Moving On

For fear I am boring you to tears with Spain, this will be the last and quick version of the trip!

Pictures are of market (photography heaven on earth) and our big adventure!

So Mr. Sullivan... can we do it? Can we really do it? After all these years... finally... and here... in Spain... in celebration of our ten years of marriage and what God has done and continues to do for us and in our lives!!!!!!!!!!???????????

Yes, honey... after 15 years of knowing you have wanted to do this... and you never waivered in your desire... let's do it... together! WWWOOOOOOOOO-HHOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!! Big Smiles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yep... tattoo! I have wanted a tattoo for YEARS! And I love that Don and I got matching ones in celebration of something so cool! The celtic cross is also very cool. I was researching crosses and how they have evolved and how they have been used through history and by whom and ran across the meaning of the celtic cross.

The circle around the cross symbolizes God's unconditional, unfailing, and unending love for us by putting his son on the cross for us! LOVE IT! And yes. IT HURT! There were four stages, outline, shading, fill-in, and detail. I finally just let go (I am a stay at home mom you know) and cried during stage two... only stage two. It took two hours. I was sweating and exhausted by the time it was over!

So there I was... a suburban little Christian stay at home mom in my little Ann Taylor outfit getting a tattoo in Spain! And I LOVE IT!!!!!! I love having it permanently on my body!!!!!!!!!! It rocks.

Don got one too and it ROCKS! He proposed to me in Ireland and of course his family is Irish and so the celtic cross has some more meaning for us too!



My Fly Boy was a huge bit tougher that I was. On a scale of 1 to 10 I say parts of it were a 20! Ask him and he'll say maybe an 8! Good for him! My hero...

The next day we came home... yea... with saran wrap taped over our "wounds". I was so very sad to leave. We strolled down the road with our rollerboards heading for the metro and the little guy at the store where we stopped to get fruit each night was saying goodbye to us. We had gotten to the point where we were passing people on the street who knew us and would say "Hola" as they went by and smiled! Oh, I miss that so much. You, too, Karine... you were such a sweet part of our trip. Thank you for all you did for us. Maybe one day we can go back... until then, we'll keep moving forward with some pretty great reminders of our trip and my sweet Maria on our backs and in our hearts!

Back To Spain and Thanks...

Thank you for your kind words of love and encouragement. I never cease to be amazed at how perfectly God reaches out and loves me through people when I really need it. It makes me feel warm inside. Thank you so much.

Now... back to Spain... This will be one of three more posts about my wonderful trip. The next one will be about the market (wait until you see some of those photos!) and then the last one is a surprise about something really cool Don and I did there! Then I'll move on back to life and decorating and the arrival of my FAVORITE time of year!!!!!!!

The most impressive "site" we saw was "La Sagrada Familia". Due to the extensive amount of detail ( I mean every single inch!), this "Temple of the Holy Family" is often referred to as a catechism in stone. It was just awe inspiring. You could stand in one spot for half a day and not see everything before you! It is the unfinished church designed and started by Gaudi, one of Spain's most beloved artists.

There are two main sides (facades). The extremely ornate and intricately detailed side is the Nativity Facade. I could zoom in on one photo from this side and make about 20 great individual photos. It was just so much... so beautiful... the time and energy and effort that went into a square foot of this facade is just mind blowing. It obviously depicts and celebrates the birth of Christ and was built to face the east to receive the first rays of morning light! How cool is that? If you want more information on it (and there is SO MUCH MORE) you should google it... it's really amazing and so thought out!

The other side is the Passion Facade and it looks like a totally different artist designed it. The lines are very modern, smooth and simple. It is such a contrast to the nativity side... but isn't Christ's death such a contrast to his birth... or is it...? Hmmmmm. Let's get deep. My initial thought was yes... very different. BUT just as Christ's birth in a manager delivered hope to a world, his death delivered hope for the sinner... not so different after all. Anyway, I love it as much as the other side... just in a different way. It doesn't need the ornate detail to portray the sadness. I love the way Gaudi depicts the woman by the cross with her hands in front of her face... she doesn't even have a face yet her pain speaks volumes. There is also a sculpture of Judas betraying Jesus with a kiss... very moving.

