me in some way. I don't know in which way, but in some way. Maybe its that little bit of 'fear' that sneaks in me of losing something or someone so dear and near to me, like my children.

I read daily blogs and stories of families that are living among us with their hearts broken and dealing with the unimaginable pain of the loss of a child.

I have compassion. I have prayed so may times in my life for God to make me more like Him. To let me love, feel and care for others just has He would love, feel and care. He, I believe, has answered those prayers. When I read a story, or see first hand someone dealing with pain or the loss of a loved one. I don't just witness the situation and then go about my busy life. I feel the situation with them. My emotions will take my mind to 'that' place, and it will allow me to place myself in the shoes of another, getting a glimpse of what they must be experiencing.

With being able to take myself there emotionally, I feel it then gives me the ability to pray for these people in ways that some wouldn't think to pray for them.

I don't know.

I can't fully explain what I am trying to say. All I know is that I feel different. I feel like I have walked so many lives of other people. I have found myself awake in the middle of the night, with that feeling a panic, as a parent that just lost a child would feel. I have felt my heart race. I have felt my chest struggle to breath. I have felt so much pain just by other's painful experiences in life.

The other night I laid in bed. I had my eye mask on and Mark was next to me reading his book. He probably thought I was fast asleep, as I laid there in deep thought. When out of my mouth I spoke these words....

Me: "do you believe we will know each other in heaven?"

Mark: (His response was a moment of silence. Probably confused by the question out of no where or wondering if I am talking in my sleep. )

Then he replied: "no, I don't think we will."

Me: begin to silently cry.

Me: begin to not breath because I am trying to not let him know I am crying under my eye mask.

Me: can't control it anymore and I begin to weep out loud, still with eye mask on over eyes.

Mark: "honey, what's wrong?"

Me: "I didn't like that answer." (my cry just got ridiculous now.)

Mark: "I'm sorry, I probably shouldn't have said that. I don't know the answers to that. I just think that we wouldn't know each other."

Me: "I don't like that answer."

Mark: "babe, what do I know? I could be wrong. Here let me look it up." (As he grabs his bible and start fumbling through the pages.)

Mark: "I just believe that our purpose when we get to heaven is to glorify God. Even if we don't know each other in heaven, it won't matter. You won't be sad about it. You will be thrilled to be in the presence of God. You wont' remember your life on earth."

Me: (not moving mask from face still.... wiping snot down my cheek.)

Mark: "reading some scripture...."

Me: (can't remember anything he read.)

Mark: "babe?"( as he continues to browse the bible.)

Me: finally getting a hold of myself a little "its okay, you can stop searching the bible."

Mark: "I don't think you will care not being married or knowing me in heaven....." (thinking I would be upset to not know him as my husband in heaven)

Me: (sort of getting annoyed now and a little cranky...expressed myself with a little deeper tone) "I don't care to be married to you in heaven!!!" (laughing now, but at the time, not so much.)

Mark: (his eyes opened wide and afraid to speak)

Me: "I just want my children to know that I am their mom in heaven. I just want to know my babies in heaven. Because if I don't know them in heaven, then it takes the joy of me being excited to go to heaven. I don't want to ever not know them or them not know or remember me. Why put all this effort into love, relationships and family if we can't even be together and know each other in heaven."

Mark: "I don't have the answers, honey."

Then I went to Nashville. Remember this post?

I spoke with Pete Wilson (a pastor friend in Nashville) about this topic with in the first hour of meeting him face to face. He said that he does believe we will know each other in heaven. He sent me several scriptures from the bible that he believes supports his thoughts about heaven.

Although, I will not post them all here. I am curious as to what you think about this topic? I know it can be a very sensitive topic. I know as a parent that has lost a child, this can be a very painful and scary topic. It is for me too.

I am excited to go to heaven. Its supposed to be this wonderful, joyful thing. The whole purpose of living out our purpose here on earth, so to live eternity in heaven. I never feared dying or going to heaven before. When I was young, single and with no children, I never feared at the thought of dying too soon.

