Monday, November 4, 2013

A Girl, Her Bike, and Jesus

This post is about a small event that happened several months ago but the thought of it just seems to never leave my mind.
Lana has begun saying a handful of words.  Of course Da Da came first. :) Every night Chad and I carry Lana into her room and pray with her before giving kisses and hugs and snuggles.  One evening after praying Lana shouted out "Jesus Amen" and since that night she loves to say that.

I stood in my kitchen sometime after that first night Lana said "Jesus Amen".  I was busy trying to get dinner ready, Chad was back and forth in and out of the house working on projects, and Lana was on her little bike riding around in the garage and on the driveway. I have no idea how long she had been shouting but I slowly began realizing that she was shouting at the top of her lungs "Jesus".  I peeked out to see her riding on our driveway just laughing and giggling and shouting "Jesus".  My first thought was "Oh my, what on earth are the neighbors thinking of this?!"  "They probably think there goes those crazy Jesus loving people brainwashing their little girl."  But then all I could do is smile and be so proud of that little 18 month old girl who had no restrictions, no fears.  She just rode her bike and sang out "Jesus".
Months later the thought still brings a smile to my face.  I know its no coincident that she loves to say "Jesus".  She could've been riding around yelling out "red" or "book" or any other word.  It also has challenged me watching her freedom in saying "Jesus".  To her Jesus is nothing to be ashamed about.  She isn't worried about who she should say that around or not say that around. 
I love it how God created children to challenge us.  It's so awesome.  So I challenge you as I challenge myself.  Why do we make it such a big deal to talk about the One whom we say we love so much? 


Picture of the Day
Lana and her bike.  Oh she melts my heart!  When she smiles she lights up a room.

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Lana's 1 Year Party

Well today was the day!  It was Dr. Seussville in our home as we celebrated Lana's 1 year birthday.  I am so thankful that we have so many people in our lives that care for us and Lana.  As I sit here and think back over today, I am overwhelmed thinking of all the love, support, and yes gifts!!! that we were showered with.  Instead of trying to tell you about the day, I'll just let the pictures do the talking.














 
 

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Choices


It's a cozy Sunday morning.  Daddy is still snuggled up in bed, Mommy has been curled up on the couch reading, and baby Lana has been playing on the floor.  As I sit here, it's as if time is standing still.  Lana is playing with the blinds, trying to hint at me to pull them up so she can look outside.  I do and sit back on the couch.  We both stare outside at the big fluffy snowflakes falling from the sky.  As I sit on the couch I look at my surroundings.  Toys dispersed all over the floor, baby girl with her nose pressed against the cold window starring at the beauty outside,  music softly playing in the background, candle flickering.  Thankfulness floods my heart.  Life can get so busy and life can just go by.  I'm sure there are many things I could stop and think about right now that could make me unhappy, but everyday I am faced with a choice.  And today my choice is to sit here and dwell in the beauty around me.  Lana make sure you stop often and look around.  Look at all the beauty that God has blessed you with and focus on that.


 
Picture of the Day
March 4th, not the easiest day that I've ever had. :) But wow look at the outcome! So thankful for a beautiful, spirited little baby and for a husband who gives his all to Lana and I.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Now Hiring

Picture of the Day
This was my first year teaching at Monarch. These children will always hold a very special place in my heart.

I have always been the one who volunteers every waking minute for the sake of helping others. 

Growing up everyone always ask's, "Well what job do you want?"  I never really knew.  I went back and forth from interior designer, teacher, and counselor.  It actually stressed me out because not one of those really stuck out to me.  A few years back God really helped me to know "what I wanted to be when I grow up".  I wanted to help people.  It didn't matter what job I possessed, as long as I was helping people I was happy.

Five years ago I walked into a small christian school.  Absolutely unsure of myself and what I was doing, I knew I loved children and that I would do anything to help them, that I would give it my all.  It was such an honor to work with each child.  Lana always work as if you are working for God.  Don't wait until your boss is watching to give it your all.  Give it your all every second of every day.  That person you are helping, close your eyes and imagine it is your Savior, how would you serve your Savior?  Would you give him half your best?  This mindset has driven me to be passionate about each child I have worked with.  It has been a passion that has burned inside of me.  A passion for the hearts of children.

The past 8 month's I have been so thankful to be able to take Lana to work with me.  What an amazing boss I have to allow this!  I always told myself growing up that I would be a working mom.  I take much pride in that.  So I have continued working, giving my all to my job and these children.  So it was a great shock to me when I started feeling in my heart that it was time to say good-bye to this path and focus on a new path, my Lana babe.  Maybe most mom's would jump with joy over the fact that they can stay home full time, but it has been a hard adjustment for me.  I have been so afraid that I won't be able to continue "my calling" in life, that I'm going to miss out on something.

 A few weeks back I sat in my room discussing this with Chad as Lana tugged on my pant legs.  It's as if reality finally hit me.  My heart has been so busy trying to spend every waking minute helping others, I have failed to open my eyes at MY child who is tugging at me, just wanting mommy to stop and listen and play with her.  I sat there and just sobbed.  I knew at that moment, that my calling for this time in my life was to help my baby.  To put that passion I have for children into her, my own child.  To work with her as if I'm working with my Savior.  To give her my whole heart, all my attention.  Lana some mom's can juggle work and motherhood, and that's great...but I know for me, for this time, I will put my all into you.

So tomorrow I head to the school for my last day.  What a bittersweet feeling.  I am so thankful that I am going from one great job to an even greater job!!

