On a footnote...

  Random thoughts and sayings:

      My little man is 16 weeks old today. The time has flown by so quickly. He rolls from his tummy to his back now. His first roll over was the first of the month. He is having some trouble breathing at times. I know that God is our healer and I am too blessed to be stressed. One of the young adults is suppose to take pictures of the kids but our schedules don't meet. The meaning of the name David is beloved. My baby has a smile that brings out the best in people.

      I was told last week that I can no longer have kids.Yes I'm laying it out. I was afraid, hurt, broken hearted, confused, wish I would have done something different, and then had to tell the family. Only three people outside the family in this town knew. I asked for some prayers that the final decision would be the right choice. Some people may be saying "finally, she already has enough kids", but my family wasn't complete yet. Still broken hearted. Over the weekend I would get in the shower only to cry out in prayer that if it was by God's will not to have children I wanted to know by last night. Risky, I know. But I think I had to triple check on it. It was confirmed last night. The Lord spoke and I listened. Even if it wasn't what I wanted to hear. He did however, tell me that I do not only have 4 children but that I have more. I couldn't understand what he meant. I asked him, "how Lord? How do I have more then four when I see their existence in my home?". He let me know that I have been a spiritual mom to several kids for the past 17 years. I still can't pinpoint what he meant, but I know that he loves me enough to know what's best for me. He set it in stone while in my mother's womb.

   I may not fully understand this right now but I know that he has comforted me through it all. My husband seems to know that as well. Though tears may shed at times, I still know he loves me so much......

They Grow so quickly

  It's hard to believe that my baby is 14 weeks. I have tried to write down all the milestones but it happens so quick that I know I have missed some. I have known they grow so fast, after all I have 3 other children but I never attempted to write down every little thing they did. I wanted to this time because I wanted to remember the feelings I had, you know the joy you get experience with your baby only once.

  Some how in between staring at him and kissing him, he found his hands. His feet came first though. He's wanting to sit on his own, you know? His sweet little hands ball up into fists and when he's tired, he rubs his beautiful eyes. How did I miss the moment when he learned that he had full control of his hand movements?

  Yesterday was Sunday. We spend our Sunday mornings at church. My oldest two got to experience something they never have before. I find myself looking back at the works of the Holy Spirit and truly thank the Lord for bestowing his blessings upon my children, HIS children. I can not explain to you the joy it brings me to see my kids worshiping and praising the Lord.

  Thank you Lord for taking my children into your arms...I give you all the glory and praise. Children are the greatest gifts from God.

Mom's Empty Chair

A woman's daughter had asked the local minister

to come and pray with her mother.

When the minister arrived,

he found the woman lying in bed with her head

propped up on two pillows.

An empty chair sat beside her bed.

The minister assumed that the woman

had been informed of his visit...

'I guess you were expecting me, he said.

'No, who are you?' said the mother.

The minister told her his name and then remarked,

'I saw the empty chair and I figured you knew

I was going to show up..'

'Oh yeah, the chair,' said the bedridden woman

'Would you mind closing the door?'

Puzzled, the minister shut the door.

'I have never told anyone this,

not even my daughter,' said the woman.

'But all of my life I have never

known how to pray.

At church I used to hear the pastor talk about prayer,

but it went right over my head...'

I abandoned any attempt at prayer,'

the old woman continued, '

until one day four years ago, my best friend said to me,

' Prayer is just a simple matter

of having a conversation with Jesus.

Here is what I suggest..

'Sit down in a chair;

place an empty chair in front of you,

and in faith see Jesus on the chair.

It's not spooky because he promised,

'I will be with you always'..

'Then just speak to him in the same way

you're doing with me right now...'

'So, I tried it and I've liked it so much

that I do it a couple of hours every day.

I'm careful though. If my daughter saw me talking

to an empty chair, she'd either have a nervous breakdown

or send me off to the funny farm.'

The minister was deeply moved by the story and

encouraged the old woman to continue on the journey.

Then he prayed with her, anointed her with oil,

and returned to the church.

Two nights later the daughter called

to tell the minister that her mama

had died that afternoon.

Did she die in peace?' he asked.

Yes, when I left the house about two o'clock,

she called me over to her bedside,

told me she loved me and kissed me on the cheek.

When I got back from the store an hour later,

I found her .

But there was something strange about her death.

Apparently, just before Mom died,

she leaned over and rested her head on the chair

beside the bed. What do you make of that?'

The minister wiped a tear from his eye and said,

'I wish we could all go like that.' 

Found it from a friend and Thought I'd pass it on.

