A tired Mommy

Davis has woken up before 5am for the last three days. He wakes up crying for mommy and he wants nothing to do with his crib. In tears he says, "Hold you mommy...sleep in mommy's bed."

Off to my bed we go. We have a king bed, but you would never know it. Davis loves to sleep right up against me. I am surprised I haven't fallen out of the bed yet!

So, I know I haven't written much the last few days, but I have been one tired mommy!

ABC's

If you would like to see the cutest boy ever singing his ABC's, just click here. I am so proud of my boy!!!!

I'm so excited!!!

2 things that made my day so exciting:

1. Noah came home with a mac book for me this afternoon. I am so happy because I do not have to deal with the demon possessed laptop anymore. I have the best husband!!!

2. I have been so upset about my scale not showing much of a weight lose. I got a bit better when I got my good doctor's report. I am even happier tonight because Selah measured me. I have lost 13.5 inches. I am so excited!!!

I am going to keep running this race.

Angella Foster

Saturday, Noah and I went to see a play put on by a women in our church. She is doing her graduate work at the University of Maryland. This was her thesis and let me tell you she better pass with flying colors. It was an amazing performance and I wish I had brought tissues. Angella has a great story that many people (women) can relate to.

Hearing about the death of her mother brought back the memories of losing my mom. I cried during the play because I felt Angella's pain and felt closer to her knowing that we share some of the same life experiences.

Angella, you did a wonderful job and you blessed so many lives Saturday night. Thanks for being so authentic!

I WANT A MAC

I am getting so frustrated with my laptop. I have to restart it several times a day in order for me to get on the internet. It freezes on me all the time. I also have to type my password 30 times before I can finally get in. God, give me the patience I need and please convince my husband to buy me a mac. lol

Hey, if you think I should get a mac, reply and tell Noah to buy we one. Thanks!!!

Women at the well

Came across this today and remembered seeing this at our CCF "Women's Ministry" all day retreat. It touched me again to know how much God love us; unconditionally. It is so amazing. This is one of my favorite New Testament story.

Praise Report!!!!

I went to the doctors today and got a great report. I not only took weight off, but I am an all around healthier Tricia. NO more fatty liver! My levels were all normal and the doctor told me she could take me off metformin, but she wants to keep me on it for a bit longer. Praise Be to God!!! Please continue to pray for my health as I continue in this life change journey.

I love my church

Tonight the Ladies from CCF got together at "Xpress it" in Crofton for some fun, fellowship, and painting pottery. We had a blast! I love my church and being part of Woman's Ministry. We have been doing a lot of fun things together and I feel like I am getting to know the women in our church so much better. It is hard to form relationships on Sunday mornings, especially when I am in the kid's wing every week. Having these gatherings really helps build community and relationships. I can't wait for our next gathering at my house on April 25th. You do not want to miss Muffin and mug!

Thanks Mom for planning a cool event tonight!

Missing Him today

Some days are just plain hard to get through. Today a kindergarten parent came in and told us her father passed away during the night. She was so broken and I felt June 10th, 2007 coming back to me. What a horrible day for this lady. I pray God's peace on Marquez's mom today.

I found myself tearing up thinking about my dad. I miss him so much it hurts. I hate that he is missing my life, Noah's life, our families' life, and especially Davis' life. Davis looks at pictures of him and says Papa Ray. It hurts knowing that Papa Ray will only be a picture to him and be his mommy's dad. He will not have memories of his grandpa. I am grateful that Davis has Hatme (Noah's dad), but I still feel like he will miss out on another amazing man.

When I start missing my dad I try to think about good memories we had. So, today I went through some pictures and cried and also had joy when I saw how happy he was.

Photo shoot

This past Saturday, Aunt Bird and I took Davis for a photo shoot at the Belair Mansion in Bowie. I wanted to get pictures of him in his Easter outfit and he does so much better out of a studio. So we put him in the car with golf balls, a golf club and of course candy. Here is the end product!

