Taking things for granted

I found this blog by accident. I know as a believer we don't have coincidences or things don't just happen. God has everything to do with everything in our lives. This girl lost her son. She carried her son full term, baby was born, and the next day he died. !!! All I can say is wow. Here I am waiting for my grand baby and this lady buried hers not long ago. We automatically think they ( the doctors) deliver babies all the time ,we are good ,but ,in a split second it could all end. I don't want this to be a doom and gloom post but an encouraging one. 2010 is almost here, lets not take things, family, friends or even strangers for granted. I need to be intentional in everything I do and say to let people know I have Jesus Christ in my heart and Life. I don't want them to know because I preach it to them ,I want to show them through my actions.







This woman is brave because she openly talks about it.I want to think I would do the same but I don't know. I would love to hold her in my arms and tell her God has a plan for her, that maybe through her loss she can make a difference in this world. I know I am babbling but she has really effected me more than I knew. I am praying for her that God would do a work in her and I hope you will do the same.





I guess the reason for this post is to remind us all not to let a day go by without telling the ones close to you how you feel. I know I will. God Bless you all and have a blessed 2010. Maureen

After Christmas Blues

This is my 2009 Family Picture. That new young man on the end is my new son-in law. Now can't you see why I am so proud!!!













Daniel and Natasha(handsome
couple




















Now this is a great picture of Eddy and his girls.









Well all that build up to the big day(Christmas )is here and gone. I said Christmas blues because we plan,shop, decorate and anticipate what we will do for that special day. We get all wrapped up in all the business of everything and forget why we celebrate Christmas . This particular day is not for us but everyone thinks it is.This day is not our birthday. I just hope that all of us remember even if it is for a brief moment why we celebrate this particular day.
This Christmas was small but special. Years past we would go to Miami and celebrate with Eddy's family. They would celebrate Christmas Eve (Noche Buena). my brother -in -law Kiki would roast a pig and everyone was there. Eddy has one sister and three brothers. Needless to say it was a big crowd with all the extended family. This year it was quiet we had Nicole and Tasha,Daniel and Oscar(Daniel's brother). We had a nice dinner(obviously I didn't cook it) and afterwards we went to the movies. It was wonderful.I know one day we won't be able to be all together so I will cherish these times.
I know how my mom feels. It would make her so happy for everyone of us to be together. Stephen (oldest brother)lives in Newport R.I. (hometown)Jodi, lives in Ohio and Anthony lives in Mississippi. The last time we were all together was at my daddy's funeral(that is sad). I wish my sister and brothers could get together more often. Maybe one day and hopefully sooner than later.
Tasha is about ready to have her baby. She is starting to show signs but I just hope she will wait until I have her baby shower. I am really excited. This is my first grand baby and I want Tasha to have a great experience and remember every little detail. Nikki on the other hand is in denial. I think when she is showing more she will accept the fact she too is going to have a baby.I am excited to have Nikki home.She is moving back home after her baby shower.We will be able to help Nikki and just be there for her like we were for Tasha. This will be like when I had the girls but, I don't have to take care of them 24/7 but I will gladly help when they let me.
I am looking forward to 2010.I have two beautiful girls and they will bless us with two beautiful or should I say handsome babies. I know we will have many challenges along the way but this is what it is all about. Being there for one another when they need you. When you become a parent you never stop regardless if they are 18 or 35. I know when I was younger I gave my mom and daddy a hard time but whatever I did they always let me know how much I was loved and that no matter what we could get through it together. Unconditional love. My dad is gone now but my mother continues to show her love for us in every way she possibly can. This I want to pass on to my girls and now grand sons. I love my family and I thank God daily . I hope everyone has a wonderful 2010. Cherish and love your family
they are all you have!!!Blessings, Maureen(Gigi)

Natasha's Album

www.holdmymemories.com

Natasha and Daniel went and got pictures done together. I want to share them with you. As you can see they make a gorgeous couple(just a tad bit proud)!!!! Eddy has told her through out her pregnancy what a beautiful pregnant girl she is and you can see for yourself she is. Enjoy the album. Blessings, Gigi

Merry Christmas

Please go to;

http://www.angelrays.com/fla/legend.html
I came across this and thought I would share.
Blessings

Waiting Anxiously.................................

As we are preparing for our new arrivals I am just sitting here in awe. It's truly amazing how great our God is . How can ANYONE IN THEIR RIGHT MIND SAY THERE IS NO GOD?????? I am baffled. After you experience the process of child birth how can you say it just happens. They try to state their case how there is no God but it truly is a miracle. I have gone through it but now my daughters are going through it and I am seeing it so differently now.





