Christmas Eve

Thursday was pretty good.  I had another 3 loads of laundry to get done... it never ends here since we have to hang dry it and pray the weather is nice enough to dry it out.  I some cleaning in the kitchen done along with some food prep.  But after lunch I was extatic that I didn't have to cook anything for dinner.  Cooking is not a passion of mine.  I like to bake but if I had my choice, I would hire someone to cook for me.  The boys arrived home around 3:30-4:00pm where they promptly threw clothes in the wash and showered so that they could attend the dinner that night without smelling.  Manny had to dry his clothes by the heater as he was the main one without clothes since he was locked out of his apartment until the next day.  They they showed us pictures and told us stories until it was time to go.  We were late of course, kinda hard not to be here but we were glad we didn't leave earlier as the family we were dining with was just getting to their home when we arrived.  The evening went very well.  We conversed alittle, mainly listened and ate the yummy food that was prepared for us.  I taught them a small amount of sign language and then called it a night as it was 9pm already (dinner started at 8pm) and everyone was wilting.  We arrived home and quickly called my family to talk to them.  Then went to bed.    

Getting Lots Done

Wednesday was a much better day then Tuesday.  We had all slept very well.  Beyond some minimal cooking, I devoted myself to getting computer work done.  And I did it.  I got my update templates redone, I sent off donation letters, I emailed thank yous to some of our donors, I got most of my blog for our ministry redesigned and there were a few other things done but in the wake doing all of this, Cara only got 1 and a quarter of her 3 naps in for the day.  She was so attached it was getting annoyed.  I was so glad that Chris was returning home the next day.  I again didn't get exercise in. But I was wonderfully surprised by a friend here in Bolivia who stopped by to give us a huge bag of food for Christmas (odds and ends like rice, oatmeal and lots of other stuff.).  They stayed to visit for a bit longer then invited us all to christmas eve dinner.  I was very blessed that evening with our conversation.  Ingrid (my friend who stopped by) invited me to come and do some PT on a few of her patient's at the "free" clinic that she works at.  God is so good to us.

From bad to better

So my original post got deleted before it got published.  Grr. Anyways. So tuesday started with very little sleep before. Cara was up multiple times wanting to play, cry and she had tummy pains along with diarrea.  I was rather tired and angry all morning. I got mad at Corey and spanked him and yelled at him numerous other times.  I got a load of laundry started after getting corey a piece of bread with PB&J.  Then I put Cara down for her first nap. In my sleepless stuper I forgot to put the drain hose in the sink. So all the water drained onto the floor.  Needless to say, I flooded my kitchen and the room next to it.  I decided a shower was in order first so I could calm down.  And once done with that, I began to clean up the water mess. When Cara woke up we took the trash out to the road and upon returning to the house the kitchen was flooded yet again.  The lint from the wool blankets was clogging the sink.  So I began my clean up a second time. I finally finished that and was able to get my breakfast started around 10am. 

Since I hadn't ate breakfast yet I decided to just make lunch. So at 11:15 we had our first real meal of the day.  While I was putting Cara down for a nap earlier, I was looking at facebook and saw a post by my friend Jamie.  She posted a quote that said "Finding joy in the trials is a matter of faith not feelings".  Praise God for this post.  It turned my whole day around.  I was very productive in the after noon.  I got two other loads of laundry washed and dried. Food preped for the rest of the day, some work done on the computer and my house cleaned up.  We all went to bed early that night and slept well.  I didn't get my exercise in but I counted it a good day non the less.  

Relaxed productivity.

Today I was productive yet relaxed.  I got up around 430, had my worship, exercised and showered by 6am. When the baby woke up right at 6am.  Throughout my entire workout, I was praying for the baby to stay asleep until I was done my 25 min work out plus stretching. Praise God he did it.

I am hoping I can keep up the early wake up. It was nice to have time to myself without kids nor husband.  Especially to spend some much needed time studying God's word and talking with him.

I was able to get a small nap in this afternoon when I put corey in quiet time with his tablet and nursed cara to sleep.