Isn't my boy the cutest?

To Spank or not to spank!

To spank or not to spank...that is the question. This is not an easy topic but it is one that I have recently found myself in heated discussion about. As a new parent you are face with what the right way to discipline you children are. Noah and I have had are own discussions about this and here are some of the questions we have talked about:

Should we spank?
If no, then what ( and "time out" doesn't always work)?
What part of the body should we spank (someone Sunday told me that they only spank their child on the hand)?
When should we spank?
Hand or paddle?
Is it against the law?
What Would Jesus Do?
Are we bad parents if we decide to spank?

Noah and I have spent a lot of time before and after Davis was born and decided to take it one day at a time. We really feel that a spank here and there is necessary, as well as time out and talking it out.

So, what is your take on spanking?
Is your way the right and only way?
Is it ok to judge parents who spank?

I would love your feedback even if you would rather stay Anonymous.

Daddy come home now!

Davis is missing his daddy very much. He keeps saying, "Daddy come home now." Noah is coming home Tuesday and I know Davis is going to be so happy to see is dad.

Davis is enjoying the bedtime video Noah made before he left.

Berry Blast Theme Park

Tomorrow we kick off our new 8 week series in Capiland.
Capi's kids are going on a theme park adventure. They will be taking a thrill ride through the fruits of the spirit. It is going to be a lot of fun and we are also introducing backyard buck. Capi's kids will be able to earn backyard bucks by bringing offering, friends, remembering their memory verses, and for outstanding behavior. Each month they will be able to come to "Capi's" store to buy cool prizes.

Kids you do not want to miss it and Parent you do not want to miss the chance for you kids to grow some fruit! See you all on Sundays!

Brag on Noah!

I get on Noah a lot about the things he wouldn't be able to do if I wasn't around. Here are some of the things:

Laundry
paying bills
remembering trash day
dishes
planning meals
Wouldn't know when bath day was for Davis
Wouldn't know what to put on Davis
Wouldn't be able to pack Davis' lunch or diaper bag.

Man he would be a mess without me! On the contrary, I would be a mess without him. He is my rock and I am so blessed to have him as my husband. I am so glad to pick up the slack in areas that he can't do. I know I get on him about not doing a lot for Davis and that I carry a lot of the load, but deep down in my heart I want to carry it. I am amazed everyday of how much he strives to be a family man. Noah carries a heavy load at the church and he never finishes what he needs to do, but he makes sure he is home at a decent time to be with Davis and I. When he walks through the front door he can't wait to see his boy. Davis means the world to him. It doesn't matter to Noah that he doesn't know what night is bath night or how to pack his lunch (which he never has), all he cares about is investing in Davis' life. It brings joy in my heart seeing Noah and Davis interacting together. I think Noah lights up just as much (or more) as Davis when they see each other. They have made some special bonds and I shared one in a recent post.

Noah prays with Davis every night, even when he is away. Well, Noah is in Guyana and wasn't sure he would be able to talk to us on the phone. So before he left he made a you Tube video for Davis. In the video Noah reads their favorite bedtime story and prays for him. It felt like he was with us at bedtime.

Noah, I could care less that you can't pack a diaper bag or Davis' lunch. What I care about is that you continue to invest in our son. I will worry about the rest and you worry about loving and caring for us and the church. Davis and I love you very much. I am so proud of you and I am honored to be called you wife. Thank you for all that you do and showing us that we really matter.

I love you,
Tricia

Here is the bedtime video:

My fire boy!!!

Today our school's community fire department came to talk to the kids about poison control. After the assembly the kids got to have a tour of the fire truck. I grabbed Davis from the nursery and took him to see. He was so excited to see the truck and he even got to walk through it.

I love that my son can come to work with me!!!

Thought of the week....

What would happen if you looked in the mirror everyday and said to yourself, "I am beautiful" and "I am amazing?" Would you start to believe it?

