GiGi's Corner

Christmas 2011

2011-12-19T22:45:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it has been this long since I have been on my blog. So many things have happened since last April ..
It is December and I am back.
I love Christmas, when the girls were small and even up until we moved to Texas we would put on Rockin Around the Christmas Tree and sing a long as we decorated the tree. I buy Hallmark Ornaments for the girls and Eddy every year since the girls were 3 years old. Every year we would look at the ornaments from years past and reminiss .We had some wonderful Christmases at our house. This year 2011 is not going to be like others. Natasha will be somewhere else, Eddy is in Miami. Our family is all over the place and I am here. I keep on thinking what is happening and where did I go wrong?? What could I have done differently. I think about all of that then I remember I have no control I have to give it all up to God. I can only pray and wait to see what He wants me to do next.. I am looking forward to next year 2012. I say this every year but this year I will make it mine.......... I am claiming it. So, I am looking forward with anticipation and encouragement that this year God is going to bring me through all of this and make me a better and stronger woman!!!!! I do have so much to be thankful for and this is what I chose to think about, gratefullness that God loves me and is right by my side holding me up and walking right by my side.. I feel his presence and I am encouraged that 2012 will bring me peace and joy in to my life. So who ever is reading this I pray that you to will have a Christ filled Christmas and please remember God is with you as well just ask Him and He will be there...........
...God Bless You and Merry Christmas...

Elias's First Birthday

2011-04-18T08:03:00.000-07:00

Here he is our big boy and of course mommy.

and we can't forget daddy........ Gigi is not far away....... Proud Abuelo's This is my family........... We had so much fun but we were here to celebrate with Nikki and Anthony, God's gift to us all. I have a ton more pictures but I wanted to share one of our pride and joys , our grandson........We love you Elias Anthony Guadamuz!!!!!!!!

"It Is Finished"

2011-04-16T11:29:00.001-07:00

He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. John 19:30, NKJV After nine hours of standing on His feet, after being scourged, slapped, and manhandled, after six hours of hanging on the Cross, the average person would have barely had enough life and breath left to even whisper. But Jesus, the Lamb of God, with life still fully flowing through His body, shouted out in a clear, ringing, triumphant voice, "It is finished." The price for our redemption had been paid! The sacrifice for our sin had been made! Sin was forgiven! Guilt was atoned for! Eternal life was now offered! Heaven has been opened! It is finished! You don't have to do more good works than bad works. You don't have to go to church every time the door opens. You don't have to climb the stairs to some statue. You don't have to be religious. You don't even have to be good! It is finished! Sin is forgivable for everyone! The price has been paid! Blessings, Anne Graham Lotz Thought you would appreciate this................GiGi

Seasons in our lives................

2011-04-13T19:53:00.000-07:00

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.

When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that
Person..
When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need
You have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with
Guidance and support, or just ANSWERS
To aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend and they are.

They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,
This person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an
End.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk
away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.

What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire
Fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has
Come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh..
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons,

Things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional
Foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson,
Love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other
Relationships and areas of your life.

It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Thank you for being a part of my life,
Whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime. Now it is time to LET GO!!!!!
We don't know why things don't work out but we just need to praise God we found each other and be happy with that.You are loved and thought about but from a distance and that's the way it will be. You don't have to wonder why just let it be!!

Proverbs 3:5&6

Another Celebration

2011-04-11T09:51:00.000-07:00

Once again we are blessed by another one of our grand sons birthday. Elias Anthony Guatamuz is going to be one year old. We are going to have aunts, uncles, grandparents and great grandparents there. Elias has so many people that love him and we will celebrate him on his special day.

2010 has been a year of many BLESSINGS and surprises !!!!
I get this wonderful opportunity to be able to start all over again ,the mistakes I have made with my girls I have my second chance with my boys........

Both Gabriel and Elias are growing so fast and of course they are the most adorable little guys you have ever seen!!!!! Can you tell I am just a tad bit proud. I am blessed to have both grandsons here with us.

I look at my girls and can't believe that they are even old enough to have children.When I used to hear "they grow up so fast" I never thought it would just fly by like it did. I thought maybe if they were just just one or two years older and I blinked and they turned 22. Now, I wish I had those years back.
This time around I am cherishing the times I have with Gabriel and Elias . I will not waste any of the time wishing or even wanting them to hurry and get one year older. My girls and their sons are my world and I thank God He has given them to me.
I love you MY FAMILY!!!!!

Elias few hours old.
a
Our family, Elias a few months old.

My Family

Awakening 21

2011-04-09T12:56:00.000-07:00

This past January I found this book The Awakening, I was looking for something and I stumbled onto to it. Sometimes in our walk with the Lord you get stale(for the lack of a better word) and I needed a kind of a revival of some sort.

I started to read this and WOW it was and continues to be an amazing tool to REVIVE, RENEW AND REFRESH your relationship with God. If you have lost your love, your passion, your "want to" attitude in your relationship with God, let's get those back.It is time to get your fight back, hit the reset button, and experience God in an incredibly fresh, new way. Stovall Weems is the author and is Pastor of Celebration Church in Jacksonville Florida.

He wants you to be successful in this journey so he is supplying resources to help you with this one being the book and the other this website www.awakening21.org It starts out with praise and worship then a small devotional and word of encouragement three times a day. What I haven't mentioned is this is a book about prayer and fasting. I didn't know that when I first saw it, the title grabbed my attention and after reading the first few sentences I was hooked. This was definitely what I was looking for. God allows us to go through things in our lives so that we are equipped to handle situations. It's not If it's when they happen. When I started this the first time it was amazing, so many wonderful things came out of it!!! Now, I am on my second time around and I have to admit this one is not so easy.I wanted to do this again to be an encouragement to someone but to my surprise that person stopped but I was compelled to continue. Now I know He was really preparing me for what's coming.
God is showing me so much this time around. I do appreciate everything that is happening good and bad because I am becoming more dependant on God and not myself.

I always want to take the control and try and work it out but I have no control over what happens HE does, and that is OK. So through this journey I will put on my BIG GIRL PANTIES and deal with it but with God right by my side.........

Maureen

Taking for granted!!

2011-04-06T09:37:00.000-07:00

AM I A FIREMAN YET? In Phoenix , Arizona , a 26 year-old mother stared down at her 6 year-old son, who was dying of terminal leukemia. Although her heart was filled with sadness, She also had a strong feeling of determination. Like any parent, she wanted her son to grow up & Fulfill all his dreams. Now, that was no longer possible. The leukemia would see to that. But she still wanted her son's dream to come true. She took her son's hand and asked, 'Billy, did you ever think about what you wanted to be once you grew up? Did you ever dream and wish what you would do with your life?' Mommy, 'I always wanted to be a fireman when I grow up.' Mom smiled back and said, 'Let's see if we can make your wish come true.' Later that day she went to her local fire Department in Phoenix , Arizona , where she met Fireman Bob, who had a heart as big asPhoenix! She explained her son's final wish and asked if it might be possible to give her 6 year-old son a ride around the block on a fire engine. Fireman Bob said, 'Look, we can do better than that. If you'll have your son ready at seven o'clock Wednesday morning, we'll make him an honorary Fireman for the whole day. He can come down to the fire station, eat with us, go out on all the fire calls, the whole nine yards! And if you'll give us his sizes, we'll get a real fire uniform for him, with a real fire hat - not a toy -- one-with the emblem of the Phoenix Fire Department on it, a yellow slicker like we wear and rubber boots.' 'They're all manufactured right here in Phoenix , so we can get them fast.' Three days later Fireman Bob picked up Billy, dressed him in his uniform and escorted him from his hospital bed to the waiting hook and ladder truck. Billy got to sit on the back of the truck and help steer it back to the fire station. He was in heaven. There were three fire calls inPhoenix that day and Billy got to go out on all three calls. He rode in the different fire engines, the Paramedic's' van, And even the fire chief's car. He was also videotaped for the Local news program. Having his dream come true, With all the love and attention that was lavished upon him, so deeply touched Billy, that he lived three months longer than any doctor thought possible. One night all of his vital signs began to drop dramatically and the head nurse, who believed in the hospice concept - that no one should die alone - began to call the family members to the hospital. Then she remembered the day Billy had spent as a Fireman, so she called the Fire Chief and Asked if it would be possible to send a fireman in uniform to the hospital to be with Billy as he made his transition. The chief replied, 'We can do better than that. We'll be there in five minutes. Will you please do me a favor? When you hear the sirens screaming and see the lights flashing, will you announce over the PA system that there is not a fire?' 'It's the department coming to see one of its finest members one more time. And will you open the window to his room?' About five minutes later a hook and ladder truck arrived at the hospital and extended its ladder up to Billy's third floor open window-------- 16 fire-fighters climbed up the ladder into Billy's room. With his mother's permission, they hugged him and held him and told him how much they LOVED him. With his dying breath, Billy looked up at the fire chief and said, 'Chief, am I really a fireman now?' 'Billy, you are, and the Head Chief, Jesus, is holding your hand,' the chief said. With those words, Billy smiled and said, 'I know, He's been holding my hand all day, and The angels have been singing.' He closed his eyes one last time. My instructions were to send this to at least four people that I wanted God to bless and I picked you. Please pass this to at least four people you want to be blessed. This story is powerful and there is nothing attached. PLEASE do not break this pattern; uplifting stories are one of the best gifts we receive. There is no cost, but a lot of rewards, let's continue to uplift one another~ True Story

Daughters

2011-03-28T19:14:00.000-07:00

I just want you to know Nikki and Tasha that I am very proud and so full of love for the both of you right now. I am excited for what we are about to do but I am more excited to see what God is going to do. Just open your hearts and let Him do His thing.

Both of you have had your trials but you trust that God is going to see you through it. You don't feel sorry for your self you rise above it. When I found out I was pregnant with the two of you I fell in love instantly.
You both have heard me say when I was younger I didn't think I wanted children but when you came around you totally changed my life. Actually, I don't know why I waited as long as I did to have you.

Now you have your boys, you have so much to look forward to, enjoy the time you do have because it goes by to fast. It gives me such joy to see how much your boys love the both of you. You are turning into such awesome moms.

I love to sit back and watch , you are friends as well sisters and that warms my soul. I didn't think I could love any one person as much as I did when the two of you were born but now we have Gabriel and Elias......... Sometimes when I look at them I am amazed at how perfect and precious they are. God has blessed us more than we deserve!!!!!!

God has brought us all to this place and I am looking forward to see what he is going to do next

. I love you my daughters, I am proud to be your mom!!!!!!!

Family

2011-03-26T20:08:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile but I am back. This weekend was WE Women's Conference and all though I didn't get to go to all of it I was able to go to the beginning and was blessed by the worship. We defiantly have some talented women at our church. If I could only sing..What is funny is I was in the choir for awhile.I don't know what I was thinking when I joined. So now I am in the audience where I belong.........

My girls were able to go and I did Gigi duty. This weekend I had Elias.
I know I have said this before but I am so blessed by having two of the most beautiful and sweetest daughters , they are just as beautiful on the inside as well as the outside.

Nikki, Elias, Natasha and Gabriel. Aren't they adorable??Gabriel is 14 months old and Elias is 11 months..

Elias is going to have his birthday party soon and of course all of our family the grandmothers (two) grandfathers(2) great grandmothers (two) and aunts and uncles...A lot of friends and we are praying for nice weather.

What is absolutely wonderful is we all live in the same area. My poor mom has had her children live in some cases different countries . I am blessed because I can have the boys anytime I want and I am loving it. This of course is my dream come true.When we take them over night the girls see it as a break for them but I get to spend time with these perfect little creatures that God has blessed us with. I don't know what I did to deserve this life but I am not taking it for granted.This is my PERFECT!

My daddy loved all his grandchildren but the girls were special because he watched them grow up. I remember how his face used to light up when they would walk in the room. When they would come up to him and put their little arms around his neck he was putty in their hands..... Papa was their hero, they thought he was the best!!!!!! and, he was. I hope that we as grandparents can have that same relationship with our boys as our girls had with them.

As I am sitting here thinking about my girls I can't believe they are 22 years old and they have children of their own. To look back at my life I wouldn't change anything (well maybe one or two things but yet don't we all have them) because if things were different I wouldn't have my girls and our handsome , wonderful, amazing grandsons!!!!!!! If I knew it would be this great I would have had my grandchildren first(I know that sounds corny but I love saying it)
I am a work in progress, God continues to show me things that I need to work on but thank God my family loves me.

I saw this quote Nikki wrote on FB
"Because true love is unconditional"
So true.........

So I guess this is goodnight, thanks for visiting my little corner of the world, as my daddy used to say "Sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite"

Gigi

A Must Read......

2011-03-16T07:37:00.000-07:00

God's cake....
This is about the best thing
I've ever read as an explanation.

Sometimes we wonder,
'What did I do to deserve this?' or
'Why did God have to do this to me?'
Here is a wonderful explanation!
A daughter is telling her Mother how everything
is going wrong, she's failing algebra, her boyfriend
broke up with her and her best friend is moving away.
Meanwhile, her Mother is baking a cake and
asks her daughter if she would like a snack, and the
daughter says, 'Absolutely Mom, I love your cake.'
'Here, have some cooking oil,' her Mother offers.
'Yuck' says her daughter.
'How about a couple raw eggs?' 'Gross, Mom!'
'Would you like some flour then?
Or maybe baking soda?'
'Mom, those are all yucky!'
To which the mother replies:
'Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves.
But when they are put together in the
right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake! '
God works the same way. Many times we wonder why
He would let us go through such bad and difficult
times. But God knows that when He puts these things
all in His order, they always work for good! We just
have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all
make something wonderful!
God is crazy about you.
He sends you flowers every spring and
a sunrise every morning.
Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen.
He can live anywhere in the universe,
and He chose your heart.
If you like this, send this on
to the people you really care about.
Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are
here we might as well dance!

Life is Good

2011-02-17T12:15:00.000-08:00

My life as a grandmother gets better and better as the days go by.I was blessed by these last couple of days. My girls let me take our boys and they spent the night at our home. To some of you it may not seem like a big deal but for me it's paradise. I was blessed with two girls but after them I couldn't have any more children. I always thought it would have been nice to have a boy for Eddy and WOW my prayers were answered......We have two gorgeous little guys.

Since we are here at the church a lot we don't get to see the boys much. I am going to try and have them spend the night at least one night a week, it will give the girls a break and I will be able to have my Gigi fix.
Tuesday night I had Gabriel. Look at his eyes,

he looks like someone who wants to get into everything and is the life of the party(he is).He knows what the word no means but will test you every time just to see how far he can go. He has such a contagious smile and laugh.
This little one is gifted with a great set of lungs and will use them every time you want to put him to bed and he doesn't want to go. Gabriel wants to be a big boy and climb up the stairs, I of course won't let him go by himself so I helped him. After a couple of minutes he wants to go down the stairs. I thought this was cute so I went a long with it until it was maybe the sixth time and I finally had to say no. The great thing about being a grandparent is I don't have to say no, but this time I was worn out and lets face it at 2:00 in the morning my get up and go just got up and went!!!!He wore me out....... I finally got him to sleep and boy was I ready. My wonderful husband let me sleep in and he took him home. I stayed and took a long long nap just to do it again Wednesday evening.

Now look at Elias

when I look at him and when he smiles it just melts my heart. He is layed back and pretty much cool and calm. .Both boys have taken on their daddy's personality. So last night I picked him up after work. After I fed him we went up stairs to play. Elias can't walk yet so at least I didn't have to run after him like I do Gabriel, he crawls pretty fast but I can catch up to him.
When it was bedtime this one was a little easier to put to bed. I don't have a crib so he had to sleep with me. I so enjoyed both nights. It's been a while since I had a baby in the house it felt wonderful..

I know as time goes on we might not always live in the same town for whatever reason so I am cherishing each moment I have with our children. I appreciate the blessings that they are.So for now I am enjoying life as a grandmother!!!!!!

Got Joy????

2011-02-13T17:58:00.000-08:00

I got this devotion from a friend, I thought I would share, everyone can benefit from this word................

Got Joy?

"Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:13–14

It may be hard to accept this news but joy is a personal choice. I'd much rather think the opposite - to claim that people and circumstances steal my joy. Or to think that joy is accidental and I'm not accident prone! I hate the idea that the reason I don't have joy sometimes is because I'm simply not choosing it.

I don't know how full your joy meter is registering right now, but I can tell you on the authority of God's Word that if the reading is low or the arrow is on empty, you can find joy again in the person of Jesus Christ Himself. You can choose the joy found in following Jesus.

Sometimes people who have known the Lord for a while get bored. They think, "There's gotta be something more, something better, something different." Having Jesus in their life doesn't seem as exciting as it was. And off they go in search of some kind of unbiblical extravagance to satisfy that itch. To that, the apostle Paul posts a big warning sign in Philippians 3:13-14:

"(Forget) what lies behind and (strain) forward to what lies ahead... I press on!" Instead of longing for more or better or different, God calls us deeper and stronger. Philippians 3 continues, "hold true to what we have attained" (v.16).

Choosing joy every day involves holding fast to God. Keep depending on Christ. Do you still lean on Him as completely as when you first came to the Cross? Is every step with God one of dependence and faith? What uncertainty lies ahead? What obstacle are you being called to conquer right now? Do you want joy amidst those challenges? Say, "I can't do it, Lord; only You can do it in me."

What do you need to do today to regain lost joy? Stop trying so hard in your own strength to be what God wants you to be and move back into that dependent, Christ-centered approach to life. Remember that the same way you came to the Lord is also how you'll grow in Christ (Colossians 2:6–7).

Want more joy? Get back on the track of desperate dependence on God and abiding faith.
Walk in the Word with James MacDonald

Wait for the Lord

2011-02-11T05:15:00.000-08:00

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

Psalm 27:14, NIV

Throughout the Bible, we are given examples of those who waited and were blessed, as well as those who refused to wait and suffered the consequences. For instance:

Abraham had to wait for the birth of Isaac; he grew so impatient, he tried to help God out and had Ishmael instead. His impatience delayed God's blessing for another fourteen years and produced turmoil that exists to this day.

Joshua had to wait seven days as he obediently marched around Jericho before God rewarded his patience and brought the walls down.

David, an anointed king, waited fourteen years in exile before God rewarded his patience by placing him on the throne as the greatest king of Israel. From personal experience he testified, "I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."