Our first night there, after a very nice nap, we went to this fountain show that is one of the highlights in Barcelona. Oddly enough, it wasn't in my site book so I am very glad Karine (our cool apartment girl) told us it was a must see. We followed the masses down this avenue (also lined with fountains) to this large fountain where they played very loud and powerful music as the water danced and changed colors. It's hard to explain but it was very cool.

The water would rise with the music and then change to mist and then change colors and I was just amazed at the mood something so simple could create.

Of course statues were everywhere... just as castles are everywhere along the roads in Ireland and Wal-Marts in the South! (I love the South) I also loved this statue of a mother and child.

Don and I spent a lot of time in Las Ramblas (pedestrian avenues). It is one of the most popular sections of Barcelona and is well known for the street artists who appear at night to entertain tourists and make some money! This guy was by far the best one out there. His coat was stiff in the back to look like he was walking, his tie was out stiff as well as was the paper he is "stepping" on... but he was motionless... until he heard change drop into his cup.

Upon hearing the cling of euros, he'd put on a little (30 second) show, smile for the cameras, thank his patron and then turn back into position. He was really good!

I love soaking in other countries. I just love being there. And so we didn't run around from site to site... we just hung out... and I took lots of pictures! Hungry? Who needs a menu!? Just find a nearby window! This gave all new meaning to "window shopping"!

Then, as if all the amazing pan (bread) with tomato, pizza, pasta, baguettes, and sandwiches weren't enough... walk over to another window and shop for dessert! Oh, how does a girl choose? It was worse than being in a great shoe store! So we just went back again and tried something else! We WERE on vacation and doing a LOT of walking! (although I need to do much more... of both!)

The sidewalks were wonderful.

The water fountains were works of art!

I loved all the motorcycles, scooters, and vespas! Women in dresses and men in suits... everyone just zipping around. And when it rained... well... you just waited... and you were late... and it didn't matter... because it rained... so cool!

And I loved riding the metro everyday!!!! OK... enough for tonight. I have got to get some sleep!

Hugs!

A Personal Request

I try to keep my blog upbeat and always strive to give God the glory for what He has done and continues to do in my life. It's been kinda like a mini-mission field. There are people I don't personally know who read this as well as many friends and family. But every now and then I NEED my friends, their strength, their prayers, and their encouragement. Most of the time it is about Abby. And you all were so precious and supportive during the adoption journey of Marc. But now I need to share a personal request and it will be personal. So if you feel uncomfortable, this is your opportunity to move on to a happier blog!

That being said, I am sorry to interrupt my posting about Spain but feel very prompted to share this now. As I have mentioned in past posts, I feel a stirring inside me that I can't really explain. And for once, I am not trying to! I am just listening and waiting to see what God is trying to show me, what He is getting me ready for, what He is trying to teach me... And as I have tuned into this stirring, the attacks have been coming almost without a moment to spare. And the attacks are hitting every aspect of my life... from personal health, to Abby's health, personal relationships, and now my marriage.

So I know I am close to something good because the arrows are flying! And this is where I need my prayer warriors. I need prayers for me.

We learn coping mechanisms along the road of life.

I had written out a much longer post with details about my childhood that explained why I "coped" by becoming detached. But reading back over it, I don't want to portray some people in my life poorly and so I deleted it all. Basically, I was alone, mistreated, manipulated and neglected. Wow... that sounds like a sob story... the details make it sound much less cliche! But seriously, I was a child... I couldn't speak what I really thought or tell people they were hurting me and that I was very angry with them and so I pretended everything was fine on the outside while thinking poorly of them and screaming on the inside. (and into several diaries!)

