My Hearts Moments

Snow Days!

2012-01-18T22:55:00.000-08:00

Today was fun!
With school and work both cancelled due to the snow, we made the best of it.
We slept in, stayed in PJs all day (except for when we ventured outside to play), played with legos, drank hot chocolate, watched movies,played the wii, went sledding, attempted to build a snowman, and just enjoyed being "trapped" at home.

I love days like this, I love glancing around the room and seeing all of my family together. I think we should make one day a month an official "snow day" in our house with or without the snow, where we stay home all day in pjs and just have fun!

Happy New Year

2012-01-16T21:42:00.001-08:00

Okay, so I know we are halfway through January and I'm a bit behind with the whole Happy New Year, but I am so excited for this year.
We have a lot of changes and some big events going on this year! My little sister is getting married at Disney World in April, I will be reopening my photography business in the spring, and Steve and I will celebrate our 10 year anniversary in May!!

This year we are planning to

Get More Organized (we are both seriously bad at this!)

Take more pictures and video (you have no idea how bad I was at this last year, I guess having 4 kids and one of them being a baby makes life just a bit more hectic).

Enjoy the everyday moments and record the moments that make us laugh and smile on paper

Follow Dave Ramsey's plan and really stick to a budget, (food and gas prices are killing us!)

Get back in shape and eat clean. (Steve and I are both back at the gym and it's been fun, we took before pictures and maybe will share them next year when we look smoking, haha)

Grow closer to God

continue to work on our house (I know I still need to share pictures).

I'm also going to try to become more of a morning person, but I know that this night owl part of me is deep in my blood, because it's so hard for me to go to bed early and wake up early!

I am doing a couple photo challenges too, a 52 weekly picture of my 4, a 52 weekly changing theme challenge, and a once a month family shot! We will see how it goes, I hope to share and post those every week!

So here is to an amazing 2012, may it involve less complaining, more gratefulness and contentment, lots of laughter and taking in and appreciating these days where my kids are little with all that I have!!

Here is a moment Steve grabbed for me one night last week, I treasure these moments at night when Gray is nursing before he goes to bed. He is getting so big, I swear this is my most favorite age. He makes us all laugh a lot during the day, and his brother and sister's adore him. We are very blessed!

I'm Back!

2011-08-04T22:45:00.000-07:00

So I honestly cannot believe that the last time I posted on here was in December,and it is now August. However it seems like just like that time flashed by before my eyes, we went through winter, spring and now summer is quickly coming to an end.

There were so many times I tried to sit down and play catch up but life with four really is a bit more crazy than the crazy we previously had.

The biggest changes right now in our lives is that Gray is growing up way too quickly this first year with him is going by quicker than I feel like it did with the other three. He is such a happy little guy, and we are all still incredibly smitten with him!

Right now he is doing his best to try and crawl, I'm thinking it will be any moment now, however in the back of my mind I really don't want him too mobile because i just know it will be that much harder to get things done (honestly the load of darks in my washer are about to go through their 6th wash cycle because I keep forgetting about them).

The other big change is that on Monday we are getting keys to our new house!! We are beyond excited to have our own place again. It is the perfect size for us not too big and not too small. The yard is great and it's in a great neighborhood that I'm excited to go trick or treating with the kids in, as well as a flat cul de sac for them to ride their bikes in! I love decorating, painting, etc and I'm so excited to be able to have a new canvas to work with. Have I mentioned I'm excited?

Oh and it has a farmers porch, I always wanted a big porch on my house. Okay, enough of my excitement ramblings!

It's late here and I know I need to get sleep but I just couldn't put off getting back into the blogging world one more day, I hope to be back to some more regular or close to regular posting.

Moments

2010-12-05T17:38:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to find my camera's memory card reader so I can post some of the moments captured the past week and a half, like Gray's first bath (he loved it). I'm trying to capture more of our everyday moments, and focus less on the state of the background, do I have makeup on, do Gia's clothes match (okay that one is a long shot on any given day). I realize even more now how quickly time passes. We will have had this sweet baby boy in our lives for 3 weeks on Tuesday night and he is changing so quickly.

My heart keeps screaming grab this moment right now as it is, don't try to fix it or make the background better just pick up your camera and snap because before you know it the moment is gone and you want to freeze it, remember it just as it is, maybe it's not perfect in terms of rules of thirds or maybe your lighting is terrible and the shot is gonna be grainy but this moment is yours and that reason alone makes it absolutely perfect.

So I'm making a point to just pick up my camera and shoot, no thinking, no fixing just snap. It's the pile of laundry that is peaking in the corner of a picture, Mateo's bed head, Gianna's purple striped leggings, blue flowered dress and converse, and the spit up on ratty tank top that I have on that makes us "us". Our life is loud, crazy and wonderful, it's a messy house a lot of the time, dishes from breakfast on the table at lunch time, but it's full to the brim with laughter and love and I want to capture us exactly as we are in these moments.

I want my kids to have books full of memories, to be able to look through them and remember playing Blokus with their dad on the coffee table after dinner, reading Charlie's Super Hero Underpants and laughing every time when we see the Yeti in his undies even though we have read it a million times, cracking up over daddy's Darth Vader spiky kisses (or any of the other 70 made up kisses). I'm going to jump on the 365 photo a day band wagon starting Jan 1st, and my theme will be "the everyday". I'm sure with a full house there will be more than plenty of everyday moments for me to grab.

How Wonderful Life is ... Now You're in the World!

2010-11-30T22:57:00.000-08:00

He's Here!

For those of you that might not know, we had our sweet baby two weeks ago and it's a boy!!! After lots and lots (seriously) of searching, we decided on naming him Grayson Charles.

He's perfect and amazing and fits in perfectly. He completes us so amazingly well! He is such a blessing, a perfect miracle from God. He has yet to learn what it means to be put down. In fact, there are wars in my house right now over who gets to hold him (although the biggest feud is between Nana and Ava). There is not a number big enough to count the times he has been kissed in the short time he has been here.

I am so in love with my littlest man, I can't tell you the number of times in a day I try to soak in and memorize his smell, his sweet newborn noises, the softness of his skin, and all his newness. I didn't realize how much I missed nursing, but I did and that bonding time is something I'm so thankful for. I just wish I could stretch out time and make it go by a little slower.

Our family is even more complete now.

His birth story and pictures to come soon.

2 days old

2 weeks

38 Weeks

2010-10-24T20:57:00.000-07:00

My sweet little one,

38 weeks! Can you believe time has gone by so fast!! We could meet you any minute now, in fact we cannot wait for that moment. Your brother and sisters can't stop talking about you, they already have plans for what they want to do when you are born. Gianna and Ava want to cut your cord, Mateo wants to put on your hat. They make me smile talking about it.
I am trying to take in every second I have left feeling you move and kick,being pregnant for one last moment.I'm not sure how much room you have left, in fact that ribcage that you have been hanging out in, could use a bit of a break if you don't mind. I cannot wait to hold you in my arms, to kiss your sweet face, to see if this mega heartburn I've been having means you will have a full head of hair. I can't wait for your daddy to announce "boy or girl". I hope you know you are so loved, you have been loved from the moment we decided we needed you in this family. You are the blessing that completes this family, so meant to be!

I hope you are ready to be a part of this crazy life of ours, we are so very ready to meet you so come whenever you are ready!!
XOXO
Mommy

31 Weeks

2010-09-08T21:52:00.000-07:00

This past Monday I hit the 31 week point in my pregnancy. I can't believe I am so close to the end, and like a lot of things in life it's bittersweet.

I am so very excited to meet this miracle that has been growing for the past 31 weeks and find out if we have another girl or boy. I am excited to see what genetic makeup he or she will have, dark hair, blonde, blue eyes or could I end up with a redhead like my dad?

At the same time I'm sad knowing that this is our last pregnancy. I LOVE being pregnant. Watching and feeling my body change and the life inside me grow is truly experiencing one of God's most amazing miracles. I am doing my best to look past my swollen feet, achy back and ribs, the sleepless nights where you pee every ten minutes and breathe in and memorize the miracle that is taking place.

I am going to do my best to document for myself these next 9 weeks (and possibly more), until we finally hold this sweet baby in our arms and thank and praise God, because we are greatly blessed!

First Day of School 2010!

2010-09-01T21:32:00.000-07:00

So it's that time of year again, the one that as a mom you are both dreading, looking forward to and stressing over. It's where you realize your kids are continuing to grow, even though you have done your best to keep them in the toddler clothing section of Target. It's not happening, and so you don your best pair of Jackie O sunglasses, stuff some kleenex in your pocket and send your babies off to school.

We feel so blessed because our three are all attending a wonderful Christian school that we fell in love with but weren't sure would be able to afford. God certainly provides, and we are excited to see our children grow both in faith and education this year!

As far as the move to Washington, we are so happy. We truly feel like we have come home! We are in the cutest house, and just having a great time reconnecting with friends and enjoying the beautiful weather and scenery!! I do PROMISE that pictures are coming! I left the last of the unpacking for after the kids started school and now that they have I can get it all done, and snap some pictures to post, but for now I will leave you with my 3 love bugs on their first day!

Missing Ava!

2010-07-09T20:34:00.001-07:00

It's been a bit more quiet.

There has been noticeably less art up on the fridge, walls, nightstands etc.

There has also been less arguing between siblings.

There has been a dress up princess sidekick missing her dress up princess leader, because brother's just aren't the same when it comes to donning twirly dresses, sparkly crowns, and high heel shoes.

Our car quartet has now become a trio when it comes to belting out our musical numbers in the van.

The strong spirited girl with a huge chunk of my heart is being missed (even if her brother doesn't admit to this and says with absolute conviction that she can just stay with Nana)!

We are happy she is having some great one on one time with family and being loved and spoiled. She deserves it!

Although next time she plans to leave I think we truly wont be able to let her go, "we'll eat her up we love her so!"

WE LOVE YOU AVA!!! We cannot wait to see you in a week and a half when you get back!! Expect to be tackled with kisses, squeezes, and possibly some spicy kisses from daddy!! xoxoxo

Destin and Big News!

2010-06-24T22:07:00.001-07:00

So I realize that I actually took a vacation when we were in Florida two weeks ago and only had my camera out for the first 20 minutes we arrived and then it stayed in my hotel room the rest of the time. I'm sad I didn't take more pictures, but think maybe it's time to invest in a pretty good point and shoot because my love is way to heavy to lug around and not to mention I was paranoid of sand, water, algae, etc getting in it.

With that said we had an AMAZING time in Sandestin. Debbie looked absolutely gorgeous at the wedding, by far one of the prettiest brides ever (seriously sad I didn't even take out my camera for the reception, guess that's what happens when you are having fun!)

Thankfully, there was no oil on the beach when we were there (although lots of algae). Our resort was great and the kids had so much fun spending lots of time in the pool!

Onto our big news. We are moving back to Washington. Yes, you read that right. We LOVE Lawrence, and I mean really love it here and have some amazing friends we have met, but Steve's job (once again) had some changes take place after being bought out by an investment company. We lost a week of time off, but the biggest (and main problem) is that all the travel. I'm so thankful that my husband is a family man and not a workaholic. So in order to keep us number one above work, we decided that we should go back to the shipyard.

