When I Grow Up

Weak and Weary

You will have to forgive me if this post does not make each of you feel warm and fuzzy and smiling all over. I put on a good face. And most of the time it is truly not a front. 23 hours of the day I feel good about whatever God has brought upon us. Yes, I have started reading the book of Job in hopes to have better understanding of trials and sufferings of faithful people. But that doesn't mean that there won't be that moment of brokenness. That moment...

11:00 (ish) Sunday, March 7, 2010. Settled between a visiting teenager and Jim who happened to be spouse less too (both of our better halves were under the weather). Feeling the power of Christ all over having witnessed some sweet kiddos come forth in baptism (one being my nephew) and after worshipping my King through the first 4 songs. Within moments, tears were streaming down my face. I wasn't sad or mad or angry. They were literally empty tears, for the time being anyway.

The music started.

I was paying attention to where the offering plate was, not so much to the music. But I do love the song. Then someone transitioned my attention. The music was so up tempo and everyone was clapping and swaying with such happiness. Everyone except me. It was like God slowed the words down just for me. He boldly stated some of the lines as if He and I were the only two in the building...

Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance

I just wanna praise you

I just wanna praise you

You broke the chains now I can lift my hands

And I'm gonna praise you

I'm gonna praise you

In the corners of mind

I just can't seem to find a reason to believe

That I can break free

Cause you see I have been down for so long

Feel like the hope is gone

But as I lift my hands, I understand

That I should praise you through my circumstance

Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance

I just wanna praise you

I just wanna praise you

You broke the chains now I can lift my hands

And I'm gonna praise you

I'm gonna praise you

Everything that could go wrong

All went wrong at one time

So much pressure fell on me

thought I was gonna lose my mind

But I know you wanna see

If I will hold on through these trials

But I need you to lift this load

Cause I can't take it anymore

Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance

I just wanna praise you

I just wanna praise you

You broke the chains now I can lift my hands

And I'm gonna praise you

I'm gonna praise you

Been through the fire and the rain

Bound in every kind of way

But God has broken every chain

So let me go right now

Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance

I just wanna praise you

I just wanna praise you

You broke the chains now I can lift my hands

And I'm gonna praise you

I'm gonna praise you

The Update of all Updates

• I am 8 weeks pregnant
• My baby girl is 1 year old
• Said baby girl has had a double ear infection and a stomach virus for the last week
• I lost my job...

That's the kicker! Yeah, my baby has been sick. That happens. Yeah, I am 8 weeks pregnant (and still have no insurance). That happens. But losing your job on top of all that. That just can't be happening to me.

But I am trying to find the positive of it all. I will soon have insurance, because I am pregnant and unemployed, through the state. I will have said insurance before my scheduled ultrasound next week! Plus, this time of year gets very busy what with baseball season starting and the weather getting warmer and I will be able to be home to keep things rolling!

What's my plan? I don't know. It doesn't really matter what my plan is...God is in control! He has a plan. My wheels have certainly been spinnin' though! Will it be a work-at-home opportunity or a home based child care facility? We shall see. But for now, prayers are appreciated.

The Big 1

Big Brothers are the Best

This pictures proves it!

No one can take care of her like her brother!!

Daniel and I were finishing eating dinner one night this week

(probably the only night we actually sat down and ate dinner!)

and we asked Triston to take his sister and entertain her for a few minutes while we cleaned up.

Yes, we are spoiled to have such a great helper!

Then a few minutes later we called him back into the kitchen for something, I can't even remember what.

But before he came in he had to make sure that lil' sis was safe and sound while he was gone!

As you can see from the picture above, he just takes such good care of that girl!!!

One, little...Two, little...Three, little O'Neils!!

It has not quite been a year since delivering my first bundle of joy. And as you know, the past year has been an adventure of sorts. We have survived more than we ever imagined possible. And now, we have a new adventure to embrace.

We are expecting, again!

I am, officially, 6 weeks and 2 days. My due date is set at October 9, 2010.

Why is this such an adventure, you ask?

Well, where should I begin? How about the fact that we are in a 90 day period prior to getting any kind of health insurance. The fact that we still have a rather large hospital bill to pay for open heart surgery. What about us only having 3 bedrooms in this house, and I do not like the idea of putting two little ones in a room together only to wake each other at every possible moment. Can you guess that we would have a hard time footing the bill for 3 kids in daycare. Looks like one of us will need to stay at home. Well, I won't continue to wear you down with all my worries. I just thought you would like a peek inside my mind!

All in all, we are ecstatic. I mean how could we not be? We are blessed that God is granting us with this gift. And honestly, we know He will provide. He has thus far and He will continue to. We are resting and trusting in His desire and commands. So, hang on this could get chaotic (but we LOVE chaos)!!!!

A Furry Visitor

We love visitors! Especially ones like the one we had Thursday night. It was right before bed but we had to see the newest member of our extended family. My brother and sister-in-law adopted another (yes, they already have two) dog to add to their family! And, yes, I think they are crazy! But the little guy is a cutie!!

Little Maddox was a hit with Tris.

He has a knack with our four-legged friends!

It may look like he is peeing on my floor but, he's not!

He did that later!!