BIG NEWS!!!!

Ok, so I haven't posted on here in a while because I have been trying to wait to announce my news...

1 + 1 = 3

We are expecting... Baby coming in May. :) So excited to meet him/her. Had our thirteen week ultrasound yesterday so now its official. :)

The day we found out :)

Here are some pics of our lil peanut.
6/7 week photos

 13 week photos:

I think our baby looks a lil alien like. LOL! 

P.s. We were told yesterday there's an 80% chance its a boy. :)

God is amazing!!! Seeing our baby makes me want to cry and thank him repeatedly!
How great is our God!!!!!

Hope you are staying well and having a cool, but not cold day!
Happy Saturday!!
Ang

Basketball and Raquetball

Yep, I am actually about to talk about two sports... well actually complain...

Everyone but me, on the court playing basketball

Basketball is fun to me. Last night and today we played and its funny... the rules are NORMAL... LOL!  You throw the ball in the hoop, if it makes it you get a point.. if it goes out of bounds you check it in etc.

When it comes to racquetball however, I swear the boys make up a new rule every time we play...

I mean they told us the rules last night and I thought I had them down... especially since my team one... But today its like oh "it can't hit the wall or it has to be reserved"... The boys keep saying "its just like Tennis" but both Heidi and I have never played tennis...

You missed me chasing the ball like crazy, twisting around in circles to hit it and one time even falling on the floor trying to pick up the ball to serve... Go ahead and laugh...  yep, I totally stink at racquet ball... oh well.

Anyone else play any confusing sports?

Life and the Book of James

The last time I posted was two weeks ago, so I figured it was time to write on my blog.

As of late Saturday night we now have some family staying with us. You may recognize the picture below because it was taken back in May when they got married.

Me, Heidi, Jerold, Mikel

Its very hot here in AZ its around 112 degrees outside... Which means, when you go outside you DIE! LOL!

I recently started a bible study called " James, Mercy Triumphs" by Beth more. I am doing it with my mom and a few of my moms friends. We are emailing each other and watching the videos on our own since we live in different states. Its interesting how every time I read the book of James I get something new out of it.

So far in the study we have been learning who James, the author of the book of James was. I don't think I ever really cared to find out more about the James of the book of James. But this study got me thinking.

James 1:1
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.

Did you know that when you look up James 1:1 in the Greek it calls James Jacobus (Jacob)?

Do you remember back in the old testament about Jacob and who he became? (Israel- through him the Jews were chosen. Gen 32:22-32)

Did you realize when you read the first chapter of James that the book wasn't  written to the gentiles?
It was written to the 12 tribes of Israel aka the Jews.

Do you think that the writer of the book of James was James the brother of Jesus?
From what I can tell he was.

Have you looked up where it says in the bible about Jesus' brothers? (John 7:1-9, 1Cor 151:7, Mark 3:21)

Hopefully, I gave you a lot to think about and to research on your own.

Have an amazing Monday!!
Ang

A -> Z: The letter "A"

Ok so today's letter challenge is the letter "A", so I thought I would would answer some questions about myself since my name is Angela.

What kind of music do you like and who are your favorite bands?

 I love contemporary Christian. My favorite artists are Francesca Battistelli and BarlowGirl.

What are your favorite movies and what was the part you liked best?

 My fave movie is the 6hr Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth.

Do you like to travel and where have you been?

 I love to travel and so far in the US I have been to: CA, AZ, TN, KY, PA, MI, DC, VA, WV, SC, GA, FL, AL, MS, LA, TX, NM, NY, & NJ. Outside of the US: Mexico, not just border towns but deep into Mexico on missions trips.

What's your favorite season and what sports do you like best?
 Fall/Winter and Synchronized swimming.

What is your favorite food and favorite take out place?
 Fettuccine Alfredo is my FAVE food, I would have to say Taco Bell is my fave fast food place.

Do you believe in God or another supreme being?
I believe in God/ Jesus Christ.

Are you introverted or extroverted? 

 I am kind of in between, it really depends on who I am with.

Do you like group activities or one on one activities?

 Both!

Do you have brothers and sisters? What are they like? Are you close?
 I have two brothers and two sisters.
My brothers are now 11 and 13 years old. They are boys..... They love lizards, snakes etc. I wouldnt exactly say we are close although I was to my baby bro before I got married.


My sisters are almost 17 and 20 years old.  We are kind of close. They love doing crazy things that I would never do like sock races in Walmart.

I am the girl in the middle. I am also the oldest even though my sisters may look older. :)

What are your hobbies?
 Currently my hobbies are gardening and reading.

Are you in College? If so, what are you studying to do?

 I am currently a student at the University of West FL. I am a senior working towards a degree in Elementary Ed and Special Ed.



I guess that is all for my first post. :) If you read this and want to join the A to Z challenge click on the picture below and it will bring you to the page to link to.

