Phases

My desire to blog definitely goes in phases. I guess currently, I'm in a phase where I feel like there's just not a whole lot to say. Either that, or I'm being too lazy to think of anything worth reading. So for now, you can enjoy these pictures of my boy. They're pretty self-explanatory.

Can't Get Enough

I just love the olympics!!!!!!!!!! I mean, seriously.....have you been watching this stuff?? It's amazing!! I'm sure I'll say more about it later, but I have to work :(

Not Afraid to Tell People

It's my birthday!!!!!! Yes, I'm 29 years old today, and I'm not afraid to tell people :)

First Haircut

My baby is getting so big!!! After much debate, Ed & I finally agreed that it was time to get Edwin his very first haircut. I personally dig the whole surfer look, but even I couldn't deny that the poor child couldn't see half the time because his hair was in his face. So I took off early from work today and headed over to Fantasy Hair Land (they don't have a website, but look them up on google and you'll find their phone number). Katie came along as our very own photographer to document the auspicious occasion. Yes, I just used the word auspicious. Here's a "before" picture taken last night:



Auntie Katie came armed with supplies...not only her mac-daddy camera, but cookies for Edwin! It took him a few minutes to get used to the place, but soon was all smiles as he hopped into the airplane chair. Michelle (the "stylist") did a wonderful job of making him comfortable. He was pampered with all sorts of toys and managed to actually enjoy himself! Snip, Snip, Snip...off came the curls (not all of them)...a few more snips and the boy could see....couple more snips and Presto!! Edwin's first haircut was a success!!!! No tears (from boy or mommy), a few laughs, and a stylin' new look for my angel-baby. We even got a certificate with some of his baby hair attached. I would highly recommend Fantasy Hair Land. It's on Wrightsville & College and it's PERFECT for kids!!! Enjoy the pictures from my sis.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Got Me Again!

Last week, we received an email at work notifying us of an upcoming Blood Drive. The last time I donated was September 2007, so I decided to go ahead and sign up. I know this might seem like an ordinary thing to do…donate blood. But for some reason, today’s experience hit me on a much deeper level.

God is so amazing!!

Yes, I already knew this. But donating blood today just proved it once again. Have you ever thought of how complex the human body is? I mean, really thought about it? I was a Biology major in college, so I had plenty of exposure (no pun intended, really) to the human body and how it works. How in the world can people honestly think that humans just came out of nowhere? It almost makes me laugh because the idea is so ridiculous. The detail with which God put us together is mind boggling. Take blood for example. Here’s just a tiny list of its functions:

-Supply of oxygen to tissues (bound to hemoglobin which is carried in red cells)
-Supply of nutrients such as glucose, amino acids and fatty acids (dissolved in the blood or bound to plasma proteins)
-Removal of waste such as carbon dioxide, urea and lactic acid
-Immunological functions, including circulation of white cells, and detection of foreign material by antibodies
-Coagulation, which is one part of the body's self-repair mechanism
-Messenger functions, including the transport of hormones and the signaling of tissue damage
-Regulation of body pH (the normal pH of blood is in the range of 7.35 - 7.45)
-Regulation of core body temperature
-Hydraulic functions

Not only that, but God created us in such a way that we can DONATE a part of ourselves to help somebody else! And of course, there’s the ultimate way blood has been used in all of our lives. Jesus’ blood was shed for us to cover our sins.

As I sat in the Blood Mobile with a needle in my arm, I just kept thanking God over and over for the opportunity to donate. The whole process was so smooth & painless, you’d hardly believe needles were involved.

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Romans 3:25 (New International Version)
25God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement,[a] through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—


Ephesians 1:7 (New International Version)
7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace

Praise Report

I don’t have a lot of time right now, but I’m super excited about a few things and just had to share them with you.

1) Edwin slept through the night last night!! Ordinarily not such a big deal, but since he was sick, the sleeping has been very iffy. Last night he went to bed at 8pm, and I had to wake him up this morning at 7am. This also means that I had a glorious night of uninterrupted sleep…no snoring hubby (yes, I miss him, but I don’t miss the noise)…no crying baby…just peaceful 7.5 hours of delicious sleep.