We would love to move back east with my parents but we are done with the new job hunt, expectations, reliability, etc. We know exactly what we are getting at the shipyard, the benefits really cannot be beat - all paid holidays, paid overtime, better retirement (and we are planning on staying at least until the kids graduate from school), and what little travel there is to great places like San Diego (not that I'm saying Hutchinson, KS isn't great, it's just not our ideal vacation spot.) Steve will be going into the Nuclear Facilities group, and should be doing a lot of the same work he does now.

It's beautiful out there (which is an understatement), we have great friends there, know the area, and the weather is much more mild. I'm pretty sure I can live without the tornadoes, craziest thunderstorms I have ever seen, the 110 degree on the heat index summer days, and the negative thirty degree weather. Oh and the bugs, way less freaky bugs there!

We are starting to figure out where we will live: Bremerton, Silverdale, Poulsbo, Seabeck, or Port Orchard (sorta toying with Bainbridge). We will be leaving Lawrence about the 28th of July. It really will be bittersweet - Steve has enjoyed the work he's done (minus the travel) and
we will absolutely miss some really great friends we have met out here and you can bet that we will be back to visit!

Here are some of the very few snapshots from Destin (mainly of Ava who likes the camera 99% more than my other two lovies).

Catching Up!

2010-06-20T19:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day!!!
I'm so very thankful for the amazing husband, we are pretty crazy about him in this house!!

I thought I would try and come out of hibernation and start posting again. My poor blog has been so neglected this past year, with only random posts here and there. I can't promise it still won't be random, but I'm going to do my best to try and post as much as possible.
The biggest reason for this long past hiatus was that I was feeling super crummy for a couple months. I was exhausted beyond belief and not able to eat much of anything because we are pregnant!! Number four will be making his or her debut in November! We are beyond thrilled for this new little blessing in our life.
I will go ahead and answer the most popular questions being asked of us.
1) Was this a surprise? Yes and No. Yes in the fact that we got pregnant so quickly and no, because at the beginning of the year we decided after a year of praying about it and two years of discussing it on and off that we did indeed want to go ahead and add one more to our bunch.

2) Are you going to find out the sex? Nope, we did not find out with Gia and we loved the added surprise at the end of the pregnancy. We found out with both Ava and Mateo. Although I do think it is exciting to know both ways, we kind of feel like it's comparable to knowing what you are getting for Christmas. You are still excited for that present but when Christmas actually comes there isn't that element of surprise there. We also get to guess whether we will end up with another blondie like Ava or brunette like Teo and Gia.

3) Will you being have this one at home? Yes, as of now that is the plan. I personally cannot imagine having it any other way. As long as this pregnancy continues to go smoothly and everyone is healthy we plan on having a home birth with a midwife.

4) What do the kids think? They are so very excited!! They talk about the baby all the time, ask if the baby is hungry when I'm eating, pray for the baby at night. It's very sweet listening to them.

5) Four kids!! Are you Crazy?! Um.... have you met us? As was said in Alice in Wonderland, "I'm afraid so. We're entirely bonkers. But I'll tell you a secret. All the best people are." As I said before we really did pray about this, and it was not a decision taken lightly. We like leaving decisions up to God in our family, it makes the most sense for us, and life although not always easy seems to run better when it's in His hands and not our own!

Well it's late but I wanted to post our news and update the blog. I also hope to be sharing some other big news of ours this week, we are just waiting on something first!

I'll leave you with a picture my talented photographer friend Kim took of me while we were at a conference in Banff.

Three

2010-03-09T12:49:00.000-08:00

3 years ago today we met the eyes of a beautiful baby girl for the first time. I still remember how anxious we all were waiting for her to finally come. Gianna's due date came and went and so did my patience. I wanted to take in all of those last moments of being pregnant, feeling her move, but I was so ready to finally hold her, and she was most definitely worth the wait.
Her birth was such an amazing experience. Both Mateo and Gia were born at home (yes on purpose) with a midwife. It was beautiful having her at home surrounded by my husband and kids. It was like almost any other day at home, except we had a baby. I couldn't imagine doing it any other way.

Today our littlest blessing is turning three and it's somewhat hard for me to comprehend. Time is most definitely fleeting. She is a little daredevil and has always believed herself to be just as big as the other two. She makes us laugh with her fashion sense and her contagious laughter or smile. She is an amazing gift from God, and everyday I thank Him for sending her to us. I can't wait to see how she turns out and the road she takes. I know God has huge plans for her.

Happy Birthday Squeaker! Thank you for your kisses, your laughter, and the way you pull at our heart strings with those big brown eyes of yours! "You cannot go, we'll eat you up, we love you so!"

Beautiful Life!

2010-02-06T11:34:00.000-08:00

I'm working on revamping up and restarting this blog, but couldn't wait to post about the most amazing birth story I have ever read.

It is so full of honest raw emotion, so wonderfully written (you will hang on to her every word) and is truly beautiful! Make sure you grab your Kleenex box for this one, trust me you will need it. This post will move you beyond words!

http://enjoyingthesmallthings.blogspot.com/2010/01/nella-cordelia-birth-story.html

Writing Again, Discovering Me.

2009-09-01T20:00:00.000-07:00

I used to write all the time. In college and high school I always kept a journal, it was a great outlet for me. I miss writing. I haven't really written out my innermost thoughts in awhile. I miss how my thumb hurts after I finish writing a really good entry (I hold my pen/pencil differently than most people and it kills my thumb if I have to write for a long period of time). I think the past couple of months I've gotten caught up in the hustle and bustle that we have been living. There has been so much going on the past 6 months.
Moving to Lawrence.
Steve traveling or working overtime
Getting the kids back in a schedule
Trying to meet new friends
Getting back in the gym
Getting my Photography business off the ground
trying to find a church family
having friends and family visit
Visiting friends and family out of state.
waiting for our house to sell
keeping up with the housework and laundry
trying to budget our finances
trying not to bite off more than we can chew.
and now fall is here. I need to breathe. I need to let go of all of these things that are running through my head. I need to remind myself that tomorrow is never promised, and that I don't need to be a super hero, I need to be me. I need to take in the moments around me. I need to learn to say no. I need live more simply, I need to show my husband and kids each day how much I love them, I need to show my kids how blessed we are by God's amazing grace and I think maybe it's time to pick up a new journal again and write.

Blessed.

2009-04-22T18:50:00.000-07:00

Even though Steve is gone
Even though the kids weren't listening to well today
Even though the laundry pile has grown into a mountain again
Even though I miss my friends
Even though our house is still for sale
Even though money is tight
Even though I'm exhausted

I am forgiven, I am loved, I have true riches, and I am truly BLESSED.

Keep it Personal.

2009-04-21T12:00:00.000-07:00

So I was debating keeping this blog open, since I opened up my new photography blog. After thinking about it, I decided that I wanted to keep it for the more personal part of my life. I love writing down my thoughts about the wackiness of my children, or our adventures in Kansas so far, the latest recipe's we are trying and about storms we are going through. I like to be able to write without worrying if I'm keeping it professional or not.
So needless to say My Heart's Moments will stay up and hopefully be more active. I know famous last words right?

Things are starting to warm up more around here, which is nice. We are still on the journey of looking for a church. As of now nothing in Lawrence seems to be a good fit, so it looks like we are going to have to drive a while and go to one in Overland Park. We have found two that we feel would be a good fit, so it's just narrowing it down from there. We are also going to have to be more creative in finding ways to meet people here in Lawrence. It's amazing how much harder it is to make new friends when you are older.

Anyways, just wanted to update this blog and let everyone know I've decided to keep it open. I hope everyone is enjoying the spring!

Wanted MIA Blogger!

2009-02-22T22:14:00.000-08:00

Geez can you tell I've been busy by the lack of blogging going on here? Well we are in Kansas. It was a crazy and very eventful trip. We are going on our 3rd week now, I think and we LOVE Lawrence!! It's wonderful, I love this town so much. I'm soo excited for the Farmer's market this spring, I'm excited to photography in so many great places, I love our house here, and the block we live on is so friendly and full of kids.
The kids are adjusting and I'm still unpacking, so hopefully I will have some house pictures by the end of the week. I need to get to bed but wanted to post the link to my new photography blog.

http://www.mariahaysphotography.com/blog/
I love it! I'm debating about just writing on there full time for both family life as well as photography related stuff. I will keep you posted though. Thanks for the emails and calls lately, when I wasn't posting. You guys are awesome, and I'm so blessed by such great friends and family!!

Okay it's past midnight and I for sure need some sleep!

Please Help Try to Save SAHM Businesses

2009-01-12T10:05:00.000-08:00

I have several friends that help bring income into their family by selling clothes, cloth diapers, etc. their businesses are being threatened by the new CPSIA Law.
It would mean a lot and could really help if you could take a couple of minutes and sign some petitions and even link to the blog I will in your blog or email to help get the word out about this issue.
Thank you.

The Sky is Falling - CPSIA article on Boutique Cafe

Five Steps you can take to save natural and handmade companies

Please Vote here

365 Challenge

2009-01-03T21:10:00.000-08:00

A couple of friends of mine started doing the 365 self portrait challenge on flickr this last year and so I decided that I was gonna start with the new year. So I have done 3 pictures now, and I have felt somewhat limited without my photoshop with me, it's nice to be able to smooth my splotchy skin out a little bit! I'm excited to do it because I know that it will help me grow in my photography and creativity. Although I'm really wishing I had a remote for my camera and a tripod (hint hint birthday presents!).
I thought I would share my first three pictures, and I will put a link to the right with for my set on flickr.

Day one

Day two

Day three

Happy New Year (almost)!

2008-12-30T18:34:00.001-08:00

We have been having so much fun, and eating such yummy food out here in New England. That is for sure one thing I miss about being out here, the delicious Chinese food ( you cannot find it anywhere else, or I have yet to find it this good), the great pastries and Italian food. I gain weight just thinking of the food out here.
We had a couple days of a snow storm and I ended up cooking these , I just love Ree's http://thepioneerwoman.com/, and her recipes are scrumptious!

Thanks to all the snow we definitely had a super white Christmas. The kids had so much fun playing in the snow with Steve!! I took pictures but those ones will have to wait till we get back to New Mexico next year (really in 2 weeks).

Wow, can you believe that 2008 is almost over? I can't, although I am looking forward to a new year, with a lot of new beginnings for our family. This year we will start our adventure in Kansas, Ava will start kindergarten (trying to decide on homeschooling still), and Steve and I have a couple other challenges we are going to try out this year. It's going to be exciting and hard, and I llok forward to discovering more of God's plan for us.
Here are a couple pictures from my sisters camera. I hope everyone has a happy new year, the kids and I will be counting down and drinking sparkling cider, since Steve is in Kansas again. We miss him so much. Love to you all, may this year be one you truly live the life you dream!

before being put in the oven

After, and not lasting more than 5 minutes in the pan.