Blogging from A to Z April Challenge: A is for...All-Aboard

Have a great Sunday everyone!!!
Ang

Priorities cont: Being an Excellent Wife

Some day's it is so hard to keep our priorities in life straight... This is because we are sinful man... Even though Christ now lives in us, we still tend to not fully rid ourselves of our old self... This for me can be tough sometimes...

As a wife, I know God has called me to put my husband first above everyone else expect God himself... This however, can be hard to do... I have friends and family who I like to spend time with as well... But, I realized recently that sometimes, I am caring more about the feelings and actions of my friends and  family more than those my husband. I am not saying, I should never spend time with family or friends or have a life outside of the house... No, that is not true.. But when my husband needs me.. I should be there for him.

• God created me to be my husbands helpmeet; to love and support him and to bring him joy. 

Genesis 2:18, 23-25 

"Then the LORD God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” 

"The man said,
         “This is now bone of my bones,
         And flesh of my flesh;
         She shall be called Woman,
         Because she was taken out of Man."

For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed."

• God also commands me to submit and respect my husband. 

Ephesians 5:22-33

Wives and Husbands

"22Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. 24Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.

25Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.^a 28In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30because we are members of his body. 31“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. 33However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband"" According to this verse, I am not only supposed to submit to my husband, but also respect him... 

What does respect mean? 

Respect. Verb:

1. to hold in esteem or honor.

2. to show regard or consideration for.

3. to refrain from intruding upon or interfering with.

5. to relate or have reference to.

What does submit mean?

Submit

verb (used with object)

1.to give over or yield to the power or authority of another (often used reflexively).

2.to subject to some kind of treatment or influence.

3.to present for the approval, consideration, or decision of another or others: to submit a plan;

4.to state or urge with deference; suggest or propose (usually followed by a clause):

verb (used without object)

5.to yield oneself to the power or authority of another:

6.to allow oneself to be subjected to some kind of treatment:

7.to defer to another's judgment, opinion, decision, etc.:

Looking up both of these words in the dictionary, this means I am supposed, to honor, show consideration and yield to my husband. 

• God has called me to be an excellent wife.

Proverbs 31:10-31

10 ^d An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. 11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. 12 She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. 14 She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. 15 She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. 16 She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. 17She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. 18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. 19 She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. 20 She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet.^f 22 She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant.
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. 26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. 27 She looks well to the ways of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” 30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the gates."

The above passage shows me where I am GREATLY lacking as a wife...  I fail so much in comparison to this passage... But this is what God has called me to be, and excellent wife, who does my husband good and not harm all the days of my life. 

This doesn't apply to me, I am not married:

If you are a woman, not married yet... think of verse 12, God wants you to do good to your husband all the days of your life... That means now! Are you doing things that could hurt your future husband? Think about that... If you marry, the above passage is what God has called you to do... You can work on being an excellent wife now before you are married. 

I leave you with this:

Are you doing what God has called you to do as a wife or single woman? 

Do you fear the Lord?

Are you kind and gentle? 

Do your words show wisdom and kindness? 

Do you respect, honor and submit to your husband?

Do you do your husband (or future husband) good every day? 

Are you according to the bible, living the life of an excellent wife?

If you answered no to any of these questions, here is my challenge:
  Join me on the journey of becoming an excellent wife.

1. Look in the bible yourself what God has commanded to wives and woman.

2.  Write down the verses and really study them.

3.Pray about what you learn and ask God for his help!

4. Start small and Do it! (This is the hardest part!) Remember you can do all things through Christ! Don't try to do it on your own.

If you have any questions or would like ideas of how to be an excellent wife, feel free to comment.

Ang

Graduation and life

So today, I applied for graduation and student teaching. I graduate Dec 15th of this year. I cannot wait! I wont be walking although I kind of want to. But my school is located in Pensacola, FL and I live in AZ. My family in FL lives like 8 hours from the school so its just not worth it to me. However, I will be buying a tassel because I want one and I figured out how to buy one today without buying the cap and gown.

Its been 5 years since I graduated high school, 3 since I graduated with my AA.(If you are wondering why it is taking me so long, I changed majors so that put me behind by a lil over a year.) So I think its about time. I am 22 and 3 months after I turn 23, I will graduate with my bachelors degree in Exceptional Student Education and Elementary Education with minors in ESOL and Reading. I cant believe by Christmas I will have graduated 3 times... I am finally done!!! I am considering going on for a masters in ESE, but at the same time, I haven't decided yet...

Here are some Graduation photos from the past. :)

High School Grad June 2007

High School Grad with my parents June 2007

 A.A. in Spanish Grad May 2009

A.A.in Spanish, Grad May 2009

~LIFE~

Ok, so you are probably wondering what else is going on in my life huh?
 Well for starters, we get the keys to our new home on Wed... yes, just 6 days away. I am very excited about that, yet its driving me crazy because of all the work I have yet to complete.

Mikel's back is still bothering him.... Nothing has worked so far. They are sending him to a ruematologist (sp?), hopefully that Dr. will help...
Oh and speaking of doctors, I went to the hospital Tuesday night due to severe ear pain. I was diagnosed with an ear infections and given pain meds and antibiotics, I seem to be doing better. 

