My 30th birthday was very SWEET!!!

As of Jan 13, 2010...I've been 30 yrs old. I know many people would rather not share their age but I've never had a problem with it. I will tell you that leaving my 20's wasn't easy..especially when you have a husband who kept saying, "this is your last shower in the 20's" or "this is the last meal you're gonna eat in your 20's" hahaha! I don't take it personal though because he's such a jokester and I love him for who he is! Besides....it gave me the pleasure of reminding him that he too is 30 hahaha!My 30th year will also be a sweet because I will be given the gift of motherhood! I can honestly say that I feel young at heart...do not feel my age at all..that's what keeps you young forever!

Since my hubby had to work on my birthday, he surprised me a couple days before with an invitation to a restaurant I always wanted to eat at...THE MELTING POT!!! I had heard so many good things! Well, I was so excited to go on my birthday dinner date! I had such an amazing time. For those of you who haven't gone...let me tell you that it is a little pricey but it's very worth it.

***The Melting Pot Experience***

When we got seated I was greeted by a birthday card...see what it says? (signed by all the waitresses/waiters)




My 30th



With baby girl in my belly...made it even more special



Our waitress came in a melting our delicious cheese fondue:



Some things to dip into our cheese:



Then comes in the main course and the waitress starts up the olive oil fondue so we can fry our meats and veggies which you can dip inbatter and then into sauce...you get to cook your own food...so much fun!

Mine:



His:



My hubby frying the items for us since my arms were too short to reach:



Then...are you ready? They brought in DESSERT!!!! Chocolate caramel fondue:



All the wonderful items we could dip...some were even good on their own:



I truly thank God for blessing me with such an amazing husband! He is more that I ever imagined and he continues to amaze me. I felt very, very special!

Not Only Do I Love Butterflies but.....

As most of you know..we are expecting our beautiful baby girl in April. I am really looking forward to being a mommy! A few posts ago, I shared what Karina's nursery room theme was...a butterfly garden and why I chose this theme. I totally love butterflies and realize that not only do I love them but God had very special reasons for creating them! As I surfed the net I came across this beautiful page that only made me appreciate God's creation even more and the miracle of the butterfly. I think it's incredible:D I wanted to share it with you so you too can better appreciate all the beauty we have around and realize that God wants to show us His great desire for us to be transformed and pure! Enjoy!



BUTTERFLIES
God's Flying Flowers
Jesus created the earth and all that is in it. His universe is remarkable in its complexity and beauty of design. Much of it is strange and we could ask, "Why did He do it this way?"
The butterflies are one of His especially beautiful creations. The more we study them the more we see the wisdom, power, and abilities of Jesus the Creator and Designer.

LIFECYCLE:
When Jesus created the world he created all life as mature. He did not create seeds and then plant them. He created mature plants who produced seeds to reproduce other plants like itself. He did the same with all of life on the earth including animals and insects. Jesus created mature butterflies who mated and laid eggs. These then hatched out into little butterflies. (Of course we know better for the eggs hatched into little caterpillars, but if the so called science of the world is true the eggs would have to hatch butterflies.) That butterfly eggs would hatch into caterpillars is strange, amazing, astonishing, miraculous, surprising and wonderful. For if you plant a seed the plant that comes up is like the plant the seed came from. Fish eggs hatch into little fish. When you were conceived in your mother’s womb you started out as an egg that developed into the human being you are, not into a caterpillar. Yet it is strange but true that it pleased the Creator to make butterfly eggs hatch into caterpillars.
The caterpillars live off the leaves of plants. As they grow they shed their skin several times growing up to 30,000 times in size. Finally they take a nap for a week or two and wake up as butterflies. During the nap time most of the organs and other tissues of the caterpillar break down, turning into a semiliquid. From this material are formed the wings, legs, and other parts of the adult. At last the adult is ready to wake up and become a butterfly or moth. This is a most unusual life cycle, yet it was the Creator’s pleasure to cause caterpillars to turn into butterflies through this remarkable process.