Now that I have children, my heart is tied. My heart has two small people that look to me for their needs. Two little people that give me reason to wake up each day and breath. The two very beings that are gifts given to me (loaned even) by God here on earth.

So, the very thought of not knowing these gifts, these children in heaven or them not knowing me as their mother really struck a sensitive spot deep within my heart.

Although, I know there are no tears in heaven. What about those families that lost loved ones or a child way too soon? What about those parents that believe they will see their little baby again in heaven? Will they?

To not believe that would happen is almost unbearable to think of for me.

Why go through all this heartache, trial, pain and EMOTION, if you are not able to celebrate our imperfect lives here on earth, perfectly together in heaven? God speaks about restoring all things as it was meant to be on earth, in heaven. Pete (pastor friend) said "so that leaves me to also believe God means relationships and families will be restored perfectly in heaven as it was meant to be here on earth."

I like that answer better.

I have searched this question a little. I have found many scriptures and many opinions. I still don't know the answer and I think that I may never know until I am there.

Until then, I can only imagine and hope that my children will know me in heaven.

What do you think?

Will my children know me in heaven?

Will they know me as their mother?

Will we greet each other and worship Jesus together?

Will parents get to see their babies and hold them again in heaven?

Will I know YOU in heaven?

Will we sit at the feet of Jesus like children ourselves? His children?

Your thoughts?

hey dad....

Since you live so far away. Or would that be, since I live so far away?

Anyways, I sent you a birthday card (late) which should arrive any day now via snail-mail.

This year I didn't get you your annual photo mug of the kids or anything. Instead I got you something a little more exciting.

I wrote you this post here on my blog with a photo of us. See?

Whatcha think about it?

Do I make you proud, daddy?

And if I call you "daddy" does that make you feel a few years younger?

I want to make this a special day for you daddy even though we are so many miles away, so I am going to give you some advice.

1. Don't go out in the paddle boat today, daddy (still making you feel younger?). It's too cold and I don't want you to get sick. And well.... we also know what happened with your first experience in the paddle boat. :)

2. Don't hammer on anything today if possible. I don't want you to smash your finger. That would really hurt and its your birthday, so no boo boo's for you today.

3. Don't do anything to upset mom. Then she can't yell at you for it on your birthday.

See with all that great advice you are bound to have a fabulous birthday.

We all love you here in Florida.

Happy Birthday Dad and Grandpa!!!

Here to imagining a nice slice of cake to celebrate another year with you.

(And imagining how yummy it taste too!)

$100 giveaway

As seen on TV, I recently worked for PajamaGram. I mostly modeled all their 2010 Valentine PJ's. Although, not all of which I modeled are not online just yet, but I will also be in the new catalog. You can order your free catalog from their website.

In addition to that I also filmed two commercials for PajamaGram, one for their famous Hoodie-Footie Snuggle Suit as seen here.

The other was for their new and very popular PajamaJeans as seen here.

I had such a great time working with a long time friend of mine Victor, who booked me on the jobs.

Not only did I have fun, I got to keep my very own Hoodie-Footie and PajamaJean. I love them.

The PajamaJean is especially my favorite, because they stick to as advertised. I wore mine for a 10 hour shoot, having taken them off and put them back on for different parts of the commercial to shoot. The jeans never once lost their shape on me. They did not loosen or get sloppy, nor did they wrinkle. They were soft and cozy on the inside, while looking like a styish pair of jeans on the outside.

*NOTE* I am in no way writing this post because I have been asked or getting anything in return for promoting this. I actually feel this is a fun topic, something that maybe would be of interest to you and a funny story that now involves YOU and a special giveaway!!!!

Funny story:

After I had modeled for the PajamaGram client, I had went online and signed myself up for the catalog so I could have a copy of my own work. Its often hard to see and get hard copies of your actual work when modeling, so when you get a chance to get it, you do.

Well, a few weeks went by and all of the sudden I received an email. The email said this.

Dear Misty Rice,

Recently you signed up to become a member of PajamaGram’s VIPj Email List. Each month we choose a new VIPj Member to receive a free PajamaGram and we're happy to inform you that you have been selected as this month’s winner.