Blessings,

Anne Graham Lotz
I receive these devotions daily some I just read and go on then there are some I like to share. It is not my intent to judge or hurt anyones feelings. If I say YOU it is not intended to imply anything. Please don't read anything more into this than what it is, it is meant to bless WHOM EVER wants to read it and if you dont like it DON'T READ IT!!!! Please don't turn something that could be so good into bad.

Be Blessed and have a great week end..........Maureen

Snow Days and time with my guys....

2011-02-10T10:33:00.000-08:00

Wednesday was another snow day and I thoruoghly enjoyed my time with Eddy, got some good reading done and ended up having dinner with our family.I have mentioned how blessed I am to live in the same town as my girls and my grandsons. Last night the girls came over for dinner with their families and I got to spend time with both Elias and Gabriel. Since I work a good 5 to 6 days a week I don't see them as much as I would like to.
Thursday is my day to take Elias to CLC and pick him up and spend some one on one but last night I thought I would have him spend the night.He was just sooo excited about being with Papa E and Gigi he wouldn't go to bed until 1:00 am. Mom called and suggested I just let him cry and he will eventually fall asleep well I halfway did that. I was upstairs anyway and we went into the guest room and I let him sleep in the big bed with me. I couldn't put him in the playpen and just let him cry so I kind of compromised and anyway I wanted him to be comfortable.....
He did fall asleep and I think we eventually woke up @ 7:00. All in all it was a great night. I will have to admit I am a little out of practice but this Sunday is going to be Gabriels turn so between the two of them I will catch on real fast,,,,

To be able to watch them grow up is totally amazing. When I had my girls it was so different. I was 30 when I first got pregnant with my girls so it wasn't like I was a young girl but I felt like one because I have never had to raise children so when they came and the fact they were twins it was all a fog. I had to learn so fast and it seems days ran into months and years. The next moment I realized they were
teenagers and then the fun really began hahahahahaha. With having the boys right here with us it is wonderful to be able to watch them and help out when needed. We can spend quality time with them and have our one on one. Don't get me wrong I wouldn't want to change having my girls, that was the best experience of my life but since there was two of them and only one of me it was challanging. Poor Eddy worked so much he did what he could.He was and is one of the best daddys around......

So needless to say I love my Gigi time and look forward to many more times like this. Ya know I think I have the best family around. We are far from PERFECT but this is MY PERFECT. I praise my God daily for blessing me with what he given me. I don't deserve any of this but I don't and won't ever take them for granted. We are not on this earth for long so I am making the most out of what I have.

Until next time.......Gigi

Burdens

2011-02-07T22:03:00.000-08:00

This was the devotion for today, I thought you would appreciate it..........

Easing Your Burden
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

1 John 4:7, NKJV

Most of us increase our pain by dwelling on it or by analyzing it. We throw a pity party and expect others to join us. We spiral downward into depression, withdrawing into self-preoccupation. But the way to overcome is not to focus on ourselves or on the pain, but to focus on the needs of others.

Would you get your eyes off yourself and your problems and your pressures and your pain and look around? Who do you know who is suffering or struggling in some way? What can you do for them? Ask God to bring to your attention those you can care for. Because as you do, you will find joy in easing their burden, and in the process, you will ease your own.

Blessings,
GiGi

A Mother's Love

2011-02-07T21:22:00.000-08:00

I finally got my computer back. Thank God for the guys at work. I just know if I took this computer to a company they would have charged me an arm and a leg. Anyhow I am now able to work on my computer rather than my phone.

Getting to the title of my blog.......

Thia weekend I watched my all time favorite movie Steel Magnolias. This is defiantly a chick flick. If you want a good cry this is the movie to watch. I bought the DVD so I can watch it anytime but when I was watching it I was reading where this is based on a true story.

The description reads A close - knit circle of Southern women living in Louisiana they share the momentous and minute events that make up their lives as new romances, glorious weddings, births, illnesses and deaths take place over the years.

This description does not do it justice nor does mine but here goes.

This story revolves around these five women and their every day lives.

One of the women M`lynn , has a daughter Shelby who is getting married. They had a big wedding and months later she tells her mom she is pregnant and that's when the story really begins. Before the wedding her doctor advised her not to get pregnant so when she told her mom needless to say she wasn't happy . After Shelby"s son is born one year later her kidneys fail then M`lynn gives one of her kidneys to Shelby.

As the story goes that wasn't good enough it ends up where she is in a coma and then she dies. The love this mom has for her daughter is so intense. This is a good example of what a mothers love is, that she would do whatever it took to give her daughter what she needed to save her life. I am giving you a brief description and might I add not doing it justice ,you really need to see this. It is full of drama but a good kind. I would describe it as a Hallmark moment....

There are many parts of this story I liked but one in particular was when Shelby was begging her mom to understand why it was so important to have this baby she said "I would rather have three minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special". She risked her life to have this child and ultimately she lost her fight and died. Shelby's brother is the one that had a lot to do making this movie.

This has always been one of my favorite movies but when I found out it was based on a true story I liked it even more.

Have a great weekend, now I have to do the house work I put off doing to see this movie....oh well back to reality.......
Maureen

Happy Birthday

2011-02-01T17:28:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to you , Happy Birthday to you , Happy Birthday , Happy Birthday , Happy Birthday , Happy Birthday I love you Nikki/ Tasha
I know it's not until Thursday but I could'nt wait. Ever since I can remember we always did a pre Nikki / Tasha birthday. You guys used to celebrate almost for a whole week. We had some great parties. Well, I wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday before it got crazy.....

I know you are all grown up and you both have a family of your own but I don't care what daddy says you are still my babies. The best times I remember are with the two of you.

Your Papa would be very proud of the women you have become. He loved you both so very much. I can still remember your Sweet Sixteen Birthday Party. He was so nervous to get up in front of everyone but he was touched by the fact you wanted him to speak I'n front of all your friends. Did you know he practiced for days? I miss him. I just know the boys will feel the same about your daddy as you did for Papa.

I love you both more than you know, I am blessed to have you both as my daughters!!!!!

Love you bunches, Mom

Words

2011-01-31T19:04:00.000-08:00

Words are so powerful they can build you up or tear you down.....

"The mind Is everything; what you think, you become."- Gautama Buddha

"Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck."- Dalai Lama

"Don't count the days, make the days count." Muhammad Ali

"Strive not to be a success rather to be of value."Albert Einstein

"The greatest greifs are those we cause ourselves." Sophocles

Don't complain about what you don't have focus on what or Who God has placed I'n your life.

Is your glass have empty or half full??

Are you going to cry about what has happened to you I'n the past or are you going to move forward and praise God for what he has blessed you with??? Get over it and move forward.....
I came across these quotes thought I'd share.
A very important date is coming up on February 3 rd........
One of the most important dates besides my anniversary , Nicole and Natasha are turning 22 .a day I will never forget.
Now that they are mothers they will see how children change your lives.I have made mistakes I'n my life but they are not one of them. I

appreciate where God has brought me. I am I'n a new season I'n my life and I cant wait to see what's next...... Much love, Gigi

Please read this could help you one day.....

2011-01-30T06:01:00.000-08:00

A friend from work sent this to me. There are some Good ideas.

THIRTEEN THINGS YOUR BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU:

I am particularly interested in the part about the wasp spray...

1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.

2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.

3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste... and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.

4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it..

5. If it snows while you're out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.

6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don't let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it's set. That makes it too easy.

7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom - and your jewelry. It's not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.

8. It's raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door - understandable. But understand this: I don't take a day off because of bad weather.

9. I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don't take me up on it.)

10. Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.

11. Here's a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids' rooms.

12. You're right: I won't have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it's not bolted down, I'll take it with me.

13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you're reluctant to leave your TV on while you're out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television. (Find it at http://www.faketv/.com/)

8 MORE THINGS A BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU:

1. Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook.

2. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.

3. I'll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he'll stop what he's doing and wait to hear it again. If he doesn't hear it again, he'll just go back to what he was doing. It's human nature.

4. I'm not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?

5. I love looking in your windows. I'm looking for signs that you're home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I'd like. I'll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets.

6. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It's easier than you think to look up your address.

7. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it's an invitation.

8. If you don't answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.

Sources: Convicted burglars in North Carolina , Oregon , California , and Kentucky ; security consultant Chris McGoey, who runs http://www.crimedoctor.com// and Richard T. Wright, a criminology professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis , who interviewed 105 burglars for his book Burglars on the Job.

Protection for you and your home:

If you don't have a gun, here's a more humane way to wreck someones evil plans for you. (I guess I can get rid of the baseball bat.):

WASP SPRAY

A friend who is a receptionist in a church in a high risk area was concerned about someone coming into the office on Monday to rob them when they were counting the collection. She asked the local police department about using pepper spray and they recommended to her that she get a can of wasp spray instead.

The wasp spray, they told her, can shoot up to twenty feet away and is a lot more accurate, while with the pepper spray, they have to get too close to you and could overpower you. The wasp spray temporarily blinds an attacker until they get to the hospital for an antidote. She keeps a can on her desk in the office and it doesn't attract attention from people like a can of pepper spray would. She also keeps one nearby at home for home protection. Thought this was interesting and might be of use.

FROM ANOTHER SOURCE...

On the heels of a break-in and beating that left an elderly woman in Toledo dead, self-defense experts have a tip that could save your life.

Val Glinka teaches self-defense to students at Sylvania South view High School . For decades, he's suggested putting a can of wasp and hornet spray near your door or bed.

He says, "This is better than anything I can teach them."

He considers it inexpensive, easy to find, and more effective than mace or pepper spray. The cans typically shoot 20 to 30 feet; so if someone tries to break into your home, he says, "spray the culprit in the eyes". It's a tip he's given to students for decades. It's also one he wants everyone to hear. If you're looking for protection, Glinka says look to the spray.

"That's going to give you a chance to call the police; maybe get out."

Maybe even save a life.

Put your car keys beside your bed at night.

Tell your spouse, your children, your neighbors, your parents, your Dr.'s office, the check-out girl at the market, everyone you run across. Put your car keys beside your bed at night.

If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies. This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator. Next time you come home for the night and you start to put your keys away, think of this: It's a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation. Test it. It will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key fob chain. It works if you park in your driveway or garage. If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break into your house, odds are the burglar/rapist won't stick around. After a few seconds all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won't want that. And remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there. This is something that should really be shared with everyone. Maybe it could save a life or a sexual abuse crime.

P.S. I am sending this to everyone I know because I think it is fantastic. Would also be useful for any emergency, such as a heart attack, where you can't reach a phone. My Mom has suggested to my Dad that he carry his car keys with him in case he falls outside and she doesn't hear him. He can activate the car alarm and then she'll know there's a problem.

Please share this with all the people in your life.

Things to Ponder

2011-01-28T17:04:00.000-08:00

I can't believe my babies are going to be 22 soon. I can remember when they were small and now they have babies of their own. When Tasha was going to have Gabriel I was looking through Tasha's baby book and I started to tear up because that time has slipped away from me. So many things I wanted to do or say but thought I had plenty of time. Now, I have these precious little boys and they are growing up so fast as well. I am not going to waste this time. As far as the girls are concerned this is all were getting as far as grandchildren goes so I guess I better make the best of it.............(so they say hahaha)

We just celebrated Gabriel's first birthday now we are getting ready for Elias's big day. So the moral of this story is appreciate what is in front of you because we don't have it for long. I know this but I definitely am doing it.......

I hope you all have a Blessed Weekend I'll talk to you soon..........GiGi

Gabriel's Birthday Party part two......

2011-01-25T13:38:00.000-08:00

Well the big day has come and gone but there are some great memories to hold onto.

The turn out was wonderful.
Mimi( my mom who lives I'n my hometown I'n Rhode Island)
Sonia( Eddy's mom who lives I'n Miami Florida)

Alot of Daniel's family (that is Gabriel's daddy , some of my friends from church, and friends from work and Tasha's ( Gabriel's mommy)
salon. We ended up with about 40 people. That was one popular one year old.....
Eddy cooked Cuban food, black beans and rice, pork and chicken. Food was fabulous as always.....
Gabriel's Abuela got him a pinata and we had the best time watching him trying to break it.

Tasha and Daniel were truly blessed by everything and everyone that came.
Here are some pictures.

In three months we get to do this all over again Elias is going to be one
April 13th. I told you this is the best job ever I love being their GiGi!!!!!!!

I have said this before but I will never get tired of saying this... I am so proud of my girls and the mom' s they have become. . I know they are grown adults now but they are still my babies!!!! The best two choices I have made I'n my life one marrying Eddy and second giving birth to my girls. God has blessed me with those girls and our boys. I will not take that for granted.

There are so many uncertain things and people can change in an instant but this I will tell you I WILL be there for my grandchildren and I want them to know I love them and If they ever need anything I am here for them.

Until next time, love to all.
GiGi

Gabriels 1st birthday

2011-01-22T20:12:00.000-08:00

I am so excited my first grandson is having his 1st birthday party tomorrow. Actually he was born on the 19th but we are going to have a big party for him "Espinosa Style". We had a cake and sang him happy birthday last Wednesday but tomorrow everybody is going to get together at my home and celebrate Gabriel and his special day......I am so blessed to be able to do this because I know one day they will probably move away and I will have to have plenty of time off so I can visit them where ever they are. lol I am so very proud of my girls they have become such wonderful mom's. They are putting the focus on their boys instead of themselves and concentrating on being what their children need.

So look for what's coming up next.....Needless to say we will have plenty of pictures and stories about our little boy.....
Bye for now, love GiGi

Preparing for the New Year

2010-12-29T20:11:00.000-08:00

2011 is coming in 3 days.

2010 has been a roller coaster to say the least but I wouldn't change it for the world. In 2010 I fell in love all over again with the most handsome little boys who instantaneously stole my heart.........

I have said this over and over but I truly am blessed for being able to have our girls in the same town and am able to watch our grandsons grow up. I am cherishing and soaking all this in.

We are going to be able to have Elias and Gabriel for New Years Eve and they are going to spend the night. How perfect is this I can be with the three men that I adore and love.. We are going to celebrate 2011 and ring in the New Years together........

We spent the day with Barb and Ron and went window shopping in Granbury Texas.

Eddy found these t shirts and I had to get them.
Look at our pictures from Christmas..

I am really excited for 2011 because so many things continue to change(this is good)and I am embracing all of them..

I am a creature of habit, I am comfortable with the mundane day to day routines so God put me with a man that does not like routine he is spontaneous and thrives on change......Needless to say this is a challenge from time to time but after 22 plus years I am looking forward to it all!!!!!! I love what he brings to our relationship. What is so wonderful to say is after 22 plus years I can still say I am totally head over heals in love with my Husband!!!! We struggle like anyone else but we are committed to our relationship and we love each other.
So...................2011 is OUR YEAR !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I pray that all of you HAVE A CHRIST FILLED HAPPY NEW YEAR.........
God Bless You, Maureen

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T01:12:00.000-08:00

As usual I have very good intentions with sending my Christmas Cards and now our new Christmas Letter. I am the queen of procrastination, This is my sincere apology for not sending them out. I was able to send 15 or so but the rest of them are just waiting to be sent. Well, this 2011 will be different. We are going to go through some changes so I am forced to be more organized and that
is what I need.This is my letter that I was supposed to send.
I miss all you guys in Rhode Island and Miami. I hope we will see you all soon. Lots of love....

Merry Christmas Family and Friends,
I have been wanting to do a Christmas letter for a long time now. We haven't been able to visit all our family and friends so this is a perfect way to fill everyone in on our ever growing family and the latest breaking news from the Espinosa Family and company.

I'll start with our youngest Natasha:

Natasha, Daniel and Gabriel Isaiah Castillo,
as you all know we have expanded our little family with Daniel and Gabriel.

Gabriel is our first grandson. He is almost eleven months old and he is on his way to walking already., Of course as you can see he is one of two of the cutest little boys in this world.!!!!!!!!! He is high energy and has a zest for life. He has a warm and contagious personality. When he smiles at you his face just lights up. He is the life of the party.
Daniel is working as a security guard and is pursuing a career in law enforcement. Gabriel takes after his daddy in looks and in personality. He is kind, loving and has a heart for people. He is a wonderful daddy and Gabriel just adores him.
Natasha is a Hair stylist and has her own salon with another woman. She is doing an amazing job. She is a go getter , and has a knack for business . I am so proud of the mom and woman she has become.
Nicole, Anthony and Elias Anthony Guadamuz- and we continue to grow...........

Elias Anthony is our second and youngest grandchild. When we found out Natasha was pregnant we were excited and then three months later Nicole announced her upcoming event. Of course we had to joke about it and said it was the twin thing but after the shock wore off we were delighted.

Elias has a sweet disposition and loving smile. He has the brightest blue eyes and when he looks at me and smiles it just melts my heart.

Anthony - is also working as a security guard but is working hard at pursuing his dream to be a professional football player. Elias has taken on his daddy's personality very laid back and things just roll off his back.

Nicole- is an assistant to a real estate broker and may pursue getting her license to sell real estate soon. She loves what she does and is very good. Nicole could and probably would sell you the lamp post if you let her . She has always been the one that is not afraid of anyone or anything and is our social butterfly. .......I never thought Nikki wanted children but Elias has stolen her heart and she is a wonderful mom.

I am so proud of both of our girls. As I have watched both of them go through their pregnancy and watched my babies have their own babies It was both emotional and such a joy to see because our family was growing right in front of our eyes . We had the blessing of being able to be apart of this miracle. Now I will be honest and tell you it wasn't all sugar and spice but I wouldn't change any of it. We were there for both our grandsons birth. We were one of the first to see them and we are proud to be a big part of their lives. The most important thing is our girls and now grandsons ......They will always know they are loved and we would do anything for them.

Eddy- Well I could tell you how wonderful, handsome and kind he is but you already know that...........Eddy is on his fourth year at Prestonwood. H e started out as the Food Service Director and now he is Ministry Support Director. He has many hats and serves them well. He is over Food Service and part of Facilities which includes Set up, House Keeping and Print Shop . Needless to say he keeps extremely busy. With all his duties I think I could speak for him in saying his most important role is being a good husband, father and now grandfather.

Maureen- I work at Prestonwood with Eddy. I am on my third year and I love it. Eddy and I have worked together almost our whole married life ,married 22 years , worked together 18 years .I have several responsibilities but the one I am passionate about is Wedding Reception Coordinator. My other duties are Administrative and what ever Eddy wants me to do. I would say I have the best of both worlds, to be able to do something that you love and get paid for it........Priceless!!!!!!!!!!!