CONTRAST BETWEEN THE LIFE OF THE CATERPILLAR AND BUTTERFLY:
Caterpillars eat plants while most butterflies drink the nectar of flowers. Those that live for several months also eat pollen and other foods. This requires a change in how they eat for the caterpillar has a mouth to bit off pieces of leaves and push it into his body, while butterflies have a long slender sucking tube. When the tube is not in use it is coiled up like a delicate watch spring. By uncoiling the tube butterflies probe deep into the flowers and suck up the nectar. Also, this change in food requires a change in digestion.
Caterpillars crawl to move around. Their body consists of a head followed by 12 or 13 segments. Like all insects, it also has three pairs of permanent or "true" legs--one pair on each of the first three segments directly behind the head. These true legs are usually hard, jointed, and tipped with tiny claws. To support the rest of its long body, the caterpillar also has from two to five pairs of soft, thick prolegs that disappear when it changes into a moth or butterfly. Some caterpillars are covered with hairs and others have a bare skin.
Butterflies have three legs and three body sections and they fly. Their wings and certain portions of their bodies are covered with a fine dust. Under a microscope the dust is seen to be made up of millions of finely ridged scales that are arranged in overlapping rows. Each scale has a tiny "stem" that fits into a cuplike socket. The beautiful colors and markings of the insect are due to the scales, which come in a remarkable variety of colors. Being able to fly requires a change in weight for caterpillars are too heavy to fly.
Caterpillars have six simple eyes and have poor eye sight, while butterflies have compound eyes with good eye sight.
The difference between caterpillars and butterflies is so great it is difficult to believe they are the same insect. The complex designs and life styles is proof there is a Designer who cheated them to be what He wanted them to be. It is impossible this could have happened by accident.
Butterflies do not have a common ancestor. Each type was created separately and each reproduced itself, so through the ages they have changed only slightly if at all. Butterflies and moths have the same life style, yet there is a great variation between the various butterflies and moths. In size they range from one fifth of an inch to ten inches across. They are of all colors and live in all types of climates and on all the continents except Antarctica. In some the male and female look completely different. In some the colors and patterns on top of the wing is completely different from that on the bottom of the wing. Many live on only one type of food and if they cannot find it they starve. And there is great variation in how, when and where they take their nap to turn from a caterpillar into a butterfly or moth.



METAMORPHOSIS
Metamorphosis is the scientific name for the change of an ungainly, crawling caterpillar into a delicate, flying butterfly. The word is from a Greek word meaning "transformed." Metamorphosis occurs not only in butterflies but also in thousands of insect and amphibian species.
Christians also go through a metamorphosis, a transformation. For a description of this process go to Metamorphosis. The Power of Jesus to Change Us Into the Likeness of His Image.





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God said, "Let the earth bring forth living creatures after their kind, cattle, creeping things, and animals of the earth after their kind," and it was so. God made the animals of the earth after their kind, and the cattle after their kind, and everything that creeps on the ground after its kind. God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:24,25 WEB

* I plan on somehow putting this up in Karina's nursery because I want her to be reminded of God's love and power to transform our lives each and every day!

Just A Little Sad But Very, Very Grateful!!!

These past 3 months have been full of excitement! Every time I wake up I realize that I'm pregnant and I embrace it all over again! God has blessed us beyond measure and having my grandma right by my side during my pregnancy has been so sweet! She's always been like a mother to me. So nurturing, so caring, such a gentle demeanor but especially so loving! She's spent the night several times, played our card game,I even taught her how to play Uno which she enjoyed, we talked about her childhood and my dreams for my baby girl, laughed our socks off:D I've loved tucking her into bed and making sure she feels right at home,I enjoyed her sense of humor, I've given her her insulin shots and meds because I want her to be healthy, she's shared great recipes, we've made tamales, gone for walks, gone out for some ice cream and sometimes...we've just sat and enjoyed a great conversation about life. I was really looking forward to coming to Florida because not only would I see my parents and siblings but I knew my grandma was waiting for us with open arms! She's been staying with my parents here in Orlando, Fl for almost 5 months, she lives in Costa Rica which is where I'm from. You see...we wanted her here for a little while because my grandfather passed in Jan 2009 and she was getting depressed and lonely. The reason why I'm a little sad is because on Jan. 14 she heads back home and it will be hard to see her go. She does has a round trip to come back on May 5 to stay for a little bit...she wants to meet her great grandbaby Karina:D I would love for her to live here permanently but she also has her life back in Costa Rica along with other children whom she misses. I pray that while she's over there, she is taken care of. That she doesn't sleep all by herself in a big empty house like she was and but most important that she feels God's love and protection. I also pray for her health, that she's able to get back on a plane and come see us again. She has diabetes, takes thyroid meds, high cholesterol and has polyps in her colon which cause her a great deal of pain. Regardless of her illnesses, she always keeps a smile on her face..something that amazes me! Even though I'm sad that she's living, I am very grateful because they Lord has blessed us with beautiful moments together. She was here when we found out the sex of our baby..ahhhh the joy on her face was such a beautiful sight! She was here for Thanksgiving, for my sister's wedding reception, for Christmas, New Years, my sister's bridal shower and for my nephew's 1st birthday. My mom would always tell us that we can't have it all in life meaning that we can't be selfish and must be grateful for what we do have. I want to thank the Lord for these amazing 5 months with my grandmother. I will never forget them! Every time I will look back and remember my pregnancy..I will remember these special memories with my grandma. I pray that she's with us for a long time! I've learned to truly make the best of every situation and enjoy every minute of my life! If you can, would you remember my grandma Cecilia in your prayers? I know God will hear them!