As our lucky winner, you are invited to select up to $100 of PajamaGram products. You can have your PajamaGram shipped to you, or treat someone special to a special surprise by shipping it to them — it'll surely make their day! We can ship your PajamaGram anywhere within the Continental U.S.

All we need you to do is fill out the attached form and return it to us via a reply to this email or via fax at (802) 985-1382 (Attn: Laura Fitzgerald). As soon as we have received your completed form, we will send your PajamaGram on its way.

At first I thought it was some kind of spam mail or gig with strings attached. I sent the email to my friend Victor, and he confirmed with a giggle "that's funny and offical."

I have been chosen randomly to receive $100 free stuff from PajamaGram. This part of the company has no idea who I am or that I just recently modeled for them. All they did was place my name is a recent customer that signed up to receive catalogs for them and I won!

Pretty funny, right?

Sure it is, Misty! But what does that have to do with US?

Glad you asked.

You see, I decided that I would like to take my blog in a little different direction. I would like to start blogging and building my audience. I plan on blogging about my children, modeling and life in general, just as I do now. As well, as blog about anything and everything I can think of (sort of like I do now, too!). Ha!

Like my little soap box! (sort of like now!)

But I never tried to really grow an audience. I want to see if I can slowly but surely grow my audience and take my blog to the next level.

"So what does that have to do with us, we ask again?"

Well, my little blogging buddies, this is what it has to do with you.

You know that $100 gift card to be used at PajamaGram.com?

I am going to give it away to a lucky blogger. You will be able to shop online to your hearts desire (up to $100's, that is). You will then place your order with me via email. I will get your order shipped out to YOU!!! You can shop for yourself, your dog, your family or a friend. Whatever you like! You can even order yourself your very own Hoodie-Footie or PajamaJean and be cool like me! *giggle-giggle*

Awesome right?

"So what do we have to do? You know those strings attached?"

Well, yes, there is a little tiny string attached, but it's so tiny, its more like dental floss. Its easy. Don't you think $100 in free stuff is worth a little tiny effort on your end?

"Maybe, depends on what it is I guess."

That's the spirit!

All I am asking is that you following me here on my Blog and Twitter, and spread the word about me. I also have a Facebook account, you can jump on their as my friend too. If you have one of the three (facebook, twitter, blog), I ask that you give a little shout out to my blog (with link) and this post, on one of yours.

I am not going to do the whole "points" thing, as other blogs do. I find that to be a little annoying. Okay, I find it to be really annoying. Besides, I don't want to keep up with all of that.

I would just like to gain some new readers. Simple.

I will wait until Feb. 1st to draw my winner. This gives myself and you two weeks to help spread the word. While also announcing the winner 14-days before Valentines Day, just in case you want to order something for yourself or someone special in your life.

While I have your attention, I want to do a blog makeover. Does anyone have any creative ideas for a model/actress/mother and wife? I always love to hear other peoples creativity. Toss that out to me in the comment box too if you feel up for it.

Okay, I am done.

Start following me on the following:

1. Here on my Blog! (just hit follow me to left of my blog)

2. Twitter

3. Facebook

and

4. Leave me a comment here telling me were you are following.

Leaving a comment here on my blog is a must, so I can keep tabs. I will do my (random) drawing from the list of comments on this post February 1st.

If you do not have twitter, blog or facebook. No worries. Just leave a comment and I will still include you in the drawing. I am just asking my readers for some extra love by helping me spread the word.

PS: If any of you already have the PajamaJean or Hoodie-Footie, please share. I would love to hear some personal stories from you on what you think about them.

Be sure to follow me some place so you know when I announce the winner on Feb. 1st.

Thanks for spreading the word.

this spell I'm under

This is my love song to my sweet Savior. When I heard this song on my iPhone iPod, the words of this song had such a whole new meaning like never before to me. I wasn't thinking of my husband. I wasn't thinking of my kids. I wasn't thinking romance. I instantly thought about my sweet Savior.

