A Conversation at 2 a.m.

"Ma" NyCee bellows out at the top of her lungs.

"Yes, baby."

"I watch TV." I turn to see her standing next to my bed holding the remote control.

"No TV. You have to go back to sleep." I carried her back to her bed.

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30 minutes later

"Ma"

"Yes NyCee"

"I stuck in my booty."

"Huh? Come to mommy."

"I stuck in my booty." So I regain some sort of consciousness and prepare to walk to her room. Only to find her climbing on top of me. I asked if she had to go to the potty.

"No ma'am. No potty."

"Well, what's the matter?"

"I stuck in my booty."

I finally figured out that she had a wedgie.

"Hey, look at what I have found."

I have noticed, over the past two weeks, that when I change Tyler's diaper, he immediately starts grabbing and pulling on his little penis. Now, this is my first boy baby but is that normal? I have checked to make sure he didn't have a diaper rash and to confirm that nothing is irritating him. And when he does it, I tell him to stop and he just starts laughing. I am going to go with the assumption that this is normal?!?!? NyCee never did anything like that at her age.

I wonder what he will discover next.

"Mommy, Get Up"

Here in Phoenix, the sun comes up around 530a or 545a. Generally, Tyler wakes up about 630a or 645a. Today, NyCee was up first. She popped up on the bed saying, "Wake up mommy. I hungry" while rubbing her tummy. I said, "Okay baby. Please give mommy just a few more minutes." Well, my request was honored with literally just a few more minutes. I have to figure out a way to get my children to understand that during the week, rising at 630a is acceptable. But on Saturday, we need to sleep in at least until 800a.

A Keeper

How darn cute is this? He looks like his big cousin. Apparently, they both had a long day.

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After reading another blog this evening, I watched this video that she had posted on her site. It is sad and disturbing but important information to share. We must pray for our candidates and for God's direction when voting.

My Thoughtful Girl

Earlier this afternoon I was on the couch relaxing while NyCee was playing. At some point, I dozed off and when I woke up I was covered with Tyler's blanket. NyCee went to their room and retrieved the blanket out of his crib by sliding it through the bed rails and covered me with it. I woke up and said, "Thank you baby." She replied, "You are welcome mommy. One second (while holding up her finger). I'll be right back." I replied, "Okay" as I chuckled.

When she returned, she had the bible that I use to read to them before bedtime. She climbed on the couch and told me that she was going to read me a bible verse. I smiled and sat there while she "read" to me.

Adjusted

Well, it is just a few days over one month that the kids and I have settled into our new home. It actually seems longer than that some days because we are into our routine. I have completed the membership classes at the church and work in the nursery department on Saturday and Sunday nights. I really love my church as it offers so many programs and classes to help you live a full, happy life.

Dr. Tom (click on the "teacher" link to see a clip from one of his sermons)is very down to earth and approachable. He and Mrs. Maureen greet first time visitors after every service. The church is very warm and inviting. As soon as I walked through the door, I felt at home. They have been married 41 years and their sons are in the ministry as well. You can see the fruits of their life and it is wonderful. Additionally, their daughter-in-laws are apart of the ministry as well. They lead by example; which is vitally important.

NyCee really enjoys church as well. When I drive into the parking lot she exclaims, "My class. My class." The interaction at church as been very good for her. Especially because she hasn't been in "school" for several months. Last week, we were really busy with membership classes, singles' conference, and date night. (I think date night is so cool. The church offers free child care on Saturday nights to allow mom and dad or a single parent, some much needed alone time.) And of course we attended service yesterday morning and returned that evening as I had to serve in the nursery ministry. Needless to say, NyCee was exhausted. So much so, that she slept in her own bed until daybreak.

My church is literally 5 minutes up the road so it makes it easy to incorporate those responsibilities into my routine.

You may notice the bummer pad which should be on Ty's crib between the wall and NyCee's bed. Well, Ty doesn't like the pad because he can't see anyone when he wakes up. And NyCee needed it because she fell between the wall and the bed one night and began screaming "Help" in Spanish. I guess all those episodes of Dora the Explorer and Go Diego Go are really paying off.