Here are a few pictures of the many we took together throughout the 5 months...



Such a beautiful woman!



Having our delicious ice cream!



So happy to have her here for my pregnancy!





She bought Karina a beautiful car seat! She's blessed us so much!





Here she was helping me organize some of Karina's clothes!



I totally love that beautiful smile!



One of our many meals together at our house!



Making her part of my pregnancy has been so special to me!

I LOVE YOU Abuelita...you are my angel!!!! God bless you and protect you always:D You've taught me so much and now I get to teach it to my children. You are a Proverbs 31! Can't wait to have you here again Lord-willing!

A Lil Bit On The Pregnancy!

Some of you have brought to my attention that I've been a little behind on keeping you updated on my pregnancy. I am so sorry..there's been lots going on around here but all good stuff:D Thank you for wanting to know how out little girl is doing..it means alot to me!

Well, last Monday we had our 3d but Karina was comfortably tucked in a corner on my lower left pelvic area where she's loving having her face up against her mommy's oh so warm uterus. So we couldn't really get good shots but we got some footage. We discovered that she LOVES to hold her hands, she's fascinated with them and that she totally loves to suck her thumb..it's sooo cute to see! She actually had 3 fingers in her mouth at one time with pinky sticking out hahaha! She's a girly girl and always has her hands on or around her face. She's weighing in a little over 2 lbs and is showing up 6 days ahead! I also got my one hr glucose test done and no call means good results! This Monday we'll have a second 3D done at no cost since the first one was not the best...so we'll be blessed with two 3d's for the price of one..PRAISE GOD!!!

Here is my 5 month belly shot...I'll be 6 months tomorrow so I'll have that one soon!







My belly is growing slowly but surely..some days it looks even bigger:D Thanx for all your prayers, support and good wishes! Please know that I am glad we "met" and hope that 2010 brings us even "closer"!!!

HUGS<3

A Walk Down Memory Lane (Survey)

1. What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
Conceived our beautiful baby girl and went on a mission's trip to an orphanage with my husband!

2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

My one goal is always to get close to God and become more and more the Proverbs 31 I desire to be. It's always work in proccress but that's part of the journey where I see God's hand at work!

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yes! I was blessed with a beautiful nephew Isaiah and niece Isabella. So many wonderful women around me had babies! It was awesome!

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Yes, my grandfather whom I miss everyday, my beautiful aunt and two amazing women of God who were very mother like to me.

5. What countries did you visit?

Mexico

6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you didn't have in 2009?

Our baby girl in our arms, more godly wisdom and my brother close by

7. What dates from 2009 will be etched upon your memory, and why?

Jan 9 the day I witnessed "life"...the birth of my nephew
Jan 19 ..the last day I saw my grandfather alive
July 27 the day we found out we were expecting...what a glorious day!

8. What was your biggest achievement of this year?

Serving/obeying the Lord as we went on our missions trip and we put our complete trust in Him to protect us and provide for us also witnessing a miracle right before my eyes...our pregnancy!


9. What was your biggest failure?

Can't think of a specific one

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

No..praise God!

11. What was the best thing you bought?

A car...we really needed it here in Orlando

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

My husband earned alot of brownie points:D

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
????

14. Where did most your money go?

Towards the move across the country..God provided every cent!


15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Being pregnant!!!!!! Gives me chills just to relive that moment in time in my mind when I found out I was going to be a mommy!

16. What song will always remind you of 2009?

Shadowfeet by Brooke Frasier and Big Enough by Ayeisha Woods

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?

a. happier
b. fatter with my beautiful growing belly
c. richer in blessings

18. What do you wish you'd done more of

read my bible.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?

maybe be online so much lol.... but it's hard to stay away from those you love and are miles away

20. How did you spend Christmas?

with my amazing family...we were 17 total including family from Houston and my grandma...hadn't spend a Christmas with her since I was 11

21. Did you fall in love with 2009?

YES! Every time I spend time alone with my God I fall more in love with Him, With my wonderful husband who never ceases to amaze me and our baby girl Karina Rocio and falling more and more in love with her each day!