Walking In A Winter Wonderland.

2008-12-17T06:48:00.000-08:00

The kids and I came out to New Hampshire to surprise my parents for Christmas. The plane flight really wasn't too bad. The kids did good for the most part and Gianna didn't scream or cry like she did on the way back from Florida. It was getting on and off the plane that is always more difficult. Luckily on my last leg there were the nicest people around me in line that helped me both getting on the plane and off. It's so refreshing to come across nice people when you are flying with kids. We got off the flight got a sky cap to help us to the rental car and we were off to surprise.
Everyone was very surprised, in fact they left us caroling on the front door step in the freezing cold for about 5 minutes, thinking we were neighborhood kids and hoping we would just go away ( my dad was already in bed, and my mom was falling asleep). It was great to see their faces.
Steve is joining us out here on Friday, and I'm so excited. It's going to be fun to have a big Christmas with my cousins and all the kids playing together like we used to do when I was little. I can't wait. Right now the kids are strapping on their snow pants, boot, jackets, and mittens and heading outside to play in the snow.
I am trying to figure out if I can post pictures out here if not I will post when lots when I get back. I hope everyone is having a week, only 8 days left until Christmas!

Ava is 5!

2008-11-29T23:26:00.000-08:00

Happy Belated Thanksgiving!
Today was Ava's 5th birthday party and I just can't believe she is 5. She is truly amazing, in so many ways. Her fashion sense these days is unforgettable. She will not wear jeans, no matter what. She prefers 2 piece jogging sets, or dresses with leggings. She cracks me up with the big vocabulary she uses.
She is very assertive (or would you say bossy?). She is truly her mother's daughter. Her artistic side continues to grow, she still constantly makes up songs and has a passion for drawing and painting. I love her more than words can say. I can't wait to see what this next year has in store for us.

My Three Silly Animals!

2008-10-29T09:13:00.000-07:00

The kids put on their costumes this morning, and so I managed to get a couple good ones of them together, I don't know the last time I got them all looking at me and smiling, so you may just see this again on our Christmas cards this year!!

Missing Our Superman!

2008-10-27T17:27:00.000-07:00

About four hours ago our favorite man in the whole world headed out for Kansas. He is stopping in Edmond tonight to stay with family and then heading on tomorrow to Lawrence.
It's amazing how much we miss him, even though it has only been a couple of hours. Bedtime will be especially rough because that's "daddy time". Unlike Steve I have yet to earn my official "Monster Checker" badge, Gianna always seems to go down so much easier for him than she does with me, and of course there will be that empty spot in the bed next to me at night(although a 4 year old blonde will try and fill it for now). In fact right now Gia is going around the house calling for "Dada". Heros and Prison Break won't be as fun to watch without someone else to yell at the TV with, and this will be the first Halloween without daddy. We miss you Steve!

I think this time apart will be hard, but thankfully we have such wonderful friends and family to help out. We also know that God is watching over us while we are apart from one another. The house will be officially on the market, Monday. Right now houses are averaging between six and nine months to sell, but I pray we are a rare case and it doesn't take that long. We are excited to start our adventure in Kansas, and are so thankful we found such a great place and position, until then we will soak up the moments we have with friends and family here. God has truly blessed us, even when the one we love is miles apart we still feel so blessed!

Back From Disney World.

2008-10-23T09:46:00.000-07:00

We are back, and boy do I understand why some people say they need a vacation after their vacation. We had lots of fun at Disney but boy do I feel like I could sleep for a week!

The kids were the perfect age, the magic was so real and I will never forget Ava's face the first time she saw Princess Aurora when we had lunch at the castle, and Mateo's excitement when he was chosen to become a Jedi and fight Darth Vader! It was so worth it if only for those moments. Gianna was amazed and in awe of everything, she was constantly dancing with all the music. She loved the rides and was convinced that she was a big girl and required her own seat at all times.

Ava braved anything she was tall enough to go on, including the Tower of Terror. In her words, the drops were fun, but the "thunder people" in it were scary. Her favorite rides were Soarin', Big Thunder Mountain, and Splash Mountain. Mateo loved the two toy story rides best (of course). The new toy story ride at Hollywood Studios is awesome! We had a blast dressing up in costumes and trick or treating at the Magic Kingdom for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and looking at all the cool special effects around the park and the characters in their own costumes!

I did learn a couple things on this trip.

1) I will not fly anywhere with Gia for at least a year (she was atrocious on the plane with her incessant screaming. Not crying, mind you, but screaming like a little banshee).

2) Bringing glow sticks with you from the dollar store is genius and saves you sooo much money when they bring out the light up stuff at night.

3) If you are planning a trip soon look into pin trading, my kids had a ton of fun doing this!!

4) When going to Hollywood Studios make sure the first thing you grab is a Fastpass for the toy story ride, they run out of them fast!!

5) I'm pretty sure that after this trip I will be having no more children, I really thought I wanted four but this trip has taught me otherwise, three really is more than enough for us :)

I promise pictures soon, Steve is leaving us for Kansas Saturday and we have soooo much to do but once things are more settled I will update with pictures.

There's No Place Like Home, There's No Place Like Home, There's No Place Like Kansas?

2008-10-01T14:13:00.000-07:00

We are moving to Kansas!! We are very excited, it will be sad to leave our family and friends here in Albuquerque, and our amazing church, but it's time to start a new adventure.

We absolutely fell in love with Lawrence and Kansas City while we were there. People are so friendly, it was green, and it felt like a great place to be. We are hoping to have our house on the market by the end of the week. We leave for Disney World in ten days and when we get back Steve will head out, and the kids and I will stay here until the house sells. I just know the end of the year is going to fly by!

Last week I was up in Dallas for a girls weekend, it was lots of fun! I did a couple photo sessions, hung out with a mama friend of mine on her birthday and had a great time, and then on the weekend some of my best girl friends and I had a blast. We went to Fort Worth and saw this great 80's cover band "The Spazmatics", they were hilarious. We all decided to dress 80's style, we laughed a lot and had a great time.

I have lots of pictures to post and will try and get those uploaded today, but I better get back to packing for now.

okay here are some pictures of Lawrence.

one from our night with the spazmatics!

Kansas?

2008-09-12T21:51:00.000-07:00

So far the only leads in the great job search across the country have lead us to Kansas. Steve and I will be flying out on Sunday or Monday to Kansas City, and then driving over to Lawrence, Kansas. The company he will be interviewing with was kind enough to fly the both of us out to check out the town and to interview Steve further. It's where KU is, so it's a college town, and I like that, and it's greener than here!! The thing that scares me most about a move there is tornados. That is not something I want to experience at all, but will have to if we move there.
We have heard lots of good things about it, so I'm excited to check it out. It's about 25-30 minutes from Kansas City, which will be nice if we get an offer and decide to move there. I'm still really hoping that something will pop up in the Dallas area for us, but thankful that we at least have a possibility right now. We are trying to get the house ready as fast as we can to put on the market. It will be hard to leave the family and friends we have here, as well as our awesome church, but it's kind of hard to stay somewhere without a job.
Anyways I will keep you updated in the job search and come back with pictures from Kansas. I hope everyone has a great weekend!

In the Midst of Another Storm.

2008-09-09T12:14:00.000-07:00

I know I have really been lacking in blog land lately! Things have been a big stormy in our life right now. About three weeks ago Steve was let go from his job (again!). How this happens twice in a six month period is a mystery to me. I mean it's not just because he is my wonderful husband but he is a smart guy and he was working hard. The company decided they wanted to go in a new direction and so no longer needed someone with his expertise and thus he is out of the job.

Right now we have laid out several different ideas. We are trying to find something here in Albuquerque but in all honesty there is nothing here, I mean absolutely nothing. Which brings us to our next plan which is to find a job somewhere else in the country that will pay to relocate us. We are looking at Dallas, TX (would love Plano or Frisco). Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, and North or South Carolina.

Again we know that God has a plan for us, and that we will end up where we need to be. It has been harder to deal with this time around. I'm trying to book some extra sessions to help pay bills. We have lots of friends and family helping us out and praying and for that we are so thankful!

This past week at church Todd talked about how we all go through storms in our life. We are thankful that during these storms we can turn to God, and know that He is faithful and that he will provide. Things aren't always how we would like them to be but it's these storms that make us stronger both as a family and in our faith!

Thank you all for your emails, calls and support. We are truly blessed to have such amazing family and friends!!
We love Ya!

Happy to Be Sleep Deprived!

2008-08-10T13:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning we got up bright and early, it wasn't easy. I am most definitely not a morning person in the least, so getting up anytime before 8 is hard for me. I have to say though that it was completely worth it!
I hopped out of my warm bed thinking I could always take a nap later and that this was important. I went and grabbed clothes for the kids and dressed them while they lay in bed not wanting to get up (with the exception of Gia). Finally coaxed Steve out of bed, he got dressed we grabbed a couple nutrigrain bars for all of us, jumped in the car and headed to the church.
We met up with about another 245 that had also put aside their desires to stay in bed a little longer on a Saturday morning to come be a part of second Saturday.
From the church we headed to a park here in Albuquerque to serve food to the homeless. It was such a wake up call and I really wish I would have brought my camera. Seeing so many people there, made so many things that I had worried about this past week seem so insignificant. One of our friends Amber got out of her car with some blankets she had bought to hand out and was immediately approached by some people asking if they could have them. It broke my heart.

Amber and I made I don't know how many peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for sack lunches, while our husbands and kids served the warm meals that had been prepared. I wish I could have taken a picture of all these adults serving food and these three kids barely tall enough to see over the pans on the table, with gloves on too big for their little hands asking people if they wanted some corn bread and handing it out. They didn't ever complain that they were bored or ask to go home. I was so glad that we had decided to come and serve as a family. I would give up sleep for this any day.
I think we are going to continue to head down to the park a couple Saturdays a month to help out. I want my kids to grow up knowing how blessed we are by the simple things that we all too often take for granted everyday like a warm bed and a choice of cereal for breakfast.
I desire to have a servants heart, to continually serve those around me and in my life. To not get wrapped up in the selfish and greed that has become such a stronghold in this country. It is so easy to get hooked on keeping up with the Joneses, to want the latest stuff, bigger houses, with closets the size of a bedroom, cars that have better sound systems than movie theaters, purses that cost more than some people make in a year.
Last night at church Todd's message spoke a lot about serving. It was inspiring as always. Check out the podcast it should be up tomorrow or Tuesday.

http://sagebrushcommunity.com/

My Photography Blog!

2008-08-07T15:26:00.000-07:00

Okay so I finally got my photography blog and will now just be using this as a personal blog.

Here is the link to the new blog.

http://mariahaysphotography.blogspot.com/

August Rush!

2008-08-01T15:10:00.002-07:00

Wow I cannot believe that August is already here! This summer really has flown by, we have had lots of fun and I'm so ready for the fall. It is seriously one of my favorite times of year, leaves changing (although we don't see much of that here in New Mexico!), pumpkin carving, hot cocoa and apple cider, warm soups and stews with home made bread, and the smell of cinnamon apples or pumpkin candles burning in the house, Yum! Just talking about it makes me wish it was here already.