My nephew Daniel read one of my post and said "Its great! I love it. Its a good way to show the girls you care" . Those were nice words but I hope they know how really proud I am of them. They have grown up to be very strong and responsible woman!!They could have very easily gone a different route but they didn't. They stood firm on their convictions and taking responsibility even if it is tough. We are all so excited and can not wait (some of us express it more than others lol ).





I am watching Tasha and she is soooo close to having it. She is only weeks away and I can see she is getting close. She is starting to show symptoms of getting close. I just hope little Gabriel will wait till we have the baby shower. As you can tell I am a VERY PROUD Gigi!!!!!!!Unfortunately Nikki is not with me so I can't experience any of this with her. She will be moving home after her shower so I guess I will wait until then. Right now the focus is on Natasha but Nikki will have her turn. Nikki does say she is in denial, hahaha, that will change all too soon. reality will hit the bigger she gets.My girls are very pretty young women(I'm not just saying that as a proud mother you can see their pictures, as pregnant woman they are beautiful!!!!! I looked like a Christmas tree. I only gained 45 pounds but because I am sooo short it looked like 80 lbs. Anyway they are pretty.



Today Daniel and I are starting the nursery. I know it's about time. Well, I have been busy with work. We are closed for the holidays so my work load is minimal so I will get it ready. I remember my next door neighbor in Winter Garden (Sherry) was pregnant and I helped with her nursery, I loved doing that. It was so much fun and very exciting to watch her grow and then when she had her baby I felt like that was my grand baby at times.Now,needless to say I am ECSTATIC it is our grand babies !!!!!!!!This is an extension of Eddy and me. This is a part of me. My baby is having a baby. I am soooo overwhelmed , but, in a great way. God has truly blessed us with this opportunity.
My mother was so beneficial in helping me when I had my babies, she was always there when I truly needed her and I want to be that for my girls.My girls always remember Mimi and papa always being there, whenever. They were their second parents.I will ALWAYS TRY to remember that this bundle of joy is not my baby but I will always be there for both the girls in any capacity they need me to be.I want my grand babies to know how much they are wanted and loved. So as you can see I am a little excited for this to happen..................Until tomorrow...God Bless and Always remember God loves You........................M

Countdown

This has been a busy week. Last weekend we seved literally thousands of people and this week we had one rehersal dinner and three wedding receptions.In the middle of all this getting ready for Christmas, baking and trying sooo hard to get our babies nursery ready. I have only 36 days to go until Natasha has our first grandchild.Sunday is our last day until the 2nd of January so I'll be able to do something in the house. Natasha is getting restless and I don't blame her. She wants to know her baby has a place to live. I have been teasing Daniel about how long we have. He is freaking out. A typical brand new dad.



April 20th 2009 is my other daughters due date. Yes I said daughters are pregnant. I have twin girls and BOTH GIRLS ARE PREGNANT AT THE SAME TIME. Only the Espinosa's



When I had Nicole and Natasha I was in a different place in life, I didn't have a relationship with God . After I became a believer I felt differently about family and children. I wanted to maybe have a boy for Eddy, but, I had an operation so I wasn't able. You know that saying "be careful what you wish for because you might get it" well, I am getting it, we are not having one baby but both my girls are having a baby four months apart and they are both boys!!!!!!!!!God answered that one hahahaha(He has a sense of humor)!!!!! God only gives us what we can handle, boy, I guess he figured the Espinosa"s can handle a whole bunch because that is what he is giving us. We do accept it gratefully!!!!!!!!!!


So here it is Natasha is due January 25th and Nicole is April 20th
(36 days) 131 days



I have the best family. I'm talking about my extended family. Everyone has been so loving and supportive, thank-you everyone. Until next time Good Night, M

This is Gabriel"s dad and mom and of course me in the middle(lol)











I have been having fun with this and doing a countdown and Daniel is FREAKIN OUT!!!! I think it's hilarious. I just wonder what is going to happen when Gabriel is here.









