A World Made Anew

About three weeks ago, I was granted a new lease on life...and I feel like a new woman! Not only are my spirits brighter, but I've also become more productive and discovered deeper fulfillment in my daily life. My regular naps have been replaced by energizing workouts (averaging well over an hour each day), and I'm enjoying every minute of it. I'm eating right and finally sleeping well. And my consulting business is booming! In the midst all of these improvements, I'm even cooking creative meals for my family every night. I feel healthier, stronger and more balanced every day, and I am so thankful!

God is so good to me. God loves us; not because we are lovable but because He is love, not because He needs to receive but because He delights to give. ~C. S. Lewis

See each morning a world made anew, as if it were the morning of the very first day...treasure and use it, as if it were the final hour of the very last day. ~Fay Hartzell Arnold

Here's to a wonderful week!

Good Times

Those who know us are acutely aware of the fact that Wade and I are c-razy (as in zany, not loony--although some might disagree). And Liliana is not far behind. We all love to act silly and enjoy life. When I was younger, I naively believed that "the kid in me" would completely vanish by the time I hit 30. So much for that!

Here's a photo from our recent neighborhood parents' night out. I highly recommend regular partay nights--just the adults. Let the good times roll!

Our Own Little Easter

This Easter was the first major holiday we've celebrated "alone" in St. Louis. In the past, we have traveled out of state for Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas to spend time with family. We all really missed being with our loved ones, but we also enjoyed being at home & spending time with friends.

We began the day with the early service at church, where our pastor delivered a touching and compelling sermon on Christ's resurrection.

After the service, we had an opportunity to spend time with friends at a reception. We filled up on so many yummy treats that brunch at First Watch flew out the window.

Upon returning home, Liliana engaged in a solo Easter egg hunt. Even though I took care in finding clever places to hide the eggs, Liliana found all but one. The girl's got skills!

After collecting the eggs and Easter "happies," Liliana brought her basket upstairs to take inventory. She spent several hours organizing and playing with her goodies that afternoon (and each day since). I never realized that the plastic eggs would keep her occupied for so long!

Liliana has always been an organizer. When she was just two years old, she lined up all of the items on a shelf at Tuesday Morning and exclaimed, "I'm orgeenizing!"

When Liliana's moment in the spotlight faded, Wade received his Easter bowl (in lieu of a basket).

Fortunately, the Easter bunny knew exactly what he likes...Reese's peanut butter eggs, Hershey bars with almonds, Cracker Jack, Pringles and beef jerky.

Not exactly an Eastery combination, but it certainly made Wade happy!
After nap, Liliana and I painted eggs. Liliana was very serious about creating a masterpiece on each egg. When Wade walked in the kitchen and made a comment, she sternly said, "Daddy, please don't talk. I'm concentrating on my art." She's something else!

Today she sang to me as we shopped, "I love you a bushel and a peck; a bushel and a peck, and a hug around your neck. A barrel and a heap, a barrel and a heap; talking in my sleep about you."

Happy Tuesday to you!

Happy Easter!

From our family to yours, may you have a blessed Easter!

In the Hunt

Despite raging rivers and tundra temps, the show has gone on! Our own little leading lady participated in her first outdoor Easter egg hunt ever. Hundreds of children descended on Vlasis Park and clamored for eggs amidst the mud and grass. Within two minutes, the entire hillside was completely bare. When all was said and done, Wade and I looked at one another in disbelief. I've honestly never seen anything quite like it.

When we returned home, Liliana took inventory and had a ball with her new playthings. She "organized" the plastic eggs and handfuls of candy for an hour without asking to sample a single morsel. What a surprise!

May this Easter bring true joy as you celebrate our risen Savior.

Many blessings,

Ramona

Down Came the Rain

The park near our home, covered with water and debris.

Hwy 141 at 44, our major pipeline in and out of the area.

As you may know, our area is experiencing major flooding. Despite living on the cusp of Fenton & other towns you're seeing on Fox News Channel, we have been only mildly affected by the deluge. However, we haven't seen the worst of it yet. According to the word on the street, the most worrisome rivers & creeks will crest sometime tomorrow.