I also was able to take time to spend with Corey. Teaching him his letters, drawing with him and just making him a priority.  I'm so glad we cooked yesterday.  A whole lot less prep time for food making today. Thus more time for the kids.

Cara started army crawling forward and saying mama. Makes my heart melt and ache.  I don't want her to grow up but I just love seeing her develop.  The struggle between being a mother and being a physical therapist is real.  I love seeing how God created us to learn and develop.

I guess we will just have to have another kid sometime in the later future.

Night for now. 4am comes quickly. 

Gotta get going

In 4 weeks we will be going on a 6 plus hour backpack trip up the mountains to provide some medical work to the people in a few villages. I'm excited to be doing this trip but I am feeling severely out of shape. Considering I am going to be carrying Cara up the mountain that extra 16lbs is sounding a bit daunting at this time.

I am also week due to an intestinal bug that I am fighting again. But in reality my muscles are incredibly weak right now.  The only exercise I've been doing is walking up and down hills in LaPaz at 12,000 feet. 

So here is to the first day of my working out. And making healthy habits. 

Here are my goals for the week. 

Pushing it

For the past two days I have decided to push myself during my exercise time.  I would do the full movement as long as I could before I would modify it. I think I was able to do about 50% of it. 

Definatly still sore especially my legs.  But I'm still going strong.

Thanks for keeping me accountable.

Oh the pain and stiffness

Today on day 3 I was sore and tired and on top of that the workout was much harder then the past two days.  I already feel like I'm getting stronger. 

I'm trying to remember that each day will get easier as I get stronger. 

Prayers would be appreciated for my struggle with wanting to eat way to much food.

Yay for a good start to the day.

Starting all over again.

Well I guess keeping up an excise routine really does need someone checking on you or as they have termed it... accountability.  After exercising 5 days a week for 5 weeks I ended up stopping because of travel.  And it is so hard to get going again.

So yesterday I started exercising again with my hubby.  I am going to try 6 days a week of only 30 min.  I think I can do it.

My goal is to eat more fruits and vegies and exercise 6 days a week.

Yesterday was tiring as we did a lot of packing and running up and down stairs beyond our 30 min of exercise.

Today I had to push the hubby out of bed in order to get up to exercise.  But we did it and there is more packing to come today. 

I will be documenting here for my accountability.  As well as entering it into fitness pal.

Pray for us. 
Crystal

Exercise and Feeling Good

I never realized how much a work out would boost my spirits and make me a happier person.  For the past two weeks, I have been working out to a program called T25.  I love it.  It is high intensity but using your own body strength to gain strength.  Since I am starting out very weak, I have been taking it very slowly.  I am excited with the changes that I am making in my life.  And I'm feeling good for them.  Here is to another week of working out at 6am or so in the morning.

How about you?  Are you finding time to exercise your heart and your muscles?

4 week check up

Today was my first day with both kids by my self.  I think I did pretty good.  They are both alive and thriving. I think the only thing I missed was getting Corey a nap.  Maybe tomorrow I will get that in. 

Cara is 4 weeks now.
Weight 7lbs and 15.5oz
Length 22.5 inches

Yeah for being a mother of 2

Transitions are Hard

I have begun to realize that transitions are hard when going from 1 kid to 2 kids.  I have also realized that I have been trying to be a super mom and failing miserably. 

Since my daughter was born, I have had help with stuff around the house on a daily basis.  Either my hubby, my mom, my dad, my mother in law or others.  I have just realized that I have become dependant on them.  While it has been nice to focus on the baby, it has been overwhelming to think about how I'm going to take care of a second kid without help and help around the house.  There is a piece of me that fears having a mental break down which tends to push me further down that path. 

I struggle with depression,  anxiety and high levels of stress that seem to never go away.  I wish for a day that I can say oh it was relaxing and I am refreshed.  I don't foresee this happening anytime soon.

God gives me strength but the devil knows my weaknesses.  I need to cling to God more right now for strength.  Please pray for me as I walk a new road starting Monday as I will have less help with Corey and taking care of stuff for Bolivia.

