Great Expectations

Although the hike to work was a rather slow one, I made it safe and sound.  It was actually a pretty drive in.

This journey is so exciting.  And all of you have been following it the whole time with me! From passing my test to finding a new job to creating a baby!    Holy smokes...what a journey it has been. 

I've decided to create the healthiest housing for our little one including eating well and exercise.  Whatever the baby wants, I will give it or them as Rob would say haha. I have been doing yoga which helps my energy and mood.  The doctor said that although you may say things because you are hormonal, be careful because words can not be taken back.  I haven't been especially mean to Rob; I plan on being as nice as I possibly can!  I ordered 3 pregnancy workout DVD's, 1 being my all time favorite fitness guru Denise Austin.  She's the best! I'm sooo excited to try them out.

Christmas time is approaching and I couldn't be more in the spirit.  I am getting gifts little by little.  I am starting a new knitting project...wish me luck.  I know I am a beginner, but it is difficult.  How does these women know so much?  It's still overwhelming; however, the feeling of accomplishment is rewarding as well as the look on the person's face when giving them the final product. 

Emotions are good.  My little worry bug is remaining dormant, thank God.  I just keep thinking positive and try to relax as no one knows what will happen in life.  I bring all my worries and anxieties to Jesus.  He is always there to listen.  How refreshing!!  Please continue to Bless Rob, myself and this heavenly being inside me.

So my purpose for passing my test was to....have a baby?? Everything is in God's time and there's no explanation.  Either way Rob and I are ecstatic.  He's like a kid in a candy store!

One thing that I am pondering is...do I call the manager (who really likes me by the way) and tell him of the news before I go in for the physical, blood work and urine test for the new job???  I don't want it to be a surprise and think I was keeping it a secret.  My heart says I should.  My doctor says I should wait until I signed the paperwork, because after all...this is my dream job and I've worked too hard to let that go!! What do you ladies think??

My wish and prayer is that the holiday season will bring blessings and joy to all of you!  Thank you for sharing my life. Xoxo

Angela <3 <3

Bringing Tidings of Great Joy!

Great news!! St. John Providence made me an offer I couldn't refuse, so of course I accepted!! My beautiful niece was born Saturday morning at 4:22 am.  8 lbs 2 oz.  She's an angel straight from heaven!

Also...Rob and I are expecting our first child!! Thank you Jesus.  Wow, what has life thrown us :) I am 6 weeks which puts my due date to July 22. 

Today I feel ok. The maintenance man at work said I've been ornery haha.  Well, yes because I can't stand the drive any longer. Because I don't want to be here.  Because I am tired.   Because I have acne I can't get rid of.  God help me put on a smile to finish this journey at my current job and leave a legacy!!

Please pray for the health and growth of the baby,
Angela <3 <3

"We're gonna set an ex..am..ple."

Sometimes I engage in secret behaviors I once did back during my unhealthy days.  If I told you, it wouldn't be a secret lol.  Anyways I quickly told myself to stop and am feeling a little better...

This is a time of year to pursue new habits, reflect on thanksgiving and know in your heart you are watched over and blessed by God Almighty!  Amen to that!  So much to give thanks for this season; I'd like to name a few.

1. My family for their undying love and support
2. My true blue friends who show unconditional love for who I am
3. My husband of 1 year for his caring, understanding, love and faith in me
4. Passing my test!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
5. Closer to finding a new job closer to home
6. Our home, although close to his family, it still is a beautiful home to raise children [for now :)]
7. New friends, prayer groups, clubs and hobbies
8. My heart belonging to God
9. Peace and joy in everyday living
10. The secret inside me

Lord above,
You have blessed Rob and I beyond belief.  Times have been tough, we have had our struggles, we have had hardships.  But You continue to knit us together with the fabric of your love, perfectly weaving piece by piece until we are complete.  Thank you for Rob, dear God.  He is a wonderful man who loves you very much. Please continue to prepare us for our future.

Amen,
Angela <3 <3

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!! 

(the quote above is from Addams Family Values...I suggest you rent it. HILARIOUS!! Perfect for Thanksgiving.)

Let Go and Let God

Praise the Lord,

 

I wanted to share how last night's message at Bible Study struck a cord.  I keep thinking James wanting us to "LIVE IT", meaning we are need to live the Word, not only think it or speak it.  Actions speak louder than words.  For myself, I have great faith. I always know God has a plan for me, no matter how many obstacles, hardships or extra baggage life can bring.  I pray daily, almost every hour upon hour, thanking Jesus.