I have a confession: I avoid the mirror like a plague. I make a conscious effort not to look when I am jumping in and out of the shower. When I do my hair and make up, I make sure I am clothed and it is not a full length mirror. I know this is bad, but this has been a constant battle of mine.

God has been really showing me to look through God's mirror. I get goose bumps just thinking about what I see when I look at myself through His eyes. Wow, I am really amazing and beautiful. Everyone needs to carry His mirror around!

I have been listening to a song this week that has really touched my heart. I know I have a long way to go on my self-esteem, but when life gets me down (about my image), I will listen and reflect on these lyrics.



"Thank you God for telling me that "who I am is enough" and that I am beautiful and amazing." Tricia

My special boy

My son Davis made me a special gift with the help of his Potter (Davis can't say Father). It is the best 8 minutes long video, but of course I would think that. Please take the time to watch and see the cutest boy ever!

Thank you Davis and Noah. I love you guys so much!

Happy Birthday to me!!!

Well I woke up today, one day older and wondered where the years have gone. I was woken by a cute little blue eyed boy saying, "Happy birthday Mommy." O happy day! Last year he didn't realize it was my birthday and this year he kept saying happy birthday and singing the song all day long.

I had a wonderful day today. My co-workers were so nice and generous to me and my students were so sweet. I got so many handmade cards, cut out hearts, and hugs all day long. They even behaved today and stayed on task.

This afternoon I spend time with my family and went to a Japanese steakhouse for dinner. We had a lot of fun, except Davis kept saying "hold you Mommy, bye bye Mommy" because he was scared of the flames. After dinner, Noah took me to the mall to shop for presents. We had an awesome night.

Thanks to everyone that sent me your birthday blessings.

Brag on Davis!

I think that my son is so smart and I love when I ask him questions and he gets them right. I have to brag on three things he did this weekend...

1. His daddy took him to see cows and when Noah asked him what we get from cows, he said "milky"

2. We asked him 4 questions and here are the answers
What is Daddy's name: "Noah"
What is Mommy's name: "Tricia"
What is Aunt Bird's name: "Selah"
What is Uncle D's name: "Randy"

3. We taught him where he lives. So if you ask Davis where he lives, he will say "Bowie, Maryland"

I love my best buddy!!!

International Sunday

Yesterday was AMAZING!!! I felt like I was sitting in United Nations. We had so many awesome things that happened yesterday. I love our church! Read more on Noah's blog: click here

Pancake recipe

This weekend Noah, Davis, and I spent the weekend with our dear friends Dave and Tracy Wenzel, and their son Joshua. Every time we go to their house we ask for her famous Oatmeal Banana Pancakes. As Rachel Ray would say, "They are Delish."


Here is the recipe. You have to try it.

Mix dry ingredients:
1-cup oatmeal (can use instant)
1-cup flour
½ cup brown sugar
2 tsp. cinn.
½ tsp. baking soda
½ cup walnut (optional)
2 mashed bananas
¼ cup. Raisins
Mix Wet ingredients:
¾ cup milk
¾ cup sour cream
2 eggs
1 tsp. of vanilla
Combine wet and dry ingredients and fold
Now you are ready to make pancakes!!!!

Graciela Mia Lopez

Here are the pictures I promised you of my beautiful niece.

Niece number 6

Yesterday, my oldest sister gave birth to her first child. Yeah! Little Graciela Mia came into the world at 7lb 1oz and 19in. long. I am so happy for Melyssa and her husband Adam. Noah, Davis and I are planning on going to Miami to she them in April. We are counting down the days! My sister Tanya wrote a blog yesterday about the birth and some of her feeling that went with this special day. Her words are so true. It is a must read! Click here

Look for picture to come on a future blog.

Thought of the week

....When making a life changing decision think about who will be affected, and weigh the pros and cons.... Here is where I came up with this thought. Read it below...


There are so many people divorcing these days. What happened to....
"til death do us part"
"for better or worse"
"cherishing one another."

