Brother... from a different Motha'! (not really)

Lately I've been thinking about my Brother. I love this guy! :)
and it's also so special for me to see how much he loves my lil' guy!

This pic was taken on the 4th at the Baigent's Pool Party.

"Operator!"

on a lighter note (regard. last blog entry)...

Us Wakayama's were driving around town this weekend and we were listening to Bible Kid Songs in the car. We put the back speakers on, so Nix can FULLY enjoy them, and we don't have to! haha.

The song "A little talk with Jesus makes everything alright, all right!" was playing. As a woman I can easily multi-task and discuss current events and family affairs with Yoichi in the front seat, while tracking with verse 2 and 3 of the kidsongs playing in the back... :) it's a talent us girls have!

The verse played one last time, and Yoichi said-
"What? A little CHOCOLATE and Jesus makes everything allright?"

I totally laughed!

and then Nix joined in and said,
"Chocolate juice? Want some please!"

My boys!!!
So much for worship while driving! :) I do like how Yoichi was thinking! He might be onto something! Chocolate and Jesus does make everything alright! ;)

Webster's Definition

Have you ever known someone who works the graveyard shift? When I was a wee-little-one (ok, choke, choke... a freshman in highschool!) one of my Youth Group counselors told me he worked the "graveyard shift" and wouldn't be able to go on the up-coming all-nighter. I remember chillz went up my spine as I pictured him walking up and down the dark eerie paths of burial sites, upon burial sites of dead people. I wondered to myself if he sometimes had to help shovel some of the dirt that was maybe left undone from a burial. Eeeks! Ghosts, spirits, spookyness...yikes!! I looked so differently at him, until I learned the true definition of "graveyard shift." Oh how embarassing!! If only my parents hadn't sheltered me so much... you would DIE if you knew how long I believed in Santa Claus! DIE!! You might even see a picture of me in Guinness World Records!

Well, I'm now in my 30's and I'm learning yet another whole new definition about "night-shifts," that has blessed my soul... and instead of scaring me like it did before, it has removed my fear and trembling.

As many of you know, I'm pregnant! I never thought I'd see the day again! We tried for almost a year, and though a year seems like nothing to some... it seemed like an eternity for me. Each month proved to be a testing of my faith, hope, and love. So I just knew, the day I pee'd on that pregnancy test and it came back positive, I was going to throw a party and shout from the roof-tops- "Tira is barren no more!!!!!"

Well, as life would have it... Yoichi and I are back on our knees. We never really got to throw that "Fertile-Baby" party! :) I'm experiencing some complications with this little one inside of me, and it has frozen me with fear. I am mixed with an array of emotions... and more recently I think I've detached myself from the joy of being pregnant, as an act of "self-preservation."

But today, as GOD would have it... Pat and Kim let me borrow a book, God Works the Night Shift. It hit me right where I needed it today! I know so many of us out there are going thru tough things that are out of our control and are shaking our faith. Maybe you have a healthy baby,... but you are going thru a financial struggle, or someone in your family is very sick, or your hurt by someone close to you. Let's face it, it's dark and scary! And sometimes we are frightened, almost to a point where we are immobilized. That's kinda where I find myself recently.

What restored my heart today was the great reminder that God is working the night-shift. God is always at work in all the details of our lives. He never sleeps or slumbers. He is taking care of us and all our concerns, every step of the way. Everything that is complicated, everything that is hurting us, He is ROMANS 8:28-29ing it for us!

Romans 8:28-29 says, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many."

Yes, He's working things together for good--- AND, He's making you and me more like His Son! The difficult situations we are in are making us mature in Christ, full and complete. It's all a part of His Masterpiece.

Everyday that I am pregnant, I am truly THANKFUL to God. Every day, I am also concerned, scared, and in desperate need of hope... I share this with you today, because I'd like my friends and family to embrace this process with me. And remind me that God is in control when I forget! :) I have no idea what the outcome is, but my hopes and hearts desire is to have a beautiful healthy baby in January 2010. And I hope by sharing my journey, everyone will experience this miracle with me... and not just the end-result. But believe me, there will be an "After-Party!" Whoop whoop!!!! :)

is there something that's shaking your faith? i'd love to hear how you are dealing with it. Lets exchange notes and hugs! :)

t xoxo.

Switchfoot at The Fair

Nixon LOVES to rock-out! Drums, guitar, you name it!

He "plays" it! :)

xoxo.

*thanks to Daddy who created this little movie with his new toy!
i guess his new computer isn't all THAT bad!

Pre-Schooler at HEART :)

My friend Rox gave Nixon a "Bible Answers for Preschoolers" book a couple of months ago. It's God's Word and prayers simply put for little ones. It's funny I've turned to it MORE as a Mommy because it's totally blessed ME! There's something about the truth in simple "baby" terms. :)

These two little prayers blessed me a lot this morning...

"Even when I can't be in charge of things that happen, God doesn't want me to worry-- He wants me to let Him take care of everything."

"Dear God, thank you for all the good things you give me. I love you, God! Amen."

I hope Nixon's willing to share this book with his Mommy because I don't see myself giving it up anytime soon! :)

*i do have a cute praying story about Nixon. the other day during his nap (we have a video monitor over his crib) i was peeking at him and noticed he was babbling, so i turned on the volume. after all his little squirmy movements around the crib, he turned over, folded his hands and said, "Dear Lord,... Dear Lord... Amen!" The "Amen" def. had an exclamation mark on it! Then he was out like a light!!! Isn't that so cute! I need to try that during the nights I am restless and can't sleep... pray! :) zzzzzz.

Strike a Pose!

I took this at the Bay this morning.
He's so cute, I love him to pieces!
(oh, yes we shaved his hair off again! it just grows too fast!)
xoxo.

My little Monkey! :)

My Aunt Cathy is wonderful at bringing a smile to your face! She sends thoughtful postcards, hand-written letters, surprise packages-- all just for the fun of it! Every piece of mail she sends is covered in fun decorative (and themed) stickers! Nixon now knows when she has struck again, because he can see the stickers a mile away when Daddy brings in the mail! He spends a good 10-15 min. quietly and intentionally peeling off every (used) sticker on each piece of mail she sends. Then he reuses it! I guess you can say he's "green."

Here's how he RE-used last week's stickers-

tatoos anyone?

She also sent this Monkey hat and monkey stuffed animal!

I love my little Monkey!
and WE ALL LOVE AUNT CATHY!!!
xoxo.