Diane Adreon, M.A.

Teaching adaptive behavior is one of the areas that are often overlooked for high-functioning individuals with autism spectrum disorders. However, adaptive behaviors have a tremendous impact on our ability to use our skills in common situations in everyday life. The following adaptive behavior skills are important if our children are going to experience success without our daily assistance. Of course, every child is different. Often it is not possible to master these skills by the end of high school. However, most of our children can improve and become more independent if we consciously work on skills in these areas.
1. Teach your child to wake up to an alarm clock. It is common for parents to wake their children for school. However, as your child grows older, it’s a good idea to teach him to wake up to an alarm clock. You may have to experiment with buzzers, music, and various degrees of volume. Sometimes, for individuals who are particularly hard to wake, you may need to have them walk across the room to turn off the alarm clock. Eventually, this skill would include having the child learn to set the alarm clock. A more advanced skill would involve developing the child’s ability to accurately estimate the amount of time needed to get ready and determining to what time the alarm should be set.
2. Teach your child to refer to a clock and/or watch to complete a task in a certain period of time. A visual timer, such as the Time Timer*, may be helpful. The Time Timer dial graphically shows the child how much time is left. One way to begin teaching this is to have the child guess how long the task will take and then comparing how long the task really took to accomplish.
3. Teach your child grooming (shower or bathe within the last 24 hours, hair combed or brushed, deodorant, clean clothes). Our children find routines comforting. Therefore, help your child establish healthy routines. Many children find it easier (in the long run) to follow rules such as having a shower or bath every day, rather than every two to three days. Specifically teach your child each step in washing properly (i.e., 4 times across each armpit with a soapy washcloth). Poor hygiene is a problem poorly tolerated by the community (Peter Gerhardt, personal communication).
4. Teach your child to be responsible for his/her belongings. Start with things such being responsible to keep track of the toy train that he/she brought to your relative’s house or into the car. Build into the routine that it is the youngster’s responsibility to find the toy after the visit, bring it to the car, & bring the toy from the car into the house. Progress to items such as school backpack & supplies.
5. Teach your child to learn to use visual cues to remember tasks. This might be keeping medicine in a certain place, so he/she remembers to take it at breakfast each morning. Or, it might mean, writing lunch on a piece of paper & taping it onto the school backpack to remember to bring lunch.
6. Teach your child how to cook. Young children can learn to make a sandwich and prepare snacks that do not require cooking. Later, teach your child to follow a recipe independently and use kitchen appliances safely.
7. Teach your child to use the phone. Start by teaching your child to answer the phone, take a message & relay the message to the appropriate person. Progress to skills such as calling information to obtain a phone number, calling a store to see if they have a particular item in stock, calling technical support to fix a computer problem, and ordering take-out food.
8. Teach your child how to go places independently. This may be walking to areas nearby, riding a bike, using public transportation or driving.
9. Teach your child to carry certain items when he/she leaves the house. This would include: Important phone number, money, house key, and possibly a cell phone.
10. Teach your child about personal safety. Consider skills such as knowing who to hug and kiss, and when it is more appropriate to shake hands, how to discretely carry money, NOT giving personal information to others over the internet, and what to do if you are walking down the street & someone unfamiliar approaches you or you feel that you are being followed.
Diane Adreon, M.A., is associate director of the University of Miami/Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism & Related Disabilities. She is also the co-author of Asperger Syndrome and Adolescence: Practical Solutions for School Success
Courtesy of APPC
Source URL: http://www.autismsupportnetwork.com/news/life-after-high-school-ten-skills-teach-your-child-autism-223421

Your eyes, your smile, your lessons to me.

  Oh my son.
  I'm quite in awe over you. Your siblings taught me so much and yet I still sit here and stare at you listening attentively to all that you have to say. A week ago today, you began to show me that you were then able to recognize your family and friends. You smiled ever so gently with those cute little dimples. Oh how prominent they are.
 The past two days you have cracked a chuckle here and there. You look up at the fan and in your mothers eyes, I see you as if you are speaking with your angel. You smile so big. Your arms and legs move with excitement and you bring your mother her knees. There is no greater joy my son then to watch every monumental milestone in your short life. I want you to read this one day and remember that at this moment you were and always will be my baby.

 As a log here is what you did 10 minutes ago:

Me to David, "okay papas, mama is going to feed you some more, but I don't want you to throw up okay?". I guess he disagreed with me. How he proved his point after I was done asking that from him. He threw up on me. Down my shirt, on my pants and it found it's way to my socks. Yeah he didn't quite concur!