This weekend will be a very busy with Bolivia presentations, dedication of our daughter, and birthday gathering for my son.  Prayers for peace are needed.

God is good.
Running Momma

Day 30

Today is June 30th and the last day of my thankfulness challenge. 

Today I am thankful for:
1. Helpful little boy
2. Getting our prayer cards done with my hubby.
3. Getting fun pictures taken of Cara

I will be doing another daily challenge for July.

1. A daily photo of my kids. Check it out on my family blog runningenofamily.blogspot.com

See you on the 1st.
Running Momma

Day 29

So today was a busy day of cleaning for my mother in law.  I tried to help her but Cara wanted to nurse all day and not be put down hardly at all. 

So I am almost done with my 30 days of thankfulness.  it has been good for me to think about the blessings for each day.  Some of those days were hard to find the blessings. 

Stay tuned for my next 30 day challenge to be announced tomorrow.

Today I am thankful for:
1. Corey taking a nap.
2. The house being cleaned and completed by my MIL
3. Air conditioning.

Night
Running Momma

Day 28

Today is not over... yet.  After returning home from our family reunion, we had to finish the packing of our house.  Just two more days until we turn in our keys and say good bye to the lovely house on middle Waitsburg road.  It had served us well.  I will miss the lively views and great times we had there. 

Tonight I am thankful for:
1. My MILs  steadiness in helping us get out of the house.
2. My mother's assistance with Corey tonight.
3. Cara sleeping the 2.5 hours home from Goldendale.  We did not want another 6 hour drive.

Till tomorrow.
Running Momma

Day 27

It was a very hot day.  We are at a camp with only one AC in the kitchen. Cara was not taking the heat very well. I ended up being inside a lot just to get her to sleep.  So it was a long tiring day.  On the plus side, Corey had a blast today running and playing with other kids and he even took a nap and went to bed easily. 

Today I am thankful for:
1. Opportunity to share about Bolivia with our extended family.
2. Corey having an awesome time playing.
3. The generosity of out God loving, missionary loving family.

Running Momma

Day 26

Well it had been a very long day. This morning, Chris packed up/cleaned out the carport while little miss cara decided to nurse or be cuddled the entire two and a half hours.  Then we rushed to get Corey from VBS and then home for lunch. Chris was scheduled to fly with another guy this afternoon so he packed his clothes and left while I packed, ate lunch and feed Cara.  Then by 330 we were on the road for Goldendale for a family reunion. Wow just saying all of that makes me tired.  A 2 hour and 40 min drive took us 4 hours and 10 min because we had to stop and nurse Cara and change her several times and Corey needed 2 potty breaks and we picked Chris up at the Goldendale airport. 
Needless to say it was a very long trip.

Today I am thankful for:
1. Two kids who slept in this morning.
2. The carport getting cleaned up.
3. Cool Temps here in the mountains.

Happy Sabbath everyone
Running Momma

Day 25

Organization is very important to my sanity.  So I spent the majority of my day settling our stuff into my parents house so I could find stuff.  I am glad I can work fast since Cara didn't sleep too much this morning.

Today I'm thankful for:
1. Grandmas and Grandpas who help care for their grandkids.
2. Cara finally napping this evening so I could clean out all the rooms of our house. 2/3 of the house is cleared out.
3. Quietness today to settle my anxiety some.

Night
Running Momma

Day 24

Well we moved into my parents house today.  Crazy to be back home once again.  This becoming a missionary thing is getting real.  Faith in God will lead me through.

Today I'm thankful for:
1. Annalena, dad, mom, ryan, Chris and Barb for moving the big stuff while I sat and fed the baby.
2. God helping me to release my strong desires to be in control when I couldn't be because I had baby responsibilities.
3. For my bed.

Night
Running Momma

Day 23

Today Cara slept just enough to let me pack my clothes.  We are moving to my parents home tomorrow. It is very surreal.  I am scared and stressed about the future.  God is leading and I need to keep praying for faith in him. 