I often find myself to not be the best at witnessing to people. I want to by my actions. I want to share my life stories that I believe are my walking, living and breathing testimonies. Then I heard this song and I was like "wow, this is what I want people to know why I love my Jesus so much. I want them to know what it is about HIM that keeps me coming back for more. I want everyone to know what it is about this spell I am under."

It's HIS LOVE!

It really just does something to me.

It really sends a shock right through me.

Its made me who I am today.

Whatever HE is doing, I just want HIM to do it all over again.

Here are the lyrics of Tim McGraw's song - Its Your Love. Really read the words in this song. It is exactly how I feel about God's love for me and HIS purpose for my life.

Let this be my testimony!!!

Yea yea

Dancin' in the dark middle of the night

Takin' your heart and holdin' it tight

Emotional touch touchin' my skin

And asking you to do what you've been doin' all over again

Oh it's a beautiful thing don't think I can keep it all in

I just gotta let you know what it is that won't let me go

It's your love

It just does something to me

It sends a shock right through me

I can't get enough

And if you wonder

About the spell I'm under

Oh it's your love

Better than I was, more than I am

And all of this happened by taking your hand

And who I am now is who I wanted to be

And now that we're together,

I'm stronger than ever

I'm happy and free

Oh it's a beautiful thing,

Don't think I can keep it all in

If you asked me why I've changed,

All I gotta do is say your sweet name

It's your love

It just does something to me

It sends a shock right through me

I can't get enough

And if you wonder

About the spell I'm under

Oh, it's your love

Baby, Oh oh, oh,

Oh it's a beautiful thing,

Don't think I can keep it all in

I just gotta let you konw what it is that won't let me go

It's your love

It just does something to me

It sends a shock right through me

I can't get enough

And if you wonder

About the spell I'm under,

Oh it's your love

It's your love, it's your love, it's your love

July 12, 2009

Wow. I can not believe I never posted this. I found this in my "draft' list today. I wrote it up on July 17, 2009. For some reason, I only ended up saving it as a draft and never posted it. Its such a special post that I can't leave it sitting as a draft. It made me smile and tear up all over again reading through this today.



A day that I will put down in my memory bank to never be forgotten. The day my first born, my only son and first love made his public announcement in his faith and Savior.

He did it!!!

Hunter came to me and said that he said a prayer asking Jesus in his heart and to be his savior, and wanted to take the step and be baptized.

I of course was beyond thrilled. What magical words and a time in my sons life. I can't describe this feeling as his mother. Its just an emotional joy and brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it.

This weekend was yet another miraculous GOD WINK. Hunter was originally scheduled to go back to Cape Cod for his second half of the summer with his dad. I assumed that he would not be able to be baptized until after he got back from Cape Cod. However, I also didn't want too much time to pass between this moment and that moment.

As God would have it.

Hunters dad signed him up for a hockey camp here in Florida that he was attending all week. His father didn't realize the camp didn't end until Saturday, the same day he was to fly to the Cape.

His father sent me an email saying that if we wanted we could come in a day later so that Hunter could finish up his hockey camp. However, I could not afford the price in changing our flights.

God said "hang on a second" and He worked it out some more.

My church then called me up and asked if they could hire me as an actress to play a visual role in this weekends message for all seven (7) services. With the pay, it covered the cost to pay for the change in flights so that Hunter could finish his hockey camp, I could work as a visual in the message at church and Hunter could be baptized.

I was behind stage taking pictures of this special moment. I didn't think I was going to get emotional until the very moment he went under and came back up. The tears came rolling down my face. Of course, I had to hurry back and change in my wardrobe for the service I was going to be in, and clean up the mascara under my eyes.

To make things even more exciting, they needed two kids to be on stage during the services while a special song was being sung. They asked Hunter if he would do it and he was thrilled to. He had a blast and we got to spend the entire weekend together at church, working together, being a part of the message together and sharing his baptism together.

Enjoy the pictures of Hunter and I hope you and your families have a blessed weekend.

