A proud Auntie Becca, that is who I am!

Summer has arrived, and we definetly soaked up the rays that the sun threw down!

Memorial day weekend was busy, and great. We - Mom, Albert, Aprils oldest 4 kids, and myself - went camping with a group from church; went to church on Sunday; I caught up with an old friend; I went rock climbing; went to the Como Zoo for Parkers Birthday; and last but not least visited the Nubies ♥ -yep, Aprils babies have arrived!

We welcomed Abby Jo and Avery Stephen on May 20th at 4:15pm. They were both admitted into the NICU, and stayed there until Sunday 5/24. They did great latching on and breastfeeding right away, they had minor issues such as their glucose levels being off, and not being able to stabilize their temps... but other than that they seem to be doing great, what little troopers! Today they are 1 week old :) and very cute and little I might add! They are both weighing in at around 4.5 pounds each.

I feel so blessed by all of my family, memorial day I was reminded of how fortunate I am to have such a great, loving, Compassionate, tight-knit family! We are so blessed to have one another!

Madi is growing like a weed and she is so much fun, a handful too :) She is running all over the place, she is fearless, that little girl! Her favorite thing to do right now is to explore, especially the places that she knows I don't want her to explore, like the toilet for instance! She is a little chatter box, and she is quite opinionated, and vocal about her feelings. High energy, and hungry all the time . We had no problems taking the bottle away, we actually just gave her the option one morning of the bottle or the sippy cup, and she chose the latter, which is nice. It probably came easy because I never gave her a bottle in the crib, although I must admitr, I am sad seeing them go, because it means my baby is growing up!

The {Amazing} Shack

I know that some people out there aren't huge fans of reading, and for the majority of my life I would have fallen into that category as well... UNTIL just recently, for some odd reason, I have been craving literature. About a month ago I was then encouraged by my Mom to read the book 'The Shack'. Little did I know that I would be swept off of my feet...

It is an amazing, thought provoking, inspirational, life changing, fabulously surprising and enjoyable read... for lack of better words "It knocked my Socks off!". Verbs and adjectives cannot express my joy, or my feelings about this book. If I were to choose ONE book (other than the bible) that has been life changing for me, it would be 'The Shack'. I don't know I could just be a little zealous because I just got finished listening to it, but I was touched by this book like I have never been touched by a book before!

All of my preconceived notions about God and life were transformed, into something beautiful. All of my thoughts were revealed to me, and so many transformations in my heart occurred. Little did I know that reading this book would set a new precedent for the way that I view and live life.

As I finished it this morning, all of my feelings culminated into a contentment and understanding that I never imagined that I could ever have. Part of me felt exhilarated as I ended the audio book (I listened to it on audio, while driving to and from work, over the past week) and another part of me was sad, disappointed that it was over. Not that the book was in any way a disappointment, but the fact that the revelations had to come to an end, I was bummed. My daily trips in the car that I SO looked forward to are over... BUT I am left with so many thoughts, and a small smile on my face, realizing how much more amazing my God is than I ever knew. The little smirk that is now left on my face is there because I know that I will never be able to fully explain how I feel, and I know how minuscule my thoughts are compared to Gods greatness. I am utterly thankful for the opportunities that God has given me in this small life of mine.

I was challenged, and I was healed during the listening of the words written in this book. It is so simple, yet so profound. My mind is left cultivating all of the fabulous revelations that I received from this book. My mind - still trying to grasp all that the words held... Part of me ever wonders if I ever will be able to grasp all of the Revelations that this book holds.

This will not be the last time that I read or listen to this book, it will be a book that I will cherish for years to come; A book that will be passed down for generations; A book that I will surely read to my children and my grandchildren over the years. I bought two hard copies of the book on Amazon two days ago, because even though I had not finished the book yet, I had already realized that it was such a priceless treasure to me, and to the world; who has yet to read it! So I encourage you to pick it up, and if you can't afford it, please let me know, I am passing around a copy of mine, because it is that monumental of a literary work of art, in my eyes!

As I now encounter thoughts of facing my 'Shack', I am relieved in knowing that God is there every step of the way, encouraging me, and deep down I have no fear. I know that I will stumble, and I know that I will fall, but now - after listening to this book - I truly know, like never before, that God will be right by my side to pick me up, and to help me heal my wounds.

I know that this book is fiction, and I know that it is not written as fact and truth, but the words and examples throughout the book ring true to Gods nature, and that is what I love about it!

HERE is the link to the only marketing that has been done for this book, it has spread like wildfire by word of mouth. William P. Young has followed Gods plan for his broken life, and I applaud him for all of his dedication and hard work as the non-author that he really is.

Thanks for reading my short literary review. Not that I am a pro by any means, or that I know what I am doing or saying, but I was so impressed and changed by this book that I wanted to be able to share it with the world, and the only way that I know how is to blog about it.

So there it is, my feelings about 'The Shack'

"If Anything Matters... Everything Matters" ~William P. Young

a little bit of Kung-Fu Panda

"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is mystery, and today is a gift. that is why it is called the present” ~Master Oogway ♥

The Two Little Munchkins are here

We welcomed Abby and Avery yesterday at 4:15pm!!