The only hiccup so far is that the air conditioning went out in my truck. Thank God summer is almost over and I do not run errands during the hottest part of the day. Also, most of our travels are relatively close to the house. The other day, I parked the car and was preparing to get NyCee out of her car seat. She stated, "Mommy, I sweating." All I could do was apologize and get her in the building as soon as possible.

The Great Pile-up

Even before having children, I did not wear outside shoes in the house. Yet, I always have the same problem:

Several pairs of shoes end up at the front door and it's not until I can barely get through the door that I put them back in my closet.

I have to find a better system.

Exciting Time

There is so much going on. I can not discuss it right now. But it is ALL so very exciting!

Let us all come forward and draw near with true (honest and sincere) hearts in unqualified assurance and absolute conviction engendered by faith (by that leaning of the entire human personality on God in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness), having our hearts sprinkled and purified from a guilty (evil) conscience and our bodies cleansed with pure water.

So let us seize and hold fast and retain without wavering the hope we cherish and confess and our acknowledgement of it, for He Who promised is reliable (sure) and faithful to His word.
Hebrews 10:22-23 Amplified Bible

I will post all about soon. I promise! But God is AWESOME and He is FAITHFUL!!!!

Over He Goes

For the past few days, Tyler has been rocking back and forth when he is on the floor playing. Well today, he finally rolled himself over. I tried to capture his big smile when I congratulated him on his accomplishment. I just love to see him smile.

My Fair Lady

Before leaving the house, I grab my keys, sunglasses, and purse off of the counter by the door. Lately, NyCee stops at the door and says, "Mommy, where are my glasses and purse?" She will not leave the house with out them. She is quite the little lady.

Of course, the items end up staying in my car (which is a mess by the way) because we both forget to get them out when we come home. The back seat of my truck looks more like her toy box than a truck. Any volunteers to come to the Valley of the Sun and clean it out for me? It is absolutely beautiful here.

Interpretation

It's a matter of interpretation. Click on the link and watch the video. I think you will enjoy it. I know I did!

Bam! Right in the face!

This one burped in my face-twice.

This one sneezed in my face.

And darn near simultaneously, they both passed gas in my face.

After being bathed both of the kids were lying on NyCee's bed naked. I was putting lotion on their bodies in preparation for the night clothes. When, BAM! Ty expelled his gas and NyCee starting laughing saying, "Bother pooted mommy." During her laughing spell, she expelled her gas to which she did not laugh. She just smiled and said, "Excuse me brother."

Just one of the many joys of motherhood.

Midnight Melody

After lying in bed reading for a while, I finally fell into a deep, restful sleep. When all of a sudden I was awakened by the sounds of both of the kids crying. I expect to hear Ty crying in the night but not NyCee. Generally, NyCee just gets out of her bed around 4a and comes into my room. But when I walked into the kids' room, I saw NyCee lying on the floor tangled in the bedsheets and Tyler kicking his legs in the air.

Absolute music to my ears. Both my kids crying at 1030p.

My Brown Eyed Boy

Every morning, Ty wakes up with the biggest grin on his face that you have ever seen. He is so cute as he lays there playing with his feet and pulling on my shirt as if he is telling me to wake up.

Tonight, I decided to cut his hair. GASPS! I didn't use clippers. I bought a pair of sheers (which are nothing more than scissors used to cut hair). Now you are probably thinking to yourself, "Why in the world did she do that?" Well, let's be real here for a minute. We know that black hair needs to be permed otherwise, it will look like a huge, nappy mess. Let's just be real. When NyCee was his age, I used to put different hair bows and things in her hair so that the nappiness did not appear as prevalent. Well, I can't put pretty little hair bows in Tyler's hair. So, I cut it down so that it will not look nappy and kinky. He really looks so cute and when he gets his first hair cut, by a professional barber, he will be just a little adorable ball of joy!

Already

Already, NyCee is a fan of the TV show Hannah Montana. Lately, she has been asking to watch Hannah Montana every day. Darn near every hour! I thought I had a few years before she would get hooked on something like that. Watch out Dora The Explorer, you have some competition.

