tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91315065308412968482024-03-05T00:38:32.944-08:00RealMomz - Real Talk for Real MomzReal Momz is a blog focusing parenting tips, coffee table talk and true matters of the heart. Real Momz offers incredibly valuable resources, articles, videos and parenting tips to help in today's world.Stephanie Lainezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12642278580015514868noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131506530841296848.post-20518752965465822022012-11-22T01:59:00.002-08:002012-11-22T01:59:41.672-08:00An Icky ThanksgivingHave you ever had to cancel ALL your Thanksgiving plans, trips and family festivities because EVERYONE got sick? URGG!! That's us this year. I woke up to my little guy crawling into bed with me and snuggling close. And about an hour later woke up to him suddenly coughing. And as a Mommy you know that cough! The cough that is not like all the other coughs. The cough that has liquid coming behind it! I jumped up just in time to snatch him up out of our bed and fly him to the toilet, flung open the lid and splish splash it came! Eeew is right! After a few seconds of nonstop vomiting my little guy flushes the toilet and says, "NO! That's enough! No more! I don't want to do that again"! I about broke into tear and laughter all at the same time! But unfortunately it didn't stop there. He kept throwing up until his little body was tired out. He'd fall asleep for 20-30 mins and then wake up vomiting again. A short few hours later we were sitting in the pediatricians office. The verdict: Stomach Flu! GREAT! <br />
<br />
There I go calling everyone to cancel everything from Thanksgiving lunch, an afternoon at Disneyland, a trip to Grandma's house and a HIS 3RD BIRTHDAY PARTY! <br />
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We went to the drug store and picked up all our meds, then went to the market to pick up our Thanksgiving meal and snacks, cans of chicken noodle soup, Gatorade, jello, Imodium AD, Pedisure and NyQuil. :0( So far Harrison has lost a pound and I have lost 2 pounds. My sister said at least the silver lining in all this is that we would have lost weight instead of gained it! LOL Well I guess she's right! <br />
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I found this video on youtube that just cracked me up! It makes me want to buy a guitar and write a song about being sick! LOL!!!<br />
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Maybe we can do a REDO Thanksgiving next week!<br />
<br />
<br />
Stephanie Lainez<br />
Author/Speaker/Mommy-SuperHero<br />
<a href="http://www.mystoryhousebooks.com/">www.mystoryhousebooks.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.hephzicreations.blogspot.com/">www.hephzicreations.blogspot.com</a><br />
<a href="http://chicabeverlyhills.blogspot.com/">http://chicabeverlyhills.blogspot.com</a><br />
Stephanie Lainezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12642278580015514868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131506530841296848.post-88720762908423509992012-10-19T08:05:00.001-07:002012-10-19T08:05:07.430-07:00Moving Forward!!!<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In this economy we have entered into a vortex that has a
downward downing effect to it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
remember 6 years ago we had good jobs, great insurance, savings, retirement,
money for play and money to invest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
were in a great season!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was upward
and onward for us!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then 4 years ago I lose
my job then 6 or so months later my husband loses his job!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We deplete our savings just to eat and
maintain gas in our car, start cashing in our retirement, borrow and ALMOST
begging!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went from shopping at
upscale stores to getting on WIC just to eat!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And now a short sale!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You naturally go from security to FAILURE in an
instant!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We tried to strategize, move
assets, sold stuff and still none of that seemed to work!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the end of the day you sit in a corner with
your hands on your head and cry!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
part that is so sad is that we're not the only family sitting in this pool of
tears!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are millions of us
devastated in this economy!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet when
all is said and done, the house gone, the special things sold and your soul
ripped apart what do you do next?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You rent, you collect yourself, and you work harder than
ever to REINVENT yourself!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You kick the
enemy of your mind in the balls!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
shut out the negative talkers in your life EVEN if that means your family and
friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You get on your knees and you
get yourself ready to jump into the fire head first!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the fire you become renewed, restored and revived!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The old is burnt away and new skin is able to
grow, spotless and pure!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have
nothing stopping you to start a new and a fresh in a TRUE season called
SPRING!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You're able to breath freely
with each breath refreshing and complete.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The past soon becomes a vague memory!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You choose to leave the ash filled clothes in the furnace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You step out of that still blistering hot furnace
and step into that quiet place allowing The Maker to wash off the scent of
smoke and soot!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The scent is replaced
with a fragrance of new hope and zeal!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Laughter comes and joy flows through your veins!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The season of LACK is now over!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your mourning turns to dancing and Psalms
30:11 becomes your life’s anthem!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So if you're in your drought season and everything you once
held dear is now gone get EXCITED because the NEW is literally right around the
corner!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Look up because the rain is
coming!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So put on joy because your
mourning is OVER!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your time to move
FORWARD is here!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now the choice is yours!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Stay stinky in your soot filled clothes causing those around you to
carry that ill scent OR tear off those clothes and dance your heart out!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Become better, greater and contagious!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again the choice is yours!!</span></div>
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**Someone you know needs to read this SO PLEASE pass this BLOG POST on!**<br />
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<br />
<br />
Stephanie Lainez<br />
Author/ Speaker/Mommy-Superhero<br />
<a href="http://www.mystoryhousebooks.com/">www.mystoryhousebooks.com</a>Stephanie Lainezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12642278580015514868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131506530841296848.post-47806859435239798422012-10-18T10:07:00.000-07:002012-10-18T10:07:04.598-07:00Leaving A Legacy<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you think of
Legacy what instantly comes to mind? <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do you think of the handing down of things such as property,
money, jewelry? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A synonym for the word LEGACY is INHERATENCE! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I think of those two words I think of royalty, a
kingship, priesthood handed down to survived sons and daughters. I don't only
think of earthly possessions being handed down to the next generation but I
think of the character, heart and mindset of a person being gifted to someone.