Today Cara had her 2 week check up.
Weight 7lb 1 oz and length 21 inches

She is already past her birth weight by 2 oz. Praise God.

Today I am thankful for:
1. Cara growing big and healthy.
2. My son going to bed fairly easy tonight.
3. My husband's willingness to give up sleep to help me get some packing done. 

Night
Crystal

Day 22

This morning was quiet as Corey got to go to VBS with Grandma.  Sounds like he had a great time.  I took the opportunity  to study some spanish.  I think it is starting to stick in my brain.  Yeah! 

Today I'm thankful for:
1. A wonderful visit with my friend Rachel J.
2. All the awesome family and my friend who has offered to help us move out of the house.
3. A great visit with my best friend Corrie.

Adios mis Amigos
Running Momma

Day 21

Had a good day mostly to myself.  Chris took Corey flying to Bellingham to deliver the cats to our friends house. They didn't get back till late in the afternoon.  Cara slept enough of the time to allow me to sort through most of the desk.  I can't believe how much stuff you can cram into a drawer. 

Today I'm thankful for:
1. The quiet day.
2. That Chris and Corey made it home safely.
3. A new home for the kitties just in time for us to move.

Till later
Running Momma

Day 20

Finally a relaxing Sabbath day.  No I didn't get a nap.  But I enjoyed good good and good conversation with my family without the worry of any craziness that needs to happen in a few days. 

Today I am thankful for:
1. Cara being awake and content.
2. My husband who tries so hard to be a steady and firm authority figure for our son when all he wants to do is love on him.
3. For a nice walk in the sunshine.

Till tomorrow
Running Momma

Day 19

Today I got the day mostly to myself.  Chris and Corey flew off to Glacier National Park and my mother in law Barb spent the day visiting friends. 

In the afternoon,  my mom came over and spent some time visiting with me and Cara.  It Was Very relaxing.

Today I am thankful for:
1. The quiet day
2. My mother who is fun to visit with.
3. Getting 1 page completed on the website.

Happy Sabbath
Running Momma

Day 17 and 18

I missed yesterday as I was exhausted after visiting with friends all day.  It was nice to visit but my cold still is not completely gone.

Today I got to visit with our cousins some which was nice. 

Day 17 I'm thankful for:
1. Friends to hang out with.
2. A clean bedroom
3. A sleeping baby to give me some time alone.

Day 18. I'm thankful for:
1. Extra sleep this morning
2. Less coughing today.
3. Getting some computer work accomplished.

Till tomorrow
Running Momma

Day 16

Not much happened today. However there are still things to be thankful for.

Today I am thankful for:
1. Seeing sweet loving tenderness from a brother for his baby sister.
2. Time out in the sun.
3. One on one time with Corey

Till tomorrow
Running Momma

Cara's Birth Story

Sunday, June 7th I made a list of cleaning items to get done before the week began.  Chris went flying and then came home and took Corey to home depot for the monthly kids workshop.  When he arrived home, I already cleaned the bedrooms, had several loads of laundry completed and still had more to do.  My husband laughs at me because I was so determined to get my list done that day.  My excuse, "I didn't want to have to do any cleaning for the rest of the week, I just wanted to relax".  What did my husband say "are you nesting?". To which I responded "NO!!!! I just want this done".  Of course this being the second pregnancy, I kinda knew what to expect however I was in some denial that this baby could be born very soon... Due date was 1 week away June13.  That sunday I was feeling angry at everyone, anxious about getting stuff done and avoiding the thought that yes I might be nesting.  Well I did get my list completed that day with the help of my husband of course.

12:30am Monday June 8th, I woke up and was having more braxton hix contractions, ones that were more regular and I could actually time them.  So I did for about a half hour.  I decided that at one AM I would head back to bed and try to sleep it away since they were not very painful.

3am I wake up to use the bathroom and upon returning to bed I began having contractions again.  This time they were regular again and more painful to the point that I needed to stop walking, talking and just breath through them.  I timed them for about a half hour, sent a message to my midwife and then waited approx another half hour before waking Chris up to begin getting stuff together to head to the midwife's birthing house in Kennewick, Wa.

