Welcome to December

This season has been so great. For starters, I have finally learned to crochet. I've always wanted to knit/crochet blankets for the homeless for winter. Thank God that dream has become a reality. My co-worker has taught me and I am excited. Today we got snow and Skylar was excited. What a joy it was to see the wonder and excitement through the eyes of a child.

Pumpkins

Have you ever heard the little story about how Christians are like pumpkins? Well, we sort of adopted this as our theme for our pumpkin carving contest on our street.

...God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off you may have gotten from the other pumpkins. Then he cuts the top off and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see."

Every year we gather up some pumpkins and neighbors. We share that example of what it is like to be a Christian and carve pumpkins, bob for apples and eat some good treats. Here below we have what we call mummydogs, they are refrigerated breadsticks wrapped around a turkey weiner. They always go so quickly but this time I snapped a picture of them before we brought them out.

There are 2 categories: kids & adults. I honestly can't tell you who enjoys the prizes more the little ones or the grown ups. 1st place (kids) receives a gift card to Toys R Us and the 1st place (adults) receives a gift card to a restaurant.

I included some photos for you to see the skills everyone puts to use. It's a tradition that has pulled a neighborhood from their busy schedules and much closer together, which is ultimately all for God's glory.

'Love your neighbor as yourself". There is no greater commandment than these. Mark 12:31

From one pumpkin to another, God bless!

Sunshine

We're on the way, we're on the way...on the way to Grandpa's farm

This weekend we had such gorgeous weather. We made another attempt to head for the farm. You know the one with the hayride to pick your own pumpkin. The day was great for snapping those beautiful fall pictures.

Skylar loved the animals and could do more of the activities than last year. (Which included running faster than mommy) She enjoyed all the fun stuff to do. Here are few pics from our day. I took about 100 but I narrowed it down to five favorites. Excited about the ducks in the pond, she began to sing "The Five Little Ducks".

Up close with the baby goats.

Walking through the flower garden with Nana.

And finally, the cutest curly haired pumpkin in the patch.

Bountiful blessings to all!

Fall decor items

The debris that was a reminder of Hurricane Ike has been hauled away. We now have a mailbox to receive mail again. We were so relieved because our neighbor's son had to keep bringing our mail daily. Although, we do have some of the best neighbors on our street. One thing to miss when we move. Anyhow, the little one and I jumped at the chance to decorate. I made some fall swags and brooms for my aunts.

Thought I would share them with you. Skylar and I had fun putting lights on some pumpkins made of wooden twigs. We discovered that a few minutes later the lights no longer worked. We hope to find some new orange lights. I usually decorate for fall in late September and keep that decor until Thanksgiving.

Just curious, what kind of decor is hanging in your house? This is on our front door. It is three years old and I think this will be the last year we showcase this wreath. Or maybe it will just move to a new location for display. =)

Skylar helped pick the flowers for this small wreath to hang on my door at work. Isn't she a natural? She wanted 2 sunflowers; one for me and one for her.

-Sun & Sky

Speaking of babies...

Since tonight was a special night to remember babies I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to tell you about a couple who desires to have a child of their own. I invite you to visit Lianna's blog to see how you can them plant a seed of love for their little one. The donations (seed) are for their IVF fund. Please take a peek and Chip -In what God prompts your heart to give.

Thanks, God bless!

P.S. My friend Lianna also has the cutest seasonal cards for sell. Check them out at Be Thou a Knight.

Remember all angels

October 15th is a special day for our family. We take the time to light a candle to remember the babies that I once carried in my womb. Regardless of whether you lose a child through still birth or miscarriage that precious life is never forgotten and is significant. That little heart that beat matters to the ones who expected to hear it.

This is our way of remembering our three angels. Please join us.

Fall Days

I am so thankful that we have a house standing but I must admit that I am getting exhausted looking at the debris sitting in front of our home. I am ready to decorate and move on to some normal settings. Skylar got her costume last night. She wanted to be Abby Cadabby from Sesame Street. She is excited but really wants to go to the Pumpkin Patch/Farm this weekend.
I hate to have to tell her that we have to postpone till next weekend. I showed her the slideshow from last year and she loved it! I pray we have some cool weather. I plan to take her wagon, my camera, and pumpkin headband for the occasion. Hope to post those pictures from our pumpkin patch trip. =D

Let there be light!

I am so excited to share with you, that our family is fine and as of yesterday afternoon we received power. We went 2 weeks and 2 days without power. It wasn't so bad but now I have to retrain myself to turn on the light. Yesterday as I was getting our clothes ready to wash/ iron I found myself struggling to see in the dark then I remembered, Hello! you have power ---flip the switch! Have a great week!