I understand divorce when there is spousal or child abuse and for a spouse being unfaithful, but I don't get when someone chooses to not love their spouse anyone and decided to give up without a fight. I know people feel like they have done everything and at times your heart becomes harden, but that is when you fall to your knees everyday and pray for change in you, change in your spouse, and change in your marriage.

I know I may upset some readers, but there is a thing called freedom of speech and I have the right to use it. Don't get me wrong, I wont or ever judge someone that is divorced. I write these thoughts because of one of my students in my class who is dealing with this very thing in her home.

Today, my student (we will call her Allison) came in looking so sad. She was on the verge of tears and I called her to my desk and lifted her onto my lap. I sent the rest of the class to music and I took the opportunity to spend time with Allison. I asked her what was bothering her and this is some of the things she said:

"I am sad because my parents are getting a divorce"
"I don't like being with one of my parents at a time"
"I want them to stay together"
"I feel that they get mad at me"
"I feel that it is my fault; that I am part of the argument"

It took everything in me to wait for her to leave before I broke down in tears. Of course I told her it is not her fault and that big people sometimes can't get along, and that her parents will never stop loving her. But that is not what she really wanted to hear and I could not give that to her. I couldn't tell her that her parents were going to get back together. Oh how it breaks my heart to see what divorce does to children.

Please pray for anyone that you know that may or is going through a divorce. Here is a pray for my precious Allison, "Lord at this very moment be with Allison. Wrap your arms around her and give her the peace and security that she needs right now. Be with her parents. Help them to make the right decision and take Allison and her brother into consideration. Help them to get along for the sake of the children and to show that no matter what, they will always give her love and support. If it is your will God, grant healing in this marriage. You are a God of miracles and right now I am asking for one. I love you with all my heart. In Jesus' Holy name." Amen

Sick Day!!!

Don't you love when you have to take a sick day even when you are not sick? Today I am home with my son Davis, who isn't feeling well. My husband and I were just talking about how little he has been sick this year. Note to self, don't have that conversation again!

So this is what my day looked like:
Holding a whining boy (starting very early this morning)
Wiping a running nose and eyes
Davis crying for his bobo (this is what we called a pacifier)
Cleaning, laundry, emails, and work while he is catching ZZZZ's

I wish I could take a nap but I have to much to do.

That wasn't supposed to Happen

Today I spoke in chapel and came prepared to talk to the kids and I ended up talking to myself. I Started chapel by reading a storybook called "If Only I were..." By: Carl Sommer.

The story was about a mouse that wished he was...
- a great big cat
- a tiger
- an elephant
- an elephant trainer
The mouse wanted to be all these except the way he was made, but by the end of the story he was glad he was a mouse again.

I shared the Bible verse:"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Psalms 139:14. I shared with the kids that is doesn't matter
-if you tall or short
-if you are fat or thin
-if you are red, yellow, black, or white
-if you are smart or not so smart
-if you are athletic or not

....God took the time to create you and He is prefect and that is how He made you.
I really needed to hear that. It dug dip into my soul. I have been so concerned about my weight. I have let my weight control my whole life. This is what goes through my mind, I am fat so I must....
- Be ugly
- Be unattractive to my husband
- amount to nothing
- Be a loser because I can't get it off
- Be a failure because I put it on in the first place
- have been the problem when I miscarried

I know that these are all lies but I can't help myself for feeling this way and I know that I am not the only women in the world that feels this way. So here is my prayer for me and anyone else with this feeling:
"Lord help me to see me through Your eyes. That I am amazing and wonderful. Help me to appreciate the good in my life and stay positive. I need your strength and love each day. Thanks for you love and grace" Amen

I Marriage

We have a group of couples that we hang out with often. We decided to do something a bit different during some of our hang out times. We all wanted to do something that would help build our marriage and we felt that we all would be comfortable talking and sharing with each other. It has been hard to schedule it but when we do get together it is a great time and it is also refreshing to do it without the children.