Oh and the I have started planning Steve's 30th birthday party! Would love any fabulous theme ideas!! Was thinking of doing the 90's, it will be super fun!!

I will have my photography blog up hopefully by the beginning of next week. My sessions for September and August are really starting to fill up so email me soon if you want to book one and I will have some mini session info coming soon!!

My friend cindy tagged me and I must list 6 quirks and then I will tag some others and leave you with a goofy face from Miss Gianna!

1. I like to eat pickles with a straw at the movie theater (I know that sounds totally weird and I'm not sure why I do it, but I always have and I love it!)

2. I'm obsessed with kissing my children I swear they are the most kissed and squeezed children on the earth, I just can't get enough of them (well maybe some days I feel like I can)

3. I talk to God on a regular basis throughout the day mostly praying for more patience :)!

4. I sing constantly while cooking, cleaning, in the car, in the shower, blow drying my hair, (ask Steve our household is like a 24 hour musical we are always singing, Ava seems to have picked up this quirk as well)

5. I love crafty things and have the tendency to start projects but have trouble finishing them.

6. I have been told I have a mirror face that I make when I'm trying on clothes (in fact I think it was caught on camera once!)

Okay so there are my quirks.

I will tag

My friends and fellow mamas Megan and Erica

Three fellow fab photographers I met at a workshop Rachel Leah and Ellen

One of my Best Friends ever,Beth

These are the rules...

- Link the person who tagged you
- Mention the rules on your blog
- Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours
- Tag 6 fellow bloggers by linking them
- Leave a comment on each of the tagged bloggers blogs letting them know they have been tagged.

Miss Goofy face Gianna

Summer Fun!

2008-07-20T17:26:00.000-07:00

Wow it's been a while hasn't it? I'm sorry we have been so busy this summer! There has been photo sessions, sword fights (KB toys has these great foam swords, Teo and Daddy vs. Mommy and Ava), summer programs, pool time,birthday parties,family in town, 4th of July, trips to the aquarium and so much more.
Steve and I had date night on Friday and went to see the new batman movie. Oh my what a great movie, one of my new favorites and probably the best I have seen in theaters this year!
Gianna seems to have grown so much the last few weeks. She has absolutely no fear, and at a birthday party the other day was climbing everywhere thinking she was one of the older kids, it was so funny to watch!

At the aquarium a couple weeks ago we were standing at the big window looking at the fish and I pointed to a sting ray.

Me: Look Mateo that stingray is the same size as you!
Mateo: Yeah, is he three?

Gosh I love that boy!

Ava loves art especially painting everyday she asks to paint, I finally went and bought some nice paper and acrylic paint for her masterpieces. She is in heaven painting all the time now!

I'm sorry for neglecting the blog lately, I'm gonna try and update a lot more! I'm also working on a separate thread for my photography!

Here are some pictures I snapped today (Gia was napping).

Makes Me Melt!

2008-06-23T15:23:00.000-07:00

He walks over as I'm editing pictures and asks me "Mom, can I snuggle with you?"
My heart immediately melts. How much longer will he want to cuddle? I treasure every second of it because I know this stage will go by way to fast. He is so sweet in so many ways. He is a mama's boy completely but all boy. He loves to make noises that I never even knew existed. He constantly throws out "I love you mommy"'s. Sometimes after a hard fall he tries to act tough but that lower lip gives his hurt away. He is such a blessing!

My Happily Ever After!

2008-06-08T15:08:00.000-07:00

Steve and I have been having lots of fun lately. We are going over the book "The Five Love Languages" in our life group and it has been fun. Each week we have to practice one of the languages, and it has been lots of fun. During quality time week Steve and I were hanging out and had fun taking some pictures (from which the one above was taken) while I set my camera on a trash can and set the timer. We celebrated our 6 year wedding anniversary last month and I can't believe it has been six years.
He makes me so happy. We are always laughing, and even though life can get crazy with three kids we still make it a point to spend time together! I look forward to the time we spend together after the kids get tucked in for the night whether it's watching our favorite T.V. show or staying up later than we should talking about anything and everything. We have been making a point to go on at least two dates a month. Sometimes it seems like after we have kids, we concentrate on them so much that we forget what it was like to have time together alone with each other. It's important though to keep the sparks flying and to remember why you fell in love and got married.
Steve and I met the first day we moved into the dorms to start college life. We were in the same dorm and they were going over the rules. I sat next to him while he made smart remarks about some of the rules. We exchanged numbers and mentioned we might see each other later that night at a concert they were having outside but I never saw him again until the next semester, he was in my spanish class.
It's funny to me to think back to those moments and how I had no clue that Steve would later become the man I would marry and have children with.
Six years later I can say that I am more in love than I have ever been with him, and I can't imagine my life any other way! I can't wait to see what the next six years have in store for us. It has most definitely been happily ever after!

Maria Hays Photography!

2008-05-30T12:30:00.000-07:00

Well it's off the ground and I'm already having a summer special!! I have a few more pictures to add but please let me know what you think!! I would love any and all comments!!

Here it is: http://www.MariaHaysPhotography.com

Thanks to all of you for your encouragement and your support to help me get this off the ground. Thank you Cheryl Muhr for the motivation and the tools needed to actually go ahead and do it!!

Most of all thank you Steve for the constant encouragement and the praise when I was beating myself to a pulp over a bad session!

Gianna's First Pigtails

2008-05-27T12:04:00.000-07:00

I can do Pigtails now in Miss Gia's little curls. I think she looks super cute in them but you be the judge!

My Tough Little Man!

2008-05-02T10:47:00.000-07:00

My sweet boy, is definitely all boy. He is constantly with a scratch of some sort on his face. Well this past week he got a little more than he bargained for during a game of hide and seek. He either tripped or was pushed (we are not sure because the people who were supposed to be watching him were not!) and landed on the corner of a table leaving him with a bloody nose, fat lip, and a trip to an emergency dentist. His tooth got pushed back and an x-ray showed it was horizontally fractured. Well the dentist said to watch it see if it might go back in place. Unfortunately that didn't happen and yesterday he had to have it pulled out. He was so brave through all of it.
The only problem now is that the root is still in there, we are praying that it comes down on its own and remains to look okay and not get infected or else they will have to put him in the hospital under anesthesia to get it out. I'm really praying that will not happen.
Anyways here are some pictures of him today, his smile still makes my heart melt even with a missing tooth, maybe even more now!

I'm Back!

2008-04-30T13:33:00.000-07:00

Sorry the past couple of weeks have been so busy and I feel like I've been running around like a crazy woman (although I guess I sort of am)!
I just got back from Phoenix this past weekend. I went to a photography workshop called "The Secret Workshop" and let me tell you it has changed my life. I'm so very excited to get my business off the ground. My website should be popping up within the next week or two and I will be having a grand opening sale!
I'm really so excited that I can hardly type without squealing. Cheryl Muhr lead the workshop, and let me tell you this woman is amazing! She is inspiring in so many ways, genuine and a wonderful mom. It was truly wonderful getting to know her and learning from her!

Anyways, I also had the privilege of taking newborn pictures for my dear friend Kari. Oh sweet Cole is so precious in every way. He was just so gorgeous that I could eat him. So I thought I would share a few pictures of both Cole and some from the workshop.

From the Workshop

2008-04-15T19:11:00.001-07:00

Vote For My Wonderful Husband!

Steve did a fitness challenge that started 12 weeks ago, and did an amazing job! I am so very proud of him. He stayed motivated, and stuck to his program. The results speak for themselves and have left many friends and family speechless. Anyways he made it as one of the 8 finalists and it's a public vote, so if like me you agree that his results are amazing, please vote for him!! Thanks so much!!

Here is a link to where you vote

http://www.transformationcontest.com

Here is a Link to his blog

http://longlostabs.blogspot.com

Back In The Game!

2008-03-30T16:33:00.000-07:00

So with all that has been going on lately I have not picked up my camera to play. Well today it was nice and though I should have been cleaning I decided to take some pictures. The kids were pretty cooperative so it was fun!
I am also happy to say that I'm down 3 pounds, and feeling great, I just love this program so much, it works great with my schedule, it was hard for me to stick to it at first but since coming back from N.H. I am back in the game and doing great!!

Okay that's all for now, here are my three.

different crop from above

Put the camera away mom!

Stepping out of Spring and into Winter!

2008-03-13T21:14:00.001-07:00

I am typing this while sitting on the couch in New Hampshire, where there is about 3 feet of snow on the ground, meanwhile Steve and the kids (minus Gia) are enjoying 70 degree weather, it's craziness I tell you!
Anyways this was not a planned trip at all in fact, I had all of about 2 hours to pack and catch a plane, (which I really barely made). The reason for all of this and a very delayed birthday post for Gia (will be posted next week some time) is that my dad called me on Monday to say that my mom would not wake up on Sunday and she ended up being intubated in ICU because she wasn't able to breathe on her own. It all came so fast, the doctors weren't finding out was wrong since all the tests were coming back normal so we tried to decide if I should fly out there or not.
On Tuesday morning, my sister called and said my dad thought I should come out. Now, I have two very very very wonderful friends who immediately stepped up and not only got me a plane ticket with no notice but also took on full responsibility for watching my kids. Thank you Lisa and Jenna, I appreciate you girls soooo much!! So I went to check out flights and saw that the next one with the fewest stops left at 9:00 a.m. and it was already 7:00 a.m.. So I called Jenna she hooked me up with the flight and now here I am with Gianna.
God is great, and my mom is now home and doing better, although we are working on getting her to eat and drink lots of fluids. The doctors think it might have been an allergic reaction to one of the medicines she started taking 2 weeks ago, so hopefully that is what it is and this doesn't happen again. It was very scary but I knew God was in control and took care of everything. As long as everything continues to go well I'm expected back in the land of enchantment and to nice warm weather on Monday! It was good to see my family, although not in these circumstances and I think it was good for my mom to see the baby!
So I should post more about Gianna's birthday party (which was great fun!) next week and will do my best in the meantime to get back to all of you who have left messages for me and emails! Thanks for all the prayers, we truly appreciate them!

2008 Is A Great Year For Change!

2008-02-24T19:59:00.000-08:00

So I'm sure many of you have noticed that swim suits are already on display in several stores. I quickly raced past them in Target, trying not to even give those skimpy little things a second thought. Here's the problem: Gia will be a year in two weeks. That's something else I don't want to think about. Time just flown and she has been walking for 3 weeks now, which just seems insane. Anyway, I am still carrying extra baby weight from Mateo. I am determined to get back into a two piece swimsuit this summer without scaring small children when we go to the pool, and so me and some of my other mom friends have decided to get together (accountability is always nice) and do the Fit Yummy Mummy transformation challenge.

We bought - no, check that, I forced them to buy - swim suits last week to take some before pictures in (sorry, I will not be posting those here for fear of scaring you away). We start tomorrow, and I'm excited. I know it won't be easy as I'm a sweetaholic in a major way, but I'm gonna try and curb that with fruits! I will be sure to post progress as we go!