2) This morning was the first time in about 5 weeks that Edwin hasn’t cried when I dropped him off at daycare!!!!!

3) Mom, Katie, and Anthony are on their way home from MN. I didn’t think I’d actually miss them this much! Haha.

Sorry

Sorry I'm such a slacker lately. I've been messing around with different backgrounds...and it takes a lot longer than I thought!!! Anyway, I can't upload any new pics because my dear brother-in-law is giving our computer a complete overhaul. Much needed!! Here's a quick update for you:

1. Katie, Mom & Anthony have been in MN since last Tuesday. Things have been VERY quiet without them!

2. Edwin developed a fever and diarrhea on Sunday when he woke up from his nap. I ended up staying home with him yesterday. I think he's doing better though because daycare hasn't called at all. Haha.

3. Ed left town yesterday. He's in Raleigh until Friday night...more training for HT.

4. Church on Sunday rocked my world!!! Once again, I felt like the sermon was aimed directly at me. If I get a chance tomorrow, I'll go into more detail.

5. That's it. I'm leaving to pick up my baby and then we're getting a few groceries and heading home.

Have a great night!

Answer to Prayer

Have you ever asked for something and then felt almost guilty when you received it? That happened to me today. Let me explain…

I understand that God is not a slot machine. “Prayers In” does not equal “Stuff Out”. I totally get that. But in 1John 5:14, the bible says “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”

I am horrible with money. There, I said it. I am bringing my sin into the light. Not only am I just horrible with money, I’m at times selfish, foolish, impulsive, greedy….GROSS with money. I have been praying for God to change my heart about finances. I don’t want to be a slave to money or to anything of this world. Let me tell you- Jesus does not disappoint. He is slowly, ever so slowly, shaping my heart to become more like Christ. In the past, I always tried to fix things on my own. But my one word this year is surrender and that’s what I’ve done. I’ve surrendered this to God and what a liberating feeling that is!

Last Friday when I received my daily devotional from Proverbs31 Ministries, I felt as if it was directed right at me. At the bottom of the email was a link to Dave Ramsey’s website. This was not the first time I had heard of him, but it was the first time I paid attention. Basically, he’s a financial expert and a Christian. The more I read, the more I wanted to buy his book Total Money Makeover. As I started to look at prices I felt a little tug from God. Why was I going to spend $20 (that I didn’t have) to learn how to get out of debt? It was crazy! I had already done something that stupid a couple of months ago. When I was trying to fix everything myself, I was convinced that I had to buy the most recent Quicken software, thinking it would spontaneously solve all of our problems. I rationalized, I talked my husband into it, nothing was going to stop me from getting this. I even went to 3 or 4 stores in one night looking for it! Yes, I wasted $50 for a program I used half a dozen times. DUH. So I was determined that this time would be different. I prayed. I prayed to God that if it was His will for me to have the book please provide it for me. I had no idea how He would do this, but Jesus said "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26).

Today, God answered my prayer. A dear friend of mine knew that I was praying for this book. She prayed about it and couldn’t stop thinking about it all day. She felt God calling her to not just pray about it, but to be that answer to prayer. I cried when she called me at work to tell me she had just purchased the book for me. A little while later as I was thinking about it, I started to feel guilty. Why should God provide me with a gift like this when all I’ve done is screw up over and over again? I don’t deserve this. But He is kind and merciful and loving and He has already forgiven me for my sins. All this over a book…But it just reminded me of how overwhelming His love truly is for us. Jesus died for all of our sins.

I want to be a good steward of all that God has entrusted to me. That’s why I want this book. So thank you to my friend who was obedient to God. And thank you to God for answering my prayer. All the glory goes to HIM!!

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John 3:16 (New International Version)

16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,[a] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Goodness Gracious Time Flies!

Today Edwin is 16 months old!!!!