22. What was your favorite TV program?

Amazing Race
Biggest Loser
The Office
Hell's Kitchen
American Idol
A Baby Story
Challenge

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

No...I don't hate

24. What was the best book you read?

The Bible is my all time favorite especially verses such as Psalm 91 and A Woman After God's Heart...what an amazing book!

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Marcela Gandara...her song "Un Viaje Largo" ( A long journey) is a song I dedicate to our baby girl...it always brings me to tears and Samuel Hernandez's song "Aun no se an ido" (they haven't left) a song I dedicated to my grandfather who passed

26. What did you want and get?

my baby, to be closer to my family

27. What did you want and not get?

vacation to Europe but Lord-willing we will go

28. What was your favorite film of 2009?



29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

Had one of the best birthdays ever..it was in Costa Rica, even though my grandfather was about to die, he wanted me to have a birthday party so he gave my grandma money and told her to through me a birthday party. The last bday I had in Costa Rica was my 8th so it was special. Once everyone left, I went and sat right next to my grandfather and told him all about my wonderful birthday. I thanked him for making it happen! The only thing I would have changed is I would have loved to see him get out of bed and join us. But I know that he could hear us and smiled! I also had my husband, my mom, and my godfather all the way from Australia there!

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
To have my grandfather here with us but I know that it was his time to go and now he's pain free and very happy

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept of 2009?

Cute yet comfy, layered, more accessories and a variety of eye shadows

32. What kept you sane?

My God!

33. What political issue stirred you the most?

Don't know

34. Who did you miss?

My grandfather and my uncle who passed in 2005

35. Who was the best new person you met?

Lisa M. - we are convinced that God brought us together for many reasons. We always seem to be going at it together, we can understand each other on many levels. God sent me an angel through her! One of the sweetest people I know! Miss you amiga!

36. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.

When God tells us to "go" we can't look around, we must keep our eyes focused on Him and faithfully obey His calling. We can totally trust Him to protects us and provide. God keeps His promises..He is faithful and full of integrity! Last, to cherish "life" because we can loose it anytime. To live each minute for God!

2009 Is Almost Here...It's Amazing What A Year

While I sit and meditate about how fast the year is coming to an end I realize that it's been quite an interesting year. Probably one of a kind for me. While many painful tears were shed, much joy was also felt. It's been year the Lord has used to teach me many valuable things such as the importance of taking time to love those around you and never given up on the Lord and His promises. The most beautiful thing is that in the joy and in the pain the Lord was always there and was glorified. I would like to give you a little glimpse of what 2009 has been for me.....

* Had to give up my favorite dog..yes I cried lol
* Tried to fly to Florida for free through the military but plan was cancelled so we purchased last minute tickets....crazy but worth it!
* Witnessed the birth of my beautiful nephew Isaiah..what an amazing experience!
* Flew to Costa Rica with my mom and my husband to help care for my grandfather who was very ill
* Had my birthday party in Costa Rica..last birthday over there was when I turned 8
* My beautiful grandfather died and I was the last person he saw alive
* I am asked to join the Women's Ministry Leadership team and I go on my first retreat with them
* We purchased another dog
* I get a little part time job working for My best friend
* Iris - an amazing friend and woman of God dies
* Rode a horse again..last time was when I was 8 with my grandfather
* Attend women's retreat through church
* Started piano lessons....so much fun!
* Started to blog and love it since then:D
* Had a heart-to-heart with one of my best friends not an easy thing to do but it was God's will
* Had some of the children from the Watoto children's choir stay with us..what a blessing. These are orphans who love the Lord!
* My husband and I go on our first missions trip together to an orphanage in Mexico!
* Found out we had family on both sides close by
* Ministered to my husband's cousin who was bedridden at the hospital through her pregnancy
* My husband gets a motorcycle
*
* My wonderful aunt Roxana died she was only 55:(
* My youngest brother Jimmy graduates high school
* Get news that my husband is being transferred
* My good friend's baby girl Gabriela Isabelle is born to Ani and Victor
* Josiah Nathaniel is born to Erin and Nathan
* Cassidy is born to Stephanie and Clint
* Start teaching a devotional class at church
* Daniel and Emily are born to Lupita and Daniel
* Go to one of our favorite cities..Monterey, CA and have our candy apple
* Carmelina - another amazing woman of God and great friend dies
* Kathi - a great servant of the Lord dies
* Madison Jane is born to Anne and her husband
* My husband starts getting checked by the urologist
* My cousin Marcela finds out she's pregnant with Paula Roxana!
* Found out my cousin's wife Tatiana is expecting Mathias!
* My beautiful niece Isabella Grace is born to Veronica and Tim
* We're invited to our first 80's prom party....so much fun!
* Found out we were PREGNANT!!!!
* Went to Pismo Beach, CA for the first time and had Splash Mountain Cafe clam chowder for the first time....sooo good!
* My cousin Derrick joins the Army
* My brother in law Mark joins the Army
* Decorated for a 50's event at church
* My grandma arrives in Florida to be with my family
* went camping with our friends from church
* Join MOPS group for the first time..yeah!
* My friends Carla, Marlene, Yamileth, Shey, Anaiz, Petra, Brenda and Mayra find out that they're expecting in 2010!!!!
* Find out my husband's cousin Jackie us expecting her second baby...a boy!
* My husband feels that it's the Lord's will to get out of Army and we decide to move to Florida
* Jaclyn Grace born to Stephanie and husband
* Found our Anna and Corey are expecting Brookelyn Shae
* Become godparents to 4 beautiful children and attend their dedication
* My good friend Jennifer's husband dies
* Had our beautiful babyshower!
* Fly to Orlando we move across the country!
* Get apartment, phones, car and job (husband) all in one week...so blessed!
* We find out we're having a baby GIRL!!!
* Hadassah is born to Natalie and Dan
* Andy is born to Kelly and Noi
* Made the Thanksgiving turkey for the entire family for the first time
* Attend my friend Priscilla's wedding
* My friend Margarita gets engaged and she wants me to the a witness
* My sister and her hubby have their wedding reception and I get to decorate
* My husband registers for college and he's now all ready to go!
*Find out my cousin Gabriel and his wife are expecting their first baby August 2010!
* Have our first 3D Ultrasound!