The responsibility of that person being gifted is immense!! Will they choose to
carry that LEGACY with care and purpose or will they choose to forfeit it? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What have you been handed down? In my family I have been
handed down; FIGHT or a tenacious hope, a strong will, a NOT GONNA QUIT type of
spirit, rich family values, a sharp tongue, opinionated mind, hands that can
harm and judgment and on the other side I have been handed down; a quieted
mind, a soft tone, a love for alcohol, strong hope for a better tomorrow, hope
in family and a love that loves no matter what! All that greatness intertwined
with dark patches. Which will I choose to carry and which parts will I choose
to forfeit? In the end what will I choose to hand down to my family? Will I
hand them all my bad habits and negative defaults? Inevitable yes, they will
get a degree of that!! YET I will CHOOSE to leave a LEGACY of LOVE and HOPE! I
will gift my family with an inheritance of PRAISE, ENCOURAGEMENT, BLESSINGS, MAKING
WRONGS RIGHT, FORGIVENESS AND RECONCILIATION! My family WILL BE RICH IN LOVE,
PURPOSE AND FAVOR! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So what will you leave as a LAGACY?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stephanie Lainez<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Author/Speaker/Mommy-SuperHero<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://www.mystoryhousebooks.com/"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">www.mystoryhousebooks.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
Stephanie Lainezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12642278580015514868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131506530841296848.post-67537613648531999122012-10-16T10:23:00.001-07:002012-10-16T10:23:41.205-07:00Roar Like A Lion!<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The other
day I was really feeling HEAVY HEARTED like the pressures of the world were crashing in on me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would shake it off but still I
felt like those around me were walking around injured, closed and depressed!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter how much I would stay positive or
have positive words to share nothing seemed to penetrate that horrible layer of
crass and negativity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So I decided
to leave and take a drive with my little one in tow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suddenly the LION began to rear up in me and
I began to scream at the top of my lungs while my toddler watched wide eyed and
intrigued from the backseat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure if the cars to the
left and right of me cared enough, they too, would have heard my rants!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I began to yell and slam my hands on the
stirring wheel saying things like, <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Satan you’re a LIAR!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You CAN’T
have my home, my family, my spouse, my child, my future, my business, my will, my
atmosphere, my surroundings, my thoughts, my outlook, my laughter, my song, my
hope, my blessings, my talents, my joy, my love, my dreams, my vision, my
focus, my determination, my health, my passion YOU CAN’T HAVE ANY OF IT’!</i><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I suddenly
became enraged and if yelling LOUDER was possible, I did it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was SO ANGRY that I started to SCREAM
saying,<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“And
you know what you can’t take my home hostage or my husband either!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You let us go RIGHT NOW!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Jesus Name, I CLAIM THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB
over anything and all that belongs to me and reclaim it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have NO AUTHORITY OVER ANY OF IT!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want our healthy finances back too!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want our INCREASE BACK TOO!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I demand you to release it ALL or else I will
DESTROY you and you will wish you never even looked my way”!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Meanwhile as
I’m screaming Harrison is in his car seat shouting, “YEAH”, “THAT’S RIGHT”,
“YES”!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Suddenly a
peace came over me as I ended my ROAR and said, “In Jesus Precious Name,
AMEN”!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Harrison began to cheer and
scream, "AMEN"!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at him through my
rear view mirror and suddenly we both started to laugh uncontrollably!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When is the
last time the enemy of your soul heard your roar?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it time to take back what belongs to
you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it time to get back what has
been stolen from you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s time for you to
ROAR!!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
Stephanie Lainez<br />
Author/Speaker/Mommy SuperHero<br />
<a href="http://www.mystoryhousebooks.com/">www.mystoryhousebooks.com</a>Stephanie Lainezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12642278580015514868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131506530841296848.post-29139365980312555372012-10-15T15:54:00.000-07:002012-10-15T15:54:17.989-07:00Happy Anniversary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJq9B7BBT2R8rrg_aPUJkONBDbossRkP4cCjAWvuZIswOJA_JaDOjZk79lGUUdF6atU22iRB93UhUdwR9t7PJehaYVcpci174Fz1_Nti92cTjF7D8wFu4YEpWjTz37em-ID3kyahEaEun/s1600/0498_Lianez_W0009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJq9B7BBT2R8rrg_aPUJkONBDbossRkP4cCjAWvuZIswOJA_JaDOjZk79lGUUdF6atU22iRB93UhUdwR9t7PJehaYVcpci174Fz1_Nti92cTjF7D8wFu4YEpWjTz37em-ID3kyahEaEun/s320/0498_Lianez_W0009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Six years ago
today I married my ANSWER TO PRAYER, Robert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was entering my mid-30's and I wasn't married yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was the eldest of three and all were
happily married but me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember
taking a dating sabbatical after a gut retching break up and thank God I
did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because without taking the time to
heal and trust the Lord I would have never been ready for Robert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would have been injured and forever
victimized, or so I thought. I dove deep into counseling, wanting to know
myself more deeply and completely! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I entered a honeymoon
period with the Lord and even planned an actual HONEYMOON with just me and the
Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I sailed away for a week on a Caribbean
cruise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of my friends thought I was
insane yet those who knew me best, knew it was just what the doctor
ordered!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I set sail off the coast of
Florida just me and the Lord in a beautiful honeymoon suite!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everywhere I looked were blissful newlyweds
and I was freshly out of a 3 year relationship with a man whom I thought was
the one!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ate my meals alone and
dressed up every night and went to the breathtaking ballroom to dine at a 12
