An Emotional Weekend

It was a wonderful Christmas and an exciting and emotional weekend. Friday we learned that there would be a new addition to the Garcia family. No, I am not pregnant! Whew, a sigh of relief. Gus' brother, Javier proposed to his girlfriend Erika. We were all there along with all of her family. It was beautiful and sweet, and we are all so excited about the upcoming wedding and marriage. We all love Erika so much! She is a perfect fit for Javi and for our family.

We started today at 6 am by saying goodbye to all of the family that has been here all week. We all had such a great time together. There were difficult moments, but considering that we had 6 adults and 2 babies all staying in a 3 bedroom, 2 bath house, I would say that the week went very well. It was so sad to see them go.

The rest of our day was spent transforming Elias' room into a "big boy" room. The crib and dresser/changing table is gone, and a new twin bed and big dresser is in its place. I did not think that I would get emotional with this change, but it brought to light the realization that Elias is officially not a baby anymore. I am usually not sad to think about this. I don't typically lament over my child growing and maturing, but today I shed a few tears. However at the end of the day I am truly joyful. I am blessed and grateful to have the family I have, including my in-laws. I literally have no in-law horror stories. They are wonderful! I am joyful for the privilege to watch my son grow and to help him become the man (and ultimately man of God) that he is called to be. I am so blessed to share this journey with my husband.

Now to share some pics of the Garcia clan.

The future Mr. and Mrs. Garcia

The whole family.
(My smile is kinda weird because I am saying "M&M". The only way to get Elias to cooperate was to bribe him with candy.)

(My favorite picture.)
Grandma and her 2 beautiful grandsons.

Family Pictures

Here are our favorites from our recent family photo shoot.

Rejection

I was completely rejected by Elias tonight. Gus ALWAYS puts Elias to bed. They have a very specific routine of bath, brushing teeth, reading the Bible, praying, telling a story about "a little boy named Elias", rocking and finally, put to bed. Gus asked me to take over tonight after the bath, and I attempted to do so. He would NOT let me brush his teeth and screamed through the entire Bible story. Daddy finally came and rescued him and he instantly stopped crying. Rejection is usually tough, but I love the fact that my son and husband have such a great bond. Of course this behavior is also due to the fact that I have programmed my son to find comfort and security in routine. He loves having the same routine at night. I love my boys!

*Update*
Apparently throwing Elias off of his routine was a bad idea. He is refusing to go to sleep and is having one of the worst fits of screaming and crying we have ever heard. Gus and I are rotating turns to try to get him to calm down and sleep.

Thankful

Psalm 106:1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

I am thankful each and every day for a God who loves me, the opportunity to serve Him, and the blessings He has given me. All I am (at least the good parts) and all I have I owe to my God and Savior.

The Greatest Deal Ever!!!

I just ordered this car seat for $47 with free shipping!!!!! This is one of the top rated (I actually think it is THE top rated) car seats on the market. When we were looking to buy Elias' "big boy" car seat I REALLY wanted this one, but we could not afford the $280 price tag. I cannot believe I just bought it for under $50! It holds a kid from 5 to 65 pounds, so we will be using it awhile. Here is the link if anyone is interested in getting in on this amazing deal. WooHoo!!!!

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/ref=huc_ic_1_txt/601-4059712-2607333?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B000YSNMG2&nodeID=&merchantID=A1VC38T7YXB528

*****UPDATE***********
Never mind! Target contacted me to say that the price was an error and the order has been canceled. BOOOO Target!!!!

Finally! It's over!

I think no matter how everyone voted, we can probably all agree on one thing: We are glad it is over! I'm glad to see the election process is over, but I feel the divisive attitudes and feelings are far from over. I truly hate politics. I think it brings out the worst in people and causes such divisiveness. (I have fallen prey to this at times!) I think I finally came to a realization of why I hate politics so much. I hate the fact that no matter who had been elected there will be people (many who call themselves Christians) waiting like eager vultures to see the elected president fail. They will be watching his every move ready to pounce and proclaim "Look! He screwed up! I told you he would! If everyone had just listened to ME then this would not have happened!" That is the exact opposite of the attitude we should have, as Christians and as Americans. God commands us to respect our authorities in government (Romans 13). I must say that I was impressed by McCain's speech last night, but I was VERY disappointed in his crowd's reaction when he mentioned Obama. They boo-ed every time he said the name. That attitude is going to get this country nowhere. I agree with Obama on some issues, and I disagree with him on others, but he will have my respect. (If McCain had won I would have made the EXACT same statement). How amazing would it be if instead of waiting (or wanting) him to fail Americans encouraged and helped him succeed? I do not consider myself a Democrat or a Republican. I was not a staunch McCain supporter or an avid Obama supporter. (Although I have been called a Obama supporter like it was a derogatory statement.) I never felt like there was a "clear" Christian choice or that God had given his holy stamp of approval to either candidate. I supported both candidates for various reasons, but in the end I had to vote for only one. I knew that I would not be crushed no matter what the outcome. I say that because neither would/will prove to be a great "savior" to the country.
I will still continue to serve God. He never changes no matter what the political scene. This election has also left me with a deep desire to see people changed, not changes in politics. Policies may change, political figures may change, amendments may change, but none of this will truly CHANGE people's hearts! I believe God has called us to love people so that He can cause a heart change, not a policy change. A heart change is what makes the difference. I'm tired of arguing and spending my time and energy on politics. I believe God has called me to spend my time and energy on PEOPLE! And here is the bottom line: If people experience a heart change (through God) THAT would effect policy changes! Why are we trying to do it the opposite way?

Picture Time

The cutest Buzz Lightyear ever!

We took a ton of pics at the pumkin farm (or pumpkin patch as Elias calls it), but this was my favorite.

This one is cute too!

The family at Elias' birthday party.

My favorite picture from his party.