Pah-rrrrump-Chi

This past weekend we went to Pahrump, NV (about 1 hour away from Vegas) to see Tim, Amie, Patrick, Christina, and Emily. We had not seen them in about 6 years. The last time we went out there, we had just gotten married and now we finally made it back just in time to introduce them to little Charlotte. It was crazy to see how big their kids got. Patrick's engaged, Christina's graduating High School, and Emily is not a baby anymore! Wow. Well, the weekend get-a-way was Raresh's birthday surprise. We had a great car ride up there and a wonderful time with our friends. They have a little over an acre with chickens, and 2 horses! It was so neat to see that!

Here are some shots of Charlotte in her MC Hammer pants.

Charlotte with Christina

Next up was going to the rodeo. That was so much fun.

Here is little Charlotte with her fancy new cowgirl hat

Ooops Daddy forgot his cowboy hat. Charlotte let him borrow hers but I think you'll all agree it looks better on Charlotte.

Yee Haw--the Isai's in Pahrump.

There were a few other photos of Charlotte and the horses---I'll have to add those later.

Daddy's birthday

As promised I finally was able to download the pictures from Daddy's special birthday weekend. It was very busy. We started by giving daddy his present which was a bottle of Maples Syrup and a Wood magazine. Why you ask? Because that was Mommy's clever way of getting Daddy to guess that we're going to take a trip to see Tim "Woody" Maples and his family the weekend of 25-29th. He knew exactly what the clues meant and he was very excited to see his good friend. We also made Daddy breakfast, crepes--and then after spending the morning around the house it was already time to get ready to meet the Fox family for a late lunch at the Macaroni Grill. After that we came home and spend time together as a family. Little Charlotte kinda had the sniffles so we were really cautious of being out too long.

On Saturday we met out friends Mark and Mary for dinner. They also had a little girl, Sandrine, 10 days before Charlotte was born. Unfortunately, we totally forgot to take any pictures of our sweet little ones so that will have to wait until next time. The evening was a lot of fun.

Sunday, we went to church and then to my in-laws house to celebrate not only Daddy's b-day but Auntie Rux's as well. We had yummy BBQ and great fun with the family. Cousins Landon and Luke were there. I can't believe how big our kids are getting. Once again, I'm not quite sure where my head was but I didn't take pictures that day either! Geez Louise Linda! Anyway, it was fun to see them all and to see how great Landon and Lukie are with Charlotte. You can tell they will get a long great!

Here are some pictures from the weekend!

Daddy is so funny when he walks around with you like that.

This one is the two of you practicing dancing---for your wedding some day. (sniff sniff)This one is of you and your fancy sun glasses that Mike and Michelle Fox bought for you. It's hysterical that she keeps them on for a very long time.We crack up that they're the mirrored kind. ha ha

Another fun filled weekend.

Kylie and Charlotte

Hi all---I have some cute photos of us from last weekend (Raresh's big birthday weekend) but I have not downloaded those just yet---sorry I'm slacking. What I do have is some pictures that a friend of mine from church sent me. Our daughters are about 3 weeks apart and they are so adorable. We try to take monthly pictures of the girls together. I promise to post the ones from Raresh's birthday soon. It's been crazy because we're planning on getting away this weekend so I've been really focused on getting ready for that. I will also have tons of pictures from this weekend, too!!! GRRRR I'm getting behind!


Here they are--Kylie and Charlotte. Kylie's head band is so cute and her bib says "Nobody puts baby in the corner!" That is sooo funny!--

Oooo Kylie's mad about something---Charlotte thinks thats funny.

This is them about a month later--So cute!

Holding hands and having fun.

They crack us up.

They look a little scared in this one---perhaps the mommys were trying a little too hard to get a smile out of them and it back fired.

This one is by far my absolute favorite. I could just eat them both up!--Oh sweet little Charlotte---one day you'll have beautiful eye brows like Kylie--for now you can have blond ones that blend into your perfect complexion.

Weekend Fun

Thursday night the Isai's went to the LA County Fair with our neighbors the Calderon's. We had so much fun and we let loose and finally tried a deep fried twinkie. Holy moly was that good! Anyway, we all had a wonderful time. Here are some photos.