April had been experiencing painful contractions all day yesterday so she called her doctor in the afternoon and the doctor told her to head to the hospital. Aprils response was, "I am not in labor, I am not ready and the babies aren't big enough!" her doctor chuckled and told her that whether she was ready or not she needed to go in... April was only 35 weeks and 2 days gestation so the babies were born prematurely.

So after a full day of April experiencing Painful contractions... as 2:30pm arrived she finally came to the realization that she was indeed going into (if not already in...) labor. Sean came home from a Doc appointment to pick her up, they were admitted into the hospital at 3:58pm, and had the babies about 15 minutes later at 4:15pm.

Avery was in the birth canal when they first arrived to the hospital, at first they thought that it was his arm but it was actually his small little bum that was coming out... They rushed her to the OR and put her under anesthesia, she was completely knocked out!

Avery Stephen

Abby Jo

Avery Stephen, who was the 'Ready to Come' one, came first weighing in at 4lbs 15oz, then following her brother the 'Already Sassy and Stubborn' Abby Jo arrived weighing in at 5lbs 2oz. They are both as cute as can be. They were a bit swollen at first but after a few hours the swelling went down and they were able to calm and get some rest.

Avery did great breathing on his own, but Abby needed some assistance in the beginning. Both of their glucose levels were low, and they had a few other minor issues due to being premature. But overall they are doing great and are healthy! They are in the NICU and will be there for a few days until they eating and temperature stabilize, along with a few other minor issues are addressed.

Proud Grandma (Mom) and Auntie (Me)

Proud Daddy - Sean

April is pretty exhausted, and definitely sore which is to be expected, considering she had an emergency Cesarean. Sean is at the hospital with her, he stayed the night there to be by her side. He was so concerned about her all day yesterday, he is such a sweet husband! He has therapy and doctors appointments today, he will be getting another MS injection today...

I am not going to lie, yesterday was a bit stressful for me! Due to the babies premature arrival we (Mom and I) were unable to hold or touch the babies, and we were also turned away to see them -April, Abby and Avery- at times, which we all felt was a little ridiculous in some instances.

Not only that it is pretty tough not having more family here. It was so hard finding someone to take the older kids while I had to work today. So I was up til midnight finding someone to watch them... Thanks so much Charrissa, I owe you one. I know that as Aprils sister and a new Auntie it is my responsibility, but I just was feeling a tad bit overwhelmed last night, trying to get everything situated.

So I apologize if I seemed rude to anyone, I wasn't upset at anyone in particular just frustrated with the situations at hand. I love you all and am so thankful for all of the help and support that you all have been giving to our family!

Today we have all new issues that are going to need to be addressed... Nothing is ready for the babies, so I am sure that I will be busy for the next few days helping them out! Please be praying, their housing situation is still on the rocks as are other aspects of their lives.

“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.”

I saw this on a bumper sticker on the way to work this morning, and as I passes the car that the bumper sticker was attached to I glanced over and gave the guy a smile... He smiled back.

How simple is it to love? And yet so many people choose to hate, or be bitter, or angry for things that can easily be forgiven. Hate is a burden that so many people choose to bear!

On my way to and from work for the past week I have been listening to the book, "The Shack" on audio. Toward the middle of the book the words that are spoken become very 'meaty' and what I mean by that is that the words come with such power, and revelation, I find myself rewinding the audio and re-listening to it over again, sometimes multiple times, I have to chew on the words over and over like I would a piece of steak to be able to swallow it. If I could remember some quotes from the book I would post them here, but I can't, so I am going to buy the paper version of the book to hold onto as a keepsake and as a reference.

I am learning so much, and I have found myself growing closer to God while listening to this book. I am falling more in love with Gods character and who he is. I am grasping the love that he has for this world, the love that he has for me and I cannot help but smile inside, knowing that I have such a great Love coming from God... the Creator, of the world, and the creator of little ol' Me! His love is astounding, and I am discovering the true power of Love itself!

I am growing in Love, and I have been told that I am a loving person but as I am growing I am becoming more loving, and less judgemental and skeptical.

I am going to end this post with a wonderful quote, from a wonderful man whose love changed the world - and just remember if you love enough, your love will change the world too... 'I have decided to stick with Love ♥ Hate is too great a burden to bear.' Martin Luther King Jr.

Free Money?! Apparently there is such a thing...

Link HERE to sign up for swagbucks!! Earn money for searching the web... "Are you kidding me?!" You ask.
"Nope I am dead SERIOUS!" I reply...

I wish I would have started this years ago, I would have had a whole-lotta free things by now! Seriously...