 

But sometimes evil tries to rain on my parade and cause negative emotions.  I worry or have anxiety about things I can not change.  GOD grant me the serenity! How can I have faith and know I can put all worries into God's hands, yet I have trouble letting go and letting God do His wonders?  Because sometimes I don't "Live it."  I let the negative get the best of me.  This is my prayer for myself and for all of you...that we put all our troubles in the Lord's hands so we may enjoy life He wants us to live.  Worry and anxiety free!!

 

Amen sisters!

Prayer for Motherhood

O glorious Saint Gerard,
powerful intercessor before God,
and wonder worker of your day,
I call upon you and seek your help.
You who always fulfilled God's will
on earth, help me to do God's Holy will.
Intercede with the Giver of Life, from
whom all parenthood proceeds,
that I may conceive and raise
children who will please God
in this life, and be heirs to the
kingdom of heaven. Amen.

This is a special time.  Thank you Jesus.

Blessed,
Angela <3 <3

P is for Patience

The interview at Oakwood Heritage Hospital in Taylor went well. I really liked it!  I'm not sure though.  St. John stated I was the top candidate and will be making an offer, but hasn't yet.  I'm getting nervous but I need to be patient. 

P is for putting my trust in God
A is for accepting things I can not change
T is for tenacity in which pays big rewards
I is for identifying my need to sit still and relax
E is for encouragement from others
N is for needing to hold my tongue from negative comments
C is for counting my blessings
E is for everything has a purpose

Amen Sistas!
Angela <3 <3

Comfortably Numb

Today is not a good day.  I only got 4 hours of sleep.  I'm upset.  I think I'll go home early.

Please Lord lift up my spirits.  Speak to my heart.  Show me the way.

Blank,
Angela

Dreaming in Color

It was difficult rising this morning after the dream I had.  I dreamt that I was in the most beautiful castle of 5 stories.  I only saw the inside. The home had staircases from all different floors and directions.  The 3rd floor were the sleeping chambers.  Mid century wardrobes housed elegant gowns.  The dresses looked out of a 1920's movie and were draped over the bed. The dress I wore was red ruby shiny silk. Another emerald silk gown hung from the wardrobe. The main floor, the 4th level had a living area with an inviting fireplace, lots of framed artwork on the mantel and shelves.  Ornate cobalt blue vases and figurines sat on the tables.  Around the corner was a hallway with another fireplace. The space was naturally lit by tthe openness of long stretched windows, only finding the most extraordinary view I could image.  Looking out I saw rolling hills, a beautiful sky line, small buildings down below, as if I were in another country, perhaps Scotland. At that  moment I prayed to God that one day He would bless me with a home as magnificent as this one.  I did not make it to the 5th floor, nor did I see the 1st or 2nd. I was right at the heart of this home.

How does one interpret this dream?  Do you dream in color?  My faith and humbleness are made visible, hoping and praying that I receive everything my heart deserves if it be the will of God. Maybe I've been at the middle for a long time, constantly climbing the stairs to get to the top.  My mom says I have been very patient with God.  I've always know He has a purpose for me. :) 
Any thoughts?

Angela <3 <3

Coincidence?? Or maybe not...

I just had to share this story.  So I was looking up meaning a baby name.  I'm not pregnant but wanted to find out the meaning of Lydia, my paternal grandmother's name.  It means- Noble Kind, but also Lydia is the name of a historic region of Asia Minor.  Doing my bible study work, I'm reading Acts of the Apostles, stating that Paul eventually joined the community, which subsequently commissioned Peter and Barnabas to undertake the spread of the gospel to Asia Minor.

Interesting!  What are the chances?  Is God telling me something?

Counted Blessings

Not much going on today.  I have a phone interview on Wednesday evening for Rainbow Rehab in Ypsilanti.  They never have openings so I'm super excited. Then the interview on Thursday. Things are happening, thank you Jesus.  When telling the job recruiter about yet another interview, she did not respond.  I'm kind of rubbing in her face. "No one is interested in speaking to you yet."  Well, lady that's bologna.

St. John Providence Hospital is going to make me an offer. My heart tells me that's the place for me.  I am 90% sure I will take the job; I will know more after this week.  I'm ready to move on, drive less and do what I really want to do.

This weekend I spent some time with mission organization.

• Donated books, clothes, movies
• Winterized our back yard by saying good bye to summer lawn decorations
• Went through study material, old bills, etc.