person table, just God and me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
people who sat at the tables around me felt sorry for me FOR SURE!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some people invited me to dine with them and
their families.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I giggled and thankfully
declined their offer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next day I
remember deciding to stay in my room all day and night. Worshipping and
spending some REAL time with the Lord!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was sunbathing on my balcony on the very rear of the ship and can recall the
water being very choppy, windy with LOTS of rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During this cruise Katrina was hitting the
Louisiana coastline and I was none the wiser!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I stood at the edge of my balcony and shouted, "Lord, I love you SO
MUCH! (As I began to cry with intense emotion!) God I trust you with my heart
and my future!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lord, you said in your
word that if you care for the birds of the air and feed them then how much more
do you care for me!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well Lord I want to
feel you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to know that I am more
special to you than the birds of the air"!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Suddenly the rain stopped and out of NO WHERE and very small bird
appeared tweeting away singing a song that instantly brought me to my
knee!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wept as that little bird sang
and sang over me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still weeping I stood
up with my face facing up to the heavens, arms out stretched and eyes closed
and the rain began to fall again with such power that it was hurting my
skin!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I began to dance and spin celebrating God's love for me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some would have called me CRAZY and others
would have witnessed the sweetest move of the Lord!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked back into my room dried of and fell
to sleep!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That next morning
I woke up with a new zeal, a new song on my heart!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was complete again!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wrongs and words that were said against
me where erased!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hurt seemed like a vague
memory and the details where foggy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
you have ever asked if God could erase hurt and bad memories let me tell you He
CAN!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watched those newlyweds be close
and giggly and it tickled my heart where a few days before I was broken and
would have to turn away!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few months
later I met Robert!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We dated for a few
months, engaged for 2 and quickly married!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And through this marriage God has become more
present!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My relationship with him has intensified
in ways I can't explain!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These short 6
years has brought happiness, hope, joy, victory, heartache, loss, doubt, desperation,
challenges, financial woes, death, blessing, strength, courage, tenacity,
laughter and SO MUCH MORE!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRvzxbYS5cOJnZ1PFztvSykrUYaS4nwPJQUGoVAegXbE4xOzQtiH4ACAtKM814w3B6ObwDwOny6Y38kCZ74Q1KUs-NWOkTdUQm3Fpurrb-7sWC33HJqKiXyKZ8ACKduSo-VmRTQv3ybT0/s1600/0719_Lianez_W0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRvzxbYS5cOJnZ1PFztvSykrUYaS4nwPJQUGoVAegXbE4xOzQtiH4ACAtKM814w3B6ObwDwOny6Y38kCZ74Q1KUs-NWOkTdUQm3Fpurrb-7sWC33HJqKiXyKZ8ACKduSo-VmRTQv3ybT0/s320/0719_Lianez_W0009.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you were to
tell us 6 years ago that we'd go through all of that we would have laughed at
you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And yet we are STRONGER for
it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we know that there's still more
challenges and TONS of victories yet to celebrate!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so we pray for God's way to be demonstrated
in our marriage!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And for you that are
yet to be married we pray GOD'S BEST for you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That you be all about your relationship with HIM and let HIM show up and
show off!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And for those of you marrieds
out there we pray that you remain resilient and fortified making HIM your core
and standing fast on HIS word because it NEVER come back void!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So
Happy Anniversary to you Robert Lainez!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My love grows deeper still and our future is forever in the Master’s
hands!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">XOXOXO</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Stephanie Lainez</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Author/Speaker/Mommy-SuperHero</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="http://www.mystoryhousebooks.com/">www.mystoryhousebooks.com</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
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Stephanie Lainezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12642278580015514868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131506530841296848.post-45212803754418714432012-10-09T09:37:00.001-07:002012-10-09T09:37:21.965-07:00Have A Merry Heart!!
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was in the
grocery store the other day and I was CLEARLY not in a great mood and my 2 ½
year old started to sing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jesus loves me this I
know,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For the Bible tells me so.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Little ones to Him belong<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They are weak but He is strong<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yes, Jesus Loves ME<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yes, Jesus Loves Me<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yes, Jesus Loves Me,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Bible
tells me so!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The gal that
was shopping on the same isle as us looked up from the jars of pasta sauce with
tears in her eyes and said, “I needed to hear that today”!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Harrison
giggled and smiled with that contagious smile of his and all three of us
started to giggle!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">His MERRY
HEART broke our bad attitudes!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His joy
was our good medicine!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Choose to be
good medicine today!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Stephanie Lainez</div>
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Author/Speaker/Mommy SuperHero</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.mystoryhousebooks.com/">www.mystoryhousebooks.com</a></div>