Family Poem/Had to share

Inspirational Family Poem

Matthew 20:20-21

from The Rhyming Gospels, a poetic paraphrase of Holy Scripture,
by Bernard Williams.

Then the mother of James and John
Came forward at their bequest,
She knelt down before Jesus
To make known her request.

Jesus looked down upon her,
Asked, “What is your desire?”
She said, “To serve in your kingdom
My two sons do aspire.”

“Command one to stand at your right,
For both I want the best,
The other put at your left hand,
This, then is my request.”

"Kathy with a K"

Yesterday my baby boy smiled the sweetest smile for the first time in his life. He was listening to Kathy talk to him and he looked up and smiled. What a beautiful moment it was.

The day before he cooed when I was talking to him......Some of the greatest moments with our children are these moments. Milestones like this come once in their lives. Live to enjoy ever second and never ever forget them.

There is so much to talk about!!!

   First things first! I had my precious baby boy! We had a face to face introduction April 11th! Before I continue with that part let's talk about the week before.
  
It was bad. Actually let me rephrase that; it was beyond miserable! The swelling took over every part of my body and walking to the restroom was a task. It caused pain in every inch of my living being. I couldn't really be comfortable in my pants because they were tight all over my legs. Even my sleeves to my shirts were tight on the arms. It wasn't good. I had put on a massive amount of water weight (30lbs). That wasn't including the baby weight. I guess I had something call ph something rather. It's potentially a danger to the mom. The word is close to edema; maybe.

 The Docs struggle to figure out what they had to do. My blood pressure runs pretty low on a normal day. Around the low end of the 90's. When they were taking my BP it was nearing the 130's. Well for a normal person with normal BP that's fine, but with me that was 40 points. It was difficult for them to truly diagnose me because they couldn't decide if they should.In the very end they did and said, "We have to have you come in in the am ma'am. You'll be having the baby tomorrow. We're inducing.". I wasn't reluctant at all that's for sure. I asked them, "So you're inducing, how long will it take before I start to see the swelling go down"? Their response, " Almost over night". "Then let's do it!" I replied.

I showed up the next day April 11th.... To be continued!

27 days left!

I kid you not I slept with my feet in the air all night. I think I may have to purchase 2 pillows just for this. Only because I'm sure my hubby is going to want his pillows back very soon. On a good note; one foot looks a little more normal now!!!!

I seriously thought I would be going in last night. I've had these things called "quickening". Oh and not to mention just a tad bit of fluid. I decided to go to sleep since it wasn't uncomfortable.I probably could get in trouble from some of the nurses but as the nurses know the L&D would end up sending me home.

It's nice to be able to walk on my feet or should I say foot without feeling the pain! I really hope someone can rub the water out them soon. Anyway, a small but I guess semi important update! 

Just like the month of February

The countdown has begun. We have about 28 days before we are to see our little one. Honestly I expect to see him sooner. Let me start by telling everyone what’s been going on in the Aguilar household.

Sis is now old enough to drive and has her permit to prove it. She drives better than some people I know. Trust me.  She is a cautious driver and already knows to respect the rules of the road. I have a feeling she’ll be ticket free for a long time.

My goodness her being 16 soon enough is striking a cord with me.  By the end of the year she will be enrolled in college and on her way to earning her Associates. Now don’t get me wrong we have our moments with her but most are pretty darn well!

She’ll be going to prom this year which is officially her first date. As a mom I’m a little nervous but I know she’ll be the most beautiful girl in the room! Her dress is classy and sophisticated and her shoes are just the same, just as a young lady should be.

Buggy just got back from a 120 mile bike ride. He made it all the way in 3 days. He was a bit disappointed because of lack of faith but now sits in pure satisfaction knowing that he proved others wrong. One thing about our family is that we can hold our own.  We’re just private when prepping our bodies for anything.

His birthday is right around the corner. He’ll be 14. In a year he’ll have his permit. Now unlike sis, he’ll end up with a ticket sooner than later. Beware of the future driver.

I love to sit back and watch him in church. He has such intimacy with his father. He praises him. What an awesome relationship he has with the Lord.

So far with Cici she seems to be a little excited that she will get to share the room with her baby bruder. She’s helped organize the room for her and him. She’s put his little socks away and talked about how well she will take care of him when he gets home. Hopefully that doesn’t change when daddy holds his little boy for the first time.

Speaking of daddy; he’s doing pretty darn well. He tolerating me isn’t he? May I ask that you lift him and his parents up in prayer? Recently we got news that his dad not doing so well. We’re preparing ourselves for an unwanted trip. His mom called to let us know that he feels he’ll never get to meet his grandson.  That he also knows he will not see his grandchildren again. He’s not doing well at all and we’ve known this; but never to this extent. All this has us at the edge of our seats.