We left home around 5 with the contractions coming every 1.5 min to 2 min and lasting between 30 and 45 secs.  Of course they were still painful and I was still having to breath through them.  throughout the hour long drive to Kennewick, my contractions became further apart and lasting only 20 sec at most.  Since they were not happening regularly, we stopped to fill up the car with gas and then 10 min before arriving at the midwife's house the contractions stopped all together.

The midwife met us and we did all the preliminary checks.  I then began trying to get them going again.  I rested, I walked, I ran after Corey with no results.  I finally around 8am sent Chris and Corey off to get me a waffle from Ihop and while he was gone, I proceeded to walk a mile around the walking path out in front of my midwife's house. Then went in and rested.  Still nothing.  I ate breakfast and went for another half mile walk on the path with no real start of contractions.  I was sad and irritated that we had driven all the way to Kennewick with nothing happening.  I went into the house and played with Corey for a while.  The Midwife came back and did another check and found me to be 65% effaced and 3.5cm dilated.  She said that if I wanted to walk some more I could go to the mall since it was already 90 some degrees outside.  But she wanted me to also take a nap just in case something started later that evening.  We opted to go to Costco for a few items with my mother. Then Chris and I sent Corey off with Grandma and Papa for lunch while we went back to the house and took a good hour long nap.

I woke up around 1:30 pm to use the bathroom and began to have mild contractions.  The midwife came in and decided to check me one more time as I had thought that I lost my mucus plug when I went to the bathroom.  She was planning on sending us home and for us to come back when things started up again.  Well when she checked me this time I was 95% effaced and 5.5cm dilated, which she considered active labor. At this point I was beginning to have more consistent contractions but not real hard and definitely regular.  She told me to call her when they became stronger and longer.  Not 20 min later I sent her a message that we were filling up the birth pool and the contractions were stronger.  I went to the bathroom again and came back feeling as though I was just dripping with no control.  I determined that my water had broke.  I texted my photographer to come (she happened to be an hour and a half away).  And the contraction began to increase.

My mother was able to be there the entire day and at this point we asked her to watch Corey so that Chris could assist me.  Chis was amazing.  He was available to me totally, he helped me through my contractions with pressure on my pelvis and calm coaching.  We finally stepped into the birth pool and found a comfortable position to breath and work through the contractions.  Chris was there for me the whole time doing everything I needed to get through the pain. Prior to getting into the birth pool, my midwife told me that she did not want me pushing at all.  She said that because Corey came fast and I tore some with him, she didn't want my to increase the pressure down there.  So when the pushing started my job was to just breath.  This was a painful but interesting experience.  They say that even unconscious women can deliver a baby vaginally because that is what our bodies were designed to do.  Well I experienced that this time.  I felt my uterus pushing the lovely little baby out of me and while I wanted to push it was a struggle not to.  My midwife and her assistant sat there through this reminding me to breath, giving me encouragement and just supporting me.  When the baby's head was crowning, the midwife asked me if I wanted to feel it, I had to say no because it was easier to squeeze Chris's hamstring tendons then to reach down there and feel the head.  Once the head came out, we waited for the baby to turn and her her shoulders in the good position.  Then the midwife said I could help push now and with one push her shoulders popped out I reached down and pulled the little baby to my chest.

Cara Graciella Eno came into this world at 3:39 pm just 2 hours after the contractions started.  She weighed 6 lb 15 oz and was 20.5 inch long.

Corey was able to watch the entire process and after the baby's head came out my mom brought him over to see me push out the rest of her.  It was a very precious moment for our entire family.  Corey was excited to see this happen and was happy to meet his little sister.  Afterwards, Corey joined us in the birth pool while we rested.

After a short while, we got out of the birth pool and I was able to feed the baby, get showered, dressed and took many pictures.

Around 6:45pm we left for home.  It was a very special birth.  It was exactly what I wanted, slower, controlled and peaceful.  Yes it was painful but the love that comes after that process, blocks out the pain after a while.  I would never trade this experience for anything.