Be Still and know....

Beloved,

Many of you probably very well know that the Texas coast is expecting hurricane Ike. If you don't, I am surprised, with the coverage of the highways, gas stations and people evacuating I wonder how one could miss it. The media is having a field day with who can get the most ratings so this does nothing for those who are already nervous or afraid. Our family is choosing to stay in Houston and shelter in place. We have the essentials and more importantly we have each other.

I couldn't help but think of the scripture when the disciples are in the boat and they cry out to Jesus in the storm.

Mark 4:37-39

A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?"
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

Lord, that you would be with us through the storm. You are all powerful and omniscient. You are the Lord who saves, keep your people from harms way and give them wisdom, patience and hope to help them through as we wait. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

Whether you have evacuated or decided to stay, I leave you with this verse...

Psalm 46:10

Be still and know that I am God.

Little Grammarian

It's been a long time since my last post so I will use this one to bring you up to date.
I love my new job! Each day is different and it is never dull or boring. At first I felt guilty for enjoying my job so much. The hours allow me time to keep Skylar's toddler play date schedule. I don't mind the drive to and fro. Sometimes I miss Skylar and cry then laugh at myself because the job is only part-time. Although, lately I have missed the way she smells and cooking for my family. I hope to be able to shower them with both affection and home cooked meals soon. We've eaten out quite a bit since I started working. We have to take colors, toys or a book to keep her entertained while we wait for our food. During one of our meals at Chili's we were discussing some dates and what to schedule for our family calendar when all of a sudden Skylar looked up from coloring, pointed her finger towards us and said, "Don't fight, no fight!" Roel and I just looked at each other stunned because neither of us were raising our voices or in disagreement. We asked her why she thought we were fighting but she just smiled and kept coloring. Her vocabulary surprises us at times because of the words she chooses to use in sentences. This grammarian of ours had us stumped with the "no fight" declaration...... these days she says the funniest things.

My Tuesday Drama

So thankful that God granted me another day. But why is it that even through those not so great moments we also get a another unexpected gift? Let me explain.
Yesterday, was the first day to my new job. I dropped off my daughter an hour earlier for child care to ensure I would get there on time because of the rain. My plans (I made them and most likely God will direct them) didn't go according as planned in my head. Here's a recap of what happened.

I get caught in traffic because everyone wanted to stop and look at the accident on the freeway adjacent to the George R Brown. Yes, it is raining people drive slowly be cautious but please move forward!! At this rate, I am going to be late on my first day. I absolutely hate this. My motto is 'failure to plan is planning for failure' so this is not making me a happy camper. Finally I get past the downtown landscapes and inch closer to the Medical Center. I don't like people who talk and drive but I had to whip out the handy dandy cell phone to call my new boss to tell her that I would be (gulp) late. I was surprised by her tone and response. It turns out she was running late and I would probably arrive before her because she was stuck in traffic behind me.
So I was more chipper. =] When I finally make it to the street I needed to be hours ago, there was one more stoplight and of course it would be a really long one!! So I sit there crank up my radio and sing the tune to my favorite song (which depending on what day it is will decide what song that may be). As I am singing, "Help me Belive" the car behind me hits me. Lord, I know you must have taken a snapshot of my face and maybe recorded what I said. I couldn't believe it. I have had 4 accidents guys I was so getting ready to celebrate on September 4th of this year for being accident free for 4 years. I know goofy but what can I say....that's just me! Well, I want to get out of my car but can't because the construction crew will not let me and I have to keep going. All the while watching the car behind me that tried to send me into the middle of the intersection. I was thankful that I was alive and could live to tell about my day, I was sure to top Roel's. The person that hit me was trying to drive away, I had to pull out of my lane and follow him to tell him to pull over so we could discuss the obvious. He kept saying nothing happened. I just started laughing, thinking to myself..."sure you wish you didn't just rear end me buddy".
Anywho, I needed to pull over to call my new boss to tell her what happened and inform her I didn't know what time I would be there...(great first day impression).

Finally, the guy who hit me, pulled over while I went to check out what happened to the back of my car. When I get there, I look, touch and just laughed. For a jolt of that size there was apparently no damage done to my car. I couldn't believe it but was so relieved. I thanked God and blessed the individual that hit me. Then drove off to my new job, which really was a great first day. The girls I work with are sweethearts and the doctor we work for is cool.