When I graduated from high school and left that part of my life... all of the sudden I didn't have to stay silent in fear anymore. I could speak what I thought! And so it goes, in short, that when I am hurt and disappointed... I lash out and pull away. My husband used those words in an email to me yesterday... "Lash Out". And it is so true. When he wounds me... I spew venom. The little girl inside of me that is not going to be messed with anymore or manipulated or neglected just lets him have it... and I HATE it. I HATE that part of my heart. And that is where I need complete healing. That is where I need the hand of God to come in and purify.

I also never had a male figure in my childhood that I respected. Today, I totally struggle with respect... I hardly know what it even looks like. And so that is my second request... that God will show me what respect looks like and fill me with it for my husband.

I know this is personal and somewhat heavy for "One Beautiful Life". I am sharing it for several reasons. One is that I never want to come across as Mary Sunshine. I have struggles and issues just like everyone else. Reason two is that I am striving to be real... and real is not always beautiful. The third reason is that I believe in the power of prayer and I KNOW I have prayer partners out there with real love for me... and I need you. And the fourth reason is... God told me to. (He also prompted me to go back and delete!)

If by revealing my flaws, another is encouraged to embrace theirs and lay them before the Lord... and God can heal you through that... then I will be naked and share.

"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Cor. 12:9

Spain: Her name is Maria

After we got on the plane, I was overcome with thankfulness to the Lord for such an amazing opportunity He was providing. Not only did we get on the plane, (we fly space available) but we were in business class. As I thanked the Lord for such a gift, my heart was touched that there would be a person... someone that I would connect with... for Him. This happened in Mexico a couple years ago when I went on a missions trip. I had kept waiting and finally, I met her, and her name was Maria. My heart soared when I looked into her eyes and I felt a connection that is so hard to even describe. I loved her the moment I met her. We were sisters in Christ.

So this same feeling came over me again and I smiled as I could not wait to meet this person and feel this connection again.

It was on our second day, Monday, that I saw her. We were walking along and there she was, huddled against a wall, with her head hung down and making eye contact with no one. The moment I saw her, I knew it was her. I snapped her photo, handed the camera to Don and went over to her. She hardly looked up. I started speaking to her in Spanish and then she looked at me. I saw it in her eyes and felt a fullness come over me.

I asked her what her name was. "Maria," she answered. I laughed out loud and asked, "Maria?"

She nodded yes. I handed her some money and told her it was from the Lord. She smiled and took it. I asked her if she knew Jesus and she said "Si." I asked her if she believed in Him in her heart and she smiled so big and said "Si." I told her that was great because that meant we were sisters in Christ... and we hugged. Then I told her I would pray for her and asked her if I could pray for her there and she quietly answered "Si."

So I prayed for her... in English as there was no way I could pray what I wanted to pray in Spanish as I am not THAT fluent! I hope she understood some of it. I prayed that she would feel God's presence in her life and that He would provide for her and her family. I prayed that peoples hearts would be touched as they walked by and they would be prompted to give to her and that she would know it was a gift from the Lord. I also prayed He would comfort and encourage her.

Before I left, I asked her if I could take a picture of her and she said I could and then lowered her head again. I reached out and touched her and told her I wanted a photo of her eyes. She looked up and gave me her eyes and this sweet "little" smile.

Please pray for Maria. Please remember her. As I live my very comfortable and abundant in blessings and provisions life, I want to remember both my Maria's... my sisters in Christ I have had the sweet privilege of meeting.

This is Maria from Mexico... I met her in 2006... you can pray for her too! Thank you!

Hugs...

Sneak Peek into Spain...

I LOVE visiting other countries! I love the language. I love the people. I love the atmosphere. I love the similarities and I love the differences (most of them... as I DESPISE AND HATE AND LOATHE BULL FIGHTING... aka needless torture of an amazing creature God created for the sick amusement and entertainment of the people He created... I AM passionate about it!).

We are back safely, my parents survived and the children did amazingly well. Answered prayers are always a highlight! It's a rainy Saturday and I am taking delight in taking it easy. I locked myself into the guest room to finish a book earlier and I am happy to report I am still in my pajamas at 2:14 in the afternoon... a lingering quality from Spain!