Going back to the man of the home; good things are going to happen. He doesn’t know I feel this way though. There are a few glitches but you just wait and see. I’m going to one day face a whole new man that will walk with a glow on his face and be someone we never expected him to be. All the glory will be to God when it happens!

Myself let’s just say I feel like a WHALE!!! The past 4ish days I’ve had nothing but swelling. My feet get so bad it hurts to walk. Braxton Hicks seem to become a little stronger each time. I can defiantly feel the end is near. His head is down already and has been for about 3 weeks now. I can feel him roll back and forth now. At times I feel his little behind up against me.  What a wonderful feeling. Isn’t it amazing how our bodies can conform to the needs of a babe? I was told not to be surprised if he arrived sooner. Honestly I won’t. I actually think he will be here sooner.

I had my first shower ever! The women of the church got together and helped celebrate the soon to be birth of our precious baby boy. Really I never expected there to be 20 plus women there. It was a nice surprise. They saved me so much money too! I was blessed with plenty of towels, receiving blankets, wash clothes and more! Sis and I got home and hubby was pleasantly surprised that we got so much. So was I. I thank the Lord for placing us with such a wonderful church family. We have been blessed by them from the moment we arrived in that church.

We do have someone people though that really adore my husband; so much so they have learned to pick on him with love and kindness, of course. I love that they have also built a relationship with my sweetheart and often bring a gentle smile to his face. He’s just loved around here, more so by us. He does have to give one of the youth a scowling once in a while but this guy deserves it! Lol!! He’s a great kid though even if he ONLY listens to Mike. My husband never ceases to amaze me. He’s pretty content where he’s at and loving every minute. So for that I thought he deserved a new toy. We purchased a bike for him. A nice beautiful ruby red bike!

Welp, it’s time for me to hang this up. Since my sleeping schedule is off right now so is everything else. God bless you all until next time.

Latest Pregnancy Symptoms

   I am 8 months today!  Funny as it seems the past 2 weeks have come with it's fair share of..... Let's see here, HEADACHES. I think I'm misbehaving, AND I DON'T LIKE IT!!!
   At 32 weeks, my symptoms are mood swings, hot flashes, urinating like mad, lack of sleep (due to being uncomfortable), lower back aches, swelling of what sometimes are to be known as cankles, and lastly this large amount of energy that comes and goes.
                                         "This too shall pass (1Corinthinas 10:12)".
 Okay so you would think that with me becoming so energetic at times I would not get cranky. Boy have I been fooling myself. This is the first time in 4 pregnancies that I have endured such feelings.   
   Did I mention, I'm emotional as well? About EVERYTHING! Oh and I'm also having some Braxton Hicks now. Yep, while I walk, sit, eat, think, sleep, rest, and well did I miss anything? I feel like my mother did when she went through her "change of life". At least I think I know how she felt.
  Despite my raging hormones, there are those perks. I get to deck out the room with baby stuff again. I have the opportunity to reminisce on what my other 3 children were like when they came into this world. Their innocent angelic faces, their bare behinds, and their thick chunky legs, which I could have taken a bit out of! Their cries of knowing instantly that someone will be able to care for them. Being trustworthy of a person they just met seconds ago. Me knowing and enjoying one of the greatest gifts the Lord has lent me.
  As I write this, I'm feeling the little man kick. He seems to be taking a liking to kicking me in bladder by the way. You know he worships with us. In service when praise and worship starts, he does too. Sometimes I sit there in hopes that our worship leader will go just a little longer, so I feel him move just a little more. He's spirit filled and he isn't here yet! I absolutely love feeling him move inside me! He will grow strong in spirit! Praise God, Praise God, Praise God!!!
                                                                   (Psalm 22:10)
             " From birth I was cast upon you; from my mother's womb you have been my God."

 My motherly instincts tell me he'll be here sooner then we would like. I keep praying he'll stay in there till he's 36 weeks baked. I doubt he'll be born in the next couple of weeks but after that I'm not sure. I know my due date is were it should be and if anything, give or take a day.
  Do me a favor would you? Pray for me. I think I need it. I don't like that I fall asleep and wake up so cranky, even though I am good at hiding it from people other then my family. I guess perhaps I should make sure others are around so I don't cranky. Poor solution I know, but it might work.
              " For You have formed my inward parts; You have covered me in my mother’s womb.                                       (Psalms 139:13)."
 