But first I feel I better explain something. If you don't follow my blog, then you will wonder why certain 'words' appear on the video at the end of Hunters baptism. Over the summer, our church did a series called "Worlds Largest Strip Club." It was all over the news and everything. Our church likes being bold and different. Anyways, the series was about stripping away things out of your life. Hunter happened to get Baptized during this series, and so the words "Worlds Largest Strip Club" appears on the wall right after his baptism. LOL!

The "you are special" plate!

My friend Lisa recorded it for me with her iPhone, while I was up with Hunter taking pictures.

see I told you....

....she can read! :)

My Baby Can Read!

Well sort of. She can read pictures and she knows the words she hears. We can go through an entire book of hidden pictures and ask her where something is. She will find it and point to it. She almost always gets it 100%, it sort of depends on her mood or her level of concentration at the time. However, she loves loves loves to read books. She is constantly handing throwing books at me or her daddy to read to her. She will sit there for however long you let her and just go through books.

A few months ago I got her these "MY BABY CAN READ" DVD's. I had heard about them and I thought it was so neat to see children at such young ages reading. Although, I didn't see myself actually pressing my child to read as it may appear some parents in the 'My Baby Can Read' commercial may have. I did however think that the DVD's would be fun for her to watch and she would learn at her own pace with the videos.

Let's just say that my girl LOVES watching her MBCR DVD's. She smiles every time she sees and hears the beginning of these videos when I turn them on. Each video is about 30 minutes long and she will sit and stay focused all the way through them.

She can't really read the words that flash on the screen or that I point to in the books. She is starting to make connections that 'things' have 'names' and those 'names/words' can be a picture or written.

The show the word this arrow slides underneath the word, showing the direction in which the child needs to learn to read the word in (left to right). As the arrow slides under the word, they say the word in both an adult and a young girls voice, showing how it may sound different by whom is saying the word. She will sit there and interact with the video and answer the questions, and do the actions in which the video instructs her to do.

Her vocabulary is growing more and more each day. Sometimes random words pop out of her mouth out of no where.

For example: On Christmas morning when she walked in to what Santa had left her. I got out my camera to take her picture. Out of no where this girl of mine SMILES and then to top it off she says "CHEESE" at the camera. First of all..... I didn't even know my girl could smile on demand like that, and I have never used the word "cheese" for her when trying to get her to smile for the camera. She must have learned it at school or at church, but out of nowhere she just did it on her own and shocked me.

She loves to walk around where ever we go and asks "that?" Meaning "what is that?" And I answer her and she tries her hardest to repeat, almost nailing all the words. She loves to say one of our cats name, "Milo". Its her first word with an "L" in it. Now recently she has started to say 'milk.'

I could go on and on with all her words...... but I then you wouldn't get anything else done today.

I thought I would share these pictures and let you in on this MBCR DVD's program. I am sure you have seen commercial for it. Now you can hear from someone that actually owns the set and hear my thoughts.

I think it is great. I love it. Morgan loves it. I don't force her. I don't do it hours on end. It says to do it twice a day. I just do it when I think she is in the mood for it. We don't really do the flash cards yet, because I think the picture finding in the book is the better form of flash car for her at this time. She loves to show off and find the pictures.

Have you ever tried anything out similar with your kids? I'd like to hear about it and see what creative things parents do with kids to help them learn.

I actually taped index cards up around the house when Hunter was her age so he could go around and read the word attached to the furniture. What about you?

My girls is a jabbering one. She seriously loves to talk and sing. She has intense conversation sometimes with me, and I know she knows what she is saying. I just try to keep up with the conversation. I love her little voice. I told daddy to listen carefully to her voice and to not forget it, for it will one day not sound like that.

A Day in the Life of Kate McRae {Praying!!!!}

Today Kate had her MRI and the news was not what her prayer worriers or her family had hoped to have received. They are broken and scared for their little girl. The tumor is still very present, although shows signs of shrinking. They were hoping there would be none at all on her MRI today.

Sometimes pictures don't give you the real deal of emotions that a child or a family is experiencing through such hard times. I found this video of Kate titled "A Day in the life of Kate" and I watched it a couple of times with my little girl sitting on my lap. I started bawling, and Morgan turned her face to look up at me with such concern. All I could do was kiss her and tell her how much mommy loved her. Oh how thankful I am.