As you can see...it's been an action packed year and these are just the highlights. Did you noticed all the ladies who had and are having babies??? Incredible! I love it! God has been very active in our lives and even in the midst of our trials..He remained faithful and was glorified! I don't know what all 2010 holds but one thing I do know is that as long as our eyes remain fixed on the Lord...I will always be in His will and He will take good care of us! We look forward to 2010 because we're going to make every effort to make God the center of it and because we will get to hold our baby girl in our arms for the first time in April Lord-willing!!! I hope you had an adventurous 2009 and are now looking forward to 2010 and all it's BLESSINGS!!!

Pregnancy update....Third Trimester Here We Come!!!

Time for another update on my pregnancy. I am feeling great and I'm loving my belly! "Life" is such a precious miracle..it still blows me away how a little person can be grow inside of me and that soon she's going to be here and be a person capable of making a difference in this world..something that honestly she's doing already because God is being glorified through this miracle! Thanx, my bloggy friends, for taking the time to visit my blog, for your good wishes and your countless prayers! I am def. going to try to blog more. Stay tuned for more....

How far along? 26 weeks today...14 weeks to go!!! We are now in the double digits:D

Total weight gain: 12 lbs

Maternity clothes? My hubby blessed me with more maternity clothes for Christmas...another pair of jeans, a black skirt and a pair of comfy pants...my sis-in-law Veronica gave me an amazing top for Christmas!

Sleep: Huh....things have changed a little since last update in this department. I still get up to empty my bladder but now I get up a second time...hungry..yes..I get up hungry or may I say..Karina's hungry so I can't sleep lol. I've been getting up around 4am to grab a small snack. I think it's cute and preparing for her early feeds... I'm glad I'm adjusting early!

Best moment this week: 3 days ago my husband felt our baby girl move for the first time..he was thrilled. If he hugs me as we sleep and has his arm around my waist she "kicks" or "hi 5's" her daddy:D She also loves every time she hear his voice..it gets me teary cause it's so special! Tomorrow we'll have our 3D ultrasound...can't wait to see her even better!!!

Movement: Oh YES! She's definitely moving alot now. She loves to move at night when I go to bed and in the morning when I wake up. Not sure if she's going to be a morning or night person but something tells me she's gonna be like her daddy..a morning person:D

Gender: Last time we saw her the tech said that she's definitely a girl!!!

Labor Signs: None...I do need to read up on Braxton Hicks so I know when these come around.

Belly Button in or out? It's making it's way out..it cracks me up!

What I miss: prob wearing my fav jeans but that's totally fine because I have my baby girl in my belly and those jeans will be worn again Lord-willing!

Weekly Wisdom: I'm realizing that we should start working on her nursery come Jan. time's gonna fly. I also need to seek God more because I want to be a good example to her. We need to pray and ask God to guide us to the right church so we can get plugged in and give her that foundation from day one!

Milestones: Entering my third and LAST trimester...yeah!!! My husband feeling his baby girl move!