We moved to Texas four years ago and it hasn't always been easy. I will have to say this was one of our biggest tests but I am pleased to say God has brought us through and we are on the other side. I like Texas(like not love) now , I do love the weather(I know people who live here probably think I am strange for saying this)It gets cold and even snows . I lived in Florida where we had hot or hotter weather. One thing I will have to admit is I never knew how much I would miss the water until we moved here. Now when we go on vacation we try to go somewhere where there is water.

When we moved here it broke my heart because I had to say goodbye to our girls but I am happy to say they moved here and now we are all together.

I hope you have enjoyed reading this as much as I have had writing it. I know that I am not good at writing or talking on the phone but please do know all of you are thought about and loved. I am blessed and I thank God for all of you......

Have a wonderful Christ Filled Christmas!

Love you all,

Eddy and Maureen

For Women Only!!!

2010-12-21T06:22:00.000-08:00

This was from my mom, I thought I would bless you as
well...................

Jeremiah 29:11
"for I know the plans I have for YOU, declares the LORD
"Never give the devil a ride, he will want to take over the driving."
Dear Woman of God
Be still for a while and praise God for His favor, His grace and His
awesomeness
God is able to do the impossible and is always near He loves us
unconditionally.
Together, let's get 1000's of ladies to praise Him with one voice in this
next hour.
Dear God:
this is my friend, whom I love and this is my prayer
for her
help her live her life to the fullest. Please
promote her and cause her to excel above her expectations.
Help her to shine in the darkest places where it is impossible to love.
Protect her at all times, lift her up when she needs you the most, and
let her know when she walks with you, She will always be safe.
Love
you Girl!
But...........you have to tell other sisters you love them, including me.
Get going girl!!
Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps. if you are not willing to move your feet.

Christmas Story Meets facebook

2010-12-17T08:18:00.001-08:00

Happy December,
Just a quick note please watch this. I got this from a friend of mine it will be worth your time I promise..
Thanks, Maureen

The Choices We Make

2010-12-12T18:25:00.000-08:00

I haven't blogged for awhile but as I was reading this today I thought this was a perfect post for the day.....

The Choices We Make
I have chosen the way of truth; Your judgments I have laid before me.

Psalm 119:30, NKJV

From the time we make the choice to open our eyes and get out of bed in the morning until we make the choice to go back to bed and close our eyes in the evening, our days are filled with a series of choices. We choose

where we go,

what we do,

what we believe,

and how we behave.

Our own lives, reputations, relationships, careers, health, future, and values are shaped by the choices we make. The choice

to lie or to tell the truth,

to seek vengeance or to forgive,

to ignore God or to acknowledge God,

determines the type of person we are.

Without question, the most important choice you will ever make involves your attitude toward God and your relationship with Him.

Blessings,

Anne Graham Lotz

AnGeL Ministries Website
Share This Devotional

Moving Day

2010-10-23T05:36:00.000-07:00

So here we go again Eddy and I are empty nester's again............

We got home last night and watched the Rangers Game(I do have to say they just out right took it from the Yankees) and it was sooooo quiet. No baby crying or voices upstairs , just the noise from the TV. Both my girls are gone now but they still have a place here whenever they need it. It's nice to see how well they get along . They really have come in to their own and are starting a new season in their lives . I pray daily that God will put a safety net around both of them and their families. I will have to admit I miss seeing Elias's smiling face when I walk in the door. The great thing about this is they are not to far away and they need a babysitter from time to time.(lucky me)

Here are some recent pictures, enjoy!!!!

Somber

2010-10-20T11:31:00.000-07:00

Somber
This comes to my mind in how I am feeling right now.
(Somb'ber a. 1. dark and gloomy 2. sad Webster's Dictionary)

I know usually I don't like writing sad and gloomy thoughts but right now I feel that way. Don't get me wrong I am thanking God for each and every feeling I have because it is him who gives me hope and I thank Him for loving me when sometimes I don't feel loved.....It is through our trials that we are strengthened in our FAITH...The only thing is to first get through whatever you are going through and then recognize this was a good thing.

Don't feel sorry for me I am not writing this for any one to say anything I am releasing this because I truly want to let it go.

I love you and I am sorry for my part!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Psalm 25

2010-10-18T20:44:00.000-07:00

This last weekend I visited a church . I haven't been going to my church because I work there.
I try and justify the fact that I am there so I feel like I don't have to go when I am off ,that is an excuse and just plain selfish on my part. I think I spend so much time there that I don't want to spend my time off there as well. For that I am truely sorry and I have suffered because of that. This weekend showed me that.

The Pastor preached on Luke 7 :35- 50

Alabaster Box

There was this women that heard Jesus was going to be at Simon's house. Everyon made fun of her , she was as they called a prostitue. She knew how everyone felt about her but didn't care, she wanted to see Jesus so she showed up . When she saw Him she knelt at his feet ,her warm tears dropped one by one onto His feet. This public act was looked upon as disgraceful for a women of her day.Simon the host denounced Jesus and questioned the "Prophet's" integrity for allowing such a women of such a notorious reputation to touch and disgrace him. While the Pharisees looked outward to the woman's appearance Jesus looks at her heart ,as he does all of us. I know that I am grateful Jesus loves me even though I can be difficult, unlovable and just plain selfish......I am grateful for this weekend for so many reasons. He shows me that I am loved and that all I have to do is turn around and see He is right there for me. I knew all this but I guess I just had to be reminded. We have a loving God someone that in spite of us loves us anyway.

So now as I was listening to the radio Psalm 25 was mentioned. I came back to my room and read it over and over again and cried like a baby. The enemy wants to rob us of our joy but I won't let him. "To you O lord I lift up my soul in you I trust, O my God ...........

So through all of the trials in our lives and all those bumps in the road trust that God is right there for us. He will get us through all those tough times when we feel like there is no where to turn............

Show me your ways, O Lord teach me your paths......It's always through these tough times that that our Faith is strengthened

I thank God for all that He reveals and all that he allows us to go through to get us where He wants us.....

Thank You Lord for loving me and saving me over and over again !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Elias

2010-09-21T16:04:00.001-07:00

As you all know I am the proud grandmother of two gorgeous grandsons. Yes, my twin daughters had two boys three months apart. This is the youngest. Elias

These pictures are of when he was first born two months then 3 months . Look at him now....growing up so fast ......

Nikki went to get his pictures and she let me tag along. I am so proud. You have to admit he has got to be one of the cutest little boys around.......besides Gabriel.

As parents we want the best for our children.Now, as a grandmother I will get my second chance and I will do everything I can to show him how much he is loved.... ......... .. The best thing is I get to spoil them and then hand them back to mommy and daddy... Naw I would Never do that !!!!!!!!!! lol

Elias has stole our hearts. Big beautiful blue eyes and a smile that just warms your soul . He is not a very demanding child.I feel bad for him now because he is teething and you can tell he is in pain but he still finds a way to smile at you and that makes me melt. Sometimes when I have had a tough day I come home , look at him and I forget what's happened.This is truly God's Blessings on us!!!!!!!
Here are some of the pictures we took at the studio.....

This is for you!!!

2010-09-14T10:00:00.000-07:00

Concentrate on this Sentence

'To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did.' When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better. Concentrate on this sentence...
'The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.' Something good will happen to you today;
something that you have been waiting to hear.

There comes a point in your life when you realize:

Who matters,
Who never did,
Who won't anymore...
And who always will.
So, don't worry about people from your past,
there's a reason why they didn't make it to your future.(sometimes this can be a good thing , people come and go not everyone was intended to be with you forever., ))
Give these flowers to everyone you don't want to lose in 2010
Including me, if that's what is in your heart.
Try to collect 8 ; it's not easy!

I got this from my mom, Thanks Mom.

MY BUS............................

2010-09-11T11:43:00.000-07:00

I follow a few blogs and one of my favorites is A Mother's Love. She is going through a lot right now not knowing how her baby is doing (she is 9 weeks pregnant give or take a week) She has to wait until Monday to see her doctor, that is the worse just waiting. My point to this is I got this from her blog and I want to share it with you:

I go to therapy... that is also a wonderful place for me to find support and help getting turned in the go forward positive direction. Last night I was told to think of my emotions as a bus.... I had to tell her who's driving
the bus (Fear) and then to think of a name for Fear... (I am sure you can think of LOTS of names that go with FEAR...) so when fear drives my bus I can yell at it to GET OFF THE BUS... thus taking control and putting whomever I want in the driver seat (HOPE)... needless to say that is a very good tool. I've had lots of fun filling my bus seats with so many good thoughts that FEAR and failure and all those other terrible emotions have just been BOOTED RIGHT OFF

So.........Who is driving your bus???? My first response to that is I want God to drive my bus................That is my perfect answer.........Now, I sometimes want to take the wheel and I want to drive and that's when I get in to trouble. I am not perfect, I make mistakes but I try and listen to what He says and follow it daily.I may get into a fender bender some times but He comes and rescues me wipes my tears and allows me another day.Now, when I think about MY BUS I will remember let go of the wheel and let God drive my bus and everything should go as planned not my plan but God's Plan.

Thank you Brandy Jean I am praying for Monday and the 7 more months or so for a wonderful healthy pregnancy, Love you........

Now for a recap of what's going on here in Texas
Eddy, me, Tasha and Daniel went to an awesome marriage conference in Dallas, we had a great day and listened to some great advice and just reminded us what kind of marriage we want to have and was Renewing, Refreshing and Revived!!!!
here are some pictures from our conference

As you can see we were having fun

Went to Newport to see mom and everyone. Had a wonderful time. Since I have moved to Texas I don't get to see mom as much as I would like.

Our boys Gabriel and Elias are growing up so fast. Gabriel is crawling now as you can see he is as handsome as ever.

The boys swimming together Elias 4 months Gabriel right he is 7 months. It seemed like yesterday we just found out the girls were going to have a baby and now look at them.

Now look at this picture......My favorite isn't he handsome.....he is a ham whenever he sees a camera he smiles and poses.......One of my favorites
We were in the hospital waiting room ,Papa E is having surgery and we were waiting patiently for him to get out.

Here is my other guy....We are
so blessed to have the most handsome little guys around!!!
Had so much fun he played so hard he wore him self out......

I am enjoying our family. Thanksgiving is coming and that day IS MY FAVORITE DAY!!!!!! A great day full of family and food but the best is it always reminds us that we should treat everyday as if it were Thanksgiving..............

Have a great weekend and we'll talk soon.love to all, GiGi

Mom

2010-08-19T19:14:00.000-07:00

I want to tell you about my mom Josephine Mcinvale. You know those Blue Mountain Greeting Cards you get at the store that make you want to cry well that is a good description of my mom.
Let me tell you what I mean...........
My dad left my mom when I was three and her and my big brother raised us. There are four of us and my mother(with a lot of help from family) had two sometimes three jobs and raised us as a single mom. What I remember the most is how she loved us. She made many sacrifices which nowadays other women would crumble under the pressure!!!!!All of us make our own mistakes but my mom did what she could with what she had available to her.She would get furious at us times but she would always let us know that we were loved. When I was nine she met my step dad. (he was more like my real father)What impressed me most was that when she dated she NEVER brought home any of the men Now a days women are so eager to forget about what their children need (their mother) and only think of themselves.They bring home guys and their kids get attached and then they break up.When mom finally did meet someone and she realized

he was the one then she brought him home so we could meet him . If we didn't approve she wouldn't have married him.Well needless to say we fell in love with him they married and we were truely blessed!!!!! All through the years my mom has always been there. In my life I have had a few major times when I needed her and she dropped everything and came to my rescue. I don't love her because she came to my rescue or because she did things for me. I love her because of the person she is. She always put her children's needs in front of her own and she showed us endless times how important her children were and still are in her life.

I know I don't tell her as often as I should but I love her and admire her as a mother and now my friend.

I do wish I could make her life easier, Daddy died a few years ago and she moved back home to Newport R.I. where she is from. Daddy had made arrangements so that she wouldn't have to worry but she is lonely and I know there are times she wished she was the one to go first. Mom's health is not the best and I worry about her. My oldest brother looks after her but I wish we were closer in miles. I am blessed that I have been around her my whole life. I know that we have our lives and we go and do what's best for our families but fourtanately I was able to be around her when my girls were growing up.My girls were able to grow up with their MiMi and PaPa ..........So many memories. ...................I am able to go see her at least once a year and she comes to see me. We are close, we also look alike and actually some people think she's my sister.....lol I don't know how to take that but I am a lucky girl to have such a woman like that in my life. So mom when you read this I love you mommy!!!!!!!!!

Reception

2010-08-07T19:47:00.000-07:00

Well, another reception under my belt. I am so blessed to do what I do and get paid for it. I have several jobs but the one I love to do is a Wedding Reception Coordinator. I go over menus with the bride and then we plan the reception and then I work the event. I have been doing this here in Texas for a couple of years but been working events for years. Planning the wedding is so much more stressful but my area is great because we are planning a party. Here are some of the events I have done. The pictures are from my phone camera but you can get an idea.

Until next time..........GiGi

Forgiveness

2010-08-05T15:59:00.001-07:00

I think of the word Forgiveness and I think what do you say for those who want , ask and I guess expect forgiveness when it comes to them. But if another person does something you get crucified, that word forgiveness is not in their vocabulary. They feel like they have the right to judge.
That brings me to my next thought, I am so very glad I have a forgiving Heavenly Father(my earthly Father was just as forgiving) that loves me no matter what. I know that whatever I have done in the past He has forgiven me and as far as he is concerned they are there in the past right where they should be.So..........I want to say who are we to judge others if we ourselves don't want to be judged!!!!!

Just a thought for the day.

Marriage

2010-07-30T16:37:00.000-07:00

Please read, listen then react..........
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MARRIAGE

When I got home that night as my wife served dinner, I held her hand and said, I've got something to tell you. She sat down and ate quietly. Again I observed the hurt in her eyes.

Suddenly I didn't know how to open my mouth. But I had to let her know what I was thinking. I want a divorce. I raised the topic calmly.

She didn't seem to be annoyed by my words, instead she asked me softly, why?

I avoided her question. This made her angry. She threw away the chopsticks and shouted at me, you are not a man! That night, we didn't talk to each other. She was weeping. I knew she wanted to find out what had happened to our marriage. But I could hardly give her a satisfactory answer; she had lost my heart to Jane. I didn't love her anymore. I just pitied her!

With a deep sense of guilt, I drafted a divorce agreement which stated that she could own our house, our car, and 30% stake of my company.

She glanced at it and then tore it into pieces. The woman who had spent ten years of her life with me had become a stranger. I felt sorry for her wasted time, resources and energy but I could not take back what I had said for I loved Jane so dearly. Finally she cried loudly in front of me, which was what I had expected to see. To me her cry was actually a kind of release. The idea of divorce which had obsessed me for several weeks seemed to be firmer and clearer now.

The next day, I came back home very late and found her writing something at the table. I didn't have supper but went straight to sleep and fell asleep very fast because I was tired after an eventful day with Jane.

When I woke up, she was still there at the table writing. I just did not care so I turned over and was asleep again.

In the morning she presented her divorce conditions: she didn't want anything from me, but needed a month's notice before the divorce. She requested that in that one month we both struggle to live as normal a life as possible. Her reasons were simple: our son had his exams in a month's time and she didn't want to disrupt him with our broken marriage.

This was agreeable to me. But she had something more, she asked me to recall how I had carried her into out bridal room on our wedding day.

She requested that every day for the month's duration I carry her out of our bedroom to the front door ever morning. I thought she was going crazy. Just to make our last days together bearable I accepted her odd request.

I told Jane about my wife's divorce conditions. . She laughed loudly and thought it was absurd. No matter what tricks she applies, she has to face the divorce, she said scornfully.

My wife and I hadn't had any body contact since my divorce intention was explicitly expressed. So when I carried her out on the first day, we both appeared clumsy. Our son clapped behind us, daddy is holding mommy in his arms. His words brought me a sense of pain. From the bedroom to the sitting room, then to the door, I walked over ten meters with her in my arms. She closed her eyes and said softly; don't tell our son about the divorce. I nodded, feeling somewhat upset. I put her down outside
the door. She went to wait for the bus to work. I drove alone to the office.

On the second day, both of us acted much more easily. She leaned on my chest. I could smell the fragrance of her blouse. I realized that I hadn't looked at this woman carefully for a long time. I realized she was not young any more. There were fine wrinkles on her face, her hair was graying! Our marriage had taken its toll on her. For a minute I wondered what I had done to her.

On the fourth day, when I lifted her up, I felt a sense of intimacy returning. This was the woman who had given ten years of her life to me.

On the fifth and sixth day, I realized that our sense of intimacy was growing again. I didn't tell Jane about this. It became easier to carry her as the month slipped by. Perhaps the everyday workout made me stronger.

She was choosing what to wear one morning. She tried on quite a few dresses but could not find a suitable one. Then she sighed, all my dresses have grown bigger. I suddenly realized that she had grown so thin, that was the reason why I could carry her more easily.

Suddenly it hit me... she had buried so much pain and bitterness in her heart. Subconsciously I reached out and touched her head.

Our son came in at the moment and said, Dad, it's time to carry mom out. To him, seeing his father carrying his mother out had become an essential part of his life. My wife gestured to our son to come closer and hugged him tightly. I turned my face away because I was afraid I might change my mind at this last minute. I then held her in my arms, walking from the bedroom, through the sitting room, to the hallway. Her hand surrounded my neck softly and naturally. I held her body tightly; it was just like our wedding day.

But her much lighter weight made me sad. On the last day, when I held her in my arms I could hardly move a step. Our son had gone to school. I held her tightly and said, I hadn't noticed that our life lacked intimacy.

I drove to office.... jumped out of the car swiftly without locking the door. I was afraid any delay would make me change my mind...I walked upstairs. Jane opened the door and I said to her, Sorry, Jane, I do not want the divorce anymore.

She looked at me, astonished, and then touched my forehead. Do you have a fever? She said. I moved her hand off my head. Sorry, Jane, I said, I won't divorce. My marriage life was boring probably because she and I didn't value the details of our lives, not because we didn't love each other anymore. Now I realize that since I carried her into my home on our wedding day I am supposed to hold her until death do us apart.

Jane seemed to suddenly wake up. She gave me a loud slap and then slammed the door and burst into tears. I walked downstairs and drove away.

At the floral shop on the way, I ordered a bouquet of flowers for my wife. The salesgirl asked me what to write on the card. I smiled and wrote, I'll carry you out every morning until death do us apart.