You're kidding me! 9 weeks already!!!

Yes sir/ma’am, we only have nine weeks left come tomorrow! I constantly feel this man move around and I love it! Each of the three other times I’ve been pregnant this was and is my favorite part.

A couple of the ladies of our church are throwing me a baby shower. Some may not get an invite because they don’t know you. So let me personally invite you. It’s going to be March 12^th at Milton 1^st Assembly of God Church @ 11am.  You can RSVP at 850-623-2854. I’ve been asked quite frequently where I’m registered at. To answer your question I’m registered at Target, JCPenny’s, and any yard sale that has baby boy stuff! I love me some second hand in good condition! Please join us for a mid morning day of fun.

Guess what I’m doing this week? I’m getting the entire house baby ready. I’m going to make sure there is nothing big that I’ll need. When you come into my home you will begin to think David is here already. Crazy as it seems; I can wait till he gets here. I am enjoying all the little movements.  No need to rush what the Lord has given me. I said that twice..lol.

Our youth are sparking a fire! I see it in my Sunday school class. Move over people because they are about to overfilled with the Holy Spirit! There is no more waiting on others to move; they are just going to get up and do it! I love to see our children on fire for God. It brings tears to my eyes every time.

Hey locals! I have something for you. Click

Yes sir/ma’am, we only have nine weeks left come tomorrow! I constantly feel this man move around and I love it! Each of the three other times I’ve been pregnant this was and is my favorite part.

A couple of the ladies of our church are throwing me a baby shower. Some may not get an invite because they don’t know you. So let me personally invite you. It’s going to be March 12^th at Milton 1^st Assembly of God Church @ 11am.  You can RSVP at 850-623-2854. I’ve been asked quite frequently where I’m registered at. To answer your question I’m registered at Target, JCPenny’s, and any yard sale that has baby boy stuff! I love me some second hand in good condition! Please join us for a mid morning day of fun.

Guess what I’m doing this week? I’m getting the entire house baby ready. I’m going to make sure there is nothing big that I’ll need. When you come into my home you will begin to think David is here already. Crazy as it seems; I can wait till he gets here. I am enjoying all the little movements.  No need to rush what the Lord has given me. I said that twice..lol.

Our youth are sparking a fire! I see it in my Sunday school class. Move over people because they are about to overfilled with the Holy Spirit! There is no more waiting on others to move; they are just going to get up and do it! I love to see our children on fire for God. It brings tears to my eyes every time.

Hey locals! I have something for you. Click http://www.angelfoodministries.com/ your location will be here in town. If you don’t feel you need it, please, PLEASE bless someone who does. We all know someone who could even just one box. They even have it so you can give to a local military family. I highly recommend that you give it a shot. You may even find coupons for a bigger savings! If you like let them know I referred you.

I have so much I want to talk about but I am going to wait. I have a 4 year old student to teach. God bless you all!

your location will be here in town. If you don’t feel you need it, please, PLEASE bless someone who does. We all know someone who could even just one box. They even have it so you can give to a local military family. I highly recommend that you give it a shot. You may even find coupons for a bigger savings! If you like let them know I referred you.

I have so much I want to talk about but I am going to wait. I have a 4 year old student to teach. God bless you all!

Correction: The time for the shower is 10am

2010 in a glimpse

2011; what to say about it? Lots happened last year. Let’s do a year in review.

I was finally able to open up about a few things of the past. I was set free! By doing so; I released a lot of anger that had been bottled up for years. I have thanked God everyday for all that he has done in my life, even when I turned my back on him.

I am not innocent; I am a human being that makes mistakes, sometimes often. I am not perfect but made in the image of Christ. I am not the most beautiful woman in the world, but he loves me with my flaws. I am a mom and a military wife. I raised my kids alone for eight months. I made mistakes. I have learned to admit to them which make it perfectly okay for others not to enjoy/like me or my company. I am not asking for your judgment but only for the judgment of the one who so graciously gave his life for me; and you.

Our family has lost some friends this past year, some in death while others it was just time to say good bye. We think of them often. Quick lesson; NEVER EVER speak ill of those that see you differently. It is not your place. Do not let what they say control you. It is not their place. Instead love these people with all your heart. As Jesus has done so to us.

My husband deployed. I saw and felt the pain of others when they were hurting. I learned to trust God with EVERY aspect of my heart; meaning patience. I learned to trust women and to become friends with them. They are not all alike. I learned that being a tom boy didn’t make me ugly but made me, well, me.

We have learned that we may not always fit in where ever we go, but we can still be loved and thought of.