Stephanie Lainezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12642278580015514868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131506530841296848.post-23926820028834874432012-05-09T10:23:00.003-07:002012-05-09T10:23:28.449-07:00Do more than hear, LISTENWhen I think of this blog title I cringe! Most of us ladies, I'm sure, have COUNTLESS arguments with our spouses or the people in our world about this topic right here!! I'm constantly saying, shouting and or yelling, "Why don't you LISTEN to me when I'm talking"! Yet how many times do "I" do the EXACT same thing? <br />
<br />
This is how I know I'm not listening:<br />
Harrison (my 2 year old)-Mom<br />
Me-(Busy doing something, anything)<br />
Harrison-MOM<br />
Harrison-MOMM<br />
Harrison-MOMMY!<br />
Harrison-MOM!!!!!!!<br />
Harrison-HONEY!!!!!<br />
Harrison-BABE!!!!!!!!!<br />
Harrison-STEPHANIE!!!!!!!!<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nMhboNoxV90/T6qncYAYviI/AAAAAAAAO1w/JqQOf4FcRV8/s1600/Hearing+vs+Listening+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nMhboNoxV90/T6qncYAYviI/AAAAAAAAO1w/JqQOf4FcRV8/s1600/Hearing+vs+Listening+1.jpg" /></a></div>
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It's usually when I hear my name that I think to myself, "WOW, how long was I not paying attention that he had to resort to using my NAME? It might sound funny but it happens a lot! And now Harrison will grab my face and say, "MOM, LOOK AT ME"! <br />
<br />
If I do this to my son I wonder how many times I do it to my husband and the other people around me, family and friends.<br />
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I have come to a place where stopping what I'm doing to interact when someone is who is talking to me is a must!! So what, move the pan from the fire and take a moment! So what if you have to stop the shower wrapped in a towel about to go in! So what if you have to mute your favorite song while driving to the market to give that little one in the back seat your attention. So what if you have to pause "The Real Housewives of Orange County" in order to give your spouse your eyes, mind and heart as he's telling you a story about his day! <br />
<br />
Stopping long enough to hear is great BUT stopping long enough to LISTEN is KEY!! <br />
<br />
Do you HEAR or do you STOP long enough to LISTEN?<br />
<br />
<br />
Stephanie Lainez-Children's Book Author<br />
<a href="http://www.hephzicreations.blogspot.com/">www.hephzicreations.blogspot.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.mystoryhousebooks.com/">www.mystoryhousebooks.com</a><br />
<br />
<br />Stephanie Lainezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12642278580015514868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131506530841296848.post-32277503910804579782012-05-08T14:01:00.000-07:002012-05-08T14:01:00.726-07:00Do more than exist, LIVE!It's very easy for me to get lost in laundry, dishes, preparing meals, work, Facebook, Pinterest, Draw Something, texting, more laundry, errands, maybe a nap, more meal preparation, etc!! Just existing is SO EASY!! Everyday duties, chores and lists CONSUME MY DAY! Do you know what I'm talking about? You know when you wake up in the morning and think to yourself, "I gotta get going! I have SO much to do today"! Then before you know it, it's time to start dinner and you don't remember eating breakfast and I don't think I stopped long enough to have lunch! You know those kinds of days?<br />
<br />
When I get lost in days like that I reflect and think to myself, "Did I encourage anyone today? Did I spend time in prayer or stop long enough to get centered? Did I ignore someone who was trying to communicate with me? Did I forget to laugh or smile today? Did my family get kisses and hugs today? Did I pack a lunch for my husband? Did my words "love" my husband before he stepped out to work? Did I brush my teeth? Did I put on deodorant? Am I wearing moisturizer with SPF? <br />
<br />
When my days are blurred with busyness I JUST EXIST! I become a rock in the middle of a field, useless!<br />
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When I choose to get centered and spend some away time with my Maker I find that in the midst of Mommy busyness is LIFE! I stop and remember to smile, to encourage, to love and to LIVE! When I choose to LIVE vs exist the birds sing in harmony, life is richer, the sky is clearer, the fragrance I give off is sweeter, my husband's kisses are more potent, my sons laughter is livelier, the woes of the world seem to be muted. When I do more than exist I become a tree that gives life! When I do more than exist I become someone who's core shines in and out of season!!<br />
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The LIFE I choose is just that, a CHOICE! <br />
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Will you choose to exist or will you choose to LIVE!<br />
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The riches of LIFE are held in daily choices! So choose well my friends!<br />
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Stephanie Lainez-Children's Book Author<br />
<a href="http://www.hephzicreations.blogspot.com/">www.hephzicreations.blogspot.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.mystoryhousebooks.com/">www.mystoryhousebooks.com</a><br />Stephanie Lainezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12642278580015514868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131506530841296848.post-32626501339176505242012-05-01T17:59:00.000-07:002012-05-01T18:06:21.727-07:00Girlfriend Power<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Was having a lousy evening and a worse morning and suddenly the phone rang, no # on the caller I.D. but my husband answered anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The person on the line asked for Stephanie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My husband handed me the phone and just shrugged his shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I timidly answered, "Hello"?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The voice on the other end was SUPER bubbly and with an identifiable rasp the person said, "God wants you to know that He loves you and SO do I"!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How timely, I thought to myself as I giggled saying back, "I love you too Angie"!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Girlfriends have a POWER that no one else does!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have the power to uplift and change your attitude with a simple text, note or call!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know each other so deeply!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have laughed together til our stomachs hurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We've cried together until the tissue box was empty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have frustrated each other beyond words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know each others darkest secrets, scariest nightmares, wishful goals and dreams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There have been times where I have needed to escape and without a second thought a girlfriend has swooped me up and rescued me from my MOUNDS OF LAUNDRY.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There has been a time where I have had NO MONEY and a girlfriend has colored my hair for free!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There have been times where we were fresh out of toilet paper; the refrigerator was almost empty, out of work and no money. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can remember that day as if it were yesterday . . . oh wait it was yesterday and sitting on the front door step was LARGE bag filled with TOILET PAPER, paper towels, tissue boxes, bread, tortillas, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, dishwashing soap, cans of tuna, cans of beans, canned veggies and fruit, crackers, oatmeal and the list went on and on!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have found checks in the mail that say, "FROM GOD"!