I thought I would post the link to the challenge in case anyone else is wanting to sign up and do it with us (you know you want to!) Click here for more information on the program. It's a workout program strictly for women, and is tailored towards new moms who don't have an hour each day to go to the gym. It's not going to be an easy program, but if you are serious about getting in shape, a contest is a great way to stay motivated. There are some great prizes and you get access to a great private forum (actually it's more like a MySpace). The program gives you a meal plan, workouts, and the support you need to meet your goals.

The contest deadline is February 29th, so if you want to join us, click the link about and get in the game! Oh, did I mention the grand prize is $1000?! It's a 12 week, total body transformation! Click here for more information on the contest. If you decide to do the contest, do me a favor and use the link above or this link to order. It'll give me a percentage of the sale for referring you! (and, as you'll see in the next little section, that might come in handy...)

On another note, God is really testing our faith in Him right now. On Friday afternoon, Steve got laid off along with about 10 out of the 35 workers at his work (a couple sales guys were also laid off). They didn't have enough money and so had to lay off people and he was one of them. So with absolutely no warning and a pretty minimal severance package, we find ourself starting a new journey.

It's funny because we are actually quite content with the situation. There have been no tears, or freak outs at all on our part. We know that God is in control and that we completely have given this situation over to Him. In fact Steve has been talking and playing with the idea of getting out of engineering and into sales for quite some time now (at least since August). In fact the night before the first great purge of 2008 (and if the current situation is any indicator, there will likely be more), he was talking to a friend about trying to find time to do some training so he could try it out part time. Well apparently we have plenty of time right now.

The hardest thing for Steve right now is not to feel betrayed and bitter toward his former employers. We really are ok with the situation, but the way they stabbed loyal employees in the back is ridiculous. There was absolutely no warning, no talk of "upcoming layoffs" or "cutbacks" or anything indicating that because our sales guys weren't producing, we wouldn't have jobs.

We really believe that God has opened a new door for us, in fact we are excited to see what He has in store for us, and wonder where we will be at this time next year.
Blessed be His name not only when things are going perfectly but at times like this when things aren't so easy! We thank Him for this opportunity to make our faith even stronger, and are so thankful we have such an amazing God to call upon when we find ourselves here, that we aren't alone, He is here with us, for us.

Say a couple prayers for us if you get a chance, that we'd follow God's will and that we will follow him where he is trying to lead us.

So here is change - a new journey and a new body :)!!

Happy Valentines Day!!--

2008-02-14T12:03:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day!! This day is so funny to Steve and I. We really don't celebrate it, because we feel like everyday should be like valentines day. You should show the people you care about that you love them regardless if it's a national holiday or not.
However I remember loving it as a kid. Decorating your shoe box into a mailbox was always sooo much fun, or going to the store and picking out the box of cards you were gonna pass out. I remeber sorting through them writing down the names of my friends on specific cards and making sure I didn't give the boys the ones that said "I love you" or anything else that might make it seem like I liked one! The same thing also went for the candy conversation hearts! That's too funny!
Anyways here are the cards I made for my kids to hand out at school and I also mailed them out to family.

And here are some of us just playing around today, they are way grainy, totally out of focus, but we laughed so hard trying to pose before the timer went off, so I'm posting them just because I can still hear my kids squealing and laughing as I look at them!

Short and Spiky!

2008-02-01T13:09:00.000-08:00

Those were Mateo's exact words when the hairstylist asked what he wanted. I was growing out his hair but it is sooooooo thick and reminds me of my dad's when he hasn't cut it in a while. It was just piling on top of his head and really it was time for a cut, so I let Mateo decide and so short and spiky is what he got.

Here's my sweet rock star!

Happy Birthday Blizzard!

2008-01-28T22:39:00.000-08:00

This is so crazy but we are in the middle of a full on Blizzard right now. There were raging winds all day but it was nice out in the 50's but lots of wind and now everything is covered in snow! The wind is blowing so hard I feel like it's going to come through the windows! I can't wait to see what it will look like in the morning, although I bet it's all gone. I'll try and go snap a picture so you believe me!!

Ava and the Fashion of Toddlers!

2008-01-23T12:55:00.000-08:00

So Ava has her own opinion of what she should wear. I know I have mentioned before how we have battles at times because I want her to wear something and she wants to wear something different. Well I have finally decided that it is no longer worth the battle and have been letting her pick out what she wears.
Which now leaves me contemplating making a blog just to show off her outfit (or on some days outfits) of the day.
Here is her outfit from a couple days ago.

I'm ready for Spring!

2008-01-17T19:35:00.000-08:00

I know that winter has barely begun but I am soooooo ready for Spring. I am ready for warmer weather. We have been freezing our tails off here in New Mexico the past week. It has been in the 20's and that is too coldf or me! I keep telling Steve I think we need to move some place thats warm all year long, because I'm freezing.

Debbie keeps suggesting Dallas. That sounds good to me, even with the humidity and amazingly big June bugs! I just want to be able to wear my flip flops year round and right now the result of that has been some seriously frozen toes!

I'm not a big sock and shoe person - I like sandals and flip flops. I feel as though my feet need to breathe, does that totally sound weird? I sleep with them sticking out of the covers at night because otherwise I feel like I'm suffocating. So now you know a totally weird fact about me.
I'm not trying to complain, although it does appear that way. I guess for all that complaining I should give some things I'm thankful for. I am thankful that although its freezing outside I have a nice warm home to live in and a car that has a heater that works (most of the time) to take me places, and since I have a blog to complain on, that means I have a computer and electricity!

My kids, who should have been in bed 42 minutes ago, are still up so I will go ahead and go help Steve put them down instead of complaining about the cold weather :).

My Goals For This Year!

2008-01-14T20:44:00.001-08:00

Okay, so it's a new year and of course with every new year comes new resolutions, new goals, new dreams, you get the point. Anyways they say that you are more likely to achieve your goals if you write them down, and so I guess I will do just that so here are some of my goals for this year, although I do reserve the right to add new ones at any time, simply because it seems as if everyday I find something new I want to do or try. I would love to have Martha Stewart's job she really does lots of fun things all sorts of crafts from sewing, knitting to cooking and gardening. See I would really love to knit. I do own a couple pairs on knitting needles and I can cast on, and knit some basic stitches but it seems I always get distracted and find myself stopping with a small square that Ava could use as a blanket for one of her Barbies. I will come across something in a store, and think I could make that and thus the beginning of a new craft in my life or see someone doing something a movie or on T.V. and think that would be fun to do, so yes as Steve can tell you I am always wanting to do something new.

My 2008 Goals in no particular order

Add some more color to my life by adding color to the boring walls in my house!!

Play my guitar and get some lessons (it's been a long time)!

Sew some aprons for my girlfriends, some curtains for the kitchen, and dresses for the girls, and maybe try and get enough blankets and bibs sewn to do a craft fair this year.

Take more pictures for my portfolio building and getting my website up and going.

Get Maria Hays Photography (maybe my hearts moments photography) off the ground.

Master the use of natural light inside without having to bounce my flash.

Practice taking pictures as much as possible so I can continue to get better, although I think I will always be striving for this.

Go on an adventure of some kind with my kids at least once a month, and photograph it all.

Take more video of our family (we were terrible this last year)

Eat more whole foods and cut back a lot on processed food and sugar.

Exercise daily.

Make Sunday's God's day and spend them as a family having fun and acknowledging the blessings we have been given, and not doing housework, or errands.

Reading my Bible everyday and keeping a prayer journal.

Writing handwritten letters and notes to my friends and family. It's always fun to get a real letter in the mail instead of bills, credit card offers, and catalogs.

No more $100 laundry detergent (you know when you go to Target for laundry detergent and you leave with $100 of stuff you didn't intend to buy!)

Find creative and new ways to let my husband and children know how crazy in love with them I am.

have an extremely fun themed Super bowl party as we watch the undefeated Patriots win! (come on don't be a Patriot hater, be an appreciator!!!)

Cooking one new recipe a week.

Writing on my blog at least once a week or at least post pictures.

Be a woman after God's own heart.

Live more simply.

Every other month have a big dinner with family and friends.

Let Ava pick out her own clothes and not spend at least a half hour pleading with her to wear what I want (this has helped me greatly with my previous baby clothes addiction!!)

Make our yard look great for dinner parties, BBQ's, and pictures (no more dirt!).

Getting an estimate and then saving for and replacing our kitchen and master bathroom floors.

Getting down and playing with my kids more instead of worrying about what the house looks like or the mountain of laundry and remembering what it's like to see things through their eyes.

Okay so that probably seems like a lot it does looking at it but it is nice to write it all down, so here goes. I just know this year is going to be a great one.

2008-01-13T13:50:00.001-08:00

A New Do for the New Year!

2008-01-09T17:54:00.000-08:00

So my hair hasn't been cut since right after Gianna was born, and it was in major split end city!! I love short hair, I always have, I also get bored with the same hairstyle and so this has definitely been the longest I have gone without cutting or changing it!

So here is the new do!

2008-01-08T10:32:00.000-08:00

2008-01-07T17:49:00.000-08:00

2008-01-04T11:11:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-25T10:49:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! I just love seeing and hearing the kids expressions as they see all the presents that Santa left for them, and realize the milk and cookies left the night before are now mostly gone.

It warms my heart to see their smiles and hear their laughter. It is such a joy to celebrate Christmas with children. It's as if you get to relive it all again through their eyes, and remember once again what it was like to believe. I guess the best gift though is believing the true gift of Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ.

I spent a lot of yesterday thinking about Mary, and what it must have been like for her as she went into labor. I remember the joy and anxiousness I felt when I was in labor for the first time with Ava, and I was in the comfort of my home and then the hospital. I wonder what she thought when that first contraction hit. Did it happen along that long, bumpy, uncomfortable ride from Nazareth to Bethlehem? What were this young girl's thoughts when she realized the place of His birth would be in a stable. And then what did she think, what did they say when they first laid on eyes on our savior. This precious baby sent to save us all. So perfect, new, and wonderful laying in a filthy manger. As she looked in his eyes and rocked him, did her heart burst with love, not knowing it would break to see him crucified on the cross so that we would all be saved?

As a mother, I just cannot fathom something so huge. It is such a great task to carry a baby and give birth. You are filled with thoughts of wondering "Are we ready"?, "Will he/she be healthy?", "Will they know how much we love them?" "Can we give them what they need?" For Mary, who was so young, not yet married, and told she had be chosen by God himself to carry and give birth to Jesus. It just leaves me speechless, and full of emotion.

It makes me full of emotion today watching my children, and making sure they know that this day is not about Santa, presents, good food, or decorated houses, but it's about that tiny baby laying in that manger sent for all of us, for our salvation. Thank you Lord, that you love us that much, that you love us enough to send your son, only to later watch Him die, so that we will live. I honestly don't know if I would be able to do the same thing with my own children. Thank you for the best Christmas gift. We love you.

Here are some Christmas Eve pictures, the kids with the cookies they made for Santa and them watching him move on google earth (they loved this).