I spent a week in the hospital. Friends became family. They came together and did all that they could. My husband came home on emergency leave and the Lord blessed us with a soon to be here babe.

My heart grew closer to Christ, more then it has ever been before. I sought consoling, from the GREATEST counselor I know! He helped me get through all the obstacles I had to face and may continue to face.

One thing has been different, I’m 6 months pregnant. For five months I had morning sickness; day and night. I still get it, just not so bad. Once that seemed to have subsided some I started getting pretty swollen. I have other symptoms. Here is my list; abdominal pain, faint, fatigue, pale, and dizziness. Sometimes it comes on out of the blue. You’re question must be, “Have you seen a Dr.?”, my answer is no. I see him this week.

For these reasons, I have felt so sad because honestly I have yet to enjoy being pregnant. Matter of fact, I do not want to have another one. I get moody, grouchy, irritable, whatever you want to call it. My activities have been put to a minimal because I refuse to risk my babies’ health.

My goals this year, devote myself (more then ever) to Christ. Become submissive to him. Be a good example to myself, my children and to others. Learn to pray without ceasing, forgiving, loving others as I should love myself, FORGIVING, and again sharing a little more about me, to help me heal in other aspects of my life.

The relationships that have been built here in this small town will not fade. All of what I have mentioned have been relationships; relationships in my life.

 I am welcoming the new year with strong grip on my fathers hand.

A Love Letter

I took this Love Letter from Alpha Omega. I good time to recap; not only for the homeschool families for for us all.

I see you sitting there tired, worn out, and empty. Another year of homeschooling has used you up. You feel helpless like a baby. That's OK. I know all about being a baby. I was born one for you many years ago. I know the ache you feel to be held and loved, and that is why I came. I knew you would be sitting there in the future, praying and asking me to hold you, and I am dear one. Let me give you a special Christmas gift of love, as I breathe new life into the very center of your soul.

Do you know that I think of you every moment of every day? I watch you patiently homeschool the children I gave you, and I know how badly you feel when you fail and lose your temper. I forgive you, my child, just as you forgive your children when they make a mistake. "It's OK. We'll try again," you say to them, and I'm telling you the same thing, too. I'm so proud of you and how you've followed me when I asked you to teach your children about Me at home. Your sacrifice says that you love Me. I know all about that, too. I left everything that was mine when I came from heaven. I know how you feel when the Father asks so much of you.

Look at Me, my child. You may feel beat up, but do you know that you are still beautiful? I see that smile. Yes, you're still as beautiful as the day I created you. I love who you are, and I'm whispering your name. Can you hear Me? Remember my child that this is not your home. You really belong here with Me in heaven, but I want you where you are now to love this family I gave you. Don't give up. I want you to trust Me. I won't let you down. Every promise I've made is true, and someday I'm coming back for you. For now, rest in My love, and tonight and even tomorrow when you wake up, I'll be here watching over you. I love you. Merry Christmas.

"Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities" (Hebrews 4:14-15a).

Merry Christmas to you all from the Aguilar's!

God's Signature

Displayed on the wall of my friends' lake house is a collection of
pictures.
Each one of the photos is of a sunset, taken from their deck during
various seasons. While each is strikingly beautiful-no two are
identical. When I look at them, it reminds me of what another friend
once called a sunset-"God's beautiful signature at the end of a day."

God writes His signature on each sunset and on each of His unique
children as well. I never grow tired of discovering how every person I
meet is so delightfully different. God is infinitely creative, and the
variety in our personalities, senses of humor, abilities, and
preferences in music and sports are all handcrafted by Him.

God's signature that is so evident in nature is also present in His
people.
Let's celebrate the differences that make each of His children unique.
(Our Daily Bread)

20 weeks 3 days

    I have an active little guy taking space in my belly right now. I've been feeling the baby move for 9 days now!!!! It's such an awesome feeling knowing that, that precious baby within you is healthy. I had an ultrasound done on Tuesday. Can you believe it took 1.5 hours of work for the nurse doing it?! Yes the babe was moving that much. Matter of fact she couldn't keep up half the time. One things for sure HE sure is flashy! He wanted us to know that he is defiantly a boy!!!! That's right we are adding another baby boy to the family.

  Based on the ultrasound he's right on target. Not that I questioned it; after all Mike was only home for 2 weeks. We will be seeing him around the 19th of April. It looks like we're going to be needing some stuff now. I refuse to put my little boy in pink. Yard sales, clearances here we come!

 So anyway, this is short and sweet. I pray that those traveling will be safe. I pray that all your families will be blessed as we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ!