So this is just a little teaser with some fun pictures from the trip. I'll share more in much more detail next week. It was beautiful. The country, the time there, the people, the rest, the conversation, the everything. Of course, I wanted to stay longer. But it was a wonderful blessing and I am so thankful for the opportunity and the memories.

I snapped this picture from the window of our apartment one night before we went out to dinner. Isn't it amazing? It stormed several times while we were there and neither of us cared a bit. How else would I have known that thunderstorms sound amazingly different in Spain? Who knew!? I was blown away by it and feel so lucky to know now!

Have a wonderful and restful weekend. Hugs.

Until later...

Thank you for your prayers. Our appointment went well yesterday with Abby's doctor. We love the new doctor we are working with... he listens to us, he takes time with us, and he is proactive. We are moving forward with about 4 things... one of which is starting a new medication that came out this year. We aren't going to start it until we get back from our trip. We also had some blood work done yesterday for a genetic panel test. You can start praying for those two things in all your spare time!

I can not believe we are leaving tomorrow for Spain. The excitement is starting to rise in me! My husband suggested I take my old little camera instead of my new wonderful one and I said, "Are you kidding me!? I am going to Spain and you want me to take my little point and shoot!?" I didn't need to say anything more. He got it! I totally will be a photographing fool biscuit and so I will share with you when I get back!

Until then, you can also pray for my parents while they are here with the kids. My mom is having a really bad time with her knees and is going to have surgery in January... our stairs are not going to be the best for her. And keeping up with two little kids when you are now empty nesters will also be a CHANGE! Plus, Abby is having seizures so please pray that the Lord will cover them and fill them with confidence and peace... and cover our home in protection. Abby will be FINE! She is super excited they are coming. Please pray for Marc that he will have peace and comfort and the Lord will just fill him with confidence that we are going to return!

And lastly, please pray for Don and I. Please pray for a SAFE TRIP. And please pray that God will give me peace to let my mind rest while we are away and enjoy alone time with my husband and NOT be worrying about the kids. Please pray our time is blessed.

THANK YOU! These are wild flowers we picked the other day. They are for you sweet friends!

Much love and I'll be back soon! Hugs.

God's perfect timing...

One of my favorite blogs is http://resolved2worship.xanga.com/

This mother of 7 inspires me every time I visit her... and her love for the Lord and the way she swims in His grace and is guided by His love just moves me. What I love about her most is that she lives to be content. She finds joy in contentment... and she finds extreme joy in being a mother and making her children's lives wonderful... and using this time God has given her to concentrate on guiding them and "teaching" them God's truths.

I haven't checked in on her blog in forever and I just visited. As always, God spoke to me and I immediately felt peace... peace I haven't had in two weeks. Peace that just made me sigh relief and refocus.

My Fly Boy is taking me to Spain this weekend to celebrate our 10th anniversary. I am beside myself at his generosity and God's provision. But I have hardly been able to get excited. I have been going 90 miles an hour this week trying to get caught up on three months of life. My parents are coming to watch the kids and they haven't been to my new house. My new house is not ready for their visit. And there you have it. I have sacrificed time with my children and taken on much stress because I want everything... or as much as possible... to be just so. A huge blessing is around the corner and I am focused on boxes and walls.

So A. Ann gave me the opportunity to refocus. She lives in an office space she has turned into an amazing home... for next to nothing! It's infested with termites. But she is content. And she means it. And her kids are loved. And they show it. And she knows who she is in Christ. And she reflects it.