Guitar Hero!

2007-12-07T12:25:00.000-08:00

Okay so we are a bunch of dorks in this family. We love guitar hero, it makes for fun times. Steve's friend was nice enough to let us borrow it and now the whole family is hooked! Mateo loves the guitar and often plays it while Ava dances, it's too funny. Here is my sweet little man rockin it out!

Baby It's Cold Outside!

2007-11-23T16:46:00.000-08:00

Guess What? It's snowing!!! It's not sticking, but it is snowing! I love this kind o f weather, it makes it all the better for Christmas decorating. I love love love did I mention love decorating the house for Christmas. It is one of my favorite things to do. Right now we are just debating where to put the tree. I have always wanted a bay window to put my tree in front of and right now our living room sits in the back of the house and the kitchen and playroom are by the windows in the front so that won't work.
Now we don't do a pretty Christmas tree like the department stores, ours is purely made up of ornaments from our childhood and the ones we get for the kids each year. Each ornament holds a different memory of Christmas and I like that.
So anyways off to figure out where to put the tree. Here is a little digital scrapbooking I did real quick today. Hope everyone is staying nice and warm!

Thankful For I have Been Truly Blessed!

2007-11-22T19:06:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!!!
I love Thanksgiving there is nothing better than getting together with family and friends, eating good food and being reminded of how greatly we are blessed. I have so very many things to be thankful for this year

Here are a couple of facts that prove just how blessed I truly am!

You are blessed if you own a Bible. One-third of the world does not even have access to one.

If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead, and a comfortable place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of the world

If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish some place, you are among the top eight percent of the world's wealthy.

If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the million who will not survive the week.

If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 500 million people around the world.

If you attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest or torture of death, you are more blessed than almost three billion people in the world.

If you can read this message, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read anything at all.

I thank God so very much for my many blessings!!

Here are some fun snapshots from today!

My Baby Girl is Four!

2007-11-20T17:48:00.001-08:00

Time has really flown by. Four years ago today (when we thought that $1.40 for a gallon of gas was high!), Ava and I looked into each others eyes for the first time. I still remember holding her and looking at her perfect fingers and toes, thanking God so very much for this perfect little baby that he had blessed us with.

We can not imagine our lives without her. This past year has been a blast with gymnastics, ballet lessons, lots of dress up and tea parties. She loves to put on shows for us and makes up songs all the time, she enjoys musicals (like her mommy and aunt).

Her favorite Disney princess is Aurora, her favorite colors are pink, purple and blue. She loves to draw and paint, her favorite meal is hot chocolate/chocolate milk and cereal. She likes to eat her donuts and cupcakes by eating all the icing off, then giving what is left to Daddy or Mateo. She loves her little sister and thinks she is a live doll. Her brother is her best friend, co-conspirator, live canvas, scapegoat and I think she would be lost without him. She changes outfits about 12 times a day. She could swing for hours, loves to play outside, climb and jump. She is strong willed and often thinks that she is the mommy.

Here's to another fun filled year and great moments.

On Saturday, Ava and her best friend Sydney had a girls day getting their nails done, painting some pottery pieces and eating cupcakes. Unfortunately, I didn't check my camera settings and messed up most of the pictures, but here are the ones that came out alright.

Sunny Sunday!

2007-11-11T11:40:00.001-08:00

It has been nice and sunny this weekend which is nice but it can be hard to take pictures in as well. Since we live out here in the desert though I guess it is probably best to try and learn how to do it better. Yesterday I was lucky enough to take practice taking some pictures on a great family, and today my sweet little man gave me a couple shots too (it is sooo rare to get him to look at the camera) herare his pictures!

Playing In The Leaves!

2007-11-06T14:10:00.001-08:00

This past week I haven't been feeling good. Steve took me to the ER last Thursday night because I was having really bad chest pain and pain in my left arm. Thankfully my friend Christina was able to watch the kids. It turns out I have Pleurisy and bronchitis. They gave me the infamous Z-pack and and thats it. It has not been fun at all, that's for sure. There's nothing like feeling like you are having a heart attack all the time.

Before I started feeling terrible on Thursday evening, I rented a fixed 85mm f/1.8 lens. I haven't really been able to play with it, so I dragged Ava out in the back yard to play in the leaves for 15 minutes today and got some pictures, so enjoy!

It's November Already?!

2007-11-01T09:47:00.001-07:00

Wow I can't believe how fast this year is flying by. It seems to be really picking up speed. Christmas is around the bend, and Ava's fourth birthday will be here in 3 weeks! How in the world can she be turning four already? I need to start planning her party, and right now I have no idea what we are going to do! Well, I have to get our room organized today it's been a busy couple of weeks and so our room is a disaster.

Here are two pictures I took this morning.

Trick or Treat!

2007-10-31T18:27:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween from the Hays family! We had a great halloween, and although trick or treating is fun, our kids love handing out the candy best!!

Pictures from Today!

Today for school they had to be community helpers so Ava was a doctor and Mateo a firefighter!

At night they went out as Buzz Lightyear and Snow White (Ava decided to wear an old costume, although she does promise me a photo shoot in her way cute witch costume tomorrow!) Gianna was the cutest fairy around!

Look at this Cutie!

2007-10-25T09:39:00.000-07:00

While visiting Debbie, I got to take some pictures of her friend Lacy's little girl Katey and she is quite the cutie wouldn't you say!

Ava's New Do!

2007-10-24T17:29:00.001-07:00

So today while picking up dog food that Gianna spilt from our newest member of the family Rielly, Ava asked me to cut out her pig tails (we use those ouchless rubber bands and at night cut them out) so she could have her hair down like Sleeping Beauty. I told her I would as soon I picked up the dog food. Well about 2 minutes later she comes down the hall using a frustrated voice saying "I can't get them out". I turn and immediately notice that one of her pigtails is shorter than the other.

Me:Oh My Gosh, Ava did you cut your hair?

Ava: No! I was taking out my hair ties!

Me: Where is your hair?

Ava: I don't know.

And thus a quick trip to JC Penny and we came out with a styling new bob.

After the cut!

Misc. Photos
Teo

Reilly

Server Failure!

2007-10-22T12:16:00.000-07:00

So it appears that even though I was in a clicking frenzy for over an hour the server was broke and not many tickets have been sold yet! Ugh this is just frustrating,

more updates later.

I think I will take a break and go grocery shopping so I can snack and click once they are running again.

Here are some links to the craziness of this ticket buying!

Rockies suspend online sales of Series tickets

Rockies tickets: So far, no luck

World Series ticket sales suspended

Nada!

2007-10-22T10:10:00.001-07:00

So it's been an hour now and absolutely nothing. The server is so busy its insanity! I totally think they should have done it lottery style because this is just not fair and there are so many of us trying to get tickets right now!

I still have hope though!

Anxiously Awaiting 10:00!

2007-10-22T08:38:00.000-07:00

So here I sit at the computer as anxious as ever waiting and praying that I am lucky enough to get onto the Colorado Rockie ticket site to get tickets for one of the world series games! I know my chances are slim to none especially after reading this article

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/business/article/0,1299,DRMN_4_5726976,00.html

but I really want to go, I mean its a once in a lifetime opportunity. So if you could send some prayers my way that would be great, after all I do think God is a Red Sox fan too right?

I'll update you with how it goes. Steve and my mom are also trying at 10!

I just wanted to add that I think that Scalpers totally stink and its sooo not fair that they do that, I mean come on some of us fans just can't afford $500 a ticket!

My Boys Are Back In Town!

2007-10-19T15:06:00.000-07:00

So I knew it, I knew my boys, the Boston Red Sox, would get back in the game. Even though many I knew had given up on them after game 4, I kept the faith and knew they would come back and sure enough they did! Now they are back at Fenway (my future son's middle name since Steve won't go for it as first [if we have a future son]).

Youkilis started us off great with a homerun. Beckett was on fire last night and killed the Indians. He was simply amazing! I wish he could pitch the rest of the postseason, but Steve said something about his arm falling off if he did, so I guess it's okay. Hopefully Schilling will bring out the bloody sock and pitch another great game like he did against the Yankees and Cardinals in the 2004 World Series run.

Now all we have to hope for is Francona taking out Coco Crisp (who hasn't got a hit in the ALCS) and bring in the beautiful Jacoby Ellsbury, who can run like the wind and is great at getting on base, not to mention he is super cute!

Anyway, we will continue to keep the faith in this household because if the Sox continue to play like they did last night, we are planning on getting tickets and watching a game in Denver next weekend. If not, like Manny "I don't need to run on long fly balls and hit a 390-ft single" Ramirez said, "there is always next year" (which I think way too many people took out of context, I mean come on he is Manny Ramirez and he cracks me up!)

I Love The Fall!

2007-10-16T07:51:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I wrote or posted any pictures. We have been pretty busy around here and it seems that Fall is finally here. I love the fall and everything about it. The leaves changing colors (although it is more challenging to see that here in New Mexico), hot chocolate, warm apple cider, visits to the pumpkin patch, wearing sweaters and jeans, and just about everything else!

I got a great treat this morning - Steve came home after his morning Bible study with an ice coffee for me and donuts for the kids. He is so good to us! I have my moms group this morning and still need to dry my hair, but I wanted to share a link real quick, I will try and post some pictures later today!

This link is to the sermons from the pastor of our church. He is an amazing speaker and really has a way of preaching God's word and keeping it real. I missed two weeks ago because I was just getting back from Dallas, so I finally had a chance to listen to the message yesterday and I found it so moving. It's called "The 411: Why is the World so Messed Up?" It's about why God allows bad things to happen, and why bad things happen to good people. I think that at some time we all have this question, especially after good people we know (friends, family) have bad things happen to them. We go through things like losing a close friend or relative, losing a job, or a serious illness, and we ask "How can a loving God allow this to happen?" I think that Todd answered it perfectly, so I invite you to listen in. You can also get his messages from iTunes.

I also encourage you to listen to his other sermons when you get a chance. The Desperate Households series is great for help with love, dating, marriage, and kids. The Hero series is a 4 or 5 week long series on Jesus, the Lost series deals with questions like "How do I know God's will for my Life" and "What Should I Live my Life for?". The Liar, Liar series examines some of the lies we tell ourselves like "My Best is Never Good Enough" and "I Can't Change". His sermons are entertaining, but we leave nearly every week feeling like we have a lot to work on.

Alright, gotta run. Thanks for reading :)

Photos Of The Day

2007-09-26T13:08:00.000-07:00

Supermom, Real or Fiction?

2007-09-19T12:04:00.000-07:00

I just put the kids down for naps, and I am sitting here thinking what should I do now. There are definitely quite a few things to choose from. There is the dishwasher that needs unloading, dishes in the sink from breakfast and lunch, almost every room needs some tidying up, the floors need to be swept, mopped and vacuumed. Our suitcases still need to be unpacked and everything put away, and of course there is some laundry that needs to be put in the washer, some taken out of the dryer and folded and some put away, I'm sure I could go on, but all I can think about right now is a nap.