That's my handsome daddy!! We miss you!

10 years ago today

We were preparing to bury my dad. Our Thanksgiving came with a heavy heart and lots of mourning. My dad passed away on the 17th of November and this past 17th didn't go by unforgotten. It never does. I've heard parents say, "I'd rather go first then to watch my children be buried". I think that's one of the things that helped me get past losing my dad. It would have been devastating had my dad had to see us go. He buried my brother. He did not speak of it for weeks. He really didn't do much. I'm not even sure how exactly he coped with Vincent's death. All I know is that with every Thanksgiving I remember who my dad was and all that he wanted during the holiday seasons. This was his favorite time of year. He'd hold his grandchildren as if it was the last time he'd ever see them. They loved every second of it you know? Not once did he treat them different from the other. He held them for just as long and kissed them the same amount of time, and he told each and every one them how much he loved them.

I'm not sure if my sister recalls but every holiday season my dad would say, " We will not fight or be negative for the next month.". I'd laugh deep down inside because let me tell you sometimes it was NOT easy, but that ever so slightly reminder stuck to me through out the years. I hear myself telling the kids the day before Thanksgiving, "don't be fighting for the holidays, enjoy them".

So even though my dad is not here with us, he still holds a big part during the holiday season. How can I forget such a loving, caring, self motivated, gentle man, whose hands where hairy?!! I had to say that. When we went to church in Kettleman City I use to play with his hair on his hands in church. Sometimes to the point where I remember tangling them...hehehe. He never said a thing.

I miss him so much, but I am so truly thankful for the blessings that God has poured upon us this very day. I have my husband home, my children here and living, and a home covered by the blood of the Lamb. Thank you Lord for all that you have done in my life, even in the times that I tried to push you away. Thank for you guiding me, loving me unconditionally, and forever holding me in your arms. Thank you for all that you have done for me and my family.


PS. Tomorrow is 10 years since we said good bye to my daddy.

My story at 15 yrs old.

I know I said I was going to post it here about a month; sorry. Please forward to anyone who is going through this.

I was 15 years old. As all teens are I became crazy over boys. Though I had a troubled 4ish years before that I don't think I had low self esteem. In fact I had always looked for those who dressed well, who seemed intelligent, who were respectful of others. I always wanted someone who, in a sense, was better then me? There was this "guy" who had all these characteristics so I thought. Honestly he wasn't good looking, matter of fact he looked like a mouse. I knew it then and still know it now. I don't recall how we met, but I do know it was a small town in the central valley of CA.

By the way, I am not going to say his name. If my family reads this (including Nini) they'll know who I'm talking about. Please don't say his name either guys.

After a week of meeting him, my dad noticed this kid sleeping outside on the grass at the apartment complex we lived in. So did I. I'd like to say we were not dating but I almost felt like I had no other alternatives. Honestly I did not really know why he was sleeping out there. I just knew he "dressed well". He was very nice with me, polite, did VERY well in school, and seemed to be pretty popular amongst his peers.

A week and half after "knowing" him, I spoke to him about what was going on. He upset me and let him know I was NOT happy. As soon as I was mid point my face was numb. He stuck me. For the first time I had been hit by a guy that I thought liked me. The only hit I recall is the first one, after that I do not know how many times I was struck. If my mind serves me well, I got up from the ground of the garage of a friend. I wasn't bruised but I was sore.

Boy was I ready to get out and run as fast as I can. Well I couldn't. At the time my dad was consumed with work and i rarely saw him to begin. I have chosen to leave out why I didn't go home. I'll have to do that in person one day. Just know I couldn't. During those 3 months I was being hit. Sometimes left in the corn fields behind the area of homes. Since corn wasn't in season at the time no one saw me out there. I was being left with bruises on my face. The neighborhood saw them but not once asked to see what was wrong. I wouldn't go into town because I was afraid I'd run into my dad, or even my brother. I kept it very low key. I don't remember how long I was left unconscious all those times. I remember times where he would hit me and I'd have seizures. That did not stop him. I was trapped. The more I would try and defend myself the worse I was hit. He would apologize every single time. Matter of fact through out the 3 months his mom was being hit by his dad. She ended up with broken ribs, often.

I remember looking at myself in the mirror wondering why it was happening to me. Could he cause me to be blind at 15? My eyes were closed shut at times. What was happening to me while I was out cold? How could someone hurt me or anyone? How do I get out of this situation? I did not like it and I wasn't worth the beatings I got. I was his punching bad. He would kick me, hit me, and at times even spit on me.