This video I feel gives you the REAL Kate. The Kate that is simply a little five year old girl. A sister to two siblings. A daughter to her parents. An owner of her new dog. She is going through something I wished no child should ever have to go through.

Right now the doctors and her parents have huge and delicate decisions to make on the behalf of this little girl battling an ugly monster called 'brain cancer.' The burden is heavy on their hearts tonight and they have asked for a prayer chain tonight on Kates behalf.

Will you join in and pray for Kate?

Pray for ALL the children. Children are special. They are gifts. They are innocent and fragile.

Please take the time to get to know "A Day in the Life of Kate."

Here is her CarePage if you would like to visit, keep track with updates or leave them a comment.

As you can see she has lost a ton of movement in her right leg and arm.
Here is Kate wishing everyone a Happy New Year. So lets pray for Kate to have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Prayer request - Ms. Butterfly

(Update Two) Wednesday 3:30 PM

Again, THANK YOU all for the out pour of emails, direct messages, facebook and phone calls.... most importantly for YOUR PRAYERS.

OK, so the latest as of today.

We woke up to a busy morning. It was a family adventure first thing this morning, as I had to drive Hunter to school and Mark to work. Mark's car is getting it's 150,000 miles services done. This car is holding up well for us. We, as of last month, are officially owners of both our cars. Mark finally sent in his last payment and the title is ready to be mailed. Now lets just hope that neither of the cars break down or have anything horrible happen to them. We love not having a monthly car payment and have decided no matter what, as much as possible, to be avoided, we will never purchase a car again that we can't pay cash for. Meaning we will never seek out to have a car payment again.

Anyways, after a family affair this morning with the girls dropping off the boys to their perspective places, we girls went home to get ready for our day. I decided to let Morgan skip her school today since I would have to pick her up early anyways for her appointment.

We came home, made up the beds, cleaned up dishes from breakfast and got dressed. Well, one of us did all of that anyways. While holding Morgan on my hip, looking in her closet for what shoes to put on her, she notices a 'dogga' (a.k.a. DOG) sitting in the closet. This dogga was given to me for her at my baby shower in Texas. She decided that was the chosen travel buddy for the day, along with her Dora the Explorer purse and gee (a.k.a. blanky).

We arrive at her appointment almost 20 minutes early so I could do the paper work. See, I am thinking ahead of the game here. When we walked in, the waiting room was empty. The ladies behind the desk where cooing over little adorable butterfly. Let's just say she didn't mind the attention at all. She must get that from her daddy mommy. Ahem.

To make a long story short and get to the point....

The room quickly filled up and she made lots of friends. Adult friends.

After 45 minutes of waiting, finally they call out "MORGAN".

The nurse so sweetly asked Morgan if she wanted to hold hands, and Morgan so sweetly accepted.

She introduces us to our new waiting room. Its like the game that all doctor offices play. Wait out in lobby, when its starts to press for a long waiting period in lobby, they then call you in the room, so you are distracted and you think your time has finally arrived. Nope, they just move you into the room and it then becomes a holding/waiting room there also.

Any parent knows that any small room for a toddler is asking for it, but I do my best to entertain her until she finally got bored, hungry and tired. Then a meltdown broke out. She was on the floor, rolling around, kicking her feet and even lost her shoes.

After a few minutes of that, she got herself together, was back up and into things again. The doctors must of heard all the commotion, because after 15 minutes of waiting in that room, the doctor finally came in.

This doctor is an ENT specialist (Ears, Nose and Throat). He seemed nice. I mean after all I had only known him for about 30 seconds. Can't you tell in 30 seconds if a person is nice or not? He was kind to Morgan and gentle, but he was also one of those doctors that was quick to make his observation and send you on your way. Sometimes that can be a good thing after waiting for almost an hour to be seen. However, sometimes it can also come across less sensitive, and make you feel more like you are in their way. It sets off a negative energy to the patient. At least that is how I can often feel in that situation. I don't want to ever be made to 'feel' that I am in any ones way.