Respectful Request

I know that the calls, emails, and text messages that I have received have meant to be an expression of concern for me. But they have really been negative. Please, if you are planning to call me out of concern, then call with a positive, can do, Dayna is an overcomer attitude. Believe me, I, more than anyone, am well aware of the gravity of my situation. Every day, before my foot hits the floor, I declare:

This is the day the LORD has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Save now, I pray, O LORD;
O LORD, I pray, send now prosperity.
Psalm 118: 24-25

It is not easy being in this situation. Often, I think to myself, "What kind of person brings two children into the world with no way to support them?" There are days when I wish I could go back 10 years and modify my path. But then I think, "I wouldn't be the person I am today. And I definitely wouldn't have NyCee and Tyler." I thank God that He allowed me the privilege of being their mother.

When another day ends, and no calls about jobs have come in, I have to remember:

For the [true] love of God is this: that we do His commands [keep His ordinances and are mindful of His precepts and teaching]. And these orders of His are not irksome (burdensome, oppressive, or grievous).

For whatever is born of God is victorious over the world; and this is the victory that conquers the world, even our faith.

Who is it that is victorious over [that conquers] the world but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on that fact]?
1 John 5:3-5 Amplified Translation

If I allowed my mind to run wild, I would focus on the fact that I quit two really good jobs. The first one was out of arrogance. The second was a sacrifice that was necessary. But no matter the reason, I would be much better off had I not made those decisions. But those decisions were made two years and one year ago, respectively. So I can not keep beating myself up about the decision. God's word says,

"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus,[a] who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit."
Romans 8:1-4

That's a fancy way of saying, that God has forgiven me for being stupid. Therefore, I must forgive myself. So please, when you think of me, do what I do:

Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.
Philippians 4:7-9 The Message Translation

I love you and pray:

God bless you and keep you,

God smile on you and gift you,

God look you full in the face
and make you prosper.
Numbers 6:24-26 The Message Translation

This situation is temporary and subject to change suddenly! :~D

In Awe...

My day started with a text message at 6a Phoenix time, where my mom exclaimed that she has the Arizona state quarter. This was very exciting news because we have been collecting the commemorative coins since the US Mint started printing them and only Arizona and Hawaii remain to complete the set. When I became coherent enough to respond, I asked where was my quarter? Generally, she receives two quarters at a time and always puts one aside for me. She replied that she only received one but would send me one when she got it. I replied, Good stuff!

Lately, I have taken liking to a new saying. When asked how I am, I respond, "Fantastic! And if I wait five minutes, it will get better!" So later this morning around 10a, I was preparing to attend a bible study at my new church when I received a call from my mom. She was so jovial that I could hardly understand her at first. She exclaimed, "I got an Arizona quarter for you!" She explained that she went to purchase a smoothie, because she had never had one prior to today, and when given the change, the quarter was there. Look how much God cares about the small things that He gave me the quarter that I wanted. But there's more...

Then, I received a call from someone telling me that he received an email about a job that he applied for back in February. "Due to economic conditions," the company had a hiring freeze but the freeze has been lifted and he will begin working 10/13. This is the job that he really wanted. Again, God is so good. But wait, there's more...

Later, I was text messaging with a friend who advised that she received a full 100 points on her research project. Now for those of you who are not in school, this will not be a big deal. For those of you who have had to write a thesis or research project, you feel her joy. Just a few years ago, she suffered the loss of her mother and sister within days of one another. She has had to endure countless surgeries and is still suffering the effects of the initial injury. Yet, she has completed three (3) degrees and been on the President's list at our University during the completion of each degree. The President's list means that she has held a 4.0 GPA while pursuing all three (3) degrees. She will have her Master's in less than 2 weeks and will begin her Ph.D program in October. But wait, there's more...

Another friend sent me a text message advising that she is able to work her part-time job, at her flexibility this month, to make up the difference from her full-time job. She is a flight attendant and generally works a lot of hours every month which takes her away from her husband and son. We were just talking a couple of nights ago about how God ALWAYS provides. She constructed her schedule last month and was no where near the number of flight hours that she normally holds. But yet, God has made a way for her to work, be home, and attend to all her affairs this month. But wait, there's more...