That evening I arrived home, flowers in my hands, a smile on my face, I run up stairs, only to find my wife in the bed - dead.
My wife had been fighting CANCER for months and I was so busy with Jane to even notice. She knew that she would die soon and she wanted to save me from the whatever negative reaction from our son, in case we push thru with the divorce.-- At least, in the eyes of our son--- I'm a loving husband....

The small details of your lives are what really matter in a relationship. It is not the mansion, the car, property, the money in the bank. These create an environment conducive for happiness but cannot give happiness in themselves. So find time to be your spouse's friend and do those little things for each other that build intimacy. Do have a real happy marriage!

If you don't share this, nothing will happen to you.

If you do, you just might save a marriage.
Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.

A CHRIST-CENTERED MARRIAGE IS A MARRIAGE THAT IS SURE TO LAST A LIFETIME.

So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate. Matthew 19:6

Coffee

2010-07-26T15:08:00.000-07:00

I love coffee, when I saw this I just had to post it. I am on a role. I read things like this because it does motivate me and help me to get through the tough times or when I need a lift God has a way of putting things like in my path. I hope you are enjoy reading this as much as I am posting it.

Life is the coffee. The jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain life, and the type of cup we have does not define, nor change the quality of life we live.
Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us. God brews the coffee, not the cups. Enjoy your coffee!"
The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.
Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.
Leave the rest to God.

Kept Woman

2010-07-26T13:50:00.000-07:00

This is something I need to read daily. I have my struggles but as long as I remember to read things like this it does help. I am happy to say "I AM A KEPT WOMAN" (By God that is)

I Am a " Kept" Woman?
You see, there were a few times when I thought I would lose my mind, But GOD kept me sane. (Isa. 26:3)
There were times when I thought I could go no longer, But the LORD kept me moving. (Gen 28:15)
At times, I've wanted to lash out at those whom I felt had done me wrong, But the LORD kept my mouth shut. (Psa. 13)
Sometimes, I think the money just isn't enough, but GOD has helped me to keep the lights on, the water on, the car paid, the house paid, etc, . (Matt. 6:25 -34)
When I thought I would fall, HE kept me up. When I thought I was weak, HE kept me strong!
(I Pet. 5:7, Matt. 11:28-30)
I could go on and on and on, but I'm sure you hear me! I'm blessed to be "kept."

I am first to say I fall short but when I read, pray and am obedient I am better for it. I am far from perfect(as you all well know) but I will never give up on trying to change. I have my good and bad days but I keep on going. God has blessed my life and for that I am extremly grateful.......Until next time, GiGi

Newborn's Conversation With God.

2010-07-23T10:54:00.000-07:00

A Newborn's Conversation with God.

A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"
God said, "Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."

The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy."

God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you.
And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."

Again the small child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?"

God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak."

"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"

God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray."

"Who will protect me?"

God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life."

"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore."

God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you."

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name.."

God said, â€œYou will simply call her, Mom."

Lift a mother's spirit; send this to every mother you know (no matter how old her child is).

Someone at work sent this to me so I thought I would share.

Love, GiGi

One Day At A Time

2010-07-16T09:16:00.000-07:00

This post is very special to me. I came across this women by accident one day and have been following her ever since. You will see what I mean when you read her words. We take things like life for granted. This is a gentle reminder to love our chidren and not take the gifts God has given us for granted. Joseph is with God but his memory lives on in our hearts, Thank You Brandy for these wonderful words.

A Mothers Love

Friday, July 16, 2010
A day at a time...

One day at a time,
This is enough.
Do not look back and grieve over the past.
For it is gone. . .
And do not be troubled about the future.
For it has not yet come.
Live in the present, and make it so beautiful.
That it will be worth remembering.

I love this little statement. It is not mine and I don't know who wrote it but I believe in it and a day at a time. It is hard not to look back and grieve over the past when dealing with infant death but I understand it. I try to look back and remember all that is beautiful instead. Yesterday Joseph would have been 9 months old... today is 9 months since he passed away. That ONE day is worth remembering every single second. So Yesterday I did just that. I remember the second I came out of Anastasia... he was there next to me in a tiny little isolate. I didn't even know he was a boy until I saw my husband who was right behind the helicopter flight nurse who was in her orange jump suit ready to take him to the children's hospital across town. Paul said "We have a son" Joseph Henry..That ONE second I had with my son filled my heart with pride and joy and hope and love and a calm in front of the storm that was about to hit. I touched his hand and he squeezed my heart. I swept a finger across his face and forever that feeling so soft will be ingrained into my soul.... So yesterday I focused on that ONE second. That moment in time where the world was perfect and I had a son.. and a husband.. and a beautiful life filled with what others can only wish for. A day at a time...

Joseph can you hear mommy? Hey beautiful...baby boy. You are chubby now and all wiggly and warm. I see your toothless grin in my dreams and love beyond this world all of you - mommy

My Family

2010-07-13T12:55:00.001-07:00

Happy Tuesday!!!
All is well with the world(right now) You never know what is going to happen but whatever it is that's ok because Proverbs 3:5&6 That is my life verse.........Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding in all your ways awknowlege Him and he will make your paths straight.

Although it's summer we have been pretty busy.I am having a great time with our babies. Tasha is bringing Gabriel over every other weekend and he spends the night.He has got the cutest little face. My favorite time is when he first wakes up he is so sweet, anyway we are getting to spend time with him and that's what is important.

Elias is three months now and he is filling out. He has the bluest eyes, I hope he will keep them..Are you kidding If he had mud brown eyes he would still be one of two of the cutest babies in the world. (yes I am a proud GiGi) Now I know what all those grandparents mean when they say If I knew it would be this great to have grand children I would have had them first..........hahahaha On a serious note they are the loves of our lives...Of course Nicole and Natasha comes first but they are closse second.......They are known as Elias and Gabriel's mom now.

Here are some updated pictures ......
Best looking family around!!!!!!Love to all
GiGi............

Purpose................

2010-07-12T18:58:00.000-07:00

Since I have started to blog I have written about my girls and my family. This time I wanted to write something of substance and I found this.........Please read I hope you are blessed as I was. This interview is old but the message still applies still the same..........................

You will enjoy the new insights that Rick Warren has, with his wife now having cancer and him having 'wealth' from the book sales. This is an absolutely incredible short interview with Rick Warren, 'Purpose Driven Life ' author and pastor ofSaddleback Church in California.

In the interview by Paul Bradshaw with Rick Warren, Rick said:
People ask me, What is the purpose of life?
And I respond: In a nutshell, life is preparation for eternity. We were not made to last forever, and God wants us to be with Him in Heaven.

One day my heart is going to stop, and that will be the end of my body-- but not the end of me..
I may live 60 to 100 years on earth, but I am going to spend trillions of years in eternity. This is the warm-up act - the dress rehearsal. God wants us to practice on earth what we will do forever in eternity..

We were made by God and for God, and until you figure that out, life isn't going to make sense..
Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into another one.
The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort; God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy.

We can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that's not the goal of life.. The goal is to grow in character, in Christ likeness.
This past year has been the greatest year of my life but also the toughest, with my wife, Kay, getting cancer.
I used to think that life was hills and valleys - you go through a dark time, then you go to the mountaintop, back and forth. I don't believe that anymore.

Rather than life being hills and valleys, I believe that it's kind of like two rails on a railroad track, and at all times you have something good and something bad in your life.
No matter how good things are in your life, there is always something bad that needs to be worked on.
And no matter how bad things are in your life, there is always something good you can thank God for. You can focus on your purposes, or you can focus on your problems:
If you focus on your problems, you're going into self-centeredness, which is my problem, my issues, my pain.' But one of the easiest ways to get rid of pain is to get your focus off yourself and onto God and others.

We discovered quickly that in spite of the prayers of hundreds of thousands of people, God was not going to heal Kay or make it easy for her- It has been very difficult for her, and yet God has strengthened her character, given her a ministry of helping other people, given her a testimony, drawn her closer to Him and to people.

You have to learn to deal with both the good and the bad of life.
Actually, sometimes learning to deal with the good is harder. For instance, this past year, all of a sudden, when the book sold 15 million copies, it made me instantly very wealthy.
It also brought a lot of notoriety that I had never had to deal with before. I don't think God gives you money or notoriety for your own ego or for you to live a life of ease.

So I began to ask God what He wanted me to do with this money, notoriety and influence. He gave me two different passages that helped me decide what to do, II Corinthians 9 and Psalm 72.
First, in spite of all the money coming in, we would not change our lifestyle one bit.. We made no major purchases.
Second, about midway through last year, I stopped taking a salary from the church.

Third, we set up foundations to fund an initiative we call The Peace Plan to plant churches, equip leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, and educate the next generation.

Fourth, I added up all that the church had paid me in the 24 years since I started the church, and I gave it all back. It was liberating to be able to serve God for free..

We need to ask ourselves: Am I going to live for possessions? Popularity?

Am I going to be driven by pressures? Guilt? Bitterness? Materialism? Or am I going to be driven by God's purposes (for my life)?

When I get up in the morning, I sit on the side of my bed and say, God, if I don't get anything else done today, I want to know You more and love You better. God didn't put me on earth just to fulfill a to-do list. He's more interested in what I am than what I do.

That's why we're called human beings, not human doings.

Happy moments, PRAISE GOD.
Difficult moments, SEEK GOD.
Quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD.
Painful moments, TRUST GOD.
Every moment, THANK GOD..
If you do not pass it on, nothing will happen. But it will just be nice to pass it on to a friend....just like I have done.
God's Blessings

Have a blessed day and touch somebody's life today! I just did. He's walking around the world - via e-mail!!

God's Blessings To You All!!!!!

GiGi

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People

2010-07-08T21:41:00.000-07:00

The older I get you would think I would have learned how to understand people better but I don't.Oh well, I guess that is not my job to figure them out

There are two kinds of people ;

The people that when something happens he gets up brushes himself off and does it again. He doesn't wallow in his self pity. He doesn't wine to others how bad he has it, he just deals with it.

The other people, when something happens he cries, wines and gets others to feel sorry for him.These are the kind of people that want to bring you down with them.

I feel sorry for those kind of people because you try to help but they don't want the help. So, you can't do anything but just sit back and wait.

The only thing I would say is we can pray, pray for them to find their way.

Respect For Others

2010-07-07T21:16:00.001-07:00

My older brother sent me this, Thanks Steve.................

MAY GOD BLESS THIS AIRLINE CAPTAIN:
He writes: My lead flight attendant came to me and said, "We have an H.R. on this flight." (H.R. stands for human remains.) "Are they military?" I asked.

'Yes', she said.
'Is there an escort?' I asked.
'Yes, I already assigned him a seat'.
'Would you please tell him to come to the flight deck. You can board him early," I said..

A short while later, a young army sergeant entered the flight deck. He was the image of the perfectly dressed soldier. He introduced himself and I asked him about his soldier. The escorts of these fallen soldiers talk about them as if they are still alive and still with us.

'My soldier is on his way back to Virginia,' he said. He proceeded to answer my questions, but offered no words.

I asked him if there was anything I could do for him and he said no. I told him that he had the toughest job in the military and that I appreciated the work that he does for the families of our fallen soldiers. The first officer and I got up out of our seats to shake his hand. He left the flight deck to find his seat.

We completed our pre flight checks, pushed back and performed an uneventful departure. About 30 minutes into our flight I received a call from the lead flight attendant in the cabin. 'I just found out the family of the soldier we are carrying, is on board', she said. She then proceeded to tell me that the father, mother, wife and 2-year old daughter were escorting their son, husband, and father home. The family was upset because they were unable to see the container that the soldier was in before we left. We were on our way to a major hub at which the family was going to wait four hours for the connecting flight home to Virginia .

The father of the soldier told the flight attendant that knowing his son was below him in the cargo compartment and being unable to see him was too much for him and the family to bear. He had asked the flight attendant if there was anything that could be done to allow them to see him upon our arrival. The family wanted to be outside by the cargo door to watch the soldier being taken off the airplane.. I could hear the desperation in the flight attendants voice when she asked me if there was anything I could do.. 'I'm on it', I said. I told her that I would get back to her.

Airborne communication with my company normally occurs in the form of e-mail like messages. I decided to bypass this system and contact my flight dispatcher directly on a secondary radio. There is a radio operator in the operations control center who connects you to the telephone of the dispatcher. I was in direct contact with the dispatcher.. I explained the situation I had on board with the family and what it was the family wanted. He said he understood and that he would get back to me.
Two hours went by and I had not heard from the dispatcher. We were going to get busy soon and I needed to know what to tell the family. I sent a text message asking for an update. I saved the return message from the dispatcher and the following is the text:

'Captain, sorry it has taken so long to get back to you. There is policy on this now and I had to check on a few things. Upon your arrival a dedicated escort team will meet the aircraft. The team will escort the family to the ramp and plane side. A van will be used to load the remains with a secondary van for the family. The family will be taken to their departure area and escorted into the terminal where the remains can be seen on the ramp. It is a private area for the family only. When the connecting aircraft arrives, the family will be escorted onto the ramp and plane side to watch the remains being loaded for the final leg home. Captain, most of us here in flight control are veterans. Please pass our condolences on to the family. Thanks.'

I sent a message back telling flight control thanks for a good job. I printed out the message and gave it to the lead flight attendant to pass on to the father. The lead flight attendant was very thankful and told me, 'You have no idea how much this will mean to them.'

Things started getting busy for the descent, approach and landing. After landing, we cleared the runway and taxied to the ramp area. The ramp is huge with 15 gates on either side of the alleyway. It is always a busy area with aircraft maneuvering every which way to enter and exit. When we entered the ramp and checked in with the ramp controller, we were told that all traffic was being held for us.

'There is a team in place to meet the aircraft', we were told. It looked like it was all coming together, then I realized that once we turned the seat belt sign off, everyone would stand up at once and delay the family from getting off the airplane. As we approached our gate, I asked the copilot to tell the ramp controller we were going to stop short of the gate to make an announcement to the passengers. He did that and the ramp controller said, 'Take your time.'

I stopped the aircraft and set the parking brake. I pushed the public address button and said, 'Ladies and gentleman, this is your Captain speaking I have stopped short of our gate to make a special announcement. We have a passenger on board who deserves our honor and respect. His Name is Private XXXXXX, a soldier who recently lost his life. Private XXXXXX is under your feet in the cargo hold. Escorting him today is Army Sergeant XXXXXXX. Also, on board are his father, mother, wife, and daughter. Your entire flight crew is asking for all passengers to remain in their seats to allow the family to exit the aircraft first. Thank you.'

We continued the turn to the gate, came to a stop and started our shutdown procedures. A couple of minutes later I opened the cockpit door. I found the two forward flight attendants crying, something you just do not see. I was told that after we came to a stop, every passenger on the aircraft stayed in their seats, waiting for the family to exit the aircraft.

When the family got up and gathered their things, a passenger slowly started to clap his hands. Moments later more passengers joined in and soon the entire aircraft was clapping. Words of 'God Bless You', I'm sorry, thank you, be proud, and other kind words were uttered to the family as they made their way down the aisle and out of the airplane. They were escorted down to the ramp to finally be with their loved one.

Many of the passengers disembarking thanked me for the announcement I had made. They were just words, I told them, I could say them over and over again, but nothing I say will bring back that brave soldier.

I respectfully ask that all of you reflect on this event and the sacrifices that millions of our men and women have made to ensure our freedom and safety in these United States of AMERICA

Fourth of July

2010-07-07T19:36:00.001-07:00

We had a wonderful week end. I was able to work out in the yard. If I had my way I would rather do yard work than house work.

Sunday Eddy and I were able to go to Bible Fellowship Class and Service. Everyone takes it for granted going to church or some people have the opportunity but don't take it. For years we have had to go on our own but because my roll has changed
at work I am able to start going to church with my husband(what a concept)

Monday our family, extended family and friends got together and went to the river. There really is water in Texas!!!!!! We lived about one hour from the beach in Florida and the river is about the same. We are going to take advantage of it this time, we had a blast.

So now we are back at work and life goes on. I love my life. It's nothing special, we just go to work, come home and we are able to spend time together. Some times the kids come over and we are able to see our boy's. I love that Nikki, Anthony and Elias are here. We get to see Gabriel so that is why I love our life.

The boys are growing up so fast and I love that I have the opportunity to be able to see them grow up. I do praise God and thank him daily for this blessing. I never imagined I would feel this way about these little boys. It's a different kind of love than my girls. This is an extension of us. Our children and grand children are the best of us. So can you tell how I feel?????
I am a proud Grand Mother........

I changed the name of my blog because no matter what I talk about it end's up where they(my boys) are always mentioned. I started this blog when I found out my daughter was pregnant so I felt this would be a perfect name. You tell me should I do back to Yours Mine and Ours or GiGi's Corner what do you think???

Until next time, GiGi

What Happens in Heaven

2010-07-02T08:57:00.000-07:00

Thanks mom, I loved this one!!!

WHAT HAPPENS IN HEAVEN

I dreamt that I went to Heaven and
an angel was showing me around. We walked side-by-side inside a
large workroom filled with angels. My angel guide stopped in front
of the first section and said, 'This is the Receiving Section.
Here, all petitions to God said in prayer are
received.'
I looked around in this area, and it
was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions
written on voluminous paper sheets and scraps from people all over
the world.
Then we moved on down a long corridor
until we reached the second section.
The angel then said to me, 'This is
the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings
the people asked for are processed and delivered to the
living persons who asked for them.' I noticed again how busy it
was there. There were many angels working hard at that station,
since so many blessings had been requested and were being packaged
for delivery to Earth.
Finally at the farthest end of the
long corridor we stopped at the door of a very small station. To
my great surprise, only one angel was seated there, idly doing
nothing. 'This is the Acknowledgment Section,' my angel friend
quietly admitted to me. He seemed embarrassed 'How is it that
there is no work going on here?' I asked.
'So sad,' the angel sighed. 'After
people receive the blessings that they asked for, very few send
back acknowledgments.'
'How does one acknowledge God's
blessings?' I asked.
'Simple,' the angel answered. Just
say, 'Thank you, Lord.'
'What blessings should they
acknowledge?' I asked.
'If you have food in the refrigerator,
clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep you are
richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in
your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8%
of the world 's wealthy.'
'And if you get this on your own
computer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that
opportunity. '
'If you woke up this morning with more
health than illness...You are more blessed than the many who will
not even survive this day.'
'If you have never experienced the
fear in battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of
torture, or the pangs of starvation...You are ahead of 700 million
people in the world. '
'If you can attend a church without
the fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death you are envied
by, and more blessed than, three billion people in the world.
'If your parents are still alive and
still married ...you are very rare.'
If you can hold your head up and
smile, you are not the norm, you're unique to all those in doubt
and despair.'
Okay, what now? How can I start?
If you can read this message, you just
received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you as
very special and you are more blessed than over two billion people
in the world who cannot read at all.
Have a good day, count your
blessings, and if you care to, pass this along to remind
everyone else how blessed we all are
ATTN: Acknowledge Dept.
Thank you Lord, for giving me the ability
to share this message and for giving me so many wonderful people
with whom to share it.' If you have read this far, and are
thankful for all that you have been blessed with, how can you not
send it on. Thank God for everything, especially all my family and
friends!