I'm so tired. Ava had a bad dream at 4 AM last night, which made Gia think it was surely time to get up. Thankfully she understood that wasn't the case about 30 minutes later, giving me a little more time to sleep. Lately, sleep seems to be seldom and very interrupted. It's worth it, I don't want to sound like I'm complaining, because I know I chose to be a mom and a mom of three ages three and under. I really wouldn't have it any other way, but sometimes I just think back to what it was like when I could sleep not only 7 hours straight but 12 hours straight (granted, that was back in the summers of college, which was over 5 years ago).

At my Mom's Bible study group yesterday we talked about identity and how sometimes we tend to lose that when we become moms or wives. We are so busy trying to meet the needs of everyone that we forget to meet our own needs, and end up losing ourselves. I think I try to be that supermom you hear about, the one that somehow can do it all, and without any sleep or complaints. I tell you I am far from that "supermom" capability. I think we are accomplishing so much, even without being able to complete those never ending to do lists, and we need to remind ourselves of that. If we don't take the time to take care of ourselves, we become not only tired and worn out, but sometimes even depressed and this actually ends up shaping how we parent. I know when I'm exhausted and frustrated from not doing what I feel like should be getting done I get more impatient, quick to react, and emotional.

It's when I am more rested, get a shower (even if it is after Steve gets home from work), dressed (as a mom I have definitely had my fair share of PJ days), and have some make up on that I feel better. More importantly, when I choose to get up early and spend the first half hour to hour (even fifteen minutes if thats all I get) in my morning with my Bible praying and reflecting on God's word that my days seem to be best. I feel refreshed and ready to take on whatever comes my way that day because it's easier for me to remember I'm not doing it alone, that He is with me.

Not only that, but that He did not make me to be perfect - that is why God sent His son. I am only human, and not perfect by any means, so if I don't get it all done, it's okay, and that I should take that nap I'm debating about right now, because it makes me feel better, stay healthier and in turn makes me a better mom. What we are doing today with our kids may not always give us immediate results but will be reflected in who they become and who they are in 5, 10, or 15 years, and really does make it worth it. Okay I'm off to take a quick cat nap.

Here are some pictures of Gia I took yesterday, enjoy!

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A Few More Photos For Today!

2007-09-17T13:18:00.001-07:00

Rainboots and Beanies!

2007-09-17T09:30:00.000-07:00

So this morning was Ava and Mateo's first day of Preschool. One of those moments that shows that they are truly growing up, it just breaks a piece of my heart, and to think how many more of these we have to go through, how on earth does a mom's heart survive it all?

They did great and we had no tears (well accept from me of course after I was out of their sight!). I let them pick out what they wanted to wear and although Ava just wanted to go with her shirt and boots, not pants or skirt I some how managed to explain that panties just don't work at school and we got a skirt picked out. Mateo went for his pirate shirt and favorite beanie! Luckily the New Mexican heat wasn't in full force today and he won't be sweating bullets. I just can't believe how big they are! I will try and take more pictures when I pick them up, they were eager to go to their classrooms and so wouldn't allow for many pictures this morning.

I must admit though it is nice to have some quiet time this morning. Gia is napping so I have time to read the Bible, pray and get some things done like type this blog without any interruptions. Thank you Lord, for these milestones in our lives, they are blessings!

Happy Birthday Honey!

2007-09-09T19:13:00.000-07:00

Today is Steve's birthday and we unfortunately are not there to celebrate with him, but will gladly make up for it after we get back Friday. We are so blessed to have him in our life. God has truly blessed me with the best husband by far and the kids with the most incredible and amazing father.

Happy Birthday Honey!
We wish we were there with you to wake you up with our Happy Birthday song, some yummy homemade strawberry scones and presents. We love you and appreciate you more than you will ever know! We cannot imagine our life without you. Thank you for the everyday things you do to make us happy, they do not go unnoticed. Thank you for working so hard for us. Thank you for leading us in an abundant life, and for making us laugh all the time. Thank you for choosing us first before work, activities, or friends. Thank you for loving us, praying for us, and making sure we are never short on hugs or kisses, stories at bedtime for the kids, and good conversations with me ( I love our "we should be sleeping not talking while we can talks"). We love you and cannot wait to see you! Happy Birthday!!
14326!!!

We Miss You!

Home Withdrawls

2007-09-01T18:42:00.000-07:00

Top Ten Things We Miss in New Mexico.

10. Our house.
9. K Love radio
8. Photoshop and adobe bridge
7. a working cell phone (although it doesn't work in our house)
6. The non humid weather (although not the heat)
5. Breakfast Burritos from Golden Pride.
4. Sagebrush Community Church
3. our beds
2. Friends and Family
1. Steve

I don't have my camera software or photoshop here, so I haven't been able to convert my pictures from RAW to JPEG but Steve is going to send me it soon hopefully and I can update with some of our vacation pictures, but you can be sure there will be quite a bunch to look at as soon as I do.

Gia's Halloween Costume,

2007-08-16T14:25:00.001-07:00

so the shoes are crazy big, but isn't she cute,lol!

The three, I mean two, I mean one Mousketeer!

2007-08-16T12:33:00.001-07:00

So I cannot get a picture of the three of them to save my life, although it is nap time, so trying to accomplish anything around nap time is quite a task itself. Mateo was all about the camera for once, Gia was exhausted, and Ava just wasn't having it.
Here are some pictures of the kids with the fun mickey ears Debbie sent them from disneyland. Mateo is loving being "Cap'n Mickey Parrow" as he says.

Sweet as Sugar!

2007-08-16T09:32:00.000-07:00

My littlest love bug got her ears pierced yesterday!

and 2 of Ava.

Simplify!

2007-08-15T21:23:00.001-07:00

That is going to be one of my mottos for the rest of the year. We finished our Crown Financial class tonight. Wow. We have learned so much from it, and I totally recommend that everyone see if there is a class being offered in your area. It really is life changing in so many ways!

We had to talk about some of our long term goals tonight and one of mine was to be content and live simply. I don't want to be caught up in the earthly treasures here but want badly to gain the treasures that God has promised those who are faithful in heaven. How awesome will it be to hear him say "Well done, my good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21). That is a far greater reward than anything money could buy.

I know I have said this before but I really want to start living more simply, and to be content with that. I'm tired of stuff and it seems to just bring about not only clutter in my house but clutter in my life. I find that as I clean out my house I feel like I'm also cleaning out my soul. It makes me appreciate the things I have been given more. I really try and think before buying things lately.

Yesterday, at Target, I picked up this cute dress in the toddler section with a pear on it, I must have picked it up put it in my cart and then put it back at least three times. Finally I decided it wasn't a need and left it on the rack. It was quite a battle because I soooo love to buy cute clothes for my kids to wear, but come on they are the cutest kids in the world (I'm not biased as you can tell) they would look cute in a paper bag (I'll see if I can get Ava to model that sometime).

I'm determined to do this, though. I don't want my children to become materialistic because they see me putting value in what they wear, but I want them to come to know Christ because they see me putting all of my heart and value into that. "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6)

This is so important to both Steve and I, we desperately want for our children to know God, and follow His ways. We want them to live an abundant life, and the best way we can do that is by modeling it for them.

I know that this isn't going to be easy. Especially in today's society where advertisements for stuff we supposedly "need" is everywhere from commercials on T.V., to the sides of buses, to product placement in movies. I know that I can do it, though; not only because God is with me, but because He is watching and I greatly desire to please Him. "Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all of these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33)

2007-08-14T15:33:00.001-07:00

My Squeaker!

2007-08-08T15:44:00.000-07:00

Can You Guess Ava's Favorite Color?

2007-08-05T12:55:00.000-07:00

Click on the pictures to make them larger, by the way :)

My Three Lovebugs.

2007-08-03T13:23:00.000-07:00

I cannot get a decent picture of the three of them for the life of me, we are on take 455 this weekend. Mateo had to hold a darn Cars band aid in the first one and the other two are at the park yesterday.

My Fashionista!

2007-07-24T19:09:00.000-07:00

Ava, Future Tatoo artist? Makeup Artist? or just an all around Artist?

2007-07-09T08:53:00.000-07:00

So it seems that when I'm nursing Gianna, Ava finds her innermost creative callings. Today she used her always reliable canvas. Please let me know your thoughts of her future calling? I must admit I could not yell because I busted up in an uncontrollable fit of laughter. Okay bath time.

My new haircut..

2007-06-29T15:33:00.001-07:00

Living Simply and Being Content.

2007-06-29T09:52:00.000-07:00

Luke 16:11: If you are not faithful in your use of unrighteous (worldy) wealth, who will entrust the true riches to you?

Proverbs 22:7: Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender.

Being content in today's "keeping up with the Joneses" society can be such a challenge. Lots of people are buying things they don't need with money they don't have to impress people they don't like. You have the people out there that feel the need to "one up" everyone. If a neighbor gets a big screen T.V., they go out and get the nice big wall mounted plasma.

The most recent Federal Reserve study showed that 43% of U.S. families spent more than they earned. On average, Americans spend $1.22 for each dollar they earn. American consumers owed a grand total of $1.9773 trillion in October 2003, according to the latest statistics on consumer credit from the Federal Reserve. Thats about $18,654 per household, a figure that doesn't include mortgage debt.

Many studies show financial problems are the #1 reason for divorce in the first 5 years, and is the number 2 reason after 5 years. It's as if we have forgotten what life is really all about. Even though there are slogans that mock the "Whoever dies with the most toys, wins" mentality, that truly seems to be the goal of so many people.

Steve and I started taking a Biblically based financial class at our church four weeks ago (through Crown Financial Ministries) and let me tell you, it is quite the eye opener. We finally set up a budget in class this past week. We have never done this in the past. We have set up a sheet to keep track of our money but never really designated how much we want to go where. I also never really new before how much the Bible talks about money and how to use it. It's just amazing.

So we are starting on an adventure (which to me is filled with trials and all) of becoming completely debt free. We are going to do what it takes to pay off our car as quickly as possible. To set aside an emergency fund with at least 3 months worth of Steve's pay in case he should ever get sick. We also signed up for life insurance this week, in case something happens to Steve or I, that will pay off the house, all debts, and provide enough income for the family to not worry about money for a long time.

We are going to stick to our budget and pay off the debt as aggressively as we can. We are looking at additional income opportunities, and have several good ideas.

For me I think the hardest thing (although I have really done quite well the past couple months) will be to contain myself from buying kids clothes. I love dressing up the kids, but in all honesty they have more than enough clothes and Ava already has her own opinion on what she wants to wear (usually not the same idea I have).

We are really going to focus on whether something is a "need" or a "want".

I'm actually excited to do this because it is going to be a challenge but I also know that it's going to bring us closer as a family and closer in our walk with God. I want my children to appreciate life and what it holds for us. I don't want our possessions to posses us. I don't want my kids to get caught up in the materialistic values and standards that society has put out there today. It is not about what you would do if you had a million dollars its about what you are doing with the ten dollars you have. I want to live simply and be content with what I have, with what God has entrusted to me (which includes my money, my children, and all that I have). We all know that when you die (and we all will) that what we have acquired in terms of earthly values is not going to be important in the least bit, but how we lived and how we used our time here will matter greatly!