My cousin Cari, not only did she battle and survive breast cancer, she underwent brain surgery to have a tumor removed and was out shopping at Target a couple of days later! Her congnitive abilities are all in tact! God is amazing!

So far, I have received news that five (5) people I know have received jobs. I am excited because I know there is no partiality with God. (Ephesians 6:9). The following scripture best sums up how great God truly is towards us:

"God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you're ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. As one psalmist puts it,

He throws caution to the winds,
giving to the needy in reckless abandon.
His right-living, right-giving ways
never run out, never wear out.

This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God."
2 Corinthians 9:8-11 (The Message)

Afternoon Snooze

Hey, get it in where it will fit in.

Thoughts

As I read the kids their bible verse tonight, my mind and spirit were renewed with the words of Jesus. Tonight, we read Matthew chapters 7 and 8. The portion in chapter 7 that stood out to me was:

24-25"These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock." (The Message translation)

Jesus told us to build our lives on His words because doing so will ensure that no matter what the circumstance or situation, we will stand firm and strong believing that God has provided a way of escape. This is so very true as it is prevalent in my life.

As I sit at MY desk, in MY office area of MY home, my heart is filled with excitement and gratitude. Just a few short months ago, I couldn't see this time in my life. I couldn't see how I was going to survive with two kids as a single parent. While I recognize that I am not the only woman in the world who has been faced with this situation, it was quite a precarious pickle when it first happened. There were nights when I would lay in bed and the only thing I could pray through my tears was a song that I learned as a little girl. "Jesus loves me this I know. For the bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong. They are weak but He is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. For the bible tells me so." Reminding myself over and over that Jesus loves me, gave me the strength to face another day.

Another passage that hit home began at verse 7:

7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!"

How true is that statement? Either as a parent, you give good things to your children or as a child you recieved good things from your parents. Either way, you understand the principle that Jesus is teaching. So many people questioned my decision to move back to Phoenix without first securing the employment that I was seeking. But the bible tells us, "The just shall LIVE by faith" (Hebrews 10:38). To live by faith is a constant conscience decision. Believe me, I prayed and prayed about this decision and I know in my heart that this is where I am supposed to be. Everything has fallen into place and God has blessed me everyday that I have been here. Literally, every single day.

I have more than enough to fill this apartment and we are not cramped. The kids have plenty of room to play. It is in a central location so I am no more than 20 minutes from everything. My church is 5 minutes up the road, the kids daycare is less than 10 minutes away and I am surrounded by several shopping complexs with every store I need. I bought a mattress for NyCee's bed for $30 (I only needed a mattress because my friend gave me an entire bedroom suit for her), a vcr/dvd combo machine for $12, and a fax, scanner, copier, printer for $40. Not only has God given me everything I need, He has given me things that I want! How wonderful! And daily, I receive more news about things coming into my life.

I am not concerned in the least about getting a job. In fact, I believe that God is causing everything to come into alignment and I will be working my full-time job with benefits in 30 days. I don't care about the economy as I choose to operate in God's system. Jesus said,“If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” The question is not if God can do it, the question is do you believe that God can do it? I have a firm grip on God's word and I am not letting go. God has exceeded my expectations and I am waiting to see what is next.

Instead of focusing on the situation, focus on God's word and know that what you are facing is temporary and will change. I am a living testimony that God's word is a catalyst for change. The word will work if you work the word.

Isaiah 55:8-12 (The Message)
8-11"I don't think the way you think.
The way you work isn't the way I work."
God's Decree.
"For as the sky soars high above earth,
so the way I work surpasses the way you work,
and the way I think is beyond the way you think.
Just as rain and snow descend from the skies
and don't go back until they've watered the earth,
Doing their work of making things grow and blossom,
producing seed for farmers and food for the hungry,
So will the words that come out of my mouth
not come back empty-handed.
They'll do the work I sent them to do,
they'll complete the assignment I gave them.

12"So you'll go out in joy,
you'll be led into a whole and complete life.