I am not really reading anything but school book as of right now due to classes and not having extra time.

My animals are driving me crazy as when I clean they are right behind me messing things up.. :(

Anyway, I hope your week has been going well! As of right now my goal is to post on here at least once a week. With everything going on, its hard for me to remember to, so please be patient with me!

Ang

I am an Aunt!!!

My Nephew: Colton Clay born 1/31/2012 at 12:20pm EST 8lbs, 6oz and 21 inches.

The above is the newest news. Today my nephew was born. Both mom and baby are doing great! I am so happy and proud to be an aunt!!! On another note... I finished his quilt. He was born at 34weeks so I mailed it last week and it should be getting to their house today... a little late... but hey, at least they got it! Here are pics of the finished quilt!

FL was loads of fun, of course I wish I could have spent more time there!!! We went to Legoland and tons of fun there. I also got to see my newest cousin AJ.

My brothers and hubby had some fun posing infront of walls at Legoland.

 

Miniland Pictures

The White House

Another Mini Land Structure

Anyway, FL was loads of fun. We are going back to FL in May for a wedding. :D School is going well. Only taking 4 classes is weird... I have always taken more than 4... LOL! We get the keys to our new house on the 15th and do the big move on the 18th. I am so excited to have a 3 bedroom 2 bathroom house. Here are a couple of pictures of our new home.

So I hope the last couple weeks have been treating you well! Happy blogging!!!
Ang

100th Post and Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Do you put Christmas decorations in every room of your house? If not every room, what rooms do you decorate?

My family always decorated at least the living room. Now that I am married and on my own, I decorated all but the bedrooms. Even the bathroom has Christmas rubber duckies.

2. If you could visit one of the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) which one would you choose and why?

Ummmmm…. I am not sure. I think It would be fun to visit them all!

3. What does the word faith mean to you?

Faith is believing without seeing. Faith without works is dead.

4. You can go back to your childhood for one day...what day and age would you choose?

I think I would go back to the day my baby brother was born. I was 11. 

5. When did you last have 'punch'? If it's not too much trouble share your favorite punch recipe.

My wedding day. May 14^th of this year. We used Hawaiian punch (the blue kind), sherbet and ginger ale. I am not sure of the exact mixture I would have to ask the friend who made it for us. It was amazing although I could only have a little taste due to it having so much sugar. 

6. Do you fill stockings at your house? Are stockings opened before or after the bigger gifts?

In my family, we always opened our presents before Christmas. Starting the week of Christmas we would begin opening them. By the time Christmas day was here all we had left was our huge stockings full of a great mixture of things. This year however, since it’s just me and the hubby, there are going to be no stockings unless you count my pets stockings. LOL!

7. What takes your breath away?

Standing on the top of a mountain and looking down and seeing all that God created. 

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

This is my 100th post. :) YAY!!! LOL! 

This week: 12/9

~School~

I am out of school but have been studying for my teacher certification exams. I really want to pass the first time! I have to study about 20pages a day to get though all the material. I take my first exam in 32 days. Just a little over a month from now. I am worried, but at the same time I know God has it all under control!

~Life~

Lets see... Life right now is good. I am tired LOL! On black friday we bought a new TV. We had a 19" TV now we have a 32". There is a big difference! LOL! My hubby and I both race to the mailbox each day because we know our Christmas presents are coming in the mail and we want to be there and try to open them before the other says we have wait till Christmas. LOL! yes, we are silly.

~Pets~

My pets are their usual rambunctious selves. The cat has currently ate 3 lights off of our prelit tree. :/  He is such a silly cat! He has been taking his stocking off of the wall. Yes, we got our pets stockings. LOL! Cocoa and Jack are crazy and like to run around in circles, but thats ok LOL!

~Cooking~ 

As you have seen, I have been having fun cooking yummy meals for the hubby and I. Trying to eat healthy is hard. Lowering my carb intake makes me feel like I am starving!!! LOL!
Christmas Day: As of right now, I am planning on making a yummy ham covered in pineapples and splenda brown sugar, along with mashed potatoes and other bad for you but so yummy to eat foods. :D

~Reading~ 

I am currently reading the book Monster by Frank Peretti. So far it has my attention and I hate putting it down.

~Winter/Christmas~

Right now it is a lovely 41 degrees outside. But it actually isnt too bad. I have gotten used to it. :) The high today is 63 with the low being 37. Its pretty cold at night/early morning. But during the day the hot desert sun is out to keep you warm!

This year for Christmas I am not sure what we are going to do. As of right now, our plan is to enjoy our first Christmas together married alone. I am hoping to buy some old Christmas movies like frosty and Rudolf the red nosed reindeer to watch, or maybe we will just watch whatever ones happen to be on TV on Christmas. I will definitely miss my family!!!

~And Now a Peanuts Comic~

Stay warm and have loads of fun looking for snow flakes that are exactly the same. ;D
Ang