Finding it hard

Recently I've been trying very hard to live more Christ-like. I want to be more loving towards people, accepting, and humbled. Instead of arguing my point, I just ignore it, don't say anything in response or give a loving side. It is not an easy task.

I'm also attempting to be less critical and judgmental of people because most of the time we don't know the full story. (Or as the old saying goes "don't judge a (wo)man unless you've walked a mile in their shoes".)

1 “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye." Matthew 7:1-5

Just like everything in life that worth achieving - it's all hard. It's hard running a business, it's hard taking 5-6 classes a semester, it's hard to realize you may never be able to become pregnant, it's hard going through a process of adoption, and it's hard trying to be the good person that God calls me to be (and the person I want to lead an example for my children) - but as Philippians 4:13 reads, "I can do all things through Christ[a] who strengthens me."

He Has Risen!

As I get older and fatter I love Easter less for the chocolates cream eggs and jelly beans, and more and more because this is the day Jesus rose from the grave to save our sins.

I love you, Jesus.

Matthew 28

He Is Risen

 ¹ Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. ² And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door,^[a] and sat on it. ³ His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. ⁴ And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.
⁵ But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. ⁶ He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. ⁷ And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.”
⁸ So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.

The Women Worship the Risen Lord

  
⁹ And as they went to tell His disciples,^[b] behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. ¹⁰ Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”

Live, love, and, above all, Laugh!

Last night we went out with some very old family friends of S.'s (about 20 years!) and had a fabulous night. During the night, the hostess went around and shared a fond memory of how her and her guests met - giving us insight into the strangers we were meeting (as the only tie all of us had was our lovely hostess).

She gets to me and starts talking about how she feels S. and I seem to have a connection and use humor a lot in our relationship. And how she wants to get to know that more. At first I smiled and agreed, but after really thinking about it, I am so incredibly happy to have heard our relationship explained like that.

This morning S. decided to finish putting the hardware on our kitchen cabinets (finally after 3 years! haha) and he went and also fixed the handle on the freezer door. I was super happy, made a joke that he's like MacGyver, he rushes to youtube to put on the theme song, and I respond with "Ohhh! inspiration, eh?". He then responds yes, starts dancing before returning to work and I laughed my butt off.

Not that this is just as hilarious to anyone else, but my point is that this guy is my best friend and I love laughing with him and love the fact that others see that.

Our recent news hasn't even changed this fact one bit. As a matter of fact, it's the humor that has gotten us through and made us stronger. Actually, I don't think I've ever laughed so hard in all my life as I have the past week. S.'s humor is amazing and I really hope one day, if those of you reading haven't already, get to experience it.

And it seems I've put a few people in suspense with my previous posts, so I'll add a quick update here:

I ovulated late this month, so I go in for my progesterone test on the 13th.
S. went in for his ultrasound on Thursday and we'll get the results next week.

Merry CHRISTmas!

Steven and I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, filled with love, family, and the giving spirit.

7 Days of Thanks, Day 1

I am most thankful for the love shown by my God when He sent His only Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

I watched my church service online this past Sunday and our pastor had a great message about the goodness, greatness, and graciousness of Jesus. In spite of the fact I have been less of a servant to Him, He has continued to pour blessings on Steven and myself. We couldn't feel less deserving of His gifts, yet He continues to be the Greatest God I could ever serve.

1 I will extol You, my God, O King;
And I will bless Your name forever and ever.
2 Every day I will bless You,
And I will praise Your name forever and ever.
3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised;
And His greatness is unsearchable. Psalm 145:1-3

The LORD is my strength and song,
And He has become my salvation;
He is my God, and I will praise Him;
My father’s God, and I will exalt Him. Exodus 15:2

Thank you Jesus for all you have and haven't blessed me and my family and friend with this year and every year.

7 Days of Thanks, Day 2

As we grow closer to Thanksgiving, my thanks becomes more personal. Today I am incredibly thankful for the love of a great family. I am grateful to be supported by both of my parents. They are filled with near-unconditional love for my brother and I and have been such a strong foundation for us growing up. These wonderful people can always be counted on. I only hope that I'm half as great of a parent as they are.

Jesus also blessed me with an above-average brother. ;) I kid and he knows it, I have a great brother that I wouldn't change for the world. We have yelled, screamed, fought, and had complete dislike for one another growing up. But for every "bad moment" we've had that times 5 in great ones.

Many people have "in law horror stories" and while getting used to each other has been challenging, I couldn't have asked for a better mother in law. I have been exposed to a different culture, she has opened a door to S.'s childhood that even he never knew about, and, since working together, we have become closer.

And, although I mentioned him on Day 7, I could not be more grateful and thankful for S.. He is the most incredible man I have ever met and Jesus rolled out the red carpet when it came to putting him in my life. Every day I fall more in love with him and, even though some days we have to work harder than others in the relationship, I wouldn't trade him in for the world. I look forward to the next chapters in our life with a smile and enthusiasm.

We are so ready for you, Baby G.

Dear little baby G:

We aren't technically your mommy and daddy yet as you haven't been conceived, but I wanted to let you know that we are more than ready for you to be here with us.

Every month that passes that you haven't started your life growing inside me leaves us that much more empty and restless inside.

We try harder and harder to make sure we're doing everything right - to give you the best possible place to live for 9 months (and beyond) - and I really hope you decide to finally join us.

Your daddy and I were in San Francisco visiting your Auntie J. and got to hold a baby. He was so sweet and adorable. When your daddy held him, the little baby fell asleep in his arms. It was then that we both realized that you are the only thing we want in life.

We love you so much and can't wait for you to be in my belly growing into our baby.

Love,

Mom & Dad

We know how to celebrate.

How can we top our 1st Anniversary at Disneyland (the place where it all took place the year before)? Easy! A B&B trip to Napa filled with wine, Thomas Keller (Bouchon and Ad Hoc were included in the culinary trip - next time: French Laundry), and Cyrus. So, what do we do for 3rd anniversary? Head back to Disneyland! But wait - we already did that. Ok, how about get into the most exclusive club in Disney? PERFECT!

We ate, drank, and moused it up at Club 33 (courtesy of a very awesome friend).

Amore

3 years ago today I married the love of my life and my best friend.

I can't believe how fast it's flown - I'm having the time of my life. I can wait until our twosome becomes a threesome (and more!). You are the best thing that ever happened to me and I'll love you forever.

Thank you for choosing me to be your wife.

Love you with all my heart,

M.