I am sending this to YOU............................

2010-06-28T10:07:00.000-07:00

The People We Meet
We wonder so many times why people are put into to our lives and then all of a sudden they are whisked away..... this makes me really think.......................

I'm sending this to you

Pay attention to what you read.

After you have finished reading it, you will know the reason it was
Sent to you.
Here goes:
People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.

When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that
Person..
When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need
You have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with
Guidance and support, or just ANSWERS
To aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend and they are.

They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,
This person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an
End.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk
away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.

What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire
Fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has
Come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh..
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons,

Things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional
Foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson,
Love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other
Relationships and areas of your life.

It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Thank you for being a part of my life,
Whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime. Now it is time to LET GO!!!!!
We don't know why things don't work out but we just need to praise God we found each other and be happy with that.You are loved and thought about but from a distance and that's the way it will be. You don't have to wonder why just let it be!!

Proverbs 3:5&6

Week ending...................................

2010-06-22T21:50:00.001-07:00

These last few days we were at a conference . GACHP (Global Association of Christian Hospitality Professionals) We have been involved in these conferences for years but this one I didn't know If I wanted to go because I thought I needed to stay because of work.Well, I was truly blessed and was very happy I chose to come The speakers ,the worship and the classes were just what I needed. Eddy of course was involved with the conference so he was busy but we were able to spend a little time together( that's always nice)

I was able to reconnect with old friends that I haven't seen in a while.

I am ready to come back to work , I am encouraged, revived and rejuvenated and ready to tackle anything that comes my way...........

I came home and to end the weekend I got to have the pleasure of Gabriel's company. He spent the night Saturday and I have him today. Elias, mommy and daddy live here so I get to see Elias everyday. Although Tasha lives very close I don't see Gabriel as much as I would like. I'll take it when I can get it. Time is precious and I do know that.

When I had my girls everything was a blurr. In case you all don't know by now I have twin girls and they are very precious to me...

When we had them I only remember limited things. The first year went by so fast I don't remember a lot of things... Whenever I got to spend time with one the other would want something or wake up so needless to say quality time was hard with them. Don't get me wrong, I would not change ANYTHING about having my girls. . Could you imagine Three??/Shoot me now!!!lol God only gives what you can handle so he figured I could only handle Nicole and Natasha.

I am looking forward to this because when I don't have Elias I have Gabriel, how can life get any better than this????????

here
are some new pictures for you to enjoy (-:

Gabriel Daniel Castillo and Elias Anthony Guadamuz GIGI AND PAPPA E loves you!!!!!!!

Father's Day

2010-06-21T14:46:00.001-07:00

I want to say that I love you daddy and I miss you. My father is in heaven now but he is thought about often. Of course today but not just because it's Father's Day but because of the man he was. I am 52 years old and I still call him daddy.My father adopted all of us (3 children) when I was 9.
My biological father left us when I was 3 years old. My mother never talked bad about my father( I hate to even refer him as that) She thought it was best we find out for ourselves . When we got older we started to ask questions and my mother finally had to tell us. My mom met daddy when I was 8. I have always respected my mom because she always said she would never let any of us kids meet the man she would date until it was serious and she had a ring on her finger. . That is exactly what she did. When they got engaged we met him and she indeed asked us If we were ok with it. Of course we were and they got married. I always thought of him as my real dad. As YOU all know just because you give birth to someone doesn't make them your mother or father. I would say my biological father was a sperm donar. A real parent is the one you grow up with, the one that gives you unconditional love the kind that is going to be there for you NO MATTER WHAT>. My father was that and much more. many people would look at us and say we look just alike. That put a smile on his face. I was proud!!!

He loved my girls like he gave birth to them. He couldn't love them anymore as if they were his.He would always say I was the holding cell and they were his. The girls saw him as a saint. If something needed to be taken care of ask PaPa he can do anything. I wish he could have been here to see our grand babies, he would have been proud!!!!As he got older he lost patience but not with the girls. In his eyes they were pure GOLD!!!!! So, you see why I thought my daddy was special. I could go on and on but I couldn't let this day go without saying I love you daddy and we all miss you.
Love you and miss you terribly, Maureen

Snap Shots

2010-06-18T14:48:00.000-07:00

I am talking to myself as I am posting this. At work I see so many different things and we (I) tend to make snap judgements or as Eddy would say "SNAP SHOTS". I don't like it when some people want to judge me but I guess I can be accused of the same thing.I walk by the cafe and see something that should be done so I want to say something but I have to remember I don't know the whole story so, I refrain from saying something. I wait and when I hear what has happened I am glad I didn't say anything (that is what I refer to when I say "SNAP SHOT".
This brings me to my next example, this person doesn't really know me but makes all these assumptions on what she has heard from one or two persons that knew me from 30 years ago( I would like to say I have changed over the years and even grew up quite a bit)and just because her life hasn't gone the way SHE THINKS IT OUGHT TO GO she says a lot of nasty comments and malicious things that she knows nothing of. I can do one of two things I can go down to her level and be like her or choose not to do anything and be the bigger person and let God deal with her. I choose the latter.I am far from perfect but I am trying to live my life as God wants me to. Now, like I have said in the past I make plenty of mistakes but that is how I am learning. I am a work in progress. The things I have done in the past are there in the past. I have asked God to forgive me and he has. I don't intentionally set out to hurt people I try to do what I can to be obedient to what God wants me to do. I stumble from time to time but God is always there to pick me back up. So I am not going to respond to whatever it is you want to throw at me but you will have HIM to answer to one of these days. I do sleep well at night and
do not at all feel any guilt!!!! Everything happens for a reason. So this is another SNAP SHOT, you think you know it but there is always two sides to everything. I am learning to wait and listen, not to be quick to respond and to try and get the information I need to deal with what is in front of me. Always , Always pray before responding.

Gigi

Nothing Can Hold Me Back

2010-06-15T15:45:00.001-07:00

I have this is my kitchen window so I want to share

No ocean can hold it back.
No river can overtake it.
No army can defeat it
No law can stop it.
No disease can cripple it.
No force on earth is more powerful or effective than the "Power of Prayer"

I believe this more than ever
I have had a sneeze or so, I have made a bad choice or so , but with prayer it has brought me through more than I wish to share. I will not let ANYONE PERSON get me down. I may have a pity party or two but it doesn't last because I DO PRAY!!!! You should too and it might help.

On a lighter side look at the pictures that my daughter just took our newest edition

Is this the cutest face you have ever seen???? Cousins, they love each other

And yes that is me passed out with my little sweetheart. life doesn't get any better than this!!!!!

Until next time
have a Blessed Day!!
Gigi

Memorial Day

2010-05-31T20:13:00.000-07:00

Today was a good day. Actually, this was a great weekend. We finally had our long awaited garage sale . Tasha has been after me for a long time . She did good, proud of you girl. Really didn't think she would last as long as she did but she was there till the bitter end...........Nikki did her part and watched the boys so we were able to be out there all morning.

Sunday Eddy and I were together all day and today we were with our family. This is what it's all about.

We celebrate Memorial Day to honor the men and women who have fought for us. It doesn't seem right that we are having such a good time at their expense.My father served 21 years in the Navy and my oldest brother Stephen served 21 years in the Marines.

We had a great time Memorial Day. We went to the hotel and all of us were out by the pool playing and having a great time . This was Gabriel's first pool experience. He didn't like it at first but quickly adjusted.

. I got to spend time with my babies so it was a PERFECT day for me. God has truly blessed us with a wonderful family. We have our issues like everyone but all in all we love each other and are there for each other. I know If I needed my family for anything they would be there in a heart beat. Eddy is my hero whom I adore, of course our babies, the highlight of my day............... Need I say more , they are going to grow up to be the best looking little men around!!!!!

This day has come to an end and we are home now. This is a perfect ending to a perfect
weekend, it's quiet and peaceful (no one but Eddy and me are home) and I am sitting here reflecting on the weekend. Since the babies have been born we have been able to spend more time together. We (I ) appreciate our time with our girls and their new families.I know one day they might have to move away but I enjoying what I have RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW....Thank You LORD!!!!!!!!

So.....Thank You Stephen, Daddy and all the other men and women who have served for all of us, Thank You.............

Hope everyone had a safe and wonderful day. Bye for now, Gigi

Moving Day

2010-05-19T14:08:00.000-07:00

Have I told you how much I dislike to move????Well I do! In a perfect world things would always stay the same and I would never have to pack up boxes and things would be neat and tidy. We all know (at least those of you who really know me) my life is nothing like normal and nothing like neat and tidy. I am really frustrated right now but when I finally get packed up moved out and get settled in I will be OK. Just had to get this out. AHHHHH I feel better.
Until next time.........

"Love One Another"

2010-05-11T16:12:00.000-07:00

I heard this devotion today so I thought I would bless you with it;

Love is an indefinite thing to most of us; we don't know what we mean when we talk about love. Love is the loftiest preference of one person to another, and spiritually Jesus demands that this sovereign preference be for Himself. Initially, when "the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit", it is easy to put Jesus first. But then we must practice the things mentioned in 2 Peter 1 to see them worked out in our lives.

The first thing God does is forcibly remove any insincerity, pride, and vanity from my life. And the Holy Spirit reveals to me that God loved me not because I was lovable, but because it was His nature to do so.Now He commands me to show the same love to others by saying," love one another as I have loved you". He is saying " I will bring a number of people around you whom you cannot respect, but you must exhibit My love to them, just as I have exhibited it to you." This kind of love is not a patronizing love for the unlovable-it is His love, and it will not be evidenced in us overnight. Some of us may have tried to force it, but we were soon tired and frustrated.

"The lord......is long suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish...."(2Peter 3:9). I should look within and remember how wonderfully He has dealt with me. The knowledge that God has loved me beyond all limits will compel me to go into the world to love others in the same way . I may get irritated because I have to live with an unusually difficult person. But just think how disagreeable I have been with God! Am I prepared to be identified so closely with the Lord Jesus that His life and His sweetness will be continually poured out through Me? Neither natural love nor God's divine love will remain and grow in me unless it is nurtured. Love is spontaneous, but it has to be maintained through discipline.

My Utmost For His Hightest

Oswald Chambers

It's not always easy to love people when they are hateful or mean spirited but we do because we are instructed by God. Thankfully enough my God forgives me and he reminds me daily of what I need to do. I don't have to like certain people but I do love because HE FIRST LOVED US!!!!!!

This is a good devotion for me to read daily. I am far from perfect, made plenty of mistakes but I know I am forgiven how about you?????

Mother's Day

2010-05-09T20:42:00.001-07:00

So today as you all know is Mother's Day. We had such an awesome day!!! We started the day off by going to service and watching Gabriel being dedicated. After service we got to go eat brunch. The day was perfect. I was able to spend time with Eddy, Nicole, Natasha and our boys. The best part of the whole day was we were together. Spending time as a family. Our lives are sooo crazy with new jobs and our ever growing family so when days like this happen we don't take the moment for granted.Here are some pictures of our day. As you can see we have a lot to be thankful for. I thank my God daily for this family he has blessed me with!!!!

Mississippi

2010-05-08T19:47:00.000-07:00

Mom and I went on our road trip and drove to Mississippi. We had a nice trip. I don't get to see mom as much as I would like so it was nice to be with her. We made it in record time but unfortunately I wasn't able to stay for Erin's graduation most important thing is I got to see Erin. I was excited to see Erin and can't wait to see her baby. We don't live that far away so I hope my grandchildren and Samantha will be able to grow up together. Anthony(my brother) bought a cabin and we are going to plan reunions and vacations out there. Through the years our families have gotten together and have had a great time. Now, a new generation and many more memories to create!!!

Mother's Day is tomorrow and I can't wait. Little Man is getting dedicated and we are going to spend the day together. Perfect Day, to be with MY family is what it's all about. I love that both my girls are in the same zip code. I don't take it for granted , I feel for my mom cause she has her kids all over the United States at least at this time I have my family intact and we are all together. God has truly blessed us. So until next time Good Night and Happy Mother's Day to all of you moms out there!!!!!!

People in our lives

2010-05-02T21:16:00.000-07:00

This Sunday two big events are taking place, Mother's Day and Baby Dedication. This Sunday we are honoring all the mom's. This is my favorite job, to be Nicole and Natasha's mom. I know they are 21 and they are now mom's themselves but with this particular job this one never goes away (thankfully). I want to be close enough just in case they need me . Tasha has Gabriel who is almost 4 months and Nicole has Elias who is a 3 weeks today. Now as a grandmother I truly appreciate all of the stuff my mom had to put up with when I was a girl. I had my moments but my mother loved me regardless of what I did or didn't do.

Gabriel is going to Baby Dedication this Sunday

You are probably wondering what that is?? Many Christian Churches practice Baby Dedication instead of infant baptism. It is A ceremony in which believing parents, and sometimes entire families, make a commitment before the Lord to submit a child to God's will and to raise that child to according to God's Word and God's ways.

Parents responsibilities involved in Baby Dedication:

Christian parents who dedicate a child are making a promise to the Lord to do everything within their power to raise the child in a godly way.

1 Samuel 1:26- 28 (niv)

I pray for our children, I pray they will allow God to work in their lives and in their children's lives. This is an exciting time for both girls and a stressful time. I just hope they enjoy this time with their boys. When I had them needless to say the first year was a blurr. I just hope they DON'T let stress take over. Life has a way of doing that, I hope they know we are here to be a support and anything else they need from us. When it all comes down to it that's all we have is each other. Nicole and Natasha your Mom and Dad love you more than life!!!!!!Don't ever forget that..........................................

Happy Mother's Day

Likes and Dislikes

2010-04-29T17:08:00.000-07:00

LIKES
What is your favorite color -any thing bright
What do you want to be when you grow up -I want to be the best at what ever I do
Who was your first best friend - Kathy Reed and Mary Graeber
Who did you "just know in your heart" at age twelve, that you were going to marry

- Kevin - sorry Eddy
Where were you born- Newport R.I.
Shy or out going? What do you think?????
What am I passionate about? Right now my grand children. I want them to know they are loved no matter what and we are here for them.
I also work at a church and have several duties. The one I love the most is a reception coordinator. I have the best job(don't like that word because it's not a job to me) I am able to assist women planning their menu and coordinating their wedding reception , one of the happiest moments in their life.
Hobbies- Painting my home, gardening, baking and spending time with my ever growing family!!
Where do I want to live when I retire? Newport R.I. or somewhere near there
My Best friend in the Whole World??- EDDY ESPINOSA he is the love of my life
Do I believe in God- With all my heart and soul!!! I got saved when I was 24 but really developed a close relationship with him in 1993. I am not perfect nor do I profess to be , I do have my moments but when I slip I know my God is full of grace and he forgives me. I love the Lord with all my heart.

Dislikes
Oatmeal- hate it with a passion!!!!!! Bad experience at girl scout camp and never recovered )-:

I know this is the circle of life but when you get a puppy and fall in love than they get old and die.

One thing I don't like is their life is short so what's up with that??Why can't they live long like humans??

When snow gets dirty and turns to slush.

Smart Mouth People- Thinks they can say or do what ever with no consequences- They feel they are justified in cussing out or belittling people , makes others feel small so they will feel better about themselves, thinks their feelings are the only ones that matter. So they think!!!

People that whine about their life and tell you how bad they have it.

People that say one thing and do another.

I know one or two like this and I would just as soon stay away from them. They pull you down rather than build you up!!

But as we all know no one is perfect so.....all we can do is pray for you and hope that God can change your heart.
This is not being sarcastic or mean spirited this does come from the heart.............

Our Family, new and old

2010-04-27T06:18:00.000-07:00

It's been such a blessing to have our girls, our grandchildren and their spouses here at the house. I know as they say all good things have to come. to an end. Anthony had to leave today, he came here five days before Elias was born and stayed an extra week,.Sonia(Eddy's Mom) has been here for a few days and she is leaving tomorrow and Saturday Tasha, Daniel and our little Gabriel are moving out to a home of their own. We have gone from a FULL HOUSE to an almost empty in a few days. It has been wonderful. We have had all these people in here but honestly you couldn't really tell. It is great to hear the laughter and see everyone get along so good.

It has really been nice getting to know Anthony. Elias Anthony is the spitten image of his daddy. Unfortunatly he had to go back to Florida to go to school and work. He probably went back just to get some sleep(-: Poor Nikki and Anthony very rarely got sleep with a new baby. Been there and done that..... hahaha.

So know we are getting settled into a new routine and new stage in our life. As you can see I am a very proud mother and grand mother. My girls are the best and I am blessed beyond to be able to have ALL my family in arms length. I treasure this!!!!!
Now next week we are doing baby dedication.

Pretty good looking bunch huh???? This right here is what it's all about, we are enjoying all of it,

Thank you Lord........................

My Boys

2010-04-24T21:36:00.000-07:00

Aren't they just the cutest little men around!!!!!!
I get the privilege of babysitting our boys again. Both mom and dads are out and I am blessed.I look at them and I get overwhelmed with emotion. I know I sound so dramatic but these little guys are my daughters babies. I can remember when I brought the girls home from the hospital and was so scared because I wanted to be the best mom and I was so afraid I wouldn't know what to do for them.Having our girls was the best thing we ever did. It was because of them we both came to know the Lord. Now I look at these little guys and I want the world for them. I am so proud of the girls and I can see how much they love their babies.

I am going to be sad when Tasha, Daniel and little man move out but thankfully they are not moving too far. I am happy for them,they are starting their new life and have so much to look forward to.I am enjoying this grand parent thing.

This is what I call "A Wonderful Life"

It's feeding time so until next time. Have a Blessed Weekend, GiGi

Erin

2010-04-24T00:28:00.000-07:00

Mom and I are going to see Erin(Beth) graduate in two weeks so I have been thinking a lot about you lately. I know everyone calls you Beth but I know you as Erin.