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of these have been from GIRLFRIENDS who know my heart and have listened and loved on me at my lowest of times!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We all have them!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She's the gal who offered you her shoulder when that boy broke up with you for the 5th time!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She's that girl that knew you're financial situation and WOULDN'T let you buy those shoes and then out of the blue buys them for you or gives you the pair she has in her closet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She's the gal that shouts out as the dinner check is coming, "I GOT THIS ONE"!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She's the gal who won't let you leave the house unless your outfit is perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She's the gal who gives you a tissue and points to her nose as a silent message that you have a booger!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She's the one who has your back when you failed once again!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And my guess is if you don't have one these then more than likely you are one of these to someone else!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So to honor the girlfriends in your life quickly send them a text with 3 simple words, I LOVE YOU!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Stephanie Lainez-Children's Book Author<br />
<a href="http://www.mystoryhousebooks.com/">www.mystoryhousebooks.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.hephzicreations.blogspot.com/">www.hephzicreations.blogspot.com</a>Stephanie Lainezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12642278580015514868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131506530841296848.post-81205440718443838432012-04-09T16:08:00.009-07:002012-04-14T20:29:06.817-07:00My Miscarriage<div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_7tdrV7X-uoeZJLDSAUn4Ko5tVNr5wFwnObSw-RgLjJHBDRAJGN2aaise0qrZlyLjiBv4jAAKfjqHRFN_yYea4UsjNVntkc1lIyIGsMYqPj6P-rJ-cHdB1TkzY5paqRpeohLqDS-XNQK/s1600/crying.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; height: 262px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729541981872088418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_7tdrV7X-uoeZJLDSAUn4Ko5tVNr5wFwnObSw-RgLjJHBDRAJGN2aaise0qrZlyLjiBv4jAAKfjqHRFN_yYea4UsjNVntkc1lIyIGsMYqPj6P-rJ-cHdB1TkzY5paqRpeohLqDS-XNQK/s320/crying.jpg" /></a>This past winter Robert and I found out that we were pregnant. We were excited to take this journey with Harrison, our 2 year old! It seemed like the time was right to dive into the pregnancy world once again! Our pregnancy with Harrison was trying as we were both unemployed and on government assistance. We were concerned that our financial situation would make this season more of a hardship rather than a celebration! And at times it was! But looking back on it now it probably was the most rewarding season EVER! </div><div><br />Our January ultrasound showed the evidence of something absolutely EXCITING! We were having TWINS! We looked at each other during our check-up and just giggled!! The Doctor<br />seemed a bit stumped. She wasn’t sold on the stability of the pregnancy. So the barrage of testing and blood work began. Roberts' face went from delight to worry within seconds! His sinking heart caused mine to rescue! I was NOT gonna let this concern sway me!! I needed to be STRONG!</div><div><br />The weeks that followed I began to seek God stronger than EVER! And almost every time I sat in His presence I said not a word. PEACE was ALWAYS the watermark left on my heart!! A few times I said, “Lord, Don’t take them from me”! Yet DEEP DOWN I knew He was in ultimate control I and I was OKAY with releasing them to play at His feet for eternity!!</div><div><br />February was our next ultrasound and no heartbeats were found. Our Doctor wasn’t overly concerned being that we were closing in on our 11th week. She advised us to wait another week before making her determination. Robert and I left that appointment in silence! I can remember seeing Robert’s tears drip down his face as we drove away! I looked out of the passenger window FIGHTING back the tears but I lost! I was dumbfounded and speechless! Words of comfort were in short supply YET hurt, confusion, anger and lot of questions were available for the taking!! </div><div><br />On February 8th we went to church and while driving there I felt as if something wasn’t quite right! I had been spotting for over a month now and was set at ease by most of my family and girlfriends! My Doctor had said not to worry about the spotting. In the middle of the service I felt increasingly moist and thought to myself something was definitely WRONG! I got up and went to the restroom and the spotting had turned into something more significant! I went back to my seat and said nothing to Robert, as not to further worry him! After church we drove home and I just knew I was losing them! I began to cramp and the bleeding intensified! Around 1:30am I woke up with pretty painful abdominal cramps. I slowly got out of bed and said, “Lord, you are in control! You may have them! I trust you Father”! I sat and the flow of blood was<br />unexplainable. </div><div><br />“Robert”, I gently shook his shoulder, “Honey, I have to go to the ER”!</div><div><br /> He quickly popped up,“What, what are you ok”, he said half asleep with heart racing! </div><div><br />“Yes, I’m ok. I’m just bleeding too much and I’m cramping a lot”, I said. </div><div><br />He sat up and began to quickly strategize how to get Harrison up and ready and to get me to the ER. I just told him to stay home. No use getting Harrison up and disrupt his sleep for something that was completely out of our control! </div><div><br />I got into the car and drove myself to Whittier Presbyterian Hospital. When I drove in I could see that the ER was fairly full. I rolled my eyes, grabbed a book and walked in. I walked in to the noise of crying babies, complaining patients and frustrated ER staff. I was in for a wait that was for sure. I stepped up to the counter to check-in and the gal asked why I was there. I said, “I<br />think I’m losing my babies”. And without batting an eye she handed me a clip board and ask me to take a seat. 30 minutes later I could feel wet saturation quickly working its way through my layers of clothing. I got up and went to the restroom and the flow was like an open faucet. I was baffled! I cleaned myself off and began to get dressed and as I reached to flush, the blood filled toilet, there they were! A lemon shaped ball of tissue laying on the floor at the base of the toilet bowl! It was large! I grabbed a ton of toilet paper and bent down to scoop it up! I stood there and just analyzed it with my eyes. I was totally in awe! Not a tear or a concern came over me, just PEACE! </div><div><br />I cleaned the ER restroom floor the best I could and went out and notified the receptionist. I asked her if there was a way I could be taken in sooner. She began to inform me that I had to be at least 20 week pregnant in order to be sent to labor and delivery. Unfortunately I had to wait like everyone else. 15 minutes later I was triaged. Triage took about a minute and a half. They then told me the wait for a bed would be anywhere from 2-4 hours. It was now almost 3am and I wanted OUT OF HERE!! I sat in the ER and called St Jude’s Medical Center in Fullerton. The gentleman that answered the other line said that they had NO wait in their ER, to come right over! I notified the Whittier Presbyterian staff that I was leaving and they urged me not to leave. At this point my cramping was almost unbearable. I left anyway! </div><div> </div><div>I drove to St Jude’s while on my cell with the on-call ObGyn. He was saddened that I was treated the way I was but highly suggested St Jude’s. I drove into St. Jude’s parking lot and a sense of comfort softly and gently came over me!