Anyway here is the low-down:
Swag bucks has a search engine powered by google and ask.com. When you perform your searches, you win Swag bucks - which are redeemable for gift cards or merchandise. Each time you earn 45 Swag bucks, you can redeem it for a $5 Amazon.com gift card.While I do earn by doing searches, the majority of my points come from referrals. When your friends sign up under your referral code, you'll earn a buck every time they do, for the first 100 swag bucks! You can see how this adds up once you have 10 or 20 friends under you! Here's a scenario:Find 10 friends to join.You earn 100 Swag bucks by the end of the year for each friend=1000 bucks.Redeem them for (22) Amazon gift cards, each in the amount of $5 = $110. Earn 45 Swag bucks per month doing searches on your own x 10 months = $50 Amazon GC Grand total of free Christmas gifts: $160!If you have a blog, a large family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, etc. I encourage you to sign up HERE and share this scenario with them. Once they learn there is a way to get Christmas for free, you'll have them lining up at your door.
PS - if you're on Twitter, you can follow Swagbucks. Keep your eye out for free Swag bucks codes!

I am excited, hopefully this year will be a free Christmas!



To get more info read this article HERE.



Let me know if you have any Q's!

Growing a little smarter day by day

So, this is sorta silly, BUT I find it to be very beneficial...

It is just something that I do, because it is who I am!
Anyway I bet you are thinking "what is she talking about now?!" and this is it: (pretty much)Daily I look up words in the dictionary... Weird I know, but if I am at all questioning the meaning of a word whether it is as complicated as the word fastidious (which would be an adjective to Define both Sean and I) or as simple as the word enlighten (which means To give spiritual or intellectual insight). I will look up a word if I have any question as to the meaning of the word, or if I just want to look for a good adjective I will look something up in the thesaurus...I can feel myself growing just a little bit smarter everyday.

Now you know my secret...

I am not kidding, pretty much everyday I really look up at least one word, and I have been learning a ton. So I encourage you to do the same, if you are questioning the meaning of a word at all go to thefreedictionary.com or another website like dictionary.com and it will give you everything that you need to know about the word!

Education is Priceless

If you think education is expensive, try ignorance. ~Andy McIntyre

And that is one of the reasons why I am conitnuing my education in the fall. I will be returning to Metro State University to finish my BA in Social Science. I am actually really looking forward to it. If I take one class per semester I will be done in 2 full school years. It seems like a long time but in reality it really isn't, I am soo close! That time will be including my internship.

I look forward as I veture out as a Mom, Student, and a full-time employee...

James is my favortie book in the Bible

James 1:19 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 20 Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. 21 So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.

I aspire to live righteously and I pray this over my life continually. I want to be that person, the one who is sharing and kind, caring and compassionate, slow to anger, and rich in Love. I want to be the one who has open arms to those that need a shoulder to cry on or a home to stay in. God is working in me, but it is a slow process, and it is work on my part because I am only human, as we all are.

Back on the right track

My heart feels good, and I know that I am doing what is right. I am out of the rut for now and walking the path that is best for me. I am choosing to follow the path that God has for me.

I am so thankful for all of the support, the accountability, the wonderful friends who keep me in tune with God...

Proverbs 10:8-10
8 The wise are glad to be instructed,
but babbling fools fall flat on their faces.
9 People with integrity walk safely,
but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall.
10 People who wink at wrong cause trouble,
but a bold reproof promotes peace.

mistakes will happen along the way

Condemnation. Shame. Resentment. Guilt. Disappointment



often I feel these things when I make mistakes, when I slip up. Although I know that I am forgiven, that I am given grace, I still beat myself up. My heart feels ashamed and disappointed when I fail... I am constantly fighting myself, my perfectionism. I am my own worst enemy.



My heart is sad when I look back and see the truth. I was just a trophy wife, and nothing more. Did he even really love me? I have made so many mistakes and I naturally want to follow the old pattern that I have walked for so many years. There is a rut that was dug, and I keep falling into it!



I am trying to discover who I am and what I want, and why...

Why did I choose what that life? How do I fix what I choose? I want to make healthy choices, I want to turn away from the old life that I once knew. I want to create a new life for Madi and Myself. Sometimes it seems so hard...



But I know that His Grace is sufficient. Time will heal the wounds, and the rut will be filled once it is no longer walked in... and along the way the mistakes will still happen, but I am not separated from Gods grace he may be disappointed by he will not condemn me, he will still love me and draw me near.

All are welcome

April is having a Boy and a Girl!!

Please join us in celebrating the arrival of these two babies

If you can join us we would love for you to come!

She is registered at these stores (in store and online both)

(click on the store to be coneected to the link)

Babys-R-Us

Baby Depot

Target

Link here to see Seans Caring bridge website to get an update on the ERVINS.

It was rough last week

but I am choosing to move forward with a smile on my face! and with contentment in my heart knowing that God is in this... I have been praying often over these past few days, and God has given me peace.

It seems as though our family has been facing a lot of trials recently but I can see how we are all growing through it all.

Now that my time will be more limited with Madi I am consciously taking in all of our precious time together. Watching her grow has been amazing, and the age that she is at right now is so much fun!

We had a great weekend! Seeing her grin, giggle and tottle around was so much fun. We had a lot of laughs and good times. Going to Chuckee Cheese for Coles 9th birthday, it was madis first time there. Shopping at Mall Of America with Mom and Albert was great to, getting Albert ready for prom :)

I am really appreciated all of these great little moments!

"Life is not the amount of breaths you take, it's the moments that take your breath away."