So my song that I was singing, "Help Me Believe" by Kirk Franklin was playing in my car on the way home....God is awesome. I believe God you are who you say you are, I believe God you can do what you say you can do. I believe God says I am who He says I am. I'm believing God!

Just curious, what is playing in your car, ipod or cd player? What are the lyrics, watch what you're singing....he,he!

New locks

I almost forgot, I haven't posted any pics of my new do and it isn't really that new. I realized that when I comment my profile pic is not up to date. Well, last month I woke up one morning thinking about things I wanted to do and hadn't done them. Don't ask! Lately I have had goal accomplishing running through my veins.

Goal: Cut my hair to donate it.

For one thing, the lady that cut my hair would always say "It isn't fair that you have all this hair on your head." Blame it on my parents, but really my dad. My mom was never allowed to cut it. Trims were acceptable but that was it. I actually cut a large portion right after I was married. I figured my dad couldnt' give me a hard time about the hair thing now, I was a married woman!

Well I worked up the nerve to do it finally and I wanted to show what a drastic change it is for me in appearance how emotional it has been all together. I got mixed reactions. Most of my side of the family was shocked, surprised and disapproving of my new hairstyle. My hubby's family was more receptive, probably because they kept encouraging me to cut my hair now that I am a mother who has less time to maintain the long locks I had. I didn't think my face/shape would work with short hair.....so take a look, what do you think?

Before my cut!

This is how much hair I cut.

When I worked at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, I wept daily on the elevator as I caught sight of children with hair loss due to their illness. I chose Locks of Love to donate my hair, if it could make just one precious child smile and bring confidence it would be worth it.

http://www.locksoflove.org/

This is me now.

I never thought I would love having short hair. I felt so free but so exposed. My long hair was like a security blanket to me. I may never go back to long hair but medium length locks is where I aim to be.... For now I am at peace with the goal list. We'll see how it goes next week....

Goal: Accomplished!

Putting on a new garment!

This Wednesday was busy but more importantly a trying one. Skylar and I sorted through her toy bin to donate toys she no longer plays with. While we were getting things accomplished I struggled with fighting back feelings of discouragement. I was tempted to replay all the goals we have yet to hit on target. So to help me focus on the good and celebrate where God has brought me from....I reflect on the things that bring me joy!

A wonderful hubby that loves me and rises to the challenge when I am craving his fab BBQ.

A precious little girl that highlights all things lovely in my life. Muah!

A mother who loves me and seizes every opportunity to enjoy her granddaughter.

The joy of the Lord is our strength and His word is a lamp unto my feet.

What a Splash!

We had the BEST time in Galveston at Schlitterbahn.

It was a great way to end the summer for my niece and nephew before they head back to school.

The anticipation was unbelievable. They watched the weather as tropical storm Edouard was nearly approaching and they were hopeful he wouldn't hit. Well he didn't so we were able to keep our plans.

My sweet girl loved the water.

She kept saying 'agua' is water in Spanish. I don't know where she learned this but she repeats everything she hears. Ooh, the agua was cool and fresh as we splashed around this Friday.

No one wanted to leave!

We had such a great time, riding the torent river, lagoon and white water rapids. I think the only complaint is my bruised arms from holding onto their tubes to keep them from floating away. =)

Hump Day Reflections

Today didn't start out as I had hoped. You know we make our plans and God directs our steps. Still it was a perfect day. I had the privilege of waking up with a sweet angel in my bed who lavished me with kisses. Just now I wanted to jump in bed, but I stopped to watch her sleep peacefully. Somedays I can't even believe she is here. Last night, I looked at some videos the hubby and I recorded of her and tears began to roll down my face. I remembered how I hated the taste of them with each disappointment and miscarriage. I recall wanting to hurt a particular doctor after he informed us that I was no longer with child. I prayed that God would remove his license. This doctor told me that my womb was like a box of shoes and that my box no longer had any shoes. Forgiveness at that time was difficult. I also recall trying to get through my prayers in the morning and having to commit that to the Lord. I asked for strength to endure on those days when despair would surround me and try to swallow me. I would see pregnant women smoking and want to scream it isn't fair. But God! Who truly loves everyone of His children. He revealed to me in a dream that I would be a mother, I was holding my baby and playing with her toes. That is why I had several pictures of baby feet. What you look at longest becomes strongest...I heard Paula White say that once.It was that dream/vision and a promise that helped me through. I don't know if the enemy brought so much doubt to my hubby but I needed anything to get me through baby showers and mother's day. So I clung to a verse I read in the bible. (Romans 4:20-21) I painted our story on the door to the baby's room as a reminder and illustration to my daughter of this very scripture.We were standing on God's word! We prayed, believed and confessed we would be parents since 2002 and that promise from God didn't become a reality until 2006. Friends, family and church members stood in agreement with us for our child. God's time really isn't our timing. As for these storms or rainy days in my life, God has been with me through them all. The morning I was born it rained before the sun peeked out from the clouds. I found out I was pregnant during Hurricane Rita and Skylar was potty trained during tropical storm Edouard. All I know is God is in control and ever so faithful.