A Day of Praise

Today was AMAZING!!! It started off quite early...Edwin and I were up, dressed, and ready to leave the house by 7:15am so we could arrive at church around 8am. It was only our second week of services at PC3's new location, but it already feels like home. Dropping Edwin off at Grow Zone went so smoothly- He didn't cry at all!

Without getting too specific, God has been working on my heart about a particular issue. Today's service was very emotional for me...I found myself tearing up as we sang : "Jesus paid it all. All to Him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow." I am so grateful that even when I screw up over and over again, He still forgives me and continues to love me. Today, Mike continued his series about Cultivating Change. I'm not very good at writing summaries, so if you want to hear it, it'll be on their website within a few days. Just know that it was wonderful as usual.

Here's where my Sunday took a turn away from the ordinary. Mom & Dad watched Edwin for me while I went to another church with Rebecca and Cindy (both in my small group). Here's the background story-- I hope I remember everything correctly, but I guess Rebecca can leave a comment if I get any of it wrong:

Last Sunday after church, Rebecca had to go to work (she's a nurse at a rehab center). She was overflowing with joy and excitement about PC3, the worship service, God, etc. She went to get ice cream, and as she was coming back, just prayed and asked God to give her someone to share Jesus with. Not necessarily a non-believer, but someone that she could talk to and share in her joy. She rounded the corner, and there was Mrs. M (I don't know if I'm allowed to say her name, so Mrs. M will have to do) in her Sunday dress. According to Rebecca, you could tell she was "churched out". Mrs. M is a 100 year old lady!!! Yes, one hundred years and seven months old and apparently you'd never be able to tell. She wasn't able to go to church that day because she was in the hospital, but wanted to get dressed up anyway. Rebecca and Mrs. M talked for quite awhile. Mrs. M asked Rebecca where she goes to church and she told her about PC3. Then Rebecca returned the question. Mrs. M said she attends Macedonia Missionary Baptist church which just so happens to be right down the road from Rebecca's house! When she told Mrs. M this, she responded "I wish you'd come." Rebecca agreed to go on one condition. That the pastor would preach about Jesus and be based on the Bible. Mrs. M said "Oh he tore it up last week!" That settled it. Rebecca found out the time of their services and said she's see Mrs. M this Sunday.

Whew! Long story, I told you. So Rebecca, Cindy and I went to Macedonia Missionary for their 11am service today. WOW WOW WOW. I am at a loss for words to describe the experience! It was spirit-filled, wonderful, convicting, special, unique...I could go on and on. The music...oh the music. I wish I could bottle it up and take it out of my pocket when I need a little pick-me-up. They even had the Sunshine Band (children probably 10 and under) sing a couple of songs. The whole thing was just so genuine. People were worshipping God in the way that felt right to them, not concerned with what other people might think. And their pastor's sermon was intense!!! He referenced Philippians 3:12-17 and focused on moving beyond our regrets. Whew! It was so appropriate. We are to press on towards the goal and keep our eyes on Jesus. God's timing is perfect!

Unfortunately, Mrs. M wasn't at the service this morning. She just got out of the hospital, and needed some more time at home. But her niece was there to greet us and asked that we come to Mrs. M's house when church was over. I had to get back to Mom & Dad's to get Edwin, but Rebecca and Cindy went. From what Rebecca said, it was remarkable. That's how my day got started. Two very different church services, but both worshipping the same God.

This afternoon, Edwin and I surprised Ed by showing up at his work. Daddy got to show Edwin off to some of his co-workers and I finally got to see where he spends the majority of his time. After a few errands, we spent the rest of the day at Mom & Dad's house. We had dinner tonight with the whole family (Katie, Brian, and Anthony) and just spent some quality time together before Mom, Katie & Anthony take off for MN on Tuesday.

I am constantly reminded of how much God has changed me in the past few years. When I lived in Ohio, I went to a church service very similar to the one at Macedonia this morning. But at the time, I thought the music went on too long, people were strange for raising their hands when singing, the pastor talked too much, I didn't know the Bible stories, etc. It's astounding to me how different my opinions were today. The music was overwhelming, I loved that people were free enough to raise their hands in praise, the pastor's message lit my butt on fire!!, and I had my own Bible with me to look up the scripture passages. Two hours went by in no time! Anyway, I'm just grateful to finally appreciate the blessings God has given me.