The small group curriculum that we are using is called "I marriage" by Andy Stanley. He is a great speaker and during these sessions he presses the issue of "I." Marriage is not built on "I", it doesn't get messed up with "I", it doesn't get fixed with "I", and it doesn't fail with "I." He helps you see what are wants in a marriage and what are expectations. Many times we think are wants should be in our expectation's basket. Last night we did an exercise together and it ended up being very positive. We all wrote down are expectations of our spouse and then we went around and share them. You should try doing this with your spouse.

To tithe or not to tithe

Today my husband finished his series on financial peace. Let me tell you he brought it. I know that I am biased because he his my husband, but he is my favorite preacher. He talked about how money is a direct line to our hearts. Noah said that, "your heart always follows your money." Many people will say they do not have money to give to God. But they have money for what they want; eating out, movies, and things they may want but not need. I am definitely preaching to myself. You can choose not to give to better God's kingdom, but you are going to take away from His blessings He has for you. Noah stated a quote that I loved, "You don't have to give it, but you ain't gonna keep it." This is so true!!!
I learned this in high school. I used to babysit a lot and I made a pretty good income doing it. My parents instilled in me early on the importance of giving your 10% first to God. When I started babysitting at 13 I would always give my 10%, except for one time. I will never forget this day. I had gotten paid for doing some babysitting and I really wanted this $50 sweater from American Eagle and I wanted to do something special for my mom. I had enough money to take my mom to dinner and a movie and buy that sweater, so off to the mall we went. I decided that this once I would not give my 10% because I really wanted this sweater. My mom and I went to the movies and to dinner. Lets just say that when we got to American Eagle to buy the sweater the $50 bill was no where to be found in my wallet. To this day I have no idea what happen to it and I never did get the sweater. I learned my lesson that day and I always made sure I gave to God first. I didn't have to give it, but I didn't get to keep it either!

Sitter Night!!

Last night Davis went to sleep over at his Grammy and Hatme. He loves spending time with them and we love that he has grandparents to see whenever he wants to. So, with Davis at Grammy and Hatme, Noah and I got to have adult night. We decided to go with Selah and Randy down to DC for the evening. We took the metro and road around DC going and seeing cool places. We need to do this more often.


Dinner in Chinatown

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!!!

Yesterday my school celebrated "Read Across America Day." The kids and the teachers had a blast. It was the best "Read Across America Day" we have had thus far. The kids were allowed out of uniform and they were to dress as their favorite character or wear a shirt with a lot of writing.
We had plays, puppet shows, and guest readers from the community come and read to the kids. The older kids came and read to the lower grades. My first graders love when the older kids come and read to them. We even ate green eggs and ham as one of the teacher read "Green Eggs and Ham." What a day!

Hospital visit

Today I did my first hospital visit by myself. I felt so empowered and it felt great! So, back to the visit. I went to visit church members (Rebecca and Andrew Martin) who just had their first baby. They looked great and there spirits were up even though their precious one has to stay in the nicu. The baby is going to be fine, but they want to take precautions. If you know them please keep them in your prayers.
My prayer for the Martins:
"Jesus, Bless these new parents. Give Andrew and Rebecca the peace and strength that they need to care for Wade and themselves. Wrap your arms around that precious gift even though his parents can't. Let him feel your love and presence and bring him quickly into his mommy and daddy's arms." Amen

Chuck e Cheese's

So tonight Noah and I took Davis to Chuck e Cheese's or what Davis says, "Go cheese mommy." We had a blast and he got to spent time with his Grammy, Hatme, and Cousins Liza and Brayan. We had a lot of fun too. The slogan is so true: "Where a Kid can be a kid." Any size kid!!!




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Tricia the "Book Worm"

As a child I loved getting lost in a book. Being a Pastor's kid I had to go along with my parents on many visitations. A lot of the time we visited people who only spoke Spanish and that was very boring to me because I didn't understand a lick of it. So into my book I went. I loved imagining the characters in the book and I tried many times to imagine me as the character. Well, life took a different toll and I stopped reading after high school. I guess I was too busy reading college textbooks to engage in leisure reading.