</div><div><br />I walked into the ER and the gentleman behind the counter called me by name and handed me my paperwork. I didn’t even sit down before a nurse called me in and began to triage me. I was triaged and sent back to the lobby. Within 2 minutes I was called in, put in a wheel chair and taken to a very private back partially curtained room. I changed into my gown and in walked the Doctor on duty. She sat there with me and was kind and experienced! She informed me of what to expect and soon enough blood work was taken and I was allowed to rest for a few hours before they performed my ultrasound.</div><div><br />I laid there tired, weak yet fully at peace! Around 5:30am I was wheeled across the ER to the ultrasound room. I could almost read the technicians face! Her stares at the screen were emotionless. Her straight face was my indication that the babies were gone. I’m sure she was trained to have that emotionless glare but it was enough for me. I cleaned up but once again and was wheeled back to my corner suite in the ER! </div><div><br />About 35 minutes later in walks a new Doctor. He was calm with a perfectly comforting voice. He began to share the findings of the blood work and the ultrasound. My predictions where correct. He began to share how I was lucky to have lost them the way I did. He said most women who lose a pregnancy at almost 12 weeks usually have to undergo a very uncomfortable and painful DNC, a scrapping of the uterine wall or womb. He reported back to me that the ultrasound showed a beautifully thinned uterus. And a DNC was not needed. I was relieved!!! </div><div><br />I was given my discharge papers shortly there after and allowed to leave. It’s was now not quiet 7am and the morning air very cold and crisp. The sky was absolutely clear and electric blue. I remember walking through the empty parking lot and looking up at the gorgeous morning sky and I remembered saying, “Thank you Lord for making this process peaceful with loving and caring staff. You knew my heart and you took care of EVERY DETAIL! I am in AWE and still know you are in control”! I walked to my car and drove home. </div><div> </div><div>I walked into the house quietly as to not wake Harrison or Robert. I walked into our bedroom and Robert slowly opened his eyes and said, “Babe, what happened’? </div><div><br />“We lost them babe, we lost them”, I said softly.<br /></div><div>His eye quickly began to tear and within minutes Harrison was up. He tended to Harrison so I could sleep but it was hard to rest with everything that had just happened to me. Around 9am I worked myself to the living room still bleeding pretty heavily. I was welcomed by a giggly 2 year old and a very concerned and deeply saddened husband. </div><div><br />I think people today are afraid to talk to me about the miscarriage. I think they think I’m still trying to deal with the loss of not one, but two lives. They look at me and stumble around words and look for things to say. I can almost hear them rehearsing what clever line or careful scripture to recite. I sometimes want to wear a sign on my chest that says, “IT’S ALL GOOD! I’M OK, REALLY, I AM”!<br /></div><div>I am in a GREAT space full of peace and joy. I have had a few, short moments of tears but NEVER once while in the ER OR AFTER, did I get angry wondering WHY ME. I gave God my emotions early on. My season of loss and grief lasted a second in comparison to most. I still love being around babies and rubbing the belly of a pregnant friend or family member. I don’t look at them and think, WHAT ABOUT ME! God has my back and I have givin him all of it. Every worry, every concern, every hope, every dream and every desire is His! I found the peace in the moment. I encountered a deeper joy in Harrison’s laughter. I felt more love in my husbands’ arms. And I had a little better understanding about life’s sweetness. </div><div><br />The journey is what you make of it. I found that in the midst of loss I stumbled across PEACE! When you walk through life do you look for the best in the midst of the worse? Or does the worse rob you of your best?</div></div>Stephanie Lainezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12642278580015514868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131506530841296848.post-81061304867738951632012-03-26T11:39:00.003-07:002012-03-26T11:41:42.590-07:00Mayhem vs Super Woman<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVpS4CucpWLNyrERb9hAdeEPM9bezDS9yVVDZO9KqShBUQVCyU_25bHc1b3hKKIPuwUSJxNZS1D41YsreXvlbxrw2lOBEBNLlEn5h2OT-MOGaSaRT0jPnPLufe236UvAcsoplXKwU9dgB1/s1600/SUPER+MOMMY.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 275px; height: 183px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724277426973560738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVpS4CucpWLNyrERb9hAdeEPM9bezDS9yVVDZO9KqShBUQVCyU_25bHc1b3hKKIPuwUSJxNZS1D41YsreXvlbxrw2lOBEBNLlEn5h2OT-MOGaSaRT0jPnPLufe236UvAcsoplXKwU9dgB1/s320/SUPER+MOMMY.jpg" /></a><br />You wake up Monday morning to find the roof leaked while you slept. It leaked SO much that living room rug is RUINED! You start moving furniture, still in your pajama’s, to see the extent of the damage. And suddenly you hear the whimpering sounds of your child in her room. You start to move your trinkets and knickknacks when the sounds of a child vomiting spring you into action. The smell of sour slaps you in the face as you enter her room and there it is, all over her freshly washed Hello Kitty sheets! You quickly forget about the, still dripping roof and the sopping wet rug, to clean the chunks that are SCREAMING for your attention!! You gently pick up Miss Pukie Face and put her in the tub. As the warm bath is filling up you quickly dart into her room to strip down her bed, tossing those stinky sheets outside. Grabbing your cell phone you walk back into the bathroom to find that she has thrown up again inside the tub that is quickly filling up with NOW, tricolored PUKE water! Without even thinking you swoop her out of the tub and race her to your shower and rinse her off. You caringly dry her off as you speed dial the Pediatrician. You are relieved to find that their next patient cancelled and they’ll see your child ASAP! You quickly change out of your polka dotted flannel pajama bottoms and the worn “New Kids on the Block” t-shirt (don’t judge) and swipe your blush brush over your cheeks quickly. You walk into the hallway with your little one still wrapped in her towel and find that the hallway floor is VERY WET! YOU FORGOT TO TURN OFF THE BATH WATER!! You rush in turn it off and INSTANTLY start to cry!<br /><br />Have any of you ever been here before? I have! Maybe not to this degree but boy I’ve been close! What do you do?<br /><br />I have, in these circumstances, just let it go! Called the doctor back asking for a later appointment, mop up the wet hallway and bathroom floor, bring out the fans, pinesol’ed the bath tub, put the sheets into the wash, called SOMEONE to check the roof and another guy to help with the floors/rug. All while having an internal argument with my husband who not even home as if he were here to defend himself.<br /><br />BREATH…….INHALE THEN EXHALE!!!<br /><br />Remember that under those worn pajama’s is a SUPER WOMAN! Your cape might be torn and wrinkled. Your hair might be uncombed and the gray might need some TLC! But in the end you come out with flying colors! When all is said and done, you’ve CONQUERED yet ANOTHER obstacle! So lift your head YOU MIGHT WOMAN and CELEBRATE YOUR BRAVERY, YOUR ABILITY TO HANDLE IT ALL! You should be PROUD of YOURSELF! You are AMAZING! You have SAVED THE DAY YET AGAIN!!!<br /><br /><br />Stephanie Lainez<br /><a href="http://www.mystoryhousebook.com">www.mystoryhousebook.