You can tell Charlotte is super excited to be there! Another famous funny face.Daddy's playing peek-a-boo!Here are the girls, Arianna and Charlotte.And big boy Anthony with his mommy, Nikki.-- Just a little funny side note--When the pony in front of him went poop Anthony said a very loud Ewwwwww. The rest of the weekend was also very nice. On Friday I went to MOPS (moms of Preschoolers) at church and then we spent the rest of the Friday with Daddy relaxing and enjoying the time we had together. Saturday, Daddy had to work but I met Lori at the Orange County Swap meet and we had a wonderful time with our kids (once I finally found the darn place). We bought some nice little goodies and then we called it a day. Sunday, I went to church (Daddy was working again) and I worked the nursery. Charlotte, once again, was a little angel so I was able to offer my assistance with some other kiddos that needed some attention. Here are some photos of Charlotte with her exersaucer.

Yes, that is a hair pretty she is wearing. It's hanging on for dear life but its on (without any double stick tape!)

She loves her exersaucer and her hairy pretty.

Now for some floor time. This quilt was made with love by Trudy from work. It's so adorable. Thanks Trudy!

Hope you all had a great weekend.

Envy

Hi all, just a note on something very important I learned last Sunday at church. I know many of you have heard or read that I've been bummed out at my situation of having to go back to work. I'm even sad to admit I've been darn right envious of others that get to stay home. At first I put on a brave face and was committed to being an example for my family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors. I tried to emphasize the postives of my situtaion. Things like, my daughter will get to spend time with her grandparents (something I never got to do), she'll learn Romanian (more importantly correct Romanian), being back at work will make me treasure my moments with her more and so forth and for a while I felt content---then I allowed myself to start those very unpopular pity parties (you know the ones where no one else shows up but you!) I started to feel resentment toward my wonderful husband who is so helpful and loving and a wonderful partner to me and a terrific daddy to Charlotte. I hated feeling that way. I asked others to pray for me in that respect and as always God is so faithful. He puts us in places and communicates to us if we only stop and listen.

This brings me to Sunday. The sermon was on 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

I've read this passage many many times before but on Sunday when the emphasis was on envy--I was ashamed. Here I am, blessed beyond words and I want more. Here I am, with example after example of God's goodness and I'm feeling resentment because of my situation. It was exactly the message I needed. So here are the 3 ways we can all deal with envy in our lives:

1. Remember God determines what we all have!

God purposes and permits what we have. All that we receive is from our good and faithful Lord. I need to be content in the ways the Lord chooses to bless me. I'm his creation and it is His sovereign right to do what he wishes with me and my family.

2. Appreciate what you have already!

I need to remember that happiness is not having more---it's enjoying more of what you have. And you know what??--I have quite a bit to be happy for. Too many to count!

3. Stop making comparrisons!

God made us all different and so there is absolutely no point in comparing ourselves to anyone else.

Maybe you don't struggle with envy---but you know what?--I didn't think I struggled with it either. Take a moment and think about it, you might find there are some areas in your life where you can be more content with your situation rather than wishing for more.

Charlotte, because this post is labeled thoughts for you---I just want you to remember this: Don't be jealous of others. Jealousy and envy divides while love unites and builds others up!!!

My goodness you're cute...so here's a big kiss!

Some pictures of Charlotte

It's been a very long time since I blogged. I had a bunch of entries started but never got around to adding the photos and posting. I'm sure you've noticed I recently finished (okay 3 blogs in one day!)--Anyhow, here is my first post for September. Have I mentioned lately that I hate that being back at work? Sure... when I'm there I make the best of it but I just hate feeling like I'm drowning. I'm constantly going over and over the numerous things I need to pack for the next day, finish, pick up, clean, make, fold, read, buy, call, meet, order ..well you get the idea. It's been a very hard few weeks. I'm swamped at work, extremely tired when I get home, missing her so much it hurts, and just all around down. I know that it has to get better. It better get better! Never the less-I press on. Here are some recent photos of CJ. She always puts a smile on my face.


Thank God she loves her car seat!

I love these pictures of her looking away.