I have great memories from when you would come to visit Christmas and MiMi's birthday and when we came to Mississippi for the summer .I remember one Christmas in particular you were 4 years old mom asked me to take you and get you a pair of shoes. Someone had complimented you and they told me I had a beautiful daughter. I was so proud and said thank you like you were mine. I could have said you weren't but instead I was quiet. I always loved to take you out.You were always a joy to be around . It's sad because I have let to much time go by but hopefully things will be different now.I want to be there when you have your baby and hopefully your baby can grow up with my grand babies. You are going to make an amazing mom. I didn't want to much time go by before I told you I love you and that I am looking forward to seeing your little girl grow up.She is going to have an amazing life with you as her mom!!!! . I know Christi is probably so excited her baby is going to have a baby(you will always be her baby)
I remember when you were living with us I asked you what you wanted to do with your life and you had it all planned out. 12 years later you have done everything you said you were going to do,for that you should be very proud of yourself. You have accomplished a lot and now you will enjoy the fruits of your labor. God has blessed you.

I was looking on your FB page and amazed how you still look like the same girl who lived with us 12 years ago. Can you believe it was that long ago. So much has happened since it feels like a life time ago. Well, now you are entering a new stage in your life , enjoy God's blessings you are so deserving of them.
Please always remember I love you. I'll see you soon, Aunt Maureen

Family

2010-04-22T20:50:00.000-07:00

It's great to have everyone in our home. Eddy is still in Mexico(so far no news is good news) and we are praying for his safety so please pray as well. I did get pictures from our church's website so this is what I have

Sonia (the boys great grandmother , (Eddy's mom) came in today and will be with us until the 28th. She came when Gabriel was born so she had to come for Elias. Nikki and Tasha were both born on Sonia's birthday, first grand children so needless to say they are very close with their grandmother.

It's so nice to hear laughter and the girls getting along so good. Tasha has been helping Nikki with Elias, they have been good for each other. The best part of all of this is that we aren't hundred's of miles away from each other. Hopefully the boys will be able to grow up together like brothers. We grew up with a community of family. Mom had a big family so it was like that until I was about 12 then we moved to Mississippi and daddy's family was just as big. Mother's Day we are going to Gabriel's baby dedication. What a great way to celebrate that day. I'll not only be with my girls but also the boys. The blessings keep on coming.

My neice Erin is going to graduate from College that weekend as well. Mom and I are going to the graduation . I haven't seen Erin for awhile so it will be nice. Erin holds a special place in my heart. She is Anthony's daughter and he is everyone's favorite. Erin was the cutest little girl and she is even better now because the inside is just as beautiful as the outside. We found out not long ago she is expecting a little girl. Like I said before our family is growing by leaps and bounds

So now you have an update on our ever growing family. Until next time, Blessings, Maureen

Mexico

2010-04-21T21:30:00.000-07:00

My Eddy is gone to Acapulco Mexico. There are sixteen men that went with the Mens ministry from our church to help build a church. Eddy went to be an interpreter. I dropped him off this morning and I miss him already. Eddy travels

quite a bit so this is not a foreign concept but there is a lot of turmoil in Mexico. I am sure that they are all safe but there is always a chance something might happen. I know that God is protecting them , he is going to be watching over them but reality it's not safe. So while you are reading this please pray for all of them. They are witnessing to others and furthering the kingdom.

Eddy and I are going to celebrate 22 years of marriage this August. Sometimes I feel like we have been together our whole lives and sometimes it feels like just yesterday. We met at work and we have been together since. In our 22 years we have been working together in Ministry for 17 years in one capacity or another. We have gone through a lot together but because of our commitment to our family and to the Lord we are still together. Eddy is truly my best friend. He challenges me to be my best and as far as he is concerned I can do anything I set my mind to. He is an encourager and a mighty prayer warrior.He is truly the best thing that has come into my life.

It's times like this that you realize what you have . He is my life and I couldn't imagine being without him.

We are now entering a new season in our lives that we are enjoying. We don't have a lot of money but what we do have is far more valuable. We have a wonderful little family that is giving us so much pride and joy.

So while Eddy is in Mexico and his family is in Texas we pray for him and the other men, have a safe trip and may God use all of you for His Glory.............until next time, Maureen

Night Shift

2010-04-19T14:31:00.000-07:00

Saturday was my night to take care of Elias. I worked a wedding and got off at 10:00 pm. I told Nikki I could take the night shift and let her and daddy get a good night sleep. I got the bassinet , diapers, ointment and everything I needed for the evening. I was excited.
Just Elias and Gigi.

Well, I must have forgotten the part where we tell the new moms you should sleep when he sleeps, hahahah. I did not listen to my own advice. I fed him around 12:00 then changed him and he went right back to sleep. He is such a sweet heart. Anyway, I put him down and thought I would go on the computer for awhile. Around 2:15 I was getting tired so I laid down and started going into a deep sleep when I heard this cry..............Yes it was Elias ready to get fed again. I put him on my chest and was hoping he didn't want to get up yet but I was wrong, the little one had other ideas. So...........we did it all over again. After I made a bottle, burped him and changed him this time both of us went down for the night. Unfortunately at 6 days old he goes for two to three hours at a time so yes, 4:30 or 5:00 we were up again and did a repeat. Eddy woke up around 6:00 took one look at me and asked me If I had a rough night. I didn't know how to take that question so I just ignored it. After I woke up Eddy took Elias and went upstairs to tell Nikki my night shift was over.

I thoroughly enjoyed taking care of my grand babies but I will tell you this.......God allows us to have children when we are younger so we can do all nighter If we need to. I can defiantly feel my age when I do things like this but I will be the first one to offer again. He is so precious. He cries when he wants his diaper changed or when he wants to eat but other than that he sleeps.

It's only been six days since he was born. I still remember the emotions and amazement when I saw Nikki give birth to Elias. I am honored and privileged that she wanted me there. I Will never forget that first time I heard him cry. To me that was the best sound . As I was in the room I just thought how our Family Tree is growing.

It started with just the girls and now we are expanding . I love to see them with their babies spending time together and having such a good time. Hopefully If we are lucky the boys will grow up together. What ever the case God has blessed us with such a beautiful family. They are healthey, and happy, what else can I ask for. I can't wait for this Mothers Day. I will be with my girls (and my mom) and their babies wow "It's a Wonderful Life"

Here are a few pictures of our newest edition

Papa E and Elias

Aunt Tasha and Elias

This is the best father and son

So you see this is my perfect little family. Yes, I said perfect. In my little world we are enjoying the blessings that God has given us. We don't take any of this for granted. I know things could change instantly so we take one day at a time.This right here is my idea of A GREAT LIFE!!!!! Until next time, Love to all. GiGi

Handling Issues

2010-04-16T13:00:00.001-07:00

Just felt like saying something and this is what I have come up with

God doesn't give us what we can handle;
God helps us handle what we are given!

Welcome Elias Anthony Guadamuz

2010-04-14T20:27:00.000-07:00

Just a few hours before Elias was born
Mom and Dad

I love this one MY GIRLS!!!

This is cute everyone but Nikki thought we would have to wait a long time

Welcome we have been waiting for you Little Man

Finally Elias is here. It was truly the perfect end to a perfect day. Nikki did so good and Anthony was so calm. Nikki was so sure she was going to deliver fast and we said don't get your hopes up and boy were we wrong and she was soooo right. Nikki gor admitted at 8:45am and Elias was here At 2:44.pm Only 5 hours from start to finish. The doctor said next child he will just pop out....hahahaha

I was able to be in the room to help her and Anthony and it was AMAZING!!! Nikki pushed maybe 5 or 6 times and little Elias was out.I can go on and on how proud I am but I'll show you what I am talking about

Mom and Dad showing off their new bundle of joy

What a joy it is to be able to see our daughter give birth to our grandson
WOW,it is an experience I will never forget
as long as I live. God has found favor in our family and I don't take that lightly. He is an amazing God to allow us to give birth to another human being. I cherish my family they have made us so proud. They are going to make wonderful moms. I get the privilege(for now anyway) to be able to see our little men grow up. For such a time as this. We are blessed. Thank you

Better Days to Come!!!!!

2010-04-14T05:11:00.000-07:00

I know I haxen't always made good choices in my life but I think I have learned from them. As I have told you from the start I am not perfect nor do I profess to be.I try not to dwell on the past but move on to the future.You can either be bitter or better and I choose the later. This wasn"t about you personally. It was what I thought was best at the time.You were placed where you should be. You have said what you needed to say and I as well. Questions were answered and you know so all will be good. We should not be defined by our past but live in the now.. I don't know what the future will bring but I hope for you that you can have peace in your life and live the life you dream of. I am sorry we couldn't find our way back to each other but as long as you got your answers you needed I hope it helped. This wasn't at all as I hoped for but I guesss things don't always happen the way we think it should go.It wasn't my intention to hurt you, I did and I am sorry.

As I have posted before people come into our life for a reason and after the need is met it's time to part and maybe that's us. Have a good life I have enjoyed meeting you and it's sad to see you go.

Elias

2010-04-12T21:53:00.000-07:00

Tonight we had an awesome family night. I as a mother am far from perfect I continue to make mistake(I am sure some people will agree) but God has given me loads of grace and loves me inspite of it all and has blessed me with this wonderful family. As you all know Tasha gave birth Jan. 19 has a gorgeous baby boy, now her twin 3 months later is giving us our second boy. I ask you how does life get any better than this.

Tonight we cooked dinner and sat down and were all able to share a meal together. Unfortunately Daniel couldn't be there but Anthony was. I love that Tasha is helping Nikki It feels like old times all of. Us together. This IS" MY PERFECT "
and this is as good as it gets.

Nikki of course is nervous but God is with you my Nikki girl and we are all prayed up.
Tomorrow she ia going in at 7;25am so please pray,we can never have too many prayers coming your way. Eddy I are ready for this. I think were made. To be grandparents cause we am kids at heart
I have to get up early but I just thought you would liike to know. I love you Nikki can't wait. Goodnight from GIGI

Wish list

2010-04-10T23:06:00.000-07:00

I read NOT STALK other peoples blogs and I liked this one so here it is:

1. That when baby Elias comes he will come fast and mommy won't go through a lot of pain.
2. Gabriel and Elias will be able to grow up together and be close as brothers
3. Mom will be able to come to Texas on Mother's Day and not go home sick.
4. I can have that long awaited garage sale Natasha so desperately wants me to have and clean out our garage.
5.I can finally finish painting my house.
6. That Eddy will know HE IS THE LOVE OF MY LIFE!!!
7.Even though a certain girl tries to push my buttons I would rise above and not let her bother me.
8. That my grand babies will know how much they are loved by all!!!
9.Gabriel will sleep the whole night and Natasha and Daniel will get a full night sleep lol
10. We mean what we say and say what we mean!!!!!

Now daddy is here in Texas so you can come Elias..................

Elias, we are anxiously waiting

2010-04-08T17:46:00.000-07:00

Our long wait is almost over.....Nikki went to the doctor and she is 2 cent. dilated and close to having her baby. I know God has his own plan but I sure hope he waits for daddy to come home. Anthony is in Orlando at school and will be here Friday night. I am hoping he will wait just one more day.Patience is not a strong attribute of ours but we are trying. I am helping to get Nikki's room ready(one way to get the painting done, have babies lol) I of course have waited till the last moment . Nikki is going in to get induced Tuesday the 13th If he doesn't come before. I think it's funny Tasha went on a Tuesday as well.

This is such a wonderful time for our family. We are all together and everyone is getting along so good.It's been awhile since we have had babies in our home so when he makes a certain face or smiles we all get so excited. You would think this was our first baby.

We had a wonderful Easter. Three of us worked but Nikki, Daniel and Gabriel met us later and we had lunch. God is so good to us. We have a beautiful family. We are healthy, have a job, home but most of all WE HAVE EACH OTHER!!!!!

As you can see we have pictures of our first Easter with Gabriel.
We are very proud of OUR FAMILY. I have TWO beautiful young ladies that I am very proud of the mothers they are becoming. Now looking at Gabriel and how adorable he is just wait for Elias.

It's funny after I had my girls I wanted to have a boy for Eddy, boy does God have a sense of humor.......We don't do anything half way do we...........
God bless to all of you, until next time. Blessings, Gigi

Gabriel and GiGI
Gabriel, Papa E, Gabriel and GiGi

Natasha's Family

Gabriel and Daddy

Gabriel and His Tia

Recal Notice

2010-03-27T06:59:00.000-07:00

I got this from a friend of mine, I thought I would share this it's cute..........

The Maker of all human beings is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart. This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code name Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has been technically termed "Subsequently Internal Non- Morality," or more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed.Some other symptoms
include:

1. Loss of direction
2. Foul vocal emissions
3. Amnesia of origin
4. Lack of peace and joy
5. Selfish or violent behavior
6. Depression or confusion in the mental component
7. Fearless
8. Idolatry
9. Rebellion

The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory- authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this Sin defect. The Repair Technician , Jesus, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required.

The number to call for repair in all areas is :P-R-A-Y-E-R. Once connected, please upload your burden of S.I.N. through REPENTANCE procedure. Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component. No matter how big or small the SIN defect is Jesus will replace it with:

1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self control

Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes.

WARNING: Continue to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit permanently impounded.

DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The S.I.N. defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility.

Thank you for your attention!

GOD

Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice, and you may contact the Father any time by "kneemail".

One of the ladies I am in bible study with gave us this. Yes, this is cute but we do really need to listen and pay attention. We are in control of our destiny, this is OUR CHOICE. It doesn't just happen. Enough of preaching here is an update of the Espinosa house hold:
Tasha and Daniel are great, just getting used to being new parents and newly weds
Gabriel is of course PERFECT AS PERFECT can be. He went to the doctors got his shots and weighs 12 pounds and grew 2 1?2 inches. He has beautiful eyes (of course he is taking after his mommy).

Nicole went to her doctor and will have the baby April 13th. Daddy will be here. He is out of school for a little while. We have been busy getting all the stuff we need for baby Elias's arrival.

Pappa E. and Gigi are anxiously waiting for our 2nd. grand baby. We are enjoying Gabriel and are awaiting Elias. We were all at church last night together and we were just watching our family. So perfect in it's own way. God has blessed us with Nicole and Natasha. from there we have Daniel, Gabriel, Anthony and soon to be Elias Anthony.How does life get any better than this. Our Family tree is growing and our circle of life is flouishing. All I can say to this is Thank You Jesus!!!!!

Blessings from GiGi.

A Blog called A Mother's Love

2010-03-23T15:58:00.000-07:00

I started Blogging when I found out my daughters was pregnant.

I had started reading some other blogs and I thought it would be fun to just share my thoughts and opinions. It would be great If you read it but it was mainly just expressing myself. The more I would write the more I got into it. I have a lot of my family all scattered from California. Texas, Florida, Ohio, Rhode Island , Mississippi and everywhere else. This is a great way to keep in touch with everyone. I really don't like to talk on the phone( As as much as I talk this statement would be hard to believe)so this is a great way to let family know what's going on(some good some bad)-:

As I was blogging I found this woman and she is truly amazing.

Here I am worried about my girls and what ever is happening in our lives at the moment and this woman gave birth to a baby boy on one day and the next day he passed on to be with the Lord.

. Some people whine about how their mother was mean or they didn't get what THEY NEEDED but Brandy is praising God for the time she got to spend with her baby. She is strong and her Faith in God is even stronger. I don't want you to think I am putting her on this pedestal but It's this woman's attitude about life and God that truly amazes me. She could be bitter and selfish and say woe is me but she doesn't.She walks the walk not just talks about how she is moving forward in one breath and the next is playing the victim card.We need to take stock in what we do have and no matter what thank God daily for what ever he has done.

Brandy is pregnant again and I would like to know If you would pray for her. She is an inspiration to me and to many other woman around.I appreciate how God put her in my path for whatever reason.

Brandy, we all are praying for God's will to be done.I love you and can't wait to see what God has in store for you.

Here we go again

2010-03-22T10:58:00.000-07:00

As you all know I have twin girls . Natasha who is the younger one(by two minutes) just had a gorgeous baby boy-Gabriel now two months old (I love this picture )

Things are going very well, everyone is adjusting well. Now that Tasha has Gabriel and getting a routine down Nikki is going to have our second grand child. Right now she is getting her practice with Gabriel

but soon her Elias is coming.

One little boy now and another soon to follow. .Nicole is getting induced so daddy can come and be with mom and his son

I am excited for Nicole she has no idea how much in love she is going to be with her son. The best thing that ever happened to us was having our Daughters. When I found out that I was pregnant with them our whole life changed from good to an AMAZING LIFE!!!!We have our struggles like all but we communicate and work things out NO DRAMA and NO ISSUES just us and this growing family................... God has truely blessed us.

So for now we are waiting , waiting for our little boy. I am grateful I get to the opportunity to be with both my girls in this special time in their lives. So stay tuned for the updates......we are soooo close. God 's Blessings on you all, GiGi

The Wisdom Of Waiting

2010-03-18T07:42:00.001-07:00

These words are from my Pastor Jack Graham.
A lady who is leading our bible study sent this to me. I though I would share. I know I get impatient and wonder some times why I can't hear God.I hope you are blessed as I was. Blessings,

I will take my stand at my watch post and station myself on the tower, and look out to see what he will say to me…

-- Habakkuk 2:1

There is a key password for connecting with God. The word is patience. If you and I want to move toward an enduring faith, it begins with patiently waiting on and listening to God.

When we’re impatient, it’s usually because we’re not getting what we want fast enough. We become like Habakkuk who basically said, “Times are bad, God! Do something and do it now!”

But in his great wisdom, God doesn’t move at our will, but according to his purposes. And you may have noticed, God’s never in a hurry, but he’s always on time! Some of us give pain reliever more time to work than we give God.

So what do you do when God is silent when you pray? Let me tell you. When you struggle with doubt and uncertainty and don’t have a clue as to what to think or do… do what Habakkuk did. Wait patiently on God. There’s wisdom in waiting.

Waiting on God is trusting in God. Waiting is not passivity, it’s not just sitting back doing nothing. As you wait on him, you can actively pursue his heart, his will, and his mind.

Even if… or when… he brings you to the end of yourself, wait on God! Trust his wisdom and you will discover, like Habakkuk, that he is enough!

WAITING ON GOD IS TRUSTING IN GOD.