Going through study material brought back memories for sure.  THANK YOU JESUS FOR MY PASSING!!  I am forever grateful.  So glad I can do things I enjoy, like organizing :)

Happy Monday everyone,
Angela <3 <3

Make a Wish

11-11-11.  Happy Veterans Day's. 

God is Good.  Granny, my mother-in-law and I went to the casino last night and all of us won some money, thank you Jesus.  I got home, packed and cleaned my house as I am leaving for the cottage after work. I'm so tired! I did well going to be early the beginning of the week, but have not the remainder.  I will go to bed early tonight though.  Rob likes to be in bed at 9 so he can get up for the big hunt.  It's actually really nice to be tucked inside our camper next to hubby snuggling, keeping warm. Most hunters won't allow their wives to come along.  I'm lucky.  Is there such a thing as luck? Or just plan fortune?  Hmm...

I feel like I'm losing steam with work.  This week we've had a training so motivation to accomplish anything afterwards have been low.  Gosh I wish the employees get paid more, with all the work and challenges with the students, they deserve it! Please pray for me that I become motivated and continue to show my dedication to work, even though I can't WAIT to find a job closer.

I have an interview next Thursday at Oakwood Heritage Outpatient Rehab. Yay!  I'm so super excited.

Fortunate,
Angela <3 <3

Eat, Pray, Love

As part of the Princess Posse (Bible study group), we were each given a Pray Bucketlist.  I have put some thought into what I would like to pray for, although specific, it is my reality and I pray that I deserve God's blessing to achieve half of this list.

1.  A welcoming job close to home that is fulfilling and rewarding
2. A large house close to our families
3. A successful pregnancy
4. To have a long happy marriage
5. To live a sober life
6. My sister in law to have a successful delivery
7. To live comfortably financially
8. My family to remain healthy and Cathy to get healthy **
9. To gain uplifting, nonjudgmental life long friendships
10. To be happy no matter what happens in life.

I am happy.  But there is a void that needs filling up.  I used to fill it with partying, cigarettes, promiscuity, whatever.  I'm now hungry from something more and that hunger will be fed by the Lord Jesus Christ.  He will lift me up, fill me and help me help others.  I'm hoping my bible study group will fulfill #9. Theres a sadness in regards to that, but maybe that's life.  I have my family and they are the best. 

Complaining is just as poisonous as gossip sometimes, in which I have been doing often. We were also given a note card with this on it at the study (Ironically):

Do everything without complaining or arguing,
so that you may become blameless and pure,
children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation,
in which you shine like stars in the universe.

Philippians 2:14-15

Here's the first sign of winter.  It is magical and beautiful.

Let me know of any prayer requests.  I will bring them to my next session and all the ladies can have you in there thoughts.

Wonderland,

Angela <3 <3



Families do not shrink; Families grow

I am now participating in Bible Study group on every other Monday night.  I welcome new friends to lift up my spirits and talk Jesus. We are studying the Book of James.  I can't wait to dive into it.  Family was the theme this week.  This got me thinking of Granny.  Yes I have had some feelings but we have been spending a lot more time together lately.  It's like spending time with my own grandmother.  She is all I have left.  I lift up her spirits when she worries about the family, or bring her attention to the positive when she turns to the negative.  In some odd way, I feel she needs me.  She was upset over a situation yesterday and called to ask if I would come by and sit with her.  We enjoyed or (I enjoyed) a little wine; she's made a bitter face then slammed it. Haha. We talked about Rob and mine future, the future of my niece and overall putting our worries into God's hands.  I found out there are twins on her family side, Rob's grandpa's, my grandmother AND grandfather's side.  We might be next!  Can you image? :)

Detox Report: So-So
I finally gave out the rest of my Halloween Candy to the staff at work
Drinking more water
Making better food choices, but still exceeding weight watcher points :(
Going to bed earlier
No physical activity this week

Oh well, tomorrow is a new day!

Reach out to a family member if it's been awhile and let them know you love them today.

Blessings,
Angela <3 <3

Monday, Monday

Today I am tired.  I feel sluggish, unmotivated and bloated.  Great for a Monday, eh? Maybe the lethargic feelings are causing some strange emotions about the workplace.  People are different.  I feel different.  I anxiously await a phone call for the next interview or  a job offer so I can start the new chapter.  I visited my friend last night.  She gave me some motivation to start eating better, working out, and to be disciplined.  Yep that lasted until about noon today. Someone brought in cake.  Do you think I listened to my brain say no? Of course not.  A tiny moment of enjoyment has now lead me to feeling yucky.  I have consumed so much sugar this past few weeks.  Seriously time to detox and feel better for goodness sakes.