I hope everyone has a great week!

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Philippians 3:12-17 (New International Version)

12Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
15All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
17Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.

God of This City...part 2

This isn't the greatest video visually, but it's the only free recording of the song I could find to post on here. Enjoy!!

Alright. It’s Wednesday. Here’s a new blog for you to read.

I guess I haven’t posted because I feared it might put everyone to sleep! Haha. So read on at your own risk (and do not operate heavy machinery). Hmm…what’s been going on around the Boso household? Well, for the past week or so, my left foot has been bothering me quite a bit. By Sunday, it was painful to walk. My doctor was able to fit me in on Monday afternoon. Apparently, I have what’s called a Morton’s Neuroma. Since Wikipedia seems to be the latest source of info, here’s what it had to say:

Symptoms include: pain on weight bearing, frequently after only a short time; the pain is felt as a shooting pain affecting the contiguous halves of two toes. Burning, numbness and parasthesia may also be experienced. Classically the 3rd digital space between the 3rd and 4th toes is affected, but the condition can occasionally occur in the 2nd and 3rd interdigital space. The pain is caused by pressure on the enlarged section of nerve where it passes between the metatarsal heads, and is squeezed between them.


Yup, I basically have an inflamed bunch of nerves between my 2nd and 3rd little piggies. The doc ordered x-rays to be sure it wasn’t a fracture and they came back normal. He said they’re not really sure what causes the condition, but treatment is usually fairly simple. For the next 7-10 days, I have to ice it in the morning and evening, and take Rx-strength naproxen. If that doesn't work, he'll refer me to a foot doctor for a steroid injection. I took Monday & Tuesday off from the gym, but I’m stubborn and decided to go back today. Not sure how that’s going to turn out…

Still awake? Okay…what else? Um, on Monday night, Mom & Dad picked Edwin up from daycare (I was worried about my appt running late), so I had dinner with them, along with Janet, Katie, Katie (yup, two different katie’s), Brian and Anthony. Check out Katie’s blog for some ADORABLE pictures of my baby! The second one freaks me out a little…..For some reason, it makes me imagine what he’ll be like in a few years. Time already goes by too quickly with him.

Yesterday, Ed was off from work and was gracious enough to have dinner cooking when Edwin and I got home. Woo Hoo!!! In the meantime, we let Edwin play in the backyard for the first time. For those of you who don’t know, our yard is HUGE, yet sort of off-limits for humans. Let me explain. When we bought the house, all of our money went towards the mortgage and moving and the wedding and and and. You get the picture. Anyway, we couldn’t afford to do anything to the yard. So for the first year, it was basically a weird combination of sand, dirt, some weeds, and lots of creepy crawlies. The dogs enjoy the space to run, but I refused to set foot out there. Who knew I was so high maintenance when it comes to a backyard? Anyway, the weeds have grown in so much that Ed has to mow the “yard” quite frequently. They’re so thick it almost looks like grass! Long, boring story short, we let Edwin play out there last night. It was so cute!! He had his plastic lawnmower from Ashley and was pushing it around. I got a couple of pictures, but will have to post them later. Ed decided to take Edwin on the riding lawnmower for a few turns around the yard too….at first it was too loud, but eventually he enjoyed the ride. Yup, I took video, and yes, that will get posted later as well. Dinner was delicious: Grilled chicken sandwiches, corn on the cob, and baked potatoes. YUMMY! Thank you to my chef-hubby.

So there you have it. Monday and Tuesday in a rather large nutshell (“Help, I’m in a nutshell!”). Tonight I have my small group Bible study….very much looking forward to that. Our group has been meeting for about 2 ½ years now. We’ve had our ups and downs, but I feel like we’re definitely in a season of growth right now and it feels great!

Okay, I feel like I have said enough. Or maybe too much. But you asked for it. Have a lovely evening :)