Here are some pictures of Gianna from yesterday. She is wearing a dress that was mine when I was little.

(Stats from this article)

My Poor Little Man!

2007-06-26T15:12:00.000-07:00

Mateo Potatoe sat on a wall
and thanks to his sister, he had a great fall
With a tatoo as distraction and a staple gun
The pediatrician fixed his head and brought back the fun.

My poor little man, is truly a boy with all his scrapes and cuts. Thank goodness for Arbonne skin Conditioning oil or he would have quite the scar collection by now. Yesterday while playing in the play place at the mall his sister pulled him off a bench (because she wanted him to come play with her, instead of daddy) and he ended up cutting open his head on a sharp corner of a shoe cubby that is under all the benches. No fun, but luckily a quick trip to our wonderful after hours pediatrician and it was all better. He is such a tough guy!

Funny Faces!

2007-06-14T16:59:00.000-07:00

I am trying my best to get photo practice in when I can but lately its getting hard. Gianna has finally hit her clingy stage and if she is awake she likes to be carried. She will only roll around on the floor for so long, so its been hard getting things done lately, but she's so cute so it's okay. Here are a couple funny faces for ya!

My Hearts Moments

2007-06-12T08:17:00.000-07:00

The title for my blog is just so fitting these really are my hearts moments. This past Saturday was such a big moment for us. It was Ava's first ballet class, and it really left quite an imprint in my heart. I know I will hold onto this moment for as long as I live.
It warmed my heart to see her excitement that morning as we got ready and I helped put on her leotard, tights and did her hair in a bun. (The week before we had gone down to the studio to pick up her leotard, tights and shoes. She was in heaven when we first tried them on, in fact she didn't want to take them off. Luckily the teacher helped me explain she couldn't wear her ballet shoes out. We just had to stop at daddy's work on the way home to show him his little ballerina. She was insistent that he needed to see her ballerina clothes. )

The bunch of us (we are quite a bunch now that Gia is here) got in the car and headed down to the dance studio. We thought it couldn't get more exciting as we walked in the building filled with little dancers and their parents, but it did when we ran into Emma, one of Ava's best friends in preschool. We had no idea she was going to be in the same class. Then only a couple seconds later we came across some friends from our church that we had just met through a financial Bible study class we just started taking. Their little girl, Sydney, was also in the class with Ava.

Ava transformed into full ballerina as we put on her shoes (her favorite part of the outfit). I took her in the classroom and she sat next to Sydney and got a name tag placed on her. The classroom has a huge glass window on one wall so the parents can watch. All the parents looked like the paparazzi with our cameras out snapping as many pictures of these "first" moments. It's amazing to me how quickly these moments seem to come. It really seems like just yesterday Steve and I were holding our baby girl for the first time.

We were talking about how we couldn't wait to see her crawl for the first time, say "mama" and "dada" for the first time. The first time she gave us a kiss. Her first "I love you" or " I you" as it was said from her. The first time she walked. Her first moments. The first time she warmed our hearts and made us laugh uncontrollably with her first big laugh at our dog Wyatt. Her first Halloween. I remember talking to Steve about how excited I was for all these firsts and now I was thinking back to how fast this first ballet class had come. They all seem to be creeping up on us so quickly. My first baby girl is growing so fast. So many times I wish I could freeze time and just hold onto these moments just a little longer, because it seems I blink and they are gone. So to hold onto these moments I not only take pictures so I can look at them and reminisce but I hold them in my heart. They are definitely my hearts moments.

Sunday, Sunday.

2007-06-03T20:04:00.001-07:00

Well today was fun, not much accomplished as far as housework goes but thats okay. We went and saw the movie "Knocked Up" it was funny and if you liked "40 year old Virgin" then you will like this one too. It is pretty crude though!

Tonight, the Natural Science and history museum had an Open house for members and darn it all, I forgot my camera. We got to meet Stan, the new T-rex exhibit; he's quite cute! We were also treated to free hot dogs, beans, lemonade and cookies. The kids went crazy over the face painting and balloon animals, Mateo got a T-rex and Ava got a butterfly, so all and all it was a pretty great day.

Here are pictures of my Ava's choice of outfit in the early hours of this morning before we had 4 other clothing changes (she likes to change clothes often, Steve is always excited to get home to see who is awaiting him like Belle, Cinderella, Tinkerbell, a ballerina, etc.) After our Cinderella get up she was Mulan. I also took some pictures of them when we got home from the museum to show off their face painting.

I really wish I would have had my camera for the look Mateo had on his face when he looked in the mirror and saw Spiderman staring back at him, it was priceless. Unfortunately my little man as I have mentioned before is not the best at letting me snap pictures of him and thus the reason we have only one of him today. Gia was quite content being carried in my pouch carrier or in Steve's arms. Well I guess thats all for today. Ava starts ballet on Saturday, which she is most excited about, I'll be sure to get pictures of that!

Photo Fandango.

2007-06-02T21:29:00.000-07:00

Are you sick of me posting pictures of my kids yet?

Bumbo Seat Fun!

2007-05-30T20:12:00.000-07:00

So I finally bought one of those nifty bumbo seats at Target a couple days ago. It is so very cool!! Gia likes sitting in it and looking around, I have been able to cook dinner with her right next to me on the counter in it. She really gets a kick out of me explaining what we are cooking and the various steps to make what we are making. She is all smiles and giggles. Anyway's I thought I would post pictures of her in it for those of you that have yet to see one.

Crayons and Water.

2007-05-23T12:06:00.000-07:00

So what happens when you give your kids their snack while they are coloring in the playroom?

They decide to put the crayons and colored pencils in the water which seems to make for great face and body paint as is evidenced by the artwork done on Mateo courtesy of Ava (who by the way helped me figure this out by coming to me and telling me Mateo had drawn on her hands.

I'll leave you with some picutres of my smiley girl! One is really blurry but it was such a cute smile I had to post it anyway.

5 Wonderful years and 3 kiddos later!

2007-05-21T14:26:00.000-07:00

Well this past week Steve and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary! I can't believe it's been 5 years, time has flown by. Yaya (Steve's mom) babysat the kids for us as we went out and had the best steak I have ever had in my life.
We ate at Gruet's steakhouse and it was soooooooooo good, the service, the food, the ambiance, all of it. We enjoyed every second of it and talked about what an adventure the past years had been and we hope to continue having just as much fun as we are. We have never been happier or more in love, God has truly blessed us.

We also got to celebrate by attending one of my friends and big sister in my sorority's wedding. It was beautiful and we had a great time, although the 4 hour trip up was a bit harder than we though with Gianna. She really does not like her car seat, don't know how we are gonna make it to Dallas this weekend.

Anyway's heres a big bunch of pictures since I haven't posted since before Gia's dedication, which was wonderful. Although Mateo did have to wear these huge blue gardening gloves on stage in front of eveyryone which was too funny!

dedication announcement

2007-05-01T13:14:00.000-07:00

So we need to get our dedication invites out and its taking forever so thought I would post my pretty much final outcome

2007-04-29T17:25:00.000-07:00

Photoshoot Frenzy!

2007-04-27T12:34:00.000-07:00

So I went crazy taking photos today! I just love it and really want to get better and the only way to do that is shoot, shoot , shoot. So along with driving my kids crazy I pretty much took over 600 pictures. So here are some of are great and okay ones!

Superman to The Rescue (aka How Steve Saved Us from a Terrible Death!)

2007-04-26T11:08:00.000-07:00

* Please note all pictures are in fact a reenactment of what took place today after the actual event (with the exception of Charlotte whose photo was taken during the event by Steve)

So it started out as a normal day and the weather was nice. After finishing "Sleeping Beauty," the kids wanted to play outside. They had fun (with a pinch of fighting mixed in) as I fed Gianna, changed my shirt from spit up, cleaned the kitchen, fed Gianna, changed my shirt from spit up, changed her diaper, put away laundry, fed Gianna, changed my shirt from spit up, etc. I decided it was a good time to take some photos so I took Gia outside, after a while realized it was too bright and I should finish cleaning. On my way inside, out of the corner of my eye, I saw something move. I turned to see what it was saw this

I immediately screamed for the kids to hurry and come inside. It was on the wall by the door so I did not want to chance it running inside. Ava had been pushing Minnie in a stroller and was hesitant to leave her but I told her there was not time and she must come in or stay out. Of course she came in. As I dialed all of the numbers I could think of for Steve (meanwhile keeping an eye on our scary friend). Ava was crying because we had left Minnie outside strapped in the stroller with no one to let her out so surely the spider was going to get her.

Steve still wasn't answering the fifth round of calls in the past minute so I called the front desk of his work and had him paged. As he answered the phone I tried to remain calm and tell him he needed to come home now and get rid of this furry beast or else the kids and I would never go in the backyard again. He assured me he was on his way. Meanwhile Ms. Eight Legged Freak (tm) decided she was gonna move, and as protector of my children I was not going to let her out of my sight. So I told the kids the plan, "Mommys going to open the door and we are going to run as fast as we can to the other side of the yard so I can watch the spider". So quickly Mateo ran first but Ava remained frozen inside so I closed the door and ran by Mateo. Ava was not happy with this situation and decided that she wanted out. So we helped her out and climbed on the benches outside.

Meanwhile Steve was on the phone and I had Mateo running up to the door (he was the only brave one) to knock on it because it kept the enormous thing from moving.
However on about his 5th trip to knock the spider fell of the wall, which in turn caused Ava and I to scream for our lives. From then on Mateo was not about going near the door so him and Ava brought me shovels, balls and other things to throw that way and keep the spider away from us. Even poor Diego risked his life for us!

Finally Steve showed up but instead of getting rid of the spider right away decided it was an opportune moment to take pictures of the ferocious jumping thing.

However after taking his snapshots he finally got rid of our scarier and more threatening version of Charlotte's web.

Mateo cheered "yay Daddy" and once again all was well in the Hays household.

*Yes a spider was harmed in the making of these events.

I am sorry to you spider lovers out there,but I am not one at all in fact I have arachnophobia as well as cockroachphobia so this is the way it goes in my place.

(note added by Steve, in addition to the title: The spider was about 1 inch in diameter, max. We're not talking a freakin Tarantula here, never mind Maria's description. A big spider, sure, but the "white butt" that was so fearfully described was some sort of egg or sac or something.)

Move over Betty Crocker!

2007-04-21T19:01:00.000-07:00

So today Ava and I did one of the things we love to do in this house: we baked brownies! We made some brownies and as Ava mixed I snapped. Enjoy! Gia and Teo permitted me to take a few too.

By the way the weather was wacky over here - seriously, a mixture of sun, hail, rain, thunder. Too crazy. Now as the kids watch a penguin movie, Steve and I are going to enjoy some delicious homemade green enchiladas courtesy of my Moms Bible study, yum, and the rest of season two of the Office (love it, it's hilarious!).