There and Back

2010-03-17T19:15:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday Eddy and I went to Orlando to Nikki's baby shower. It was a great trip.I always enjoy driving with Eddy, we talk and get to spend time together, just us.We got there Friday morning and just chilled awhile. Tasha got to fly because she brought Gabriel with her.She came in the afternoon. It was nice to have us all together again plus one(-: Nikki got us a room at the Portafino

It was a nice room, I just wish we were there long enough to enjoy it. Saturday we woke up and I went over to Rossie's house, that is where the shower was going to be.

Rosie Ellis was our neighbor two doors down. We had so many similarities. She was our first friend in the neighborhood.Our husbands both named Eddy, we had the same van, same house, and we have two girls. She is all about IKEA(yes the store)This woman is obsessed with that store. Her house could be one of the showroom floors. Getting back to the shower, Rosie and Nicole's two friends had decorated the house so cute she had completely turned her whole house upside down for this shower.

Why is it you don't realize how much people mean to you until they are gone or you move away. We have lived next door to each other for years and we would hang out together for awhile then we would get busy and wouldn't see each other. This was more than just a party, Rosie put all of her self into this and it meant sooo much. Thank you Elyse, Rosie and Shaun you made this party such a success.

In this picture Rosie , Nicole and Me
Rosie. Nicole and Elyse

Nicole's best friends were the hostesses with Elyse

Where would we be without our friends??They celebrate our victories and comfort us in our loss but it is so important that we tell them what they mean to us.
I had such a wonderful time at the shower.So many of her friends came. It was so nice to be able to be there and celebrate this occasion with everyone.
We were very blessed that Eddy's family from Miami could come and be with Nikki.

So......... after the shower we went back to the room to get some rest because we were going to drive back to Texas. Eddy and Nikki were in one car and me in the other car. We were moving all of her stuff back home \. I had my doubts because the last time Nikki and I made this trip we were in the car all of 1 hour and she started asking me ARE WE THERE YET???? So Eddy drove with her most of the way. I was pleasantly surprised WE MADe IT!!!!! Nikki only was anxious the last two hours of our trip. Rightly so the girl is 8 months pregnant and she just traveled in a car for 20 plus hours, she did great~!!!!!!!!!

So now in the Espinosa house we have three women two men and 1 1/2 babies.....Needles to say we have what you call A FULL HOUSE. It has been two days and good so far. Nikki is unpacking and preparing for her new bundle of joy. Anthony will come when the baby is born. Please, pray for Nikki and Anthony , please pray for their new life as parents and that Nikki will adjust to her new life here in Texas. No matter where the girls are I want them to know how much they are loved. I will enjoy it while I have them with me. I praise God for giving them to me and what a double blessing to be able to share this time with them. God is good!!!!!

So as of right now we have four weeks to go..............until Elias comes..

Got to go to bed until next time, much love ,GiGi

A Mother's Love

2010-03-08T20:48:00.000-08:00

We are going to Sunny Florida this Thursday. I saw the forecast and it will be just like this.........

Eddy and I are driving, first we are going to go to the baby shower.

Tasha is coming as well but she gets to take a plane because she is taking Gabriel It's going to be wonderful because the whole family is going to be together.

then right after that we are going to pack the car and Nicole up and bring her home.
I know the cycle goes on where we have our babies they grow up , get married , have children and move on but if I can have a while longer with my girls I'll take what I can get. I guess now they will understand how it feels to have a love soo strong for another human being. We fall in love with a man but it's not the same thing.That love is different. God has given this awesome experience to be able to give birth and then have that privilege to watch them grow up to be this person. I don't take that lightly.I never thought I was going to have a baby but when the girls came there was no hesitation, I was ready , and I didn't take that lightly..We were able to be there for Tasha through it all but not Nicole. At least we will be there for Nicole the latter part of her pregnancy. I am watching my girls grow up and become the beautiful young woman I knew they could be. We are blessed to have the two most beautiful young woman around( just a tad bit partial . I just know those little boys are going to be blessed to have mom's that love them and I know they will be awesome !!!!! So as you can see I am ready , willing and able to start our new adventure in grand parenting. All I ask for is that you pray for us, Eddy is going to drive a

VERY PREGNANT YOUNG WOMAN

18 HOURS IN A SMALL CAR FULL OF HER BELONGINGS. I will be driving the other car but I will be driving by myself so now you know why Eddy needs the prayers lol(sorry Nikki (-: It will all be good.I am truly blessed to have the love of my girls and a wonderful husband and father to my girls.I am sure I will give you updates from time to time until then, Blessings, GiGi....Oh I forgot we only have 5 weeks to go.....................................until our other bundle of joy comes.......God Bless You All!!!!!!!

Likes and Dislikes

2010-03-05T07:56:00.001-08:00

What I like
What is your favorite color -any thing bright
What do you want to be when you grow up -I want to be the best at what ever I do
Who was your first best friend - Kathy Reed and Mary Graeber
Who did you "just know in your heart" at age twelve, that you were going to marry - Kevin
Where were you born- Newport R.I.
Shy or out going? What do you think?????
What am I passionate about? Right now my grand children. I want them to know they are loved no matter what and we are here for them.
I also work at a church and have several duties. The one I love the most is a reception coordinator. I have the best job(don't like that word because it's not a job to me) I am able to assist women planning their menu and coordinating their wedding reception , one of the happiest moments in their life.
Hobbies- Painting my home, gardening, baking and spending time with my ever growing family!!
Where do I want to live when I retire? Newport R.I. or somewhere near there
My Best friend in the Whole World??- EDDY ESPINOSA he is the love of my life
Do I believe in God- With all my heart and soul!!! I got saved when I was 24 but really developed a close relationship with him in 1993. I am not perfect and I do have my moments but I love the Lord with all my heart.

Dislikes

Oatmeal- hate it with a passion!!!!!! Bad experience at girl scout camp and never recovered )-:
I know this is the circle of life but when you get a puppy and fall in love than they get old and die. One thing I don't like is their liife is short so what's up with that??Why can't they live long like humans??
When snow gets dirty and turns to slush.
Smart Mouth People- Thinks they can say or do what ever with no consequences- They feel they are justified in cussing out or belittling people , makes others feel small so they will feel better about themselves, thinks their feelings are the only ones that matter. So they think!!!
People that whine about their life and tell you how bad they have it.
People that say one thing and do another.

I know one or two like this and I would just as soon stay away from them. They pull you down rather than build you up!!

But as we all know no one is perfect so.....all we can do is pray for you and hope that God can change your heart.

This is not being sarcastic or mean spirited this does come from the heart.............

The People We Meet

2010-03-04T10:04:00.000-08:00

My mom sent this to me today and I thought I wanted to share this with you. We wonder so many times why people are put into to our lives and then all of a sudden they are whisked away.....This makes you really think....Or should I say this makes me really think.......................

I'm sending this to you to see what you really think.
Your response will be interesting.

Pay attention to what you read.

After you have finished reading it, you will know the reason it was
Sent to you.
Here goes:
People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.

When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that
Person..
When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need
You have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with
Guidance and support,

To aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend and they are.

They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,
This person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an
End.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk
away.

Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.

What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire
Fulfilled, their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has
Come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh..
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons,

Things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional
Foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson,
Love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other
Relationships and areas of your life.

It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Thank you for being a part of my life,
Whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.
Send this
To every friend that you have on-line,

All is well at the Espinosa house hold for now. Next week we will all go to Nicole's baby shower in Florida(even baby Gabriel) and we are going to bring her home. I am excited to have all my family under one roof again (only if it for a little while) Hope you really think about what you have read. Blessings, Maureen

Aunt Sally

2010-03-01T10:17:00.000-08:00

In this picture is Aunt Emily (sisters) and Aunt Sally is on the right.

I was listening to this song on the radio and it reminded me of Aunt Sally so this is dedicated to her.

I grew up in Newport R.I. Almost all of my family on my mom's side still live there. My Aunt Sally is actually my great Aunt. She has eight children, Stephen her son died when I was young but seven of them live in R.I. We used to stay at their house when we were younger so we have been around them our whole lives.

This picture the sisters were just hanging out. My daddy had just died and this was the reception at mom's house. Aunt Sally was 95 years old. She is amazing. Aunt Sally still plays Bingo three times a week. Just a few years ago she gave up her car. Can you imagine 95 and still driving lol

We have a family Reunion every year and Aunt Sally is always the life of the party
She is the type of person you want to have around. She is happy and care free.....
A while back she had cancer in her mouth and had it operated on and when she woke up she wanted to listen to the baseball game on the radio. She was the only one who wasn't worried about it. She is a huge Red Sox Fan.

She has her own apt. which is in her daughter in laws house, she checks on Aunt Sally
and cooks for her. Her children drive her around and my mom takes her to Bingo. She has always done for herself but now (for obvious reasons)they look after her.You helped us out when we were younger and loved us and you have been a wonderful friend to mom. You are loved and adored by many so I want to take this time to say how Blessed I am to be a part of this wonderful family. Aunt Sally, I love you and I know we are better because of you.

God willing I'll see you in August. God Bless, Maureen

A Weekend To Remember

2010-02-26T21:00:00.000-08:00

Eddy and I have just got finished a long busy week so we finally got a couple of days off together and went away.We decided to go to Austin Texas. As you can see here this is a gorgeous sunset. This place where we are is called the Oasis

This is a restaurant overlooking this gorgeous sunset. This has 4 stories of very unique furnishings and just like Texas its HUGE. It was cold so we couldn't eat outside but we were able to look outside and as you can see it over looks a lake.If this was the only thing we saw in Austin it would have been Worth the trip. The ambiance was exquisite!!!!!!!We had fajitas which were ok but like I said just to tour this place was an experience in itself. First off the drive was gorgeous. I felt like we were in Colorado. I did not know there were mountains in Texas. That shows you how much I know about the state in which I live in.........back to our trip the homes were bigger than I have seen in a while. We work in Plano Texas and we have some nice homes but these were defiantly estates. As you can see the view is gorgeous. Eddy and I talked about getting away and he searched the web to find the right place and boy didn't he find it!!!!!! You did great honey!!!!!

Eddy and I are going to be celebrating our 22nd year of marriage and right now I have got to say it's better now than it's been in a long time. Sure we have had some great times and NOT so great times but It's our love and strong commitment to God that see us through a lot of our issues.God is very important in our lives and it's because of Him that we have made it this far.

After we went back to the hotel we got some much needed rest woke up and got ready for some sightseeing. First we had to go for breakfast, get nourishment before we go out and see what Austin has to show us...........

As you can see we are at the State Capitol.The architecture is beautiful.
This is the ceiling cool huh???

This is where the Senate meets. Our Government at it's best.......

OK yes I am on Weight Watchers and this is not on my plan but.......... there was a HUGE sign on the side of the road that we just couldn't pass up. They have been in buissness for over 100 years and we just had to try it.I'll fast tomorrow lol. I have to cause we weigh in on Monday morning hahahaha

So we finally got home and how perfect is this we get to see this little angel and truely OUR GIFT FROM GOD!!!!!! We are so blessed to be able to have this precious little one in our lives. God is sooooo good!!!!

So, now it's time for bed , back to reality tomorrow. It's all good we had this weekend and more to come............Thank you God for allowing Eddy and I to have weekends like this. Goodnight and God Bless, GiGi

It's All About Families

2010-02-20T17:44:00.000-08:00

My heading is so appropriate because "It Is All About Family" Sometimes my daughters would say can't you find something else to talk about well..............to answer that question no I can't!!!! I love talking about my family. As long as I don't talk about real private issues why not?? I understand they don't want their personal life to be made public and I will respect that but THEY ARE MY LIFE! I love God, my husband ,and my family so it's about 99% sure they will be included in almost every post.

So to go along with that my family (as you know) is growing faster than I can write(-: Nikki as you all know is now eight weeks to go until the big event. It's been 21 years since I have had a baby in the house so I have to have a refresher course. I am just learning according to doctors as of today I probably did everything wrong for my babies.Of course, they survived but nonetheless they say you can't do this and that. There are so many new gadgets around to make things so much more convent that I look around and wonder " HOW DID WE EVER SURVIVE without all this new stuff???? I love these people who haven't been a parent of newborns for years and they think they KNOW IT ALL. lol That's ok I don't and I'll admit it.All I do know is that I love our grandchild and that's it, oh and I am taking that refresher course, and by the way I am having a blast. I am volunteering at our church so I am getting a crash course. These babies in the nursery are so sweet and I love being there.

So......In three weeks Tasha is taking Gabriel on his first plane ride

This is going to be a baby shower for Nikki but we all know it's going to be about Gabriel.........How can it not be he is soooo adorable. Sorry Nikki but when Elias comes it will be all about him . lol
This is a before picture of Elias more pictures after the 20th of April to follow

So, after the shower we are taking Tasha to the airport then Nikki and I are driving to Texas. This is going to be an interesting trip. Nikki doesn't like road trips. I really don't know what happened here both my girls hate road trips but I adore them. I love to go and find new places. They are kind of little adventures for me. I would drive all the way and Nikki could sleep but I am driving and Nikki is taking her car. I am moving her so we need both cars. I'll try and make it fun.

It's getting late and I have been rambling. Hope you have a Blessed week and I'll talk to you real soon.........Blessings, Maureen GiGi

Anticipation

2010-02-19T20:55:00.000-08:00

I know I know all I seem to talk about is our new baby and the one that will be here soon. Well, Isn't that what it's all about?

We have a little over eight weeks for Nikki to have her baby and..............three weeks before she moves home. This is an instant replay for us.......lol......I am very excited. You know little Gabriel looks just like Tasha, wouldn't that be cool if Elias looked like Nikki? They would look like brothers. Yea, cool. When I look at Gabriel I see soooo much of Tasha.

So, In three weeks Tasha and I are going to Nikki's shower and then Nikki and I are driving home. That will be fun. I know seventeen plus hours doesn't sound like a lot of fun but.......we take detours and make it fun lol.................We'll tell you how it goes along the way(-:

Now I am going to paint Nikki's room and make room for Elias. This is what I like to do. If I had enough money I would buy property and flip it and then sell it. I used to watch Flip That House. It's funny I like home improvement shows and Eddy like the food shows.....Opposites attract.............right????????

Lets get back to Nikki, poor girl , she is having such a hard time of it. She is eight months pregnant and she is getting sick all over again. I wish I could take it all away for her but the great thing about being pregnant is eventually( 9 months to be exact )it's over , all the pain, discomfort and sickness is forgotten when we see that precious little baby.So...........Nikki it won't be long sweetheart and you will have your bundle of joy in your arms and everything is forgotten.When you all pray please pray for my Nikki. Please pray for a safe and a great memorable delivery. When I say memorable I want her to look back on this and say it was all worth it.Our girls have brought us much joy and I want the girls to know and feel in their heart how God is blessings them with these babies. They will change their lives forever.I am thrilled ,excited and so proud that our family is expanding ....................Stay tuned ,I have sooooo much to share. Until next time...........lots of love GiGi

Grandparenting part 2

2010-02-15T12:52:00.000-08:00

Isn't this face the cutest one you have ever seen???

Of course I think so and I am sure whoever has children and even grandchildren think the same way. I am blessed that this little one is living with us for a time. I get to wake up and kiss him before I leave and kiss him before I go to bed. I don't always do that but after last night I just might. I was blessed to be able to give him his night time bottle. I think the best part is after he has his bottle and he is a little sleepy and he just rests his head into my neck. I just want to breath him in. Feels like heaven!!!!!Now remember I am a first time grandmother so I am so proud and you can give me a little grace while I ramble(-:

The more I see him the more I fall in love with him. I just look at his perfect little face and just want to squeeze him. He smiles and I am naive enough to think he is smiling at me!

Just think I get to do this all over again in nine weeks!! Nicole is having her baby shower March 13Th and I am going to bring her home after that. I am excited because all of us will be able to go through this with her. The house will be a little crowded but who cares I'll have my family all together. Hopefully Tasha can help Nikki as she is adjusting to motherhood.

I am volunteering in our nursery at our church because it's been 21 years since I have had an infant in our home. I know how to take care of a baby but things have changed and maybe I can learn some things from these women that handle literally thousands of babies a week.I have newborns to three months old. It is a joy.Gabriel is a gift from God and Elias is our double blessing from God. I just pray Nicole and I will survive the trip home(-: lol

Nikki and I are going to be driving both of our cars home. She will not be moving back to Florida so we are loading up the cars with EVERYTHING and heading south.Please pray for first and foremost safety than you can pray for patience or what we call it is plenty of GRACE!!!!! Nikki doesn't like road trips and does not like to travel long distance in her car. Unfortunately we have to travel through four states before Texas and 18 hours plus travel time sooooo that's why I ask for GRACE AND PLENTY OF IT!!!! So as you can see the Espinosa's house is a little full but very very happy. I know that every good and perfect gift comes from above. I will never forget and will always thank my God for everything he has given us. Until next time I send you hugs and kisses from Gabriel, Gigi and Elias (soon to follow) Blessings, GiGi

Upcoming Event

2010-02-04T11:00:00.000-08:00

Well, you have heard so much about Natasha and our newest addition to our family now it's Nicole and Anthony's turn. This is my other daughter Nicole.
Natasha and Nicole are twins. Yes they are twins and both of them were pregnant at the same time. After the shock wore off it is funny. Of course Nicole doesn't think so. Poor thing is still getting sick. I was telling her it will pass after 3 or 4 months. With me it lasted 5 months because the doctor said I had twins naturally it would last longer. Well, with Nikki it came back.

Nikki has gone through so much in her young life. God is truly sending out many guardian angels her way. She was meant to do great things. Almost two years ago this mothers day Nikki got into a horrendous motorcycle accident. She was very lucky she wasn't killed. She has a huge scar to remind her daily of this. now, she was 5 months pregnant she had a car accident and the car flipped over and someone had to pull her out of the car and mommy and baby came out good.I keep on telling her God has plans for her because she has escaped death too many times. I call her my miracle child. She takes too many chances. I am hoping this child will make her realize she can't keep on going like this. She has to be a little more careful now because she will have someone depending on her.When we have children it's not about us anymore.!!!!