See, I care about others that way. HA!

Needless to say, he 'believes' it to only be a swollen lymph node. Same thing we all, including the other two doctors that had seen Morgan. He also said that "a month" for it being there isn't long at all, that several months or years is a long time. Almost as if possibly to say that one month is overreacting. Or maybe I am overly concerned. Yet, I haven't said more than probably 10 words since he walked in the door. He did all the talking. I just sat, listened and shook my head as to say "okay."

Or maybe that was his way of trying make me feel better and less concerned? Who knows. People are interesting that way.

I honestly wasn't stressed at all being there, other than the fact that I was now getting tired and ready to get my cranky toddler home to bed. Other than that I was in good spirits.

The doctor continued to tell me that this lump is very mobile (his words), and no other signs or other swollen nodes were detected, which to even further indicate that there probably isn't anything to be concerned about right now.

GREAT!!!! I like hearing that. It's what I felt in my gut anyways, but of course wanted to the doctor (specialist) to give me affirmation. He said it should go away on its on, and to just keep an eye out on it. If it is still there in a few weeks to a month, come back in and see if any changes have been made to it.

At this time he didn't want to make any other opinions about it, because it is in such a delicate part of her beautiful face, lets not touch it until we absolutely have to.

GREAT!!! I prefer that also.

On the other hand..... there is a part of me that does wish that they would have at least viewed it with an ultrasound. I'm a visual person. I want to see what we are looking at under the scopes. Besides, wouldn't that give even more detail or clarification, as well as answers, more so that what you are feeling with your hand or seeing with the human eye?

However, that didn't happen and so I will continue to leave it up in God's hands. I even told Him that while secretly talking to Him while getting Morgan's shoes back on and things gathered to leave. Well actually I was thanking Him repetitively before that. I didn't want to even for a second seem as though I took any moment for granted, already knew the answers and didn't need to rely on Him. Instead, I could have had two outcomes in which both I solely relied on HIM for peace in.

I am grateful for the words that were spoken today.

Fifty dollars later, a tired girl eats her lunch and is off to dream land. I sit here writing this update, while my hubby is texting me to come pick him up so we can go get his car. Sorry, honey, I think you will have to wait until the sleeping princess rises from her nap.

Hmmmmm..... maybe I'll take a little nap too?

These photo's were all taken with the cell phone, so you know how that goes. At least it gives you a little visual candy to make you feel like a part of your journey today.

Thank you again and again for the love you show to Butterfly and my family in general. You all rock!!!

And don't you be worried either.... mama doctor here will keep her hands and eyes at close watch to this little stubborn LYMPH NODE. Should anything further come of it.....well, you know you will hear from me.

(Update One) Tuesday 6:15 PM

Morgan had her appointment today and yes the lump is still there. We saw one of the doctors on duty today and he is one I don't particularly have a relationship with. He has sent us on to see a pediatric surgeon to have an ultrasound done on it before we start poking her with needles etc.

However, I did call my friend whom is Morgan's pediatrician and instead we are going to see another specialist tomorrow at 11:30 AM.

THANK YOU ALL for the out pour of prayers via facebook, email and here. Makes one feel much supported and I did have such a sense of peace today. And I still do. Morgan did excellent as the doctor examined her all over the place today. She only got upset when he put the tongue thong in her mouth to view her throat area and inside of her mouth.

It also seems that my little growing toddler must have fell and bruised her two top teeth as they have a slight bruise tent to them recently. Oh the ever on going stuff with toddlers, right?

I'll keep you posted as I know. Keep the prayers coming.

(Original Post) Tuesday morning.

I know. I know.

I have been really bad with posting on here over the last week. However, it being the holiday break from school and Christmas, we have been really busy. If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter, you know that I went to Boston to watch my son almost get his first hat trick (that's shooting 3 goals in a game) and the Jr. Panther winning their 2nd Tournament Championship. I'll post more on that later with some pictures of my boo.