I remember when my girls were born I don't remember Eddy being real nervous at all. Eddy has always wanted kids. He was prepared emotionally and was very calm. He is not like me, he gets excited but not over the top or anything. I on the other hand YOU KNOW WHEN I AM EXCITED. My mom always said "your eyes are the window to your soul" and mine are. I am very expressive through my eyes. Anyway... Eddy was calm until the girls were born.It was two weeks before I was due and my mom and sister Jodi bought me our cribs and they were at moms house about four hours away. As Eddy was leaving he told me he would kill me if I had the babies. I laughed at him. Late that night I was feeling bad so I put the monitor on my stomach and called the nurse. Sure enough I was in labor. I didn't want to go because it wasn't bad so I took my time getting ready. I tried calling a friend but she couldn't take me so I drove myself to the hospital. I showered and cleaned up a little then around 3 in the morning I was driving myself to the hospital. The only time I was speeding and there were no cars on the road. I wanted a police man to stop me and no one. I went to the hospital and sure enough I was in labor. At 7:01 I had Nicole and 7:03 I had Natasha. I still hadn't called anyone to tell them I had the babies. The nurse told me I needed to call someone so I called Sonia my mother -In- law. It just so happened to be her birthday. After that she called Eddy and my mom and dad. It was soooo cute Eddy was so excited he told mom if she didn't hurry he would walk home (from Melbourne Fl. 4 hours away lol) Needless to say they said he was a basket case. Eddy was one of the most attentive , loving fathers back then and even more now. He is going to make an even better Papa E . We are soooo excited for this chance to be able to share in the joy of this miracle. This is better than I thought it would be.So Daniel doesn't really have anything to worry about we are here for anything that baby needs or wants. I think both of them and Nikki should know by now WE ARE HERE FOR THEM!!!.Mom and Daddy love you both more than our own lives!!!!!!We are here for you for whatever.Until next time......M

Holiday Season

Christmas of 2007




It's 10 days until Christmas and 41 days (give or take a few days) until Gabriel comes. I am sooo not ready but that's OK. I am baking all my Christmas presents. I remember when we were going to McGregor Baptist Church(our church home) and my girls were 6 and I was Homeschooling them. I was in a great homeschooling network of people.That's when and how I learned how to do all these neat crafts and really when I started to take an interest in all of this.
I had this friend (we just recently reconnected through FB) Kendra. We worked together and got into soooo much mischief together.(-: Some would say she was a bad influence on me or visa versa lol. We worked together, played together and she was an awesome friend!!!!!! That was 16 years ago and now I look back on those times and they put a huge smile on my face. Thanks Kendra, I loved those times we had . Although, I remember one time you and I were painting and decorating a room for VBS and ended up spending the night. We didn't mean to but I fell asleep under the table and around 8:00 the next morning I woke up and Eddy dropped off the girls furious with me cause I didn't call him. The look on his face ohhhh mad lol. Of course we can laugh about it now. That memory sticks out, of course there were so many others. I love you and again thanks for being that friend I needed. Much love.
Getting back to the holidays. Now, we are going to start a new chapter and not forgetting but going on to new memories. I am so excited to what is in store for the future. I get to do it all over again with two new little ones. I have had all in all a wonderful 20 years with my girls and God willing I will be able to have 20 more years with them and our new additions to our family.
I am enjoying this blog. It hasn't been that long since I started but it's nice to share and remember those special times. And of course, as you all know by now how excited I am to be able to share with everyone the joy of having grandchildren. Isn't that what it's all about "The Circle of Life"

Too busy to enjoy what's important!!

Nicole and Natasha
Gigi and Mimi

Nicole , Gigi and Natasha

For the last two days we served around 4 to 5 thousand people. All in all we did good. It is a shame we get so wrapped up in all the busyness that we don't get to share in the festivities. Our church choir had their performance, Gloria. I can't sing but last year I was involved in the Choir. That was an awesome experience!!!When we were practicing sometimes Todd would stop practice and start praying because he felt we needed it. The first day I joined almost everyone made me feel like I was a long lost friend. They embraced me and made me feel like I WAS one of them. When they came through the line tonight they all hugged me and said how they missed me not being there. The best part they were sincere, you could see it in their eyes.
Hopefully next year I will be a part of them, Prestonwood Choir.


OK, my official name is Gigi when our baby is born. I am so excited, I can't believe it is in 43 more days give or take a few days. There is so much to do to get ready. I am still baking cookies but I have to finish painting the room. ohhh so much to do and soooo little time. trust me I am not complaining. At least by the time Nikki has her baby I'll be able to concentrate on Nikki and relax because the baby's room will be all done.


Here is a recap..........Natasha and Nikki are twins Natasha is having a baby due January 25 th 2010 she is having a boy Gabriel Daniel Castillo
Nicole is pregnant and is due April 20 th almost 3 months apart,,and she is having a boy as well...................After I had my girls I always wanted a boy for Eddy . You know what they say "Be careful what you ask for....because you might get it" Well.....I am getting it.....In multiples again hahahahaha we are loving it. This is my latest obsession My New Babies. God is good!!!!!!!!

GiGi and Papae

I finally found a name for me for when our grandchild Gbriel Daniel Castilla is born. Papae is of course Eddy. I think it will fit and it will be easy for him to say. So now we are Papae and GiGi.