As every guy/girl does he would buy me things, say he was sorry, blame me for all the beatings. I was not naive. I knew I was not to blame for the pain he was causing me but I couldn't leave. I was stuck. Believe me I would look for ways out. After about 2 months of being of all of this, I figured I was stuck. I was destined to die in someone's house. You know; he even had the nerve to do it in front of people. He would make it seem like he was playing. He was so good at it that people believed him.

I'm sitting here writing this and a part of me is holding back on more details. My hands are wet from the feeling of fear that I once had. This is very difficult for me to share.

After 3 months, my mom came looking for me. She found me bruised. She didn't ask any questions because she came to tell me that my brother passed away 2 days earlier. Boy was that a shocker. I told my mom I couldn't go. That was not a good idea. Somehow I made it to my brother's funeral. I remember sitting there with tears in my eyes asking Vincent if this was his way of getting me out of this. Could my brother have saved my life.

Within hours of my brother's funeral I was at a family friends house. My brother and him grew up together. He was always and still is considered family. We call each other step siblings. We have since I was a tot.

I ended up moving in with Nini and his family. I don't know how much time went by but it was not long at all. This guy found out where I was at. I was in the shower one am. Suddenly I heard the door slam open and there he was. I thought, this is it, I'm going to die right now.

He wasn't in there but 30 seconds before Nini and the family got home. They front door was broken. The chain if I remember correctly was completely off the hinge. Nini's girlfriend called the cops. The guy's mom showed up with 15ish minutes. Her excuse, "She asked for it". I don't know what Nini did or said to keep them away. One things for sure is that God had me protected.

For anyone out there, if this is happening to you get help. So people are abused by those who say they love you. It's not true. They are not respecting you. They will do it again. I do not ever want to see someone I love go through what I went through. I did intentionally leave some details out. Please, your life is much more precious. Take care of what God has given you.

This is so hard. You have no idea how thankful I am that people prayed for me then. That the Lord never took his hands off me. I do not know how many times I could have died. I do not know what happened to me while I was out cold. I'm not even sure that I want to know.

I'm going to stop here...Just know, if you're near by and need someone to talk to or if this what you are going through, PLEASE, PLEASE get help. People are there, here, and everywhere. Don't let your life without meaning, that is not God intended. He did not make me suffer but instead this has become one of my testimonies to help others....I'm sorry there is no spell check today.

TMI!!!!!!!

We just got back from a short walk. Our walked reminded me of Japan because of the wind chill out. I got down to the bottom of the hill and was working against the wind.

I forgot how tiring that can be and there went my breath. Half of the way I could not catch my breath. That is how it was in Japan; often. Odd as it may seem, I've missed it. Yes really, wind chills are nice because when I walk in the door I can sit on the couch with one of my children and cuddle surrounded by nothing but warmth. Ahh, what a great feeling!

I'm sitting at 16+ weeks. I've had two days of feeling sick and it's not morning sickness (I don't think). Today seems to be a new day and not feeling as bad I have been the past two days. Feels pretty good, but only one problem; I am having no bowel movements what so ever!! This does NOT thrill me. I've eaten apples at night, drank coffee with a stool softener in it, everything, and nothing has worked. This is day who knows how many and it's starting to get just a LITTLE uncomfortable. Any suggestions would be helpful; my preference is the natural way but at this point anything safe for the baby works with me.

At this point in my pregnancy I can still see my toes but they are slowly going into hiding. I have a baby belly that is very noticeable and my face seems to have double in sized. My feet haven't grown much, my hands aren't any different but my face and belly have changed.

I've never noticed the changes on my face before until recently. The pigmentation on my face has changed drastically. Perhaps it's because I've been a tad bit under the weather. My lips are the same color as the rest of me. I have dark circles around my eyes that are not attractive at all.

Sis and I went in to Target the other day. Baby clothes are becoming a bit more, umm, let's just say they are starting to draw me in some. Oh man, so Target has this rocker that they have had for some time. It's growing on to me. I wanted it before but I am REEEEAAAAAALLLLLLYYY wanting it now. I've never had a rocker for me and baby, I just don't understand why I want one now.

I so badly want to talk about the friends of the past, present, and future but I know that's a blog of it's own. I just want you to know that even if we do not speak (often), rarely see other, always around you, you are always in my prayers. You may be upset with me, but I still pray for you.

One more thing, I know this woman. Her looks remind me of my mom. No one knows that she does but her. I just want you to know that I am proud of you and what you have done in your life. I always think and pray for you. I pray that blessings will fall upon you, so many that you don't know what to do them all. I love you my sister.