It's ok that my house is not perfect. I'll repeat it 100 times tonight as I go to bed tonight. I am going on a much needed trip to Spain with my husband to celebrate 10 years of marriage. It's ok that the garage is a disaster. I had lunch with Abby at school today and walked the loop with her and her friends. It's ok that I may not get to clean the kids bathroom. I physically can't do it all! I am going to go to bed and try to get some much needed sleep. It's ok that I am going to "Mom to Mom" tomorrow to be loved on by women of faith who have a passion for the Lord and for being a good mommy. I am making new friends... and I won't feel guilty. It's ok I am going to sleep for the third night with no air conditioning. I'll enjoy the sound of the frogs, locust, and crickets!

I will work on being content and focusing on what is really important. And love the women who inspire me to do so! "Your children have one childhood. Make it rememberable!" A. Ann

P.S. We have an appointment tomorrow afternoon with Abby's neurologist. Please pray for the appointment. Thank you!

Little Gifts...

God knows how much I love animals... He made me that way. I love them for Him.

He sent me this turtle last week. I almost sucked my tongue down my throat when I saw him on the road! I stopped, put on my flashers, and then ran back to get him. Then I held him in my hand as I drove to get Abby from school. He popped his head out and seriously looked at me while I talked to him. Abby was delighted and of course wanted to keep him as a pet.

I explained to her that keeping him would make him sad, that he needed to be free to eat and swim and play with friends. She was fine with that. And so we had a little photo session and then let him go in our back yard. Oh, he was SO CUTE!

And even though this critter was eating my tomato... he was still pretty cool. I showed him to Abby and yes, she wanted to keep him. I explained to her that he was eating to get full so he could make a cocoon and become a butterfly. She thought it was cool and so we left him. But he became a very nice meal for a bird that left our bird feeder for his filet mignon! So sad for him... jack pot for the bird!

Then, we have these precious deer who live right at the entrance of our neighborhood. They are out there all the time and I went back up the other night on the golf cart to photograph them. Precious. Abby loved it. She decided she was the little one sitting and I was the mommy standing guard! The other mommy in the back was daddy and Marc was the other baby!

Animals and nature just make me feel... ok. I feel connected to God by being in and around His amazing creation! I love the gifts He gives us each day!

Dear Inspired Room...

Oh how I love stopping by and seeing your "inspiration"! I also sucked my tongue down my throat when I saw the post for your contest! I was tempted to send you some pictures of rooms in my house when we moved in a few months ago in hopes to win your contest and be blessed with the shopping spree at my FAVORITE store ever, HomeGoods/TJ MAXX... aka... Maxiums!!!

But I have been working on those rooms and not one of them is in GREAT need, although they each could always use a special touch.

"So many other people really need that spree," I thought to myself. Then it hit me... I know one of those people and she is very dear to my heart. And she could use a blessing right now.

I'll call her "K". She just gave birth to her fourth child last month. But she had no nursery prepared nor a home to nest. It took her and her husband over a year to sell their home and when they did it was sudden and they had to be out fast. They had no where to go. They bid on a couple houses and didn't get them. They moved in with his parents for what they HOPED would be a 3 month, at the most, stay. It was almost another year. House after house didn't happen. Karen realized she was pregnant. Banks didn't fall through with paperwork and left them hanging and "K" struggled with what God was trying to show her, how He was trying to "grow" her, but she wanted a "home".

Finally... a foreclosure became available and they made an offer on it. They got it. They purchased a home that the previous owners had majorly damaged in their anger with the bank. There were holes in the walls, rips all in the flooring, and they even took the kitchen cabinets!

Nine months pregnant, she and her husband, along with some loving friends, worked into the wee hours trying to make this house a home. They are set to move in any day. But there is much to be done.

Karen gave up her job to be a stay at home mom and so they made a choice to live within their means. Karen has four children to buy for and their needs comes way ahead of hers.

Dear Inspired Room... I have no photos of her house to show you... but I ask you to consider blessing my dear sweet friend "K" with a HUGE gift and blessing that will just blow her away!

http://www.theinspiredroom.net/2009/08/31/so-who-wants-to-go-on-a-shopping-spree-anyone/comment-page-1/#comment-25897

Thank you so much for your consideration and generosity! And thanks for all the beauty you share!