I planned on mission organization this weekend, but allowed myself to sit and veg out with movies, and knitting.  I did manage to put away the Halloween decorations, put up Harvest ones and complete laundry :) Mary Jane felt the same way too.  Hubby was hunting, so baby girl and I relaxed.  That's doing something, right!

That's her curled up on my legs, feeling productive as I did haha.

Overall, it was nice weekend with family, friends, Tony Montana (Scarface), knitting, football, Merlot, and last but not least Miss World 2011. How fulfilling! ;)

Check out this quote for Miss Universe 1994:

Question: If you could live forever, would you and why?

Answer: I would not live forever, because we should not live forever, because if we were supposed to live forever, then we would live forever, but we cannot live forever, which is why I would not live forever.

- Miss Alabama in the 1994 Miss Universe contest

Genius. (Sorry Tiff) haha!

Energizing,

Angela <3 <3

Sweet November

Ahhh..the month of November is here.  It's time to put away the Halloween decorations, fall back for daylight savings time, and for hubby to "a hunting he will go."  Now that all the parties have come to a halt, I can spend time with something I've trying to achieve since kindergarten as Lesley would say. Get Organized!! We decided to stay in our home for a little while. With me looking for a new job and all, it makes sense.  Things have gotten better with our neighbors; it works for now.  I am planning a Community Watch in our neighborhood and am team captain.  Nerd Alert! haha oh well, that's me.

Missions Organization includes:

• Organize my home desk
• Organize Holiday totes
• Organize books and donate
• Organize mail
• Organize summer clothes and donate
• Organize Rob's clothes (he has as much as me!)
• Does anyone know what to do with a bazillion hats??

I applied at two other facilities.  I have a good feeling St. John's might hire me but whatever the Good Lord wants for me, I will accept with open arms!

Thank you Jesus for Happiness,
Angela <3 <3

Non-Desperate Housewives

What's significance of this day?  It's National Housewife Day!  Cheers to all stay at home mommies, family glue, and devoted wife and mothers!  Today we celebrate and thank all the ladies who tend the house and families!  Dr. Laura Schlessinger praises you to being committed to the priority of raising your children.

Housewife Day recognizes the importance of stay at home wives and moms. Also referred to as "Retro" Housewife Day. These wonderful, caring creatures, build and enrich strong family environments. They help to instill family values and good character.

Housewife is an old term. It hails back to the days when one income could support the family in a manner of comfort. It was also a time when women did not have equal rights. While these days are long gone, women views of working or staying at home, fall on both sides of the fence. The decision to be a "housewife", or stay at home mom, is still preferred by many.

When I think of a housewive, I think of my beautiful amazing Cousin/Sister Lauri.  She is a stay at home mother to two wonderful little men.  She gets to see every single waking moment they grow and evolve into their own person.  She gets to comfort all their bumps and bruises. She gets to celebrate all accomplishments, not matter how big or small.  Most importantly, she gets to shower them with love and teach them how to be a good person she has always been.  I love you Lauri!!
 
Another one is my sister in law, Heather!  Even though she works from home, I still consider her to be a housewife.  She takes care of the home; she's the family's rock.  Never is there a moment she doesn't have a home cooked meal or reading to her daughter or making my brother happy.  I love you Heather!!
 
P.S. Happy 30th Birthday Kristin!!  She is another wifey/ mommy that needs praise.  I love you too!
 
Praise to all Stay at Home Moms!
Angela <3 <3

Fear ends where Faith begins

Both interviews went well.  I like St. John's Providence better than DMC.  The vibe was more welcoming and inviting.  The manager was friendly, professional and chatty (the interview was 2 1/2 hours!).  The drive took 25-30 and was 18 miles from our door to his.  The pay is better.  It's a no brainer!  If offered the position, I will take it.  Whether at this hospital or another, I have to move on for my family.  Thank you Jesus for both interview experiences. I discussed things with my boss and she is completely understanding, which will make the transition a lot smoother.

So we shall see what the Lord has in store next!  Now, I have to work on restoring my faith for things that are unseen and have yet to come.  I can now relax.  Deep breaths and a little bit of.....ahhhhh!

In the meantime,
Angela <3 <3