So far, Wednesday was our worst day. Our basement took in water, and we're still in the process of cleaning and repairing. At this point, many of the nearby roads & highways are being closed. We have three ways out of the valley, and only one is blocked by water. Unfortunately, it's the major thoroughfare for this area. But, we're dry...and that's a blessing around here.

While there is a hint of excitement that accompanies this flood (i.e., local and national news helicopters constantly flying overhead), it has turned much of Missouri into a disaster area. Our hearts and prayers are with those who have had to abandon their homes for higher ground. Please pray for the many who are suffering in Missouri, especially as the situation intensifies.

Many blessings,
Ramona

25,000 and Counting!

Last night The Journey reached a milestone. By God's grace, this journal has been viewed over 25,000 times! What's more, the visitors have come from 745 cities in 58 countries & territories! While these figures are tiny compared to the heavy hitters, they are a wonderful affirmation for little ol' me.

Thank you so much for being here and for sharing a few steps of my journey. I hope my words touch, inspire or encourage you in some little way. You've certainly been a blessing to me!

Talking Back

Conversation in the church parking lot as we're getting in the car...

Mona: "Liliana, hop in your seat. Daddy, please buckle her in."
Wade: "That's alright, I'll let you do it."
Liliana: "Daddy, we don't talk back to Mommy."

That's my girl!

Patience and Praise

It's been three weeks since we've had any communication with Bethany regarding adoption possibilities. Even though it's a short time in the grand scheme of things, each day feels so long when you're yearning to love another little one. Sometimes it seems like our adoption is never going to happen. Of course, I know that's not true. It's just a matter of trusting that God is working out the details. And we have no doubt about His faithfulness.

God shows His unfailing love on a daily basis, sometimes in subtle ways and other times in overwhelming ways. Lately, it has been the latter. Over the last month, God has completely provided for the financial aspect of our adoption. The seemingly insurmountable obstacle was hurdled in divine fashion. We could never have anticipated the ways God provided, and we are so humbled and grateful for His provision. We are also thankful to the individuals who contributed to our adoption fund. Your kindness is much appreciated!

As we wait for a match, we pray that we may have contentment and be a blessing to others.

Joy comes from knowing God loves me and knows who I am and where I'm going...that my future is secure as I rest in Him. James Dobson

Better Than Ever

Believe it or not, I'm feeling better than ever! Not only are my spirits brighter, but I'm also sleeping better, waking more refreshed, and working out daily. Finally! After years of fertility treatments, pregnancies and miscarriages, my body was exhausted. No wonder it went on strike! Things are really looking up now, and I'm so thankful.

Thank you for your support, encouragement and prayer,
Ramona

Springing Forward

I am happy to report that the past few days have been much brighter. I've been employing all of the mood-boosting strategies in my psychological playbook, and they're beginning to pay off. Thank goodness! After a rough winter, I'm looking forward to a happy and healthy spring.

Sharing the Wealth!

When I come across a good thing, I have to share it! Children's Place Outlet (at the St. Louis Mills) has an unbelievable sale going on. If you have children, especially a little girl, you do not want to miss this! Racks upon well-organized racks of fashionable, high-quality clothing for unbeatable prices. Yesterday I stocked up for the next two winters--adorable hooded sweaters, colorful corduroys, pink camo pants, darling long sleeved shirts--and nothing was more than $2.99. I kid you not. So enjoy this beautiful weather, but don't miss the sale!

*No, I do not own stock in Children's Place, and I am not being compensated for this endorsement.

That's Amore!

Al Dente!

Liliana is a whiz in the kitchen. Tonight she helped me make a divine taco salad for dinner. Just a few spills and mishaps...but memorable mommy-daughter cooking!

I love the way Liliana's ponytail sticks out through the opening in the back of the toque (that's "chef's hat" to you Americans). She could barely hold the heavy frying pan long enough for me to snap the picture.

More than anything, Liliana loves to sit on the counter. I guess, for her, it finishes off the big girl persona. She's potty-trained and sleeping in a big-girl bed without a rail...so why not rule the kitchen?