Texas, My Home

When I moved here to Texas I didn't know how I was going to like it.After Eddy took the job at our first church I told him I would never stop or be a stumbling block to him. I am the type that likes to stay put. I am a creature of habit. So, when we got a call to Orlando we went. I will have to say out of all the places we have moved from Ft. Myers was the hardest to leave. I had the best friends and the best life there.Since then we have been to Orlando and now here in Texas.I have lived here 2 1/2 years and now I will have to say I am where I am supposed to be.
Eddy and I have worked together since I first met him. I took off a few years but total 16 + years. It isn't always easy but all in all we are a great team. We are passionate about what we do and believe God brought us here and we are where he wants us to be. I love my job. I don't like to say that because I don't feel like it's a job. It's part of me and I have made it my life. I work in several areas but my passion is in Wedding Receptions. I love it because this is the happiest day of a woman's life and I get to help make wonderful memories happen.
So now that we are in Texas I hope we will stay here for awhile. We are beginning to establish some friendships and a routine that works well for us.
I have to say this over and over because I can't believe it but Eddy and I are going to be Grandparents. I am trying to come up with a name for Gabriel to call me but I can't, I want the name MiMi but that is my mom's title. What do you think?? I am too young to be called Grandma and I won't let ANYONE call me MeMaw, They do, and they DIE!!!! See I tried to make this post about something other than my girls but you see I can't. (not a bad thing) It's late I am finished baking for the day. Good Night.
Blessings, M

Almost Home

Last night I was watching Tasha and it's amazing how much our baby(it's really mine (-:) has grown. Gabriel Daniel Castilla will be here sooner than we think.

I always wanted a boy for Eddy, well, I guess what they say be careful what you ask for (hahaha) because you might get it!!!! I am not only getting one bundle of joy I am getting two. Only us.....Eddy and I are ecstatic about this new chapter in our lives. We have gone through so much to get here and this is what it's all about. Our family is very important and this is going to bring more joy to our lives ( I'm sure more work as well) but none the less more joy.
My Nikki is going to move home after her baby shower in March. This is what every mom wants is to have her family all together. I feel bad for my mom because we are spread all over the United States.
Now, Nikki is four + months. Unfortunately we don't get to see her that much because she is in Florida. That is going to change so we can at least help her the last few months of her pregnancy.
I know when my girls start reading my blog they may get a little exassperated and they might even say "can't I find someone else to write about" but they will realize all too soon that our children are our lives. I enjoy talking about them. They are beautiful, smart and great to be around. What is going to be exciting is that now they will have an extension of themselves
and I get to be apart of it all. Life is good.
I guess I'll go now I am baking and I'll never finish . God Bless, M

Family

As we are preparing for the Holidays(putting up the Christmas Tree and baking) and getting ready for our first grand child I am reflecting on our family. I have flash backs of when I was pregnant with my girls and how I felt when I had them by myself for the first time. It's amazing how fast that 20 + years has gone. I was telling Tasha how it was back then and it doesn't seem possible that it is my daughter who is having the baby. She is a baby herself. I am excited and sad in the same instant. Excited because we will have a new baby, our baby, sad because so much time has passed that we will never get back. I can remember like it was yesterday. I am sure every grandmother goes through this at one point or another in their life. This is the cycle of life, this is what my mom talked about when I was younger.

I have twin girls and my other daughter Nikki is pregnant as well. Nikki is going to have hers in April. So yes, I get to go through this twice in one year. Unfortunatly , she is in Florida. I don't get to see her as much as I would like but she will be moving here after she has her baby. Yes, we are blessed. Having my girls was and is the best thing that has ever happened to me and Eddy.

Like I was saying I have been reflecting on our life and family and I do know how blessed I am. I do thank God for all that he has given me (good and bad).

I hope you all have Christ filled Christmas and a wonderful New Year!!! God Bless, M

Christmas

I love Christmas, I enjoy everything about it. It's not about me getting presents, never has been. I like decorating, baking and watching everyone's face when they get theit cookies or chocolate I just gave them. I don't sing that well but I like singing Christmas Carols. The whole season is such a happy and delightful season.

We always get so wrapped up in all of the business of the holiday they forget what it's al about. It's about when Jesus Christ was born. Instead of focusing on Him we focus on each other not that it's Jesus birthday. This year let's focus on what we can to develop a Christ Like attitude and always remember what we need to to develop and nurture the relatioship.

Blessings,M

First time grandmother

This blogging is fairly new to me but I will have to say I am enjoying it. I figured everyone else has one so why not jump on the band wagon.

My Tasha is 8 months pregnant and is getting bigger by the day. It's amazzing how God allows us as women the blessing of be able to carry another human being in our bodies for a time and experience the joy of giving birth and then watching that little person grow up and have a baby of their own. Truely Amazing!!!!

I am going to be a grandmother in one month and I am sooo excited. I feel like this is my baby. I know I have to be careful not to try and take over and only give advice when I am asked. I have to remember when I had my babies , everyone wanted to tell me this and that and I wanted to just tune them out. I will remember that one (-:

Have a great weekend, M