Thank you Chris for supporting me through this process of bringing our beautiful daughter into the world.

Thank you mom for watching and taking care Corey and supporting us.

Thank you Marcile and Sara for helping me work through the pain allowing me have an awesome birth experience.

Thank you God for our beautiful baby girl Cara.  

~Running Momma

 The Family just minutes after Cara was born

Eno Family of 4

Cara Graciella Eno

Day 15

So I see that I am half way through my 30 days of thankfulness challenge.  It has been good for me to find things to be thankful for when all I want to do is complain about things.  Darkness really tries to hide the sunshine in our lives.

Today I am feeling better and was able to handle the challenges that came my way.  Corey is finally getting use to having Grandma Eno in the house and helping him.  He is more willing to spend time with her and do cooking and play games. I am very pleased with this.  

Today I am thankful for:

1. Corey being happy 75% of the day.
2. Being able to take at least 1 nap.
3. A clean home.

Till tomorrow

Running Momma

Day 14

Today is my first Sunday not running around trying to get ready for the work week. 

Today is my first Sunday not really doing much. 

I had to keep reminding myself that I have tomorrow and the next day etc.  This is a very surreal experience.  My mind still isn't comprehending that I am no longer a working mother.  In fact I am currently on maternity leave from working a job (that I will soon be quiting) and from being a house wife.  My mother in law is doing an awesome job keeping things clean etc. so I don't go crazy wanting to get up and do house work.  I feel blessed that I really can just sit and focus on caring for this little girl and bonding with her older brother. 

Today even though I don't feel the greatest due to this cold just hanging on, I am still very thankful for:
1. Life: every breath I take.
2. The ability to take life slower and watch my kids grow.
3. having my mother in law here.

Happy Sunday everyone

Running Momma

A New Me

Today I decided to begin my journey back to fitness.  I know I just had a baby 6 days ago and I need to take it easy and I'm not to begin exercising until 6 weeks out.  Yes I know all of this stuff.  However, I am struggling with a few of what we therapists label as "functional activities" that allow me to do my "activities of daily living". What do I mean. Well it is painful to stand up and sit down, I leak a huge amount whenever I cough or sneeze, walking is hard at times due to pain and very little support in the abdomen and just holding my little baby is tiring at times. 

So what can I do that is light but will strengthen my core muscles and provide support to allow me to do what I need in order to function? 

I have chosen three activities that will get me started and I can advance slowly.

Squats- to strengthen my hip muscles and pelvic floor to support my pelvis.

Planks- to strengthen my abdomen in order to support my abdominal cavity and posture along with tighten the pelvic floor.

Push ups- to strengthen my chest and upper arms.

Initial abilities
S: 10 reps
PL: 30 sec
PU: 5 reps

By next Sunday I hope to be able to do:
S: 15 reps
PL: 45 sec
PU: 8 reps

I will update once a week on my progress. 

Happy Strengthening

Running Momma

Day 13

Sabbath Rest = peace.
I wish this was true but sabbath ended up being several family get togethers, which was awesome. However I tend not to be able to remove myself from special social occasions to take naps.  So... I did not get any naps. Which made the evening terrible. My sinuses and throat hurt worse. I really need to learn to take care of myself better.

I'm thankful for:
1. Seeing extended family
2. Making it to church.
3. Hearing a great message from at church on love.

Running Momma

Day 12

Well it is Friday at last.  What does this mean... Chris is home for the weekend. Yeah!  And we get to have family time!

This week has been full of joy, sleepless nights, sickness and just pure pushing forward.  I think I'm ready for a restful sabbath. 

Prayers for healing in our family would be nice. All of us have taken to having some sort of sickness and Chris is just getting whatever it is and I am not able to care for him.  While corey seems to be getting over his sickness it keeps returning alittle and I'm just getting my voice back. 

I don't want to complain at all so I am going to praise God for his Blessings!