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.hephzicreations.blogspot.com">www.hephzicreations.blogspot.com</a>Stephanie Lainezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12642278580015514868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131506530841296848.post-7851410860380063132012-03-12T17:34:00.003-07:002012-03-12T17:37:29.841-07:00Hard Work<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1kxoQq_4HMNzmC5bhXN3xNg9lH0IuZXYbEfEA0PkHoIpOn5glY6geuN1xwhatkMiZJinzmstDTLXw0dYaZRF1fvx9ONxwGdZGhyfXFOfjpyAG-UOzeFvp64xVVbdAi99kqGKvH5JftUHk/s1600/hard+work+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 221px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719173689855591314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1kxoQq_4HMNzmC5bhXN3xNg9lH0IuZXYbEfEA0PkHoIpOn5glY6geuN1xwhatkMiZJinzmstDTLXw0dYaZRF1fvx9ONxwGdZGhyfXFOfjpyAG-UOzeFvp64xVVbdAi99kqGKvH5JftUHk/s320/hard+work+2.jpg" /></a><br />Growing up I saw my parents WORK REALLY HARD! Being the child of migrant farm workers you can only imagine the stories! As soon as they were old enough to work they were in the field alongside an older sibling or parent, helping. They would work before and after school, tired and still complete their homework! My Dad, newly married would seasonally work in the field, worked a night shift and went to school to earn a degree! He spent countless summers helping pick on his brothers’ ranch! I remember feeling the callouses on the palms of his hands! And remember him saying, “Mija, this is what HARD WORK feels like”! I can recall thinking to myself, “IF THAT’S WHAT HARD WORK FEELS LIKE THEN I NEVER WANT TO WORK HARD”!<br /><br />I remembering going through junior college and holding down 4 jobs! I remember waking up early to clean my elderly neighbors’ house, coming home to shower to hurry off to school, attend 2 classes sometimes 3. I would then head to another neighbor’s house, clean that house and then rushing home to quickly eat before heading to the restaurant to waitress an evening shift. On the days I didn’t have school I’d pick up a shift at the mall! <br /><br />Now years later I end up marrying a man who WORKS HARDER than anyone I’ve ever known! I don’t think that’s a coincidence! I’m attracted to HARD WORKERS; my Dad was a fabulous role model for that!<br /><br />Looking back at those days I wonder how I ever managed to do it all! But I will say this . . . HARD WORK is WORK but your attitude is what shifts the WORK into a WORTHWILD VENTURE!! I was born into a family culture of WORTHWILD VENTURERS! HARD WORK is our middle name!! <br /><br />Are you a WORTHWILD VENTURER? ;O) Or does your attitude keep you working hard? (that line even gave me chills?)<br /><br /><br /><br />Stephanie Lainez<br />Children's Book Author<br /><a href="http://www.mystoryhousebooks.com">www.mystoryhousebooks.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.hephzicreations.blogspot.com">www.hephzicreations.blogspot.com</a>Stephanie Lainezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12642278580015514868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131506530841296848.post-10195529815616308842012-03-05T15:11:00.004-08:002012-03-05T19:27:45.333-08:00Adventure<div>The dictionary says that the word ADVENTURE means a risky undertaking of unknown outcome, an exciting or unexpected event or course of events, the encountering of risk, or an enterprise involving financial risk. <br /><br />I have been on QUITE a few adventures in my life! Some stem from relationships, marriage, child birth, starting a business, to traveling to other countries all alone! Some of my adventures have led to pain and heartache and some have become my most favorite experiences yielding unforgettable memories. <br /><br />Risk is a scary thing for many! The unknown variables can make one rethink the risk or adventure. Sometimes too many bad adventures leave callouses and scars. And those scars at times stop us from taking new adventures and risks. <br /><br />For some of us this is the YEAR of ADVENTURE and RISK! So what are you going to do? Will you take the RISK? Will you say YES to the ADVENTURE? Only you can answer that question. But if you don’t jump then you’ll never know the adventure that awaits you! <br /><br /><br /> <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 213px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716555249316425746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4MH9to07ZPq8XqwhGQTDmxs02PtRjT0sQbmNPPdhTEeAL1Uk35DlbPYeCGrA07h5BUXhoFRrcpl87HP9clU74XEI2czZsQazk3wSNeg2-wek3w_ZB9qMcENTb3DufX9kGwYR5qC8MyY4/s320/Adventure.jpg" /></div><div>Stephanie Lainez</div><div>Children's Book Author</div><div><a href="http://www.mystoryhousebooks.com">www.mystoryhousebooks.com</a></div><div><a href="http://www.hephzicreations.blogspot.com">www.hephzicreations.blogspot.com</a></div><div> </div>Stephanie Lainezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12642278580015514868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131506530841296848.post-58626798229081746322012-03-02T13:15:00.004-08:002012-03-02T13:28:08.132-08:00Do you Dream?<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Llr6QSN12Xo/T1E7S1uhOoI/AAAAAAAANAk/zOuDrlkIR6I/s1600/Dreams.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 300px; height: 199px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715414596955748994" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Llr6QSN12Xo/T1E7S1uhOoI/AAAAAAAANAk/zOuDrlkIR6I/s320/Dreams.jpg" /></a>Do you DREAM? <br />Do you ever just sit, gaze out the window and day dream? Do you ever waste the day away dreaming? I’m not taking about those types of DREAMS! I’m not even talking about airy fair types of dreams where suddenly you have wings and Peter Pan is accompanying you on an amazing adventure. Or the ones where you dream you’re SUDDENLY naked in class. I’m talking about DREAMS, GOALS for the future! HOPES, DESIRES, ENVISIONING GRAND<br />ACCOMPLISHMENTS, SEEING YOURSELF WITH UNLEASHED POTENTIAL THAT LEAVES EVEN THE BIGGEST SCKEPTIC AWESTRUCK. . . DREAMS!!<br /><br />Do you take time to DREAM? Do you take time to write those DREAMS down on paper? Do you ever take those DREAMS and whittle them down into bite size goals? So that one<br />day that BIG DREAM can have WINGS and become a REALITY? Or are you the type of person that says, “I’m too busy to dream”!<br /><br />I was that person! I said, “I am TOO busy to dream! Dreaming is for people who aren’t focused on the task at hand! They have TOO much idle time to waste”! Boy was I lying to myself! I’ve ALWAYS BEEN A SECRET CLOSET DREAMER!! I had ALWAYS had a SECRET dream of writing Children’s books. And one day my ENTIRE BUSY WORLD came crashing in and I lost my job along with thousands of others. So many hours spent working and never allowing myself to stop long enough to dream! It took me a few months of freaking out before I allowed myself to REALLY dream again! And literally 3 months later my 1st Children’s book “Rachel and the Lion”<br />was sent to PRINT!<br /><br />What DREAMS are you sitting on that are silently becoming DORMANT? What DREAM do you NOT ALLOW yourself to DREAM cuz it’s JUST TOO BIG for you? DREAM! DREAM!<br />DREAM, because without them NEW SEASONS can’t begin!! Dream for that NEW HOUSE! Dream for that next DEGREE! Dream for a SPOUSE! Dream for CHILDREN!! Dream to be debt free! Dream for funds to buy a NEW CAR! Dream! Dreams, give us that hope and expectation for tomorrow! Dreaming gets us excited about our potential. So DREAM, because it’s good for you! Just DREAM!