Now Hiring

POSITION:
Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma

JOB DESCRIPTION:
Long-term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call.
Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities! Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The rest of your life. Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, and embarrassment the next. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.
POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION:
None. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE:
None required unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis..
WAGES AND COMPENSATION:
Get this! You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.
BENEFITS:
While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth, unconditional love, and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.


Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Happy Dance

Today as I stood in my kitchen, making jello for Thanksgiving tomorrow, little Lana playing by my feet, I just broke out in a happy dance squealing.  I'm pretty sure if anyone could have seen me they would have thought I was a bit crazy.  You see this happens to me often.  There are days were I will be going about my normal business and something hits me.  I will look at Lana and it's as if I am looking at her for the first time.  The newness and amazement that something so wonderful was created for me! 

The 9 months of carrying her in my tummy seemed to last for so long.  So many times Chad and I would day dream about her.  What would she look like?  Who would she act like?  What would it be like to hold our baby?  And as I stood there today in my kitchen, all I could do was pick my little baby up and dance and squeal, "She's here!  She's here!  She's finally here!" 

This Thanksgiving brings a whole new set of emotions for me.  So thankful for my Savior, my life long friends, my amazing family, for a husband who is my best friend, and for my baby girl who is here!  She is finally here! 


Picture of the Day
Thank you Jesus for putting these two in my life.  They have put a joy in my heart that I didn't know existed. Excuse me now while I go do a happy dance :)



Saturday, November 17, 2012

Letting Go

I have always struggled with fear.  I remember when I was a little girl I snuck and turned on the TV one day and there was a horror movie on.  Growing up we weren't allowed to watch much of anything on television.  It was a real treat when we were able to watch  "The Andy Griffith Show" or "Bonanza".  But there's always that curiosity in a child when they're told they can't do something.  So my curiosity was to watch TV and see what's really so bad about it.  Well I think that day is where my fear began.  I wish I would have listened to my parents and never turned that TV on.  But I did.  I watched as some actor on TV was driving their car, and unknown to them, there was someone in the back seat waiting to kill them.  Since that day I've always watched my back.

As I've gotten older that fear has always lingered near, but I try my best to push it to the back of my mind.  I hold 2 Timothy 1:7 close to my heart, always trying to remind myself that this fear is not from my Creator.  That verse has helped me so much and really in the past couple years I have felt like I have overcome this monster in my life.  Well Lana the day you were born I was reminded of that fear.  I've never been so afraid to loose someone.  The last eight months I've heard that sweet soft voice telling me to deal with this fear, but I've been so busy and have been going through alot so I've continued to push it away.  So I keep you close to me always.  My greatest fear has been letting you sleep in your room, so since the day you were born you sleep in the room with daddy and I.  There is nothing so peaceful as waking in the middle of the night, glancing at you, and listening to you breath.  I feel safe.

Two weeks ago I went to a Chris Tomlin concert.  My plan was to go, sing at the top of my lungs, and walk away refreshed and happy.  Well God decided that night to show me His power and that nobody can keep you as safe as He can.  Here is the story Chris Tomlin shared.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=nykPjrAyoJ0

I have been like the servant of Elisha praying for the blindness over my eyes and that I could see God's armies watching of you.  After that night Lana I have been able to let you sleep in your room.  I close my eyes and I picture an army of angels standing watch over you and our home.  God can watch over you and keep you safe more than I could ever try to.  Wherever you go, I know I have a God that is sending His army of angels out to watch over you. 

"I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind
The God of angel armies
Is always on my side
The One who reigns forever
He is a Friend of mine
The God of angel armies
Is always by myside"
 
 
Picture of the Day
My Lana babe at 8 months.
 

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

About Time

I have always loved to write. In high school I kept diary after diary and had big dreams that one day I would walk into Barnes and Noble and see my book sitting there on the shelf. Well that hasn't happened yet, but who knows, maybe it still will. I tend to be a big dreamer. Well somewhere between high school and my near entry into the 30's my writing has slowly fizzled out. Not that I don't want to, but life has gotten busy. I sit here now regretting it. You see my mind is a constant movie making, going 100 mph machine. I wish I had that madness written down so I could look back now and laugh and be amazed over what has happened the last several years. But oh well, no looking back with regrets...I live my life looking forward, I live my life with what can I do to make today better than yesterday.

So after one after another of confirmation and nudging...I finally sat down and said "I'm going to do this"! So I begin this blog with two purposes. The first is for me. It has happened one to many times when God is speaking BIG things to me, and then a month later I can't remember it. I don't want to forget. If my Heavenly Father, the one who created this Earth and everything in it, is speaking to me, no way do I want to forget and loose those precious words. I want to look back and be reminded of what He has done for me and that He has always been with me, He has never forgotten me. The second purpose has just evolved in the last 7 months. I write this for my baby girl and any other children that may or may not come. It's not much. But I hope one day these words will bring comfort, love and hopefully direction to you Lana. I hope I am a living example of the One who created you. I hope I help lead you towards Christ and not away. I love you my child.
So here goes....this is the journey of...becoming Laura Rassi.

Picture of the Day
I am the person I am today because of this group. There has been good times and bad times, but they have all contributed to who I have become. I hold each memory close to my heart. I wouldn't change one thing about my past. Each moment has taught me more about Christ. Lana take each moment, good or bad, and learn from it. Don't hold onto life with grudges, life is to short. Live life constantly loving and forgiving. With that mindset you'll never have regrets.