Speaking of potty training, I feel so free without a diaper bag! I do not miss changing diapers one iota; wiping tushies is a step up!

Our after-dinner routine typically includes Mama cleaning up the kitchen while Daddy and Liliana play chase or "Dun Dun Up High." The game's silly name comes from the song we hum while playing. After many months, DDUH never fails to make Liliana smile a big, bold, teeth-bearing grin!

Maybe we'll use this tactic to induce a smile next time we go to Picture People. Looks like it works well for Daddy, too!

Sad, But True

I haven't been myself since our last miscarriage. After weeks of "the blues," sleep issues, and a host of other symptoms, I've come to the difficult realization that my body is not snapping back to normal like it has in the past. It's hard to admit, especially here.

I don't know whether these negative effects are a result of the fourth miscarriage or the combined & cumulative effects of the fertility treatments, pregnancies and losses. Either way, my physiological balance is definitely out of tune.

As a mental health professional who strives to be healthy (and teaches other to do the same), I know all of the tips and tricks for improving mood. And, rest assured, I'm implementing every single one of them. I'll soon be back to normal, so please bear with me during the ups and downs of this tune-up. Your prayers and support are treasured.

Blessings,
Ramona

Ditto

" "

My Thoughts Don't Fit Into Words

God understands our prayers, even when we can't find words to say them. Thank goodness. I'm having one of those days.

Animated Me

Okay, I'm not a techie, but I am having fun with this Voki thing. I can make her (me) laugh, sing or say whatever pops in my head! Liliana enjoys hearing my voice come out of the cartoon's mouth. She said, "Mommy, she sure looks like you!" Then, after hearing my intro a few too many times, I heard her call to me from the top of the stairs, "Ra-mo-na!" That's when I shut it down.

I love that some of you are entertained by the way she follows the cursor! I also dig the arch in the background (it wasn't easy to find). What do ya'll think of this technology? Any song requests?

Snow Day

Today we experienced a virtual blizzard, with over a foot of snow blanketing the entire metro area. Most (if not all) schools we closed, and many businesses were dark and quiet.

Snow plows were so busy on the arterial roads that they did not get to the residential areas. As a result, getting around was very tricky. Because most of our 'hood is uphill, people without 4-wheel drive were out of luck. We now have dozens of cars parked at the entrance, where neighbors bailed and hoofed it to their homes.

Of course, we tried to make the best of the snow day. Once it finally stopped snowing, we ventured outside. Liliana kept diving into the snow like it was water. And for some reason, she could not stop eating it! Every time I looked at her, she had a mouthful of snow. After several attempts at curtailing the behavior, I cautioned her about the yellow and brown snow...and let her enjoy the new sensation.

Wade worked from home today. When he went out to clear our driveway, he was startled to find a hug snow barricade blocking his car. After further deliberation, Wade realized that the obstacle was definitely man-made. A short investigation revealed that two of our crazy neighbors (you know who you are, Clay & Steve) rolled snow all the way down the street to create a massive barricade. At left: Wade is pictured lifting a small part of the structure and moving it into the yard.

What an adventure!

Don't Push Send

My all-time favorite artist, Carrie Newcomer, humorously capturing a more recent social phenomena. If you've ever regretted a hasty click of the "send" button, you will definitely relate...

I was introduced to Carrie's rich, angelic vocals back in 1990 at DePauw University, where she performed at "The Hub." Although The Hub is long gone, my love for Carrie remains as strong as ever. Her albums are the staple in my philharmonic wardrobe. Carrie eloquently blends real-life experience with wise observation and powerful emotion. As the chapters of my own life unfold, I am deeply impacted by the beauty and truth in Carrie's words. Her songs grip my heart like nothing else.

In the Know

Some of our good friends just delivered their precious baby boy (and boy, is he adorable)! They're the only real people we know who have successfully adopted embryos. What a beautiful thing. Should we decide to proceed, we will use the same medical group, the National Embryo Adoption Center. Click on the preceeding link to take a looksee!