This past March I started reading again and I forgot how much I missed and loved this pastime. In 2008 I read 67 books. You might say, "How does this chick have time to read with her busy life?" Well I do because I make it important to me. Instead of watching TV at night after Davis goes to bed, I sit in my recliner and read. If I have other things to do after Davis goes to bed then I read when I go to bed. I find time on the weekend when Davis is napping to curl up in a book. Also, my husband has us running the roads a lot, so I find time there. I even carry books with my to the doctors office and read while I wait. This helps pass the time away and I do not get agitated when I sit at the Doctors office for over an hour. You should try it, it is very therapeutic.

So far this year I have read 17 books and it is the beginning of March. Look out all the book worms out there! I am a Shelia Walsh, Debbie McComber, Nora Roberts,and Susan Wiggs fan. I read anything I can get my hand on, but I mostly like drama, love stories. It is so much better then watching TV.

I will also use this blog to share some amazing books I have read. Stay turned because I soon will be sharing about the best grief book I have ever read....

I'M Running

So guess what? Today my school had a 2 hour delay and you would think I would be able to sleep in. Of course not! Who gets to sleep in when you have an energetic 2 year old. I am not really sure what time he woke up, but I do know he was kissing me at 6:30 this morning, so I decided to start my day. Noah and I usually tag time the gym. Today he went to the gym and came home and said, "Tag your it and hurry the car is running." I had a great workout. I decided to run on the treadmill and it felt great. I haven't ran in a few years. I then ended my workout with an 8 minute tanning session. I love having the tanning booths at the gym.

Makeover with a Mission

I have been battling with my health for awhile. For the last several years I have been neglecting my body. I have allowed busyness to come before exercise, eating right, and spending more time with God and reading his word. I have been so fatigue that it has been affecting me physically and spiritually. So I decided to commit to a program of personal rejuvenation based on scripture:

1. Psalms 119:11: "I have hidden your word in my heart." I am committing to daily spending time with God and reading His word.
2. Psalm 139:14: "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made" I am committing to exercise 3 to 4 times a week.
3. 1 Corinthians 10:13: "God will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear" I am committing to eat smart and not give into temptations to overeat. I am going to drink more water and drink my shakes each day.
4. 2 Samuel 22:26: "To the faithful you show yourself faithful" I am committing to weighing myself once a month and pursue my life style change and take it one day at a time.

"Lord, help me stay on track. I am pressing on for the goal that I have set and I need your almighty strength each day." Amen

Snow Day!!!

Today we were blessed with 8 inches of snow. Yeah!!! I grew up around snow and I have missed the days when my family and I would get snowed in and of course when I got a snow day from school. Today the Kaye household got a snow day. We enjoyed being snowed in and staying in our PJs. Davis got to experience playing in the snow for the second time in his life. He had a blast and so did his mommy and daddy. What a joy it is to be parents and watch our children experience life's joys.




P.S. If you want to see a cute video of Davis playing in the snow, CLICK HERE!

Capi's kids

I have the privilege of being on staff at Capital Christian Fellowship as the Director of Children's Ministry. Since I was young I have always loved working with kids. I started at 12 babysitting and helping in the Nursery. As I got older I started teaching Sunday School, Children's Church and VBS. I fast became the neighborhood babysitter and loved every minute. That time in my life helped shape me to who I am today. I decided to get my bachelors in education and for the last five years I have had the joy of being the first grade teacher at Berwyn Christian School. During my time teaching I stepped in and took over running the children's department at CCF. In Jan.09 I started part time and I am loving every minute. Our kid's program is called Capi's kids. This blog is also going to be a place where I will talk about this ministry and what God is doing in the lives of these children.

My GQ son

Check out Davis sporting his Sunday outfit. He loves going to church and dressing up in his ties.