Nikki's and Anthony's baby name is Elias Anthony and he is due April 20Th 2010. This will be my 2ND. grandchild in less than a year. As you can tell we do not do normal. We do things in multiples(-:

This is Nicole 7 months pregnant. Unfortunately I have not seen her since Christmas so this is the first time I have seen her with a stomach. WOW
She is a beautiful girl and this is going to be a beautiful no ,I will correct that a handsome baby boy.I am going to Florida March 13Th for a baby shower than a month later we are going to have a baby. I am excited of course, our family is growing by leaps and bounds...................I just want my girls to be happy and help them in any way I can, to be there when they need me and step away when they don't. Pray for me(-: By the looks of it with my first grandson I need it..................................Love to all M.E.

Grandparenting

2010-02-03T11:29:00.000-08:00

This post is actually about what I have done and what I have to get better at..............As you know we have a beautiful baby boy who is 15 days old. He is the cutest and most handsome boy around....(until the next one comes, Nikki, her twin is due April 20 Th : ) so..............I get to be with that baby every day. It is kind of hard not to say anything because they live in our home. So..........you know what I am going to say? I try not to but I sometimes put my 2 cents in ......They have been parents for what all of 15 days. I think I have a little to share. Well of course grandpa thinks I am saying too much. He said that was half my problem.Of course you know I had a response to that. So help me out here, how am I going to not give advise or my opinion when you see them do stupid stuff ( I shouldn't of said that sorry) You want to show them or tell them differently. They of course know more than you. I think one of them said well mom It was 21 years ago things change. Oh really???How is it different ?Is It different the way they have babies?Do we change diapers differently or feed them differently??Please tell me how Is It so different???Maybe all the STUFF we use is different, excuse me we still used Pampers, had balmex cream for rashes, made formula, washed clothes. Maybe they think 21 years ago was the dark ages but like I said things were almost the same but a little more stuff. You see my dilemma. I know as my mother is reading this she is probably laughing. Sometimes I didn't want to hear what my mom had to say but never right when they were born, I think I didn't want to hear her when they were around 10 or so. I think as mothers I know I do count it a privilege to be able to share as a mother my experiences that helped me out when I became a new mother. I remember when my girls were a week old my mom came over and stayed at my house for the whole weekend. Mom took the crib out of my bedroom ( it was a 1 bedroom apt.) and she took care of them all weekend. She tended to them in every way . She took one look at me and saw I needed it. I had the biggest darkest black circles under my eyes you ever saw. She wanted to give me a much needed break. I was the mother of twins who were waking up every two hours. One baby woke up it took me one to one and a half hours to feed put her down got to sleep for a half hour and then her sister would wake up. OMG kill me now!!!!!!!! So, my mom was a tremendous help to me when I needed it the most. Eddy was there to take the night shift but he needed to sleep considering he would work from 7 am to about 9 pm every day.

They are going to move out soon but while they are here it's hard for me. Now after Eddy said what he has I hesitate to even go see the baby in fear I am going to be one of those grand parents that are butting in on their territory. So I go to one extreme to another. I hate it that he has taken the joy of being a grand parent. I always said I wouldn't be that type of grand parent that would give unsolicited advice or is a know it all (we have too many of those in our home already) help me what to do???????????

On another note Nikki is having her bundle of joy in 11 weeks. Nikki is due April 20th. The daddy is going to school up in Orlando so Nikki is going to have her baby(boy) there. I am flying up there and I get to be in the room.I count myself blessed that I am going to be able to share this experience with her. After the baby is born we will wait a couple of weeks so he can get his shots then we will leave to come back to Texas. Yes, I did say that. I am going to drive her and a newborn in a car for 18 hours in the car. This will give the phrase ROAD TRIP a whole new meaning. Nikki is moving back home. So.................. as soon as baby one leaves baby two will get here.Now THAT IS EXCITING!!!!!!!!!

I love my girls and their babies. I want to be a resource not trouble. I want this to be an awesome experience and I want to enjoy every moment I can. We all know It can be taken away in a heart beat.I want to make my time count for something. I love the family God has blessed me with . I hope this didn't sound too negative???I am just venting...............Till next time.

Blessed

2010-01-29T20:35:00.000-08:00

It's been 12 days and I am totally getting into the role of Grandmother. When I look at his perfect little face I am amazed at how wonderful God is that he would allow us to have this little one in our lives.How blessed am I that we or I get to be able to have this person to love and to be loved.

I met this woman who just recently lost her baby while having an emergency c-section. I am amazed at her ability to be able to reach out to those that are in need. I know that when we are tested or when we are challenged we can either accept it and go on or we can wallow in it and feel sorry for ourselves.I admire her and am amazed at her ability to think of others while she has lost so much. I am praying for her that one day she will have that family she longs for.

I count my blessings daily for what God has given us. I don't take it for granted,not for one moment.

Tomorrow I am going to volunteer in the baby room at our church.I did it with our girls so now I will do it with my grandchildren. I am excited because I can't wait till I can take Gabriel to church. I just hope that we will be able to see our boys grow up. Now I understand how my mom feels, she has grandchildren she only sees once a year if that. I know that we have to move on and go where our job takes us but I sure hope it's going to be here. I hope we will be able to be with them.

February is a buy month for us. We have three birthdays and each one is as important as the other. Wendy's birthday the 2ND. and Nikki and Tasha is the 3rd.I wish there was enough of me to be with all three but unfortunately there is not. Wendy ,I love you and I count myself blessed that we are in touch with each other.You are loved and thought about more than you know.

Proverbs 3:5&6 is my life verse Trust in the Lord with all your heart lean not on your own understandings in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.

I haven't always made the best decisions but through my faith in God he has helped me through it all. I rely on God to help me and guide me and with his help I will see it through!!!!!

I know this was all random but "It Is What It Is" Love to you all and God's Blessings on you, M

Identical

2010-01-27T18:11:00.000-08:00

Almost Identical

First picture is Son Gabriel Dainiel Castillo

born 1-19-2020

7:47 pm 7 lb. 4 oz

20 1/2 inches long

Second picture is Mom

Natasha Espinosa

born 2-03-1989

6lb. 8 oz.

As you can see Gabriel has arrived. I kept on looking at him and I kept on thinking he looked like Natasha when she was a baby . I got her baby picture here she is a few hours old , here Gabriel is only one hour old. It's amazing the resemblance. Now all we need is for his eyes not to turn brown. Boy, he is going to be a handsome boy!!!!

Yes, I am a proud grandmother. He is precious..............Right now we are babysitting because mom and dad are at church right now. I will take care of this bundle of joy as much as they will let me.The first few days were a little rough for mom but she is coming into her own.I have given her space because she needs to be able to bond with him but I an close enough in case she needs help.I think when we give birth God gives us a six sense to be able to meet the needs of our babies. I remember when I brought the babies home ,Eddy was at the store and left me with both girls by myself. When he came home I had one on the floor and the other in my arm and I was crying. He thought something happened but......I was crying because I was scared, I wanted to be the best mom I could be.

21 years later Natasha has her own little boy and she feels almost the same. I think that is natural but as much as she loves him you know she is going to be the greatest mom. God has his little angel assigned to that little man and he will shape him and mold him in the man God intended.

I am now in the " CLUB " I am in the Grandparents Club . At first I wanted people to call me GiGi. Now, you can call me anything they want. I will answer to anything he wants me to..........It all about that little man.......................Sooooooo many people love him already and he is only eight days old.......................Here are some of the pictures we have so far..................enjoy God Bless until next time.......Maureen (GiGi

Gabriel has arrived

2010-01-20T20:15:00.000-08:00

As you can see our new bundle of joy has come!!!This bottom picture he was looking at his mommy

Gabriel came to us Tuesday January 19Th, 2010

7 lbs. 4 ounces at around 8:10 pm

Mom was in labor for just a short time. She was blessed she had some discomforts but not any major concerns.It's a good thing we have a great blood line(-: We come from a strong Portuguese blood line and of course Eddy's side is Cuban. Natasha is blessed to be healthy and has taken care of her self because she was caring for someone else. I am really proud of her because she started out as a care free girl and has grown up in nine short months to this beautiful young mother. Children are the best of us. God has given this blessing and it our choice what we want to do with it.

As you all know I am the GiGi (grandmother) I don't want anyone to call me that but the first time Gabriel calls me granny, nana, memaw or any of the above(if any of you do I will murder each and everyone of you) I would come running(-: I will be anything he wants me to be. You see, God has given us this blessing , as parents we have made mistakes with our children but.......as grandparents we get the opportunity to DO OVER!!!!!So.... this is my do over.

This is my opportunity to shine lol I love my girls more than my life but this thing called grandparents is a whole other world. So...........When I tell you I am a tad bit excited, would you believe me????? I have been crying for days so you probably won't see a picture of me and my baby for awhile(at least until my eyes aren't puffy anymore).

All kidding aside I have been emotional since the baby has been born. I am very proud and I think way back the first time I got pregnant and when I held that little girl in my arms I wept. So, when I look at him I think of that time and it's soooo bittersweet. So much time has passed and sometimes (not alot) I wish I could go back. We can't soooooooo this is my do over.I didn't mean to get serious on you just a time to reflect. I love my girl more than my own life...I want to say I love you and I want to make sure you know how very proud I am of the woman you are and who God is molding you into the woman HE wants you to be!!!!

Lets get back to Gabriel........................He is a precious little one .I have some really awesome friends.I have gotten more than 100 people texting me and facebooking me and telling me how happy they are for me. If you only know how that feels. This is a time when you want to share in the blessings you have received and to be able to gives me such joy. I have a lot to be thankful for and I do thank Jesus every chance I get . I will post more pic. as soon as I get them. Many, Many, Blessings to you. GiGi

Gabriel is Coming

2010-01-18T19:55:00.001-08:00

This is Tasha at her baby shower the 10th of January.

I started this post as a new beginning and now this new beginning is coming. Yes finally Gabriel Daniel Castillo will be here some time Tuesday January 19 Th 2010. Tasha went to the doctor today and she is 1 and a half cent. dilated and the doctor said she can be induced. I have all these overwhelming feelings of emotions that come and go and I just want to cry. This is a good cry not a bad one. This is a happy emotional cry. Sonita(sister -in- law)told me not to let her see me cause she will freak. I won't at the time but before and after I will. I am so proud of both my girls. They could have made so many other choices but they didn't they are embracing this with their heads held high and they are going forward.

After Gabriel is here I will do the grandmother thing and post the pictures and have a brag book and tell everyone how my grandson is the most handsome boy here.You will get to see him as soon as I do. So now, no more countdown just pictures and stories. God Bless and please pray for my Tasha. Pray that she will have a wonderful delivery and not to painful. Blessings, Gigi

2010-01-17T19:56:00.000-08:00

This picture is of Eddy when he graduated from Seminary. Very proud day.

Today was a great day. I had the weekend off and today I went to my husbands bible study class. Eddy's spiritual gift is teaching and everyone loves him. God has given him a gift and he uses it every day. He has a sweet spirit and is a born leader. I made it one of my New Years resolutions to be a part of his class. You see, my husband is Cuban , his Bible Study Class is Spanish and I don't speak the language. We have been married 21 years and counting and it was never an issue. I have been saying for years that I would learn Spanish but never did anything about it. Now that we live in Texas we work at our church and 85 % our employees are Spanish speaking and it's more important now. He started teaching a spanish class about a year after he moved here . Now our church has started up a Spanish Church and he has taken it more seriously. Eddy and I work in the Food ministry together at Prestonwood but his passion is teaching God's word , If he can do that he is happy so I am going to try no I mean I will learn Spanish so I will understand what he is teaching. The people in his class are wonderful people and I am looking forward to being apart of it.

I bet you thought I wasn't going to mention it but.................you were wrong....lol Tasha is due in eight days. I can't believe she is probably going to go the full 40 weeks. She is sooo miserable but that little man is not coming out until he is ready. I told her this is a sign of what he is going to be like he will do things when he is ready and not until then tehetehetehe. I hope you have a wonderful Monday and we will talk soon. Blessings, Maureen(Gigi)

Eleven More Days

2010-01-14T16:33:00.000-08:00

OK I am sure everyone is getting tired of me doing the countdown...............................................

Well I am sorry. Just you wait until you have your first grand child and see how you react. I do feel sorry for Tasha because I call when I am at work to see how she is doing and she says I am fine and the baby doesn't want to come out yet. I personally think he is loving where he is and he will come out when HE is darn good and ready. lol I was a little early so I can't say much. All I can do is sympathize with her and try and do what I can to make her more comfortable.

What I think is funny is she went to the doctors and last week she was dilated 2 cent. and when she went this week he said her cervix was closed. Please explain that one to me. i laughed and thought to my self " ARE YOU SERIOUS" Please tell me why he would even try and get away with that one. Needless to say that poor child was so depressed and wanted to scream.(rightly so) Tasha is being a trooper and all she can do is wait....wait....and wait...............................

Until next time. Blessings, Maureen(an impatient Gigi)

I just went on facebook and this is what Tasha posted

Dear Gabriel, I know you are extremely comfortable inside of me, however, mommy is going to have to evict you now. .. You are getting way to comfortable in there and Your not making mommy very comfortable so please come out already!!!!!!

Did I call it or what lol

Anxious

2010-01-12T21:16:00.000-08:00

As of Today there are TWELVE MORE days to go..........we thought it was going to happen last Friday but no luck . Sunday we had Tasha's baby shower, had a great turn out about 60 people showed up. I just have to say I have some WONDERFUL FRIENDS!!!!!!! This was a diffent shower , we had men there . I know Eddy and the rest of them would have given their right arm not to go but they did and they made the best of it and I think they actually had a good time. It was for Tasha so it made it all worth it.There were some that couldn't make it, you were missed.Tasha had someone take pictures so hopefully I will get them soon so I will be able to share .

Every day we are a little closer but it seems like it will never happen.......I know I am impatient, can you imagine how Tasha feels???I know it will happen when it happens and it's all in God's hands but my selfish side wants to hold him and love him up close. You would think I would want it to take as long as possible because it's going to be noisy and crazy around here but I welcome all of it. We have lived in this house for almost three years and it's about time this house is being used as it was intended. For the longest time it was just Eddy and me and now we are filling the house with happy noise and a whole lot of love. I guess I just wasn't ready for the Empty Nest phase yet (-: I am ready for all of that and more( yes, I just said that)

Mom was able to come to Texas but unfortunately she had to leave three days later. Mom and I have always lived near each other whether it was down the street or just a few hours. Now, we are on the other side of the world (or so it feels ). I was sad yesterday when she left. Mom had to leave because she was sick with her asthma. When I saw her struggle I realized how bad it really was. She has been so blessed because she has had some close calls but still made it. Mom has good genes lol. She is always around and always there when we need her. Maybe, sometimes I take her for granted and I can't do that anymore. We all have a limited time on this earth and we need to take advantage of all that God has given us. For me ,He gave me a mom that is wonderful. We all have our issues but my mom has always let me know she loves me no matter what. Mom has shown me through her actions how she feels and to her ,her children are the most important thing in her life besides God and hopefully I can pass that on to my children.

I am off today so I guess I have to go do my housework ughhhh.............Until next time....................................................I want to share my life verse

Proverbs 3:5 &6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

love to all, Maureen (Gigi)

Almost Here............................................................

2010-01-02T18:36:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!!!!!Thia is a new year and new beginnings.

(Eddy and Danny in San Antonio , Texas)

Wow, I can't believe Christmas has come and gone..........................Danny, my nephew , (Eddy's side of the family)was here from Miami. He is close to Nikki and Tasha and wanted

to be with Tasha and spend some time with her before her baby came.. He was here for a week and it seemed to just fly by.He has grown up to be a sweet and wonderful young man.

I just want Kiki (his father) to know Danny is welcomed to live here any time, I would welcome him here anytime he is a delight to be with.

We had a quite New Years but the most important part was we were all together (missing Nikki),. This past year we have gone through a lot of trials but I believe that because of all that happened that it is going to strengthen us as individuals and as a family.I know that God has got something special planned for this little guy. He is more loved by sooo many people and he's not even here yet....

Today, is my birthday. I want to tell all of my friends a BIG THANK YOU!!!!!!I have had so many people contact me and wish me a happy birthday, I feel soooo loved. I don't think I have ever received this many birthday wishes EVER in my life .I have some great friends. This is what it's all about, having friends and family. I feel sorry for those people that are alone. We need each other for just these times , to share our victories and our sorrows.Right now at this point and time I feel like God has blessed me (I know I don't deserve any of this) more than I could ever imagine. I feel like I am in such a wonderful place.

I talked to my mother- in- law and she was so right, she said being a parent was good but being a grandparent is a different kind of feeling that you have. The pride and love you have for that individual is like no other. My baby isn't born yet but I am already feeling that.

I was talking to my mom today and she said something to me that I want her to know ,as parents we all do what we can. Sure, we all could have done more but we honestly did what we thought was right and yes, we all have made mistakes. Mom, you have planted seeds in all of us that has allowed us to grow into the people we are now. You loved us more than yourself. You have done more for us and sacrificed to give us what you thought we needed. Most importantly you always made sure I knew I was loved and wanted.I was the lucky one to be born to a mom who loved and cared for me as much as you do. You are my mom and my friend and for that I am grateful. You are loved and adored by many and by ME!!!!!

I am having a baby shower for Tasha this Sunday and I am sooo excited.I feel like this is my shower not hers. I just hope she gets everything she wants and needs but most importantly I want her to know how much she is loved.

In about two months we do it all over again with Nikki. We are preparing for an unforgettable 2010 hahahhaha I always said "Be careful what you ask for because you might get it" I wanted a boy for Eddy well we are getting it and then some hahaha.

I really enjoy this blog. I started this because I wanted to journal this new experience of mine as a grandmother. I have been journal for years but no one has ever read them nor would I want them to. This is different, I want to share my experience and I hope you all would share yours as well. I welcome advice and input. Being a parent was awesome but also challenging. Now I feel like I am getting another chance and I am so looking forward to this(as if you couldn't' t tell).The one thing I pray for is that my grand baby will love me half as much as my girls love their Mimi and loved their Papa!!!!

So my friends, I want to say thank you ,I am honored that you would take the time to read this and I hope you enjoy reading this half as much as I am with writing it. Blessings, Gigi( I have to get used to my new name lol).

In nineteen more days (give or take a week or so) we should have the first of two additions to our family.Tasha's due date is January 25Th. Giving birth to our girls was a great experience but having grand children is better than I could explain. First off watching Tasha's baby growing inside of her is amazing but the closer she gets the more emotional I get.

Taking things for granted

2009-12-30T09:46:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-26T06:12:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-22T09:40:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-21T14:00:00.000-08:00

Please go to;

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

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

2009-12-21T10:55:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-19T21:46:00.000-08:00

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