On a rainy afternoon

There was not much to do this Tuesday with the thunderstorm Edouard expected to hit.

So I flipped through my appetizer recipes to pull out our family's favorites. Our favorite season is fast approaching. Yes, we are ready 4 some football!! And for the food that it brings.

I included photos here with the recipe/directions. Maybe you might like to try some of the appetizers yourself. Enjoy.

We call these Hot Tubs

just some little tubs of heat...yummy!

• Ingredients/Directions:

10 fresh jalapenos

Wash, slice (length wise) and devein (remove seeds/vein)

1- 8 oz package Philly cream cheese, can buy package already whipped

10 slices of bacon

toothpicks

Preheat oven 400 degrees. Fill jalapenos with cream cheese and wrap with bacon.

Secure with toothpick and arrange halves in single layer on baking sheet. Bake in preheated

oven for about 45 minutes or until bacon is evenly browned and crisp.

Serve and watch them ooh and ahh over these tasty treats.

Chicken Crescent Pizza

• Ingredients/Directions:

2 cans - 8 oz. refrigerated crescent rolls

1/2 package- 8 0z. cream cheese, softened

1/3 cup sour cream

2 tsp. taco seasoning mix (from 1.25 oz. envelope)

3/4 cup refrigerated guacamole

1/2 cup thick & chunky salsa

2 cups cooked diced grilled chicken breast

1/4 cup chopped roma tomatoes

1 cup shredded romaine lettuce

1/2 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Spray 12 inch pizza pan with cooking spray. Remove dough from 1 can, keeping dough in 1 piece do not unroll. Gently shape dough in one direction to form a 12 inch log. Cut log into 20 slices. Repeat with second can of dough. Arrange 2 slices side by side. Place a 7 ring circle around the first 2 slices. Arrange 12 slices in another ring. Arrange 19 slices in third ring, overlapping edges slightly, press together gently. Bake 13 to 18 minutes or until golden brown. Gently remove crescent dough to serving platter to cool for 15 minutes.

Beat cream cheese, sour cream and seasoning mix with mixer on low speed until smooth.
Spread cream chese mixture on crescent dough, next add guacamole and then salsa. Sprinkle with chicken, tomatoes, lettuce, and cheese.

Pumpkin Cheese Ball

• Ingredients/Directions:

1-8 oz. package cream cheese

1 tbspn. bacon bits

1/3 cup shredded cheese (your choice)

Paprika

celery stem

crackers

Place cream cheese into a bowl, add shredded cheese and bacon bits.

Roll cream cheese to form a ball. Sprinkle paprika over cheese ball, make sure to coat well.

Insert celery stem and place on a platter served with crackers.

Busy but never bored

Recently, I ran into to some old high school friends. When they asked what I did for an occupation, I told them proudly that I am the fabulous mother to Skylar. They seemed surprised that I decided to stay home and raise her. They thought being a stay at home mom would be boring and an unrewarding job. What a sad misconception. I say, "Don't knock it until you try it." Between house cleaning, potty training, laundry and cooking there is little time to be bored. I may not get a paycheck but I am sure there will be a big pay off in my daughter's future. I know many of you are desiring to have children as I once prayed to be and I thank God for the opportunity to experience the everyday moments with my baby girl.

Here's a quick glipse from Skylar's week. Who needs a theme park season pass, I have my daily roller coaster ride of experiences with my active two year old.

Caught playing with the baby powder. She emptied the entire contents on the bathroom floor.

Wednesdays is her favorite morning because we head to Pump It Up for toddler jumping.

Splashing around the pool with her Nana.

Toddler play date: doing girly stuff like painting nails with glitter polish.

Lastly, a concert at Toyota Center to see The Wiggles!

Pop Goes the Wiggles...

Wags the Dog, Dorothy the Dinosaur & Henry the Octopus.

A satisfied fan! I have to admit I wasn't excited about attending this performance but I had a great time. The Wiggles really put on a high energy show. Laughing, dancing and singing kept this toddler engaged. I would gladly return again.

Well goodnite folks, I need to see the latest development on tropical storm Edouard.