Then I traveled to Boca Grande Florida, which is an island I never new existed out there to photograph outside in Spring clothing, in 45 degree temps with a wind chill of about -20. Talk about not fun.... it was NOT FUN!!! But the client was great to work for and with, and we were able to get the job done.

Also, I mentioned a couple of weeks back that Morgan was fighting a sinus infection, along with her daddy and I. I also mentioned that I felt a lump inside her right cheek. The doctor took a look at the lump in our last visit about 15 days ago and believed it to be an infected gland due to her ear and sinus infection she was fighting. He gave her an antibiotic for 10 days and wanted to see her back to see if the lump was gone. If the lump was not gone, they were going to do further evaluation and run some blood test to get some answers as to what this lump is doing in my butterfly's cheek.

Of course, being the mom that I am, I google search 'lump' and 'bump' in your cheek. A very bad idea! As all that came up in response were images and sites about tumors and oral cancer. Very little about 'glands.'

No thanks! I don't even want to let my mind go there.

At the same time.... I let my mind go there a little bit, so I can try to be some what prepared should it be anything to be concerned about. If it turns out to be nothing to be concerned about, I will be that more relieved and grateful. I read every single day about children going through and dealing with all types of cancer and it breaks my heart.

Let's take my mind off of that for a minute (and yours) and focus back to some positive things.

The doctor felt good about the idea that the lump, which 15 days ago, was about the size of a grape, was moving around when pressed and messed with. Which lead him to believe that it was the gland in her cheek.

Today, the lump (I believe) has gone down some in size. Its about the size of a half grape I guess. It is still moving around. As I touch it every single day trying to measure its down sizing so I could make myself relax more about it, while clinging to faith that God has this under control no matter what. And HE does!

However, the lump is still there and I want to know why.

I am taking her back to the doctor today. From being at the hospital working with kids with cancer and reading blogs on the children I pray daily for with cancer. I have often read that it is extremely important to work fast on these things.

So, I am getting a move on it as we are around 15 days since the doctor last felt it and the lump that I am aware of, has been there about a month from the first time I noticed it.

My plan:

A. Writing this post to get you prayer worriers moving too. Will you please pray for my butterfly today? Pray the doctor doesn't get too concerned about it. However, even if the doctor doesn't seem too concerned, I will be requesting that the extra steps be taken and test be ran no matter what. Can't be too safe when it comes to things like this. Please pray that it really is a gland just taking a little longer to get rid of all the infection it was fighting inside her little body. Please pray that God give myself and the doctor the insight we need to make the best choices for this little girl. Please pray that my mind stay positive, calm while relying on Gods hands and plan for all of this. Please pray that no invasive surgeries will be needed on her little face to remove this lump. Please pray for anything you can think of that I may not be at this time that you feel on your heart to pray. The power of prayer is magical.

B. Enjoy this day alone with my girl. We are going to run errands, get groceries and just hang out. The holidays, the travels and my work over the last few weeks have kept me busy. Today, I plan nothing and look to every minute to spend with my Butterfly.

C. Trusting in God. Although, I have had so much on my mind these last few weeks. Some personal things, my mind seems so cluttered and busy. I have found myself lately boggled and unfocused during my prayers. In the middle of my prayers, my mind wonders about all that I am worried about and I forget to finish my prayer. That is why I need YOUR extra prayers for me and my family, as there are many changes as I mentioned in a post not long ago, still quickly approaching upon us that are weighing in on my worries.

D. Focusing on my family, this new day we are blessed to have, as each day is not promised to us. Focusing on an upcoming year. Focusing on relationships. Focusing on family and friends. Focusing on my God.

With that being said.....

I have some fun changes coming to my blog soon, with some fun surprises and giveaways. My blog may be going in a little bit of a different direction. All in which I am excited about and I hope you will be too. More on that later.

For now, look at this photo. My Butterfly 20 months old. Isn't she just beautiful? Wow. I can just stare and smile at her forever!

She is my girl. My angel. My Butterfly. My daughter. My gift. My joy. My heart.

Thank you for your prayers.

Happy New Year!