<br /><br /><div><br />Stephanie Lainez<br />Children’s Book Author<br /><a href="http://www.mystoryhousebooks.com/">http://www.mystoryhousebooks.com/</a><br /><a href="http://hephzicreations.blogspot.com">http://hephzicreations.blogspot.com</a></div><div><br /> </div>Stephanie Lainezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12642278580015514868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131506530841296848.post-26703666169477617202012-02-28T15:01:00.002-08:002012-02-28T15:06:26.244-08:00Inspiration?Inspiration is EVERYWHERE! Inspiration CAN be FOUND anyplace! The “WHERE” isn’t important. What’s important is your SIGHT! <br /><br />I experience WRITERS BLOCK quite often!! But is it REALLY writers block as must as<br />it’s my bad attitude towards the task? I’ll be even more transparent: when I get out of my own way and allow my mind to quiet down, MAGIC happens!! <br /><br />So I beg to ask you this question, when INSPIRATION is in short supply what eyes are you searching with? Are you searching with eyes of frustration? Are you searching with eyes of judgment? Are you searching with eyes of lack, worry, anger, desperation etc? <br /><br />I so often look for my INSPIRATION through clogged eyes. My eyes are clogged with life. My husband is requesting my time, my toddler is throwing a fit, the sink is FULL of dirty<br />dishes, the couch has 3 loads of clean, unfolded laundry on it, and I have writing deadlines that are SCREAMING for my time! INSPIRATION WHERE ARE YOU? ??? <br /><br />INSPIRATION needs all of me! It needs a clear mind. It needs a willing heart. It needs ME!<br />If INSPIRATION is hard to come by these days, STOP for a moment. Declutter and unclog your<br />sight. My guess is, once all that is removed the rest will be magical!!<br /><br /><br />Stephanie Lainez<br /><a href="http://www.mystoryhousebooks.com">www.mystoryhousebooks.com</a>Stephanie Lainezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12642278580015514868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131506530841296848.post-30793453408101107182012-02-27T15:55:00.003-08:002012-02-27T16:30:01.333-08:00Loneliness<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7rl-FCm6SwJGzG3DjuxbF_dsXmBNhG-c_JJ4JpwFA2CtlI6_b9eKRnEyjqVA-idIHVFEJeVlCL1ZcCLa6kk4xl5WGWTw4hlLwwSWSiI0KCd0JVgEZkzwqYWkAYi_KIwdWVtJwOh6epr_/s1600/Loneliness.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 228px; height: 300px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713975755487531810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7rl-FCm6SwJGzG3DjuxbF_dsXmBNhG-c_JJ4JpwFA2CtlI6_b9eKRnEyjqVA-idIHVFEJeVlCL1ZcCLa6kk4xl5WGWTw4hlLwwSWSiI0KCd0JVgEZkzwqYWkAYi_KIwdWVtJwOh6epr_/s320/Loneliness.jpg" /></a><font face="">Thinking of this word, “loneliness”, puts a bit of sadness in the core of my belly. I have LOTS of<br />friends and TONS of acquaintances in my life. I have a LARGE, close knit family. I have a hand selected group of SUPER CLOSE girlfriends that I TREASURE and could go to at ANY HOUR regarding ANY SUBJECT and know I would NEVER be judged YET. . . I too have seasons of loneliness!<br /></font><div><font face="">Being married for just over 5 years I find myself hitting little snags and when I do hit those<br />snags LONELINESS is there with WELCOMING ARMS! Sounds sick doesn’t it? But my<br />guess is that lots of us hang out there from time to time!<br /></font></div><div><font face="">When I find myself lying in LONELINESSES arms I find that my “self-talk” is full of self-doubt, low self-esteem and insecurity. My stay with LONELINESS is short lived. Once out of its grasps I wonder to myself, “What in the WORLD WAS I THINKING to have ALLOWED myself to go there”!<br /></font></div><div><font face="">I really believe that I’m NOT ALONE here, no pun intended! I believe MILLIONS of us visit with<br />LONELINESS more often than we’d like to admit! I don’t PREACH anti-loneliness; fore I too have over stayed my visit sitting in its company! I fare on the side of the “CAUTION” of LONELINESS. When choosing LONELINESS look at the CORE, the WHY, the CATALYIST of<br />what got you there. Once you can figure that out the rest is a whole different journey and awakening!</font></div><div><br /><font face="">So in your journey remember that you are TRULY not alone! You are LOVED, WANTED and<br />ENJOYED!</font><br /><br />Stephanie Lainez<br />Children’s Book Author<br />www.mystoryhousebooks.com</div></div>Stephanie Lainezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12642278580015514868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131506530841296848.post-53204145493485852322012-02-26T16:41:00.000-08:002012-02-27T16:48:09.716-08:00Random Acts Of Kindness<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB08ukOMxVBIzulYpwmeVQaS7t7C1XmI5kG1f2w47sQtGIZDPu8opFsK3bf6oe39rYpIYEaHvUc1Uo68o9H6px9k92vRxylntGAvSjBbGmkMh3oyGfVt0uHbrlaIoyKix9ifwCXB1UQ8Ib/s1600/Random+Acts+of+Kindness.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; height: 200px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713981804322006162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB08ukOMxVBIzulYpwmeVQaS7t7C1XmI5kG1f2w47sQtGIZDPu8opFsK3bf6oe39rYpIYEaHvUc1Uo68o9H6px9k92vRxylntGAvSjBbGmkMh3oyGfVt0uHbrlaIoyKix9ifwCXB1UQ8Ib/s320/Random+Acts+of+Kindness.jpg" /></a><br /><div>This morning while still half asleep I decided to open my email. I received an email from my<br />elderly neighbor. He said that the other day he fell in the middle of the night and broke his foot in multiple places. Since the fall his wife has had her hands full regarding house work and caring for him. I was beside myself that he waited almost a week to tell me. I popped up out of bed<br />and started cooking pancakes, eggs, sausage and brewing coffee. My husband and I quickly got dressed, platted the food and walked over with a piping hot breakfast for two. His wife opened the door and was so surprised.<br /></div><div>How many times do we purposely do ‘Random Acts of Kindness’? Are our lives so busy and jam packed with work, meetings, doctor’s appointments, errands, ballet classes, t-ball games,<br />bible studies, church, etc… that we have lost sight of KINDNESS? I am notorious for getting bothered with the driver who cuts me off or the lady in the 10 items or less line with a cart<br />full of groceries. Yet how much more energy do we expend when we CHOOSE KINDNESS over frustration, my guess is, not much more… if any.<br /></div><div>When was the last time someone extended ‘Random Acts of Kindness’ to you? How did it make you feel? Maybe it’s time for more of us to extend KINDNESS. What will you do next?</div>Stephanie Lainezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12642278580015514868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9131506530841296848.post-19949365990344503592012-02-25T15:51:00.001-08:002012-02-27T16:56:48.730-08:00Change!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--fOX6XZhIvs/T0wl_UeNlBI/AAAAAAAANAU/hrtxy1vxuEc/s1600/change.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 213px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713983796983731218" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--fOX6XZhIvs/T0wl_UeNlBI/AAAAAAAANAU/hrtxy1vxuEc/s320/change.jpg" /></a>CHANGE is funny. Sometimes when the CHANGE is in our favor we’re ALL about it. We LIKE it! We post about it on our FB page. In our conversations around town we boast about how we enjoy CHANGE and how it’s good for us. BUT…when it’s not in our favor we suddenly despise it. We complain about it, we post, “CHANGE SUCKS”!<br /><div>But why does CHANGE affect us so adversely? CHANGE rewrites our plans. Our schedules and direction get knocked off its kilter. So CHANGE means WE have toCHANGE, ADAPT and SHIFT!! Sometimes having to CHANGE ourselves, rocks our world.<br /></div><div>CHANGE in life means we have to CHANGE!<br /></div><div>When CHANGE comes ADAPT, MODIFY, REFINE yourself because in<br />the end it will only make you a better, more complete version of you!<br /><br /></div><div>Stephanie Lainez<br />Children’s Book Author<br /><a href="http://www.mystoryhousebooks.com/">http://www.mystoryhousebooks.com/</a></div>Stephanie Lainezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12642278580015514868noreply@blogger.com0