When Fathers Fail

A question stirs in my heart and I am unable to sleep. I can not elaborate on it now but I will lay the foundation of where my question lies. What happens to the child's heart when father's fail? Our society is plagued by absent fathers. Generations of children are being born without the male figure in their life that is so essential to their wellbeing. Just as God spoke over Jesus how much more do our children need their fathers to speak words of affirmation over them.

As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." - Matthew 3:16-17

Hello Monday morning

Wow, after the series of events that took place this weekend I thought Monday would never get here. Normally this is the day I do laundry but for everything to go according to plan this week, I had to rearrange the schedule. Let's see guys, Friday was unbelievably busy but wonderful because that is the day Skylar and I get to really hang out with our favorite man whom she refers to as 'Dada'. We grabbed a late dinner at her favorite restaurant. Saturday at 7 a.m. I went for my morning run, I wish I could do it everyday but at least I get one a week. It is such a great feeling. The scripture that comes to mind is 'let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us' (hebrews 12:1). It helps to clear my head and just meditate on God's goodness. Lately with the obstacles I have had to face it has been really hard to tune out everything and just be in His presence. Thank God the enemy must not like to sweat, I can't hear a negative condemning thought on these runs. I highly recommend it. Later Saturday afternoon we had a baby shower, and two birthday parties. Of which we only made two of them. I would have to say the birthday party at Pump It UP was the best because being the big kids that Roel and I both are...we got to do everything Skylar did. [I'll Post the pics later today]. Sunday was my usual 8:30 addiction...House of Worship (Lakewood Church). I sent Roel to the movies and Skylar wanted to visit his mom so I had the house quietly to myself. Something that doesn't happen often but greatly appreciated. While sitting in silence, I decided to treat my hubby for all the long hours he put in this past week. I have to come up with creative ways to spoil him. Since time is so precious for us I mowed the lawn so he would be free to do the things he loves. I washed the laundry so I could be free from housework...and I am glad I did. Once those necessary chores were done, Skylar and I headed with bags in tow for our Sunday volleyball rematch. It seemed our competitors were exhausted from the night before so we had the advantage. The sweet victory was ours. Skylar napped during the whole four games so when she woke up she had one thought on her mind, and that was her swimming pool. My social butterfly loved having her cousins go for a evening dip. We stayed at Skylar's Nana's house (my mom) for the night. She loves to sleep on the sofa bed, so we have slept many a nights there after the volleyball games. Finally, I dropped off each cousin and about 8:30 p.m. rolled around I returned home to fall into bed.

*more pics from the b-day party*

Roel & his baby girl finishing up the obstacle course.

Here's one of Skylar refusing to leave Pump It Up. Now this activity will be added to our Toddler play date schedule.

Hello Monday morning, so glad you came!

Jumping on the blog wagon!

Hello, there... I finally did it. After almost a year's hesitation, I created my blog. What can I say I have very persuasive friends, but one in particular whom I absolutely love! (borrowing her words) She has changed my life in tremendous ways and I adore her. Which is what lead to the name of my blog. Treasured Sun things. I have experienced everything but a normal life and to accumulate the kind of treasures I have along it's path is extraordinary. And not the kind of things that can be stolen or decayed. These very treasured things are the essence of what make me, me. I can't remove them or misplace them because they are already etched in the stitching of my heart.

Here's how it got started: I ran into an old friend who just so happened to be the physical therapist to my step-grandfather. Did I mention that God is not accidental. He has a purpose for everything, He wastes nothing. This friend asked if I was still writing poetry, something that I did in junior high. A long lost love of mine. I hadn't given much thought about that old dream of mine, infact I still have that notebook filled with the poems of adolescence. They were written during the most difficult trying times of my life or at least that is what I thought. Time would change that unfortunately! Well, that inspired me to write again because I thought the poems I wrote then were sort of melancholy. Honestly, they all sounded like they were lyrics from a particular album of The Cure. LOL.
I will on occasion share them here but there is no way I kick off my blog without the one that resonates in my heart.


SAVED

Before You my life had many cracks,
Plenty of empty spaces.

Since You saved me,
It is filled with joy and love in every place.

My heart has turned from bitter cold,
To tender where sweet love flows.

I let go of guilt and shame from former ways,
To press forward to a new life with better days.

No longer living just for myself,
You’ve given me the desire to take my dreams off the shelf.

I don’t have to hide from my past or disguise the mistakes I’ve made,
I am free from the bondage of lies because I have You,
I have been SAVED.

copyright protected Sunshine Contreras