Today I am thankful for:
1. Snuggly babies
2. An awesome husband who goes so far as to tell his mom how to care for me (what I need to eat etc to get enough calories for feeding baby) while he is at work.
3. My friend Rachel who is always willing to listen and support me when I'm up down and when I need advice.

The bible tells us to praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Have a happy, Joyful, special sabbath with God.

Running Momma

Day 11

Today is a much slower day then yesterday.  Chris is back to work and Grandma Eno is here to help out around the house.

Today Great Grandma Keatts  came by to meet Cara.  And we were blessed with some more food by friends. 

Corey is really loving his sister. He comes running whenever she cries and tries to calm her down.  It is very cute. Today he told her "don't cry baby sister, mommy will fix you." (I happen to be changing her diaper and getting her dressed for the day. 

Today I am thankful for:
1. A very loving  and caring little boy.
2. The reminder from God to slow down and enjoy my children.

3. The cuddles from my almost 3 year old.  

Till tomorrow

Running Momma 

Great Grandma Keatts and Cara

Cara in her Giraffe outfit.

Day 10

The day was busy with lots of visitors for baby and checkups for baby and mommy.

Cara is weighing 6lb 7oz now but still doing great.  Eating all the time and sleeping alot. She still looks good for color and is doing everything newborns should do.

Cousins Sanna, keanan, Jaden and Damien visited in the morning.

Marciel the midwife came in the afternoon to check up on us.

Another friend of mine came by to deliver some much needed supplies for mommy support.

Another friend lovingly made us some food and dropped it by.

And Grandma and Papa Nelson showed up in the evening to see us all. 

And last but not least... Grandma Eno arrived to help us out for the next month. 

We are very blessed with friends, family and support personnel. 

I am thankful for:
1. A healthy baby despite me and Corey being sick.
2. Friends and family support.
3. A husband who tries really hard to take care of his family.

Till next time
Running Momma

A day of thanksgiving for sure

Day 8, June 8 2015
Today my daughter was born. The birth process was how I envisioned it bit more painful then I remember.  It just goes to show that Love does remove memories of pain.

Introducing: Cara Graciella Eno.
Born at 3:39pm on June 8, 2015
Weight: 6lb 15oz Length 20.5 inches

Today I am thankful for:
1. Having a supportive husband through the birth process.
2. That my mother and son could be at the birth.
3. That my daughter is healthy and happy.

The day was long at it started around 3 am. And I finally got to bed around 10pm.  But look for a post soon on my birthing experience.

Running  Momma

Day 9

June 9th, 2015
The day started early with a very whiney sick almost 3 year old.  All he could do was cry and not be able to tell us what is wrong.  Poor guy. Chris finally got him back to sleep and we all slept a bit longer. The little guy woke up happier but still not feeling well and I now have a sore throat. 

Thinking about my son, it makes me think of how much I wine to God to God sometimes but am not able to really express myself and my needs. I am glad the Holy Spirit steps in for me in those moments. 

I am thank to God for:
1. Chris staying home to take care of Corey, Cara and I.
2. Supportive friends and family.
3. A cool house to be in on this hot day.

Till tomorrow.
Running  Momma

Day 7

Busy day.  I had a pretty good list of To Do's.

I am thankful for:
1. Getting my list completed.
2. Staying calm when Corey didn't want to nap but needed to nap and finally did nap.
3. My husband's help in getting my to do list completed. 

How was your sunday?

Running Momma

Thankful sabbath day

Today was relaxing.  We slept in, we spent time together as a family and it was warm outside. 

Day 6 June 6
Today I am thankful for:
1. An inspiring message by Pastor about service to our community.
2. A relaxing Sabbath afternoon  with friends.
3. Cuddles with Corey

Hope all your sabbath was just as blessed.

Running Momma

Day 5

So today was a very long 10 hour work day.  Thankfully we had two very nice patients to evaluate that made the end of the day pleasant. 

God is good in providing strength to endure the long hours. 

Today I am thankful for:
1. A mom who cooks for us.
2. Opportunities to be unselfish
3. My student who has done an awesome job these past 10 weeks treating our patients.

