Lego Castle

This was part of my "Boy Time" with Caleb.

We had a fun time putting this together.

Of course, Aaron had to get in on the action.

He wants me to send this picture to the Lego Club Magazine.

Is there a word for that in English?

Chiple (noun, adjective)
This Spanish word means:
To be pampered, spoiled or much loved.
Ancient mexican slang word meaning:
(noun) the possession of others tenderness or attention as from a parent, sibling or friend.
(Adjective) Needing the love, attention or tenderness of others.


My boys right now are Chiple. All three of them, Aaron, Caleb, and Angel. For clarification, when we use the word, we mostly refer to it as an adjective, as in this case, needing the love, attention, and tenderness of others. I love this word because in Spanish, it can be referred to as similar to spoiled, it is more of a positive spin and there is a different word for spoiled (consentido), which can be referred negatively or positively depending on the context.

Pre-pregnancy Aaron was usually busy playing with the kids and wasn't phased a bit when I got home from work. He'd come give me a hug, then back to playing. Since I've been pregnant, from the second I get home from work, he wants to be by my side. Helping me cook, wash dishes, or just hug him and hold him. The slightest thing makes him cry. And a kiss makes it all better.

"Just us" shopping

Caleb is chiple too, but shows it in a different way. He would rather have me make him a sandwich, tie his shoes--things which he is very capable of doing on his own, or play legos or a video game with him. He likes to go to the store with me so it can be "just us."

Angel often refers to himself as chiple. He says HE needs attention. When he's uptight and about to loose it, he says "Me siento chiple" (I feel chiple). 

They whine, fight, cry, and drive me crazy. Then, with a little bit of attention, they're better.

The end of the day, the boys usually climb up in bed with me and want "their time." Before bedtime prayers, we talk, tell jokes, read books, or whatever usually until Angel kicks them out when he's needing some attention, too.

Angel is convinced this is because I'm having a girl, (we have not found out yet!) and the boys are competing for the attention. Apparently this is an old wives tale in Mexico and basically a sure proof way to know what you are having--I guess only if you have other kids. I say it's just because I'm pregnant and can barely keep up with a family of 5 and have less energy to devide between everyone. And it keeps me praying about being a family of 6!


Regardless of the reasons, 'chiple' definitely describes the boys in our house!  Is there a word for that in English?

Wait For ME

This is the story of his 2-year-old life! 

Always trying to keep up with everyone else! 

I wonder if he'll appreciate this when he has a little one tailing after him?!

Love Treats

This was delivered to my work and waiting for me when I arrived. I always tell my hubby that I'm not a flowers person and he doesn't have to...but he is VERY much a flowers person, and he ALWAYS does it. One of his ways of showing love is through gifts and I've come to really, really appreciate it. It was definately a suprirse that made me smile and get butterflies again!

When I got home, Caleb had made me this:

And instead of going out and waiting in a long line at a hecticly-busy romantic restraunt, we ordered take-out: YUMM

My parents brought over a treat:

And this was my gift to him

(hard to capture the whole look, but it had extra touches of a clean room, rose peddles on the bed, lit candles, etc.):

Is Love Really Enough?

I love this man! He is my everyday-Valentine! I still get butterflies when we go out together, when he holds my hand or he gives me that look. I'm so thankful to be so very blessed!

But we still have our not-so-good days. We have our hard times. There are days when my flesh wonders if it's really worth it. There are days when I ask myself, is our love enough?  

There is absolutely hope for our marriage. But not through our own strength and our own efforts to love one another. We must love how God instructs us to love in His word. He has given us the ultimate example of love through sending His Son to die for our sins on the cross. This is a real love that can be seen and felt and experienced. We can abide in His love, and we can give it.

Here are some biblical truths we can practice in our relationships:

• Be patient & kind (1 Cor 13:4)

• Always protect, trust, hope, and persevere (1 Cor 13:7)

• Become one (Matt 19:6)
• Care for one another (1 Corinthians 12:25)

• Carry each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2)
• Forgive one another (Ephesians 4:32)

• Serve one another (Gal 5:13)

• Pray for one another (James 5:16)

• Speak truth in love (Eph 4:15)
• Act justly, love mercy, walk humbly (Micah 6:8)
• Be at peace with one another (Rom 14:19)
• Lay down your lives for one another (John 15:12-14)

• Encourage, build up one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

• Love never fails (1 Cor 13:8)

My prayer for my marriage--our marriages-- is that we can actually apply these biblical truths to our relationships and have a Christ-centered marriage that is different from the world. So that when others look to our marriage, they see Christ lifted up in the midst of joy and happiness or hardships and struggles--they see Him being glorified in the good and the bad. Take that "love" feeling you may have today and apply it all year long!

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God."

1 John 4:7 

Full Yard Again

It's been in the mid 50's to 60's this week. We got out the bikes, scooters, basketballs, and footballs almost every day!
















Crazy for the end of January.

But definately a blessing!

Caleb takes playing sports very seriously.

They both love when Papi plays! 

It's been nice to have our yard full of kids again!

Healer for the broken

I got a text from a friend last night "We got into it again, he started saying horrible mean things, and pushed me. I don't know what to do, I feel so broken."

She is a co-worker, dating a Hispanic, and recently found out she is expecting. And for some reason, she has completely opened up with me (maybe because I'm married to one?). Since finding out she's pregnant, they have not been getting along.

Oh, how my heart breaks for her. I've been lifting them up in prayer whenever God brings them to mind. But sometimes I really don't know what to say. I've invited her to our church, but I don't even know if she is a Christian. She does talk about God, vaguely. Is saying I'll pray for you really enough?

Angel has been taking a care-giving class at church for the past few weeks. As I was telling him this burden for my co-worker that has been heavily on my heart, his first reaction was for us to pray for them together and let's invite them over.

Sure, I was thinking it'd be nice to spend some time outside of work with her and meet who she's been talking about. Maybe we could watch a movie or play some games and get to know them.

"Invite them over and let's talk to them and pray with them," he said.

Oh, wow. That's way out of my comfort zone. "You mean confront their brokenness? Talk about their mistakes? Bring the hidden out in the open? Offer to pray with them? Who am I to confront their sin?" I wanted to clarify.

"Yeah, we were there once too," he answered. "We had struggles and sometimes wondered if our marriage was going to make it. If they want to know what 'the secret' is to a strong marriage, let's be ready to share it with them. We don't have all the answers, but we know where to find them. They feel broken, let's bring them to The Healer."

So I sent her a text back inviting them over. Their story isn't over yet. And neither is mine or yours.

"He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wonds"

Psalm 147:3