Just having I can see blessings all around be but I have a hard time putting them into words. 

Happy Sabbath

Running momma

Day 3 and 4

So yes I slacked kinda.  I mostly forgot due to all the busyness of the last two days. 

I did however write them down in my journal.

Day 3 June 3rd
1. Thank you God for the good weather to fly to spokane.
2. Thank you God for an opening on the surgical schedule for early July.
3. Thank you God that my mom got to go with us to Corey's appointment. 

Day 4 June 4
1. Thank you God for Corey being a very happy boy.
2. Thank you God for good family to watch corey while I work.
3. Thank you God for the fun time b with co-workers at the play.

Being thankful centers my mind on God and what he has done for me .  Versus always thinking about myself. 

How has being thankful helped you?

Till tonight.
Running Momma

Day 2

Today started out slow but quickly speed up.  In the middle of what felt like chaos a good co-worker shared a passage from a worship book with me that reminded me that I was to look to God for help. 

It said:
As you trudge through the sludge of this fallen world, keep your mind in heavenly places with Me. Thus the light of my presence shines on you, giving you peace and Joy that circumstances can not touch.

This was inspiring to me today to remember  God. I hope it inspires you as well.

Day 2 of Thanks giving.
1. Thank you God for caring and loving co-workers.
2. Thank you God for my father and mother being so generous. 
3. Thank you God for the encouragement  I received from a friend/co-worker that brought me back to thinking of you.

30 Days of thankfulness

It has been said to be thankful makes one happier. 

In 2012 before I had Corey, I went to a Christian counselor who worked with me on my anger. It was actually a turning point in my life as I was introduced to the true God.  A God who loves. Not just a God in my head but a God who is physical and real.  I had never seen God before in this light and it changed my life.  I would not be the kind of mom or person I am today without meeting God. 

My counselor encouraged me to always at the end of my day look back and write down 3 tings that I am thankful for that happened that day. His only 2 rules were that it needed to be specific and original. I couldn't have written about it previously.  I have made it more personal by saying "thank you to God" rather then just what I'm thankful for. It helps me acknowledge his blessings more.

So my first 30 day challenge is to write 3 things I am thankful for.  I will be keeping a journal as well as this blog. I hope you will join me and feel free to share what you are thankful for in the comments.

Day 1
1. Thank you father that I haven't had this baby yet.
2. Thank you God for a deeper understanding of rest in ministry.
3. Thank you God for a slower day at work.

I look forward to reading what blessings God has given you.

Till tomorrow

Running Momma

The start of a new life for this Running Mama

Lately I have been considering the biggest changes that is soon to be happening in my life. 

Let me just list it out for you:
1. I'm quitting work June 9th if the baby doesn't come earlier.
2. I am giving birth to our second child soon.... only God knows when.
3. I'm becoming a stay at home mom caring for a newborn and an almost 3 year old who is so like me that we battle it out daily. I think me being home more will strengthen our relationship  though. 
4. We are moving out of our current home in approximately  30 days and in with my parents, starting the nomad life for the next 2-3 months till we leave the country.
5. We are making final preparations  for our move to Bolivia.
6. Chris will be in Africa for 1 month starting  the middle of July.
7. We are moving to Bolivia to serve God and show the people there that God loves each of them.

This is a lot of changes all at once.  I am so blessed to have very supportive parents, in-laws friends and more. My husband tries to hold me up as much as he can but I still find that I am secluding myself from others because  I don't share. 

So I am going to use this blog to share about me, and to open up more for my own sanity.

I will be sharing shirt clips of what I am learning in my new family dynamics (having 2 children instead of 1) and what I am learning that is different from being a working mom.

I will also be doing 30 day challenges about different things (health, exercise and eating, focus on kids and less on technology etc).  You can join me in these challenges if you desire and I would just love the support.  They say that just by sharing you are 50% more committed.

So join me if you want to as I embark on this new journey.

Till later, have a blessed day

Crystal aka Running Momma